Everton

We asked for your opinions on Sunday's Premier League fixture between Arsenal and Everton, which saw the Gunners miss out on the Premier League title.

Here are some of the best responses:

Arsenal fans

Martin: The stress caught up to us and, although we eventually got the win, there was no hope from the Etihad. An incredible effort and an improvement on last season. We just need to make crucial adjustments like a younger defensive midfielder and a striker in the summer, as that will get us the title. Surely Manchester City can't keep it up for a fifth year in a row.

Richard: I think Arsenal have been fantastic all season. We have the best defence, the most clean sheets and the best coach. Arsenal have come short, but this will make them stronger and keep the team together. It will show that Arsenal trust what they have.

Aston: So close yet so far! We have done wonderfully for two season in a row. I feel like we are the only ones who will push Manchester City again next season, so let's see how we keep improving our squad this summer.

Sam: Ultimately, the 11 points dropped by us in December were what cost us the league. In those matches, our lack of potency up front was being scrutinised and, when push comes to shove, I think it is still the area we need to address most over the summer. Havertz has been scintillating since January but we need a natural number nine to get us over the line.

Everton fans

Ifan: Proud of our team! We played well, but Arsenal were hungry for the win. To take the lead and then hold Arsenal for 88 minutes, at their ground, is an achievement. To finish 15th on 40 points, 48 points without points deductions, has made for a relaxing end to the season for us Evertonians. Thank you, Sean Dyche! Roll on 2024-25 season!

Chris: An against the run of play lead, but there was hope that we could've held on for a point. Without the points deduction, a respectable mid-table finish would've been ours and it would've been our best season in four years. Well done to Sean Dyche and the players. Next season may be harder - we could have a nine point deduction to contend with. C'est la vie!

David: Well done to Everton over the past few weeks for surviving relegation. Today's performance was typical of our fighting spirit over the latter part of the season. If not for those eight points deducted, we would've finished 12th overall and that is great credit to Dyche, his staff and the players. Enjoy the summer Evertonians everywhere!

John: I'm looking forward to next season when all of our players will be fit. With a brilliant manager in Sean Dyche, we will be looking for a top-half finish.

Sean Dyche admitted that he hasn't "really been bothered" about the title race between Arsenal and Manchester City this season, following the Toffees' final day defeat to the Gunners.

Everton have faced a number of challenges this season, after being penalised with two points deductions in one campaign, but the English manager still managed to lift the Toffees to a 15th placed finish in the Premier League.

Speaking after the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal, Dyche said: "I have had my own challenges, so I haven't really been bothered about [the title race] too much, but it's good for the fans and for the greater good of the Premier League to [have the title decision] go down to today.

"It has been a really, really powerful season for the sides up there. [It was] very exciting [for it to go] all the way down to today.

"I think, deep down, everyone probably thought Manchester City would see it through today, but that is the beauty of football - you never know."

Here are the key facts and figures following Sunday’s game between Arsenal and Everton in the Premier League.

• Arsenal achieved 89 points this season, which is their second most in a single Premier League campaign after the 90 points earned by their title-winning side of 2003-04.

• Everton lost their final Premier League game of the season for the 15th time – no side has done so more in the competition's history.

• William Saliba became the first outfield player to play every minute for Arsenal in a single Premier League campaign.

• Kai Havertz has become the fifth player to register 20 Premier League goal involvements (13 goals, 7 assists) in his debut season with Arsenal, after Thierry Henry in 1999-00 (25), Santi Cazorla in 2012-13 (23), Lukas Podolski in 2012-13 (20) and Alexis Sanchez in 2014-15 (24).

• Idrissa Gueye's opener for Everton was the first direct free-kick goal Arsenal have conceded at home in the Premier League since Philippe Coutinho's strike for Liverpool in their opening game of the 2016-17 campaign.

In a season where it has felt for Everton fans like them against the world, a controversial VAR decision is perhaps the most appropriate note to end on.

Referee Michael Oliver choosing to disregard the VAR advice to disallow Kai Havertz's winner for a handball in the build-up did not go down well with Everton.

Sean Dyche was furious, perhaps partly due to the decision and in part because it meant his side got nothing from a fine, fighting performance in London.

Everton more than played their part in the day's drama, defending well against Arsenal's dominance of possession before grabbing the opening goal.

Jordan Pickford was in top form, although a few hairy moments between him and Jarrad Branthwaite may give England fans pause for thought ahead of the Euros.

But amid the takeover uncertainty and continued financial worries, there is a spirit and identity to Everton which should provide hope for 2024-25.

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal missed out on a first Premier League title since 2004, despite beating Everton, as Manchester City took the glory.

To be crowned champions, the Gunners needed to beat the Toffees and hope City failed to win against West Ham.

Arsenal suffered a setback when Idrissa Gueye's deflected free-kick put Everton in front, although Takehiro Tomiyasu equalised three minutes later.

While Arsenal did eventually hold up their end of the bargain with Kai Havertz's late winner, ultimately City's victory over West Ham took matters out of their hands.

What did you make of the game?

Arsenal fans, were you at the game? How are you feeling after that performance?, external

Everton fans - let us know your post-match thoughts, external

Follow reaction and read the match report

The 2023-24 Premier League season might be drawing to a close, but BBC Sport's dedicated coverage of Everton will be sticking around for the summer.

From transfer gossip to club news to fan views - we have got you covered.

So make sure you don't miss anything by following your club and signing up to notifications straight to your devices.

After that, all you need to do is keep returning to your club's page throughout the summer - simple!

All 20 teams are in action on the final day of the 2023-24 Premier League season, with the title winners, European spots and one relegation place still to be confirmed.

Follow all of the action and reaction here

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Neal Maupay and Sergio Reguilon will return to their respective parent clubs when their loans at Brentford conclude at the end of the Premier League season.

Everton forward Maupay, who scored 41 goals in 95 games for the Bees between 2017 and 2019, rejoined Bees on loan at the beginning of the season.

He has made 30 appearances in all competitions this term and scored eight goals.

Brentford director of football Phil Giles said: "Neal has made a massive contribution to Brentford during both of his spells with the club. He has completely justified the decision to bring him back on loan, contributing important goals and being a key part of the squad.

"Brentford retains the option to bring Neal back permanently if we wish, but we have explained that we will pause that decision for now, having already signed Igor Thiago from Club Brugge."

Left-back Reguilon will return to Tottenham in the summer, having joined Brentford on loan during the January transfer window.

No Ollie Watkins. No Bukayo Saka. No Ederson. So who has made the cut?

Former Premier League midfielder Michael Brown talks through his team of the season on the latest episode of The Football News Show.

Watch The Football News Show on BBC iPlayer

Chris Sutton is making predictions for every Premier League game this season against a variety of guests.

For this weekend’s final games of the season, he takes on Gladiators star Legend.

Sutton's prediction: 3-0

Sean Dyche is a scrapper and his Everton side are enjoying a strong end to the season. He would like nothing more than to end with a positive result here, but I cannot see past an Arsenal victory.

With 15 wins, one draw and only one defeat from their past 17 Premier League games, the Gunners don't deserve to finish second but that is what is going to happen. Other than the Community Shield, they are going to finish trophyless too.

Arsenal have invited players from their Invincibles side - who remained unbeaten last time they were champions in 2004 - so they will want to put on a show for them.

They should have something to smile about, even if there is no title to celebrate.

Legend's prediction: 5-0

If Spurs had got a result against Manchester City, I think we still would have won this game, but it would have been tighter. The stress would have been outrageous and we might have only won by a goal or two, which would have been a worry if City were only behind us on goal difference.

Now, even though it is not completely over, our players know it kind of is. That takes a lot of the pressure off and this could be an absolute hiding, with Kai Havertz scoring a couple of goals.

Legend on Gunners boss Mikel Arteta: From day one, when I first heard him speak, you could tell he was going to be good, although I didn't think he would be this good.

Even when we are playing badly, you want to get behind the side he has built because they have such amazing team unity. We don't have one megastar and, even though some players are clearly better than others, it feels like the whole squad look at each other as equals, which makes a massive difference. Everyone tracks back and works hard defensively, for example.

Whatever happens this season, Arteta is still young and so are a lot of the team, so you have the feeling that it is only going to get better.

Look at what we have done this year compared to three or four years ago - it is unbelievable. Arteta has created such a positive environment and the club is going in an upward trajectory. This is just the start, hopefully.

Read all of Sutton’s predictions for the final day of the season here

Image source, Getty Images

If you haven't done so already, you have until 10:00 BST on Wednesday, 22 May to cast your vote for Everton's player of the season from our shortlist.

The candidates have been chosen by fan writer Briony Bragg from This Fan Girl, external.

Find out the reasons behind her selections and make your choice here

Image source, Getty Images

Everton defender James Tarkowski says he is "proud" of how the team have dealt with "uncertainty" of the season.

The Toffees have dealt with two points deductions for breaking profit and sustainability rules, which left them fighting for their place in the Premier League.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live's Friday Football Social, Tarkowski said: "It was tough. It was just the uncertainty of what was going to happen a lot of the time. We got hit with the 10 points out of the blue, then it was about the appeal for so long.

"Then we got the second charge. We got some points back and then we thought we might get some more taken away, so that uncertainty throughout the whole season is difficult to deal with. But I think we have coped with it quite well.

"With everything that has been chucked at us, to get 48 points on the board with one game to go makes me proud of where we have come in a really difficult season."

Tarkowski also praised 35-year-old club captain Seamus Coleman, who has been offered a new contract, for his influence in helping the side get through the difficult season.

"There is just one standout character - Seamus Coleman. If anyone knows him, or has seen him work day to day, it is incredible.

"He is priceless to us for what he brings every day to the team and to the club. Even when he is injured he'll do a speech before the game, or maybe the day before he will galvanise us.

"He is just everything to Everton. He is basically a fan who plays for the club because of how much he does for them. We’ve got a few big characters, but Seamus is the standout one."

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Manchester United are willing to pay £55m for Jarrad Branthwaite, but Everton want £80m for the defender. (Givemesport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Saturday's full gossip column

Everton boss Sean Dyche has been giving his view on whether the Premier League should keep or scrap VAR after Wolves formally submitted a resolution to the league on Wednesday that will be voted on by clubs at their Annual General Meeting.

Image source, Getty Images

Everton have confirmed they have offered new one-year contracts to captain Seamus Coleman and full-back Ashley Young, but Andre Gomes will leave Goodison Park when his deal expires at the end of the campaign.

Director of football Kevin Thelwell said: "Andre immersed himself in the Everton values after joining us from Barcelona in 2018 and, rightly, was a popular player with our fans."

Veteran goalkeeper Andy Lonergan is also leaving the Toffees, who have activated the one-year option on Idrissa Gana Gueye's deal, meaning he is now contracted until the summer of 2025.

Arnaut Danjuma will return to Villarreal at the end of his loan spell, but Everton will "continue discussions" with Leeds over the future of fellow loanee Jack Harrison after their Championship play-off final.

Meanwhile, on the future of Dele Alli, Thelwell said: "Dele's contract is coming to an end, but our medical team will continue to support him whilst he completes the intensive rehabilitation programme he is currently undergoing following the operation he had earlier this year.

"Both Sean [Dyche, manager] and I agree it is important we ensure Dele's rehabilitation is not impacted by his contract situation at such a critical point in his recovery."

Everton manager Sean Dyche has been speaking to the media before his side's final Premier League game of the season against Arsenal on Sunday (16:00 BST kick-off).

Here are the key headlines from his news conference:

• Winger Jack Harrison will miss Sunday's game because of injury but midfielder Andre Gomes could be fit enough to be involved.

• Dyche reflected on this season as his "most difficult" in management: "Challenges in house are one thing, but when it comes from outside and the various things that have happened - the curveballs that have come along - it does make it a challenge."

• Dyche was asked about the difficulties of planning for next season while uncertainty regarding the ongoing takeover of the club continues: "We're trying to be flexible about it with the scouting system and the staff, creating a knowledge bank of varying outcomes. We've got to be ready for what comes next and that is a difficult challenge, but it's the reality. We focus on realities rather than the myths, the conjecture and the noise."

• On the upcoming vote about whether VAR should be scrapped in the Premier League, Dyche said: "Offside is the good side of VAR for me, the challenge is to bring it to a much smoother operation. There have been some mistakes made - they've got to be eradicated of course - but the business side of football is so powerful and it's so apparent that it's vital for some clubs, including ours this season, that you want those decisions to be correct. The fan engagement side of it is a trickier situation."

• Arsenal have a chance to win the Premier League title on Sunday but Dyche said that is of "no interest" to him. He added: "I'm not bothered with it. It's more about us continuing the thought process and mentality we've put in place this season. We're on a good show of form for our own reasons and it's about keeping that mentality going into the final game. It's more focusing on us going and performing."

• On the Gunners: "It'll be very difficult. The way they've performed and grown as the season's gone on, they're a top side. Currently there's another top side who are doing just as good, if not a slightly better job - as the league table would suggest. They're having a great season."

Follow Friday's Premier League news conferences

• Arsenal have lost just one of their past 27 Premier League home games against Everton, 1-0 in April 2021. They have beaten them three times on the final day of the season in this spell (4-3 in 2001-02, 3-1 in 2016-17 and 5-1 in 2021-22).

• Everton lost the reverse fixture against Arsenal 1-0, but have not been beaten in both Premier League meetings with the Gunners in a campaign since 2017-18.

• Arsenal have won their final Premier League game of the season more often than any other side (22, including the last 12 in a row), also having the best win rate in such matches in the competition (71%).

• The Gunners have not lost their final game of the season since 2004-05 (1-2 vs Birmingham City), and not at home since 1992-93 (1-3 vs Tottenham).

• No side have lost their final game of the Premier League season more often than Everton (14). However, they beat Bournemouth 1-0 last season, and are looking to win their final game in consecutive campaigns for the first time since a run of five between 2007-08 and 2011-12.

Image source, Getty Images

Mayor for Greater Manchester and Everton fan Andy Burnham spoke to BBC Total Sport Merseyside about the prospect of new owners at Everton:

"The group that I'm part of is about getting the right owner for Everton going forward as we look to our last season at Goodison Park and onto Bramley Moore. It's down to me and others to do whatever we can to challenge and ensure that Everton gets the best possible owner that we can.

"I know I'm not alone in saying that we've had misgivings about the prospective owners. I think they've only grown in the minds of Everton supporters as we've learnt more.

"I would be urging the owner to open up those discussions with other partners as quickly as possible because I think there are better potential better owners out there.

"I try to give people the benefit of the doubt but I have real concerns if we were to proceed on the basis that the club has been working this season. I think we need to open up to other possibilities and that is something that we would all ask the current owner to do."

Listen to the full interview with Burnham here on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Former midfielder Mikel Arteta says he was "excited every morning" to attend training and play for Everton.

The now Arsenal manager joined the Toffees in 2005 from Real Sociedad - with whom he had struggled to get regular game time - and made 209 appearances for the club.

It was the second time the Spaniard had played for a British club having previously spent two years at Scottish Premiership side Rangers between 2002 and 2004.

Speaking to Spanish football journalist Guillem Ballague in an exclusive BBC interview, the 42-year-old said: "David [Moyes] calls me. Again, [he was] a Scottish manager and he was very close to Alex McLeish, so because they knew each other from Glasgow, he knew what I did in Glasgow [for Rangers].

"[Moyes] said 'you can come in, this time will be different, but it will suit you and I think you will be a great fit here'."

So it transpired as Arteta played a key role in helping Everton finish in the top four in the Premier League and also to qualify for the Uefa Cup during his time at Goodison Park.

He won the club's player of the season award in two consecutive years in 2007 and 2008

"I went there on my first day and there in that stadium presentation, it feels good," he said. "Sometimes you don't understand why it feels good. You get in the dressing room and when you open the door and people are looking at you, you see the body language, faces, it feels good straight away.

"You connect with the team, you connect with the players, you connect with the staff, you connect with the supporters and it flows.

"That feeling is needed. You feel confident, you feel excited every morning to get out of your bed and go to training. We had some unbelievable years together."

Listen to Mikel Arteta’s People and Places' on BBC Sounds

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Mayor of Greater Manchester and Everton fan Andy Burnham spoke to BBC Total Sport Merseyside about Sean Dyche:

"You've got to take your hat off to him. Let's also mention Steve Stone, Ian Woan and Sean's backroom team. They've all been in the most difficult circumstances imaginable and haven't they come through it. Fantastic resilience and for what they've done for our club, we're all in their debt. We should all say that and really appreciate Sean.

"I was honestly staggered to see that [Dyche not being nominated for Premier League manager of the year] and staggered that Jarrad [Branthwaite] wasn't in [the Premier League young player of the year nominations].

"I was in the lower Gwladys on Saturday [against Sheffield United] and I've never heard it happier in a long time, it was unbelievable. It was a place with a weight lifted off its shoulders and everyone was in great voice. It was a real good day in the sun at Goodison."

Listen to the full interview with Andy Burnham here on BBC Sounds

Manchester United are interested in signing 21-year-old English defender Jarrad Branthwaite and Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana, 22, from Everton. (Manchester Evening News), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column