Bolton Wanderers 0 – 0 Everton

Everton continue their pre-season runouts with a short trip into the heart of Lancashire and the home of Bolton Wanderers.

David Moyes continues to be hampered by circumstances and squad limitations while his recruitment team have come up with very little so far to boost his numbers. 

Jarrad Branthwaite (wearing Number 4) makes a massive return to fitness and is named in the starting lineup, but solitary new signing Hayden Hackney is still not involved. Also missing is Tyler Dibling, with a minor knock. Both young players are expected to feature against Stoke City on Tuesday.

James Garner has had surgery on his groin problem and is now in recovery, but Mykolenko rejoins the squad after taking off last week for the birth of his second child. George Pickford (no relation) from the U21s is the third goalkeeper named after Travers and King.  

First Half

The home side kicked off and most of the play was in Everton’s half until O’Brien sent a ball forward for Barry to chase. The Bolton keeper came out and mis-headed it, colliding with Barry, who was deemed to have committed the foul. 

Everton should have had a corner with Merlin Rohl overlapping but the linesman missed the Bolton player’s last touch. Bolton resumed control of the game in Everton’s half and Rodriguez tried to beat Travers from the corner of the penalty area, the Blues’ reserve keeper pulling off an excellent acrobatic save to tip the shot over his bar. 

Everton came forward and Aznou played a lovely ball to Barry’s feet but he completely failed to shoot first time and the defender was in quickly.

Barry’s cross was headed behind for an Everton corner, taken short, the cross earning another corner but Everton’s feeble efforts were easily repelled. 

Iroegbunam was doing a good job as stopper, while the homer referee was happy to ignore Bolton fouls. A Bolton header fell just wide with Travers tracking it. 

McNeil took a great pass from Tarkowski and delivered a perfect cross for Barry who headed inches wide of the far post. A brilliant first-time low cross from Merlin Rohl was finished perfectly by Barry close in but he was flagged for a marginal offside. 

Bolton got in behind Aznou and he recovered well to put the striker off his shot. At the other end, Aznou and Barry worked an opening but could not deliver a decent cross. 

Barry played a nice ball forward to Armstrong who then set him up for a strike on goal but the big man failed to put his laces through it and could only pass the ball weakly back to the keeper.

Not really a very impressive display but Everton started playing forward a bit more before the break. But the lack of incisive goalscoring skills either up front or in midfield is glaringly obvious.

Second Half

A simply bizarre piece of play by Barry in an advanced position, only one defender ahead of him, and without looking, instead of shooting, he passes the ball to his left, where the ghost of Alan Ball was overlapping behind him, and straight out of play!  Simply astounding to watch!

A good Bolton headed effort forced a fine save from King, on in place of Travers, with Keane doing a job on the striker. 

Barry was so easily dispossessed in midfield… just shocking. Moyes had at least noticed and was quick to put Beto on in his place. 

McNeil worked the ball to Merlin Rohl who fired across the keeper, but it was parried away. George and Dewsbury-Hall worked it well on the left but the cross evaded everyone. 

Time for a few Bolton changes on the hour mark. 

A nice ball over the top looked to have landed nicely for Beto but he seemed befuddled by the bounce and proceeded to welly it well high and wide. Shockingly poor.  

Bolton won a corner with a shot that King had to parry behind. Dewsbury-Hall was cynically pulled back by the shirt: yellow card. 

McNeil thought he would show them how to shoot… but no, his effort was just as poor as everyone else’s. Bolton pressed forward as result, winning a corner off Keane. 

George tried a bold cross-field pass to McNeil that flew past him and straight out of play before Bolton rang a slew of changes. 

Graham won a free-kick wide left, but nothing came from it. Dewsbury-Hall then crossing over everyone. More Bolton changes further broke up play.

George paltyed a beautiful ball in for Beto who just stumbled and bumbled and lost the ball! Even more shocking play from the highly paid Everton strikers! It really is pitiful.

A George free-kick was headed back by Tarkowski but Keane completely misdirected his header, nowhere near goal. Three more Everton subs made with 10 minutes left.  

Bolton put on a good move that needed Mykolenko to intervene on the stretch, at the expense of a corner that was cleared. 

From a long way out Malik Olayiwola took a great shot at goal, but too close to the keeper. A ball down the middle for Bolton was fired into the side netting. 

And that was that. A good workout, perhaps, but it clearly showed an immense amont of work and improvement required… or a lot of new faces required. 

Everton Line-Up:

Everton: Travers (46′ King), Aznou (46′ Mykolenko), Branthwaite (46′ Keane), Tarkowski (82′ Finney), O’Brien (82′ Campbell), Röhl (73′ Foster), Armstrong (46′ Dewsbury-Hall), Iroegbunam (73′ Graham), Alcaraz (46′ George), McNeil (82′ Olayiwola), Barry (53′ Beto).  

Subs not Used: G Pickford, Tamen.

 

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 Posted
25/07/2026 at
13:59:45

Is Garner injured?

O’Brien at right back?

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
14:01:30

The absence of Tyler Dibling is a massive blow.

Not training hard enough for Moyes?
Not tracking back to defend?
Not doing enough work off the ball?
Not arranging the cones properly?

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
14:02:52

Probably homesick, Michael.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
14:04:01

Or maybe just not good enough…

What ever the reason, it doesn’t look good for the lad.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
14:16:44

I know there’s a month left, but the fact Jake O’Brien is still playing right-back is making me think the owners are only going to do enough to keep us in the Premier League.

However, seeing all the events lined up at the new ground suggests that’s where money is. Let’s see… but, at this rate, I wouldn’t be surprised if they sold the stadium and we rent it.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
14:20:43

Or a back 3 with Rohl and Aznou as wing backs?

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
14:43:17

11/4 Bolton on their own ground looks pretty fair.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
14:43:20

Garner has had surgery, and wont be fit till the start of the season.

Big blow.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
14:48:08

Luke my thoughts exactly. It seems to me, TFG are not interested in the team, just stability. The fact Gana Gueye was not picked during the run-in to last season speaks volumes.

Qualifying for Europe would have meant real investment. Something they apparently did not want to do.

As for Tyler Dibling, unless he is injured, the writing is on the wall. A loan to a progressive European club may be in order. PSV did Branthwaite a heap of good, something similar may aid Dibling.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
14:57:24

If Dibling isn’t injured could be going out on loan or sold 🤷💙

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
15:03:08

When they said it was a two-window transfer plan, I thought okay! At least they have a plan! Well, at least targets in mind that they would keep tabs on until this window, and be ready to pounce.

It’s just not looking like that’s the case.

Also, Moyes in his last year, means players don’t really know what they’re signing up for. All seems half-arsed.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
15:08:41

You been smoking that wacky baccy again Jay #6?

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
15:13:44

Fairly comfortable for Bolton so far. They have Everton penned into their own half. No shots from the Blues.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
15:14:10

So far with only Barry up front we don’t look like scoring.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
15:15:07

Great save by Travers.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
15:15:41

https://livetv.sx/webplayer.php?t=ifr&c=3041307&lang=bg&eid=393039954&lid=3041307&ci=5&si=1

Working nicely. No commentary.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
15:16:52

Barry goes down lack a sack of spuds.No pen.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
15:18:41

It was indeed a great save Tom! #15

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
15:19:17

Anyone else remember the old Bolton ground and the FA Cup semi-final of 1966?

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
15:20:37

Barry ball control 100 percent rubbish

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
15:21:19

https://ntvs.cx/watch/kobra/bolton-wanderers-vs-everton-2502567

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
15:23:21

Is TFG not willing to spend money, or are they unhappy that they spent £40M last season onone lad and he wasn’t used???

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
15:26:02

Rohl showing a lot of zest.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
15:27:15

Good to see Jarrad Branthwaite back.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
15:28:50

At least Aznou is proving Moyes wrong! Maybe it has dawned on the boss that Aznou wouldn’t be a Morocco international player if he didn’t have something about him?

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
15:31:01

Nice work by Barry. So close.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
15:32:23

That was a good goal by Barry but offside??

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
15:34:04

Good headed goal from Barry, but offside. Very dubious.

Great move and cross from McNeil.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
15:34:19

Tim a little over zealous as usual.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
15:40:11

Great work by Aznou.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
15:41:29

Barry has the speed of a rhino.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
15:44:46

Barry misses a sitter.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
15:50:40

Tom (31), if that is meant as an insult you may need to check out what speeds rhinos can achieve flat out.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
15:51:06

We can’t start the season with Barry up top

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
15:59:19

Ipswich Town have signed Japan forward Daizen Maeda from Celtic on a three-year contract.

The 28-year-old, who has joined the Premier League side in a reported £10m deal,, external was part of his country’s squad at the 2026 World Cup and helped them reach the last 32 before they were knocked out by Brazil.

Maeda scored 79 goals in 212 appearances at Celtic, where he won five league titles, three Scottish Cups and two League cups.
Ten million. Why were we not in for him? Are Ipswich the better option now. or is it that our recruitment “team” are in fact Incompetent, I’ll go with incompetent.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:00:16

Garner ruled out for a month.

Fuck me, you couldn’t make it up with us.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:03:20

Tom19. Too right!!

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:08:42

Jack #9
Just a thought

What I have discovered is UEFA’s Squad Cost Ratio limits a club’s on-pitch spending to a maximum of 70% of its total revenue. All Premier League clubs in European competitions will still have to adhere to this limit, while clubs not competing in Europe will have a higher threshold of 85%.

Paul the Esk’s view is our revenue is ~£250m. If we had made Europe then we would have to have spent £35-40m less on the squad to comply with UEFA and that maybe meant not bringing in the players to be able to compete and also to ensure we did not get relegated. Look at United, Spurs, Forest, Palace and Newcastle over the last couple of seasons.

So was there a message from TFG to say – drop a few points, make sure we don’t get in – allow 85% for 26/27 and push for Europe in 27/28?

We will never know, but with money men in charge would you risk not having enough players and getting relegated due to a lack of squad depth?

And no, I don’t believe the CIA killed Kennedy or the moon landings were faked and a few other conspiracy theories.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:15:20

I’m tired saying this, but I’m going to say it again.

Who looked or scouted that Barry and thought mmmm looks good him..

Because believe me they haven’t got a clue, and this is coming from a man who’s seen Belfitt Harper, Wright as in Bernard Spencer Ferguson Mick not Dunc and countless others,this chump is the worst of the best, if you get my meaning.

Sick of the shit recruitment get some footballers in, please.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:15:23

A few changes should produce a goal.George looking sharpe.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:18:48

Rubbish Beto !!!

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:18:58

Phil, have to say that crossed my mind; however, I believe if that had been true, Moyes would have played the youngsters,

No way in this day and age he could have said to the older players: Don’t win today.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:22:26

Tom 19.
I do indeed remember the old Burnden Park, was meant to be going that day at the tender age of 7, unfortunately my uncle only got 1 ticket and it was his.

Still Colin scorecd the only goal and got us through, what a side we were.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:22:48

Hi Mike Kenrick. Any chance when the teamsheet is listed, ToffeeWeb could add the squad numbers of the players? Makes it easier following the game especially when the subs come on. Cheers

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:23:46

Sorry, Dwight, but you’re past your best, whatever that was.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:24:37

Just learned about Ipswich buying Maeda, who we have been “scouting” for weeks! The player was eager for a move to the Premier League at a very realistic price, so why did we not nab him when we had the chance?

Yet another example of our useless recruitment team’s incompetence!

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:24:59

Tarkowski and Keane a no-no combination.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:26:06

I’ll be honest, I reckon if we still see most of these players starting after the close of the transfer window, patience will very quickly evaporate amongst the fan base.

The end of last season turned the crystals for many, the summer window hasn’t exactly brought much in the way of optimism.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:26:27

Bolton bringing on five subs. We are in trouble now.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:26:47

O’Brien showing his deficiencies going forward at RB,Myko same at LB, McNeil losing the ball as regularly as ever,Rohl good one minute, wasteful the next, Tim same normal service resumes.

At least George offers something different. Dewsbury-Hall tidy… I’m desperate for Hackney to get fit and bring his driving runs to the table.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:29:58

Foster on for Rohl.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:30:02

When is Hackney going to be fit to play?

Or my other question is: Why did we pay all that money for an unfit player???

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:34:34

Correct me if I’m wrong but young Graham is a number 9? A striker?

So why the fucking hell has Moyes put him on wide left?

For fuck’s sake… play a player in their position, man.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:36:49

Okay I know it’s a friendly and it’s Bolton and basically a reason to get match fit but the same problems exist.

Everton’s offence won’t frighten most Premier League defences.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:38:20

Poor effort by Keane.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:39:28

Some more youngsters on for Everton.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:46:14

Shaun, 53, it’s one of Moyes’s most annoying habits. It’s probably because Graham is small and he likes a big man up front.

He stuck Armstrong out on the left a few times last season and his form dipped. He’s not good at developing youngsters.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:47:31

Great result for Bolton. Bring on Stoke.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:47:37

Beto & Keane also shite. Woeful performance.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:48:34

We need some proper players cos this squad is terrible.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:49:12

Who is a worse player, Barry or Beto?

Tough question.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:51:18

Clive – read the piece about Dibling? Someone commenting that he is basically totally opposite to Johnny Morrissey who was so hard, defenders were frightened of HIM. So you want 18 year old Braiden Graham to be mixing it with the hard men at the centre of the Bolton defence? I can see that going well.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
16:54:55

Pre-season building fitness, but we have a squad of players who look lightweight and short on quality.

We need to add some quality and character fairly quickly.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
17:00:46

Tough day at ToughSheet.

Next.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
17:02:16

Peter 60, if I’m reading you correctly, we need some players that wear black boots.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
17:02:42

Reminds of the friendly v Blackburn last year.

So very Moyes!

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
17:08:00

Very concerned with the news about Garner.

There is no such thing as minor groin surgery for a footballer.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
17:16:49

Eric #12,

It looks like the Waccy baccy worked as my forecast was totally correct!!

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
17:25:15

Steve #61,

You should delete ‘player’ from the question as that does not seem appropriate in either case.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
17:32:29

Unless, Mike, it’s a hernia, which I’m hopeful it is given the short projected timeline for return.

And for the record, I have zero medical expertise, but that’s where my mind went when I read that. Although, if that were the case, you’d think they’d say it was a hernia.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
17:46:28

I’d think it is a hernia with that recovery time.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
17:58:33

It’s being said that Moyes is not playing Hackney because he is still ‘integrating’ — not because he’s unfit.

If it wasn’t Moyes involved, I wouldn’t
believe a word.

 Posted
25/07/2026 at
18:11:24

A good write up Michael.
On your comment, or a lot of new faces required.
The problem that needs answering to that statement is, do we have the right people in the club including the manager to bring in the right players to improve the team. Moyes it seems is quite content with the squad he has never mind bringing in more players,, that we most probably can not afford.

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