Lennon screamer against his old club!

Everton were totally outplayed in the first half but somehow scored a fantastic opening goal with their first real attack, Lennon firing in a superb half-volley past Lloris. After hitting the woodwork twice, Route One finally paid off for Spurs, Dele Alli smashing in a fantastic long ball from Alderweireld before the break. Incredibly, no more goals despite a fantastic second half.

Michael Kenrick 03/01/2016 101comments  |  Jump to last

The captain is finally fit again and starts on the bench.
Everton 1 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur

The Everton line-up included Baines, Cleverley and Lennon for the visit of Tottenham Hotspur in this afternoon's televised live game at Goodison Park. Martinez stuck with his first choices in Howard and Kone despite massive criticisms from many fans, while Phil Jagielka returned to the bench after a long absence through injury. Deulofeu was also on the bench and, with McCarthy injured, Lennon and Cleverly started.

Everton's early ball work was not up to snuff, the visitors taking command of possession and putting together a terrifying attack with an excellent cross from Kyle Walker, Coleman in the right position to defend well and deny Alli an open goal. Spurs attacked again, with Everton looking flat and bedazzled by the fulsome praise their manager had showered on their illustrious opponents before kick-off.

It was 6 mins before Everton had some worthwhile possession but the turnover came before it went anywhere and another Spurs attack, Kane fired a long-distance shot onto the inside of the post and along the goalline behind a flummoxed Tim Howard. So close to the opening goal, with Alli lying injured.

Everton had more possession but it broke down again before it got anywhere near the Spurs penalty area, as the Blues really struggled to get a grip on their task, while Spurs took control with some excellent one-touch passing, denying the Blues a sniff.

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Everton looked to break with Barry playing out to Coleman but hesitation, backward passing, Lukaku's poor first touch, a turnover, and Spurs were attacking again.

Spurs won a dangerous free-kick off Barry's high foot, and Lamela from the set-piece smacked it off the wall, Kone getting his head to save the fierce shot on Howard's goal. But still Everton could not get out, Lukaku unable to control it again.

Everton finally got the ball forward, a route one ball from Cleverly up to Lukaku who nodded down for Lennon and an absolutely superb half-volley from the former Tottenham player gave Lloris not a chance of saving it. Perfect execution that finally settled down an increasingly agitated Goodison crowd.

Everton attacked again, with much better impetus, but Kone did not step back for Baines's cross and Spurs forced the pace again, winning a corner and pinning the Blues in their own area until Cleverley was fouled. Yet again, the forward ball to the Spurs area was lost and the visitors were surging forward again.

Another promising start, Lukaku playing Cleverley's good ball back to Kone, as he turned to run forward but Kone crucially failed to give him the return ball to run onto, and it was a corner for Spurs in no time, that Davies smashed past a flailing Howard but into the underside of the bar and out... another incredible let-off for the beleaguered Blues.

Spurs were hunting in packs the second they lost the ball, Barry with FOUR white shirts around him as he tried to clear the ball from the edge of the Everton area. Lukaku did better despite Spurs pressure, but could not play in Barkley and Spurs attacked again. But it was cleared by Coleman and Barkley finally got the ball but ran straight into Walker. Coleman was bizarrely carded for an accidental handball, after the Spurs player stopped the move with his hand!

Everton finally got out down the right, and Coleman was allowed to cross but the ball bounced off Kone's head and behind, the goal-kick leading to another frightening Spurs attack down the right and panic defending by Everton. Their next attack saw another lethal cross that somehow was not converted.

Lukaku picked out Kone's run but he had broken too early and was flagged offside. Everton's much-maligned defence, however, had held out through a remarkable onslaught, more perhaps by good luck and solid woodwork. A great ball by Barkley looked to release Coleman but he too had stepped up too early, and was called offside.

From the free-kick, a tremendous long ball by Alderweireld was controlled brilliantly by Alli and smashed past Howard for a superb finish to level the score in added time before the break. A tremendous game for the neutral, but frustrating for Everton fans to see their side so comprehensively out played... yet at half-time they were still somehow in the game.

Second half, and perhaps the time to bring on Deulofeu or Mirallas to provide more of a forward challenge? But Cleverley and Lennon had done well and could not be replaced, and Kone had been okay.

Everton put in a couple of decent attacks to start the half, after a poor touch by Kone, Barkley just nudged as he fired wide after a great run. Then Baines wasted a free-kick with a weak chip that saw the Blues pushed back. Lennon did well to cut a ball back from the byeline but Vertonghen stopped it becoing a real chance.

Spurs put together another lethal move, and Kane seemed set to score but Stones was in to put him off. The game became pretty even for a while as both sides looked more equal to each other. Two changes before the hour: Besic and Deulofeu on for Kone and Lennon replaced, with booing apparently for the decision to take off Lennon.

Lamela bamboozled Coleman but the ball was cleared as Everton perhaps now had an incentive to play up, if they could get Deulofeu into the game. Besic showed signs of rustiness as he tried too hard to get into the swing of things... Stones did well in defence and Everton should have built an attack but it was snuffed out again.

Barkley delivered a fantastic cross-ball to Deulofeu whose cross was blocked for Everton's first? corner, taken by Baines resulting in a great glancing header. Then Deulofeu with a fantastic cross to the far post but Lukaku could not reach it. Everton were now really playing well but as soon as they lost the ball, Spurs surged forward. However, a long pass just ran out from Dier, as Son replaced Eriksen.

Lamela was finally booked after smacking Coleman in the face. Besic did well to hassle Lamela then Carrol fouled Barkley for a yellow. Deulofeu got the ball again and tried to beat his man but another corner. Baines's delivery was okay but it was headed away. At the other end, Alli fired a hard shot straight at Howard.

Barry gave away a soft free-kick and Howard came out but made a poor punch, Funes Mori rescuing him with a better header. Deulofeu was forced to play the ball around in defence, and Everton were soon attacking, Besic firing in a lovely first-time volley, that Lloris tipped over well. From and excellent corner, Lukaku and Funes Mori challenged for the ball, the header dropping inches wide of the far post as Everton sensed they could certainly win this absorbing contest with a little more application.

Deulofeu was pumping balls into the danger area but the anticipation was lacking. Spurs saw a little more of the ball, Chadli replacing Alli. Everton looked to advance again but Spurs blocked all the channels and the long ball to Lukaku was collected by Lloris.

Besic tried to play to Lukaku's feet but the ball was just a fraction too strong for the big man. Deulofeu played another perfect ball straight to Lukaku's feet but his horrendous first touch gave the ball away. Cleverley played a great ball to Barkley's feet but his cross was straight at Vertonghen rather than Lukaku. The corner caused some panic with another near-post flick-on by Barry but the follow-up behind him was not there.

Stones was forced to play the ball around with some brilliant controlled dribbling in some style, forcing Son into a foul, all inside the Everton penalty area. Everton looked to build something down the left in the final minute. But each ball in met a white shirt, including a tremendous strike from Stones. Besic with some fantastic ball play near the Everton corner flag to clear, and the match culminated in a tremendous atmosphere as a goal from Everton seemed inevitable, Lukaku lashing one over.

But it was end-to-end, with one final attack from Spurs, then Everton got the ball and Lukaku's shot was blocked, then Barkley's attempted saved by Lloris.... a breathless finish to a tremendous if ultimately frustrating game of football.

Scorers: Lennon (22'); Alli (45+1')

Everton: Howard; Coleman [Y:35'], Stones, Funes Mori, Baines; Cleverley, Barry; Lennon (58' Besic), Kone (58' Deulofeu), Barkley; Lukaku.
Subs: Robles, Jagielka, Mirallas, Osman, Galloway.

Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris, Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies; Carroll [Y:73'], Dier; Eriksen (69' Son), Alli (83' Chadli), Lamela [Y:68']; Kane.
Subs: Vorm, Rose, Trippier, Bentaleb, Onomah.

Referee: Michael Oliver

Attendance: 38,482

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Reader Comments (101)

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Eddie Dunn
1 Posted 03/01/2016 at 15:08:45
Kone? Surely Mirallas should play.
Brian Porter
2 Posted 03/01/2016 at 15:13:05
I cannot believe both Howard and Kone starting and Geri on the bench. This looks like Martinez has a death wish for our season. I hate to be defeatist but foresee a disaster looming today.

Martinez has obviously decided to fly in the face of all the criticism directed at him and his ’chosen two’ and has stubbornly gone with a potentially disastrous team selection, totally ignoring form or the evidence of his own eyes, which the rest of us have seen for weeks.
Jim Hardin
3 Posted 03/01/2016 at 15:14:59
I see the undroppable Stones is out there to continue making mistakes. Hope Kone doesn’t make us pay for it.
Alexander O'Brien
5 Posted 03/01/2016 at 15:16:38
Kone better produce something today. He's been totally innefective since his hat trick. Let's get behind the boys regardless of team sheet. COYB
Dave Lynch
6 Posted 03/01/2016 at 15:17:25
Cleverley, Lennon and Kone?

Should read: Besic, Mirallas and Deulofeu – the stubborn fool has all but surrendered the game already.

Same team, formation and tactics as the last debacle... I fucking despair!

Jack Cross
7 Posted 03/01/2016 at 15:20:14
Frustrating as it is, it doesn’t really matter who we think should play. That is RM's, decision right or wrong.

I still think we will beat Spurs.

William Cartwright
8 Posted 03/01/2016 at 15:20:18
Alexander (#4),

Yes, let's get behind them today. Same support as always. I will be well pissed off if there is another non-performance or howlers from Howard... but what the heck – it all goes with the territory! COYB
David Booth
9 Posted 03/01/2016 at 15:22:48
OMG: Kone again AND Lennon.

No Deulofeu and what on earth has Mirallas got to do?

I think Martinez would put Robles up front before selecting him. The way he took his goal against Stoke epitomised what he has to offer us in attack. You can bet that if either of Lennon or Kone are subbed, it’ll be either Osman or Besic who come on too!

Baffled here and despair at our prospects under this favourite-ridden, blind-to-the-facts manager we are saddled with.

Last time I said that, Naismith scored a hat-trick, but I seriously now fear that Martinez’s stubbornness will doom us to mid-table mediocrity.

The 2013-14 season was the blip. Last season was the real Martinez. Depressed here even before we kick off.

As another poster observed a few days ago, only Lukaku’s goals are keeping us away from a relegation scrap.

If he doesn’t score today, who the hell does?


Alex Kociuba
10 Posted 03/01/2016 at 15:26:06
I’ll be the first to say I think this is a good, positive attacking line-up and I am more than happy. Lennon has been under-utilised this season.
Frank Crewe
11 Posted 03/01/2016 at 15:26:54
I thought Cleverley was supposed to be injured. Let's hope he hasn’t been rushed back like McCarthy was.

As for Kone and Howard, it seems to be in most managers' make-up to stubbornly continue to pick players and tactics that fly in the face of all common sense. It’s what did for Mourinho this season.

Of course, when they get the boot, it’s everyone’s fault but theirs.

Peter Cummings
12 Posted 03/01/2016 at 15:36:20
Hard to fathom yet another anti-fan selection by RM; if ever a guy is courting a disaster, this could be it.

Having just watched Chelsea taking Crystal Palace apart with a brilliant second half display, I see little chance of us following suit, but hope springs eternal, doesn’t it???
Andrew Presly
13 Posted 03/01/2016 at 15:38:51
Kone and Lennon over Deulofeu and Mirallas. Here's to looking back and nodding sagely at that one come full time.
Mike Powell
14 Posted 03/01/2016 at 15:42:59
So Kone and Howard start... I'm done with this clown in charge. No real threat going forward except for Lukaku; no Mirallas or Deulofeu. My prediction: 1-4.
Oliver Molloy
15 Posted 03/01/2016 at 15:43:25
I can understand Lennon getting the nod... I don’t get Kone getting in ahead of Mirallas; and of course Howard is another disaster just waiting to happen, even more so with the slippy conditions.

So will it be Martinez the genius or Martinez the idiot today?

We need a win – that’s all!

Rob Hooton
16 Posted 03/01/2016 at 15:54:31
Hope my misgivings about the team selection are proved wrong. Sourness just laid into our tactics on Sky and I have to agree with the tit.
Lee Courtliff
17 Posted 03/01/2016 at 15:54:59
I’m not that upset with the starting 11 as Kone has had his moments this season and Lennon is a decent player.

I’m not a fan of Howard.

But what is the point in having Gibson and Besic if they don’t even play when we are in the middle of a congested fixture list AND Cleverley has just returned from injury???

I can see us throwing all the squad players into the fray for our FA Cup match and possibly being caught out.

Anyway, this should be a very entertaining game. Let's hope we come out on top.

Chris Lawlor
19 Posted 03/01/2016 at 15:58:29
Ignoring all the usual negativity spouted here, the only surprise selection here for me is Howard. He is finished and keeping the four in front of him on tenterhooks.

Robles has to be given a run soon. Geri probably needs the rest so I understand that one. Confident in today’s line-up. COYB!!
Eugene Kearney
20 Posted 03/01/2016 at 16:09:59
8½ minutes in and Howard scares us already... We need another goalkeeper.
Mike Powell
21 Posted 03/01/2016 at 16:17:55
Kone doing absolutely nothing. Why can’t Martinez see this?
Mark Daley
22 Posted 03/01/2016 at 16:21:43
1-0!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mike Powell
23 Posted 03/01/2016 at 16:40:57
How are we winning this? I will take it, though...
Eric Myles
24 Posted 03/01/2016 at 16:52:46
We're playing like the away side.
Glen Garrett
25 Posted 03/01/2016 at 16:57:28
Fancy that... Everton's defence at it again... For fuck's sake, why isn’t Martinez playing Deulofeu & Mirallas? He's got to bring them on for the second half... surely to god he has to. Why oh why did he start with Kone?
Anto Byrne
26 Posted 03/01/2016 at 16:59:20
What a good side Spurs are... how unlucky not to be cruising 3-1 at least. They can defend and are controlling the midfield and upfront they are scary.

Now our mob are completely disorganised defensively and the keeper is nowhere and the fans in the Gwladys Street are on his back; rightly so.

Right on cue, they equalise as we leave big holes for them to play thru. This stubborn manager is pathetic. 45 minutes and only one shot on goal – how pathetic.
Roger Helm
27 Posted 03/01/2016 at 17:00:43
Spurs are giving us a lesson. Fit, big, fast, strong, accurate, pressing as well as great skill. We have the skill but none of the other qualities. I'd like to think Martinez is taking note, but of course he isn't.
Colin Hughes
28 Posted 03/01/2016 at 17:02:22
No, Eric, we’re playing like a shite side. There is no reason why an away side can’t be the best side.

We look no better than Bournemouth or Watford; we must get shut of this manager and quick.
Glen Garrett
29 Posted 03/01/2016 at 17:03:33
We need to score in the second half at least two more goals. I can see Spurs nicking this... and, if they do, that’s the last three home games that Everton have lost!!!!
Craig Mills
30 Posted 03/01/2016 at 17:03:44
Spurs are playing top-class football here; we are lucky still to be in the game at half-time, never mind level.

Martinez needs a change of tactics for the 2nd half or their pressure will inevitably bring more goals. Maybe Mirallas on for Kone; we need more in attack and give Spurs something to think about.

Mark Daley
31 Posted 03/01/2016 at 17:17:57
RM making not just one (that would be Phenomenal enough) but two tactical substitutions? Has he been at the sherry? Let's hope so...
Glen Garrett
32 Posted 03/01/2016 at 17:23:53
OMG... he put Besic on instead of Mirallas, Martinez has got to be insane!
Tony Twist
33 Posted 03/01/2016 at 17:56:16
Relegation form. Not good enough, Martinez.
Paul Jeronovich
34 Posted 03/01/2016 at 17:57:48
Great second half, Blues. Makes the late equaliser in the first a bit of dampener. Well played though!!
Craig Mills
35 Posted 03/01/2016 at 18:00:36
Cracking game and probably a bit fortunate to be still in it at half-time. Much better from Everton in the 2nd half. I thought Besic and Gerry were excellent when they came on.

I would say a good point today, not the three we were after but Spurs take some beating this season; I’ll take that tonight.
Colin Hughes
36 Posted 03/01/2016 at 18:01:21
It now reads just three home wins in 12 this season and three in last 14 going back to last season. That would get most managers sacked.

At the end, there we were playing all the victory songs over the tannoy as if we had won 5-0. The sad demise of EFC continues, roll on the Championship in 2 years when we may keep a clean sheet against Rotherham or Huddersfield.
Craig Fletcher
37 Posted 03/01/2016 at 18:01:54
Good second half.

A few thoughts:

1) Besic was brilliant. Not just in what he did, but he gave us some much-needed fire and leadership in midfield – it was noticeable he was often cajoling and encouraging his teammates, and he got the crowd going. Tackled everything in a white shirt that moved and also made some telling passes. Now that he’s fit, he needs to start games more often.

2) Defensively we were better, but still a bit suspect. Great pass by Spurs for Alli’s equaliser, was Stones’s positioning to blame?

3) Stones and Coleman guilty of over-playing and dawdling on the ball far too often. Sometimes, just hoof the bloody thing into Row Z.

4) Has RM learnt the lesson about bringing on subs at around the 60-minute mark finally? Deulofeu and Besic made a helluvan impact on our improved second half performance.

Overall, a draw a fair result. Onwards and upwards.

Bill Gall
38 Posted 03/01/2016 at 18:02:01
Well, that was more a point earned than two points lost. The Manager deserves credit for making the change so early in the second half (maybe someone hid his watch) but a change in midfield was definitely needed to get some control and I thought it should have been done in the first half.

Overall, this Spurs side showed the level we should be at in the first half and we proved we are capable of achieving it in the second half, but it has to be done over 90 minutes.

Anto Byrne
39 Posted 03/01/2016 at 18:03:40
Hoddle's assessment was spot-on. One team can play without the ball – the other can't.

Besic was fantastic and Kone was not. Shame we didn’t see Mirallas for his finishing prowess. Another draw from a goal that was the result of a long punt up the park and is bread and butter for most defenders.

We needed the 3 points and that is now one win in seven games... not really good enough and still no wins against top-ten sides. Positives from the game: Baines and Besic. Negatives: Howard and Kone.
Eddie Dunn
40 Posted 03/01/2016 at 18:04:07
Martinez gave them the big build up and let them dictate things in the first half. The twat should never have started with Kone.

The game-changer was Deulofeu, so why oh why wasn’t he on at the start? Besic was fantastic, he helped put us on the front foot. The only downside is Rom, in Vertonghen’s pocket all game!

Because of Bobby’s crap set-up, we should have been 1-3 down at the break. He makes it harder for us!

Patrick Murphy
41 Posted 03/01/2016 at 18:07:17
If we go with the same starting line-up on Wednesday, with the same attitude, we’ll be out of the Capital One Cup by half-time.

Everton could and probably should have been 3-1 down today. Yes, they performed better in the second half but it wasn’t until late in the game that I thought we would nick the points.

Man City are a far better team than Spurs and carry a greater threat in midfield and attack. Kone should never start another game for Everton, he’s not good enough. Besic did well, and Deulofeu offered more of a threat than Lennon despite Aaron’s earlier strike.

At least the draw ended a mini run of home defeats but we have so much more to do to make us into a complete team.
Craig Fletcher
42 Posted 03/01/2016 at 18:07:23
Colin Hughes,

Yes, the home form has been poor... but take heart: today was better against a very good side who have lost only twice in the league all season.

John Maddock
43 Posted 03/01/2016 at 18:07:33
Besic?? Did we sign a new player on the quiet...? He was outstanding today; well done, lad.
Joe Clitherow
44 Posted 03/01/2016 at 18:14:23
Kone is just terrible.
Rob Hooton
45 Posted 03/01/2016 at 18:16:04
Besic was fantastic when he came on. If only some of the others could show the same tenacity and spirit – that’s all Ross is missing from his game...
Jon Withey
46 Posted 03/01/2016 at 18:17:51
I had to forget I was supporting Everton and just sit back and enjoy that second half.

Besic is the sort of nasty streak we need alongside Barry and Barkley, who needs to get forward.

To be fair to Kone, he was one of the few players holding up the ball in the first half.

Funes Mori grew in the second half and I’m glad Stones was starting to get pissed off.

The second half was the first time in a while I’ve seen us provide a bit of bite.

The first half was very much last season though... What the hell?

Jay Wood
47 Posted 03/01/2016 at 18:19:22
I think the first-half performance is what results when a side goes winless – or near winless – and continually concedes goals over a dozen games.

No matter how well you may think the performances have been, the pressure starts to build, tightness and caution in your game becomes the order of the day, making your task all the harder.

The team looked shot of confidence, sat too deep, put no pressure on the ball, and Spurs were completely dominant. But for Lennon’s thunderbolt and the woodwork, they could and probably should have been out of sight by half-time.

Everton couldn’t be poorer in the second half and the (early!) subs contributed to a vast improvement. As said already, Besic brought some real bite to the midfield, but more than that, his combative and cajoling manner also lifts his teammates.

If Naismith goes (as his absence from the matchday squad suggests he will), Besic is the only other ’nark’ we have... and how we need one!

A draw was a fair result in the end.

Ajay Gopal
48 Posted 03/01/2016 at 18:20:04
We were poor in the first half and how Kane’s shot didn’t go in, I will never know. However, all credit to Martinez for firing up the lads in the second half and they stood toe to toe with a Spurs team that was playing out of its skin, even before the substitutions.

The introduction of Deulofeu and Basic was brilliant and, slowly but surely, the tide turned in favour of Everton. If not for a brilliant save by Lloris and a bad miss by Funes Mori off a corner, Everton would have won this.

All-in-all, a great game of football. A final word about some sections of the crowd – even the commentator mentioned that some fans were turning on some of the players – Howard, Funes Mori, Kone and even Stones when he tried to play his way out of danger.

Not good to see or hear... but, to be fair, the vast majority of the Goodison crowd got right behind the players – especially when they sensed that the players had got the bit between their teeth in the second half.
Dave Lynch
49 Posted 03/01/2016 at 18:20:44
Barkley is a lazy bastard!

He was strolling round like he owned the place whilst Barry, who is 10 years his senior, was running his plums off. When are people going to realise he’s a fucking liability?

Timothy Morris
50 Posted 03/01/2016 at 18:23:53
Besic changed the match. He’s got grit. We need grit. Hence the reason we miss McCarthy and no-one has really replaced Tim Cahill.

Like someone said in the Live Forum, this is a point gained rather than two lost, as in previous matches.
Craig Fletcher
51 Posted 03/01/2016 at 18:28:18
I heard the commentator say that too, Ajay.

Kone’s hold-up play was okay, and he did track back well to do his defensive duties, but some of his decision-making and passing were poor, and all too often promising moves broke down when the ball was shifted to him. His confidence seems shot again, and he could do with a rest for the semi-final, and then maybe play him v Dagenham & Redbridge.
Jay Harris
52 Posted 03/01/2016 at 18:36:24
Dave,

Take the blinkers off. Barkley was outstanding today and could have got the winner with a fantastic bit of skill in the dying minutes.

I don't really know how to feel about this game but I wish we would play for 90 minutes instead of 45 every week.

I am still concerned that we rely too much on Lukaku and there is no other natural goalscorer in the team.

Looks like Naismith is on his way and Mirallas can't get a look-in... so no goal threat from the squad either.

I thought Baines made those calling for Galloway look stupid and Besic was just what we need in midfield; to those booing Stones and others, please lay off – it affects the team and those players do not pick themselves.

Roman Sidey
53 Posted 03/01/2016 at 18:39:52
A point against them is acceptable, I guess, but here are a few "If I was..." scenarios.

If I was Mirallas, I wouldn’t turn up for work tomorrow. To watch Kone playing as badly and ineffectually as he does and sit on the bench for 90 minutes would make me insane.

If I was John Stones, I would place a firm left fist on Tim Howard’s jaw. When he was dribbling around his own box, the ’keeper should have been screaming for the pass to clear it, but you can see in the replay that our resident flapper just stands there watching. Shithouse.

If I was Aaron Lennon, I’d be stoked with that. He appears to be better as a starter than as an impact sub. Good on him.

If I was Mo Besic, I’d be extremely confused if I didn’t get a run in the side now for a while.

If we had a manager with some balls, we’d be enjoying the luxury of having Barry, McCarthy (when he’s back), Cleverley, Besic and even Gibson all at the same time. That gives you the option of squad rotation. I doubt we’ll see that though.

Joe Foster
54 Posted 03/01/2016 at 18:43:00
Another draw that does us no real good in the table standings. Second-half performance was much better. We need three points desperately and ASAP. Besic was MotM for me.
Eddie Dunn
55 Posted 03/01/2016 at 18:44:56
The patch of play that got Stones the bird from the crowd was the ridiculous turning back on himself again and again in his own box.

It probably gave Howard the shits, never mind the whole Park End. He needed to be told. I don’t see players moaning when the crowd give them the heads-up with "Man on"!
Duncan McDine
56 Posted 03/01/2016 at 18:46:09
Barkley and Lukaku must be under instruction to let players stroll past them. If not, they need a bollocking! I thought they both did well going forward though.

It's just baffling how shakey we look when we start looking for a goal... That final 20 mins made me a nervous wreck, but TBH we looked the more likely to win it. Funes Mori missed a sitter of a header and we just couldn’t make one of the many counter attacks come off.

A point isn’t the end of the world against a strong Spurs team.
Robert Elliott
57 Posted 03/01/2016 at 18:57:10
I hate the way the media always drool over Spurs but you have to say they have got a really good team at the moment and by rights they should have been a couple of goals up at the break.

We couldn’t have been any worse in the second half but, even allowing for that, I thought we came back well and it was clear Martinez had told them to stop standing off and admiring while Spurs played. Then, just as Spurs looked like they were getting into a rhythm again, he made the change and Besic in particular made a huge difference.

All in all, not a bad point, but we need to start turning draws into wins if we are to get anywhere this season.

One final point, I’m getting slightly fed up with our players turning to the crowd and appealing for them to calm down during games. First Howard... now Stones. Maybe they should consider the fact that it’s their crap defending at home all season that has got the fans nervous as hell every time the ball goes in our box!
Victor Jones
58 Posted 03/01/2016 at 18:58:52
I suppose a draw (after a relatively poor run of results) is just about OK. Not great, but not too bad. Yet again, something there for Martinez to work on. Although I am not holding my breath waiting on Martinez to build on the positives. Besic was one of the positives. But will he start many games? We have a chance to reach a League Cup final. Man City can be beat. Kompany is out injured. Their defence can be shaky without him. But we need to go for them. No pussy footing about in our own half. The key , for me, will be in midfield. We are far to often slow and ponderous. We don’t close teams down. We allow teams to play right through us. We have no bite. TBH we are lazy in midfield. My midfield to face City would be: Robles in Goal. Lennon, Besic, Cleverly and Baines. Galloway to play left-back. Barry and Barkley rested. Kone and Lukaku up front. Lennon first half... Delboy second half.. Mirallas also second half (if needed). Jags ready to help defend our 2 goal lead. Well that is the theory, and my dream: take a two-goal lead to Man City, then park the bus. If Martinez knows how to park a bloody bus. But as we all know, Besic will be back on the bench (if lucky). Barry and Barkley will start. And Kone will be criticised yet again, whilst stuck on the left wing. So predictable.

Anyhow, that’s another point closer to the magic 40... And that is all I really look for, under Martinez. I bet Wigan supporters wished Martinez had that approach.

Dean Rolstone
59 Posted 03/01/2016 at 19:00:24
I'm happy with the point today against a very good Spurs side. The tactics changed today and I have to admit, they worked in the end.

I wasn’t convinced by Besic but today he showed what he can bring to the team. I can’t blame Martinez's tactics or Howard for their goal today but I’m sure some people will somehow still hold them responsible.

The most disappointing thing for me today was the atmosphere inside Goodison; getting on our players' backs and groaning at stupid things can’t fill our team with confidence. No wonder we play better in away games...

Where’s our famous support gone? Hopefully it will reappear and in full voice on Wednesday in the Semi-Final against Man City.

Brian Denton
60 Posted 03/01/2016 at 19:03:27
Fair point, Robert. I was surprised at Stones’s reaction after that incredibly dangerous piece of over-playing in the box.

On the positive side, I thought Besic had a nice little cameo, and Ross was better than of late. I would have settled for that result before the game, and wouldn’t have believed that result possible at half-time!

I had to chuckle at the team selection, and said to my mate at the ground that the Live Forum must have had a shit-storm when the stubborn Spaniard did it again....

Mark Frere
61 Posted 03/01/2016 at 19:09:41
A decent second-half performance against a decent Spurs team. I thought Besic in particular, and Deulofeu made a big impact when they came on. Besic’s energy allowed us to get a foothold in midfield and Deulofeu added a bit of craft.

I've been quite impressed with Cleverley this season... but today he had a real stinker, misplacing passes regularly and giving the ball away. Kone had another poor game – he’s been in poor form for a while now and needs dropping. His good early-season form has sharply deteriorated.

Some very suspect goalkeeping from Howard again! He made right mess of some of the balls coming into the box by opting to punch the ball (unconvincingly) and putting us under unnecessary pressure.

Stones really needs to stop all this unconstructive pissing about with the ball and just concentrate on defending well. Everyone knows he’s very good on the ball, but he just needs to keep it simple sometimes.

The league campaign is over as far as I’m concerned because simply, we are too weak at the back and too inconsistent. I don’t see that altering dramatically throughout the course of the season... that is unless they is a change of manager. Our whole season is about the cup competitions now.

Jamie Barlow
62 Posted 03/01/2016 at 19:18:58
David @9, Lennon.

Dave @49, he’s a good player but I totally agree.

Roman @53, John Stones is a big boy, he doesn’t need Tim Howard to tell him what to do. It’s the way he plays. He is cool as fuck. Ridiculous the shit he got off the crowd for telling them to calm down.

Spurs are the best team I’ve seen us play this season. I wish we would play like them. Young, energetic and in your face but they can play a bit too. A decent result but really we need to start picking up 3 points.

Gareth Barry was MotM for me, doing the work of two men (defensively) as he has done most games this season. Top, top professional.

Gary Edwards
63 Posted 03/01/2016 at 19:50:29
Jay @ 52 .. this is one of many occasions in the past 2 seasons where I’m inclined to agree with Dave @49 .. Barkley can be lazy at times and today prior to the subs was one such time. His general play for England is better than his performances for Everton.

Besic must start henceforth!!!!

Dave Ganley
64 Posted 03/01/2016 at 20:09:36
Well to all those who keep on saying we are one of the best attacking teams in the league, take a reality check. That first half just showed what our level actually is.

Spurs were different class, although their fans must do their nut in at times as they seem to be doing an Arsenal in trying to walk the ball into the net.

Every game we have played against decent opposition this season, they have shown us up. We are flat track bullies against awful teams and when it comes to better teams, we are not up to it.

Granted, we put up a better effort in the 2nd half, but that was more to do with Besic kicking us into gear rather than the so called pretty football we are supposedly famed for in the media. The team is constantly unbalanced, that was obvious all game.

Even when Kone was finally hauled off, did Martinez change anything? No, he persisted with the tried and ultimately not very successful formula of just the one winger and somebody out on the left playing out of position.

Barkley outstanding today? Really? Do me a favour. How many times did he get the ball, race upfield with his head down and run down a blind alley? Most of the game to be honest. It was just a good job Spurs ran out of ideas in the second half really.

Let's get one thing straight, I am really glad we showed some gusto and passion for once when Besic came on and we managed to get a point, but we are so far off where we were when Martinez arrived.

We are happy with a point against an okay Spurs team, we laud the players when we hammer extremely poor teams like Villa and Sunderland, make pitiful excuses when we fail to show up in 2nd halves like Bournemouth and Norwich (games are 90 minutes, not 45 as Spurs found out today) and conveniently forget about games gone by this season when we were awful (Man City, Man Utd, Spurs twice, Arsenal, Watford, Barnsley, Reading, Liverpool).

Yes we have had isolated moments against very poor teams but if that is progress then all I can say is that my bar must be extremely high or many must be very low.

I’ve asked this question before and never received an answer (and before anybody accuses me of wanting Moyes back, I don’t in the slightest): How many of the current team would get into the Moyes team when Pienaar, Baines, Cahill, Arteta, Mirallas, Lescott, Jagielka, Coleman et al were gracing Goodison Park? Lukaku definitely, a fit McCarthy? Maybe.

We have not progressed, we have gone backwards and all the media hype of how good we are, which apparently a lot of our fans are starting to believe, isn’t going to change that.

Brent Stephens
65 Posted 03/01/2016 at 20:19:02
Noticed that Besic seemed to gee Stones up after the crowd (justifiably, I feel) had a go at Stones for playing with the ball in our box. I fear Stones will soon (if not already) have had a bellyful of all things Everton and head down the M1.
Peter Cummings
66 Posted 03/01/2016 at 20:19:57
Some so-called ’Evertonians’ need to get their act together, barracking our players is a damn disgrace and does nothing for their confidence. Remember they don’t pick themselves and play the way the manager tells them. Complain, if you have to, in writing to TW in our case.

The days of our ’School of Science’ are sadly long gone as the game has become a rat race of big money and self-serving conglomerates where loyal fans of the game are constantly ignored in the pursuit of ’success’ at any price and many players following suit. Loyalty to your club and players is more important than ever. Players don’t perform badly by choice so give them a break and save your bile for those that deserve it.

Eddie Dunn
67 Posted 03/01/2016 at 20:30:26
Brent, he can go anywhere he likes, because he is overrated. We should cash-in in the summer as he is designed for Spain not the Premier League. He is a young David Luiz, and we all know how lousy he was in defence.

Stones over-plays regularly, and sooner or later he will get caught on the ball in one of those situations. His positional play is often poor, and his communication with his fellow defenders needs to improve. Just because Ross Barkley needs too many touches, doesn’t mean he has to do it too.

The petulance shown by Howard and Stones towards the crowd is indicative of the egos involved here. It isn’t like this is the first time for silly play in our box, so the fans have seen it before and don’t like it.

Howard doesn’t care as he will be gone to the Jersey shore in the summer, and I get the impression that money will eventually buy Stones, and he knows he will be off to Old Trafford at the end of the season.

Eddie Dunn
68 Posted 03/01/2016 at 20:36:42
Peter, the players, managers and their agents are the self-serving rats in this case, and the loyalty of the fans is thrown back in our faces every time one of these bigtime Charlies takes the big bucks and leaves us high and dry in search of bigger, better, more lucrative things.

There are some loyal players like Baines and Jags who haven’t jumped ship, but the paying supporters can say what they want. We will all still be watching in 2, 5 or 10 years time, but certain prima-donas won’t!

Brent Stephens
69 Posted 03/01/2016 at 20:37:56
I’d hope that Stones can either develop his defending, and Roberto change his tactics to not expect the ball play in our own third to such an extent, or move forward into midfield (Stones, not Roberto).

I’d feel some loss if he went (Stones, not Roberto).
Jay Harris
70 Posted 03/01/2016 at 21:26:22
I cannot for the life of me understand barracking of John Stones.

We are talking of the classiest centre backs we have had in a long time and a future England captain and some people are wishing him away to another club.

Likewise with Barkley, the lad has talent to burn and yet people are on his back.

Words fail me.

Doug Harris
71 Posted 03/01/2016 at 21:43:55
Jay, some people on here cannot see the class that John Stones has or Ross Barkley. I have been critical of a lot of Everton players in over 50 years and it is mine and their entitlement.

Today we stood toe to toe with Spurs and in a cracking game of football we matched them but sadly never overcame them.

We are a team in the making...

Tony Abrahams
72 Posted 03/01/2016 at 21:54:14
Jay Wood 47, a very sensible post.
Paul Hughes
73 Posted 03/01/2016 at 21:54:17
Our 1st-half performance was terrible; 2nd half we did what is expected of a Everton team – play with heart and passion Cleverly off, Mirallas on for the last 15 mins.
Jamie Barlow
74 Posted 03/01/2016 at 22:17:21
Eddie, how is asking/ telling the crowd to calm down being petulant?
John Raftery
75 Posted 03/01/2016 at 22:28:08
As others have said, the barracking of our players is really poor on the part of some of our crowd. Whatever people think of the goalkeeping position, the ironic cheers when Howard catches a long cross is nothing short of disgraceful. It is guaranteed not only to put the individual off his game but also distract the team as a whole. Of course it also encourages the opposition.

Today’s performance laid down the template for future home games. It was not perfect but we looked more compact in defence and broke quickly when we had the opportunity. We will inevitably miss McCarthy in the coming weeks but the indications today were that Besic might give us the necessary steel in midfield.

Mike Hayes
76 Posted 03/01/2016 at 22:53:03
Howard and Stones (and the rest) are paid thousands a week to perform at their best; if the crowd barrack them, it’s their prerogative. We pay bloody good hard-earned money for 90 minutes of dross with the occasional bit of skill or a decent goal; if they don’t like it, either sort it out or piss off.

No player is bigger than any club; we have had enough... 20 years with no trophies... 16 years of no investment and a crap failure of a stubborn arse manager.
Liam Reilly
77 Posted 03/01/2016 at 22:56:18
Basic and Deulofeu were the game changers when they came on, so that’s them benched for Wednesday then.

Why Mirallas can’t get a game is beyond me. I’ve stated that RM should be given a third season to see where we go but fuck me, he makes it very difficult to maintain support with his constant support for ineffective ’senior’ players.

Brent Stephens
78 Posted 03/01/2016 at 23:06:54
Roman (#53) – If you can meet with triumph and disaster and treat those two impostors just the same.
John Raftery
79 Posted 03/01/2016 at 23:23:16
Mike - 76 Yes, it is the prerogative of the crowd to barrack players but surely only when they are demonstrably not doing their best. Otherwise it is extremely unhelpful and divisive. Today the perpetrators were only a minority but they were audible to everybody in the ground including the Spurs players.
Eddie Dunn
80 Posted 03/01/2016 at 23:28:31
Jamie (#74), The customer is always right!

If I go out for a meal and pay let’s say £35 per head (an average priced match ticket), if there is something wrong with the service, and I let the waiter know, then I don’t expect him to tell me to calm down.

If the said waiter was earning £30-£50,000 per week, then I would expect to be treated to perfection. Beautiful restaurant, lovely decor, wonderful food, served-up with finesse. I don’t want the waiter doing three spins on his left foot before plonking my dinner down on the wrong table, and then tell me to calm down.

One day soon, he is going to trip over and put a tray of food on someone’s head!

Si Cooper
81 Posted 03/01/2016 at 23:46:05
Yes Eddie @ 80, playing professional sport and running any other business are just the same, ffs!

Would you expect the same performance from your waiter if he had to try to reproduce his plate carrying skills with the water sprinklers on, or opposition waiters running the sweet trolley into the back of his leg as he hands you a very hot plate.

I used to think that all football supporters understood that being a supporter was different than just being a spectator, but now I realise that only really applies when things are going well.

Get excited, angry, tearful, whatever, just don't do anything that may have negative effect on your own players. What is the point of that? The money is irrelevant to the psyche of the players because it is simply the going rate, and to expect some direct correlation when comparing now to whenever is not logical.

Jamie Barlow
82 Posted 03/01/2016 at 23:54:06
Depends on what you want doesn’t it? I like the way he plays. It’s exciting. Besides, he had it under control. I suppose some would like their meal booted on to the table from 70 yards away. Anyway, I don’t expect to be entertained by a waiter. That’s why I watch football.

I have no problem with the crowd getting twitchy and telling Stones to boot the fucking thing out, it’s the abuse he got after telling them to calm down that bothers me. I don’t think the players enjoy playing at home at the moment but it’s not helping how on top certain supporters are being. Sarcastically clapping and cheering Howard when he catches a ball, what the fuck is that all about?

John Stones was just trying to get a point across. Just telling them to calm down. I have no problem with that. Flicking him the vees and calling him all sorts (I wasn’t there but I can’t imagine them just silently raising their fingers) after is out of order, in my opinion. They do need to calm down or Mr Stones will most definitely be on his way.

Si Cooper
83 Posted 03/01/2016 at 00:01:20
Yes Jamie, at some grounds he’d be getting ’Ole’ instead of Arse’ole!
Not going to make him stay for the fans when the offers come in, is it.
Andy Crooks
84 Posted 03/01/2016 at 00:08:47
Barracking players at the match is just confidence sapping and counter productive. John Stones is a young lad who responds in a way that seems pretty normal.He and Ross Barkley have been superb.Earning huge money does not somehow endow wisdom and I think our lads handle them selves pretty well.
Max Fine
85 Posted 04/01/2016 at 01:13:22
Besic had an excellent cameo, albeit lacking a yard of pace which will hopefully return with more game time. One swallow doesn’t make a summer and all that but Mo did more in 30 mins than McCarthy has managed all season. Not sure how that’s Martinez’s fault though given Mo’s been out injured.

As for people berating the crowd, if there was anything resembling a leader on the pitch, the crowd wouldn’t have to do that particular job for them. Our team are just too nice – to the opposition and each other – and we need a right cunt in the team to keep certain players on their toes.

Just as against Dynamo Kiev, the crowd let the players know that they would not settle for the slow pace and three-touch football that our leggy midfield would have preferred to play, and if it worked. I’m happy for the crowd to play the villain until we can unearth a captain worthy of the armband.

Wesley Coles
86 Posted 04/01/2016 at 01:27:51
Besic was fantastic today. And I'd pay my entrance fee just to watch Stones perform. He is pure class and can only get better too. Let him twist and turn and run out with the ball, there's going to be a few squeaky bum moments of course but we have to admire his confidence and ability to keep the ball for us.
Paul Kelly
87 Posted 04/01/2016 at 05:25:13
If people want to barrack their own fans, so be it.

May I suggest you throw it in the direction of our manager instead?

Harold Matthews
88 Posted 04/01/2016 at 08:16:52
Max (#85). Jags will remain captain for quite some time yet but Besic is definitely the right type to succeed him.

An intelligent educated lad with several languages and World Cup experience, I’m sure he is well respected within the club. He certainly knows how to bark out orders on the pitch.
Tony Abrahams
89 Posted 04/01/2016 at 08:46:13
Max, what you said about Besic, doing more today than McCarthy has done all season. It does make you wonder why McCarthy was rushed back for the Stoke game though?

Saying that, a lot of what Martinez, does or doesn’t do, does make you wonder most of the time. I want him to succeed, as much as the next man, but he’s losing most of the support with his refusal to change the obvious.

If a container ship is not balanced correctly, it would probably sink, and although he’s not an outside left, how much better did the system look when Cleverley went and played there? It stopped giving Spurs an out-ball.

Dave Pritchard
90 Posted 04/01/2016 at 09:01:46
Tony, your point about balance has been my main concern about how we set up week after week. The left back, whether Galloway or Baines is nearly always battling on his own.

Kone is not a left midfielder. Cleverley, Besic etc are also not playing in their natural positions when asked to go there. Mirallas, although not the best at tracking back, is maybe the most suitable while Pienaar is off the scene.

I would still like to see Galloway left back and Baines left midfield. Got to be worth a try?
Eddie Dunn
91 Posted 04/01/2016 at 09:57:39
Surely Stones’s ability to turn this way and that, is fine on the rare occasion when there is no pass on and no other way out of a tight spot.

However, we see this sort of thing from him far too often. He is playing professional football in one of the biggest Leagues in the world. He isn’t having a kickabout with his mates in the park. I would get pissed off if one of my mates did it in a five-a-side match.

In all my decades of watching football, all over this country, home. away, and as a neutral, I have heard bile, advice, vitriol, and plain old abuse for players at every single game I have been too.

Fans aren’t on the pitch, and our frustrations boil over, and many people carry all of their problems in everyday life to the game, and laugh, hysterically, grab total strangers and jump around holding on to them, and also they shout encouragement, and also the other stuff.

Stones must have heard it at Barnsley, and if he goes to Madrid, he might see masses of white hankies flapping about. It is part and parcel of the game.

Harold Matthews
92 Posted 04/01/2016 at 13:13:13
Yes, Eddie, the fans watched him caught in possession two or three times by Bojan and his mates in the Stoke game. They don’t forget.
Jamie Barlow
93 Posted 04/01/2016 at 13:19:40
So you're saying its ok to throw abuse at a young lad but he's out of order for asking people to calm down. Sounds fair.
Jackie Barry
94 Posted 04/01/2016 at 13:22:54
Jamie Carragher apparently said that Spurs' Alli has surpassed Barkley in the England pecking order. I have to say to I agree totally.

Barkley is so inconsistent and just isn’t doing the simple things on a regular basis. Right now, I’m not convinced he should be starting for us, never mind bloody England.
Sam Hoare
95 Posted 04/01/2016 at 13:35:23
Barkley has been a lot better this season but I wonder if our best team perhaps, in the name of solidity and balanced may not contain him. Fact is that something has not been working and surely the system needs an adjustment.

I’d like to see Cleverley, Barry and Besic providing a more solid centre. Allowing a front three to break quickly and concentrate on scoring.

Something like:

Howard
Coleman Stones Funes Mori Baines
Besic Barry Cleverley
Deulofeu Lukaku Mirallas

Brent Stephens
96 Posted 04/01/2016 at 14:53:45
Sam, I also think a midfield 3 would be worth persevering with, to include Besic. But I really think there's got to be a place for Ross. A midfield 3 releases Ross from any expectations we might have (I no longer have) that he'll track back with any purpose.
John Hughes
97 Posted 04/01/2016 at 17:14:40
Jamie it is different when you are actually at the match and the tension is far greater than when you are not there, feeling the pressure and passion of being part of it.

No doubt the minority of the Park End who were shouting at Stones regretted it at the end of the match.
Colin Glassar
98 Posted 04/01/2016 at 17:44:05
Barkley, in full flight, is a thing to behold. He just cruises past opponents with an ease only special players like Best, Hoddle, Gazza and Zidane could do. Quick, strong, two-footed, perfect balance etc... Once he loses his fear of tackling, and improves his decision-making (almost there), he will become one of the best players on the planet.

I backed Lukaku to prove the doubters wrong last season and I have no doubt Ross will prove his critics wrong.

ps: Alli, like Ross in his first season, is not getting marked as tightly as he will in the near future. That’s when we will see how good he really is. Ross has three players all over him once he gets the ball.

James Stewart
99 Posted 04/01/2016 at 18:00:26
Carragher was wrong. Barkley has 7 goals and 7 assists this season. Alli 6 and 4, less on both counts. Both are still raw but there is no chance I would be swapping Barkley for Alli.
Jamie Barlow
100 Posted 04/01/2016 at 18:30:07
Of course it is, John, I understand that. I just hope it doesn’t happen again. Same with the awful sarcastic cheering and clapping when Howard catches a cross. It’s pathetic and does nobody any good.
John Hughes
101 Posted 04/01/2016 at 18:45:40
if Howard does not acknowledge the fans that clap him when he takes his position at the start, like he did on Sunday, and I was one of the many on the Lower Gwladys that did, he his not helping his popularity at this time when he needs help and encouragement IMO. Sorry, Jamie, it is not personal – it is just what I think. COYB.
Eddie Dunn
102 Posted 04/01/2016 at 18:52:31
Barkley had a much better time once Besic arrived on the scene. Some of the defensive duties were shared out and it enabled him to power through the Spurs defence and almost get the winner, but for Lloris saving well.

I would rather see Barkley pushed up behind Rom, where his pace and skill can hurt teams. Besic and Barry can do the grunt work.

Jamie Barlow
103 Posted 04/01/2016 at 21:13:36
No problem at all John. Just a difference of opinion that's all.

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