Strong Everton hold off Gunners to record another impressive win

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

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

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!!!

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.

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

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

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

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.

How about a season along those lines?

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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!

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.

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

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')

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.

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!

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.

Happy days!

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

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

THEY CAN'T HANDLE IT

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

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

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.

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

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!

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?

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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..

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

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)?

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.

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!

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!

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

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

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

Roll on a rejuvenated Gomes!!

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

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

Hahaha

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.

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.

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!!!!!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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?

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.

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

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

And I still don't like her!!

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.

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.

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.

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"