Tosun secures important Blues victory

Phil Jagielka returns to the starting XI after recovering from injury
Everton 2 - 0 Brighton & Hove Albion
Cenk Tosun starts against Brighton, with Leighton Baines finally returning at left-back to give the defence an older flavour with Coleman and Jagielka partnering Keane.
Davy Klaassen is on the bench, Funes Mori is deemed not ready, Idrissa Gueye and Morgan Schneiderlin are out with illness, and Ashley Williams is suspended after last week's stupid red card.
Everton kicked off and followed with the now requisite hoof upfield. Rooney slid in for a poor tackle. Duffy gave up an early corner that Sigurdsson delivered well enough, Coleman ran forward but screwed his shot across goal. Another corner was nmet well by Jagielka but directed at Ryan in the Brighton goal.
Everton pressed forward well enough, with Brighton reasonably sold in defence, tempting Bolasie to fire from distance, but well off target. Rooney was looking to control the game but overhit a wide drive to Davies, but did better for Walcott to win Everton's third corner, which produced the fourth, two Everton attackers getting dragged to the ground.
More Everton pressure forced a fifth corner, recycled via another marvellous out-ball from Rooney to Walcott but Bolasie was not sharp enough to profit from it. Baines crossed well and Walcott failed to attack the ball.
A sixth corner went past Ryan but Bolasie should have done better, his improvised strike hitting the side netting. Sigurdsson needed treatment and after the restart, Murray lashed a decent shot at Pickford.
Bolasie and Baines were supporting eachother reasonably well but Bolasie just taking too long and wanting to show off too many tricks. Davies got sandwiched after the ball had left him: no penalty. Walcott won corner number seven, recycled to Sigurdsson who lashed a tricky shot at Ryan and Bolasie again miscued the rebound.
More slow build-up, Davies the most conservative in playing it safe. A lofted ball let Bolasie in to only head wide when he should have done a lot better. Tosun was having a torrid time, seeing nothing of the ball.
The Everton pressure eased a little until the eighth corner, Duffy getting it away and Rooney firing well wide. Tosun finally saw some ball but caught his marker with a late clip. That free-kick for Brighton set up a rare threatening move.
Davies was getting worse with some just horrible backward plays, showing no intent whatever to play forward. More scrappy play led to another Brighton attack as the Blues' almost shameful inability to score in a half they had dominated began to play on the mind. The ball was worked to Sigurdsson whose fierce shot was blocked well by Duffy. before the half-time whistle.
Brighton restarted the game and continued to limit the Blues while feeling they could now threaten the Everton goal. Walcott ran forward well but Davies could do nothing with the ball played slightly behind him as signs of frustration started early on.
Baines linked well with Bolasie but his cross to no-one was hugely frustrating. A Jagielka free-kick bounced through harmlessly to Ryan as the lack of direct threat to the Brighton goal continued.
Bolasie was blocked by Schelotto and from the free-kick Rooney fired a decent shot that was again blocked. The ninth corner came to naught as the rain started and the quality of the football further deteriorated.
But it suddenly opened up for Bolasie who picked out Walcott ghosting in at the far post but it was Bong who fired it into his own goal.
The Brighton gameplan was torn up as they needed to open the game now, hopefully giving Bolasie and Walcott more space, but it may still not be enough for Tosun to make any impression.
Bolasie won a free-kick in a central position that Sigurdsson delivered well enough but it came back off Duffy's head and Boalsie had to pull off a fine tackle on Schelotto. Coleman had to block a dangerous shot with his hand at close quarters. Tosun did fire at goal but unfortunately it was his own... thankfully Pickford alert to it as the Blues rocked a little with Brighton's first two corners.
Walcott went down, holding his calf, Calvert-Lewin replacing him. Baines and Bolasie linked up well down the left, Baines rolling the ball across the are to set up Tosun for a fine strike, in off the bar, to seal the win for Everton in the final 15 minutes.
Knockaert went in on Baines, studs high, foot extended, and was immediately shown the red card. Davy Klaassen came on for his first appearance under Sam Allardyce, replacing the 'industrious' Tom Davies.
Calvert-Lewin did well to get behind Duffy and draw a penalty but Rooney's decent enough penalty was saved very well by Ryan.
A mistake by Holgate allowed Brighton to run at Pickford but he was well up for Gross's fine shot. Everton played out the 4 mins of added time to register a vital home win and their first clean sheet of 2018.
Scorers: Bong (og:59'); Tosun (76').
Everton: Pickford, Coleman, Jagielka, Keane, Baines, Sigurdsson, Davies (84' Klaassen), Walcott (72' Calvert-Lewin), Rooney, Bolasie (78' Holgate), Tosun.
Subs not Used: Robles, Martina, Niasse, Baningime.
Brighton: Ryan, Schelotto [Y:55'], Dunk, Duffy, Bong (82' Suttner), Kayal (69' Locadia), Propper, Izquierdo, Gross, Knockaert [R:80'], Murray (77' Ulloa).
Subs not Used: Krul, Bruno, Goldson, March.
Referee: Roger East
Attendance: 39,199
Reader Comments (242)
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2 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:12:55
3 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:17:38
4 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:19:00
5 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:22:20
6 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:23:03
7 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:26:39
8 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:27:41
9 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:29:49
We don't want you to play all your best players, Sam! I want you to play your best team with a foundation and strategy that complements their best attributes and mitigates their weaknesses. Simples... ;)
10 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:30:38
12 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:33:54
13 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:34:28
If we lose this today, he'll blame the fans for forcing his hand.
14 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:34:34
15 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:37:33
16 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:38:16
3 points and nothing less. Goodison will be acidic if they don't show up for the shirt today.
17 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:40:04
18 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:41:57
19 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:42:03
20 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:43:41
Big responsibility on young Tom's shoulders in the Carsley role. COYB!
21 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:44:27
22 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:44:48
23 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:49:00
24 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:49:23
25 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:49:29
26 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:49:56
28 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:52:17
30 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:52:40
31 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:52:49
32 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:53:30
36 Posted 10/03/2018 at 15:05:14
37 Posted 10/03/2018 at 15:12:25
38 Posted 10/03/2018 at 15:51:58
Must be a temptation to go two up top to give their centre halves a bigger problem.
39 Posted 10/03/2018 at 15:52:28
[BRZ]
40 Posted 10/03/2018 at 16:03:27
Most playing well. Bolasie, as enigmatic as he can be, may be the one to finally unlock Brighton's rear guard. Not that his finishing is very reliable, mind...
Tosun showing well again, but as Michael notes, he needs to do more in the box.
As long as it remain goalless, you are always vulnerable...
Don't give us a tepid 2nd half as you gave us last week, Everton.
41 Posted 10/03/2018 at 16:40:03
Hopefully with Baines and Coleman back, the team will start to gel together.
COYB
42 Posted 10/03/2018 at 16:54:00
43 Posted 10/03/2018 at 16:55:43
Hard to get too excited about a decent home performance when we'll probably throw in the towel at Stoke .
44 Posted 10/03/2018 at 16:57:19
Made up for Tosun seeing as he was isolated for most of the match.
Still, Allardyce out! !
45 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:00:53
Very pleased for Tosun and Bolasie today. Jags is far and away our best and quickest defender. Rooney is never going to be Paul Scholes... or even close, sadly.
[LAT]
46 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:02:50
And that was an attempted leg break on Baines and the guy who did it should be arrested for assault, never mind red-carded.
47 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:09:03
Baines handled it exceptionally well. Knockaert was upset because the ball hit him in his massive nose and so he decided to try and break Baines's legs. Nice to see Coleman giving him a mouthful as he went off. No doubt explaining what it actually feels like to have your leg snapped.
I hope he gets a lengthy ban.
48 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:10:43
[BRZ]
49 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:12:17
Isn't that 3 penalties he has missed/had saved this season alone for Everton?
OK. It didn't cost us today, but it could in the coming weeks.
We have far, FAR more reliable penalty takers in the team than Rooney. Baines and Sigurdson the obvious candidates. I believe Tosun takes a mean penalty, also.
I wonder what the odds on relegation for Everton this season have drifted out to now.
50 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:16:10
51 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:17:16
We don't really miss Williams, Martina or Schneiderlin - is the kind way to put it.
Tosun looks like he is still finding his feet in the league but is doing ok.
Poor Moyes must have had a pretty terrible day.
52 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:17:24
53 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:20:35
54 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:21:49
That's us safe now. Some very poor teams below us.
An added bonus for me is West Ham's continued decline and the demise of Moyes. I had to chuckle a few weeks ago when one ToffeeWeber told us Moyes would finish above Allardyce.
55 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:26:04
56 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:26:45
A regulation win which we struggled to get rhythm in but got the job done.
A very nice 2nd goal, crafted by Baines, finished by Tosun, the deflection embellished the strike.
The penalty was bought, DCL yet again initiating contact. Rooney, well he's escaped my ire mostly this season but ego got the better of him. Very poor that Wayne lad.
All done and dusted, give Sam the heave ho and look forward to better days without him, please Farhad don't dither.
57 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:26:57
He's good in the role, sometimes very good, but only in games where the opposition allow us to dictate the pace. So basically at home against the bottom half teams. Even then he's liable to gift the opposition chances with sloppy passes or casual control.
Not that it's relevant today. He passed well and we won. But for me, I'd like to see some competition for his place in the summer.
58 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:29:28
I listened to the game on the OS audio service and it all sounded fairly straightforward but I am no closer to unravelling why we had a much better performance today.
A few things spring to mind. Keane and Jagielka work together better than most of our pairings (barring the odd unnecessarily risky pass), Walcott and Coleman will terrorize a lot of teams, and we really don't need to rely heavily on two orthodox defensive midfielders.
With St Helens flying at the moment, I just need England to find an epic second half against France to make this a very pleasant weekend.
59 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:32:30
60 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:35:37
I do think we are very lucky that Brighton got it entirely wrong tactically.
61 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:36:06
62 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:36:54
64 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:39:31
Massive relief that we won that match and unbelievably, we look like avoiding the drop. We've been very fortunate this year and I'm still not relaxing until it's mathematically impossible but it's been the worst season in living memory and survival will be a blessed relief.
We've not had many weekends where blues win and reds lose so let's enjoy tonight before getting the pitch forks out for Sam in a few months!
[BRZ]
65 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:40:31
I would agree with you in previous games, and on too many occasions for a player of his quality, Rooney has coughed up the ball too cheaply playing this midfield role.
But not today. Indeed, his stray passes and having his pocket picked by turning into the opposition, or from lack of awareness of being closed down, has diminished in recent weeks.
Other than his penalty miss - and it was a very good save from a well-hit ball - he orchestrates things so much better than, say, a certain Frenchman in our ranks who has largely occupied Wayne's current position for most of the season.
Given his age, naturally it would be healthy for the club to have a younger player capable of doing the same to add competition for places.
But that's for the summer, not the here and now.
66 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:43:30
67 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:44:13
68 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:44:22
69 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:47:50
Davies was poor, what on earth are they doing with him at finch farm, but Baningime should play ahead currently imo. Davies is a top talent, but his control has vanished.
Klassen looked tidy, imo.
Baines is back. And Jags is still our best defender by a long way.
70 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:50:21
71 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:51:16
72 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:54:13
I personally think Bolasie was poor apart for a 10 minutes spell.
Hope Walcott is fine
73 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:56:42
74 Posted 10/03/2018 at 17:59:22
I will reserve judgement till next week, to see if they can carry on from where they left off. Stoke away is always an awkward fixture, but nevertheless winnable.
I was disappointed with Tom Davies, he still holds on to the ball too long, before passing, and when he does pass it usually goes to the opposition. A couple of times today, Theo tried a one two, and sprinted towards the box, Tom turns and passes the ball backwards, Schneiderlin style.
Speaking of Theo, I do hope he is okay for next week, because without him, we are a bit light upfront.
75 Posted 10/03/2018 at 18:00:40
76 Posted 10/03/2018 at 18:05:24
77 Posted 10/03/2018 at 18:11:30
By that I mean it's a win at home to a rather limited side but I'm not going to knock it because wins these days are pretty rare aren't they?
Defence was always comfortable with a far more balanced look to it, Jagielka proving that even though the legs aren't there like they were but he's still our best defender.
Bolasie was unpredictable but pretty decent to be honest and at least he was willing to have a go and made a goal with a delicious cross.
Sigurdsson was decent, Walcott a threat but I think it's time for the following two things .
Davies needs time out while Klaassen stakes a claim and Rooney needs relieving of penalty taking duties, thank him for that one he got at Anfield in December but missing three and staying on them is taking the piss a bit now.
Very pleased to see Tosun score a beauty and maybe just maybe there's a Premier League quality player in there bursting to come out?
All in all a comfortable win to relieve pressure but it's whether we can turn up at Stoke next week isn't it?
78 Posted 10/03/2018 at 18:25:53
79 Posted 10/03/2018 at 18:29:13
We had most of the possession. We created most of the chances. We totally outplayed them.
Not sure what anyone on here is after but, if you can't be happy with that, then best you come off the Valium.
80 Posted 10/03/2018 at 18:56:40
81 Posted 10/03/2018 at 18:57:35
Colman gave another all action game and Walcott was always on the go and gave us someone to break out with.
Siggurdsson was man of the match for me he was behind most the attacking play and is a tireless worker for the Blues.
I was glad Brighton were so poor, never really threatened, expected them to come out attacking after their good run, but offered little.
Made up with the victory, another one should ensure safety and then with the pressure off maybe the team will really try and entertain us, we deserve much more than they have shown all season. Very relieved at the moment.
82 Posted 10/03/2018 at 19:00:55
Beat Southampton at home and we're over the line.
With a few personell changes we should reach this point with less difficulty next term.
83 Posted 10/03/2018 at 19:05:16
As of tonight in the same fixtures last year - WHU got 2 points, WBA 12, Saints 5, Newcastle 1, Stoke 8,
Take you pick of 3 from those 5. We are safe now.
84 Posted 10/03/2018 at 19:08:32
85 Posted 10/03/2018 at 19:10:03
86 Posted 10/03/2018 at 19:10:06
Although three points and two goals, much is left to be desired in the attacking play. Things a competent manager could turn around with some adjustments, a positive mindset and a few well though out recruits in the summer... Allardyce hasn't got the knowledge to get this team playing the football I, and I think most Evertionans, want to see...
Allardyce out now!
87 Posted 10/03/2018 at 19:11:54
88 Posted 10/03/2018 at 19:20:07
89 Posted 10/03/2018 at 19:24:42
90 Posted 10/03/2018 at 19:25:03
Just hope Theo is okay, and we can play virtually the same side next week.
92 Posted 10/03/2018 at 19:28:22
Anyway Mike good in death report, did not get to see any of the game, but sounds like Tosun hardly set the game on fire, was it lack of service or a bad Day at the office, baring his goal for him.
93 Posted 10/03/2018 at 19:34:20
94 Posted 10/03/2018 at 19:37:52
95 Posted 10/03/2018 at 19:43:49
Above all, I am delighted to see Baines playing with zest again. His part in Tosun's goal was like the Leighton of old. He looked as though he was enjoying himself. If he can recover form consistently then that will be priceless for us.
[BRZ]
96 Posted 10/03/2018 at 19:46:24
Tosun was very good. He challenged for and held up the ball well. Linked up play well, as epitomised by his goal which he helped create with Baines as well as finish. And it was a cracking finish.
He also won loud and frequent applause for his enthusiastic and tireless chasing of the ball as Brighton played out of defence.
He didn't see much of the ball in the penalty area, but the one time he did - WHACK! GOAL!
He has impressed me every time he has had decent game time. Considering he only arrived in January, into a shambolic set-up, he is doing more than just fine.
97 Posted 10/03/2018 at 19:53:03
98 Posted 10/03/2018 at 19:58:36
Do people seriously believe a player gets off the treatment table one day and expect to play the next? Or course not. They have been in full training for 2, 3 or 4 weeks, probably played an U23 game of two, and know themselves whether they are fit to play or not. Funes Mori said he was fit and ready to play.
Keane has been awful the last few weeks and I think today would have been an ideal game to rest him and start Funes Mori, and ease him back into the first team fold, because, as I say, Brighton were no threat at all.
99 Posted 10/03/2018 at 20:19:13
100 Posted 10/03/2018 at 20:21:44
Slightly better movement today, which is the key to playing the good stuff, although we have a long way to go. It's worrying that we still relied heavily on the long diagonal from Rooney.
The Night King will of course give himself the credit for the win. When we win, it's down to him; and when we lose, it's down to the players.
Fact is, we have better players than every single team in the bottom half and results like today's should be a given.
101 Posted 10/03/2018 at 20:24:03
103 Posted 10/03/2018 at 20:33:28
Two out of three, pity England can't play a good game like they talk a good game.
104 Posted 10/03/2018 at 20:36:25
105 Posted 10/03/2018 at 20:38:45
106 Posted 10/03/2018 at 20:44:09
107 Posted 10/03/2018 at 21:07:24
109 Posted 10/03/2018 at 21:13:48
I said a few weeks ago Jags makes a big difference in our defence, I still think before his injury, Baines was playing through the pain barrier and lost a bit of zest because of it, I think Baines still has it and not ready for the knackers yard just yet as some think.
110 Posted 10/03/2018 at 21:16:57
111 Posted 10/03/2018 at 21:22:17
Duffy is a very solid, good CB I feel we should have never let get away. When he was with us he was very young and often came under criticism - just the way Keane is now.
We need to be patient with Keane I feel. There's a good player in there, he needs a partner and time to develop more as Rob Halligan says.
112 Posted 10/03/2018 at 21:30:51
113 Posted 10/03/2018 at 21:32:40
Tosun showed some nice touches and put himself about, constantly chasing down the keeper. Second half he was dropping deeper to get involved. Scored from what I thought was his only shot of game. Bodes well. If we can get decent service to him then we might have a player on our hands.
Bolasie was horrendous in the second half apart from the cross for the goal. Davies seemed void of confidence today and spent the game mostly passing to Rooney who was decent but still did the now usual getting tackled on the edge of our box to give them a goalscoring opportunity.
Biggest cheer of the day was when Klaassen came on. Still doesn't seem to fit and getting the final 10 mins isn't really going to help him much. My hope is he stays, gets another preseason under his belt and starts to show what he can do.
Sigurdsson ran his socks off today, really put in a shift.
A badly needed 3 points!
114 Posted 10/03/2018 at 21:37:28
Having said that, I've never believed in getting caught up in the moment not being unwilling to have my mind changed. If he goes the rest of the season with the mindset to win games, to instill that mindset into the players I don't know what I would think.
Today was in no way some brilliant performance, it was Brighton. But a good sign at least.
115 Posted 10/03/2018 at 21:52:06
Still not a fan of Bolasie even though it was his pass that got the first goal. The game was an improvement from last week but did not get the pulses racing and hopefully Fat Sam will not chop and change for the next game. The back 4 looked the strongest formation we have had this season and hopefully will be kept together (barring injuries) for the next number of games.
We are most probably safe from relegation, and even if we only lose 2 games till the end of the season, I hope Moshiri has made up his mind now, and gets shut of Fat Sam at the end of it.
116 Posted 10/03/2018 at 21:53:27
It would take something phenomenal for him to turn the fanbase.
Although, like you, I could potentially be swayed. My views are not entrenched and I prefer to be supportive where possible.
The next 3 games may well decide his fate.
We're football fans and fickle by nature.
117 Posted 10/03/2018 at 22:13:35
118 Posted 10/03/2018 at 22:28:19
Sam is taking credit for this performance? Well, why not? It was an attacking line-up today and a brave one. At home, we should be more adventurous against teams like Brighton who sit back. Play the same team against Stoke next week to build continuity. Sadly, Stoke at home need the win, like we did today, but let's have a go. Better all round performance today.
119 Posted 10/03/2018 at 22:32:22
I was impressed with the number of times the ball was hit early and long not a hopeful punt but a purposeful pass to player or space.
Tosun worked hard, and has a good touch. But I still miss Lukaku he caused Liverpool problems today.
120 Posted 10/03/2018 at 22:43:44
A few wins won't do anything to change my opinion. If he however has us attacking and trying to dominate the opposition, then that's all I've ever wanted.
I continue to refuse the notion we don't have talent in this team. It's the mentality, tactics, formation and lineup that needs to show that. We could have started with Rooney sitting deep alongside Davies with Sigurdsson in the Number 10 all damn season.
121 Posted 10/03/2018 at 22:44:02
122 Posted 10/03/2018 at 22:54:44
It was a home match against Brighton and Hove Albion.
We were largely unconvincing. We were poor. Brighton were worse.
In my mind no pressure has been eased. At the moment, I feel we are a million miles away from the top 6. Sam will not take us there, he is not capable.
123 Posted 10/03/2018 at 23:20:24
Do you remember the mighty Brighton away? I do they were shit then and they are shit now. The table doesn't lie contrary to what some people on here would have you believe.
Brighton are below us in the league, so in my book they are worse than us or am I missing something here? As far as I can see, 95% of people on this site alone wanted this twat out of our club before kick-off today.
He deserves no credit at all because he has thrown these players under the bus every time we have lost and crowed about himself when on the few occasions we have won. His favourite line is "The players carried out my instructions when we win or they never when we lose."
If anyone softens there view on this rat because of a home win against a shit team then more fool you. I want us to win every game but will not accept this twat as our manager. If this carries on and we accept this vile creature then he will be with us next season.
Won't it be great on our last home game clapping this twat round are pitch like he has done us a favour and saved us from relegation. No thanks! I want this rat out before then no matter the results. What a manager?
124 Posted 10/03/2018 at 23:23:08
If we can keep them healthy thru to the finish, we'll be alright. I'm guessing having them in was the difference in Sam's 1st Eleven selection.
If they can hang on these last 8 games, we can get after some clubs.
125 Posted 10/03/2018 at 23:45:53
Now we are safe, maybe the players can play with a bit more confidence, starting with a result at Stoke.
126 Posted 10/03/2018 at 23:48:55
That's what I and many others have expected and what we should demand. Who knows what we'll see the rest of the way, but I certainly howl for that mindset to close out the season.
127 Posted 10/03/2018 at 23:55:13
Victories have been scarce this season so I am just glad to get three points. A number of people remind us that we were only playing Brighton. Brighton are a Premier League team who had not lost for six games. Their manager was awarded "Manager of the Month". They have had a gallant ride to get to the top division. Having lost to Watford and Burnley, we are in no position to demean any team. When we beat Liverpool in a few weeks time I will be ecstatic but for now I can relax for at least a weak because we beat Brighton.
We played okay today without being magnificent. At some times in the past, we have all seen Everton play supremely with flare serving up sumptuous football and winning the league. It would be great if it comes about again. Today, I am just satisfied that we beat Brighton.
128 Posted 10/03/2018 at 23:55:53
We have some very winnable games if we can keep those players fit.
I'm hoping we hit the 40-point mark against Stoke, as then we will see if the players want to play for Sam or not. Once we're safe, will they have a right go at Man City and Liverpool? Will they roll their sleeves up for the run-in against teams fighting for their survival?
Or, will they put in half-arsed performances and get Sam sacked, safe in the knowledge that we're not going down?
If they give it their all then they are very capable of catching Burnley in 7th. That would almost certainly guarantee Sam another season.
129 Posted 11/03/2018 at 00:07:45
I was happy with back 4 today, but with exception of Keane; who is going to replace these players??
I personally think Van Aanholt could be a possibility?? Big Sam has connections with him.
130 Posted 10/03/2018 at 00:13:11
I have an idea what's going to happen? We will just fade away into the background happy in the knowledge we aren't going down. Moshiri will think we are happy and the rat has done a great job. People will say he's not stupid he will get shut. Are we prepared to take that risk?
I'm not so confident and think we all should still make our feelings known just in case he is going to be allowed to carry on. It will be a disaster if he's allowed to carry on, David, and it scares the life out of me. This is not the time to let up because we won the game, there is a chance we may regret it.
131 Posted 10/03/2018 at 00:15:27
I agree with Darren Hind that we looked better without having the classical holding player of Gana or Schnielderlin. They are both tackling machines that offer little else. Gana has an important role in the team. But it shouldn't be a given he plays every game. Schneiderlin should never put on Everton blue again. Rooney can lose the ball but he at least try's to find a pass.
Tosun is starting to justify the fee. He looks like he'll be good signing at 㿇m, but I'm not sure he'll give us more than 15 goals a season and we still need to make a statement in the transfer market. How's about a 㿨m bid on Rashford this summer?! United probably wouldn't sell, If not, sign Vardy as the 1 old player in the next window.
BS still needs to go. I see Chelsea aren't going to make the top 4 at this rate. Could we pursued Conte to stay in the premier league? He's a marquee manager and circumstances at other clubs might just work in our favour. Conte as manager, sign Vardy, and spend big on Sessegnon from Fulham.
132 Posted 10/03/2018 at 00:21:06
Doesn't look much of a footballer, though.
Season ends, hope he's out on a pitch somewhere developing his game. Not on a beach, chilling.
133 Posted 11/03/2018 at 00:38:10
I am very relieved we got the three points.
Chris Gould (#128) I think we will win at Stoke next week.
134 Posted 11/03/2018 at 00:42:05
We know by now don't we? We'll have a go against "the rest" at home. Completely surrender the big games. Aim for 0-0 in the other games.
Sam's not changing. So knowing all of that, it's difficult to get too happy about a reasonably straight forward home win against Brighton, just as you can't be too shocked when we go to Stoke and do something completely different.
My displeasure is reserved for the overall plan. The plan that says we do nothing more than stay up then write off the season. We publicly courted and ultimately hired the man who brings that plan. There are no surprises here.
Just wake me up in July.
135 Posted 11/03/2018 at 00:48:09
No Schneiderlin bliss!
136 Posted 11/03/2018 at 00:52:12
137 Posted 11/03/2018 at 00:53:48
But in all reality, I want us to go for the quality manager that we need, that could sign a few top quality players to build on what we currently have and take us to the next level.
Conte will be going back to Italy so no reason to even think about that one. But there are many exciting managers in Europe that we should be looking at and not another premier league retread.
138 Posted 11/03/2018 at 01:08:12
Allardyce out now!
139 Posted 11/03/2018 at 01:20:30
He has indeed taken the credit for wins previously and been lambasted for that.
By all means correct me if I have misinterpreted his comments but on this occasion I don't think he took the credit for the win I think he gave it to the players.
I thought It was fair to point that out. Do you think it was out of order for me to do that?
140 Posted 11/03/2018 at 01:22:34
Who is the ready made replacement??
141 Posted 11/03/2018 at 01:51:16
He has noticed our home form was good and away form poor since Martinez, yet set up much the same as Koeman in the hope things would change.
Month's in and he's not assessed our squad?!
We played better not great, but better. But then having a left back and not having buffalo soldier stuck in centre-back would help that... not that the defence got a mention other than a nod to a clean sheet.
I hope Allardyce does try. I hope he does stand by his players... but unfortunately I think it will always just be about him. Hopefully I'm proved wrong.
142 Posted 11/03/2018 at 02:51:50
143 Posted 11/03/2018 at 04:56:38
Does make you wonder how truly abysmal we need to be for some folk before they push back on mediocrity. That's why we haven't won a trophy in over 20 years.
144 Posted 11/03/2018 at 06:59:12
145 Posted 11/03/2018 at 07:58:12
146 Posted 11/03/2018 at 08:25:30
Last time you argued for this I asked you to name the team that could have done this before January and you declined. Although I might have missed it?
Since the turn of the year the manager has gradually been able to bring Coleman, Jagielka and Baines back into the team. He has bought Walcott and Tosun and Mangala would have been a good, balanced addition. McCarthy would have played alongside Rooney yesterday.
The team had balance, ability and experience yesterday. The test for Allardyce is what he manages to do with that moving forward.
Prior to Christmas those available were not up to the job. Hansen was right. You win nothing with kids (unless they are the most talented group of players ever to emerge at a club, integrated into a team already the strongest in the league) and you certainly don't stave off relegation with them.
With regard to changing the manager, the only sensible choice is to do it now. I wouldn't, I'd back the man in charge and not even think about it until October.
A manager appointed after the end of this season won't be in a position to assess the full squad until late July, given the World Cup. He'd then have less than a month to move out the half-dozen or more that need to go and the replacements desperately required to turn the current squad into one that can compete at the level we all want to see.
147 Posted 11/03/2018 at 08:28:39
148 Posted 11/03/2018 at 08:36:47
Then I realised that you meant Davy Klaasen and I knew you were bonkers.
149 Posted 11/03/2018 at 08:41:42
150 Posted 11/03/2018 at 08:56:24
A change of manager in the summer is almost certain, the only thing that could save Sam is victories over City and the RS plus a few away victories with an attacking formation. That may be enough to persuade the owner to give him the extra 12 months on his contract.
Allardyce has done the job he was brought in for, we were in free fall when he arrived. The pathological hatred is hard to understand, but every manager we get seems to suffer this on TW, to a greater or lesser extent and this will no doubt continue, no matter who is appointed next.
151 Posted 11/03/2018 at 09:00:03
Same here, as one who was bitterly disappointed and angry that Unsworth was not given support by the board and hung out to dry, never wanted SA appointed as Everton's manager, and voted against him in all the TW polls so far, I might reconsider my stand if most of the following were to happen:
* Finish in 7th place and qualify for Europe
* Get to 50+ points
* Goal difference below -5
* Derby win
* Draw against Man City
* Get us playing competive, attacking football
* At least 2 away wins until the end of the season
Coming to yesterday's game, I see an emerging ‘team':
A left sided trio of Baines, Siggy and Bolasie
A right sided trio of Coleman, Walcott and 1 of Davies/Gana
A spine of Pickford, Keane, Jags, Rooney, Tosun
If Klaassen and Funes Mori get some game time until the end of the season, and show us what they have got, then maybe, MAYBE, we have the making of a good squad next season with:
McCarthy, Onyekuru coming back from injuries
Schneiderlin, Martina, Williams (possibly also Besic, Klaassen, Sandro) being moved on
Lookman, Dowell, Besic, Sandro, Browning, Pennington, Connolly coming back from loans
Then we may need to strengthen in only a few key areas - Left Back, Box-to-box midfielder and a world-class striker - to mount a challenge on the Top 6 next season.
152 Posted 11/03/2018 at 09:05:44
153 Posted 11/03/2018 at 09:06:41
154 Posted 11/03/2018 at 09:08:07
Well by your logic the new manager in say October wouldn't have had anytime with them so how does that work? Surely if you are to change the manager you give them a pre-season even if it is a short one?
If you're going to say he will have the rest of the season, then surely it would be more beneficial to have spent time to assess what he has in the squad and be able to bring his own players in, as the transfer window is not open again until January.
Plus this manager the worst in the history of Everton football club should go today never mind October.
155 Posted 11/03/2018 at 09:15:52
I think some comments on here are too harsh about our performance. Brighton not playing well is down to our harrying and pressing. Davis got unfair stick, because he put himself about and disrupted their rhythm. Yes, his first touch is not the best and he holds on a bit too long, but I'd live with that. My advice to Tom would be to find Siggy, Rooney, Walcott or Bolasie a bit quicker and carry on with the rest.
Bolasie deserves more praise. He had one bad cross I think, but he put himself in positions to score, and could have bagged a couple on another day. He also chased back quite a bit to help Baines ease back in, tackling that Mexican Bandit when he got clear down the wing.
Tosun? Not quite sprinting clear like Lukaku but he has more than Jelavic, say. He will score regularly for us as his movement and touch is intelligent when we are on the front foot, which is critical for any striker.
I am no Sam fan, never have been never will be. However, We need the team finishing higher up the league, even if he gets the credit. A 'big name' manager will not come to overhaul the club. He will want to see that tweaks and a few quality additions are all that is needed.
Come on Blues, you have your heads up now! Only 6 points behind Burnley (can't believe I just wrote that), who were dead lucky not to be out of it by half time last week against us, and the same against WHU this week. They won't be that lucky too many times, and we have potentially one of the best run-ins for picking up points. IF Sam doesn't flock it up.
156 Posted 11/03/2018 at 09:26:12
It's funny every blue I speak to at work, in the boozer, in the gym or at the ground are embarrassed, angry, and totally fed up with this manager and board, but some people on here are jolly and prepared to give this twat a chance.
Not for allowing he only picked the team yesterday because of illness to Gana and Schneiderlin. If you listened he told you all in his interview so you can guarantee one or both will be back in next week.
He grinned when taking deserved stick from are away fans who have every right to take him to task when producing utter shite every week. This man couldn't even look at them but smiled with his head down. He laughed at the mere suggestion that the fans who pay there money earned through working 5 days a week weren't happy he took off Sigurdson.
I could go on but it seems that whatever this bastard does some people will see a chink of light. Fuck me no wonder we are little old Everton sometimes punching above are weight.
157 Posted 11/03/2018 at 09:26:44
So that's what some are saying now is that right ?
No no no.
Don't be fooled my brothers and sisters.
Enjoy our laboured win over the mighty Brighton yesterday by all means.
Enjoy your Sunday morning thinking about how Michael Keane, Cenk Tosun and Davy Klaasen must be feeling right now.
Be thankful for the returning Baines and Jagielka, of course.
But don't for 1 minute be fooled by big undies and his cronies. The sooner he is gone the better. You know it, I know it, Paul Welsby DEFINITELY knows it and so do another 95% of us.
1 more win and we are safe.
Altogether now, we found love in a hopeless place.
158 Posted 11/03/2018 at 09:26:48
159 Posted 11/03/2018 at 09:34:18
Not a chance as he wants everyone to know it was down to him. But look, each to their own if he is here next season then good luck.
160 Posted 11/03/2018 at 09:41:30
David Barks is on the money; This more adventurous approach has been available to Allardyce all season, but time and again he has opted to cower behind a packed defence using 2-3 DM's in an attempt to spoil the game. Yesterdays more adventurous formation was forced upon him and he now looks an even more of a twat.
Those claiming he has done the job he was brought in to do are deluding themselves. His cowardly approach has not only brought shame and ridicule upon our club, it has actually delayed the day we could say were are mathematically safe.
Well done to the players for the improvement, but zero credit to the football criminal from me.
161 Posted 11/03/2018 at 09:45:14
No! Sam (who I was willing to give a chance to) would have played Gana and possibly Schneiderlin. He revealed his true outlook when he brought on Holgate.
It was down to the old heads being back that the team had the stability to play better, and even then it was a stuttering performance. There are good signs with Tosun linking well and my man of the match, Rooney pulling the strings.
Sam should be shown the door as soon as the season is over. It would be ungentlemanly to do so sooner if we achieve safety. The club still like to pretend we have some old school values.
162 Posted 11/03/2018 at 09:46:48
163 Posted 11/03/2018 at 09:49:46
Allardyce out now!!
164 Posted 11/03/2018 at 09:52:20
Putting that to one side (just for a minute, please), no Blue would really want us to drop points in any game, unless it was unimportant to us (is that possible?) and it cost the red shite the title or a CL place for example.
I believe and hope that Moshiri will kick Fat Sam out. We know that the team picked itself, Fat Sam had no choice. So let us kick on and bag as many points as possible, and I don't give a fuck if he tries to take the credit. None of us are stupid. Including Mr. Moshiri.
165 Posted 11/03/2018 at 10:02:00
167 Posted 11/03/2018 at 10:23:58
As for giving the footballing antichrist till October, I almost had to call in the crash team after reading that. We've all seen enough since he arrived to confirm what we knew before he was hired - technically he is a football neanderthal, his midset and attitude is arrogant and ignorant, his behaviour is boorish and contempuous. He stumbled into a positive team selection yesterday because Gueye and Schneiderlin were taken ill and for no other reason. That's all.
If we do not perform radical surgery on this club in the summer I fear we will see scenes like West Ham here soon. Big few months ahead.
168 Posted 11/03/2018 at 10:46:35
It wasn't even Christmas when this cowboy rode into town. I was in a state of bewilderment, embarrassment and shame that we had actually hired this tool.
He has continuously and cowardly shifted any blame from him for a defeat at the players feet. He mocks us with his laughter if we dare to question his team selection, formation or substitutions like we haven't a clue how football is played.
None of us as far as I can see profess to be a manager but as paying or by that matter none paying supporters as hundreds of thousands of Evertonians around the world for one reason or another can't attend we have a right to voice are opinions and concerns without being laughed on television for all to see.
I would sack him today! I wouldn't afford him the satisfaction of walking around are pitch like he has saved us. We are safe barring a disaster. Like Darren Hind said he has made a pig's ear of getting us to this point when it should of been done sometime ago but he refused to do so with his anti football style.
Until we shed this tag some fans give us of doing things the Everton way, we will always be little old Everton. We have to start being ruthless because I for one want to see Everton winning for starter's against the top 6-7 then winning trophies being in the champions league.
The teams in the top 6-7 apart from Arsenal are ruthless! If it's not working with the manager's they are sacked players who aren't good enough moved on with no sentiment. I would rather be that Everton than this one.
169 Posted 11/03/2018 at 11:14:23
170 Posted 11/03/2018 at 11:25:38
171 Posted 11/03/2018 at 11:32:50
The extrapolation that a manager over-achieving with limited resources will do better with more money and bigger names doesn't often seem to work out.
172 Posted 11/03/2018 at 11:36:53
It makes a pleasant change of him throwing the player's under the bus.
He needs to be got rid of at the earliest convenience, because quite frankly he is shite.
Whoever is sat with todge in hand shouting "This is our year" like some deluded sister smasher from across the park because we won a game with this envelope snatching knobhead in charge needs to have a reality check,win at Stoke next week and get him and his mini midget fucked right off.
174 Posted 11/03/2018 at 11:45:27
I thought Gylfi had a better game, I thought Tosun and Walcott also showed glimpses of being astute signings. Cenk certainly lacks pace, and maybe outside the box he is limited, technically good though, with more physicality than SA gave him credit for. Will stand up to the rigours of the PL.
I am still a bit concerned that he could be a pricier Jelavic, got to be honest. That may be me comparing him to what we had in Rom though. I don't see him topping the scoring charts, or playing for a top CL team, but he is an improvement on what we, or many of the other teams in mid table, had/have.
Still no question in my mind that Sam is not the right man for this club though. For me, Silva or Fonseca. With Walsh gone as well. Give it someone to build a team and an ethos. At a push, I would consider also Howe. I am just not convinced I have seen enough from him to warrant a shot at Everton yet though.
175 Posted 11/03/2018 at 11:47:55
Get Allardyce out ASAP along the rest of the useless so and so's at our club.
A club with this lot involved will never ever aspire to anything.
177 Posted 11/03/2018 at 12:21:39
I've been as frustrated in recent weeks as the rest of the 95%, but I don't agree that Sam has previously had the option for the adventurous/attacking approach we had yesterday.
Having Baines, Jagielka, and Coleman fully fit has made a huge difference. The defence was so poor without those 3 playing together that defensive midfielders may have seemed a necessity? I'm sure Gueye would have played yesterday if fit but whether that would have been to the detriment of the team is anyone's guess.
Having Baines and Bolasie on the left and Coleman and Walcott on the right gave us some much needed balance.
Not to say that I've agreed in any way with how he has been setting us up to play, and I know you only said that he could have been 'more' adventurous (which is an understatement) but I don't think he had the options that David suggests.
His tactics and defeatest attitude have been dreadful, but maybe with these players back we'll continue to be a little more positive.
I'm not going to continue to deride Sam if he sets us up to win and the players put in effort for him. I am firmly with the 95% but he is here until the end of the season and has time to win me over. It will take several wins and us having a right go at City and Liverpool AND picking up points against one or both of them.
However, even if he wins me over, I would still hope to have him replaced in the summer. He's just too divisive and not the man to challenge for the top 6.
178 Posted 11/03/2018 at 12:26:58
Keeping him on is not an option, 96% of fans do not want him to build the club for many reasons. A downturn in form starting a new season would leave us managerless in October again. The club would endure a groundhog season in 2018-19.
179 Posted 11/03/2018 at 12:29:33
In terms of performance, Baines shows why our other left backs will never be as good. His positioning, control and most of all his collection of tricks that enable him to perform so well are things that our current crop of LBs just don't have. If Garbutt wants to make it as a player he needs to start watching every part of Baines' performance including knowing when to nudget when to draw the foul, etc.
Rooney, his central midfield general role is developing (too late in the day) and he does not necessarily need to be the fasted player (who can remember Reidy winning that many sprints). What he does need however is to sharpen his performance. He still gives the ball away too much and he needs to play the ball faster at times.
Bolasie is hard working but lacks finesse at times and some of his performance yesterday was cringeworthy. He needs to learn how to cross as the minute it goes more than a couple of feet above ground level he loses control of the cross and it just flies wildly in to the distance.
Keane needs both consistency with respect to the defense around him (so play the same back 4 as much as possible) and importantly Jagielka. Keane is still learning watching Jagielka (a defender whose positional play is in the main streets ahead of his peers) will help him immensely.
My biggest wish, even greater than the desire to see Allardyce leave at the end of the season, is to say goodbye to Williams. His last great game for Everton was about 18 months ago. He is slow, poor positional performance and gives away needless free kicks. The fact that he was not able to play yesterday is to my mine one reason for our improved performance.
Role on next Saturday. a difficult but emminently winnable game.
180 Posted 11/03/2018 at 12:45:07
181 Posted 11/03/2018 at 12:47:01
182 Posted 11/03/2018 at 12:57:21
I understand that Hippo Head hasn't had the options as he did have yesterday,but all teams get injuries.His blueprint of making us more defensively solid was made harder by not having cover at left back,granted.
But he picks the team so he should take the flak when it goes tits-up,not throw the players under the bus. Fifteen minutes into the West Brom game and we had gone four and a half hours YES four and a half hours without a shot on goal ffs.
His anti-football and lack of tactical knowledge is as clear as his gravy stained T-shirts.
The bloke is a fraud,whose so morally unstable regarding brown envelopes that to me it goes against all this Peoples Club tag.
His pre/post match interviews are fuckin unbelievable to watch with his yawning,gum chewing, smug grid spewing bull shit.
How 4 or 5% of fans like him and want him kept on is probably why we've won fuck all for nigh on a quarter of a century,mediocrity at its most evident.
The sooner he's fucked off, the better me and 95 or 96% of Evertonians will sleep.The last thing I want is to see him walking round Goodison on the last home game with that smug grin on his fat head.
183 Posted 11/03/2018 at 12:58:05
184 Posted 11/03/2018 at 13:07:49
As for Bolasie, we did over pay for him and he has not done anything to justify a price tag higher than Walcott. But I still think he is a good player who will need a few more games to get fully match fit. He brings a very good dimension off the left, especially if we can consistently deploy an overlapping full back. As he showed yesterday, he can cut in and deliver telling crosses.
Should he be picked ahead of Lookman? Not in my book, as Lookman is quicker and can beat a man. If I were calling the shots in January, Bolasie would have been loaned out to regain match sharpness whilst Lookman given a run in the team. But anyway, here we are, and I sincerely hope Yannick can become a meaningful threat for the remainder of the season.
185 Posted 11/03/2018 at 13:08:27
186 Posted 11/03/2018 at 13:09:48
The fact is that it would just be a hassle for the club to have to juggle people around for the rest of this season before getting the new guy in. I think that the club see this as an ordeal that will run it's course, but not for Sam's full contract.
I would be amazed if he was still here for the start of next season.
187 Posted 11/03/2018 at 13:17:51
The best Striker we have,s o play to his strengths & support him up top, eh, Sam!
188 Posted 11/03/2018 at 13:19:29
189 Posted 11/03/2018 at 13:40:45
190 Posted 11/03/2018 at 13:45:52
We are still extremely nervous defensively and against a very poor Brighton side got away with it.
A couple of errors we made would have been punished by a better team. The main thing is at this stage are the points and not embarrassing ourselves over the next 3 games.
As most said since the day he arrived I doubt Allardyce will be with us after the last game of the season. He was brought in for one reason alone. However, it would be great if we could string a few good performances together, gain a bit of confidence as a team and individually, Keane, Tosun, to set us in good stead for next season.
191 Posted 11/03/2018 at 13:47:11
No more English / British managers at this stage please. Sadly, none of them are good enough. This generation has either grown up knowing survival as achieving a target and "success". Not good enough if we are to show ambition. Most of them at some point have even failed that, yet still get recycled and continue to land plum jobs because "they know the Premier League". Did Ferguson? Did Klopp? Did Mourinho? Did Pochettino? Did Wenger? Did Conte? Did Guardiola? Or Mancini before him?
Those that have been given the opportunity to "imagine what they could do with the resources" have been found out of their depth and failed once winning became the expectation vice not losing.
Even those not quite in that category yet (Dyche, Howe), I don't see the situation changing; we would be setting them up for failure. It's a British football thing; the system needs overhauling from the bottom up and will take a generation before we are producing players and subsequently coaches who are technically adept enough to challenge at the top, both nationally & internationally on a consistent basis (not just the odd cup success or winning a high profile fixture or 2).
I don't say this with satisfaction; quite the opposite. We are unfortunately a generation behind in terms of technical ability & winning mindset; current British managers go out not to lose. That's why none of the "6" have gone down that route or would do tomorrow if they had to. United tried and got spectacularly burnt; City arguably with Hughes, Tottenham with Sherwood, Liverpool with Rogers (although pearly whites did nearly spawn it until Stevie G fortunately fell over!!).
Any chance of breaking the glass ceiling and being seriously ambitious about doing so requires a coach / manager from outside of these shores at present. In my humble opinion obviously.
192 Posted 11/03/2018 at 14:12:36
We beat a very poor Brighton and it is the other teams in the premier league of this poor quality that see us sitting 10th.
Any talk of the shit manager being here longer than the safety mark of 40 points are ridiculous regardless of his contract.
If Moshiri does not fire him at that safety mark he will be giving all indications of another poor leader who is happy to play with the big boys. Yesterday's win takes us one step closer to that important moment in our history.
193 Posted 11/03/2018 at 14:23:20
Appoint Howe, Arteta, Silva, Fonesca, Emery or anyone else whose default setting is to play attractive football. Equally importantly somebody who looks and behaves like they give a fuck about our club, its fans and wants to build something for the relative long term rather than trousering a big fat contract a la Koeman, Alladyce
Tell the appointee they can have 3 Million a year - not a pittance and another 3 Million if we finish in the top six or god forbid win something.
194 Posted 11/03/2018 at 14:47:43
195 Posted 11/03/2018 at 14:49:10
196 Posted 11/03/2018 at 15:03:58
Enough is enough. He needs to leave asap. Probably be May though.
197 Posted 11/03/2018 at 15:38:50
Bollocks!
We need a win at all costs, ruthless, no nonsense bastard of a manager who will win us trophies.
I bet any of you would be lording BS if we where top of the league.
Stuff values and all that crap, I want a team that will go out and beat/compete with the best, regardless of "values of the club".
That's why where in the mess we are in.
198 Posted 11/03/2018 at 15:39:10
199 Posted 11/03/2018 at 15:42:20
We were very shaky at times in defence, even when Brighton were down to 10 men they were finding acres of space. A good job we had a 2 goal lead or it would have been soiled undies time.
Against Man City or Liverpool, maybe even Stoke !, if we make as many mistakes or give away so much space around the box we will be put to the sword. Fortunately for us Brighton were rubbish , the worst I've seen play this season at Goodison.
All in all though we were a lot better with Jags and Baines back. Those stalwarts are getting older and will not last out the rigours of another season.
Yesterdays incremental improvement highlights the necessity of getting them both adequately replaced in the summer with as best quality as we can possibly get.
200 Posted 11/03/2018 at 15:47:43
Kenny, Holgate, Jagielka (Williams), Martina
Lookman, Rooney, Davies (Gana), Vlasic
Calvert-Lewin, Niasse
Peter, not my ideal line up but eh, this is before January and it doesn't have Schneiderlin in it, so more attacking straight away.
201 Posted 11/03/2018 at 15:52:04
202 Posted 11/03/2018 at 16:03:13
That's a bit like saying "I bet you would be praising the integrity of Philip Green if he was honest"
203 Posted 11/03/2018 at 16:04:01
You asked for an attacking team? I didn't know I was being judged by you? Fair play if you are a professional manager? But i've got this little feeling your not. Next.
204 Posted 11/03/2018 at 16:06:32
All this "we want winning football and free-flowing attractive football" also, as has already been pointed out, that was Martinez's aim. If you don't have good enough players to win that way, you have to win any way you can.
As a club unfortunately that's where we are at, and its as certain as can be, that it will be the same for any new manager we employ. That is unless we can find a 5 times billionaire with no regard for money!
205 Posted 11/03/2018 at 16:11:39
206 Posted 11/03/2018 at 16:12:55
207 Posted 11/03/2018 at 16:15:38
None of that should convince anyone that I know what I am talking about. I offer an opinion on your team. I can back it up by what I have seen from those players in your team.
Congrats for sticking your head over the parapet though. Nobody else has risen to the challenge when I have asked previously.
Next anyone?
208 Posted 11/03/2018 at 16:16:40
You win by being the best. Win at all costs gets you so far; will temporarily win you the odd feel good game.
City currently don't win at all costs with no nonsense. It's because they are the best.
All comes down to ambition.
209 Posted 11/03/2018 at 16:27:48
A top professional and a pity he's nearing the end of his career.
210 Posted 11/03/2018 at 16:32:41
The question is; what did you get your coaching qualification in? It certainly wasn't football.
Simply by omitting the tackling machines, we would have become more attractive, attacking.
Rooney and Davies offer so much more going forward, it also allows Sigurdsson to go to Number 10 without competing for the same space as Rooney. This option was open to Sam all along but, like you, he didn't see it.
Oh and BTW do you really think the question of us being ugly and defensive stopped being asked in January?
Whatever you took those coaching courses in, they did nothing for your eyesight... or your memory
211 Posted 11/03/2018 at 16:38:52
What's your point?
212 Posted 11/03/2018 at 16:39:30
Our defensive and attacking capabilities look so much better with Baines and Coleman. Man of the Match for me was Jagielka. I thought he was quite excellent just wish he was 10 years younger.
213 Posted 11/03/2018 at 16:52:33
As regards to naming a more attacking, attractive team before January, to be fair, we could name a few (you didn't mention which year).
Joking apart, but well done to Paul Welsby for having a go. It would suggest by the way you have replied that what you witnessed yesterday was an Allardyce masterstroke.
I think most Evertonians would want that kind of football, let's see how Hippo Head sets up against Man City and Liverpool. His attacking, attractive limitations will be there for all to see.
We've had the worst defensive record since 1977 under Koeman and Fat Head. The 4% or so that think Hippo Head should stay should lay off the crack pipe. He needed sacking for giving Williams the armband ffs.
214 Posted 11/03/2018 at 17:14:15
The guy has been here just over two months and almost got us safe. He's brought in Tosun and Walcott which is a statement in itself, especially if Tosun is the player I think he's is. I am prepared to give him a chance with his own players.
You're right, it's a mess... but you can't blame Sam. Frankly we have been lucky the Premier League has been at such at low standard this season, probably a result of too many foreign managers like Silva in the lower clubs.
Just my opinion but happy to be called a few names it goes with the territory these days. COYB
215 Posted 11/03/2018 at 17:24:53
If survival is your ambition then Allardyce is your man.
I want more.
216 Posted 11/03/2018 at 17:26:27
Pickford
Kenny, Jagielka, Keane, Martina
Rooney, Davies or Gana, Sigurdsson
Vlasic or Lookman
Calvert-Lewin, Niasse
There's a few options there. I think that team may have got the odd pasting from the top sides (we've had that anyway), but would have been good enough to get more wins than we've had.
Imagine a team like that playing regularly, then strengthened by Coleman, Baines, Bolasie, Walcott and Tosun?
217 Posted 11/03/2018 at 17:31:16
"Attacking" and "attractive" in comparison to the teams Allardyce chose to select, you mean?
Piece of piss.
I would simply have omitted two of Gueye, Schneiderlin and McCarthy, instead of fielding all three against fucking Bournemouth on December 30th. Any two of Rooney, Niasse, Bolasie, Lookman, Davies, Sandro and Vlasic, who were all available to start instead, would have injected a little more attacking impetus from the off in comparison to the triumvirate of defensive Daleks Allardyce decided to 'dig in' with from the first whistle that day.
Regardless, Peter, ever considered there may have been few takers to your 'challenge' because the question itself is complete and utter queef? What exactly is the point you are trying to make by posing it?
Forget hypothetical team selection. Are you seriously suggesting it would have been impossible for any line up Allardyce (actually) named and sent out, prior to January, to have offered greater attacking threat, or played more joined up stuff, if operating under completely different instruction from a more adventurous coach?
218 Posted 11/03/2018 at 17:32:12
I just hope our board are as emphatic as our fans on this point, despite the dross that has been served up I think our fans have been very tolerant. There was no demonstrations or banners against Koeman and the same under Allardyce. But surely the board can be under no illusions as to the wishes of the fans.
219 Posted 11/03/2018 at 17:35:05
Attacking football is more a mindset-issue than it is a playerquality-issue. We beat Leicester at home playing pretty good attacking football, then reverted back to defensive-minded negative football the awaygame after. It's a mentality brough on by the manager.
Sure having Martina at left back isn't optimal, but he could have chosen Garbutt for instance who is way better at attacking. Regarding Williams, he's not a player I deem having enough quality to play for us, but if we would have played a more possession-based football with an attacking mindset, he wouldn't have been so exposed as he have been. The defensive setup have had us pegged back and allowed teams pinging in crosses from left to right. No defender will look good in those circumstances. And this against teams we really could have beaten.
There are teams out there that don't have as good players as we have, but are playing with an attacking mentality, and they are doing pretty good, based on their squads. Bournemouth and Watford spring to mind. Can you honestly tell me you think those teams have better squads than us?
There are a lot of games this season that has been there for the taking but that we have drawn/lost because of Allardyce's negative setup. We won't win every match with an attacking mindset, but at least we will give it a go. I'd rather see us try to win, than not try to lose.
Allardyce out now!!
221 Posted 11/03/2018 at 17:48:13
222 Posted 11/03/2018 at 17:58:43
However I agree totally with you... We should appoint a foreign manager, just for the reasons you described in your earlier post. Fonseca would be my choice!
Allardyce out now!!
223 Posted 11/03/2018 at 18:00:35
224 Posted 11/03/2018 at 18:06:27
My Mrs is out and so is everyone else. I don't remember laughing so loud when I`ve been on me own.
.
225 Posted 11/03/2018 at 18:10:46
In all my fifty-odd years supporting Everton, I have never experienced such a juvenile and ill-informed response to matters. I've no idea what Michael or Lyndon make of it but for me it somehow dilutes the level of the debate to such a degree that I find if difficult to connect or respond to such diatribe.
I used to consider ToffeeWeb a cut above the usual platforms but recently my appetite to tune in and get involved has diminished somewhat. Somebody here referred to Allardyce as the “worst manager in Everton's historyâ€. That, frankly, is just plain silly. Evertonians on the whole have always been acknowledged as an educated football audience. If this behaviour is typical then sadly, no more I'm afraid.
226 Posted 11/03/2018 at 18:18:04
227 Posted 11/03/2018 at 18:19:36
228 Posted 11/03/2018 at 18:35:47
And by the way he didn't play a 4-3-3 lineup he played a 4-1-4-1 set up, and that's why Tosun was isolated again.
So please stop giving credit were it isn't due
229 Posted 11/03/2018 at 18:48:23
230 Posted 11/03/2018 at 18:50:12
I respect and share your 'old school' values, without intending to be patronizing at all. However, probably sadly, times do change. At the start I was very against Mr Allardyce as our manager for a variety of reasons; genuine shock that Unsy was replaced by such a character, primarily his bung expose and his obsession with defend at all costs approach.
However, I took an early stance that Sam and Sam should be given some time and to my surprise their early impact was extremely fruitful. However, when the team lost their way after Christmas, the Lookman and Schneiderlin debacles, I was extremely pissed off. Again however, there was never, and nor should there ever be a resort to personal insults. But it has to be acknowledged, his gum-chewing and spitting it out (onto the field of play observed on one occasion), and his style of delivery coupled with his insufferable ego do make for an easy target for mockery and abuse, whether unmerited or not.
I posted a comment on another thread a couple of days ago querying how much (or little) do we actually know about the operations of the staff and players behind the scenes, and it could be that Allardyce is actually performing miracles in a genuinely toxic work position that we do not see? For example the performances of Tosun and Walcott look to becoming seriously good business compared to last summer. It could also be that Klaassen works his way back into contention to contribute to the closing games? Martin Dobson could be a positive to the departure of Joe Royle from the Club (great loss whatever the circumstances) and so on.
However, I am still looking forward to seeing Allardyce replaced in the early summer and a new manager who is the complete package taking center stage. Perhaps it's just a sign of the times; less patience, aggressive electronic communication, lack of the human touch, more emphasis on image and wrapping and so on. Whatever it is I don't think it is unique to ToffeeWeb.
It is also interesting that, however expletive-driven (including myself on occasion?), most ToffeeWebbers have been consistently accurate in their concerns over Allardyce's general management decision making such as too defensive, Schneiderlin, Lookman, Williams, Martina, etc. and seriously low aspirations in getting the team to play on the front foot.
Keep the faith. With Premier League status looking more certain, I think there is a lot to be learned from this season, not least how and where to prune and improve an already skillful squad and how to manage their game time to improve team spirit and results.
COYB
231 Posted 11/03/2018 at 19:07:47
232 Posted 11/03/2018 at 19:13:52
233 Posted 11/03/2018 at 19:22:26
234 Posted 11/03/2018 at 19:34:47
You both must have snow on your barnets looking down on us mere mortals. Anyone can type what they want and i'm sure like you put it John, if Lyndon or Michael thought it was unacceptable they would do something about it? They don't need anyone digging them out like you just have so we all conform to how you think is the right and proper way.
Get a grip! If you don't like these names Huge Head is being called don't read it, that tends to work.
235 Posted 11/03/2018 at 19:56:41
I am interested in what Lyndon and Michael think because they rightly consider themselves as serious commentators. I wasn't asking them to censure anything.
Also, why do you infer that I am taking some sort of moral high ground a ridiculous conclusion to make just because I don't engage in personal insults to make my point.
As it happens, for the record, I am not Sam Alladyce's biggest fan either but I stopped calling people names when I was about 13. To conclude, yes I probably will stop reading these pages, which is a shame really.
236 Posted 11/03/2018 at 20:14:45
Is it?
If so, my apologies to anyone that may have been offended, including yourself.
237 Posted 11/03/2018 at 20:23:04
Like I said before get a grip shit happens not everything is the way we want it or think it should be? Is it really that bad that it takes you away? Has someone died? Is anyone seriously ill? For fuck sake John lighten up everyone is different, if a post is not to your liking skip past it.
Have dialogue with people of your ilk you don't have to read my posts and others like it? Just like I don't have to read yours but it wouldn't take me away because of a bit of name calling of are manager with the fucking massive head.
Editorial Team
238 Posted 11/03/2018 at 20:31:33
I think you'd find we by-and-large agree with you. The name-calling is rather juvenile and pathetic. But the challenge in this day and age of free internet expression is the speed with which punters will scream "censorship", and the practicality of imposing limits on such things that becomes very arbitrary. So we are not inclined to do much about it.
The name-calling reflects mainly on the name-callers, at least that's the way I'd want it to be. Part of our reason for wanting real names and working emails is that posters take personal responsibility for what they post. But we try to enable most people to post who want to and can express themselves to a fairly minimal level of literacy.
We set a pretty low bar on here to minimize the posting delay and workload from message review, but Lyndon raises the bar somewhat on his 1878 Magazine pieces ostensibly to promote a better class of respondent.
Which model would you prefer?
240 Posted 11/03/2018 at 20:46:31
However, and here is the but, when it takes the form of continually repeated forms in subsequent postings, it goes beyond mere frustration and becomes insulting to the person aimed at and at those who got it the first time around! There is a line to be crossed and that's the one of good taste rather than degenerating a debate to insults. That takes a debate to mud slinging and personalisation of individuals which ends many a good thread.
As a point of interest, Allardyce cannot win – no matter what he does or says, with many in this forum. We win, he is blamed for taking credit; we lose, he is blamed for every incident; he says nothing and condemned anyway. Personally, I find that absurd but it doesn't really matter because, at the end of the season, I hope he will be gone... Right now, I just want to support the team and see the season out.
241 Posted 11/03/2018 at 21:02:58
Having re-read my original comment in light of Paul's response, I can see that I might have come across as priggish but that wasn't my intention in expressing my view. I take your point on where you set the bar and I can see that there is room for both models and that we all have a choice. Come on (all) you Blues!!
243 Posted 11/03/2018 at 21:09:56
244 Posted 11/03/2018 at 21:14:16
May I thank you wholeheartedly for being the voice for us guilty of juvenile,Ill-informed response to matters as was put in a previous post.
I am personally guilty of calling our manager Hippo Head,so in future posts he will be referred to as 'Double-H', so as no one can be offended,that is not my intention.
No animals were hurt in the making of this post.
Once again, Paul, we salute you.
245 Posted 11/03/2018 at 21:15:09
"Big Undies" though, is very funny!
246 Posted 11/03/2018 at 21:18:16
247 Posted 11/03/2018 at 21:22:33
Nero and a fiddle come to mind with with some of the posts.
248 Posted 11/03/2018 at 21:33:34
Sam just makes a rod for his own back with his arrogance and demeanour amongst other things in his character. He makes it extremely hard to warm to him when he just smiles after serving up utter shite.
When we as Everton supporters are getting laughed at by our own manager live on TV, he is going to get it, even if some supporters think it's over the top. On top of that, he just isn't a good manager as his record tells you long before he came to us. Some people on here will try to say he hasn't had a chance or they're not his players blah, blah, blah.
Supporters are just frustrated, John, and taking the piss out of him like he has us is just banter, granted sometimes personal but eh I don't think he is bothered when he picks up his very large pay cheque, do you, John? All-in-all, we just want success for Everton? We are on the same side so no offence mean't, John.
249 Posted 11/03/2018 at 21:37:01
Sorry for getting you into a moral discussion. Michael is of course right about freedom of speech, for now anyway an important part of our way of life and unfortunately name calling is a big part of social networking. I love reading different opinions on ToffeWeb and other sites. It often makes me wonder if I watched the same game.
Just sometimes, especially around Sam Alladyce ,it gets a bit irrational and irritating and, like you rightly pointed out, stifles the debate. I would love to see him succeed; it would be great for all of us and, for some funny reason, I think he might given the support. Just an opinion.
I try to read some of the more rational and a lot of the time very good points and ignore the ones that don't really contribute much.
Please keep reading there are some good and passionate blues on this site that often results in some great and enjoyable banter. COYB Think we will do Stoke this week.
250 Posted 11/03/2018 at 21:38:38
251 Posted 11/03/2018 at 21:49:15
I get the frustration with Allardyce and like you say, we are all certainly battle worn as Blues!
James (249), no problem mate and I certainly will continue reading as, despite the knee-jerk response, I'm addicted to it!
252 Posted 11/03/2018 at 21:55:21
253 Posted 11/03/2018 at 22:04:05
255 Posted 11/03/2018 at 22:12:15
264 Posted 11/03/2018 at 22:51:48
We are Evertonians, we are passionate and one thing we will not stand for whether it being playing staff or personel is someone taking our club for a ride.
Frustration gets the better of us, but through all that, you allow us all to have our views, others may have a different opinion, but this fans forum allows every single Evertonian to have their views.
Using big fancy words and name calling to make another poster sound inferior does go on, sometimes trying to make a previous poster look he was back in the headmasters office, we are better than that, if we do not agree fair play have an opinion, but cut out the belittling, date time other posters name followed by shooting that poster down.
I myself have posted, then after reading other comments have thought, they have a point there.
But we are all Evertonians, we care about our club, that is why it is great to hear other posters views.
Keep up the good work and thanks for putting up with our odd rant or two.
285 Posted 12/03/2018 at 09:57:59
The Englishman looks disgusted, pushes his pint away and demands another pint.
The Scotsman picks out the fly, shrugs, and takes a long swallow.
The Irishman reaches in to the glass, pinches the fly between his fingers and shakes him while yelling, "Spit itout, ya bastard! Spit it out!"
source: http://www.jokebuddha.com/Spit#ixzz59Wk9L1rx
286 Posted 12/03/2018 at 10:10:51
Although after stating that, Everton still have 4 away games against teams below Everton in the Premier League. That may prove too difficult to get even 1 win out of all of them, which does prove that Everton have wasted millions on the wrong type of players ever since Koeman became manager.
288 Posted 12/03/2018 at 22:45:18
Pickford
Kenny
Keane
Jagielka
Holgate
Vlasic
Rooney
Gana
Mirallis
Sigurdsson
Calvert-Lewin
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1 Posted 10/03/2018 at 14:09:01
I imagine Brighton will defend deep, and there won't be much space for Bolasie and Walcott to take on full-backs and get crosses in for Tosun (who Allardyce openly trashed a few weeks back and now expects to get us out of trouble). Hopefully they will at least give us some width.
Hope I am wrong but I see another 90 minutes of struggle ahead.