Four more nice goals from open play

As good as he is on the wing, his step-overs aren't fooling anyone and it's his quick incisive passes that are doing the damage. What position does he play for Spain U21s?

I think we'll win by a couple of goals today.

Get Kone to run them ragged and bring Mirallas on second half.

I am hoping we see some intensity from the off rather than the tentative lethargic approach shown so far this season.

But as always, I expect Everton to turn up. Kone is fairly consistent this season, but the other three attack minded players need to be on their game. Open Villa up. Patience, guile, skill,speed. COYBs.

And as Barry and McCarthy are playing, lets hope the control the midfield. And play the odd forward pass. The defence looks ok ,to me. And as for Howard, well lets see. I still think that we could have found a place for another attack minded midfielder today. But what do us supporters know.

Still expect a win today. Front foot from the off. Three-nil to the Toffees.

I just noticed Leicester are top... and we're better than them... that's got me thinking.

4-0... lovely. Happy to see us take advantage of the teams we really, really should be beating.

10 out of 10. Sublime. Fantastic.

Deulofeu the catalyst. Barkley adding touches of class. Seamus back to his old self. Kone was brilliant in the first half. McCarthy seemed to have that intensity back in his game too.

When we can bring a player like Mirallas off the bench you just feel that we are so much stronger than we have been.

In truth probably the only player of the 14 not to come out with praise was Leon. I thought it was set up for him but he looked so far off the pace and nothing went right for him.

I did!

Hindsight is beautiful right!

I still don't think Barkley did much. Right place, right time...but still lacks guts

What a fantastic performance; get in you Blue Boys!

I hope this win builds the confidence to put more 'lesser' teams to the sword and to have more of a go against those above us.

I've been critical of Lukaku; he was immense today. A much better player with Deufelou and Kone around him.

More, please!

In the space of 8 minutes, Gibson showed a divine range of passing. If only he could stay fit! I feel sorry for Villa – I wouldn't want to see them going down; hope they can turn it around.

Real stand-outs were Deulofeu, Barkley, Lukaku and Kone. When those four are firing (like today), we're a difficult prospect for anyone in the EPL.

Credit where credit's due. Barkley has rightly had some criticism of late... but today he deserves praise for his contribution.

"I still don't think Barkley did much."

Yeah, just the 2 goals and 1 assist today. Ridiculous comment.

Howard even got Funes Mori out of the shit to help keep the first clean sheet at home all season.

Villa were awful, but shit teams have to be beaten.

Happy to eat a huge slice of humble pie.

Credit all round, quality performance.

I also thought McCarthy put in a big shift today; he's in my first 11 every time, I don't understand the criticism he gets.
When we play a fast tempo game with Kone supporting Lukaku, we're a different team.

Also, I agree with you that Lukaku plays better with Deulofeu and Kone. That was always evident. Let's hope Martinez does not start playing silly games and that he lets that threesome flourish. Add Barkley to that.

Let these players loose on opponents. I would also like to see another attack-minded player on the park but that won't happen.

Great win today, and no scares, like going a goal behind. Baines on the mend, a good bench, and some very good youngsters. Some winnable games coming up and us climbing the league, with a shot at a cup semi-final... it's looking good. Compare that to the rubbish served up this time last season. Now just think what a top class midfield playmaker would bring to the party, and... hmm... a goalkeeper. The mind boggles.

That Lukaku lad ain't bad is he? It would be fun now to dig through the "Jim Bennings" archives to read the old anti-Lukaku rants.

Mirallas too did very well when he came on – shame he couldn't score a goal; that would have done his confidence the world of good.

Manchester City are being ass-bonked at the minute and to me seem characterless, the mere fact that Man Utd are top says it all.

How do you fit Gibson into the team?
How can Jags get back into a defence that is better without him?
How can Baines replace the exceptional Galloway?
Where can Cleverly fit in?

Whisper it gently but there is possibly a very good side in there.

Please, please stop this nonsensical criticism of Barkley, the lad has worked hard and eliminated most of his weaknesses and is improving every game he plays; he was exceptional today

Very promising all round.

Fucking hell, the league is there to be won for anyone who thinks they are good enough

I agree 100%. If we keep getting positive results in these fixtures through 2015 (all "winnable"), we will be right up there.

Dream big. This is a year, much like 2013, where the glass ceiling can be cracked.

One game at a time and whatnot, but the macro-picture is one that should be cause for enthusiasm.

I just think the league this year, although exciting, is damn average so why not!

Great if us and Leicester finish in the top 2!

He has 47 goals in 97 games in all competitions. In comparison it took the following players to reach the same number.

Bob Latchford 105
Graeme Sharp 122
Tony Cottee 120
Duncan Ferguson 155

Not bad for a lazy player with no touch or control.

Okay, Villa are not exactly Barca, but they came with a very determined plan to frustrate us. We got that all important early break through and you just kinda knew we would entertain.

Made up here. We've been guilty of losing the plot when the breakthrough hasn't come, but we are a young side, we just need to be a bit more patient when we come up against more stubborn resistance which we surely will. That's where the boss has to earn his corn.

Paul Foster, Joe Foster and Gavin Johnson, all bang on. I think Phil Sammon has started celebrating Chrimbo a bit early this year.

erm, I thought we were well relaxed, and had this one sewn up at half time. No need for injuries, and if they want to attack us, we can hit them on the counter. It was closer to 5-0 than 4-1. A stroll.

Also, I would like to see us do what the redshite do regularly and go to one of the so-called top grounds and win handsomely. We always seem to come up short at Chelsea, Arsenal, Anfield etc and that's why the top 4 is always just out of reach.

Just for the record, though, the bookies currently rate us as 750/1 for the title and the redshite just 20/1 despite both being on 20 points (as I speak).

Jim 49, I hope Vardy scores a hattrick next week and break that goalscoring record in style. I wouldn't mind even if both of us are in Top 4, never mind 1-2.

For the money they've splashed out, I tell you what: I'd be pretty peeved off being a City fan:

£32 million for Magala???
£49 million pound for that glorified Shaun Wright-Philipps, Raheem Sterling??

How much would you really take for John Stones?? £60 million surely!

Everybody played well but for me Deulofeu was the best one. Luckily Barcelona won the Real game so they might not feel they want him right now.

The summer will be interesting because I can see stratospheric bids arriving for a few of our players, especially Rom who, now he has discovered his touch, will be hunted by the "big clubs" and we all know what his agent's like. Let's hope we can build something that he (and Stones and Deulofeu) don't want to leave.

I could nit pick by saying Aston Villa were really poor but I've got to stay happy with that result.

Even before today, Lukaku had scored more than the leading scorers for Man Utd, Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs, Liverpool and others – and consider the teams we've played so far.

Deulofeu – superb. Barry and McCarthy dominant. Back 4 all very good – we're not missing Jags. Kone I love to see supporting Lukaku.

Curious as well that from where I sit in the Bullens the Park Road end now seems a lot noisier than the Gwladys Street. I still can't understand the critics of the players; eleven goals in three matches, we would have died for that last season.

Great result today, against a team that I thought would be far more stubborn than they were...

I know you were one of his biggest critics. His 50 Premier League goals include those he scored at West Brom. I was talking solely about his Everton record. Would it be unkind to say "keep up"?

Out of interest, are you still of the opinion that Rom is "a very poor footballer, and a very, very lazy one at that"?

It has always been the case and, to be honest, I wouldn't have it any other way. Let the other teams grab the headlines and hopefully Everton can capture a trophy or two.

We're still a work in progress and there are an awful lot of things that can go wrong but there are very good signs within this squad; if the crowd get behind them at Goodison, we can have a good season but, as always, this is Everton FC, so you can't take anything for granted.

As a matter of interest where was you sitting in the ground today?

Leicester are on a roll, as are Man Utd, but both will have sticky patches and Man City rely too much on Aguerro who wasn't ready today in my opinion.

I don't want to speak to soon but this might be a surprising season for Everton.

Granted, Villa are a poor side, as identified by many before the game, but the manner of the victory was great to see today. Hopefully that will give us the confidence to do something meaningful this season.

I'd have thought it was obvious as I was comparing his record with other Everton goalscorers but at least you gave me the chance to clarify.

I assume your question about where I was sitting is to check my credentials. Today I am in Botswana, working, but I have had two season tickets in The People's Club Lounge for the last eight years. GG 85 and 86 this year to be exact. When I'm away with work, my brothers use the tickets. Before that, I had a season ticket in the Main Stand for about 20 years.

And of course you skirted the question.

Out of interest, are you still of the opinion that Rom is "a very poor footballer, and a very, very lazy one at that"?

We won't play a defense that bad often this season but we put them to bed properly. Nice confidence boost for Ross and Rom. Bring it on.

Top marks to the manager for not tinkering with the side; looks like we're getting a bit of consistency as well.

Loving seeing Leicester at the top as well. Man City and the Arsenal losing... could we see Vardy and Co in the Champions League next season? Unbelievable from them so far.

As for your question on how good Lukaku is, I've answered you twice now with the same answer; let's see him keep it up. When I critcsised him, he deserved every bit of it, he was stinking the place out and he's still very capable of doing that, as at Arsenal the other week.

You will all no doubt remember me advising two years ago to lump the whole transfer budget on Lukaku – anyone now think he was over-priced?

The fly in the ointment is that several of the players and their agents will be angling for moves to "bigger" clubs, so let's hope we win something before the team breaks up.

Thanks for your concern about my health, I'm touched. Unfortunately I've been away for the last two games and missed 10 goals!

You haven't really answered the question though. You said he was a 'very very poor player.' Now I agree he had some poor performances, I'd be the first to agree. But don't all players have poor games?

But, in the end, 47 goals in 97 games is pretty fucking impressive. Go on, you know you can admit it. You were wrong; but, at least in being wrong, being a match-going Blue, you got to sing "Romelu, Romelu, Romelu Lukaku!"

I am sure Martinez would have been pleased with the possession and control. British fans will have gone mad over the opening tippy tippy stuff, and that really we could have got a cricket score today such was our class against a dreadful Villa. But Villa will be knackered, and our guys will be fresh for next week's battle. Does he see something we don't –- have we missed this in all our moaning and cat-0calling?

Stones, Deulofeu, Lukaku, Barkley, Funes Mori, Galloway and McCarthy, just have so much energy. And are ready to go again.

Stones was a Rolls Royce of a centre half. Deulofeu just grows by the week. Lukaku is a goalscoring centre-=forward we haven't seen for decades – his touch can be iffy, but his hold-up play in the last couple of games is so much better. And his goals, man he's lethal at the moment. Sprinkle in the excellent Barry and Kone and we look decent.

C'mon, Blues let's puts this 20-year hoodoo to an end. #Do it for Howard.

Gareth Barry I think is back to his best, I don't know if the extra Europa League games last season affected his form.

I just love watching Deulofeu, the boy is a special talent; every time he gets on the ball, he gets me off my seat.

I think Lukaku has improved his all-round game this season, especially his first touch; his goal scoring ability has never been in doubt.

John Stones is now the number 1 central defender in the Premier League.

I also think it is worth a mention for Kevin Mirallas who, from the minute he came on, showed what an important player he is for this team.

I think this is the best squad of players we have had for a very long time. I just hope we can keep hold of them for a couple of seasons. But I think only a Champions League place will help us keep Stones and Lukaku. Unfortunately we are not the ones who will decide where Deulofeu plays his football next season.

You make a great point. If I was Barca and Geri carries on with his current form, it would make commercial sense to exercise their option to buy back even if they don't need him.

If he does stay, it will probably cost us.

Lukaku is playing a lot better and running more, but it was Geri who went off to a rousing reception after giving his all. He was knackered: I'd like your man to do that.

Rest assured, Graham, when Lukaku has a bad game, I won't be on here letting you know about.

Fair doos... let's hope we are singing together. Geri looks a proper player btw.

9 goals and 4 assists in 13 league games. That's phenomenal. At this rate, he will break the 20-goal club.

Deulofeu is brilliant, and I dread the day Barca take him back. I'm happy for Barkley, and everyone should be happy today. This team is young, talented and exciting. Our general defensiveness openness concerns me, but we've got a run of games where we could really gain momentum.

Well, I think the point is when some posters were laying into Rom, others came on and defended him. And they just want to point out that maybe, just maybe, they had a point.

If that makes you a nobhead (sic) I'm a fully joined up member of the club.

Now Romelu looks like he is worth the money the club invested in him and the only way I or any other fan has to measure a player is by what we see out on the football pitch, we as fans aren't interested in potential or what may happen twelve months hence although we do want the team to develop and progress, it's always about the here and now.

Graeme Sharp went through a similar situation at the beginning of his Everton career and he turned out not too bad, hopefully Rom will carry on the great tradition of centre-forward play we have seen at the club in the past.

Del Boy is another player who I thought had ability but was lacking in focus and often there was no end product to his game; at the moment, he is on fire and enjoying his football which once again as an Evertonian I am delighted to see.

The manager – if he can keep the players focussed and at the top of their game in most games, this should reap the rewards and, if he does that, he should be applauded for having the foresight to purchase those type of players. His decisions have far more influence on the club than the views of fans, whether we are proven right or wrong.

It is obvious someone has been working on him and with the developing relationship between Barkley, Kone, Deulofeu and himself, he has finally become the player we all hoped he was capable of.

Very few actually doubted his ability to score goals, it was only his football ability and input that was questioned.

But we shouldn't get hung up on a Rom discussion when we have scored 10 goals and played so well in the last two home games.

Contrast last season when we struggled to impose ourselves on these two teams. I am feeling so happy now I am convincing myself we could win the league. Let's hope the players feel the same way.

That's sort of the point. Rom has scored 47 goals in 97 games for us. So take the long-term view, not just a single game.

It's not holier than thou to point out the fact he is a really good player.

This is the most exciting group of players in my time supporting Everton (23 years). If the manager can get us defending better (clean sheets) then who knows? The front three can score and create which means we are always a threat.

No Europa League is a big advantage and if we stay clear of injuries to key players then let's aim high. The league is a lottery at present, I still would not rule out Chelsea in the mix come May. Look at Man City tonight, all that money and lost 4-1 to a team without an out-and-out striker. Look who is top of the Premier League at present, crazy!

As for Lukaku, he is without doubt improving but I am certainly not going to apologize for my previous posts! His weaknesses as a professional footballer is all there to see: his first touch and close control are poor, his link-up play and his movement around the area could be a lot better and, as we saw late on today, his right peg is standing only.

Also, when he plays against two quality central defenders, he struggles; however, I do feel this is down to RM's tactics leaving him with little or no support... the game against Spurs comes to mind.

The most important thing about Lukaku: despite his faults, he knows where the onion bag is and he will always get you goals given the service. I think the boys around him know where his strengths lie.

Villa are a poor side and I hope they can turn it around but today it was really men against boys and as Bobby stated after the game ... "it was a complete performance" ... Can't argue with that! Happy days and bring on Bournemouth!

Would his lack of heading ability be evidenced when he scored a header on his debut against West Ham or maybe when he scored against Liverpool from the corner or against Southampton this year or even that cracker against West Brom or even today when he managed to lean back from a difficult cross and head it in?

And I have to laugh at the 'we're going to win the league' posts. From some who have slated us. Get a grip we've beaten Sunderland and Villa. On each occasion we've met one of the top 4 sides,we have been beaten.

To quote a famous TW poster 'seventhish' is most likely.

If this can spread through the team, and we can find ourselves a Gareth Barry type player with pace, who knows where we could end up?

At least everyone is happy after that performance, especially with the belief we can become a lot better. I don't see another squad in England with as much great young talent than Everton at the minute, let's just hope we can keep growing!

The big question is can we keep hold of Stones, Barkley, Lukaku, Deulofeu and Galloway. According to the media, the world wants to sign Stones. Galloway will be the next Stones unless I'm a bad judge... okay I know!
If we can keep them here, RM's boast of making us a top 4 side might not seem so far-fetched after all.

"His weaknesses as a professional footballer is all there to see".

Not today, methinks.

However, he has really surprised me these last 2-3 months. He seems happier in himself. Last season he had problems with his toe in the early part of the season. I also think his father wasn't well so that may have impacted on him.

More recently the team have started playing to more of Lukaku's strengths so assume he is happier with his teammates and less frustrated. Scoring goals will breed confidence.

Long may it continue!

We either drop form at some point and struggle to break teams down again. Or we lose this exciting group of young players to the rich vultures.

But right now, it's great to watch a young team expressing themselves. It's great to see us banging in goals and playing with a swagger.

In plenty of sports you'd be looking at this team as one that will achieve great things within a few years. Maybe just maybe the other scenario plays out... the one where the TV money means we can resist the big offers, the players opt to be part of growing something special, and we have one of the great stories of a young team coming through to achieve greatness.

This season, it seems that there's the prospect of football overtaking money in terms of how the table ends up. To us at Everton, that should resonate.

Today we walloped Villa before the half-time brew. The word "ruthless" now needs to be introduced to the squad and the coaches, and Martinez. I do not in any way mean to criticise but, when you're head and shoulders above by half-time, you really ought to drive home the advantage, rather than go off the boil a little, as we did in the second half.

I think Roberto has at last found his best team, although I believe Baines will give us a bit extra. We are capable of having a special season.

Credit to him for being in the right place and all that but I agree with Phil and I've said it a few times on the live forum. He is too safe and looks like he's more scared of making mistakes. Big improvement on last season but the reason I say this is because we have seen what he is capable of.

Lukaku has 9 goals, with Barkley and Kone 5 goals apiece. From zero to eight plus in goal difference, the last two games. Team is on the up for sure.

As for my comment on winning the league, it was said tongue-in-cheek having beaten the two poorest sides in the Premier League.

I still have no faith in this manager to deliver Champions League despite the talent at his disposal and am one of the people who thought we would finish seventhish. I would hope to be proven wrong and we do much better than that but that is hope rather than belief. So wind your neck in and enjoy the day.

My theory (and it IS just a theory) is that the experience has made him think twice about going for such hospital balls. To say he can't head a ball is just plain silly; he has scored some bullet headers... but when you look at the headers he does score, most of them are when he has found a bit of space and are unchallenged.

Joe Foster plays a blinder in this thread and nails the desperate-to-be-right to the wall.

When Dave A (and others) were criticising Lukaku, everything they were saying was true, the fact that he has improved doesn't make it any less so. Those who backed Lukaku and were adamant, even when he was struggling, that he had the makings of a top class player, were also right... but what's with the 'I-told-you-so's?

What happens if he is poor next week? Does Dave A come back and say "Seeeeeeee... I told you".

This is footy, we all get to be right half of the time...ish

His touch may not be the greatest, he might not be the best header but his off-the-ball movement is outstanding. He is always looking to play on the half-turn, which means with the right service he will face the goal. He can't score with his back to goal so being a target man reduces his goal threat.

I remember receiving plenty of scorn from the Lukaku bashers when I said last season he would become a £50M player in a couple of years. Now I would be livid if we sold him for less than that.

As for the notion that Barkley plays too safe, sometimes playing a square ball is no bad thing. Last season, he was guilty of poor decision-making but this season he seems to be on the mark when it comes to playing safe or having a go. He can't defend but who cares if he delivers at the top end?

Great performance overall by the team and a special mention for Mirallas. He looked very hungry and I fancy him to grab a few goals if he gets a run of games.

Long may it continue.

I'll judge him against what we bought him for – to score goals. So far, highly satisfied. A great game doesn't make him great, or a poor game make him poor. Medium-term view – this season, he's scored 9 in the Premier League, well ahead of the leading scorers for Man Utd, Man City, Arsenal, Spurs, Liverpool & Chelsea (all of whom, incidentally, we've had to play, early doors).

Another good point by Ian (#106): Lukaku, seems a lot happier. Maybe it's because of Gerry, or more likely Kone, is having a positive influence?

My own view is that the hard work is starting to pay off and, love him or loathe him, one thing that Lukaku has in spades, is a desperate will to score goals. That's a great achievement to score 50 Premier League goals so young, long may it continue.

Looks to me like whatever happened last season has passed and everyone's on board. I hope they all reflect on yesterday as an example of what they're capable of – when they want to be positive and dominate.

I think you are confusing form and ability. A player has a bad game and quite rightly he gets called for it.

Rom had a couple of shockers but the ability is still there. So I will continue to disagree with comments like 'he is the worst header of a ball I have seen at centre forward for Everton'. A patently ridiculous assertion. And I will quite firmly keep my neck unwound.

Who would you say was the worst header of a ball you have seen lead the line for Everton, Graham? I would have to go with Beckford off the top of my own head!!

Joking aside and off topic I know, but I'm intrigued about what you do for a job Graham, noticed you spend your time on the African continent, sorry to pry, tell me to do one if you want.

I'm not confusing anything of the sort, I'm a big Lukaku fan and have been since Day One, but I accept that a lot of the criticism that has been levelled at him has been accurate – even if you can pull out a few isolated posts to argue to the contrary.

We won, we played well, Lukaku played well. Barkley played well, Barry played well, Howard played well... everyone who has ever been criticised regularly played well... is it too much to ask that we just enjoy it?

This cheap point-scoring shite seems like a determined attempt to take the gloss off a fantastic performance for people you have disagreed with in the past... it's bollocks.

You must have forgotten the amount of headers Saha scored for us, a lot better than given credit for, have a look at some of the goals he scored in his time and you'll be shocked by some of the headers he got.

Radzinski too, not ever going to be great in the air for obvious reasons but I recall a cracking header in the 2-1 over Southampton in 2003, the equaliser before he scored a injury-time winner which truly took the roof off.

Lukaku has greatly improved this season, he's clearly done a lot of work on his weaknesses; goalscoring was never one of them.

Primarily though it's because this season, unlike last, he's being supported far more by blue shirts in and around him, coupled with Deulofeu's return and most pivotal, having Arouna Kone in the team, a very underrated footballer as he showed during his year at Wigan.

Happy as anyone we won. Are we only allowed to discuss the merits of players after a defeat? After all, it seems as good a time as any (ie 11 goals in 16) to point out that quite a few posters misjudged him. Not in terms of form, he had some poor games, but in terms of ability and attitude.

Jim,

You are right about Saha, he scored 6 headers in his Everton career, Radzinski got 3. Rom btw the 'worst header blah blah' has 8 already.

And there in a nutshell is my problem with two DMFs every bloody game. One would have done a job against Villa, and maybe then a place could have been found for a midfielder who could make a meaningful forward pass... or dare I say, take a shot on goal. Also, do two DMFs really assist and cover the defence? I'm not convinced.

On Lukaku, I was calling for him to be rested for a few games. This was around the end of September, and most of October as he was off the boil then; nothing was working. But since Del and Kone are in the team, the big man has found his game. He needs to be around good players. He is a confidence player, and confidence must be sky high around Everton just now. Lukaku is not the same player around Naismith or Lennon, I just hope Martinez sees that, because every Evertonian worth his salt does.

Lukaku at times does deserve to be criticised; every player not putting in a shift does. I don't want to see Everton lay down and capitulate – nobody does – but we are now on a little roll... with winnable games coming up; play like yesterday, and who knows.

Can we win the league? Well, Leicester are top. Who would have believed that? It is all in Everton's hands (and feet). Let's keep this run going. COYBs

I will relish in him and us doing well because, as I said when I wrote that post, people need more patience. Lukaku's goal record at his age is phenomenal. He had one bad season in a team not set up to play for his ability, where he still managed 20 goals in all competitions. But numerous contributors claimed on these forums that he will never be a top striker, will never be worth his fee, and will never improve his touch and link up play because these abilities can't be improved. (They are innate? I'd love to know the logic behind these claims because no-one could tell me when pressed.)

Why do I or others, who can see the ability and potential ability of Lukaku, have to listen to people whining and moaning like self-entitled children just because a young player has a poorer season? A striker who is better than any striker we've had in the Premier League era, and who has the capacity to take us to the next level?

This not about insider knowledge, this is about a pair of eyes, and an ability to read a games-played and goals-scored stats column. Before last season, it read 20 games started for West Brom, 17 league goals and 29 games started for us in the following season and 15 league goals.

Last season was an anomaly, and the kind that affects young players, especially in a team where selfish midfield play and impotent passing was not seeing Lukaku get the ball when he needed and where he needed it to be effective.

There are some certainties in this team. Stones has the ability to play for Barca, Real or Bayern, and is already a top class defender. If he goes through a bad period, as the very best sometimes do, it will not mean he has lost that ability. Lukaku has the ability to be one of the best strikers in world football. A bad period will not change that. Deulofeu can be one of the finest wingers in world football. Again, a bad period will not change that. The contributions-per-minute ratio will back that up for Deulofeu and Lukaku, as will a pair of eyes. Stones's class is abundantly obvious and it's a real shame that we will be unable to keep him at this club.

Just because this is a forum, it does not mean people have a right to throw out negative ill-informed opinions every time there is a bad period. I don't want to read countless criticisms of Martinez every time he says something positive, because posters assume that positivism can't be correct. I don't want to read about how the most gifted striker of our Premier League era can't improve his touch and link up play, and how we should sell him and buy Mitrovic or whichever other unproven player someone has watched play a half-dozen times.

I do not understand why we can't be a little more patient? Especially when we have so many young players at this club. Maybe it is something produced by modern society, by the sensationalism of the media, and by instant gratification ideas spread by advertising and technological changes. I've no idea why it is this way, but I can tell you that I've read absurd things on here. Of stubborn posters unwilling to think they may be wrong, or unable to hold their opinions before they are proved wrong or right.

I guarantee you that if Lukaku went 4 or 5 games without scoring now, and had a few bad games, some posters would claim that the start of the season was just a fluke. That he scored goals because everyone we played was crap, and he can't and will never learn how to control a ball.

When I have to put with these opinions, I will revel in them being wrong. This is part of my desire to encourage the cultivation of patience in the only fans forum I read and post in. In Stones, Lukaku and Deulofeu we have devastating potential and present ability. In Coleman and Baines we have possibly the finest full back pairing in the league. McCarthy is a very solid and effective DM, whilst Barkley clearly has much to offer. Galloway, Browning, Besic and Robles are also very promising, and the former 3 have performed superbly when thrust into the first team this year.

We don't have much money, and should criticise the board and Kenwright for that. We have one chance for success, and that is through the careful selection and development of young talent. We have done that, and are doing that. These young players, because they are young, will have bad games and even bad seasons. But we need to stick with them, because they are exciting talents who could bring us the trophy/ies we need. And when I read some illogical post unnecessarily criticising a good player, or limiting their ability to improve, I will jump on that and give my opinion.

A big factor in the positive results is playing another striker. Having Kone together with Lukaku ensures that opposition defenders have to handle two powerful strikers and not having an isolated Lukaku as the only one which gets snuffed out easily.

Jay (#111), You think Lukaku is the worst Everton centre-forward you have seen at heading the ball? You are having a laugh surely? I would argue that he is one of the best I have seen! I can only think of Duncan Ferguson and Graeme Sharp off the top of my head who would possibly be better.

This is an Internet site, not a pub. Amongst mates you'd never hear such black-or-white opinions... on here it's often a race to be the first to a conclusion.

So we get people putting themselves in one 'camp'. 'Camps' that just don't exist outside of the Internet.

The easiest camp to be in? It's the negative one. When did anyone last achieve true greatness with Everton? Those who could, got moves elsewhere. The odds are in the negative pundit's favour, regardless of whether their opinion could be considered informed.

No coincidence though that our upturn has been in conjunction with Deulofeu having an extended spell in the team, which has done his confidence the world of good and I suspect that his continued great form will be critical to our season. He makes things happen.

I suspect there are a couple of very worried Bournemouth full backs right now...

A thrashing of Sunderland and a solid point at the new West Ham really make us feel optimistic about the rest of the season, especially with players getting back from injury.
A big bonus has been the play of Kone who really compliments Lukaku so let's hope he stays fit.

Oh, and let's all blame the Thursday night Europa League games. Everton were unable to cope with two games a week. But it was all an anomaly.... thank you for pointing that out.

Lukaku is now scoring goals, d long may that last, but if we (at times) had had options, then he would have been dropped – no questions. I actually like Lukaku but I think we need options for when he goes off the boil; that's why he plays every week – no options. Forget about Naismith or Mirallas or anybody else leading the line. Lukaku leads the line at all times, even when he is not playing well. In fact, almost by default... but that is Everton.

He (Lukaku) now has the right players around him: Kone is playing well; Deulofeu is flying; the defence is looking more solid; and everyone is doing the right things. Everton play well... Lukaku plays well; it's not rocket science. His confidence has now to be sky high, and that is what makes strikers tick.

I don't criticise Lukaku for having a bad game but Lukaku can have a bad 4 to 6 weeks. There again, the whole team can... in fact, they can have a bad season... but who cares? It has been all an anomaly.

Just my humble opinion. And opinions cost nought. And most definitely not £28 million.

For Barkley's first, it was Stones (21) to Barkley (21) to Rom (22) to McCarthy (25, old get) to Deulofeu (21) and then Barkley again to finish.

Fantastic goal and hopefully we can keep them and see many more like it. The future's looking bright.

It's football, not science; one minute's hero is the next minute's villain... and Lukaku was as good yesterday as he was as bad last season. Your praise is justified now just as much as the criticism was last season.

If he plays like that 8 games out of 10 from now on, then perhaps he will be deserving of the top class tag – but he needs to do it consistently first.

I've seen it all with Latchford and Dobson: "Next year will be our year" ... but it never was. Grasp the moment; Howard Kendall did.... his players did. This current Everton could... but not if they go missing for weeks.

'Anomaly' means inconsistent but it is too simplistic to use that for last season. Why were we inconsistent? Well I think that we all know why. It's looking better this season and long may that continue.

As for Lukaku scoring 20 goals last season, that's good... but most struggling teams usually do have at least one player who manages to score a few goals. The game is littered with players scoring with poor teams: Charlie Austin is one, the Burnley lad last season is another; Suarez scored in another poor team. It does not mean that Lukaku played well, just coz he scored a few goals. But as long as Everton win... then everyone has played well.

We should not just be settling for this 4-0 win; we should still be looking to improve. I suppose that, because we kept a clean sheet, people will now be saying that we don't need a goalkeeper.

Supporters and opinions. What would the game, and websites be without them... er... us?

Coleman, Jagielka, Funes Mori, Baines
Barry, McCarthy
Cleverley
Kone, Naismith, Mirallas.

Subs: Robles, Besic, Gibson, Lennon, McGeady, Galloway, Osman/Pienaar.

Whilst that squad wouldn't be world beaters, they would probably hold their own in most fixtures. I wouldn't want that to happen, but it wasn't all that long ago that a squad similar to the above would have been the one available for most fixtures.

It would seem that the TV revenue is having a positive effect on the club and the younger players such as Lukaku, Barkley, Stones and Deulofeu have added a quality to the team that has been largely missing in previous campaigns. Let's hope that none of the young stars are seduced by money in the coming 12 months as, if they all stay and Roberto can replace some of the ageing campaigners with similar top quality players, we could be in for a treat.

I also wonder if some of the Goodison quietness is down to the fact that many of us have become cynical and don't wish to become over-excited in case the club decide to cash-in on those young players.

Others in this thread talk of developing partnerships across the team, something I referenced after our second game this season, the 3-0 thumping of Southampton.

I particularly highlighted Kone's contribution in not playing as an out-and-out striker alongside Lukaku, but how he links play from the midfield and penalty area which liberates such players as Romelu and Ross and now Gerry.

I understood why, after coming on against Chelsea and scoring a hat-trick, Steven Naismith was rewarded with a starting place for a few games ahead of Kone. However, I think Martinez sacrificed valuable points in doing so, because the Naismith - Lukaku partnership is nowhere near as effective and blunt as the attacking edge that the Kone - Lukaku duo offers.

Now I like Naismith and, in certain games, at certain times, he has his place. He is always likely to chip in with vital goals. But the way we are set up right now, his place is firmly on the bench.

Things are shaping up nicely, even with an extremely novice back four. Barry has excelled this season, but all the more so since Jagielka's injury, shepherding and marshalling the back 4 as he does from his deep-lying midfield position.

As for Deulofeu... well, what he can achieve in the game is without limit. This is a very, very special talent. I didn't care for yet another dive in the area yesterday, but I did note another attribute he has added to his game.

There was one telling moment in the 2nd half when he chased back, deep into the corner flag territory around our own penalty area, to snuff out an attacking threat, then calmly pass the ball across our penalty area to a centre back to launch yet another counter attack.

Not the stuff of glamour, but an essential side to the game which he didn't have in his first season with us nor, by all accounts, on loan at Seville last season.

I love it when the desperate-to-be-right spend hours typing long-winded post quoting things that were said months/years back in an attempt to substantiate their "informed" opinion. Of course they will never bring up the times they have been wrong because: A) they are too far up their own arses to think nobody noticed, or B) they are too dumb to recognise when they were wrong.

Graham

Of course it's ok to discuss the merits of a player after we have won, no better time for it, but if you are going to persist with the 'I-told-you-so's you can expect to get it back in spades when the guy you are praising has a bad game. Gloating to the Redshite is almost compulsory, gloating to fellow Blues just takes the edge off a good day.

One more thing: in over 50 years of watching football, I have never seen a 23-year-old "learn" a good first touch. Lukaku is most definitely no exception. He is vastly improved when it comes to using his huge frame to protect the ball and that is giving the rest of the team confidence to get up and support him.

Despite all his obvious attributes, Big Rom can still 'control' a ball further than most of us can kick it.

I don't think I'm 'right' or 'wrong', I just have my opinion based on my judgement of things. Others have a different opinion, that's ok with me. It's an Internet forum where opinions are exchanged. You seem to feel I should not express my opinion. For instance, it is my opinion you are wrong about Lukaku's control. Whereas I know I am right in saying you are definitely wrong to say Lukaku is 23.

You still of course seem to be missing the point I made. If Lukaku has a bad game (almost certain to happen), I will still have the same view he is a very good centre forward regardless of 'expecting to get it back in spades' and one who has the potential to be a world class one.

I wouldn't want Stones to leave. Hopefully we'll win the FA or League cup and this talk of American investment will come into fruition and we'll be able to keep our best players and buy more players at that level. Of course I'm a realist and I'm used to reading these stories that coincide with AGM's, but part of me buys into the lie every time. I guess you've got to have a certain amount of optimism to keep following Everton.

But going back to my point. I could stomach Stones signing for a club abroad and Barca and the conspiracist in me wonders if it was to happen whether we'd do a deal with them where they'd rip up the buyout clause for Deulofeu.

It is noticeable that Howard and Lukaku have improved in the last few weeks. It is just possible that they are improving because they are taking notice of these faults.

I think Sam Hoare (#135) gets it right: players form, ability and general demeanour change over games and likewise fans' opinions change too.

I always take note of Darren Hind because he tells it like he sees it. I don't always agree with him but then don't expect people to always agree with me. If people come on here expecting the truth, they won't always get it but you will get honest opinions. If they want fiction, they should join the library.

Early days I know but he looks the real deal!

I don't care who said what to who about what player. I don't care who the 'top four' are.

Our much - maligned manager and players are currently performing well. So why all the bickering?

It's probably the reason why I've been posting less this season. The whole thing about the need to be right and gloating takes the shine off a great day sometimes. I've been guilty of it myself on disagreements about certain players. But I've taken a step back this season.

For me, it was the epiphany of realising I shouldn't be feeling drained reading a football forum after we'd beaten Man Utd 3-0 last season.

Yes, I understand what you are saying, you shouldn't let the forum drain you but take it as it comes. The match absolutely drains me, even at my age I kick every ball and want perfection from the team. I've watched Everton a very long time and I've never ever seen perfection.

Gavin, keep posting but don't take it too seriously.

I never thought I would say this.... But I agree

You see its not the people who disagree with me I'm making this point to.

As I said earlier, I'm a huge fan of Lukaku, have been from day one... but I won't be coming on saying I told you so every time he scores:

1) I don't want to take the shine off a victory for fellow blues who may have disagreed with me;

2) I'm wrong at least as often as I'm right when I express my opinion on here – plenty on here will testify to that.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, like you say, and in my opinion, Joe Foster (#88) has still submitted the best post on this thread.

1) if a little bit of debate takes the shine off a victory, my advice would be don't come on here

2) agreed

If as you say every one is entitled to their opinion, I'm not sure why you object to me stating my opinion that posters were wrong about Lukaku. Of course you are perfectly entitled to disagree with that opinion.

I've tended to put Deufelou and Lukaku in that bracket. Lately they've both worked hard and shown the consistent desire that any player needs to make the best of their talent.

So if they both keep applying themselves, it's no contest. People keep talking about tippy tappy Barca and forget how hard these gifted players work when they haven't got the ball.

We've got some talented young players who look so much better when they show the appetite to win the ball, move the ball and create space for others. If they keep up the current good work, who knows where they will take us?

Nothing you or anybody else can say will ever take the shine off an Everton victory for me personally. That doesn't make me blind to silly point-scoring posted by those who simply can't be satisfied by the victory alone.

Were you really so unfulfilled by yesterday's performance that you had to ask the same person the same question three times and then go on to tell us how long you have been a season ticket holder?

I'm not sure why you are worried about my personal fulfilment, but thank you for the concern.

As it goes I'm happy as a sandboy especially now you have been reading my posts.

As it happens I asked him three times because the poster in question never answered the question I asked. So I was doing it for effect. You know debating opinions and trying to make a point.

As for my season tickets it was just an answer to a question I was asked.

Yet AGAIN

Of course it was an answer to a question you were asked. Somebody came along and asked you how long you have held a season ticket.

Still, if that's what passes for opinion in your house...

I go along with what others have said about people saying 'I told you so'.

Positivity is the only way to transform mediocrity or poor sides into world beaters.

Cloughie, Howard and Shanks were all of that mold.

We have the foundation now and the model for Martinez to continually throw the dice with young talent and to praise them and build their confidence. More than not have younger individuals come in and show their worth.

Besic is another that has awesome potential and if we do have to release Stones to a top Champions League side – me thinks we will have Martinez shove Holgate into the void left by a ball-playing CB.

We have a conveyor belt of them right now and we will be able to attract the best young talent and Barca may even keep throwing gems our way if Deulofeu does go back into the first 11 at the Nou Camp.

We play the right way, we select the right way and nurture world class talent. It is the only way to move up to the next level. It transforms our finances, our balance sheet and the brand value of EFC – long may it continue!

Let's SUPPORT our players eh?!

And Victor - congratulations on your use of sarcasm, and on your failure to grasp what I am saying. I was not stating that our season was a mere anomaly, although it was statistically, I was talking about Lukaku. I also never endorsed the shit we witnessed last season. Did you think my representation of last season's impotent passing was supposed to be taken as a positive? Please tell me where I am applauding Martinez's tactics and football from last year? Your post is ridiculous. To repeat Victor, I criticised Martinez's pre-season preparations and offered my negative supposition about the upcoming season before a ball was kicked and at a time of optimism. I did it because I gave an opinion backed up on what I could see, and especially based on the clearly poor fitness levels of our personnel.

Again, I love opinions, but why give ridiculous ones? Do you think Lyndon's summer post about negativity was intended to restrict all opinion?

Again, these young players need patience.

Yeah, yeah, yeah... heard it all before. Sorry you don't like or understand my posts. How will I ever sleep tonight?

But take a little advice, try reading your own rubbish before you post. You come across as a tad patronising. Have your opinion, but don't demand that everyone has the same opinion as you.

If you balanced that with acknowledgement of the positive point Jim is talking about then you would be taken more seriously.

Hope and positivity are infectious - so is negativity and polarised criticism. Someone somewhere defined that as bigotry, but who am I to say ..? :-)

Please get behind the blues and cheer us on!

Two things I would agree with – having Kone playing with Lukaku works so well. Also, Deulofeu must start every week where possible as him in there just makes us so dangerous & unpredictable. He makes things happen and also seems to lift the others into making things happen.

I can also understand why many posters would doubt his ability to learn this at the age of 22/23 after all he has been playing at a high level since he was a 16 year old. My gut feeling was that these skills come from natural ability not training or coaching. Apparently this is not the case.

As the saying goes - "your never too old to learn" ;)

Why should footballers be any different? It's a trade. Reading this stream has been very draining!! Perhaps, Relate would be a better website.

As for saying that we need to be patient with these young players, I get that. But please note that these young players have been to a World Cup. Deulofeu has been capped by Spain. A number of our squad will be playing in the Euros next year. We have internationals from all over the globe. It seems to me that our players (young and old) are now doing the business at a high level.

So why not push on at Everton? Why the need for patience? Why not now?

And the chances are that one or two of our talented youngsters (who we need to be patient with) will not be at Everton in a few years time. I hope that they are... but Lukaku IMO will jump ship as soon as a bigger club comes calling. Can we hold on to Stones, Deulofeu and Barkley? Galloway, Garbutt and Browning will all attract attention... even Coleman could move on. Our patience might just see other teams benefit.

The time is now for this bunch of players to flourish and not go missing for weeks on end, or even for full seasons.

"But Lukaku IMO will jump ship as soon as a bigger club comes calling."

And of course you may be right, but why do you single him out over John Stones for instance, considering he is the only one of the two who has actually already submitted a transfer request and tried to 'jump ship'?

I would definitely add Latchford,Gray and the best header of a ball I've ever seen in blue Tim Cahill ( although not technically a centre forward off course).

As an aerial threat, the 80s team where the best I've seen, not only Sharpie and Gray but Mountfield as well. Add to that two wide midfield players who could pick out a cross in Steven and Sheedy; it would have been no fun playing centre-half against that team. I don't have the stats but I'd be willing to bet the % of headed goals and assists from headers would have been very high.

And there does come a time you have to step up to the plate and turn potential into something concrete. Hopefully that's what we'll do now after two good results (and a not bad draw away at the Hammers).