Deulofeu-inspired Everton avert disaster at Oakwell

, 26 August, 142comments  |  Jump to most recent
Barnsley 3 - 5 Everton (aet)

Everton came back from 2-0 down to win for the first time since that game against Wimbledon 21 years ago, eventually overcoming a spirited Barnsley thanks to three assists by Gerard Deulofeu and two decisive goals in extra time.

Together with Ross Barkley, the Spanish winger came on at half time to inspire a desperately-needed fight-back from the Blues after they had fallen behind 2-0 by the break on the back of shambolic defending.

Kevin Mirallas lashed home to start the recovery before Deulofeu laid on a perfect cross from the right for Steven Naismith to dig the Blues out of a large hole and bring them back to parity just before the hour mark. And the former Barcelona man was on hand to tee up Lukaku to make it 3-3 and force extra time after the Tykes had retaken the lead less than a minute later.

An own goal by the unfortunate Roberts in the first half of extra time, again the result of Deulofeu's trickery, and another Lukaku strike on the counter in the second sealed the Toffees' passage to the third round but they had survived an almighty scare against the League One side.


As it happened

John Stones started the tie at Oakwell despite having handed in a transfer request at Everton yesterday. There were also starts for Joel Robles, Aiden McGeady, Kevin Mirallas, Steven Naismith, Muhamed Besic while Matthew Pennington was handed his debut at right back in place of Seamus Coleman who, like Gareth Barry, was rested.

Bryan Oviedo made his first start since February at left back and Mason Holgate, also back at his old club, was on the bench alongside Deulofeu and Ross Barkley.

A fairly even first 10 minutes saw Josh Scowen bounce a shot wide but McGeady should have put the Blues ahead in the ninth minute when Mirallas's shot was parried into his path but the Irish international side-footed straight at the goalkeeper.

Romelu Lukaku then side-footed high over the bar before allowing a half chance to evaporate when he mis-controlled Pennington's cut-back in the box in the 13th minute.

The Blues were in command by the quarter-hour mark and a nice move involving McGeady and Mirallas ended with a weak from the Belgian that was easily saved from a difficult angle.

A dangerous Pennington cross then flew just ahead of Naismith and then Lukaku before skidding out for a goal kick.

Barnsley struck first, however, when a cross from the right wasn't dealt with decisively by Stones, Jagielka couldn't dig the ball out from under his feet and Sam Winnall capitalised to fire into the corner with 21 minutes gone.

Mirallas tried to deliver an immediate response when he latched onto Lukaku's lay-off but though he tumbled to the turf under Cowen's shoulder charge, referee Hooper waved play on.

The Tykes doubled their lead in the 28th minute when a cross to the back post was headed back across goal and Robles fluffed his lines as Marly Watkins challenged for the ball and it ended up in the net off the Barnsley man.

Needing a response, Everton almost found way through when Naismith seized on a half-clearance but was forced too far wide and couldn't get a shot away. His cut-back found Lukaku but the striker's goalbound effort was blocked by a defender.

McGeady then had a chance from 20 yards but his placed shot was comfortably saved and Mirallas saw another chance from a tight angle charged down.

Mirallas forced a corner with a determined run that was cleared as far as Besic but his impressive shot also hit a defender. Everton kept the ball but Mirallas drove untidily over from 20 yards.

Martinez made two changes at half-time, going to a back three supplemented by Cleverley dropping back to right back when needed, taking Pennington off in favour of Gerard Deulofeu and replacing McGeady with Ross Barkley.

Barkley had an early chance after good work by Deulofeu but when his first shot was blocked, he ballooned the second over.

Everton halved the deficit soon afterwards, however. A deep cross from Oviedo came off a Barnsley defender's head and fell invitingly to Mirallas who rocketed a half-volley past Ben Davies.

After a one-two between Lukaku and Deulofeu ended with the Spaniard’s scuffed shot being saved by Davies’ feet, Barkley couldn’t steer the rebound on target with his head

Watkins then fouled Oviedo just outside the area but Mirallas’s set-piece was cleared.

The much-needed equaliser arrived on the hour mark after more great work by Deulofeu with two men on him. His eventual cross found Naismith and he headed powerfully home.

The Blues were caught cold straight away, though, when Crowley profited from good work by Watkins and converted his cross from the right flank to make it 3-2.

Back at the other end, Deulofeu almost teed up Lukaku but his centre caught Roberts and the ball was hacked away before it could end up in the home net.

Conor Hourihane went very close with a direct free kick shortly afterwards while Deulofeu skied a shot from distance into the stands at the other end.

The visitors had a decent shout for a penalty with 21 minutes to go when Watkins put an elbow across Oviedo as he raced into Mirallas's pass but the referee was unmoved by the protests.

The match turned again on an intervention from Deulofeu with just over 10 minutes to go, however, when the Spaniard served a chance on a plate for Lukaku and the Belgian side-footed home.

Barkley came within a whisker of giving the Blues their first lead on the night but his first-time shot bobbled inches wide before Stones's poor tackle gave Barnsley another set-piece chance but the free kick hit the wall.

Another chance fell to Barkley after he exchanged passes with Mirallas in the Barnsley box but again he smashed it far too high as a blocking tackle came in.

Lukaku then turned and looked destined to score but his shot cannoned off a defender for a corner and a Deulofeu cross almost found Jagielka's head but Roberts got there first.

Still Everton pressed and Mirallas glanced Lukaku's cross agonisingly wide with a minute of the regulation 90 left.

Deulofeu had a chance to cap an impressive half's work as Everton broke in the final minute of stoppage time but after collecting the ball from Mirallas, he clipped a curling shot just over.

Everton were slow to impress themselves in extra time and Barnsley had the first chance that Robles spilled and a blue shirt hacked clear. Naismith's shot at the other end flicked off a defender and flew over and from the resulting cormer, Deulofeu caused problems and forced an own goal off Roberts with Lukaku on hand to tap home if the defender hadn't got a touch.

The Blues broke away again through Lukaku soon afterwards but Mirallas and Naismith got in each other's way and a clear chance on goal was lost as Deulofeu made a mess of his shot and blazed over.

Martinez's men began to slow proceedings down and make their tiring hosts work to win the ball back but they were almost caught out at the end of the first half of extra time when a cross from the right almost found a Barnsley head in front of goal.

The home side came out for the final period in purposeful mood and forced Robles into a parried save before Hourihane smacked the bar with an impressive left-foot shot from distance.

Martinez then withdrew Mirallas with 11 minutes to go to shore up midfield with James McCarthy but still the Tykes came as Hourihane's shot from the angle was tipped behind by Robles. Rothwell's shot from the resulting corner was blocked and the ball pinged around the Blues' box before it was eventually cleared.

Lukaku forced another two-handed stop from Davies with a curling effort from 25 yards shortly before Barkley led a breakaway and eventually released Lukaku to slide home Everton's fifth with five minutes to go.

Stones had to block the ball on the goal line as Barnsley continued to ask questions of Martinez's back line while Everton broke again with a numerical advantage but Lukaku's fatigue saw him caught in two minds between shooting and passing and his cut-back was intercepted before either Barkley or Deulofeu could convert.

Everton: Robles, Pennington, Stones, Jagielka, Oviedo, Cleverley, Besic, McGeady, MIrallas, Naismith, Lukaku
Subs: Howard, Holgate, McCarthy, Deulofeu, Barkley, Browning, Kone

Kick-off: 7.45pm

Full coverage: ToffeeWeb Match Report



Reader Comments (142)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer


Sharabi Singh
1 Posted 26/08/2015 at 18:55:12
Is Stones playing two fingers up to the media and Chelsea? I hope so.
Stephen Brown
2 Posted 26/08/2015 at 18:56:51
This is good news that Stones starts. I wonder what reaction he will get from both sets of fans?

On another note, I’m not too sure about this team! Please not another early exit!

Oliver Molloy
3 Posted 26/08/2015 at 18:58:56
No excuses tonight, strong side with young Pennington getting a taste of first team action,

Martinez is obviously sending a message with inclusion of Stones.

Tom Cuffe
4 Posted 26/08/2015 at 19:05:12
Well done Martinez, showing a pair of balls at last.
Jay Harris
5 Posted 26/08/2015 at 19:06:01
I thought we wanted to win this competition according to Seamus who isn't even playing.

For me this is a real hotch potch selection with far too many changes.

Only hope this is good enough to beat Barnsley as a defeat is unthinkable at the moment.

Peter McHugh
6 Posted 26/08/2015 at 19:07:18
Great news. Stones is our player; do not sell unless we want to. I can’t see why we would want to sell at present.
Brian Cleveland
7 Posted 26/08/2015 at 19:08:21
Not sure that including Stones says anything other than he can be trusted to do the job he is supposed to. What we have thought about him being focused and level-headed shouldn't have changed, he will still give his all.

I think he wants to do well in this match for both sets of fans, and I wouldn't be surprised if he approached the boss and said he was still up for it, and hence the trust placed in him.

Adam Trotario
8 Posted 26/08/2015 at 19:09:56
A few scenarios:

(1) There has been no transfer request and the media/Chelsea are full of it;

(2) There is a transfer request and Martinez has told Stones "You are not going, son, so now we need to figure this out with respect to the fans... do you want them to know for sure you handed in a transfer request or stay and let them think you pulled a Bainesy?"

(3) There is a transfer request and we are waiting to see if Chelsea (or Man Utd) meet our valuation and what kind of replacements we wind up with;

(4) There is a transfer request and it will be resolved á la Rooney at Man Utd where he gets a new contract with us for increased pay. And in this version, I would think a £40 million buy-out clause or something like that.

All-in-all, a very good sign that he is playing tonight.

Drew Shortis
9 Posted 26/08/2015 at 19:12:28
I'm happy with this selection. A nice blend of experience, players pushing for a first team place and a few youngsters getting blooded. I also think the fact that Stones is starting shows his exit is not a done deal just yet, despite the press frenzy.
Oliver Molloy
10 Posted 26/08/2015 at 19:13:06
Brian,
John Stones can't afford to sulk.
Alexander O'Brien
11 Posted 26/08/2015 at 19:24:02
Adam. I'd like to think it's option 4.
Milos Milenkovic
12 Posted 26/08/2015 at 19:26:40
Very happy with this team. Only one defensive midfielder, Cleverley in the middle, 4-4-2, with every player at his regular position.
Scott Goin
13 Posted 26/08/2015 at 19:31:44
I do believe Stones handed in a transfer request but that doesn't mean he's going to behave badly or refuse to play or practice. I trust the kid to give it his all every second he's on the pitch.

I'm a little worried that Everton won't have the time to spend the money wisely and we'll be forced to overpay or buy middling players. I can only imagine the screams on this site if we sell for £40 million and only spend 15-20 million this window. I'd personally rather us keep the money for January than spend is rashly in the next few days.

Kieran Kinsella
14 Posted 26/08/2015 at 19:31:45
Is Osman injured? Also, I would have liked to see McAleny on the bench at least.
Nitesh Kanchan
15 Posted 26/08/2015 at 19:43:31
Why would Stones be playing for us if he handed a transfer request? Hell with the bloody media people. If Stones scores against Chelsea and kisses the Everton badge, Mourinho’s reaction will be worth watching.
Stephen Scofield
17 Posted 26/08/2015 at 19:45:32
Why is Deulofeu not in the starting line-up?
Tom Bowers
18 Posted 26/08/2015 at 20:03:01
Nice work from Pennington. Is there a reason they bought Dellboy? Surely he should have started tonight.
Clarence Yurcan
19 Posted 26/08/2015 at 20:15:15
Presumably the ToffeeWeb posters will find a way to blame Tim Howard for that goal?
Scott Bosworth
21 Posted 26/08/2015 at 20:17:25
2-0 to Barnsley, 29'.

The wrath and histrionics that will explode from this website about an hour from now if this holds up will be a sight to behold.

Clive Rogers
23 Posted 26/08/2015 at 20:21:17
Some of our players look out of their depth.
Paul Hughes
24 Posted 26/08/2015 at 20:21:33
We’re missing Barry...
Clive Rogers
25 Posted 26/08/2015 at 20:24:22
When Naismith has the ball, I keep thinking I've pressed the slow motion button by mistake.
Ian Hollingworth
26 Posted 26/08/2015 at 20:28:07
Do you seriously believe Stones is staying?

The big question should be why are we waiting to secure Stones transfer money before buying players that were urgently required whether Stones left or not.

Only at Everton!

Christopher Marston
27 Posted 26/08/2015 at 20:31:17
The life of an Everton supporter. Shameful and exasperating.
John Maddock
28 Posted 26/08/2015 at 20:33:29
Proof tonight that we still desperately need a goalkeeper.
Paul Andrews
29 Posted 26/08/2015 at 20:35:19
Stones at fault for two goals.
Alexander O'Brien
30 Posted 26/08/2015 at 20:35:55
Well that was a joy to watch! Peter Beagrie would walk into that team ahead of Naismith!
Tim Locke
31 Posted 26/08/2015 at 20:37:05
Too much passing and not enough penetration. Shocking in defence. Any chance of McGeady handing a transfer request in?
Clive Rogers
32 Posted 26/08/2015 at 20:37:53
As usual, Lukaku's first touch is poor. Cleverly is just an ordinary player.
Matthew Williams
34 Posted 26/08/2015 at 20:38:28
Here we go again... early exit beckons!
Oliver Molloy
35 Posted 26/08/2015 at 20:38:46
We’ve played well enough, but haven’t taken our chances. Terrible defending for both goals, what was Robles doing?

John Stones jumped over the ball for their first goal, or am I seeing things?

We need to score early in the second half or we can forget about it.

Tim Locke
36 Posted 26/08/2015 at 20:38:58
Take Naismith and McGeady off. Bring Barkley and Deulofeu on.
Alan Burnham
37 Posted 26/08/2015 at 20:39:22
I doubt if there is a worse goalkeeper in any Premier League squad than the pitiful Robles. Martinez's continued use of him is in itself sufficient reason to doubt his judgement.
Clive Rogers
38 Posted 26/08/2015 at 20:40:19
Scott 13
Martinez refuses to do business in January and we could be in serious trouble by then.
Sid Logan
39 Posted 26/08/2015 at 20:42:31
It’s not about winning – it’s about the players enjoying their football and being in a good moment.

Any Manager who retains Robles as a keeper should have been sacked a long time ago.

My feelings are that Bill realised he’s made a colossal mistake and doesn’t know what to do about it. It’s probably made him ill.

I wouldn’t trust him to spend £50 never mind millions.

Glen Garrett
40 Posted 26/08/2015 at 20:43:22
It's looking like Everton have hit the destruction button & are going back to the same old same old shite... it's seriously embarrassing.
Stewart Lowe
41 Posted 26/08/2015 at 20:43:25
Players tired from Europe, Roberto? Players tired from the World Cup, Roberto?
Absolute rubbish. I am at the game and we have not changed anything from last season's embarrassment.

1) Last season, 60-70% possession and lost. Tonight 60% and 0-2 down at half time.

2) Last season, playing a high pressing game and clubs hitting us on the break and scoring. Tonight and against Watford was exactly the same.

3) Last season, Robles had an issue where he wanted to punch everything in the air as he plays for the cameras. Tonight, exactly the same, he either hasn’t been told or hasn’t learned.

4) Last season, McGeady trying his 3/4/5/6 step overs and kicking it into an opposing player’s legs. Tonight, exactly the same. So wasteful.

5) Last season, we played at a slow tempo and opposing players raised their temp and speed and got behind our defence so easily. Tonight, exactly the same.
I am running out of patience with Roberto’s world of football where every Everton player is "unique", every Everton player is "Phenomenal". It just doesn’t wash and he hasn’t changed a thing.

Michael Patison
43 Posted 26/08/2015 at 20:46:34
Halfway through and we have no excuses. Unfortunately my stream died from about 20' to 30', so I missed both goals we conceded, but we should have at least 2, maybe even 3. Wasteful, wasteful, wasteful. Both McGeady and Naismith should have goals. Wasteful, once again, is the buzzword. Our passing, control, and first touch in the final half to third have been shocking and we're 100% lacking any sort of inspiration.

McGeady, Besic, and Robles look particularly out of their depth, and Oviedo's road to recovery is not going so hot.

People can blame this all they want on Martinez's style of play, but the fact of the matter is that I have seen us go out and play both his style and the long-ball method, but neither is working because nobody is executing either of them with any sort of accuracy or general decent play.

Gavin Johnson
44 Posted 26/08/2015 at 20:48:33
Looks like Stones is putting in a Lescott-esque performance against his home town club. I hope Browning comes on for the 2nd half!
Scott Bosworth
45 Posted 26/08/2015 at 21:04:44
I think Stones jumping over the ball on the first goal looks a lot worse in HD slow motion than it really was. In reality, he took a guess as to the trajectory of the shot, and he guessed wrong. Slow it down enough and it looks deliberate, but that just isn't believable.
Dan Bellia
46 Posted 26/08/2015 at 21:05:22
What a good moment, phenomenal.
Glen Garrett
48 Posted 26/08/2015 at 21:28:26
This is a game. What a difference Barkley & Deulofeu have made coming on.

Deulofeu should be starting every game. Glad to have the wonder kid back.

Dean Mckenna
49 Posted 26/08/2015 at 21:33:31
Great cup tie this!
Alexander O'Brien
50 Posted 26/08/2015 at 21:35:41
Naismith is utter garbage.
Phil Gardner
51 Posted 26/08/2015 at 21:36:42
Spot on Stu @ 32
Alexander O'Brien
52 Posted 26/08/2015 at 21:41:19
How that’s 3-3 I’ll never know! Comfortably should have won that by 5!
Oliver Molloy
53 Posted 26/08/2015 at 21:42:12
Alexander, without Naismith, we would be fucking out.

Yes he is limited but he gives his all. Leave off him.

Danny Halsall
54 Posted 26/08/2015 at 21:42:38
All stems from poor goalkeeping. Say what you want about Howard but thank god for him because Joel is absolutely shite.
Clive Rogers
56 Posted 26/08/2015 at 21:44:35
I'm with you Alexander.
Clive Rogers
58 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:14:23
We can see why he’s not been picking Oviedo. He's had a poor game and looks shattered.
Alexander O'Brien
59 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:16:29
I can give my all, Oliver, like the majority of fans, but he isn’t good enough. Credit for his goal, however, his only contribution.
Alexander O'Brien
60 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:20:35
Spot on, Clive.
Tony Hill
61 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:23:31
Deulofeu changed it. His early crossing (a significant improvement from last time he was with us) and general play were excellent. if he carries on in that vein he will be a massive asset.

Also pleased with Besic.

Ray Roche
62 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:23:50
Clive, Oviedo, Besic and Deulofeu can’t possibly be match fit, they’re entitled to look knackered.
Danny Halsall
64 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:26:46
Thought Besic was poor tbh, was good enough on the ball but didn't track his man all night. Deulofeu was the difference, when he came on he completely changed the game, along with Barkley.
Craig Fletcher
65 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:27:25
First of all, due credit to Barnsley. They fought like lions tonight and did themselves and their fans proud. The centre back - sorry have forgotten what his name is - was immense, and didn’t really deserve the OG late in the second half.

For us, Robles was desperately poor; not too much doubt about that. Oviedo struggled and in general we just didn’t seem organized in defence. McGeady was utter shite it has to be said in that first half, Deulofeu was the game changer in the second half. Rom I thought played within himself a bit (maybe keeping something in the tank for Sunday v Spurs). Naismith wasn’t as bad as some said on the live forum, and Mirallas perhaps showed why he should have been brought on in the second half v Man City.


Oliver Molloy
66 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:27:25
The guy is not a total footballer, as I said, he is limited in his football ability but he doesn’t deserve the stick he gets. He gives his all, every time he gets picked, doesn’t sulk and has more bottle than most of our team, he sticks his head in where our £28 million man would shit himself.

For you to say his goal was is only contribution is a joke.

Clive Rogers
69 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:28:36
Ray,

I accept that, but Oviedo struggled all night and left our left flank wide open at times not closing down the wide man. He doesn't seem the same player as before his injury.

Harold Matthews
70 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:28:42
How can Robles be up to scratch. He never gets any match practice.
Tim Locke
71 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:28:57
Got there in the end, but should have been finished a lot earlier. If it was a Premier League game, we would be going home unhappy. Got to take your chances. Let's see what Bobby says about Stones.
Alexander O'Brien
72 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:30:16
Great player that Naismith, Oliver!
Oliver Molloy
73 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:31:10
He is a vital part of our future Tim. Not for sale.
Paul Ferry
74 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:31:27
An awful lot of kudos and praise for Bobby Martinez making exactly the right decisions at half-time. I've never seen him stride off with a minute to go like that before with such purpose. He changed things; he got it right; we were a different team going forwards; and we won.

Gerry was superb and Ross's confidence grows with each game. Thin and fit Lukaku looked terrific in the second half and ET.

I hope Gerry starts on Saturday, that Barry is on the bench (we look so much better going forwards without him and 1 in defensive midfield), and that either Besic or Cleverley is moved to the middle.

Well done blues and those fans were out of this world singing - and boss banners to boot!

Gary Mortimer
75 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:31:29
RM only said phenominal about 83 times in interview on SS1.

He closes with Stones "not for sale"

Kase Chow
76 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:31:54
Well done, Blues. Glad we won.

Our defence is gash and needs sorting but lots of positives: Barkley WAS phenomenal. Good finishing from Rom. Get creativity from Del Boy. Mirallas good. Besic impressive.

Tim Locke
77 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:32:03
Big balls Bobby couldn’t be clearer. John's going nowhere
Oliver Molloy
78 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:32:24
There you go Alexander, the penny finally dropped did it!
Peter Morris
79 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:34:58
If ever it needed confirming that Robles and McGeady are not good enough to represent this club, it was evident tonight.
Robles is a weak powder puff for such a big guy. He is petrified of the physical side of the English game.
McGeady is also weak and surrenders possession all over the park.
See them off Roberto.
I also think Besic had a solid game. Was I watching another match or something?
Oliver Molloy
80 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:39:46
Jason Cundy is raving on talk sport about John Stones, he reckons his agent should be getting him out of a Everton.
Prick

Michael Polley
81 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:39:50
Phew !! We made hard work of that. Relieved that we won.

Barkley & Del Boy made the difference in the 2nd half. Both outstanding.
Lukaku on a goal scoring run
Let's hope are energy levels are not sapped for the Spurs game.

Michael Polley
82 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:39:52
Phew !! We made hard work of that. Relieved that we won.

Barkley & Del Boy made the difference in the 2nd half. Both outstanding.
Lukaku on a goal scoring run
Let's hope are energy levels are not sapped for the Spurs game.

Tim Locke
84 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:42:55
Oliver - talksport seriously? Listening to talksport is like shopping in morrisons when you can afford waitrose; purely second rate
Barry McNally
85 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:45:19
Talksport Talkshite
Oliver Molloy
86 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:49:13
He's just said - "he's got to do what he's got to do to get out of that club"
I remember him saying that If Spurs sold Bale they would be showing they have no ambition - he's a joke.
Ian Brandes
87 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:51:38
Bobby Balderdash said Stones was "incredible." That is one way of looking at it! (If you are delusional)
Andy Crooks
88 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:51:47
I agree ,Oliver. Naismith gets picked and he gives 100 per cent. What else is he to do? He is rarely played in his best position but battles on. He is about the only player with a bit of aggression and fire.
Kieran Kinsella
89 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:52:05
In fairness, Jason Cundy is someone who's opinion we should respect. After all he played an average of 10 games a year in a 14 year career for the likes of Sydney Olympic and Bristol City.
Trevor Peers
90 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:53:27
Sounds like Bobby's going to feck Chelski right off ! Bring some sanity back into the game if he does.
Alexander O'Brien
91 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:53:55
Wouldn't bother listening to that shower, Oliver. Tony gale said near enough the same the other day. Morrisons do cracking quiches, Tim!
Andy Crooks
92 Posted 26/08/2015 at 22:55:42
Jason kundy is the most ludicrous pundit I have ever heard and that plaudit takes some achieving.
Stephen Brown
93 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:00:16
If we stand firm to Chelsea on this RM will have a new found respect from me. Good substitutions too! Criticised enough for bad ones!!
Colin Glassar
94 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:00:17
That was a great cup game. Kudos to Barnsley, I thought they were on speed.
Oliver Molloy
95 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:03:26
Roberto Martinez has confirmed Everton will reject John Stones’ transfer request on Thursday morning.

Martinez said: “Today was a matchday, the game was more important.
"We have not rejected the transfer request - yet. We will do it in the morning. Sometimes money can't buy everything."

Marc Sansum
96 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:03:45
People seem to forget Bradford (who were lower than Barnsley in the league I think) giving Chelsea a good whopping last year, at stamford bridge.
They were well up for that - bet they lose their next league game!
Milos Milenkovic
97 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:04:35
It was good to see reaction of Martinez before half time and players's attitude in the second half. That shows determination to do the business, to win the game, to show that we are winners... We had close to 40 shots on goal and I would like that type of attacking play more frequently. There are a lot of talent in our squad.
Peter Giles
98 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:04:51
Well played to Barnsley, they never gave up till the end, it was allways going to be a tricky tie, so let's be proud of the lads tonight.

2-0 down and I think we were outstanding. Credit to Martinez, his subs at half time were spot on. Only one worry: Robles. I think should have had both goals.
Dave Abrahams
99 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:06:02
Glad we won, some decent performances, but why can't we pass the ball to our own men, simple passes but we keep giving the ball to the other team, ridiculous.
Drew Shortis
100 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:06:03
Great game. Wasn't too impressed with our defending in the first half and really dissapointed with McGeady's shot which looked far too casual and could have completely altered the game. Barnsley were well up for it and played their game plan to perfection. I still felt we would win at 2-0 down because we were creating chances.

Martinez looked pissed off and made the correct changes, especially Deulofeu who looked like making something happen every time he got on the ball. I was screaming for the defence to concentrate and for us to get the ball to Gerard as often as possible.

It was great to hear Marinez once again state his intention to keep Stones at the club in the post match interview!

David Morgan
101 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:07:10
Please let Deulofeu start against Spurs. Lukaku was awful until he came on and McGeady was a waste of space again.

Oviedo was also a liability, but you get little protection in our left back position and maybe he isn't fully fit. Jagielka and Stones looked pretty bad and were slow to pass the ball when 2-0 down.

Barkley looks class this season. Yarmolenko instead of Naismith and we would have a great attack.

Gary Creaney
103 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:12:13
I wasn't convinced about Stones mentality tonight until I watched him throw his arms up in celebration when we finally took a 4-3 lead.
Remember back to when RM was asked would we be signing Lukaku "YES of course we'll get him!!".... It had the same feel tonight when he was asked AGAIN if Stones was for sale to which he replied" no not at all". If Stones is still here in 6 days then my estimation of Bobby will have went up a great deal.

Furthermore, I'm still fairly convinced that Stones is happy here. Too many people asking why keep him when he doesn't want to be here but there is a massive difference in wanting to play for Chelsea and not wanting to play for Everton, they are not necessarily mutually exclusive.

"money sometimes cannot buy everything" the best statement to come out of this club in years

Colin Glassar
104 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:13:44
Some great performances tonight, lots of blood and guts. Thought Oviedo, despite being rusty was great. Pennington looks excellent, Mo battled all night, Rom brilliant hour, Del and Ross magic.

It was a bit disjointed. Jags, JS and Robles all a bit shaky but overall a great cup tie.

Brent Stephens
105 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:15:12
Roberto "Sometimes money can't buy everything."

That is so good on so many levels.

Tim Locke
106 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:15:50
Alexander, talksport do some cracking adverts
Oliver Molloy
107 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:21:41
Oviedo certainly looked game rusty Colin, and defensively was the weakest in the team, but that run out should do him good.
If gets run he will come good again.
John Austin
108 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:22:05
Credit to the players for getting themselves out of the hole they had dug themselves. We have lost games like that in previous years. And well done RM for standing firm over Stones tonight. He’s right.

The game was the priority today. He’s led from the front when Bill K and the Board have gone missing. Now let’s get some pride back into our club and get quality players in.
Colin Glassar
109 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:22:35
I've asked several journos on twitter today about Stonesy and they're not answering. Yesterday they were quite aggressive with their answers. Curious.
Barry Morrison
110 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:23:09
Barkley; Lukaku; Deulofeu - that was the combination that had us looking so threatening in Martinez's first season.

Hopefully this is the start of them beginning to gel again and we'll see them continue this into their league form.

Now, if only someone could find Bobby a book on the art of defending...

Peter Giles
111 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:24:19
Peter, I am with you I though Besic had a tidy game. I've just seen on sky sports that the club is to reject John Stones's transfer request, have we at last found some balls?
Colin Glassar
112 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:24:22
He was shattered after half an hour Oliver but he never gave up. That's why I think he was great. Once back up to speed we have a player on our hands.
Jim Knightley
113 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:25:04
Deulofeu showed his class, and we attacked with real pace and purpose in the second half. But we defended poorly, and our midfielders play for themselves too often. But we won, and that's the important thing, and fingers crossed it will begin a better few days marked by the arrival of the 3 signings Martinez has discussed over the past few weeks.

I'm looking forward to seeing Deulofeu this season. He is a wonderful talent.

Chris Wilson
114 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:25:43
Well, what are you asking them Colin? Are asking them about if the transfer request was real? Because the club has confirmed it was and is. Now, I don't know when the TR was submitted...
Oliver Molloy
115 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:26:31
The general feeling in media land is that he is going to go because money talks.
The manager keeps coming out and saying No he's going nowhere.
For the good of football it would be great if we could hold on to him for this season at least.
Andy Finigan
116 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:26:38
Yes Tim, is that why I always turn over when the adds come on.

Robert has also gone up a notch after what he said to night but only if we keep John.
Chris Wilson
117 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:27:16
I do agree that Oveido wasn't as bad as some think. He needs to play himself back into shape is all. Missed a lot games the last year and a half.
Michael Penley
118 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:28:49
Great comment about money not buying everything. This is probably the first time I've appreciated Martinez's stubbornness.
John Austin
119 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:32:06
Oliver. You may well be right. But if he is sold, where does that leave RM, particularly after tonight's comments? Undermined, humiliated and possibly having no option but to resign? As you quite rightly say, the whole of football needs us to stay firm and do the right thing. Let's hope we don't disappoint.
Oliver Molloy
120 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:34:50
If Barcelona sacked their manager and come looking for Martinez ( you never know ), would our manager turn them down saying "sometimes money can't buy everything".
Would he stay with Everton to continue his project or would he be off.
Chris Sillett
121 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:37:37
Wow what a game! Only Everton can put you through games like that. At half time I was cursing Martinez, the players and the board and generally thinking about giving up with Everton. Then at 2-2 everything was ok...for about a minute haha. For me our best players were Besic, Barkley and Delufeou, Lukaku had a good second half but he was terrible in the first 45 mins...he wasn’t the only one though.

I was one of the people criticising Martinez for putting Howard straight back in the team last season but now I see why - Robles is just too unpredictable, he can pull off a great save one minute but look a clown the next. I’m concerned about Stones’ performance though, did he just have a bad game or was his head not right? It reminded me of when Moyes forced Lescott to play after he handed a request in.

I see Martinez is saying h'es not for sale...is this now a good thing or a bad thing? It will be interesting to see how he performs at Spurs!
Jamie Sweet
122 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:38:51
Well done Roberto for such a calm and measured "fuck off" to Chelsea.

Let's hope we stick to our guns on this one.

Great positive substitutions too which turned the game on it's head.

Looking forward to seeing a lot more of Deulofeu once he's fully match fit. Plus is a certain Mr Barkley getting his mojo back?

I certainly can't see this being another boring season!

Colin Glassar
123 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:39:13
I'm asking them if they still think he will leave Chris. I was asking earlier about the TR but now that's been confirmed.
Richard Reeves
124 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:40:26
Even the Martinez haters have to give credit to the manager for that statement, if he is sold then the board have shafted him but at the moment i'm feeling a lot more optimistic.
Eddie Dunn
125 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:41:00
Oliver, Jason Cundy can be relied upon to talk utter shite, I cannot abide listening to his ignorant comment on Talkshite.

I know others have mentioned this, but may I congratulate our manager(who I have criticised regularly) on talking with such sense about the Stones situation. Hats off to Roberto, and well done the team for turning that game around, showing commendable spirit and averting a disaster.

It would be a great thing for football in general if Chelski and their spoilt brat of a manager don't get their way.

Peter Laing
126 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:42:04
Give Gerard game time along with Mirallas and Barkley. We need the three of them firing and fit along with Rom, a date in the diary with Liverpool in October would be just fine when they all click into gear
Andy Crooks
127 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:46:53
I agree with Harold, to judge Robles under such circumstances, with so little game time is harsh. He needs a run in the side, and I believe he will.be a decent goalkeeper when he gets one.

Deulofeu looked good with room to get very, very good. A good night in the end with a good interview from Roberto.

Chris Wilson
128 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:47:55
About his possible exit? OK, I gotcha. Well, the tale may turned now, which could be why they haven't responded. Or they don't want to engage in any Twitter wars. This narrative is changing daily, it's like De Niro in "Wag the Dog"!
Robert Elliott
129 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:52:11
Jason fucking Cundy! He was a bang average player and he talks the biggest load of bollocks on the game of football I've ever heard. He makes Adrian Durham sound well informed! Screw the media, they all seem to think Sky Sports introduced football in 1992. I expect nothing better from them, and I wish Andy Gray, good Everton player though he was, would wind his neck in as well.

I really don't see what is so hard to understand. Stones signed a five-year contract last year, he's got to perform to a high standard to get into the Euro squad next summer, which means he can't sulk if we hold him to his contract, and Martinez seems serious about not selling. Unless Martinez and Everton have a massive change of heart in the next six days, Stones is going nowhere. We couldn't be in a stronger position to keep hold of one of our top players, so if we sell Stones now it is a total sign of weakness.

Paul Smith
130 Posted 26/08/2015 at 23:54:17
Tonight was like a roller coaster but very enjoyable none the less much more so than the slow football of last season. I think kev, geri and ross have deserved a run behind lukaku but I can see a few high scoring games happening as defending is not in their vocabulary. So now is the time to say lets buckle up and see where this ride takes us it should certainly be entertaining to watch.
Steven Jones
131 Posted 26/08/2015 at 00:00:22
BTW Pennington is class .. someone mentioned before ... We Have Holgate, Stones, Galloway, Browning, Pennington, Jon Joe Kenny, Garbutt ... what an amazing defensive set of assets for the future .. ..

Would be nice to add a keeper ...

Richard Reeves
132 Posted 27/08/2015 at 00:09:43
Why can’t we see a more attacking team more often like what we saw in the second half? Our best eleven has got to include Deulofeu on the right, Mirallas on the left, Barkley behind Lukaku and depending on whoever plays... another striker to partner the big man. He and Naismith did look good for it tonight.

Also, I never understand why some people don’t like us in all blue ,it’s one of the reasons why I look forward to Arsenal and Man Utd away.
David Hallwood
133 Posted 27/08/2015 at 00:10:06
An attacking 4 of Miralles, Ross, Dell & Rom....yep that'll do me
Jay Harris
136 Posted 27/08/2015 at 01:12:37
It wasnt exactly what I expected although I did think we put a cobbled together side of strangers out with too many changes.

Thought we were tyical Martinez book on defending but looked good going forward.

This was more a game about individuals than team performance.

Thought Stones and Oviedo looked particularly shaky defensively. although Pennington looked decent.

Besic impressed although not match fit.

Barkley, Delofeu and Mirallas showed why they should be the first names on the team sheet.

Darryl Ritchie
137 Posted 27/08/2015 at 01:25:42
A win in the cup! RM tells Chelsea to fuck off...again!

It's been a good day!

Dave Southword
138 Posted 27/08/2015 at 01:34:33
Back to the transfer grind in the morning, but just have to say that was a tremendously entertaining game.
Jim Hardin
139 Posted 27/08/2015 at 01:58:38
Clarence, I am sure Gavin already is. "Howard should have been positioned better on the bench" or some such nonsense. Can't believe the excuses for Robles. Howard would have been crucified for all three goals.
Mark Andersson
141 Posted 27/08/2015 at 02:22:46
Children don’t be fooled by Martinez's statement. Stones will be sold, the manager gets no blame and no money and the board hide in their office until the next win and everyone has calmed down.

If I’m wrong, good. I will have no problem eating this humble pie.

Chris Wilson
142 Posted 27/08/2015 at 02:55:00
Heh heh! Some folks just like to throw in a hand grenade and see what happens (Mark Anderson 119). Mr. Anderson preaches the "Sound of Inevitability." Huh? Anyone? The Matrix? Just having some fun there.

The one thing that I will say about this; now that I've had time to ponder. I keep having to remind myself that this was Barnsley, not Villa or somebody. However, there were extenuating circumstances going on, and the boys fought back, and never quit. Which is exactly what we needed.

Hopefully we can see some positive transfer activity in the next couple of days to keep our momentum going.

Gavin Johnson
143 Posted 27/08/2015 at 03:47:55
Jim #118 - Yes, Robles didn't have a stellar performance but he grew in the 2nd half and made some really good saves. If he was given a couple more games his confidence would grow and I dare say we'd see the inform keeper we saw last season who was shaky in his first couple of games, but began to look like the keeper who was rated more highly than De Gea by Athletico Madrid before he suffered an injury that sidelined him and hampered his progress.

Joel was unceremoniously dropped for a keeper who had been playing poorly all season. I'm sure you don't agree with that and you probably think Howard was rightfully reinstated judging by the posts that explain away every goal he lets in, in your use of variables like goalkeeping style - I'm guessing the silly star jumps are classed as Howards style of play. Or being stuck on his line and not commanding the area?! Yes, this could also be deemed as Tim's style of putting extra pressure on defenders when crosses come in.

We can all explain away any players mistakes away with the benefit of hindsight and allocate blame to others. It's opinion on a football forum. I personally agree with the statistics that emerged last season that Howard's the worst goalkeeper in the league. I also agree with the pundits who said Howard could have done better at the near post on Saturday... But that's just me!

Someone can be in the goalkeepers union, and sound like uncle Albert off 'Only fools and horses' talking about the time they misjudged a shot for a cross. and use all the mitigating factors like the speed or flight of the ball. Ben Foster made a point of it last season, by saying you just don't know unless you're a goalkeeper. He didn't convince very many though when he let in a howler the very next game much to the amusement of the layman commentators.

Wes Schmidt
144 Posted 27/08/2015 at 04:33:01
A lot of undeserved stick for Naismith. As everyone agrees, he does have passion and drive, but I don't understand those who claim he lacks skill or brains. He hasn't got flair, but he is always a presence in the box and is a finisher. He links well with Lukaku and always makes runs in the box and plays one-twos to open the defense. Is he the first name on the team sheet? No, but he should always be in the squad and is a difference maker. As has been said here, he's got fucking bottle and makes most of the team look gutless. You play him up front off Rom and he shines. I'd be gutted if he left. A natural footballer.
Paul Andrews
145 Posted 27/08/2015 at 06:21:58
After a shaky start defensively, a great battling performance from the lads. We played some decent stuff in the first half.

From half time onwards, a fearless all-out attacking performance.

Well done to the manager and the team.

Richard Lyons
146 Posted 27/08/2015 at 06:55:34
Blimey was that game against Wimbledon really 21 years ago? I'm getting old...
Paul Ward
147 Posted 27/08/2015 at 07:32:05
(Jim Hardin 124) I see you are still defending Howard even though he did not play. The truth is last seasons stats had Howard as the worst keeper in the premier league. Despite Robles being unlucky not keeping his place, he really is a second rate keeper as well. Martinez should have made the goalkeeper position his primary aim when he first arrived.
Christopher Timmins
148 Posted 27/08/2015 at 07:49:02
Folks, can we just cancel the McGeady contract right now, today, this morning at 7.44 before he drives me mad.

It's going to be an interesting few days, lets hope the battle to keep Stones does not deflect from the grim reality that we need to bring in 3 players between now and 6.00pm on Tuesday. My fear is that BK will hold on to Stones but not add to a depleted squad and spin same as a victory.

Del Boy should always start, there will be good days and bad days with him but every team we play will fear him.

Paul Cherrington
149 Posted 27/08/2015 at 09:19:14
I agree with the idea that we need to be starting Mirallas, Deulofeu, Barkley and Lukaku every game now and getting at teams with direct, pacy football. Del and Kev on each wing and Ross playing off Rom is the way to go for the rest of the season. We would still have two other midfield players to cover them and help the fallbacks so teams didn’t overrun us on the break.

Also, I have to give a lot of credit to Martinez for that statement – well done for at least putting a fight up even if he does go in the end. but here’s hoping we are really sticking to our guns and he stays.

Craig Walker
150 Posted 27/08/2015 at 09:19:38
One of the most entertaining Everton matches of recent times. One thing we've accused Martinez of is boring play but that was a great game of football last night. I text my brother at 2-2 and said that I bet Barnsley score next. It reminded me of the Villa game all those years back under Moyes when we fought back for a draw in stoppage time and then Ashley Young went up the other end and scored.

Would like to see Everton players working on getting their head over the ball and keeping shots down. How may chances do we have where we just blaze the ball over the bar? Ross and Rom are the main culprits. You don't have to break the back of the net to score. Just pick a corner or send the keeper the wrong way. The top finishers don't just put their laces through the ball.

Was ironic to see Peter Beagrie in the Sky studio because he's the player from Everton's past that McGeady most reminds me of. Talented and tricky and can get to the byline but there is no end product and he infuriates me more than players with far less ability. If the rumours of Celtic's interest were still true then I'd offer to drive him to Glasgow myself.

Still not sure about the Stones saga. The lad could be some player in the future but there are times when I long for a centre-half who will stop the opposition scoring and command the back line. Some of the defending in that first half was keystone cops. Every time there is a set-piece near our area, my heart is in my mouth. I personally think Chelsea will bid £45m and he will go.

As far at the goalkeeping position, Robles will cost us points during a season, just like Howard. I would have liked to have seen us go for Lindegaard at United. I don't think he would cost that much and always looked good when I saw him. Moyes couldn't decide between him and De Gea for ages.

Roberto looked bereft of ideas at half-time and apart from his words to Barkley and Deulofeu, he didn't seem to be communicating at all with the players. It looked like he'd given up. Fair play to him for making the changes which changed the game.

Jermaine Jennings
151 Posted 27/08/2015 at 09:52:24
Whilst the game was brilliant to watch, yet again we are let down by schoolboy errors and mickey mouse defending. This is not a one-off as it happens time and time again so much so that I can't be bothered to comment on it half of the time as its so obvious to us all apart from Roberto.

I mean what do they do in training. Sometimes its embarassing listening to the commentators say over and over again how bad the defending is.

It doesn't matter who we have as a defensive unit because under Roberto he has no interest in working on defending/ defending set pieces or the shape of the back four, in terms of marking and being aggressive to the ball and the player. It's obvious that he just lets the back four work it out for themselves which is a sign in my eyes of poor coach. If Roberto can't do it then he should employ a defensive coach who can. In my opionion this lack of detail will get him the sack.

He has turned one of the best back four units (3rd or 4th in the league during many seasons) into the one of the worse. He gets away with it alot because we have an experienced back four so any mistakes the press and commentators see it as there problem and not Robertos and then he will say we have an experienced back four who should do better.

Guaranteed if he purchased four brand new defenders he wouldn't get away with it and we would be relegation candidates.

Declan Martin
152 Posted 27/08/2015 at 10:15:14
As an Ireland supporter, I so want McGeady in the first team every week.

As an Everton supporter, I so want him gone - to the Championship, or wherever he belongs

Robert Workman
153 Posted 27/08/2015 at 10:28:36
I was not worried, even at 0-2, just felt we would score more than Barnsley managed. Only wavered slightly when it was still 2-3 and only 15 minutes were left.

Some great goals from Everton - now 8 in 2 away games - and we could and should have had more, plus a penalty.

I enjoyed the performances of 2 non-regulars - Besic and Deulofeu - both of whom must have a chance of playing at least some part against Spurs.

Also liked the anti-Mourinho chant - just wish it could have gone on all game!

Phil Walling
154 Posted 27/08/2015 at 11:01:38
If Roberto needed to make a case for his persistence with Barry and Macca at DM, he made it last night. Both the boy regarded by most on here as the greatest in the world (and his captain) looked in shock each time the Mighty Barnsley attacked down the middle. Certainly Besic on his own looked no match for them and we can now be sure that on this evidence alone' the help at the back' is here to stay. Thankfully.
Alan Humphreys
155 Posted 27/08/2015 at 12:11:46
Phil, hard to judge personally as I don’t think either FB excelled and Robles was an accident waiting to happen and at times Stones was ahead of Besic, who had a great game IMHO.

Cleverley filled in competently at RB but I’d rather have him and either McCarthy or Besic as my defensive 2 with Barkley, Mirallas and Deulofeu the 3 ahead of them.

Barry and McCarthy are too alike and offer nothing going forward.

Colin Malone
156 Posted 27/08/2015 at 15:35:45
Never mind John Stones. Where would we be without Jags? The unsung hero in every game he plays, as well as being a great captain.
Tony Abrahams
157 Posted 27/08/2015 at 15:36:31
Just hope we keep two natural widemen on the pitch then Phil. Barnsley scored 3 goals, with crosses into the box, so maybe the middle of the pitch wasn't the real problem?
Tony Cheek
158 Posted 27/08/2015 at 15:44:50
Oviedo got a lot of stick on the live forum last night. For a player who has really been through the rough for a season and a half, I thought he did really well and am quite sure he will be an important player for us given a chance. I have always liked his attitude and hope that Martinez gives him some playing time in the coming weeks.

Add Your Comments

In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.

» Log in now

Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.


About these ads

© ToffeeWeb