Everton 0 - 2 Sunderland
The penultimate game of the season at Goodison Park and Roberto Martinez named a strong side with Osman and Barkley back in the starting XI. It was something of a scrappy start as Everton looked to kick off with the required intensity, a number of players trying to get forward passes in play, but it was Sunderland who almost got behind the blues when Stones failed to clear on the stretch.
Sunderland were determined to defend solidly and the Blues needed to be inventive to create their first chance, Osman curling his shot just wide in a crowded area. In the next attack, Defoe fouled Baines wide left and the Everton player curled in the set piece to the far post but with too much pace and height for Stones.
A lovely ball over the top from Osman seemed to fall perfectly for Lukaku but the big man maddeningly failed to attack the ball allowing Pantilimon to intercept it. Osman followed up with a weaker shot that went wide.
Everton were dominating possession and eventually got behind Sunderland when McCarthy played a great ball for Coleman to run on to but the cross did not find Lukaku who had three defenders in attendance and Barkley could not strike the follow-up properly.
A lot of midfield possession and slow build-up saw Osman finally cross after a sequence of intricate passing but again the ball evaded any Blue shirts and Sunderland had a spell of attacking that saw Defoe lash in a shot which flew off Wickham. Off a throw-in, it was Wickham who turned and fired well wide of Howard's far post with little pressure on him from the Everton defenders.
Some slick passing down the right on the half-hour produced Everton's second corner that was delivered in nicely to Barry who was well marked by Graham. Then, a lovely move featuring Lennon should have been another corner as Osman's shot was blocked wide.
Sunderland were defending deep, and making it as difficult as they could for Everton to structure an attack that would produce anything like a decent chance for the increasingly frustrated Blues. Osman almost got the ball through to Lennon but the space was quickly closed down.
Coleman won another corner down the right that Baines flicked off the first defender to the far post but it was too crowded for a clean header. Another corner from the other side but this one also found a defender and was cleared.
After some very patient passing around, Osman saw an opportunity to play in Lukaku who once again could not dominate a glorious opportunity, playing his first touch just too far ahead and Osman, set up with a brilliant chance to power home, fired in a shot that was slightly deflected straight to Pantilimon. Brown was carded for his foul in the move.
Barkley found Lukaku in the are but Jones was too tight on him for for the turn and the big man could not dig it out, summing up Everton's frustration in a first half they dominated with some good if at times too patient build-up play against the Sunderland parked bus.
Barclay's annoying tendency to return forward balls straight back put Everton under early and unwanted pressure early in the second half but Coleman took the ball in the right direction, to win a corner that Osman tried to get to Barry, winning another corner. This one headed in by Jagielka and Lukau redirected it wide when it seemed easier to score. Jagielka headed the next one in, but it was deflected just beyond the angle. Five corners in all before Everton mounted a more conventional attack that... won yet another corner. This one picked out Lukaku perfectly but a dreadful attempt to head it saw the ball fly off his shoulder.
At the other end, Graham could not control a hard ball driven in by Larsson, but in the next lively attack, Sunderland plundered the ugliest goal imaginable, Gomez powering in a shot and Graham sticking out a leg that caught the ball and sent it careening off the ground, up beyond Howard and in off the post. Unbelievable, and yet almost too predictable.
Cattermole took out McCarthy as Mirallas was readied to come on, Baines curling in a good delivery that Osman headed wide with Lukaku failing to get a second bite of the cherry. Barry gave way for Mirallas.
The Blue shirts seemed to be getting better penetration in into the Sunderland area but strange decision-making and a lack of ideas to penetrate some obdurate defending, with the corner count getting into double figures without end product saw the Blues continually frustrated. Coleman did some clever keepie uppies to create a shot that flew wide with almost every attempt blocked or deflected.
When Everton broke from Sunderland's first corner, McCarthy's ball to Lennon was too high and hard for him to control and the chance was gone.
Yet another Everton corner, taken by Mirallas, came to nothing. McCarthy then lashed in a great shot that finally got through the forest of red and white shirts but smacked off the face of the post. Luke Garbutt came on to replace Baines, who had picked up a knock.
A nice move through the middle found Lukaku well offside and he still couldn't finish. The Blues kept probing away,hoping that something would break for them. Lennon got free of Brown but could not profit as lukaku continued to demonstrate the most bizarre of first touches. He did cross in to Coleman who seemed to go down off Defoe's trip but no real penalty shout, and then fire in at Pantilimon, but given the service he ad often failed to see this season, all the big man's faults and limitations were on full display
After sustained Everton pressure for almost the entire second half, it was Keystone Cops in the Everton area, Fletcher falling over before Johnson's wayward shot came off Coleman and then Defoe to bounce behind Howard and underline a dreadful, dreadful result for Everton.
To underline the desperation, McGeady came on for Lennon, who had been less effective, to run around as Everton continued to try and score but they simply didn't have the guile to beat a thoroughly entrenched Sunderland side.
Scorers: Graham (53′), Defoe (85′)
Everton: Howard, Coleman, Stones, Jagielka, Baines (74' Garbutt), McCarthy, Barry (62' Mirallas), Lennon (87' McGeady), Barkley, Osman, Lukaku. Subs not Used: Robles, Besic,Naismith, Kone.
Sunderland: Pantilimon, Jones, Coates, Brown [Y:42'], van Aanholt, Larsson (84' Bridcutt), Cattermole, Gomez [Y:62'], Wickham (84' Fletcher), Graham (73' Johnson), Defoe [Y:66']. Subs not Used: Mannone, Reveillere, Vergini, Buckley.
Referee: Lee Probert
Attendance: 38,246
Reader Comments (192)
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5 Posted 09/05/2015 at 14:40:17
6 Posted 09/05/2015 at 14:40:53
Football is unpredictable and results like this happen from time to time. Who can make his players score goals? Sunderland were very, very lucky!
7 Posted 09/05/2015 at 14:38:55
We lost that game because of the officials. Wickham was overly aggressive and the ref just ignored it. Defoe should have seen red for the trip on on Coleman and it was a handball for their second goal. But Stones was tripped in the build up.
Even my missus, who knows little about football, was pointing out the ref was dodgy. Is this a BT sport thing? Are the PL manipulating results to get rid of the bar code embarrassment? Something is rotten in Denmark.
8 Posted 09/05/2015 at 14:45:02
9 Posted 09/05/2015 at 14:38:16
And yet again it shows how easy we are to play against.. WeÂre just incapable of beating relegation fodder like this who put 10 men behind the ball. 15 corners, 73% possession, whatever it was is irrelevant. We could have carried on playing for the whole afternoon and we still wouldnÂt have scored.
All you need to do against Everton is stick 10 men behind the ball and break. Sunderland did that and scored twice. We just faffed around for 90 minutes wasting shit corner after shit corner with endless tippy tapping that was defended easily by Sunderland.
There was no Plan B again. And as for the ÂMartinez, heÂs learnt argument weÂve heard for the past few weeks, he clearly hasnÂt. WeÂve reverted back to type.
10 Posted 09/05/2015 at 14:41:22
The next bit of business would be to take the first 㿈 million pound bid you can get for Lukaku – he is a waste of space.
Surely the board cannot look at the present situation with much confidence for the future..
11 Posted 09/05/2015 at 14:45:18
One last point: CÂmon West Brom!
12 Posted 09/05/2015 at 14:48:49
Two fluke goals, one clear handball, clear penalty denied.
A very encouraging performance for me.
13 Posted 09/05/2015 at 14:46:41
I also agree with somebody who said that Barkley has gone backward in his development and looks more like the rabbit in the headlights player he did when he first broke into the first-team.
I thought the attitude today was far better but in the first-half Sunderland looked a terrible outfit and should have been blown away, but unfortunately we had Âone of those days which hasnÂt always been the case this season.
I donÂt think Martinez is the answer and I donÂt expect him to do any better next season, but I donÂt see how he can be blamed for todayÂs efforts either.
14 Posted 09/05/2015 at 14:55:33
15 Posted 09/05/2015 at 14:54:17
Martinez should have read the riot act at half time, but doesnÂt have the motivational skills so yes, we can blame him. Come on BK, get rid of this clown NOW!
16 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:01:17
1. Lukaku – what is the point of him??? Absolutely nothing from him today. Can't head, canÂt pass... canÂt hold the ball – and doesnÂt work hard. I would have either tried Mirallas up top like for Belgium at the World Cup or Naismith for 60 mins as at least he works hard.
2. Barkley and Osman both produced nothing today.
3. Organisation in defence – there was none and the Sunderland goals came easy.
We need to do something drastic this summer.
17 Posted 09/05/2015 at 14:58:18
Disgraceful against a poor team. Utterly disinterested Everton and I do blame the manager because he is incapable of motivation. This is not an isolated scenario as he cannot beat lesser teams.
Lots of chances created by Everton but yet again their keeper did not have a serious save to make (hitting the post is a shot off target – as we always pointed out to the RS).
Same old, same old hard luck story getting beat against teams we were supposedly better than in the game. Well to those satisfied with that, they scored two, we scored none. When that keeps happening, it is not bad luck but a pattern.
Martinez Out!!
18 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:01:52
For those of us that remember it, we are very fortunate and I feel so terribly sorry for all Blues under 40 as, under this regime and manager, we are a very long way from getting anywhere near the joy that the 1985 side gave us.
19 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:09:57
20 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:04:20
21 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:09:15
Never mind KITAP1 – MartinezÂs master plan is "pass it round and hope something happens." That is why we look better against teams who are better than us because all we can do is play on the counter.
This is the most boring Everton side I have seen since the late 90s. Our keeper is a clown, the defense only turns up one game out of two, the midfield canÂt pass forward, and our striker is abysmal.
23 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:14:56
24 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:16:26
These men deserved better and any other club with history like ours would have treated the men and the crowd to a proper show of respect.
25 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:20:53
26 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:21:57
Everton boss Roberto Martinez to BBC Sport:
"We knew it would be difficult but I thought we completely controlled the game. You have to score goals when you are so dominant. That gives you the game. Sunderland had great belief, were waiting for their opportunity. The first goal is an unfortunate deflection, the same with the other goal.
"The downfall of our performance is we couldnÂt take any of the chances we created. Goals are the difference.
"In terms of the effort and the attempts, we tried our best to create something that could give us a goal. If we play that game 10 times, we will win it nine times."
27 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:04:26
We had the lion's share of possession and made half-a-dozen odd decent chances but couldnÂt take them. Lukaku being guilty of missing a few.
Penalty shout was a decent one but I would have been unhappy had that been given against us to be fair. In real time it didnÂt look like a pen to me. Still itÂs very disappointing that with 70%+ possession and 16 odd corners we couldnÂt get a goal against one of the poorest sides in the league. Martinez take note – possession does not mean anything if you canÂt score..
Conclusion – just one of those strange games that happens. Had it been a one-off, I could live with it but it just gets added to this pathetic season thatÂs finally coming to an end. WeÂve ended the goal drought of so many strikers and teams this season, itÂs ridiculous.
There is a decent striker in Lukaku somewhere, just wish it would come out. This game shows we need an another striker as competition and back up and a creative CM who can help to unlock defences who come to park the bus – for whatever reason that creative CM is not young Ross at this time. With Osman and Pienaar approaching their career ends, the manager better have a CM as one of his top priorities next season.
So, two games left and realistically only 10th place to aim for although West Ham away will not be an easy game. I believe we will probably finish where we are now, 11th. Stoke just taken the lead against Spurs so 10th looking a pipe dream right now.
The two bookings also wonÂt help for fair play, and that is really the only tiny thing we can cling onto.
Roll on next season. So much time wasted watching Everton this season with no joy – why do we even bother.
29 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:21:44
30 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:19:02
I may be a mad Evertonian but IÂm not stupid; this is the worst performing Everton team I have ever seen – not playing staff-wise but certainly performance-wise.
I don't think I have sat through as much dross during one season. Martinez just doesnÂt do running football, itÂs walking football, pre-season training session football.
No more for me.
31 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:14:24
32 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:16:05
33 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:13:07
While we did play some decent joined up stuff today, a pattern has emerged. Lots of poor teams getting a result at Goodison where we havenÂt been able to break them down. 14 defeats already this season.
I hope we can shake off the malaise before next season... as it could be another long one!
34 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:19:28
A work ethic and will to win is the absolute minimum I expect from my football team – IÂm in agreement with the Newcastle fans last week. We have better players than most teams but they stroll through games under Martinez. We still seem to think we only have to turn up.
However flukey the finish for the first goal was, it was another mistake due to poor concentration and poor decision-making from Stones. A great raw talent – both of these flaws in his game could be coached out of him but clearly not by this regime. I fear we will only see what John Stones will achieve as a footballer when he gets polished by another club.
35 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:10:53
A good performance every 6 months is not good enough for me. We should be beating teams like Aston Villa and Sunderland. And it is the manager's fault. No-one else.
Do people really think that Martinez will do anything at Everton next season? In fact, I fear for Everton next season. I fear that we will be scrabbling for points at the bottom half of the league. And I donÂt think that Martinez will ever reach the heady heights of last season. It is criminal that he never managed to build on that. And I donÂt believe in second season syndrome. That IMO is nonsense.
The fact that we missed chances today means nothing. We still lost the game. We have lost far too many games. I really am gutted today. It is lucky that we are safe. Very lucky. So once again, well said Joe. Martinez Out!
36 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:31:13
I donÂt agree that Sunderland worked harder than us either. They defended more than us but they had to, didnÂt they?
37 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:26:40
A 㿈m striker who takes 4-5 seconds to get the ball controlled and canÂt get a free header on target? A winger who in 90 minutes canÂt plant a cross on head of said striker? A manager who has to play 2 defensive midfielders against a relegation candidate side? An ageing DM who keeps giving the ball away?
The players need to do a lap of apology next game.
Everton are so dull to watch these days. IÂm watching rugby league in future.
38 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:29:31
Coleman was my MotM closely followed by McCarthy. Losing at home against a struggling Sunderland team in consecutive seasons is not good enough.
39 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:34:36
Yes, we started okay and had one or two moments but itÂs the same ponderousness and lack of drive which are affecting us. Lukaku remains awful as does Barry and I am sorry to say that Barkley, whom I have consistently supported, is starting to look a lost cause.
A great deal of work needs to be done if next season is not going to be another big struggle.
40 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:36:43
Stoke City....Home and away
Sunderland...Home and away
Leicester...Home and away
So Roberto thinks if we played this game again 9 times out of 10 we would win it???
Really Roberto??
How come we didnÂt win home or away against any of the above mentioned teams??
CanÂt motivate them mate!!
41 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:40:01
42 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:25:29
43 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:41:40
WeÂve dropped 5 points against Sunderland this season in 2 games that we should've won. IÂve never seen an Everton team look so happy to lose games. How many times in the game did we get into go positions and waste it?
Sunderland showed us that you need to play fancy football to win matches – you just need to create chances and take them.
44 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:25:44
Sadly fans pay the 𧺬 season ticket, petrol, and club merchandise. Fans pay thousands and go without. If the manager canÂt get them up for a game v Sunderland at home... time to go!
I just hope fans are not basing their renewal of a season ticket on todayÂs game! I don,Ât see the style or pace of football changing under this manager. He has his beliefs and he is sticking to them!
45 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:30:28
46 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:33:23
Not much hair left now as itÂs been mostly pulled out watching Everton.
As for the manager, I think itÂs best that he goes. Said it before, will say it again: it has to be Bilic for me. Surely it canÂt be any worse than this turgid dross, week-in & week-out.
RM out asap!
47 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:50:36
Barkley is and has been outperformed lately by Charlie Adam. As for Rom...??? Fair enough, no service... but the lad canÂt do the basics.
Martinez, I wouldnÂt trust him to run a Sunday league team, clueless and no passion.
We seem to have or hear the same thing after every game this season "not good enough" or "canÂt get any worse" or "no end product and littered with defensive mistakes".
I canÂt see how this will get any better between now and August unless we get Messi, Iniesta, and a couple of proper old fashioned centre halves who defend first and foremost. Failing that, a new manager would do me nicely.
48 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:53:50
As I pointed out at the time, the performance against Man Utd was a one off, and down to the players ignoring Martinez.
49 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:52:39
We didn't play terribly today but after 30 mins I thought "This is gonna be one of those days." Then they got the goal and that was it for me.
It was almost like we were playing with 10 men as well, Lukaku was that bad... hopefully heÂll want a move in the summer and we get 㿊 million [*chuckle*] but do we trust Martinez with that money?
It's a bleak summer ahead in my opinion, after all we only need 2 or 3 non glamorous signings according to Martinez....
50 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:57:52
This man will destroy our club and fuck off with the speed at which he fucked Wigan.
He is an arrogant, shameless nonentity who should have been sacked months ago. Is he the best we can get?
51 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:57:58
I've always supported Martinez but patience is getting very thin.
52 Posted 09/05/2015 at 16:07:09
53 Posted 09/05/2015 at 16:02:43
54 Posted 09/05/2015 at 16:09:26
55 Posted 09/05/2015 at 16:05:14
Virtually every half decent CB he comes up against out jumps and out muscles him. He makes hardly any decent runs, and he canÂt hold the ball up. A 㿈M sack of uselessness.
If RM intends to do anything next season, Europa or not, we need a proper striker. We had enough opportunities to score 3 or 4 goals today but nobody to take those opportunities.
Get rid of Lukaku and let some other club mollycoddle him and sooth his furrowed brow because heÂs doing nothing for us at all.
56 Posted 09/05/2015 at 16:09:10
I despair watching us under RM, he continually goes on about how great Barkley and Lukaku are, but in truth both are very very average players. Lukaku I believe hasnÂt scored a league goal in open play since 3 December 2014, and Barkley’s goals are as rare as hen’s teeth. So our strike force which started this game was a strike force with hardly any league goals between them.
And today I think we saw the real Lennon – a lot of running around but created nothing – and his goal tally throughout his career is pitiful. So maybe we shouldn’t be surprised in our lack of goals.
58 Posted 09/05/2015 at 16:20:13
59 Posted 09/05/2015 at 16:27:29
I watched Martinez today and he is clueless. Every time he ventured to the byline, it was the same half-daft signal, index fingers of each hand in some line or other. Not sure what it means but he did it in the first minute and he did it in the last minute. Maybe it's some Masonic thing.
Our play is so predictable it's phenomenal. I booed at the end and bollocks to anyone who says itÂs wrong !
60 Posted 09/05/2015 at 15:55:40
Lukaku needs a pair of specs.
Not sure what to make of it. We played some nice stuff but created little against a brave, packed defence.
61 Posted 09/05/2015 at 16:18:17
I ask you. What chance do we have? The entire football community will be pissing themselves watching us on MotD... Yet weÂve got people telling us they are "encouraged"?!?
Maybe you do get the team you deserve after all...
62 Posted 09/05/2015 at 16:30:42
Positives from what I saw: we played pretty well, Barkley was looking for the forward pass most of the time, Coleman played like the player he was last season.
Now the two goals are as jammy as you will see, Graham looked to be trying to get out of the way of the shot he deflected in and Stones was fouled in the box and Defoe handled (not to mention he should have been off for the trip on Coleman).
Just one of those days and part of me is smiling as it’s one more nail in the Newcastle coffin!
Oh and the ref today well, the less said the better on that!
63 Posted 09/05/2015 at 16:31:52
64 Posted 09/05/2015 at 16:32:11
A season for all to wipe from the memory bank.
Roll on next season.
65 Posted 09/05/2015 at 16:32:08
Sorry, IÂve just heard the coach on final score and need to vomit.
66 Posted 09/05/2015 at 16:31:10
However todayÂs result was down to some very bad luck as can happen in football. CanÂt wait for the season to end.
I normally dread the pre-season as generally I fear our best players could potentially be sold but to be honest there are none of the team who are irreplaceable! IÂve been making excuses and hoping Ross Barkley comes good but the realisation has hit me that he probably wonÂt! Maybe time to cash in before everyone else realises?!
Lukaku has a good scoring record on paper but we all watch him every week and the truth is heÂs not that good either and heÂs under the misapprehension that heÂs doing us a big favour playing for us! WouldnÂt lose too much sleep if he went as long as we got our money back!
Mirallas is a mercenary and can go! I like McCarthy very much but is he irreplaceable?! Baines? Coleman? IÂm not advocating selling all these players but I donÂt have my normal fear of players leaving!
Frustrating season – where do we go from here?
67 Posted 09/05/2015 at 16:40:32
A 㿈m striker who takes 4-5 seconds to get the ball controlled and canÂt get a free header on target? A winger who in 90 minutes canÂt plant a cross on head of said striker? A manager who has to play 2 defensive midfielders against a relegation candidate side? An ageing DM who keeps giving the ball away?
The players need to do a lap of apology next game.
Everton are so dull to watch these days. IÂm watching rugby league in future.
68 Posted 09/05/2015 at 16:17:47
IÂm seriously thinking of not renewing our season tickets and just picking my games next season because I really donÂt know how much more of this dross I can take. We lack flair guile and pace we havenÂt got a schemer who can put a ball through the eye of a needle... although, to be fair, Osman had a good first half today – but disappeared in the 2nd.
I really thought this season would be the one for Barkley. How wrong was I? I've defended the kid constantly. I canÂt no more... his decision-making is atrocious and has gone so far backwards it's untrue.
And as for "IÂd have paid a 𧴜 million for him" Lukaku... what a waste of space. Yes, the service into him is poor at times but his overall game is lacking terribly. Awful first touch, canÂt read the line, and looks like heÂs got his boots on the wrong feet. If someone really is gullible enough to give us our money back, youÂd have to snap their hands off.
I see someone said the board should have a short list ready in case the Spaniard gets the tin-tack after 8 games; admirable words... Unfortunately, our board donÂt do contingency plans. and thereÂs not a prayer he'll be sacked – no chance. WeÂre stuck with the fucking moron whether we like it or not. IÂd love it to happen – I really would – but just canÂt see it.
I canÂt wait to see the summer signings. This has been the worst season football-wise since the Walker days – and thatÂs saying something!!
69 Posted 09/05/2015 at 16:24:29
As for Barkley being sold for 㿔 million or Lukaku for 㿏 million. Take the money with a new manager, fresh blood all round!
Never a big Moyes fan but he would have never let them play with no desire! Need a manager to put back the desire playing for Everton FC!
Players this season, donÂt look too bothered, win or lose!
70 Posted 09/05/2015 at 16:39:23
That side today, even allowing for the position weÂre in, looked directionless and it will need much more than a few signings to improve it. It needs a change of heart and spirit, very quickly indeed, and I donÂt think RM has it in him. More importantly, I donÂt think the players do either.
72 Posted 09/05/2015 at 16:39:49
Paul #12 " a very encouraging performance". Sorry mate but IÂm really struggling to see any positives in such a limp, toothless and passionless display.
73 Posted 09/05/2015 at 16:44:12
IÂm having a debate with my dad, I say it was the horrendous 2003-04 season but heÂs saying 1997-98.
It has to be one of the seasons where we were in a relegation battle... right?
74 Posted 09/05/2015 at 16:32:10
Get help, Ross.
75 Posted 09/05/2015 at 16:15:17
Equally sadly, it being obvious that BK either doesnÂt read or just doesnÂt care what supporters think or say on forums like this and others, it appears to me that the only way he will ever listen is if the supporters vote with their feet and stay away from Goodison until Martinez is gone. After all, weÂre not missing much are we?
A few sub 20k attendances might just make him realise that the fans have had enough.
76 Posted 09/05/2015 at 16:51:17
77 Posted 09/05/2015 at 16:54:12
78 Posted 09/05/2015 at 16:57:44
80 Posted 09/05/2015 at 17:07:04
81 Posted 09/05/2015 at 16:53:31
As for the second goal, errors by Stones and by Garbutt. He is standing behind Defoe watching. Why is he not goalside? There was no other Sunderland player to mark and he became a spectator. This is basic defending and he again cannot seem to be bothered to do it. Maybe he thought he was still on the bench.
83 Posted 09/05/2015 at 17:02:02
Everton cannot afford to have the fans not on board as they play such a huge part in the fortunes of the club and the negativity towards Martinez will (if it hasnÂt already) adversely affect the performances of the players.
IÂm not blaming the fans for the poor performances of the team, but we could easily find ourselves in a crisis situation come the Autumn and personally I think a fresh start before the transfer window opens would be the best thing for the club and indeed for Martinez.
84 Posted 09/05/2015 at 17:01:52
A top manager has to have the ability to at least motivate the players before they go a goal down. The only change I saw today was how quickly he brought on Mirallas instead of waiting for the 75th min.
86 Posted 09/05/2015 at 17:14:27
Then there are an increasing number of Âdivisive influences in the dressing room. Difficult players, or obstinate hopeless manager? I know which option I would choose.
Keep this guy in post, and our era of Premier League football will definitely come to a close.
87 Posted 09/05/2015 at 16:58:54
The answer is No. We played the first half at a slow tempo, and always looked shakey at the first hint of a Sunderland break. Jags and Stones were getting in a muddle, just like at Villa, and Barry was coming deep to pick the ball up. We were easy to defend against.
In fairness, we did play better football in the second half and some nice interplay should have got us a goal or two, and Coleman was super. However, we defended poorly for both of the goals, too much indecision from Stones, Coleman... and what was Howard doing? Am I being unfair? But donÂt other goalies save those deflected shots travelling at low speed?
The biggest reason for our loss was the hopless performance of our lumbering great sloth of a striker. Poor heading, poor decision-making, poor shooting and poor movement. Every time a team-mate had the ball in the final third he could be seen pointing to where he wanted it. This action was repeated whenever someone else had a shot.
He stood often static waiting for crosses. It was absolutely awful, and I hope we sell him in the summer. Get in a player who can do the basics, and is mobile. Gomis at Swansea showed what a real centre-forward should do.
One more thing: 22 shots, only 4 on target and 15 corners that nobody got on the end of.
It sums up our whole pathetic season really.
Oh, and is it just a coincidence, but it seems that Lennon has gone shit just as it has been mooted that he is going to be too expensive for us! I wonder?
88 Posted 09/05/2015 at 17:04:18
Sometimes, when a situation is not working, the only positive thing is to change it . There are no guarantees but the chances of improving are better than same old, same old, same old... The trouble is, it is the club that is unravelling before our eyes and in our situation the teamÂs performance is everything.
TodayÂs performance wasnÂt too bad (compared to the utter shite we have put up with before) but the reality is you make your own luck or not, as the case may be. McCarthy hitting a post wasnÂt Âbad luckÂ. It happens all the time in football. Good teams and professionals put it out of their mind and keep on pushing until they hit the target.
What upsets me is the fantastic team spirit is dissolving, the backroom staff changes are too many, BKÂs silence is ominous, the press have moved from ignoring us to focussing on our shenanigans, players are gossiping, and we do not know what to believe. We have not had so much latent disharmony for years. Who is to blame? We all know so why restate the obvious.
What to do? Follow the Villa example; fresh investment and management the sooner the better. How and when will that be achieved? I havenÂt a clue but I have supported Everton for nearly 60 years and now I feel simply disinterested. Thank you, Roberto...
89 Posted 09/05/2015 at 17:30:13
I knew it was one of those seasons for obvious reasons with relegation scares.
90 Posted 09/05/2015 at 17:08:59
Martinez is stubborn and consistently plays the players that he brought in just to try to justify himself. It seems that Kenwright is equally as stubborn and is trying to justify his selection too, which means that Martinez is going nowhere soon.
This does not bode well for next season. I read comments here that suggest the manager may be at blame for one game and then faultless for another. These observations are taken out of context. You have to judge the manager over many games or even the entire season, as this is then a fair judgement on his ability to motivate, set up a team well and make good selection decisions.
Consistency is the key and sadly under Martinez we do not have it. I personally believe that he has lost the faith of the squad and it shows in the performances. Too many quality players are under performing and the team in general looks lost for creative ideas. Even commitment to win the ball is lacking.
I also find his hollow rhetoric galling, and it is largely an insult to the intelligence of the fans. Replacing Martinez before next season is the preferential option but I cannot see it happening.
91 Posted 09/05/2015 at 17:33:40
92 Posted 09/05/2015 at 17:32:45
ThatÂs the one key factor which throughout this season has hurt most, watching us start games so slowly, no passion or tempo, the only game all season when we have displayed that quality was the Manchester United game, and guess what? We won comprehensively!!
The whole season has seen us play about like a training session, we havenÂt been outplayed by the likes of Hull, but outfought.
We desperately need to see Everton play with a desire for the badge again, this bunch under Martinez is too spineless, too easy to score against, too easy to beat.
93 Posted 09/05/2015 at 17:47:07
Or maybe the writing was already on the wall before kick-off. Apart from that cup tie at Stevenage when Oviedo broke his leg, have we ever won on BT Sport?
94 Posted 09/05/2015 at 17:43:04
95 Posted 09/05/2015 at 17:23:54
They were ordinary at best and we did have a lot of possession and control of the game, but in areas they were not going to be threatened in. About 20-22 yards out they put up a wall that they were content to defend.
TBH, and maybe looking through blue-tinted glasses, I feel a bit sorry for Ross. He is clearly good and will go on to be even better, but I feel he is being heavily coached and that is bringing a bit of indecision and our losing the good bits. He looks a little lost. Watching LB today I felt the same.
The lists we will all compile of players who can go will be getting longer; my worry along with a few other posters is that if we do let some go, do we trust Mr Martinez with the money and ability to sign better players?
Difficult times, the team and club need direction.
96 Posted 09/05/2015 at 17:40:00
97 Posted 09/05/2015 at 17:51:48
He seems like a good guy but has just failed to get the best out his players too many times this season. There's no way that team should not be in the top 10 and lethargic performances like today make me fear that he is no closer to fixing the problems.
Perhaps a Summer of rest and reflection will mend things and I hope he can get it right as he seems a good guy with some positive ideas but if we are sat in the bottom half after 10 games next season then I think it will be time to bring in a new option as it looks horribly likely to me that he has lost the players.
98 Posted 09/05/2015 at 17:49:53
Dick Advocaat for assistant anyone or would his ego get in the way?
Anyway, I canÂt wait for this season to finish; first, IÂll be at the Boelyn next week with the long suffering....
Looks like the Spaniard's here until next season. Surely he can only get the first 10 games to show heÂs got something? Over to Bill again. Was he at the match today anyone?
99 Posted 09/05/2015 at 17:51:24
Roberto is the opposite he ruins players' reputations and the team is laughed at throughout the country. Worse will follow next season.
100 Posted 09/05/2015 at 17:51:57
Sunderland are a poor side and they just beat us 2-0 – that is a joke.
There are no excuses; we were poor again... how much more off this crap have we got to put up with?
101 Posted 09/05/2015 at 17:53:15
We have a manager who usually says the right things (when you can understand him) but more often than not fails to execute properly (not unlike his charges). Hard to figure out where to start fixing this mess.
Tough being an Evertonian!
102 Posted 09/05/2015 at 18:08:16
103 Posted 09/05/2015 at 18:03:10
Sometimes itÂs not your day. But ...
Lukaku needs to go if we can get our money back. He has all the drive of a lethargic sloth; the mobility of Stephen Hawking; the killer instinct of Tinker Bell and probably the loyalty of Lord Haw Haw.
104 Posted 09/05/2015 at 17:52:28
Sunderland had not won at Goodison for 17 years prior to last season. Now we havenÂt scored a goal at home against them in 2 visits. I'm not holding out any hope of a good summer and pre-season. Next season will be much of the same.
If Athletico or someone else wants to offer 㿊+ million for Lukuku then bite their hand off. HeÂs got the touch of someone whose downed about 3 bottles of JD. Personally I donÂt think heÂll make it to the very top. I'd rather see two experienced strikers.
105 Posted 09/05/2015 at 18:27:55
106 Posted 09/05/2015 at 18:26:34
107 Posted 09/05/2015 at 18:32:40
108 Posted 09/05/2015 at 18:36:42
I personally think that last season was more of a mixture of Martinez and the legacy of Moyes's defensive system and fitness levels. This season is pure Martinez. And, boy, does it show.
109 Posted 09/05/2015 at 18:45:00
110 Posted 09/05/2015 at 18:49:21
111 Posted 09/05/2015 at 18:37:36
Paul. True. But we havenÂt even mustered a goal against these lot at home in 180 minutes of football. A team who got battered 8-0 by Saints and conceded 4 against both Palace and Villa.
112 Posted 09/05/2015 at 18:42:12
A proper coach who can motivate and select players on merit, not his favourites, will put us back in the top 8. And our striker needs to shed a bit oÂtub, methinks. Shockingly unprofessional, Everton, and 2 fingers up to STILL the best fans out there.
113 Posted 09/05/2015 at 18:22:42
This striker never scraps, battles or fights for the ball, you watch him completely static waiting for the ball from corners, centres and free kicks; no movement, he had three good chances today and with more effort he would have done better, he will not do it for us.
I heard voice after voice today saying they would be happy if we could just get our money back on him. I'm so glad the season is nearly over.
115 Posted 09/05/2015 at 19:07:29
Newcastle at home when we were hanging on at 2-0 against 10 men.
QPR away when we were outplayed.
Southampton at home when we were totally outplayed.
Burnley at home against 10 men and couldnÂt score against 10 for over half the game.
Man Utd at home when they were in a run of 3 straight loses.
WeÂve either played badly and won, played teams with 10 men or out of form. WeÂve been incredibly lucky.
Results have come our way, but this shouldnÂt disguise the rubbish thatÂs been played in the main. This really doesnÂt bode well for next season.
Martinez hasnÂt a clue how to build a team with a consistent style of play. Just look at the team selection for starters.
IÂm sick of people making excuses for him week after week. HeÂs not up to the standard required to manage Everton.
116 Posted 09/05/2015 at 19:26:15
We are represented by the owl on the left.
117 Posted 09/05/2015 at 19:22:22
But I wouldnÂt have fancied our chances if we had needed a set number of points from the final five fixtures, because the mind-set of the players isnÂt correct, the Man U game aside.
That is my biggest worry for next season, what on earth will this manager do to raise the tempo, increase the passion and get the players to perform? So far the evidence suggests that he will not be able to improve those aspects next season and without them Everton are a very average team, devoid of a proper threat up front and prone to silly mistakes at the back, a recipe for a bottom half finish and even if we do start the season well, those same faults will in all probability see us fall short of Europe or trophies.
118 Posted 09/05/2015 at 19:35:50
119 Posted 09/05/2015 at 19:28:53
120 Posted 09/05/2015 at 19:34:31
When I watch Rom, this is how I feel. I am 54 and still play 5-a-side twice a week, and if I am up front, I move about trying to pull defenders out of position to open up space for my team-mates.
I don't think the thought ever even enters the ladÂs head. He is like a big spoilt brat, sulking at his wingers/midfielders if they donÂt present him with the ball in his (much indicated) preferred place.
Boy does he annoy me! Move! For Christ sake, make the centre-half work for his money! Use your power, your strength, and move up at least two gears please... then you might score a goal or two.
121 Posted 09/05/2015 at 19:52:27
Just watch when one of ours (not him) scores and he can't be arsed to go celebrate, the guy is a massive waste of money.
Roberto go and take this massive waste with you please.
122 Posted 09/05/2015 at 20:01:25
123 Posted 09/05/2015 at 19:56:54
I did ,though, see what might have been. During his comeback he fought a journeyman called , I believe, Dino Dennis.As usual Joe had lumbered safely but aimlessly round after round. Then Dino made the mistake of punching Joe way below the belt. Perhaps for the only time in his career Joe got mad,transformed into Mike Tyson, and despatched Dino immediately.
What could rile Lukaku?
124 Posted 09/05/2015 at 19:58:07
Not a lot to cling on to.
125 Posted 09/05/2015 at 19:48:11
If this proves not to be the case, I predict Everton will eventually be relegated but only to provide Âlearning opportunities for manager and all the phenomenal playing talent he has at his disposal.
126 Posted 09/05/2015 at 20:10:34
To SunderlandÂs credit they parked the bus and closely marked Rom. For all our possession - it was 90% at one stage for five minute period. Despite that, and the countless corners, we were very predictable. I think Kone would have given them something else to think about. He could have made a nuisance of himself and created a little more breathing room for Rom.
A very frustrating game which was indicative of the season.
127 Posted 09/05/2015 at 20:14:31
As it is pure speculation to the amount of money the manager may be given, going on his comments, we may not see a big change next season, and even if we sell some of our better players, that money will most probably be gone down what is laughingly called, the black hole.
Myself I do not believe you give the manager 8-10 games next season to prove himself, he is either good enough now for Everton or he is not good enough, and if he is not good enough, you replace him as soon as possible. Take his record in the Premier League and he should have not been hired; even though myself and a number of other supporters were willing to give him a chance, he is letting us down.
This is his first season that it is his team and tactics and he is failing badly and I can not see him improving.
128 Posted 09/05/2015 at 20:35:56
Also we seem to have given up on man marking as both SunderlandÂs only efforts on goal were scored by players standing in free space with a defender nowhere near them.
Man City have just booted Pellegrini and hired Pep Guardiola while we put up with this Championship Manager.
Sir John must be turning in his grave.
129 Posted 09/05/2015 at 20:46:44
130 Posted 09/05/2015 at 20:46:44
How long have we got to put up with this charlatan, this phoney and most inept manager we have ever witnessed? I just cannot bear to lo look at the man or listen to his utter tripe any more.
God Help Everton!
131 Posted 09/05/2015 at 20:52:23
133 Posted 09/05/2015 at 20:56:09
134 Posted 09/05/2015 at 21:22:11
135 Posted 09/05/2015 at 21:15:48
136 Posted 09/05/2015 at 21:22:41
it was on NBC sports (read Sky) about an hour ago, confirmed by Neil Ashton at the Daily Mail (so make of that what you will).
137 Posted 09/05/2015 at 21:28:45
I didnÂt mean to infer that I didnÂt believe you - perhaps they are more on the ball or the guys who run the BBC have gone home for the evening. I believe that I predicted that Pep may leave Munich and be replaced by Klopp – I should have put a couple of bob on that when Klopp left Dortmund.
138 Posted 09/05/2015 at 21:23:41
ItÂs like Martinez has a small club mentality, where when heÂs the underdog he knows how to set teams up against better opposition and play on the break. A skill learnt at Wigan perhaps which he has now transferred to Everton?
When up against teams we should win against on paper, ie, take control and attack, he just doesnÂt have a fucking clue.
139 Posted 09/05/2015 at 21:34:14
The clear trend is downward but the worry is that the board, which is to say BK, seem to be asleep at the wheel. No investment, no new stadium, tolerance of mediocrity.
Unless there is a turnaround this summer and autumn, we may be doing a Villa/Newcastle next season.
140 Posted 09/05/2015 at 21:44:15
We have lots of issues concerning this club, but Martinez’s stubbornness to play a centre forward who is totally lost within this environment is causing a massive problem.
141 Posted 09/05/2015 at 21:57:33
Answer:- An Evertonian.
142 Posted 09/05/2015 at 21:51:33
Unless a new owner or stadium happens it will be the same again. Depressing.
143 Posted 09/05/2015 at 22:12:53
144 Posted 09/05/2015 at 23:16:57
15 corners
Hit the post
Stonewall pen
Two deflected goals for them.
Compare that lot to the dire performances against Hull, Stoke & Southampton and I would say itÂs not as bad as the bare result suggests. However with the possession & chances we had, we should have won comfortably.
145 Posted 09/05/2015 at 23:20:39
Generally we moved the ball too slowly, and always to whoever had the most space. Football isnÂt that simple a game that you can break teams down without having the ball in tight positions. YouÂre playing the ball where the opposition wants you to.
You can see the ability in the team on the rare occasions we stumble onto playing first time, quick football. ThatÂs the frustration, they can do it.
Obviously the goals and the penalty claim were bad luck. We just didnÂt give ourselves enough opportunities for the luck to go our way.
147 Posted 09/05/2015 at 23:52:18
At the age of 52, after scrapping, arguing and fighting for the cause, I have had e-fuckin-nough! Fuck off Everton... IÂm sick of heroic failure and days like today. Kiss my arse, Kenwright, you utter disgrace. IÂll re acquainte myself with this club when there is some hope and vision and these bastards are run out of town.
40 years+ and sick of the place... fuck off Everton... the lawn is more important now.
148 Posted 10/05/2015 at 00:19:00
Nick Clegg is a very nice man; but heÂs not up to it, so he resigns.
Roberto Martinez is a very nice man; but heÂs not up to it, so ........er...!
149 Posted 10/05/2015 at 00:31:32
For me, Moyes's Everton side was a top 4 squad minus a 㿀M striker; now weÂre a dog shit side with a 㿊M striker.
Fuck Roberto off asap.
150 Posted 10/05/2015 at 00:45:10
Egg Flip sent his team out to do a job. They didnÂt look very exciting but they executed the job with the bonus of 2 incredible pieces of luck.
Egg flip 10 Martini 0 unfortunately!!!
151 Posted 10/05/2015 at 01:10:18
IsnÂt it just insane that hugely paid men, with whom we have nothing in common, can fuck up our weekends. This is the most ridiculous addiction in the world.
152 Posted 10/05/2015 at 01:17:51
Ambramovich and Mourinho should be locked up for robbery stitching us up for 㿈 mill. HeÂs a human pin ball machine who canÂt head the ball, canÂt hold it up, has no awareness of offside or where he should be position-wise during the game, sulks like you said, thinks heÂs way better than he actually is, basically an overpriced waste of time. Martinez should be sacked for the decision to pay that kind of money for him alone, never mind the shit season we have had.
My ideal summer... Martinez, Lukaku, Mirallas, Naismith, Kone, Alcaraz, Barry and Howard GONE, Eddie ÂEvertonian Howe in, with a couple of them Bournemouth players, Gestede from Blackburn, Austin from QPR, now weÂre talking!
153 Posted 10/05/2015 at 01:49:23
Wow took longer than I thought for someone to try to blame Howard. Really? He should have stopped deflections? How about had the ball not been deflected the first one was headed wide and the second was twice deflected although finally off of DefoeÂs hand. How is a Keeper supposed to stop that? No you are right of course no other keeper lets in deflected goals.
How about this. If Stones had cleared the ball early or Garbutt had been goal side of Defoe the second goal wouldnÂt have happened. If the center backs could ever mark someone then maybe the first one wouldnÂt have happened either.
I am not that disappointed in the performance in that at times Everton looked dominant. 5 corners in a row and we just couldnÂt get a goal.
154 Posted 10/05/2015 at 02:56:20
155 Posted 10/05/2015 at 03:54:11
ItÂs all been said, and like many or most on here I feel the club is on a downward spiral.
Some of us gloated last season at the demise of David Moyes, well looks like karma for those of us who did.
How anyone can still have faith in this manager and team is just mind boggling.
IÂm lost for words.
156 Posted 10/05/2015 at 03:56:58
Better team in the match. Yes Lukaku was shit, but overall there wasnÂt a great amount wrong with that performance. There was however a lot of luck on the side of the visitors.
Sack the manager before next season? This has been a massively disappointing season, but for me there is enough credit in the bank to let him try again next term. Hope he has learned some lessons from this term, move out deadwood like Distin, Alcaraz and Kone.
157 Posted 10/05/2015 at 04:26:48
In 90 minutes of basically doing whatever we wanted we managed one decent chance and a long range effort.
You canÂt judge our performance on possession stats when itÂs exactly what the other team wanted.
Awful? No it wasnÂt. Good? No, we didnÂt break from the script Sunderland wrote.
158 Posted 10/05/2015 at 04:17:33
IÂm no lover of Lukaku, but there are 11 players on the pitch and not him alone.
Jim Benning, hit it on the nail when he said itÂs as if the heart as been sucked out of the whole team. Yes, the heart and the pride is nowhere to be seen. ThatÂs whatÂs hard to take, more so than the defeat.
159 Posted 10/05/2015 at 04:50:53
160 Posted 10/05/2015 at 04:55:14
161 Posted 10/05/2015 at 05:20:37
The performance was arguably better than anything the new champions have put together in a month.
At 1 - 0 the game was still within reach, any team can get hit by a flukey goal by a team which offers more than the occasional break.
Two minutes before the second goal there should have been a penalty and arguably a sending off. So, lets just say for the purpose of debate the ref sees it that way and Rom steps up and bangs in the penalty? Down to 10 men, back to all square in a game they really needed to win and the whole complexion of the match is different. Even if he doesnt give the penalty, it could be reasonable to expect that he sees one of the two infringements from the second goal
I appreciate thinking like this is moot, but my point, although rather long winded, is that in this match the team played decently but unluckily ended up on the losing side. A loss is a loss however it is dressed up, but in the context of how the team performed there was a marked difference between what was on show yesterday and the dross against Hull and Stoke.
Finally Peter Barry, how many ex Wigan players were on the pitch yesterday? I make it four, one of the best left backs in european football over the last 5 years signed by the previous manager and one of our most consistent players over the past two seasons who is still being linked with moving on to "bigger" clubs and came inches away from equalising with a decent strike. The other two were playing for Sunderland.
162 Posted 10/05/2015 at 05:57:24
163 Posted 10/05/2015 at 05:55:03
The right side has been promising with Lennon and Coleman, but no Lennon type player on the left. A team can play 4-4-2 or even 4-3-3 but will be the most effective with 2 wide men, because a good striker constantly needs crosses into the box from both sides to also be effective.
164 Posted 10/05/2015 at 05:25:07
Everton Football Club has cancer. From the directors, manager, coaching staff and players. You must start to kill this cancer at the director and or manager levels. When we come to the players, there has to be a wholesale clear out. But as one of our posters said you canÂt do it all in one go.
Martinez has had such a bad effect on some of our players, the damage could be permanent. So many of them are consistently played out of position and others like Barkley fail week after week until they lose what confidence they have left. Unless the upper levels of this club are fixed, it will fester and die.
165 Posted 10/05/2015 at 06:46:59
My Tranmere-supporting mate was one of the early leavers with his newly formed Everton son at his first ever Everton game, "Welcome to Everton" I commented, I had just spent 90 minutes trying to keep my own six-year-old son interested in 90 minutes of utter dross, pass, pass, pass, another slow pass back, another slow pass side-ways, its absolutely woeful and this manager's style of play will and has lost punters for next season after a season of sell outs.
My Tranmere mate knows shit when he sees it; he has a soft spot for us hence getting his lad to support us rather than his own club or the other lot, his words were "it was dreadful from start to finish." My reply back was thatÂs been nearly every home game, Stoke, Hull, Palace, Swansea, Leicester – the list goes on, watching garbage against garbage.
What made it harder too was the comment from a few leaving Blues "I wonder how the idiot will glam that up" and lo and behold he told us we defended magnificently!!!!! Just once will this utter clown come out and say, "That was rubbish and not good enough for Everton Football Club"?
His after-match bollocks is speeding up the dislike for the man, heÂs fast tracked me from hanging off his every word to not reading or watching any local media so I can keep away from his utter drivel. I was sick to death of Moyes but, as someone once said on here, at least sometimes Moyes spoke like heÂd watched the same game as us all whilst this fool seems like heÂs been watching a video of 1985 in his brain for 90 minutes.
As for enough in his tank, I would say you are right, but that fuel is the current playing staff he inherited and not his own ability and I worry, when that gets broken up and we are left with his team, where the club will end up. I hope I am proved wrong but this clown is scary.
166 Posted 10/05/2015 at 07:35:53
When you get pundits like Gary Neville calling fans Âmindless and Âidiotic for wanting Martinez out then it really is insulting. He doesnÂt have to watch 90 minutes of this guff EVERY week. So many of the mainstream media STILL go on about this attractive brand of football we are trying to play. Where is it?! This is the most sedate garbage IÂve ever had to endure and itÂs about time everybody started to wake up and smell the steaming turd.
I hate seeing us lose. But a loss and another dire performance hopefully sees another black mark against MartinezÂs name. Out, out, please get him out!
167 Posted 10/05/2015 at 07:40:17
168 Posted 10/05/2015 at 07:58:32
Paul Gladwell, I believe in his BBC interview Martinez mentioned that he believed this performance was respectable, unlike previous performances which were not of a high enough standard. Which managers come on and criticise their teams? You fancy John Carver style rants?
Then Paul Ward, "Unless the upper levels of this club are fixed, it will fester and die." No it wonÂt! Next season will be what it is and what has happened this season will not necessarily have any effect, just as last season's success has not played out this year. People on ToffeeWeb have been professing doom and gloom for as long as I have been coming on here. Funnily enough, the club is getting healthier financially due to TV revenue and remaining in the Premier League.
I am not denying the manager's failures or shortcomings, or trying to claim that yesterday's performance was incredible and flawless. But it wasnÂt anywhere near as bad as people are making out and on another day, without doing a whole lot different, the result could well have been positive. First half against Villa last week was truly woeful, with little to defend.
169 Posted 10/05/2015 at 08:45:18
We will have to agree to disagree, mate, but as I said I donÂt think okay performances are met by thousands of blues rushing down the steps to an early exit shaking their heads in disgust like happened yesterday, At least last week we got beat by a team in form; yesterday, we got beat by absolute garbage.
170 Posted 10/05/2015 at 08:47:05
IÂm sure Martinez will not disappoint you next season, Jim. Relegation should once more be avoided.
171 Posted 10/05/2015 at 08:53:11
ThatÂs because yesterday we had the greater possession stats. Martinez is OK with losing as long as we have great possession but hates winning with inferior possession, like against Man Utd.
172 Posted 10/05/2015 at 09:02:26
Football has no morals at all.
173 Posted 10/05/2015 at 09:13:51
174 Posted 10/05/2015 at 09:36:58
No ideas
No points
No surprise
After walking out early for the first time this season, I decided to cool off before posting my view.
The obvious has already been said many times about the limp-wristed, lolling about from the lazy, impotent lump up front. The turgid, pointless, sideways passing is back for all to see. The lopsided and unbalanced formations are still being rigidly adhered to, despite the insistence from the manager that he is tactical flexibile. The status quo has clearly been resumed.
Any attempt at a Âlap of honour after the Spurs game will be very uncomfortable for all concerned.
175 Posted 10/05/2015 at 10:59:25
Regarding the lap of honour that they will do. It would be a good idea for every Evertonian to walk out of the stadium just as itÂs about to start. May not be nice but in my eyes will be the only way that this Board can see the feelings about whatÂs going on from the fans.
No doubt many will disagree but what else can be done. The lack of noise coming from the so called Board,and the persistent way in which Martinez keeps playing this style of formation and football, says to me no one gives a crap as to whatÂs happening at our club.
176 Posted 10/05/2015 at 10:43:55
Sunderland came for a point and grabbed 3; lucky or not, you still have to get forward to make a chance. We could have played on till midnight and I doubt we would have scored.
All season, the Chelsea team has been set up to defend and do it properly. All season, Everton have been set up not to defend except in the four or five games before we reverted back to the norm at Villa and home to Sunderland. Even when we had that mini-revival, it was not pleasant football.
The team needs an overhaul; if Cleverly is available, he and Barkley could well be just what we need. Lennon is as everyone can see is pretty inconsistent and McGeady just not Premier League standard. Ossie is no longer first choice, Mirallas occasionally turns up in one of his many FerrariÂs and canÂt be arsed getting out of neutral. Tim Howard has been a great keeper but is not as good as 41-year-old Shay Given. Robles has to be given the No 1 position. Baines has hit 30 and his best days are behind him. Coleman is an enigma: he can be world class one day pub team the next. Jags should be a right back due to lack of height in the middle, pushing Coleman forward as a winger.
The Distin and Stones partnership never got a chance; Distin has so much experience itÂs no wonder he got mental at the non defensive tactics Martinez employs. Has Alcaraz played since the Kiev fiasco? Kone should be loaned out for the rest of his contract or sold. The likes of Garbutt, Pennington, Browning, Long, McAleny, Ledson and Green need to be blooded. We do need a playmaker in the Arteta mould. If we have offers for Barry, McCarthy, Coleman, Baines and Howard, we should be looking to offload. Hibbert should retire along with Ossie and Pienaar. Rant over
177 Posted 10/05/2015 at 11:19:03
178 Posted 10/05/2015 at 11:17:43
179 Posted 10/05/2015 at 11:28:13
180 Posted 10/05/2015 at 12:08:57
The only thing you should be outraged about is our shite manager and the piss poor performances from our players.
Lukaku is becoming as sulky as Ronaldo at front. Constantly pointing to where he wants the ball, each time an impossible pass. His runs are badly timed almost every time. We need a bustling, all action centre forward who makes intelligent runs.
181 Posted 10/05/2015 at 12:18:00
Yes, he had a couple of poor games but Mo is one of the bright sparks of this awful season in my opinion and someone who offers real hope for the future. He has been one of the few players, indeed I would say the only one, who has looked properly committed every time he has played and who has the bite which the other players lack.
LetÂs hope heÂs not another one who gets fed up and starts to look elsewhere. I know not everyone agrees, but I think heÂs a potential gem for us. Why, having bought him, does RM not play him far more?
182 Posted 10/05/2015 at 12:19:51
Other games this season have been so dire that it has been unbelievable. For me this wasnÂt a bad performance, but it was a fucking unlucky one.
183 Posted 10/05/2015 at 12:37:22
184 Posted 10/05/2015 at 12:42:12
But there have been some great posts on this thread, Joe#17, Tony#32 , Jim #103 Phil 147 (made me smile, itÂs a pity the team donÂt have your obvious passion) and Chris #180.
There are obviously other great comments in the thread but these in particular IÂm in agreement with. I really think it all comes down to the great expectation of last season not being built on and fulfilled in this one ?
ThatÂs how I see it anyway.
185 Posted 10/05/2015 at 13:10:15
For the umpteenth time this season, we had very little conviction going forward and no guile to break down a well - drilled stubborn defence.
11th place + poor football + no blooding of youngsters = sack.
186 Posted 10/05/2015 at 13:15:59
187 Posted 10/05/2015 at 13:17:59
Osman had 4 chances in the first half and should have scored at least once but then again he is not the recognized striker. Having said that, why was Mirallas left out?
Everybody knew that Sunderland would park the bus and rely on the breakaway and they looked dangerous on the few occasions they did but, with Everton playing twice as many passes as they needed instead of someone having the guts to run with the ball, it made it easier for Sunderland.
Sadly there are many unanswered questions about this season which only Martinez can enlighten us on but I suspect they would not be acceptable. He has lost the plot and does not give any of the fans confidence for next season but I suppose all the season tickets will still be sold, endorsing BKÂs decision to keep him around for a while.
Although they dominated yesterday, most games (particularly at Goodison) have underlined EvertonÂs mediocrity this season.
188 Posted 10/05/2015 at 21:34:49
Play goal for one time and see how easy it is. You are claiming as a matter of routine that a goalkeeper should react to the first threat, set himself, and then from a deflection which is usually 4-8 feet, not yards, away, try to react again for a deflection that you initially have no idea where it will go. Crawl back under your anti-Howard rock please.
189 Posted 11/05/2015 at 05:11:30
Of course only joking, simply standing their in complete silence is a option, but then you would hear Colin Glassar shouting his undying love for Roberto... haha.
190 Posted 11/05/2015 at 09:02:07
With apologies to previous comments, yours is the first comment I have read. I start at the bottom and go up. Nearly like EvertonÂs season.
I was at the match Saturday. First one in a couple of months. You mention standing there in silence. Without reading all the other posts, I assume you are talking about the crowd. WasnÂt that what they did. I cannot remember hearing any singing. All coming from Sunderland fans.
I appreciate that there may not have been much to sing or cheer but it always seems quiet. At half-time they had some footage of the 85 team on the screen with Howard Kendall I think or Peter Reid saying that the Gwladys St End fans used to win games by sucking the ball in. Perhaps they could try it again
191 Posted 11/05/2015 at 13:19:27
I was like Howard on Saturday, as I thought I had tourettes. Fucking diabolical performance by a forward, 10-bob head... and if he points to a space 10 seconds before considering moving there again, I swear I may not be held liable for what I do.
To top it all off, the daft twat in the dugout brings on the match saver: McGeady.... FUCKING MCGEADY!!!!!
192 Posted 11/05/2015 at 21:22:49
Once again not clinical enough in the final third.
I will be glad to see the back of this season. I'm already worried for next season as I think Martinez lacks the ability to do anything. A very important summer lies ahead for us.
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1 Posted 09/05/2015 at 14:31:21