Clinical Blues finishing destroys Saints resistance

Now let's see what these two youngsters can really do.

Brave line-up.

A couple of points:

Williams continues to look worryingly easy to get past;

Lennon appears to be doing a lot of walking about;

Lukaku is awful with the ball;

The crowd are asleep;

Apart from a couple of astray passes, Ross is having a good game. I think we can safely put that down to Gana and Davies having decent games too.

I thought Barkley did well, always looking for the through ball. Davies worked hard but still some way to go I think. Rom poor in the first half but better when Valencia came on, so difficult to get the ball off when he's in that kind of mood, and a cracking third goal.

I thought Robles did very well even though I'm still not too confident in him.

The Lukaku assist masked a poor performance from the lad. I know he's only 18 but is passing beyond his realm?

Enner Valencia's fresh legs when he came on was the difference. I thought young Tom Davies got better as the game went on, wasn't shy about getting on the ball, we have a real talent there.

Barkley was good, Davies encouraging, Williams and Robles worrying. Well done Baines for taking the penalty, and great finish by Rom.

However, as always, winning football is good football!!

Valencia on for Lennon changed everything. I like Lennon, but he was as poor as I've seen him in an Everton shirt.

Suddenly, something was happening. Seamus was getting further forward. Ross and Tom were linking better. Valencia playing across the entire backline was pulling players out of position. Romelu started holding up and laying the ball off better. Mirallas on the left was linking better with Baines.

It all came together with the first goal, set up by Lukaku and Coleman. Barkley showed GREAT composure leading up to the penalty, first seemingly turning back into trouble, then further annoying the crowd by playing back to Funes Mori, but his immediate movement across the pitch to receive Funes Mori's return pass gave Ross the space to run at and hurt the Saints, playing in Mirallas, onto Valencia – stonewall penalty.

Finally, great pick out by Tom Davies for the 3rd goal after a strong blocking tackle by (was it Baines or Barry?). Clever play by Lukaku to let the ball run across him before finishing with an unstoppable shot.

Still awaiting a full 90-minute performance, but the stagnation of recent months has been halted to a degree and we are now well placed as the transfer window opens.

Onwards and upwards.

The first half of the match was again just poor, slow passing and players hesitant to take a man on. Crosses from either Coleman or Baines consistently terrible for most of the match.

But as the game went on, and crucially when we went two up top again, we dominated play. Barkley seemed to be gaining confidence with every 5 minutes that went by and that can only be good. Whoever the disgrace of a supporter was who was berating Barkley with "You're shite, lad" as he went to take a corner should be dealt with on his way out the ground though. Absolutely pathetic.

Davies grew into the match as well and offered so much more next to Gana than Barry has. Barry has a lot to offer, but not for 90 minutes. Coming in late in games when the opposition's legs aren't fresh is where his place is now.

Overall, this should help with the confidence on the team, they should be able to build on this. But I thought the same before the Hull match, so who knows.

Not a great game but wtf cares.

I thought our midfield were much better today, Gueye was his usual consistently good self & covered every blade of grass. Tom Davies looked very assured in there, his awareness & positional sense were spot on & he gave us a bit of energy in there, also as mentioned above, he wasn't shy on showing for the ball.

Barkley was much better today, his decision making & distribution was a lot better, a few stray passes but nothing to write home about. A well deserved standing ovation for the lad from the Everton fans! Up yours, Gerrard!

A special mention must go to Lukaku for always trying to get a goal, and he got his just deserves with a wonderful goal into the top right hand corner.

On the negative side, Everton's crossing from both sides of the pitch, except for the cross by Coleman for the first goal, were quite dreadful. And the corners got no better neither, except to say, they were quite dreadful as well.

Why corners always have to be outswingers, with no extra pace that always lead away from the goal, made the goal-keeper's and the opposition defence's job look easy. Swinging the ball in with a bit of pace towards the penalty spot causes far more danger and uncertainty.

I agree with Jay about the movement for the goal. Don't see that enough in our midfield.

A mention for Funes Mori. I've been a critic, and don't get me wrong he wasn't up against much today. Dealt with the high ball though and gets around that pitch. If he is here, him and Williams have to be first choice. I am not against looking at 3 at the back with Holgate more though.

Davies. A good start. I think he will make mistakes, and I don't think that he is the messiah, like some. He will develop into a very good player though if people do not put massive expectations on him.

Lukaku – Second half, top drawer. When Valencia come on and played close to him, he was at his very best. Need to build around him. Anyone who is critical has to look at the toothless attack that Southampton had. That is the alternative.

Overall ,I see green shoots here. January is massive though. Barkley needs a bit of praise and building up here though.

Seventh is probably as high as we can get as the top 6 are in a league of their own; however, with 3 or 4 new faces we can have a go in the second half of the season.

This transfer window, both in terms of who we buy, but who who we get rid of (what is think is equally important in this squad) will be key.

Valencia got closer to Lukaku and the result was more space for the big man, as the defenders suddenly had more to think about.

I thought Williams did amazingly well to dig that header out from under the bar. The centre-halves were bound to be exposed at times as our full backs were caught upfield so many times.

The centre-backs often look like the guilty parties, but are often not to blame. Williams let the winger past at one stage because he had to stand Rodriguez up. There was no Baines ,as he was still jogging back in the distance , and yet to most observers it looked like Williams was at fault. It is the perils of wing-backs.

Coleman, though has to improve his crossing, as it was so wasteful, and he also needs to shoot more, like he used to.

A great result after such a poor first half.

Hopefully the football will improve as confidence grows. There were certainly less long balls today.

Still desperate for extra creativity but let's enjoy the three points and the new-found endeavour.

Coleman gets himself into great positions but his end product is so poor ninety percent of the time it frustrates the life out of me, not to mention Lukaku. Finally though, he put one in that beat the first man – but what a leap from a standing start by the big man and Valencia was alive to pounce on the lose ball.

The sub for Lennon changed our attack. All of a sudden, we had options for the man in possession when breaking forward and looked a threat every time we got the ball.

I thought Tom Davies had a good game. Of course, there were moments of over-running the ball and sloppiness but he provided an energy and intent in possession we missed. He needs to stay in and get a run of games. He not only gets himself about but has a trick or two in him and can make things happen and change the direction of play.

Ross came alive too in the second half because he had more options. He gets criticised a lot for his decision making but a lot of the time we are so static that as a play-maker he has no options and gets caught between trying to create something and doing the simple pass. In a team of better players with more movement, Ross Barkley will improve and become more consistent.

It's a big month for Koeman, Walsh and Mr Moshiri. We need quality reinforcements to bolster the squad. Money should be spent on an aggressive leggy forward (Vardy) and a somebody to provide better delivery from one of the wings, preferably the right. A centre-half would be nice too but I think Funes Mori is better than people give him credit for.

A look down the fixtures shows you that 13 out of the remaining 17 games are ones we would expect to win. Time to kick on now.
COYB.

As for us, you can't argue with a 3-0 win especially after performing so poorly for an hour. That would have been 5 without defeat only for the devil's club spawny goal.

But hey, it was only a few weeks back I couldn't see us winning another game, so at least there's signs it's improving A few decent signings, a bit of deadwood shipped out, and it's onwards and upwards

10 points from 15 in last 5. I'd have taken that before Xmas. Maybe the manager does know how to improve an average squad?

Maybe the fitness element is paying dividends? We are scoring a lot of late goals.

I thought Robles was good today, one flappy corner apart he was okay. Good 1 on 1 saves when needed.

Up and down from Davies but always looking to transition quickly. Took opposition players with him when he dribbled. Will say when isolated 1 on 1 on the flank looked a concern. Lovely weight of pass for Rom, in front no touch required.

Rom, of whom I will always believe should do more, had a very decent game today. Hold up was passable and made more better decisions than not. Ironically his massive miscontrol fed Valencia.

Ross was better, a little higher up the pitch, the situation as often required him to be instinctive, that's when he's very good. However, too ponderous in possession for me, but an improvement no less.

Segwaying to Enner, he templates what is required and simply created more space for Rom. His energy over the last few weeks or so merited a goal.

Finally Koeman, my arch nemesis, deserves a pat on the back. Whether enforced or by design, selection and subs were effective today, still have no idea what shape we play. But there's been a small nudge in recent weeks in results, which will always give the manager space.

If Koeman repeats his league cup debacle then he will deserve everything he gets. Leicester are poor away from home. We need to see progress and sustain the little momentum we have. Wholesale changes in the only competition we can win would be foolish.

Koeman will be seen to have done a splendid job. Surely no-one was seriously expecting anything better. Were they?

Dispatching of Southampton like that is actually significant inasmuch as they are arguably the closest team in the "rest" bunch to troubling our spot in 7th – West Brom surely can't maintain their lofty achievements.

It comes to something when Gerrard has to speak up for him against the naysayers. I think he will benefit from having Davies alongside him as he is always looking to create space.

Lets knock Leicester out of the cup and have Moshiri tap Vardy up after the game.

The first half was poor, but with a day's more rest and some legs in Gueye and Davies we looked good for a big win in the end.

I felt for the young Calvert-Lewin, I hope he gets another chance soon.

Finally, I hope Koeman has learned that he can only play 2 from 4 in Baines, Barry, Jags and Williams – some good pros but legs are gone.

I have never seen Ross acknowledge the crowd as he did today. It fleetingly crossed my mind that he knows something we don't but I am sure it was a reaction to the Gerrard comments.

Some of Davies's tackling and general play later on in the match were great to see. Let's keep building.

Shame that Calvert Lewin went off so early as he really does look a decent prospect. However, a 3-0 win is not to be sniffed at and will surely boost confidence.

Just one other point, I noticed how Lukaku didn't bother to celebrate with the team when captain Baines insisted on taking the penalty and scored. Good on Baines for doing so and poor show Lukaku for throwing a strop.

The quality of corners and centres is appalling: don't they practice them in training?

The Mirallas defacating bit reminded me of the classic Football Echo report from many years ago: "Tommy Wright had a great shit from 25 yards!"

Koeman is finding out more about his squad in every game. Trying different formations with different players to see what his priorities are.

I remain fully confident he will get it right in the long term. The fact that the shouts to sack him have died down is an added bonus. Give him time.

I hope Koeman can see now, Barkley is an Evertonian.

Great show by Sunderland adds a little to the day.

I agree more with Carragher and Henry who said it is up to Barkley to start performing and that managers and the fans shouldn't be blamed for his shortcomings.

Let's hope he builds on it.

I love Coleman's enthusiasm but the crosses he puts in are terrible, he never looks up and just jinks them in, no variation like smashing the ball into the six-yard box along the floor. The first time for weeks, he put some pace on his centre we scored.

Everyone seemed to improve after the Valencia substitution but before that the whole game stunk, I hope this win improves the confidence of the team and we keep it up in the cup.

MotM? Valencia for his goal, getting the penalty... but most of all, for changing the game and putting smiles back on our faces.

I hope he learns to give that pass a little lift, creating the distance, the touch on the ground, the weight.

Just a couple of green shoots in Ross's game today. Good in parts but not as good as several posts are espousing.

Three weeks ago, he was responding to pressure from all and sundry to play the youngsters: "They're not ready" was his response to the calls for their introduction.

The pressure to give them a chance has clearly proven too much to resist and the Dutchman is reaping the rewards of doing a complete volte face.He may not have liked the home truths he was receiving from the faithful... but at least he seems to have relented.

As said above; not a great spectacle for 70 mins, but Valencia got off the mark (more to come there). Baines showed he is still the man to take the penalties... and after watching the lump for an hour, we got to see the beast in full flow.

MotM? I'm going for Davies. Composed, skillful and combative.

"Not ready"? My arse!

Watching Davies the last 25 minutes in particular reminded me of Trevor Steven, the way he glided round the pitch and head up looking forward.

First steps from Koeman in taking us on. He's the right man, no doubt.

Barkley had his best game for a year or more; finally he looked like a player that wanted to take responsibility and get the game by the scruff of the neck.

Valencia added that extra worry for Southampton's defence and I was reasonably impressed by the tidy nature and pressing of Tom Davies.

It hadn't been pretty at times this season under Koeman but ,to give him credit, we have had a relatively solid home record and the defence has cut out the vast majority of self destruct goals that flowed on a weekly basis last season, Yes, we are still suspect to crosses and corners on occasions but in the main especially at home we have done ugly defending quite well and ugly defending is something we were all screaming for last season.

Let's see how the transfer window this month and in summer develops, Koeman does need time to address the bigger picture and stamp his authority.

We need to remember the state this club was in last Spring – it was in complete crisis on its knees.

The substitution changed the game but what changed it even more was the sudden appearance of "confidence". Players started doing things they didn't have the bottle to do earlier. Started trying things they hadn't dared during the first 70 minutes.

A few observations.

Ross can be as wonderful as he can be woeful. He played very well on the whole but does make some basic mistakes. I can forgive that if he does as well as he did today.

Lukaku's a right diva. For the penalty, for those who weren't there, Coleman actually took the ball off him and gave it to Baines and Rom had a right cob on. He didn't celebrate Valencia's goal much and his own not at all. What's wrong with him?

Davies showed today that he's got the makings of being a very good player while also showing that he's still got a lot to learn. I can understand Koeman's reluctance to not start him, but he didn't let anyone down by any stretch of the imagination.

Last observation: At least six players needed between the two transfer windows.

Barkley is an instinctive player and much of that was knocked out of him by Martinez.

The fella in front of me is always niggling at him. Barkley had just made a handful=l of good runs and passes and the crowd was screaming at him to shoot when on the edge of the box. He shot way over and the moaner tore into him.

The lad is a true blue and how must it feel for him to have every stray pass condemned by his own. He has so much talent but also has some obvious fragility mentally.

Yes, he needs to learn but how does anybody learn when every mistake is treated in such a way. You may be able to learn in such a manner but then you must be a stronger character than I.

We wasn't as slick as if have liked, and the tempo of our football wasn't the quickest, but its another clean sheet, 3 points, and 7 out of 9 since losing the derby.

One thing that did concern me was the reaction of the crowd once we went one-up. I thought Barkley and Davis especially looked to play keep ball, which was the sensible thing to do, as, even though Southampton went behind, they didn't panic and kept to there game plan.

Keeping the ball exposed Southampton and forced them out, that's something clever teams do, and if you then have the quality to use the spaces the opposition leave in behind, chances come.

I'd now like Ronny to leave Robles in goal (something I didn't like the idea of at the start of the season). Funes Mori should be our main centre half (something I don't think Ronny will do as he doesn't seem to like him). And Davies has to stay in the team, hopefully with McCarthy while Gana is away.

As an added note, I felt sorry for Calvert-Lewin, he started brightly, shame for the poor lad.

Lukaku ran his butt off and did well on high balls and playing the ones that found his feet, mostly holding off one and two defenders. The commentators over here were lauding him.

Barkley is still frustrating when he passes behind the runner instead of in front, but better (I did count 5 passes directly back 25 yards to Funes Mori though without looking for another option on the attacking half). His mistakes though were amplified because the cameras kept flashing to Koeman who looked like he was chewing nails and glaring at Ross.

Davies, young and rash and gave the ball away too much, but half the time won it right back. Lennon, pressing and speed but little to offer on the offensive side. Although,Coleman seemed to bomb forward knowing Lennon had his back if needed.

Mirallas was energetic and made several good passes but man, I can shoot like him, which is why I am not a pro.

I like Funes Mori, no secret to anyone on here. He did really well playing higher knowing (hoping) Williams was staying back to be almost a sweeper. I thought they did well.

Baines still discouraging on defensive coverage but better on his offensive side. He and Davies though both to blame at the end for the last run up the pitch where Robles had to come out one vs one. Davies still dives in too much and WTF was Baines doing going to ground?

Now to Robles. Still punches too much instead of catching. However, he is starting to read the game better and was immense coming out to completely take away any sight of the goal on the couple of breakaway moves. If he continues improving and coming out then he must start in front of mis-Stek.

I don't see why any changes should be made to the next game. COYB!

Barkley is playing well, he needs support. Gerrard was spot-on – the supporters need to stop using him as a scapegoat.

We are where we deserve to be, the performances are getting better, so let's be positive.

Well done, young man!

You're blaming Martinez who effectively just let Barkley do what he liked and have no discipline. Now Koeman is at fault for not indulging him.

Awful second-rate football, which only changed when we finally went to playing with two up front, but the crowd stayed with the team, which isn't easy to do when you're exasperated!

Young Davies's energy allows Barkley more movement and space and also allows him to do his thing.

Hopefully today gives Koeman confidence on only playing 1 defensive midfielder in games, especially at home. I sStill reckon a goalie and striker are a priority.

As supporters, we should at least know our players' names and how to spell them!

If he wasn't one of our own he would not be suffering the abuse he does. I truly think we are in danger of driving away a great talent.

Good point, Bryan...

Enjoyed watching Davies's "you'd better not drop me" performance and Valencia did very well after coming on.

But (yeah always a but) we are so far away from being a side that has any kind of... um... fucking.. erm...'style' or 'pattern' or 'philosophy.'

Or to put it another way, what is Everton's 'game'?

(What is Everton's team, for that matter?)

I'll be honest, we seem to have no real plan, so until we do (until there are signs of REAL change) I'll enjoy our wins, bemoan out losses/draws etc, but try not to get too worked up by either.

At present, success/failure seems to boil down to, if we get a bit of luck on the day, we've a chance of a win; if we don't, we'll probably lose (which is not really a plan as such).

When I see signs that we are bringing in (enough) players who can genuinely influence things (ie: players who can physically muscle opponents, players who can shout 'Fucking man on!!', players with real football brains who can pick out a run, or can consistently cross a ball well), then I might be prepared to invest a bit more effort into... um... you know, bursting blood vessels and all that good TW stuff.

Up the Toffees!

We all want quality, it's the name of the game, but until we find it, then this kid will do for me. He's not the messiah some people think he his... but only a fool would think he doesn't deserve his place in the team right now.

I don't understand all the TW's giving Barkley stick for passing backwards when no-one but no-one moves in front of him. Is there a stat for 'least moved' attack? We would piss it.

Scoreline flatters.

Name me one player who can and does it and I'll shit a golden egg for you!

If he only plays one or two successful through-balls a game that result in goals (or clear chances), I'll be happy

Rom just trudged back to the centre circle, hang dog. He was the only out field player to offer no congratulations to Baines, yet when he himself scored, Baines ran from his left back position to pat him on the back.

Shame on you ,Romelu, you big daft lump! It's not just about YOU!!!

That's how it looked to me anyway.

He demands more from the players and is honest in his analysis. A quality manager whom we are lucky to have. I hope we give him the players he needs to take us to the next level next season.

That's more or less how I saw it. Although to be fair I think he had a word with himself trudging back to the halfway line because he definitely signalled to Baines before the kick off to congratulate him.

I thought Davies added some energy once he got into the game. I also thought Funes Mori played well. I think a pairing of Jags and Williams isn't going to work. As Carragher pointed out against Hull, both of them want to play in the armchair and don't cover full backs effectively.

Even though Funes Mori played well today you always watch thinking there is a gaffe in him. A centre-half should be high on the shopping list.

Really? He's getting 'results' by doing what most of us on here have been saying for months 'Rom needs a partner' – 'Jags is finished' – 'Youth should be given a chance' etc. He's only fell upon these combinations by chance.

If he carries on with this side (minus Gana of course) and doesn't insist on playing dinosaurs and square pegs, I'll give him credit. I just have a feeling he'll do a 'Norwich' for the FA Cup game.

Looked a bit odd to me.

Robles -– makes Dai Davies look like Gordon Banks.

Coleman – can't bend it like Beckham. Runs like an Ork.

Baines – gone all serious like since he cut his hair. Think he got pissed off after one of the lads drew a penis on his Midge Ure cream trench coat at the back of the coach to Spurs away.

Ashley Williams – sounds as Welsh as Ray Winstone. Not as hard as the 'daddy' though. Pity that, thought he was gonna shake up the overpaid beauts.

Jagielka – Great servant... needs to join that over-50s walking football league in Coronation Park.

Mirallas – your dodgy mate who'd kop for anything in town. Always looks caned. I reckon he turns up at Goodison still in last night's clobber with his head in his hands.

Barkley – ace.

Gueye – our number 17's Gueye. Never fails to amuse me.

Davies – if you think he looks a bit weird, check out his uncle Alan.

Lennon – bit like that crap pressie you get off your wife. The effort needs to be commended but fuck me.

Lukaku – Sky reporter after the game: 'Great goal, Rom (like he's his best mate). You don't get many with your right foot'. Lukaku replies looking the other way with his hand covering his mouth. The reporter looks bemused then turns and thinks, 'Knob'.

Koeman – remember singing 'Atkinson's long leather' when 'Big Ron from the Swan' was Man Utd's manager. Koeman's tight black raincoat is reminiscent of it. It might be one of Baines's cast-offs.

I take it you enjoyed the match; what time is your medication due?

Have you tried the matchday Live Forum? You'd fit right in.

That is probably a tad harsh on Baines and Coleman but the first hour of today's game was painful in the extreme.

I think we are seeing odd flashes of brilliance from individuals rather than a cohesive team effort and am hoping that Koeman can reintroduce the team spirit that Moyes generated with everyone working with a sense of purpose.

I thought Valencia turned the game for us as a stale 0-0 was looming. Davies was a non stop driving force and we will miss Gueye for the next few weeks.

I thought Davies had a decent game. Barkley I thought was crap. He hit a ridiculous shot, which I think ended up in the Upper Gwladys. He often lost the ball. And how many times dud he get the ball, dance about and ended up turning around and passing back? A lot. So often he doesn't pass forwards. He just looks a bit thick. The fella next to me said it's like playing with 10 men

There is so much deadwood. The following probably need to go:

- Cleverley
- McGeady
- Kone
- Mirallas
- Lennon
- Deulofeu
- Jagielka
- McCarthy
- Stekelenburg
- Williams
- Niasse

Good win, but we need serious improvement.

Barkley deserved that ovation at the end – those detractors of any of our players do the job of the kopites, when needless abrasive comments impact the emotions of our players. When it is young ones, like with the talent Ross, it is an absolute disgrace and shame on those that fall to their own weakness of character and blurt out awful over-exaggerations, falsehoods and caricature observations to feed their own egos... support Everton not your own egos!

Get behind Holgate, get behind Davies and get behind our diamond – he is a Toffee and a very rare talent. Make the enemy without, not within, gentlemen!

At least you've found a like mind to sit next to. I guess you didn't join the standing ovation when Ross was subbed.

And in your deadwood you have McCarthy and Williams. Get a grip man.

His confidence is low, that's a fact. He needs an arm around him not a kick up the ass. But maybe, just maybe, he is turning the corner. I for one hope that he is.

Bring on the signings and the good news about the docks. :)

We only won 3-0!

Now of course there have been matches where Barkley has been shit and Koeman has baffled us all, but today wasn't one of them and anyone who thinks otherwise has expectations beyond the realms of reality.

Damian, I don't know if you really believe Barkley was shit or if you just like to be provocative. Either way, it's a ridiculous statement. But pretty much a standard negative post for you.

"Thought the crowd were very poor today."

No, that would be the team for 3/4 of the game. Can you blame the crowd? The utter dogshit generalky served up, I'm amazed we actually show up. At the moment it's like 'oh fuck it's the match today'.

Graham, no I didn't. Also, why should McCarthy stay? He has one half-decent game and suddenly he's ace. Same happens when Barkley has his quarterly good game, suddenly he's Xavi.

Barkley is Rodwell Mark II.

He's one of ours and he's only 23. Is this how you'll treat Tom Davies once he goes through an inevitable bad patch or continues to make a few stray passes like today?

You've written him off and called him Rodwell Mark 2. Even when he has a very good game you call him shit? How do you expect anyone to take you seriously?

You sound like you have a personal grudge against the kid. Seems to me like you want him to fail so you can say, 'told you so'.

No one compared Ross to Xavi but you included McCarthy in a list with Kone, McGeady and Niasse.

Arses and elbows come to mind.

That said, they must produce it consistently as all good players understand; let's see if they can reproduce that form, say over ten games. When they don't do it for long periods, supporters have every right to be critical, but not abusive.

Glossing over serious flaws in the team, by pandering to favorites, one of Martinez's worst faults, is idiotic and those who put forward that argument damage the clubs reputation by accepting gross mediocrity.

"Good result – poor performance!"

Isn't that a mark of a good team and coaching staff!!! Win despite a poor performance.

Lord, we won. Get over it, people...

However... the quality of our crosses from Coleman & Baines and especially our corners from Barkley & Mirallas has me going stark raving mad. It's been a season long sore spot from me. What in heck can be done to improve in those areas since no doubt crosses/corners are practised daily????

Am I dreaming that young Brendan Galloway was a very decent crosser of the ball during his run last season before his injury? Why exactly was he sent out on loan? I think he would have been much better off in and around our first team. Certainly he could have contributed more than Oviedo (who I don't dislike)?

"Shipping out" is an utterly cretinous concept.

"Barkley is Rodwell Mark II." – Stupid comment.

"Barkley I thought was crap".

Clearly you don't think.

Ross played well today, well against Hull and is expected to play like Messi every game to be given bit of credit from some clueless blues.

Probably the same fans who think Rom is shite and Naismith should still be at the club.

Give it two months an the same fans will be ribboning Davies because he's not in double figures goal wise or something equally as stupid.

Credit where it's due!

We weren't special in the first half and he acknowledged it. Fair comment. Unlike last season's events.

Ross played pretty well today. A few passes went astray early on when the whole performance of the team was poor but he got a grip in the second half and started to control it. Also, his work off the ball has massively improved in the last month. By being kept alert and involved without the ball it's keeping him concentrated when he has it. He still has to produce this consistently but there are signs of a more complete player there.

I've posted some negative comments on Ross in the past because it's like today's performance that I want from him and, hopefully, long may it continue.

To those who think he was poor today – take a look at yourself.

I was absolutely delighted to see DCL & Davies start. Wasn't so delighted DCL went off injured but was delighted with the way Davies played. It just goes to show this lad is ready, without a shadow of a doubt.

He gave us everything we've been missing in the middle of the park. Drive, enthusiasm, forward passing and some nice tackles. He wasn't perfect, was up against a very average midfield, is by no means the end product and will have dips in form but I believe we have a real star in the making there. Just a shame Koeman didn't want to play him months ago!

Overall, I thought the first half was shit. The second half much, much better. I thought Robles, Williams, Davies & Gana were our stand out players.

And special mention to Koeman. I thought he got everything right today for the first time in a long time, from team selections to substitutions. Let's hope the lessons have been learnt!

There has been a marked improvement in Ross's game in recent games since low points like the Sunderland game in September. He been playing really well since the Arsenal game, apart from the derby where he did disappoint.

I've said it on other threads and I'll say it again. We need to be building the team around Ross. I don't agree with any of the abuse he receives on TW. I wouldn't blame him if he refused to sign a new contract.

I agree with other posters that we'll soon see a Tom Davies backlash as soon as he has a few bad games.

"Koeman doesn't play kids"

Davies, Calvert-Lewin, Holgate all started now and Kenny on the bench in the derby.

Reasons to be cheerful.

The starting team was fine. Calvert-Lewin was a bold choice but at least playing central, feel for the lad going off. Pleased to see no Jags and Davies in for Barry. For 30 mins, we played the right way but lost confidence/direction and started hoofing it again, allowing Saints to take control. Some good performances, nothing outstanding, Lennon invisible.

Sadly the expected reaction wasn't forthcoming 2nd half so I was worried we were going to lose it, as soon as they found their shooting boots. Looked shaky again defending any kind of cross, thought Funes Mori would help more in that department.

Finally, hauling Lennon off the right thing but pleased it wasn't a direct positional swap but Valencia playing up top. Immediately swung the game with Ross and Lukaku playing 50% better. Southampton never adjusted although still dangerous on the counter.

Great move by Koeman. I've slated him but that was a decisive intervention. Getting Barry on in the last 10 mins also a strong move, calmed things down broke things up and as one nice passing from him. That's his role now in this team.

Davies gave us mobility, energy and confidence. Whoever we bring in at central midfield he should play a part rest of the season. A couple of times he ran into trouble, which is to be expected, good in the air but needs to direct his headers better. Good assist and massive endorsement from Koeman to not take him off.

Okay, it's one good result, at home against a more fatigued team in a poor patch, nothing more but encouraging nonetheless. Some good signings and we can look forward to a solid finish. I see no reason why we should drop from 7th. Still not a coherent 90 mins this season and we'll want to see that, plus more inclusive attacking play, like we had at spells tonight.

Table doesn't lie and our current 7th place is a fair reflection of how we have played so far in the season.

It's a team game and the answer is getting the players to gel rather than hoping for a transfer window saviour. (Is Schneiderlin really better than Tom Davies?). All players look better when players around them are doing their job well off the ball. This is the manager's job and hopefully they will start to click soon.

A few decent results (if not great performances) may bring us the confidence we need to start playing better.

Barkley was great – he's a class act. Head and shoulders above anyone else on the pitch.

Jay Rodriguez – I thought he was brilliant two years ago ... I hope he gets back to full form and would like to see him in a blue shirt.

Tom Davies – took responsibility and can pass forwards and run forwards. A good outing and hopefully will get more game time during AFCON.

Lennon – he's really a wing back, not a winger.

Coleman – lacks quality going forward, but the quantity is so great it almost makes up for it.

Valencia – made a difference.

Mirallas – total show pony

Robles – did well I thought apart from one cross he should have come for but didn't.

Overall, a more clinical team would have buried us in the first half but Southampton were not good enough to do it – nor is any team outside the top 6 – so we are nailed on for 7th this season.

Great to see the young lads Davies and Calvert-Lewin (gutted for him with the injury). However, it was nice to see them start and in for the ageing members, still give Holgate a shot like.

Robles – Made 3 important saves, still need a keeper this month. However, IMO he has to be number 1.

Baines actually manning up; Barkley was a positive and so on.

This result however, does not change the fact that we need signings; even if we would have won all our games last month, fans would still be the same on this point. Also, I looked at our bench today and I thought, other than Valencia, we are so short in attacking options. Needs to be done early and not deadline day.

Cleverley, Mirallas, Lennon, Jagielka, Kone, Oviedo, Niasse and Gibson need to be shipped off.

Goalkeeper, centre-back, attacking midfielder, wingers and definitely strikers in.

This is the time now where Koeman, Moshiri and Walsh need to prove their ambition by fucking the dead-wood off and bringing in young hungry players who can do a job.

Leicester next, we really have to take this cup seriously now, because the last time we tried to be billy big bollocks was a home tie against Norwich in September and since then we took the foot off the gas. Won't be easy, however we seriously can't take anything for granted.

Yes, I noticed that with Rom, very strange indeed. Looks like he is sulking about something. Maybe he is trying to get his move and he has been told "You're staying."

Koeman's coaching and training seems to be getting through to the players. Valencia's running and simple quick passing created so much space for Barkley and Lukaku it was text book.

Barkley is really improving every game now he is a physical force, really looking like an ace midfielder. I'm praying we can bring in Schneiderlin in the next few weeks he's a truly class player, the type that makes all the players around him that much better.

Davies brings a lot of energy but maybe not quite the finished article yet. All-in-all, the last five games have been very encouraging, confidence is up. I like where we are going. Onward and Upward. COYB.

It was beyond unusual, but I'd suggest even angling for a move wouldn't bring that body language. And the team seemed to go out of their way to celebrate respectfully with him. Possibly out of respect due to some non-footballing incident or issue?

Yesterday was the first time this season any team in the Premier League had started with two teenagers in the team.

Williams in particular seemed to give up a fair few chances, being easily skinned to allow Rodriguez into the box for a chance he should have buried, mistiming a few headers, and letting Redmond run past him for an excellent chance in the 2nd half when 0-0.

He has been a little better lately but still looks a long way off his assured performances as Welsh skipper. As much as we could use improvement all over the pitch, I still feel we look very underpowered at centre-back for a team in which the manager seems to be prioritising solidity and organisation above attacking power and prowess.

Ultimately a good 3 points which sees us better positioned than perhaps the performances merit which I guess is preferable to the other way around. We will miss our Gueye I think but hopefully a few January additions, along with more reliance on energy over experience, can see us edge closer to a team capable of putting in a 90-minute performance rather than the the sporadic bursts we have seen so far.

But 10 points from a possible 15 can't be bad if we're not playing well overall. Imagine what we could do if and when we do gel more and play well consistently. We have the players, regardless of all the talk about transfer windows...

Certainly something wasn't right with him...

I don't know if you noticed our early season games before Mac got injured; then the Arsenal game and the 1st half of the derby when he was played in his ideal position?

Maybe all that high tempo chasing and tackling isn't to your liking, but to those of us who are knowledgeable enough to notice the 'dirty jobs' and 'unglamorous' work that has been neglected in his absence appreciate him; I bet you're more Justin Bieber than Justin Hayward, loving the bells and glittering whistles

You're best just ignoring Doctor Wilde!

Some of our players get slagged off for not moving; others for moving too much.

Having been at the game I can say categorically that your assessment of Williams is woeful. Williams was class yesterday, making a last ditch header contorting his body to put the ball over the bar on one occasion and countless times he was a rock.

Funny how the highlights make things look so different.

I've been in the 'can't make my mind up' camp on Williams.

Mostly he has defended with assurance and he's definitely brought some organisation to the back four. However his distribution is limited at best and I thought Carragher's comments on the Hull game were quite pertinent. He likes to stay central and doesn't track runners in wide areas. If he's playing with Jags then you've got two central defenders in the same boat.

I thought he looked more effective with a more mobile Funes Mori alongside him but I'm not convinced about Funes Mori either. You can't fault his commitment but he lacks composure and his distribution his even worse than Ashley's.

I think a centre-half should be a priority this window and maybe we might see more from him.