High Koeman praise for Sigurdsson strike

That apart, although his match fitness levels are not yet where they need to be, I thought overall he did ok. Solid start.

he goal, wow, the effing goal, wowzers. Happy days.

However is anybody else slightly concerned that there appears to be zero rumours etc about a striker despite big Ron stating we were still after one?

We now have European football, a good selling point to potential candidates. That said, I don't see that many quality options around that we could afford. Benteke probably possible, maybe Welbeck. Neither inspire me greatly.

Great goal. Hopefully getting that so early in his spell with us will boost his confidence. The price tag weighing a little less heavily

Like the 1st half last week, in the last 15 min of the game the passing was excellent, total control. These players seem to be developing a tremendous understanding, plus there's commitment and the team spirit is high.

As for Koeman, I think he picked a decent side last night. I was a bit surprised when Everton tweeted a 442, but once we lined up in 4231 it made a lot more sense. Besic had a good game, perhaps his best in blue (or purple!) and was a lot more disciplined. Schneiderlin was great, all of the back 4 looked solid, except for Williams for the pen and the mixup with Pickford. Pickford was cool and calming. Good save for the pen. Rooney was not blowing so hard at the end of that game, and I bet he ran more in that game than Lukaku ever did playing for us. Sigurdsson did not show any signs of not being fit and ran hard all game. Lookman struggled and Lennon was a big improvement and could well have a role to play seeing as we need pace. Calvert Lewin was clever, and improved again.

All in all Koeman got the job done and the foundations are now laid. Walsh needs to secure a striker, at least, and we could be in for a good season.

I'm still intrigued to see where Sandro, Klaassen, Rooney, and Sigurdsson all play when it's a big game and they're all fit and in form.

Has to be agent nonsense to get him a transfer as a move to China fell through. Unless Ian / Dermot know something the made up rumours section on newsnow doesn't know?! Do you guys know a bit about him judging from the comments you've posted?

It's been said before, and I agree, that maybe we were holding on until we qualified for the group stages. Just my opinion though. As long as don't bring in someone from the Russian league it will be a well needed signing.

Mangala on a season long loan or, dare I say Sakho, who are both left footed CB's. Both were great at their previous (Porto, CP) clubs.

Not sure what that means if anything, probably bugger all, other than we were strongly linked to those two last summer, and particularly Perez.

Not seen any links to Dzeko for a long time, which may be a good thing.

Jimenez's goal scoring record is poor to pathetic but if Walsh and Ronald see something in him then that's fine with me.

I'd prefer Rondon (WBA) over any of the above but I think he's injured at the moment.

Anyway, the results will come and whilst were the underdogs in the Premier League, a couple of signings and who knows. This will be a good season for Everton FC.