A Return to Fear and Trepidation

I don’t think Martinez got his tactics and team set up for this game. I would still like to see a decent keeper come in. We can beat Spurs.

I’m not too down beat after that performance today, City are so effective going forward, we simply struggled to match them all over the pitch. Two poor goals conceded by Howard; that said, he made some excellent saves throughout the game to keep the score respectable.

Onto Spurs for what looks another tough game; we will need a repeat of the Southampton performance to have any chance of the points.

There is so much potential in our squad now, let's hope it comes to fruition.

Coleman looked back to his best, Cleverley showed promise, Barkley faded but there were signs of what he can do.

Play like that each week and this will be a decent season. City are looking like they could romp it this year, so much quality in their squad.

Miles away with that summation I am afraid, Michael.

Craig Taylor (#13): 100% spot-on. I don't usually rail against Roberto but he inspired today's failure, I'm afraid, talking this lot up before the game and yes, showing fear and trepidation throughout, with the inevitable result.

As Lee Dixon rightly said at the end that we could and should have done a lot more than we did. That's what annoys me.

I thought Martinez missed an opportunity when Galloway was injured he should have put Barry at left-back and bought on a more forward thinking player in midfield – but I also understand why he didn’t go for that option. Cleverly and Coleman played very well and McCarthy and Ross were very hit and miss.

It wasn’t for a lack of effort but we still remain terribly slow going forward and we have to do a lot better than today in the rest of our home fixtures – although I can’t see anyone stopping City from winning the title. League Cup here we come, how we need a win at Barnsley.

I don’t know what’s the story with Oviedo, he’s the only natural left back we have at the moment.

Title of this piece says it all. Fear and I would say cowardice which is somewhat understandable against City’s riches but it's a far cry from the ’eye to eye’ mentality employed against the top teams 2 years ago.

Mirallas, our 2nd top scorer of last season, left on the bench, left an especially bad taste in the mouth. It wasn’t the game for Naismith and Gerard looked completely unfit due to not having a full pre-season making the Mirallas omission even more mystifying.

I still stand by the observation that we are one pragmatic manager away from being a top side.

Tried our hardest and failed.

I like the guy, but I don’t see how he fits into the system. He’s a nice poacher, can finish well, has some snarl and will run himself into the ground. But he needs to play in a 4-4-2, and we’re never going to play that. I don’t see where he fits into the current scheme. He’s not pacy enough to play wide to help on defense AND offense. He is obviously not big enough to be a hold up player, and I don’t think he’s good enough to beat players one-on-one.

Sadly, I know that Roberto has a serious bromance for Steven, so it probably won’t happen, unless Nais pushes for it. I don’t know, maybe it was just one of those days.

Barkley made quite a few good driving runs but was constantly crowded out. Sterling gave Coleman a tough time.... and I think our inexperience at left back was found out.

City for me are far and away the best side in the PL this season.

I don't think our players looked as fit as their players. They may have better players having spend about £300 million but our manager should ensure that our players are as fit as they can be. Footy is still a running game, especially when we don't have the ball, and sometimes our lads look like they can't run very fast or far.

Substitutions are still taking far to long - Martinez seems indecisive and inflexible about who to bring on and when to make changes.

We were beaten by a mega millions squad and were never totally out of the game until the last 10 minutes.

On the other hand I feel we tried to pass too much instead of releasing some balls early and mixing it up a bit and also for me our biggest failing under Martinez is we stand off the opposition and let them have space.

For all the Lukaku supporters, including my son, I just don't see it. The man is second to every ball, hardly ever wins an aerial duel and has the touch of an elephant. I would have taken him off before Kone.

Also I don't know why we didnt try 3 at the back when Galloway had to go off and beef up the MF.

Thought Ross and Coleman were pretty good and Howard brought off some great saves but that was a game we could have got something out of.

Very frustrating.

Their the best team in the league at the moment and were obviously not I’m sorry to say.

We all know its basically governed by how much money you can throw at a team and were close to the bottom of that league unfortunately.

Minor complaints would be bringing Browning on instead of Oviedo and not bringing Mirallas on at all – far better option than Naismith or Deulofeu. Guess he can’t be 100% or we don’t want to risk him yet.

I expected to lose today but we gave it a go. Onto Spurs and more importantly some TRANSFERS!

Why is Naismith being substituted on at all? Mirallas was needed to go at Mangala who was on a card instead of Naismith who has no real pace or slick moves to get the defender off balance and out of position. A sub shouldn’t be worse than the player being substituted.

Howard, at fault for the first goal although I can understand why he was starting out a little too wide from the post given the tendency to cut the ball across the face of goal. As many times as Man City had players running free behind him in the first and second half (Sterling at least three times in the first half), I can understand the tendency to try to cheat to stop the cross. Still, when it goes wrong, it is on the goalkeeper. Second goal is not on Howard. He has to stay near the line and nearer his left post. Neat little play and good finish but where was the defender who should have been goal side so the chip cannot occur?

I haven’t read any of the above comments but I suppose someone has already pointed out how misleading this headline is?

I thought we competed well and might have nicked a point, against a team that recently thrashed Chelsea, but the result was fair in the end. Browning was OK when he came on and Stones was MotM I thought. Barkley unfortunately did his running into dead-ends thing. If we play like that we should beat Spurs.

The substitutions baffled me. What was the point of giving Deulofeu a five-minute cameo? Kone was doing well so why change him for a similar type of player?

Onwards and upwards I say and now I support the missus’ team against the RS tomorrow.

I don't agree with people calling for changes early on. We were in the game until Nasri scored.. Why try to fix something that wasn't broken?!

Was the offside goal offside? I must admit it looked it from where I was sitting, but I would welcome the chance to take at least one sense of grievance from the game....

As predicted, Delboy is now a sub-standard Atsu but at least we should see Oviedo in the side against Barnsley.

We are a few players away from having a decent squad, so it’s up to Kenwright to provide some money for the players to boost the team and supporters. I will still wait to see who comes in before 2nd September. It looks like Lennon will be one of the newcomers and I will not be disappointed with that.

Gavin (#38), in my opinion, it looked broken early in the second half. I like Naismith but his arrival is not going to frighten anyone. He is never a game changer.

Yes, toe to toe James. Did they batter us, humiliate us, overrun us? Not during the game I saw at least. I must admit the Naismith for Kone (rather than Mirallas or Ossie) baffled me. I really think we’ve moved on from players like Nessie. He’s a hard working, honest pro but not good enough for what we are trying to do.

Oh, and back to the game James. When you’ve got two world class players for every position (plus about six more rotting in the reserves) against you, and you keep the game as tight as it was for 87 mins, I call that toe to toe.

We are going to absolutely rape Spurs on their own patch in 6 days time, and even James Stewart will be rejoicing in the positivity and "phenomenal" feel good factor.

First goal — sackable offence.

Naismith for Kone was a like for like, we kept our second highest goalscorer from last season on the bench and didn’t have a go at them in the second half. We were too concerned about them hurting us rather than taking the game to them. Barry’s legs had gone in second half but he stayed on and we brought Deulofeu on too late to make any difference.

Manager hasn’t a clue and probably respects City’s stars too much to spoil their play. This was a game to be awkward sods, not the game to allow pretty football.

Naismith off the bench instead of Mirallas? Deulofeu given 5 minutes? Our defense just sitting back and letting City have the ball, not pressuring the opposition. Meanwhile, City pressured us anywhere on the pitch.

Can’t believe how many people are just satisfied with losing. It’s like the "everyone gets a trophy" mentality has taken over at Everton. As if being in the Premier League is the victory each year.

We really missed Baines today to give us that outlet on the left and offer us some width. Worrying thing for me would be who we are going to play there against Spurs with Galloway injured. Browning was way out of his depth today and totally out of position.

The substitutions were poor. Oviedo should have been there from the start if fit. Bringing on Naismith was completely pointless and almost embarrassing in how it highlighted the difference in the sides. Mirallas would have given the crowd a lift and made us far more dangerous.

Howard did well but never should be beaten like that at his near post again, like last year against Chelsea. Overall not terrible but poses more questions than answers. In light of the predictable collapse of the Yarmelenko deal, it looks like the board have more answering to do.

Special mention for Coleman who was terrific. Stones was class too but looked almost pissed off to be there. He’s off.

We really struggled at left full back where Martinez should have sorted it out early doors. Kone didn't do too bad going forward but was terrible helping Galloway. A torrid time for the young lad. Probably should have put Barry there when he went off.

If there was anything to be upset about, it was Howard again, who was at fault for both goals, although he probably kept us in the game early on (but thats his job) and Martinez for not acting earlier in sorting out the left side and not bringing on Duelofeu on earlier.

Man City looked very good though and in all truth could probably have stepped up another gear if they wanted. They easily look the best team in the league by far and will probably demolish most teams this season.

The decision to put Browning left back was a dangerous one and he's certainly going to need to be in the market for a left back now.

All in all we played ok at times but we lack quality in crucial area's of the pitch and there is a major problem with winning games at Goodison and has been since the start of last season, we only won 7 from 19 last season and already it's looking rather ominously difficult again.

I'm reserving judgment until next week's transfer window shuts.
Sign some top class players, a solid central defender, a left back, a better goalie (unlikely) and Yarmolenko (now friggin pie in the sky) and then just maybe we can have a better season but stay as we are then there will always be the same arguments, lacking in vital area's and losing concentration too easily.

Big week coming up in shaping our season.

You beat me to it.

They take off Sterling (£49 million) and bring on Nasri (£25 million)

They take off Aguero (best striker in the Prem £25 million) and bring on Bony (£30 million)

They take off Silva (best midfielder in the Prem) and bring on Delph

I didn’t see any fear or trepidation. I did see the next league champions, a fantastic team, against a work in progress assembled for a fraction of the price.

One thing that has become abundantly clear is that a half-time team talk from Martinez consistently fails to inspire the team. Must be like being ravaged by a dead sheep!

Never do we come out in a second half with a higher intensity than we showed in the first half. In most games we need to go a goal down for this to happen.

The game cried out (once we went a goal down) for a change of tactics through the introduction of a game changer... namely Mirallas or Deulofeu, at least 15 minutes before the end. Instead Martinez does his usual rabbit-in-the-headlights act by leaving the change until yet again it’s much too late.

We played quite well in the first half with some good performance from a number of players but Martinez must realise that the second half of most games requires a step up from the first. Not some sort of consolidation of a satisfactory first half 0-0.

Moyes was always criticised for caution. I’d say Martinez is way ahead of him in this regard.

Stones often looked for a player to come free but 50% of time our players just don’t find space; only Barry (yes, I said Barry) makes himself available. Cleverley will come good but, even though McCarthy is a real workhorse, his first control, quick passes are awful.

Even so I think we are improving but I think our target should be for somewhere for positions 4 - 7th, with maybe 4th only if as I suspect Man Utd and Liverpool don’t perform as expected. But watch out for Swansea!

I say 'DUMB!' at every misplaced (or dumb) pass.

It's frustrating.

That said, at full time I applaud them off and by the time I get to my mate's car, I'm genuinely calm.

And the reason is because ultimately, I know the whole thing wasn't fair to start with.

Manchester City have spent close to a billion on players (as have Chelsea) and there is a reason they've spent it.

That type of money gets you great players - players with touch, pace and great (football) brains and those players win you trophies.

We simply can't compete.

(yes with the wind behind us, occasionally we can pick up a draw or even a win against these sides, but we can't compete against them over over a season).

There were things we did today that made me moan, but generally I thought we weren't too bad.

Specially considering this - Link

And frankly, we gave them a better game than Chelsea did. Martinez, apart from his substitutions, played it right in my mind. If we sit back in two banks of 4 and try to hit them on the counter, Silva, Toure and Aguero just pick us apart. If we throw everything at them, Sterling and Navas burn us on the counter.

Nothing to complain about for me, it was more entertaining than the old Moyes days of grind it out until 85 min and try to get lucky. We played our game, and had a good go of it.

Don't know what was said at half time but back to the same old Everton, rolling over and giving up a winnable game. I particularly remember a similar 2nd half performance v Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final. Must be an Everton thing given the management and coaching changes since that debacle.

To compound the frustration, inept substitutions yet again. What do all these coaching badges really mean? Do these guys actually learn anything from these courses they attend?

How many on here would have brought on either Mirallas or Deulofeu around the time Naismith was brought on. The 2nd substitution should be the one you take risks on changing the game. Not the last one, with 3 minutes to go!

The Stones situation needs sorting now if he's going to leave and not a deadline day, otherwise we will also have a massive issue at CB.

We didn't need Naismith to come on. For the last 40 minutes we could have done with Leon, who has a football brain and the guile to make the killer pass.

We did not disgrace ourselves though, so I suppose that is something,

Lennon would have been a player to bring on had we signed him. He would have offered pace on the break and would have also tracked back.

http://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2015/8/23/9194291/director-jon-woods-says-stones-not-being-sold

The main difference in the game was down their right they had Sagna, Navas with Silva popping up and playing little one-twos. We had Galloway (Browning), Kone (Naismith) and Barry. Galloway and Kone as a pair got the arse ripped out them.

We saw today what a loss Baines is for the season, the difference is massive. Similalry, I sincerely hope that Mirallas is still not match fit (Deulofeu clearly wasn’t when he came on) and that was the reason Kone started ahead of him. Kone is decent but shouldn’t be keeping out Kev or Del Boy when fit.

First, I stick to my view that Lukaku and Kone should either be on together, or off together. Until Kone went off, the Everton attack, while not setting the match on fire, was at least real. Once Kone went off and Naismith came on, there was no attack at all. Lukaku’s complete lack of ability to control the ball - he really did "trap" the ball 20 yards on one occasion - makes him a complete liability up front, and Naismith doesn’t dovetail with him as Kone does. It would have been better to take both Lukaku and Kone off and replace them with Naismith and Mirallas, or maybe Deulofeu and Mirallas.

Second, Howard had a much better game than anything I can remember from last year, but let in the two easiest saves. The first was simply dreadful positioning, and the second should have been smothered - it was a relatively slow and bouncing ball and the attacker had really only one option. A Schmeichel would have taken ball, man and all, straight out of the game. Howard’s unwillingness to leave the goal-line caught Everton out on that one.

There is also something Martinez needs to do with Barkley so that when - as so often today - he attracts more than half the opposition team to close him down, there is some rehearsed routine which ensures that the inevitable numerical advantage elsewhere is put to good use. It may be a fast turn and pass back which is used to get another attacker in, it may be a lob over the top of the defenders, but today it was clear that Barkley was terrifying by far the best team in England but Everton could not make use of this.

Overall, Everton played well, with Seamus Coleman (or perhaps the Fat Sam/Charles Brewer version Simon Coalmine) outstanding. Galloway was clearly targetted but managed not to do anything disastrous, Barry had an excellent game, Cleverley is starting to look as though he is a real find, and is beginning to get on the same wavelength as the rest of the team. Jagielka was excellent, Stones was perfectly sound - I don’t think its worth the risk of trying to look really cool with David Silva sniffing around would be too sensible.

Manchester City is an excellent team, and I hope will go on to win the Premier League. However, I have not seen anything else which would stop even a push for second from Everton. Manchester United have not yet scored a single proper goal (on own goal, one deflection), Liverpool have had at least one shockingly unfair win (they should actually have lost to Bournemouth), Chelsea look like a team in deep crisis (Excellent! I shall enjoy watching the wheels come of that nasty outfit), and Arsenal may be OK, but there’s not much evidence yet.

Kone off for Naismith? Really?? Naismith is the answer to a question nobody asked. He’s not a game changer. I'd have preferred Mirallas or Deeulofeu; they can make things happen. Wrong sub, too late.

I have to take some positives though; Jags and Stones looked solid as usual. We’re starting to see the real Barkley again, some of the pomp and swagger is returning. I hope it continues. Cleverley again looked a useful acquisition

I just wish Martinez would realise sooner when we need to make changes.

Whilst I have a lot of sympathy for Rom in terms of the lack of penalty area service he generally receives under RM's "tactics" he cannot be excused for being as useless as he was again today in totally failing to hold the ball when it's played to him from defence. He's boasting about his size and power and so he should, but it lets the team down when he seems to make zero real effort in the muck-and-bullets areas of the pitch. Training and lots of it improves the ability to receive a ball so that you and your team can build, rather than presenting it right back to your opponents so they can immediately turn the screw on your team-mates.

Play Oviedo and Osman until Baines and hopefully Pienaar are back. You don't get away with it at this level.

I am so much less interested these days. Unless you're a billionaire's vanity project, it's basically fucking pointless, and I don't ever want us to be a billionaire's vanity project.

A lot of TWers here have been pointing the finger at the second half performance but imo City upped their game and quality shone through in the end. At times City looked as though they had extra men on the field and that is purely down to how good their players are. Silva in particular was outstanding.

The City goals were avoidable but these things happen. I thought Howard had a good game and it would be churlish to start pointing the finger at him after the numerous times he kept us in the game with good saves. If we do have to be critical then I think the subs could have come earlier and Mirallas instead of Naismith should have been the call for the visibly tiring Kone, who pleasantly surprised me and had a good game.

There were lots of positives out there today, Kone, Barkley played well, just need to work on his vision, Coleman, Barry (again pleasantly surprised) Cleverley, Rom unlucky with his disallowed goal and his free kick. As a team, we defended well and covered for each other well and when we had the opportunity, we attacked quickly too, a far cry from some of the football we have seen from the last 12 months. We tired in the second half as we did cover a lot of ground chasing a good City team and we didn't have the quality that City had to come off the bench (again not surprising given Citys billions).

All in all not a bad display, certainly not one full of fear and trepidation I'm afraid Michael. I enjoyed the game (long time since I said that at GP) and as I said earlier, we were just beaten by a better side (and probable champions) no shame in that. We will play a lot worse than that and win. If we can maintain this style of play then the future will look a lot brighter than it did a couple of weeks ago. Play like that that against Barnsley and Spurs and we should go into the international break happy.

What was a surprise was the abysmal passing when we had the ball. You know you’re not going to get a lot of chances or much of the ball against City so when you do have it make good use.

Not sure why Mirallas was not brought on. Howard being beaten at the near post after making a few good saves was the end.

Whatever happens happens but I believe the club (and Stones) will/have made the right decision. We can't get wound up with what the media lackeys say.

On another note our 3 left on bench should have played instead of the ones that did.

The medics dealt with the problem; it took an awful long time before the supporter was carried out on a stretcher.

Hope the fan is okay, the Man City player deserves a clap of appreciation for his very prompt action, it certainly got the supporter very quick medical attention.

There were some encouraging individual performances and we were playing an excellent City side with Silva, Aguero and Kompany at the top of the game. Disappointing we did not give them more to think about once they went ahead but I’m seeing more encouraging things than I saw for lots of last season.

I’m more upset about the Yarmolenko transfer falling through as I think that could have really transformed us from mid table to top 4 challengers.

In hindsight it wouldn’t have mattered as Garbutt is also injured.

Pleased to see some improvement from last season anyway, if we keep on like that and get in a few more players in the window then fingers crossed we can put last season behind us. COYB.

With respect to players, I thought Howard was exceptional and not to blame at all for the first goal. He was left badly exposed by the defence, if he’d stayed on the line, Kolarov would have pulled the ball back across goal to Aguero so he came out and left a small gap hoping to cover both options and bang. His earlier saves saved us from a rout.

Stones was magnificent, Coleman was very good and Ross too until he faded later. Ross’s problem when he fades is not that he slows down but runs into blind allies with no possible outcome and gives the ball away. He’s improved in leaps and bounds though and looks like he’ll reach his potential although at a slightly lower level than once expected.

Jags was very good too but there seems to be little linkage and understanding between central and wide defenders. Kone was dreadful for me as, although he does good things, he left Galloway constantly exposed and City went for him and destroyed him. Browning was better when he came on and Naismith helped with cover but I doubt either are left backs. I still have this horrible feeling that we are playing poor formations which work only once in a blue moon, I think that we can do a lot better consistently than we actually do.

My biggest worry about the team? Under Moyes we played down the wings and full back and wide midfielder complemented each other in defence and attack. The Baines - Pienaar axis was amazing yet now we have nothing. Now we have no real attacking option down the wing and it seems to be a vulnerable route which good sides like City can destroy us easily as Arsenal did in Singapore. The way that City were passing balls through and around each side of the defence was painful today.

City were good though and showed us our true station.

Incredible really that against the top teams we're then left with two rookies as our only starters.

We were outclassed today by a very good team so no complaints really, other than what we know already.

Lukuka showed when he comes against really good defenders, it shows! Howard saved us from getting beat by at least another couple of goals, in saying that he should have saved their second goal at least. Would the likes of Austin have made a difference today, yes I think so.

McCarthy is running all over the pitch, but is very limited in other areas. Barry for all his experience is just too slow. Barkley needs to get his head up more, maybe have a look at John Stones!

I agree with whoever said Deulofeu will be mostly a bit part player for us this season. I think we will find out were we really are when we play Spurs. And what has happened to Oviedo?

Sums it all up. 0-2 against that load of money is no disgrace. But I was surprised at the Naismith substitution – it just said "capitulation", keep it tight (by chasing them down) so as to not concede any more, rather than take the game to them with Gerard or Kevin. So to that extent the title of the OP isn’t far wrong.

Cleverley’s astute passing was a plus for me.

I mean I understand the frustrated venting thing of ’we should have brought X on instead of Y!’ but I don’t believe any of it would have made any difference.

Like someone attempting to race against a Formula One car on a pair of roller skates and being told ’don’t use skates, use a skateboard!’ (ie: it’s not going to change the result).

Dave (89) – ’Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and say the opposition were just too good.’

Agree, but they’re too good because the owner who paid for them has limitless funds – that imo should always be mentioned (by supporters of every club).

Browning in for Galloway - like for like admittedly but Roberto wanted Barry in MF, not dropping back to LB, and I agree for this game.

Naisy in for for Kone - clearly to protect Browning who needed cover. Mirallas and DelBoy don't track back and putting one of them on would have meant a young player probably roasted.

DelBoy on for Cleverly - that's the legitimate gripe. Too late for me.

But these moves were all necessitated with Galloway's injury. Without Galloway out, I think you'd have seen Delo and Super Kev on each side from the 65th / 70th onward.

A good effort up against simply the best. City were just fantastic. I really don't understand the "return to fear and trepidation". I didn't see that at all.

Not too dissapointed in our performance, but bringing on players with 5 minutes to go always baffles me, why Bobby?

On another note, what the fuck haven't we brought anyone in? Mid-table sides have already spent £20-30m..not in London..could be Portsmouth....Bill's one of us...carry on making those excuses.

Beyond all that, Evertonians watching a Premier League football game around a metal beam is embarrassing. In 2015. I would ask - really? Are we all stuck in 1972?

I think they needed a drug test after the second half.
They only trouble is I don't know which team should take the test?

Don't think you can put all the blame on the players; I think RM was really out-coached today in the second half.

Most City players seem rather decent lads compared to the scumbags at Chelsea or that lot across the park. And they don’t seem to cheat as much either.

Gary Neville & the other bloke continually wax lyrical about City's talent, yet fail to mention once, the unlevel playing field their billions brings.

Feel ripped off continually.

Everything than could level up things a bit – dodgy pitches, players tied to their clubs before Bosman, the ability to get in a ’tasty’ tackle early on – all have been removed from this wonderful Premier League. The clubs with the most money will buy ALL the best players, not just most of them as in the past. The club coming from nowhere to finish 2nd or 3rd, which happened plenty of times before the Premier League simply can’t happen again.

We played with a lot of spirit but their midfield was pretty awesome.
Against lesser teams we will be able to compete better, the next match at Spurs will give us a better idea of were we're at, a few more signings would help.

Quality of service to strikers is our biggest problem. McCarthy puts in good effort but a lot of it is ineffective and his passing very limited. Ross was as frustrating as ever, too many touches on the ball and too greedy with it – he should have scored immediately before Rom’s "offside goal".

Many decent performances but a lot of the criticism driven by the the last few minutes. Galloway been doing OK but not naturally a left back & Browning is a right back. I hope Oviedo is fit enough for 90 minutes soon; I think he should have started & then been replaced by Galloway when tiredness kicked in.

Overall, not as bad a show as many suggest.

Man City were better and controlled the game. Reminded me of Chelsea home last season. Well, one thing is clear we are still the team of last season. Watford and now Man City confirm this.

Why does this imposter build himself up with statements like "I can be as good as Aguero"? No, Rom, you can’t.

You’re so limited, it beggars belief. £28 mil and you can’t even do the basics. And please if anyone comes on and says the service etc etc, I will fucking scream. Yes it was poor but that does not excuse a player who can’t trap a ball. I see Kone who I thought wasn’t bad given the circumstances was brought off before him god only knows why... All-in-all, a second rate display for me and not once did we look like troubling their keeper.

One thing that must stop is the backing off. Press 'em — not everybody has the ball on a string. Even Messi gets his pocket picked.

Howard still hurting us by hanging on to the ball starting the offense too late.

So why are we suddenly saying that we have no chance against such a great side as City and that we have to admit defeat against a better side and move on? Are we lowering our expectations?

Talk about hope springs eternal, how the hell are we ever going to assemble a team that is good enough to match sides such as City consistently?

Answers on a postcard please.

That was a really good effort against a team that have players like Silva and Aguero who would alone cost more than our club.

It's not an even playing field. You can't blame RM for that; or maybe some of you can. Nonsense.

I thought we played really well against a very good side who knew they were in a game.

A tight game and we held our own against a team that took Chelsea apart last week.

Today we matched them in the first half and then failed to be ready when, predictably, they picked up the pace in the second half as all good sides do.

What is obvious from today is that we miss someone to knit things together as a creative midfielder, to lead and to stay calm when we're in trouble, to find the gaps and the angles. We also miss a proper alternative up front to the infuriatingly erratic Lukaku.

I would play McCarthy (who lost the ball for the first goal and had a poor game) alongside Barkley, dropping Barry, in central midfield and get in our number 10 ahead of them. It's the number 10 who will make or break us.

Did I see Stones waving goodbye to the crowd or was that someone else? My eyes aren't what they used to be.

We are capable of giving anybody a game on any given day, but not with our hands tied behind our back.

Best players in their natural positions please.

Well 'no chance' should certainly be qualified.

In my first post (72) I added - '(yes with the wind behind us, occasionally we can pick up a draw or even a win against these sides, but we can't compete against them over over a season).

We've undoubtedly had a few good results over City (since they've had money), but the reality is they don't spend hundreds of millions so teams without a pot to piss in (like us) can beat them regularly.

Not so long ago, City and Chelsea had no more money than anyone else and couldn't even stay in the top division - now they're owned by billionaires and look to be swapping the title between them.

We might beat them occasionally but eventually the money wins.

You also ask - 'So why are we suddenly saying we have to admit defeat against a better side and move on? Are we lowering our expectations?'

Before a ball is kicked, our attitude (supporters and team) should always be be 'let's give this a go' and defeat should only be admitted at the final whistle, if we've lost.

But I have definitely lowered my expectations or rather they have been lowered for me.

I used to believe at the start of each season there was a chance of winning the league, now because of the wealth of others and our lack of money, I know we have absolutely no chance.

But a lot of positives to take out of today's performance.

Deulofeu should have been brought on far quicker, plus Naismith shouldn’t've been brought on. He should've brought on Mirallas instead.

I think we are sleepwalking into problems; if Lukaku gets injured, we’ll be in serous trouble. We need to bring in another striker and another defender.

I know this is a stale argument but I am proud that we are still the club supported by those who came before us and not a virtual reality construct.

City have better players, now and again we will have a day when it all goes right and beat the money clubs, but today went as the bookies thought. There were positives today but our squad is light and I think we need a new goalkeeper.

Totally with you. I don't wanna be some oligarch's toy.

But that doesn't mean that the state of football, especially in England, isn't really depressing. In the current climate, I don't see any prospect of us achieving any significant success; certainly not in the league, probably not in the cups. At most, a puncher's chance in one off games against big clubs.

Given that, however, I really wish we'd do something different as a club. Run ourselves as a good business, at the very least. Or pursue a German model of including extensive supporter ownership. Just anything to try and change the track.

City give you a real dilemma. You want to get at them but if you press they can take you out of the game in an instant. Hard to admit, but City were top class. They move through the gears so easily - scintillating one minute then they kill the game and take all tempo out of it. The first goal was a bit freaky but it made all the difference. Once they had control they were too good to let it go.

For our part, most on here were calling for a sit back and break approach similar to last week. I think that wouldn't have worked against City and we had the balance about right between committing too much and too little. Ross was brilliant in the first half and Lukaku gave their centre halves a rough time. I also thought Stones was great again.

Arguably we should have used Del or Kev from about 60/70 minutes if we had designs on winning this... that's the black mark for me.

I won't be celebrating a fairly comfortable win for City at Goodison but I'm not losing hope after that.

I want consistency. I want consistency of performance. I want to cheer my team, knowing that we are at a certain level and that on our day we can beat anyone. That suffices. I've witnessed the great days for Everton. That's why I am a blue through and through (as we all are on here). Winning the league is fantasy, but we can always dream.

I am proud that we have kept our soul; indeed I think of our club as the keepers of football’s soul.

So well said. And I agree wholeheartedly.

This has to be the most level-headed string on TW ever. Very refreshing.

I was genuinely confused why RM didn't switch Cleverley to the left to give better cover and bring on Mirallas on the right. If this persists, we should consider bringing back a fit Garbutt from loan if he isn't going to play Bryan.

One other worry area for me: McCarthy has looked all over the place in midfield and needs a break, with Besic a good replacement. Spurs will be a better test of where we are next week and I am confident as long as we have at least one winger in the team.

A blast from six yards by a wide-open player with the power of Kolarov can never be described as a "howler"... yes, Howard was certainly at fault for opening up the near post, but your description is a vast overstatement. And what exactly was he supposed to do about Nasri waltzing through and lobbing him? Grow eight-foot arms and swat it away? Sorry, but I think that's ridiculous. As to his saves, you're certainly entitled to your Howard-bashing opinion, but I thought the first two were excellent., and so did the game commentators.

Overall, I thought we played pretty well against a side with vastly superior talent that I already picked to win the Prem with ease. And Eugene's got it right -- when the money is so utterly lopsided, this kind of result is reality.

"Talk about hope springs eternal, how the hell are we ever going to assemble a team that is good enough to match sides such as City consistently."

That might be the most depressing sentence I've ever read. It nails the problem.

There's only one way isn't there? Man Utd have been the corporate, commercial benchmark and they're in the wake of these teams. What chance do the rest of us have?

I thought the Blues played pretty well. If Lukaku’s free kick goes in and it was a quality strike the game might have been different.

Coleman was bright. I LUV our young guys. They just need experience.

It’s off to the next fixture and I’m confident that the Blues will have a pretty good season.

Cheers.

On the Mirallas and Deulofeu appearances or lack there of, people forget that both theses guys area coming off injuries so that could be the reason why Deulofeu was introduced so late and Mirallas didn't get a sniff. I expect both to get a good run out against Barnsley. Word of mention though for my fellow countryman Coleman... How good was he yesterday?

Still after all this I still think we must strengthen the squad before September or risk being left behind like we were last season.

Pluses to me were Galloway – despite being under intense pressure, I watched his positional pay closely, his reactions and physicality etc...
For a CB he is going to be great for EFC.

I was also impressed again Browning’s calmness and no-one went through him, it even took £50M John Stones to get past him.

We really do have a golden generation of defenders with Holgate, Garbutt, Pennington, & Kenny coming through as well.

There will be no space for youth defenders for the next 5 years, so the standard will go off the scale. We can concentrate on forward positions with our transfer kitty!

Sad thing is though, it's sooooooo fucking boring for the rest of us minions who seem to do nothing more than just make up the numbers in the EPL. Maybe BK has got it right; survive and then survive again but continue to rake in the Sky millions.

The contract on longer and better terms will obviously mean his price is higher as the £7M-odd quoted before is far too little for a player of his age and quality.

May not have made a difference to the final outcome but it would definitely have made us more of a threat going forward and who then knows......

Put into $ perspective, still reckon we’re punching above our weight – I just hopeful it will continue.

Personally, I like the Aussie AFL system – even the big clubs spend seasons at the bottom. Certainly keeps it interesting for the majority of fans.

There, I didn’t even mention the cricket! ;-)

I don’t think we can just shrug it off as it was City who beat us either – we used to turn them over regularly in years gone by when they had a good team too.

City subs the 2nd half were Nasri and Bony. They cost a bloody fortune.

We throw on Naismith and Deulofeu as "impact subs".

Says a lot about why the Blues won’t get anywhere near the Champions League places this season.

I would like to see the youth movement continue. I hope Stones stays for his sake and the extra money he’ll most like bring next summer. Keeping Stones is not a likely long-term option. What the Blues will get for Stones will buy a quality centre-back and money to hopefully buy a player that actually has a chance to score 10+ goals.

Even when you think you are in with a shout, some lousy officiating does you in like the last RS game against Bournemouth.

We just have to go with what we have and hope to win a majority of the other games and perhaps a Derby match.

I can relate to what you are saying about the club and where we stand in the game. Like you, I have seen plenty of good times and can re-live them in my mind's eye... but what of today’s fans? What can they look forward to?

Not much in the way of honours; is this the best of what it is going to be like, season after season? Not much to look forward to in that, is there?

It might do you and me and older fans but my grandchildren and great grandchildren deserve to have at least some hope for the future.

As for the soul of the club, I sincerely hope my soul is not in Kenwright's hands.

He saved us from being at least 2 down in the first five minutes thanks to shoddy defending by others.

Everton’s defence is not very tight despite having Stones and Jagielka.

We must rebound quickly and take something from Chelsea and Spurs, both of whom look more vulnerable than Man City at the moment.

Firstly, the next 7 days are defining in the transfer market. He will need to get this spot on in whoever he brings in.

Secondly, these new recruits will play a part in how the next 7 games go. Failure to achieve a minimum of 9/10 points should be the end of him.

We had two players on the bench yesterday that will run at teams: Mirallss and Deulofeu, one not used and one given five minutes, correct me if I’m wrong but wasn’t one of our better players Seamus who really shook them up? Who .....yes you’ve guessed it, ran at them.

Why do we kiss arse so much with these "big" teams? The present and the last manager are both guilty of this, in my opinion.

He is a decent shot stopper. He is also at least one mistake a game.

He should not have been beaten on his near post and hesitated when Nasri played the one-two, he should have been sharper off his line.

Last week we broke out of defence in numbers, pouring forward every time Southampton gave up the ball. Did anyone see any of that yesterday? We didn't dare against City. That's fear, that's trepidation.

The money argument doesn't stack up either, not given our record against them. We have beaten them often but only because we were prepared to come out of the trenches.

Toe to toe? Not even close, only one team were prepared to get forward in numbers yesterday

I was in Lower Bullens so did not get a brilliant view of those goals. Couldn't believe the first one went in because of the angle and the second looked a bit of a shambles all round to be honest.

However, in defence of Howard on the first goal, (he should be anticipating. Anticipation is crucial all over the pitch), but who can honestly say they expected the shot rather than a cut back in to the 6 yard box from Kolarov. I reckon if Howard had saved the shot then Kolarov would have been getting a bit of stick from his mates who were waiting to score, and it was a well taken goal which fooled the keeper.

I reckon Howard was worth at least 1 if not 2 goals to us yesterday and if we had got something out of the game people would not be posting quite so critically. That's not all to say he's the best around but I believe he gets vilified far too much on here.

I travelled 4 hours to, 6 back from the game yesterday. A long old day for a couple of hours of football but that's being a proper Evertonian isn't it!

Shame about the result but not too disappointed really as at the end of the day that was the 2015/2016 Champions elect I reckon we were watching, and they were pretty sublime to be truthful. Some real talent in there.

I think we put up a pretty good showing on the day and I found it pretty encouraging actually. If that early goal had stood or Rom's free kick had clipped the bottom instead of the top of the bar I think they would have just gone up a gear and probably left with the points on the day but you never know.....

The only negative I got was the atmosphere. I guess it is a hangover from some of the stuff that was served up last year but Goodison did not feel like the intimidating gladiatorial cauldron for the opposition which I am used to. It may be that you don't quite get that feeling so much in the Bullens Road stand but compared to what I remember it was almost 'vacuous' at times.

However a few more performances like last week and efforts like this week I am sure the crowd will soon get it's voice back. Stones, Coleman, Barry M.O.M for me. Thought Galloway did ok under the circumstances against Navas. Always rated Navas but never realised quite what a handful he was.

If Everton don't win the league ("...some people say I'm a dreamer but I,m not the only one....") - I think I'd hope for city to do it. I do feel a little sorry for their more 'idiginous' fans, as it were, because City, like Chelsea have not really done it by themselves on their own merits. Must niggle at the back of their minds, that.

Bring on Barnsley - lets get the winning habit going again.

No, they had visionaries who dared to dream above their station; they had a pair of bollocks and developed and implemented ambitious plans. As a result, they have achieved far more than Everton has over the past 16 years, in my opinion.

Swansea were down and out when Martinez played for them. A few guys pulled together and over the coming years appointed the right Chairman/Board and subsequent management (including Rodgers!) and implemented a plan and achieved Premier League status.

Since then, they have built a team that, to be honest, is probably better than us at the moment!

Look at Bournemouth. Good job they didn’t listen to the so called experts.

Relatively speaking, both have achieved far more than Everton has over this period, in my opinion. Boxing well above their weight in boxing parlance.

What they have achieved against the odds far exceeds our 20 years of mediocrity, no silverware, decaying stadium, pathetic marketing etc. I actually stepped in dog shit right outside the main entrance on my recent stadium tour visit... etc. Inexcusable by any standard.

Despite this, we have some on here telling us that we have no chance of breaking through the glass ceiling and we should really just sit back and accept that our board and management has served us well. "Accept our lot as journeymen" seems to be the call.

I don’t expect that we can win the Premier League title... but maybe a man/woman with a plan and vision can compete with the likes of Swansea and Bournemouth at the very least, and maybe with a Chelsea or a Man City?

Let’s aim for far more than is possible and maybe we’ll get somewhere.

The gap between the lower divisions and the premier League might be, I'm guessing, 100M. The step up to the top half maybe another 50-100M.

What do you reckon you need to challenge City and Chelsea? It goes well beyond anyone's commercial income. You're talking hundreds of millions. There's only one way to get that kind of money.