When the Easter sun comes shining through

Keane comes over as really lively and bubbly. It was a side of him I hadn't seen before. He got the last word in, too. Shaking hands and politely wishing each other good luck and 'may-the-best-team-win' type of platitudes, Keane closed out the interview by telling Lingard:

"Have yer shinpads on!"

Looks like Silva has gone for the conservative choice for Gomes' replacement today.

United's midfield of Pogba, Matic and Fred are only seeing the ball in their own half. They have barely encroached our penalty area, never mind have any attempts on goal.

We, by contrast, are playing great joined up football across the park. Both goalscorers look up for it today and scored two excellent goals.

Once again, Everton scoring the second from a rapid counter on the opposition's corner. Great gather and through ball by Gana. The commentators don't do the shot justice, focussing too much on a keeper 'error'. Giffy has that quality, to place the ball where he likes at pace from distance. It came together perfectly in his finish.

Dominic dominant again in his #9 role.

More of the same 2nd half, please Blues. Makes last week's game v Fulham all the more bewildering.

Dominant might even be an understatement! He's giving their defence a horrible time. I've always liked him but his improvement over the last month or so is huge.

Bernard really starting to look quality. Gylfi has always been quality.

The only real question marks are over Gueye carrying a booking and a warning, and Richarlison's ribs. Personally I'd go with Lookman.

Would like to see McCarthy or Davies given a run but would do it for Schneiderlin to save Gueye playing the lone hand in midfield.

We should be playing like this all the time and maintaining a winning momentum and consistency. Playing like we did today we looked like a complete team playing proper football, attractive football and it is an absolute joy to watch and hopefully that can continue.

Well done to the team and also Marco Silva, they got it spot on today.

Onwards and upwards, come on you blues!

Hard to believe this was the same team. Wonderful result.

I feel that ever since Calvert-Lewin has had a run as our main striker, it has allowed Sigurdsson to push up and almost act like a second striker. The assist to Walcott and his long-range effort in the first half highlights his positional freedom. Calvert-Lewin holding up the ball has allowed Sigurdsson to float around in the final third. Starting Calvert-Lewin has allowed Sigurdsson to flourish in recent games and for Calvert-Lewin to carry on developing into a fine striker.

Gueye had a great game too. It is vital that we keep him if we want to challenge for the top six next season. Gueye is verging onto irreplaceable; we would struggle to find a similar player who can perform like he does.

However, Lucas Digne was my man of the match. A cracking goal today and he is linking up very well with Bernard, similar to the chemistry between Baines and Pienaar.

For the rest of the season, I would like to see some rotation. Despite it could be regarded as unwise to disrupt a winning formula, McCarthy and Lookman deserve a couple of opportunities to impress before the season ends. I was surprised to see Walcott come on instead of Lookman for Richarlison.

All in all, a great performance. 7th is still within sight but I believe we will need to win our remaining games in order to finish 7th. COYB.

Credit to Marco Silva for continuing to build a solid team from what looked like an utter shambles just a few short weeks ago. Well done to all the players who stepped up and showed up their much more hyped adversaries today!

COYB!!!

Enjoy it everyone.

Richarlison's goal was a great piece of strikers work and was nearly all he did all game while Sigurdsson's goal was vaguely reminiscent of Alex "who'd have thought he would shoot from there" Stepney.

For me, Bernard was our MotM closely followed by Digne (they didn't have one) and when Bernard played that central midfield role that Gomes usually does he completely bamboozled them. If there was 20 yards in front of him he carried the ball in to it and when there wasn't he set someone else away. Why he played out on the left so often in the second half was a complete mystery, he and Gomes in the middle would be something to see.

We've got to be happy with that result but they must be thinking that they've appointed a permanent manager too soon. However, we can't get too carried away but let's enjoy it until tomorrow morning.

Oh, and as an after thought, why was Pogba not booked for running into and flooring Digne which the referee thought accidental while booking Gana for something not dissimilar.

Oh I nearly forgot - c'mon Cardiff!

With some shrewd summer signings and departures we can look forward to next season with optimism. I like many others have been proved wrong by Silva, and it's a lovely feeling long may it continue COYB.

Digne, my God what a buy he was.

COYB. Enjoy!

Coleman giving him the armband, Jags turning it down, and Coleman insisting the club captain takes it. Those two guys get it.

Brilliant day. We were so much better that 4 almost seemed a let down.

Lucas Digne my man of the match. I know we waited a while for a new left back but this guy is solid in defence, can score, links up well in attack and he's even a long throw in specialist. Wow. He's been worth the wait! Nothing he can't do. That lot across the park claim to have the best left back in the league - he's not even the best left back in the city. Man of the Match and Player of the Season.

DCL's first half was as good as I've seen him. Just so much better than the opposition. The headers, the hold up play, the chest passes. Then the early part of the second was all about his work rate. Well done young man.

The pride is back at the Old Lady once again, the atmosphere is back!

Marco Silva thankyou for bringing some majestic moments in the last three home games with brave, bold, “ballsy” attacking intent!

Finally, we not only beat United but embarrassed them. Tossed them aside like they’ve tossed us aside so many times through the years.

The atmosphere at Goodison was electric on a perfect, sunny day and, for once, everything just dropped into place and everything found the back of the net.

Incredible.

Mike Galley #33 yeah I love the siren too, it really builds up the atmosphere before the game starts and today the atmosphere was electric. The noise was incredible and the old lady was back to the bear pit best. Says a lot for our performance that the atmosphere died just after the hour mark as it was game over. A lovely day in the sunshine and just what I needed to cure a crushing hangover. Much optimism for next season if we can get some consistency.

Gueye is just a brilliant midfield general. Vs all of Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and now Utd, he has won the midfield battle. He is brilliant, and we must do all we can to keep him.

We then beat Chelsea and Arsenal which saw below average number of comments on here, but back to normal levels when we lost to Fulham with a few,, unbelievably, calling for Silva to be sacked again. It’s not unusual for a relegated side to start beating teams following the release of pressure, indeed Fulham won again yesterday away from home as I’m sure many of us know.

So back to today. Schneiderlin was excellent (again), anticipating danger and snuffing it out at will. It was his recall against Cardiff that started the upturn in form. The downside is that his performances are a real issue for the ‘ Schneiderlin is shit’ core narrative on here though. Tough, he’s decent.

As for comments after the Newcastle defeat, like ‘I honestly cannot see us laying a glove on Chelsea, Arsenal, Man Utd or Spurs, we rarely score against the top six let alone beat them, best we will get from those four is one or two goalless draws hanging on grimly.’ Just shows the negative crap spouted by too many on here’ and what about ‘Any hope of winning the harder fixtures remaining this season, just put it to bed now because it ain't happening‘. I’ll save the poster the embarrassment, but maybe we should just be a little less negative?

Yes, we’re all entitled to our opinions but why are so many so negative on here? Is it in some fans DNA.

They were a totally different team with a totally different attitude from the garbage served up last week.

I keep saying that Everton, far too often start games without any intensity, allowing poorer teams to become confident and take the game to Everton, who, sitting back are not half as good.

They started like a house on fire today and I just love those throw-ins from Digne.

Here's hoping this great result is the springboard to finishing the season well and being really clued in for next season.

Woo hoo!

Won £130, a signed Sigurdsson photo and Everton pen between us, then saw Bernard on road back who posed for some photos and was full of smiles and laughter.

A perfect day, would like to thank whoever wrote the script! Also hope George put his usual bet on is to win 4-0.

Best game I have been to since I was a kid I’m the 80’s, am suffering from a euphoria crash. Hope we can take this form into next season.
COYB!!!!

Must be galling for RS fans to think that if they don't get the the title that it may be all down to the points they dropped in the Derby match. COYB !

Brilliant. I no longer care about what he can't do. This is a proper Rottweiler.

BEWARE OF THE FUCKING DOG!!!!!!!!!

I’m made up for Evertonians everywhere, and hope those that have made it to The Excelsior have a great evening - there will be people across the globe with them in spirit.

Well done whoever came up with the air raid siren. The place is rocking again, and the fans are up for it from the first second. The old lady was rocking, and we weren't going to lose.

Bernard really growing into this team and league too, he is a joy to watch and full of spirit.

I don't expect us to smash into the top four, but it's wonderful to see us on the front foot, snapping into tackles creating & scoring four in front of a raucous Goodison!

Dare we be optimistic now?

I was sitting next to 2 Anderlecht supporters who like to travel around Europe and take in different games. They claim to have been to Barcelona, Real, Juve, Inter and Bayern plus City versus Spurs yesterday and told me that they have never experienced an atmosphere as good as today. They also thought the siren was great.

On the way back to the car a handful of United supporters commented they thought we were brilliant today.

Such a great tonic when we play like that, thanks Blues!

I wanted Silva before Allardyce. I wanted him last summer. And though there was a time at the start of this year that I doubted whether he could turn around a struggling ship the moment he got a good chunk of time to coach his players he has done exactly that. The one bug bear that remains is we are still yet to win from behind in any match this season and that will need rectifying if we are to challenge next season but I remain convinced that Silva is a very good coach and that we will see more days like today under him. COYB!

We see all sorts up there - and are used to their gesticulations and snide remarks, 'is this a library' etc. Today was no different - to begin with - they sang their repertoire of Manc singalongs - they pointed, they flicked their fingers and were in buoyant mood.

Then we started winning corner after corner and after two glorious goals the noise stopped - they were gobstruck!

After the third goal we had this idiot stomping up and down shouting at his team, my mate said he was on his 8th final warning from the stewards - 4 up and they started leaving. To be fair that was the sign for them to think about getting behind their battered, and crest-fallen 'heroes'.

What a day we had, the weather was sweltering, the capacity crowd taunted the 'Red Devils' and their supporters. WE WERE AWESOME - I thought the Arsenal match was the best I had seen in many a year at GP but this was something different again. Well done to Marco and ALL the players today. They all excelled. If we play like that on a regular basis next season there are going to be a few people in for a big shock!!

Oh! did I say we fucking trounced them?

We are showing real signs of being a top team.

My God we looked brilliant. We looked entirely capable of being a top 4 side.

Stop the bad days at the office, find some consistency, and we are on to something very special.

Happy Easter!

The best thing about recent results (with the odd exception) has been the improvement in defence. I was concerned Silva was a bit Martinez on the defensive front, but the important thing for me is that the guy is listening and learning.

Ironic that such a convincing win today may help the RS massively as Man U will surely react midweek. Did anyone see Solskjaer’s post match presser? I’ll give him until Xmas.

As others have said, Schneiderlin was at his smooth, subtle, pace-setting best today and if he stays and plays like that it will be a massive bonus.

And we look miles fitter.

Onwards and upwards, play like this with consistency and we are most definitely top six class, build on it and why not top 4. Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea are challenging for it,... why not us next season?

Let’s carry this form on now and no more Jekyl & Hyde games.

Today every player fought for every ball From the 1st to 94 minute. The whole team played like a team, long may it last. United didn’t get a sniff as we didn’t let them play, perhapswhen Gana was subbed we gave them more of the ball, but we’d still stopped them playing.

No to hope that MB can sort deals out for Zouma, and Gomes, plus get in a couple of strikers who can finish.

Optimism is high again, but now for consistency. Let’s see what happens, and hopefully City beat United on Wednesday.

All have a good Easter Holiday and the ales tasting better again this day, superb performance and crowd, and the crowd is unique.

Pleased to see McCarthy get a start, and for such a let down overall this season,Walcotts goal can hopefully help him get his self belief and confidence back.

Silva and Brands deserve all the credit that they get. With a few additions and consistency who knows what we might do next season. Must say one thing I didn't notice that Pogba was even on the field.

Man of the Match... I don't want to name any individual, because everyone was brilliant, but we had 14 players who were ALL better than any Man Utd player.

I'm old enough to remember clinging to me Ma as we cowered in the Anderson shelter as Jerry dropped his load on our city on a nightly basis. I have no intention of paying good money to be reminded of those awful times I had long since cleared from my nightmares.

Best player, Calvert-Lewin. I went mental when Walcott didn’t square it to him for a tap in, would have brought the house down! Ruined a very poor United back four.

Let’s see if the complacency we saw at Fulham can be shaken off at Palace?

I agree with you, there is no need for anything else, besides Z-Cars. Maybe you should write to the club with your concerns, to see if they will cancel it next season.

On a lighter note, here is Sir Stevo Timothy's take on the day's proceedings... [Warning. The link contains foul language]:

Rob Halligan
164 Posted 01/04/2019 at 15:12:09 Playing three of the so called big six, Arsenal, man Utd and spurs, in our last six games, could help us to prepare for pre season. Three tough games such as these, will help keep the team focused and maintain recent standards. Better to be playing these three than the likes of any teams around us in the table.
We don't want to be steam rollered by any of these three, not that I think we will, but three good performances, and hopefully results, will give the team confidence going into next season, knowing we can compete with these so called big six teams.

Add Chelsea, and to an extent the RS into the above, and it shows we really can compete with these so called top six teams. To play the RS, Chelsea, Arsenal and Man Utd in four consecutive home games, take ten points out of a possible twelve and not concede a goal in any of them, is just brilliant.

That was an absolute brilliant performance today, along with four brilliant goals. It would be very difficult to pick a MOTM so I will just say The Entire Team along with 37K Everton fans were MOTM.

On that performance by United today, man city should have nothing to fear on Wednesday.

Problem for United was, even our subs were way better than their first team today..

We’re not going to do that. We’re going to be somewhat off that. But we’ve equalled last seasons total with three games to spare. We’ve beat three top six sides in a row. We’ve started keeping clean sheets. Zonal marking is no longer a talking point.

We’re not peaking, but we are in the ascendancy. That’s what we want from this season, surely; to finish strong, to show what we are capable of, and then to aim to find consistency next season and start the way we are finishing.

Liverpool were 8th under Klopp. I don’t recall the exact league positions but they haven’t gone 8, 5, 3, 1. It’s more like 8, 4, 4, 1. 2nd to 4th - is there any difference? No. Just keep progressing. 5th to 7th is there any difference, yes if Watford win the Cup, otherwise not. We just need to keep progressing. If we get 7th next season, it doesn’t matter, as long as we can get closer to 4th. Breaking into that top 4 is all that matters.

The manager is not one who will bask in the glory here. If you think that, try watching him whilst the ball is in play. At 3-0 he wasn’t happy. Solskjaer was no where to be seen when his side was failing. Silva is always there. At 3-0, he was waving furiously and trying to pull the defence back into shape. He’s a demanding man and he wants more. That’s what we’ve been crying out for.

There’s a long, long way to go, and this manager knows that.

However, I like the siren. It works. Do you go to the games?

Z-cars comes on and people are talking. The away fans drown it out. It has little impact.

The siren comes on and it downs out the talking. The away fans shut up too. Then z-cars comes in, and it has an impact.

The siren works. It needs to stay.

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Ince on BBC Radio 5 Live: "The way Manchester United are performing right now, you have to ask if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the right man? You cannot be getting embarrassed at Goodison Park like this."

Who the fuck does this piece is shit Paul Ince think he is, or am I reading this wrong? Are we not allowed to hammer these so called top six teams at Goodison?

Fuck them all, let's look out for ourselves. It's going quite nicely.

Why the big emphasis when saying Everton? Like is it not allowed?

Silva's style is to quietly work on players self motivation, guiding them to buy into the tactics and style of play of his overall plan for progress. There have been many disappoints along the way, where players have fell short, but there has been a unlying trend that a good team was evolving.

In the future there will be ups and downs, but Everton are beginning to look like a side that could go places.

Brands and Silva will keep the momentum going through the Summer. There are areas to be sorted out both on and off the pitch, but Brands and Silva will have Moshiris ear now and change will happen.

It a long time since I have become so positive about Everton.

Anyway, nothing should spoil our mood today. The thrill of that game is still very much with me and with everyone else, I'm sure.

Ray, The same WWII air raid sirens are still used today in some areas. They warn residents of floods. I doubt anybody complains that they bring back sad memories. For me, the Goodison siren represents 'a call to arms'. Prepare for battle!

Not only Sky but BBC don’t give us a fair crack of the whip.

Obviously 4-0 doesn’t outweigh 2-0!!!

As much as it sickens me to say it, but Cardiff v them was always going to be the lead game on MoTD, whatever the scores in all today's games.

It's the best title race in years and they and City are the story with just 3-4 games to go.

Let's hope we continue recent form and performances into next season which makes us the story and demands higher ranking in the MoTD running order.

Is the song Two Tribes by Frankie Goes to Hollywood insensitive when used in a sporting capacity ? That has sirens all over the start. Ironically that was feted as a symbol of local solidarity if you have watched the recent BT Sport film of the same name.

I'm sure plenty on here have a story about about relatives who were affected by WW2 air raids in Merseyside and elsewhere. I know I have.

Strange the things that can take away the gloss from a great win on this forum.

In respect of the sirens, I love them and noticed the hairs on my neck stand up today when they sounded. There is no way that any disrespect whatsoever is intended through their use.

One of the major complaints on here is the atmosphere, and the last four home games have been rocking. It might be a coincidence, but for me the siren has made a massive difference in getting the crowd stirred up.

It will only be disrespectful if we play like we did against Fulham. The problem today for Man U was that the siren needed to be even louder and longer Keep the siren going if it works like it did today.

However the one and only way to receive fair coverage is to become one of the top sides again. Hopefully that's what we are on our way to becoming.

I don't even care for this " best of the rest " garbage. I want to see Everton competing to be the best, and then to actually be the best once again.

Steve (108) just got in, minutes a go, a brilliant day with lovely bluenoses,, Andy Crooks proved you don’t have to be a Scouser to be a great Evertonian, what areal pleasure it was to be in his company and see the excitement in an Everton supporter anticipating going to Goodison Park, Andy has seen a good few days but he was like a six year old walking around the ground before the game looking at the history of Everton, a club and team we both love, I must have bored the balls off him explaining the different players who had represented the club and what they had achieved for the Blues, but Andy was very patient with me as we walked around the ground looking at all the photo’s which show the history of Everton.

We met my sons Tony and Michael along with my grandson Cameron before the game and Andy went in
Gwladys Street with them while I went into the Upper Bullens, after a great performance by The Toffees I met up with them after the game, Imthink it is fair to say if Andy gets to Paradise it will be an anti climax after today’s experience.

We had a drink in the Halfway House on Walton Road after the game before getting a cab to the Excelsior and meeting a dozen or more Toffeenoses from ToffeeWeb and the night just rolled by with no end to the stories we all told of our experiences of being a fan of our club, a great day only partly spoiled by that cheating bastard
Salah getting another hooky penalty.

A great day day and night, Andy Crooks lovely being with you, I hope you have a safe journey home tomorrow, you didn’t have to do it but thanks very much for the grand bottle of scotch you gave me, I hope you enjoyed the day half as much as I did, once again Andy you proved you don’t have to be a Scouser to be a great Evertonian, lovely seeing you again.

What a day! What a result! I must admit, I expected a decent game but couldn't have possibly envisaged that score. No wonder it was 100/1, and luckily George McKane had followed his usual trait and backed us with that score. His Charity will benefit from that!

I was a bit dubious about the team selection, especially when I saw Schneiderlin as one of the starting eleven, but apart from his usual disappearing act during the game, he didn't in all fairness do much wrong, apart from going missing.

Not taking any gloss away from our performance, but there is something not quite right with Man U, at the moment. It was only a few weeks ago when Mourinho parted company and Ole, the baby faced assassin was given the 'temporary reins'.

Such was his impact in galvanising the expensive squad, that he was handed the 'poison chalice' on a permanent basis. Seemingly it has gone almost downhill since then.

It's amazing to see what both confidence and a couple of good results/performances can produce, last weeks game against Fulham being, hopefully, an exception.

We had a few discussions between us as to the merits of being involved in the Europa League, with diverse opinions, of whether it is a bonus or a hindrance. I personally think it all depends on what happens in the Summer Transfers, and I am not talking only of who we get in, but also who we get off the books.

Should we qualify, come the end of the season, it could determine what actually happens with outgoings/incomings. Not getting too carried away though on the back of a couple of good performances, consistency is the key!

I thought about Andy throughout the game, especially as each goal went in, thinking what a great, great day he was having.

Merited, for a top, top lad.

Mike, what a lovely and thoughtful gesture, which was duly appreciated, it was just a pity that you couldn't have been with us, both for the result, and the conviviality of all who attended, kudos to you Mike, take a bow!

Doesn’t even get close to making up for that pathetic defeat at Fulham. If, as still seems very likely, the loss at the Cottage ends up costing us 7th and should City best Watford, it will only serve to emphasise the nonsense of these two games. The wider picture is of a poor season where we lost the plot for three months or more. Has time proved we have some decent players to build around ? You’d be hard pressed to say no. There’s a glimmer and no mistake, well actually it’s more than a glimmer. But truth is as brilliant as thrashing Utd was, getting beat by a terrible, already relegated side highlights the task ahead for Silva.

Standards. Not easy to keep up. But if you can deliver the consistency the confidence grows. It was a sensational win and I’ve not been that happy at Goodison for a long time.

Odds against Europe now and that’s the wider picture as providing City lift the cup we will have deserved the early doors start to the new season but a handful of aweful defeats will have cost us. It’s dull this wider picture, I get that, but excuses aside, drive that disastrous mental fragility out of the squad and it could get very interesting !

So who was there? You going to post a list?

In Brands we seem to have found the real deal. With the possible exception of Mina, all his summer transfers and loans have made significant contributions over the season.

Hopefully, he'll make at least a couple more equally good signings, this summer, and remove as much of the dead wood as possible.

Ray; nice meeting you again and thanks for reminding me that it was, actually, again. lol What a memory you have!

Yes, I remember the air raid siren on top of the Mayfair cinema., in Huyton. It was used right up until Huyton became part of Merseyside in 1974 and the local fire brigade all became full time.
I'm not from Huyton and must admit I was a bit gobsmacked when I first heard it go off.

I'm all for retaining it at Goodison and it wouldn't surprise me, in the slightest, if it was taken up by other clubs, too.

I didn't know that lol but thanks to Mike for a brilliant gesture, anyway!

We are different from the rest of them - when we are at it there is no answer to us.

Well done to the players, the manager, and the crowd.

Up the Blues.

I didn't realise Dr's receptionist earned enough.

Seriously though, That was a very nice gesture.

A touch of class.

In addition, you get the crowd onside which gives you another advantage. I don't remember any of the "experts" pointing it out, but the noise levels inside GP were pretty impressive. I have heard visiting players say it can be an intimidating stadium at times.

I

Looks like the Link isn't working - -go to The dark house Blues on FB and have a look.

It is a psychological attack on visiting teams to ram home the fact that they are now in Goodison, and there is no messing about - we mean business.

When we beat Chelsea, Arsenal and Man Utd away from home in the same season, then and only then will I believe that our club is heading in the right direction.

Btw... just watching the Street End go mental after Walcott's fourth; it was a beautiful sight on MotD.

Lovin' that siren too!!!!

I sincerely hope that someone else will take up the baton, to give me another night on the tiles. [I've really developed a taste for orange juice] Best wishes. John.

Get a good pre-season under their belts and we should be in the mix for the top four next season.

Only concern us Brands cannot pull out the magic as much as last Summer on the signings or could he..??

My vote is a big yes for the siren - gets everyone going, , we often need that at Goodison - to gets the players going as well.

My mum now in her late eighties says it reminds her of the war and she feels good about it. she likes reminiscing and looks upon this times as binding with family and friends. lots of stories it's a big plus for me.

I'm loving some of our recent performances but IMO we're some way off challenging for top 4, probably top 6 too. Surely we can't start counting our chickens on the back of two or three decent performances, after the shite our team has served up until recently (and went back to serving up at Fulham)?

Next season should be very interesting. Personally, I'd rather we didn't have the Europa League as an energy-sapping disctraction with the lack of depth in our current squad, but I guess I wouldn't say no to a bit of foreign travel! For me, the jury's still out on Silva - we've been fucking clueless up until a few weeks ago. I'm not going to start worshipping him based on a handful of decent performances.

But I agree, I think we all agree, we have much yet to do. It's just great to see such excellent signs and we should get into the habit of enjoying it; it will create a virtuous momentum.

A cup should be the next aim and, and I would like to see us develop a reputation for being the old Everton of 63-69, instinctively stylish. I think we're on the way to doing it.

I'll put my neck on the block and say that this side over the next 5 years will become the most exciting and attractive we've ever had. I also think we're going to see considerable success.

If Andy, is the lucky charm, then I’m obviously going to have to give him my season ticket, but I was glad he saw Goodison at its finest, which is always another beautiful sight!

Made-up for George, who had his first pint in ages, and just wish I’d got to speak to Bill Watson and Ray Roche, a bit more, but Derek was right, he picked a proper “Blue Boozer” and this meant I knew loads of people, which meant there was not enough time to talk to everyone.

Good to see everyone again though, and also have to give a big thanks to Mike G, who definitely showed loads of class!

What horrible bastards they are. We were brilliant, nothing more, nothing less. I said to a mate at full time: "This won't be about how well we've played; this will be about how bad they've been!"

No, sorry – we wiped the floor with them.

Oh, and, by the way, that siren is the best thing to happen at Goodison for years.

My 70 years of following Everton have taught me that anything can happen in a game of football, how else can we explain the results of this season alone, as follows, Newcastle United 2 Manchester 1. Manchester City 1 Crystal palace 2, and Bournemouth 4 Chelsea 0,

The 'so called', would have us believe that Manchester City and Chelsea beat themselves. I hope you can understand the ramblings of an old man.

John Sr. #148, great point. If City don't win the title they will doubtless look back on the Palace game the way we look back on Fulham, Newcastle, the Mordor derby, Wolves, Millwall, Leicester -- ah, never mind.

Gee, I guess Rom's rumored transfer back to Merseyside is falling through, eh?

Greek Mythology One of a group of (blue shirted footballers) sea nymphs who by their sweet (play) singing lured ( Man. Utd's players )mariners to destruction on the ( pitch at Goodison ) rocks surrounding their ( miserable run of form ) island.

Still on Cloud Nine from yesterday's performance and score-line, the only thing short of it being Utopian, would have been a similar score-line for Cardiff against the team they played.

Have left some comments on the General Forum TW Get-Together thread, and I have thanked The Excelsior for their hospitality in making yesterday's event a success.

Only downside I noticed is sky muted it very low until half way through Zcars.

On another note, had that been Liverpool who scored 4 against utd, would they be talking about how poor utd were, or how great Liverpool were, and played them off the park.

Expect more to come following Liverpool dropped points at Goodison, Chelsea were poor at Goodson, Arsenal were poor at Goodson after match discussions.

Every Everton player, management deserve a big pat on the back for that performance.

All those having a dig at Schnids beforehand, I have mentioned in previous posts this season, whenever he has come in,he has stepped up to the mark this season and upped his game, give the guy some slack.

Finally, I hope every single Evertonian is feeling as I am and buzzing on the results.

It will take time, we will have blips, but long term we are coming up leaps and bounds.

Very happy to fly below the radar or at least for the time being. If we continue this form into next season they will be forced to take notice sooner or later. A bit like the arrogant Luftwaffe being mugged by the RAF ( no disrespect intended towards any German TWrs).

Paul Ince was always an arrogant twat. A friend of mine, a Man Utd supporter, worked in a hotel the team stayed in. He told me that Ince stuck out as being really carried away with who he was and was annoying with it. I watched him closely as a player and attempting management after that. . . He never failed to come true to type. I switched off TV as soon as I saw him on the panel. Apparently, his son is a chip off the old block.

https://www.change.org/p/sky-sports-change-the-commentator-line-up-on-sky-for-the-19-20-season-to-unbiased-presenters?recruiter=63322674&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=share_petition&utm_term=975ce2f977974a539726dfa7600466a2&recruited_by_id=eda96cd5-f78b-4a53-b476-cd44b86801de

I am as enraged as anyone else about the biases shown to the media darlings, but without sounding defeatist, do you think any petition, probably mainly from Evertonians, will actually change the way they think or operate?

I am sure other supporters of other teams, not only in the Prem, but also the Championship and below are equally pissed off, but it is just getting a big enough soap-box, spreading the message and influencing everyone to act similarly, that they would have to take notice then.

Yes. Maybe a starting point would be for our editors to set up a new thread for this on TW, and to contact editors of other fan sites suggesting they do likewise?

Signed.

Anybody out there who could organise a TW golf day. Maybe raise a couple of quid for EITC or something?

Yes I too would be interested in a TW Golf Day, but would be surprised if there were many interested. Having organised Golf Days in the past it can be a 'bit tricky'. many Clubs want 'guaranteed numbers' for tee times, (understandably) and usually a deposit, especially if there is a meal involved, and when people don't turn up it becomes a headache!

Having said that, if you ever fancy a game Ray you can ring me on 07565140075, and we can arrange something. Unfortunately I do not have a car at the moment, and am not attached to any golf club. I was a member at Upton-by-Chester but got fed up of the 'compact course', too many par 3's and zig-zagging between holes, although I couldn't fault the friendly atmosphere of the members or the social side of things.

Anyway I digress, it would be a bonus if any members wanted to have a day out golfing with a TW connection, I haven't played for a few months (don't play in the winter, so will be a bit rusty, but a trip to the Driving range should remedy that, be great to hear back from you Ray or any TW'ers interested.

Seems the the rest of the Sky 6 are falling apart, Arsenal beaten at home and Chelsea being held to a 2-2 draw with Burnley. Seems the Europa league curse is starting to effect Arsenal and Chelsea, they both have 2 ways to get into the Champions league next season but one will miss out I think.

While the Europa league is something the clubs outside the top 6 desire I don't think those outside the recognised top 6 can hope to have a successful league campaign and success in the Europa league. For me thats why I wont be to disapointed to miss out, I want us to be able to have a normal pre season and no distractions going into the start of the league. I would suggest that the Europa league go back to having a straight knockout over 2 legs and cut the amount of teams to the same as the Champions league. Also let these games take place on the same night as Champions league nights. That way you are not having to play catch up by playing on a Sunday in the league.

Yes, a golf day would be great. I am off on holiday next week for 18 days but maybe we can get something sorted when I get back. A couple of lads who sit behind me in the St End are coming to Rhuddlan Golf Club where I play, in the Summer so that might be an option. We'll keep it in mind.
I've played Upton, as you say, a bit hemmed in by houses, as I recall. A bit different to Rhuddlan!

Anyway, enjoy your holiday, and if give me a ring when you get back, I am definitely up for that.

The season after next in The Europa League will be fine as it is a reduced competition regarding the number of games required to win it.

Brian, ideally a knockout would suit everyone as the league format is a killer. Doubt it will change. However with quite a number of players on the fringe and younger players chomping at the bit it might actually suit us for once. If we want to attract the better players we need to be in Europe (even though it is a bit of a poisoned chalice).

Interesting to see if we can carry this form onto our next 3 games. Not holding my breath but surely beating 3 of the top 6 in the last few home games can't be a fluke.

Stekelenburg/Virginia
Kenny
Baines/Robinson
Holgate
Mina
McCarthy/Davies
Schneiderlin
Lookman
Dowell
Walcott
Tosun

They’re not world beaters, but they’re decent and they’ll get better playing more first team football in real games that count. Also a chance of game time for Beningime, Feeney, Gibson, Gordon, Hornby and any other promising youngsters.

This leaves the current starting XI free for the weekend games. If we go out of the Europa we’ve lost very little and gained some experience.

We should want to qualify for it.

Any talk of using our second string should be put to bed in my view, and we should be using our best team in both competitions. There's no point in going out early, we need to be in Europe, and while there isn't enough room for us at the top table (Champions League) we should 100% be looking to win the Europa League.

Yep, John and El Bandido (Graham) are coming over fairly soon. Martin, people who say that they haven’t played for years,rusty, terrible etc. Usually walk off with the money!
Derek, picking you up from Prestatyn wouldn’t be a problem.👍

By the way, how is the cloning coming along? Little Messi should be 2 by now and ready for the under 18s in 3 years.

Little Messi? Cloning? Have I missed a meeting?!

If it is staying as it is I apologise.

The what we like to call 'so-called' top 6, the two teams we recently beat and consider as our realistic targets in the battle to take the top 6, Arsenal and Chelsea, are in the Semi finals and winning will give them CL football. Liverpool under Klopp got to the final, and Utd won the competition.

And yet our 'ambitious' fans are praying to not qualify.

I for one think Europa League football should be our target. Nights under the Goodson lights are what football is all about, and it is a chance of Silverware and CL qualification.

Also, what's the point of maybe one day qualifying for the CL if we have no experience in Europe. DCL, Davies, Vlasic (if he returns), Lookman (if he stays) and other youngsters will benefit greatly from European football, from the experience of playing twice a week.

However for those who wouldn’t even think of not entering I understand that as well, I will be at the home games if we do, just rather we concentrate on the premier league, each to his own.

For me it simply a case we’ve not found a manager who can handle both. Spurs are the best example in recent times who have consistently managed both, it stood them in good stead to experience to make the step up to the CL.

Silva and Brands have always talked up the Europa league. Financial, reputational, and growth as a club are there if you plan and approach the opportunity well.

Its a no brainer for me and comes down from the top. The right attitude, good planning and Everton could get very far in a competition. For a club that has won nothing in a generation any opportunity should be welcomed.

The point is to compete. No matter what end-game you think is best, I'd argue you want to compete on as many fronts as possible.

Apart from the Spanish, German,Italian and French teams the rest in the Europa league are poor teams. As you can see from some of the posters some want us to use it to blood youngsters others want us to play mainly the first team players. Mind if by doing that and we start to get injuries and possibly being at the wrong end of the league, they would then suggest we sack Silva no doubt. This in its present form is a poisoned chalice, and I will donate £50 to Cancer Research if the English clubs ( not including a top 6 side) that gets in the Europa league finish in the same position or better than they have this season. Should any of these clubs win it I will donate £200 to the same charity.

I found it impossible to be philosophical at 18 as I spent every waking hour 'burping the worm' and fantasising about Madeline Smith, IN THE KNACK! (her, not me).

So to those poo-pooing the idea of Europa, let me say the following.

Life is basically just a series of events that become memories (or..not, the dull ones don't).

Some of my best memories are of Everton winning things, great holidays and trips abroad following Everton.

In (relatively) recent years, I managed Benfica, Lille, Nuremberg, Alkmaar, Liege, Fiorentina and Lyon and everyone of those trips was fucking great - seriously, fantastic.

The football?

Well it was better when we won (obvs) but even the battering we got from Benfica didn't spoil what was a great trip and a great memory (always went for at least 2 full days, sometimes 3 or 4).

Even the 'friendly' with Anderlecht was great (though strange after the game).

Anyway, if you ever get to play out the classic deathbed scene (98 yrs old, family round your bed, looking for a will) I'd argue that as your life flashes before your eyes, you'd be more satisfied/contented/entertained by memories of trips following Everton in Europe (beer/football/mates/travel etc) rather than when we didn't qualify and..well..nothing.

Just a thought.

Btw, there's never a bet that's a cert to 'pay off', but tomorrow night, SORT of comes close.

A bet on Utd to beat City is currently 13/2.

Yes it's against City but..13/2 on United, AT HOME!?

Well as someone greedy for odds, I couldn't resist (and I think City will bottle it)

Of course if I 'lose' and City win..

Link

Up the Toffees!

That is a lose:lose scenario? (Sorry to piss on your bonfire like!)

Negotiate the qualifying round (s) and then the group stages are exactly the same as the CL. Three home games and three away games. It's not every bloody week, and if we can't cope with that, then we can't cope with the CL either. And don't forget, our last two EL games last season, Atalanta at home and Limassol away were dead rubbers anyway, and we played weakened teams. So just imagine if we won the first four group matches, we would almost certainly qualify for the knock out stages and could play weakened teams in the final two matches. Then there is a gap of about 8 or 9 weeks before the knock out games start. These are professional athletes we are talking about here, they should be able to cope with an additional few extra games.

Hopefully, should we qualify for the EL, the squad will be strengthened in the summer to cope.

My own personal opinion is, I don't think we will qualify for the EL, but I hope we do. I've had some great trips all over Europe in the last few years. Adding to Eugenes list, I've been to Villarreal, Minsk, Athens, Bucharest, Berne, Bergen, Ukraine twice, Croatia, Slovakia, Czech Rep, Cyprus, Atalanta, Sporting Lisbon and Feyenoord three times, once for that unforgettable Cup winners final. There might be one of two others which I've missed off. And every single one, apart from one or two scary moments in Split, have been absolutely fantastic.

So bring it on!!

Like one of those brexity types sitting in a caravan in Rhyl, in the pissing rain, with a few cans of Ace saying "What have they got abroad that you can't get 'ere - go on what!?"

Jon (197) let me be clear - a 'lose situation' will be a Utd win.

(and if the game is abandoned because Utd fans riot, the bet will be void and I'll get my 50p back)

I am sure I speak for most on here when I say I cannot imagine EVER wanting us to lose against the RS.

I'll be turning 50 this late summer. And I find myself much, much more philosophical as I age.

You've hit a very weird, soft, odd spot in my heart with that post.

Not trying to be overly emotive, but it really is, at the end, about the journey and memories.

I agree with you wholeheartedly. And what's more, I agree with your approach and thought process entirely.

That post might not be a "Eugene classic", but it's one I won't forget.

Let's get into Europa and enjoy the ride. And for anyone thinking it's silly to not consider the footballing side of why or why not Europa? I have. I'm just addressing Eugene's larger point.

Amen.

If as you say, winning is a habit, then sending out a team of The Stek, Jags, Baines, Schneiderlin, McCarthy, Walcott, Lookman, Sandro, Mirallas, et al. is not going to keep that habit going...its a long and winding road to Gdansk.

I agree in principle about competing, but next season we need to get our feet under the league table and by that I mean the top 6 table, we need to step up from beating 'some' of the top 6 at home, the ones in iffy form anyway, to beating the gooduns away.

I do realise a top 5 or 6 finish will still 'only' get you a Europa Place anyway, but is a better measure of improvement, direction and intent.

I agree with those who are for Europe the positives out weigh the negitives...

I went to school with a Eugene I always wondered if it was you... but now that I know your celerbrating the big 60 this year it cant be you. Still I picture the Eugene I knew each time I read your posts...

Anyway city v united I think most of us have resinged ourselves that the red shite will win the title this year...

The blue mancs will take ut to the wire but the Gods have been hijacked by the devils spwan...

Another reason for us blues to make progress into Europe and like the 80s sneak up on the reds and outshine them once again...

Maybe he wasn’t a poor centre back. Maybe we just played him out of position... maybe not.

Ramiro is a starter at CB for Villareal, which has had a miserable season -- always a top-6 finisher in La Liga, they are currently just two points above the relegation zone.