Walcott and Coleman inspire Blues to much-needed victory

I am not saying it wasn't a pen but how many pens would be given in a game if the ref spotted every tug or pull. It gave them an undeserved chance to get back into the game.

Who drops out for Mangala?

Lyndon, let's give Martina the praise the guy deserves. Firstly, Martina didn't just pressurise Chilwell, he tackled him and created the opportunity for Sig to assist Walcott. And the shot that was 'hacked to safety' was blocked by Martina. That was 2 huge contributions in a very solid performance.
The kid gets so much abuse that he deserves to get recognition when he plays well.

I hope the physios are working on Coleman 24/7 until Saturday, but every muscle in his body will be aching this morning. With a fit Coleman, our right side looks deadly.

I agree with Kunal about Rooney, he is still class but sometimes a liability in midfield. As a squad / substitute player he can still serve the team long term.

Feeling more confident now than at any stage this season. Mangala will strengthen our defence, and Walcott will offer pace and threat away from home.

The Arsenal match could be interesting.

A truly inspirational performance from Séamus, who is up there with the irreplaceables. Great things to come from him and Theo.

Btw nobody should be having a go at Martina, he’s stuck to his task manfully and is even getting better. It’s the DoF that’s boilin me ‘ead. The comments about the shortcomings of DoF could be published in hardback so it is not worth rambling on about it, save to say they get a Spinal Tap 11 for complete ineptitude.

Maybe the improvement was only playing 1 holding midfield player, also we defended 10 yards higher up the pitch than we have been doing. I have been critical of Michael Keane but for me that was his best game since he arrived at Goodison, looks like the player we bought from Burnley. Niasse as we all know has more rough edges than a 50p coin and should have put the game to bed with 2 excellent chances. But he never gives up and chases everything. I guess Tosun must be concerned after 10 days training with the team a man the manager doesnt fancy takes his place. Then just to make him feel worse Allardyce brought on DCL for the last 10 minutes instead of him.

Despite being very grateful for the 3 points and the improved performance I am still baffled by Allardyces decisions. Only a week or so ago he stated I cant play Rooney and Sigurdsson in the same team, but starts both last night. He seems reluctant to play his £27 million striker he bought just over a week ago. Brings Tom Davies back into the starting line up, but hasnt started him for a few games. I think the penny has dropped that Bolasie is not yet ready to start games. Keane again has been left out for a few weeks andis brought back alongside Jagielka. These constant changes cant be good for the players or team morale, seems the manager is no nearer knowing his best 11.

Also I read on the way home from the game that Allardyce said that agents of 5 of the squad for last nights game had contacted him to try and arrange loans for their players. Now why did Allardyce think that information needed to be in the public domain, and I think it just shows that many of his squad are looking elsewhere probably as they don'tlike Allardyces style of play or management.

So while delighted with the result it throws up more questions than answers.

"Now that the game is done I can appreciate the response I got from the fans. It's a night I won't forget."

So the ball is sneaking into the top part of the goal and the crossbar thought I am an Everton crossbar and suddenly I'll drop down 3" so the ball will hit me and not go into the net.

Yes, it is a popular jornalistic phrase but it is utter carp. It was not saved by the bar it was going a little bit over the goal, was not going to be a goal but struck the net support. We were not fortunate it was an inaccurate shot.

Sorry just a little wind up but life is happy this morning. Possible 1 win from safety, 35 points is guaranteed.

Coleman's spirit was epitomised by the potential injury threatening tackle he made in the last minute - with no fear for his own protection. Not only that but be then sprinted with the ball the whole length of the pitch into the opposition box. It's players like Seamus that make me realise that all is not lost what sometimes appears to be a world of uncaring mercenaries.

For me last night was a stepping stone. Rooney playing in a free role. Dropping deep to be alongside Gana when they had the ball. coming forward to create when we had it. Definitely his best role. Martina and Keane must have silenced some of the boo boys. Keane's header set up a goal and Martina was solid with the one outstanding block.
Walcott also laid to rest any doubts, and many had been expressed. I've been mocked for years for having him top of my shopping list.

But the new signing at Right Back was the highlight. If anyone is critical of the two wasted balls at the end of two lung busting runs in the second half they can sod off back under a rock. Seamus was unbelievable in his effort, his speed and his commitment. We have waited all season for someone or something to lift this place. He did it in the most gutsy 90 minutes I've ever witnessed. Hands up anyone who thought he'd play the whole match? Didn't think so.

Yes we got nervy at the end. That's the way this year has gone. But with Tosun kept fresh for Saturday (I assume) and Holgate and Kenny amongst those getting time to reflect on their development (for good reasons), I drove back over the Pennines last night in as positive mood as I've done for a while.

Also, saying a player "could've had a hat-trick tonight", as many say, is nonsense when the player didn't have one goal, never mind two. The chances to score the second wouldn't have arisen as they did, had an initial goal been scored.

Just spotted the Coleman banner. Well done whoever was responsible.

Walcott will rightly receive a lot of plaudits but honourable mentions last night for Keane and Martina.

As for Seamus Coleman.

Wow.

Words almost fail me but I'll give it a go.

We are proud to have you as 1 of our own and you really had absolutely no right to give us a performance like that.

Very, very memorable.

I meant a drop off of any significance mate to be honest, as was forecast by somebody or other on here.

Over 38k there last night and anyone who decided not to go because of the weather will be gutted I reckon because it was worth it if only for one incident and that was when Seamie bombed down that right wing around the 92 minutes mark like he'd been out for one game with a cold.
Outstanding man!

I'm just hoping we don't put too much pressure on the lad, especially after such a horror of an injury. I wouldn't be surprised if he is rested for this weekend's game.

Let's hope it proves to be an inspirational moment for the club and team - it had that feel to it.

One other thing, can we do something about our player chants?

Rooney, Rooney!
Oumar, Ourmar!
Theo, Theo!

I see a pattern and a lack of imagination and makes us look like morons. Surely, on last night's performance he deserves a decent chant.

Davies gave a much better performance, trying to force things, and boy did he run some miles.

Humble pie for lunch is tasting very nice, just adding a little cream thinking of Seamus' outstanding performance.

Leicester consistently made passes that completely cut out the Everton midfield without challenge – that has to stop.

One step at a time!!

I remember Wembley 95 (Twice). All the Mancs sang was a long rave about a player who wasn't even on the field (Serving a long ban). In the August we taunted the Blackburn lot for not only having one song, but only one word: Shearer.

Some of the best songs these days start in the lower leagues (Griggs on Fire). Perhaps the smaller crowds mean you get heard more easily.

It may just be that nobody can think of a word that rhymes with Sigurdsson. And I'll campaign for an Ivor Novello award for anyone who can do something catchy with Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Lewin rhymes with flew in. The goals flew in? the ball flew in?

Also I get irritated when a player hits a strong shot that misses and the brainless commentator says "He's hit that almost too well!" No he hasn't!

The problem of our midfield getting easily bypassed is one I have noted for some years now. Often teams seem to cut right through our centre.

Well I think nobody could dispute the team and tactics were far from that last night.

Credit to all the management and players for the best performance in a long time against a side who have only conceded one goal in 2018 and not lost in 6 games.

Heart of a lion and balls of steel for that challenge at the end – nothing more to say really.

Seamus is wholehearted, committed and aggressive without any malice to him. He recognises that this helps him to maximise his ability and that makes him a true professional. A true professional. He is one of very few winners that we have in this squad. And by that I mean he has a remarkable temperament and attitude. His loyalty to our club may be at the sacrifice of personal achievement, because he would have been from 2013 – present, an outstanding addition to any squad in the world.

Last night reminded me of his appearance against Spurs at home. It may have even been his first game for the club. He came off the bench in a game that looked lost to us and as the players looked like they didn't quite believe they could come from behind and outdo this Spurs side. Well those players followed in an amazing display of guts, determination and skill from Seamus. It was one of the best impact substitutions I think I've ever seen at Everton.

From thereon he took time to settle, with a season on the right hand side of midfield where he struggled to impose himself. It wasn't until 2012-13 that Moyes trusted him to perform at Right Back and he settled into that role very well, becoming arguably the best right back in the country from 2013 onwards.

What a guy!!!

The main reason why players often fail to return to their previous form after such injuries is psychological and this is quite reasonable. Feeling the bones of your leg break cannot be easy and it must be terrifying to think it could happen again. But this lad just went out there as if he had never been away and got stuck in. Despite being one of the best right-backs around for years who could have performed for just about any club, this lad (at least to my knowledge) has never angled for a move, never decided he's too good for Everton, never said he would like to play for a club that could give him Champions League Football or allowed his mother to consult a Voodoo shayman to help decide his future. In other words, never mind as a player, but as a man this lad is head and shoulders above some of the 'stars' we have parted company with in recent years.

I was at the game when he first appeared as a substitute against Spurs. 2-0 down midway through the second half and he changed the game when he came on and we salvaged a point. I remember him having an altercation with Crouch on the Bullens touchline when he reached up on his tiptoes and grabbed him by the scruff of the neck! I remember turning to my mate asking 'who is this kid?' He was raiding up and down the right sending in some lovely crosses from one of which we scored, he completely changed Spurs's shape that night and allowed us to get back in the game. I just love the guy.

Seamus, as far as I'm concerned you are up there with Alan Ball not only in terms of ability but also in terms of your commitment to this Football Club. Thank you. You really are and will forever be...an Everton LEGEND.

Some fella was interviewing Everton fans before the game and at half time, and he said it would be on local radio where Seamus is from in Donegal.

I read the live forum when I got back last night and was disgusted with the negativity before a ball had been kicked! Same at the game – a "glass half-full" merchant near me with a face like a smacked arse.

Rob Dolby (5): “Who drops out for Mangala”. It would be interesting to see Sam try a back 3 of Holgate, Keane and Mangala - young, fast and powerful and they would give us massive presence during set pieces. Coleman and Martina would be bombing up and down the flanks. So, I would drop Davies for Mangala:

Pickford
Holgate Keane Mangala
Coleman Gueye Rooney Martina
Sigurdsson
Walcott Tosun

Bring in Davies/Baningime when Rooney is tiring. Niasse, Bolasie, Vlasic, and Calvert-Lewin the striking options from the bench.

That said, with decent, quick cover, at least the lad will have a chance to demonstrate his qualities more than when he was exposed playing alongside Williams and / or Jagielka.

Saying that Rooney and Sygi can't play together? Reverse psychology springs to mind. Both played their part in a goal.

Backing Cuco when he has stated that he needs a left back? If Walshie hasn't provided one then what else is he going to do (if Garbutt et al are not up to scratch)?

This site could have destroyed a lesser player than Cuco, and, lo and behold, he had probably his best game last night! Players and confidence, eh?

Firstly, for him as a professional and human being to overcome such a setback in a relatively quick time. Secondly for Everton to have such a character and obvious future captain back in the fold.

Finally, in an era of the self driven, Sky TV fueled, financial motivated player, how refreshing to see a lad just so pleased to be on a field of play that he can burst down the wing in the 94th minute without his mind even giving thought to the the fact his body was probably hanging out of the proverbial!!

Old school mentality with a touch of modern class.

“It felt brilliant to be out there. I am delighted to be back and to put the jersey on again. But most importantly, we got the win. That makes it all the better.

“I heard the songs. I did have to switch off from the excitement before the game. I’m so grateful for the reception that I got but I had a job to do and I wanted to make sure I played well.

“But now I can really appreciate it and the support I have had from day one from both Everton and Ireland fans – it is something I will always remember. It was just a very special night.

“I found out a couple of days ago from the manager [that I was starting]. I had been preparing for that moment for the last 10 months. The manager said at half-time to give them a nod when I started to fatigue, but I just told him there was no way I was going to get tired.

“He told me to use my head and be sensible but I’d been waiting 10 months so there was no chance I was going to tire - although I did blow up a little bit at the end!”

Class.

It seems harsh on the lad but he is still a square peg in that position and cannot really add anything to our attack on that side.

I would say 3 of those players did a sterling job getting us through a period where we were short on experienced first team players and should be applauded for their effort. The experience will hopefully hasten their development.

On player in the list is a seasoned pro who was bought to have an immediate effect and has so far this season fallen well below the required level.

In a sense you are right. All have been it of the level we need, but bunching all together is a bit harsh

Let's give praise to the lad where it is due. He has come in for so much stick recently, that you would think he was solely responsible for our bad run. He is not a left-back, he is a right-footed player. It is an awful lot to ask of a player to perform on his wrong foot, especially at full-back. And unless you are a naturally two-footed player, you are quickly exposed.

As I have stated here before, back in the day we signed an England International right-back by the name of Keith Newton, a proven class act. Catterick played him at left-back, where he stunk and looked a fraction of what he was capable of. The memory never left me.

Martina is giving his all in a role that doesn't come naturally to him. Certain 'Stars' would refuse to play out of position for fear of looking bad but, give him his due, he has stuck to his task under massive pressure. He must be aware of the crowd on his back before he has even kicked a ball.

I thought he played very well against Leicester and his goalline clearance late on saved the night. So instead of continually slagging him off, let's see some real EFC support please and get behind the lad for once.

Wingers and midfielders regularly switch positions because it often benefits them, and the team, to be able to cut inside. This is not the case with fullbacks. Martina goes about his difficult job doing the best he can and deserves praise when it is due. It is not his fault that our scouting team did such a lousy recruiting job.

I am sure there would be an outcry if Allardyce put Seamus on the left side, although I am sure he would do well almost anywhere on the field.

Not with Martina himself, he seems to be a quiet, inoffensive man and a solid professional. No, I get angry with Ronald Koeman who thought that he was ever good enough to play for the club.

In fairness to Cuco, as many more charitable TWers point out, it is not his fault he is not very good. And to be even more fair, he is at least not burdened with being not very good but also very expensive too – like certain other flops that arrived under Koeman.

I don't feel the need to curse him nor the need to crow when, like any other dog, he has his day. I just feel mildly anxious to see him leave to be replaced with a player more befitting a team that allegedly aspires to crack the top 4.

Does anybody else remember that? That aspiration? Seems so along ago, may have just been a dream.

If he is supposed to playing left back then what is he doing making tackles near their penalty area on the right. No wonder he can't defend. No discipline