Scintillating football returns to Goodison Park

I'll predict we'll all be calling out Schneiderlin today.

Southampton play the same formation as last week's opponents Wolves and nobody played themselves out of the XI.

Holgate the man in possession of the shirt following Jags' sending off, correctly retains his place. This signals to Zouma and Mina you have to earn your place in Silva's team.

Canny of Silva to have the young 'uns on the bench, including Kenny and Lookman who didn't feature at all last week.

I bet there is a buzz around the Old Lady today.

The four yellow cards for Saints confirm that. They have no answer to us, other than to foul us.

If they keep doing that, with the quality Siggy is showing in this game on dead ball duty, we can further capitalize on that.

The first goal was a thing of beauty. Clearly a set routine worked on in training. Everybody correctly in position. Everybody wired for it to happen. The earlier free kicks all taken by Siggy helped confuse Southampton further as, when Baines stepped up to take it from the right hand side, all expected a shot on goal or an inswinging cross.

The dummied short ball into Walcott, the lay-off back to Schneiderlin, the blind lookaway round the corner pass back into Walcott to completely open up the back line, the touch and finish by Walcott, everything, top-top drawer.

That was the first time I have seen Silva smile as Everton manager on the sideline. He is usually intensely engaged. That was the smile of satisfaction that something worked on at Finch Farm paid off.

More wonderful movement by all for the second goal. Yes, 3 goals in 2 games is a great return from Richarlison, but what impresses me most about him is he is evidently no big-time Charlie. His work rate and tracking back to help out in defence is phenomenal. He looks a player who can claim at the end of every game that he didn't leave anything in reserve.

For their first shot on target it looked as if Jordan cocked up then got extremely lucky, but on replay it is actually a stunning, stunning recovery save.

Bernard to come in. Possibly Mina or Zouma attacking some exquisitely delivered balls into the opposition's penalty area.

Who else is getting a nice tingly feeling about how things are shaping up?

What a pleasure that half of football was.

Wouldn't mind seeing Niasse have a run. Tosun's 'movement' has been disappointing. He just trots towards the back post every time we attack.

Why was no-one marking a striker in and around the 6-yard box? Even though it was Ings, there's still a chance he might score... and so it proved.

I'll take the points and some nice passing football. Onwards and upwards.

Sigurdsson a passenger again for the second week running, and why he brought Calvert-Lewin on instead of Niasse and Lookman is beyond me.

Who would have believed the same eleven players, bar Richarlison, could play like that? Even in the very early days, it's plain to see his influence.

Siggurdsson, Keane, Davies and Tosun are not first team material for me.

However... I'm mildly optimistic. So I'll not dwell on their limitations.

Full points.

A win is a win, but we made it look hard. Still... moving in the right direction. The sooner we get the new signings playing, the better.

Southampton had to play better in the 2nd half and they duly did.

If we are going to play zonal marking at dead ball plays around our own area, then I rather think you need to put a player or two in THE zone: centre of the 6-yard box. Absolutely criminal (non-)marking for their goal.

The corner they scored from came about by poor play between Pickford and Keane. A ball over the top looked to be an easy claim for Jordan, but he backed off. Keane got in a bit of a panic, slicing the ball high to the edge of the area and a deflected shot resulted in the corner. And Ward-Prowse is right up there with the best in the Premier League from corners and free kicks.

Even though the Saints were much improved, we still had really good chances to put it to bed. Theo's disallowed goal was a marginal call against Siggy. Theo immediately had a great chance to score from a lovely interchange between the same two players, but – unlike Walcott in those situations – wasn't clinical enough in his finishing.

There were other "nearly... but not quite" moments, but overall much to be encouraged by. The one who was most off for me today was the skip, Seamus. He had some good moments, but he had more bad moments particularly with his distribution.

But compared to what we had to endure last year, this is much more palatable.

Enjoyable.

There was plenty to like. The wingers looked dangerous throughout. I thought Sigurdsson controlled the game. Gana was my MotM – he was everywhere.

Holgate had a strong game alongside the slightly iffy Keane.

The only one troubling me is Tosun. He always does 'alright'. But does he ever do more than that? He's the lone striker in an attacking team – he should be loving this, shouldn't be?

The attacking movement and interchanges were impressive, our midfield did well and the defence was good – apart from the zonal marking for corners.

I was very impressed that Silva kept the attacking intensity by bringing on Calvert-Lewin and Niasse. It is to be expected that there is still work to do, but that side only featured one of our new signings.

By an amazing coincidence, three of the players brought in by Koeman and Big Sam. Talk about axe to grind.

Davies struggled to get into the game, but grew as it wore on. A performance he can build on.

Tosun leads the line well, really helps the two wide forwards get into space.

Walcott showed well, exactly what he is. He can be great, but that miss! Had he hammered it in the back of the net, it could have been fantastic.

Sigurdsson played well imo, he ain't our star player, Gomes or Bernard will challenge for his position, but he is a progressive, direct attacking midfielder.

Holgate staking his claim for a first-team role; Keane less so.

Gueye is a monster, we need him in our team. The amount of time he wins the ball for us, does the dirty work, and his energy levels always 120%. Not much finesse to his game, but to play the pressing game, a player like him is essential.

Coleman needs to improve his final ball, but great energy.

Baines played well and Digne will not walk easily into the team.

Niasse came on and did what we expect him to do in the 15-minute cameos he will make this season.

Richarlison looks a hell of a player. Yes, on the floor a lot, but he is on the receiving end of so many fouls. When he gets the ball, there is that feeling that he will do something, and he usually does. If he can continue in this vein, well, £40 million will look a bargain.

Also great to see Silva come on the pitch and keep the players there to keep building that connection with us fans he wants so badly.

Held on just. Room for improvement around ball retention. Man of the match for me was Richarlison – a great workrate and threat. Holgate just behind – a great game at centre back.

Sort out the zonal marking, FFS, though.

Sigurdsson a passenger again for the second week running — Best I've seen him play today and, by the way, he was withdrawn in 1st half last week, so I agree: a passenger for 2nd half last week... but I couldn't fault him today. Set up a couple of chances for Theo, free kick for 1st goal, marginal at best offside for the disallowed goal.

Always available and not a passenger defensively either.

We are going to benefit from the now genuine competition for places in every position, except keeper.

I think we missed Schneids in the second half (there I said it). Under proper coaching I think we're starting to see the real morgan return. His reception from the fans suggest I'm not the only one.

Plenty to work on but more to be positive about. My only peeve is the zonal marking thing. All in all I'm feeling might positive. More new players coming in and those 3 up top look really dangerous. Its a good thing when we can win and the only real negative that we should have won by more...that will come! COYB!!

Tosun superb – I honestly don't see or understand the criticism. He pressured from the front, had men flying off him all day, his hold-up and flicks are excellent, passed well. I dunno.

I also thought Davies was excellent. Siggy was also superb.

It's amazing how the same people can watch a game and come to polar opposite conclusions!

Let's not get too crazy positive (doubt that'll ever happen on TW). We had issues at the back that better teams will absolutely punish us for. We have to tighten up at the back.

And today we figured out the "lynch Silva" cries that will come in the future - zonal marking. Just no. It never works, it's a disaster, I hope Marco changes his zonal marking.

But overall very, very happy with the game!

I would have liked to have seen Lookman on at some stage, but at least he was on the bench this week. Gana was good again, as was Sigurdsson.

Keane also made a lot of his usual mistakes, usually down to bad positioning or his mobility.

As for Tosun, I simply don't think he's a very good Number 9.

Davies didn't have a bad game, but I just don't think he's got the quality to run a midfield.

Anyway.. more positives than negatives and we won so I'll not labour the points.

Collectively poor at the back. The players will take time to get used to zonal marking, perhaps that's another reason why we bought Mina?

A lot to like going forward. Movement pace, trickery and players that look liberated and unrecognisable from last season.

We won a game we should be winning. And we saw it out after a good first half. Plenty to like, plenty to work on. I enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to next Saturday. Nice to say that, isn't it?,

It was a good test. Southampton were intent on being physical and we know we have some players that can't withstand physical play. But we did well and never stopped trying to play forward passes. Even at the end with the free kick we tried to create an opening.

There is no doubt that we look better going forward than at the back. Its a start.

I look at Wolves and Fulham and they have very good players but have been found out by how ruthless the Premier League is if you don't take your chances.

Fitness apart, I imagine after all the upheaval of the past two years that Silva is sensitive to team morale. Therefore, he probably doesn't want rock the boat by coming in and immediately ditching stalwarts like Baines and Jags. I suspect we will see them eased out gradually when convenient injuries or suspensions hit. With the midfield, I think he will be more eager to get Gomez and Silva into the action as soon as they are match fit. The guys in their way (Schneiderlin, Davies etc) don't have the same gravitas at the club that Bainsey and Jags do.

I thought that Sigurdsson was MotM and I too was impressed with Tom Davies. He was much better than last season and another impressive performance from Richarlison. Holgate and Keane had decent games but I expect that Mina and Zuma will be starting in the near future.

The next few games look winnable. This could be a good season to be an Evertonian.

Second on the list is Davies. He looked OK when no one else was putting a shift in; when everyone ups the tempo he just looks one-paced and a little lost.

Finally Tosun and Sigurdsson; they seem to be 2 seconds behind play all the time. But I think/hope they can become sharper.

Fortunately I think there are better options at the club just climbing their ways back to fitness.

Richarlison was superb attacking and defending. Holgate assured and a growing presence. Gueye as industrious as ever but with a bit more hutzpa in his all-round play as well. All in all I feel were going forwards and that's all we can ask for now!

Sigurdsson was stand-out today. I think if you don't appreciate what he brings today might have you feel he was invisible.

His set pieces were very good, his passing assured and accurate. He was always available. Arguably his interchange with Walcott should have resulted in Theo rolling it to him into an empty net.

Mostly the same players as last season but asked to go forward which most of them naturally suit.

Even the poorest players had 5s/6s rather than three or four players having 2s/3s. Overall, the bar has been set higher and it shows.

Thoroughly enjoyable.

Oh — get to fuck with zonal marking.

I hope our new signings aren't too far away from the first team. Is Digne injured?

Last season, he was winning ball but giving it away constantly; I didn't see him give it away all game. He was my MotM too, so me and Sheeds know a thing or two!

And if Walcott's golden opportunity had come to him, it would have been 3-1 and game over.

Match ratings:

Pickford - 7. Couple dodgy moments but generally no massive issues.

Coleman - 8. Excellent again. He always has a mad moment in him but yet another brilliant performance.

Holgate - 7. Such an underrated player. Excellent defensively as always. Although he needs to improve his distribution forward.

Keane - 6. Did not particularly convince me today... not as good as he was against Wolves but no absolutel clangers, which is always a positive.

Baines - 9. Magnificent. He's been a rejuvenated player under Silva these last two games. The signing of Digne has really made him up his game.

Schneiderlin - 6. Was fine. Then got injured first half.

Gueye - 6. Wasn't his best performance today to be honest. Pretty poor at the start of the first half but was more back to his old self second half.

Sigurdsson - 8. Yep. The Sigurdsson we want. Excellent linking up front with the attackers, one two's, etc. Good set pieces today.

Walcott - 7. Took his goal well but missed a couple other big chances to put us further ahead.

Richarlison - 8. What a guy. Gives his all. Fights. Lunges into huge slide tickles. Busts a fucking gut to get back. And that's before I've even talked about his killer instinct in front of goal. His ridiculous skills. Crossing leaves a little to be desired but I haven't been this excited about an Everton signing in ages. A lovely touch again at the end to give his shirt away again in the Gwladys street. Twice injured, but fought on no matter what. No matter how many times Southampton hacked him down.

Tosun - 6. He works hard and is alright, but I'd honestly be surprised if he managed 10 goals this season.

Davies - 7. New look Tom Davies? Assured and confident passing. Always looks to go forward. Could the Tom Davies of 16/17 be back?

However, we still gave away far too many golden chances to Southampton that would have been punished by a more clinical team. Defence still isn't quite there. Hopefully Mina for Keane should fix that. Nice to actually have some defensive options. And we have lots of new players still to come into the team across the pitch - Bernard, Gomes, Digne, Mina, Zouma.

There is a feeling that Silva and Brands could be building something here.

Onwards and upwards, Evertonians. NSNO.

Of course our players, especially the young ones, will learn by their mistakes but so must Silva.

I hope in the next week or so he concentrates on defending as we are extremely poor and have been from pre-season. Hopefully the new guys will help but it's not just individually we are poor – we are poor as a unit.

So far, zonal marking is embarrassing. Either Silva sorts it out or goes man-for-man.

Still some new men to slot in (and Seamus to get up to speed!) so, hopefully, we'll get better. I thought we lost a lot, in midfield, when Schneiderlin had to go off even though Davies had a half decent game.

Glass half-full and we're looking at top 6; half-empty and we already have 10% of the 40 in the bag!

So much work to be done, especially in midfield and defence, if we are to sustain a challenge for the top six.

The defence seems to lack someone in control, a dominant centre-half that the rest of the defence can work around; anything in the air left me wondering who could deal with it.

And I really don't see what others do about Schneiderlin. He may have played better than he has previously but it still looks a long way from what is needed and Davies looked a far superior, more positive option.

I'd like to see Silva have a word about overlooking a simple 1-2 to go past an opponent and drawing out another player rather than a more complicated pass, draw the man and then use the space.

Still, a win is a win, onward and upward.

The good was that there was definitely a big change in our style of play and some of the players are relishing it. Richarlison is a gem of a player.

The bad was that we were unable to kill the game off when we had the chance.

The ugly was a Soton team that seemed intent on clogging us off the pitch each and every time we broke or looked to break.

Hughes has no doubt had a hand in their cynical play. Never seen a Soton team so dirty.

Hard three points well won in my book.

We are getting an easy start to the season, we will need to step up and get new signings settled in so as to be able to compete at the deep end of the Premier League.

Last season against Southampton, we looked under pressure and looking for a draw. They were playing the football; we played the football today.

Second half was not good for the nerves, but we won out in the end.

Should have been 3 or 4 goals for Everton.

New team, new earnestness... onwards and upwards.

NSNO.

The impatient, and there seems to be a few on this thread, should surely realize that we're just two games in, only one of the signings has kissed the grass yet. The play is only going to get better and we are going to have some great moments this season.

I trust Silva will wait for the guy to have a stinker before sending him into obscurity.

I hate this zonal crap. A lot to be positive about, it should have been more comfortable than it was. We need to get our new centre-halves in to team ASAP.

That rather affirms what a number of posters commented on both last and already this season: we already had good players at the club before this summer's incomings.

What they needed was proper coaching and a strategy. There are signs we now have that.

There will be tougher challenges and bumps in the road, but as an Evertonian you would have to be a bit of an Ebenezer Scrooge to say "Bah! Humbug!" and not be encouraged by what we've seen in the Premier League under Silva thus far.

That Mammoth Melt Muppet Merson, has been praising Danny Ings' performance, stating he could be in line for an England call up.

I know he's ex RS, but the holes in the defence at times, any forward player could score unmarked.

Early days so can't criticise too much and some good players (hopefully) to come in and strengthen the team, as a lot of fans have pointed out the manager has to come to terms with zonal marking, especially with one slow thinking defender. !!!!

I know the second half disappointed in comparison with the first, but that first half gives us momentum, a base to build on, confidence to take forwards. It's very, very early days, with a few new boys yet to start even.

Holgate very steady. Schneids looking again as if he's got it back this season. Siggy very good - some of those interchanges with Tosun and Richie were sublime (practice ground stuff). Richie again well in the mix and Tosun working tirelessly and effectively. I think Silva is getting another 10% out these players - just wait till he's worked his magic further and the new lads come in.

Bumps there will be but I'm happy to clap at that first half. My dog Mudgeon is less convinced.

Plenty to work on but given the options available today, I thought the subs were very good, including the (forced) Davies substitution. My main criticisms on the day would be Seamus's crossing, the way we (as a team) managed the right side of defence, and Walcott's profligacy.

Still some kinks to iron out and I am sure Silva has some work to do with the defence but, all-in-all, a work in progress which should get better when the other new guys are off and running.

I don't think anyone had a bad game; however, our defence were pretty sloppy in the first 15 to 20 mins of the second half; I just wish Keane would have a bit more awareness of who is around him, he seems to switch off every now and then.

Silva has definitely made a difference: we're moving the ball a lot quicker and looking to pass the ball forward. I thought young Tom Davies did okay when he came on but he needs to be a bit more proactive instead of sideways and backwards.

A good solid start for Silva and what makes me relatively pleased is already I can see what he’s trying to do and there is a clear change to the style this season.

There are many things still to work on and defensively on occasions we look sloppy and careless but you’d think the introductions of a fully fit Mina and Zouma will make a difference to that problem.

Bournemouth next week will be a right tough test though and Silva still needs to quickly address the lack of away victories that have been dogging the club for the best part of two years.

Oh no it hasn't.

Simples!

Anyway, I was impressed with the pressing game again today. They do look fitter as a team. And he's got them passing that ball more quickly.
Brent

I am also bemused by zonal marking.

Looking forward to MotD tonight to see the goal that was disallowed, to me it looked marginal, if anything, but we still finished with the three points.

We must be better against Bournemouth next week as they have started well.

The majority of us here on TW seem to be singing off the same sheet, which is a bloody good sign. Yes there are kinks to iron out, only the irrational or utterly dillusional would expect anything other than that with a change of regime...but the signs are all looking good. Give it a tad more time for Silva and the lads to gel and get used to things and I can see some very exciting games ahead. Its early days and I know there will be set backs and upsets but all in all its looking up. One of the major things Ive noticed is the players all look much happier and 'together'...and it shows in how we're playing.

If I'm not blethering until next time, enjoy your weekend my fellow blues!

Marchisio is available on a free from Juve - class act. Go get him, Brands. 2 good seasons from a truly professional footballer.

I don't really think anyone had a bad game... Keane looked a bit ropey at times but not too bad; Sigurdson was much improved; Tosun held and linked well – I hope a goal comes soon for him.

All-in-all, a positive result and many things improving. Long may it continue.

This was a good fixture for us today. Silva would have been pleased to see Mark Hughes opting for the strong arm over guile and strategy. We were always superior in open play ad the extra man our flexibility afforded us in the middle was enough to ensure Davies, Gana and Walcott were able to get a nice confidence booster under their belts.

Siggy for me isn't a 90-minute player, he can go missing for long periods, but some of his passing today was sublime, perfectly weighted. This for me was his best game in a blue shirt.

Holgate surely keeps his place. He's better than Mina and miles better than Zouma.

A good day!

Still plenty of work to do, but I can see what Silva is trying to do, it makes sense and although it's just manager and players doing things some of us call basics, it's a good start.

Long may it continue and evolve.

The negatives are the high defensive line we play to enable the high press and to compact the space in midfield means we are really susceptible to long passes into the space behind and I've got no doubt any decent team with fast forwards like the RS would stretch us and punish us.

Also as someone mentioned above we continued to attack late in the game even though we had the lead, I'd be interested to see if that was still the case if we were winning 3-1.

I have no problem with a manager protecting a lead and nullyfying the opposition's threat by taking off an attacker and putting on a defender late on in a game in fact I think it is good management and shows tactical nouse. Time will tell if Silva thinks the same way!

Anyway first sign's under the new management with the new faces are good. Up the Toffees!

I believe we can still sign a Bosman type player, who is out of contract at any time.

We could certainly do with a player of his quality, and as some have mentioned we are not overstocked with defensive Midfielders.

The team will evolve as they get more games under the tutelage of Silva. It's obvious to see the difference he has made already. He will tighten the defence, and improve our all-round performance.

I know you like a bet, Paul. Did you get on at 10/11?

Okay, we saw under Watford that Silva's teams concede goals but he's going to have to do a lot more work in that area of his game if we are to have any hope of gatecrashing the top 6 this season. But he's made a very good start, and Richarlison is the most exciting Everton player I've seen in years.

We have played two sides who will be in the bottom 6. Scintillating football? Steady on.

Richarlison was excellent today and is the real difference. So, in parts, was Walcott. Gueye had a fine last 30 minutes and Sigurdsson played better in his favoured position. We played football as good as this quite a lot last season (Leicester, Palace, Liverpool in Cup, Brighton, Huddersfield) but, of course, no-one wants to believe that because now we have a new narrative.

Stop making stuff up; it will end in disappointment and will mean that Silva is put under unnecessary pressure when things go wrong against decent teams.

I don't think Silva is the man for us, but he needs full support over a long period of time. We must not indulge ourselves in fictions in the meantime.

Did Sam fucking Allardyce actually manage our club?

All played well with room for improvement but that zonal marking is dreadful and needs to be addressed before we play Bournemouth.

Also nice to see some evidence of the training behind the scenes with the first goal. Excellent. Hope we see more invention like that.

Good news.

It would be nice if, when Mike Gaynes comes over, we could all meet up at a pre-determined venue, before the match, and I dare say after too.

It would be nice to meet all the well-known names on TW, and put a face to them. None of us are getting any younger, so it may not be possible at any time in the future.

Tony 102, I went/saw each of the games you mention and have to disagree, our performance today was much better than any of those games. I agree there is still plenty to work on but at least we are shaping into a team that is looking to win rather than one trying not to lose.

Richarlison looks a player despite what Merson thinks. He has given Baines a new lease of life down the left.

Let's get some momentum behind us before we start to play the big guns.

Coyb.

It's true of Baines too. I was ready to see Digne replace him but it was vintage stuff today.

I thought he was great today and hope he flourishes with Richarlison: an Indian Summer alongside a man in the Spring of his career. If not, what a joy he's been to have in our side.

Tosun's goals will come – he works so hard and some of his touches are superb. Loads of energy – not surprising that they faded a little 2nd half.

Shay said the training is very hard in order to get them fit enough for Marco's game. Everyone was decent. And I love Richie.

I rather think he is well wide of the mark in much of his post.

Silva is not a scientific coach. And he's brought in two players like you requested, namely Bernard and Gomes. The latter is exactly the kind of passer you want.

The new joined-up passing and movement together with proper organisation.

The old complacency and lethargy when we were 2-0 up and some players decided it was holiday time again. Silva will have noted and will no doubt take action.

Cant understand criticism of Sigurdsson. I thought he dictated the game and ran his socks off.

Still very concerned about Keane's concentration. A few wayward passes and an awful attempted clearance that led to their goal. Anybody else think that Pickford seemed a bit shaky too?

It's a bit weird because they do seem to be acknowledging that Silva has altered the whole landscape but it doesn't go as far as showing a true representation in the bit that most neutrals would be paying attention to.

Obviously will be able to arrange things in the near future, but it is a definite yes from me. Cheers mate!

Steve @122, I did too, but typically, the BBC chose to make the 'highlights' appear that Southampton were unlucky to lose, rather than illustrate that it was the other way round.

I am quite happy with being portrayed as the 'underdogs', softly, softly, catchy monkey!

Our two biggest rivals for 7th before the season kicked off were Wolves and West Ham. Some were wishing we'd got Pellegrini in and we'd signed the players they had.

I do think Wolves will get better, but they're a long way off 7th. West Ham seem very poor. Pellegrini has been even worse than I expected.

Leicester look the main rivals for 7th.

With Arsenal looking even more fragile than us at the back, if we can keep getting better, and pick up wins before the big games start coming, then can we grab 6th?

Link

Everton's game today is here:

Link

Conveniently, it has two different tabs for 1st and 2nd half, depending on what you want to watch.

WARNING: depending on how alert the original broadcaster is, games listed on this site may stay up for weeks, days or just hours. Currently, you can still review today's match in all its glory.

I'll add that the debate between Schneiderlin and Davies comes down to what you're looking for. We lost defensive organisation when Schneiderlin went off. But we gained a guy who will take the ball forward and Davies did that really well.

The reality is that both have weaknesses and neither are quite what we need in that position. Someone mentioned a Darron Gibson type – I think that's exactly what we need. They just need to be a proper central midfielder... not someone who is badged as "deep lying", "defensive" or "creative". I'm looking forward to seeing if Gomes is the answer.

All round, let's enjoy the win and the green shoots... but let's be careful not to get carried away. That game had plenty of elements of the old script from the last few seasons. A late equaliser from Southampton and we're saying "same old Everton" aren't we?

Mark Hughes sent his team out to crock Richarlison in particular, as well as Sigurdsson and Tosun. They also got Schneiderlin. He hypocritically then calls for Pickford to have been red carded. I do agree with Hughes that the referee was (very) poor.

I saw the Pickford challenge from the other end of the ground and thought it was a solid challenge that Hughes wasn't averse to handing out himself. Pity he is turning Southampton into a bunch of thugs, and I hope they struggle this season.

The referee chose to ignore the rough stuff handed out to Richarlison, who dusted himself down and got on with it. He will continue to be a marked man, but he seems to have the temperament to get up and walk away, and let his football do the talking. What a motivator and a breath of fresh air.

Next is to bring in Mina and Zouma and see if it helps to shut off the opposition's goals.

Overall, all positive for us – this and that, this and that, but what a difference it is to have a team sent out to attack the opposition that contains three good finishers up top. And Oumar off the bench to drive defenders crazy!

Good start, well done.

Mark Hughes must be the most bitter manager in the Premier League. Always blames the ref. No mention of the fact that they spent 90 minutes kicking lumps out of us, of course.

Definitely the oddest comment so far.

Richarlison has the makings of a top-class front man with that hunger for goals and great link-up play. The fact that he tracks back is a big bonus too and shows the lad's got energy to burn.

Big shouts for the whole team today and great to see Tom Davies snapping at the heels and playing some nice football. It does not matter who we play, there will be chances for the opposition so it's a learning curve for Silva and the players.

A win is a win and confidence is everything for the players, manager and all of us long-suffering blues.

Case in point. Not showing the disallowed goal. It was great play by us and was unfortunately just offside. It was still a talking point and should have been shown nevertheless.

Attack The 'Kin Ball!

Joined up stuff in the first half, a bit sloppy in most of the second half.

7 out of 10, 3pts yes, but must try harder... for longer.

We've been calling for a bit more nastiness and single mindedness. First impression is that this boy's got it. And he backs it up with hard work and ability.

I just need to decide whether I'm happy about it!

I still think we defend really badly on corners. I wonder how many goals we give up on corners. It needs to be looked at.

Richarlison does add a new dimension to the game. The only complaint I have is that he does the "South American Routine" when injured. Somebody should tell him that scousers don't need theatrics. He is a good player and should expect to get rough treatment from players who just aren't up to his level.

So, defensively, there would still be the same fundamental flaws and this was clearly evident. Roll on the introduction of some of the new defender signings together with a rethink of the so-called "zonal" marking. Is the definition of this: "Mark the space but forget what the opposition players are doing"? — because this is what it looked like in this game!!

I agree it was a well worked first goal from the training field and a nice through ball by Shneiderlin but that was pretty much his only forward pass he made. I know Tom is not the finished article, which is not surprising as he is only 20, but at least he looks to move the ball forward and can run and beat people with the ball at his feet. I cannot see Shneiderlin improving at his age but I think Tom has the makings of a pretty decent Blues midfielder.

I also thought Holgate had a good game as did Calvert-Lewin when he came on. We definitely have some good youngsters to build on for the future, including Richarlison who is only 21 as well.

But for the intervention of Referee Pawson... or in his case – 'very poor, son' – who had another shocker yesterday. Wolves most likely would have been dead and buried.

Walcott coulda, shoulda had a hat-trick, but then again Southampton coulda / shoulda too.

Hopefully the performances, and the quality of the starting 11, should ramp up as the weeks roll on and the opposition, as it will, gets a bit better.

Ings was going for a ball that he knew was never his, but he knew the ball was not coming down for Jordan so he tried to make it as difficult as possible. Our boy was having none of it and put his foot through it.

When I read some of the comments on here, I sometimes wonder if the people making them have ever played the game. We had this shite last week. To get to a ball first, you have to do things quickly, this will generate momentum. What happens after the ball is played is the responsibility of both players.

Ings knew exactly what he was doing. He was testing Pickford's metal. If our boy was to have bottled that, every forward in the country would have made note. Now they will think twice before they try to intimidate him. Marker laid down.

There's a touch of the James Vaughan about Ings. He is always getting hurt because he is always going for balls that are not his. Bryan Robson would have been world class, if he could have removed that particular aspect from his game.

Bravery or Knobheadery? I guess it's in the eye of the beholder, but lay off our boy. He was put in a position and he dealt with it.

Pickford 6
Coleman 6
Holgate 8
Keane 7
Baines 7
Gueye 9
Schneiderlin 7 (Davies 7)
Walcott 8
Sigurdsson 8
Richarlison 8
Tosun 8

Few people knocking Tosun on here, I thought he played well, big engine and linked up well. He just needs a goal but that will come.

Onwards and upwards...

I seem to be the only one on TW constantly questioning Pickford. Again, my criticism is based on:

1. Punches and Parries rather than holding the ball. He could have cost us two goals today.

2. Doesn't come off is line to collect corners — again, probably because he prefers 1 above. Essential if we are using zonal marking where the 6-yard box is the 'keeper's zone.

3. His distribution on kicking is very poor (although I didn't see much evidence of that today).

4. Finally, a trait which is more obvious since the World Cup of berating his defence every time a goal is scored.

I have maintained that, as the last defender, he should see the danger better than most and should be organising the defence before the goal is scored — not after. I would be afraid he is listening to the hype about himself and forgetting that this is a team game where he also has a responsibility for goals scored.

IMO, I thought Davies, apart from one diabolical pass late in the game, was a lot better than he was last season; steadier, thought a bit more, and brought his energy to the game which Everton need more of.

Holgate was very impressive and improved the defence; while Calvert-Lewin wasn't on long, he showed a glimpse of what he can become, and there are a few more young players waiting in the wings if one or two don't up their game.

Bryan Robson would have been a world class player if he hadn't been such a lush. Huge correlation between players that were big drinkers having a series of injuries.

In the case of Mark Hughes, the unpleasant reality is his mediocrity as a manager.

For the last 10 mins, all the subs were cleared away with 10 outfield players going through what they would do doing in the game. Back four in a line interchanging passes while midfield and forward doing shooting practice.

That was then followed by Holgate and Keane doing heading practice while the rest were practicing build-up play from both wings – Coleman and Walcott on the right with Baines and Richarlison with the rest attacking the ball when crossed into the middle.

The move similar to the second goal must have been completed a dozen times before they finished.

Perfect Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance — not any more.

Defence as a unit needs to improve but room for optimism for this season. There's a different air across Goodison Park now – M&M and the rest of the board must take credit. Pride has returned and the players are playing for their places and for the club.

It's a different world to the last 4 years; let's continue the progress.

A win at AFC Bournemouth next week would be something special.

My point is, the athlete comes first, football skill is secondary to these sports science people. Reidy, Gascoigne, Molby, just to name three, all weren't their ideal weight but they were magicians with the ball.

There's a lot of money in football and, in my opinion, these sports science / dietician people are a waste of time and money. Young footballers are not robots.

Interesting to see Scheiderlin's role when we got possession; slots in to almost form a back 3 and allow the full backs to press high. I liked the flexibility and not being fixed to a particular formation depending on whether we had possession or had lost it and were seeking the ball back.

I know he's not everyone's favourite on here but could have an important role to play in this team yet. I actually thought we lost a bit of balance when he had to go off.

Helmet & body armour suitably fastened ready for incoming!

Thanks for that link to the full match. I got home from a trip in the early hours so watched it then before bed. Alas as you warned, it's now unavailable.

I really enjoyed the match. The whole feel, spirit and attitude of the team is vastly improved. We now look like we're trying to be a football team again, as opposed to some dull, mechanical device designed to just exist in the league.

I think there's some mileage in what many have said before – something "wrong" at Everton. That something has been a complete lack of spirit, which can completely trump all other efforts. Perhaps, perhaps, this is this start of the repairs. Fingers crossed.

The various aspects have been well discussed above but I have to mention one thing – zonal, or should I just call it, inadequate marking. What is this about? It's like the dual-mass flywheel of football; everyone sticking with it despite all the indications to the contrary. So far, we haven't suffered any worse than last year defensively, but we will.

Static players, or players with no focused direction of movement, ie, matching the run of an attacker, are at an immediate disadvantage in how high they can get off the ground, as well as being second best in the physical competition with the attacker, being more likely to be used as extra leverage for even greater height by the forward. The timing's off, everything's second-best.

Then there's the uncertainty of which forward to go or compete with in the heat of the moment as the picture changes quickly. You simply won't always cleanly get to the ball first, however fast onto it you are, and need to be properly competing with the attacker. It's fine having one or two "floaters" but the main threats have to be properly marshalled and dealt with, I believe.

I wouldn't mind watching some examples of teams playing this system at its tactical best for interest's sake, if anyone can think of any. My not-long-out-of-bed brain can't.

Watched the game as well and yep, the zonal marking thing is extremely trying and it seemed to leave Soton players free to do what they wanted... however, we gave as good as we got. They marked us man on man and were aggressive about it, but we were quite often able to get first touch on the ball and pressurise the keeper and both our goals came from crosses, either dead ball or in play, into a congested penalty box. Zonal or man marking?? Fuck knows, but I'm more than happy to let Silva make that decision.

So, for me, I prefer your something "Wrong" at Everton comment. We played as a team yesterday and going forward Southampton could do nothing more than just kick us, they were really incapable of matching our attacking game plan. Oh yes, we are onto something good here. Most definitely.

I wasn't impressed with Davies or Calvert-Lewin when they came on and feel they will get no game time once we have a fully fit squad.

Holgate, Sigurdsson and Richarlison were my picks for best three today. I would be disappointed if Holgate was dropped in place of a new signing unless his performances dip or he becomes injured. Comfy on the ball and the pace to cover when playing a high line is a must in Silva's setup and he has both which I am not sure if any of our other centre-backs do?

Looking forward to an away game now for the first time in a while and feel we are set up to hurt Bournemouth on the break with a movement in the final third. Hopefully we have 7 points after next Saturday...

Gooooals, he scores us goooooals, beautiful goooooals
in front of the Goodison faithful
Reeeeee-charl-i-son oh oh oh
he was an absolute bargain
Reeeeee-charl-i-son oh oh oh
he was an absolute bargain

Unless I am very badly informed, if there is an opposing player in your zone, it is your responsibility to deal with him. What seemed to be the problem is that no-one seemed to have responsibility for the central zone right by the keeper and so Ings was left entirely to his own devices whilst we had surplus defenders where there was no real threat.

So the question is: Why didn't the players take some responsibility and adapt the system to suit the situation?

I can't wait til all of the new signings are up to pace and in the squad. Team is playing great and look good attacking. Once the defense is straightened up, we might have us a formidable team!

A question for you all though: I'm coming to England Trom the States in September, and will be attending the West Ham game on the 16th. I've got 2 kids, ages 5 and 1. I would like to bring them both but wanted to know everyone's thoughts on bringing the youngest one? Also, where is a good place to sit with kids? (I obviously know of the Family Enclosure but seeing if there is something else/better?)

Thanks for any thoughts!
COYB

I realize the could be sentimental objectives in taking the youngest to Goodison for what is possibly the last opportunity, as I did the same for my 16-year-old boy in April before he hits the last two years of high school.

Personally I wouldn't recommend taking the 1-year-old though. Frankly you will have your hands full with what is likely to be a very overwhelmed 5-year-old, and the 'facilities' are more 1930s Fenway than Cowboys stadium.

Coincidentally, I am also in England for the West Ham game and taking my oldest boy who is 10 for the first time. We have sorted tickets in the Family Enclosure. I would also recommend the mid tier of the Main Stand.

Have you sorted tickets yet? I had to buy a membership for both of us in order to get advanced access to tickets before they went on general sale.

If you haven't purchased tickets, yet you may have left it too late as, by the time they come onto general sale, only the worst tickets are still for sale and these are at the back of the stands and often with obstructed views.

StubHub

Our zonal markers Saturday were mostly static so getting a head on the cross was more difficult. Not so defending crosses from open play.

Marking man for man also leaves you static unless "your" man moves towards the ball, however as an attacking player you are more often running towards goal before your marker reacts. He then has to go with you with the more difficult header on the cards.

All the blocking that goes on restricts attacking runs but when VAR becomes regular that will reduce. At that point I'd expect zonal to become more common and blocking to become more common amongst attackers than it is now. Chelsea used to use that tactic "very effectively" to allow Terry to get headers in at their corners. Cheating bastards. In those days all their defenders used to "starfish" for crosses and shots.

It would be possible to discuss in depth the finer details and differences of the marking systems, and perhaps it would be ultimately said that the ideal composes elements of both to some degree.

I tend to think that, as a basic starting point, the maybe two or three major threats of a side from a corner or other set-piece should be attended specifically by the defenders best able to do it, without deviation.

This is exactly what we have not seen in recent seasons; too many headed goals conceded to unchallenged, unmarked players in space – usually on the back of a visible nervousness.

I don't know what one would attempt to call our "system" of recent times, but defending these situations was one of our strong points for many years. I just know that many teams that have used the zonal system in this league seem often to've conceded those kind of goals that leave defenders looking puzzlingly at each other as to where the unchallenged forward came from, into a big space.

In the two games so far, things look a little less edgy at the back. We'll have to wait and see what transpires, I guess.

Stand where the ball needs to come (and the attacker has to run to) give yourself one job, then head it away and defending is much, much easier. I did it for years at a low level, easily beating markers (and winning penalties from my ‘man-to-man’ marker) to score and easily winning defensive headers because it didn’t matter where the attackers were. The goals I conceded off corners were when I had to ‘man-to-man’ mark and I was either blocked or the movement was good.

I understand what you say about the defender having to track the forward, a job in itself, but he is at least focused on that and reading cues, as opposed to trying to watch a "Zone".

What ever system a manager chooses to use, if defenders fail to attack the ball then it will fail. If any team sticks rigidly to any form of play, then a good opposition coach will find ways of beating it. I could write a thesis on the pros and cons of man-to-man marking and zonal marking. I personally believe it has to be a combination of both.

Basically, you form an arc of five players which covers from (the position of the first defender) about two yards from the byline, about a yard outside the width of the goalpost, to the (third defender at the) centre of the goal on the six yard line, to the sixth defender in the opposite position to the first (and obviously the second opposite to the fifth). If that's hard to follow, imagine a force field of defenders around the keeper and the goal spaced out number 1 at the front and number 5 at the back.

No-one in the line of five has anyone to mark and your three best headers of the ball occupy positions 2, 3 and 4 but they all MUST attack the ball if it comes in the space in front of them.

You have two more players marking the posts and two more marking the space either side of the penalty spot, ready to attack the ball to the edge of the box or deal with ‘seconds'. One is left up on the halfway line.

This zonal marking tactic was employed by my team (I was practically a one-club man) successfully for the entire time I played but it is absolutely predicated on having players who are good in the air and want to hunt the ball and I don't believe we have enough of those types of players in our team currently.

The difference between zonal marking and man marking is, in zonal marking, you have to attack the ball. In man marking, you only have to stop your player from being able to attack the ball.

I am an advocate of zonal marking because it works but I think successful management is about understanding the attributes and failings of your players and adjusting accordingly. I personally think we need a combination at Everton until the playing staff changes.