Everton win away with two fine goals

So unless Bernard can play with that kind of guile that will draw players to him, then Richarlison is likely to get isolated.

Tosun and DCL have not been up to the required standard of late. It is time to try something different.

Win lose or draw, well done to Marco for trying it.

Have we signed Mina and Gomes on a 12-month holiday deal?!!

I was thinking that it would be Walcott playing central.

He clamoured for it at Arsenal so I wouldn't be surprised if he has been discussing the role with Silva this week.

Looks a good team to me. Best we've got currently, though it will be tough for Richarlison if he's getting the ball with back to goal and Maguire and Morgan breathing down his neck.

Once again, god knows why Davies is captain, he's going to have a good game today and run faster if we're to get a result there.

Nice to see Silva making the changes, we all might not agree with them but let's get behind our boys! COYB!

Whilst I agree Richarlison's best position is not as an out-an-out striker, he has played the central and second striker a lot with Fluminese and within the Brazilian national set up, as witnessed by his senior games for Brazil last month. He is not completely alien to the position.

Indeed, he played centre forward on his U-20 debut for Brazil a couple of seasons ago - and scored - in a 1-1 draw against an England side which included Ledson, Dowell, Lookman and Calvert-Lewin, curiously enough.

Today's line up should be an interesting watch.

Not sure about Richarlison up top but it will be interesting to see how he goes. Personally, I prefer to see him on the wing. Plenty of pace and quality up front; do we have the players to create for them though?

Bad goal to give away on the break, playing a high line.

We look dangerous going forward and will surely create more chances.

I think overall we've been the better side, but need Davies and Gueye to start winning more battles in midfield. The front four have pressed very well. If Gueye and Davies could raise their levels, we would win this at a canter.

Wonderful play by Bernard for the goal and he has made some nice plays, but let's not ignore some very loose passing by him as well, both in attacking positions and around our own area.

We really needed that second goal from the opportunities we created, because Everton will concede goals.

Their equaliser was awful. Awful-awful-awful. We're close to scoring the second from our own corner. The ball gets cleared. Gueye does his job, getting his head on the ball, but Bernard is very sloppy attempting a first time flicked pass return which coughs up cheap possession and Leicester are away.

Kenny – who, I'm sorry to say, was Everton's poorest performer today – first gets sucked in to the ball, leaving the goalscorer free wide left. Kenny gets back but is turned inside out and put on his arse. He has to do better there.

Tom Davies and Gueye look very good in midfield. Zouma and Keane solid in defence. So why are we only level..?

I said at the time that, unless he starts chipping in with either goals or assists, then he's a waste.

I, along with many others, also said he's a very good player, he just wasn't producing an end product - with either goals or assists.

I'm glad I'm being proved wrong.

Great goals, great set up by Bernard and quality calm finish by Richarlison. Great turn and what a strike by Gilfy. A win away from home EARLY in Silva's time as manager. We must keep our patience and watch this new management team of Silva and Brands build this club back to where it should be. Great win.

Starting to come together with a defence which is getting more solid and a team which is not frightened to attack home or away. Still a couple of players to come in when fit who could improve the team even more.

I think I might be starting to enjoy my football and my Saturdays again. COYB

But I'd love to see a lot more intensity and some real leadership on the pitch. I wouldn't mind giving Lookman a run out instead of Walcott too, who looked the weak link to me today.

Pre-game comments suggested that Richie would not be suited as a centre-forward (it was only El Salvador...) but I think he proved a few wrong that he can play there.

Anyway, pleased for all Blues.

The improvement continues; we are heading in the right direction.

NSNO.

Increasingly, Sigurdson is starting to deliver on what he is capable of. There are very few players in the PL who can do what he did for his goal today.

The Cryuff-like turn on England's new Golden Boy, Maddison, left the kid for dead. Gylfi's look up, his balance, his technique, his execution, his placement, against a top keeper like Schmeichal, was quite simply world class.

Silva has been playing Siggy in a more advanced, supportive role, of the main striker this season. It is starting to pay dividends. The Icelander ALWAYS puts in a shift. He sees and makes passes few others in the team can make. His goal ratio of goals scored outside the area is further evidence of the accuracy of his placement (his two goals against Fulham were all about technique and placement, not power).

I thought Davies and Gueye were excellent in midfield. Bernard is going to trouble lots of teams, but he was also wayward at times.

Richarlison, aside from his goal, is another who always puts in a shift. Walcott hit and miss. Twice he could have set up his striker with a clear scoring chance, took it on himself in the first half only to be shut out by MacGuire. Pitifully underhit and inaccurate pass in the second when he could have rolled in Tosun.

Keane and particularly Zouma really solid in defence, Digne sound, Kenny the poorest on show, but even he improved second half.

Still too ponderous and not quick enough in possession for me, even against 10 men, but a vast improvement on the debacle against the Saints mid-week.

Great win!

Kenny does seem to struggle at right back, but doesn't get a lot of help from Walcott to be fair, but should be learning quicker. Premier League games are not the place to practice, but who else have we got at the moment?

There are signs of good things to come, but I have not, and never will forgive Silva for Tuesday's decisions.

The front 4 were a joy to watch in the first half. Bernard was brilliant, stunning strike from Sigurdsson. No doubt he'll still get stick for something!

But we were the better side and think we would have still nicked it even without Morgan being sent off. With the numerical man advantage, we brought Bernard inside and moved Sigurdsson deeper, which is what I've wanted to see us try have mentioned a few times on ToffeeWeb. Moving deeper gave Sigurdsson more room to operate and he scored an amazing goal that has to be Goal of the Month. Happy for Sig that he is now justifying that huge transfer fee. For me, he is a much better player than Ross Barkley. While Barkley has more pace, he doesn't have the football brain or guile of Sigurdsson.

Also have to mention Bernard's performance. He looks a special player who is exceeding my expectations. I really thought he would have problems adapting to the physicality of the Premier League but he has skill, vision and is quite pacey for such a small man.

I'm very happy with the performance and it was the right call to move Richarlison as a No 9. Hopefully this means we see less of Niasse and Calvert-Lewin who just aren't good enough. I still think Calvert-Lewin could come good, but he needs a loan to a lesser Premier League club and to play every week.

I might be a bit harsh here but thought Kenny struggled against Chilwell and also didn't do enough to prevent their goal.

I have thought all along that Richarlison is the best striker on the books by a country mile. His pace had Morgan worried all day and eventually he had to go, this will happen more and more when we play Richarlison in this role. He gives the midfield so many options which Tosun and DCL don't, it also doesnt become a choice between him and Bernard for the wide left spot. This team is starting to come together and Bernard looks a typical Brazilian player lovely touch and great skill. Also delighted for Sigurdsson after taking some public slagging from Carragher on Sky the other week has now scored 3 goals in 2 consecutive league games. Sigurdsson looks as if he is really enjoying his football under Siva something he didnt sem to under Koeman or Allardyce.

Like most of you guys say, this season is a lot better and 3 quality players to come in soon...

Yes, great win in the end... but fine margins — the game could easily have gone away from us rather than in our favour. Silva's game management and subs still highly questionable IMHO.

50 yards from goal, Richarlison's back to the goal, and Morgan decides to rake his Achilles, on a yellow.

Brain-dead move. Appreciate it!

What did you want Silva to do? Run onto the pitch and tackle the player instead of relying on Gana and then Kenny to do their jobs? Honestly, the constant focus and moaning about managers is just idiotic.

Any time a goal is scored it's immediatly the manager. Earlier in the year it was all zonal marking. Well, now we're not conceding from corners so it's goals scored against the run of play on a break after multiple Everton players fail to do their jobs.

Let Bernard who appears close to full match fitness work with Walcott, Richarlison and Lookman as a fluid four.

There far more brains on the pitch and technique for that matter.

Gomes might change that. That front four will create space for Sigurdsson from deep for sure.

Today was great, but despite a good period of play could easily have been a win for Leicester. With our brio comes an openness and fragility which cannot be ignored.

Points for the line up and style, take a few off for the substitutions and game management.

Back-to-back wins in the Premier League!

Walcott and Gana need to show more desire, determination and desperation. At least twice, Walcott in the penalty box allowed a ball to bounce when he might have done something with it before it bounced and not waited until it came down as the defender seemed then to beat him to it. And Gana for their goal allowed a player sat on the floor to keep him from the ball.

Bernard looked knackered about 5 minutes before half-time; I was surprised it wasn't him subbed 20 minutes into the second half and I thought it was a mistake taking off Davies who was linking most in midfield rather than Gana.

Kenny's defending was poor but he wasn't helped by Walcott not doing enough back-tracking. There is also a problem with both Bernard and Richarlison both looking to prefer playing wide left as Richarlison is most certainly not a centre-forward whose presence dominates the penalty area while Tosun seems too concerned with his work rate over getting into scoring positions.

Second half, Leicester came out and upped their pace but still didn't seem to use Vardy's pace to its best effect; then Sigurdsson's goal was certainly worth 㿙Mill.

I have been critical of what appeared to me a lack of coaching but the defence looked a lot better. I have some doubts about today's substitutions but, all in, today seemed an improvement in performance – especially from Bernard and Sigurdsson.

Holy shit! Beautiful! That was absolutely priceless.

I liked the Bernard - Richarlison - Walcott setup. They have the quality to make a difference. You feel something is going to happen when we attack. The opponent will be on the back foot and can get done by pace or skill. It's all welcome, and what we have been crying out for – for a long time.

Well done to Sigurdsson, an absolutely fantastic goal, it will do his confidence the world of good. His corners and free kicks have been frustratingly below his high standards lately; I hope he kicks on now.

How does Silva fit Mina and Gomes into a winning team? If they are all healthy, who gets dropped? I don't think anyone deserves to be, but maybe Seamus will replace Jonjoe for the Palace game.

Tighten up the defensive lapses, and by defence I mean midfielders and attackers as well as their goal started deep in their half, and we should begin to turn things around.

Good performance today.

.

He doesn't fit Gomes or Mina in until injury or a loss.

Don't change a winning side man!

It still doesn't make up for the League Cup debacle though!

This club needs trophies. And soon!

This is a build and a journey – happy to see we are moving in the right direction… don't except trophies this season.

It was absolutely crucial to get the Fulham 3 point and the away win against a very on-form and difficult outfit that is Leicester City right now is a great sign of progress.

Loads of development to go – but things taking shape…

I don't really understand why managers think Schneiderlin will tighten things up though – Silva has that same blind spot.

Great to get the win in a season that I think will see hopes rise and fall on numerous occasions.

However, I think we were lucky. Leicester started the second half much brighter and, although Keane won't come up against Vardy's pace every week, it looked to me like a matter of time before he broke through and scored.

But up stepped Morgan, and a magnificent strike from Sigurdsson, and that was pretty much that.

Kenny looks lost and Davies is terribly loose with possession in defensive positions.

Anyway, good win, room for improvement and nothing wrong with a bit of luck.

Bernard looks like the player we have been crying out for, for years, and the win could kick-start the squad to better all-round performances.
Maybe!

As this is not lost on Marco who will make one or two additions then we have a top four possibility. This team is very capable!

Our two goals were superb and, most importantly for me, we played out the last 10 minutes, ground it out at times, to secure the win.

We also played some very good football, Bernard in particular had some sublime touches. I'm made up for everyone who was there today.

Get out of here... Silva did brilliant today. To win away at Leicester is not easy. Give the guy some credit.

I've always said, watch us in November-December before making judgements about the team. Once this lot click, I think we'll all be pleasantly surprised.

That was a great win against dangerous opposition and was well deserved. Davies had his best game for us today and we looked dangerous every time we broke. Give some credit where it's due.

For all his brilliant service for many years, it's time to say goodbye to Bainesy. Unless Digne gets injured, we won't see Leighton again. I'm not sad about that, his legs have gone, and Digne is an EXCELLENT player.

We have Mina and Gomes waiting in the wings, and up-front we have the mouthwatering possibility that we have two world-class players on our hands, Richarlison and Bernard are swaying to the Samba beat! Walcott is a solid player too, and Gylfi is definitely finding his feet and showing us his true class.

Now, Mr Brands, over to you. You need to go all out and find us an out-and-out goal-scorer / centre-forward.

Pleased with the all around team effort; can this tempo be maintained? And I'm seeing signs, right or wrong, that this squad looks comfier and happier playing away. If this the case, it must change soon as the fixtures in the Chrimbo run up will show no mercy for any lack of effort.

The jury is open but that's what it seems like but the evolution is in progress but this was a good response for the team selection and terrible result on Tuesday night.

Looking forward and elevating upward but a long way to go but good character seeing this game out.

Please let's build on this game and some genuine class today for our goals, which shows there's plenty of potential to tap into.

Good weekend all Evertonians.

Certainly, they harass and physically challenge members of the opposing team but seem happy to 'slot one home' just once in the proverbial blue moon.

That previous scouts could land us with two of this brood when we already had the perfect example of it in our U23s makes me realise how much Walsh took the piss as well as the money when he was our recruitment king!

Zouma looks like he is going to be a good strong centre-back, he might have wrapped it up with the header, from a great corner by Sigurdsson, maybe should have done.

I can see a lot of improvement in every game – not counting the Huddersfield game and the League Cup versus Southampton where Silva might have a learned a valuable lesson – and I think we will continue to improve with two more signings to come in and the young lads learning as they play more.

Surely most can see a big improvement on the rubbish that was last season, and I know last season couldn't have stayed as bad as it was, but we look so much more. We are giving the opposition something to think about and giving them a game instead of looking like laughing stocks, which we did most of last season.

All of a sudden, we have such a player. Obviously they each have their own strengths and style but, in terms of just all around quality, Bernard seems cut from the same cloth as Aguero, Silva and Willian.

When Mina and Gomes are fit and ready, we have the nucleus of a half-decent squad. Beating Leicester was a good result.

“He is a better player than Barkley”

Rod Hull and Emu are also better players than Barkley.

You can always spot a good player, without stating the obvious, as he is always aware of what is going on around him, plus can make time, to look up to see if others are on the same wavelength.

We seem to be slowly getting there, and as mentioned before, Keane and Zouma seem to be gelling as a defensive pairing.

Digne is another one who deserves an accolade, he looks to have made that position his, barring any unforeseen reasons.

We definitely need to address the right side of defence although I wouldn't totally write Kenny off just yet, he's had a taste and should know now what is required, maybe a loan spell would do him good.

I think the midfield will sort itself out when Gomes is available, hopefully not pinning too many hopes on him, having not seen him play for us yet.

I think we would all agree that neither Tosun, Calvert-Lewin, or Oumar Niasse is the answer up front. Hopefully, Marcel Brands has a couple of cards up his sleeve to address that come January, or in the Summer.

If we can't get anyone in January, it could be a long-term problem area!

I just mentioned the Sigurdsson - Barkley comparison because Ross was mouthing off about lack of coaching this week and a few people were saying we missed him getting us up the pitch. I'd argue that Barkley isn't capable of retaining any instruction given to him. I'm much happier with Sigurdsson.

If Mina and Gomes both come good, I think we might only be a striker away from challenging for a top 4 place next season. But, for that to happen, we have to buy another 20+ goal striker, either in January or next summer, which will be easier said than done. But, looking at the positives, if Mina and Gomes do come good, it does mean the team doesn't need mass surgery and we just need to spend big on a front man.

Back to today, it was a pretty good performance but we do need something different in midfield, whether that be moving Sigurdsson deeper in the No 8 role to accommodate Bernard or playing Gomes as a No 8 when he's fit. As I say, if Gomes can do that role and Mina is as good as we think he'll be we are going to be very strong around December. A few what-ifs there, but I'm very positive at what the rest of the season holds.

All of Silva's signings show promise and he is already getting more out of the players he inherited than our previous manager. While this is our first away win this season, we have played well in all the away games. We still need to improve our home form.

However, I stated that I only saw the highlights of the first half. I saw Vardy missing a one-on-one in those clips, not that we didn't have our own chances.

The fact that we could've put the game to bed before half-time should not be seen only as a positive thing in my opinion, if that's the case.

By the way, your name is one of a few on Toffeeweb that is pretty cool or at least very close to being cool.

That's all that matters as that was a tough away fixture and I honestly thought we'd come away with nothing.

Happy days.

There's a couple of things that annoy me on here:

● People on the match preview threads predicting a loss. Don't understand that... never have. How many were there this time? Why would anyone do that?

● People on this thread, based on one better performance, predicting that we will now have a wonderful season. Why would you do that? Have you not spent your life watching football? It doesn't make any sense at all.

FFS, football is one game at a time. You cannot predict what is going to happen. Some say that's why it's so intriguing. Personally, I watch it for moments of sublime skill like we saw today. Not so I know ahead of time how the next game will pan out. Or how the season will pan out.

We've not seen enough skill by any means but there is more on show each match, especially with someone like Bernard starting. Pity Richarlison fades or fails to come inside the penalty area and really challenge the opposition.

If a top striker becomes available, would he want to come to us? Probably not. I think we need Brands to unearth an unknown gem, or a Bernard type coup.

David (#75), you're are so right mate and I'm still creaming myself from the Stig's screamer, happy day indeed.

It just goes to show how seriously the club's faffed things up since Moyes left, and the more so since Moshiri bought in, until his M&M regime took over.

Someone above stated that Richarlison started for Brazil U21s a year or two/three ago, against an England side featuring four of our own best young Everton players, only one of whom (Davies) has gone on to even win a regular-ish place in our first team. I ask myself this question, without even getting close to an answer:

"Is their lack of success in comparison to the likes of Richarlison down to their lack of ambition, skill or coaching at Finch Farm?"

Jeez, after Ross Barkley this week said he'd never had much coaching until he got to Chelsea, I think we sadly know where the money might go if we were to venture a bet.

Anyway, good result today and I can't remember seeing so many references in the match reports above to attempts on their goal. Long may it continue.

Also, did anyone hear those idiots Keown and Ince say that Richarlison conned the referee and that he should have more respect for his fellow players.

If that was the top six, it would be well done or why didn't they go down? The bias continues.

It feels like whenever I predict a win, we lose. Superstitious nonsense. I apologise and will refrain from repeating on here.(However, I'll continue to predict a loss on super six after today's result...)

Good away performance today. Many positives. Liking our forward line this season...

Digne is our left back now and Baines as back-up. A classy player.

Masterstroke from Silva giving Tom the armband.

Those saying we need Schneiderlin... well, we're a hundred times better playing Gueye and Davies.

I appreciate Mina is our long-term defender but how can he drop Zouma? Today, he was immense.

Those saying Richarlison is wasted centrally and will never win a header... well, how wrong.

I think Walcott, today, showed why he's never really made it as a top player. Some of his passes are lazy and put us under unnecessary pressure.

Silva is only young and his progressive attitude could be exactly what we need to carry us forward. He will and does make mistakes, of course, but his after-match comments praising Sigurdsson gave me confidence that he recognizes a footballer when he sees one.

That should give us all confidence that, when we purchase players, they will add something to our team, and that is a massive step forward from previous managers.

I wonder who the other three teams are?

However, he stuck to his task and the game will have been a good part of his education.

Seen some comments on Twitter ripping Kenny to bits (a big well done to the fans who found a new scapegoat this week, especially as Tom Davies played well and Calvert-Lewin didn't play), I agree, he was suspect for the goal and made a stupid error, but that said, isn't that normal for a young lad!

Sigurdsson deserves credit for an unreal goal. I myself have asked for him to produce more, he seems to be doing just that, although imo it's expected from a 㿙M playmaker.

Bernard was a breath of fresh air, his pass completion won't be off the scale but he's forever trying to make the killer pass. With him in our team, we will definitely be a much better side.

Richarlison was very good in the forward roll, he caused havoc all day for Morgan – he will still be popping up tonight in his sleep!

Walcott wasn't at it today; tbh, I think he's a player who you can see almost within 10 minutes how he's going to be on the day. Theo is a dead cert starter for us as he merits it, but today he was pretty shocking, he should have been replaced for Lookman who deserved a run out after his midweek performance.

All-in-all, a great result and a pretty good performance. I actually enjoyed watching us today.

I heard more singing in the first 20 minutes then I've heard all season at Goodison, and by the end of the game, more than I've heard during the last two seasons at our own ground.

Some great play, especially in the first half, lucky that Morgan got his red at a time Leicester were well on top, but what a fantastic winner for the fantastic support that Everton received, where I don't think I heard a "Fuck off, you're shite" given to any of our players today.

I agree, it was a mixed day for Kenny but he doesn't deserve the whipping boy tag. He hasn't played enough games, unlike someone like Calvert-Lewin, who has been heavily criticised, rightly or wrongly. Speaking for myself, I can say I appreciate some of Dom's attributes but he needs some time out on loan to find his shooting boots, like Tammy Abraham who's now at Villa.

I also agree with your assessment of Theo, and think you are right that Lookman should have replaced him at some point. Lookman was one of the few players to play well against Saints in midweek. I think bringing him on would have sent a positive message to Lookman and would have helped team harmony.

I agree that good technical and tactical players playing together make a big difference. We've seen this in the second half last week and throughout the game today. The introduction of Gomes should improve things more. Richarlison is better in the centre-forward role with Bernard on the wing.

Both Calvert-Lewin and Tosun are not up to it. Tosun maybe could suit, but can Everton afford the luxury of a player that is dependent of being set up to score, rather than one that, at centre-forward, doesn't take and beat his marker.

Sigurdsson's contribution in the team has evolved from that of a supposedly creative number ten, a role in which he struggles at times, to that of a support striker, a role in which he currently excels. His goal was out of the top drawer.

I don't agree with the criticism of Kenny for the equaliser. He was left exposed by a tricky forward running at him with pace. Just as Leicester struggled to deal with Bernard, Walcott and Richarlison running at them, so did Kenny. All he could do was try to hold play up until his team mates could get back. Sometimes you have to give credit to the opposing player for a good piece of work.

At the game, I thought Pickford had no chance of saving the shot. I have not yet seen the TV replay to confirm that.

Digne was outstanding. He read the game very well, won all his aerial battles, of which there were several, linked well with first Bernard and then Richarlison and put a couple of shots away when he had the chance. Looks a top player.

In the first half particularly Maguire was allowed far too much space to spray the ball to either flank. Either Sigurdsson or Richarlison needed to close him down. Eventually, they did so, presumably after some direction from the touchline but it should have been addressed much earlier in the game.

The win will be a huge boost to everybody but as Silva said after the game there is much to work on. That is reassuring to hear because it is very true.

Dave @ 65. I think you and I sing from the same hymn sheet with regards our young 'uns and have more faith in them then a good few on here.

That said, as you fess up, you didn't see the first half. Kenny was really poor. REALLY poor. He definitely improved in the second half, so you saw the 'best' of him today. But he was without doubt our weakest link in the first 45 minutes.

By contrast, Davies was excellent throughout, although some only judge him on a handful of stray passes. As was his midfield partner, Gueye. Lots of good stuff to enjoy today, but we are still too ponderous on the ball for me, even against 10 men.

But it was night and day, not only from most of the 'fare' served up last season, but even from Tuesday's debacle against the Saints.

Today Silva only proved to me the extent of his poor judgement on Tuesday vs Southampton. Look at how a strong team, virtually the strongest possible, can play with an attacking intent that produces the goods. I can't accept the excuses, Silva's nonchalant approach has damaged this season and it was all so unnecessary.

Taken separately from Tuesday's nonsense, this feels like a really mixed performance.

Brilliant goals, great attacking flow and variation. Bernard looking like we can dare to dream he's, you know, a cracking Brazillian. Digne thinking he's got a flyer of a partner in front of him who spookily doesn't mind the odd bit of tracking back. Gylfi coming good at last. Richarlison suggesting he can be more than useful at No 9 and tho this wasn't his day, Walcott still offering the potential for incisive balance down the right.

All good? Not quite. No clean sheet again. We could easily have conceded three more. Kenny, see him struggled all day against tricky opponent Chilwell. But somehow Zouma and Keane managed to look sound and a bit of a shambles almost in the same moment!!

Mina to arrive, Gomes too. Steer clear of injuries. It could pick up, couldn't it... but signs remain that, regardless of rumours, we need the January window to bring in a forward and a more athletic defensive midfielder.

Not sure if that's sarcasm or not? I lean with Chris @ 101. Richarlison was kicked the shit out of. I've gone back and watched the entire game now.

But you are correct. If that sending off had been against us, I'd definitely be crying that it wasn't.

Probably would have used terms like, "never in a million years," or, "barely any contact," or my personal favorite, "it's a man's game!"

But alas, it was against Leicester. Clearly, clearly a sending off. ;0)

It was entirely a stupid thing to do on a yellow!

The sooner Gomes is fit, the better in my opinion. I really think that a midfield trio of a Gomes, Gueye and Sigurdsson would lift Everton to a different level. Bernard on the wing and Richarlison in the centre would make Everton a real threat with Walcott. Tosun and Calvert-Lewin are just not good enough. Kenny is doing okay and, like Keane, has come on a lot.

Gomes is a fine passer but a defensive liability who collects yellow cards like old men collect postage stamps. He's had more yellows for Barca than goals and assists combined, and it's not because he's a crunching tackler. He just has no clue defensively and won't remotely compare to Davies's work rate.

After the first-half turnover, Davies had a nightmare second half passing – made five giveaways in about 12 minutes at one stage – and his errors outweigh his good passes IMO. But his defensive work is irreplaceable at this point, and we definitely play better with him in the lineup than Schneiderlin.

Sure, in isolation, that foul didn't warrant a red, but it wasn't a red, it was a (second) yellow card. He was constantly fouling Richarlison and it was the third or even fourth time he should have been carded and had he got lucky (again) he'd have only fouled him again and walked a few minutes later. Which is a credit to how well Richarlison played.

On another point, Davies and Gueye really played well today. They are developing a good partnership there. Neither are the greatest passers of the ball but they are getting quicker in transitions and moving the ball quicker. Their quickness from winning the ball to shifting it up the pitch is what gave us our tempo and is a major factor in how many chances we created.

I'd love to see the stats, but I read that Davies has run the furthest in each of the last 3 matches, and I bet he was ahead again, at the point he was taken off. The pair don't stop running and chasing and never seem to tire. Maybe they don't have sublime ball skills, but they gave the a solid base on which the skilful front four could build upon.

Sigurdsson is really turning into the Number 10 we paid 㿙M for. He needs to keep this up for the rest of the season, but I'm starting to think he can. He's another who doesn't stop running.

Silva is building a side of hard working players who can run all day, and with 4 in the side who also have great technical ability, there is the start of a team that can get 4th. We need to improve a lot more though. This is still only the start a lot more hard work needs to be done on the training pitch. I have no doubt we will get even better.

I think he would be decent in a freer role strolling around the pitch, surrounded by pace. He can pick a pass and thread the ball through the eye of a needle. He's also got a great shot, even if he doesn't score that many. He's got quick feet, a great touch, sublime ball control, and can turn on a sixpence.

But that doesn't change that he can appear "slow" or "lazy", the main criticisms that the Barca fans had of him. The youngster I saw for Benfica was anything but slow, and did work hard, but he's not the hard runner Silva seems to want.

Was he someone we took on an extended trial as a favour for our new best mates, Barcelona? No doubt both Silva and Brands know all about him. I can't really see him signing unless both agreed he would improve the side, and Silva had a plan for how he can fit into his vision of this hard running team, without changing how we play. I am eager to see what it is. Or maybe, Silva has been training Gomes hard and trying to get him to play like his life depends on it, and he will emerge as a hard-working player, like in his Benfica days?

Schneiderlin brings nervousness and at times outright panic into a match. Unfortunately, it is with his team mates and not the opposition. Even with him on for barely a minute, Leicester got a free header that could have cost us two points. Along with others on TW, it is noticeable how other players all perform better both individually and collectively without Schneiderlin in the side. I still cannot fathom out how three managers have now failed to spot it.

Other than that, a very good performance, although we are still very susceptible to long passes over the centre-backs, passing needs to improve throughout and Walcott needs to buck his ideas up with all aspects of his game. A joy to see Everton playing some proper football again.

That said, I agree with MK. Very fine margins and Leicester could quite easily have scored more. Schneiderlin, even in his limited minutes, caused panic.

Without taking anything away and not wanting to be negative we do make hard work of it and the sending off helped without a doubt.

We put so many crosses in the box from fullbacks, wingers, corners it would be great to start taking advantage of them. I know Mina could help from dead-ball situations but what about from open play?

A Duncan Ferguson type striker may not fit Silvas style but why bother having fullbacks bomb forward delivering crosses if we can't win or compete for them, maybe a Plan B?

To defend a couple of our homegrown players they work hard, are pretty good on the ball and I imagine having more options and quality around them will help improve and bring them on. They have a brain which helps makes up for what they lack.

When penalties are not scored and simple 10-yard passes are misplaced I understand it's frustrating but even the most experienced of players make mistakes so we need to keep encouraging and not ridicule.

Unfortunately, when up against sheer pace and good movement you either have it or don't and there is very little you can do to change that in a sprint.

Anyway, celebrate 3 points today and hope there are no injuries before the next game.

Let's hope that Silva shuffles a good team for the next game.

Adding to that, either he'll need to learn when to try things or we'll need to learn to live with his mistakes. I'd rather the latter. He made a few sloppy passes in dangerous positions including the one that led to the Leicester goal.

Other than just focusing on Bernard, it feels like we're back to where we were prior to West Ham. We should be excited by what's happening but not be getting carried away by a narrow win.

We always look ready to concede but the attacking players we put on the pitch today are such an exciting proposition. I actually look forward to Everton games!

I can't understand why we're zero threat from set pieces. We're winning plenty of corners and free kicks, we've got one of the best set-piece takers going around, and we're bringing two massive centre-halves forward. Doesn't make sense.

Leicester were there for the taking. We should not have had to rely on the magic moment from Sigurdsson. Walcott did a Walcott on so many occasions. Some great moments, but poor end-product. Arsenal got rid for a reason.

Act decisively when the balance of power swings against us, as it did after the break. Use his subs more wisely. He was going to bring on Scheniderlin before the red card made him go for a more positive substitution.

Ok, but you neglect to point out that Davies was already on a yellow, away from home against a side that relies on hitting us on the counter. He's specifically tasked along with Gana to break up those counters, which Gana failed to do for their first goal and Davies did later, leading to his yellow card.

So, we're away from home, drawing 1-1 with one of our central midfielders on a yellow. He had the audacity to think that maybe, getting Davies off before he got sent off might be a smart move. But then the Leicester City player also on a yellow gets sent off first, so he changes tactics. The audacity of the man!! How dare he!

Honestly, I wonder if some people would win the lottery only to complain it wasn't the jackpot size they wanted. Let's just sack him in the eternal search for that perfect manager that we'll definitely find if we just demand hard enough. God forbid we give him at least a season to see how he and the team develop, along with Brands running the show. Nah, Schneiderlin was about to be sent on away from home for Davies on a yellow after Davies was really struggling to be able to string any passes together. What a shite manager.

Davies had a much better game (even though he is still far from good enough if that's his best level). He was like a schoolboy in the past few games but played like a Sunderland level midfielder yesterday (I guess you can call that an improvement).

And as I have said it many times, don't take off your star players even if they don't have their best games. One moment of magic is all we need.

Always go with a veteran ahead of a youngster in the Premier League.

That was a good win. As far as I'm concerned, Silva did everything right. We won, no complaints from me.

I don't know who should get the credit for that (Silva or Brands or maybe both?) but Digne, Zouma, Richarlison, and more recently Bernard are the players responsible for that improvement.

By the way, Tony Abrahams – go to more away games!

He gave the ball away a few times, but this was because he's constantly trying to play football, and not because he doesn't really want the ball, so, as people have already said, he's gonna be a real crowd pleaser if he's not kicked out the game.

Zouma, had a great game, got stronger as the minutes went longer, but Digne was my favourite yesterday, I was very impressed by everything he did.

One thing I haven't heard for a very long time but hopefully it's going to become a catchphrase, was this young Leicester City fan talking to his dad after the game when I was walking past them. “Everton were very skillful today” he said, and that will do for me!

My expectation of Gomes is not huge and it will be hard for Mina to oust Keane or Zouma who are looking a solid combination. Not sure Coleman can expect to slot straight in either after his start to the season.

That team yesterday looked exciting as a creative force whilst relatively capable defensively; much to work on still but I have a feeling we may see some great stuff away from home at times this season (interspersed with the occasional battering).

I thought Richarlison was wasted up top. There was, however, the germination of an idea during the match with Walcott occasionally filling the Number 9 role, with Richarlison and Bernard either side and Walcott up top. After all, he's been crying out to get that role for years at Arsenal.

If Sigurdsson does that regularly, I'll stop moaning about him.

You are probably right regarding Sigurdsson.

I was thinking more in terms of the midfield trio and as Davies being the weak link. Giving away the ball like he did is never going to get Everton up to the level of having an effective mobile defending and attacking midfield unit, he really did look bad. Gomes (yellow cards aside) would never give the ball away like that. A Barcelona player giving the ball away like that would be run out of the country.

Schneiderlin never looked part of the unit, getting caught out defensively and resorting to too many long passes. I think the midfield trio has the final missing piece of the jigsaw. Not giving the ball away in dangerous positions is a good starting point in finding it.

So many ToffeeWeb posters were so right about a Richarlison as centre-forward, I wish I had been more convinced, and Bernard is the answer to our dreams,

Not too many of us are worried about Mina's fitness now; he will be worried though. . .

6 months ago we were watching some of the worst football ever produced by Everton FC and were expected to be grateful to Allardyce for this and rescuing us from relegation. The 8 games and performances this season have been much more enjoyable than anything I witnessed during the previous 38. Even his biggest detractors on TW must be able to admit his impact has been positive??

On a separate issue, I would like to show my support for our captain Tom Davies. He gets a lot of grief on this site with many believing he is not and never will be good enough.

I ask all you haters and detractors to stop as it'll achieve nothing. He gives his all irrespective of his ability or form and I'm confident the lad bleeds blue. Plus what's the alternative? Schneiderlin? I'd rather we played with 10.

Plus I think it makes a nice change to see a blue like Davies wearing the armband rather than overpaid and underskilled twats like Rooney and Williams.

COYB

I really can't understand the criticism Davies faces every time he plays. Today, he was head and shoulders better than Maddison.

Why is it that, as supporters, the Everton fans fail to embrace the local talent such as Davies and Kenny? These local lads would run through a brick wall for the club.

Unfortunately local lad or not, he is weak. Believe me, I want to be proved wrong. Watched him give away the ball numerous times. He can't tackle, pass and his shots at goal is like a back pass to the keeper. I know he is not the only one who misplaces the ball; however, in his position, it amounts to costly errors. Good result, two central midfielders needed to improve.

He had a better game yesterday, showed more professionalism in getting booked than Schneiderlin, has showed in his 22 months at the club.

And, as pathetic as it sounds, I agree with Chris@140, and would sooner play with ten men than have Morgan Schneiderlin pretending to try every week.

Either way, I couldn't be happier. What a player he looks to be.

I'd like Evertonians to get behind Tom Davies much more. I hate the feeling of the atmosphere tensing whenever he receives the ball. Imagine playing under that kind of pressure. He needs support, not 20,000 people squirming and then giving him a mouthful when he does something wrong. It's like there's many in Goodison who can't wait for him to cock up. I know because I hear it with my own ears and feel the tension in my seat from over the other side of the stadium.

Look at his peers: Winks, Cook, Loftus-Cheek, and Mount — Tom is better than the lot of them and it should be him getting an England call-up. Maybe Loftus-Cheek is better, but he's not playing right now, and I'd rather have Davies.

Your remarks re the fact that Everton supporters are slow to ''embrace'' the likes of Kenny; you're right.

I posted on the Live Thread yesterday that, when Pereira turned Kenny inside out, Kenny was ''shite'', yet when Bernard turns the Leicester defence inside out, Bernard is fantastic, a wonderful player. Why not give Pereira credit for great play, why turn on Kenny?

Some brain-dead Evertonians really piss me off. We turn on our own like no other club that I know; from as far back as Colin Harvey and beyond, we have had a habit of slagging off homegrown players. Osman, Hibbert, Harvey, Barkley and now Kenny and Davies. I wonder how good they'd be if the fans really got behind them?

There's not a lot in it, but your suggestion that Davies is better than the lot of them is really not what I am seeing at the moment. Davies is doing all right, but he is tactically naive at times and his ball retention needs to improve.

And was it not the manager who decided to start Richarlison up top as a Number 9 and give Bernard a much-deserved first start of the season on the left? We all know how that turned out.

And is it not the manager who has made the team attack more, work much harder and play more exciting football further up the pitch than our two previous men in charge? Winning away at Leicester is never easy but still some folks on here moan and criticize when we manage to do it – in some style, I might add.

Despite all the obvious signs that we are definitely heading in the right direction as a team, some are still unhappy with the boss, even though he's only three months into his contract. Shit, it's as if some on here would prefer it if we stuck with our useless previous manager or something. Mind boggling. And very, very annoying.

Silva is doing a good job and there will be setbacks that we need to just suck up. He knows where he wants to go but it won't happen in the space of 8 games!

Tom Davies played well worked hard and is a much better partner to Gueye than Schneiderlin.

Gana and Davies were excellent in our midfield yesterday, but some only saw their few stray passes, or even (in the case of Jerome @114 as an example) 'saw' things that never happened, claiming Tom Davies was responsible for the Leicester goal.

How, Jerome?

If you had but noticed in recent games, Tom is charged with a particular responsibility at our attacking corners: simply standing in front of our opponents' central defenders to hinder their ability to defend incoming corners cleanly.

I mention this because that is where Tom was when the ball was cleared out of the Leicester penalty area for their breakaway goal: in THEIR 6-yard area.

Gueye won the ball back, heading the ball to Bernard who, for me, was the real culprit here at the first break down that led to their goal. Bernard tried a first-time flicked pass back to Gueye which was easily picked off. Gueye couldn't recover the ball and the break was on.

Kenny for me then does two things wrong: first getting drawn to the ball on the half line, leaving the goal scorer free on the flank. Jonjoe does well to get back, but then gets skinned twice and put on his arse. He has to do better there.

This single play is a microcosm of my opening statement. Jerome (mindbogglingly, for me) places the blame for Leicester's equaliser with Tom Davies. Bernard (who was far more culpable in my eyes) is absolved.

A number of posters are happy to trot out examples of Tom's (minimal) wayward passing yesterday. I see few, if any, posters calling attention to Bernard's sprinkling of poor passing in some promising attacking situations yesterday and – more dangerously – around our own penalty area.

This is not a criticism of Bernard. He is going to be a huge player for us.

I use him as an example from our latest game to highlight that for some posters, there is no consistency in their criticism of players. Bernard is the new darling, so his errors are ignored. By contrast, Tom is a popular whipping boy and the overwhelmingly good work he did yesterday is ignored and his few errors highlighted.

Kenny would have got slaughtered yesterday if this match would have been at home and it seems to me that the lad has had a lot more stick on social media than he got at the stadium yesterday.

Scousers are funny: “Why don't you just fuck off on your skateboard” I heard someone shout at Davies on Tuesday night, but these are our own fucking kids and if, at the end of the day, they turn out not to be good enough (I think they will be fine), it won't be for the want of trying.

We all want success; maybe the longest trophy drought in our history has made us impatient but, unless we go and sign better players, then let's give these kids a proper chance.

Davies or Schneiderlin? Give me Tom everyday, and look at the delight on Jonjoe's face when Sigurdsson scored the winner. Scouse kid, with a scouse heart... I just hope they can keep developing.

I would have to agree, Bernard (if anybody) was at fault for their goal although there were other errors after his initial wayward pass; not a great attempt from Kenny to put a challenge in and I also felt Pickford was at fault. But let's have things right: it was a good confidence boosting display yesterday with every player playing their part.

I think not only the performance but with the players in yesterday's team, with Coleman to come back in and possibly one more in the central midfield area, we would start to look like a promising team. Kenny is doing an okay job but Coleman would play in most teams in the Premier League.

Would Mina walk straight into the team – as he surely would have a month ago? Things looking a little better with Zouma and Keane; still at least Silva is aware that we have lots to work and improve on.

My comments were a too harsh, I can see that now (sober!). Your point about Davies is how I saw it, but again, he should have gone off a lot earlier, as he was very reluctant to tackle after his yellow card. Respect too you.

I thought Tom had an excellent game and there's little doubt that he's been told to support the attacking 6 (front 3 + Sigurdson + the full-backs) and he put in a Schneiderlin (when he first arrived) performance. Yes, a few of his passes were mishit, but they were few and far between, but of course this is seized on by the "Davies can't pass" brigade, as proof of their footballing acumen.

And you're right about Bernard; yes, he caught the eye and he's an exciting addition, but some of his passes were woeful, and he lost the ball in dangerous areas. But cut him some slack, that was his first full 90 mins.

And as for their goal; sorry about this but Gana should have 'Done a Tom' and hacked the player down and took a card as he was the nearest player. We conceded an almost identical goal last season.

So, New Year's resolution: get off the kids' backs, and buy a glass and fill it to the brim.

Jonjoe had a poor first half; did he go to pieces in the second? No, he set about getting on with his game, did okay, especially going forward.

As Peter Mills (a lot further up the thread) says, Jonjoe will learn from this and he is improving. For me, this is his second season; all players have bad spells, young and old... when they do, blame them in a whisper; when they are good, let them know with a roar.

Still dodgy down our right with Kenny and Walcott.

Unfortunately, so was Tom Davies. It was his poor short pass that gave the ball to Ben Chilwell late on, and he narrowly missed the top corner. If that would have gone in, Tom would have rightly been slaughtered on this forum.

Industry isn't enough in the Premier League — players, certainly the best players, need to be comfortable on the ball in the face of huge pressure from opponents trying to wrestle the ball away. Tom Davies is nowhere near good enough with his short game distribution (possibly 'yet' — as he is only 20 years of age), but he is not alone in this Everton team, by a long way.

We all want our boss to be better, that's no secret, but how is he ever going to improve if he's not given the time and support to properly implement his ideas? Eight games in and already that's enough for you to lose the faith?

If not Silva and his methods, who would you rather we have instead?

McCarthy for Gueye? Are you drunk?

Players like Davies, Kenny, Tosun and Niasse still have something to prove but it could be what you see is what you get, unless Silva can mold this squad into something better when everyone has been given time.

When Mina, Gomes, Coleman and McCarthy have gotten over their injuries, perhaps it will finally look like a team we can be confident in.

Bernard played well in patches and obviously can create things and, considering it was his first start and first full game, he did well.

Walcott is an enigma these days but has speed which helps the team on the break but January may see some new striker being bought in.

The sending off was probably a turning point but this time they did at least get all the points, unlike the game at the Vitality Stadium.

Regarding Davies, no, he didn't do "really well" yesterday. He had a brilliant day defensively, but not on the ball -- re-watch the first 15 minutes of the second half and you'll see one unforced error after another. And Peter Morris is right about the chance he gifted Chilwell. I also do not, at least not yet, put him on par with the players you mentioned, let alone superior to them. Winks in particular impresses me.

David #165, regarding Gana, I screamed the same thing at the TV screen and posted exactly the same thing on the Forum. In fact, he wouldn't have needed to hack anybody, just foul the guy on the ground. He was far too gentlemanly and it cost us a goal.

Does Bernard remind anyone else of the Brazilian magician who was at Middlesbrough 20-odd years ago?

Digne and Zouma have settled in very quickly, as has Richarlison, and Bernard looks like a steal on a free. I also think that the players Silva inherited are starting to get used to the new system. Despite our previous two managers being centre-backs, it seems Silva is getting better performances out of Keane than either of them did.

I also think the competition for places has improved and, as he said from the very start, he wanted two players for each position and that's now starting to happen. Competition for places usually gets a better all round performance from everybody.

Are there still things that need to be addressed? Yes, of course, but Silva and Brands have had one transfer window and already you can see the changes slowly starting to evolve. I think, for the first time in a long time, I am truly excited by what is happening at Everton and I know, from talking to guys at the match, a lot feel the same.

Not everyone is convinced by Silva, but I would rather watch his brand of football, even with the silly mistakes some individuals are still making, than the dross we have had for the last few seasons.

What an utterly idiotic brain-dead question, Zack. Have you no ability to assess the circumstances of the match you (presumably) watched and how it was drifting away from Everton — despite them taking the lead and playing some of their best football in ages?

Silva has shown a tendency to be less than decisive at crucial stages when the tempo of the game turns against his side. He was doing the same again, with Leicester well on top, as I commented in the match updates above:

"Only a matter of time with Everton now well off the pace needed to give them a much-needed win as Leicester were showing far more initiative. But nothing really from the bench to change this for the paralyzed Everton manager who really needed to do something to change the inevitable happening..."

It's unprovable, of course, but if Morgan had not seen red, and the impetus had remained with Leicester, and Schneiderlin had replaced Davies, as planned, perhaps the outcome would have been different.

I hate such hypothetical reasoning but seems it's the only way you might grasp the point being made, rather than claiming I have "lost faith" (what utter bollocks) or want another manager (more utter bollocks). Why do people read something on here and then write utter shite in response???

I want/hope/prey Silva is the man to make us become the force we want to be, but I said it on here a few times, Silva has to be more proactive with his subs.

Going back over old ground I know, but Bournemouth was a prime example. 2-0 up with 10 men desperate for the manager to be a manager and shut up shop and he failed to do so. We had Zouma and Digne on the bench, we would have had a holding midfielder there too, yet he didn't make subs until we had lost the 3 points.

Similarly v West Ham, we played some really nice stuff in small parts, but we were wide open and the young defense of Holgate, Zouma, Kenny and Digne were clearly struggling yet he failed to address it with a tweak in the system to offer them more cover, resulting in a 0-3 hiding.

Again, easy to say it, but his subs in the Caribou Cup didn't help, we played okay first half only to go behind, his half-time sub of Niasse didn't affect the game for the better as we were worse 2nd half than 1st.

Moving away from his subs, his decision to stick with the tonal marking is almost suicidal!!!
As proven yet again v Leicester in the last minute when they missed a sitter.

As I say, it's easy from here but I see where you're coming from and I hope he rectifies the problems soon.

Just so no one twists my words, I want to make it clear I want Silva to do well, I hope he does and I am backing him to do well, but the above issues worry me.

But, unlike last season, we'll be going to those grounds looking for a point at least but playing for a win compared to looking for a lucky point... at best. Also I've found myself actually looking at the upcoming fixtures... last season, I was totally uninterested.

All-in-all, I can totally see us heading in the right direction and yesterday's play and result has shown that. Totally derserved at a tough ground against a good team.

Albeit fairly brief spells, at that, but, as you so rightly say, some of his decisions have left me bewildered too. I know it's no use crying over spilt milk, but I feel we have lost a few points in the League already, as you pointed out.

While there are still a lot of the League games left, the exit and team selection for the Cup game against a poor Southampton side has left a bitter taste with me, and will stay that way for a long time.

Penalties can be a lottery, but it should never have got to that stage in the first place!

He still lacks pace but, under this manager, he looks a threat these last 2 weeks – especially the 2nd half against Fulham; he looked to have puffed out his chest and said "Hey, I'm a good player — give me the ball!"

The 2 goals were fantastic but yesterday's was the best goal I've seen from an Everton player for a long time, it was sublime. Can he continue to produce performances and goals like that? I'm not sure... But he's starting to justify that fee.

Leicester are exactly the kind of team that could have destroyed us a few weeks ago. Their pace on the break would have resulted in a hammering. Surely credit where it's due.

Where do people get the idea that an Everton player can never give away the ball? Anyone remember how our first goal came about? Yes, a terrible pass out of the Leicester defence straight to Bernard. It happens all the time... we just whine more when it's one of ours.

Davies and Bernard both gave the ball away a bit, but were a key part of an overall system that worked. That was their job, and they both did it well. That's why we won, looked exciting, and were the better team.

Check all the footage of the Leicester's goal. It took a while to get good footage. . . You are right: it wasn't the fault of Davies (26); it was Bernard (20) who, instead of taking the ball wide and up the right wing, tried to play inside a return pass to Gueye which was short and probably Gueye didn't expect to get it back. Typical forward trying to defeat play.

This left Davies and a Gueye out of position and chasing back. When I saw Davies giving away the ball after that, it reminded me of the errors that have cost Everton in the past, my feelings compounded by me mistaking the #20 of Bernard for the #26 of Davies.

I still think that the midfield trio can step up a level and giving away the ball has to be minimised.

Their goal was very good too and their player did very well to turn Kenny inside out but he had the advantage of space and momentum when he took the young bloke on. Perhaps Coleman might have been able to show him the touch line but I am not so sure.

For me, there were several very good things about this result:

The manager went there to win. No doubt about that in my mind.

We always looked like we could score when we went forward.

Last, and perhaps most importantly, the 50:50 things went our way. In previous times, Morgan might not have been sent off or they would have scored that last-minute equaliser from the corner.

It's probably wishful thinking (or superstitious nonsense) but I just feel that, after all these years, the tide has turned in our favour, so I am going to try to focus on the good stuff.

Davies gets the same support if not more from some than any player who pulls on the jersey. He is an Everton player and imo his age should not be used as an excuse; he's 18 months in the first team now.

Every player wearing the shirt should be given equal support with age maybe used to defend for a handful of games imo. If players perform, they will get great support and become heroes; if they don't perform and continue to fail, then fans will point it out and question their place – as is their right imo.

If he has the impact he had, we're in for a treat – he had great skill.

Bernard will be the new Barkley, an exciting, creative player that will occasionally give the ball away in dangerous areas.

There will be a large section of fans that will want him dropped because he earns a lot of money and should never give the ball away, run quicker, score more goals, grow 6 inches taller and be more scouse otherwise he doesn't care. Another failure... who can we blame next?

Can anyone remember when fans used to be called supporters? Anyone reading ToffeeWeb will completely understand why the term 'fan' is used instead!

The McCarthy and Coleman comments make me laugh, especially when talking about better passing and ball retention.

I do wish they would both find the balls to tell Mr Keane and Mr O'Neill to stop helping to ruin their careers by overusing (I'm being kind) players returning from injury.

In McCarthy's case, I don't think he's good enough; Ireland have better technical players in central midfield, as well as some runners.

Never will??? WTF??? I'm sorry, but I must have missed that it was an actual final we played – and lost only on pens – against the Saints!!!

Then Morgan gets sent off so Silva decides to adapt and bring on Tosun instead to go for the win, moving Gylfi to a deeper attacking midfield position where he ended up thriving in. Which worked a treat. That's good management in my book, being able to react and improvise to what's going on on the pitch. Shit happened and he took action. And we won. Decisive and effective. So why not credit where it's due? Or were you upset because it was Morgan, everyone's favourite whipping boy, that he was readying to bring on?

Perhaps it was wrong of me to suggest that you were “losing faith” but your sulky posts on this thread seemed to suggest that you were / are less than impressed with the manager despite the win and all the positives that are currently happening within the team of his making. If that's off the mark, well, I stand corrected. But no need to get your knickers in a twist man. I'm debating, not arguing. Respect to you.

But overall, I just feel that, as a work in progress, we are definitely heading in the right direction and that the way Silva wants us to play is the right way for us to go.

Yes, good that he changed his mind... but bad that he had decided on that course of action in the first place. You say you watch every game but I can't see any comment or critique from you on Tuesday's debacle. I think that still leaves a sour taste for me, but at least he got the redemption many were demanding.

Unlike many on here, I actually felt that his selection and the thinking behind it was sound, ie, give some of the fringe players a run-out. If we can't play the likes of Lookman (who was one the few bright lights in the match) in the Carabao Cup, then when can we do so?

Should we have fielded a stronger side to go for the win? Of course; but, had the match panned out the way we wanted it to, it would have been genius squad rotation from Silva. It didn't so the knives were out. Fair enough.

But we ended losing on penalties; it could have gone either way so I tempered my usual moaning and took the defeat on the chin. I didn't rush on to the site to comment because it was about half-five in the morning here in Perth, Australia, where I live now, when the match ended and I was knackered / cheesed off with the way the shootout panned out.

Did the defeat hurt? Of course it did. I've been a supporter for 40 years now and bowing out of any cup at the first hurdle at home never gets any easier. But was it the end of the world and a surefire sign that our team and manager was hopeless? Not by a long shot.

I always choose to stay positive about our club most of the time and I don't always rush on to ToffeeWeb to rant after every match. If that makes me less of a supporter in your eyes, well sorry man.

The substitution may have helped us to regain a footing in midfield, allowing us to continue playing the football that we did for the large part of the first half. It was very plausible that that could have been his intentions rather than to play for the point, no?

In his games in charge so far, I don't think one can accuse Silva of negative tactics at all. I think he always tries to go for the win as far as I can see.

Yes mate I agree we have started to improve defensively of late, it seems to have happened a bit since Zouma and Keane have been paired.

That said please remember it's only 4 weeks since a team without a single point arrived at our ground and left with a 0-3 Win.

Yes, credit is due for back-to-back wins and, as stated throughout my comments, I'm onside with Silva, but I wouldn't be naive enough to believe it's now all plain sailing from here on in.

You're in fine company, Zack.

And the best line from him: "When I came back to Dublin, I was court-martialed [by the IRA] in my absence and sentenced to death in my absence, so I said they could shoot me in my absence".

A bit like Moyes, Martinez, Koeman – now absent but still being shot.

Now this is what I love about ToffeeWeb. Where else can you get knowledgable literature tips as well as intense Everton-related football chat all on one site? Wonderful stuff.

Any player getting a yellow card will be substituted just in case, maybe, possibly, an outside chance he picks up a second yellow.

God help us if we pick up more than 3 bookings or someone gets injured. Doesn't the ref have to abandon the game if we have less than 7 on the pitch?

We won, great result, lots of positives... but Silva again showed a bit of naivety wanting to bring on one of the most hopeless players we have and, to an outsider like me, it was only to close-up shop for the draw.

The players are improving, the team and style is improving; hopefully Silva will also improve.

Martinez was bad but at least he understood the Club; Silva knew when he was at Watford we wanted him. After departing Watford, it was hoped he would have studied the Club. The Southampton game proved he hasn't yet.

Nobody – including Silva – deserves a free pass when they cock-up. He was just lucky on Saturday.

Well John, if the player in question happens to be one of our two centre midfielders whose main job is to put tackles in, and there is still a good portion of the match still to play, then yes, I would like it very much if our manager would step in and take the decisive action to prevent us from going down to 10 men by bringing on a fresh, card-free player from the bench. For me, Davies had stopped doing his job properly in fear of getting a second booking so, in my book, the sub was totally called for, even if it meant having to bring on club whipping boy number 1.

“Silva was lucky” — Derek mentioned Ernest Hemingway earlier so to borrow one of the man's quotes, “You make your own luck.” Especially in football, I would add.

"The harder you work the luckier you get!"

Cut Silva a bit of slack, please.

All the outfield players are expected to tackle, including the forwards, so, in my opinion, taking off a central midfielder because he has a booking seems a poor excuse. You obviously saw things different to me as I did not see Davies's game change after his booking.

Nobody can forsee what happens in a game but taking anyone off because he has a booking unless they continue to do daft things and they are looking to be sent off, is crazy. If Davies had been booked after a few minutes would it be right to sub him?? Of course not.

When I say Silva was lucky, I mean it in the sense that Morgan's red card happened moments before Schneiderlin came on. If he really was so concerned with Davies, he would have still subbed him.

Fortunately for us, Silva changed his mind... and here we are.

It all worked out great in the end though so all is good! Hopefully, like you said John, the team and manager can continue to improve.

After last season's Allardyce horror show, it's great to be excited about Everton again. Long may it continue!

The quote “Courage is grace under pressure” could apply to our little Brazilian.

“But it is something we must change step by step, it is not something you can change in two three or four months. We have a long way to go and a lot of work to do as well and I'm sure we will get better."

Guess he would say that but seems fair enough.

When the red card came, he showed decisiveness and immediately changed his mind. Damned if he does and damned if he doesn't but the result proved him right.

Silva is a work in progress, like the team, his team selection in the Carabao Cup was infuriating but he is trying to do the right thing and I know I am going to watch an exciting game now at least.

"I'd rather have lucky generals than good ones." (Bonaparte, subsequently repeated by Eisenhower, I am led to believe?)

I, too, feel better after an away win but I don't let it stop me seeing and mentioning those areas which could and should be improved and, to my mind, that will never include subbing anybody for Schneiderlin.

"A Wet Bird Never flys at Night."

Those who know... know... winks.

John at 220, an old chestnut but so true. Put the graft in and good things will invariably happen to you.

The thing is that we all look at such issues differently and we all define 'fair' differently. You thought it was 'fair' to impute that, from my balanced comment about a concerning Silva trait, it was fair to assume I hated him and wanted him gone. Judging from your posts, your assessment of 'fair' requires glowing plaudits of "credit for a job well done", and if that's not forthcoming, then the comment isn't 'fair'.

It's just another example of the massive dichotomy that develops from distinct world views or personality traits that see things as positive or negative — terms you use a lot to categorise the views of others: the eternal struggle of optimists versus pessimists.

I'm usually not into quotes but I did hear a funny one that tries to embrace the dichotomy between these two ends of the spectrum:

‘A pessimist sounds like they're trying to help you; an optimist sounds like they're trying to sell you something.'

Not sure it totally fits into the world of football fandom but it made me smile. [And that takes something as I probably identify slightly more with the negative pessimists than you positive optimists — that's the middle ground we call 'realism' — where fairness always reigns supreme!!!]

Like I said...

Those who know, know. :)

But I'll provide one. Gana leads the Premier League in successful tackles by a wide margin with 37, and has done so with only 13 fouls and one yellow card. He also ranks sixth in the Premier League in intercepted passes with 17; and in one-on-one duels for the ball, he is winning by an almost 2-to-1 margin.

He's the best ball-winner in this league, and nobody is a close second at the moment. And he does a job that nobody else in this club can do even remotely as well.

Macca is not going to replace him.

Chuck in a top centre-forward, and things look a lot better.

It would be very easy for the ex-Barcelona and PSG man to come in and give it the big-time Charlie act. Clearly, that's not his personality.

If you need an example of how easy going he is, he's not bothered at how people pronounce his name. He pronounces it similar to how Dixie pronounced his. The Everton announcer does it like Barca did, with the Dig-nay even though there is no é. Digne said he isn't bothered, just as long as people like him. He's a top lad for sure.

I agree 100%. Digne has the makings of a very good player for us. My Man of the Match on Saturday, just pipping Zouma. Zouma is starting to show his ability, a colossus of a man with good defensive capability.

Mina, Gomes and a fully fit Bernard to come – the signs are looking good.

It's like all those French words in "gne". Should indeed be pronounced like Dean as in Dixie. With a slight difference in that the "n" sound has an added "gnuh" in it. A phonetic spelling could be Deanyer but the "yer" should be very short. Unlike this explanation.

Oh and in French you don't pronounce the "s" in Lucas.

Living in France, I love having these French players. :-)

My favourite quote... "Never trust a man who doesn't drink"

Yep, I saw that interview too where he clearly states his name is pronounced "Dean" – no elongated "nyer" or anything, just plain "Dean" and that from the man himself.

David, Brian, & Steve, I think this was a topic of discussion in a thread a couple of months ago. Deen it is.

And Ian #244, I'd go a couple of steps farther and say he's been absolutely outstanding. I was familiar with his work at Barca and was ecstatic we got him, but even I undersold him. Told everybody here that he was defensively brilliant but not much of a contributor in attack.

I was wrong. His overlapping and crosses have been superb, much better than he ever showed at Barca. I didn't think he'd supplant my hero Bainesy before the end of this season. I believe now he has done it in a matter of weeks.

I did suggest that it was a bit early for you to be losing faith in our manager only after 8 matches too and I did suggest that you were being a tad unfair on the man. Basically, in way too many words, I was telling you to cut the man some slack. I agreed with you that he still needs to improve in areas like his game management and substitutions but that I felt we were heading in the right direction. Just to clear things up.

Zouma was immense on Saturday. When Vardy burst into the box on 89 mins it was Zouma who matched him stride for stride and didn't allow a shot or a dangerous cross. He didn't give Vardy an inch and forced a corner. Top defensive play against a lightning-fast attacker at a crucial point. The more I see of him, the more I like.

I can never remember there being so many in a season as we are getting recently, okay this year was a World Cup year, but it is so disruptive to 'bread and butter' Club Football.

There is also the dreaded wait for any who are involved, to return uninjured. I hope they would find a system that is more conducive, and less disruptive, to this problem.

His duties are largely invisible if you're not looking for them but, when he's not there, he is missed. I'm not saying he'll be the same player but he deserves the chance to show if he still has it.

I think you're right in terms of Macca during his first season here. Thereafter, he had injuries but, when he played, he was nothing like as effective as that first campaign.

I am hoping the long-running hamstring issue has had time to properly heal during this extended absence. If so, he may get back to that early form. My worry though is I remember thinking similarly about Darron Gibson but he never repeated his own first season performances for one reason or another.

"The Leaving of Liverpool" brought a lump to my throat when I lived in Oz. Likewise "In My Liverpool Home".

Drank himself into an early grave, possibly because he couldn't cope with his success and the fame it brought him, becoming a large celebrity in England and America. I think his motto was "We'll be a long time dead" so he enjoyed life while he was here.

Dominic wrote Liverpool Lou, not Leaving of Liverpool. Waiter! No more Raki!