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Tahir Abdullah
1 Posted 30/09/2013 at 17:51:18
After missing the last two matches of my beloved blues, I am really looking forward to this one. Should be a tight contest, but the 12th man (team Goodison) should give us the advantage. NSNO! COYB!
Gerry Quinn
2 Posted 30/09/2013 at 18:00:09
We need to batter someone, and hopefully it will be The Barcodes tonight. I just get that feeling that we are due not only a great performance, but this time with a few end results to our moves.

Come on, Everton, treat us to those goals that our all round play deserves...

Paul David
3 Posted 30/09/2013 at 19:17:46
No Naismith but Osman starts.
Mark Taylor
4 Posted 30/09/2013 at 19:05:10
It's a moment to savour — win and we go 4th with the chance of seeing some truly exciting talent on the pitch (so long as RM doesn't pick Naismith) and the only unbeaten record in the EPL.

You've had the RS losing on the day we last played and Manure, complete with increasingly panicky OFM, and Shitty losing on the same day and Chelski spluttering.

It's at moments like this, that CL doesn't seem such an impossible dream.

Let's hope that isn't an invitation for a wake up call....

Drew Shortis
5 Posted 30/09/2013 at 19:47:59
Good to see Ossie in a more advanced role today where I think he is more effective. Looks like Martinez has opted for the McCarthy and Barry combo deep. Good selection overall!
Trevor Lynes
6 Posted 30/09/2013 at 19:52:48
Hope that McCarthy is up to the defensive side of his game, we look a bit lightweight in midfield !!!!

Gibson and Pienaar must both be unfit as Heitinga makes the bench.

Dave Lynch
7 Posted 30/09/2013 at 20:55:02
Pure joy.
Björn Håll
8 Posted 30/09/2013 at 20:53:02
I don't really know what to think about the first half. 3-0 up and still a lot of easy offensive mistakes and exagerated doings. Lukaku is a little to keen to hold on to the ball and seems like he cannot play an easy pass. Baines not to involved and a couple of missed passes.Looks good defesivly though...
Stephen Brown
9 Posted 30/09/2013 at 21:00:23
One of the most reliable, under rated players ever to wear the royal blue shirt has got to be Sylvan Distin. Apart from the semi mistake he rarely puts a foot wrong, plays every week and is a good pro ! Keep it up old fella !
Barry Rathbone
10 Posted 30/09/2013 at 21:57:23
Sorry lads I switched on thinking the game had finished which is an absolute gimme for the opposition to score - I switched off right away to avoid disaster.

Gerrin there blue boys!!

Mike Allison
11 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:00:30
Deulofeu looks so good, he just waltzes past tired defenders with ease. He has to play more. I thought it was a good sign that even though we were leading, he was still first on before Naismith.

We should have won 5-0, funny to win a game and feel disappointed at the end, just goes to show how impressive the first half was I suppose.

Drew Shortis
12 Posted 30/09/2013 at 21:57:10
Fantastic first half performance. Newcastle came back very strong in the second and I did get pretty nervous as you never know what can happen in this league. Their first was a wonder goal and they gos a bit luky with the second. Fair play to them, they made a game of it. We could have had a couple more in the second half, but overall it was a professional performance to get all three points.

Everyone played really well, but for me the standout performances were by Coleman, Barry, Mirallas, Barkley and the MoM Lukaku.

Only unbeaten team in the league, in the Champions League spots, playing great football and surely an outside bet for the title now ;-)

Very happy Toffee going to watch the Final episode of Breaking Bad and drink late into the night (off work tomorrow). Perfect day!

Anto Byrne
13 Posted 30/09/2013 at 21:57:03
Lot to like about the football. We seemed to go missing in the second half as the possession game fell apart. I'm happy with the win... less happy with the goals conceded. A big test coming up this weekend.
Tommy Meehan
14 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:03:25
Barkley gets better and better; Lukaku looked unplayable at times in the first half, before tiring towards the end of the match. Very impressed with Coleman second half; he kept attacking when the midfield had gone a bit flat. Six games, unbeaten, and 4th... not bad at all so far.
Robin Cannon
15 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:05:35
In some ways might be beneficial to have had that end up as tight as it was; demonstrates we're not good enough to get complacent when leading, however well we've played!

Ultimately a great, always threatening first half. Very sloppy second half; almost lazy.

Roman Sidey
16 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:01:26
Listening to Barry's post match interview - class act and sounds like he wants to do with Everton this year and next.
Mark Dunford
17 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:03:56
Excellent first half which could have returned more goals,

Subs from Newcastle at half time had an obvious impact. Their first goal was great but then we slipped back into old ways. It is unusual to praise everyone for the first half performance but they deserve it. I thought Distin played well throughout - too many faded in the second half (Luka, Mirallas). The second Newcastle goal was simply very soft. McCarthy showed promise over 90 minutes and plays well for the team. Barkley is really exciting when he runs at defenders and he has an awareness of others - witness the back heel to Baines. I'm not sure about Spanish boy wonder - he seems to play for himself rather than the team. I thought same watching him at Fulham.

Still nice to win an entertaining game - and remain unbeaten.

John Haldane
18 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:12:07
Anyone else remember the years ... and years ... of poor starts?

(Yeah - I know about last season.)

Adam Carey
19 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:08:48
You have to give Newcastle credit for the second half as they didn't give us as much time on the ball as we had first half and really made a game of it. That said, we should have killed them off before Cabaye's wonder strike.

Plus points, Barkley just seems to improve each game, Barry looks like he's anchored our midfield for years and Lukaku has shown us what a top class striker we have been missing. The board have til May to pull their fingers out and make sure we have the funds to sign someone to replace the loan striker has Chelsea won't be letting him back out next season.

James Carlisle
20 Posted 30/09/2013 at 21:59:53
Good result and despite his doubters RM has hit the ground running. Could we end the season as the Everton Invincibles?

Nah but really there are still a few things that need to be refined. The last two seasons in particular we've been giving away games that we've largely dominated. Recently we did it against Fulham and nearly did it tonight and against WH. Was hoping RM would've tried to change the complacent hang on to what we've got tactic but it doesn't look like it. It'd be nice to see us go all out for a win for most of the game and hit 5 or 6 past a team like the shite have a nasty habit of doing.

Still, even though it's early days, 4th place doesn't look to shabby.

Si Cooper
21 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:02:43
Shameful, MK? Too harsh surely?

Relaxed to the point of complaceny at times would be more accurate in my opinion. A walk in the park became a little nerve shredding, but some credit has to be given to the Barcodes for getting their act together.

Some elements are a little worrying; too much aimless passing (especially when players had time and space to turn and carry the ball forward) and too much space given to the opposition in midfield during the second half (showing what Fellaini brought to the team perhaps?).

Positives include Lukaku, Barkley, Coleman, Deulofeu, and attacking threats spread across the pitch.

Callum McNab
22 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:14:40
Robin,spot on mate. I thought Martinez was piss poor with his subs. How the hell did Ossie stay on till the 91st minute, is beyond me. I'm not knocking Ossie, but it's quite clear to see, anymore than 60 mins and he is fucked.
Andy Mack
23 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:14:37
Great to have a dangerous attack again, couple of stupid goals (although the Geordies first was a cracker), and the first time we haven't dominated a game (50/50 possession). No complaints so far apart from... if only we could have had Lucky Lukaku in for the first couple of games.
Brian Waring
24 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:16:49
James, I don't think it was the complacent "hang on to what we've got" tactic, it was more that Newcastle upped their game and started to put us under pressure.
Tony Marsh
25 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:07:38
As usual, Osman faded badly around the 50-minute mark as he normally does. He had a decent first 45 mins but runs out of gas too easily. Osman really does leave the midfield exposed when he goes for his cup of tea during games. The crowd really subdued tonight very quiet — could hear a pigeon fart.

Still a good win and still unbeaten and there were those amongst us who predicted relegation under RM and here we are in 4th place? Keep it going, lads, well done. Best first half I have seen at Goodison Park since the 1980s.

Adam Luszniak
26 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:16:50
Not sure quite what happened there, we seemed to boss the first half so easily and then became so sloppy in the second. Still, some good play none the less after the break. Coleman was class and Deulofeu excellent too, he glides into the box so easy!
Barry Rathbone
27 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:17:47
Bit mad this innit?

4th, unbeaten, scoring goals and playing footy - like we've had a heart, soul and brain transplant - taking some getting used to in all honesty.

Dave Lynch
28 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:17:03
Really disappointed 2nd half.

We seemed to let them come onto us too easily for my liking and the midfield really lost its bite.

Will need to get that sorted for the next couple of games as the shite will kick, moan and throw themselves everywhere as usual.

Happy with 3 points though.

Paul Andrews
29 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:24:40
Great first half, brilliant inventive football. Fast passing, plenty of movement and options aplenty fit the man in possession.

Second half we got a bit nervous, the play was very open considering we were winning 3-0. Still you pays your money with Roberto and that's what you get.

Adam Luszniak
30 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:28:55
Thought Osman had a great game.
Paul Ferry
31 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:26:36
Enjoy Nick (Entwhistle) and the other 'non-converts':

Bobby has done this: wanna say a good word about him?

1 Arsenal 6 5 0 1 13 7 6 15
2 Liverpool 6 4 1 1 8 4 4 13
3 Tottenham 6 4 1 1 6 2 4 13
4 Everton 6 3 3 0 9 6 3 12
5 Chelsea 6 3 2 1 7 3 4 11

Patrick Murphy
32 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:30:10
Nothing to do with Everton it's all about how bad Newcastle played in the first half and they were the better team in the second-half. Well that's what Dolphin Carragher thinks anyway.

Ask yourselves the question do you want to see the football that we saw in the fist half on a regular basis, I certainly do, Tough game on Saturday though will be Barry be available or not?

Paul Ferry
33 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:32:56
'an absolutely shameful complacent sloppy second half verging on professional incompetence': a tad harsh MK!

Surprised the crowd was 33000+ even though it was on SKY.

Barry Lambert
34 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:13:56
When oh when are we going to seriously going to batter some one? Great 3 points, awesome first half, credit to Newcastle but concentration and composure needs to be addressed.

Well done boys. I don't want to appear negative because I think this squad is one of the best I've seen at Goodison and I've been supporting the blues for 55 yrs. Concentration, Concentration, Concentration!
COYB

Paul Ferry
35 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:34:16
He's not Pat - a big loss.
Si Cooper
36 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:31:43
Have to add that I didn't see Ossie fade out of the game as some seem to have. He is lightweight, but he didn't appear to be the root of our second half problems for me.

I was hoping James McCarthy would step up and really mix it with Cabaye. He was good in parts but strolling in others and he could have got much closer to Cabaye for his goal (though I think the attempt surprised everyone).

Kev Johnson
37 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:36:25
On the match preview post I posed the question: which half are we going to play well in? Or are we going to mix it up by playing well either side of half time? Many a true word spoken in jest...

Other committments meant I could only watch the last 30 mins, so I'm dying to watch the full highlights on the OS. It sounds like we were pretty special in the first half.

Raymond Fox
38 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:19:20
Here we go, 4th place, only unbeaten team in the league, new manager, new players, new system and Callums complaining about RMs piss poor with his subs!

Sometimes you have to give credit to the opposition and their manager, they were a different team in the second half, they went on the attack because they had to, that makes a difference.
The second half would have been a totally different if we hadn't scored the 3 goals in the first.
The manager and the players will all learn with every game, and we will only get better!

We cant ask for a lot more at this stage.

Michael Kenrick
39 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:37:32
The contrast after the break was astounding to me. 'Shameful' does sound a bit strong, but we could easily have lost that game with that type of performance in the second half, and when you are three goals in front, you need to at least be professional in how you perform on the field after the break... so: "too much aimless passing (especially when players had time and space to turn and carry the ball forward) and too much space given to the opposition in midfield during the second half" — that's unprofessional, and verging on shameful when you consider what they showed they could do with consummate ease in the first half.

If you say, "Well, Newcastle came out and really played a lot better in the second half"... fine, but what does that say about how we played in the first half if they were in fact so bad?

I thought we were brilliant in the first half but I admit the last thing I was looking at was how Newcastle were playing.

But an extremely important win. That's really all that matters after we dropped 6 very winnable points to start the season. Wel done, Roberto!

Patrick Murphy
40 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:40:21
We'll certainly miss Barry on Saturday, it will be interesting to see how Pienaar will fare in this side. I was made up with that first half because that is how I want to see Everton playing, not just because we scored 3 (Just as well as it turned out) but the movement and the appetite to get into dangerous areas was a joy to watch. Saturday I have a feeling that Lakaku won't start, he still looks as if he is lacking in match fitness to me.

We'll Probably be a bit more conservative on Saturday and try and dig in for a result. But you never know.

COYB NSNO

Jamie Sweet
41 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:33:53
I love the fact that the mind-set has changed from "going for the killer 2nd goal" to getting the killer 4th and 5th!

Wouldn't have happened under..... oh never mind.

Matt Doyle
42 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:24:59
Three points the main thing here, still unbeaten and 4th in the table. Piss-takingly dominant first half. Lukaku striking the fear of death into their defence. Barkley classy and composed again. Mirallas shit off a shovel. Possession game lost its structure in the second & some faded performances. Keep using Del as an impact sub till he starts tracking back.

Well done you blue boys! It's great to be able to say no-one wants to play us right now.

Steven Telford
43 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:41:19
It's a joy to look at the table this evening – but still we need to do better.

Q: Why can't Osman almost never be offside,
A: Because he almost never interferes with play.

Naismith, thanks for the recent goals, but you (like Ozzie) belong as a squad player at most.

Pienaar, I'm actually happy is out, because I also think he should now only be a squad player.

Deulofeu – get this guy on from the start!!!! Ironically, Martinez is treating him similar to how Moyes treated Barkley and Rooney. He is not going to be there forever, so get as much out of his as you can.

Barry is adding so much to our squad, and the youngsters getting to learn from him may be invaluable.

Lukaku – this is the poacher we have been missing for 20 odd years!

COYB

There is hope out there for the Toffees. I love how "mixed up" the table looks... Keep it up – hats off to RM this night.

Gavin McGarvey
44 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:40:48
I think although we played okay in the first half, it was really down to Newcastle being terrible that we went 3-0 up. Luckily in the second half we were brought down to earth a bit.

Hopefully this will get RM the ammunition he needs to get us to play well over a full 90 minutes. We're still moving the ball too slowly, but I imagine this is the main focus Martinez is looking to improve.

Trevor Lynes
45 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:40:24
In all honesty I thought Barry looked like he needed subbing, the pace of the game got a bit much for him towards the end and he misplaced some passes but luckily in the Newcastle half.

Everyone played well though and Osman had a fine first half but does lack stamina towards the end and that is why we have a squad.

I will be happy to see Pienaar and Gibson fully fit as they can help bolster the team. It seems that we have plenty of class players who can 'do' an hour but that's about it. The first half was exhilarating and Lukaku and Barkley seem to have hit it off very well. Coleman had a fine game and Distin was as consistent as ever, he is really fantastic for his age and completes 90 minutes every week. I am still out on McCarthy although he played well in the first half when we were well on top. I really want him to show himself worth the money spent on him. and take a bigger part in the team.

Altogether though a very classy and entertaining first half and Im sure that the feet were off the gas in the 2nd half..If Cabaye had not scored his wonder goal we would not have had to sweat out the last few minutes. We had enough chances of our own in the 2nd half to score a couple more ourselves.

We definitely were the better team and fully deserved victory !!!!

Colin Glassar
46 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:49:12
Stop complaining. We were brilliant first half but several key players ran out of gas in the 2nd half e.g. Lukaku, Ossie, Mirallas etc.... I agree, we need to start battering teams but it will come once all these budding, little partnerships start to blossom e.g. Barry - McCarthy, Barkley - Lukaku etc... Then we have Bainaar to look forward to and Coleman and Mirallas. We will only get better IMO.
Eugene Ruane
47 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:37:44
Of course like everyone else I was sweating at the end and would have spewed had we conceded a third.

However 15 mins after the whistle I was VERY encouraged.

We HAVE to keep the following in mind.

We have (at the moment) a bunch of players trying to get used to 1) each other 2) a certain way of playing.

It could have been that these two things took MUCH longer to bring any rewards.

It could have been that the loans were lazy and going through the motions.

It could have been that players didn't get on and/or want to work for each other/the manager

It could have been MANY things that didn't work or come off and had the worst case scenario happened, we (as Evertonians under a new manager) would of course have been disappointed but would have HAD to have given the manager our backing.

But (fortunately) the worst case scenario HASN'T happened.

We are 4th and our manager has, in an amazingly short space of time, got them working so well that not only are we 4th after 6 games, he is still gutted about points lost in our first three games.

The 2nd half wasn't as good as the 1st?

Absolutely true, but the first half was fucking brilliant

People are of course entitled to criticise as they see fit, but imo, with all the changes in players and style of play, we (and our manager) have so far done very well.

Up the Toffees!.

Si Cooper
48 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:51:33
Patrick, I think Romelu will start just to make sure they aren't encouraged to throw everything at us.

Hopefully Peanuts is thinking "I will have to be on top of my game to keep getting into the starting eleven" because I do think he is still our best partner for Bainesy when he is.

Central midfield is the problem area for me. Presumably it will be Gibbo and McCarthy, but McCarthy is going to have to work like a Trojan to make up for potential lack of fitness and mobility.

MK - fair points. Hopefully some of it is just new players sorting out their own particular attributes / responsibilities.

Andrew Presly
49 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:57:22
Osman should've been subbed far far earlier, circa 60 mins, and McCarthy is yet to impress Andrew Presly. Get those two out and we can commence the title charge.
Roman Sidey
50 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:30:10
Mark Dunford, fair call on Del-Boy, but it's not really a surprise that a teenager from Barca is out to prove how good he can be rather than just helping the team along. I don't begrudge him any of that, but it's obviously a different loan experience for him than it is for, say, Barry.

I've said before, and I'll say it again, I'd rather win 3-2 than 1-0, even if I do have Coleman in my fantasy team.

Callum McNab
51 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:48:22
Raymond if you think that the Leaving ossie on till the 91st min wasn't poor,then we see a different game. Mirallas should not of been on the pitch for the second half,he was Bollocksed ten minutes before half time. If you see a problem you change it quickly and stop the pressure. The first half performance was excellent,but due to ossie and Mirallas being Bollocksed it let Newcastle control the midfield,and get the chances they did. But that's my opinion,and after over fifty years of watching the blues ,I think I'm entitled to it.
Jon Cox
52 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:16:36
Drew, totally agreed and also going to watch the last Breaking Bad! How wicked has that program been?

Like others have said, sloppy seconds and Barkley seems to go missing at times but overall a mega performance. Lets see what TalkShite have to say about this Everton victory.

Clive Lewis
53 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:04:52
We need to close of games better; we were fantastic first half and let them play a bit second.

Moyes has always trying to get Everton to be above Man Utd; his wish has come true.

Paul Ferry
54 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:03:40
Is anyone else just a little - a little - worried about Jags at the back or am I over-reacting - willing to accept that? Yes England 1st pick and all that and that I know but he shows some awful judgment and positioning at times - like the 2nd goal today.

Love the post-match LuLu interview and Gareth too: class acquisitions Bobby pure class.

Mike Green
55 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:59:00
Michael #659 - if it's any consolation I said with a couple if minutes to go if we drew / lost it would be 'unforgivable'.

What an amazing first half performance - passion, style, commitment, drive and ambition in droves.

Second half was as if we had the yips bad to be honest it feels a bit Iike we got away with it tonight, which is a shame considering how great we were in the first 45 mins, almost perfect if you take out the bookings.

Massive test on Saturday, come away with something from that and the run runs on......

COYB!

Patrick Murphy
56 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:07:57
I think the weight of being Captain is getting to him a little, he has always cared about the team but perhaps he should be replaced as Captain and allow him to concentrate on his own performances. I'd still prefer him in the team than not though and perhaps it's just a loss of form which happens to all players at some stage.
Barry Rathbone
57 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:07:05
Paul, agreed.

Jags was always going to be the most vulnerable playing out from the back he's a great old fashioned "stopper" but you don't want him on the ball.

Paul Ferry
58 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:13:17
That makes a lot of sense Barry - Jags would have been great in a late-80s/early-90s Arsenal team.
Brian Sharples
59 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:58:25
We could hardly expect Newcastle to put in another crap display as they did in the first half and I found the Editor's verdict on our team's second-half display failed totally to recognise that the opposition actually turned up... eventually.

I suspect that 'shameful, sloppy, incompetent and complacent' are words that not too many of us would attach to tonight's Everton display but we all have different views and standards.

Suspect we'll wait a lifetime for 'perfection' to appear in any report here or anywhere else.

Guy Hastings
60 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:05:23
The daft thing is that at 2-0 at half-time we'd have done them 4-1. At 3-0, we were a tad over-confident - Cabaye scored one that he'd be hard pressed to get on the training ground for the rest of the season and their second was scrabbled shite. We should have gone for them straight from the second half. But I'm just being picky here. Overall it was great. And Coleman was man of the match for me.
Eugene Ruane
61 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:14:18
Barry (680) one of the best things about Cars was he KNEW others distributed the ball far better, so after winning it, just gave it. Jags should do the same rather than (possibly) thinking "Yes but I'm an England international so I'll just spray a few 50 yard..."

Footballers - know your limits!

Mike Green
62 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:17:28
Guy #683 - Coleman was brilliant tonight you're right, he's turning into a real player.
Si Cooper
63 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:13:48
Paul - don't think he had his most accomplished game as he was left sprawling a couple of time tonight. Think it was more to do with reaction time and being off-balance than positioning though, and that applies to their second goal.

Bit early to be calling a worrying trend.

His passing / poise on the ball has always been his achilles heel but that hasn't changed has it?

Anthony Jones
64 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:18:34
Professional incompetence? Bollocks. Newcastle played well in the second half. Show them some respect. Starting to sound like Kopites.
Peter Jansson
65 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:14:34
I think this was a great game.
This Everton side is the best side for a long time. The best I have seen following football on tv every week (this was impossible in Scandinavia before the internet).

Now we are strong in all positions. A lot now comes to psycology we got to believe in big things, then it could happen. I have a feeling that Martinez can get these players to believe in themselves to go out on the pitch beating anyone.

Honestly I think we have a very good chance of getting top 4 this season.

COYB!

Michael Kenrick
66 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:16:24
Brian, like I said, I was watching Everton — not Newcastle. If you are really trying to say that the second half represented anything approaching 'perfection', then we are inhabiting different planets.

However, while I was watching Everton during the excellent first half, there were moments of perfection, as duly noted — read the report.... obviously you missed them. Let me guess: were you perhaps too busy watching how poor Newcastle were?

Clive Lewis
67 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:20:04
Baines was a bit off today, I have always said if Osman played well we will win, he did really well tonight!
Zaid Omar
68 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:01:17
What is really impressive is the options available to Martinez in the squad.. In 4 months , through some shrewd purchases and the one big sale, we have serious competition for places.. Under the old regime it was the same team week in week out barring injuries... And there was a time under Moyes when if Pienaar was missing together with arteta , we had ZERO creativity.... How times have changed... And ultimately the importance of a solid proven goal scorer, which we have sadly lacked over the years on a consistent basis, was emphasized tonight
Tony Marsh
69 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:16:30
Cant believe some think Osman had a good game... Osman had a decent first 45 mins and that was that. If you don't believe me, watch the replay and tell me what meaningful contribution he made 2nd half? It's easy to tell when Leon is goosed as he starts to fall over and gets brushed off the ball before he goes AWOL.

No different tonight and that's why we started conceding possession as he was a passenger. Even when having his best spell in first half, he kept leaving his side of the pitch exposed as he got sucked in to the middle of the park.

Osman was a semi-decent player under the DM regime but he is nowhere near good enough to play first choice in this side.

John Malone
70 Posted 30/09/2013 at 22:51:41
Call me a pessimist but I've just walked away from that game pissed off and concerned. The first half we showed some great attacking football scored some really good goals, but I still felt we weren't playing well in the fact that we seemed to be playing counter attack football at home. We allowed Newcastle to have the ball in there half and had two banks of four and left Barkley and Lukaku up top and broke when we got it, it felt strange to be playing that way at home but we were three up so couldn't complain.

On the contrary in the second half for the first time I felt like I seen the tactics that Wigan played which seen so many goals conceded you could see the discipline from the middle had gone and allowing the opposition to have the ball meant there was a lot of pressure on the back four one mistake and they were in, it felt dodgy and very hit or miss.

I still haven't seen the confident keep ball and dominant passing since Fellaini left, and I'm yet to see the free flowing pass and move Barca football, hopefully it's just a case of early days as McCarthy looks like he's got a lot to offer and Barkley looks the real deal.

On on an optimistic point there looks some real talent with the younger players and Lukaku looks a force so hopefully he can fire us into the champions league so we can get the funds to buy him or someone of his quality, plus Deulofeu looks real class ghosts past players.

Paul Thompson
71 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:11:28
So, we've now had two consecutive great first halves, poor seconds. This time we had the cushion and home advantage. The midfield were superb in that first half tonight. When you are getting outplayed, you change the system and/or the personnel. That's what Jol and Pardew did and to an extent it worked. Cabaye made a massive difference when he came on. In both games, neither the players or the manager was were quick enough to assess and respond.

We are, however, a work in progress and I do believe that RM will learn from these two games, both the positives and negatives. The player pluses were obvious and I won't repeat - just a mention for the perennially excellent Distin who was an unfortunate contrast to the somewhat out of form Jags,

Kevin Tully
72 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:09:47
I don't think it's right to start looking at minutiae of every performance at this stage of any new regime,including the fact we are in 4th spot.

I wouldn't be arsed if we were in 10th or 11th to be honest at this very early stage of our season.

If you want to support what is happening post-Moyes, that is up to the individual, I realise some nuggets have an agenda beyond supporting the club- good for you I say.

I did want to call out half the Gwaldys St. though, after they started singing 'Are you watching Davey Moyes'

Same gobshites were booing a couple of weeks ago.

'Knowledgeable Evertonians?' Really?

Does anyone reckon they know anymore than an average Tranmere fan? Cos I fucking don't.

Paul David
73 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:18:28
The first half had everything I want from an Everton team. When Newcastle had the ball we never gave them a second but it was when we had the ball that really impressed me. There was no fucking about with the ball at the back, we played at a high tempo and attacked with purpose, we really could have been 6 or 7 up at half time.

Second half was a different story, we still attacked well for most of the half but we stopped closing down their players and allowed them to play. I don't think Osman had a bad game but he should have been the first off the pitch for two reasons. First, while he wasn't playing bad he was the least effective and secondly his positioning was terrible. He was always in the middle leaving Baines with no options. I wasn't happy with the subs.

Eugene Ruane
74 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:22:09
Peter (688) - "Honestly I think we have a very good chance of getting top 4 this season"

Well thank you - that's fate WELL and truly tempted.

Now, just to counter that hex, I'll have to rip up my top four bet and put a ton on us being relegated.

Please please PLEASE don't fuck about with fate and/or the football gods (they've obviously been angry with us for years as it is, no need to provoke them further).

Tony Marsh
75 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:29:45
All our problems start once Leon starts to fade as we are left too lightweight across the middle. That's a fact.
Keith Glazzard
76 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:10:28
Home win, job done
no loss in league
well done. er, you lads.

I think that's a Haiku.

Anyway, nervous moments but some great players playing well. Keep going lads.

And as a Barkley pessimist, I'm becoming a believer. Great stuff from him tonight. Much more please.

Si Cooper
77 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:27:55
Counter attack football in the first half? Not what I would call it, John.

Just a willingness to attack at every available opportunity, especially when we had easily broken up their poor attempts at penetration.

Dan Parker
78 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:34:11
All I can say is, Bobby Dazzler!
Andy Meighan
79 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:24:23
Micheal, I thought your assessment of the 2nd half was a bit harsh. Let's be fair, although they scored a wonderful goal, we could and should have scored a couple more. There was only one team in that game all night and I've got to be honest and say that was the worst side I've seen at Goodison for a long time.

At half-time downstairs the lads could smell blood and we're looking at 5 or 6... but hey, it never happened. But so what? We're still unbeaten, and looking good, and I'm one happy man tonight. Yes it was a little bit nervous at the end but that was superb and long may it continue.

Derek Knox
80 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:05:03
I can't understand why in the last two or three games, we have had Jekyll and Hyde halves, okay the barcodes made a couple of changes, but we just more or less sat back and invited them to throw what they had at us.

I actually thought after their second goal, here we go, we are going to have lost a three goal lead, and end up with either one point, or worse still none. Luckily, we ended up with the three.

I thought after West Ham, Roberto will start to make changes early enough to change games from now on. Mirallas was carrying an injury before the first half ended, Osman faded almost into obscurity. I thought McCarthy got better as the game went on and made a couple of deep clearances, that could have allowed them in again.

Hope this can be sorted before the Man City game, where we will not have Barry to boss the centre mid.

Patrick Murphy
81 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:31:54
John no.693 I think you'll find that the potential Champions Arsenal, did exactly the same in their recent home game with Stoke and again at Swansea at the Weekend. It's one of the main reasons I think that Arsenal may have a better chance of being crowned Champs, than I originally thought before the season started.

I think we may have to get used to it but that first half was pretty good, regardless of how poor the opponents may have been. Of course there is always room for improvement and there are a lot of things that do need improving, but so far the good points are outweighing the bad ones. Let's try and enjoy it while it lasts.

For people who watch who are not connected to any particular club, it must be very enjoyable that most Premier teams this season are having a go at playing the game the way it is meant to be played.

Jim Hillier
82 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:15:30
Well, I am happy. Shat myself towards the end, but that's Everton for you. I'll take nailbiting victories all season long
Raymond Fox
83 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:25:14
Callum, fair play mate, you could be right, I thought you being a bit too critical, saying that we've made a start that is better than most of us thought possible.
Maybe you could have given him some credit and then criticised him!

By the sound of it with all that experience you should know what your talking about.
Good luck.

Brent Stephens
84 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:28:29
Just back from the game. A first half that had me drooling! What skills, what goals.

How can we, again, from a first half like that to a second half like that (to those who said under the Scottish manager "it's all down to the manager", then I suppose...?).

Lukaku. A monster. Holds it it up well, (doesnt fall over like Jelli), strong in keeping it, a great eye for a pass, and cracking finisher). Sometimes over-egged it but what the hell.

Coleman, great going forward but had me worried tonight at times defending.

Del boy - exciting going forward but my oh my I've never seen anybody such a liability in (not) tracking back. Disgraceful. You can see why he doesnt start.

Again, Ossie in for criticism for some before and during / after a game. But played very well first half. As with the rest, a weaker second half. Does Roberto know what he's doing in starting this guy? Or not subbing him earlier, as some suggested? Or is Roberto the bees knees and knows what he's doing?

Ross you beauty. Still learning but you excite me.

Distin, take a bow.

John Malone
85 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:39:20
Patrick 705, Granted I was looking at it thinking is this because we took an early lead so let them have it or is it Martinez tactics/intentions to play that way and break with Barkley and Lukaku. It was just a strange feeling being three up without really feeling like we had dominated and passed it round well. I'm coming to realise it is just a different style of play from the Moyes way I've been used to watching for so long, I think I'm used to watching a safe solid five man midfield with the majority of attacks coming down the flanks. At the end of the day we won I'll start moaning when we don't and I know I'm on the right forum to do that.
Robbie Muldoon
86 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:51:31
Oh stop worrying about the second half and enjoy life as an Evertonian this seasion. It feels fucking great!
James Martin
87 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:41:36
John, unless you're Barcelona, there's absolutely no point trying to hog the ball – as last season and the first three of this showed us. if you give teams time to get back behind the ball, you're going to need an Iniesta and Messi to open them up. Hitting them straight away with incisive attacking is what Man Utd have done for years and is what the RS did against Sunderland.

Arsenal and Liverpool have started winning again because they've abandoned their ridiculous 4-3-3 philosophies of possession football and just gone back to the basics of having a good defense and some good forward players.

I've grown fed up of watching Everton dominating games only to be done by sucker punches on the break. Nice to see us breaking with a bit of purpose for once and actually having the space to play rather than facing the 11 man wall every time we attack.

Trevor Lynes
88 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:49:01
Brent..Ozzie was not the only one who faded, so did Barry !! It happens so often when a side completely outplay the opponents in the first half. I well remember the great ball playing side of the 60's turning around two or three up at half time then trying to coast the second half.

If you watched Man City at the weekend it was the same, they battered their opponents then conceded three goals !! That's football.

I well remember Everton being four down at half time in a cup tie at Bolton years ago and lost four three after a rousing comeback in the 2nd half.

I would have loved it if we had got through the 2nd half without conceding but give Newcastle credit for not lying down.
Cabaye scored a great goal out of the blue and the 2nd goal was a scrambled one. We still should have won about six to three.

Kevin Tully
89 Posted 01/10/2013 at 00:01:12
Just thought on - we've just won our last 3 League games, the only unbeaten team in the division, and we haven't even got used to our new managers methods yet.

What exactly should we be doing? Strolling to an easy victory in every game?

Playing the likes of Chelsea off the park? Going away from home and scoring 5?

Where are the usual doom-mongers BTW?

Trevor Lynes
90 Posted 01/10/2013 at 00:04:35
In my humble opinion old man DISTIN is playing as well as ever and I have not seen a better all around defender this season so far.

He hardly ever gives fouls away, wins every header and his positional sense is superb.
The best buy we have made for years.

John Beesley
91 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:46:52
What a first half with a very unprofessional second half but with Barkley, Lukaku and Deulofeu all absolutely world class youngsters who will become some of the finest players in the world and along with McCarthy (who was decent in the middle with Barry and them two will only get better with more games) and Stones.

I think the player who deserves the most praise tonight and can be mentioned in the same breath as these extremely talented young players, all with big price tags to match, is Seamus Coleman who, for £60 000, is the buy of the century and deserves all the praise in the world. He not only did not look out of place but looked like he belonged with these Barcelona type youngsters and he gets better with every game; well done, Seamus.

Now I know two of these are on loan but is there a team in England if not in Europe with this type of such promising young talent? With a couple of more years to add to these players before they all come to fruition and the team spirit we have with some elder international players to guide them with Roberto at the helm (who is one of the most promising mangers in Europe), if all goes well then Everton could have a very, very bright future indeed. COYB IRWT

Jim Lloyd
93 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:41:19
Well, I thought we were absolutely brilliant for long periods of the first half. It was a joy to watch the quick interpassing and when we lost the ball, we were at them at once and gave them no time to settle.

At last we have a centre forward who can not only terrorise defences, he regularly brought players into the game and his pass to Ross for his goal was superb. He also did a good job on occasions, helping out our defence.

Miralles and Coleman were superb at driving onto their defence and and I thought Barkley and McCarthy were linking up well in midfield and some of Barkley's running at their defence was stunning.

Barry and Dizzy were really excellent at the back, as was Coleman, as well as his superb runs forward.

I think some of us are being a bit over critical of the team's performance. My guess is the younger players thought they had the game won and thought they would find it just as easy in the second half. I think there is a lot they have to learn and I'm sure that Roberto will be the feller to help them do so.

Centre midfield looks like we have the beginnings of a really fine partnership between McCarthy and Barkley. Considering they are very young players and Barkley especially having very little first team experience, I think we have the makings of a great partnership developing here.

I agree with Trevor Lynes that Barry was looking shattered with about half an our to go but I think the problem there is that we had no one who could do what he does, on the bench.

I think a Paul Ferry mentioned the vulnerable side of Jagielka. He is a fine stopper but he cant pass wind let alone the ball and when he and Howard start faffing around it looks extremely nervy to me.

Mind you, Martinez can only work with what he has and there were so many positives tonight, it would be churlish to overcritical about our second half performance.

I also think some posters believing we will finish fourth and one even putting us as outsiders for Winners of the PL are expecting to much from what to me is a team that is showing a lot of progress but there's a long way to go yet.

Just as those who predicted we would be relegated with Martinez at the helm may just be a trifle pessimistic.

Great start to the season but I'm sure we'll get better over time.

Just one last thing, what a bloody brilliant piece of work for us to get Romelu, even if only for a season.

Roman Sidey
94 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:16:55
Paul, I'd agree with that. Jags certainly has never recaptured his form leading up to his 2009 injury, and even this season he has shown a few wobbles. I didn't see too much build up to their second goal tonight, but you would think a centre half would be pretty disappointed to allow a goal like that.

I love Jags, but never thought he'd be a good on-pitch captain. Not sure who else in the normal starting 11 would be the alternative though. Distin sticks out but I think the pressure might get to him too.

Patrick Murphy
95 Posted 01/10/2013 at 00:16:03
Kevin it depends on how you view things so far, this time last season we had just beaten Southampton at Goodison in a game very similar to tonight's brilliant first half - I though the best of last season - and then allowed the Saints back into the game in the second half. That was our sixth game of the season and we had 13 points on the board and were sitting in 2nd place. If you do a comparison to like for like games we took 4 points out of our home fixtures losing to Chelsea, drawing with Newcastle and beating WBA, whilst away we lost to Norwich, beat West Ham and drew with QPR (using them as a direct replacement to Cardiff). So from those matches we took 8 points compared to the 12 we have from this seasons fixtures.

The good thing is after that Southampton game we went on a run of draws, so there is a possibility that we may improve our tally in the coming weeks.

Kevin Tully
96 Posted 01/10/2013 at 00:27:37
Pat, give the new manager at least 6 months before you start comparing like for like results.

We are 'drastically' (Naismith) changing the way we play the game, and he's a new man with new players.

Man U fans are saying they will be happy to finish in the top 4 after romping to a League title, but we want 6th as a minimum it seems?

Harold Matthews
97 Posted 30/09/2013 at 23:31:43
Great result but the last 4 minutes were a nightmare. Didn't think I'd make it to the end.

We probably paid heavily for the amazing 1st half tempo. Half the team were knackered after 50 minutes and, as Callum stated earlier, Mirallis was legless 10 minutes before half-time.

To their credit, they kept going but it was a mighty struggle and the effects will not be easily shaken off.

For me, Coleman was quite easily MoM. While those around him were running on empty, he battled with great spirit and attitude right up till the final whistle.

Patrick Murphy
98 Posted 01/10/2013 at 00:34:59
Kevin It's not a judgement on the manager it's just a comparison on how we fared last season, I can't understand why that isn't relevant. I'm pretty optimistic that we can give the top 6 a real go, but football being football you never know what's around the corner. I bet you there's a club close by that thinks it has a realistic title challenge in its sights, why should we not think that a top 6 challenge is out of the question?


Eugene Ruane
99 Posted 01/10/2013 at 00:29:12
Patrick (719) - Any comparison (also) has to take into account that last season we had a settled manager (almost settled into the fucking furniture) and a settled side.

What we have achieved so far has been done with a manager who has managed us for just six PL games, plus a bunch of new players playing a new system and trying to get used to each other.

Patrick Murphy
100 Posted 01/10/2013 at 00:40:18
I think I must have written something that has been mis-interpreted, I am a happy bunny at the moment and I fail to see why a team that has obvious ability should not be considered for a European spot. Unless of course the new manager effect wears off and we are not as good as I think we are.
Kev Johnson
101 Posted 01/10/2013 at 00:32:09
Same score as last week. I feel a song coming on...

"Win 3-2, we always win 3-2.
Win 3-2.
We always win 3-2"


Kevin Tully
102 Posted 01/10/2013 at 00:39:53
Last year's 5th place team have just spent over £100m, very surprised at your outlook to be honest Pat.
Andy Crooks
103 Posted 01/10/2013 at 00:35:50
Eugene, stop talking superstitious nonsense about fate. It's all to do with magpies.I drove a considerable distance today and made the appropriate call to every magpie I encountered. As a result, we won.

Also,it seems to me that Seamus Coleman is one of the great signings of the premier league. Finally, I believe that Duffy is a better but less showy centre back than Stones.( it's Roberto's only obvious shortcoming as coach).

Duffy, Stones is the future of our defence. We can do well this season but there will be bad days. However, this is as good as it has been for a long time, We can beat anyone.

Patrick Murphy
104 Posted 01/10/2013 at 00:47:16
Why Kevin? Have we not improved our squad? Are we not playing some decent football? Did last seasons manager have full focus for the whole season? Did we hit a brick wall around this time last year and struggle until December? I think there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic. We have a lot of things going for us, if we don't believe that good things are possible what is the point of it all?

Kevin Tully
105 Posted 01/10/2013 at 00:52:24
Patrick, I would completely understand your views if we had done a Spurs, but if we finish 7/8th in a new managers first season, whilst witnessing a progression in style, and blooding a few youngsters, shouldn't that be enough?

If we have averaged 7th over the last 11 years, why should we expect more in Martinez's first year?

Honestly don't get where you are coming from on this?

Bob Parrington
106 Posted 01/10/2013 at 00:50:03
Roberto, what did you say to the players at half time? Please don't do it again. We need the killer instinct. Fantastic first half. We just didn't give them a chance to play. Lazy in the second, we let them come on to us and were possibly fortunate not to concede a third. One of your jobs is to keep them alert and fired up by what you say during the break!!!!

Still............. good start overall. Well done but can do better!
COYB

Patrick Murphy
107 Posted 01/10/2013 at 00:58:31
We are obviously at cross purposes here, I'm not demanding anything I'm just stating that it is possible, I didn't think we would have a dozen points on the board at this stage for the very reasons you cite. However, surely we should be looking to try and improve on last season, which in my opinion was a disappointing one in the end for a variety of reasons. Every team in the top flight is capable of beating any other, but we are still a difficult team to beat even with the change in style and emphasis, we will need a good amount of good fortune I agree but it isn't impossible.

Phil Gardner
108 Posted 01/10/2013 at 01:08:44
Just back from the game and listened to both managers post match interviews, Martinez credit Newcastle with their 2nd half performance, Pardew never mentioned Everton at all, it was all about Newcastle.....the man's a twat and I'm enjoying watching him labour under Joe Kinnear's watchful eye...(sniggers.)
Just two questions though.....when the f*** are we gonna really hammer someone...properly and whats with Lukaku's 'telephone to the ear' goal celebration....surely not a message to Jose?
As I sat with my jubilant lad at halftime in the Upper Bullens I quietly reminded him that, this be,ing Everton, 3 points were by no means guaranteed......he looked at me blankly.....he didnt in the last four minutes!
Roman Sidey
109 Posted 01/10/2013 at 01:35:16
Phil, Pards didn't mention Everton because we're obviously in a different league to them...
Derek Knox
111 Posted 01/10/2013 at 01:44:59
Kev #726

I'd settle for that mate, not too sure about the ' song ' though.

Phil #733

I think the phone celebration is him on the phone to Mourinho saying he is enjoying himself so much that he wants to stay with us permanently! (or is that my wishful thinking ?)

Eric Myles
112 Posted 01/10/2013 at 01:54:07
Why is Stones listed as a sub not used?
Jamie Sweet
113 Posted 01/10/2013 at 02:08:59
4th in the table, above the 3 favourites for the title. Unbeaten in 6. 3 wins on the bounce. Scoring 3 in consecutive league games. 3 of the finest young attacking players in Europe in our team.

Now I’m certain that some of my fellow toffeewebbers (not naming NE names) will still be desperately searching for some negative aspects with which to nit pick and point score their way through the week; but I see your negative whingey pathetic posturing, and raise you with all the points above.

Congratulations to Roberto and the team, for what can now undoubtedly be considered a fine start to the campaign.

Freddy Maldonado
115 Posted 01/10/2013 at 02:53:59
I had to watch at work and convinced my co-workers around me to watch the match. My friend who doesn't watch "Football" said during the first half "These guys one of the best in the world?" My response was "The best". Proudly with a smile on my face.

What a treat on a Monday! The fans were loud and the players looked like world beaters. I am so proud right now.

Paul Ferry
116 Posted 01/10/2013 at 03:24:57
That NE was brilliant Jamie mate
Michael Parrington
117 Posted 01/10/2013 at 03:28:26
Great first half, fluid passing, willingness to really take it to the opposition... case of foot off the gas in the second half. A few nervous minutes at the end there.

Phil #733

I think that the phone thing is for Marc Wilmots as he doesn't seem to rate Lukaku as good enough for a starting spot on the national team.

Christopher Kelly
119 Posted 01/10/2013 at 04:04:08
The first half was the best I've seen in many, many years. Literally was almost emotional at how well we were playing!!

Lukaku is just a destroyer. What a man/child. And through ball to Barkley is all the proof I need that this player will become one of the worlds finest. Silk and steel!

Our second half was pedestrian. Where was Jags, Baines and Ossie to scream at the youngsters to pump up the pressure??

I give him a hard time but I really don't see what Ossie adds?? He was anonymous and I feel like 2/3 of the players in the premiership could knock about like he does. Can't shoot, can't lead and can't beat a man. I don't get it?? We have players that pass clean balls to nearby players (Barry, Gibson and McCarthy, ). We have midfielders that can beat a man (Mirallas, Barkley and Del Boy) Naismith can at least win headers and score scrappy goals. Osman is useless and redundant now.

COYB - we're really getting there.

Christopher Kelly
120 Posted 01/10/2013 at 04:20:45
And even though he faded, Lulu gets MOTM for me. Centrally involved in all three goals and that second goal while not beautiful by any means shows just how important a world class striker can be. With Jelly he'd have scuffed the first goal, mis-weighted Barkley's pass and not been strong enough to fend off for the 3rd... We'd have lost 2-0 and been pissing and moaning right now. Remember that!!!!

Woo-hoo, where's my missus????? She's going to get it tonight!!

Kevin Thompson
121 Posted 01/10/2013 at 05:42:50
Last year we drew 2-2 against Newcastle when we had 2 disallowed goals. So getting 3 points tonight is great. Martinez is still trying to impose his style of play to the squad. Lukaku, Barkley, Barry, McCarthy and Deulofeu are new to the 1st team and will take time to get to know their fellow players. We had 3 players on the pitch 20 years or younger in the team Lukaku, Deulofeu, Stones and Barkley. I hope Gibson is ready to replace Barry, who will be unavailable against City and we continue our recent record against them and remain unbeaten. We could go top of the League, if only for a couple of hours. We have had 3 wins in a row, the future looks bright.
John Ford
122 Posted 01/10/2013 at 05:40:17
I'd like to highlight a thing of beauty....an arse twitching, awe inducing moment. Have a look at Lukaku's pass to Barklay for the second...........everything, the weight, trajectory and timing needing to be so precise, and so easy for him to have missed his mark by any fractional change. Watch how everything slows with the pass, a soft foot, arriving in THE spot which ensured Barklay stayed ahead and between the two defenders, yet the keeper can't get close, and still time enough to pass it into the net.

Better than a left handed wank.

Tahir Abdullah
123 Posted 01/10/2013 at 06:10:24
The tone of the present article is in my view unrepresentative (and overly pessimistic) of the overall match performance. RM summed it up nicely post-match by pointing out that the the Cabaye goal was an absolute stunner (not much anyone could do about it, including McCarth) and that after conceding that goal we were never under serious threat of being overrun. Admittedly the 2nd goal conceded was due to a defensive error (from Jags, who mind you hardly ever gets the criticism on here that he is sometimes due for going AWoL at crucial times (unlike Ossie who always gets slagged off regardless). Overall I agree with RM that we were in control (more or less) for the entire match. Well done you blues. Bring on Man City!
Björn Håll
124 Posted 01/10/2013 at 06:25:14
I actually think we performed better in the second half. Lukaku was better, played simpler and brought the other more into the game. Leighton was much better after a sub performance in the first half. Barkley played like a real pro in the second half and Coleman was my MotM.
Phil Sammon
125 Posted 01/10/2013 at 06:29:49
Bjørn

We absolutely did not play better in the second half.

Darren Hind
126 Posted 01/10/2013 at 06:04:12
Disappointed we never went on to smash them - never forgive them for their reatment of big Vic.

Its very difficult to dominate for the entire game against anybody in this league, but we're getting there. The score line flattered them

Pity not all posters on here could be there, we saw very clear evidence that David Moyes is now friendless at the old lady and this mythical group of "Moyes loving"Evertonians really does only exist in the minds of the people who prefer argument to debate. "Are you watching Davie Moyes"chanted the knowledgeable Goodison crowd. . .a dagger through his heart No mention of Man U (because they don't matter) just a clear message to Moyes . . . and not one of them needed to trawl Manc websites for ideas of how to deliver it

Look and learn

Graham Mockford
127 Posted 01/10/2013 at 06:33:19
I think some are getting carried away with the scoreline. 3-2 was no way reflective of the game as a whole. We battered them for 45 minutes and the second half was pretty even despite the two goals.
What is interesting is how we are setting ourselves up which looks like 4-2-3-1 with Barkley given license to roam about. Now we have a centre forward who the ball sticks to and brings runners into play it makes us look quite a potent attacking force.

I thought that Barry, McCarthy, Barkley and Osman all had really good games. In fact this obsession that some have about Osman is just tiresome. I am sure that when he is fit he will be first choice for Martinez.

However where playing such an expansive game can be a problem is that there is more space around the central areas. We no longer have a bank of four and five condensing down the space ( and for that I am thankful) therefore a really clever player like Cabaye exploited this and caused us a fair bit of trouble. I could imagine the current Arsenal team giving us a lot of problems.

So Roberto might have to have a Plan B. Even though I'm loving Plan A

Graham Mockford
128 Posted 01/10/2013 at 06:33:19
I think some are getting carried away with the scoreline. 3-2 was no way reflective of the game as a whole. We battered them for 45 minutes and the second half was pretty even despite the two goals.
What is interesting is how we are setting ourselves up which looks like 4-2-3-1 with Barkley given license to roam about. Now we have a centre forward who the ball sticks to and brings runners into play it makes us look quite a potent attacking force.

I thought that Barry, McCarthy, Barkley and Osman all had really good games. In fact this obsession that some have about Osman is just tiresome. I am sure that when he is fit he will be first choice for Martinez.

However where playing such an expansive game can be a problem is that there is more space around the central areas. We no longer have a bank of four and five condensing down the space ( and for that I am thankful) therefore a really clever player like Cabaye exploited this and caused us a fair bit of trouble. I could imagine the current Arsenal team giving us a lot of problems.

So Roberto might have to have a Plan B. Even though I'm loving Plan A

Christopher Kelly
129 Posted 01/10/2013 at 07:15:32
Bjorn, do you have snow in your eyes up there? The first half was one of the best performances we've seen in a decade (not to say we can't do it again and again)

Sorry Graham, you may be a nice guy but last season you thought Neville was an integral player for us. I personally think your judgement is way off and I'm grateful you never went into coaching.

Christopher Kelly
130 Posted 01/10/2013 at 07:20:35
...regarding Osman. The rest you're spot on about!
Brent Stephens
131 Posted 01/10/2013 at 07:27:32
Graham, all spot on.
Graham Mockford
132 Posted 01/10/2013 at 07:25:01
Thanks Christopher, you are right I never went into coaching. Strangely enough three people who did either picked him 300 times in the Premier league, picked him for England or picked him every game since he took over at the club.

But I'm sure you think we are all wrong, no I really do!

Brent Stephens
133 Posted 01/10/2013 at 07:53:21
Touche, Graham.
Gavin Ramejkis
134 Posted 01/10/2013 at 07:55:00
I gave up my season ticket to my brother for the game last night as I'm working in Scotland and went to watch the game on Sky at my mates' house and he's a Geordie. Fair enough to say in the first half we absolutely battered them, some great unselfish football from Lukaku. I've a horrible suspicion that Mourinho will never play the lad and instead sell him abroad. Second half and the introduction of Cabaye made all the difference to what was a very average Newcastle side. We tailed off significantly in the second half as Newcastle continued to run at our defence and at least one goal was inevitable - Cabaye's shot was unstoppable. Newcastle's second goal was very sloppy and I think Howard should have come out to claim it before the shot. One niggle and that was the simulation from Newcastle for every tackle, Tiote a great example, rolling around like a sniper had him and earning a yellow for one of ours when just a minute or so earlier the little shit had fouled an Everton player and got away with it. Similarly when their defender shoulder barged Baines off the ball and showed the ref he only used his shoulder he walked too.

Looks like Roberto did have a plan B to quell the Newcastle attack to retain the goal cushion when he put Stones on to lock the defence. All in all a good night of football and one we've been missing for far too long. My mate was gutted and jokingly threatened to slash the tyres of my bike.

Phil Sammon
135 Posted 01/10/2013 at 08:00:30
Totally agree about the rolling around from Newcastle players, Gavin. The ref seemed very keen to book our lads. Their number 14 (Gouffran ?) nearly had Coleman's shirt off at one point and barely got a talking to. A little frustrating because these cards do build up.

Very impressed with McCarthy last night. That's the first real look we've had of him in an Everton shirt and I thought he was excellent.

Lee Robinson
136 Posted 01/10/2013 at 07:40:07
I think everyone needs to calm down about our second half performance, we were still much the better side. Newcastle are a very good side, and they needed to show pride in the second half. Like many premier league games they can go either way, if we put one of our many chances away the game would have been over.

But once Cabaye scored that wonder strike straight after half time the mentality changed. We actually did well and the players deserve credit for not allowing them into the game until they got a late goal. The second half performance wasn't terrible, don't be fooled.

Special praise for McCarthy who was excellent who seems to be under the radar for huge praise on here, and of course Coleman. Still more to come when Baines hits top form too.

Drew Shortis
137 Posted 01/10/2013 at 08:03:51
Last night was reminiscent of the Fulham game with Everton dominant in the first half and the opposition coming back strongly in the second, only this time we took enough of the first half chances to give ourselves a cushion.

I'm delighted with how we played for the whole match as we had opportunities in the second half to get the fourth. The coals we conceded were the only negative for me, but one of those was a bit of a freak (though very nice to watch for the neutral) and the other was a little unfortunate in how it broke for Remy.

We are still adapting to the new system, but I can see the progress every time we play and I'm excited about the direction we are heading in. Bring on Man City. We always seem to do the job against them!

James Fletcher
138 Posted 01/10/2013 at 08:15:52
All we really needed was for Duelfuel to start passing once he's surged into the box and we should be battering teams. He seems a tad selfish at the moment and while I'm sure he's trying to prove himself to get him noticed at Barca they'd be more likely to be impressed if he improved his decision making a little.
Mark Tanton
139 Posted 01/10/2013 at 08:25:17
Looking ahead to the Man City game - I presume Barry is unavailable; so who will come in for him? My guess is Osman into the centre and then either of Pienaar, Naismith (most likely) or Deulofeu comes on the flank. Unless Gibson just walks back in?
Peter Mills
140 Posted 01/10/2013 at 07:45:52
I watched the match on my Jack Jones in a bar in Rhodes, no commentary or insights from anyone around me. Quite an interesting way of viewing a game, although I wouldn't recommend it for a season.
Some of our first half play reminded me of 1985, hunting in packs, snapping at the opposition as soon as they got the ball. The difference Lukaku makes is huge, and for a while the players started to use the "get out ball" to him as a first option instead of last.
It seemed to me that our younger players, Lukaku, Mirallas, Barkley took their foot off the gas a bit after half time and this, combined with Newcasle shaping themselves better, changed the game. But the only way these players will learn is by experience, and that's what Roberto is giving them.
Callum McNab
141 Posted 01/10/2013 at 08:55:59
Raymond , the only experience I have mate is being on this roller coaster watching my beloved blues for the las 50 years. I am sorry it did come across at being just critical,but I think it was just a bit of frustration. Far from it really, there was a lot more positives than negatives for me, in fact I said to my friend at half time,we had the school of science back., and I never thought I would say that again in my life time. As always though ,I move on and can't wait for the next game and support my beloved blues .
Ian Burns
142 Posted 01/10/2013 at 08:25:41
Last night was ace - (great word for an old bloke that)! I had TW Live and watched the game on TV.

What more could one ask for?

Well let me tell you.

When we are leading at HT, I would like to ask RM to tell the players: "It's 0-0 - go out in that second half and win it and play - sin miedo".

I would also like him to make the substitutions BEFORE we have lost control of the game and at the point where it is really needed and not after 91 mins when the player substituted should have gone after a maximum of 60 mins.

Otherwise loving the progress; loving seeing the blues play like they did in the first half - enjoying this new regime and long may it continue.

Mark Taylor
143 Posted 01/10/2013 at 08:48:22
The most exciting aspect of the squad is the cutting edge we now have; Lukaku, Mirallas, Barkley and Delboy (as an impact sub) offer more penetration than we've had in years.

I don't think our second half was as poor as the article suggests, we still looked threatening, just that Newcastle improved (not difficult) and brought on a top class player in Cabaye to pull the strings. Plus I think both Ossie and Barry faded a bit second half- in fairness, Barry is probably not truly match fit, given he's hardly played this season and Ossie was not in his best position.

Credit to those who were pushing Barkley's case last year- it does now look like he is the real deal. I hope we don't overplay him though, and burn him out.

I wish Distin was 10 years younger...

Ciarán McGlone
144 Posted 01/10/2013 at 09:18:19
As expected..as great game from very two good sides.

Those who berate our players for the second half don't really understand how good Newcastle's midfield are.

I thought Osman had a good game - but we looked a bit cluttered in the centre of midfield at times - we didn't have any balance as Seamus was filling in for the missing right sided midfielder - however he did fill in admirably - my motm. Some great defending with last ditch tackles and his offensive drop of the shoulder was a joy..

I'm surprised McCarthy is getting much of a mention..was far better than Barry for me last night..Quietly goes about his business and keeps the midfield ticking over.

And that man Lukaku...what a player...two goals ruled offside, two scored and an assist on the other. Sublime.

Sam Hoare
145 Posted 01/10/2013 at 09:45:03
First half was excellent, second was obviously poorer though I'm not sure we deserved to lose it 2-0. I think 4-2 would probably have been about right as I saw it.

Coming weekend will be a great test of where we are and whether we have any realistic chances of gate crashing the top 4.

Thought Barkley was immense last night. Jags needs to do better. Jury is out on McCarthy, he had some very good moments and some not so good ones.

James Peter
146 Posted 01/10/2013 at 09:49:46
Another positive for me is we started with 7 home nation players, we brought two more on too. When the going gets tough it's good to have a backbone of players who understand Britsh football and expectations. COYB's
Craig Fletcher
147 Posted 01/10/2013 at 09:57:50
Ciaran (805) well said.

It's easy to forget that this Newcastle side has no less than a half-dozen French international footballers, plus Coloccini, Krul, and Cisse. They are a very good team - they were always going to 'react' in the second half after being 3-0 down.

To me, performance-wise, this was overall at least on a par, if not better, than the way we played against Chelsea.

Jim Potter
148 Posted 01/10/2013 at 08:29:43
You can't please all the people all of the time .... you can't please some Evertonian's ... ever ... it seems.

3 points.

Unbeaten.

Fantastic first half performance.

Concentration lapses and a bit of fight from the Geordies in the second half.

Osman and Naismith - give them a break - no one is 100% consistent - except for their knockers. Ossie did fine last night - and Naismith hardly had a chance to impress. Would they be in my starting eleven - no - but we should back them to the hilt when they are - and be fair in our assessments.

Pretty damn pleasing from my point of view - especially considering we are integrating a new manager, new players, a new style and pa new philosophy.

Shock! Horror! We don't have a perfect team. Sack 'em all!

I started the season saying I was full of optimism - that feeling has grown even more following last night and the fact that we showed a fighting spirit and determination in winning at West Ham.

And if we lose to Man City ... I'll be disappointed but I will hang on to a sense of realism that we were away at a vastly richer club.

But I still feel if anyone can do Citteh - then we can.

Now cheer up and go play outside.

Andy Boyer
149 Posted 01/10/2013 at 10:13:11
Kenrick,

"an absolutely shameful complacent sloppy second half verging on professional incompetence, Everton very lucky to secure three points and 4th place"

Really, that's too strong, they didn't play well enough in the second half and Newcastle upped their game but "professional incompetence.......? get a grip lad.

Chris Hutcheon
150 Posted 01/10/2013 at 10:44:56
Hahahahaha we were not "very lucky" to secure three points. They created one half chance at 3-2 and it was indeed a bit nervy at the death but even during a pretty sloppy second half display Everton could well have put the game to bed, they still had plenty of opportunities.

Admittedly the second half was poor - but the Geordies could never be as bad second half, we were a touch complacent it seems and they bagged the kind of wonder goal early on that you can do little about, giving them hope they wouldn't otherwise have had.

Nevertheless, it was a deserved victory overall rather than "very lucky" and doesn't warrant that kind of melodramatic reaction. Honestly, I sometimes think Everton could win 8-1 and some people's first reaction would be to moan about the '1'.

Barry Rathbone
151 Posted 01/10/2013 at 10:44:40
Just watched the SKY re - run we really weren't as bad 2nd half as painted in fact we missed a few early on to put us out of sight.

Newcastle scored a long ranger then spawned a second at the death to make it look close - really didn't look that way to me.

At long last we are playing our part in real football matches trying to win rather than KITAP1, we'll be the neutrals choice if this keeps up.

Kevin Tully
152 Posted 01/10/2013 at 11:12:47
My Man U pal has just sent this text ;

'I really enjoyed watching Everton's new style of play, until I realized where their old style went!!'

They are also not at all impressed by a certain curly-haired Belgian.

Peter Cummings
153 Posted 01/10/2013 at 11:56:50
I said to my son at half-time "I can't see us making a mess of this one unless we do a Fulham."

Cue the next half and we nearly did that... nuff said, I think.

Derek Knox
154 Posted 01/10/2013 at 12:01:04
Phil #781 & Lee #782

I have got to agree with you both there, regarding McCarthy, I thought first half he was okay without being outstanding. As the second half saw Barry, Mirallas and Ossie's performances wilt he became more involved in all areas and quickly moved from zone to zone. I remember him making a couple of clearances from quite deep when Newcastle suddenly had that sniff of 'we might get something here' about them.

He will certainly have to step up to the plate on Saturday at City, with presumably Gibbo alongside him, so we will really see him earn his corn then. (hopefully)

I think a draw would be considered a good outcome, but one thing for sure, they will provide stiffer opposition than Newcastle.

Kieran Fitzgerald
155 Posted 01/10/2013 at 12:24:31
In lieu of last night's first half performance, I have some questions.

1. With the new and improved style of play, has Tony Marsh's head exploded in confusion yet? We ain't heard from him in ages, shouldn't Michael K or Lyndon send him an email to check he's still alive.

2. Is Richard Dodd now literally six feet off the ground with positive thoughts and happiness Everton about? I hope so.


3. With the quality of our squad being so god right now, does this mean Kev Johnson has dropped completely off our list of transfer targets? I'm gutted for him if it's true, the guy was all lined up to be our saving grace last season. I was going to get his squad number tattooed on the 'lad'. (wife permitting of course)

4.What does Ged's dog Jess think of it all? Their potting shed on match day must be bedlum.

5. Should we even bother to sneer at Moyes anymore? In a weird perverse morbid kind of way, I'm actually starting to feel sorry for him.

Tony J Williams
156 Posted 01/10/2013 at 12:40:46
1 - Marsh has channelled all his excess Moyes hatred into telling us how bad Ossie is.

5 - I don't, he made his bed so he has to lie in it. Always going to be onto a loser with taking over from old whisky nose.

Drew Shortis
157 Posted 01/10/2013 at 12:22:04
I'm gobsmacked that there are Everonians out there moaning about last nights performance. John Malone 693 I must have been watching a different game to you mate. We were sensational right from the kickoff and could have ended the first half with even more goals whilst the opposition never got a sniff. The interplay between Lukaku, Mirallas and Barkley was a joy to watch. The passing was quick, crisp and got us into threatening areas time and again.

Newcastle regrouped at second half and gave it a real go second half, but we kept on playing our game and could have got a fourth and put the game to bed. The goal by Cabaye was a moment of brilliance that is hard to prevent and it gave them something to chase. I thought we looked in control in the second half and did a very professional job, especially Coleman getting forward and defending extremely well. The Remy goal was a bit fortunate as Jagielka slipped over and the ball fell kindly for the striker.

It did get a little nervy after their second, mostly because you never know what can happen in a game and the thought of only getting a point would be so disappointing, but I felt we were as likely to get a fourth as they were to nick a draw. No professional incompetence on display last night!

How anyone could walk away from a pefrormance like that feeling pissed off is beyond my comprehension. Remember, we are still adapting to a new manager, new style of play and new players. It will take time to get to where we want to be, but if we can continue to develop whilst picking up points then the transition will be much smoother than some feared. We should be dreaming of the Champions League, not banging on about becoming Wigan!

Ian Burns
158 Posted 01/10/2013 at 13:01:53
I take my hat off to you Mr. Drew Shortis, this is not only an excellent post but an even better reposte to those who think 3pts; 3 goals; 3 wins and 3 draws with no losses, is simply not good enough.

Tony McNulty
159 Posted 01/10/2013 at 13:22:29
Do we have any goalkeepers amongst our fraternity? (I was never a keeper, in my head I was Jimmy Husband but in reality I was a dirty, useless left back, but that’s another story)

Last night I thought Howard might have been a bit leaden-footed for their first goal. Now I know it would have been tough to save anyway, but he seemed to me to be stuck on his heels when the shot came in. Some vague memory tells me that keepers used to be taught to remain on their toes as much as possible when the opposition were close to the goal. That way they could move more quickly when a short came in.

Any TW keepers with a view on this?

Patrick Carty
160 Posted 01/10/2013 at 13:33:51
Happy days... first half was as good as I have seen us play; second half not as good but we still should've bagged a few. Champions League? Why not. Looking at all the Premier League squads, I think we are as good as any.

Please, Bill, get out your cheque book and sign Barry and Lukaku, push the boat out and get them. I think it's worth getting in to a bit of debt.

Ian Burns
161 Posted 01/10/2013 at 14:28:21
Tony, never a goalkeeper but I played in South Africa and the coach of my team was Roy Bailey, who was Gary Bailey's father and a former Ipswich goalkeeper.

Our goalkeeper had let in a goal and Roy chided him for standing there, with the words "we goalkeepers should always be on our toes and if we can't get to one, we throw ourselves at it even for the wife to take a photo"

Tom Evans
162 Posted 01/10/2013 at 14:19:41
Having watched the goal on the box, I happen to agree with you Tony.

Howard did seem to take an eternity in deciding what to do and by then it was too late. My only offer by way as an explanation is to state that in my opinion the phrase "shot stopper" is apt when describing Tim. By this I mean that he has good fast reactions, but most of his faux pas seem to come from distance when he has time to think about matters.

I will not however subscribe to the fairy story regards his apparent Tourettes and his lack of hand/eye co-ordination. Somebody else can though, if they wish.

Steavey Buckley
163 Posted 01/10/2013 at 14:23:55
Everton did fine last night except for the times when passes were miss hit that set up Newcastle attacks that led to their first goal.

Although Osman still looks too light weight in midfield. But Lukaku appears on last night's performance the finest centre forward Everton have had since Dixie Dean.

Lukaku is strong, tall, pacey and awesome for the opposing defenders to deal with. with an eye for goal. What was Chelsea thinking of, when they loaned him to Everton? At present, they don't have anyone who can score goals from upfront. Their loss, Everton's gain

Richard Dodd
164 Posted 01/10/2013 at 14:32:33
Kieran, Doddy is alive and well and euphoric over last night's performance. In Roberto we have a worthy successor to OFM and someone capable of taking us to new heights.

Forget 'seventhish', we're well on course for 'toppish' and if we can plan ahead to cover January loss of Bainsey and Lukaku's likely 25 goals at end of season, 2013-14 will be recorded as the beginning of a new age of Everton excellence.

And ps: Ossie was splendid last night, throughout!

Brent Stephens
167 Posted 01/10/2013 at 14:48:05
Ossie was splendid indeed.
Mikey Cummins
169 Posted 01/10/2013 at 14:39:41
To be honest, although we dropped off in the 2nd half, think about Ossie's chance, Del-Boy's two runs into the box, Lukaku's wild swipe, and Barkely's mazey run and shot. We had more chances over all than them.

Yes, they had a few attempts but none of them were really clear-cut. Everton were the much better side and all we did was concede a sloppy 2nd goal as their 1st was an absolute pearler! We could have had 6 or 7 last night.

Also IMO Lukaku was gone after 70 mins; Kone on for a bit of pace may have threatened more. But fuck it, we won 3-2 — the first half was worth the money on it's own... and, if Lukaku had timed his runs a fraction earlier, it would have been 5-0 at half time.

Great performance 4th in the league and unbeaten. BRING ON CITY!

Derek Knox
172 Posted 01/10/2013 at 15:45:03
Mikey #894

Good point you had there, regarding Lukaku (as well as a few others) dipping towards the end, and I would liked to have seen Kone on for a cameo of 20 minutes and at least pose a few different problems ( and show us what he is made of) anyway it all turned out well in the end.

I think the City game will be a much tougher challenge, and just hope we can continue our recent form against them, by that I mean, to remain their bogey side. Although, this season, they seem to be in full flow at home.

We will have to adjust too,without Barry, and can Gibbo play the full 90 with being out for so long ? I am not being pessimistic, but a little reserved on this one, and I think a draw could be considered a good outcome, after all we would still be unbeaten.

Tony McNulty
173 Posted 01/10/2013 at 16:09:16
Ian and Tom (8789 and 880),

Thanks for your comments. I guess you are confirming my prejudices (confirmation bias, they call it).

Yet it seems obvious. It is easier to spring quickly if you are on your toes rather than your heels. I think Howard was also on his heels when the second goal went in. However, maybe it is better to be balanced on your heels if you have to save a hard shot hit directly at you.

Graham Mockford
174 Posted 01/10/2013 at 17:13:43
Tony #913

If Tim had been on his toes and sitting on a space hopper on a particularly bouncy trampoline he would have done well to get near it.
Sometimes you just have to accept a great strike.
In the words of one former Evertonian " take a bow son, you don't save those"

Gavin Ramejkis
175 Posted 01/10/2013 at 17:57:42
Tony, similarly to what Ian and Tom have said but from a completely different angle, used to pay a lot of badminton in my younger days and I was always told being up on your toes and moving constantly gave you a much better chance at responding to any shots coming back at you. To me a keeper should be in motion whilst the ball is coming in his direction ready to respond. I thought Howard should have claimed the second way before the guy got his shot in.
Ian Burns
176 Posted 01/10/2013 at 18:17:12
This comment won't go down well in the north west - possibly Chelsea! - but I have often thought goalkeepers should take ballet lessons.

Not to come out in a tutu or to learn to dance but to learn to get off their feet from a standing position.

Not that I've seen a lot of ballet either but what little I have seen, I've always been astonished at the height the guys can leap from the deck.

There I've said - honest I am going for a pint of real ale now!

Tony McNulty
177 Posted 01/10/2013 at 18:30:22
Graham – you’re clearly in awe of that one. I admit that given the swerve at the end, I suppose you have to wonder whether he could have saved it anyway.

Interesting Gav – you do the same playing table tennis, staying on the balls of your feet.

Ian – well the Shite fans did always ask Gordon West as to the whereabouts of his handbag. Regarding Howard, by the looks of him recently he is now wearing a tutu – on his chin.

Graham Mockford
178 Posted 01/10/2013 at 18:30:53
So what we are looking for is a ballet dancing badminton player and preferably one who doesn't shout "push the fuck titwank out lads"?

Jamie Barlow
179 Posted 01/10/2013 at 18:29:29
No keeper would have saved the Cabaye goal. It was a great shot and as Graham says, you just have to give him credit for it. For the second, Howard seems to come for it, then pause as it hits Jagielkas head on the way down. That split moment pause was enough to let Remy in. Bad defending all round really from Distin (ball watching), Jags (not strong enough) and Howard (dithering).

Great game though. Should have been about 8-3. Can't wait till Saturdays shit early kick off.

Ian Burns
180 Posted 01/10/2013 at 18:38:04
I can just see Tim Howard leaping across his goal in a tutu twatting the ball out with a badminton racquet.

My point was actually quite serious, they could take a lesson or two to learn to get off the ground quickly.

My daughter is a dance teacher (contemporary and ballet) and boy can she leap off the deck from a standing position.

No jokes now, it is my daughter here chaps!!

Wayne Smyth
181 Posted 01/10/2013 at 18:32:02
Can't believe some people are complaining. If we were top of the league hadn't conceded a goal, and were playing football of barcelona-like quality, some people would still bitch about something.

I'm also wondering how many of the people moaning are the same people who thought RM would relegate us? I think some just have something against him, no matter what he does.

All I wanted to say has been said above by various people. The time RM has been in charge, our current league position, being unbeaten, the fact 3 of our key first team players have been with the squad less than a month and how RM is trying to blood younger players, implement a new style of play and keep our results reasonable all at once. Not to mention having to endure the turmoil of the transfer window and trying to keep our players focused while OFM was doing his best to derail our season since June.

Honestly, I'd written this season off as one for transition. The fact we're currently competing with teams spending 100's of millions of pounds more than us is simply outstanding. People can moan that we didn't go on to score 4 or 5, but we weren't playing some pub side.

Newcastle have very good players and ambitions of top 6 of their own. We played impressively for most of the match, scored 3 goals and won the match. Be grateful, enjoy the wins and give the manager and players some breathing space before we start laying into them. No doubt there will be opportunity to rightly complain this season, but yesterday was not one of those days.

Tony McNulty
182 Posted 01/10/2013 at 18:59:14
For the rest of my life a 2-2 result will now have a different set of associations.
Graham Mockford
183 Posted 01/10/2013 at 18:57:12
Ian #939

You are actually quite right. Ballet as part of sports conditioning has been around quite a while. It aids flexibility, balance and core strength. It is particularly prevalent in the NFL during close seasons.

That being said neither Nureyev or Nijinsky would have got a hand on Cabaye's effort

Phil Sammon
184 Posted 01/10/2013 at 19:03:12
Ian

Your daughter sounds like every woman I've ever asked out.

I notice Osman taking the plaudits in a few posts above. He had a good game in some respects but I think his presence (or lack of) directly affected the amount Baines got into the game. Osman is a central midfielder and when he's played on the left he does have a tendency to wander inside. Pienaar does the same to some degree, but he will always make the effort to get back out there and offer Baines a route forward.

Not the time to be having a go at any of our players, that's most certainly not my intention, but I can't think of any Everton player who played worse than Osman on the night. Baines maybe? I don't know, they were both decent - I just don't think Osman deserves to be lauded after that performance.

Graham Mockford
185 Posted 01/10/2013 at 19:14:08
Phil,

On the night he was better than Baines, Jagielka, Barry and Mirallas in my view but not as good as Coleman, Barkley or Lukaku.

I don't think he deserves 'lauding'. I think some people just react against the over the top criticism he gets on here. You can set your watch on a Saturday on the forum by 'FFS Osman'. It means the teams have just been announced.

Christopher Kelly
186 Posted 01/10/2013 at 19:05:04
Most of the negativity comes from people who like to piss and moan (probably in most facets of their life)... This is just the beginning and people should enjoy the ride of what looks like a very productive season/coaching tenure. All the Moyes apologists should really put their hand up and agree that change is sometimes a very good thing.

I do think I'm right as are most of us posters on here regarding Osman. 95% of his appearances were overseen by coaches who I don't rate (both are old school coaches who the game has passed them by; and they're proving me right each and every game) . The other 5% are from this year and I guarantee you he will be the first midfielder to be replaced.
If someone can tell me what he does so well that he's irreplaceable, if be happy to listen. Otherwise he just seems a run of the mill midfielder who got lucky playing for a coach who wouldn't drop his favorites.

Laura Haseman
187 Posted 01/10/2013 at 19:25:29
Great touch, good feet, scores a few, works hard for team, often played out of position. More skill and ability than crowd favourite Gibson who is also a good player. No ones saying he's irreplaceable, he just doesn't deserve the shit he gets on here. People were criticising him after three games this season, in which we totally dominated possession. He's always been a twelfth man, utility midfielder. He's a local lad, good pro, gave his whole career to Everton and should be kept in the squad for as long as possible and he should be loved for it!
Denis Richardson
188 Posted 01/10/2013 at 19:24:40
Not sure if the main moaners/criticisers are those still upset at Moyes' departure, RMs appointment or simply so used to moaning under the Moyes years that they find it hard to break the habit now things are going well.

Before you start to criticise, please do two things;

a) keep in mind that no team ever plays the perfect 90 mins and that the oppo normally has some period of dominance,

b) look a tthe league table!

c) if we play well and win, just enjoy it (even if Ossie/Naismith played!)

Early days, but boy do they taste sweet - if only Fergie had retired earlier!

Denis Richardson
189 Posted 01/10/2013 at 19:36:22
make that three! need to lay off the source a bit!
Brent Stephens
190 Posted 01/10/2013 at 19:38:47
Laura #946 yes but apart from all that was does Osman do for us!

Most posters here seem to think Ossie played well last night, not 95% against.

Roberto picking his favourites?!

Raymond Fox
191 Posted 01/10/2013 at 19:29:10
Barkley and Lukaku brought a tear to my eye last night, all the team were awesome, especially 1st half, in the 2nd they tired somewhat, no wonder, if they kept the 1st half display going we'd be odds on to finish Prem. Champs! God knows how it finished 3-2, because we made several good chances in said 2nd half.

Don't forget if Bainesy leaves, which I think he will, more fool him (sorry to bring that up now) we should have about £35m-£40m to spend if BK cooperates!

I thought McCarthy had a good solid game, goes about his job efficiently, not flashy, a similar player to what Alan Ball was in the best Everton side that its been my pleasure to watch.

Well done Roberto, he will have walked the Manager of the Month award for Sept. wont he? Great to be an Evertonian since this guy took over, long may it continue.

Christopher Kelly
192 Posted 01/10/2013 at 19:54:22
I fully agree that Osman should be in the squad, and loved for his commitment, just not in the first team anymore. That's my opinion, and probably RM's as well as he's stated that we will be buying in January to improve a team that's in 4th - I can't think of another starter on our team that needs displacing more than Ossie; every other player seems well and truly stuck in and at or near the peak of their respective careers.

I understand Luka needs replacing as well but we will address that in the summer, same with Barry who will hopefully stay.

At some point we must discuss talent and what the player brings to the team. Not the "true blue effect."

Brent, sorry if my post wasn't clear, 95% of his appearances came under Moyes who as we know, would play his favorites if their legs were broken, cross-eyed and their dog just died (just ask Barkley and Coleman :)

Christopher Kelly
193 Posted 01/10/2013 at 20:14:01
Hear, hear, Raymond. Emotional indeed.
Brendan Connolly
194 Posted 01/10/2013 at 20:17:46
Well said Laura.
Why so many people have to have a "whipping boy" is beyond me.
Unfortunately for Leon, Pip has left and Hibbo isn't getting a game.
Graham Mockford
195 Posted 01/10/2013 at 20:16:36
Christopher Kelly,

You at again making completely unsubstantiated claims.

Firstly, you claim "I guarantee you he will be the first midfielder to be replaced". Then you follow that pearler by claiming you know what Roberto thinks about Osman as a player.

I would prefer to look at the evidence at hand. He has selected an Everton team on six occasions and he has picked Leon every time. Or you could just listen to what he publicly said about him two weeks ago.

“I want the strongest squad we can have and then it’s down to the performances of the players and Leon has been outstanding this season."

He added: “Nobody has a label of what their role is going to be at the club. I don’t sit down at my desk and pick the team – I allow football to make that decision.

“Leon has been fantastic so far and it’s someone else’s job to try and get him out of that position."

So you may not like him but you're going to have get used to him for some time yet.
Richard Dodd
196 Posted 01/10/2013 at 20:23:24
Have to admit life is more exciting under Roberto and I never dreamt I'd say that. Now we moan about why we didn't score more or keep a clean sheet.

The boys in the Freshy (mostly Liverpudlians) say he's Brenda without the mean streak although I think he's very much his own man. He turned the RS down to wait for the Everton job so that makes him a man of great judgement.

We've got a good 'un here, we're aiming for the stars!

Dan Brierley
197 Posted 01/10/2013 at 19:39:11
Results wise, a great start to the season. And I am more than happy that we managed to capitalise on Newcastle playing so poorly in the first half, and put the game just out of their reach. I have never seen such poor defending as our third, Newcastle's first half were truly the worst performance I have seen at GP for some time.

They definitely did come back into it though, when they hit the post early in the second half alarm bells should have been ringing. Howard had no chance with Cabaye's goal, but considering he tried to do the same thing only a few minutes earlier he definitely could have been closed down quicker. That said, if Del Boy would learn how to pass I think we would have been out of sight.

Praise certainly goes to Lukaku, who looked an absolute dream last night. Not just for his goals, but his overall forward play and ability to also pick out passes and bring others into the game. Whats more, is there seems to be the beginnings of understandings between him and Barkley, which is a joy to behold.

But my man of the match was Coleman, who showed his ability to not only put in one heck of a shift on the flank, but he absolutely embarrassed the Newcastle left back. Not only skinning him several times, but also not being beaten by him.

Looking at the teams we have played, I would have hoped to have taken 12 points up to now:

Beat Norwich
Beat West Brom
Draw Cardiff
Draw Chelsea
Draw West Ham
Beat Newcastle

So Martinez is doing a fantastic job in the league up to now. And I agree with Patrick above, I don't see any reason why we should let this slip now. Lukaku is clearly going to be here for a season only, so we have to capitalise while he is here and Europe has to be the target. Anything less, and I personally will be disappointed given the players we currently have, and our league performances up to now. The other teams in the league all look indifferent and shaky, nobody is in a regular rhythm which is going to give even more of a chance than before. We are not the only team going through transition, thats for sure. I think the other teams have bought too many players, and are going to struggle to bed them all in this season. But with that experience under their belt, next season is going to be a lot tougher.

Sean Kelly
198 Posted 01/10/2013 at 20:49:50
Christopher 954

Ossie will need replacing and I'm not his biggest admirer but he gives everything he has. Now who in our squad that's fit would you replace him with? As regards him being the only one that needs replacing, have a look at Jags: he is struggling. Nice lad but not a footballing CB and not captain material. Club captain maybe but not on the pitch — too quiet.

Wayne Smyth
199 Posted 01/10/2013 at 20:57:36
Whenever I watch ossie, he seems to either play a blinder or is shite. One thing I have noticed is that he seems to tire quite a lot and then his play becomes very sloppy; he becomes too easily barged off the ball as when he's knackered he doesn't have the sharpness to get out of trouble.

Over the years I've enjoyed watching him on occasion, but I think his time in the first team is about numbered. If we have a full strength squad I can see Barry, McCarthy and Gibson all ahead of him for the two central midfield berths.

Don't forget that Martinez has been easing McCarthy into the team, and I think if there is a wing spot up for grabs we're going to be more and more likely to see a Pienaar or Deulofeu as the season wears on.

Good player to have on the bench though as he can play right across the middle of the park.

Brent Stephens
200 Posted 01/10/2013 at 21:03:06
Chris I know, you said 95% of his appearances were under coaches you don't rate. My point is that his latest appearances are under another coach - whose judgement you don't rate? So they all got it wrong? The Scottish manager, the England manager, and the Spanish manager?
Harold Matthews
201 Posted 01/10/2013 at 20:57:48
Tony / Tom. You're right. Tim is our best keeper but with time to think, he scares me to death.
Wayne Smyth
202 Posted 01/10/2013 at 21:26:38
Dan, I don't get the negatives towards Deulofeu; and I know its not just what you wrote, but lots of other people seem to have a go at him more than seems entirely justified.

He takes on and beats 3 guys for fun gets into really dangerous positions then people have a go because he has a shot or doesn't play the ideal pass? He was only on for 20 minutes, so its hardly surprising that he's out to impress. He's probably trying too hard like Barkley did last year when he was on the fringes and people were saying he wasn't ready. Deulofeu needs the same thing, some sustained game time in his best position.

In previous games he's fired ball after ball straight across the 6 yard area and no-one went to try to get on the end of it, so its not like he always shoots. His corners and shooting are generally quality, too.

Personally, I'm grateful we have someone at the club capable of taking on and beating 2 or 3 players and waltzing into the box on a regular basis. If it doesn't result in a goal 80% of the time, its still 20% better than what anyone else we have can do, so it seems petty to complain.

Having watched our team over the years pass it sideways with no-one willing to take on the responsibility of having a shot, or taking a player on, I'm actually glad we've got the likes of Deulofeu and Barkley who do want to shoot and do positive things, even when they don't come off.

I'm not saying he can't improve; as its clear he's a work in progress, but he brings something fairly unique to our team in terms of his dribbling ability, pace and directness from wide areas.

Christopher Kelly
203 Posted 01/10/2013 at 21:46:41
Well I do agree that he will be playing until January as Gibson always seems to be hurt and we can't improve our current roster.

I do also agree that every team has to mathematically have a "worst player" and he is ours - even if he is NOT bad, just average.

I don't rate Moyes or Hodgson very highly. Hodgson is older than my Grandfather and Moyes is turning out to be the joke of the season.

I also can't remember RM calling out any of his players publicly throughout his tenure to his credit. Some coaches hang their players out to dry but he isn't one of them. He's always effusive in his praise.

Until Ossie stops giving the ball away too easily, expresses himself to be the 31 year old vice captain he should be, or takes a game by the scruff of the neck a' la Barkley, Barry, Del Boy or Luka, Baines, Mirallas, Coleman or even Pienaar can, then I'll just be waiting patiently for an upgrade in January when we can realize the full potential of this team.

Tony McNulty
204 Posted 01/10/2013 at 22:16:50
Harold (974)

An interesting idea: do the best footballers think or is it instinct?

Best? Bally? Moore? Charlton? Messi? John Bailey?

Definitely a Section B question that one.

Brent Stephens
205 Posted 01/10/2013 at 22:15:52
Chris, given his age, Ossie's day's might be numbered. The future is whatever the future is. But we're talking in this thread about last night's game.

He was our worst player last night?! A guy can have good game but you're still trying to have a pop by arguing he was "our worst"!

And I think you still don't give a reasonable response to the point that he has been one of Roberto's first picks. Tell us, why, if Ossie is so shit compared to others available in the squad, has Roberto been picking him? Do yu think Roberto is a poor judge?

Jim Lloyd
206 Posted 02/10/2013 at 00:09:23
Totally agree Wayne.The reason he's at Goodison, is because Barcelona trusted Martinez to coach him in the right football philosophy.

Those who say he needs to learn how to pass a ball are right. But that is just what he will be doing, so give him time. You seenm to expect him to be the finished article when he is just a kid.He has such talent that he was waltzing through opposing teams for fun, in the junior level and would finish usually with a goal of high quality.

Don't expect him to just switch on to become a senior player in a couple of walk on parts Give him a bit of time. My guess is that after Christmas we will be seeing a version a lot nearer to the finished article and wishing that we could keep him.

Harold Matthews
207 Posted 02/10/2013 at 00:11:05
Tony Mc. Yep. Very interesting point. I used to think Bally was psychic. Behaviour analyst Jon Bailey would no doubt have other theories.

Probably, with all hand/eye co-ordination practices, the more you do it, the better you get, whether it be football, playing the piano, painting or whatever. The geniuses are not only born with the desire and ability to master their craft at a very early age but they also have to be born in the right place at the right time. Let's face it. If George Best had been born in Rome during the Renaissance, he might have slept with the Mona Lisa but he certainly wouldn't have painted her.

Anyway, and I'm only guessing, these guys attain such a mastery of their craft that much of their action is totally instinctive. It has to be. When Lionel Messi beats three men inside the six yard area and nutmegs the goalie, there ain't no time to think.

Where this leaves us with Tim I wouldn't know. His instinctive actions can be truly amazing but, with time to think, he can sometimes do very strange things. Luckily, it hasn't cost us this season and long may his good form continue.

Patrick Murphy
208 Posted 02/10/2013 at 01:49:11
Harold that's a corker: "If George Best had been born in Rome during the Renaissance, he might have slept with the Mona Lisa but he certainly wouldn't have painted her."

He may also have made her smile less enigmatic and she wouldn't have been chosen to pose for that famous painting by Da Vinci. Just think of the consequences Nat King Cole may not have had such a successful career and Alex Young may have been more revered by people outside of the Everton fraternity. The fickle finger of fate strikes again.

Harold Matthews
209 Posted 02/10/2013 at 02:59:36
Yes Patrick, except the universe doesn't do "fickle". It just seems that way.
Bob Parrington
210 Posted 02/10/2013 at 03:46:14
Something that screamed out at me was that 6 of our players showed the willingness and the ability to "take-on" Newcastle players - Lukaku, Barkley, Mirallas, Del boy, Coleman and Baines. Plays with the minds of the opposition defenders and sets up future opportunities in the game. What a difference - School of Science revisited!
Harold Matthews
211 Posted 02/10/2013 at 05:47:22
Bob. It is this exact point that I discussed with Kev Johnson the other day.

In a recent ESPN interview Martinez referred to the influence of maverick coach Marcelo Bielsa. " I learned from the way he opened games up and had players take on their opponents one-on-one."

Not a very safe way to play and we might be in for a few hairy scorelines. Roll on.

Darren Hind
212 Posted 02/10/2013 at 06:25:05
Made up with your post Laura#946.

It takes courage to play good football, to accept the ball in tight situations, to hold it until the right pass is on, you have to take chances . .and if you take chances when your team mates don't/wont, you will get caught in possesion from time to time.

RM is picking Ossie for obvious reasons. He's a footballers footballer

Graham Mockford
213 Posted 02/10/2013 at 08:52:51
Christopher Kelly,

more shite
On what basis do you claim Leon Osman gives the ball away too easily?

His ball retention is the strength of his game, his passing accuracy for the season is 89% which is the equal highest with Leighton Baines. And before we get the response that those passes are short and sideways, the average pass length is 18m.
And forgive me for preferring the opinion of three proven football managers over someone who calls a squad "a roster"

Brian Harrison
214 Posted 02/10/2013 at 09:38:23
I cant think of too many games that we have won that the crowd after the game behaved as if we had dropped points. Obviously trying to play as well in the second half as they had in the first was going to be very difficult, also Newcastle had nothing to lose to throw caution to the wind. My only very small criticism is that when teams are losing against us they tend to push up man to man on our back four knowing we like to play from the back and we need to mix up our play a bit more so as we are not as predictable. There was one occasion on Monday when in the second half when Newcastle had marked our back four and Barry came back to the edge of our box and Howard played the ball to him and put him in trouble when a safer option was to play it long to Lukaku. Lets not forget it was a long clearance to Lukaku that brought us a goal so sometimes it might be the best option.
Thomas Lennon
215 Posted 02/10/2013 at 10:57:38
Thoughts and instinct. Golfers are a good illustration - practice is everything but so is 'switching off thinking' when swinging. I read somewhere a year or two ago that when a golfer is 'in the zone' he is letting his unconscious learned actions dominate - and then he does well.

Once he starts to struggle it is because he is thinking too much about what he is trying to do and effectively switching off his learned actions, allowing unlearned instincts to dominate. In other words he literally forgets everything he has been taught as his lower brain takes over (fight, fright or freeze). Tiger Woods clearly took that to another level too but the principle is the same for footballers - as long as they learn the right actions and are physically capable of carrying them out they have to stop thinking and allow their learned actions to dominate unconsciously. Not easy!

Chris Fisher
216 Posted 02/10/2013 at 11:18:29
'Blues edge game of two halves'
Misleading title that is, you make it sound as though in the second half Newcastle battered us and we were lucky to hang on!!
The fact is in the second half Newcastle were desperate not to get battered like the first half but in truth were extremley lucky that we didnt score again, 3-2 flattered them hugely and 6-2 would of been a fair result. I wouldnt be surprised if Newcastle get relegated as they are awful!! Or at least thats how we made them look.
Drew Shortis
217 Posted 02/10/2013 at 12:42:33
Dan Brierley 969
Good post. I would like to apologise for my final comment on the live forum after the Fulham game. I didn't appreciate my commitment to EFC being questioned and I couldn't agree with the level of negativity being vented, though I shared everyone's disappointment over the result.

The Newcastle game had many similarities to the Fulham one, both being a game of two contrasting halves. The biggest difference against Newcastle was the ruthlessness we showed with our finishing. If one of our second half chances had found the net it would have been a much more comfortable watch.

I though Osman had a good game against Newcastle, but I agree with those who have commented that he should not be a first choice starter. The only change I would make to the current starting eleven would be to put Pienaar out left in place of Osman. Pienaar is also past his best, but his partnership with Baines is fantastic. I'm not bashing Osman, I genuinely like the guy, but with two from Barry, McCarthy and Gibson to pick in the deep roles and three from Mirallas, Barkley, Pienaar and Deulofeu to pick in the attacking three I just can't see how he justifies his place in the team anymore. A very good member of a squad, but for me not a first choice starter.

Ciarán McGlone
218 Posted 02/10/2013 at 14:49:53
89% pass completion rate for the season?

Where you getting this info from?

Irrespective of the veracity of this number - the point being made was that he concedes easily...Normally while he has possession.

Where am I getting this info from? My eyes - and a series of nerve endings connecting them to my brain.

Harold Matthews
219 Posted 02/10/2013 at 14:04:57
All in all, a good start to the season, especially when one considers the three early draws which should have been wins. Like most Evertonians, Mr Martinez will be feeling pretty good right now.

Are we in a false position or not? I honestly haven't a clue. We're certainly ahead of schedule, that's for sure. About four months to be exact. He keeps asking for time and three weeks ago he suggested that Jan into Feb would be the period when " We will become stubborn and win points." I guess that means we'll be hard to beat.

Till then , he says he is learning about players and partnerships and praying for good luck with injuries. The eventual return of Pienaar, Kone and Alcaraz will bolster his options and I imagine he might be swopping Heitinga for another experienced defender in the window, along with a McGeady type winger for the long term. As for a possible Baines move. I don't even want to think about it.

Christopher Kelly
220 Posted 02/10/2013 at 15:04:52
Exactly Ciaran. I don't need stats. As a follower of football for 25 years I believe in my instincts. My eyes. And I/we have been right most of the way. Sure some of you geezers are older than me but this is a young man's game now. Sorry. The best manages are brown haired not gray.

You can talk shit, but your opinion means absolutely nothing having defended Neville so stubbornly for so long. end of. If I was the chairman and you the manager I'd have you sacked within 2 weeks. Maybe 1. Neville in midfield??LOL you're a joke.

Most of what you say makes sense but your reluctancy to change and try something new holds you back as it did DM. I rate the young managers, the ones who see the game for what it is and what it will become. That's why I always backed RM while others moaned and groaned.

Osman is fine. We all get it. Good pro. nice guy, catholic, never goes partying, doesn't cheat on his wife, whatever.

HE'S NOT GOOD ENOUGH. Same as last season, and the season before and the season before that. we just haven't replaced him yet.. He'll be out soon and we can have this same conversation in january...

Same as with Neville, try reaching beyond the minimum. It's good for you to expand your mind and horizons. Nil Satis Optimum. If we keep the same dead ass horses, we will get the same dead as results. Simple right?? He's good, he's safe you say. I say he's our worst starting player

young>old

James Martin
221 Posted 02/10/2013 at 15:46:38
Christopher regardless of my views on Osman, could you answer if young trumps old and Osman is not good enoughf or us then why does Martinez a manager that you clearly rate pick him every time he's fit and against Newcastle seemed to rejig his whole team to accomodate him?

If football was played by what fans see with their own eyes then any muppet could be a manager, just look at the diversity of opinions on here. I thought Fellaini was holding us back for years but then someone buys him for 27. 5 million. Some people think Moyes is useless yet he's the manager of Man United. Clearly eyes lie and see what we want them to see. This is why we have a manager who as well as relying on his own instincts also uses shed loads of data.

Christopher Kelly
222 Posted 02/10/2013 at 15:56:05
1) bc we don't have a full squad.

2) I don't know what "rejig" means but I'm sure he was the least of their concerns.

3) Have you watched Man U this season?? He's a joke. Lets have a beer and watch together how far they've fallen. I promise you we'll have a good laugh :)

Christopher Kelly
223 Posted 02/10/2013 at 16:00:50
They also bought him for £27.5 bc they didn't buy him earlier in the window when they could've had him for £23.. Another misstep for Moyes who nobody wanted to play for. Once all those Spaniards passed, it was back to the Lanky Belgian... Hence the price went up as the window ws closing.. Brilliant move RM.
Ciarán McGlone
224 Posted 02/10/2013 at 16:15:44
James,

Martinez picks Osman every time because he likes his technical ability. He appears to rely on this despite the player's obvious drop off in form at the halfway point during a match.

Just because Martinez does this, doesn't mean it's the only, or the best thing to do. All we can do is analyse what he does. In my opinion we now have better options.

Osman put in a decent performance the other night until he tired badly.. but was kept on... was this the best thing for the team? That, is simply a matter of debate.

James Martin
225 Posted 02/10/2013 at 16:39:53
I agree with your point Ciaran but its not as though Osman is the only player who ever tires. Lukaku and Barkley were absolutely shot by the end of the match. There's been some games that Baines has looked tired throughout the whole 90 minutes because he's been overworked over the course of the season. Football manager seemingly don't like to make substitutions for fatigue, they like to keep one back in case of a late injury and use the other two tactically, they all do it so thed benefits must outweigh leaving a few tired players on the pitch.

Christopher because we odn't have a full squad is hardly an excuse as to why Osman gets picked by Martinez. Perhaps that might wash for the first three games but he played against Chelsea and against Newcastle with only injury keeping him out against West Ham. Martinez could have started Deulofeu Naismith Oviedo or even Gibson rather than Osman against Newcastle but he formulated his team to fit Osman in coming off the wing into a central role. His in game intelligence is very good as is his passing range and close control. He's not going to win many 50 50s or sprint races but then again he's not playing defensive mid so why should that be his game? My eyes, Martinez and Moyes all rate Osman, that's good enough for me.

Christopher Kelly
226 Posted 02/10/2013 at 16:52:51
Listen, I don't think Osman is bad. I just don't think he's that good. Stop ball-washing him. You, me and everyone knows he's not up to standard for a top 4 team. Obviously.

Del Boy is 19 and is in a new league and is publicly taking it "slow", Oviedo is better off the bench, Naismith to me is better fitted for a Sunderland and Gibson to my knowledge was still out injured.

And yet again, Moyes has a recurring problem playing favorites and RM doesn't have any other options yet.

Christopher Kelly
227 Posted 02/10/2013 at 17:03:13
Do you really think RM made a game plan around Leon Osman? Over the world class Lukaku, Barkley, Mirallas and Baines??? Come on wake up.

And let me just add as a whole, tiring is not an excuse. I'm sorry, whether you're 21 (Lukaku) or 31 (Osman) tiring during a once a week game is not acceptable. You are paid millions to be a professional and train 8 hours a day. Fatigue is the Cardinal sin when your only job is to play football as best as possible. Not save lives or fight in a war etc.

Raymond Fox
228 Posted 02/10/2013 at 16:52:58
Ossie certainly divides opinion, personally I have a soft spot for him, but I'm also in the bring him off after 60 mins camp.

As far as some of our players tiring is concerned, they started off at a 100mph and consequently paid the price later in the game.
Bit like an athlete who runs the first part of a race too fast!

It is amazing though, how we can all have totally different opinions after watching the same thing, of course we all think our viewpoint is correct!

Mike Gwyer
229 Posted 02/10/2013 at 17:02:26

Why turn a good performance into an Ossie analysis. Why can't we talk about all the positives that happened, the goals, the passing, the interplay? Why do we look at Mirallas, Barry or Ossie falling flat at the 60 minute mark when we could go mental talking about the first 45 minutes .

Reading the Echo, who are lauding the RS shite about their "next generation" or the BBC who continue the theme and therefore have an article on how brave our neighbours are because they play "the kids". No mention at all about RM playing our youngsters, like Barkley or Coleman, no mention for McCarthy - all players who are going set this season alight.

Goodison park was a joy, it was like a fucking lottery win (I'm guessing), how can any team continue to play like we did in the first half. Impossible - no team can do that. City have been turned over twice this season when they should have had their games rapped up by half time.

We are definitely going places and with the pace and passing that we are currently playing - lets enjoy it.


Dan Brierley
230 Posted 02/10/2013 at 17:13:51
Drew 082, no apology needed mate. It was a frustrating way to go out of the competition regardless of your point of view.

The Newcastle game was improved, but still nervy. But if this is the apparent transition and things are going to get better, I think we will have a great season.

Paul Andrews
231 Posted 02/10/2013 at 17:43:18
Osman is very good technically,great touch and good vision.Fact.

Osman has not got the physical capability to play high tempo football for 90 minutes.Fact.

Jackie Barry
232 Posted 02/10/2013 at 17:47:02
Osman does have the skill, that's for sure, my only problem and it is a huge problem is how easily he gets brushed aside sometimes and also tries too much getting caught out in the process.

On another note I don't like the title of this article it doesn't sound right at all. Overall we were the far superior team and anything else but a victory would have been a travesty.

Kieran Fitzgerald
233 Posted 02/10/2013 at 17:43:34
Mike @154, the RS are always going to be media favourites. Unfortunately it's one of those things we cant rant and rave about but ultimately have to 'suck it up' on.

Look at Villa. They got slated last season for taking an outragous gamble on playing a team full of kids. They got away with it, are paying dividends to some degree with a decent enough start to this season and yet aren't getting a mention. How much of a shout will Southampton get this season for playing their teenagers?

All we can do is get on with it and let the overall team performance speak for itself.

With Ossie, it's a funny one. He's not doing anything wrong apart from getting on in years. We have more options than ever now in his position. Squad rotation may well suit him in that his age is going to start going against him. He may have to accept either or both starting fewer or finishing fewer games.

Drew Shortis
234 Posted 02/10/2013 at 17:51:24
When I saw the lineups I was very pleased to see McCarthy and Barry partnered in the middle and Osman in a more advanced role that suits his skill set much more. I think his best position is as a central attacking midfielder, but with Barkley in such fine form that is not going to happen. At least if he does lose the ball higher up the pitch, which he often does when going for 50-50s, it is less of a liability than if it happens in a deeper position with only the centre backs behind him. I thought he had a good game against Newcastle, but I shudder to think what might have happened if he had played in place of McCarthy and Barry, especially in the second half when their midfield was starting to get an upper hand in the midfield battle.

For me the MoM in the first half was Lukaku, with Barkley just behind. In the second I thought Coleman was immense. He won nearly every battle and kept driving us forward. Its great that we now have two attacking fullbacks who can also defend solidly. If, god forbid, Baines does depart in January I would advocate bringing in Luke Shaw from Southampton. He would come at a premium price, but he has the same kind of qualities as Coleman and would retain that good balance we have at the moment. The remainder of money can then be added to the Fellaini money to get in a top quality striker.

I know we have Lukaku, but he will be gone next season and we want to have someone who is up to speed to take over next year. We look strong in every other area. Also if Lukaku were to get injured I would be a little nervous about our current reserve strikers getting the goals we need. The only flaw with this plan is the current formation were employing. It does seem to work very well and if we had two top strikers one would be relegated to the bench. On the other hand a bit of competition for the number nine jersey might not be a bad thing.

Ged Simpson
235 Posted 02/10/2013 at 19:13:53
Can't do clever analysis.

But met a mate who is a blue for a pint last night.

Despite 2nd half ................we just purred.

Watch 2nd half of season - could be fun

Andy Crooks
236 Posted 02/10/2013 at 19:13:20
Alan Ball played ninety minutes of full commitment in the heat of Mexico 1970. He did it for pride. I expect anyone who pulls on the Everton shirt to do the same for £30k per week plus.
Graham Mockford
237 Posted 02/10/2013 at 19:16:08
Ciaran,

Of course it's about opinions, and statistics are not the holy grail but the facts don't support him giving possession away. Sometimes just using your eyes leaves you open to seeing things through your own prejudices.

I would say his biggest weakness is his physical strength and he doesn't win as many tackles as others but even his stat on that is better than you might imagine.
The site is squawka.com, it's worth a visit. It also shows how poor in possession Naismith is and all our eyes tell us that and the stats support it.
Christopher Kelly, I would struggle to get on one page all the older managers who have been successful but try starting with SAF.

Jamie Barlow
238 Posted 02/10/2013 at 19:46:28
"Listen, I don't think Osman is bad. I just don't think he's that good. Stop ball-washing him. You, me and everyone knows he's not up to standard for a top 4 team. Obviously."

Weird that. Ossie has played every game and we're a top 4 side.

Graham Mockford
239 Posted 02/10/2013 at 20:14:20
Jamie

I keep promising myself I won't reply to his nonsense, but I just can't help it.

Patrick Murphy
240 Posted 02/10/2013 at 20:31:28
Kieran 160 I have noticed that every European week there is a 'story' relating to our neighbours it is a way of keeping themselves on the radar until they re-enter the European fray. I prefer Everton to be low profile to a degree, because it takes the pressure off the players, however, we have had a lot of generally positive press in the last few months, player poaching not withstanding of course.
Mick Davies
241 Posted 02/10/2013 at 21:26:25
Osman should join the SAS. He's sneaked under the radar for years, always guaranteed a game however he plays. He is now seriously out of his depth and at 32 is well past his best (whenever that was). The second half showed how we need 11 strong players on the pitch and as soon as we replace the weakest link our side will be as solid as any in the PL
Brent Stephens
242 Posted 02/10/2013 at 21:35:58
Aye, Jamie. And a top 4 manager keeps picking him. Chris still hasn't suggested why.
Brent Stephens
243 Posted 02/10/2013 at 21:38:46
Strange how a guy can sneak under the manager's radar for over 90 minutes on Monday! Shit manager as well as shit player.
Raymond Fox
244 Posted 02/10/2013 at 22:06:34
As an aside, hands up who thought we'd would be in 4th spot and above Chelsea, Man City and Man Utd after 6 games, certainly not RMs doubters who seem now, to have gone to ground!
Tony Marsh
245 Posted 02/10/2013 at 22:01:27
Regardless of how some perceive McCarthy, Osman, Kone or Martinez himself, none can deny we are now proper football team. We are exciting and attractive to watch and play a smooth cohesive style of football that we have been starved off for decades. Gone is the negative mindset, the defeatist attitude, the defensive ethos — replaced by a brand we can be proud of.

Instead of moaning about RM's signings, our fans should be jumping for joy we have such a positive manager who has swept away 11 years of turgid stale shite in a matter of weeks. There is no way Moyes would'VE attracted Lukaku or Del-Boy to Goodison Park. McCarthy is a fine player who will improve under RM, I mean just look at our former Moyes bench warmer, Barkley, since Roberto weaved his magic.

This is the best Everton side I have seen for what seems like a million years, we are 4th in the table, unbeaten, play great stuff, have pacey skillful exciting players, and have rid our selves of Moyes — the most anti-football negative vibe merchant on the planet... and yet some still moan...

Christopher Kelly
246 Posted 03/10/2013 at 08:19:46
http://www.transfermarkt.com/en/leon-osman/profil/spieler_3620.html

his market value is 4,000,000. Less than Anichebe. It kills me to say it, but not too many others rate him either.

Christopher Kelly
247 Posted 03/10/2013 at 08:29:43
Oh, and sorry, that was euro's. £3.2m. WOW. I think I'm worth more as I get about 10 goals a season in my pub league.
Brent Stephens
248 Posted 03/10/2013 at 08:50:44
But, Chris, I see you still can't answer why Roberto has been picking him. Avoidance behaviour.
Kev Johnson
249 Posted 03/10/2013 at 09:04:57
Tony (221) - can you tell me what the difference is between someone "moaning" and someone "offering legitimate criticism"? Because it seems to me that too often on this site people use one phrase to describe those who agree with them, and the other to describe those who disagree with them.
Brent Stephens
250 Posted 03/10/2013 at 09:27:47
Chris, looking further at your source for market values, it says (all in Euros):
Osman 4m
Distin 1m
Gibson 4m
Coleman 6m
Kone 5m
etc

So on that basis Distin (1m!) is so much worse than Ossie, Gibson as good as, Coleman not that much better, Kone even less so. And so on

Surely a big factor in market values, Chris, is a player's age. And time left on contract (I don't know what's left on Ossies).

On that basis Distin is about our worst player!

Ciarán McGlone
251 Posted 03/10/2013 at 12:58:56
Graham,

Again I'll ask you - what stats don't support the suggestion that Osman concedes?

You've provided a pass completion stat (and I've had a look at Squawka - and frankly I think it's made up by some kid in his bedroom) - a pass completion stat IS NOT a possession conceded stat...There's a subtle but all so relevant difference.

P.S according to Squawka Stones has a 0% pass completion record..

Stats EH!

Pat Waine
252 Posted 03/10/2013 at 12:59:11
I don't agree with the heading "edged it". We didn't edge it we were murdering Newcastle and could have had 7 by half-time with a bit of luck.

Get your money on Lukaku to score his first hat-trick against Hull. On Osman, I think he is a fine player with great skill. He may lack a bit of pace but he has great feet and a good brain.

We have most of the ingredients to take Everton forward. I would like a big competitive midfielder – Fer would have fitted the bill or that guy we were chasing, Ferdinand. I just think with all the ball players we need a muscle man to protect them.

Graham Mockford
253 Posted 03/10/2013 at 15:02:33
Ciaran,

Don't see why it is hard to understand that when you complete a pass you retain possession and when you don't complete a pass you concede possession. You may also concede possession in a tackle or when in possession of the ball. That's the average duels won statistic which without looking Leon was at 58%.

I see you don't like statistics in an old school sort of way but although they don't tell the whole story they are useful which is why clubs use them.

Bit harsh on Squawka, I'd like to meet the schoolboy in his bedroom who can compile statistics for every minute of every game in every major league in Europe. But I know your arguing style is attack is the best form of defense.

Graham Mockford
254 Posted 03/10/2013 at 15:13:30
Oh and the reason Stones has a 0% pass stat is he has had about 5mins of PL football and has not actually made a pass.
James Martin
255 Posted 03/10/2013 at 15:30:42
Graham I've seen games where Osman has absolutely ran the show for us, kept us ticking over in midfield threaded through the balls for goals, made tackles and looked the best player on the pitch. The stats then back this up showing he had the best pass completion made the most key passes won more tackles. After the game people still come out with the old tired 'I didn't even know Osman was playing' 'he did nothing but give the ball away' 'it was like playing with 10 men' 'he's not good enough for a top 6 team - we can't carry him and expect to stay in the top 6' (despite the fact he's been playing for one for the best part of his career).

People have views on him that are unshakeable, you will never change their minds, Graham, he could score a hattrick and they'd only notice the one shot he mis-hit. Don't waste your time Graham, I've wasted enough of it on here defending him. At the match people still chant his name and know the value of him and so do successive managers.

Brent Stephens
256 Posted 03/10/2013 at 18:43:48
Agree with all that, James. And, so, on to the next game. Enjoy.
Gary Poole
257 Posted 03/10/2013 at 18:53:04
James - completely agree with everything that you have said re.Osman. It seems that there is a section of supporters, at every club, who have to have a scapegoat who then becomes responsible for almost every mistake that's made during a games.

And you're right - debating the issue is like banging your head against the proverbial brick wall. You'll feel better when you stop.

Brent Stephens
258 Posted 03/10/2013 at 18:43:48
Agree with all that, James. And, so, on to the next game. Enjoy.
Ross Edwards
259 Posted 03/10/2013 at 20:10:48
"absolutely shameful complacent sloppy second half "

A, it wasn't shameful, B, we switched off, obviously it was 3-0, and C, the Barcodes had a good go.

I don't know what part of that half was shameful to be honest.

I don't think we look like a team that had no penetration whatsoever, as one contributor said after one performance, despite 22 shots on goal that day.

We had 18 shots on Monday, but we had a clinical finisher like Lukaku to take our chances, whereas against WBA, we had Jelavic.

Bit of a difference there isn't there?

Bob Parrington
260 Posted 04/10/2013 at 01:04:17
Ciaran #130
"He appears .......... despite the player's obvious drop off in form at the halfway point during a match."

I have thought the same for quite a while and just not put it in to words. Good observation and succinctly stated.


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