Return of Max Walter

[Soapy]

SPECIAL: Stanford got ATB by Buckeyes

[ShireNiner]

SPECIAL: Stanford got ATB by Buckeyes

Just reporting the news.

[Caesar]

Starting your season getting thrown in the deep end but not much to take from those matches tbh, always gonna struggle there.

[The Sauce]

[RMJH4]

Oh man I am loving the layout for your articles! Love the detail in the match write ups. Formations, stats, picture and rundown. Really nice and something that is overlooked here in the forums. It gives extra context for managers thinking when you put your lineups in. I know it takes longer to add that sort of detail in so well done to you on it. Really great articles too. I am always intrigued to see how and what sites/tv channels the Americans follow soccer on. Being from Ireland most of what I consume is Sky Sports, BBC, TNT Sports. Good luck on this and love the idea of Moyes moving upstairs. So like how Fergie moved upstairs to watch over Moyes at Utd. Lets hope he isnt an ominous figure for you.

[ShireNiner]

Starting your season getting thrown in the deep end but not much to take from those matches tbh, always gonna struggle there.

yea, tough schedule to start for sure. Especially with how thin the squad is.

thank you. Ratings always help.

Oh man I am loving the layout for your articles! Love the detail in the match write ups. Formations, stats, picture and rundown. Really nice and something that is overlooked here in the forums. It gives extra context for managers thinking when you put your lineups in. I know it takes longer to add that sort of detail in so well done to you on it. Really great articles too. I am always intrigued to see how and what sites/tv channels the Americans follow soccer on. Being from Ireland most of what I consume is Sky Sports, BBC, TNT Sports. Good luck on this and love the idea of Moyes moving upstairs. So like how Fergie moved upstairs to watch over Moyes at Utd. Lets hope he isnt an ominous figure for you.

thank you.

For how Americans watch, a lot depends on the team and if people want to watch legally or not. I watch on Peacock and USA channel has premier league games. Peacock also has a goal zone show kind of like a cheap version of Match of the Day.

I also have a Super Box that you can get channels from around the world so I will watch SkySports occasionally. Only channel I cannot get is BBC sport.

Most of my news comes from English podcasts though.

[ShireNiner]

Everton earn first win under Walter as Burnley continue to struggle and fall deeper into the relegation zone

Everton earn first win under Max Walter with 2-0 victory at Turf Moor (ShireNiner Network)

By: Callum Ridgeway, Everton reporter
December 27, 2025 | Turf Moor

After two defeats in his first two starts, Max Walter changed the formation for his short-handed Everton side, changing to a more traditional 4-4-2 look instead of his preferred 4-2-3-1. Speaking before the game, Walter cited defensive issues as the reason for the change. "It is obvious that defensively, we are not where we should be. The boys need more training with the new style, but we cannot afford to drop more points. This new style is what they are used to under David [Moyes] so we will stick with it for a few games."

How the game was won

The first half was back and forth with both sides having a few good looks, but nobody was able to find the net. Burnley had the better of the chances and looked most likely to score first. As the game went on, Everton grew into the match, putting more pressure on the fullbacks and starting to find space in the Burnley half. Scott Parker urged his men forward, desperate for a home win amid recent struggles.

The advancing formations left room for Everton to attack. The first goal was one of fortune, but it also felt deserved due to the pressure being put on. Charly Alcaraz subbed on during a corner. The short corner was moved to the middle of the box for a long shot that was deflected perfectly for the midfielder to tap home easily. Trailing with ten minutes remaining, Burnley pushed even further ahead, taking wild shots but never testing Jordan Pickford in goal.

The final goal came in the closing minute, after clearing a cross away, Everton countered. Beating Burnley back with two quick passes that saw Beto one-on-one with the keeper. His goal was one that not only sealed the three points but also gave Everton belief going forward that the new season still has a lot to play for.

Walter: “We have to make it work”

Christmas is always a busy season in the Premier League, and this time is no different. Everton will be facing Nottingham Forest in three days, and for a squad as thin as the Toffees, the struggle is going to be real for Walter. "We have to make it work, that might mean a midfielder playing centerback or a winger playing striker, but nobody is walking through that door in the next three days to give us relief. The boys will have to dig it out, and we will have to find a way to keep competing. We have two fit centerbacks and two fit fullbacks at the club; these are not excuses, just the situation we are in."

Callum Ridgeway is a writer for ShireNiner Nation covering Everton. He previously covered Everton for Merseyside Network. He is based in Liverpool, UK. Follow Callum on Twitter @Callumsfake

More from ShireNiner Nation Soccer Section:

• Wayne Rooney is back, will this time be different?
• Relief for Spurs; three points finally arrives
• Are United back back? Amorim continues to win

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Comments

[RMJH4]

Thanks for the links to the other threads in the section here. Really nice touch!!

[Xixak]

Good job snagging a late win there. Crazy that you got other chises as news!

[ShireNiner]

Thanks for the links to the other threads in the section here. Really nice touch!!

Thanks, I was coping an Athletic style article look.

Good job snagging a late win there. Crazy that you got other chises as news!

Be careful, you don't want to end up as a negative headline in the news.