Everton bounce back with five

Have got a feeling if people need to know what the opposite of entertainment is, in a couple of hours time they won't be wondering anymore.

This is going to be tough to watch.

All part of the plan Marco?

Personally, I hate playing with 3 centre backs, but I'm not surprised - in the wake of the Spurs' mauling - that Silva has gone with that away to Burnley today to combat the way they play.

For all the deserved stick the manager and players have taken in recent games, in particular the debacle at home to Spurs, they deserve all praise today.

Bold move to play Bernard against the grocks of Burnley, but he has been as influential as anyone, although he should again possibly have scored when running clear of the Burnley defence. Give Mina the sort of delivery Bernard gave him and that much space in the area and he will score.

The free kick was a beaut. Seemingly like Hart, who was too far over to his left, I thought it was more on for Siggy rather than Digne, but the quickness of his kick did for Hart.

We could have had two penalties in the same incident, with one Burnley player trying to rip the shirt off Keane's back and then the obvious handball.

Siggy had to score from the spot today, and thankfully he did.

We look so much more compact than we did last time we played three centre backs at City, and certainly more compact than against Spurs.

No problem with our yellow cards, Siggy and Gomes doing the dirty deed rather than allow a Burnley get away from us.

Pickford looking calmer, no chance with the goal, the only time we switched off a tad. No-nonsense defending at the back, punting the ball clear if necessary. DC-L leading the line well. Walcott very busy and effective.

Now, keep it up for the 2nd half Blues, because for sure the next goal is going to be very, very important.

On the match, all I can say is thank fuck we don't play football like Burnley, otherwise this would be a long day – they deserve to be fucking hammered, remind me of Allardyce teams kicking and fouling all over the park.

I hope we are brave enough to take the game to them in the second half like in the first 20 mins and score score score...

Tosun and Lookman not featuring in the first two games of four that they were (in my opinion) the ones they would have had the best chance of at least being substitutes for, suggests they might be off in January.

Lookman apparently picked up a knock before the Spurs game, so I could be wrong.

Is Tosun injured?

BTW for all those who said we were down on last season, we were 1 point up before this game, and having lost against Burnley, away, last season, we are now 4 points up. That only puts us on 53 points, and I think 55+ is what we need as first step towards breaking into the top 4.

Let's enjoy this one first though.

Lookman is injured and unless we have a player lined up to replace Touson, I reckon he will be with us until the end of the season.

I think Brands might have had a word with Marco as his job is also on the line had we capitulated in this game as well. They’ve both said, repeatedly, they need a few transfer windows to get the squad they want, so we will have to settle for more topsy turvy results I suppose.

Individual performances from Bernard, Walcott and Digne plus Burnley's inability to score goals ensured we could cruise a bit in the second half.

But very disappointed in Gomes (injured/Flu) and Coleman (lost that all important half a yard).

Let's hope we can be just as bad and win at Brighton.

Our full backs can now go forward and we have the cover we need. We can also now rotate that middle 3 in midfield. It opens up rotation also at the back that can include Jagielka and Holgate. It also allows us to rotate up top with Calvert-Lewin, Walcott, Sigurdsson, Richarlison and Bernard.

Now let's build on this result because we needed that. Silva lining is Mina scoring first for me for a nice little Xmas bonus.
Coyb

Great result. I think Richarlison has been trying a bit too hard recently and lost the ball more than anyone else in last 4 games. Obviously a top player but can’t try and do it all himself.

Good calls from Silva today but consistentcy is key so let’s see how the next few weeks ago.

Let's hope we can now build on this and not revert to Jekyll and Hyde in the next game. Yes we were fairly good today, but Burnley did make us look that way, and are in a bad run of form themselves. Hoping that the result will bolster confidence for away against Brighton.

Lucas Digne reinforced my belief that he is a great little player for the foreseeable future, and seems to have slotted in to Baines's role almost seamlessly.

I think we all felt down after the Spurs result, and rightly so, but get a few results on the cards and have a decent Window (both in's and outs) and we should hopefully get a decent second half of the season.

I know Lookman has picked up a knock for both Spurs and today's game, but any talk of a deal for either Werner or Augustin is almost sure to involve Mola as part of the deal, though personally would be sad to see him go.

In the Tottenham game, Richarlison's pass completion rate was only 62% which was very poor. Walcott had more touches than he normally gets, and Calvert-Lewin led the line well and threatened.

Silva may have learnt at last.

However, let's just not forget the games against Newcastle, Watford, Man City and Spurs. To read some, they either never happened or don't really count.

Lets keep swinging. Onto Saturday!

It's a fucking nightmare getting stuffed by 5 but you know what? Fuck it — let's keep dreaming.

Looks better to me than the misery I felt yesterday!

We had a half decent second half against Fulham when we scored 3 goals after a first half of dross.

Todays game - half way through the season by the way - is the first game we've won deservedly by a decent margin.

Had we turned up against Newcastle, Watford etc then thing would have appeared far rosier.

Games between now and the end of January are games where we should expect to pick up most if not all points if we have any expectations of finishing top 8.

To many false dawns so far this season. As I said we should celebrate this great win but learn from the crap we've also produced.

The goal we conceded was yet again a shocker.

I'd actually prefer to see Holgate or Baines either side of one of those three. Offers more mobility, balance and passing if we must persist with three at the back.

Against a side with better passing we are left woefully short in the middle and when Calvert-Lewin wins the ball, no one to play off.

A very good win against a limited side. Digne, Sigurdsson very good. Honourable mentions for Walcott! & Calvert-Lewin.

First time this season that we've been clinical! Brighton are a much better footballing side. I would hope to see Silva ditch the back three for this.

I reckon a defeat today might have seen some ToffeeWebbers on here just after the final whistle (I've done it myself), calling for heads, on every thread indeed. I guess they are just having their tea now.

I'm still in shock!!

Micheal, I assume you started the match report hungover, and 'dried out' as the game went on. Pissed myself laughing at the typos early on, but I suppose the excitement was too much at times.

Thanks for the great work you and Lyndon put in, and carry on in the New Year.

I'm thinking of the away performances against Man Utd, Arsenal and Man City. We didn't play shite... caused them problems, should have been at least 2-0 up at the Arsenal only for bad finishing; same goes for the match at Man Utd. We could have also taken a point at Man City... and could have taken all 3 at the other lot's place — at least a point until Jordan made his mistake. And also not forgetting the deserved point at Stamford Bridge. I'm going on the performance rather than the results in those matches.

If we only had a recognised striker on the pitch in those matches, we would have got a result in all those matches (IMO) and they are tough places to go.

Those performances shouldn't be discounted after a few poor showings lately, bar today.

Do you get where I'm coming from?

Having got that out of the way, well done to the team for bouncing back today. Sometimes, 3 centre backs can work.

Most of all, I’m made up for every Evertonian who made the trip up to Burnley today.

On the question of 5-goal away wins, there have been a few more recently in the cup competitions, but none in the League since the Kanchelskis magic at Hillsborough.

Interesting now, just what is our best formation going forward.

And if 3-4-3 does become a real possibility, then we could do worse than to look at Victor Moses for the right wing back position - he was excellent in that system under Conte.

Thought Calvert-Lewin had a strong performance leading the line, also. Bernard looked better, but still lacks the finishing touch.

Interesting thing with the three centre-halves too is that you can see it as overly defensive or as overly offensive depending on how far up the field the full-backs play. I don't like it when they sit back because it just invites pressure. But as we saw today, it brings more potential scorers (Digne) into the danger zone if they push forward.

I am wondering if the 3-5-2 against bottom half, 4-4-2 (with a holding midfielder) against top 6 may be the way to go...

Right now at our stage of rebuilding surely we should be looking at turning over Wolves, Bournemouth, Huddersfield, Newcastle, Watford and not scraping through against Southampton and Cardiff.

Even if we can't put away the "other" teams surely we have every right to expect a 100%effort coupled with a half decent performance.

I'm made up with todays win as I am with every win we have, however, knocking 5 past Burnley doesn't let Silva and the squad off the piss poor performances they've produced, in the main, this season. That's my point.

Pure team psychology whatever the team game.

That moves to the next training and, gives the boss confidence.

Run any team and despite the bravado, every manager needs a result it they too have those 3.00 a.m. angst moments.

That's why the last-minute cock-up at Anfield was so frustrating and gut-wrenching, because it was a daft error, rather than a systemic problem, that went against the grain of the overall performance.

As far as I'm concerned we're improved with Silva, Brands and the 6 signings, and with more signings, including more striking options, there's every chance that we'll both improve further and have better luck. The signs are clear, certainly to me. We just need to maintain our nerve, and not lose it when things go against us.

I am not saying those players are no good – in theory, they should win – but it's difficult when you throw together a hodge-podge of squad players and kids just because they are not used to playing together as a unit. I would honestly just play our best team against Lincoln.

I certainly enjoyed that. Against a physical team who were going to pump a lot of balls into the box, the three at the back set-up made sense. Full backs could also move forward with less risk.

Aside from the magnificent Digne, a shout out to Walcott and Bernard, who were much more enterprising and effective today.

Does anyone remember any since then?

One day like this a week would see me right.

What a difference a convincing win makes!

I'd be more worried about the team if we played shite but still gained more points either through the opposition missing shed-loads of chances and scoring an own-goal at the other end.

Get the basics right... the points will follow.

Joking apart, let's not get too euphoric after one good result, enjoy it by all means, but until they can do it consistently against any side whether it be top or bottom half of the Table.

That way any unexpected poor performances or results, are not such a gut-wrenching blow.

Too bad Wednesday aren't in the top flight any more. We them away 5-2 in 96, 5-0 as you say in 88, 5-1 in 85. We even drew 5-5 away to them in 1905.

One game won’t make the season but it’s a good show of character and for the first time in ages, some ruthlessness. Digne - MoM.

Now for Brighton.. Have a Good Boxing Day night, TWRs, and the ale will go down well tonight.🍺🏐🤙☘️🙂

The Premier League is full of teams constantly buying players and, as a result, they have some good individuals but don't play as a team. That's why Liverpool, who have some of the best players, and do play as a team are running away with the league.

The Premier League is full of kids who are managers with coaching badges and no sense.

Like everyone, I was pissed off with the humiliation on Sunday, but I've never seen a fitter team.

I also remember doing Soton 4-0, at the Dell. Sharply scored all 4.

I remember doing Brighton 4-1 away in the early 80s, which at the time was my furthest away match on the good old ordinary via Euston.

How times have changed.

Let’s beat Brighton again this weekend build momentum and no more unforced errors.

Time to celebrate and prepare and take stock. Will we get any squad boosts in next week, will be interesting.

A team without weakness would surely have beaten them.

I think he means they have no obvious flaw in the side but obviously they are human -- not robots -- so their "weakness" like anyone's (Barecelona, Madrid, PSG) is that they are not perfect every single game.

This win doesn't make everything right but it certainly lifts the gloom and misery, for now, of the last few days, and I will enjoy it and look forward to the game against Brighton on Saturday with a lot of optimism.

Jim, Calvert-Lewin's header was a good goal. If Jordan hadn't had a rush of blood, we could have been 2-0 at HT and I think it would have been a tighter game and a different outcome. As it was, once again, we didn't get the rub of the green and Spurs were impressive. I like what Marco is doing though and we are giving the top 6 a much better game not just the usual!

I enjoyed today's game. Lucas is an absolute gem and Bernard needs a goal.

Gibson could see Seamus and hammered him as he headed the ball. Seamus, God bless him, with no seat belt or air bag, was back on the pitch within a couple of minutes. What a tough boy he is.

It's 22 years since we put five goals past a team away from home in the league apparently, and a few posters cannot bring themselves to utter a word of praise for the team, the players or the manager.

After the gut-wrenching 96th minute defeat to 'them' at Analfield, I said I was interested in seeing how the team reacted against Newcastle and Watford. It wasn't good.

Then Silva compounded matters by going with bizarre selections and tactics against two of the league's best teams in City and Spurs.

The performance against Spurs was a disgrace, but quite a good number tried to convince themselves, if not others, that that poor run of four games was typical of how we have performed all season, when quite clearly that wasn't the case.

Again, in the wake of the Spurs' Slaughter, I wondered how the team, the manager, the players, would react today in a tricky away tie with Burnley.

They dispelled a lot of gloom in emphatic style.

I am not a fan of playing 3 central defenders, but wasn't surprised to see Silva revert to it today after Sunday's battering, and given the way Burnley play.

Unlike the City game, all three centre backs were more in sync, the full-backs and midfield much more compact when out of possession, making it difficult for Burnley to make inroads on us.

Pickford was calmer and more decisive at the appropriate time. Time and again our centre backs repelled Burnley's expected aerial attack, with Keane in particular displaying once again tidy work when bringing the ball out of defence or with his passing. Coleman was solid enough in his work, even after taking a right clattering 1st half. Digne was superb, both in defence and in attack - my standout MoTM.

Sigurdson, besides scoring and assisting a goal, was a Trojan playing a deeper midfield role alongside Gomes. Yes, they turned over the ball cheaply at times, but they worked tirelessly for the team. Bernard and Walcott had possibly their best game of the season for us and DC-L led the line extremely well.

Gueye did what he does when he came on. Davies was tidy in his work. Richarlison threatened every time he got on the ball and the finish for his goal was simply sumptuous.

After today, for the first time in years, with just half the season played, we have two players - Siggy and Richarlison - already close to double figures in league goals for the season.

Do you know how times we have had TWO players in the same season achieving double-digit league goals since the heady days of the mid-1980s team?

Since Sharp (13) and Clarke (10) in the 1987-88 season - 30 years ago! - we've done it twice:

In the 1992-93 season with Cottee (12) and Beardsley (10), then again in 2002-03 with Radzinski (11) and Campbell (10).

Yes, we need a proven goal-scoring striker, but even without one, Silva is getting a tune out of his team in goal-scoring terms which other Everton managers have failed miserably to do.

People have called for more goals from our defenders: 3 of the 5 today came from that very source.

Finally, a word on the manager. That was also the most animated I have seen Silva on the touch line in his time as Everton manager. It was a big day for him also and his tactics and substitutions were fine and dandy with me.

The manager, the players, the team, have set a minimum standard now. I saw no shirkers today. No one hiding. No-one 'not caring'. No lack of ability.

Now, we have to aim for greater consistency, no matter who the opposition is. Repeat this kind of performance consistently enough and there is only one way we are going: UP!

5.9% ah now I understand!

Great result and hopefully one we can rebuild upon after this poor run. Can’t wait to see Bernard next season when he’s really in the groove and at home.

To me Mr Moshiri is now, and I mean in January and the next summer, going to have to bite on a very hard bullet in order to advance to where he said he wanted to be three years ago. We need at least two new signings now, players not just with talent but also with the visible die-hard character so sadly lacking whenever we take on the top six (seven if you include United).

But 1-5 is a good result. Well done.

Arses duly kicked, message hopefully received.

Fuckin brilliant technical analysis!

Some ToffeeWebbers could learn from your in-depth insight of the beautiful game.

However, best not to get carried away even though it was a much improved performance compared with Sunday. Burnley are in the bottom three for good reason and the result has to be seen in this context.

Silva is very much on borrowed time and I honestly feel he is well below the required standard if we are to make any long term progress. A change of manager is badly needed

We scored three unstoppable goals today virtually out of nothing, and in many other games this season, we couldn't hit a cow's arse with a banjo. It is indeed a strange old game, but like Stan #68, I do think we are improving and have the basis of a very solid squad right now. We just need a bit more consistency.

The very ones who want Silva sacked after a bad performance.

Would hate to be in the trenches with some on here who’s arses twitch after a defeat.

Well done Everton, the perfect way to bounce back after the Spurs game and silence the doom mongers.

Let's hope losing 6-2 at home has broken everyone out of whatever was affecting them after the derby defeat. Silva seemed that bit more animated today which was great.

Wow, I didn't know my eyes could roll that high.

The irony you highlight is not lost on me, either.

The most severe critics and biggest doom-sayers who are all over threads for days following a defeat are strangely absent tonight after a cracking away win.

The few posters who continue to languish in their own self-misery apparently miss the delicious irony of telling those celebrating a 5-1 away win 'not to get carried away with a single win' (not that I see people are...), whilst not applying the inverse of that refrain to themselves: 'don't go all suicidal with a single defeat'.

How any Evertonian's first thought after a result like today is to say 'Bah! Humbug!' is beyond my comprehension.

Has zonal marking ever worked for any team though?

Your man, stay with him... or am I out of touch with the modern game?

With that, reminded me of reading Soccernomics, where they showed the best corner was an inswinger to the near post.

I agree we need a goal-scorer up top. That aside, if there is one bit of business needs doing in the January window, signing Zouma is a must. He's the real deal.

She rhetorically asked, "They're not bitching, are they? They can't bitch after today, can they?"

If I had access to a laughing emoji, I'd insert it here.

Great response from the team after an awful game. Onwards.

We played well in an exciting game and deserved the win but had they scored to make it 2-3 who knows what the outcome would have been.

Burnley are a strong, tough team but in poor form and we simply out played them today.

As so few do I'll praise DCL who had to really battle and chase everything all game. Ric was rightly rested from the rough treatment.

Personly I would have dropped Pickford, he's been too sloppy in to many games and Sig would not be taking penalties but well played both.

I think playing 3 CBs is sensible against some teams Burnley, Watford, Palace etc that like to play the quick direct balls but formation matters less than players doing their job, tracking players back, closing down quickly, stopping crosses and not giving balls away cheaply in our own half etc.

It simply highlights where we currently are, not good enough for top 6 but easily top 10 material playing far better attack minded football.

I don't think Silva is good enough to get us top 4 but we are moving forward and I hope over the next few season we continue to progress.

Like under Martinez the football is unpredictably entertaining which is a huge improvement but expect a few more heavy defeats and large wins along the way.

Happy. SL..

If they had blown this one there would have been thousands of unhappy campers at the next home game.

They finally came out of the traps with a much better attitude and some intensity.

Really getting to like this Digne kid.

All we need now is a follow up against Brighton.

Saw Arsenal play them today and boy do they suck these days (Arsenal that is)

Another easy 3 points for RS coming up.

Anybody who didn't feel all 'suicidal' in football terms after the Spurs game isn't a real football fan, let's see if we can carry this form forward into the next 5 or 10 games and give the fans something to really shout about.

Well done the manager too. Hopefully that big defeat has given them all a massive foot up the arse. More of the same for the next game please!

COYBB

Didn’t realise radzinski ever scored that many goals in total !! Haha

I know it's about opinions but ironically I never rated Baines as a defender. He has always allowed far too many crosses to come in even at his peak.

His strength was getting forward and his dead-ball ability and he hasn't netted a free kick since his brace at West Ham in 2013 apparently. Great servant but he's had his time. IMO of course.

Without getting too carried away with the result, let's hope we can carry on the form against Brighton, who did a good job today keeping Arsenal down to one goal and securing a draw.

I thought I was beat, but you've twisted my arm, I'm having one more. You're to blame for any repurcussions.

ps: My son is also 19 and has more Everton tattoos than skin!

I guess the next installment will come after a defeat against Brighton. A toast to absent friends.

How short are people's memories!!! Rome was not built in a day!!! We have endured Koeman and Allardyce — people who had no concept of how we need to play football or how our club should be run.

We now have a young forward-thinking manager who will make mistakes but, guess what? We will attack and be entertained on the way. I'm good with that and look forward to the ride. If I had to choose between losing 6-2 and losing 1-0 with no shots at goal, I'd rather lose 6-2.

I pay to be entertained and believe Marco will bring good times to the club but the guy needs three or four transfer windows — not just one.

This club will go onwards and upwards with Silva in charge; it's not an overnight fix and those who think it should be are deluded and have played too many Football Manager games.

Seamus is the ultimate pro who really looks after himself. This is the 1st season back after a terrible injury. I predict that he will be back to himself next season but my advice would be to get away from Everton because he has lost the support of the fans.

Part of his lack of confidence is due to this external pressure. I watched Trippier playing against us last week and he had a worse game than Coleman. For his own sake, I think he should look for a club who might appreciate him.

And you are calling some people deluded!!

We have beaten Cardiff and Burnley in the last 6 games... that is just about our level. Let's see what happens against a team not in the bottom 3 on Saturdsy.

We have taken 7 points from all the teams in the top 12 places up to now with half the season gone.

If only for a stupid challenge by Baines, we would have seen the match out against Bournemouth.

I'll give you that the matches against West Ham and Watford weren't great. All the other matches were away bar the Spurs match, which was shocking... but we more than matched the other top 6 at their grounds.

Not many teams will take any points at those grounds. For you to say we're at the same level as Cardiff and Burnley! Geoff, are you actually serious?!

Not sure as I do not post all the time, but that name pops up regularly after a defeat.

[Apologies if I am barking up the wrong tree on this.]

By the way, Burnley went to Spurs the other week and where unlucky to lose 0-1, as where the mighty Cardiff, also 0-1. If only we could manage that.

It's Silva's first season with us after getting rid of all the dead =wood we had in the team last season. Once we get a recognised striker on the pitch (even though I think Calvert-Lewin will become just that).

Those points against those top teams will come... Keep the faith.

All the best.

ps: I think you missed out Huddersfield and the Geordies from your earlier list.

What really pleased me about that performance was the way the players handled the physical stuff handed out by Burnley.

And please can we stop with this "Rome wasn't built in a day" nonsense. It wasn't achieved by appointing a Portuguese manager either but there was a fair bit of knocking off anyone who even just looked like opposing you.

I think we will have to get Michael and Lyndon to have an Obituary column or reference so we sadly know who has passed amongst us. It will inevitably come to us all at some point, of that there is no dispute whatsoever.

On a brighter note Andy, hope you and your family had an enjoyable Xmas, and it was such a pleasure to meet you in person at Mike G's gathering in the Midland. I am still amazed that you came all the over from Belfast just to meet Mike and the others, good man, and always have my respect!

He said the 'great' John Daly, not the 'late' – haha...

I sincerely hope it wasn't through ill health, but John called it a day on TW a while back, although he has relented and posted a couple of times since.

I agree 100% with you, his posts are sorely missed. My lads loved his stuff – especially if I was on the receiving end.

Yes, as you say, Darren, I often found myself in stitches reading John Daly's posts. We need a bit of humour at times, and I always try to inject a bit myself, to lessen the chances of TW becoming a slagging contest and bloodbath!

I made a real nuisance of myself until they let me go home late last night. I had to make certain promises of course but when I got home and found out the result I could swear my blood pressure hit the roof with the excitement. Well done blues. You have done me the power of good.

Jimmy Salt, you raise a very valid point regarding, not only Salah's going to ground like he'd been hit by a feather, but by other incidents which make Niasse's punishment look like victimisation. I feel I need not mention that there are several Clubs in the Premier League, who appear to have different Rules applied to them than the rest.

It's getting beyond a joke that the so-called big 6 get away with something yet again. He literally falls to the ground because he was touched on the shoulder that's it. The contact didn't warrant the fall.

Maybe it's because Arsenal are not playing that well (they look fragile) but so did we before yesterday, so hopefully Arsenal, can produce a similar performance on Saturday night!

I've read Digne can't defend but he's already won more headers in a blue shirt than Leighton Baines and the kid is now even starting to attack like him.

He started the move which got us the free-kick, from which he scored, with the inter-change between him and Bernard reminiscent of the great Leighton and little Steven Pienaar at their very best.

I can recall last few seasons we didn't win away very often but that monkey is off our back.

If we can beat one of the top 6 at home this season (very possible... imagine if it was the Red Shite), the blue touch paper and the belief would be lit and everyone can and will start believing in the project again.

We've over-reacted to the 4 terrible games but good to see us twat a team (we haven't done that for ages.)

Another couple of similar victories would be excellent.

I'd take finishing 7th this season and enhancing the squad further.

I have noticed that Marco Silva has mentioned the fans in his last couple of press conferences: before the Spurs game he said the fans would be very important to the team; then yesterday he praised the fans for their attitude even before a ball had been kicked. I remember his press conference when he was Watford's manager and they were beating us 2-0 at half-time in one of David Unsworth's games in charge. Second half it was as if the crowd had thought the team are struggling so we need to make as much noise as possible and they did. We went on to win 3-2 and after the game Silva commented on how the crowd had changed the game and how his players needed to be stronger when this happens. This was before we had shown any interest in making him our manager. Maybe he is desperate to see that same atmosphere again at Goodison as he knows even if our fans don't how important they can be when they really back the team especially when we go behind.

I think he was under a bit of pressure for his team to produce yesterday, as I can only imagine the comments that may have come his way had we lost. A manager just like players can be affected by confidence, and hopefully the derby result can be forgotton about now after yesterdays win. Let's hope for a similar result against Brighton who showed how resilient they are, coming back to get a draw against Arsenal.

It's not rabid no more, but maybe it's because we play a patient game that requires a lot more patience to view?

The faster the football, then usually the noisier the crowd, and hopefully, once Silva gets the players he requires, then Everton might start getting off to faster starts, which will definitely engage the crowd that bit more because it's something we all miss right now.

I think Marco Silva is in a roundabout way asking for the fans especially at Goodison to be a bit more vocal. I am old enough to have been inside Goodison when there were 75,000 cheering the team on. I just get the impression that, against any team we play at Goodison outside the top 6, it's a case of us fans saying well we expect you to beat these, so you don't need us to be as vocal as when it's a top 6 side. But, as we know, that level of support needs to be there at all games.

When you listen to players from other teams from the past, they all say how intimidating it was playing at Goodison as the crowd were right on top of you. I don't know how we get that atmosphere back; maybe we will only get that atmosphere against the other lot and Man City and Man Utd. Maybe Dan Meis should seriously consider putting in a safe standing area at Bramley-Moore Dock, then maybe that old bear pit atmosphere will re-appear.

Did you notice how the MotD pundits were celebrating Everton's achievement on becoming the 1st top-flight team to score 7,000 goals? No me neither! Now if it was any of the aforementioned "big six", you wouldn't have got near Lineker and Co for the swooning.

It's in the interests of the Premier League (and as a consequence of Sky and BT et al) to protect their brand and ensure their big six are marketable on a global scale. What inevitably happens is a different set of rules being applied — not just on the pitch but throughout the whole machine that surrounds it.

The Niasse incident is an absolutely perfect example. Would the Premier League decision-makers dare to ban Salah for what could be two absolutely crucial games? Not a fuckin chance.

Back to the match. I'm sorry but Mr Pickford is not the answer to our goalkeeping problem. Every keeper in the premier pulls off great saves week in week out, so does he. I don't like his distribution of the ball. Passes a ball out to players with nowhere to go, gets exited when the ball is in his hand, doesn't know when to hold is and calm things down. He launches the ball 70 yards to their waiting centre-halves. Set pieces are a nightmare, does ho come, stay or martial the defence, no.

A piece about Bernard. He injured himself but utterly refused to give in, this boy has a big heart and worked his socks off great game well done Bernard. Unfortunately, he was replaced by Davies; this lad needs to go on loan to a Championship team. He needs to toughen up, wake up brighten up or he will end up in League One or Two. Still it was a great win.

Coleman continues to struggle and he no longer seems able to go past his man with the ball. Maybe it's time to try other options at right back. Kenny seems to be out of the frame so I wonder if Digne could do a job there with Baines coming back in at left-back or even try Baines at right-back.

Talking of Digne, the post-match interview with him yesterday on the club site is well worth viewing.

Link

A lovely, lovely lad. It's not all about him, it's about the team. Asked which of his 3 goals to date is his best, he replied the two today because it helped the team win.

Asked if he had the opportunity to take free kicks at his previous clubs, he said yes, at Lyon and Roma, but at Barcelona..."it's difficult they have Lionel Messi (little laugh, phttt! sounds from his lips) and I can't!"

Smashing fellah!

Everton have to look to the future but I'm not sure Kenny is the answer. I particularly like the Palace right-back.

Listening to match commentaries can be agonising, whereas attending games you feel that you can influence matters. I'm getting a little impatient but realise that there is no sense in rushing things.

Hi Derek [203], down the years results and performances have been at odds, we've all suffered and benefited, some more than others, I have learned to enjoy the moment when things have been in our favour. Looking forward to another 'Midland Meeting'.

Hi Tony [207], I think that you and I are on the same wavelength on many issues, I too believe that the tempo of the game, and the status of the opposition play a significant part.

Can you recall my feeling a bit paranoid regarding postings, I wonder if you still have the same view, something we could discuss at our next get together, providing we can come up with an excuse for one... preferably a Wembley success celebration.

Smashing fella, as you say.

However the feeling I get with Kenny is that he'll never be more than a back up.

The lad from Palace has certainly turned heads this season, there is also Walker-Peters at spurs, who may be frustrated at startinh just one game this season (with Trippier in his way).

Then of course is Brands' scouting network.

But one wonders if Silva will give Coleman until the end of the season and see if he can return to his previous form. From a business perpective, if Seasum can return to his best, it'd save us a good 30 million.

Hibbo. Ossie, Howard, Baines, Jagielka. Now it's Seamus who has outlived his welcome. All have served their purpose so why didn't they realise it and just feck off!

This season, amazingly, he has played four first-team games, dropped after one first-half poor display but finishing on the winning side after a good second half.

Now I'm hoping that Seamus still has a lot of life in him, but he has been below par in quite a lot of his recent outings in the first team, don't think a rest would do him any harm, particularly at this busy time of the season. I think Kenny deserves another go in the first team, and I don't mean just versus Lincoln City in the FA Cup.

1. Kyle Walker-Peters. Now playing more often for Spurs and looking decent. This guy was Kenny's back up all the way through the various England age group sides.

2. Aaron Wan-Bassaka. This lad is only a year behind Kenny in age. Yet he never got a look-in at the England age group sides as Kenny was so far ahead of him.

3. Trent Alexander-Arnold. This lad was always in the England age group sides at the group below Kenny being two years younger than him. Liverpool coaches were surprised at his development as he was not earmarked for the development he has had.

Walker-Peters and Wan-Bissaka are Kenny's direct rivals at u21s and below. Wan-Bissaka has really kicked on and looks a player. He didn't have great game after great game. Palace played him out of necessity, like we had to with Kenny himself, but he kept his place and both palace and the player are the better for it.

Walker-Peters is someone Spurs expect big things from. He, like Kenny, was singled out as a future star man. He's had a slow start but is now playing more and benefiting from it.

Alexander-Arnold got in the side one day and exploded on the scene and has gone from strength to strength.

So, these three have all played, sometimes well, sometimes badly, but they kept playing and got better and better. Sure, Alexander-Arnold is the pick of the trio, but the other two look really good, and yet, and this is the key thing, they were never viewed as better than Kenny.

So what's my point? The lad hasn't played enough. When he has he's been in bad sides. He's not had the opportunity to grow. He's not had the backing he needs. Don't give up on him. This lad was meant to be in the England side already and the England right-back for the next decade. His growth has certainly stagnated. But he needs games, and we need a change of right-back. I hope Silva gives him a run of games. I hope Kenny fulfills that early promise.

It was great hearing the top away support we have loud and clear during the commentary, the same application all round and we should get another win.

COYB

They are now.

I don't think he and Walcott were on the same wavelength on so many occasions... and then, of course, Seamus played out of his skin in his first game back and that must have dented Kenny's confidence.

When supporters throw vitriol at the young kids, I don't think they realise the effect it has on their confidence. That is why I would give Kenny some game time in the "easier" away fixtures.

Many a true word spoken in jest.

I think they will both have good careers for a lower level Premier League team or a Championship team but if we want to be competing with the current top 6, I don't think they could be starters.

It does seem that under the Southgate regime anyone who is English will get a shot whether they are playing for their league's first team or not. He certainly has no hesitation picking the lads from the under 21's etc .

Pity that the late great Howard Kendall was denied a cap back in his heyday but then the criteria was a lot higher although it was criminal that he missed out.

Getting a cap is no great achievement these days.

JJK does have quality but it seems many fullbacks are judged on what they do in the opposition half rather than in their own.

Nobody was better than Seamus a couple of seasons back when Bainsey was left back but that horrific broken leg has had it's effect and we may not see Seamus as good as he was.

Phil Walling.

Nah...it couldn't be...could it..?

Seamus was brilliant in his first game back and clearly was determined to prove that he still “had it”. However, since then his form has been very patchy. If JJK was to be given a few games now he may compare better given that Seamus is not at his best. My point being that this would, in my opinion, be a good time to give him a run.

However, there is another factor - Seamus is the captain for a reason and this may be the more difficult part of his role to fill successfully.

I think patience is the key, take the good with the not so good.

We need to get behind the team, we rant our frustration, yet should we be out and about and a rival supporter dares to put our club down, we don’t take it, we will not be told and we defend our team to the hilt.

We need to get it right on the pitch and also on the terraces, away from home the Everton support is amazing, getting right behind the team, yet at Goodison at times, it resembles a library.

In the seventies and even eighties, teams dreaded coming to Goodison, it was a bear pit.

Is this down to season ticket holders spread out everywhere, if so would there be an option going forward as having unreserved seating, first come first served for season ticket holders, just for a certain part of the Gladys Street or Park End, in a way that other supporters are not split up, but supporters able to claim a certain block for those wanting to sing.

I do not have the answer but it only seems certain games now the crowd are up to it.

Answers on a postcard please.

Finally hope everyone had a great Xmas, all the best for the new year fellow Evertonians..

I'd like to see him given an extended run in a settled side and show everyone what he can, or cannot, do.

It's a difficult one with Seamus, he is evidently not the same player he was before that injury, but with being so respected, being Captain too, he is deemed difficult to drop, but I would like to see JFK given a bit of a run. He is unlikely to improve while sitting on the bench.