Strong Everton hold off Gunners to record another impressive win

Sunday, 7 April, 2019 225comments  |  Jump to most recent
Everton 1 - 0 Arsenal

Phil Jagielka stepped into the team after Michael Keane fell ill and scored the winner after 10 minutes
Jan Kruger / Getty Images

Phil Jagielka stepped into the breach caused by Michael Keane's illness to score the only goal of a hard-fought but entertaining encounter at Goodison that saw Everton beat top-six opposition for the second time in a fortnight.

The defender scored in the 10th-minute to hand Marco Silva's side an advantage they successfully defended and should really have added to it but they spurned a number of attacking opportunities, particularly in the second half, to really put the Gunners to the sword.

With Yerry Mina his only absentee, the Blues boss initially named an unchanged starting XI as Everton look to make it three games on the spin but that plan was forced to change between announcing the team and running out on the pitch, Michael Keane coming down with a virus, and Phil Jagielka stepping up to start in his place.

The opening exchanges were fairly frenetic and the game was quickly disrupted by a series of fouls, injury stoppages for both sides as Lacazette and Digne both required treatment, the latter after being caught late by an ugly challenge from Guendouzi.

Everton took the lead after just 10 minutes, however. Digne had already bounced a long throw over the crossbar but his second delivery a couple of minutes later was flicked on by Jagielka, Calvert-Lewin's header hit a defender and it fell invitingly for Jagielka again to tuck home.

Richarlison wasn't able to make anything from a masterful cross-field ball by Digne that picked him out on the right flank but Everton won it back and Gomes sliced a left-footed shot well off target from 25 yards.

Bernard's sublime heel-flick a few minutes later was even better and it almost put Gomes in in the Arsenal box but Sokratis nicked it off his toe before going down and requiring treatment himself.

Bernard's excellent block denied Maitland-Niles a chance to test Pickford from just outside the box but Everton's attempt to break away quickly was thwarted by an illegal challenge b y Sokratis in the centre circle and he was booked.

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Gueye missed badly with a shot after picking up a glancing defensive header but his presence in the box was symptomatic of the Blues' on-the-front-foot approach which, coupled with their relentless pressing, meant that they remained the more dangerous side.

Another interception from Bernard led to Gomes teeing Sigurdsson up for a speculative effort from 25 yards but it was comfortable for Leno in the Arsenal goal.

Then, a quick free-kick taken as Nacho Monreal was complaining about referee Kevin Friend's decision sent Richarlison away down the right but his cross was blocked behind and the resulting corner was cleared.

Unai Emery made a double change at the break, introducing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Aaron Ramsey and it was the Welsh international who almost made an immediate impact. Pickford punched wildly at an awkward ball hooked into six-yard box and it fell to Ramsey who side-footed a volley over the bar.

Everton then had a spell of pressure that ended with Sigurdsson curling a shot over before Lacazette failed to unduly test Pickford with a header from a ball over the top at the other end.

Maitland-Niles's misjudged back header then put Bernard in but Leno covered the angle and blocked his shot just before the hour mark, Sigurdsson volleyed high into the Gwladys Street and Richarlison swept another effort wide as Everton continued to threaten.

Calvert-Lewin spurned one chance to put Bernard into space in the box when he held onto the ball too long but Everton won it back and came again, Sigurdsson seeing a shot deflect behind and Calvert-Lewin heading the resulting corner at the keeper.

Mkhitaryan missed narrowly with a low drive from the edge of the box for Arsenal but it was Everton who romped away on another counter shortly afterwards, Richarlison's cross finding Sigurdsson's run but his first-time shot was saved from 12 yards out.

The chances kept coming as Gueye picked out Sigurdsson in the box but Sokrartis blocked his shot and Richarlison wasted a clear chance to get a shot on target, shanking awkwardly wide of goal with just Leno in front of him.

Silva made his first change with 12 minutes to go, introducing Theo Walcott for Richarlison and the former Gunner led the charge with an immediate attack but Bernard was foiled again by Leno.

Seconds later, Calvert-Lewin toed the ball past Skodran Mustafi on the touchline and was cleaned out by the defender who was booked for his troubles before Gomes raked a drive wide and Walcott cannoned a shot into a defender following a corner.

Ademola Lookman for Bernard and Tom Davies for SIgurdsson were late substitutions from Silva aimed at disrupting any rhythm Arsenal were trying to attain in the closing stages

The win, one that comes on the back of 2-0 wins over Chelsea and West Ham, means that Silva's Toffees recorded a third successive clean sheet and moved back to within a point of seventh place for the time being/

Kick-off: 2:05pm, Sunday 7 April 2019

Everton: Pickford; Coleman, Keane Jagielka, Zouma, Digne; Gomes, Gueye; Richarlison, Sigurdsson, Bernard; Calvert-Lewin.
Subs: Stekelenburg, Baines, McCarthy, Davies, Walcott, Lookman, Tosun.

Arsenal: Leno; Mustafi, Sokratis, Monreal; Maitland-Miles, Guendouzi, Elneny (Aubameyang 46'), Kolasinac (Ramsey 46'); Mkhitaryan, Ozil; Lacazette.
Subs: Cech, Lichtsteiner, Suarez, Jenkinson, Iwobi.

Referee: Kevin Friend

Full coverage: ToffeeWeb match page



Reader Comments (225)

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Dave Abrahams
1 Posted 07/04/2019 at 13:20:45
Same team as last week so it’s nice to go to the game feeling confident of a good solid victory, which I am.

Kenny not on the bench is disappointing for me, the lad deserves better than this in my opinion, but his time will come.

Dave Williams
2 Posted 07/04/2019 at 13:32:38
Agreed, Dave. Jonjoe Kenny is very underrated in my opinion and should be our next right back. Give him a run in a settled and solid back four and I think he will establish himself.

Team looks good; they are not at full strength and if we continue our recent form we will win this.

Andy Crooks
3 Posted 07/04/2019 at 14:13:25
I agree with both Daves. Let's hope he has patience.
Simon Smith
4 Posted 07/04/2019 at 14:42:36
DCL is bullying the gunners !!!
Simon Smith
5 Posted 07/04/2019 at 14:46:42
Richalison letting us down here.
Michael Kenrick
6 Posted 07/04/2019 at 14:57:45
A good half for the Blues. A fine poacher's goal for the captain, very pleased for Jagielka. Loved his posing after the goal!

Good spirited play, passing accuracy almost matching Arsenal's which is very impressive. But still maddening moments from our key players:

Sigurdsson, with time to shoot hard and true, literally passes back to the Arsenal keeper. Why, why, why, why???? HIT THE FUCKING BALL!!!

Richarlison... drives me mad. Never seems to do what's needed... so frustrating to watch. Should be 1,000 times better than he is.

Gueye, great in midfield, but please, Marco, fine him whenever he tries to shoot at goal and lashes it off somewhere into mid-Lancs! Just Don't Do It!

For once, I was quite pleased with Calvert-Lewin. He is getting stronger and more confident, becoming a bit of a nark, and not taking any shit from anyone.

Come on You Blues... Let's shove this one up these obnoxious moaning Gunners!!!

Jay Wood
[BRZ]

7 Posted 07/04/2019 at 15:00:34
Another very solid half of football, deservedly leading. And delighted for Jags getting on the scoresheet.

We are once again looking like the team we saw early season pre-Anfield, but doing it better and more consistently over 90 minutes.

High press, making the opposition either turn back towards their own goal, or coughing up cheap possession trying to pass through our lines.

DLC leading the line superbly, Gomes once again shining, Bernard increasingly showing he is coming to grips with the Premier League. What about the lay off in behind the Arse from a dropping ball into Gomes?

Have the Arse really threatened? We're tackling and closing like tigers all over the park... and they don't like it!

Keep it up, Blues.

Harry Hockley
8 Posted 07/04/2019 at 15:03:55
So far so good, Richarlison the only player who's not doing well again.
Mads Kamp
9 Posted 07/04/2019 at 15:59:57
OMG I love this Silva guy!
Chris Gould
10 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:00:32
Absolutely fantastic. Played them off the park. We stretched them every time we got the ball. Their defenders were exhausted by the end of it. We battered them. Should have been 3 or 4 but another clean sheet is highly impressive. Bernard, Gomes and DCL all stood out for me, but everyone had a great game. Brilliant stuff. Well done Marco. We look a completely different team to a few weeks ago. Confident going forward and solid at the back.
Jason Broome
11 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:01:39
I think the boys have settled. Keep this up and next season should be an improvement on this one.
Kieran Kinsella
12 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:01:48
23 shots against Arsenal. Has that ever happened before?
Anthony Flack
13 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:03:07
Everyone was spot on Zoums immense, Bernard exceptional

I know it’s no typical but I thought the Ref had an excellent game - ignoring their theatrics

Brian Hennessy
14 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:04:54
Brilliant performance - really could have been 4 or 5 nill.
Graham Mockford
15 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:06:52
Very encouraging three games. Nice high tempo play, working their nuts off and defending well.

I think the Calvert-Lewin detractors might be forced to eat a little humble pie if he continues to develop at his current rate

Simon Smith
16 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:08:23
DCL was brilliant today, proper bullied the gunners, Bernard aswel, he's cementing his place.
John Graham
17 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:08:33
Brilliant result.

Great work ethic with plenty of passion. Put that together with good teamwork, good passing, and a threat every time we attacked. Can't believe we had so many chances.

All of Silva's hard work is now starting to show and the confidence throughout the team grows every game. Well done lads.

Let's keep it up till the end of the season.
COYB

Annika Herbert
18 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:09:01
Terrific result, very good performance from all. Bernard my man of the match. DCL gets better with every game
Jay Wood
[BRZ]

19 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:10:50
Arsenal got off lightly there.

If Siggy had his shooting boots on today, he could have had a hat-trick.

The one mistake DCL made all game was, having created the opening down the middle, he should have rolled Bernard in, but instead turned back into the defender and lost the chance. Not that Bernard is guaranteed of finishing, mind! But otherwise, Dom was a superb leader of the line. Mustafi was a very lucky boy to stay on the pitch after hacking him down.

Once again, excellent all over the park. And Pickford's distribution was spot on all game.

Another top six scalp. Another 3 points. 3 wins on the bounce. Another clean sheet - 5 in six, apart from that mad 20 minutes at Newcastle. And Goodison rocking and enjoying itself again.

After 13 games we were on 22 points. It's taken us another 19 games to double that tally. But in the last half dozen games we're looking a proper team now.

Jim Hillier
20 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:10:58
Please, please let this mean we have turned a corner. Three very good performances against London opposition on the bounce, three wins, three clean sheets.

How about a season along those lines?

Gerard Carey
21 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:11:04
Brilliant performance, DCL ran himself into the ground. Could and should have been three or four nil.
The old Seamus is back too.
Harry Hockley
22 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:11:22
Best team performance of the season for BOTH halves. 5-0 wouldn't of flattered us. Get Gomes and Zouma on permanent deals ASAP please.
Tony Twist
23 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:18:03
Excellent result and performance. Well done the lads. The result is everything, need to keep this up so that we can start thinking of success not failure.
Martin Berry
24 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:19:15
It would have been a travesty if we did not get the win we deserved today.
Great performance, but did we miss some chances!
This lad DCL is going to be some centre forward, personally I never had any doubts.
Next
Jim Hillier
25 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:20:13
5 minutes made my heart stop, but good win at the end of the day. Could have been more.
Dermot Byrne
27 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:22:48
What I would love to know. What was Goodison like if you went?

Think Silva has got many inside in a few months now. Future? Well if we are clever rather than just spending big for sale of it, it feels good. Brands is the man who can add to this team. Happy day in Anglesey with sun shining.
Christy Ring
28 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:25:01
Superb performance, absolutely rattled Arsenal with the passion and intensity, that's how it should be played at Goodison. Gueye was immense, even though Calvert-Lewin was man of the match.
Tony Hill
29 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:26:32
Didn’t go today but absolutely brilliant performance. Marvellous all round and in Digne we have, potentially, the best left-back in the world. Would be great to buy Zouma, though I fear we won’t.

Wonderful to see us getting it right. It will be a while yet, but my goodness this is encouraging. Let’s enjoy it.

Tony Hill
30 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:28:56
PS Gueye is astonishingly good. Would be lovely to keep him. He’s got a place forever in our hearts regardless.
Christy Ring
31 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:35:33
What will Nicholas and Merson say about us now, our two biggest critics, who never gave us a chance today, even Phil Concorde Thompson reckons West Ham have a better squad.
Bill Watson
32 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:36:13
Great display with outstanding performances all over the park. Difficult to pick a MoM but Gomes and Bernard were superb.
Great game from D C-L too.
Andrew Clare
33 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:37:07
If we can keep these players for next season I think we will do really well. The team and the manager have really got it together now. I have always said that we needed patience with Silva and now we can see why.
Simon Smith
34 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:40:51
Gomes is a must too btw, we've said it before but I'm saying it again anyways !

Gerry 21, very true mate, really glad to have Seamus back in business.

Plenty of good to come out of today, Digne showed his heart playing injured, Gana also with his week long illness (although he could never be questioned imo).

I've mentioned Bernard and DCL, Richalison wasn't at his best today but he's forever willing, plus he seems to have curbed the diving and throwing his arms out.

Looking to the window we should be clearing out a lot of players, this should free up funds and wages.

Gomes and Zouma would be nice, that said Zouma may be difficult, especially if Chelsea keep the transfer ban, also a fully fit Mina will be like a new signing.

DCL has to have competition, we need a goalscorer, but we only need 1 as we shouldn't hamper his progression.

Europa would be brilliant for us, Davies, DCL, JJ Kenny, Ant Robinson, Holgate, Lookman, Virginia, Williams, Connerlly, Baningeme, Hornby all need it, it could take a few of them to the next level, without it I wonder how many of them will play. If we could get most of them to play 4 or 5 group games each it will be huge for there development.

Outgoings should include Bolasie, Miralas, Williams, Martina, Besic, McCarthy, Walcott, Schniederlin, Niasse, and Tosun at the very least, plus the possibility of Jags, Baines, Steklenburg if the kids are ready to replace.

5 years of bad management won't disappear over night, but at last it's starting to feel like Silva might actually have a clue.

Colin Glassar
35 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:42:23
Brilliant performance by everyone. I’m glad my faith in the likes of Bernard, DCL, Gomes etc... are being repaid. I know they’ve all had dips in form his season but quality is quality and will always shine through. Well done lads!
Dave Bowen
36 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:42:43
Great win for the Blues, but really should have been more. DCL had probably his best game, but offers no goal threat. Bernard likewise. As for Richarlison, he is probably the most frustrating player I’ve seen in a blue shirt in years. If we can buy Zouma & Gomes (both excellent today) & add a proper goal-scoring forward, I really believe we can challenge for a top 4 place next season. Easier said than done of course. COYB!
Kieran Kinsella
37 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:42:57
Delighted for Jags. After his injuries I worried his red card at Wolves would be his last notable moment. Shows how him and Baines must work tirelessly in training because they’ve both stepped in when needed and been superb.
Frank Crewe
38 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:43:30
Brilliant performance. Pace, power and a will to win. Can't ask for more.
I know DCL got MoM but really outside of Pickford who had very little to do and Richarlison who I thought was average today they could have named anyone. My own pick would have been Zouma. Really have to hang onto him and Gomes.
Brian Wilkinson
39 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:46:49
Great performance today and fully deserved win.

Hard to pick a man of the match, dcl is improving every game, Gayes, Gomes quite a few, Bernard again ran himself into the ground, so on that performance I am not picking a man of the match, thought it was a team performance.

Pat Kelly
40 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:47:10
We can't depend on DCL, Bernard or Richi to score on a regular basis. Unless a proven striker is signed we will continue to punch below our potential.
Derek Knox
41 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:49:03
Andrew @33, agree but we desperately need additions too, plus the biggest problem is moving on players who are with us, some out on loan and on massive contracts, which will not be easy, or nigh on impossible in many cases.
Kieran Kinsella
42 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:50:01
Pat 40

Congrats on finding a way to have a go at DCL even when he was man of the match

Andy Meighan
43 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:50:15
Christy @31,

Fuck them morons on Sky. I stopped watching that show months ago. The lot of them absolutely love themselves... full set of twats, if you ask me. Anyway, rant over...

Brilliant today and how it only stayed 1-0 is beyond me. Right, I'm off to explore the sights and sounds of New York!

Andy Crooks
44 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:51:32
Steve Ferns, you said it was too early to take a bow. Take one now. I called for Silva's dismissal not that long ago. Well, that was a shite call. You pondered, Steve, on how Silva could handle a crisis. Now we know.
I will see you after the United game. I know you are off the ale for lent but so there will be a large Fanta for you. Great result.
Niall McIlhone
45 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:51:48
Zouma. Him and Jags were completely in charge at the back today, and the appetite for our forward players to be available for the out ball was hugely impressive.The crowd were up for it, from start to finish, and the desire of our team rattled Arsenal.
We got into so many potential goal scoring positions today due to stretching their defence to the limit, and DCL deserves all the praise for his relentless pressuring, however, returning to big Kurt, he is my sort of defender, we should pull out all stops to retain him in the summer.
Pat Kelly
46 Posted 07/04/2019 at 16:56:03
Kieran, it's an undeniable fact he doesn't score enough. Would you prefer we forgot about looking for someone who can.
Dave Abrahams
47 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:00:25
Andy (44), I echo your thoughts there Andy, just wish the season was starting instead of drawing to a brilliant finish.

By the way Andy you can get Steve a good drink after the Man. Unt. game Lent finishes on Easter Sunday.

Derek Knox
48 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:00:32
Andy @44, I too will hold my hand up, in that I was calling for Silva's departure, but the football and results were pretty dire not so long ago.

He appears to have turned things round, but he was very stubborn with that Zonal marking and playing with the same tactics when it was obvious they were not working.

Christy Ring
49 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:01:15
Calvert-Lewin ran himself into the ground again today, I know he didn't score, but he was a handful, he's only 21, with a great physique. He's probably guaranteed a start for the rest of the season, a couple of goals would do wonders for his confidence, and could make him a proper no.9.
Dave Williams
50 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:01:33
DCL is like Graeme Sharp. His all round game is coming on very quickly now, he has more aggression and has now found a great work ethic. He is holding the ball up well and goals will be the final piece of the jigsaw just like it was with Sharp.
Great performance today- should have been four or five and they never looked like scoring. Can the tacticians explain what has changed about the defence? I know Seamus has come on strong recently but we look very solid now- Steve Ferns please!
I am starting to believe that Silva can do this job- well done to him and his staff!
Joe Foster
51 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:02:05
Great win. Made up.
Paul Johnson
52 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:05:51
I believe DCL will come good. Used to bet on Beattie and one nil. Today my bet was a DCL hat trick and will be til he does it. Watch his flick for the lay off to gilfi at West Ham . The kid will come good.
Oliver Molloy
54 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:09:43
Andy, whilst I do believe we are moving in the right direction I also think you may be a little hasty in your assessment of Silva despite what your friend says.
Crisis, a little over the top don't you think - this was always going to be a fairly up and down season and as long as Silva was keeping us safe, he was never in danger of the sack - ever!

Me, I always was 50 - 50 with Silva's appointment and I still am.
For me there is a way to go to prove he is the man ( which I hope he is ), but still early days.
Next season will be the one, with the honeymoon period over.

Alan J Thompson
55 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:11:31
Arsenal were not of the Wenger vintage but other than the start of the second half they were always second fiddle and with better finishing Everton would have embarrassed them. We must have the only Brazilians who have trouble with a one-on-one with the keeper.

For me Zouma was pipped by Gomes as MotM but only because the latter was involved more. Otherwise it was good to see so much more effort paying off and my most concerned moment was when Richarlison who had put so much effort in was subbed.

Jags is probably on the phone to his Agent now to tell him to negotiate that new striker's contract.

Jeff Armstrong
56 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:12:42
Calvert Lewin reminds me of a young Graeme Sharp circa 82-83,just before we made it big back then, raw but starting to develop his game, if he can add goals like Sharpy did back then we will have gold on our hands.
This current end of season form is also reminiscent of back then,you can see the start of a team,a way of playing and a whole squad including the manager coming together and fighting for one another.
Brian Denton
57 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:13:33
That was a bloody good performance, lacking only the quality finishing which makes the difference between a good team and a team with potential of winning something.

I think that's the first time for a while where every player had a good game. I am particularly pleased that 'Mike' Bernard seems to be getting the hang of the Premier League.

Jay Harris
58 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:13:42
It’s official Goodison is no longer a library.

Well done to the crowd first of all for being confident and patient throughout the game.

Brilliant leading of the line by DCL who wins the majority of his heading duels with defenders. Who cares if he doesn’t score he takes all the pressure off the rest of the team and creates opportunities for others.

Zouma by far Motm for me. That lad is the real deal and we must keep him.

Well played the rest of the players but Gomes still worries me a bit. You can’t give possession of the ball away in the middle of the pitch and expect to get away with it.

Last of all kudos to Steve Ferns for telling us the 17 day break would enable Silva to get his message across to the players and boy has he done that.

Jeff Armstrong
59 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:14:30
Dave #50 you beat me too it re Sharpy
Jay Wood
[BRZ]

60 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:14:31
Dave @ 50.

"Can the tacticians explain what has changed about the defence? I know Seamus has come on strong recently but we look very solid now."

It's very simple, Dave. We've gone back to doing even better and more consistently over 90 minutes what we had started to do ahead of the lost at Analfield after which our season went off the tracks.

People forget in the 7 games before our away game over the park, we kept 4 clean sheets (and were allowing very few chances even) and conceded just 4 goals - 2 of those in a single game at Old Trafford.

It's not just the defence that's more solid defensively, it's the whole team. High press by our forwards and midfield payers, forcing the opposition to play backwards or attempt high risk balls through our lines which we are (again) picking off well. Far better and more compact defensive lines across midfield and defence when we retreat. No overplaying it when we win the ball in our own area. Very quick counter attacking having sucked in the opposition to commit players forward. Pickford looking very solid again.

Gueye no longer doing the job of three men, but getting a lot of help and support in his muck and nettles role from Gomes, Bernard, Richarlison and Siggy than he did in the barren middle part of our season.

We're rocking!

Derek Knox
61 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:15:01
Alan @55, there's always that Paper Mill in Shotton, Deeside to fall back on. :-)
Jamie Crowley
62 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:18:51
Dave @47 correction!

Lent finished Wednesday of Holy Week!

Steve-o can drink to his heart’s content.

What a game. DCL brilliant. Bernard - my Lord what a touch he has.

We dominated Arsenal. We are on the up to be sure. Brilliant football since the international break, with two “top 6” scalps.

Dave Ganley
63 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:21:16
Just back from the game and I have to say that was probably the best performance I have seen from us for a long time, especially against the Arse who are bang in form and we have a shocking record against them. We made them look really ordinary and but for lack of composure should have been 4 or 5 goals comfortably. Gomes was my MOM, I thought he completely dominated the midfield and moved play seamlessly. There were a few others who could have won the MOM but for me Gomes is starting to be the dominant midfielder we have been crying out for. DCL did a great job on the arsenal back 4, never gave them a moments peace and won most if not all of the headers against them, bit more composure and he will be a handful for any team.

Silva has had me flip flopping all season as to whether he is the man to take us forward but if he carries on the way we have been doing in the last few games then he will convert me. Fair play to Silva and the players. It was vital we finish the season strongly after our terrible pre and post Xmas run to show intent going into next season and they have done exactly that. The monkey on our back about not beating top 6 sides is off and we are playing some fabulous stuff also. The defence looks solid and GP was bouncing and loud and horrible for the opposition again, fantastic. GP may yet return to the bear pit we all know and love. Great win

Kase Chow
64 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:24:19
Great win!!!

Buzzing

I was wrong about DCL - there’s a player in there somewhere

Bernard was superb defensively and atroucious offensively. Can he beat a man? Can he keep his feet? Can he score when just up against the keeper? Seems not good enough tbh

Gomes wonderful, wonderful, wonderful

Zouma dominant

Coleman and Digne excellent

Great win

(Btw Walcott has lost ‘it’)

Paul Johnson
65 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:31:39
Kase let’s get one thing straight Bernard is definitely good enough...
Brian Williams
66 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:32:18
Arsenal are a better team than us. League position shows us that.
But what today showed was that heart, bravery, being unwilling to be beaten and a willingness to throw yourself into every tackle WILL make a difference.
It will not only utterly demoralise your opposition, which is what happened today believe me, but it will build confidence and allow players to do things they wouldn't have dared do a few weeks ago.
All that stopped today being a perfect result was the scoreline.
If we'd have won that 4-0 it wouldn't have flattered us.
Loved Richi and Andre going to the Bullens road after most had left the field to give away their shirts, and hugs on Andre's part.
A great game to watch, a great atmosphere, and a great result.
And to say that Gomes "worries" you is like complaining that one brick is slightly out of alignment in the great wall of China.
Big picture!!!
Martin Mason
67 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:32:29
DCL was very good and everybody played so well but if I were to pick a MOM it would have been the mighty atom Bernard. I think that he really impressed Silva too who allowed him a deserved standing ovation. Glad to hear the good vibes ringing around the ground too. There are clouds on the horizon namely not keeping loanees like Zouma and Gomes both magnificent. A big up for Jags too, still amongst the best of our players.
David Connor
68 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:32:47
Great all round team performance today. Made up for Jags especially. What a fantastic servant he has been for our great club.

On a slight negative, we have to start putting our chances away when we get them, but we are creating chances which is pleasing.

Let's have a good run and try and grab that 7th spot.Overall a very good day.COYB
Dave Abrahams
69 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:32:58
Jamie (62), I always thought Lent finished on Easter Sunday, but Jamie I’m not arguing over religion or anything else after a great performance like that, definitely agree with you about DCL and that little beaut Bernard,lovely to be a Blue at the moment and part of a rock and roll audience at Goodison Park.
Jamie Crowley
70 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:34:53
Dave @ 50 -

I’m no tactical analysis guru. But post Derby first time around, we kept playing Rich up top, and losing.

Since DCL has moved up top we are winning.

So elementary analysis says that recognition and change by Silva has made a big change in our overall play.

Tim Drake
71 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:35:30
Absolutely delighted with the performance except for the fact we should have scored more having had great opportunities for Bernard, Sigurdsson, Richarlison and Davies.

Calvert-Lewin is looking better with every game. I said to a few friends earlier in the season that, despite being a tidy player, defenders seemed to find him easy to defend against. This was made more obvious in the games where Niasse would replace him and scare defences with his unique brand of chaos. However, this has not been the case in the last few matches as DCL has hounded the opposing centre halves - winning headers, outmuscling, scrapping and all that goes with it. Clearly still needs to add goals but he’s currently our best striker by a fair margin.

Bernard was fantastic today. What a footballer. On more occasions than I can count he was winning the ball in our own half allowing us to quickly counter. Showed some great touches (barring a few at the start of the second period). Him and Richarlison on the wings seem to really help our full backs as they tend to drift inside which allows Digne and Coleman to overlap. All very positive.

I’m not ready to hail Silva as the future just yet but there is certainly cause for optimism. Our summer signings have in the most part been really encouraging and so I am intrigued to see how we get on this summer. I feel the fates of Zouma, Gomes and Gana will be key!

A glass of wine and a permanent grin is the order for my Sunday evening. Enjoy the rest of your weekend folks!

Brent Stephens
72 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:36:49
The resurrection, of the GP crowd, a fortnight early. Fantastic atmosphere. A team performance. We pressed them high up the pitch when they were in possession, and limited the outlet balls. Richarlson was he least effective but he again put in a great shift covering back and is staying on his feet.

DCL a superb, superb performance (often battling against two men for the long ball out from our defence) as was that from Bernard. The overlap wing-play both sides kept their defence pinned back. The scoreline doesn't reflect the number of great chances we created.

Jamie Crowley
73 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:37:27
Dave - me too M8! Not bringing it up to even THINK about arguing or whatnot. Just pointing it out friend. Look it up. 😉

Happy days!

Dermot O'Brien
74 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:37:58
What a performance from every man today. And from every man woman and child in the crowd. It's a small pity that we couldn't take the chances and get 4 or 5 more and send those prick fans back darn sarf. I remember them singing "you'll never win at home" to the tune of that unmentionable a few years ago when they beat us. Well we won today.
Brent Stephens
75 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:39:52
...and Gomes staying on so long speaks volumes about his level of fitness now. Great performance from him. I can't pick a MOTM from the back 4 - all dominant.
Andy Crooks
76 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:44:38
Oliver@ 54, fair point.


Martin Mason
77 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:46:16
DCL gave a good interview before the game where he said that until quite late in his career he played in midfield.
David Connor
78 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:48:35
Forgot to mention after my post... Jamie Redknapp is one biased, despisable twat.

Just thought I'd mention it like... Up the Toffees!

Andy Crooks
79 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:51:37
Martin,back in the day you were, perhaps, the most controversial poster on here. Now, you are the voice of reason. Are we getting older?
Kieran Kinsella
80 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:52:21
DCL totally reminds me of Sharp who I hated as a kid because I was too stupid to look just beyond goals scored to his level overall contribution.
Simon Dalzell
81 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:52:22
Pat Kelly #40 / 46. Absolutely spot on. Really enjoyable, but, as West Ham, we should have scored many more. We need a goal scorer.
Kieran Kinsella
82 Posted 07/04/2019 at 17:58:03
Simon 81

True but Pat singled out DCL rather than Sig who really had the best chances. But I would argue the goals will come. The defense was a shambles months ago now it is solid. That has given the midfielders confidence to play and now we are creating chances. The third step is the finishing but I think the goals will come

Martin Mason
83 Posted 07/04/2019 at 18:10:45
Andy@79. I guess I made a resolution to not get involved in anything controversial. Probably against my normal nature but I realise that as we have a lot more in common than we differ on, it's far better to stick to the issues that unite us rather than those that divide us. If I see many more performances like today I may never disagree with anybody again.
Mal van Schaick
84 Posted 07/04/2019 at 18:11:47
Great win and shows that we are moving in the right direction, beating top 4 clubs. Ghana and Bernard played very well, but they all did. I hope that we can carry this form on until the end of the season and begin next season on fire.
Gerry Quinn
85 Posted 07/04/2019 at 18:12:05
...and the amount of bitching and moaning by some pathetic Arsenal fans about Digne's feet being "over the line" at the throw-in. It never ceases to amaze me about these so-called Sky 4 fans. I watched a match that Everton dominated for the most part. I also watched a match where Arsenal players showed just why we don't like these type of teams - badger the Ref at every opportunity, and kick shit out of any players that DARE to take on the so-called "super stars".
Small wonder that I have gone off the biased and snivelly cheating footballers of the Sky darlings.

THEY CAN'T HANDLE IT

Kim Vivian
86 Posted 07/04/2019 at 18:14:41
Deulofeu winning the s-f for Watford from the bench. Can't help but keep thinking it should be us there.
Martin Mason
87 Posted 07/04/2019 at 18:18:18
I'm also beginning to see Silva's good side. Chelsea's manager is a committed 4-3-3 coach and doesn't countenance anything else. Silva is also renowned for the same affliction and his weakness is that he has no plan B. Today against a team playing a back 3 he played 4-4-2 and we kept formidable shape throughout the game. Vulnerable to set pieces as we always are? Not a bit sir. Did the side that normally embarrasses us have a chance? Not a chance. The only disappointment today was that we didn't score more goals.
Derek Knox
88 Posted 07/04/2019 at 18:18:47
Kim @86, yes I was thinking that, but wish we still had Delboy too.
Kim Vivian
89 Posted 07/04/2019 at 18:19:36
Same, Derek
Paul Brown
90 Posted 07/04/2019 at 18:35:57
We were brilliant today!!! End of.

If you could have a Peter Reid with Bracewell's legs, then you would get Andre Gomes!!! £30M would be the steal of the century.

Paul Burns
91 Posted 07/04/2019 at 18:38:22
According to the BBC report on teletext, we scored early and hung on for the rest of the game.
The whole sport media in this country is a biased fckn disgrace, Something needs to change drastically and quickly to stop the propoganda for the usuall suspects.
Getting rid of old fogeys like thompson and Merson would be a good start, pair of embarrassing fools.
Colin Glassar
92 Posted 07/04/2019 at 18:39:48
I don’t know if it’s already been said but Arsenal could do us a massive favour if they beat Leicester, Wolves and Watford in the race for 7th. That is if we want Europa league football.
Simon Smith
93 Posted 07/04/2019 at 18:41:50
Paul 91,

Does teletext still exist? The bbc website is far more encouraging. I’d advise you read that instead.

Sam Hoare
94 Posted 07/04/2019 at 18:48:04
Great win. Great little run. 9 points vs West Ham away Chelsea and Arsenal.

The only downside is that 2 players in this settled XI are not ours and another wants to leave.

I’d think there’s almost no chance of keeping Zouma, especially after Chelsea’s transfer ban. Gomes I reckon will stay (after Barcelona he will prioritise happiness and being loved over ambition) but is getting more expensive every week. Gana is entitled to want a change but I hope Silva can persuade him to stay another season, PSG fancy Herrera apparently though perhaps more big fish will be looking at him after another remarkable season. He will be very hard to replace.

So I’m hoping only Zouma will need replacing. Mina will hope to be a mainstay next season though if Zouma goes I think Brands will need a fast CB. The likes of Upemecano, Diallo, Gbamin and Tah are worth a look.

Paul Burns
95 Posted 07/04/2019 at 18:50:08
Too much hassle SI, with teletext you just read what you want in seconds, no passwords and all that bollocks.
Martin Mason
96 Posted 07/04/2019 at 18:54:09
Sam, I recommend a lad called Jagielka.
Martin Mason
97 Posted 07/04/2019 at 18:56:58
I could be wrong but I think today Arsenal didn't have an English player in the team or subs. That is a disgrace that must be stopped when we are freed from the EU.
Joe McMahon
98 Posted 07/04/2019 at 18:59:26
Another win against a London club. Just need DCL to start scoring, to add to his workrate.
Brian Williams
99 Posted 07/04/2019 at 18:59:58
Martin. What happened to steering clear of controversy mate? :-)
Darren Hind
100 Posted 07/04/2019 at 19:03:08
Drink it it in.

The toby jugs who surendered and predicted defeat on ur last fewq gameno fiurt6her

Brian Williams
101 Posted 07/04/2019 at 19:03:46
From the BBC website.

In a relatively tame contest, tempers did flair on the touchline late on as Silva and Unai Emery had a heated altercation following a mistimed challenge by Shkodran Mustafi on Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Complete and utter bollocks!

Steve Ferns
102 Posted 07/04/2019 at 19:05:01
You are wrong in what you say Martin, in many ways. Not least by not recognising Ainsley Maitland-Niles as an Englishman. There was also Ramsey, with the Welshman coming on as sub and they had another Englishman on the bench.
Willliam Bruce
103 Posted 07/04/2019 at 19:06:17
Whats wrong in here?

I am thrilled we beat the Gunners.

But we still get people who simply cannot fail to be negative. (Hammering a 21 year old DCL for starters)

One week Silva is destined for the gallows... a few wins and he is God?

By the way I have loved and followed this club for over 45 years.

We are trying to build something here., like most clubs... is enough negativity possible?

Steve Ferns
104 Posted 07/04/2019 at 19:06:49
On the game, I thought we were very good. That first half was as good as I could have dreamt and the second half wasn’t much worse. Calvert-Lewin is getting better and better.
Martin Mason
105 Posted 07/04/2019 at 19:07:10
Sorry Brian, that was the old me.
Steve Solomon
106 Posted 07/04/2019 at 19:09:23
A few things I took from this game.

Finally some leadership on the field, it made a huge difference having Jags at the heart of everything. We need someone to step into that role and I'm not sure we have that yet.
The penny has seemingly dropped at last regarding the players and Silva's tactics, they seem to have got it now.
DCL was immense but we need a goal scorer up front and unless he improves in that regard the bench will have to do. A team only get so many chances to score in a game.

Well done boys, well done Marco, a great performance.

Andy Crooks
107 Posted 07/04/2019 at 19:18:20
Bring back the old Martin Mason. Sam, we have Mason Holgate to bring back. He will be good.
Dave Abrahams
108 Posted 07/04/2019 at 19:22:11
Martin (97)and (105), in 1989 when Liverpool played Everton in the FA cup final, they didn’t have one English player in their starting line up, by the way I’m talking to the old you and the new one at the same time.
Craig Walker
109 Posted 07/04/2019 at 19:23:02
DCL needs to hit a screamer at Anfield and score in an FA cup final win to be compared to Sharp but he was superb today. That’s the best I’ve seen him. I thought Gana, Bernard, Gomes and Zouma were all great and Jags led from the back. We were profligate in front of goal and I never back Bernard in one on ones. Lots to be encouraged about. Let’s hope we keep this run going.
Dave Williams
110 Posted 07/04/2019 at 19:23:44
How can BBC say that was tame? City’s semi was tame but this was a full throttle game with some hard tackles and bags of effort passion and skill. Nicholas joined Merson in criticism of us yesterday- wonder what they’ve got to say now. I am starting to feel like we are on our way !
Christopher Timmins
111 Posted 07/04/2019 at 19:25:17
Another step forward today. That was our best performance of the season so far. We murdered them 1 - 0. Winning is a habit and lets hope we keep our level of intensity in all the remaining games and with increased confidence our finishing will become more clinical.

DCL has received a lot of knocking from contributors to the forum but over the past period of time he has been immense. The more he plays the better and more confident he gets and that applies to a number of other players at the moment.

Things appear to be coming together all over the pitch. Let's push on over the final 5 games and accumulate as many points as possible.

John Keating
112 Posted 07/04/2019 at 19:29:14
Excellent all over the pit and bench.
Special mention to DCL - brilliant - and Jags for a great last minute step in performance.

Finally, I don't know what we have to do or say but we have to do everything to keep Gana

Charles Brewer
113 Posted 07/04/2019 at 19:36:19
It seems to me that the big difference between DC-L 2017 and DC-L 2019 is that he is much more substantial and prepared to get involved in the physical side of the game. In previous years I thought he just wasn't solid enough to be a centre forward, but now, at 21, it looks as though that may be in the past. I don't suppose he'll ever be a Bob Latchford (who walked on water), but I think we have someone who may well be more than a decent replacement for a Lukaku who, despite being more than solid enough, rarely looked involved.

Oh, and one other thing, he may not have scored a winning screamer at the Khazi across the Park, or an FA Cup winner, but he has scored a World Cup winning goal.

Today I saw an Everton side which looked as though it cared, and got the crowd behind it.

Tom Bowers
114 Posted 07/04/2019 at 19:45:50
A great performance by the Blues. Fulham must be shaking in their boots as Everton go for a quadruple of London scalps next week.

Talking of great performances how about Watford. After the second Wolves goal went in I was only thinking why didn't they start Delboy but the guy showed the manager what a big clanger he almost made.

Jim Jennings
115 Posted 07/04/2019 at 19:47:47
Dave (108)

You’re dead right, they didn’t have one English player in their starting line up in the 89 final. They had four. But in 86 they had none!

Peter Mills
116 Posted 07/04/2019 at 19:48:18
There are a few grudging comments on here. I thought we were superb today, our best performance since beating City 4-0.

This was a tough game, and we had to battle as well as play good football. Gomes, Bernard, Gueye, and Zouma excelled in this respect, but the most pleasing performance was from Calvert-Lewin, who put in a magnificent display. The goals will come for him.

The atmosphere was great, belligerent, and so was Seamus when he took on the Arsenal players who were getting into the face of the referee.

More of this please.

Steve Ferns
117 Posted 07/04/2019 at 19:49:15
I have just been reading a few sites whilst catching up on today's sport. Typical click bait stuff. Anyway, various newspaper sites have written up the game as if all they did is see the result and made assumptions. Lines about Arsenal "struggling to break down Everton's resilient defence" despite making two attacking half-time substitutions just sum up reporting. Clearly those people did not actually watch the game.
Paul Tran
118 Posted 07/04/2019 at 19:52:12
Great performance, great pressing and passing, great defence and game management. All we need is a reliable, consistent scorer to finish the chances off.

And to cap it all, a 'patriotic' brexit person getting their facts wrong. Again.

I'll tell you what's a disgrace Mr Mason. My wife living here for 35 years with indefinite leave to remain, always working and paying tax/NI, having to 'apply' to stay in our home.

Hope you're proud of that. You own it.

Brian Williams
119 Posted 07/04/2019 at 19:57:04
Darren100.
Isn't it a bastard when the alcohol really kicks in before you manage to finish your post haha! :-))
Terry Farrell
120 Posted 07/04/2019 at 20:00:53
Love the football we have played lately and it feels like fans and team are together which is great. Our away support is magic. Hope we are turning the corner and the naysayers are prepared to give the present set up and Marco a chance
Steven Bencz
121 Posted 07/04/2019 at 20:09:32
What a great game it was and yes easily could have been 3-0 at least. DLC, Gomes & Bernard were superb and many others played a great match.

Anyone who doesn't think we should be in the Europa League next year is an idiot. We just beat the last two teams that have a real chance winning it this year in a space of three games. We can be good enough. Its our "easiest" and for now only way to get to CL football which all great players want.

COYB well done

Rob Halligan
122 Posted 07/04/2019 at 20:09:55
Gomes = Fucking superb!!
Dave Abrahams
123 Posted 07/04/2019 at 20:10:13
Jim (115), thanks Jim, I always had trouble in school, getting my sixes and nines mixed up !!!
Stan Schofield
124 Posted 07/04/2019 at 20:10:47
Martin@97: Dream on. It's inevitable that the Brexit shite will shrivel, quite rightly, to nothing and we'll retain the status quo, thank fuck.

But more importantly than all that theatrical shite, we're looking good. If we hadn't thrown a brain fart against Newcastle, we'd have 6 games with no goals conceded and 16 points, 7 of them against the top-6. COYB.

Mike Galley
125 Posted 07/04/2019 at 20:12:46
I thing to do with the performance. As happy as I am with that, but what do we all think of the Goodison siren?
I’ve never liked faux attempts to create an atmosphere, I’ve always thought that we should leave that sort of nonsense to the other crowd over the park, but this is still giving me goose pimples when I hear it. Me? I think we should carry it on’ COYB
John McFarlane Snr
126 Posted 07/04/2019 at 20:15:20
Hi Dave [50] this is the first match day thread that I have posted on, I generally praise or otherwise, from my seat in the Park End. My purpose of posting is to say, fair play to you, you have championed Dominic Calvert Lewin when many, including myself were uncertain. What Dominic needs [in my opinion], is a goalscoring partner. 'Sharp & Gray, Hurst & Peters'? I appreciate that formations are important, but a formation that leaves a player isolated doesn't do much for his confidence,

Regarding today's performance, Arsenal are a very good team, and to dominate the game as Everton did, was remarkable, it's a pity that our gathering is not this evening, I'm sure that the atmosphere would be electric.

Hi Gerry [85] if Arsenal or their fans are complaining about Lucas Dignes' throw in, they are justified to do so. I sit in the Park End and had a perfect view of the incident a couple minutes earlier he had done exactly the same thing [stepped onto the field of play]

The relevant part of Law 15 [The throw in is] "at the moment of delivering the ball the thrower, faces the field of play, "has part of each foot either on the touchline or on the ground outside the touchline", uses both hands, and delivers the ball from and over his head. I'm trusting that this Law hasn't been changed, as so many Laws have, apart from this contentious incident I thoroughly enjoyed the game, Everton won and deserved to do so.

Dave Lynch
127 Posted 07/04/2019 at 20:18:21
No way was that a tame game.

The Arse did themselves no favours in the first half, whinging, throwing themselves on the floor and getting in the refs face.

Mr Friend gave them fuckall and I'm convinced that was why.

We where awsome going forward but the one thing that did my head in was the lack of bodies in the box when we broke away.

Saying that, Arsenal where very, very lucky our finishing was shite or they would have been dead and buried by the 70 minute mark.

Lots of noise at the old lady today, mostly aimed at the gooners cheating antics.

Peter Mills
128 Posted 07/04/2019 at 20:25:09
Talking of Digne, the tackle that left him on the deck near the Main Stand/Park End corner flag was dreadful, about 2 seconds late.
Mike Littler
129 Posted 07/04/2019 at 20:33:01
Superb performance all round — just lacking in front of goal, but that will come. Front 4 are working so hard as a unit and pressing from all over. When was the last time we outplayed and outfought a top 6 club for a full 90 mins?
Rob Halligan
130 Posted 07/04/2019 at 20:40:43
Peter, the tackle on Digne by Guendouzi early in the first half was absolutely dreadful and fully deserved a red card. How he got away with only a yellow for knows?
Rob Halligan
131 Posted 07/04/2019 at 20:41:58
God knows!! 😕😕😕
Dave Williams
132 Posted 07/04/2019 at 20:47:55
Thanks John. I have huge respect for your level headed posts and dedication and hope to see you at one of the get together.
Neil Cremin
133 Posted 07/04/2019 at 20:49:06
People are asking what has changed.
Richarlson works well with Coleman so we get the best out of both.
DCL is being given a chance at what he does best, battle as a certre forward to create chances and opening for others. Eventually he will come good.
Pickford has settle down, histrionics are gone. Not one ball directly out of play.
Ideal midfield combination, ball winner and creator.
From a team collective, there was a huge improvement in pressuring the opposition, competing for every ball and an attitude of saying “Hello this is Goodison Park and you are in for a battle”
We should have won by at least 4:0 today but if we keep this level of performance up the goals will come. Have patience. I for one am looking forward to having Man U here. No reason why we cant continue the run.
Tim O'Connell
134 Posted 07/04/2019 at 20:50:10
Excellent performance. DCL is coming of age, and it is no coincidence that we are now working as a team, he is holding up the ball well and is a great outlet now which gives the team confidence to build counter attacks. If we look at this seaso we have a new manager, new system, new players it is no surprise in hindsight that it has taken time to bed in and feel confident with the system and each other. There are real positive signs that it is coming together. We conceded many goals and points getting the collective but I for one think there are real signs that now there is collective buy in and confidence. We must try to sign up Gomesand Zouma, they are top class and show real affection for the club. The last three weeks show good we can be and I am again excited of the prospects. Brands is proving to be so important and I have faith in him! COYB
Paul Birmingham
135 Posted 07/04/2019 at 20:56:39
Made up and very pleased and another fine performance, and the best at home for a couple of years. We took Arsenal apart today, and they couldn’t cope.

The body language today and the method, focus and application was superb. DCL is playing out of his skin, Zouma, Seamus, Digne, Gomez immense. The whole team done them selves proud today. Jags was immense, a very solid performance and a good poachers goal.

For me today the pulse of our team was Gana.

How the hell we don’t get at least 4 or 5 more, is the only let down today.

Recall at the Emirates, and we should have been 3-0 up before they scored.

Good momentum and now for Fulham away. I hope and pray Gana stays and we sign Gomez and Zouma.

Good signs to build on and let’s hope that the momentum on Park is maintained.

7th place is a long shot but who knows..

Colin Glassar
136 Posted 07/04/2019 at 20:58:09
Paul Burns #91, biased reporting of Everton games started years ago and it was started by Gerald Sinstadt. Not only was he probably THE most boring tv presenter of all time he was also THE father of biased reporting in favour of his two great loves ie Man U and them!

So this all started back in the day of Granada Reports and Gerald sodding Sinstadt.

Anthony Murphy
137 Posted 07/04/2019 at 20:59:21
Great win. Made up for Marco and great to see Jagielka net the winner. I think we need to unite behind this manager. I’m sure we will remain inconsistent in the short term but we need to back him and see what happens.

First step - get Gana Gueye to sign a new contract. Second step - sort out Gomes signing now - don’t dither as others will swoop. Both playing well and forming a solid partnership

How do we think the form of DCL will impact on the search for a striker? Do we spend big and go for a name or look to bring in Onyekuru (permit permitting)?

Ian Bennett
138 Posted 07/04/2019 at 20:59:26
Impressive performance again. Defensively sound, and busy in attack.

Good combinations again and another clean sheet - 5 in 6. I'd questioned if it was Everton good last week/West Ham bad, but this week unquestionably good.

Starting XI superb again, Gomes was class, Dom improving and all knitted together by the brilliant Bernard and Digne on the left.

Bill Gienapp
139 Posted 07/04/2019 at 21:12:11
Three wins on the bounce, all with clean sheets - not too shabby, particularly given that several on here all but guaranteed we wouldn't take a single point from these fixtures.
Jeff Armstrong
140 Posted 07/04/2019 at 21:16:28
Anthony #137
Slight moan but it does my head in at the game,
Step 3.. leave one of our faster players up front when the opposition have a corner,
3 times today Arsenal had a corner that we cleared to no one, just another Arsenal player, they then come back at us instead of us breaking away.
So c’mon Marco,fix this and your transformation will be complete.
Frank Wade
141 Posted 07/04/2019 at 21:21:46
I watched the game live on Sky, but after reading Michael's report of the countless chances we created and thinking that this time last year, we were 19th in chances created and shots on target. What a transformation.
Paul Johnson
142 Posted 07/04/2019 at 21:25:37
Martin Mason you were doing so well til post 97. once a one eyed monster always a one eyed monster .
Dave Abrahams
143 Posted 07/04/2019 at 21:26:37
Colin (136), Colin there has always been biased and controversial reporters, going back to when I was growing up you had Henry Rose of The Daily Express, he courted controversy, George Follows of The Daily Herald came out and said he always wanted Man.Unt. to win because he supported them, they both died in the Munich disaster, sometimes it is difficult to ignore them but it is the best way to treat them, same as the football pundits today, how do the snug Gary Linacre and the ultra boring former Newcastle and England centre forward get such prominent positions on the BBC.
Dave Abrahams
144 Posted 07/04/2019 at 21:29:47
Above post 143, should have read “smug Gary Linacre “ not “snug”———-Sorry.
Tony Abrahams
145 Posted 07/04/2019 at 21:30:15
Observations of mine are that the louder the crowd and the more it gets behind the team, then the more chance we have of getting decisions off the referee?

Great to see people picking loads of different players, for their motm, which shows how well loads of the players, played today, but what an absolute pleasure it was today watching how well Digne played. (I thought He just oozed class, composure and will)

Richarlson wasn’t great but he’s as strong as an Ox, for a wide player, and now that he’s stopped diving, (maybe he’s needed fans like us to tell him?) he really makes it hard for the opposing full-back.

Engage the crowd, is what I’ve been asking for, for years now, and although it wasn’t his best game (imo) little Bernard, got a great reception when he was brought off, because Evertonians will always appreciate honest endeavour, because that will always be the foundation from which to build, fight and watch us take flight!

Paul Johnson
146 Posted 07/04/2019 at 21:31:28
by your reckoning only 3 of our starting line up would get in our team post brexit
Andy Meighan
147 Posted 07/04/2019 at 21:32:06
Just gone in an Irish bar by Times Square. The guy who served me asked if I was red or blue? Of course I said "I'm a scouser, who do you fucking think? Been watching them since the mid-sixties."

He said "I'm a red."

I said "Of course you are, but you've never been there have you – like the rest of you plastic fuckers."

To be fair, he took it well and actually didn't charge me for one round What a weekend!

Jamie Crowley
148 Posted 07/04/2019 at 21:46:25
Mike Galley @ 125 -

The siren is mint. I love it. 100% keep it.

Paul Tran
149 Posted 07/04/2019 at 21:49:37
Absolutely right, Tony. One of the best things about today was that every player worked their socks off, regardless of how well they were playing. When that happens, they let those in good form shine, they create space for others and they get the crowd going.

Nobody hid and that made such a difference. Long may it continue.

Tony Abrahams
150 Posted 07/04/2019 at 21:59:10
I’m not sure Paul, because we played like a top four side today mate, and I think if we can avoid the Europa lge, and add a few more quality players, then the champions lge, might even be with-in our reach, this time next year?

Football changes quickly, and it was only a few weeks ago that everyone was fed-up with Everton, so I’m not going to get carried away, but look at how good Gomes, is looking, now we are only playing one game every Week?

Paul Tran
151 Posted 07/04/2019 at 22:03:23
Big two things for me, Tony, is that most of this squad have been at the club 18 months or less and that most of last summer's signings were coming back from injury and/or had no preseason. With a full summer's training and a season of getting up to speed with this league, they'll improve again.
Andy Crooks
152 Posted 07/04/2019 at 22:05:19
Gerald Sinstadt, now there's a name I never thought I'd hear again. Gerald Sinstadt, how brilliant, Colin. Thank you.
Jamie Crowley
153 Posted 07/04/2019 at 22:05:55
Tony @150 -

That's why we need 7th. Davies, JJK, and a host of others I don't have the patience to list would get very valuable game time and develop, while players like Gomes can be rested. It makes a big difference.


A couple of comments about DelBoy. Personally I'm very happy for the kid. I always liked him, despite averaging 1274 step-overs a game. Happy for the kid.


I'm so happy with Everton at the moment, I don't know what to do with myself. We look fantastic. A Man U friend of mine, English fella who lives over here (take my word for it great, solid guy not a glory-hunting butthead), was at my kid's game today as our sons play together. I asked him if he watched our game. He said yes, and then said, "There was one team out there who looked Top 4, not even Top 6. Everton were fantastic."

I agreed.

Paul Birmingham
154 Posted 07/04/2019 at 22:15:02
Great to hear Jamie. It’s early days but the dynamic rod the MS has used and what ever bonding agent to gel this squad is working.

Let’s keep level and take the next game at Fulham. It won’t be easy as no easy games in this league.

Here’s to a good week a head TWrs.

John Boon
155 Posted 07/04/2019 at 22:24:47
Great display by Everton as a team and individually many excellent games. It is a real tonic to see the Blues playing such exciting football. However with all the positives we can certainly be more accurate in our finishing. Also there are two tactical areas that should be addressed,

1. Noted by Jeff (140). Whenever we have a corner we remain in our end for too long. The reason being that we never have a player up the field to latch on to clearances. I agree with CL coming back but someone like Bernard could stay up the field. Instead the ball always goes directly to the opposition who bring the ball back into our end.
2. When we have a corner we need to have a player on the near post in case they are short corners.

I mention both of these situations because for most of the season we have been weak on corners defensively and also when we are attacking.

Neil Copeland
156 Posted 07/04/2019 at 23:06:58
Brilliant, absolutely fucking fantastic! Very difficult not to get carried away.

My weekend from Friday night on had bern an absolute nightmare to the point where I had to give the game a miss. So, thank you Everton for closing it on a very happy note.

I have only seen the highlights on MOD so not a lot to go on but Ian Wright in particular was very complimentary.

Onwards and upwards, 5 clean sheets in 6 with 3 coming against top 6 opposition and looking better by the week. We must show no complacency or mercy against Fulham next week. Great to be blue again at the moment.

John Pierce
157 Posted 07/04/2019 at 23:30:32
After getting well hot and sweaty on the pitch myself I’ve watched the game back. Plaudits to Marco again, the best performance of the season for me. Firstly it came with a result, it came against a top six side and lastly unlike Chelsea it was controlled and measured. I knew with 20 minutes left the game was won.

Unlike many of the poorer performances this season the midfield were excellent, they bossed that game. The balance is being developed and that’s the key for me.

I’d say Gomes is starting to look a little jaded again, understandably. So I’d like to see Davies at Fulham.

The best player for me was Calvert-Lewin, players around him are getting closer and have more conviction that he will win headers. He wins a lot, Richarlison especially is starting to read him. As Arsenal tried to press high that longer more direct ball became effective as he is holding it up better and making more passes for the three behind him.

I really hope it falls for him next week against a less able defence.
Really good effort today, nice one Marco!

Gavin Johnson
158 Posted 07/04/2019 at 23:34:53
What game and day. It's easy to get carried away after a couple of good results, but I have to say I can't remember the last time we beat 2 of the Sky darlings in such close succession. The manager is doing what Koeman, Unsworth and BS have failed to do and beat the top sides. We're also winning more away games than a few seasons. We're also hitting more than 1 shot on goal a game. A staggering 23 against Arsenal has to be a record, or at least uncharted from any time after the glory days. The manager looks like he's turned the corner and I'm made up because I'd just become indifferent earlier in the season and that's not something I've ever been supporting Everton in my entire life.
Si Cooper
159 Posted 07/04/2019 at 00:14:53
Dave Abraham’s, it’s Lineker not Linacre, and I really don’t get the animosity his appearance generates in some Evertonians. He did a good job for us and always plays the Blue’ - in an understated way that I prefer - when it is appropriate. It is not his fault that he had good times at other big clubs so he is not an out-and-out card carrying Evertonian. He always says the Everton team he played in was the best he ever played for.
On the current team, we have gone from being unsure of where our next points would come from (although I always believed we would be safe from the drop) to potentially being capable of being unbeaten for the rest of the season. It’s not as though any of those games will necessarily be easy, but we now have a team that seems to believe they can compete with anyone as long as they perform. We have competitiveness and thrust from midfield and good workrate and outlets on both flanks, with DCL making a real nuisance of himself across the forward line.
What is the likelihood of getting a ticket for the Spuds game?
Bill Watson
160 Posted 08/04/2019 at 00:33:25
John #157

Gomes looking jaded? He was absolutely head and shoulders above every midfielder on the pitch and ran the game.

Roll on a rejuvenated Gomes!!

Kieran Kinsella
161 Posted 08/04/2019 at 00:34:38
Colin 136

That ass clown Gerry Sinstadt. I remembered hearing a scandal about him but couldn’t remember the details. Wikipedia says he was arrested for a sex act in a movie theater and he is now the president of a youth soccer league

Kieran Kinsella
162 Posted 08/04/2019 at 00:38:49
Si 159

Agreed. I’ve never seen Lineker bash Everton or be anything less than positive about his time at the club. As a viewer I’ve never had a problem with him. He fairs pretty well compared with his boring (Shearer), incompressible (Hansen), vapid (Murphy) and weird (Lawro) MOTD partners down the years

Derek Knox
163 Posted 08/04/2019 at 00:57:04
Kieran @161, shouldn't that have been your reference source, Wicked paedo? :-)
Clive Mitchell
164 Posted 08/04/2019 at 01:00:33
What an absolutely brilliant performance from 1-11 that was! Pickford 7, Coleman 8, Zouma 9, Jagielka 8, Digne 8, Gueye 9, Gomes 9, Richarlison 7, Sigurdsson 7, DCL 9 and Bernard 9 and Man of the Match. Brilliant to see Everton play their opposition off the pitch at times, and that Goodison roar is back with a vengeance!
Kieran Kinsella
165 Posted 08/04/2019 at 01:36:50
Derek 163

Hahaha

Jamie Crowley
166 Posted 08/04/2019 at 02:03:46
Clive -

I might actually even give Jags a 10. I know 10s are reserved for world-class performances, but for me I always think if they didn't do anything wrong, and did everything not only right, but really well, why not a 10?

Jags got the winner, and I can't remember him putting a foot wrong.

What a professional. Demoted down the pecking order and all he does is give 100% every single time he represents Everton - on and off the field. Not my cup of tea for captain, but one to be damn proud of.

10 for me.

Drew O'Neall
167 Posted 08/04/2019 at 02:06:59
MoTM today: Kevin Friend.

When we (all inside Goodison Park) act like a ‘big six’ club, we are treated like one, soft decisions and all.

I hope we can keep this level of confident support up, especially when we are playing the lesser lights of the Premier League, at home.

Can I just call out Gana’s ‘long barrier’, sliding hook tackle in the second half today by the way! The man is a tackling machine and by far and away our most consistent force. I pray he is happy(/made happy) to remain at GP next year and continues to receive a level of support from his colleagues matching his own in-game commitment as he did today.

Laurie Hartley
168 Posted 08/04/2019 at 04:40:24
That performance by the team and the way the crowd responded to them left me overjoyed. Between them they demoralised a very good Arsenal outfit, they just couldn’t handle it - neither could the commentators.

After watching the “Two Tribes” video courtesy of Bobby Mallon’s link I have to admit I was feeling a bit melancholy and thinking - I wan’t to see my club, it’s supporters, and the team regain the spirit of the Everton I knew as a boy nearly 60 years ago. So what happened - I got what I wanted yesterday.

We are on our way back - watch out everything that isn’t blue - we are coming for you.

Do you know what capped off a perfect day for me - we conceded a corner in the 95th minute - and defended it.

Up the Blues!!!!!

Mike Kehoe
169 Posted 08/04/2019 at 05:20:49
Fantastic to see DCL improve so much and to feel confidence going into games. The main business must be getting Gomes and Zouma signed up and retaining Gaye. Keep it going and push on for Europe.
Phil Malone Jnr
170 Posted 08/04/2019 at 07:13:50
Have always be a DCL critic. Thought the kid was one of the most overrated in my era of watching the blues. But honestly, credit where credits due, he’s been a proper centre forward over the last few. He’s no lukaku on form, but he’s playing his own game to the beat of his abilities. Fair play to you lad.
Tony Abrahams
171 Posted 08/04/2019 at 07:52:58
Jamie, you better start wishing your life away mate!
Jerome Shields
172 Posted 08/04/2019 at 08:28:05
Jagielka played well. His positioning and awareness for the corner which he scored from were excellent. The Arsenal defence and his marker (he did look) could not work out why he was standing behind the byline.

He also seemed to benefit from Zouma taking responsibility, putting a solid performance in defence.

Though not playing, he seems to have worked hard to keep up to speed. Both Jags and Coleman have me eating my words. Silva's competition for places policy has brought out the Professional Footballer mentality in them that they always had.

Trevor Peers
173 Posted 08/04/2019 at 08:31:19
Great to watch the blues these days and not have anything to moan about. They put in a great team performance against Arsenal, something we have all craved for.

OK we didn't score the bag full of goals our play deserved but the football was sublime at times, with Gomes the chief orchestrator he was superb. Silva has set the standard in this game and deserves lots of credit for our revival which has been spectacular, it's a pleasure to watch Everton these days and it looks like there's lots more to come.

Clive Mitchell
174 Posted 08/04/2019 at 09:05:00
Jamie, 166 - can't argue with that, well said.
Brent Stephens
175 Posted 08/04/2019 at 09:16:17
John #157 "I’d say Gomes is starting to look a little jaded again, understandably".

John, I thought Gomes was superb yesterday. But what struck me was that when it came to subs, and I thought he'd be subbed, he actually stayed on and continued to get behind the ball and to tackle when Arsenal where in possession. 95 minutes of total effort - and the lad has a little bit of skill as well!

Dave Abrahams
176 Posted 08/04/2019 at 09:26:47
Si (159), you are correct Lineker is the proper spelling, I always spell it, for some reason the way MickChannon
pronounced it, it will not happen again.

As for his treatment of Everton as the host of MOTD I have no problem with that, never think he has it in for us,
never even enters my head,it’s just that he comes across as very smug, not any of them make an impression with me regards to their football knowledge, if I watch the
programme it’s purely to see the game.

Justin Doone
177 Posted 08/04/2019 at 10:02:21
Great win. Lots of good performances but the two that shone brightest for me were Gana and Bernard who both worked hard, got up and down the pitch and shown some good quality. Neither can shoot though.. I can't fathom how professionals are so poor at shooting.
John Hammond
178 Posted 08/04/2019 at 10:03:34
Well you've got to say that those 17 days of in February have worked wonders. Arsenal are dreadful away from home and had this game taken place in January then no doubt we would have obliged and given them a win and a clean sheet.

How it only stayed 1-0 is beyond me. Everyone was immense. It's amazing what a bit of confidence can do. If DCL can sort out his decision-making then we'll have a play and a half.

Really looking forward to the visit of United in a couple of weeks.

Justin Doone
179 Posted 08/04/2019 at 10:07:33
Is it just me or are we playing a lot of long balls similar to Sam's team. We just have added quality around the forward positions.

Don't get me wrong, we are also playing some good football helped by the fact goalkeeper and defenders are getting the ball upfield quicker and not messing around with it at the back.

Stan Schofield
180 Posted 08/04/2019 at 10:14:35
Justin@179: It could be just you.
Brian Harrison
181 Posted 08/04/2019 at 10:15:23
First how nice it is to go to Goodison and feel like it was when I was a lad in the 50s, I thought apart from special games I would never hear the crowd be so vocal. A massive thanks to I think they are called the Originals 1878, they supplied flags I believe and all the noise started there and spread right round the ground. Even old farts like me joined in more than I can remember in years.

With their help there seems a definite connect between manager players and fans a togetherness I havent seen in a long time. I know its easy to be positive when your on a run of winning games. But I feel this time the fans are realizing what an impact they can have on games.

There is no doubt that this team are playing with a lot of confidence, if you could only bottle it for when things arent going so well. Even with the late change it didnt disrupt the back four one bit and Jagielkas organization skills certainly helped not to mention his goal. What will happen in the summer I don't know but Gana, Gomes and Zouma are such an integral part of what we are doing that to lose any of them will create a massive gap. I have to pay special tribute to Gana who has been terrific this season and although denied his dream move to PSG, no sulking just proving what a class act he is. I think he is so important in what he does that this allows Gomes and Siggy to do what they want knowing he will be there to cover any mistakes.

The only downside yesterday was our inability to put the chances we created away. Usually when you miss as many chances as we did it usually comes back to bite you on the bum. I just wish Bernard was a better finisher 1 in 28 games just isn't good enough, and if he is to start next season he HAS to add goals to his game. He is a good player and works extremely hard, and has a lovely touch and finds space well, but if you are playing in the front 3 you have to contribute with goals.

Mike Allison
182 Posted 08/04/2019 at 10:23:28
Justin (179), one of the most pleasing things about watching Everton now is that they balance possession football with a direct threat. Possession football works much better if the opposition are worried about you by-passing their press and Everton seem to be beginning to make the right decisions at the right times. Having Calvert-Lewin to ping it to was a huge problem for Arsenal, as he has the height and strength to win an aerial battle, the technique to hold up a ball in to feet and lay it off and the pace to chase a run through. I, like many others, just wish he could actually shoot. I see him getting better and better, if coached properly.
Terry Underwood
183 Posted 08/04/2019 at 10:32:19
It looks like the players have suddenly got to know each other.Can certainly see that big Dunc has made DCL into a defenders nightmare, just needs to add some goals and I see him becoming a legend
Tony Abrahams
184 Posted 08/04/2019 at 10:53:26
Agree with that view, about there being a much better balance between short and long football Mike@182.

Why take ten passes, when four will do? Although I thought it was brilliant to watch Everton, taking the sting out the game, down the left hand-side, as the clock ticked on.

All positive, except for “Bernard in the Box” and exactly the type of football, that wants to make me really get behind the team!

Geoff Lambert
185 Posted 08/04/2019 at 11:34:32
Have to agree DCL has been superb in his movement and hold up play, but you can't coach how to be a natural goal scorer, he is never going to burst past two men and fire in to the corner or pick it up at the edge of the box and curl in a top corner worldy.

Need to find a 20+ goal a season striker and we will be beating sides like Arsenal yesterday by 3 or 4. So many chances and not putting them away and that is not just DCL who is guilty of that.

Dave Abrahams
186 Posted 08/04/2019 at 11:48:54
Geoff (185), you might be right in suggesting DCL will never be a prolific scorer, I think he will improve his goal scoring but I am not really bothered about his scoring, I remember Davies of Bolton, he never scored a lot of goals but he was vital to Bolton’s game plan, fought for every ball, he could hold the ball up with good possession, had a decent touch and brought all the Bolton attackers and midfielders into the game, that’s what Dominic did yesterday and he will get better and better at this, two or three men marking him yesterday, makes a lot of space for the other players, he will be in the England squad very soon, well to be honest he should have been in it before now.
Geoff Lambert
187 Posted 08/04/2019 at 11:55:05
He might make the England squad Dave, but can you see any of the top 6 wanting to sign him? or any of the top teams in Europe?

Compering him to Davies of Bolton I think is a good shout Dave.

Brian Williams
188 Posted 08/04/2019 at 12:03:28
Justin#179.
It's definitely just you!
Dave Abrahams
189 Posted 08/04/2019 at 12:12:02
Geoff (187), maybe not at the moment Geoff, give him time.

Looks like you didn’t rate Davies, but I think he got a cap and Arsenal, a top team at the time, were keen to sign him at one time, I want DCL to stay here but don’t be surprised if the top teams show an interest in him.

Harry Hockley
190 Posted 08/04/2019 at 12:19:39
DCL is improving no doubt and offers a lot to the team but let's not forget we still need a striker who can score? Lewin's shooting is poor and doesn't have much of a predatory instinct like Kane had at 22.

I see a few calling for Kenny to replace Seamus which is diabolical given Coleman is finding his form again after a horror injury during which time Kenny was abysmal, like a bullied schoolboy on the pitch.

I remember that game at Leicester he was awful, I don’t care if he's local he won't ever be good enough at this level so stop being biased, it's cringy.
Harry Hockley
191 Posted 08/04/2019 at 12:24:01
It's not just you Justin! We were playing ourselves into trouble before in matches, being too cute trying to copy City.

Now Picks is going long - and so he should - his distribution is very good.
Paul Le Marinel
192 Posted 08/04/2019 at 12:44:49
Another positive result and by the performance of the team, the quality really shone through and it was a joy to watch. We were by far the better side and I don't think that the score line reflected the game, as we outplayed Arsenal and we could have scored 3 or 4 goals, but unfortunately we were a bit wasteful with a lot of chances we had.

Although I wish that Dominic Calvert-Lewin would have scored more goals than he has this season, I have to say that he is progressing well in the team and I thought his performance yesterday was a reflection of that, as he had a really good game.

Fair play to Phil Jagielka, he performed well and reminded everyone just what a great defender he has been for us over the years and he has served this club well and I was pleased for him, when he scored.

I hope we can do permanent deals for Kurt Zouma and Andre Gomes and surely we must bring in a striker, as yesterday showed for all the chances we had in the second half, we just weren't able to score again and finish the match off.

We are on a good run at the moment and playing good football and hopefully we can keep this going.

Fredrick Parchment
193 Posted 08/04/2019 at 13:53:59
Is it me or is it just coincidence. Since the closure of the Watford investigation, Everton has been unstoppable (barring the 20 mins at Newcastle). Nothing else has changed except that.
If we were playing like this from the start of the season we could have been in with a shout at top four for sure. But if memory serves me right, wasn't there a points deduction as a possible punishment if found guilty?
Well anyway, like every Evertonian, very happy with the way we are playing. Just want our squad members to be on fire when they get their opportunities.
Now we are seeing the REAL deal in our team performances (last 3 games).
Just my thoughts and ideas.

My end of season dream, to continue the winning trend for the remainder of the season.
Europa League watch out.
Everton's hierarchy have already identified summer targets.
Having European football next season surely would help bring them in.

Fredrick Parchment
194 Posted 08/04/2019 at 14:11:42
Heard some interesting news.
NBCSN"s Neil Ashton reports that Everton will moving Theo Walcott and Jordan Pickford this summer!
What's up with that.
The Jordan Pickford part sounds sinkable.
John Boon
195 Posted 08/04/2019 at 14:20:17
Just to re echo other fans and for even mentioning Sam, Justin #179. "Yes it is just you"
Derek Knox
196 Posted 08/04/2019 at 14:43:18
Fred @194, I have no doubt there is some mileage in the Theo Walcott link as he has been, apart from a couple of games (last season) a big let-down.

As for the Pickford link, I would put that down to lazy journalism, especially after the 'Sunderland incident' they have just picked up on that, and knew Everton would have an internal investigation and subsequent punishment, and used it to monger gossip.

Andrew Keatley
197 Posted 08/04/2019 at 14:45:17
Frederick (193) - Plenty has changed. Admittedly the compensation agreement will have brought an end to that saga, but sometimes it can take a series of small adjustments to make significant changes - and I think Neil Cremin (133) does a good job of outlining a few.

A few others:
Bernard getting fitter and more experience of the PL.
DCL given a run of games up front. His selfless running and aerial ability makes the team better, and encourages Bernard, Siggy and Richarlison to run in beyond.
Coleman's form and fitness improving.
Etc, etc

I was one of the people fed up with Silva. I had lost patience in his ability to affect real change amongst the squad on match days, and I would have been actively looking for the next Everton manager. The last three games have shown that some of that change has arrived. There's still a long way to go, but the signs for the future are encouraging.

Jay Harris
198 Posted 08/04/2019 at 14:48:36
Justin,
You have an ally.

We are definitely playing more long balls but not in an Allardyce/Moyes percentage way.

Arsenal had a MF of 5 playing 3-5-2 whereas we only had Gomes and Gana as "real" MF players therefore in a lot of cases we had to bypass the MF and get the ball up front quickly.

It used to be quoted that most goals were scored with only 3 touches. I would guess City have changed that stat now but a quick thrust upfield is the best way to have a chance at scoring IMO.

Kevin Molloy
199 Posted 08/04/2019 at 15:08:10
Jags is getting a lot of praise, rightly so. I particularly liked to goal, ugly scruffy whatever, but if he hadn't have hit it first time I think the chance would have gone. Not easy to do, the temptation must have been to steady himself and blast, but he just nudged it in. Lovely
John Pierce
200 Posted 08/04/2019 at 15:16:18
Bill & Brent. Re Gomes.
I believe I was saying ‘DreGo didn’t play well, in fact the opposite my post was unequivocal that I thought the balance in midfield was there, were as previously it had not.
Better fitness, more clearly defined roles individually and as a unit our Portuguese giant played very well.
He still, for me fades beyond 70minutes, whether that’s fitness or just him I do not know. My quibble would be Davies, who in a more confident team looks better, should be in earlier to help maintain the grip on the game.
Silva has now picked the same X/XI 3 or 4 times, certainly that was his intent save for Keane’s illness.
He did this at Christmas and ruined several players in doing so, despite a more gentle schedule I see signs in Gomes and to a lesser extent Bernard & Richarlison that they need a rest. A game at Fulham next week would be the right space to change 1 or 2 no more.
Terry White
201 Posted 08/04/2019 at 15:24:18
Fredrick (#94) and Derek (#196), media is reporting Manure want Pickford if De Gea goes to Real Madrid. We would then want Pope from Burnley. Take it for what it is worth.
Jamie Crowley
202 Posted 08/04/2019 at 15:30:27
Jay Harris calls it right backing Justin @ 198 and @ 179.

We are absolutely playing more long balls. It's part of our approach to my eyes, and it's wonderful and very effective.

They aren't Sam's hoof it the hell upfield and good luck type of long balls. These are precise long passes into open space where our wide men can get on the end of them and attack. It happens multiple times a game, they are extremely effective, and they're beautiful to behold.

Mark me down in the "Justin ally" camp.

Jamie Crowley
203 Posted 08/04/2019 at 15:34:40
Frederick @ 194 -

I, too, saw that Neil Ashton report on NBC. I think the Theo rumor has a lot of legs.

I yelled at the TV when Ashton "reported" about Pickford. I think it's absolute nonsense.

Regarding Neil Ashton, is it just me, or does he look creepy? Like dark house, never goes out, might be into drugs or porn creepy? I don't know why, but I don't like the look of the fella. Might be a hellava nice guy, I have no clue. Just something about him makes me skittish.

Tom Bowers
204 Posted 08/04/2019 at 15:34:57
Andrew # 197 I agree that almost all of us were about to write Silva off. Not that we expected the World in one season but we wanted to see signs that he knew what he was doing and despite a few signs in the early games seemed to lose track after that first RS game and the form was inexplicably poor until this last month or so.

Whilst the jury is still out and will remain so until after the start of next season it has been encouraging seeing the extra impetus the players seem to have at present.

DCL has shown he can be a bona-fide leader and has some speed to go with it.

There will be changes in the squad before next season as some players will look for first team action and may move elsewhere but one hopes that one or two new, classy additions will take them to the next level.

Mike Gaynes
205 Posted 08/04/2019 at 15:38:13
Hey Terry, FYI all those media reports are repeats and re-posts of one article by the Sun's Ken Lawrence, who is not exactly the Oracle at Delphi when it comes to accurate predictions.

Pope is certainly talented, but he hasn't played since dislocating his shoulder last summer, and he's two years older than Pickford. That's why he's reportedly available so cheap.

Mike Gaynes
206 Posted 08/04/2019 at 15:41:04
Jamie and Fredrick, the Theo part of Ashton's report is the rumor I shared on the Forum about Theo coming to MLS. He would sign with Beckham's new Miami franchise.
Kieran Kinsella
207 Posted 08/04/2019 at 15:49:15
Frederick

I saw the Pickford rumour first in The S*n so that is a red flag. But the supposed move is based on the notion Everton will sell him for more than they signed him for and replace him with Pope. My question, if he is deemed as too unreliable for Everton, who is there out there with 30 million plus to sign a goalie that would want such a player? I can't see the top six buying a back up for 40 million, I can't see anyone around or below us spending that much on one. Morevoer, Pope had one good season at Burnley. He got injured and has been overlooked this year as Dyche first went with Hart, then Heaton. Both of those guys have come in for criticism for their errors and Burnely as a whole have struggled. Dyche is a wheeler dealer pragmatist so I find it odd that he would overlook Pope all season if he thought he was better than those two. If he isn't better than those two, why the heck would Everton want him. In a nutshell, I think this whole rumor is rubbish.

Terry White
208 Posted 08/04/2019 at 15:53:06
Just saying, like, Mike (#205). Does this make the Theo to MLS rumour less credible? To me they are all media gossip and to be discounted until proven otherwise, the player being paid to hold up the scarf or shirt and smile at the camera, for example.
Jamie Crowley
209 Posted 08/04/2019 at 16:02:16
I just had a look at all the remaining games for Leicester, Wolves, Watford, and us.

To get 7th we need to beat one of Man U or Spurs. Winning them all I think would cinch it. Winning one of Man U / Spurs it'd be incredibly tight but I think we'd knick it. Lose both games against Man U and Spurs and I see no way to get to 7th.

And Wolves and Watford drawing would be most welcome when they play one another.

It might come down to Liverpool beating Wolves the last day of the season for us to get 7th. In that case, I'd gladly forgo the Europa.

Jay Wood
[BRZ]

210 Posted 08/04/2019 at 16:17:47
I was concerned at the collapse of our mid-season form from December onwards, questioning both the manager and the players' ability to stop the rot, but I never advocated instant dismissal or Silva's sacking at the end of the season.

Similarly, I won't go to the other extreme now (as some seem to be doing) on the back of this recent good run and totally absolve the manager and players of what was served up for 3 months, and now switch to blind veneration.

Let's not forget both the manager and the players seriously underperformed for a good third of the season.

IMO what we are seeing now is a much-improved version of how we were playing ahead of going into the Derby match at Analfield. The tactics and personnel are almost identical, only we are doing it better and increasingly more consistently over 90 minutes.

A key reason why this is so is because Silva finally dispensed with the failed experiment of playing Richarlison as a #9, usually flanked by Bernard and Walcott.

Richarlison had a torrid time in that role and didn't look happy at all, deservedly getting rebuked for his dying swan act. Bernard wasn't yet fully up to speed to the PL. Walcott was mostly peripheral. Digne was playing well, but also new to the league. Coleman was playing well short of the levels we know he is capable of.

With DCL finally being given a run at #9, the whole dynamic has changed.

Bernard and Digne are dovetailing beautifully down the left (and for those who continue to say the smallest player in the league, Bernard, struggles with the physical side of the PL, I suggest you watch more closely just how many times he challenges and comes away with the ball against a bigger opponent); Coleman is back to his very best and working well with the revitalised Richarlison down the right.

Both Brazilians, as well as being a threat going forward, work extremely hard for the team in their defensive duties which has in turn increased our defensive solidity which evaporated for 3 months.

DCL is getting better and better at what he has always shown (that is, it is not a recent phenomen as some are suggesting): an ability to (Graham Sharpe-like) receive, shield and lay off the ball; excellent close control; dangerous pace. Already an excellent header of the ball, if and when he can bring the finishing ability videos of training sessions show he has, we have a top quality striker in our ranks.

Finally, on the question of us playing more 'long ball' football, it rather depends on the style and the situations in which a 'long ball' is being played.

For Sam Allardyce, it was a means to just keep the ball as far away from your own goal as possible. That is, it is primarily a defensive tactic.

The way we are playing the 'long ball' now (other than the no-nonsense clearing of our lines to re-group) has a far more attacking purpose than SA's model. It is a deliberate strategy to use our paciest front men to run at or get in behind an undermanned defensive on a quick counter from a defensive situation.

The delivery is not 'hit and hope'. It is targeted and with purpose. Either up the middle to Dominic to hold up and bring other runners into play, or switching diagonals out wide for our wide men and supporting full-backs to raid the opposition.

Together with a vastly improved quality of joined-up footy we are now seeing, yesterday was a prime example of just how tigerish these players - ALL of them! - can be.

Taken altogether, it's a powerful combo.

Mike Gaynes
211 Posted 08/04/2019 at 16:30:51
Terry #208, the rumor mill here in the US is considerably more reliable than the tabloid-based speculation machine in the UK. So no, I wouldn't consider the Theo rumor unreliable -- in fact, based on their friendship going back to their England days, I'd consider it quite likely that Becks would try to bring him in. He'd be considered a top recruit in MLS.

Kieran #207, a dislocated shoulder takes you out for 4-5 months. He didn't even return to training until December. Meantime, Heaton has actually played quite well, except for that crappy performance against the RS.

Jay Harris
212 Posted 08/04/2019 at 16:51:59
Jamie #203,
I totally agree with you.

To me he (Neil Ashton) looks like the media version of a modern day Vincent Price ( you might be a bit young for that one) and he has this real dark monotone voice like Alfred Hitchcock.

Mind you I think all modern day so called Journalists are dark creatures that constantly work in slime and as for that RS Rebecca Lowe she glorifies all that is bad about the modern game.

Mike Gaynes
213 Posted 08/04/2019 at 17:01:10
Jay #212, couldn't disagree more on Rebecca Lowe. I think she does an outstanding job -- on top of the facts, no hype, asks the right questions, good poise, a real pro in my book. And she's not RS, she's a Palace supporter. Husband works for Southampton.
Jay Harris
214 Posted 08/04/2019 at 17:02:53
Besides giving Silva and the players some credit I would have to single out the crowd's part in our revival.

There is no doubt in my mind that turning the museum and snide comments audible to the players into a cauldron of support and noise has lifted the players to another level.

Well done to all supporters who have reinstated "Fortress Goodison" and turbocharged the lethargy into purpose and endeavour.

Dave Abrahams
215 Posted 08/04/2019 at 17:06:29
Mike (213), did Rooney getting sent off yesterday make big news in the USA.?
Mike Gaynes
216 Posted 08/04/2019 at 17:24:13
No, Dave, nothing in MLS is really "big news" here. It was at the top of the ESPN footy page for a couple of hours, then supplanted by later game results.
Fredrick Parchment
217 Posted 08/04/2019 at 17:37:34
Andrew@#197
I agree with you in the notion that adjustments to make significant changes are possible.
I have watched on numerous accounts this season, where we have missed many opportunities inside the six yard box. Or gilt-edge chances to go ahead in games. Watched good or better performances yield nothing in terms of points.
It's just this Watford situation is bothering me too much I guess and the sudden "this is what we have been waiting for all season, consistency in play, clean-sheets and winning. Beating in the process, a "big-six" team.
If we were to break into the top six next season, would the media still use the term "big six" or "top five?"
Just another thought.
Jim Jennings
218 Posted 08/04/2019 at 17:38:23
Jamie #202

“We are absolutely playing more long balls. It's part of our approach to my eyes, and it's wonderful and very effective.

They aren't Sam's hoof it the hell upfield and good luck type of long balls. These are precise long passes into open space where our wide men can get on the end of them and attack. It happens multiple times a game, they are extremely effective, and they're beautiful to behold.”

Isn’t that exactly how Steve Ferns told us Silva wanted to play and why he (Steve) believed he had William Carvalho earmarked for that role?

Si Cooper
219 Posted 08/04/2019 at 17:51:34
Bernard is getting some stick for his misses but Steven Pienaar didn’t amass that many goals either. What they both did / are doing is create a great partnership with their fullbacks and work their socks off. I feel Bernard will find some better form when shooting eventually; at the moment he’s just not getting the body opened up to make better use of his preferred right foot.
I was surprised to find out on Sunday that DCL was only fairly recently converted from central midfield. That puts a different light on his finishing for me. Still possible that he may learn to be more composed when pulling the trigger.
Andrew Keatley
220 Posted 08/04/2019 at 18:04:45
Frederick #217 - I'm sure that anything hanging over the club behind the scenes - stadium negotiations, compensation claims, board shuffles, etc - will have some form of impact on the staff and playing squad.

I think that we've probably hit a decent patch on the back of a number of small developments - on and off the pitch - and let's hope it continues.

In terms of missed opportunities, I do agree. It's swings and roundabouts though; Richarlison has scored some excellent instinctive goals from in and around the six-yard box this season, but more recently seems to struggle if he has time to think about what to do. Same for Bernard. On Saturday it was the case for Sigurdsson - who has scored a host of excellent goals this season, inside and outside of the box. Like they always say, the real concern is when the chances aren't being made.

Stephen Brown
221 Posted 08/04/2019 at 18:30:10
A pleasure to watch that performance yesterday. That’s all we want from an Everton team! Skill, desire, heart, hunting in packs, vocal crowd! The players looked like Everton players !!!

Keep it up until the end of the season to take into next year! Well done boys

Jay Harris
222 Posted 08/04/2019 at 19:40:13
Mike,
I stand corrected.

She sure does a good job of PR for the RS though.

And I still don't like her!!

Simon Dalzell
223 Posted 08/04/2019 at 21:26:45
Kieren #82. Excellent reply. DCL looks like he is really starting to thrive. Those around him, Siggy, Bernard, Richie in particular should have turned his endeavour into goals. I just worry that because he's never going to be prolific, the rest will need to make up the balance. Could we get someone to play alongside Dom ?
Drew O'Neall
224 Posted 08/04/2019 at 21:43:31
Jay Wood 210

Good analysis. I have stated time and again on these pages that the season fell apart when Silva dropped our only recognised international quality striker in Tosun when Richarlison came back from suspension instead of cultivating the fledgling relationship which they, along with Bernard, were forming, this prior to Gomes first involvement.

Going with Richarlison up top and consigning our only ‘real’ striker to the bench at a time he hadn’t yet gained full confidence as our main man in a new (to him) league, was a high risk strategy and one which backfired over the 3 months following its conception.

I still don’t believe Tosun has been given the benefit of a run of games in the No. 9 berth when we’ve had our most creative and effective team combination behind him, as DCL has over the past four or five games, and that has been unfair on him as an international centre forward and a mistake by the manager.

Luckily it looks like DCL is performing the function of a target man better each week and his understanding of the position is developing almost as quickly as his athleticism.

I too was unprepared to condemn the manager for this mistake but wanted the mistake to be understood and remedied.

I expect Tosun will leave us in the summer having never had a fair crack of the whip and that will consign his transfer as another expensive mistake under this senior leadership regime but one which could, in my view, have been mitigated if he had been afforded the same support that DCL has enjoyed from the manager.

Jamie Crowley
225 Posted 08/04/2019 at 22:34:43
Jay Harris -

I'm with Mike! Seems a recurring theme. I love Rebecca Lowe. She's outstanding in my opinion, and I've never heard her be apologetic for the shite. Kyle Martino actually seems a bit "red" to me, but I still like the guy. He's excellent at what he does.

We're spoiled in the USA with the soccer coverage and commentary. NBC is fantastic at covering the Premier League.

Jim Jennings @ 218 -

Yes, Steve Ferns absolutely said he like Carvalho in that holding role precisely because he primarily sat in his position providing cover, and he could spray balls all over hell and back on a dime. We're doing exactly what Ferns' predicted Silva would do. The only difference is Gomes is playing the long balls into space out wide, and Gana doesn't sit - dude is freaking all over the pitch covering every blade of grass, winning the ball and putting in tackles.

In fact, that was an ongoing argument / debate between myself, Steve Ferns, and Mike Gaynes for some time - whether Gana was hurting or helping this Silva team by not sitting. The Americans extolled Gana, while the exceedingly knowledgable lawyer from Liverpool wanted a more Carvalho approach and thought Gana was exiting his position and leaving gaps behind the place he vacated while chasing balls.

Steve Ferns can speak for himself (Christ knows he knows his shit), but that's how I recall it.

I'd argue that somehow, in this team development, Silva has found a way to let Gana "wander" and do what he does best, and has teammates covering those "vacated positions" when Gana goes on a ball-winning defensive "run". All the while the distribution of the long balls is in the hands of the stupidly handsome Gomes. Two people to do what one person did for Silva previously, which on the surface isn't ideal, but Silva has figured it out.

Steve could say more to be sure, but that's my take on the present Everton set up in midfield.

But yes, as time marches on, Steve Ferns seems to have absolutely nailed Marco Silva in the main, in my opinion. Every team will vary a little bit, but Ferns unquestionably got the gist of it!

Smart cookie that Steve Ferns. Quality contributor in this American's estimation.

Jamie Crowley
226 Posted 08/04/2019 at 22:41:25
One more thing Jim Jennings -

I remember Steve saying Carvalho distributed the ball exceedingly quickly as well. That was Silva's thing - get the ball up the pitch fast!

Gomes is doing that now. And to a degree Gana too. We rarely, especially those two players, daly on the ball. The ball is moved very, very fast from player to player, or player to intelligent space where we can get on the end of it.

It's taken time to get the players to do this without thinking. But it's yet another reason why I think we're looking so damn good now.

It's all starting to click, and from Steve's predictions, it's undeniably "Silva Ball". To my eyes at least. And frankly, my eyes are very elementary when it comes to footy. But that's what I see.

Rahman Talib
227 Posted 09/04/2019 at 01:06:05
Ain't nothing to worry about should Gana left.

We got Jamie Mac in line to replace him and Jamie is one of the best there is.

We also have Morgan.

and little Benni boy.

and not to mention, Besic.

We can't stop Gana from leaving just like we can't stop Mad Dog Gravesen from leaving for Real.

They all want to go for greener pastures.

In the words of the great philosopher, Mick Jagger:

"You can't really have what you want"


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