Impressive Blues draw first blood in Capital One Cup semi

At least City will try to play football so hopefully it will be a good game with a positive outcome. We are due a change of luck.

Looking forward to this, from afar...

Besic and Barry my joint MotM!

Full credit to the team and manager tonight. Mind you it will take just as good a performance to stand a chance at City.

And with the rs going down like flies ......

Roberto can now say we gave a complete performance. We were immense.

I noticed how "drifters" (that's how I think of it) gets missed and have open looks at goal. Navas scored from one such opportunity, and city has a few more chances like that where no one picked up the running man from the far side. Defence was decent until those chances.

Nice to see Moyes summarising on Sky, time to forgive and forget the way he left us (he was obviously tapped up) and we should welcome him back anytime.

If only we'd kept a clean sheet.

Besic was excellent but anyone questioning that Barry wasn't MOM should look at his stats:

Passes 71
Accuracy 90%
Assists 1
Passes 85

Awesome

The goal we conceded though was really frustrating and for me it sums up the Martinez approach in a nutshell. From our corner leading 1-0 we find ourselves outnumbered on a breakaway. It's not rocket science it's just counting. And of course 1-0 may turn out to be a better result than 2-1.

However a very good performance overall with Barry, Besic and Baines all having excellent games. Lukaku is looking the complete centre forward and Robles has done enough to be given a run in the side.

Also a mention for one of my favourite players Ossie or as he is known on the forum WTF Osman. Considering his lack of game time he did what he has mainly done for 400+ games. Worked hard, kept it simple, moved it forward and retained possession.

After a scary opening 10 minutes when we looked overawed by the occasion, we really grew into the game and were good value for the win.

For me, that was the best, most balanced performance of the season by a country mile. By balanced, I mean the team worked as a single unit, defending as a team, moving the ball forward as a team.

As a result our defensive lines were vastly improved, denying the likes of Silva, Aguero and de Bruyne the space between the lines in which they like to play.

The one blemish was their goal from our corner, when we should have had more cover rather than be so gung ho, but the immediate response was brilliant.

Seeing Lukaku limp off in the wake of the winning goal is a huge concern, but praise for all the team - and the manager - tonight for a throroughly professional performance.

And just how immense was Barry tonight? An absolute colossus for me.

A shout also for Robles who made some good stops Nd I think made the defenders feel more comfortable.

Besic has to be the first name on the team sheet after the performance.

Outstanding bit of graft.

I think we're looking good to go through. If we get the first goal we're there. I wasn't impressed by City and without Kompany they are awful defensively. If we play like we did tonight and keep the likes of Aguero quiet again, we will be at Wembley.

COYB

Funes Mori and Stones had their best game together and Baines looked back to his old self and very committed. Barry – what can you say about him- a marvellous display and kept going well to the end in a quite remarkable show of fitness.

I thought Ross played well especially second half and showed great maturity at the end in keeping possession when down to ten men – the Sky boys would have wet themselves had that been City or Arsenal keeping possession like that.

Everyone played very well but for me Besic was the crucial man. Ray #36 sums his display up beautifully and he is looking a bit of a Peter Reid type to me.

Bit harsh to criticise their goal – it was a good break away and this can happen against such a good team. I'd rather give enormous credit to the team for regaining the lead so quickly.

I bet Bill is feeling a lot better tonight!

Very well done everyone – fantastic evenings entertainment!!

He is so powerful, controls, buys time and gets us moving forward ..

Unlucky with his on target shots from runs .. could have got a couple ...

In the last 5 mins - his running down the clock and game management was what we can expect from him over the next ten years!

Like Graham earlier, Ossie, also one of my favourite players, did us proud in his sub stint. Precision passing, slowing it down when we needed to hold onto possession, and as usual, great reading of the game.

Great night for all Evertonians, and the away leg should hold NO fears for us if we play like that.

Free kick away to City in the second leg might be nice ...

Really pleased though with the play tonight, and defensively their was solidity when they shut up shop.

Yes Barry was a worthy MotM but Besic was the difference from the insipid lethargic slipshod nonsense we have been watching all season.

Big mention for Bainesy tonight too, he was back to his best all night. Great show all round though, keep it up lads.

I forgot Ossie before and the other guys are right – he was neat,passed well and kept possession showing the class he has always had.

I'm hoping the injuries aren't serious, Seamus didn't look good, (Browning his understudy, is out for the season), should offer £3m for Byram, would be a good addition anyway. I hope Lukaku is okay, and available near Wednesday.

I don't think City were in second gear, we just never gave them any space or peace after the first fifteen minutes, a well deserved victory, now stop messing about and play a balanced team every match, Robbie. Oh and leave the goalkeeper in the team for Saturday.

Hope the injuries are minor.

We can do this - then beat the shite at Wembley.

I usually have respect for everyone on ToffeeWeb, but you actually posted today that you would prefer 3 points in the next league game rather than win a semi final tonight. Admittedly we have still got to get a result in Manchester to make tonight worthwhile, but to say that other fans aren't interested in the cups unless their team is playing, is ridiculous.

Who would give a fuck what the fans of any other club thought, if Everton were running round Wembley with the cup?

First, Howard is a complete disaster. If the players are anything like the supporters, they are put into a state of complete panic every time the ball is loose near the penalty area.

Second, absent Besic, the team does not have a destroyer. Stones is a beautiful footballer, Baines gives great confidence, Lukaku scores goals, Barry keeps the defensive to attacking transformation solid, Coleman and Duelofeu put the Fear of God into opposition left backs, Barkley - when on form - does wonderful and effective things. These players show the way in which raw talent can display itself on a football pitch.

But tonight, Besic imposed himself on the game in the way that the real leaders of football teams do.

I hate to say it, but Hughes, Souness and Gerrard were the three Liverpool players who were the difference between that team as a reasonable contender and European level successes. Tony Adams at Arsenal, Keane at ManU, Terry and Lampard at Chelsea. These were the difference between "quite good" and "ruthlessly successful".

There is a wonderful story about Mike Brearley's approach to team spirit. England had been regularly humiliated by Australia who cultivated an image of being "more macho, manly etc" than the "Pommie poofters". This was epitomised by Merv Hughes the wicket keeper (and No1 sledger) who had a huge "super-heterosexual" moustache. England went on an Ashes tour to Australia and, unusually, went by ship. On the way, the entire team ceased shaving and by the time they arrived had all grown impressive, bushy and definitely "manly" beards. Given that it takes a while to grow a beard, the Aussies psychological intimidation was note only trumped, but reversed. The "Pommie poofters" were more macho than the Ockers, who, of course, could not speed up the rate of beard growth!

England, series underdogs, won the Ashes.

Brearley was probably the best captain in the history of any sport (I hosted a dinner for him once, he's a charming and very intelligent man), and understood that the enemy is defeated not by playing better / having more talent, but by winning the mental battle.

Martinez would be very foolish not to eliminate the source of fear (Howard) and introduce the match dominator (Besic) in the next half dozen games.

Coleman and Besic my MOTMs. Besic had a stormer.

Thought we had a nice defence/attack balance tonight. The goal was a bit silly though. We lost the ball upfield and Stones' instinct was to close down on the edge of their box instead of getting back. Then Aguero should have been pulled down for a yellow card. Then everyone got sucked across and left Navas alone. Bit of a catalogue of errors even before you consider we were over committed.

Nice to start with an advantage which means they have to force the play but realistically it's anyone's game at 2-1.

Might just be very good.

Totally agree that Stones at RB and the returning Jags with Funes Mori should be solid enough. Although I'd still like us to sign Byram if there's any substance to all the rumours floating around. If we want him I reckon we should get him now instead of transfer deadline.

Perhaps the most pleasing aspect was for the first time since Arteta left, Everton have rediscovered the art of killing a game - passing it round, taking the fouls, sending Lukaku back on just to go to the far end of the pitch before being subbed. It was like vintage Mourinho.

Totally concur that Mo and Gazza Bazza (as my villa supporting friends called him) were superb. Besic had certainly earned an extended run now.

Robles hardly had anything to do in truth. One decent save from Aguero, a header he caught on the line and that was it. No chance with the goal, but what he had to do, he instilled confidence in me watching from the sofa at least. Of course he should keep his place, but we know he won't, so pointless having the debate anymore until this season is over at least.

City's goal was mainly down to the fact that Aguero is one of perhaps only 5 players in the world who could have pulled down that punt out of defence so beautifully, in the same motion turning the defender to give him time to run into space. Stones then made it easy for him by going to the ball (which RFM had already done) instead of dropping off on Navas, but as I say that long ball would most probably only ever have stuck with geniuses like Messi, Suarez, Ronaldo, Neymar or Aguero in the first place. Sometimes, you have just to recognise footballing brilliance when you see it.

Bad news about Mustard, hopefully not as bad as it sounds. If it is though, emergency cover this window is a must. I don't want us to be relying on our only three fit centre halves filling three of the back 4 slots for the next month.

My guess is Rom is fine, looked like an impact injury. Rest him for the FA cup and maybe city next mid week and hopefully gel  

Gave them nothing all game whilst still looking like a team worth watching .

On the way home I listened to Ronny Goodlass on Merseyside, he was asked why the crowd was so different tonight compared to some recent league games .
He said he thought it was because the team gave us something to shout about but I don't agree.

My opinion is the manager gave us something to shout about with his starting team , that was what boosted most of the crowd .

Evertonians can understand the game , and almost every blue wants to see a starting 11 without Howard and Kone , today we seen that and responded.

I'm no Martinez fan but I think he got it spot on tonight , and the inclusion of Besic was great to see too.

One slight worrying thing for me is del boys attitude and lack of fitness.
He has to learn to last a game and really needs to stop throwing his arms out when people get it wrong , it looks awful.

Stones at right back has not been a success in the past, but I'm sure we'll find a solution.

I share the view that City will be a different proposition at their place but this was a fine effort.

We should have taken a yellow for their goal to prevent it

What's interesting me is that our young team ARE growing and ARE learning

Are we just too impatient as fans? Or am I chatting crap cos I'm buzzing about a superb win?!

We NEED to keep Lukaku and also get a replacement for when he's injured, tired or out of form. We have a real goalscorer there - let's value him, love him, worship him and make him stay!

Give me 11th every season and a cup final. Brand new.

Or let's fuck off all the cups and concentrate on upper midtable so we can brag about a top 7 finish (look at the stat's)

I can only comment on the football I witness. Tonight, we were better than the richest team on the world. Football wise. Not outfighting. Or running more. You know what I mean. For those who know.

He kept driving at the opposition, pushing them back. How many players in the Prem league actually run at defences these days? Not many

His passing and in game play has vastly improved as well as his ball retention

We're gonna drive this gem away before we know it and then jeer him when he returns for being greedy

Love Him and treasure him and appreciate him. The guy is a superb talent

Martinez must now show to the team and the fans that he gets it. Good defending allows this team to attack with confidence and purpose and winning above all else is the main point of a football game. He must show that he can learn from mistakes quickly and abandon his stubborn stupidity. Martinez be ruthless and we'll love you for it. Robles and Besic now deserve your loyalty.

It's now a really big ask for us to win this cup tie. We have to be super confident going into the return game that we now have a style of play that is successful and the right players to do it.

Well done reberto, spot on, tactics, work rate and team selection.

Dare we dream yet???

Really Dave? I thought from around the 20 min mark onwards he was instrumental in driving Everton forward, key contribution for the first goal and the City midfielders were at a loss how to handle him. A couple of times he seemed to get caught in two minds whether to release the ball or have a go himself, but apart from that he looked a class act tonight.

It will be tough at the Emptyad in a couple of weeks but I think we can do it. Lets hope that Seamus and Rom's injuries aren't too bad. As we will need everyone fit as City will throw the kitchen sink at us in the 2nd Leg.

"FFS, Ossie coming on, now we're dead". No we're not!

Besic was outstanding but Barry edged the motm for me.

Our defence also looked better, whether that was down to Robles in goal who knows, but he has to stay in the team against City in the league, I really will flip if Howard plays.

Cannot fault a single player tonight, a great team effort and spot on tactics and team selection from Bobby.

We were marvelous. Good lineup by Roberto. Great game.

How good is Besic??!!

For those folks slating Martinez, and yes there's been some valid criticism of late, consider this lineup of 10 outfield players:

Coleman Stones Mori Galloway
Besic McCarthy
Delo Barkley Cleverley
Rom

Anyone see a player over 25? Coleman maybe can't be bothered to look but the core of that line up / average age has to be 22-23 years old.

Not a bad team our manager is building for the future.

Patience...

Barkley deserved the bit of love in the last few comments. I thought he was the outstanding player of the 2nd half. There were 10 minutes there he had their defence all over the place. It kept City pushed back and defensive which trickles all the way down to our defence! His shot for Mori's goal was a thunderbolt!

So, while Moyes' safety first and "keep it tight" could help the team close out the tie, he is less likely to get the team to win when the chips are down.

I don't think Martinez will ever be able to close down teams the way Moyes or Mourinho does, but he has demonstrated that his teams can outscore others, and they can come back from behind.

This is what we can possibly hope and bank on i.e. even if we go a goal down, we can always come back up and win the game.

After a start where we looked like a bunch of amateurs passing to the opposition, everyone rolled up their sleeves and gradually pushed them back. A great test of character for everyone involved and they came through with flying colours.

Hopefully we'll be at full strength for the 2nd battle but Seamus and Cleverley definitely need time off. Don't know about the big fella but he's so hungry for goals he'd probably play on one leg.

I'd agree with you that Martinez' teams can out score others, except mostly we don't. Our win record under Martinez is poor.

So while we had an excellent performance against City, sadly it was against the norm. And Besic being a dominating force was only brought about due to injury. And Kone being dropped was only brought about due to months of horrible performances. And Howard being dropped was only because Robles is the cup keeper despite far outperforming Howard.

So we may go a goal behind, quite often in fact. But we rarely come back to win. I'm very happy for the win and hope to progress to Wembley. But it doesn't erase this horrible season or the prior season, where we've seen a deteriorating defense and continue to sit in the bottom half of the table.

All in all, a five star display, well done to all the team and if Roberto actually learns something from the way the team played tonight, then well done to him too, if he doesn't, shame on you Roberto.

With three of the starting 11 going down in the same game, I truly believe we should reexamine downsizing the squad this window. We need more quality, less excess baggage. Nobody out without a better player in to replace him.

Out of curiosity, I checked out a City fan site. They are NOT happy!!! They are pissed off with everybody connected with the club. No mention of missed offsides; no mention of fouls in the box; nothing but praise for Everton.

I really wish I could of witnessed it, but I am over the moon with the win. One large step closer to Wembley.

Staying positive, Roberto couldn't play for a draw if he tried so we will no doubt go all out on the 27th and hopefully come out with something. And if we don't, well at least we went for it - isn't this what we were baying for during the KITANO Moyes era?

Another thing to be certain of is Robles will be in goal, so we can save the Howard debate for the League. What will be intriguing is if Martinez plays Joel in the FA Cup on Saturday, that at least would be something. It is Howard's contract that is keeping him in, not his performances. Within 8 weeks Joel could have an FA and League Cup medal in his sock draw, now wouldn't that be something?

We have a fantastic young side developing, as Jamie Crowley rightly says. Lukaku, Barkley, Besic, Stones, Galloway, Browning, McCarthy (Robles? He's only young isn't he?) and I'm sure there are more lurking in the background. Martinez's mantra from day one has been you don't need money to create a great team and though he inherited half of those players he brought the others in for good money and stuck his neck out and secured what looks like the best young striker in Europe on recent performances for a club record signing.

On last night's performance Lukaku, Barkley, Besic and Stones are worth getting on for £150m and cost us what - £35m? Roberto's job now is developing them to their potential - the impossible one might keeping hold of them but who knows, new ownership and a bit of success might make all the difference.

I've been very frustrated and critical of Martinez but give me the performances, style and passion of the last two games and I will defend him to the hilt.

As for Besic, in Roberto's defence, he's had a few false starts and has been out from injured incurred in a derby which he started so Martinez clearly has plans for him. I said a couple of weeks ago we needed someone in the middle who can take the team and the game by the scruff of the neck and on the last two games boy we could have found him.

I sense glorious defeat at the Ethiad but this team will go through, or go out, fighting which I'm sure is first of all our expectations.

Exciting times, all credit to the players, manager and club. We might, just might, be going places....

COYB.

He is simply not fit for purpose and the rest of the team know it, even though they could never actually say it.

If Martinez doesn't actually see this, then he's a fool that will cost us even more than he already has. If he'd have changed our keeper we would make top 3.

Anyone with any idea would see that the rest of the squad don't really like or connect with Howard. Martinez goes on about his character and experience. Both are sub standard and are literally killing this team.

Robles is a massive boost, no one knows if he's any good long term, but we all know it would be impossible to be worse than Howard.

You don't think Baines could have made that same pass that Barry did?

I've seen him do it year after year

I'll put that down to excitement!!!

How good is Lukaku now? If anyone ever doubted his desire to score then look at his goal last night. He took a knock and was hobbling around but as soon as their was a sniff of a goal he was onto that cross like a shot, then straight back to hobbling again.

The goal we conceded was a little bit soft and I think is a big part of why Martinez hates corners so much.

MotM - Besic, followed closely by Barry and Lukaku

In particular, the goalkeeper situation. Having watched our defence deal with balls like a bomb in the area every time it has come over last few weeks. It was very refreshing to see a calmness in the defending side of things, especially against a team who have players who can deliver a telling final ball most of the time. Joel is a bigger presence, a better shot stopper, commands his line better, reads the game better. He made an outstanding save in the first half and an ever better one in the second. I rest assure you, if this had been our USA friend in the same situation we all would have been lamenting a 3-1 loss last night. I honestly think we would have 8pts more in the league if you had played him all season. But on the flip side of that, if he was your league golie. Howard would have played last night as your cup goalie. So swings and roundabouts I guess.

Mo Besic playing last night was a beautiful accident. I think most of us agree he was only involved due to injuries. Yet last night he was the difference, and whilst I am a big James McCarthy fan. It's his position now that is seriously under threat. Tenacious, classy, brilliant on the ball. There was a moment about 15 mins into the first half when he was facing the street end. Flicked it back over the city player brought it down and played it forward. Please don't exclude him once more. He needs a run of games.

Build on this Roberto, you have already said Goodison was rockin'. More and more games like that and we will all be on side.

Barkley has all the talent in the world, however, whether he has the application to use that talent is debatable. When you compare the performance of say, Delle Alle last week compared to Ross then Delle Alle put Ross in the shade. He is not a kid anymore, he has been in and around the first team squad for 4 seasons now. He should be able to pick a pass out by now. I take absolutely no pleasure in saying these things, I desperately want Ross to be a success but reading the comments on here about how good Ross is, well we will just have to say that we should agree to disagree and many people around me in the ground share my views. I agree he could be a diamond but not at the moment. I don't even know what his position is. Number 10? CM? Playing in Barrys pocket? He seems to be an amalgamation of all 3 but not doing any of them very well.

Football is all about opinions I guess and we all have one. Unfortunately on this occasion its one that I don't share with quite a few of you.

I will agree that his tracking back is atrocious when he loses the ball and he seriously needs to make more effort to get back goal side and win the ball back, I think this is what frustrates more than anything else.

He is dominating games more now and his decision making WILL improve, no midfielder is the finished article at his age.

Well chuffed last night, onwards and upwards Blues!!

There were lots of positives but I was disappointed with the result. I felt we needed a two goal cushion to take to the Eithad in order to have any chance. How many times do we get a corner and within 30 seconds, the ball's in our net? Can't blame RM last night though. He got his tactics spot on and set the team up to go for it. If we'd played like that in more games this season, we'd be in the top 4 now.

Is that apart from the the thunderbolt shot from a really difficult half volley that was flying in and the keeper did really well to stop then, and which led directly to the first goal? Or doesn't that count?
Or what about the constant harrying of the City defence which kept them pushed back? You think Kone may have kept them two yards off like that? They were, if not terrified, respectfully wary of what he could do going forward.
The boy is still not the finished article and still has much to add to his game but for a bit more fortune last night would have added a couple of goals.
Criticism of him has been deserved in the past but anyone who can't see how he is improving, including decision making and positional sense, then, I respectfully submit, cannot see anything with balanced judgement

Well done to the lads and the manager.

Mike Green # 131 - I sense glorious defeat at the Ethiad

Actually Mike - I sense glorious Victory at the Ethiad.

I've had a feeling things were turning since the Palace game.

What is more I think the manager is listening.

Darren # 134 - If fit I would give Cleverley a run out at right back. I actually think that position might suit him and the manager may stumble on another gem.

Alternatively, as I know that Harold rates him, Jonjoe Kenny so maybe him. I'd be interested to hear Harold's thoughts on that one.

I hope Rom has only sprained his ankle - if so that may be a good thing for him to have a short spell. I would play Mirallas as an out and out striker on Saturday. That might also produce a surprising outcome.

Happy days.

How some of the senior players are not calling him to task over his lack of effort and non tackling is amazing, he hasn't even got the nuisance value that Sheedy had, let's himself down with this aspect of his game.

We won and deserved it completely and can win the return game with a balanced team.

I think Barkley has improved significantly this season. I suspect the dissatisfaction many are voicing stems from weight of expectation. I don't see the same amount of criticism being levelled at Deulofeu for instance who was particularly wasteful on occasions.

You are right that he doesn't offer much in the way of a defensive shield which is why I was much happier to see him not a part of a central three but in a more advanced role where I think makes more of a difference. His half volley for the goal is another example of what he can do.

The other thing you can't take away from the lad is his willingness to keep going and looking for possession. He never hides away. As a match goer you will have heard the regular moans and groans when he misplaces a pass. I think it is to his credit he continues to back his ability and not take the easy option all the time.

You will also pleased to note I've made no mention of Lukaku's heading ability ( oh shit I just did! )

Well, here is my opinion on posters who question Ross' talent, commitment, ability to learn or improve, his contribution and worth to the side, his physique, his weight, the colour of his eyes, his closely cropped hair ... whatever:

My opinion is you are poor readers of the game of football and poor judges of a footballer. Sorry if that offends, but I truly believe that statement

Yes, Ross still has his 'blonde' moments, but he is having a superb season, plays consistently well in every game and has aspects of his game almost without parallel in this league.

Like the rest of the team, he was poor last season. I believe but for Romelu's incredible (similar) turn around in form and goal scoring exploits, we would be highlighting even more the vastly improved form of Ross this season.

He, Rom and Barry are our leading lights this season and, as I say, anyone not capable of seeing that really cannot 'read' a game of football very well or is a poor judge of a footballer.

Say well, bloody facts getting in the way of a good story. It was ever thus.

People used to criticise Ronaldo at a similar age. Saying he was a one trick pony who lacked the final delivery.

Barkley has so much natural talent and in a season or two will have every club in Europe after him. I just hope he doesn't read the criticism from his 'fans'.

Thankfully we have a manager who believes in Ross, allows him to make the odd mistake and continue to grow.

When Ross runs at defenders they shit themselves. He runs at such pace that it is hard to play the perfect final pass. Last night it didn't quite open up for him at the vital moment. Other days it will.
It also should be noted that Rom often shakes his head, arms aloft, when in actual fact he wasn't in the best position to receive a pass. Ross was right to shoot when he did last night.

Dave,

I'm convinced Ross isn't being required (by manager or team-mates) to do anything defensive. I know I've said it before, but I've started to expect nothing defensively from Ross and can now enjoy, much more, his other abilities (ball control, drifting effortlessly past a man, quick feet, two-footed, hell of a shot, ability to find some killer passes). We know he can improve on decision-making and hopefully will. He misplaced at lot of passes last night but most games his pass-completion stats are high.

Barklay did a lot of good things last night but spoiled it for me by all the poor things he did as well.Imsaid after the Spurs game that he had started to put a string of performances together but he was poor in that game as well.

Graham keep on telling us how great Lukaku is heading the ball, as I said to you in an earlier post, I bet you are great at holding a grudge and browbeating, but we may have that drink together at Wembley, I'll get them in, wouldn't won't you talking about me!!!!!!.

Overlooking the fact that he's a very smooth and comfortable operator on the football, he's brought a winning mentality and leadership that belies his years and was clearly missing before he came in against Spurs.

He sets the highest standards for himself and drives the standards of the others around him. His boundless energy and refuse to lose in your face attitude has has lifted the tempo of his teammates and the fans.

I noticed some other players getting a bit more dog in them last nt - (its contagious when you see fellow player doing it and the crowd reacting to it).

He has made a monumental difference since he has come into the side.

I thought Baines had his best game since I can't remember, Barry was excellent, Robles was solid (I like him and would like to see him given the opportunity to be no:1) - he's a man mountain of keeper).

Rom was again brilliant - such a handful and his hold up play and touch (whilst far from perfect) has come on leaps and bounds.

Chris Gould - nailed my thoughts on Barkley.

Hopefully we can have McCarthy back and Besic for the second leg, I think we'll need that extra bite and dog in midfield at their place to rattle and stifle them.

Having said that, his passing wasn't the best last night (I'd always want us to find the killer pass but he misplaced some simple ones last night).

As for new players. Many are calling for Byram who appears to be useful but might cost more than we are willing to pay. Personally, as mentioned on other threads, I prefer Arbour Fejzullahu of Partizan. The same age, a much better player, an Albanian international RB who can play other positions and would cost next to nothing.

He's not perfect at 22. Of course he isn't. Just like Stones, he will improve with experience. And don't give me the Rooney argument, he was using physical attributes and natural instincts. His decision making was just as suspect but in a position where he wasn't expected to dictate the game.

I hope to God we don't get a manager who sends him chasing down full backs. Would you do that to Pirlo? Ross is potentially in that category, while blessed with pace, size and strength. He's unique. A diamond. We're so fortunate to have him, even if we don't seem to fully appreciate him or the top end of his potential.

As I say, I desperately want him to succeed, but when does he stop being a kid? He is 22 now and as I stated earlier, he has been around the first team for 4 seasons now. Somebody earlier made a comparison with Scholes and his tackling. Well yeah we all know Scholes couldn't tackle, but that didn't stop him trying. He may often get the tackle all wrong but Scholes also sent the message that if you come near me I will kick you. Also worth noting that when Scholes was Barkleys age he was winning titles.

Comparing Barkley with his peers, even in the current team, Lukaku is younger as is Stones but both are far more accomplished than Barkley. I have never said he doesn't have talent. He has it in abundance but lacks the application to use it. When Lukaku was struggling earlier in the season, he obviously worked hard on his flaws and now looks an outstanding player, even tracking back when he loses the ball. Going even further with comparing him with peers, Gazza was doing it at 22, as was the United kids, Ronaldo, contrary to someones post, was doing it at 22,, as was, excuse me for mentioning it, Stevie me. Rooney also at 22 was a star.

Barkley has assets but doesn't utilise them too often. You can blame the coaching or Barkley himself, but at the moment, he is wasting himself. As for suggesting that his shot "created" the first goal last night, clutching at straws come to mind. Anybody can have a shot at goal (Jags in the derby last season) but that isn't what I would term an assist. Are you suggesting that Barkley aimed to miss to create the goal for Mori? hmmm.

Brent, you may be right about the manager not expecting him to track back and to be fair thats not my main gripe. My main gripe is his lack of vision. He just doesn't see the pass. This is not isolated, this is a common occurrence. It may well be unfair to single out Barkley and the weight of expectation may well be unfair also. However, we all see how much talent he has and a lot of us can see how much the talent is being wasted or not realised. It wouldn't be so bad if every one didn't keep saying what a blinding game he has when he blatantly hasn't, later being justified by saying he still needs time. Thats fine, he does still need time, obviously, but I fear he is another Jack Rodwell in the making, and by that I mean not realising that potential.

Jay Wood #155, if stating my opinion makes me a very poor judge of a footballer then so be it, I say it like I see it. The phrase not fulfilling potential springs to kind

In fact, he's our best youth product since Rooney and probably some time before that too. Why is it so hard for some Everton fans to be happy about that? I hope it's just because they want to see him reach a higher potential.

He's a very decent player right now, I'll be made up if he improves significantly.

And when you say people talk about good performances when he "blatantly hasn't" played well... that's blatant to you. It's your perception. Those saying he's playing well have a different perception. Your assumption seems to be that others are lying for some reason? While your opinion is considered fact?

I'm seeing a player performing very well. My honest opinion and backed up with stats. You're very welcome to your opinion and I don't doubt your honesty.

Jon, yes I think, in my humble opinion, that he is so much more capable of reaching a higher potential than he is currently displaying and that is the most frustrating thing for me.

When he first came on the scene he was played just behind the front man, where now RM has him playing just in front of Barry. Which given his ability to shoot with either foot is criminal to play him so deep but that's RMs fault not Barkleys.

Whether Ross turns out to be the special talent we hope for or another Rodwell only time will tell. But I think he should be influencing games more than he does at present. I would like to see him playing close to Lukaku when we have the ball, but making sure when we don't have the ball he gets back and helps out defensively.

On the Barkley debate, having not read all the comments, I don't think he was great. Good in some instances before losing the ball or not taking a good shot on.

The most annoying part is his workrate when we don't have the ball. For Navas's goal, Barry sprinted past him on the way back to try to cover Navas. Ross had a wee jog and a look around to see if there was someone handy to pick up. He may improve, I hope he does, he has bags of ability but he frustrates me.

Gerrard had that ability in spades, Ross does not i'm afraid, if he can't do it now whilst he's young and hungry then IMO he will never be able to do it. He needs to develop a mean streak, smash through a few opponents and let them know your there.

In terms of getting more out of him, his stats stand up pretty well. But we can all see there's plenty more to come. For me that's decision making, dictating games, as well as making more use of his ability to beat a man and pop a shot off.

I'd still much rather he focused on developing the attributes he has that could be world class, rather than trying to become less shit at other things.

I know it's because he's a six foot three scouser with a shaved head but is that all we can produce?

Win the battle in the middle and you control the game, you don't have to be skillful to be a great midfielder either. Robson, Scholes, Ried, Bremner, Kean... were not the most skillful players on the planet but they had desire and passion, above all though, they hated to lose and would put their bodies on the line for the cause.

Ross does not have that in his game, I wish he bloody did! Did you see Besic against Toure last night? A man 3 times his size but no way was Mo letting him push him around and gave him a dogs life. Put half of what Mo has in Ross and he would be three times the player he is.

Besic was unquestionably the MotM, apart from everything he did he also gave Barry more license to get about to greater effect. The aspect of Besic's gameI like is his tackling. For me the seminal moment was when he went shoulder to shoulder with Toure then tackled him (fairly) then running away with the ball leaving Toure to continue moaning on the ground.

Something as simple as Besic putting in some crunching tackles has turned this team around. Now to sort out the imbalance on the left... bring in Mirallas or Pienaar .. and a rocket up Ross's arse and we're sorted.

I'll never understand a lad with his physical stature not being able or willing to share the workload, he doesn't even try to jump for headers in the middle of the park, ducks away from them.

I know how good he can be, and appreciate the good things he can do, he can be so much better, at twenty two he is already a man, it's only football he is playing, we are not asking him to do anything more than do that.

Whilst the defence and rest of the midfield is defending for their lives and Ross is standing in no-mans land with his finger up his arse I wont critisise him.

Promise...

I am still astounded by Barry. What a transformation from last season when I for one wrote him off.

A superb performance by all last night, the only downside ids that Howard will be straight back into the team. Just look at Robles position for the City corners, commanding the six-yard box, what a difference it made.

Baines's corners aren't that good anyway, so why twist the team out of shape, just to let him take them. It would be better to have the winger (Deulofeu or Mirallas) on the side that the corner is on. At a push the left back could take the ones on the left, as this wouldn't pull his opposite number across the pitch. Pretty basic stuff really, but it cost us a goal last night.

Unless, that is, we think we can get him to defend. And I don't know how we do that. Especially because Roberto seems content to leave that side of Ross alone.

I'm all for criticism, Dave, when it's relevant. And criticising Ross's lack of a defensive edge is relevant. It's just ... well, I've criticised him mercilessly in the last year or so and have now come to accept things (like I've come to accept being an old fart!).

As far as his tackling in defensive positions who knows what his mind set is after missing nearly a couple of seasons with a horrific injury. Yes, people will moan about his mistakes and some may not see what all the hype is about him, but remember the people who praise his ability are usually professional people in the sport who take notice of his overall talents, so let us get behind him and support an exceptional player, one who is improving, and someone who I would hate to be sold and come back and haunt us.

Some players take years and hard work to reach a good standard, but other players like Barkley it just comes natural so enjoy it while you can, it could be the critics that make him decide to leave.

Now, some might say everyone is entitled to form an opinion and to air it, but it's exactly that sort of laissez faire attitude that led directly to Jonathan Ross being let loose in the realm of "fwilm cwiticwism".

To claim outright that Barkley does not even merit a starting place in this current Everton team is just plain wrong. On what basis do you deem his contribution "with the ball" to be bench-worthy at best?

It can't be current form, or the overall improved form he's shown this season. It certainly can't be based on the statistical data that shows him to be the highest ranked Everton player and one of the top performers in the league this season. Stats which have him ahead of new boy wonder and Carragher sponsored Ross surpasser, Deli Alli, in every department bar....no surprise here...tackling and interceptions.

Yet, I don't see how the fact he doesn't tackle or track back with any great effectiveness automatically negates all that's positive about his game. It's like Commisioner Gordon and Chief O'Hara refusing to call in Batman on his super secret, bright red, flashing hotline, simply because "the lazy bastard can't even be arsed answering his own phone. Get's that arl butler to do it all the time".

("Well, the Gotham City Police Department don't need that sort of shirker to solve a few spazzy clues. An ancient jokebook stolen from The Mirth Museum? Millionaire Harry Le'Quinn's golden golf clubs purloined? A deck of playing cards left at the scene? The sound of smug, self-congratulatory, laughter emanating from the building just before a gentleman with a ghostly white visage was seen gaily goose stepping in the general vicinity? Thick makeup plastered over his unshaven muzzy, bizarrely coloured hairpiece hanging from his head and an unnatural rigamortis grin frozen on to his gaunt evil face, as if to say 'I can't believe I'm still getting away with this shit'? Godzooks!! CHIEF O'HARA!!! Issue an arrest warrant for Bruce Forsyth immediately!)"

It's all well and good people pointing out flaws and areas for improvement, but all encompassing claims that 'Barkley is crap' or that he contributes nothing, or that he doesn't even deserve to be starting games, are way wide of the mark.

For those who say he was plain 'awful' last night or that he 'lacks footballing intelligence', a couple of headlines from todays rags that offer a slightly different perspective:

Daily Mail:

Headline: Ross Barkley too hot to handle for Eliaquim Mangela and Demichilis.

"Man of the Match Ross Barkley tormented Manchester City defenders."

The Guardian

Headline: Manchester City stretched by movement of Ross Barkley

"Barkley took up intelligent positions between the lines and varied his movement to drift wide when City's full backs were drawn out of position"

Now, I'm not saying they're right and you're wrong but.....nah, actually that's exactly what I'm saying.

The whole team is worthy of praise and I can not be critical of anyone other than to say Ross is THE most frustrating player to watch.

He is a great talent and demonstrates as such on the pitch but just doesn't quite finish off what he has started whether it is to get a good shot in, make a final pass or just get in on a 50/50. However, he is the real deal and is on the cusp of having that moment which revives or inspires his confidence to an appropriate level, because that is what appears to be affecting his game.

There is no blame to be laid at any individual door for the City goal because by definition all goals in any game have to be the result of some 'error of judgement' or mistake or some such so I care not to analyse or comment on their goal other than to say if it had been us we would be all over it with plaudits.

Barry and Mo (especially Mo) were immense as was Stones. City pretty effectively nullified Del's threat and I think he needs to expand his repertoire a bit as his strengths are now very evident to opposition defenders and managers. Mirallas looked up for it I thought when he came on. Ossie put himself about and Kone did a decent job.

Lukaku's a beast, on the ball skill is great and he's controlling better but on occasions is still trapping it halfway across the pitch. His long ball heading success is in a new league (Duncan's signature there?) but his body language and arm waving is pissy.

Of course, as with any match, passes went astray, opportunities were missed and so on but this is one performance I am made up to have witnessed. We were unlucky not to have a two goal cushion to take to the Etihad and that away goal is a pain.

Anyway job is half done, both semis remain in the balance and I don't care who we have to face in the final TBH as we can beat all comers when we put our minds to it.... But it would be nice if it was 'Them'. Just finish the job you Blues. 1-0 or 1-1 at the Etihad would do me.

Last night Besic was just great, Ross & Stones awesome as usual and we looked organised in defence. The citeh goal was just a break out that can happen to anyone. We appeared to play as team and as for RM, well I have stated my opinion before on here, but well done Roberto now keep it up - COYB

It's obvious to me how much he has improved this season, in every respect. As John Daley @189 has rightly stated, his stats are the proof of this. This boy is a very special footballer, who will only improve.

Shakes head in disbelief!

That was a complete performance last night, hopefully we can repeat that on a regular basis.

Well done to Roberto & the whole team.

They may suggest many things or back-up a point of view but they prove nothing.

I was thinking the exact same (about hopefully travelling to the final) if tickets can be procured. I've sorted a great system for travelling to the Old Lady now...

Early start from here, check in b&b about 1/4 mile from the ground. Chill a bit, fuel up at the Abbey before and after the game. Stay over, drive home.

Magic.

So Barley was man of the match cos the daily shame says so, so there and yah boo sucks to you? I guess Barry and Besic were just his sidekicks in the Ross Barkley show then? Wow, god knows how we may have got on if Ross hadn't been there dazzling us with his killer passes and setting up goals left right and centre... erm guess I must have missed that.

So, here's the thing that gets my goat, all the hype that goes with Ross. As I have pointed out before, Ross is a very talented lad. We all accept that. He had a horror show last season and we are all glad he is back on the right track. We know he is capable of really good things. The problem is, that certain sections of the fan set are seemingly so desperate for Ross to be the star, they start hyping him up to the point whereby he has had a great game every week. Well, in my obviously uneducated opinion, he doesn't.

Sometimes he is good, other times not and last night, forget about any defensive duties, he was tunnel visioned and lost possession of the ball too easily due to trying to be that little bit too clever and or taking the wrong option. Your case in point John, advocating the daily shame standpoint whereby he was man of the match when clearly Besic and Barry were head and shoulders above him. Let the lad be, don't hype him up to the point of god like status and the uneducated may not have cause to disagree with you

Uncharacteristically tetchy, but bang on the money.

Your posts oozes passion. The importance of this cup cant be overstated. This club and its fans desperately need to experience THAT feeling again . . .soon

"If stating my opinion makes me a very poor judge of a footballer then so be it, I say it like I see it."

Is wrong, Dave. You've got it arse about face.

It's not you stating your opinion on here or anywhere that makes you a poor reader of the game and a poor judge of a footballer (... in my opinion ...). Everyone is entitled to an opinion.

What makes you (and others on this thread and on TW, based on comments related to Ross) poor readers of the game and a poor judge of a footballer is ... (dramatic pause and drum roll) ...

How you 'see' and interpret the game and cast judgement on players!

In this thread you and others have described Ross' performance last night as 'the only downside,' 'awful,' 'running down blind alleys,' 'poor passing,' 'shitting out of tackles,' 'never puts a shift in,' 'lacks heart,' 'no desire.' I've also seen him described as a 'cowardly shithouse.'

A particular criticism of Ross is that he 'doesn't have a football brain, or peripheral vision.' Hmmm ... That may have been the case in the collective amnesia of the team last season and their inability to play any consistent and decent level of football. That is far from the case this season.

You (and others who criticize Ross in this thread) are match goers, aren't you Dave? Well, taking the question of peripheral vision, during the 90 minutes of a game, you have an advantage over the players concentrating on their tasks on the pitch. At any given time, you can take in the whole picture and pitch (putting aside jokes on restricted views at GP...) which the players don't have time for.

People watching at home are limited to a rectangular image as seen on their TV or computers, determined by the match day director sat in a media van at the back of the stadium, making a call on which camera shot to go live with.

Basically, the vast majority of spectators are 'ball watchers.' Their focus is with the ball at any time of the game. Fine. Only ... you don't see the nuances of how the off the ball, out of sight action impacts on the game.

May I suggest when you next attend a live match apply your privileged peripheral vision and focus not solely on what Ross does on the ball (or without it...), but try and take in how what he does on the pitch impacts on the opposition.

I would wager a fair wedge you will see the following examples, pretty much every game and more than once in every game:

* Ross will seek out, demand and accept the ball all over the park, be it in space, tightly marked, from deep, in midfield, out wide or around the opposition penalty area.

* No matter how the ball is delivered to him - standing static, on the move, with his back to the opposition, facing them full on - Ross will almost always get the ball under instant control.

* In possession, Ross can play an instant one touch lay off, turn away from a close marker, run at and past defenders either side (because, of course, he is genuinely two footed with no preference for which side he uses), can play the ball short or long and can make killer perfectly weighted passes behind a retreating defence few other players (certainly in the Everton team) are capable of making.

* Ross has power, grace and subtlety in much in what he does, be that shooting, running or passing.

* Increasingly, he is showing greater ability and confidence to receive the ball in tight situations where, as already mentioned, his instant control, physique and pace allows him to completely turn a defender who he then surges away from.

* The latter skill greatly helps the team to break through defensive lines and with Ross running at defences they are thrown into confusion: should we hold our positions, or go out to stifle the threat? The former, they know if Ross gets close enough, he has the power and ability to score anywhere around the penalty area himself. If the latter, that opens up space for team mates to exploit, and Ross with his passing and technical ability can deliver passes that create chances. It's a win-win for the team.

Now, put that altogether and watch how Ross plays impact on the opposition and how they are forced to react and possibly break their shape to deal with him.

Modern football tactics can be determined by the finest of margins. Shifting a player from his default position ... putting a player slightly off balance ... bypassing a key player and taking him completely out of the equation ... these and other strategies may be all it takes to gain an advantage for your team to go on and score.

In Ross Barkley we have a player who can do just that.

Those questioning his work ethic, his tackling abilities and his 'courage,' I have this to say.

Courage comes in many forms. It isn't only about steroid-induced macho displays, like two heavyweights going head-to-head in a boxing ring. It also takes courage to perform in pubic and to try, try and try again, even if just seconds or minutes earlier you tried something and it failed in front of a critical audience of 40,000 people. Ross Barkley never hides on the pitch, no matter how many times something he tries doesn't always come off. Almost immediately, he's back in there, hunting for the ball.

As for his (alleged) poor work ethic and lack of tackling ... GOOD!!!

Ask yourself this, why would you want your most talented on-the-ball footballer expending his energies chasing the ball across the park, or risking injury in tackling? Let him conserve his energies to do what he does best at the sharp end of the field, that no other player in the squad offers. Heaven knows we have enough muscle in the side to practice the 'dark arts' and necessary 'dirty work' in midfield without asking Ross to sacrifice his effectiveness by 'sharing the workload' in this area.

In closing the game out last night, what was the most effective strategy? Allowing City the ball and harrowing and snapping at their heels in a replication of our 'Dogs of War' days, or, as we played it, keeping possession high up the pitch. And who was principally involved in the latter...?

The much maligned Ross Barkley.

Two questions for you Dave (and others). When Ross got clipped on his Achilles and needed treatment in the 1st half last night, how many of us thought (and what did YOU and the people around you think, Dave?) "SHITTTTTT! We need Ross on the pitch in a game of this magnitude." Because ... who was his equal to replace him?

And to follow up that point, particular for those claiming (gob-smackingly) that Ross doesn't merit a starting place, who would you rather have on the pitch in his stead? The aged Osman? The walking patient Gibson? Or would that be the aged AND walking patient Pienaar? A combo of Barry, Besic, Cleverley and McCarthy? Because ... that's it! We ain't got nuffin' else!

Finally, on your claim people make excuses for Ross because of his 'youth.' Well Dave, if they do, it's a legitimate comment to make, all the more so because he suffered the terrible triple leg break at a critical time of his life as an adolescent and in his development as a footballer. That effectively robbed him of 2 years 'growth' as a footballer.

So ... no Dave (and others). I stand by my opinion when I say those of you questioning Ross Barkley's worth to Everton and a footballer are, quite simply, poor readers of the game of football and poor judges of a footballer.

Ross Barkley is destined for a mega career.

He makes great runs, finds great positions, beats people with power pace and skill, scores goals and makes assists. He's even got a couple of tap ins this season.

BUT he is not consistent, makes wrong decisions and poor passes in good positions. He doesn't tackle or head the ball.

He is playing better this season and more consistently, he's bulked up more, and is in a settled position. He benefits from having three central midfielders behind him.

I guess he's been badly affected by a shocking leg break as a young lad, and he seems a shy individual.

He's getting better, it's there for all to see. Cut him a bit of slack folks and just enjoy the gradual improvement and the journey.

Well all miss him when he's gone.

I'm always bemused about people criticizing aspects of a player. People always see what they want to see. Besides, its the manager that picks the team. I certainly hope the manager doesn't base his picks on public opinion. No one is going to be great at everything, though Barkley is pretty good at a lot of things.

Barkley did well. Besic did even better. Why is it a competition within the team for performance on matchday? They should help each other win. Ultimately, the manager picks the team and I would fear for our club if winning is the main driver of that management.

He has weaknesses that are totally outweighed by his strengths! He has my 100% support!

He seems like a young man who could be affected by what people think of him (this is my opinion) so I'm sure a supportive crowd rather than groans would help him become even better!

Scoring the winner in the final could just about make the most popular Evertonian about!

I cannot for the life of me understand why supporters get so strung up about someone who they deem to not "put a shift in". Think back to the greatest attacking footballers who you have seen that have ever played the game, that could use both feet, who could glide past the opposition creating openings for their team out of nothing, players who could make you get off your seat.

Now, ask yourself how many of them could tackle? If we didn't already have him Everton would never be able to afford Ross Barkley and he might just become as good as we all want him to be. Enjoy him while he is still here because he won't be here forever.

Why do people insist on finding any perceived negative when they can enjoy so many positives? The very same kind of people slated Le tissier and Hoddle. 2 of the finest English footballers of the last 30 years. Neither were as fast or powerful as Ross.

How many of the very best players in the world were doing everything right at 22? None of them. His detractors don't deserve him. I really hope he doesn't read the shit they write.

I knew he was good, I'll just have to take a much closer look at him,and yes never mind the tackling and chasing back, you never see messi do that do you?

So far as the defensive aspect of his game is concerned, I can accept, grudgingly, that he will never track back but the thing that bothers me is that when the ball is in a 50/50 area right in front of him, he will just shy away from it most of the time. Maybe the bad injury does play on his mind, maybe he is instructed not to tackle, maybe he just can't be bothered, who knows? But in those situations what I do know is that in those situations, we lose possession easily when we could so easily be on the attack. What we do know is that Ross can actually tackle. We saw this in the Palace game recently, he actually tracked back, won tackles and was generally quite impressive in this department. So this begs the question, if he can do it there, why can't he do this in other games? It also leads your assessment of Ross never being a tackler quite redundant really.

Yes I do go to the game and watch live football. I have had a season ticket for years. In isolation, your point about peripheral vision is an interesting one. However, being blinkered and not seeing runners is not an isolated incident where Ross in concerned. I am not particularly prone to being critical of players, particularly talented players, when they make a mistake in a game. But when you make the same mistake over and over then you have to question why this is happening. I accept that we, in the stands, have a much better view than the players, however, the talented players see what we do, that is why they are on the pitch and not us. If I didn't think Ross was capable of such vision then I wouldn't care less. However, he is talented and he should be making these quick breaks count rather than not seeing the players running left and right of him. This is not a knee jerk reaction to just one game, he often makes the same mistakes time and again.

Ross is one of the most talented footballers at the club and I do actually think he has a football brain, but, in my opinion, doesn't appear to have the aptitude to put in into practise. I make no apologies for that opinion. In your post you have elevated him to almost deity status, forgive all sins because he is the second coming. You make him out to be the complete footballer and woe betide anybody who has the temerity to criticise him. Well, with that status comes the closer scrutiny I'm afraid. Is he THE most talented footballer at the club? Well no not yet. That accolade goes to 2 players who are actually younger than him in Lukaku and Stones. That doesn't mean that he can't become the most talented player, but he has a lot of work to do yet. If you weren't so quick to elevate Ross to this status and try to convince us all of how great he has played week after week when there are certain games he has struggled, then maybe I wouldn't be so quick to respond that in my opinion he hasn't done so well in certain games. Ross doesn't always want the ball, he isn't always available, you talk about him driving at defences, well maybe the defences let him run like our defence often let the opposition run at us. We seem to have this mindset whereby let the attacker make the mistake and not dive in (although occasionally we do) maybe the opposition think the same. Ross made several runs from the halfway line last night and the end result was the same, no pass and lost the ball. The criticism of blind alleys was justified.

It was never my intention to have a thread dissecting Ross's game, but the fact that in yours and others eyes that Ross can do no wrong, you have made it into one. Did you do the same for Stones last week, or Lukaku early in the season when they were getting pelters? No I don't recall so. Is Ross a special case where nobody can be critical of Ross for fear of being labelled somebody who is a very poor judge of footballer? Well sometimes criticism is justified and your last statement suggesting Ross CAN be a mega star does suggest he isn't in fact the finished article. He will make mistakes, but fairly or unfairly, the fact that you all label him something special heaps pressure on his shoulders. You make more allowances for one footballer than you do for the whole team combined. This is a team game in case you hadn't noticed. No sum is greater than the parts. Even Lukaku adjusted his game for the good of the team and look at him now. What makes Ross a special case?

If we hadn't seen flashes of what Ross is capable of then we wouldn't become so frustrated. He does it occasionally but not often enough. He finds the killer pass minimally.

So in conclusion, I also stand by my original statement, or your interpretation of it, if how I see and interpret the game and cast judgement on players (as we all do actually) makes me a poor judge of footballer then so be it, I tell it like I see it, without any blinkered views on it

Yes, Dave, I've had that in mind as well. He's shown he can tackle, quite robustly. And it is then a condundrum as to why he doesn't do it more often. Regardless, I still think we just won't see that side of him much - but it can be frustrating (that 50 / 50 ball reluctance).

So let's pick on Barkley, he can tackle well, but his best contribution is movement forward.

His pluses, his half volley contributed to the Funes Mori goal. He nearly caught out the city defence with his ball control and dribbling.

Why would I want to risk his health with 50/50 balls that we might win back with our team setup? My heart was in my mouth when he was hobbling after getting kicked in that 50/50 ball near the Man City goal.

There's improving a player as a whole and there's picking the battles you want to win. I want to win the battles that matter, not general deficiencies of a player can improve on that we're not remotely interested to test him on anyway.

One relates to your facts. Lukaku is 6/7 months older than Barkley.

The other is the inference that Lukaku's game has evolved; fair enough, but that Barkley's hasn't. Seriously now?

How effective he is, I'll have as a discussion point... but to suggest he hasn't developed his game is absurd.

You say you go to the matches – what do you when you 're there? Look for the Toffee Lady? Check your bet? Come on, Dave...

Since we last won a cup we have played 21 seasons with roughly 108 points up for grabs in each of these seasons. Nick said he would prefer 3 points in our next league game and it wound me up. He then said City played in second gear, and gave us no credit for a very good performance, which made me think, does he even want us to win?

Great night, but this thread has been spoiled a bit by the Ross Barkley debate for me. He's a scouse kid, who doesn't make the right decision, nowhere near enough just yet. but he constantly puts other teams on the back foot, which means the opposition must fear him. I wish he played more off the cuff, but hope Stephen Brown is right and this kid scores the winner in a merseyside cup final. Something I hope, that would even make Nick's day!!

Perhaps you could answer this. I don't live in Liverpool and don't get to many games now days but is more expected of local lads. I would have thought that they would get a bit more understanding but maybe that is not the case...

To me, the description someone gave earlier (Rolls Royce) is perfect. I agree, he will be an immense talent and I hope it is with us.

I have to say often times I disagree with your opinions. That's footy, that's TW, that's life.

But...

Ask yourself this, why would you want your most talented on-the-ball footballer expending his energies chasing the ball across the park, or risking injury in tackling?

I don't think I've ever read something on TW that made me sit up in my chair and say "YES!" so emphatically.

Yes, yes, and yes.

Oh and... Ross plays attacking mid. Normally there will be at least seven to eight players behind him. I've often wondered why in the hell would any attacking mid track back or worry about harrying? Why? Are the 7 to 8 players behind him - tasked with actually defending - that incapable??

Course not.

Let Ross do what Ross does - run at the opposition and scare them shitless. Not run side to side putting in tackles or tracking back mindlessly like he's just done a line of coke and expending all that energy.

So well said sir.

"You have elevated him to almost deity status, forgive all sins because he is the second coming."

That's pure hyperbole Dave. I do no such thing. I merely list what I see as his positives which, for me, far outweigh the negatives you and others list.

"You make him out to be the complete footballer and woe betide anybody who has the temerity to criticise him."

More hyperbole I'm afraid Dave. He is not, and I don't think there has ever been in the history of the game, a 'complete footballer.' In my earlier post I made reference to his 'blonde' moments. I also believe there isn't a game when at some point I say 'oh FFS Ross,' when a simple pass goes astray, a run not spotted or he shanks the ball Twickenham high.

BUT, ever increasingly in every game I find myself nodding in appreciation at something he's done or on occasion purr with pleasure at his play.

"If you weren't so quick to elevate Ross to this status and try to convince us all of how great he has played week after week when there are certain games he has struggled..."

And this one is pure fabrication on your part. I made no such statement and claim. I merely responded to posters such as yourself claiming Ross was awful last night, that his performance was the only downside, some even arguing he doesn't merit a place in the starting line up. Nuts! Pure NUTS!!!

Next... your claim it was never your intention to turn this thread into a discussion on Ross, adding "the fact that in yours and others eyes that Ross can do no wrong, you have made it into one. Did you do the same for Stones last week, or Lukaku early in the season when they were getting pelters?"

A number of things here. You can never determine the direction a thread will turn, but the fact is you posted some derogatory comments which drew the responses it did. A thread takes on a life of its own, not determined by individual posters.

Again, I and others acknowledge Ross' failings, rather than never see them. Some are more tolerant of those failings because they appreciate the qualities he brings to the team. Others, like yourself, are less forgiving.

And - yes! I did previously defend Stones and Romelu in the past, as I have Howard and Mirallas, so a wrong call by you against me on that one.

Then you say : "the fact that you all label him something special heaps pressure on his shoulders. You make more allowances for one footballer than you do for the whole team combined."

More hyperbole and invention Dave. I believe he has the potential to have a very good career. I have never over-egged Ross in the same manner as the manager did last season when he explicitly stated Ross WILL be the best England player EVER. I grimaced and rolled my eyes at that one. And it's nonsense for you to claim praising Ross heaps pressure on his shoulders while ignoring the obvious counter: unwarranted criticism can undermine his confidence.

And speaking for myself, the team - not any one individual - is everything. Falsely, once again, you try to associate me with an opinion I haven't expressed, or even believe.

You close by saying you "tell it like I see it, without any blinkered views on it."

Well, I did exactly the same. As I said in my original post, sorry if it offends, but the extreme negative evaluations of the likes of Lukaku and Ross this season by some suggests to me such posters are poor readers of the game and poor judges of a footballer.

Link

I think this present thread started when a few fans said that Ross had a great game last night, fair enough that's there opinion, so a few more (including me) gave our opinion that Barklay wasn't all that good last night and pointed out a few of his faults, are we not entitled to give our side of how we thought Ross had played last night.

There is nothing to get upset about, if fans thought Ross had a good/ great game last night, that's okay by me, I thought the opposite, surely we can lol live with that difference of opinion without trying to force one's opinion down the throats of the others.

By the way, Ross isn't a Rolls Royce, he's a Ferrari.

I hope he never has to read some of the tripe written about him on here.

I'd sell him. I just don't rate him. Never seems to know when to pass to a player who is better positioned to score. Wants to take three players on then loses the ball. That's not exciting to me, more stupidity.

Moyes, could see what he had, and it wasn't what most on here see.

I'll go to bed tonight thanking God Almighty you're not manager of Everton Football Club.

I don't know what the overall standard is in that league but he looks like he would be a good acquisition.

I'd say on the evidence of this season, though, he's a damned-sight closer to "making it" than not. He's recovered impressively from a really difficult second season (when he suffered through the audible groans from his own fans at Goodison as he battled for form) to become a vital part of our attacking unit.

I'd urge those who appear to have made their mind up to just watch him and observe how he is hardly ever dispossessed anymore; how he will either shield his way out of trouble with his body or lay off a pass rather than lose the ball. Yes, he needs to work on his more ambitious passes but that will come with time and experience and when it comes off -- see that wonderful flick to Mirallas for the second goal against Leicester -- it's magic. Give him time, FFS; he's far from the biggest reason why we're under-achieving this season.

Maybe I expect too much from Ross, maybe I expect to see a bit of magic every game and perhaps that is a bit harsh on the lad, but I do know that he is an asset at the club. However, if any amount of criticism leads to this amount of furore in the future, I shall keep my opinions to myself.

I've heard some ridiculous things on here, but that beats them all.

I love Ross being an Everton player, I love that we have a local boy with his Flair and power, but you make some very valid points my friend, despite the howls of protest from the outraged.

I don't wan't him expending his energy chasing every attack, or trying to cut opposing players in half with with crunching tackles, that's not him, but when opponents who are within a few feet of him waltz past him I want him to show so semblance of effort.

I agree with Lyndon's posts, but that doesn't mean Barkley should be allowed to go through his entire apprenticeship allowing opponents to go past him as if he wasn't there. Nobody should be allowed to be that selfish.

I'm not calling for him to become a tacking machine. I just want him to at least try to get a toe in, or ease his body in front of players, at least make it difficult for them surely that would not be too taxing?

For all his brilliance you'd have to be blind not to see he is getting away with fucking murder. Somebody asked what Bally would have made of him. I think we all know the answer to that, but he'd have gotten the very best out of him.

I'm a massive fan of our boy Dave, he makes me excited every time he gets the ball, but I truly believe Ross Barkley will benefit far more from your criticism than he would from people blowing smoke up his arse, praising the things he already knows he's good at.

As for Robles, did little to distinguish himself. Looks a bit like a giraffe on ice. However, he kept a clean sheet though. ooops, never mind. Came for corners, ooops, never mind. At 23 minutes, he stood 4-6 feet off his line for a corner and as it was being kicked, retreated to the line. The ball travelled to the edge of the 6 and the Man City player out-jumped Stones (flat footed and ducking the contact) for a free header that he put wide. Robles failed to come for any corner.

His save in the first half, he was too deep on the post, it was behind his right shoulder blade. He had to make a left handed parry on a flat angle direct shot which went weakly out into the 6 right in front of goal. Had he been properly positioned he could have put the ball back toward the sideline. He got lucky the ball didn't fall immediately to a Man City player.

As for the goal, first, what was Stones doing running into the box after the first deflection on our corner? He should have been headed back to his goal. Second, Besic chose to mark the only Man City player actually covered by another Everton player and left a huge area. However, Robles should have seen it and reacted sooner. He came out late and incredibly stayed on his feet instead of going down to cut the back post shot. Rather easy goal and keeper to blame. Odd that Howard would have been slagged for all of these things by many TWs for these things.

Still a victory over a good team. But I hope the away goal doesn't come back to haunt Everton.

Good assessment of their equaliser Jim, but I can't believe you never mentioned the class of Aguero in pulling that ball out of the sky. I think Robles could have done better, but maybe he will in the future, if the manager does his job properly and starts playing him!

Clearly you believe you are a fountain of knowledge about how a goalkeeper should play (and now apparently a defensive expert with your tiresome bigotry of Stones!) but are so equally and blissfully unaware that being sat on the bench for 90% of the time makes it near impossible to be at the peak of form.

Everton and have been blessed in the very recent past to have witnessed two absolutely brilliant goalkeepers in Southall (one of, if not THE best goalkeeper to ever play the game) and Martyn, so they don't need to be patronised into thinking that Howard is anywhere near them in terms of ability because he just isn't and never will be, or that Robles is so bad that he shouldn't play instead.

All you seem to be able to do is pick fault in young men who are still learning in one of the best leagues in the world, is this how you coach your students? Howard is 36 so why does he still make mistakes like he is 22 yet is not subject to the same valid criticism?

It's great to have different opinions, it's what makes this website a must each day for so many of us who are caught up in Everton. So keep posting with your passion but maybe base it on analysis without such obvious bias? Happy New Year.