David Moyes has kept Jarrad Branthwaite’s fitness under wraps ahead of Everton’s trip to Arsenal, while Christian Norgaard’s condition and Hayden Hackney’s role have also been among Friday’s main talking points.
Away from the pitch, football finance expert Kieran Maguire has given his assessment of Everton under The Friedkin Group and emphatically rejected suggestions the club would have been better off had 777 Partners completed its proposed takeover.
Here are the main Everton stories from Friday, October 23.
Moyes coy on Branthwaite as Norgaard works towards full fitness
Moyes was reluctant to reveal the condition of his squad during Friday afternoon’s pre-match press conference, admitting Everton have their share of minor issues but declining to provide a specific update on Branthwaite.
The manager was more forthcoming about Norgaard, who made his Everton debut as a late substitute against Chelsea. Moyes revealed he had considered starting the midfielder before deciding against it and acknowledged the 32-year-old remains further away from full fitness than Everton initially hoped.
Read the full Moyes, Branthwaite and Norgaard team-news story here.
Is it time for Moyes to unleash Hackney?
Another of Moyes’ decisions concerns Hackney, who has started only once in the Premier League since arriving from Middlesbrough despite possessing qualities Everton have sometimes lacked.
The 24-year-old is averaging a team-high 17.4 line-breaking passes per 90 minutes in the league, albeit from only 149 minutes. He remained unused during the 2-0 defeat by Chelsea, when Everton struggled to progress the ball through midfield, and while Arsenal away may not be the obvious occasion for his second league start, the case for giving him a greater role is growing.
Read our analysis of whether Moyes should give Hackney more Everton minutes here.
Maguire dismisses Everton and 777 comparison
Maguire says he has heard “a few horror stories” about TFG but has firmly rejected suggestions Everton would have been better off under former prospective owner Josh Wander.
The football finance expert believes Everton’s debt position is in better order under the Friedkins, who completed their takeover in December 2024 and are now exploring investment options, including the potential sale of a controlling interest. Wander, whose 777 Partners previously agreed a deal to buy Everton, has since pleaded guilty to wire fraud and securities fraud in the United States.
Read the full Kieran Maguire verdict on the Friedkins and 777 Partners here.
Everton fans prepare for Arsenal trip
Attention now turns to Saturday’s 3pm meeting with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, where Everton will look to respond to their first defeat of the Premier League season.
Everton’s away allocation is sold out, with tickets issued digitally and licensed standing in operation in the visiting section. For supporters making their first trip to the Emirates, we’ve put together a guide covering the away end, Underground stations, pubs, digital tickets, bag restrictions and other practical information.
Read our complete Emirates Stadium away guide for Everton supporters here.
Moyes’ side have taken 10 points from their opening seven Premier League matches, with Saturday’s game followed by a Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Newcastle United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Thursday.
For all the latest Everton news, analysis and match coverage, visit our Everton news page.
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