Silva's stars begin to align as Everton top Leicester

It is a risk and we got exposed in their goal. I have some answers myself but what do you say?

Sorry for a bit negative comment after this wonderful win. :)

Bernard brings belief to the rest of the team. They know as well as we do when there is a special player in the team. Very exciting to think that he will get better.

Their goal came because Gana and Kenny(?) were too weak and stupid to stop their counter-attack. All they had to do was belt the ball out of touch but they tried to be cute and messed up.

Wait until Seamus, Mina, Gomes and even McCarthy are up and running. I think we could be the surprise team this season.

I'd seen him play for Shakhtar Donetsk a few times and was always impressed even though I didn't think he had the stature to play in the Premier League. He reminds me a bit of Alan Ball so, if he's even half as good as Bally, we've got ourselves a gem.

One thing he does that is classic Ball is that, when he is receiving a pass, he lets the ball do the work for him. He knows exactly when and where he is going to take his first touch – and, by that time, he knows exactly what he is going to do with it.

He is a cracker.

All-in-all, though, the break brings those injured players a step closer to fitness and, if we can maintain the vim and vigour of that display yesterday, I can see us giving Palace a thumping.

I fully expect there will be players in and out in January, and the recent form given encouragement that Silva is capable of finding a winning combination, also with good options on the bench.
How good is Gana at the moment, by the way? I know he was at fault for their goal, but his link play has improved a lot; he is so important to us right now, his energy and focus is fantastic.

That front four is ideal for a high press, and will trouble any defence.

There is definitely momentum building – let's hope we can get everyone fit and maybe get some favourable decisions that will be needed to get points from our next few away games.

Anyway, hopefully we take a similar approach in the next game, improve on finishing and iron out the mistakes.

So, is Richarlison basically our striker now? Tosun and Calvert-Lewin from the bench.

On the negative three points.

1) We are very poor in corners and freekicks. We have two specialist in delivering: Sigurdsson and Digne. But still more than 10 corners & freekicks and only one half-decent attempt from Zouma. It seems like no-one really attacking the ball. I have never seen Silva speak to Duncan. But maybe Duncan could teach them how to attack a corner?

2) We are very poor just to control the midfield by keeping possession. We get too easily under pressure because Davies and Idrissa panic.

3) Kenny had a hard day at the office. He was clearly targeted and struggled throughout the match. I am sure he will learn from the experience and going away with 3 points will give him confidence.

I felt at times that we were still vulnerable to the long ball over the top. Something to work on. Also, I think Kenny will have learned a lot from the game. But, to be fair, he could have done with a bit more support.

I thought Tom had a good game in parts but he's still to get his confidence back. I think the trouble is that a lot of the good things he does go unnoticed. And then he misplaces a pass and that's what fans judge him on. I'm not sure the armband has had the desired effect? Just an observation.

There were others who might have played better, particularly in the final third. But overall I thought it was a good team performance. Winning at Leicester is no mean feat and, if we get 3 points away when not all of the team are playing out of their skins, then that bodes well.

One thing we do need to improve on is set-pieces. Considering how many corners we've been winning, we just don't seem to get on the end of any of them? And when we do, we're missing clear-cut chances. Headers are flying over the bar. (And we are vulnerable to quick counter-attacks, as seen.)

If we're not going to rely on superb solo efforts, we have to be converting more of these chances and wrapping games up earlier.

I feel so much better than after the Hammers game. Actually, it feels like a great weekend and it's a shame there's an international break!

But, let's not get too carried away. We still gave them too many chances to score with small pieces of very sloppy work.

Still, I'm taking this one as a real positive as we have some real game winners in the squad. Generally, high points for the players, with the greatest problem being at right back (defensively), even thought Kenny did some great work, too!

Patience will be rewarded.

Kenny had a difficult first half, but he's a young kid, very young to be playing in the Premier League, and it's definitely a learning curve for him. I said last week that I doubt any young English fullback will have ever come across how this manager wants to play before, so it won't be the last time we see him getting caught in no-man's land.

Zouma had his best game: quick, strong, athletic, and looking like he's growing in confidence. Digne, was actually my MotM, and looks to be a very good player.

I'm talking about the defence because it's obvious to me that, once Silva's style evolves, then we won't have much trouble in scoring goals; so, if we can't also learn to tighten up defensively (it won't be easy), then better times might just be ahead.

Did Keown or Ince say anything about this, or say nothing because he's the England captain? I know which one I think is the answer.

The issue that concerns me most is the ability to retain possession in midfield when under pressure. Davies and Gana are not skilful enough with the ball to get out of trouble. I'm hoping that Gomes will fix this.
But, lots of positives today; lots of chances created, defending at corners seems better than earlier in the season and all this summer's signings look the part. We are transformed, even if our points total doesn't fully reflect it yet.

The teams looking to challenge us for 7th are Bournemouth, Wolves and Leicester – we've played all of them away from home and got the better of all of them, and we have a deeper squad with two of our signings not even playing yet – overall, it's looking good.

Zouma's best game so far. Siggy in his best position (and a goal of reasonable quality!). It's great to be able to look forward to the next game with excitement and realistic optimism.

But boy, isn't the Live Forum a mass of contradictions. Caught up with it on the way back from Leicester. Some great humour. But some miserable feckers on there – keep them away from guns, cliff edges and Chang.

As for Ince, the only time I would listen to that smeghead would be if he was handing over my Lotto jackpot cheque, even then just long enough to say "Cheers, now do one, Ince". That man gave himself the nickname 'The Guvnor' and he was being serious!! Total bell-end.

Secondly, Tom Davies. Good player, but makes mistakes. I think he needs to look at 2 sportsmen – Alastair Cook: he was a promising young batsman, who made too many mistakes. He spent a year in the nets with Graham Gooch, learning to eliminate those mistakes. He emerged as a player of fierce concentration, who didn't take risks. He then went on to score more (Test) runs than anyone else.

Gennaro Gatusso, the 'engine' for AC Milan in their pomp. All he did was tackle, and pass the ball 5 yards to his mate. Again, no risks taken, just did the basics, to perfection. Enough to win 2 Champions Leagues and play in 3 World Cups.

Tom Davies needs to learn fierce concentration, and the elimination of risk. Might make him boring, but he'll be much more effective.

Finally, Tom [14], surely Angus Young is the Bernard of guitarists!

The Vardy one-on-one is a good example. Why stand man for man on the half-way line with a player who will clearly skin you in an out-and-out race for an over-the-top ball? In my opinion, he should have had one eye on Vardy receiving to feet & close if that scenario plays out, but stand 5-10 yards back in our own half and cover the space; he can't be offside on the half-way line so why mark tight in that situation, knowing what Vardy wants (which is want Keane presented him with)?

Let's not be too negative. I'm not Keane's biggest fan but he has played okay in recent games. He can be a good top-flight defender, but only if he works on thinking ahead; more than most players, he needs to use his brain as much as his body.

Overall a lot of positives that most have already covered; Bernard, Richarlison back and our attacking 4 looking menacing. As for Sigurdsson's goal, wow! With fear of sounding bitter, had that been scored by one of the current Sky darlings, we'd still be talking about it in May. I think it's been acknowledged it was a good goal!!

David Silva is a player who is worth the admission price to watch. One of the best ever Premier League players in my view. With Bernard we have landed some of that timeless quality.

He has a total belief in his ability and technique, it shines through. You know yesterday was no flash in the pan, he is the real deal. He is not David Silva, but at 26 and with his style of play he still has 5 or 6 years at the top with us. He can get even better.

The Premier League looks like it will suit him in the way it suits Silva. Tough, tall, meathead defenders just don't know how to cope with that movement and skill, they are not used to it at all. He turned the Leicester defenders into statues for the first goal.

I'm looking forward to more of the same against Crystal Palace and dare I say it against Phil Jones, Eric Bailly etc.

I thought every one of the Everton team played well, although the subs didn't make any noticeable improvement, and I thought it was wise to take Tom Davies off before the referee decided that "in the interests of fairness" a second yellow was in order (probably for something like breathing heavily on someone).

On the subject of Alan Ball (above), my son spent the afternoon working at Fulham and spent the entire second half with George Cohen, who with Ball and a few others (all northerners apart from Cohen) did not receive any kind of national recognition until 2000. Funny how inept civil servants and corrupt politicians get all kinds of honours, while a unique and still remembered football team got minimal acclaim.

It is a failing in Silva's defensive preparation and needs to be altered. Apart from that, I am more than happy with the way the team are performing this season and I think we will continue to improve as the season progresses and Goodison Parkwill come to life as we do; plenty to look forward to.

Question then is what you'd do with Siggy. For most matches I think he could play alongside either Gana or Davies. I don't think we gain from having both of them, given their passing and vision is so woeful at this level. I've no problem with a terrier in the team, but one would do. Siggy is a decent defender and we wouldn't lose that much playing him in that role, and he's certainly a better passer. It's such a shame Lookman has mentally checked out because if we did have a front 3, him interchanging with Walcott, Richarlison in the centre with Bernard behind would make for a tasty attack. So given that is not the case, I suspect the front 3 will stay as in this match, with Siggy at number 10. Maybe Gomes can make a better job of CM and play alongside either Gana or Davies- and at this point, I'd have the former as the more reliable. We might then be able to move the ball forward more incisively.

Defence is still not fixed. Digne looks a good solid technical player, albeit a bit slow. Zouma is a magnificent athlete but looks like he has a mistake or three in him, reminds me of the RS bloke, Sakho. Very ungainly. Keane we've talked about. Against fairly immobile front lines he'll be fine, but he turns like an oil tanker and seriously lacks pace. Here one can only hope Mina can do the job he was bought for. If we ever see him or Gomes.

I'm not sure what Kenny can become but I know what he is now. He's like a very early version of Seamus, handly going forward but defensively a bit naive to put it charitably. We used to play Seamus right wing in his early years for that very reason but that position doesn't really exist in our current system. And I worry about Seamus' ability to rebound from his latest injury; he didn't look close to his best for the brief return after that horrific leg injury.

Whilst his play has been far from perfect, it's been good in the circumstances. He has been committed to the cause, tough and resilient. He has performed well in Seamus's absence and I think he is growing into a first-team player.

I remember being at Elland Road one year... maybe 1967-68, when Giles kicked lumps out of Bally, who just got up every time and shrugged it off except for one really nasty tackle that Bally did take exception to. He got up, looked at Giles and pointed a finger at him. It must have been a warning because Giles didn't touch him again during the game.

Let's hope we can kick on after the international break, and the gelling of the squad can grow and flourish.

Class acts on the pitch yesterday and class goals. Plenty to look forward to but consistency in play is now needed and some luck with injuries.

I agree mate, Kenny is coming along nicely, both him and Holgate have already made the transition from U21 to first team squad players. This is promising as we need to be able to count on the U23s to give us players capable of coming into the squad so as we can spend our funds on 1st team players and not waste it on squad players.

We never seem to be able to take any advantages of winning corners. Surely when we win over a dozen corners we should be able to make something out of it. Usually lousy headers well over the bar. We seem to be just as bad at the other end as opponents seem to cause havoc when we are defending. To me, we need to go back to Tim Cahill to find any player really efficient in the air.

I've been a Blue since 1958 so rarely get that excited about today's players but Bernard looks a real class act. The sort of player who makes you hold your breath when he gets into the penalty area. The sort of player who can see, and make, a pass others can't and the sort of player who will earn us free kicks and penalties and, probably invite a few red cards in the process. In fact, the sort of player it's impossible to play against.

It's early days but he really looks as if he has that 'wow' factor that could make him an Everton hero.

Nicholas #23 – the All Blacks are mustard. I have often wondered if footballers could learn from other codes – their training methods and tactical approach – or perhaps they already do.

I live near Leicester and have played footie with the same bunch of lads for 30+ years, most of whom are Foxes fans with the odd Ram and Tricky Tree thrown in for good measure. Always good banter.

It was also my eldest lad's birthday so we set out with great hope, but expecting a close encounter, and so it turned out. Leicester are a young and energetic side who play decent football and move the ball quickly. They have a big weakness in Wes Morgan, who makes Michael Keane look quick. We thought Richarlison would cause him problems, and he certainly did with a deserved, if rather stupid, red card as a result of three fouls on our Brazilian drama queen.

I do love his aggression, work rate and bond with the supporters, though (shirt handed to a travelling Toffee after the final whistle). If only Theo Walcott would show a similar appetite for hard work to go alongside his undoubted talents. He noticeably stops showing for the ball when we are up against it and needs some fire in his belly.

Leicester have nothing to dislike in their style of play and, in James Maddison, they have the makings of a real star. For those who indulge in Fantasy Football, he is the best points per £ player in the Premier League. He is what I really hoped Tom Davies would be looking like – quick thinking, fast passing and a real football brain.

Alas, Tommy looks like he is wading through treacle and as soon as the man from Barca is fit, he needs some time away with Rhino's calm words in his ear. I really want the lad to make it but, at present, he is simply not good enough at the Premier League level and making him skipper is one of Marco Silva's more baffling decisions. It should be Sigurdsson, no question.

And as for that goal – Wow! Not many in the Premier League who have the ability to do that. Revelling in the Rooney free space and good enough to take advantage. Penalties might need a bit more focus though, but don't ask Riyad Mahrez for advice – what a knobhead.

Is it me, but Man City's technical and back-up team is a cast of thousands and Pep is acknowledged as a tactical master, but no-one has a plan for what to do if the penalty taker is subbed. Just saying.

Anyway, back to our game. Bernard – as soon as he came on against Fulham (for all of 5 minutes) we thought 'Hello, the boy can play!' MotD edited out some of his sublime control and turns and he was worth the admission money. Just like watching Brazil

On the not-so-good side, I fear the lad Keane will not make it. Too slow in thought and movement; on another day, Vardy would have made him pay. Apart from watching the monster Mina bully England, I really don't know how good he is position-wise and for pace, but he has to be included, once fit, alongside the Zoom. And, he might get his noggin on a few corners, which no-one could manage on Saturday, despite having lots of them.

Jonjoe Kenny had a really poor game up against some Leicester trickery and a goal always looked likely to come from his side. He stuck at it, but we need the 㿨k man back asap.

So, some signs of hope and Silva deserves credit for picking a bold formation and making the right subs at the right time. Much, much sterner tests to come though and in January, we need to break the bank and get the 20-25 goals a season man in, whatever it takes.

NSNO

Great shout and a great track. Travelling Toffees could be renamed 'The Joy Division' after the hearty rendering of 'Bernard will tear you apart, again' on Saturday. Whoever came up with that, take a bow, son!

Tom won't get away with so many passing mistakes though every week. Chilwell missed by an inch after one of them. He got away with it. Against teams like Liverpool, he will get even less time and come under even more pressure. It's damned tough in the centre of midfield for a Premier League player.

Gomes will not find it a walk in the park either and I don't think Silva will disrupt a winning team. So the ball is in Tom Davies's court. Cut out the mistakes and he will be difficult for Gomes to dislodge.

Still, WTF – catchy little number.

If he can cut out over-committing himself (happened a couple of occasions last season as well — left fallen on his arse), he will be a good long-term replacement for Coleman. Everyone seems to have high expectations of Gomes just because he is from Barcelona, but we need to see how he acquits himself in the Premier League.

Few points: the attacking trio has to remain the same, maybe Lookman for Walcott as the season progresses.

Davies and Gana, while they have limitations, have at least been a partnership that works and fits our preferred pressing style. Schneiderlin is just too static.

With Mina, we could and will add a real threat to our set-pieces that is lacking. Keane has improved, but simply is not good enough.

Digne looks class, and Kenny looks good. While still second to Coleman (whose form was poor before his injury), he has done well. Kenny occasionally has great crossing, yet it is his positioning that lets him down. Hopefully he'll improve on this.

I am beginning to think the introduction of 7 changes in the League Cup tie was a chance taken to give players playing time for assessment. Those that played better, like Lookman, will be given further games, but the others will be looking at the January transfer window. Of course, neither Brands and Silva are happy with the result, but I don't think Moshiri spent too much time discussing the League and FA Cups with Brands and Silva during the interviews for their jobs.

I feared that consistency would be lost but, against Leicester, the team continued on from the second-half display against Fulham. Some players need to improve in aspects of their game, but it will be clear to them that they will have to.

I am impressed by the way Everton are playing. A framework is being put in place where a player can come in and play to his best, but equally under-performance is easily identified and all players know they are being continuously assessed. Makes a change from the days of sloopy and predictable, when we all were being fed sop from the Everton Management,

It was Giles's skill. He was known as the midfield general.

Yes, he was tough and had a nasty streak but all small midfielders in those days had that streak. I have heard Giles in interviews admit he was no angel but, in those days, he claims that you didn't get the same protection from refs as you do today.

Bernard, when he dropped his shoulder to cross that ball, reminded me of that part of his skill-set.