Coleman seals a fantastic win for Everton

I think Schneiderlin needs a bit longer to get match fitness and sharpness. Barry was solid last week.

Great to see that Koeman has stuck with Robles.

In other news, time and games aplenty to overhaul our loveable 'bours (and others!) with their defeat to the struggling Swans in the early KO.

(I can dream, can't I ..?)

As for Swansea, another team that has no problems beating the redshite, 3-1 last season and now score 3 at Anfield to win, a place we haven't scored three at since the sixties despite playing there every year.

Everton have an important game to win today. Let's win this before we start gloating,

We battered them today in what was a very tricky fixture, the other lot did us no favours getting beat as it put more emphasis on them needing a result today.

Well done blues, great result.

Made up for the travelling blue army, simply because there's not many things better than celebrating a late winner, away from home?

Another clean sheet for Joel, I'm made up!

Seamus battled all game against Schlupp's pace. No coincidence he finally found space when Schlupp tried to con the referee into stopping the game.

Joel – looking like a Premier League keeper!

Lookman's a bit of a live-wire. Despite him scoring last week that's the first we've really seen of him. Really like the look of him.

Thought Barkley and Robles were both really good. Good team spirit shown. Think Koeman is getting to the squad now ... we're going places!!!!

And Seamus... he's the best right wing-back in the league.

Now come on Tottenham!

Shame about a blank weekend next week, momentum and all that..

Only criticism was we seemed to lack the numbers around the box when attacking until the last 15 minutes or so.

The new kids are looking awesome and the mixture of old and young is taking shape. Lookman looks a fantastic signing.

It was good to see Schneiderlin screaming at the Ref towards the end after he got a foul against him. That's the type of winning spirit and mentality I think we've missed in this team.

In spite of the size difference, I thought Holgate defended brilliantly v Benteke.

Our attack was slow and laboured at times, but we never stopped probing their defence and on balance it was a fully-deserved win.

Robles making that save from Benteke helped us to win the game today – well done him.

Lookman looked very good coming off the bench and for Koeman to praise him means we have signed an exceptional talent. Koeman doesn't strike me as a manager who will give praise unless it's deserved.

I'm very positive about the future with an Everton team featuring Lookman, Davies, Holgate and Barkley, and perhaps the biggest thing to be happy about is that we don't need to worry about the so called "bigger" sides stealing them. We are a big side in the making.

Stoke away next. Big game now.

Well done Wayne Rooney.

Looking forward to MotD yet again.

It's a real shame we're out of the cups but the future definitely looking brighter (in the Premier League) since that depressing Merseyside derby.

Let's hope for more and more weekends like this.

Fear the Mighty Blues.

We got stuck in, earned the right to play and created chances. Great pass from Davies and top top finish from Coleman. I've never felt more like singing the blues...

Midfield was a cut above the rest of what was a very decent performance.

I may not think much of Koeman, but always happy to credit the fella where merited.

Simplicity Ronald. No changes - no issue, same formation - suits us best stick to it, changes were logical and well timed.

Couldn't ask for more there. Nice one.

Some great features of today, Holgate was exemplary after his card, mature effort.

Ketwig Kaiser was just sweet as, knows when to play, when to dribble and when to foul.

Ross carried the ball, committed players and was unlucky not to score, and was battered at the end.

Rom did so much more than his usual, great to see, link up play by his own patchy standards was good. Are we seeing a Rom motivated by better players around him?

Every player played in the right position. Tells me everything that.

UTFT!

In the last 7 games of tricky fixtures that's 5 wins, a draw and a single late defeat to the 'poo - 16 points from a possible 21.

It would have been an injustice if we hadn't won today. Head and shoulders the better team. Only Hennesy their keeper kept them in it.

The back 3 and 2 wing backs pushed forward is looking more solid after its brutally exposed baptism in the mauling at Chelski.

Holgate looks a player with an edge to him. Williams sits comfortably in the centre and today, I thought Funes Mori, in addition to his rock solid defending, looked as comfortable with his passing and distribution as I've seen him to date in a blue shirt. And behind them, Robles now TOTALLY dominates his area. He made a vital save at 0-0 also.

Baines and Coleman, without being extraordinary, are returning to the top drawer quality we have seen from them in the past. The Barry-Davies axis dovetailed beautifully today ... remind me again: Davies is 18, right? What an eye he has for a pass, keeping it simple, but always being on the front foot.

Ross had an immense game. Don't focus on the 1-2 stray passes. Focus on his ball retention in tight situations. How he can turn and run at a player. The incisiveness of his (good) passing. His shooting ability with either foot. But for Hennesy he could have got a couple today.

Mirallas and Lukaku looked good together, as did young Lookman when he came on. He is a little tiger for the opposition player in possession and he 'sees' the give and goes and returns. Very impressive.

Schneiderlin evidently needs more game time, but otherwise, very solid all round.

We have some momentum now. Let's see where it can take us.

Chuffed!

Magnificent goal to win it. Defence superb and Joel brilliant. Proper team shape and pattern taking place. Plenty to build on.

Well played Everton.

Long may it continue we need to keep this one.

With Robles improving, we have a solid foundation of more expansive football. Lookman is a great sub to bring on with his quick feet and pace.

The Everton midfielders did not break too often into the Palace penalty area, and showed why Everton need 2 of their players in Schlupp and Remy, because Everton need someone up front to carve openings for Lukaku.

Also, a left back or wing back like Schlupp who has power and pace in abundance in attack or defence; sadly, Baines cannot offer anymore.

ps: Let's have some more signings next week to back the manager and show the club's intent.

The next 4 games are so important before the Spurs game. I think we're more than capable of getting 10 points. COYB!

Maybe the improvement in Robles could be something to do with goalkeeping coach Lodewijks ..?

Jay Wood #44 is spot on. Our recent form - certainly result wise is starting the look pretty mean. We've only conceded 4 goals in the last 7 League Games - which when you consider three of those fixtures (albeit at home) were Arsenal, City and Liverpool. Had we not dropped careless points to Hull and Liverpool we'd be right in the hunt for Europe.

For once the cliche of "concentrating on the league" could actually bear fruit. All the teams above us have other commitments, we (sad to say) have none and the silver lining is that could really make a difference over the next few weeks.

Lets make hay while the sun shines - next up Stoke (tricky), Bournemouth (fancy us), Boro away (tricky) and Sunderland at home (3 points?) will tell us if we're Top 6 contenders or also rans.

With RS losing and Man Utd drawing it seems a good day all round. West Brom still on our coat tails though.

Had we beaten Hull I think that would have been 5 league wins in a row but 13 from 15 points is still a good return compared to our form before Arsenal.

Holgate seems a bit mouthy. Not sure if that's a sign of confidence or immaturity but he talks back to the ref a lot. He let Benteke get away from him in the air a few times but his a lot smaller so it was a miss match. Overall though he is a good player.

One thing we lacked was a bit of follow up in the box. Several times Hennessy dropped the ball and no one was there to nick it. A Cahill type could've scored. Barkley needs to add that hunger to his game.

It wasn't always an easy watch, but that's often the way when you're hoping to score and not concede at a difficult place such as Selhurst Park. The main thing I took from the game is there is a lot more to come from this Everton side and winning games can only help their confidence and then we might see a more expansive pattern of play. Three points is all that matters at the minute and we should enjoy every win as much as possible.

Barry Cass of ToffeeTv should take the credit there, but I think he looks more like Fozzy bear myself.

Highlights

Koeman seems to be getting lots more from Barkley now who seems to understand his responsibilities more each game and still showing the skill to cause lots of problems. I must admit he looks a lot fitter now too.

Great performance and assist from Davies today and Robles surprises more and more every game.
COYB

A special mention must go to Robles, who is now one of the premier league's best for his single mindness to be Everton's no.1 after being aggrieved when over looked at the beginning of the season. His outstanding performance today gives both fans and players the confidence he can prevent them from going in, and all Everton have to do, is put them in, to win. Something that has not happened for quite awhile.

Right thing to do and the first signs of a ruthless, winning mentality after so many years of the amateurish, timid, making up the numbers mentality from managers like Moyes and Martinez and players like Neville and Jagielka.

Lovely to see!

I agree entirely Davies always better second half because of his energy and positive attitude.

I'm not trying to blame everything on Martinez but to me a big difference from last season is we didn't stop or kick the ball out today and quite right to their full back was off the pitch and could get treatment there if he wanted. Last season we would have kicked that out.

One thing we could work on is following up shots in case the keeper spills the ball. Hennessy fumbled it a few times with no toffees on hand.

I really enjoyed the control we showed. Fat Sam reverted to hoofball in desperation, but it would have been unjust had they nicked on back.

4 clean sheets in the last 5 league games - home to the Saints and Citteh, away to Leicester, Hull (2 conceded) and now Palace. All with Robles in goal.

Solid!

But when their best player lay injured it was though fortune had looked kindly on the blues, and Coleman was able to get into the box unopposed and smacked that beauty pass the goalie.

Fuck you're right, Everton don't do that! Coleman looked offside, and I swear he shanked it.

I was very unsure about what Koeman was trying to do, above all in awful November but as previous posts have mentioned, this is starting to take shape. I love the right side, with Coleman further up.

Funes Mori looks a lot better in this new system and Holgate is class. Lookman looks a real prospect and Barks is becoming more consistent. I hope it's not a false dawn, we've had enough of these but it's starting to look promising. Top 6 may not be beyond us yet.

The only thing I can't understand was Jags coming on last few minutes. Was it tactical, time wasting or Jags farewell game?

Play on Blues!

Suck it up

Good solid performance today to take the points home. Was a late winner but deserved imo. Three league wins and three clean sheets on the trot. Things definitely looking up.

Still 16 games to go, loads of points to play for. Top 6 is by no means out of reach (even top 4 if dreaming a bit). Will be tough to catch the teams above us but not impossible. No team is going to win all their remaining games so just a question of digging in, one game at a time.

Gana also back in 2 weeks and we may still get a new player or two in before the transfer window shuts.

We are finally looking SOLID! Davies and Holgate improving week by week. Looks like the whole squad is up for it as they've seen the manager won't accept complacency or average players.

Last on motd I guess tonight, the show will probably be a wankfest over Rooney breaking Charlton's record! Never mind onwards & upwards! COYB!

Also, on another day, the ref. would have blown for the match to be stopped for Schlupp to be given treatment, and their sub. allowed on. If that incident had not occurred the game would have ended 0:0 because as the second half wore on, Everton looked less likely to score.

For too many decades Everton have bemoaned their own luck or lack of it when they have lost or drawn a game, meanwhile the other 'winning' teams have pinched points in the dying embers of matches which they may or may not have deserved. I'm quite enjoying the result of today's game and I hope we have many more to 'celebrate' in the coming weeks and months.

Hahahahahahaha

I'm not suggesting we become a team of cheats but I think Koeman is going to drill a brand of ruthlessness into the team that we haven't seen for maybe 30 years.

Can't say fairer than that?

But I am quite sure, in another match, the ref would have blown for the physio to remain on the pitch and the Palace sub allowed on. MotD will have a field day with this incident, and Big Sam will make it known how hard done they have been.

He's a throwback from the modern footballer. You can't imagine he arrives at the ground wearing stupid fucking headphones. He even runs in the most uncool way, like that kid that made you laugh at school.

He should be the natural successor as captain. A player that wears his heart on his sleeve. Sixty grand, sixty grand

If someone's down in a critical area or has a head injury then OK stop play. If someone is off the pitch then no need to stop the game.

Apparently our 23-year-old MotM only has just over a year left on his contract. Must be our top priority to sort that. Sorry, what was that Ronald?

I've een a big critic of Koeman but we are beginning to look the part. Good strong display today with Barkley particularly good.

We got the win we deserved as we were far the better team. Was good to see an Everton side play on when an opposition player goes down - is about time.
Coyb

There's more quality in the squad, but I'm really hoping Koeman buys a quality centre back, another striker/winger option and a replacement left back for Baines. COYB

Good news is every team above us that played dropped points today which is a very good day at the office, nice way to go into our self enforced break if nothing else!

COYB :)

"I feel the referee should have blown the whistle. Our player was injured and that's a decision the referee should have made. I don't think it's the responsibility of the players."

Why should the we have kicked the ball out? Why should the ref have blown the whistle?

Have a look at the rules, you bent bastard.

Get in you blues

If that's the case he's definitely not seriously injured and the referee has no need to stop the game!

Aside – I hope our boys were watching City to see the benefits of following shots in to look for a spilled ball from the GK which we do not seem very good at!

Play On! :D

Oh Cleverley got an assist today, straight from a corner to Deeney. 👀

We've still got Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool, United and Arsenal to play – all away from home unfortunately apart from Chelsea so I imagine we're going to be put firmly in our place through those fixtures but you never know.

Could we end our horrendous record away at Arsenal on the last game of the season to achieve something special? Doubtful but its amazing what a couple of wins can do!

Four more points and we are safe!

Koeman is gaining the respect of the players. Play well or else. A top manager. Give him another three to five players by the start of next season and top four coming. Today was deserved. To only get a point would have been an injustice.

John #65 - all these new players! That's two now that are new to me! Always the last to know :)

And the Arse have to play away to Chelski, Spuds and the 'poo, home to City, Manure and us.

City away to the Arse, Chelski and Spuds, home to Manure and the 'poo.

Manure away to the Arse, City and Spurs, home to Chelski and us.

No need to add Chelski, Spuds and the 'poo.

Just making the point all top 7 teams have challenging fixtures remaining.

Right now, Everton has a 'benevolent' run of fixtures coming up.

So of course, this is where we blow it!

And the Arse have to play away to Chelski, Spuds and the 'poo, home to City, Manure and us.

City away to the Arse, Chelski and Spuds, home to Manure and the 'poo.

Manure away to the Arse, City and Spurs, home to Chelski and us.

No need to add Chelski, Spuds and the 'poo.

Just making the point all top 7 teams have challenging fixtures remaining.

Right now, Everton has a 'benevolent' run of fixtures coming up.

So of course, this is where we blow it!

We all fall into the trap of believing them when they tell us the top 6 is a closed shop and a Leicester abnormality will never ever, ever happen again.

I'm not going to predict where we will finish but that lot aren't going to tell me. Sam the computer says we will finish 7th on 56 points. Well he can go and fuck off as well.

Ronald Koeman will make OUR ROSS into the world class player, that we all hope to see. Well done Ross. Class.

I know its down to their recent downturn and "the spell" will kick in again soon but I've got a hunch that the ones to drop out of equation could well be the Reds. I think Chelsea, Spurs and Arsenal will plough on, City have so much quality they'll get their act together so we need to stay on Uniteds tail and see what happens...

Keep it up Blues, on a personal note, which I don't expect many to agree with, if we don't get into the top four, which is possible, I'm not interested in getting into the Europa League next season. Without that we will have a really good chance of making the top four next year, the Europa League is a handicap to that, but I'm jumping ahead anyway.

We also have Antonee Robinson in the ressies and he's something special. Schlupp impressed today, 3 weeks ago Robinson was running past Schlupp (with ball at feet) and completely out-muscling him otherwise.

... save our money / spend on a top class striker or "10".

Robles had a great game again and is now showing everyone what he can do. It's been the same with him over the last few years, he needs a stretch of games to show his form. All too often in the past he gets dropped when the number one goalie comes back from injury.

I thought Holgate was outstanding, and stood up well against Benteke and Remy. He reminds me a lot of Stones, but he has a better footballing head on him. He knows when to hoof it out and when to pass it. He always does the runs like Stones did and isn't shy to join up in attack. I have a feeling that he might overtake as a player in the next year or so.

Stones basically played in the first team from almost day one, being on the receiving end of the coaching of Martinez and Dennis Lawrence (a league 2 defender). Holgate has had Unswoth and Koeman as his guides for the last couple of years. To be honest, Stones never really grew from the player who first came into the team and his deficiencies as clearly on show for City.

Was this the last time we see Jags in our shirt? I'm thinking it could be. Shame but it's for the best. He was a great servant to our team, maybe not so much so recently.

The blues are starting to arrive back home and are slaughtering the gobshites with choruses of I never felt more like singing the Blues.

Fantastic to see Evertonians making such a racket

"Sixty grand, Sixty grand Seamus Coleman, Sixty grand, Sixty grand, I say"

The back 3 and Robles were excellent bar a couple of lapses in concentration. Barry was excellent again, and while Davies had a few heavy touches, his desire and agression is fantastic... A future captain down the line IMO. Barkley continued his good form, Baines and Coleman excelled in the freedom of their wingback roles, and the two up top did ok (but weren't quite at the races today if I'm honest). Lookman and Schneiderlin both looked good when they came on.

I've never felt more like singin the blues!

Also, it gives chances for the young lads, offers them experience. Most of all it gives the chance of an Osman like goal. A memory, a great memory.

I haven't travelled to many away games these last couple of years, but I do miss days like today's though Darren. Nothing better than getting off the train at Lime-St, with the sound of EV-ER-TON, reverberating and echoing all around the station, especially when Liverpool have had another bad day!

Two good results and progress on the pitch performance-wise, but let's see what the transfer window brings and some consistency might take us by Easter. The false expectations of our snake oil merchant have left me damaged and cynical - but maybe the first shoots of growth are showing. Don't let me down, Ronald! The kids are alright!

However I think we will have a great chance of playing in the main European competition the year after next because we can finish in the top four next year and I am convinced the Europa League is an handicap to that ambition, but it will not be the end of the world if we enter in it next season.

I think we are on the way up no matter where we finish this season.

For me, Davies who reminds me a lot of the great Peter Reid while doing his job so well also creates more space for Ross and that is why he is playing much better. Ghana an Barry are just to defensive for my liking and I think Davies provides so much more going forward.

I also thought Barry was good for 60 minutes and maybe that is how we have to use him for the rest of the season. To be honest after the last 2 games I do not see a place in the starting 11 for either Gana or Schneiderlin. Look an also looked good when he came on. We have some other good young players in the U23s maybe we should give them a chance?

The young Man Utd team with Beckham and co set Ferguson on to glory maybe our youngsters who want to play well and for the team and not just the money could do it. The youngsters are certainly carrying the day at the moment!!!

Clearly, our terrific, deserved, dominant win will be shown as the final credits roll. Somehow tonight I can handle that.

One sour note, almost every fan stayed to the end. Almost all the Everton players and subs, came past the centre circle to thank and applaud the fans. One exception, looking sullen and Moody he trudged off to the corner alone and disappeared into the changies.

I know we want players in his position to be selfish and driven during the game but don't be a prick afterwards, especially the effort that goes into getting to that ground for us all. That apart, its our Monday to enjoy in work.

I follow the flow of your thinking, but I'm with Andy on this one.

As we are only too aware, there are no guarantees ever in football. I don't think you can 'cherry pick' your moment or opportunities, as you suggest, in the belief (possibly forlorn) that without the distraction of the Europa League, we can gate crash the CL cartel NEXT season.

If only it worked like that ...

The Europa League carries many benefits, not just negatives. It IS European football. That alone can attract a better quality of footballer to the club whilst helping to retain our own talent.

It gives the club, the players and the manager 'practice' and preparation in playing both domestic and continental football alternatively in an extended fixture list, ahead of (hopefully!) qualifying for the CL, rather than entering that competition 'cold.'

And European away days are such a great party for the faithful! Everton supporters away European trips are the stuff of legends!

So for me, the aim should be European football EVERY year, regardless of whether it is the EL or CL. Such consistent exposure on the international stage, rather than solely the domestic front, also brings a further benefit in a raised profile for the club, which in turn attracts more followers, a better quality of diverse sponsors and investors, which consequently helps fund better players and club facilities.

In effect, a virtuous circle and upward spiral of continual improvement.

Baffled me by your statements.

I was quite impressed by the fighting spirit throughout the game and I think we had an excellent second half. I was particularly impressed with Barkley, Holgate and, yes, Robles, the new George Wood (or is it Andy Rankin?).

Of course this recent run has us all looking on the bright side of life, and while a swallow does not a summer make, I definitely think I can see a whole flock of them on the horizon.

COYB!

Jay - you do put a great counter argument forward though.

I guess the truth is both arguments are equally valid. The Europa League is (I believe) a massive handicap on teams but also it clearly brings many opportunities, summed up very eloquently by Jay.

Do I think we could get Top 4 next year? Probably not.

So - if not, what the hell, lets go for the Europa League and all the things that we might get out of it - whether that be a beer at a bar in a town 500 miles away you would never have been to and will never go to again, having a story to tell for the next twenty years or at its best seeing us lift European silverware.

I guess you've got to start somewhere - and if we cant handle the Europa League the Champions League will have us for breakfast so lets do the best we can and take on whatever our performances grant us.

(Part of the reason I feel the need to change my tune is to be honest I think we're going to do it so I better get used to it...)

I like virtuous circles Jay, if the Europa League is part of one then I guess we better get on it.

I thought Baines did not offer enough getting forward, and one of the major reasons Everton were reliant on Coleman, who was having a great tussel with Schlupp. Until that great moment when he was not there, and Coleman scored a beauty.

Referees have no obligation to halt play for any injury for which there is no immediate danger.

Cramp is NOT even an injury any more than being out of breath, not being as quick/good in the air/tall as the player opposite you or "feeling knackered", is it ?

But, even IF injured, crawling back onto the pitch to halt play IS outright cheating. The ONLY reason to resort to this is fear, to run down the clock because you and your team and your manager FEAR the opposition.

It overlooks a very simple factor.
Leaving your team with 10 v 11 is NOT an advantage !

Having said that, I do hope it takes its toll on Man Utd.

I'm with you as is everyone else, play goes on unless a head injury. I bet no-one is in Saturday night's A&E with cramp tonight.

Blues'did nothing wrong. Sam is just desperate.

I have to give credit to Koeman for not changing a winning team. Individually, the team could really be seen to be playing for each other rather than for themselves.

A couple of points, Funes Mori's control before he unleashed the shot that Hennessy saved belied his position as a centre back, any other day that would have been a certain goal. Great skill and execution and his reaction when the keeper saved it showed how much he cares about doing his best for the team.

Joel Robles is now looking the real deal, commanding his area, shot stopping, almost non stop talking to his defence (being an ex-goalkeeper I notice these things), and generally instilling confidence in those around him.

Above all he looks confident and comfortable in there and that kind of 'aura' emanating from a keeper tends to permeate the entire team, something for example, importantly lacking at Man City with Bravo in goal and their defenders lacking that security a good keeper brings to the team. Robles should have done enough to secure the #1 position and will surely get even better with regular game time.

Holgate and Davies both look like they've been playing first team football for years, what a difference they've made to the team. I could go on, but I won't, for fear of getting boring.

I just hope Koeman doesn't start tinkering too much in the upcoming games. He's found a great starting eleven and injuries aside, there should be no reason to make dramatic changes, as this team has shown itself capable of winning in different circumstances over the last two games, both of which could been extreme banana skin type matches for us. Stick with it, Ronald.

Everton FC need to be in Europe to progress. As soon as possible.

Just consider the season Chelsea and Liverpool are having, Chelsea can always buy but their season is being helped by not being in Europe now, same as Them, we can be going for that fourth spot next season without the definite handicap of the Europa League, but that is my opinion.

I think Koeman, will be different somehow, only time will tell, but wasn't this normally the time Roberto, used to take the squad on one of his warm weather training camps?

Nothing wrong with that, except they always came back playing worse, after probably getting bored and baffled, and maybe also having too much of a rest?

I've had some fantastic nights down the years in European Cities, I would otherwise never have visited and like Dave, I would not want to deprive younger fans of the same opportunity... but

I may be wrong here, but I cant remember a premier team having a successful campaign in Europe's second competition and qualify for the premier one at the same time. History would seem to suggest, that a less congested season would improve our chances of qualifying for the big one.

Not knocking the Europa League, but it can be a gruelling test for even the biggest of squads.

Indeed crap views but thoroughly enjoyed that performance and don't think anyone didn't play their part. The only disappointment for me was that they still allow that dipstick with the bid drum in the ground with his fellow morons droning on about their postcode!!

I assume your talking about Rom? I didn't notice that - I only had eyes for Seamus and Joel (how happy was he??) but thought Rom had a great game and played the target man superbly – virtually untouchable. I'm just assuming he's gutted he didn't score – any one else heard anything different??

We need the extra £25m of revenue it now brings (far more than two years ago). We need it to attract the best players we can to the club. We need the Europa League if we want to progress.

In this game, and the City game, we're looking more organised, gelling more as a team. Koeman's tactics are finally displaying some flexibility in dealing with different opponents, together with some continuity in maintaining a winning side. The players are looking fitter, leaner and sharper, and seem to be well up for the pressing that Koeman has been talking about.

I feel we could finish in the top-4. It's a case of taking each game as it comes, and going for a win each time. Regarding the debate about CL versus EL, we'd obviously aim for the CL, but if we can't get in that, I'd happily be in the EL. We can handle the extra games better as the squad gets stronger.

This also allows us to play 2 up front which gives the midfield players more options when looking for a forward pass. I think it also benefits Barkley he is taking up a more attacking position now which he didn't always do when playing with a back 4.

Also just as important it seems the players are enjoying this system. And a happy squad usually most times means a good performance.

Great to see Holgate backing Seamus up round their box. Funes Mori defended well but didn't offer the same support to Baines up top. If we can get that balance then we can push on.

Stayed to the end because for the first time in along time I felt something coming. Our end exploded then Seamus badge banging looked like a pig in shit. He was a happy blue.

As for Davies, he seems to be one fearless, dynamic player. Lookman seems to show no regard for reputations too. Koeman may be coming over the hill.

More players obviously means more effort and skill is required to get a game, effort and skill being apparently awol for way too many games this season. That's why I'd still like to see a couple more this month.

Big Sam was happy with a point and had intimated as much before the game, and Schlupp was prepared to waste some time, as we had been dominating.

In the initial contact with Schlupp, our Goalie collected the ball and play rightly continued... happy days!

Couldn't believe what you wrote so went back and looked at the game again. Sorry, you are wrong, but perhaps you only want to see what you already want to believe. Rom had two aerial balls to contest in the first 60 minutes (by this I mean actual balls he could contest, not hopeful lofted passes somewhere in the vicinity of the opposing 18).

Almost exactly at 60 seconds in, Rom wins a header. The next header he did not win but he jumped short and was not really close to the ball, still close enough to count. That came at 10:55. He took a ball off the chest from Williams at around 15:56, chested it down to his feet and laid the ball off for Ross, who shot wide of goal.

In fact, the ball was played into Rom, or he showed for it near mid-field or out wide 8 times in the first half. He lost none of them and laid the ball off neatly for Ross to shoot twice and for Coleman to make the run and cross that deflected back to Rom, who hit the post with his shot. He also made a 30-yard sprint to try to win a long diagonal hopeful ball to the other side of the pitch. Second half he ran 40 yards up the pitch after a tunrover near their box, staying with the man with the ball to slow him up and allow us to get back as they were hitting us on a counter. I have the times in the game for each of these but putting them all in would be tedious.

I have other numerous examples of how active he was, but I figure maybe you should watch the game again yourself as you obviously missed great chunks of it. Too bad as it was entertaining.

Interesting selection dilemma for Koeman when Gana comes back from ACN; will he put Davies back on the bench and go back to two holding mids or go back to a back 4 and have Davies, Ross and Kev as the 3.

Personally, I'd like to keep the 3 at the back and select one from Gana, Barry, Scheidelein or Gana. Either way good selection problem to have

What I see is a centre-forward who walks back from an offside position when we have an attacking opportunity, time and time again. I see Rom on the edge of the box instead of the six yard box, when a cross comes in. I see Rom without any aggression, when the opposing defenders have much time on the ball.

Remember Andy Gray, Graham Sharp, Costa, Carroll, etc, who would not give defenders a second.

Jim, I see a player who hardly wins an aerial ball, I'm not talking one match. I see a player who is so static in the penalty area, who wants the ball on a plate.

I have seen great centre-forwards who burst a gut for Everton over many years. I don't see that from Rom.

Certainly with Gana, Schneiderlin, Davies, Barry, McCarthy & I suppose Besic when he returns it will be hard to keep all those guys happy on the bench. You would imagine McCarthy and Barry will be looking away in the summer unless Koeman really can convince them they will get games. Of course there will be injuries and suspensions but I can't see those two being happy at being on the bench, especially McCarthy.

As Phil Neville said on Sat night, Davies despite being 18 has the physique of an adult man and is showing Koeman that he is well able to compete against the best midfielders in the league.

I think with Davies playing as a DM but being a lot more attack minded that Gana or Barry/McCarthy has helped the team but hopefully Schneiderlin was also bring that when he gets up to speed.

He looks callow, but is to my mind already 2nd in the queue when we list our centre halves.

Williams is better through experience not particularly because he is more skilled than Holgate.

I was going to write that the back three gives Holgate protection whilst gaining valuable minutes in the first team.

I think I would say that is now moot. He is definitely a key part of the team now.

The question is can he play as a two? At the moment he might but none of the existing centre backs can.

Its massive that we get a centre halve in before the window closes. I think we will go back for Kone at Sunderland.

Jags is likely to leave, Mori despite a good team effort at Palace is clearly the weakest player in the side and needs the three as a crutch, saved by virtue of being left footed. I think the same might be said of Williams but maybe he and Holgate could be a pair?

So ultimately we will play with a back 4 at some stage this season, so another defender is required.

I will say with some balance, Holgate does need to improve his heading, or more pertinently, be switched on with his marker when a cross comes in (but all Everton defenders are guilty of this right?)

The lad is a good decision maker, he played with great maturity after his yellow on Saturday, never went to ground afterwards. A sign of a brain, often missing from many modern players.

How long before Holgate and Stones are first choice England centre backs? A touch of hyperbole I know but I think he really is that good.

Fuck me I'm almost getting a raised pulse from a Koeman team.

If we sign a defender and forward then a decent window, I expect momentum going into the Spurs game.

I understand your opinion but that is not what your post was about. I merely pointed out the errors in your statement. No one runs the entire game not even the center referee. Lukaku does walk but so do all strikers.

Lukaku did well in my opinion and based upon what I saw and later reviewed. Most balls played to Rom were on the ground to his feet and he did well. Might be coaches' instructions or the fact we are playing players now who can make a better pass. Either way it is working.