Visitors benefit from more sloppy Everton defending

Good to see no spot for bolasie either.

Link

Now that's a term I haven't heard before but I like it.

Everton very sluggish initially, but grew into the game.

The balance of the team looks better, even though the personnel is largely the same as last year.

Gueye is winning the ball and - surprisingly - distributing it well. Scheiderlin is being tidy in his work. Sigurdsson looks so much better in a true number 10 role. Walcott and Tosun link up play continues to look good. Richarlison has had some good moments, but we have also lost momentum with him on the ball at times.

The passing is crisper, sharper and more forward-looking than we've seen for some time. The accurate long passing and switching of flanks is serving us well.

It brought us two really good goals. Great play by Walcott in setting up Tosun who finished superbly. Great corner by Siggy and firm finish by Keane, who has been balloning those situations over the bar for a year now.

The big negative for me is the room and time Valencia - and other teams this pre-season - are getting down both our flanks. Both their goals came from this situation. Given the weakness at the centre of our defence, if that situation doesn't rapidly improve we will continue to leak goals at an alarming rate as we did last season when the serious stuff starts.

But from midfield going forward - AND playing out from the back with more purpose - a good deal to be encouraged by.

Thanks man from Canada

COYB

Thanks pal

None of the substitutes made a case for themselves, did they?

Silly mess up for their winning goal.

That remains the big concern going into the season: conceding soft goals.

Think of all the goals we've conceded this pre-season: has any team had to work particularly hard, show some inspired play, to score any one of them?

It was largely the same last season.

This aspect of Silva's team has to improve.

We have some decent attempts to play football but some players don't get it and most of them arent good enough even if they do get it.

Schneiderlin and Sigurdsson didnt have bad games but they are the spine of our midfield and are decidedly average players. 75 million mispent.

As for the centre halves.. they need replaced asap.

There is a lot of work to do and a lot of money needed to assist that work.

Overall.. an improvement.. but the issues are clearly still there.

Still missing at least a couple, commanding CB, playmaker, and possibly another up front !

He's even got the number 3 shirt there. I didn't know until reading the report that James Vaughan is also at Wigan these days and also played today.

I just hope we will be a bit sharper and tighter in defence this time next week.

The young players did not take advantage of their chances to show what they might have. Steklenberg gives me zero confidence so I am sure he also make anyone in front of him anxious.
Pickford will make a huge difference as would at least one more defensive expert in the middle. Digne didn't set the house on fire but I think we need to be fair and hope he settles quickly

Not sure about how the defence is actually organised either. Looked a bit chaotic and surely that's up to the coaching staff to put right?

Why sell Funes Mori with no replacement. at least he could have played left side CB and give Keane a go on the Right.

The shambles on and off the pitch continues.

Sandro is not good enough. Full stop.

Sig needs to be moved back with Lookman tried as a number 10 to link play. All this we pretty much already knew

But the disappointment for me is the kids. Davies and DCL looked woeful and nowhere near good enough. They need to be loaned out pronto as they are going backwards at some rate.

I think we're going to be better than last season but need at least 4 top players and that is unlikely

On another issue, anyone know what's happened to Mason Holgate? I had high hopes of him kicking on this season and claiming a regular starting place, but he has hardly featured in pre season.

The attack was starting to click more and more with each minute of the first half. Second half? Everything became disorganized with the team changes. I think what that proved is how poor that second string is. The front four in attack started to look very good and Gana showed a lot.

The team was pressing up the pitch and moving the ball forward quickly. That will only improve as they play together more and learn the manager's style. Don't forget that Gilfy just returned, Walcott just returned from an injury and Richarlison only just arrived.

We need a new CB and preferably someone better in midfield, but replacing Jagielka has to be the priority. Coleman on the right, Digne on the left, Pickford in goal and an improvement over Jagielka should have us vastly improved. Maybe Keane can partner whoever that is, or maybe Holgate.

But this will not be a single window transformation. It is going to take time and patience. Richarlison looks to be a great addition and I look forward to seeing how Digne is with the first team. I'm not worried about that second half. The first half had me much more optimistic going into the season.

I would buy that fast midfielder from Rennes (James Lea Siliki) - 3 assists and a goal, and that big lad from Porto (Moussa Marega) who scored the winner, whatever it costs.

Before I get the usual abuse for 'whinging', I would like to add that I am fully aware this is not 'Silva's team' yet but, going on his past defensive record, it doesn't exactly fill you with hope, does it?

Oh, and before I forget, why just one week before the season starts proper, are we still awaiting reinforcements to rectify the defensive deficiencies so apparent to us mere mortals?

As I only expect 1 and possibly 2 players coming, in and with Pickford coming back, the season up to Xmas looks like a mid table position, and hopefully quality players that may be needed can be brought in during the Jan transfer window.

Most of Evertons supporters after the last couple of seasons realize that Silva, with the help from Brands, are aware that it was going to be very difficult to turn this season around to make the top 6, but there were signs today apart from the usual defensive mistakes that things will improve.

We definitely need a quick strong no nonsense Center Back and hopefully this will be prioritized this week . The only other player I would like to come in is a quality midfielder to take the place of Scheiderlin .

I don't think that we will get any more players than that in, so this window hopefully can be used to get rid of some of the players that are not wanted.

- if Walcott, Cenk, Siggy and Richarlison continue to link up like parts of that first half, we look like we could be a huge threat going forward. Theo standout for me, need to keep him fit.

- Gana was awesome in patches.

- Seeing DCL back, hope he can really push Cenk this year.

- much more fun to watch than ANY fat Sam game EVER.

Some negatives:

- Jags is spent, if we start with him and Keane we'll concede a lot more than we score.

- We need more than Sneiderlin there next to Gana. A general (that's certainly not Davies either, not yet anyway).

- Sandro did nothing of note and offers little.

- would have liked Dowell and Lookman to have got a bit longer.

Conclusion: desperately need a powerhouse, left sided centre half (an absolute must). Add a top midfielder and we may actually have the bones of a seriously good team.

But rather than write him off completely, I would like to see him play a LDM role, preferably in place of Sch you know who, who in my opinion should be nowhere near Goodison, let alone the team.

Playing Digne in the LB slot, would at least shore up that side. It was glaringly apparent too that Jags is past it too. As for Stek, words fail me, and to think they have extended his contract, who needs to buy a Lottery Ticket?

As David Barks says we are not going to become a great team overnight. I don't think we will be buying 5 new players like some are praying for. We will possibly get 2. Maybe 3. A huge mess is being cleared up. But we are going in the right direction I think. I expect us to lose to Wolves but come 8-9th this season whilst playing much better football at times. That'll do for me, for now.

Hopefully there will be an addition or two before the window shuts on Thursday. Ideally three, CB, Playmaker/midfield maestro, and some more punch up front wouldn't go amiss.

To make matters worse, Wolves, our opening fixture away opponents, beat Villareal 2-1 today.

So, with Coleman, that's a back four of two!

I like the way we're now compressing play, reducing the space between the lines. And pressing when the opposition has the ball.

"Things can only get better!"

I call bullshit.

I could have swore you were on here a few days ago claiming Lookman was running his mouth off constantly. But actually, it was a different Ed that said that. I'll correct myself there.

I've been firmly in favor of us keeping him. That said, when he came on today he was very lethargic and did not look happy despite getting a massive ovation from the crowd.

Care to add Ed @ 67 to your 'BS Whiff Test'?

Remarkable profile reading skills some claim from viewing just nanoseconds of a player on a grainy internet stream.

I was viewing an ESPN telecast on my 65 in TV, if that helps. Wasn't grainy at all and I was surprised by Lookman today while being one of his biggest defenders. But none of us know why. He could have been angry at only getting on after around 80 minutes. But the commentators picked up on it as well.

I remarked to my Mrs at the time that somebody from the coaching staff needed to have a word in his 'shell-like'. Apart from the odd flash since, I haven't really seen anything to change my mind that we had another 'big-time Charlie' on our hands...

However I could be wrong. Probably because I was hoping he would make a real contribution it became more obvious he wasn't? Also a 5 minute substitution is pointless. I don't know why managers think trotting onto and around the pitch for that length of time has any significance.

Richarlison and Walcott looked sharp down both wings...sorry but that's all I have to add.

I have no ideas what the F our defence or DMF do anymore.

Heads up lads and lasses...yeah right

As it happens I thought he looked overweight and out of condition. That is explainable given his injury and he clearly needs more playing time before we pass any judgement on how he is likely to perform this season.

1) I clearly referenced Ed Prytherch with regard to his 'bad apple' profiling of Lookman based on...what, exactly? By implication, I also referenced Michael Lynch, as Mike Gaynes did explicitly, for doing similar, leaping to an extreme profiling based (again) on...what, exactly?

2) regardless of whether you or anyone watched the game on a theatre sized 4K TV, or a hand-held device, no one - not you, not Ed, not Michael nor the commentators - can conclude ANYTHING about Lookman's state of mind, thoughts, personality or intentions in the fleeting seconds he actually appears in vision, in the 10 minutes he was on the pitch, when Valencia were in the ascendency.

Doesn't stop some believing they do possess such elevated levels of perception though, does it?

Defensively - and that includes our defensive midfielders we are absolutely shocking.

I appreciate Silva has been left this motley crew and cannot turn this around in two or even three transfer windows, however, he has to play a system that suits the dross presently wearing the shirts.

Trying to play the game the way he wants with this present lot is square pegs in round holes.

Unless he modifies his "philosophy" I can see us really struggling this season. Anyone got Sam's mobile number ??

The criticism of Baines above for not being able to cut out the cross that led to the goal is ludicrous. He had another good game abd I failed to see the footballing reason for his substitution.

Although not a total write off as I got to take my 2 daughters 7 and 4 to the first ever game, hoping the Grand Old Lady itself is enough to see the blue blood line continue...

Exactly. Fuck's sake, this forum is all about personal opinions and observations. As I'm clearly not the only one to have thought Lookman looked disinterested, those who "call bullshit" should just chill out and say "actually I didn't notice that".

Talking of comments regarding 'shit', 'BS' etc, Michael @84 spot on, especially regarding being civil. I have been called all types of shit on here for expressing an opinion that goes against the general consensus and recently I was even called a piece of dung by one of our American 'cousins' because I had the 'temerity' to ask him a question... haha! As me Mam used to say, manners cost nothing!

Too easy for their midfield to press and in my view we stood off, and made it too easy for Valencia.

It's not all gloom and doom, but on this showing it's gonna be some season..x2 CBS, and not the Rojas, as he isn't good enough.

I was disappointed in Tom and Dom. In my view ,both need to go on loan, as it's not happening, and doesn't look likely to happen, as much as I'm sure we all hoped it would for these players.

Big ask and if they get any players in by Thursday it will be a miracle.

It was the same with that Delawhatsit poseur from Spain who, whilst he was away, attained cult status.

Personally, I cgaf whether he stays or goes back to Germany although it would help the cash flow if we managed to turn a profit on him.

On broader matters, I take a hint from those 'loyal' supporters who slag off the critics of this rather pathetic close season programme. But I ask of them one thing, how long do I have to wait before I can speak negatively of Silva and his charges? Some say Christmas, others the end of next season whilst no less than six windows was mentioned by one 'true supporter.'

Give us a hint as I do not wish to offend !

I really don't understand why a few contributors on here have to be so aggressive about opinions they disagree with. There's a great cross-section of fans on here. Some are incredibly miserable, others madly optimistic, so why can't we understand that we're all seeing different things in the same match?

It's great to disagree, and it's great to have a laugh about it in my opinion. I will never tell anyone to "shut it" on here, or "call bullshit" on someone's opinion. I accept that others like to show how knowledgeable they are by shutting down someone else's opinion, so I try not to engage with them. Which is why I usually just tell them to chill out.

Then I laugh at them and get on with posting my bullshit opinions.

The midfield was solid, but uninventive; Sig looking nowhere near the player we saw for Iceland!

Oh dear god, the defence is utter tripe! Baines and Coleman both struggle to stop crosses, but their second goal was an absolute shocker for our two centerhalfs! Keane (other than his goal) was fucking dreadful!

We actually looked more solid for the first 10 minutes of the second half, once Digne settled. But changes to our attack (Walcott coming off) and Sandro's Inclusion killed our right side threat! Is Sandro a footballer or has he won a competition to play?? Utter awful giving the ball away for their third!!

Thought our keeper was shite too!

We need two, TWO, centerhalfs and fucking quickly! Coz the two playing today are turd...

I said he would last year and he did, despite the howls from those delighted with Koeman/Walsh business at the time – you know who you are.

I cannot believe Burnley are about to land this intelligent little footballer for a song while we contemplate starting the season with Niasse and both the Spanish and Turkish versions of Andy Johnson.

Some of us watched him actually play while in Germany, saw him score goals and create for others. It wasn't just that he was away and achieved “cult” status. Its that we watched him play for a top German side and look the part.

As John Keating says above, we will ship goals against all the Premier League teams unless we get a quality centre back signed.

That signing will stabilise us .

To make progress we need a quality Central Midfielder too. A player who can control and pass the ball. Someone who can make that split second of time for himself will make all the difference. I like Gana and would keep him but I would like to trade or sell Schneiderlin and bring in a quality midfielder that Silva wants .

They've got their work cut out now, we may have to concentrate on players who are surplus to their clubs requirements.Im not sure Newcastle will sell Lascelles at this late stage. The fee will be ridiculous unless he has a buyout.

Zouma may fit the bill . Drinkwater for the Midfielder? The next few days will be very interesting and crucial to our season.

Targets have to be achievable, there is no time for pie in the sky messing about.

Those moaning about Marco Silva need a reality check. Marco has inherited a load of tripe from the Koeman - Walsh fiasco along with Tosun and Walcott from the Allardyce regime. I don't rate either of the last two named.

The two lads we have brought in so far this season are good players but I think we need to shift more crap out to get more quality in. Our wage bill is horrendous. We can't keep paying wooden tops 𧴜k plus a week to play in the Under-23s.

Really poor today. We have lacked pace and passion for years now. I said last season Tom and Dominic were not good enough and got hammered for it. I think you can see it now for yourselves.

I always look at players and think: Would Spurs or Liverpool, who haven't won the league title for decades, buy these players and play them?? If not, then they should not be in our squad either.

There is a lot to be optimistic about this year and when it is all said and done I'm sure it will have been a success. But there is an important week ahead for Silva and Brands!

Replace with Maguire, Wanyama and Lanzini and already that team would be looking considerably better. Silva and Brands have to fix this mess and they have to get it right. Early days so far but their first two signings look very decent. They are well aware of what we need and Silva said after the games he wants more players.

Personally I'd be knocking on Chelsea's door for Zouma and Loftus-Cheek. Sad when so many of Chelsea's reserves would walk straight into our starting XI.

Problem is they would demand Pickford . They may say.

Zouma, Loftus Cheek and 25m to buy Butland = Pickford

Selling Pickford to Chelsea is unthinkable. Isn't it? Or is it?

I'm being coy, rope and lampposts are common round here.

There was something cryptic in Silva's interview when he said I have to make decisions, do what is best for Everton FC. Almost like he was saying that the above scenario could be in Everton's best interests. Or maybe that's complete bollworms .

Also, in fairness to you, I accept that you are one of the more 'objective' posters on TW who usually backs up their posts with facts as opposed to supposition.

I am just getting a bit fed up with all the silliness of a lot of posters on here who as Michael @90 says, 'have to be so aggressive about opinions they disagree with', so once again, apologies if I put you put you into that category.

Btw, Michael, I couldn't agree with you more regarding the rest of your post and I look forward to more 'bullshit' from you in the future haha!
Derek@89 spot on fella!

I'm still excited about taking my seat on August 18th, the problem is I really don't know why.

They are both trying to impose styles and tactics on players who are not suited to them

I pray the outcome is not the same

This team and style of play will leak goals like a sieve,

Positives - Richarlison look good all round, Walcott is quality and gueye was the usual terrier but with improved passing and a few (good) shots on goal. Digne looked ok.

Negatives - both CBs and goalie no more to be said.
Schneiderlin, Sigurdson and Tosun looked badly off the pace. None of the subs except Digne did anything of note.
to the windowVery worrying times with just 5 days left

It's not all doom but unless we get some rough diamonds or proven CBs, an Arteta sequel CM, and an agile CF, we will struggle. MSs because do language spoke volumns.. it's his toughest role by far.

Patience and patience is needed. I'm hoping and praying we don't get whacked at Wolves.

BMD now feels like a figment of the imagination.

Despite some periods of good attacking play we were again awful at the back. It's a good job Pickford will be in goal against Wolves, and whoever the new CB is, here's hoping he goes straight into the starting line up next Saturday.

As for who the new CB back will be, a couple of posters read my mind. I was only thinking earlier today after reading a report that Zouma has no squad number at Chelsea whether we might make a double bid for him and Loftus Cheek. It would make sense in a lot of ways. Zouma might not be my first or even 2nd choice, but I'd prefer us to go for him over the likes of Gibson and Rojo.

As Sams Hoare points out, it's also a sad indictment that these Chelsea reserves would walk into our 1st 11.

Butland isn't far behind Pickford imo and getting the likes of RLC in would be a massive improvement for our midfield. Obviously Zouma is better than anything we've got.

How on earth did we manage to spend almost £100m on Keane, Schneiderlin and Sigurdsson? Still can't believe it.

People talk about the pressing game. I noticed that, when Valencia kicked the game off, Everton players did not press. Quite alarming really, after a few poor friendlies, losing most; I at least thought that at home we would start in a combative manner.

How stupid was I? We don't have the players to let the opposition come on to us; we lack guile, speed and positional awareness. So why not close them down, or at least try to, thereby limiting their time on the ball?Beats me..

Also, I'm going out on a limb here but I would rather have a player who pulls his tripe out every game, as if it actually means something to him to play for our club, than some foreign prancing pony. Step forward, Schneiderlein and Mirallas. At least one of them's gone, thank God.

It's a sobering thought as to what one of the "big six" will do to us this season, again. Head above the parapet time: I would lose Scneiderlein; send Tom Davies on loan (he was abysmal for the time he was on today); lose Lookman (when he came on, it was as though someone had dragged him away from his tea). I want to see effort, guts and a never-say-die attitude in the players that represent my club. Not players who can't even look as if they're interested.

A lot of this is dependant on the voice of the fans, I realise this. But, as fans, we have to be realistic as to the standard of player we can attract to the club. Give me a decent, skilled player, who leaves nothing on the pitch, to a "name", any day.

Sadly, our club is a long way off dining at the top table; we will never get there unless we have players who believe, a management system that believes, and an ownership that believes.

Foreign players, even homegrown players who are built up as world beaters, don't necessarily cut it.Remember that success is relative, and can only be achieved if the target is realistic.

League placements, unless in the top four, are relatively meaningless. I would rather finish 14th/15th and win a cup than finish 4th and be obliterated in a Champions League qualifiers. Where do we find these players? I'm not sure... but it isn't always the names ending in O or IC or OS that do it.

Sometimes it can be a young kid from a lower division. You know the type: hungry, full of desire, and wanting to make a name for himself – not one that has been gilt-edged by a mostly moronic media.

I know which route to take towards success for me; it would be interesting to see if there is anybody with the same outlook. Or do people want instant success? Oh, wait... that's worked well for us, hasn't it?

We always want better, I understand but personally when we got rid of Sam good entertaining football without relegation worries was my main requirement. I'm happy with that.

It will just be good to look forward to watching my team play, dare I say with a little excitement of what could be with an improves spine.
Top class central defender and a central midfielder to distribute the ball.

Defender I'm hoping is already incoming even if its not the Barca lad. Midfielder Mooy or Drinkwater would be a massive improvement over Schnides. Their range of passing and ability to control the game and create chances from in our own half is something not seen since Arteta.

We may lose to Wolves next week but we will loose at least whilst trying to win, create, score goals and that is a massive turnaround compared to Ron and Sam. It would be a game I would want to watch even knowing the final score.

Bring in at least one legit CB, whether that be Mina or Lascelles or whoever (preferably not Rojo), and get Drinkwater on loan and we should be in decent shape heading into the season.

Agree. 2 defensive midfielders appears to invite the opposition into us and our combination of defence are ill equipped to deal with all the various offences

Hence, let's play a formation that preys on ‘let them worry about us more than we worry about them' I.e. 1 defensive midfielder only (Gueye)

Honestly, my guess is he was pretty pissed off about only getting on so late in the game. Nothing wrong with that.

I totally agree and mentioned something along the same lines as your post in another thread I think it was after the Rennes game.

2 defensive midfielders is too negative in my opinion, and it's a setup that leads to a defensive style of play with less of a chance of creating chances.

1 defensive midfielder, Gueye preferably over Shneiderlin. I had Sigurdsson in my post ahead of Gueye but more deeper than the number 10 as I don't think he's proved himself in that position up to now. I would then have Richarlison, Lookman and Walcott as the pacey attacking players behind Tosun.

Any updates on McCarthy? I am so disappointed with all the injuries he has had to endure – he should be one of our main stays in the midfield if he stays fit. A fit McCarthy is equal to Schneiderlin and Besic playing together.

I don't get why so many people are down on Tosun – he is a very good finisher if he is given proper service. For now, I would be happy if we added 1 left-sided CB (Mina, Lascelles, Rojo or Zouma) and 1 attacking mid-fielder (Loftus-Cheek or Mooy) and get rid of: Schneiderlin, Vlasic, Martina, possibly Bolasie, apart from loaning out a bunch of youngsters.

Be that as it may, I'll give the new guy time to make them do so as long as he doesn't come out with the intolerable after match bullshit of the Catalan !

Zouma + Loftus Cheek + 25m for Butland = Pickford

It would divide opinion down the middle, it would be interesting to see if there was a majority in favour of such a deal.

Personally a I think it would be good business for EFC and strengthen the team where it is desperately needed. Whilst getting a quality keeper in who is not too far behind Pickford.

Since then, we've replaced the front 3, got Seamus and Baines fit and proper cover for both and play players in their correct positions.

With all those problems, we finished 8th. I think 7th is well within our grasp.

I've thought something like that on occasion. Jagielka seems to make plenty of last gasp tackles, blocks and covering others which is probably what someone should be doing, but wonder if this sometimes affects his partner.

Koeman said something about wanting the whole defence to move across together when someone was pulled out but we don't seem to have anyone dominant in the air. May be the problem is with our"defensive" midfield.

Based on preseason and our new manager's form in the Premier League we will be lucky to finish 8th from bottom.

Until we get 2 CBs who can play this system and a proven goalscorer who can hold the ball up and link up play we will struggle against any Premier League team – let alone the top 6.

I still think Mina will end up here personally. Barcelona can't keep him. They have too many non-EU players. Man Utd aren't seriously after him. Suppose he could go to Spurs if and when United sign Alderweireld.

No one closing down the cross,
Out of position full backs (both sides),
no one filling in as cover,
Total lack of pace,
Lack of awareness around tippy tappy players,
Clueless centre half marking.

The outfield back 6 have got to work better as a unit. They contribute fuck all going forward, so keeping it tight at the back should be their key job.

I am backing the manager here. The players are not performing.

I am dumbfounded we gave him a 2-year contract.

I am getting agitated with Sandro. He does not deserve more game time to prove himself as he has been very poor. Sandro is no wide man. Does Silva think that Dowell, or Lookman (with Richarlison shifting to the right side) will not do a better job? If so, I humbly disagree, although I am an armchair fan so I bow to his judgement.

Regarding the CBs, I am all for Mina. He looked better than Davinson Sanchez in the World Cup and we need a monster. If he does not come, I prefer a loan deal for Zouma (assuming Chelsea don't sell). Please, no Rojo or any other defender without the strength to compete.

If we don't find a CB, then I hope Silva becomes pragmatic. Try and drill the team to play with a back 3. I would love to see a 3-4-3 formation with Baines as a wide left midfielder, providing creativity on that side. Lose Schneiderlin from the middle as his passing does not justify his atrocious work rate.

Lastly, I think Rodriguez is a great shout as a striker. He has no express pace, but neither does Tosun or Calvert-Lewin. I thought West Brom looked menacing with him and Rondon paired upfront. He would give us a genuine option with a 2-man front line.

Anyway, I do agree that this is going to be a slow and painful process to improve the team. Some right decisions have been made so far, but some wrong ones too (Sandro, Stekelenburg).

It's a game of opinions and I appreciate that ultimately those that count belong to Silva & Brands.

My suspicion is that Silva has been ordered to get some value for money for the Club by fielding him at every opportunity – almost regardless of the player's ability to contribute in any meaningful way. Daft idea for sure but Moshiri has to be obeyed. And, at least, the guy 'runs about a bit'!

We're surely going to buy a centre half this week. Shirley?

I believe what we watched yesterday, even though the result was wrong, was miles better than what we have seen for the last 2 years. Yes, it's blatantly obvious we need 1 if not 2 better centre-halves and then a midfield lynchpin to join up our defence to attack better and be a box-to-box ball carrying type but I don't think we are a million miles away.

Let's hope this week we see these transfers happen and then for once let's all get behind the team and support them. The one thing I think this season will be is entertaining and that is exactly what everyone last season was asking for when Fat Sam was dishing up his dross.

A lot of positives to take from yesterday's game. Yes, the centre-back issue needs sorting. 1 would be great, 2 would be amazing. But there was a lot of good high pressure and some lovely link-up play... the first half was what to really judge on as that's more our starting XI.

A solid CB will definitely make a difference. Whoever it is I'll give them my full backing (no defensive pun intended) as long as they fight tooth and nail for the shirt. There have been plenty say a big fat No to Rojo, but surely anyone that's an improvement on Jagielka or Keane is to be welcomed regardless of who they are or what club they've previously come from?!
COYB!!

We have mentioned a box to box terrier and hoped Davies could be him, not happening so far unfortunately.

Brighton are sniffing around John McGinn at Hibs. First in with 4 million gets him. Might be worth a shout at that price. We'd always get our money back if it didn't work out.

While it is easy to blame the goalkeeper when there is a leaky defence in front of him, I have looked at many of the replays, and his positioning is what you would expect from a rookie.

Okay it can be argued that he is basically back up to Jordan, it is extremely worrying that should Jordan sustain an injury, God Forbid he doesn't, I fear having him in goal at all.

To make matters worse the Club has extended his contract, it beggars belief.

He was banging them in for Malaga so he would be a punt at a few million for a mid table Spanish club. We would no doubt have to pay him off a sizeable chunk to go.

A loan deal would probably suit all parties as he may come back to his previous goal scoring ways and be much more in demand.

One thing is for sure he won't be getting any starts for us . A few cameos when we are 3-0 up is the best he can hope for.

Did Gaya, Santi Mina or Soler play? I would of loved to see either of the three at Everton this season. Also worth noting that they have that calming influence of Parejo and the power of Kondogbia in the middle, something Everton severely lack in recent years.

Hearing (and hoping) that Walcott, Tosun and Richarlison are giving us a real threat. I'm not the biggest fan of Gylfi as a No 10 as I think he is better drifting into a 10 from the left, time will tell. We need Gana at his best alongside some power in the middle; Doucoure signed a new deal so that's the Silva connection over, I think.

Baines allowing a cross to come in actually adds pressure to the centre-halves; Digne will hopefully offer more protection from the left. It seems Keane/Holgate and a left centre-half are what we are going with. A lot of patience is needed.

The tackling and closing down is poor leaving the central defence exposed too much.

No matter who Everton bring in they have to be able to play tighter as a unit in that area.

Everton don't look too bad in possession but when not in possession always look vulnerable.

Granted they do not yet have the personnel that looks to improve the defensive area but they had better strengthen it soon.

Someone please reassure me that the current team is not as crap as they were last season...

Surely Silva is playing Schneiderlin in order to get a decent price for him. Show other managers he rates him. Thursday I fully expect him to be sold and Brands already has a replacement lined up.

Central defence is the main concern and if we don't bring in a top class centre back switch to 3 at the back with Holgate and or Galloway. They will close and pressurise the opposition with Jags barking orders of when to push up, drop off etc.

I watch Schnides and he likes the easy game. Find space, receive ball under no pressure, pass the ball simply. All very good and well but he stays in first gear and offers nothing else. I look at him and Gana and it's like there playing different tactics for different teams.

I think McCarthy is a very limited player but compared to Schnides he's head and shoulders ahead. He's also similar to Gana but and they play the same tactical game of non stop closing down and pressurising opponents.
With our improved forward line they could play together against the top sides as we now have more forward passing options to get out of trouble.
However I think his career is pretty much over due to injuries but he or Besic can hopefully step up and partner Gana.
Hopefully Mooy or Drinkwater to come in as the main midfielder.