Hibbert Scores, Goodison Riots

Okay AEK weren't a great team and Malaga will provide a much sterner test, but the players are looking sharper each match and some great combinations occurring all over the pitch.

For once the club has done what we've always asked, get it's major transfer activity done early and keep the side settled.

We've removed non-core players in terms of Yobo (finally) and an aging and increasingly less impactful Cahill (although if we'd had the cash then I admit he could still have been kept as a great super sub and a dressing room motivator).

We've acquired what appears to be too class attacking act, in Naismith and Pienaar to support the proven predator Jelavic.

And, so far at least, we've kept hold of our major assets (Baines and Felliani in particular, but also Jelly and Heitinga).

Sure we could do with one or two more options (and I'd be surprised if we don't add a couple of frees or loanees before the window closes, ideally a wing-back and right winger), but generally I'm feeling that this has been one of our best summers on the transfer front (and doubly so if you wind in the January buys).

Can't wait to get the season started, but first up Malaga. COYB!

Gibson, one of the few who did look match fit at the seaside, and was playing well, was withdrawn early so I would guess that he has a niggle. We definitely need him for the Man U game. Neville will be involved of course, but more likely at RB or on the bench if Gibson's fit.

A night to remember, with Hibbo written all over it. And the goal? Something he could have done ten years ago if someone had thought about it. As easy as tickling trout in Huyton.

That is certainly one way to look at it.

But then again so is 'fuck off you miserable presbyterian old woman'.

By the way, anyone know who (at 6 mins 17 secs) Neville tells to 'fuck off'?

http://www.evertonfc.com/evertontv/home/7618

I originally though the same, when I saw the team but it was slightly different. Naismith started on the right, drifting infield, with Osman alongside Gibson and Fellaini behind Jelavic. Osman had a great game but Fellaini was totally wasted further forward, he couldn't get into the game.

Naismith's understanding with Jelavic is sharp and Naismith offers a genuine goal threat from the right - something we have been lacking.

Denis,

Hibbert was withdrawn with a few minutes to go, to get a standing ovation, and we'd just happened to use all the subs so we played out the remaining minutes with 10.

Gibson went off first half. Hopefully, it was safety first and nothing serious. Especially as Neville, his replacement in the middle of park, was very poor.

Overall, we're still a few players short. Neville later moved to left back and looked uncomfortable there as well with one awful tackle summing his night up.

We're also short out wide. We started with Pienaar and Naismith wide and we had Coleman and Gueye for the second 45 - a right back and a forward. Both players have potential but they aren't midfielders. Looking at the bench, we have some youngsters with great potential but we need a little bit more.

Miserable comment from our manager, typical of his miserable demeanour.

He would put years on an antique, bring a tear to a glass eye.

The matchday forum will never be the same. The terminal cynics will be changing their scripts.

Is Hibbo now on a run (I recall Phil Neville used that line after scoring)?

You are correct – I got a card through the post in that style with "If Hibbo scores we riot" on it.

If however you feel the need to bang a hat-trick in then feel free.