Back to Basics for Ferguson's Battling Blues

Duncan Ferguson takes charge of Everton for the visit of Chelsea as caretaker manager with Marco Silva finally sacked this week following a dreadful run of results that sees Everton starting this match in the relegation zone.

Michael Kenrick 07/12/2019 427comments  |  Jump to last

Duncan Ferguson takes charge of his first Premier League match as caretaker manager following the dismissal of Marco Silva
Everton 3 - 1 Chelsea

Duncan Ferguson takes charge of Everton for the visit of Chelsea as caretaker manager with Marco Silva finally sacked this week following a dreadful run of results that sees Everton starting this match in the relegation zone.

No big surprises in his team selection, Schneiderlin and Walcott starting with Davies and Bernard dropped to the bench, where Niasse features, but Mina is out with a hamstring injury.

Frank Lampard names the same side that beat Aston Villa during the week, with a certain Ross Barkley not in the starting line-up but on the bench. The former Everton star has started just 5 Premier League games this season and has only completed one of them.

Chelsea kicked off but the early stages were very poor, with scrappy play from both sides. Chelsea showing better forward play when they finally got the ball.

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But the next play was straight out of the Duncan Ferguson playbook, a ball out to Sidibe crossed in perfectly for Richarlison to bury with a fine leap and some excellent head movement. A great start inside 5 mins!

A spell of Chelsea possession went nowhere as a result of hounding and harrying by the Everton players that really got the fans onside. Walcott put in a tasty cross that was too far in front of the stretching Richarlison.

Chelsea were coming into it more, winning a corner that was defended away well by Calvert-Lewin. But Sidibe was leaving a lot of space but Pickford gathered and the ball fell nicely for Walcott to play in Calvert-Lewin but absolutely hopeless technique from the Everton centre-forward saw Kepa save his shot easily.

A free-kick was wasted and then Iwobi played the wrong ball for Digne and any chance was gone. Keane played an awful ball, expecting Pickford to come too far out of his area, but defenders rallied and rescued him.

Chelsea looked better and better as the game progressed, Mount and Pulisic causing fear in the Everton defence, while Richarlison was suffering from a knock on the ankle he had received.

Willian galloped along the touchline and powered in a cross that Abraham came very close to finishing as it fizzed across the Everton goal, which was starting to lead a charmed life.

A sloppy drag back by Digne earned him a needless yellow card, with Everton just not clicking in attack, while Chelsea looked increasingly dangerous whenever they surged forward. Mount danced past Sidibe and fired in a wicked ball that Abraham again was inches from connecting with.

The high-tempo pressing by the Blues flagged somewhat but they got forward thanks to Pickford's goalkick, Walcott's shot was blocked and more defending was needed at the other end to block Mount's shot.

More good attacking by Chelsea had Everton defending like terriers, a really stupid tackle from behind by Richarlison was yellow-carded. More incisive penetration by Chelsea was met with swarming bodies in Blue desperate to block and keep a clean sheet at half-time.

Walcott won a corner just before the break, but nothing came of it as the whistle finally blew, Everton hanging on to their 1-0 lead.

It would be a massive achievement for Everton to keep Chelsea off the score sheet with the agricultural style of play they were forced into for much of the first half. An early free-kick was delivered well by Sigurdsson right to Calvert-Lewin but it just struck his head and flew off in some random direction.

But a looped ball delivered forward thanks to Sidibe's intervention found its way to Calvert-Lewin off Zouma and he turned well to fire very nicely past Kepa this time, for a fine goal to give Everton a 2-goal lead (after the customary VAR check).

Richarlison had a rare chance to run and shoot at Kepa, but that was all he could manage. At the other end, a cleared ball out Kovacic volleys back and just inside the post, a high-quality strike and his first league goal in nearly 3 years.

Sidibe did very well to rob the ball and power it through to Calvert-Lewin but he could not dig the shot out this time. Walcott did well to break free and run at goal but shooting was not the right option, and the chance to make it 3 was gone.

Iwobi gave away a free-kick for a set-piece delivery that was whipped in. Walcott again looked to get free but Kante was equal to it this time. Chelsea kept running the ball at Everton though, Kovacic threatening again. Then Mount fired wide from a dangerous position.

Tom Davies came on to shore up the midfield with Richarlison sacrificed from the attack after Sidibe was lucky to get a decision in a rough tussle with Pulisic. Davies initially played forward, getting the ball out to Dige and then trying to head in the return cross.

Digne stretched his groin and Baines was readied but not needed in the end. Calvert-Lewin saw a chance to catch out Kepa but his execution was simply awful, his poor shot having no chance of beating the Chelsea keeper.

Chelsea pushed Everton back, Pickford needing to be alert to keep the ball out of his goal as Digne finally succumbed, Baines getting a good reception for his first appearance in 10 months.

But Everton kept their spirits up with Walcott and Davies contriving to see Calvert-Lewin get a chance to poke the ball goalward as Davies struggled to control it, a really scrappy goal, but a very important one.

Finally, the Goodison Park crowd felt a sense of relief and burst into voice, but they still had to hang on for 5 more minutes that saw the Everton defence rocking back deep to absorb the pressure, Pulisic's header straight at Pickford.

The ref added 6 minutes which were played out with a little more confidence thanks to the 2-goal cushion, but Chelsea kept pushing and probing till the end, and a very happy and massively relieved Goodison Park roar greeted the final whistle, with Duncan Ferguson making the most of the adulation.

Kick-off: 12:30pm, Saturday 7 December 2019

Everton: Pickford, Sidibe, Holgate, Keane, Digne [Y:30'] (82'Baines), Walcott (86' Bernard), Schneiderlin, Sigurdsson, Iwobi, Richarlison [Y:42'] (70' Davies), Calvert-Lewin [Y:65'].
Subs not Used: Stekelenburg, Tosun, Kean, Niasse.

Chelsea: Arrizabalaga, James (82' Batshuayi), Christensen, Zouma, Azpilicueta, Kante, Kovacic, Willian (71' Hudson-Odoi), Mount, Pulisic, Abraham.
Subs not Used: Jorginho, Barkley, Caballero, Tomori, Emerson Palmieri.

Referee: Craig Pawson

Attendance: 39,114

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Reader Comments (427)

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Allan Board
1 Posted 07/12/2019 at 11:43:33
Please not 4-2-3-1. Looks like we are going 9 v11 then. When is this going to stop?
Annika Herbert
4 Posted 07/12/2019 at 11:53:39
Well that team doesn't fill me with excitement in any way, shape, or form!

How the hell does Sigurdsson continue to get a game? He has been every bit as bad as Schneiderlin, if not worse.

As for Walcott, the less said the better. Very disappointed with that line-up.

Bill Gienapp
5 Posted 07/12/2019 at 11:55:34
Glad we're trying a 4-4-2... at least that's what ESPN claimed the formation is, who knows?

I'd be more excited if we swapped in Davies for Sigurdsson or Schneiderlin, Bernard for Walcott and Kean for Calvert-Lewin.

Dave Abrahams
6 Posted 07/12/2019 at 11:56:10
Three centre forwards on the bench, maybe the subs will win it for us.
Brian Hennessy
7 Posted 07/12/2019 at 12:01:08
Not sure which is worse, his team selection or the balance of his bench.

Schneiderlin and Sigurdsson in the same team is asking for trouble.

Walcott ahead of Bernard is just ridiculous. Three forwards on the bench but no central defender. No place on the bench for any of the under 23's.

Bill Gienapp
8 Posted 07/12/2019 at 12:01:39
Niasse coming off the bench to score the game winner is exactly the sort of thing that would happen in a match like this.
Chris Mason
9 Posted 07/12/2019 at 12:02:27
Mina injured. Bet he didn’t fancy it.
Peter Jansson
10 Posted 07/12/2019 at 12:03:15
What is new with this? I still see schneiderlin on the pitch. Wtf is wrong with Everton managers?
Ian Flanagan
11 Posted 07/12/2019 at 12:06:53
This was Duncan's big chance. Looks like he's blown it with that line up
Jim Harrison
12 Posted 07/12/2019 at 12:07:31
Bernard has been injured, Walcott hasn’t. We have too often brought players back too early

Morgan starting is funny one. But I have to say I don’t put much faith in Davis either.

Like to see Kean get a decent amount of game time.

Benjamin Dyke
13 Posted 07/12/2019 at 12:09:48
Let's get behind them! Why does Schneiderlin get all this stick? He's a blue and he's playing! He won't play better if you rip in to him before he starts! Try becoming more confident in your ability with thousands ripping in to you. Hope it is finally 2 up top. We've all wanted this. We're light in the midfield because of injuries but let's get giving them all the backing they need and get this new era going.
Jay Wood
[BRZ]

14 Posted 07/12/2019 at 12:10:08
The midfield does look porous, but in fairness to Ferguson he really doesn't have many options there right now.

Silva reported post-match on Wednesday that Tom Davies was already struggling with a niggle at half-time and he was withdrawn for two reasons: not to aggravate it and not to risk a 2nd yellow card.

He may be able to contribute from the bench, but best not risked from the start.

That has to be primarily a 4-4-2 formation, morphing into 4-3-3 when Walcott can get forward to support Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin.

Extremely interesting that Niasse gets promoted to the bench!

Overall, it remains a very fragile looking side in defence and midfield.

Ability and form wise we shouldn't have much of a shout.

Passion and sheer belligerence is going to have to be the order of the day I fancy.

The fans will be part of that. Can the players on the park replicate their passion?

Dave Williams
15 Posted 07/12/2019 at 12:11:54
I really despair. Terribly slow midfield. Must wait and see what he can do with them.
Jason Lloyd
16 Posted 07/12/2019 at 12:11:56
The slowest central midfield pairing in the league.

I have to say players like Pulisic are going to rip the midfield and backline apart.

Fair play going for 4-4-2 though.

Personally I'd have gone 4-1-4-1 but we will see.

Brian Hennessy
17 Posted 07/12/2019 at 12:13:52
The only sense I can make from that team is:

A) Duncan thinks he can get more out of Schneiderlin, Sigurdsson and Walcott than Silva did...
or,
B) He is just as deluded as Silva was and Koeman before that and can't see what is obvious to every Everton fan.

John Hammond
18 Posted 07/12/2019 at 12:15:42
Wonder if it'll be a 4-1-4-1 rather than 4-4-2?
Michael Kenrick
19 Posted 07/12/2019 at 12:17:00
Great to read Duncan's rousing notes in the programme. I desperately hope it works well for him.

But he's been coaching the team at Finch Farm for four years – not just one training session. How much of the 'problem' is so engrained that he can only do exactly what Silva would be doing?

I really hope I'm wrong and something has changed drastically in our favour.

George Cumiskey
20 Posted 07/12/2019 at 12:18:20
I wonder why Ferguson thinks he can get a performance out of Walcott, Schneiderlin, Sigurdsson, and Calvert-Lewin when all the other managers couldn't?
Ciarán McGlone
22 Posted 07/12/2019 at 12:26:59
Missed a chance to do something different..

Hopefully his presence is a defining difference.

Joe Edwards
23 Posted 07/12/2019 at 12:27:46
Not to be too negative, were getting battered with that team selection today. 🙁
Bill Gienapp
24 Posted 07/12/2019 at 12:29:13
Injuries are probably a factor. As Jay said, Davies may not be 100%. And I'm guessing Bernard might not be ready to go for more than half an hour max off the bench. Still, I really wish he'd made a point of giving Moise Kean a go.
Peter Jansson
25 Posted 07/12/2019 at 12:29:59
I was expecting maybe Lewis Gibson or some other young central midfielder... but not... and Moise Kean from start.
Rudi Coote
26 Posted 07/12/2019 at 12:33:32
Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. I mean, what's changed?

I wish him all the luck he can get, but not holding my breath. COYB!

Ernie Baywood
27 Posted 07/12/2019 at 12:41:07
Dogs of War start!
Ryan Holroyd
28 Posted 07/12/2019 at 12:46:40
It's all gone quiet over here...
Jim Marray
29 Posted 07/12/2019 at 13:17:44
Everyone enthralled by the game!
Ciarán McGlone
30 Posted 07/12/2019 at 13:19:09
Dream start.

Lot of work being put in off the ball.. especially Iwobi.. who's decided he can put a tackle in.

However our deficiency in the centre is becoming glaringly obvious... and they are starting to waltz through with alarming ease. A change needed. Not sure what though.

A word on Michael Keane.. he really needs to go. A complete footballing dunce. I wouldn't be surprised if someone has to dress him in the mornings.

Ernie Baywood
31 Posted 07/12/2019 at 13:22:47
Honestly I can't fault anyone in that half.

Yes, we could play more football but I'm back to wanting the fundamentals. Hard work, shape, foot in. It's all there. Football hasn't changed that much.

Gerry Ring
32 Posted 07/12/2019 at 13:23:46
Need to shore up midfield & fast. Much too easy. Holgate doing very well
John Reynolds
33 Posted 07/12/2019 at 13:24:06
Well at least we’re looking like Everton again.
Christy Ring
34 Posted 07/12/2019 at 13:28:43
Chelsea dictating and walking through the middle, need to bring Davies on, to give a bit more bite, the halftime whistle was welcome.
Jay Wood
[BRZ]

35 Posted 07/12/2019 at 13:31:49
Seriously, a BIG round of applause for Big Dunc.

As a number of us has been saying, this squad is not a relegation squad. It simply needs to be pragmatically managed.

Dunc has:

* totally abandoned playing out from the back
* you don't see the centre backs split either side of the 6 yard box within the penalty area, waiting to receive a short goal kick from Pickford
* you don't see Schneiderlin or the like coming short to the centre of the penalty area to receive the same
* Pickford is launching it long, from goal kicks or from hand. No short roll outs or throw outs
* No isolated striker with no one within 30 metres of him. DCL and Richarlison are playing within 5-10 metres of each other. That's what contributed to our goal...
* Good ball laid into Richie from Siggy, nice 1-2 with DCL, Richie wide to Sidibe, both DCL and Richie attacking the single centre back on the cross. 1-0 to Everton

Little possession. Little joined up passing. Pulisic and Wilian looking dangerous. But still no actual shot on the Everton goal from Chelsea with Everton fighting like tigers.

Long term solution? No!

Effective for what we need right now? Hell, yes!

Aesthetically pleasing it ain't. But effective coaching it damn well is.

Stephen Davies
36 Posted 07/12/2019 at 13:34:29
What's Kovac doing at the Game?
Just a Spectator?
Ernie Baywood
37 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:22:10
Dominic will sleep well tonight. Fitting performance from him.

I don't usually buy into the most basic theory being the true one... but Ferguson achieved something here. Smiles back on!

Ciarán McGlone
38 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:24:56
What a match... couldn't have scripted it better for Duncan.

Hats off to him... good decision making on so many fronts. Looks the part in a suit and all.

Give him to the end of the season... and take time over the next appointment.

John Graham
39 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:28:23
Great result.
Hopefully small steps can achieve big things.
Passion in our play and from our manager.
Well done Duncan
COYB
Gerry Ring
40 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:29:04
What would have happened had he been in charge against the redshite??? Looking forward to the FA cup match already 😉😉
Michael Williams
41 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:29:30
Maybe our club is not built for the beautiful game. Maybe we are a 4-4-2 kick it long and play hard team.
Richard Hamilton
42 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:30:45
Yes, absolutely. Give him to the end of the season then plenty of time to look at options.
Lester Yip
43 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:32:02
Love it! Simple but effective. It brings out the best of Calvin-Lewin. Finally seems some luck is on our side. Yay!!
Jay Woods
44 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:32:04
I'm so "Pavlov's Dog"-ified by Silva that I briefly found myself partially wanting us to lose just to get rid of him... then I remembered he was gone and it was safe to have normal Toffee feelings again. Well done, Big Dunc.
Cristobal Aguirre
45 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:32:07
That's it!!! Big Dunc, I love you more than ever. That is the attitude, the passion that is Everton!!!

Please, no more mercenary managers who care just for the money and whose will and goal is to destroy the club.

Ferguson for 10 years. No more to say.

Bob Parrington
46 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:32:22
Now that's the way to do it! YIPPADEEDOODA!
Christy Ring
47 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:32:40
Passion from Duncan, transferred to the players, and the fans were superb. Massive result, delighted for Dunc, no rush to fill the vacancy.
Jim Marray
48 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:33:35
That was a performance and a half. Won't go overboard about the result but the one huge takeaway is that, whoever the next manager is, they need to generate the same level of passion every game.
Jamie Crowley
49 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:33:48
Thirteen years or so into Blue life, if I ever had any doubts, there’s no question in my mind God smiled when he married me to Everton.

How incredibly beautiful was that?

What does it mean to be Blue you ask? Just watch that pitch after the game. The crowd, the players, Big Dunc.

Glorious.

Jim Harrison
50 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:35:00
Calvert-Lewin: great game.

Sigurdsson: did a lot of work.

Massive shout to big Dunc. His celebration for the second was priceless.

Steve Ferns
51 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:35:34
Back to basics? Back to 1995 more like. We won and our luck changed. Have a great night blues.
Steve Brown
52 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:36:22
Absolutely made up by that. Calvert-Lewin was magnificent today and I have to recognise that Sigurdsson, Schneiderlin and Walcott were excellent.
Alan McGuffog
53 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:37:19
Video out yet ?
Jim Harrison
54 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:37:24
Their goal was a great strike.

It was battling, but the defence did the dirty work.

John Reynolds
56 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:39:08
Dunc got 100% commitment, workrate and effort from every player. He played to their strengths and abilities. Sigurdsson showed he can play as a deeper midfielder. Schneiderlin too. Emotional at the end, enough to bring a tear to the eye. He gets it. He might just get the job too. Early days. Let’s hope it could be a corner turned and not another false dawn.
Jay Wood
[BRZ]

57 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:39:45
WOW!!!

WHAT. A. CONTRAST.

From how the crowd saw off Silva in the last home game, contrasted to the reception for Duncan at the final whistle.

I'm sure I wasn't the only one who constantly heard Dunc shouting all game and noticing how animated he was.

Not only did he shrewdly set the side up as I described earlier to get the best out of the team in the cirucumstances, but the cheer leading of the still packed stands at the end was very, very astute.

He knows his audience. He knows they want passion. He knows they needed a lift.

Maybe Duncan Ferguson has a lot more about him as a football coach and man manager than more than a few down the years have suggested.

Oh! And fantastic play by our two 'Championship' players for the 3rd goal today also.

Onwards and upwards, Blues.

Kelvin Leung
58 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:43:37
I wanted to see a team that first got me years ago with its passion, ferocity, dogs-of-war attitude. I wanted to see a team that went in to every 50-50 with the intention of making it 100-0.

I wanted to see players exhausted to the ground at the 90th minute because they fought for Everton Football Club.

And Dogs of War we got today.

My fading flame for this club has been rekindled. #BigDunc #Thishashtagishappening

Nev Renshaw
59 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:45:04
Great result, need to keep it going now. Also this is one time I hope the RS win today.
Kevin Prytherch
60 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:48:09
Ferguson into 5/1 for the job with sky bet.
You can still get 16/1 with Betfair
Christy Ring
61 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:51:33
The animation from Duncan on the touchline was massive, and great to see, it shows the pride he has in the jersey, Dominic really got stuck in, and a massive boost to his confidence. Zouma was very poor today, did we dodge a bullet?
Kevin Prytherch
62 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:52:13
What a difference a manager makes...

Everton made 37 tackles against Chelsea. That’s the most by any team in the Premier League this season and the most that Everton have made in a Premier League game all decade.

Jay Wood
[BRZ]

63 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:52:37
Just read back Michael's in-game match report.

I have huge respect for you typing up the game as it plays out live Michael, but I must contest with you your description of the 3rd goal:

"Walcott and Davies contriving to see Calvert-Lewin get a chance to poke the ball goalward as Davies struggled to control it, a really scrappy goal, but a very important one."

You do all players a disservice, Michael.

Poor pass out by the keeper, quickly seized upon by Walcott and equally quickly played into feet to DCL. Good control and awareness to play the back heel to Tom Davies behind him, adding further confusion to the already out of position Chelsea defence.

Excellent feet and close control by Tom under heavy pressure from Chelsea defenders. Excellent follow up and alertness by Dominic, finishing sharply with the best option available to him in the situation.

It was NOT a scrappy goal. It was a superb one with no little ability at every phase of the play.

Ernie Baywood
64 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:56:12
I think it was the definition of a scrappy goal, Jay. Nice alertness from Walcott, nice touch from DCL, and then just good scrapping. You'd be filthy as a Chelsea fan though.

Steve Brown
65 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:56:32
We made 37 tackles today, most by any premier league team this season and the most by an Everton team this decade.
Jamie Crowley
66 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:57:08
They just showed Big Dunc's post-game interview.

Brilliant. This guy's got something. It's intangible, but it's palpable - if that makes any sense.

Dunc returned Everton's soul today.

Jay Wood
[BRZ]

67 Posted 07/12/2019 at 14:57:30
Hmmm...photo and report of former Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac at Goodison today.

As any unemployed German coach would do on a weekend in December, of course, attend a mid-day KO in the PL.

Link

Jay Wood
[BRZ]

68 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:00:22
Heartily disagree with that view Ernie @ 64.

It was skill that created the confusion at the heart of Chelsea's penalty area.

It was Tom's skill on the ball that kept it alive in a dangerous area.

It was DCL's skill and alertness that brought him the goal.

Anthony Murphy
69 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:01:35
That’s an amazing stat Kevin

Let’s give Dunc a bit of time. It may be back to dogs of war, but we can make a more informed choice with a bit of breathing space

Michael Williams
70 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:02:15
I am happy for the long-time Blues supporters who got to see one of their heroes have a dream day.
Paul Tran
71 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:02:20
Apparently Kovac said he was taking a break from football and touring a few English grounds and games. Hmmmm.
Steve Ferns
72 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:03:52
Sam Hoare. Can you profile Niko Kovac for us. You watch Bayern every game don’t you? Everything I read pointed to him being out of his depth at Bayern and unable to handle the big egos. Doesn’t sound like the man we need.
Gerry Quinn
73 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:05:05
But Kovac told Goal that he is merely in England to attend a host of fixtures over the weekend and that he is taking a break from management for the time being.

As well as taking in the match at Goodison Park, Kovac is planning to watch the Manchester derby later on Saturday, while he is also due to attend West Brom's Championship meeting with Swansea and Aston Villa's clash with Leicester City.

The former Bayern manager is also set to be at the London Stadium for West Ham's clash with Arsenal on Monday which is likely to again set tongues wagging given the managerial vacancy in north London after Unai Emery's sacking.

Allan Board
74 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:05:22
Thank you Big Man, ditched that daft formation from the last 5 year's and played a simple, straight forward system that all the player's understood. Confuse player's with too much tactics and you will get bugger all. Not a million miles from what the RS did to us on Weds.
Contest everything, be narky and niggly, and put the ball in their defensive 3rd quickly. Chelsea were all pretty etc, but they sure don't like it up em!
What a transformation over 3 days. Even if they go ahead and get in another posing clip board coach from abroad, the fact remains Duncan has turned this on its head and has the absolute backing of all blues and very obviously the player's.
I asked where was Rocky when you need him, well he turned up today in our dug out. An imposing figure who takes no shit from anyone.

Given all things Everton a huge boost, well done mate.

Joe McMahon
75 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:05:30
I'll take that. No rushing for a manager, Duncan can manage the December games. The right choice has to be made, hopefully by Brands.
Justin Doone
76 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:06:24
Holgate my MOTM. Brilliant blocks, tackles and played forward balls quickly. Made Keane look like the novice. DCL and Rich ran their socks off and played well without being great.

Good headline. All good teams do the basics very well first. A few simple but very noticeable changes.

1. Every deadball was played forward.
Goal kicks and freekicks. No messing around at the back expecting defenders to dribble or play the perfect pass. Just get it forward, make the opposition defend.

2. Everyone looked to play wuick forward passes or deliver crosses earlier.

3. Forwards make runs expecting balls to be played. No messing around with it. Sidibe did this well. Digne and Iwobi lost possession too often and easily by not crossing straight away.

4. Schnides (who I can't stand) possibly for the first time ever played as many balls forward as backwards. Like Siggy, he didn't do much but by stayed compact and central to help block and prevent balls and runners around the 'D'.

Davies actually looked a little lost when he came on. Not closing down quickly or getting back into position. Not sure why but his contribution for the 3rd goal showd he was probably playing in Rich's position as a CAM.

Dunc, more so than Unsy appeared to get his back to basics message across. I hope we don't revert back to trying to play out from the back anytime soon. We'll done! 10 out of 10!

Mike Gaynes
77 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:06:33
Steve #65 and Kev #62, according to a Twitter report quoted by Roger Sunde, it was the most tackles by any club in any Prem game since 2016.

Inspirational.

(And they did it without Gana!)

Joe Corgan
78 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:09:41
Some of the negative comments in this thread from just before kick-off really haven’t aged well, thankfully!
Mike Gaynes
79 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:10:31
Yeah, Joe, lots of crow dinners being served up right about now!
Tony Everan
80 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:10:56
Great shift from all the lads, DCL was outstanding winning balls all afternoon, scoring two good strikers goals, could have had 3 or 4. Christensen had a torrid time with him.

Delighted for Dominic, he deserves his plaudits today, as do Dunc and the whole team, passionate and full of team spirit, digging in as one force when needed. After the last week we have had it is one of the most important Everton wins for years. No wonder we've got tears in our eyes.

John Daley
81 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:12:10
Fucking brilliant.

After being forced to suffer through the beige reigns of far too many bland, poker faced, pocket fondling, freezing under pressure poltroons, it was a huge boost to both players and fans to simply have someone on the sidelines actually bursting with pride to be in charge of an Everton team, considering that the pinnacle and utterly desperate to get the 3 points for what it means to the club...not for themselves, their reputation, self preservation or some piss-weak ethereal notion of ‘a project’.

Far more rousing, uniting and infinitely less limp-dicked than the heavily media-pimped move of Moyes being brought back and trumpeted as some sort of returning hero 17 years after he first turned up with facial skin scientifically proven to be 67% less a scrotum simulacrum. That would have been as scarily ludicrous as Leatherface and his brood dragging their barely breathing Grandfather downstairs, slapping a big hammer in his decomposing hand and telling the poor sort screaming her lungs out in front of the old fella not to fret about his piss poor attempts to bludgeon her to death because “Grampa is the best. A one hitter. 137 years old and still fast as Jesse James”.

Actually felt like a football club again today.

Joey Crawley
82 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:13:03
If the Mosh doesn’t give Big Dunc till the end of the season to prove himself then I will not be a happy hippy. We have a blues legend there who will command the respect of every player he has, will shout bloody blue murder from the touch line to get his team going and the crowd will respond to him like a tornado. We have a DOF to find him players, Dunc just needs to concentrate in getting the best out of them. I’d love to see Cahill come in as his assistant, they could both develop the team to play to win, no game is the same, no opposition is the same, each game needs different tactics, who needs tika taka when we just played kick attacker and won 3-1 against a team that on paper should have tika taka’d us off the park. We just gotta give Big Dunc till the end of the season, we may just have the greatest manager to come out of Glasgow since Sir Whiskey Nose, Nil Satis Nisi Optimum is what he commanded and that is what he got, that’s all a manager needs, nothing more.
Mark Guglielmo
83 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:13:06
First 30 posts: wtf, Duncan failed, same old, same old

31+ posts: brilliant, we're Everton again!

Kristian Boyce
84 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:13:46
Couple pundits claimed this was a ‘Moyes-like’ win. Very unfair on Ferguson saying that and far from it. In 11 years I don’t recall that passion from the sidelines from the dour one. Also it was a win against a big 6 which never happened in his time. Plus we kept going for more goals instead of sitting back after we got the first.
George Cumiskey
85 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:14:23
Great battling performance, Sidibe M O M for me followed by DCL, I think Dunc could of made a big mistake bringing on Davis as he kept giving the ball away and it could of cost us big time.
Jeff Armstrong
86 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:16:32
What’s not to like about today, a home win and John Daley back on ToffeeWeb.
Jeff Armstrong
87 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:18:39
Not read the posts above, so if previously mentioned apologies, but Niko Kovac was at Goodison today.
Paul Tran
88 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:18:59
Great to see energy, commitment and simplicity. Pace creates momentum and space so our footballers can flourish.

They looked liberated today. No over-thinking, no pondering, all today's mistakes were due to trying things rather than avoiding things.

In life you exist or choose to live. Today we chose to live for a change. And it was great to see.

Jay Wood
[BRZ]

89 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:19:41
Mark @ 83.

Nonsense post.

Join in the celebration and passion of the win.

Mark Guglielmo
90 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:20:13
My 3 favorite parts of the match today:

1) Sidibe's cross to Richarlison (getting to be a common thing to type);
2) Calvert-Lewin's brace (despite this performance pushing back Kean's chance by another month);
3) Dunc's absolutely fired up celebration

Michael Kenrick
91 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:20:41
Brilliant match write-up by Andy Hunter in The Guardian:

Calvert-Lewin’s double gives Ferguson dream start at Everton against Chelsea

Mark Guglielmo
92 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:20:58
Jay, find a sense of humor. See my post right above.
Kieran Kinsella
93 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:22:05
Gerry Quinn @73,

So he's innocently and coincidentally going around all the grounds where clubs have just sacked or are under pressure to sack their managers? What a shameless and obvious “come and get me” plea.

Mike Allison
94 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:22:21
BT Sport have just chatted about Niko Kovac being present. They pointed out he wasn’t near Kenwright and Moshiri.
Jamie Crowley
95 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:24:31
John Daley, you are an absolute beaut. I'd pay money to get inside that wonderful brain of yours.

Kristian – spot on. That wasn't even close to a David Moyes performance. Not even in the same ballpark!

Colin Glassar
96 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:26:18
Thank you, Duncan, for restoring some of our lost pride and spirit. Shame on the last couple of managers for draining us of our love for the team.

Sidibe is a must buy in January. He was a giant today.

Derek Knox
97 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:26:43
Like Dunc said in his post-match interview, not getting carried away, but it goes to show with virtually the same players, who have been a let down recently, how with the right motivation and a vestige of a game plan, the difference was there to see.

It wasn't a brilliant performance, but it was a brilliant result. I would be tempted to see what happens in the upcoming games, if I was Moshiri before either doing any interviews, or confirming Dunc as supremo.

Just that win has got us temporarily up the Table, dependant on today's other results, but it will have boosted confidence, which plays a big part in determining the outcome of games. So let's enjoy take a few breaths and see what unfolds in the days/weeks to come.

Tommy Surgenor
98 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:27:10
At the minute I couldn't give a monkey's who our next manager is.

That performance today reminded me of the Everton I fell in love with.

Duncan was my idol growing up for sheer passion alone. I didn't want him to take the caretaker role in case it tarnished his legacy.

Make no mistake. Today was not a masterclass. All Duncan achieved was getting the players to give the absolute bare minimum I expect from anyone pulling on that Everton jersey. (Pride, Passion, Effort.)

Goodison does not respond to sideways pretty football. We expect blood sweat and running through brick walls for the shirt.

For tonight, all talk of a new manager must be forbidden. We must just reflect on how good it feels to have our Everton back.

Jay Wood
[BRZ]

99 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:30:08
Go and play your 'nah-nah-nah' game with someone else, Mark.

I'm too busy looking up and reading everything positive I can find about today's game and the inspirational Duncan Ferguson.

Lovin' it!!!

Derek Knox
100 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:30:22
Hey John Daley @81, welcome back, mate, you have been missed.

But spare a thought for us poor sods who have had to endure the shit show in your absence. :-)

John Pierce
101 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:31:02
Gamebot ruins thread.
Ryan Holroyd
102 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:32:17
Some people on here were critical of the Big Dunc before the game started...

"It's all gone quiet over here, it's all gone quiet over here"

Kieran Kinsella
103 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:32:44
Great example of making your own luck after “unlucky” Silva.

When you run, fight and compete... things happen!

Kieran Kinsella
104 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:34:48
I'd stick with Dunc until the cup game at least. Memories of '95...
Jerome Shields
105 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:34:57
The relief of an Everton win and a well-motivated performance was worth waiting on. I never realised how much Everton had an effect on me. Great result and actually looking forward to the coming fixtures.

Well done, Big Dunc.

Barry Rathbone
107 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:35:45
Well in, Dunc.

The posts on this thread pre kick-off giving out to Dunc and his selection before a ball was kicked is half the problem at this club: too many clueless buffoons posturing.

Like vultures, they'll be waiting for his first loss to put the boot in and tell everyone how right they were.

In any case, hopefully Moshiri has learned to ignore the vociferous spoilt kids brigade and give this appointment a bit more consideration than his previous efforts.

And, if Dunc keeps delivering, give him a shot.

Jim Bennings
108 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:36:24
That's more like it!

And that's also why I said, rather than go down the Davie Moyes route or another nonentity no personality manager, I would just give it to Duncan until May.

Unless we can get a quality – and I mean top quality – man at the helm, not some no-mark, then Duncan Ferguson can do equally as much as David Moyes.

Great win but now the Everton board need to make the right decision, the next move is the biggest one in our recent history.

Colin Glassar
109 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:37:01
Any news on Digne? He could be out for a while.
Ryan Holroyd
110 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:38:00
Jim, I'm with you. Let Duncan have a go for a few months. Why not?
Mark Guglielmo
111 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:39:59
DK, maybe just enjoy the win today and leave discussions of him managing until the end of the season alone?
Jamie Crowley
112 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:40:46
Michael, thanks for the link. Great article.

Jay Harris
113 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:45:36
The man who was supposedly stealing a living from the club has just brought it back to life.

Nuff said... let's enjoy this brilliant day.

Annika Herbert
114 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:49:29
I was extremely critical of the line-up prior to kick-off, but I am more than happy to have been proven wrong. A terrific effort from all involved and not worth nit-picking over one, or two, under-par performances.

Well done to Duncan Feguson for getting the best out of some previously under-performing players! Long may it continue.

Stephen Davies
115 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:50:00
I'm wondering if the example today may just divert our focus to the type of manager we need?

Passion, enthusiasm, motivation is everything we have lacked from all our recent managers and it's something that this club really needs. The crowd wants it, the players need it and it's something that could define us as a Club.

It's something Mourinho, Simeone and Klopp have in spades. So who can match that as an Everton Manager?

Adrian Evans
116 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:51:14
Sod's law... I was in Canary Islands for this iconic display under an Everton Legend. I bet Silva is kicking himself he didn't appoint Big Duncan as his No 2???

Okay, Point No 1: anybody watching that see Jordan Pickford roll the ball sideways behind our 18-yard line???

Point No 2: we got the best ball-distributing, accurate ball-launching goalkeeper in the world in Pickford. He's got other weaknesses but Big Duncan used Pickford to our advantage perfectly.

He didn't invite Chelsea on to us from our 18-yard line. He played to a No 9 in Calvert-Lewin, Man of the Match.

New system for the team but they did great, rode their luck, as a team that is nervy with a lack of confidence would be. But a masterstroke of simplicity from big Duncan.

Was it Route 1? No, not really... but a subtle balance of great tactics: put their back 4 under the cosh, lots and aerially. If he'd have taken them to Anfield, their back 4 would have had a dose of the same.

Fantastic shift from every player. It's been 5 or 6 years since Goodison rocked for the team. We showed some real quality in key areas, as well as swarmed the ball when they got into some dangerous places.

Yep, on another day in the Premier League, we could have been 3 down. But we made them make mistakes and took the chances; we also missed three or so too. Well worked, the 3 -1.

Now, will the Three Musketeers go appoint a manager who will want to bring in his backroom team and No 2 so he can have a lay-in daily, not do his job? No, I hope to God No.

Give Duncan some games; he's got a week before we play Man Utd. Yep, Utd will work it out if we do the same, all teams will. But, if we are great at it, then they are under constant pressure from Pickford for a start.

Big Duncan will know his limitations. But Walcott said after the game: "We were told to get at them, get ourselves on the front foot, and play our football." They did.

So any manager will need to be told: "If you want the job, Duncan Ferguson is your No 2. Or don't take the job." Or just let's see game on game.

Playing out from the back like Man City? We are years away from having that method in our armoury, if we ever want it.

Arteta and Big Dunc?? No; me, I'd just see how he does game by game with his team of merry ex-players.

Of course he will need different ways of playing and, when he has a fully fit injury-free squad in July 2020, we will see what he can do.

Game by game, Duncan will study the situation and play to what strengths we have for now. A centre-half... another No 9... a midfield boss. Will they allow him to spend?

Fantastic day. Brilliant from everyone.

Raymond Fox
117 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:51:47
Give Dunc the job, at least till the season's end, we will stay up comfortably.

Why go for another foreign coach? Are we so stupid in the UK that we can't figure out how to win football matches?

It's not rocket science, we have not the players in my opinion to beat the top sides playing pretty football; keep it simple, put the effort in, and you stand a chance.

When or if we are able to sign or keep the very best players, by all means try to play your Man City type football... but, until then, keep the game simple.

Colin Glassar
118 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:52:41
How about giving Roberto another chance. I think he’s learnt from his mistakes and he knows, and loves, the club. Helmet on ⛑
Jim Bennings
119 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:53:17
I've been through enough failed managerial appointments and too many managers here just to line their own pockets (Koeman and Allardyce) Silva and Martinez cared but weren't eventually good enough.

There is a long way to go but that performance today should be the line that we hit every week, hard work and endeavour cost nothing, players can have a shit game but you bust a gut then you are loved by everyone.

All I want to see from now on is an Everton team that works its tits off every week, and do you know what, it's not rocket science that you might win a few more than you lose.

Every player to a man today was superb, best I've ever seen Calvert-Lewin and Schneiderlin play.

It felt like 1995.

Stick the tippy tappy football, I'm not arsed about it, we are not Barcelona and never will be, let's just win matches any way we can.

Mike Gaynes
120 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:53:54
Wow, that WAS a John Daley sighting! Thought I imagined it in my delirium over today's game. And Gerry Quinn in the same thread. Primo participants return!
Alan J Thompson
121 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:55:46
What a difference a day makes. Organized, quicker movement, players in the box in numbers.

There is still a lot that can be improved on and the usual suspects are still there but look better in that formation. We still sat back far too often and luck was with us for a long time as Chelsea looked like they were set up to play Silva's game.

It was also good to see a slight change when Davies, somewhat surprisingly for Richarlison, came on and was played in a more prominent role. I still only wonder if the answer has been sat under our noses for that long or if his predecessor was that poor or if it maybe was because of an early goal.

Still chuckling.

Tony Hill
122 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:56:06
Wonderful atmosphere and the Park End celebration for the 3rd goal in front of the English Defence League fans was spectacular.

Sidibe excellent, ditto Holgate (one of his tackles was a blinder) and even Leighton put in a beautiful intervention when he came on.

Joy.

Mike Gaynes
123 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:56:51
Colin #118, Roberto is the manager of the #1 national team in the world. He is obviously a vastly superior national team manager to club manager, which requires an entirely different set of skills.

Why in hell would he want to leave that and come back, and why in hell would we want him?

Jamie Crowley
124 Posted 07/12/2019 at 15:56:56
For me, it's a bit too early to say give Dunc the job.

But I'm sure as hell he wouldn't hire a replacement right now, and I'd be very patient, getting my ducks in a row for the next fella.

You can't take it from Dunc while he's lit the place on fire.

Ride this wave until it shits out! We're gettin' tubed at Pipeline right now! Ride it man, ride it!

Jason Broome
125 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:03:51
Nice analysis Michael.

I honestly believed that we were going to be relegated under Silva.

I do not believe that it is possible under Big Dunc! It simply won't happen if we play like that in every game.

That felt like an 80s FA cup Quarter Final.

Tell me a team that would want to play us now? Who would want to come to Goodison after that?

Yes it is only one game but I can't wait for the next one.

If the next 3 - 4 games are anything like today (especially the results given the fixtures to come) then I want Ferguson until May 2020.

Give Brands time to find the right managerial fit. We won't even need to go transfer crazy in January just bring in one or two (even loans) which would allow the next manager more money to buy players in the summer.

In Ferguson I Trust.

Joe McMahon
126 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:05:50
Made up for Duncan, but Jamie you are correct. Frank Lampard has a very good record managing Derby before the Chelsea job.

Look at Ole at Man Utd, they gave him the job because his interim the results were fantastic. It's fair to say they have been awful these last few months.

In the long run, the next permanent appointment needs to be right for Everton, a lot is at stake with Bramley-Moore Dock in the offing.

Peter Neilson
127 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:06:33
Will take that and enjoy today, not predicting what's next. Great atmosphere and the ground still full at the end to applaud the team. A big win. Calvert-Lewin was excellent today and Richarlison wasn't far behind.
Jay Tee
128 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:07:00
Oh, how nice to leave the ground on cloud 9 and smiling. Well done to team and Big Dunc. Yayyyyyyyyyyyyy
John Hammond
129 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:09:10
3 points and a performance with heart. Just what we needed to buy us some time and avoid the hiring of the likes of Moyes or Pereira in desperation.
Mal van Schaick
130 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:10:49
A long time since the stadium rocked like that. I think that Dunc has given Moshiri what he is looking for in an Everton manager. I would sooner have the passion and fight of management and players like today than Silva, Martinez and Koeman talking shite.

My only worry is that Kenwright will sway Moshiri to put Moyes alongside Dunc. I’d rather have Dunc with his own staff.

Trevor Peers
131 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:12:31
They all played well today, how long is it since we've been able to say that?

What a start from Ferguson, it's his job to lose after that display, he was a colossus on the touchline, he's our Klopp but better – he's an Evertonian.

Obviously it's too early to judge after one game but the signs are there; he was the inspirational figure we have been searching for many years... Long may it continue.

Paul Hewitt
132 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:14:14
Football is a simple game, made difficult by managers who over complicate it. Sleeves up and get stuck in works for me.
Mark Tanton
134 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:19:51
What a win and some strong performances from the boys. Iwobi, and Calvert-Lewin strong, as was Sigurdsson and Richarlison. As others have said, Goodison was rocking.
Ed Prytherch
135 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:20:56
I watch the games on TV in the US and most games this season I have been happy that I was not there and I felt sorry for the fans who paid to see a load of tripe. Today, I am thrilled for them and also a little jealous.

Our stuffing of Man Utd last season was great but this was even better. How good does it feel to be an Evertonian today? Pride is wonderful. Blue Bill, Moshiri and Little Miss Dynamite were beaming at the end. I think that we can build on this.

Jay Wood
[BRZ]

136 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:22:05
Some good stuff in this clip. Skip to 2m 30s to bypass the Frank Lampard interview to go straight to Dunc's interview. It has everything. Sheer undulated joy. Pride. Passion. Humour. Humility. Honesty. And nearly a touch of steely techiness when the interview pushes him to say he wants the job full time. It hits all the right notes and (should!) resonate with all Blues.

Link

It's followed by on pitch interview with Theo and Dom, the latter deservedly picking up the MoTM award.

Today and Ferguson's personae highlights for me that winning football matches is not solely about detailed tactics and preparation.

Simplify the game. Work hard. Perspire. Inspire.

In 90 minutes, just 4 days after the Anfield debacle, Duncan Ferguson has given Blues everywhere their pride back.

Today has been head and shoulders on a step ladder THE best day of the season, and then some.

Thank you, Duncan Ferguson.

Dave Abrahams
137 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:24:51
Made up with the result, eased some worry for us fans. Calvert-Lewin will most probably get the MotM award and I wouldn't begrudge him that, but Sidibe was immense and the calmest and cleverest player in the Everton team. No time for nit-picking today, too happy with the very welcome points.

Well done, Dunc, keep it up. Well done, the crowd, nothing finer than seeing Goodison roaring it's collective head off. We go again at Old Trafford next week, wouldn't a repeat performance and result be wonderful?

Steve Brown
138 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:27:55
Great summary Jay @ 136, and great to see his coaching team of Franny Jeffers and John Ebbrell sat beside him. It is clear that the academy players like DCL, Davies and Holgate absolutely love Duncan.
Phil (Kelsall) Roberts
139 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:28:06
You really don't like Calvert-Lewin, do you, Michael:

Play in Calvert-Lewin but absolutely hopeless technique...
to Calvert-Lewin but it just struck his head and flew off in some random direction...

Oh and he scored twice and some even put him as MotM.

Bit of balance please.

Mike Corcoran
140 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:29:43
Maybe we should just have a different Everton legend as interim manager for every match? Sorted!
John Daley
141 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:32:40
Everton made 37 tackles against Chelsea. That’s the most by any team in the Premier League this season and the most that Everton have made in a Premier League game all decade

Don’t know how accurate that is but, if true, it’s demonstrative of the drive, fight and desire drummed into/cajoled out of the players today and of something sorely lacking for far too long in a team that ply their trade in front of a crowd who so readily respond to a bit of blood and thunder.

Of course, could also mean we were coming under intense pressure for prolonged periods of the game, but I prefer to stick to the positives after that performance, primarily because it seems a good long while since there was even a straw to clutch at this season that wasn’t a bit shitty at one end.

Dave Williams
142 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:34:10
I was in despair at the team selected but they all did brilliantly. Those who have claimed with no knowledge that all Dunc does is set out the cones should be embarrassed tonight.

That was a tactical triumph: use Pickford's long-ball kicking, Calvert-Lewin's aerial dominance and play Richarlison close in a 4-4-2 that people on here said could never work these days. This was a real Dogs of War performance out of Joe Royle's football manual.

Everyone gave their all – Sigurdsson and Schneiderlin included; Walcott was good; Iwobi worked his socks off and tackled; Richarlison was excellent and Calvert-Lewin Man of the Match by a distance.

Back four was good. Bearing in mind this was against the 4th-placed team in the Premier League, it was a marvellous performance in a style designed not to give stupid goals away and to press defenders into giving up chances.

Early days for Dunc but what a fabulous start and a fabulous day. Just need AJ to win tonight for the perfect weekend. Very well done Duncan and team – oh and what a noise!!

Mark Guglielmo
143 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:34:40
The 37 tackles are also indicative of Chelsea having 70% possession, and 590+ passes.
David Midgley
144 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:36:55
We're going to run out of ballboys!!!
Martin Mason
145 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:40:46
I think that now it'd be a massive risk not to give Dunc the job at least, as said above, until the end of the season. He must be given a chance.
Paul A Smith
146 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:41:14
All those that cried about the team again before was kicked must be dumbstruck now.

Holgate, Sidibe, Richarlison, and Schniederlin... Yes, Schneiderlin – who I don't rate at all – were all superb.

David Connor
147 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:41:29
Night and day. Never would have happened under Sylva. Long way to go but well done, Blues. Nothing like a rocking Goodison. Fantastic atmosphere.
Gary Willock
148 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:41:30
The Big man played an absolute blinder today. Everyone saw that team sheet and thought “oh shit, he's Silva v2.0. 4-2-3-1 with Schneiderlin, Sigurdsson and Walcott. Great.”

Turns out it was a 4-4-2 with an instruction to keep it simple, and two nuisance strikers giving their centre-halves nightmares from first minute. Compact, simple, hard-working, with a threat both in the air and on the ground.

Sure, Chelsea had their “moments” (fuck off, Silva) but they are a top team and that's natural. We were more than a match for them, though. Sigurdsson looked like a proper midfielder, Schneiderlin played his part, Iwobi and Walcott full of energy. Holgate and Sidibe monsters.

Absolutely buzzing.

No knee-jerk, please, Farhad. If the right manager is available (a decent one) get them. If not, give the big fella ago. The passion on the touchline was infectious, and the old lady fucking rocked again.

#COYB


Mike Gaynes
149 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:42:24
Nah, David #144, there's a line of new applicants already. Being hugged by the manager on worldwide TV is now considered a perk of the job. That kid Jose grabbed is now an internet star.
Charles Brewer
150 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:44:38
That was the most enjoyable match I have seen in ages, probably years. A decent Chelsea team were smothered by a hard-running quick-tackling team that scored three excellent goals, just 2½ days after getting murdered by, er, the murderers.

As far as I was concerned, there wasn't a bad player in the Everton team, everyone (even Calvert-Lewin) could have done better, but no-one made serious errors, and more importantly still, when mistakes were made, the rest of the team fixed the problem.

Recently there has been lots of criticism of Tom Davies losing the ball well up the pitch and a goal (eventually) being scored. That rather sums up the recent issues this team has had; one error is enough to lose a game. Today's team was completely different – even though it was exactly the same.

If there is one thing that has been missing since... well, some time before Moyes left, it has been passion. Duncan Ferguson certainly got that into the team and the crowd. Let's see what he can do over the next half-dozen matches.

Mike Gaynes
151 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:45:59
Another nice thing to come out of this game is that nobody on TW will ever post again about our buying Zouma back in the January window. Did he suck or what? Calvert-Lewin dominated him.
Mark Guglielmo
152 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:48:14
First match since West Ham I didn't give anyone worse than a 6/10 score. I can't believe I thought both Sigurdsson & Schneiderlin had decent games.

I also think it's become fairly clear that Sidibe is our best big pass man on the squad. 4 assists already in 11 matches, which already leads the team.

Mike, Zouma made 2 errors, 1 on each of Calvert-Lewin's goals. The more I watch Chelsea, the more it becomes apparent he's only starting each week because Rudiger has been out all year. Which makes me ask... is he the player we saw for much of last season, or the one who Ranieri pretended wasn't in the squad?

John Voigt
153 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:48:52
Nice to see our boys out of the relegation zone!!!
Jay Wood
[BRZ]

154 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:48:53
David @ 144, the ball boy celebrations are included in the Duncan interview clip I included above.

He laughs at himself, saying he had no idea what he was doing.

Those scenes are telling. The ball boys look an age that probably means they never saw him play and so are not necessarily fully aware of who and what he means for a certain generation of Blues.

The first pick up and swing around with the ball boy, Duncan initiates.

The second one, the ball boy himself runs from distance to leap into Duncan's arms.

That simply doesn't happen in professional sport, period, but in this incident it simply doesn't happen unless the ball boy gets the vibes from Duncan himself it's perfectly OK to leap into the arms of the manager to celebrate the goal with him!

I've always held Duncan did not make enough of his talents as a player, even allowing for the injuries he played with. But today reinforces once again, he IS a presence. He IS a big personality.

And more than anything else to lift us out of the malaise of this season, we need an inspirational personality.

Duncan offers that. In spades.

Ryan Holroyd
155 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:49:39
Absolutely brilliant performance, what Everton is all about. Made up for Duncan especially. My Everton, My hero. DUNCAN FERGUSON!!!
Ed Prytherch
156 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:50:19
Team work means that, if one member is having a poor day, the others lift it a bit to make up for him. If one player makes a mistake, everyone else tries to recover from it. That has been lacking for a while before today.
Dave Williams
157 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:50:39
Mike, I have never seen Calvert-Lewin bully centre-backs like that! He was knocking them around right through the second half, just like Duncan used to. Zouma could not handle him.
Joe McMahon
158 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:51:07
I've just seen footage at the final whistle, I think Kenwright was crying.
John Keating
159 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:51:11
In a post on the "Proud Ferguson" thread, I wanted a couple of things from today's game:

1. Passion and commitment from the team. Giving 100% for the shirt, Club and themselves regardless of the result. — Well, I reckon I got that!

2. I wanted a change of tactics, especially the failed tactics of Silva. I wanted an end to this tippy tappy stuff in our penalty area, and I asked for a 4-4-2, even though those who have asked for this over the past 18 months have been told it's old-fashioned and easy to play against. Well, Chelsea didn't! — Well, I reckon I got that!

I hoped if I got the 2 above items, we might have a chance of a result. Well, I definitely got that!!

The result was imperative today. We can play more attractive football once we're in a good position. Our defence is still highly suspect but we got away with it today. That result gives the Board a bit more time to get someone in.

I thought Ferguson's tactics, substitutions and exuberance were all first class. That level of commitment and passion should be the absolute minimum we should expect for the remainder of the season.

Well done to Ferguson, the team and the support.

Michael Kenrick
160 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:51:33
"You really don't like Calvert-Lewin, do you, Michael?"

No, Phil @139, you're right; I don't. And I know I'm gonna get slaughtered by some for saying this – especially today, but I'm sorry, I call it as I see it, win lose or draw. Watching him trying to play football, either with the ball at his feet or coming onto his head, I think he is just a terrible footballer.

Yes, he has good positioning to challenge the centre-backs, wonderful 'workrate' (he's a trier, and he has to be given his complete lack of skill) and can be a real nuisance... but, once the ball gets to him, it's obviously a total lottery what happens next. You saw it today with the great chances I lambasted him for missing, and with the incredible luck that rewarded his persistence for both goals.

MotM? Simply astounding to me, but there you are... It's a funny old game.

Chris Jenkins
161 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:52:14
Quite definitely the best atmosphere I've experienced at Goodison for several years. Whilst not the most attractive game of football, the team was so full of passion and commitment, it was a privilege to witness what may well turn out to be an absolutely crucial win.

Of course there were individual errors that played on the nerves at times, but the players gave their all which is the vitally important quality required until the transfer window reopens and sensible recruitment can perhaps take place.

Many have been critical, particularly recently, in these columns, of Duncan's position at the club. Hopefully those doubters [and of course the board] will now give him the time he needs to dispel the threat of relegation. With his endeavour, tactical awareness and knowledge of the British game, he may well be the saviour we desperately need just now and may take us on to much greater things.

I have to be honest that after listening to the shambles at Anfield earlier this week, I dithered over whether to travel up to Dublin last night to come over for today's game. However, the prospect of having to trudge around Galway, helping with the Christmas shopping, made the decision a little easier.

Whilst one swallow doesn't make a summer [perhaps not the most appropriate proverb], I feel there is real hope that under the present managerial direction, availability of finance, combined with the essential ingredient of a little luck, the present worrying position will soon be no more than a bad dream. COYB

Paul Birmingham
162 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:53:36
Great Day for a Evertonians, and a Big Dunc's passion for the club, has today infected the players and what's difference. Heart, effort, grit, bodies on the line and some good play.

Next week, I fancy us to do Man Utd and, if we play like today, we have every chance to do so.

This is an early Chrimbo present and tonight we can celebrate and hold our heads up high.

Now to regroup and check the injuries as we have some very tough games coming up. All gave their all today, and Schneiderlin, I'd say had his best game and was our most effective midfielder.

Tom came on and stuck at it. A bit more luck we could have nicked a couple more goals.

It's only one game, but it's a very good start and a fine day for Evertonians. It's a long time since a result has felt so good.

I'm no shrink, but today's result after the humiliation on Wednesday, it suggests that perhaps Marco Silva was a more technical coach, than a football and people manager. The transformation in a positive can-do attitude showed in every player.

The players played for the shirt today, and that's what Evertonians expect every game. This must become the normal level of commitment for every game.

Jason Broome
163 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:55:47
Mike Gaynes @151,

Zouma looked very slim and lightweight. He also lacked a lot of confidence.

I know what I saw last season and Zouma was immense for us. It is my personal opinion that Chelsea isn't a good fit for him.

Mark Guglielmo
164 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:56:40
Joe M @158, pretty sure ol' "Watery Eyes" Bill always looks like he's crying.

Jason @163, my issue/fear re: Zouma is that he only looked good when partnered with Keane last year. He & Mina simply didn't gel whatsoever. So... does anyone want Keane back as a regular starter?

John Pierce
165 Posted 07/12/2019 at 16:59:12
Very strong emoji game, Col.
Jamie Evans
166 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:00:41
Does anyone even know what Duncan Ferguson does? I mean seriously. He's been here for God knows how many managers and he's survived every cull.

I know what he done today. And yesterday.

Enjoy your evening, fellow Blues. I know I will. I've lost my voice. Mrs Evans is made up.

Mine's a Hooch Duncan. Anyone for The Retro?

Peter Mills
167 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:00:55
Proper footy. Hallelujah.
Ed Prytherch
168 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:02:49
A few weeks ago, I posted that the next Everton manager should have a passion for the club, an understanding of the English game, and should be able to communicate with both the fans and the players. Today, my dream came true.

Score: Silva 0, Duncan 3

Michael Williams
169 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:06:46
Even with our past terrible performances, we are above Bournemouth. Does anyone still want Eddie Howe to manage?
Anthony Murphy
170 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:08:21
If Duncan can surround himself with exceptional coaching staff, he could be the man.
Jay Wood
[BRZ]

171 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:10:09
Jamie @ 166.

It's a genuinely good question, Jamie.

There has long been a narrative from some TW posters that he is a Kenwright plant, an informant, a charity case, that he has no coaching skills whatsoever, that it was suspect that he survives all the manager culls you list.

This ignores that during all these years he has diligently been working his way up, studying for all his UEFA coaching badges, and also credited with specialised work with our strikers, including Lukaku and – as confirmed by the player himself post-match – Calvert-Lewin.

Today was possibly the first time ever that Calvert-Lewin has played in harness with a second forward in such close attention. That wasn't accidental. Duncan even states that was deliberately part of the game plan. It was those two forwards that scored our goals.

Half a day's training Duncan had with the squad yesterday as THE main man, what with PR duties he had to fulfil.

The measure of what he achieved today, how he has clearly inspired both the players and the fan base, simply cannot be underestimated in such a short time.

Ed Prytherch
172 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:14:15
Anthony Murphy – agreed. His current staff are borrowed from Unsworth and, if the rumours are true, then one of them could be in charge of the U23s next season. I expect that Duncan can identify the right guys for the job.
John Daley
173 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:15:51
“The 37 tackles are also indicative of Chelsea having 70% possession, and 590+ passes”

Which, of course, would be a point well worth making if the response wasn't indicative of Richard Pryor in ‘See No Evil, Hear No Evil‘, let loose without the guiding hand of Gene Wilder to usher him away from public ‘peepers be bollocksed' blundering, by pointing out the mitigating second paragraph... and calmly reading it aloud in his lovably lamb-haired, ladies man tone.

Mark Guglielmo
174 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:15:53
Duncan himself is more reasonable about his future as a manager at this moment in time than half of you. Just enjoy the win and nice play we got today.

I'm sorry, John, I've never seen that movie and honestly have no idea what you mean. Simply put, doesn't a team who has far more possession and more passing, etc. attempts invite more tackling?

John Pierce
175 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:16:06
Every piece of luck we got today – and make no mistake, we got some – was earned. All XI and subs worked hard enough to get the bounce of the ball. A facet sorely lacking in many of the iterations of the team we've put out on the last 5 years.

Even the players who had stinkers – and there were a few – kept going and they did play to a team.

Every player had their game simplified, easily just one or two key messages and that's it. Centre-halves blocked and cleared their lines. Midfielders held their space and pushed balls into the channels. Forwards pressed and competed for every ball.

Basic and effective? Yes. Did it stop the bleeding? Absolutely. I dare say, if Silva had that level of awareness during his poor spells, he'd still be in the dugout.

That's the difference between a coach who deals in idealism and a manager who handles players and the game in real time. You need both.

In those dark times, all it really needed was Silva to reset the button and work his way back to the game he wanted to play. Playing like that has no shame in the short term and reminds the players who they play for.

Moshiri should be personally thanking Ferguson for buying his ‘incompetence' time to find the right solution.

Dave Ganley
176 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:16:25
Exactly what we needed today. Big Dunc really got a tune out of the players. I can't fault anything really; very gritty, very back to basics, showing us fans what it means to pull on that Blue Jersey again. It's been a long time since I've sang my heart out at a game. Well done, Blues – you deserved it.

I also have to say how fantastic it was to see Big Dunc running down the touchline when we scored and whipping the crowd up to sing louder. Great stuff. This is only one game and it remains to be seen whether Dunc can get any kind of consistency out of the players, but it's a great start.

As a side issue, I heard on the way home from the game that we only had 30% of the possession, just goes to show that possession stats can be just meaningless. Fully deserved win, Blues. I'm going to enjoy my pint tonight.

Brian Hennessy
177 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:17:29
A massive thank you to all our fans who were at at Goodison today. For those of us who couldn't be there, you gave our team a huge lift and most certainly were our 12th man.

I doubted Duncan's selection of Schneiderlin, Sigurdsson and Walcott before the game and wondered if Ferguson could get more out of them. He most certainly did.

His passion on the sidelines was infectious. Of course it will be hard to keep that level of commitment over the course of several games, but I get the feeling Duncan will not be slow to take off players or drop them if he sees commitment levels dropping.

A brilliant day to be an Evertonian, long may it last.

Peter Gorman
178 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:17:32
As Mike Bassett would say, "4-4-bloody-2!"
Tony McNulty
179 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:18:29
Statistically, does that make Duncan our most successful ever manager?
Roger Helm
180 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:21:24
Just back from the match – what a day!

My heart sank when I saw the familiar line-up but it just goes to show what a difference Dunc's traditional British approach made. No tippy-tappy possession-based playing out from the back, trying to play like the top teams but without the technical ability to do so – just old-fashioned 4-4-2, 100% effort, positional discipline, play the ball forward quickly with a big centre-forward to make life unpleasant for the defenders and allow the other attackers to cash in.

Now there is no rush to get the next manager in – he can keep the job for as long as is necessary until the board source a replacement. This time, we need someone with a track record of winning, not losing.

Bob Hannigan
181 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:21:42
I'm not an expert on who is available; however, I wouldn't rush into hiring a new gaffer until the right one is available and willing and able to take us to where we belong.

I'd ride Big Dunc as long as possible, live his passion for our Blues.

Ian Jones
182 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:23:29
Michael @ 160. I understand your feelings regarding Dominic. I think he's going to have a decent career, whether it's with us is another matter. I would like to think it would be here.

If Duncan Ferguson were to be offered a few more games as manager, it would be interesting to see how Dominic performs when he is taking instruction directly from the boss who wasn't a bad centre forward... Up to now, as a coach, I assume Duncan Ferguson has had some influence with Dominic, but ultimately has had to defer to the manager's approach to the game.

Also, amazing what a couple of goals can do to a player's confidence...

Brian Williams
183 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:26:00
I'd ride Big Dunc as long as possible, live his passion for our Blues.

Tryin' to tell us something there, Bob? 🤣🤣🤣

Colin Malone
184 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:27:52
Richarlison is our new Tim Cahill, 120% every match, love him.

ps: Why was he substituted?

Derek Knox
185 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:28:41
Mike G @161 & Mark G @162, it was a very clever ploy by Zouma; he knew we needed the points, knows we want him back, knows he's loved here.

So he gives a couple of 'assists' knowing that Chelsea also have had their Transfer Ban lifted, he will fall down the pecking order, and they will sell him to us for a song. Simples! :-)

I would have him back, he was probably our best defender last season.

Tony Everan
186 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:32:38
Unless it is Pochettino or Nuno Espirito Santo, I would too advocate keeping big Duncan in there. It could be the better bet and the least risky option. Who else could generate that level of passion?

Better than making a rash panic decision mid-season and regretting it.

Mark Guglielmo
187 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:34:51
Derek @185, agreed, he was our best defender last year... but only when partnered with Keane. So whaddya want to do with that? Bring Zouma back and force Keane back into the starting XI, or find an option who's better suited to partner with Mina in the system we've begun to build?
Peter Jansson
188 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:35:43
You can say what you want, I have been sceptical, but Duncan Ferguson inspired both the players and the crowd! The same players that looked useless under Marco Silva suddenly looked like steel! Even Schneiderlin looked like a good football player again.

Fantastic stuff! Maybe Duncan has potential to become an Everton manager. Today, we got a fighting spirit I have not seen in years, and a manager that show emotions and really cares for Everton. Did you guys see Duncan when we scored? That's the stuff I love. He pumped up both the players and the crowd.

Amazing shit. Ride on, Duncan!!

Derek Knox
189 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:41:51
Mark @ 187, we definitely need another centre-back, no question about that, we are bare bones now with Mina out. (For how long?)

Has Zouma and Mina ever been tried? I can't remember offhand, or the other possible solution is to promote Lewis Gibson to first-team duties but is he ready, and would he cope?

We'll never know unless it is tried!

Ajay Gopal
190 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:44:03
Someone on the live thread said that we got lucky. Wrong! I think Chelsea got lucky with their goal, the ball ricocheted kindly to Kovacic and he took a wild swing and it flew past Pickford who was unsighted by Abraham (but I'm not sure if he was in an offside position when the ball was struck). Everton fully deserved to win, and if players get their confidence back, we will be even more clinical.

My Player Ratings (for what it is worth):

Richarlison: It must have been an emotional week for him with the guy who recruited him twice and mainly responsible for getting him into the Brazilian team being sacked. But full credit to Charlie, he played like a true professional, and played for the team and the new manager and the fans. Well done – 8

Calvert-Lewin: As one of his long-time supporters, I am glad for the lad; he gives his 100% every game, and he came away with 2 goals. What a performance! – 9

Iwobi: yes, he gives away the ball a lot, but he harried the Chelsea right-back all day, hardly allowed any danger from his side. Needs to up his composure on the ball, and I think we will have a fine player on our hands – 7

Sigurdsson: he is still rediscovering his form, but he played the role that the manager gave him, almost to perfection. If he can rediscover his mojo, we could have a very decent player on our hands – 7

Schneiderlin: he was playing under a lot of pressure given the hostility he faced in the last home game. But great credit to him, he played the role of water carrier to perfection. He is another player who, if he can rediscover his form, could yet contribute to a revival of our season – 7

Walcott - another much-maligned player, who was playing with very low self-confidence, harried Chelsea's left-back and Pulisic all game. I thought Sidibe and Walcott combined quite well on our right side, but would I prefer Bernard for that position to offer a bit more guile and quality? Probably – 7

Digne: I thought he had a tough game, but he stuck to his task. He is not playing at the levels of last season. His injury is concerning, but I am sure that Baines will be itching to help out his buddy, Big Dunc – 7

Holgate: had his best game in ages, did not put a foot wrong. Maybe him and Keane are the best centre-back partnership for Everton for the time being? – 8

Keane: Apart from his brain fart in the 1st half that almost resulted in an equaliser for Chelsea, he had a very solid game, even though he had to deal with the tricky Abraham and Pulisic and Mount – 8

Sidibe: Brilliant game by him, ran Calvert-Lewin close for the MotM – 9

Pickford: he did not have to make a lot of saves, he was calm, and his kicking was the best we have seen in ages. A settled back 5 is the start of any team's good run – 7

Davies: provided an excellent out ball to our players when he came on, he clearly has Ferguson's confidence – 7

Bernard: coming back from injury – 7

Baines: too little time to give him a score.

I like what Big Dunc did today, but I think it is too early to talk about giving him the job for a longer term. But what he has done is give Mosh and Brands more time to pick their candidate. Well done, big fella, what a fantastic day for you!

I hope we don't get hit by more injuries – Richarlison, Digne, Holgate, Walcott are all injury concerns in addition to what we already have (Gomes, Delph, Gbamin, Mina).

Today feels like a special day, like we have turned a corner. Too early, I know, but let us all enjoy this feeling!

Martin Mason
191 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:44:11
I'm sorry I slagged Sigurdsson so much, he had a marvellous game today. Possibly just finding the right place in the right formation?
Christy Ring
192 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:45:14
Good to see Alan Kelly in the backroom staff. Duncan definitely put his own stamp on it no more playing out from the back, long kick-outs, using Calvert-Lewin's strength in the air, and Richarlison playing off him.
Bobby Mallon
195 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:48:34
Steve Ferns @72, he won league and cup double with Bayern last season and got sacked with them in 3rd — just the man we need at Everton... hope it happens!
Kieran Kinsella
196 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:50:33
One thing that's obvious is the fans respond to a passionate coach. Joe Royle was that, Roberto Martinez was that. Moyes, Koeman and Silva were all dour.

If you win the league and are dour, à la Catterick, that's okay. But, if you're not winning trophies, the least you expect is an emotionally involved coach who shares your joy and pain.

John Keating
197 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:52:39
The old adage "The harder you work the more success you get" was never better illustrated than today.

The tepid, slow dull football, questionable tactics and substitutions under Silva got us exactly what we got. The 100% effort and commitment, simple tactics and good substitutions, today got us exactly what we deserved.

It wasn't pretty at times and in places we rode our luck but we deserved it.

Let's quite rightly praise Dunc and enjoy the weekend but let's not go overboard and say we should do an Ole Gunnar on him. A game at a time, folks.

Kieran Kinsella
198 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:53:51
Ajay,

I agree. “Luck” is a myth. The two Calvert-Lewin goals weren't luck – they were the consequence of Tim Cahill style aggression and commitment. You put yourself in a position to exploit mistakes – it's not luck, it's strategy

Mark Dunford
199 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:55:50
That was one hell of a cathartic win. Everything was vastly better. Calvert-Lewin looks a different player with someone playing close to him. I was really pleased to see him score twice. Sigurdsson was transformed, ditto Schneiderlin – both justifiable scapegoats for previous failures.

Above all, we looked and played like a team. You could see how fired up they were in the tunnel before the game. Holgate is really emerging as our best centre-half and looks a real potential leader.

It was a very tricky, difficult fixture and we came out of it with real power. The temporary manager made all the right calls. Very impressed.

Dermot O'Brien
200 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:56:38
Great result. Delighted for the big man and delighted for Evertonians everywhere. What about the players though? Did they only learn to chase and harry and tackle at yesterday's training session?

Marco was probably a mid-table manager, wasn't going to get us into tphe Champions League but some of those players let him down big time. And let us down. <>Anyway. WOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!

Imagine what we'll be like whenever we win something!

UTFT.

Raymond Fox
201 Posted 07/12/2019 at 17:59:30
If you get the ball into the opposition's box enough times, good things very often happen.

Lampard said that all three goals were because of poor defending, I don't agree: our first goal was nigh on impossible to stop. The other two were scrappy but were scored because of some good play on our part and persistence paying off.

We rode our luck at times but you always need some whatever you do.

As I say get it in the box!

Terry Farrell
202 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:03:37
I hate Klopp's antics on the line but hated Silva's passive game observation even more. However, as our manager today, I love big Dunc's antics and it inspired the team, the ground, and the fans.

What's not to like?

Christy Ring
203 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:04:14
Listening to the panel today on Soccer Saturday about our next managerial appointment, they were discussing Brands, and Phil Concord made a point which I completely agree with.

He said Klopp is completely in charge of transfers, and team affairs — even though they have a Director of Football at Liverpool. I believe the manager should be the No 1 and the Director of Football a go-between between the board and manager, and Dunc. Onwards and upwards.

Mark Guglielmo
204 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:04:28
Bobby @195, just have to ask, have you watched much Bayern the past few years?

Here's what I wrote on another forum when asked the same question re: Kovacs, based on my observations from having watch every single one of their matches since 2017.

He’s a sound tactician, he employs an attacking front-foot style often featuring 3 goal-scoring threats crossing in & around each other in the area, and relies heavily on the fullbacks to join play. That said, one of the problems during his tenure was piss-poor defending. Sure Bayern had a phenomenal +goal differential but that’s because, well, look at their roster. Which is another issue. I’m not sure we have a single player who would crack Bayern’s starting XI. He inherited a team who had won the Bundesliga…and kept them there (although they had to overcome a 9-point deficit on the final match of the season to do so last year). It was clear he’d lost the dressing room, especially the veterans, so they went above his head, complained, and he & Bayern parted ways. He is also stoic, unemotional, and extremely reserved on the touchline. He’s a Croatian Marco Silva, only with a much better team to play with.

He’s a hard no from me.

Peter Mills
205 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:04:31
Michael #160, I'm not going to slaughter you for your views on Calvert-Lewin, because you are perfectly entitled to them.

But today seems a strange day to reiterate them. I have always liked the lad, he has succeeded at all the levels at which he has played, but has suffered in our first team largely because he has been playing in isolation in a slow-paced team.

Today, he was superb. His heading was excellent, he battled magnificently, and benefitted by having players closer to him.

And he scored two “lucky” goals. I love lucky strikers.

Joe McMahon
206 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:06:48
Kieran and others, I see the name Catterick mentioned a lot, even though it was 50 years ago.

Now I'm not being sarcastic or anything like that, but it was before my time. So I'm asking why did he only win one league title, one FA Cup and no European Cup? I'm only asking in comparison to the greats such as Clough and (sadly) Paisley.

Mike Gaynes
207 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:09:56
John #197, spot on.

Mark #204, you're not wrong about his Bayern tenure, but his Frankfurt club was something entirely different -- an under-talented, lower-mid-table side that he motivated to the heights and helped them win their first silverware in 30 years. In my view he was simply over his head at Bayern, but I do not dismiss him just on that.

Pete #205, agreed. He also knocked Zouma around like a tenpin and won every ball in the air, flicking the ball on to teammates consistently. And with his ceaseless effort, his "luck" was superbly earned. Furthermore, his first goal didn't "fall" to him as Michael says... he won it away from Zouma with hard work.

David Pearl
208 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:12:27
Well, l've just got in after a long ride back from the game and then some last-minute shopping before l go away in the morning.

So very ToffeeWeb early postings. All doom and gloom, we were going to lose blah blah. When will people learn? Let's slag off the players and set the tone... Honestly, give it a rest.

Anyway, we won. I can't say that many of them had great games but they all put a load of effort in. We did invite Chelsea onto us a bit and l didn't like us sitting back... we have good players too!

Holgate was pretty good, Keane was okay bar a couple of uncertain moments. Digne... just okay, not the player from last season but fine. Nice to see Baines come on; after signing a new contract, those were his first minutes for a long time. Sidibe tried. Both flanks didn't seem to work as well as l would've liked.

Sigurdsson and Schneiderlin offered some experience in the middle and, for the first time in l don't know how long, Schneiderlin actually didn't sit in front of the back four and played like a midfielder should. Sigurdsson worked hard. With a bit more confidence, he could've got forward a little more but l was please with the graft they both put in.

Iwobi and Walcott... well Theo did more but could've done better in certain dangerous areas. Iwobi didn't do much and l'm sure he will improve. Up top, they both worked their socks off. Calvert-Lewin could barely walk towards the end.

Richarlison... great to see his effort. Great to see him play in the middle, he's a danger in the box. Once again, l will say we look like we would suit a diamond midfield... but it would've been brave to have played a Number 10 behind 2 forwards.

Duncan. Yes, he played it simple, went for experience and asked for hard work and passion. He got it. From the players and the crowd. Putting Davies on was probably a wise thing to do in the second half to shore up the game on the front foot instead of from the back.

Impressed with the effort all around really. Maybe Duncan will get a few more games and we can get the right appointment. I think we lack a bit of quality in a few areas, and that is a bit disappointing with the turnover and money spent. Of course in another formation that might not of been so obvious.

Apologies for my long post... but l deserve it as l won't be able to post for a while.

3 points.
COYB

Martin Mason
209 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:13:11
I really disagree with the negative comments about Calvert-Lewin. He is a lad with amazing skills who can score goals, a beautiful athlete who would be an asset to any club (IMHO).
Martin Mason
210 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:14:41
Good scores, Ajay.
Mark Guglielmo
211 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:21:12
David, what an excellent game for you game supporters to finally get!

But it's funny the differences in viewing experience between being there, and getting all the angles on TV.

Sidibe was frickin' awesome, again, and while Iwobi was average on the ball for the most part, I guarantee he ran more miles than anyone today. He played more, and better defense than I think his last 10 games combined. I think all your other observations were pretty much spot on.

3 points indeed, mate.
COYB

Stan Schofield
212 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:24:39
Joe@206: Catterick won two league titles, both in superb style. The 60s Everton was the then equivalent of today's Man City.

The team that won the 69-70 title was magnificent. We then had four players playing in Mexico 70. Every player who played for England in Mexico seemed to suffer from the heat and altitude, and weren't in the same form in season 70-71 and a bit thereafter.

Alan Ball, a complete midfield genius, suffered particularly, and Everton sold him to Arsenal in 1971, breaking up the world's best midfield trio.

Ball's sale to Arsenal was very odd, and seemed to mark a decline in our fortunes. The 69-70 title-winning side should in theory have taken the football world by storm in the 1970s, but it wasn't to be. Coinciding with the 'Mexico effect', Catterick started suffering from health issues. It was never the same after that.

Martin @209: Absolutely spot on. Those who have been criticising Calvert-Lewin really do need a reality check.

Anthony Newell
213 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:27:45
The last time I can remember 'connecting' like I did today was when we were on our arses and Royle had just taken over. A certain Number 9 loaned from Rangers pops up and gives us back belief, passion and hope.

More passion at the end of that game than the last 3 managers combined.

Thank you, Duncan Ferguson.

Kase Chow
214 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:27:54
Still buzzing!

That's my Everton.

We are inferior to Chelsea in terms of ability and player for player but, my God, the passion!!! The crowd!!! Big Dunc!!! The effort - everything

That was proper Everton. Proper.

So, so pleased. We need more of that.

And Siggy proved he can play in a 2-man midfield. As should have been tried earlier.

John G Davies
215 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:28:35
I would give the job to Duncan for the rest of the season. My reason to that is we have seen a squad with very little spirit and courage this season. A new manager comes in and it will be more of the same.

Until we get to close season, we are stuck with this group; we have to get the best out of them. Duncan is the man for that. They would not dare to give less than 100%.

John Keating
216 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:29:32
I was just going to say Ancelotti will be available tomorrow – he still might be – but Napoli have just equalised against Udinese.
Derek Taylor
217 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:29:49
Lovely, lovely, day for all Evertonians. For once, Bill got it right and Farhad listened to him. Only one thing wrong about it all – it should have happened a month ago!
Hugh Jenkins
218 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:30:07
People are asking where this sudden "energy" has come from in relation to the players and why Schneiderlin looked like a "proper" midfielder today?

I think the answer is fairly simple.

It strikes me that it isn't that today they were hugely enthused and bucked up because of some form of infectious hysteria from the crowd or manager.

They played today exactly how they were asked to play by the manager and in the past they played how they were asked to play by the manager then.

It isn't the players that are different – it's the tactics and instructions.

Peter Mills
219 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:31:27
Joe #206, Harry Catterick won two league titles, 1962-63 and 1969-70.

You are correct, no European Cup. His team was knocked out early in 1963-64 by Inter Milan, in what were reportedly dubious circumstances in Italy.

In 1970-71, he made it to the quarter finals but lost on the away goals rule to the eventual losing finalists, Panathinaikos.

Dave Williams
220 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:33:20
Sorry, guys... what does UTFT stand for?
Chris Quinn
221 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:36:15
You can keep your foreign managers with their philosophies and visions. Martinez, Koeman and Silva all seemed guilty of over-complicated instructions to the players which they struggled to understand, and even if they understood their own instructions, they had no real idea of what anyone was supposed to be doing.

They simply couldn't communicate their philosophy to the players they had available and translate that into a winning game plan, and none were willing or able to go back to basics to improve results when times were hard.

Today goes to show the most important attributes in the game are a desire to win, teamwork, workrate and basic organisation. If your players are better than the other team, you'll win more games than you'll lose with that basic approach.

Is Duncan the next Alex Ferguson? He had a no-nonsense approach to tactics, took discipline seriously and lived for being a manager. Maybe, just maybe.

John P McFarlane
222 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:37:48
Joe #206. So I'm asking why did he only win one league title, one FA Cup and no European Cup? I'm only asking in comparison to the greats such as Clough and (sadly) Paisley.

Well, for a start, Harry built two completely different teams and won the Title in 1963 and 1970, the competition during the whole of the sixties was fiercer than it was after Harry retired. Many clubs were title contenders during his reign and even those who weren't had enough about them to give headaches to the best of teams.

Champions during the 60s:
1960 Burnley
1961 Spurs
1962 Ipswich
1963 Everton
1964 Liverpool
1965 Man Utd
1966 Liverpool
1967 Man Utd
1968 Man City
1969 Leeds
1970 Everton

During the early 70s many of those clubs started to fade, Everton, Man Utd, Man City for example even Spurs and Chelsea who had good sides were on the wane – which meant that the other lot began to dominate the First Division.

As for Shankly, he won 2 titles and 1 FA Cup when Catterick was managing Everton, which is matched by Harry Catterick; however, the style of Catterick's sides is remembered fondly by those who were lucky enough to witness them.

Everton also lost out by being behind their neighbours in the table on a few occasions and therefore missed out on European competition due to the one club one city rule.

As for the European Cup itself, many argue that the Milan game in 1963 was officiated badly and Everton lost the tie due to controversial decisions and in 1971 a bad week at the office resulted in Panathanaikos beating Everton on the away goals rule, with I think some controversy attached to the first leg.

Joe McMahon
223 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:40:10
Thanks, Peter @219, and yes I should remember 62-63 as all the Trophies were named on a poster in my bedroom in the late 70s.

Sadly as Man Utd are 2 up at Man City, Liverpool are gonna be confirmed for another league title in just a few weeks.

John P McFarlane
224 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:41:08
Dave #220,

UTFT = Up The Fucking Toffees
Bobby Mallon
225 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:41:47
Mark @ 204, I don't care what you think – I was just putting Steve in the picture.
Mark Guglielmo
226 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:43:35
Bobby, well you didn't paint anything resembling a picture, I was trying to give Steve some actual info rather than Googling 2 completely irrelevant points.

Also, there's no need to be an arsehole about it.

Brian Williams
227 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:44:25
Dave #220.

Up the fucking Toffees!

Rob Halligan
228 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:44:50
Great performance today. Plenty of passion from big Dunc which clearly transformed itself to the players and the crowd. Also pleasantly surprised how well Schneiderlin played. I could have sworn I saw him as the furthest player forward in one of our attacks!!

It was also great to see Dunc abolish this ridiculous short goal-kick malarkey. I've always said if the ball is 70 yards away from your goal, then the opposition can't score. I don't think Pickford played one short goal kick or even rolled a ball to any defender out of his hands all match.

Derek Knox
229 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:48:11
Dave Williams @220, UTFT stands for Up The F***** (Fabulous =polite version) Toffees.

I guess you attended the match Dave with the South West Blues, I am happy for you lads you make that long arduous journey every home match and quite often away games too, and hitherto have been let down in terms of results/performance.

Today, you have been rewarded with what I hope is the start of similar performances. I bet there was more singing on your bus, on the return journey than there has been of late.

Tony Hill
230 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:49:42
I thought Calvert-Lewin bullied Van Dijk a bit on Wednesday actually.

He’s a fascinating player, capable of all the mess that Michael Kenrick rightly reports but with one of the best leaps in the Premier League and very quick.

He’s also capable of lovely, telling touches like the one which broke the line for the first goal today. His finishes today were poacher’s goals and that is very encouraging.

He’s unpredictable but that’s good because it’s dangerous. Him and Richarlison as a duo might turn out to be potent.

Joe McMahon
231 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:50:21
John P Mc @222 thanks for the info. Yes, Spurs, Man City and Burnley also good then.
Kevin Latham
232 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:51:52
It's been too long, but what a great day for us all.

I can't see why people are so negative towards Calvert-Lewin, he's not the greatest footballer we've ever had but my God does he put a shift in. And things happen when players do that. Give me a player with limited ability (I'm a little unfair there, I know) who takes the game to the other team rather than the gifted player who won't work for the team.

He looked better in 4-4-2, I thought, which is ironic because all the so-called great coaches shy away from that formation, it's yesterday's news. Well, not to Lampard it wasn't.

I've moaned before about what self-belief, application, confidence and will to win attitude can do and there it was today for all to see; let's hope we carry it into every game.

And kudos to Duncan; I wasn't convinced that it was the right move to put him in charge but I'm more than happy to see my arse on that one. Hope those ball boys he swung round are okay! If they'd have seen pictures of Duncan with Stefan Freund, they'd be cacking themselves when he ran to them with his arms out!

Big up to the crowd too, proper Goodison. I don't want to get carried away, but let's hope that self-belief is here to stay, and also that people will stop seeing us as flakes.

David Pearl
233 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:52:51
Mark,

You are right it's different watching live. We get up close and personal one side, and squinting trying to make out who's warming up the other.

Watching on tv you do get all the angles and replays. Watching live thought totally different. You get to see the shape, the way we move and also you can watch certain players close to you.

The thing that matters though of course is the atmosphere. And today it was special... a bit cheesy with the Duncan Ferguson song but hey ho we haven't had that in ages. Loud today, it was great. Hopefully you can visit soon and take it in. All the best.

Derek Taylor
234 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:56:08
John at 206. Whatever Catterick won or didn't win, whoever he up set or pleased, you had to be there to see the pure beauty of his 1970 Champions.

What has followed since then – apart from in a few years of Howard Kendall's stewardship – is no more than Fool's Gold in comparison. As Max Boyce used to say, 'I was there' although all who followed were mere pretenders!

Paul A Smith
235 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:56:47
Martin @209, I thought Calvert-Lewin was poor until he scored along with Iwobi. Walcott's final ball was terrible but he broke the lines often enough to keep Chelsea worried.

Davies's lax attitude worried me when he came on. Total lack of urgency in his game.

The difference today, in all the performances I thought were poor, was the desire and not giving up.

I wasn't worried about Schneiderlin at all because he is still capable of one of those FA Cup performances like today was.

I don't know how anyone else feels but I don't mind even in a win, spotting where we can improve and what is wrong.

In fact, it is far better than analysing in the frustration of a defeat. That is why I agree with the editor on Calvert-Lewin.

Mark Guglielmo
236 Posted 07/12/2019 at 18:57:41
Me too, David! Hey question for you...for Kovacic's goal, what did it look like from your seat? Did it look like a Pickford error, or just a great strike? It wasn't even clear on TV until you saw the slowed-down replays, which revealed he had no chance because his view was completely screened.
Scott Robinson
237 Posted 07/12/2019 at 19:02:09
Today’s victory may have been what they call in the trading world a ‘dead cat bounce’, but there’s probably some truth behind the man, and the legend of the club, Ferguson.

I’m sure there’s one thing that every fella in the dressing room has for Ferguson that they may have not had for Silva or those before him. RESPECT.

High achievers are motivated to perform, less about money but more about ego, the desire to improve and pride. They need someone to follow and give a reason to run their socks off. Ferguson has all the necessary ingredients to lift the team.

These players can play. They just need a manager who they like and respect and loves or is passionate about the club. Too often previous managers say on the side lines. Sure they wanted to win, no one likes to fail, but they need to express emotion, rather then treating management like a jig saw puzzle.

Joe McMahon
238 Posted 07/12/2019 at 19:03:02
Thanks Derek at @234, yeah I already owned up to missing the 63/64 title. What I do know from fans older than me is we should never have sold Alan Ball.
Kristian Boyce
239 Posted 07/12/2019 at 19:04:07
I've always said that Calvert-Lewin is a 4-4-2 player, a traditional English No 9. He's not suited to being a lone man upfront and probably why he gets so much criticism on here. Ironically it's similar to Ferguson with Moyes as he never fitted into the 4-5-1 style and, as we all know, Moyes always claimed we weren't good enough to play 4-4-2.

I could also see Kean playing this role too, so it could be interesting to see how long Big Dunc sticks around.

Derek Knox
240 Posted 07/12/2019 at 19:04:27
David P, @208 & 233, glad you enjoyed today, we all did and what a difference with basically the same players.

Hope your journey goes well and later to Israel, will update you with scores in case you can't get them, and a brief synopsis. Take care mate and bon voyages.

Jay Wood
[BRZ]

241 Posted 07/12/2019 at 19:07:40
Rob @ 228.

"I don't think Pickford played one short goal kick or even rolled a ball to any defender out of his hands all match."

Not once, Rob, not once.

So many myths about what so many of our players 'can't' do (or rather, weren't instructed to do under Silva) were completely busted by half-time today.

Football is a stupidly simple game, when you strip it down to its basics as Ferguson did today.

STILL buzzin' !!!

Martin Berry
242 Posted 07/12/2019 at 19:08:06
Great result, Dunc kept the tactics simple 4-4-2 which we have been crying out for and four at the back. Long ball to try and put Chelsea on the back foot and it worked.

The whole team looked as though they were scared to death of coming off the pitch and having to face Big Dunc without a win.

Calvert-Lewin, cracking performance from him, we are so lucky to have him as he is going to be a top centre-forward.

John Raftery
243 Posted 07/12/2019 at 19:08:29
A hugely important win. It gives the Board breathing space to think about what they really want in any long term appointment. Surely Duncan's enthusiasm and the way it rubbed off on players and crowd must have struck a chord with Moshiri in terms of the selection criteria.

Calvert-Lewin was my Man of the Match with honourable mentions for Sidibé, Holgate, Schneiderlin and Richarlison. The rest played their part with good teamwork and energy all around the park. Instead of employing tactics which exposed individual shortcomings today we used an approach which masked them and enabled some of the strengths to come to the fore.

I especially liked the way we hunted in packs. If a player made a tackle someone else was on hand to nick it away and get us moving forward. Calvert-Lewin's deft headers found Richarlison or one of the wide players running on to them. If the ball dropped away from Keane and Holgate, Sidibé was running in to intercept and clear. We looked like a team. Long may it continue.

Tony Hill
244 Posted 07/12/2019 at 19:09:56
Mark @236, it looked like an error – I sit behind that goal to the right. I'm glad to hear that it wasn't.
Joe McMahon
245 Posted 07/12/2019 at 19:10:09
Kristian @239, I think the only one who could manage alone upfront was Lukaku. Moyes persisted for years with it didn't he, and Beattie.
David Greenwood
246 Posted 07/12/2019 at 19:11:14
Absolutely fantastic. Still buzzing.

Well done to Duncan and all the players.

Joe McMahon
247 Posted 07/12/2019 at 19:11:17
Sent to soon, this dumb phone. I meant AJ etc
Mark Guglielmo
248 Posted 07/12/2019 at 19:12:15
Tony @244 believe me I immediately began yelling at him haha. They had to retract. He had 0 clue that ball was coming in, and to Kovacic's credit it was a perfectly placed strike. Also tbf, an unlucky bounce that the ball even found its way to his foot to begin with.
Derek Knox
249 Posted 07/12/2019 at 19:18:00
John @ 243, glad you enjoyed it today as we all did, but I would still urge caution and assess properly the bigger picture after a few games, especially away.

If Duncan can get those sort of performances or better out of the players he will have proved he is the right man for the permanent post.

That should all work out in time for the Transfer Market in January, and we have both Cups to contend with between now and then. Exciting times, long overdue, ahead!

Derek Knox
250 Posted 07/12/2019 at 19:20:58
Joe @247 A J is fighting in Riyadh later. :-)
Anthony Jones
251 Posted 07/12/2019 at 19:24:10
Fantastic game.

Walcott said it best at the end.

Football is a simple game made overcomplicated by those with vested interests.

Duncan got the best out of a limited squad. Love to see him kept on as Head Coach this season.

Do we need an intellectual in a suit when we have a well paid DoF?

Tony Hill
252 Posted 07/12/2019 at 19:27:01
Those Duncan moments today were purest Everton, intravenously. As Jamie Crowley has brilliantly said @49: it's why we're always here and why we'll never leave.
Robert Williams
253 Posted 07/12/2019 at 19:33:14
Jay Wood 35 57 - Spot on!
Kristian Boyce
254 Posted 07/12/2019 at 19:33:58
Jay, when we signed Pickford he was known for his pinpoint long passes and was probably the best in the league for it. Good coaches use their players strengths to get the most out of them, but Silva has his own philosophy and didn’t utilize this.
Don Alexander
255 Posted 07/12/2019 at 19:38:33
Well I admit to being surprised by Ferguson today. He made significant changes to the shape of the team meaning our midfield had options, plural, in playing the ball forwards and hey-ho the likes of Siggy and Iwobi have a very good match indeed. Please keep the shape.

Ferguson was also the polar opposite today to the totem pole statue he resembles every time he sits on the side-line under other managers. Why is that? Did other managers have the strength of will to force him to contain himself from celebrating goals even?

He certainly looked genuine today and it galvanised the crowd, and that's a big part of the positive Goodison effect that teams say they recognise and fear. I'm not criticising him by the way (although I've lambasted him as a player in particular), I'm just curious about the transformation in personality. Assuming we get another manager and assuming Ferguson stays on as a coach I hope he's going to be as animated on future match-days as he was today.

Christy Ring
256 Posted 07/12/2019 at 19:53:47
I'm thrilled for BigDunc, he always wore his heart on his sleeve, and today was probably his proudest moment, and his tactics and formation showed, he has brawn and brains. He has got plenty of criticism here, and today justifies why he's still on the coaching staff
Derek Knox
257 Posted 07/12/2019 at 19:55:34
Mike G @ 255, Watched the Match but wasn't aware of any racist chants, mind you I had the sound pretty low. What has happened to City?

They look a shadow of the team they were last year and the year before. A fourteen point difference now behind Liverpool, can't see them making that up, or Liverpool going on a bad run, (unfortunately)

Brent Stephens
258 Posted 07/12/2019 at 19:57:03
The difference was the passion from the players on the pitch. Put it in today, why not other games? There's "trying" and then there's the "passion" of today. If today, why not every game?

MoM - the English 650.

Shaun Laycock
259 Posted 07/12/2019 at 19:59:07
Just the tonic we needed. New manager take note; pride, passion & hard work are the prerequisites of any player. So please for big Dunc. Let's follow it up with sticking it to some more teams in our 'most difficult' set of fixtures. Proud to be a blue today.
Jay Wood
[BRZ]

260 Posted 07/12/2019 at 20:02:20
Brent @ 259 - 2-word answer:

Duncan Ferguson.

Anthony Murphy
261 Posted 07/12/2019 at 20:02:58
Next up Man U away. Given how they are shaping up the last two games, it’ll be a tall order getting a result. However, no one (bar the top 2) are showing consistency this season and if Dunc is still in charge, it provides a great opportunity to give Moshiri food for thought
Ciarán McGlone
262 Posted 07/12/2019 at 20:08:21
United won't be able to play the game they played today against us.. theyll have more of the ball. Its us who will be counter attacking..
Stuart Sharp
263 Posted 07/12/2019 at 20:12:53
Today was a bit of a fairy tale. Not lost my voice at the match for a while... not for the right reasons, anyway. Can't believe some of the negative comments on here at the start, but I guess that's what the Silva reign has done to us. Not a huge fan of Schneiderlin, but I do think the stick he gets is out of proportion with his performances. Today I'd go as far as to say he was good. But then they all were. A true Everton performance. Almost no negatives. Thought Davies looked half asleep when he came on, but then his determination for the 3rd goal was great. Wonderful scenes all round. Surreal to leave Goodison singing the Duncan Ferguson song again.
Joe McMahon
264 Posted 07/12/2019 at 20:12:59
We can't get complacent guts, Villa will be up for it tomorrow as Ron Saunders has sadly died. I remember Villa were a good team when he left, League Champions and about to win the Europen cup.
Brent Stephens
265 Posted 07/12/2019 at 20:19:05
Jay #261 - how's your latin?
Brent Stephens
266 Posted 07/12/2019 at 20:19:55
I see Dunc says Iwobi was fantastic with his pressing. Great stuff.
Jay Wood
[BRZ]

267 Posted 07/12/2019 at 20:24:27
Hey Brent! I'm not a 1st class Toff[-ee] with me own private locomotive steam train carriage or education, fellah!

Help me out here!

Brian Williams
268 Posted 07/12/2019 at 20:26:51
It was a great result and one that shows that a team with inferior players to the opposition CAN, with heart and supreme effort, overcome the better side.
Hate to be negative in any way but I'm sure I won't be the only one who's spotted the things I'll point out.
Iwobi was poor. He tried his heart out but he was poor.
Sigurdsson did the same but his lack of pace was a real weakness.
Young Tom Davies is another who doesn't stop trying but he seems to lose concentration, and the ball, on a regular basis.
We rode our luck at times and had a small amount of luck towards the huge amount we're due after some real shitty bad luck, lots of it.
Really happy coming iut of Goodison but we'll need more to get anything at OT.
Brent Stephens
269 Posted 07/12/2019 at 20:27:01
500 + 100 + 50
Andy Kay
270 Posted 07/12/2019 at 20:36:17
I've being screaming for this for years. 4-4-2 with two strikers making a nuisance of themselves with a hardworking midfield will be a match for most teams in the league. Its old school basic football. Its the stuff that works from Sunday League to Premier League.

No DMs, No CAMs, no one doing half a job to make others look good. Just midfielders all putting a shift in. Defenders defending. Imagine a centre half who was just in the team for heading alone? No tackling just heading. No chance. So why is a DM acceptable?

So glad 4-4-2 was used. look at the workrate of the players. they all had to run their bollocks off. It was great to see them close down a technically superior Chelsea side. 2 Strikers 3 goals. Simply can't argue with that fact. Even Calvert-Lewin, who has struggled gets a brace. It works just by making it difficult for defenders. It makes space and chances but you must put it the hard yards and we finally did that. That's the least an Evertonian expects.

If that isn't the blueprint for the rest of the season, then I don't know what is. Well done Big Dunc. You can shove you're 4-2-3-1 or high press or what ever. 4-4-2 and workrate wins everytime for me.

John Hoggarth
271 Posted 07/12/2019 at 20:40:03
I'm sure you didn't mean your opening paragraph to sound as derogatory as it came across, Brian.

Chelsea probably had a better starting 11, on paper, but I don't think we're that far apart when we're on our game. As you say we added heart and passion today and got a well-deserved result.

I think you're harsh on Iwobi. For me, none of our players were poor today.

Mark Guglielmo
272 Posted 07/12/2019 at 20:46:38
Brian @269 "Iwobi was poor. He tried his heart out but he was poor."

Our manager today disagrees with you, just saying.

John Raftery
273 Posted 07/12/2019 at 20:46:50
Don (256),

The last time I can recall Duncan celebrating at Goodison anything like as much as he did today was during the 4-0 win against West Ham, Unsworth's final game in charge two years ago.

I have however seen him on the pitch after our all too rare away wins, most recently at Southampton when he was hugging the players and saluting the fans. I'm guessing that in the position of third, at best, in the pecking order of assistants/coaches he felt it was not his place to be jumping up and down on the touchline.

Peter Dodds
274 Posted 07/12/2019 at 20:49:15
I didn't see the game but, from the comments, it's clear Silva tried to impose his philosophy in the team without recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of the players.

Dunc's approach is the opposite (rightly) and should get us further up the table, but beyond that, what - are we just another Championship team with slightly better players?

Direct football, no playing it from the back etc, crosses in for the big man, passion and emotion where skill is lacking?

Jeff Armstrong
275 Posted 07/12/2019 at 20:51:21
Don, #256,

As a Number 3, Ferguson was hardly going to be tubthumping up and down the touchline grabbing ball boys each time we scored was he?

Today was HIS day, HIS chance to instill his “philosophy” as a Number 1 and what a difference and breath of fresh air he was, I know as a player he was a legend in his own lunchtime, but today he got the team back to basics and produced a result and 3 points which we desperately needed.

Today, he was allowed out of his box, and showed what he can inspire.

Colin Glassar
276 Posted 07/12/2019 at 20:53:05
Brian 269, I hear you loud and clear. It wasn't a day for finesse or silky skills but a day for heart and courage.

I've always said, our lads aren't bad players but they lack confidence and leadership. Plus they've played under so many managers in recent years they must be completely confused when it comes to tactics and strategy.

Iwobi was crap, as usual, but he tried at least.

Brent Stephens
277 Posted 07/12/2019 at 20:53:10
Jay are we there yet? 500 - D
Neil Copeland
278 Posted 07/12/2019 at 20:53:28
It suddenly dawned on me today why the board didn't sack Marco Silva after the Norwich game. I think they made the decision but delayed purposely so that the new man would have a home game first. I also think they knew Duncan would be in charge today.

If so, it shows at least some forward planning and may prove to be a masterstroke.

Struggling to remember seeing an Everton team and Coach showing such passion. Goodison was close to its best today.

Lampard bemoaning his team's performance and defensive frailaties. Actually I would say they shit themselves and couldn't match our desire or passion.

Great to come home hoarse, well done Blues. Plenty to improve but at least we now have hope again and lots to be proud of.

Jeff Armstrong
279 Posted 07/12/2019 at 20:54:23
Peter#275,
yes that’s what we are, and that will do for now.
Paul Birmingham
280 Posted 07/12/2019 at 20:56:23
Today we played with heart, guts, belief and determination as a team.

Getting the basics right and we won the day because we played as a full team and never gave up, nor let Chelsea off the hook for most of the second and third balls.

Keep this level next week, with a decent referee and some luck, I take us to beat United.

Onwards and upwards, and keep the 4-4-2. Sidebe crosses are nailed on, and long may they continue.

Enjoy this weekend Evertonians.

John Raftery
281 Posted 07/12/2019 at 20:58:25
Regarding the criticism of Iwobi, he certainly makes mistakes and some very poor choices at times. But to apply an old saying "The man who never makes mistakes, never makes anything."

Iwobi is always trying to make positive things happen in the areas of the pitch where it is most difficult to do so. Unlike some of our players before today, he always tried to stay involved in the game even when things were not running for him.

For me, at present, the poor passes and touches are outweighed by his positive contributions to our attack.

Brent Stephens
282 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:01:41
Iwobi is not the best at tackling or closing down a player but the amount of ground he covers is very impressive. A shift-worker.
Brian Williams
283 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:02:52
Mark #273.

With all due respect Duncan is bound to big up all our players after today. But today's not a day for arguing with fellow Blues. I just said it as I, and many around me, saw it. COYB.

John #272.

I certainly didn't mean it to be derogatory, just an honest assessment. Their team, man for man, is IMO superior to ours.

John Raftery
284 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:08:18
Neil (279) Your first paragraph is exactly how I saw it. Two away games against the league’s top two teams would have been a very difficult start for any manager, let alone a caretaker. Two defeats would have had everybody doubting him before he had had a chance to mobilise the team in front of the home supporters.

It is of course too early to hang out the flags and bunting but we can now go to United in a better frame of mind than we might have imagined four days ago.

Paul A Smith
285 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:09:44
Mark, the manager said his pressing was great, that's all. Brian might just have his own eyes.

I can't remember him winning the ball once and he did work hard most of the game but often chased shadows, (which did make Chelsea rush) but he won and created virtually nothing.

I am not great fan of Walcott who gets nothing but stick but split their defence far more.

Brent Stephens
286 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:11:56
Paul, surely pressing isn't necessarily winning the ball. It's as much about denying the opposition an "out ball".
Steve Ferns
287 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:12:03
We should just enjoy the night. Focus on the positives. There were negatives but we can discuss them later in the week. We won. Enjoy it.
Kevin O'Regan
288 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:13:13
Kovac would be an excellent choice if it came to that. A lot of fans were sorry to see him leave Bayern and I think he would be a great addition to the Premier League and EFC.

Nice spirit of EFC shown today. Where has that been hiding? Bit of blue blood lurking around... Does wonders for the atmosphere.

Steve Ferns
289 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:14:12
Sorry, forgot to say thanks for the Kovac profiles above. Didn’t mean to start an argument!
Ian Riley
290 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:15:50
Funny how we played a very British style with a British manager. High tempo and work rate meant those players who didn't play well still put a shift in. That is down to Duncan. If you lose with hard work and pride you can tolerate. Lose with lack of effort is soul-destroying.

I believe we need a Duncan in charge who gets back to basics, passion to tell the players from the touchline. That's for another day. Today is a blue day. Let's enjoy it!

Jay Wood
[BRZ]

291 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:16:23
Brent, you annoying sod!

I was looking up (unfound!) PRONUNCIATION of Latin numbers, thinking they would sound like Duncan Ferguson!!!

D C L.

Et bastardis!!!

Neil Copeland
292 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:16:55
John #285, yes agreed. Before today I was dreading the visit to OT but now I am looking forward to it. Will be interesting to see if we can raise our game again. Hopefully, confidence will have increased after today and the players see an opportunity to salvage the league season.
John Kavanagh
293 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:18:24
Great result and great effort by all, even my betes noir Schneiderlin, Sigurdsson and Walcott. If the Board had made the change after the Burnley match we would be in a far better position than we are now.

A positive step forward but we're not out of the woods yet by a long way. Be interesting to see what happens away from home next week. I hope that Doctor Dunc's backbone elixir can continue to work its magic.

As to those who questioned the Richarlison substitution - he was on a yellow and it was this referee who gave Richy a straight red against Wolves. He has also double yellowed Davies in the past. Best not to risk playing with 10 men and losing Richy for next week. Sensible IMO.

Interesting to see once again how VAR is being deployed. They looked at two of our goals desperately looking for anything that could rule them out (they are only supposed to intervene where there may be a clear and obvious error by the officials?) and fortunately found nothing. At our end a clearly offside player directly in the line of sight of the keeper was ruled not to be interfering with play and the goal stood.

Now I've just watched VAR award a penalty against City for a challenge identical to one on Richarlison a couple of weeks ago. It was a penalty as ours should have been. The difference was, of course, that the one awarded has virtually handed the title to the RS.

Tony Abrahams
294 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:18:32
I'm drunk, I'm happy, I'm 50 tomorrow, I've criticised Duncan, for being part of the problem, but I'm happy that he has had the chance to prove that football is an easy game that is complicated by idiots!
Tony Hill
295 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:20:25
Mount's miss was the key moment. Tiny details, big consequences. For once, the turn of events was not against us. Hallelujah.
Paul A Smith
296 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:21:00
Yes, Brent, I agree and it makes Chelsea rush their play as I also said.

I'll change my view to he worked for the team but on the ball was poor.

I loved today's workrate and I seen them all put a shift in but that's a one-off today and I loved every minute of it.

To kick on, we clearly need better performances on the ball to match the desire.

What a win, though. I am delighted for Ferguson more than anything.

Neil Copeland
297 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:22:21
Tony #295, Happy Birthday! Hope you enjoy the rest of a great weekend. Start of a new era perhaps?
Tony Hill
298 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:23:13
Happy birthday, Tony A.
Brent Stephens
299 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:25:12
Paul #297 - amen to that! What a win!
Andy Crooks
300 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:27:05
Have a great night, Tony, and a wonderful birthday. Surely it's your 40th, mate. Hope all the family are well.
Tony Abrahams
301 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:36:20
I’ve already had a very happy birthday thank you, men!

Life is simple, hide behind people and what they say, or stand up for yourself, and prove to people, that has long as you express yourself, you will be okay-and Duncan Ferguson today proved that football is not a rocket science, as long as you believe, and can also get others to believe in what you stand for!

Mike Gaynes
302 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:39:30
Mazel tov, Tony my friend, and congrats on reaching the big 5-0. Enjoy your double celebration!
Paul A Smith
303 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:41:14
Glad we won for your birthday Tony Abrahams. Many happy returns mate.
Paul Tran
304 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:42:27
Many happy returns,Tony! Hope you get many things even better than what you saw at the Old Lady today!
Tony Abrahams
305 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:42:37
I stand for Everton, and we shall not be moved! I was feeling 60 earlier today Andy, but right now I feel like the child who first went into Goodison Pk, and after everything I’ve witnessed over the years I honestly believe that we shall not be moved!!

Better than walk on, better than anything I’ve ever heard, it’s an Everton song, and it’s saying we shall not be moved! EVERTON!!

Brent Stephens
306 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:45:00
Your sixth decade tomorrow, Tony. Just to make it feel worse!
Peter Jansson
307 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:48:19
I see some people here saying we were lucky to win, Chelsa made mistakes and we scored etc

That is a very important part of football. to push the other side to make mistakes. How many times did that happen to us this season the other way around?

A large part of winning football games is to:
1. Push the opposing team to make mistakes.
2. Capitalize on them.
3. and try to not make so many mistakes yourself.

We need more of this. Did not Duncan mention that this was one of his strategies?

Bobby Mallon
308 Posted 07/12/2019 at 21:59:04
Happy birthday Tony
Peter Roberts
309 Posted 07/12/2019 at 22:02:07
Duncan's comments post-match highlighted two things for me:

1) First and foremost, the team was missing the pride for the shirt and it's no good having the talent if you aren't prepared to work for it. It showed today that we bust a gut and all 14 lads were going to work their hardest, knowing who was on the touchline

2) Talk of a permanent position is premature. He clearly feels not ready for it fulltime but is happy on a game-by-game basis to serve the club who served him best.

I would definitely say leave him in charge up until the Cup game against Liverpool and then see where we are, and if there is no starting candidate available to take the reins with the transfer window then ask him if he wants it to the end of the season, particularly if the results and performances merit it.

Tony Abrahams
310 Posted 07/12/2019 at 22:04:19
The response to my birthday has been great, thank you very much everyone, but we all know what really matters, singing we shall not be moved EverTON!
David Greenwood
311 Posted 07/12/2019 at 22:05:49
Happy birthday Tony
Richard Duff
312 Posted 07/12/2019 at 22:08:42
Imagine if today had been the the first game from our new manager. Unless it had been Simeone or Conte would you have expected that?
Peter Mills
313 Posted 07/12/2019 at 22:11:27
Happy birthday Tony.
Brian Williams
314 Posted 07/12/2019 at 22:13:08
Tony, well you got the present I sent you via big Dunc.
Many happy returns mate!
Dave Lynch
315 Posted 07/12/2019 at 22:22:15
Maybe Dunc was passive in the dugout under the last 2 managers because he knew they where shite.

Today he looked like a man possessed and long may it continue that way.

Derek Knox
316 Posted 07/12/2019 at 22:23:23
Tony A, Many happy returns mate, have a good rest of today, and the win will no doubt have helped in that.
Tony Abrahams
317 Posted 07/12/2019 at 22:24:54
Thank you very much Brian mate, because I love sharing things, and thanks to Big Dunc, we will all share it together! lovely sentiments everyone, (and thank you very much) lovely watching our team play under-complicated football, and lovely to see a natural fight, that has been missing since I was about 25!

Sorry I can’t give Moyes and his team no credit, but I grew up expecting “My Everton” to win, and without spoiling anything I got a feeling that was very easy to understand today, UP THE BLUES,,!!

Brian Williams
318 Posted 07/12/2019 at 22:32:11
You're welcome mate. I just hope I get a similar present next week when we play Man Utd on MY birthday!!!!
Dave Williams
319 Posted 07/12/2019 at 22:36:48
Happy birthday Tony- you come across as a great Evertonian and a decent bloke too - I look forward to sharing a beer with you one of these days. Have a great day!
Tony Abrahams
320 Posted 07/12/2019 at 22:39:15
I can't believe you have spoiled it, Brian, you're not supposed to tell anyone until it has passed, you arl bastard! But I do fancy “The Toffs” next week, though, mate!
Christy Ring
321 Posted 07/12/2019 at 22:39:27
Happy Birthday Tony, and you can enjoy Match Of The Day
Brian Williams
322 Posted 07/12/2019 at 22:40:25
Tony I tell people while I'm still here mate just in case 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Paul Appleyard
323 Posted 07/12/2019 at 22:42:10
Mark Guglielmo @ 272,

Just chuckling at some of your comments.. clearly never been to many EFC games in the flesh have you! And you have the cheek to slate me (a former season ticket holder) for having a go at Silva, a chump who's has brought us the very real threat of relegation with the most expensive squad we've ever had (3/4th net/gross spend in the premiership).

Well that chump goes, and we win our very next game with more heart and energy than we've seen in the entire season so far. What was it, 37 tackles? More than any other game in the last 10 years?

I'd say my rant was on the money! Silva's gone, and we might just fuckin' stay up.

Anyway, I'll be getting tickets for the next game you can just watch on TV like you usually do I guess

I might even take a Brexit manifesto with me LOL!

Brian Williams
324 Posted 07/12/2019 at 22:47:44
Wish I knew how to put videos on here. Got a cracker. If anyone knows how and wants it to post let me know your email addy.

It stars our illustrious chairman today.

Tony Abrahams
325 Posted 07/12/2019 at 22:50:31
I honestly hate Match of the Day Christy, it's full of drama, which us football lovers love, but it also highlights the horrible side of the game, the cheating, the deception, and a feeling that it's a blame game; I've always thought that football was so much better than that! Goodnight everyone, and thanks for the kind words, “SINGING WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED”
Bill Gall
326 Posted 07/12/2019 at 22:52:57
Well it has been a long time since Goodison Park has been rocking like that and all it took was a man to instill the passion he has for this club into the players. The players reacted to his directions and played with pride wearing the shirt, and now must realize what they are capable of.

To me Duncan Ferguson has instilled in the players what successful teams have and that is confidence. If what he said in his interview that he realizes that the club is looking for a new manager, if one is hired, I hope they keep Duncan Ferguson as his assistant.

Tony Abrahams
327 Posted 07/12/2019 at 22:56:22
I was only messin' when I called you an “arl bastard, Brian, but when my son told me he saw Bayern's old manager outside Goodison today, I wasn't messin when I told him Bill had got six lookalikes, just to lighten the mood around the ground that he gave up on years ago!
Brian Williams
329 Posted 07/12/2019 at 22:58:08
I'll let yer off Tony yer young whippersnapper!
Paul A Smith
330 Posted 07/12/2019 at 23:03:29
Those pictures of Calvert-Lewin and Davies with Big Dunc after the 3rd are the first time I have felt pride about the players in a long time.
Steavey Buckley
331 Posted 07/12/2019 at 23:04:00
That was some job interview today, there is no manager in the world other than Duncan Ferguson who could have got that win out of Chelsea. You're hired, Duncan.
Bill Gienapp
332 Posted 07/12/2019 at 23:15:36
It's a bit premature - future matches will likely require a bit more tactical nous than the back-to-basics stuff seen today, the match ran on pure emotion and if Chelsea had been a little more clinical, we might have been in trouble... but as others have said, if Ferguson can steer the ship until the end of the season and we could hold off on making a managerial appointment until summer, that would be outstanding.

Happy to eat crow over suggesting that Kean should start over Calvert-Lewin (though I would have been just as happy to see them play off each other while Richarlison slid into Walcott's spot). Two second-half goals that were the product of pure tenacity - well-done.

A trip to Old Trafford next week seems a little more daunting than it did a few weeks ago, but Arsenal will absolutely be there for the taking at Goodison, as will Burnley, obviously.

Also, methinks (ironically, seeing as how Chelsea just had their transfer ban lifted) it may be time to just let the Zouma ship sail. He was quite poor today and while Silva managed to get the best out of him, Silva's now gone so we may as well look to other targets.

Derek Knox
333 Posted 07/12/2019 at 23:16:27
Steavey @ 331,yes we are all euphoric both with the performance, the result and without throwing a spanner in the works.

I believe prudency should be to see how the next couple of games go, and if it is along the lines of today especially an away win, then the Board should appoint Duncan on a permanent basis.

You could only imagine the responses on here if knee-jerkingly, they appointed Duncan as full time Manager and it turned out that today's performance and result was a one-off.

By all means give him the next few games, see what happens, and then make a decision on the future. I am not being negative or taking any gloss off today's result, but one swallow does not make a summer.

Keith Monaghan
334 Posted 07/12/2019 at 23:18:20
A desperately needed 3 points. Very well done to all, especially Big Dunc – great to see & feel the passion.

I'm sick of people moaning about Richarlison making a meal of things all the time – he gets fouled loads – he's our best forward & goal threat.

Get off Calvert-Lewin's back to too – he's a proper centre-forward who may in time score more – when he doesn't play there's nobody linking up the play at the top end. Other clubs would happily pay big money for both these two.

Also, Schneiderlin gets an unfair amount of stick – yes, he's been very poor on plenty of occasions, but so have several others. He was great today – I've never seen him put in so much effort and move so quickly at times – a big well done & lets see more of it. Very well done to Mason Holgate too.

There were a couple of poorer performances today, but even they stuck at it and worked hard for the team.

No need to rush an appointment – if we bring someone in we need to get it right and give him time – we can't keep changing the manager frequently. We do need no more injuries please!

Tony Abrahams
335 Posted 07/12/2019 at 23:18:39
I keep going to bed, but Harry Kane has done it again, even though everyone knows it is all about Duncan Ferguson and Everton FC tonight!

I wasn’t messin Christy, maybe it’s because Everton have been shite for years, but suddenly I have a feeling for th3 game and more importantly the team we all love!

Dave W, I will see you at Wembley in feb or in may, god willing, and although I’ve followed Everton everywhere during my lifetime, I don’t ever think I’ve shown the commitment that you and your crowd have put in over the years mate!

so it’s people like you, and my children who have sacrificed a lifetime, that I wish our next success to, my friend, SINGING WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED,,!

Just reading the last posts, and thanks for reminding me of Schniederlin, Keith, I’ve been his biggest critic, but he invovved himself into the game from the first whistle today, which made me think that footballers might just hate over complications?

John Boon
337 Posted 07/12/2019 at 23:26:10
There is not much to add to all the positive posts on here. I feel relief more than anything. I was delighted to see Big Dunc showing passion and sheer delight, We have not seen that at Goodison for quite some time.Good leaders need followers who also believe in the message being sent to them.

I really don't know how successful Ferguson would be in the long run. I would be delighted if he was able to continue to inspire the players as well as the fans. He certainly deserves a try. He is one of us, true blue. He was an inspiration on the sidelines.We have had far too much of nothingness by any of our last few managers. To me they have all been insipid.

Moyes was the last manager we had who showed any sort of emotion during a game. However he has burned his bridges and he would not be the right guy for the job. Who knows perhaps Dunc IS the right man.

Tony Hill
338 Posted 07/12/2019 at 23:30:46
I didn't see Brands featured alongside the other three monkeys in the Directors Box. I assume he was there.
Brian Porter
339 Posted 07/12/2019 at 23:30:52
I don't mind admitting to few tears of emotion at the end of the game. I haven't been so vocal during a game for as long as I can remember. After 60 years supporting the club, I didn't think there was anything they could do to generate the pride and the passion I felt today, and that's all down to one man, big Duncan Ferguson!

I loved him as a player for displaying the sort of passion his team showed today. His rapport with the ball boys, the crowd, and with the players was something Marco Silva could never have achieved in a hundred years.

It's been said by many a poster in recent weeks that we need a manager who has that steel in his character, one who can motivate and galvanise the players and one who can get the crowd on his side, and turn Goodison Park into Fortress Goodison once again.

Big Dunc, or Fabulous Fergie, could be that man. A lot will say he has no experience at this level, or he's not ready for it yet, but in life sometimes, cometh the hour, cometh the man. I would personally have no problem with Duncan being appointed as manager until the end, of the season, and if he does okay, then give him a 2-year contract.

Today was the first time I've actually seen Moshiri actually beaming, a genuinely real smile of pure pleasure, in all the time he's been here. Perhaps he too now knows what Everton is all about and again we have Duncan Ferguson to thank for that.

Come on, Moshiri, give him the reins for a few weeks, then, if he's done okay, give him that short term contract, to be extended at the end of the season, subject to satisfactory results.

We could just have found a real diamond in our midst, and, as Martin Keown said on Match of the Day tonight, Duncan Ferguson has woken a sleeping giant. And he's only had the job for two days!

With the tough run of fixtures coming up, Duncan could be just the man to motivate our squad into believing they can go out there and take something from every one of those games. We might win some and we might lose some, but, by God, it'll be a real fun ride, that's for sure.

Anthony Murphy
340 Posted 07/12/2019 at 23:33:28
Given Silva only got the boot Thursday afternoon and this was the first match of the weekend, what happened today was quite remarkable. If we get a few more days like that between now and the New Year, I would definitely give him the rest of the season and take time to carry out a thorough search for the right person to step in once we are safe in the summer.

If nothing else, Duncan will get this lot running through brick walls and playing for the shirt. How important may that be if we still need points towards the end of the season?

Keith Harrison
341 Posted 07/12/2019 at 23:39:21
As well as imbuing the squad with pride and passion, he had them playing 4-4 -2, which is what I personally have wanted for a while. Calvert Lewin is an absolute nuisance, without, to me, being a 'natural' goalscorer.

Playing 4-4-2, however, means we can benefit by playing a scorer off his shoulder; Richarlison and others benefitted today. I'd love to see him and Kean rip ut up together.

My only gripe with today's performance was the number of times Iwobi made runs, or we had 2 v 2 on the halfway line, and Pickford didn't launch it early.

The atmosphere was unreal today, and there was a Catch-22 of the crowd feeding off the team, feeding off the crowd ad infinitum. Drove home happy for a change, and looking forward to going to Old Trafford next week for hopefully more of the same.

Peter Laing
342 Posted 07/12/2019 at 23:46:19
Fabulous afternoon for Evertonians who thankfully are able to restore some much needed pride and respect. That pride and respect was galvanised by Duncan Ferguson, much maligned in some quarters as a Club lacky who has contributed little under successive Managers. The player that has benefited most from Ferguson's input was calvert-Lewin, who repaid his Manager in spades today with his wholesome performance.

With the current injuries and personnel at our disposal, I can't see any Manager ahead of Ferguson that is likely to get a tune out of these players.

One swallow doesn't make a spring but our pride is back. Give him the job till the end of the season and the squad can be given a reboot with possibly a new top class manager with a blueprint. Brands needs to make one January signing – a top class centre back, spending big money if needed.

Ian Linn
343 Posted 08/12/2019 at 00:05:26
Good performance, very pleased that we stopped playing it out from the back (and then usually getting stuck somewhere about the halfway line).

Great result for Duncan, chuffed for him but he is not the long term solution.

Once swallow doth not a summer make. Let's see how we do at Old Trafford in a week.

Si Cooper
344 Posted 08/12/2019 at 00:31:12
Working today so I have had to rely on MotD and the comments on here. I hope Big Dunc's simplified approach works every time but I need a bit more empirical evidence before I'd stake my life on it.

I thought Chelsea would be the easiest game of the three latest ones; if you give some clubs 70% possession, they will make you pay for it.

Man Utd seem to be steadily improving at the moment so that would be the acid test for me. Still, I enjoyed the result today and the obvious enjoyment people at the game got from it.

Apart from getting exuberant hugs from the manager, weren't a few of our ball boys getting heavily involved in the player's celebrations as well. Is this a club policy thing or do we just have a bunch of super confident (cocky) ball boys?

Brian Williams
345 Posted 08/12/2019 at 00:53:03
Fucking swallows are shittin' everywhere.
Mike Corcoran
346 Posted 08/12/2019 at 01:21:23
Moshiri was made up, big grin and thumbs up, the accountant in him must be counting the beans he'd save stringing Dunc along for as long as he can. If Dunc can keep that level of motivation, then fairy muff, I'll be happy.
David Pearl
347 Posted 08/12/2019 at 02:05:50
Happy Birthday Tony, great day for you!

Mark, at the time it looked like a soft goal. It was close to him. I thought at the time var would either give offside or infringement. Have to trust it l guess.

Derek, cheers mate, hope this builds into something. I don’t yet know if l will be able to get any reception. I’ve lost my phone so will hope the iPad works.

I’ve spent the evening trawling the internet watching all the interviews. Not done that in a while. Hoping for a good quarter final draw. It’s about time we won the league cup. I was listening to all the finals and replays against Villa in my grandmas kitchen aged 7. (Thinking oh well, we will win it next year instead).

Alan J Thompson
348 Posted 08/12/2019 at 06:34:45
Mark(#236); I thought the Ref initially had disallowed the goal for Abrahams being offside and while he didn't touch the ball he was interfering with play by obstructing Pickford's view in close proximity not only to the goal but also the ball as it passed him.

It seems that VAR has now caused more consternation for the on-field officials as those off-field don't seem to understand or consistently interpret the rules and Linemen (Assistants or Persons?) seem reluctant to raise the flag. Perhaps they should have two coloured flags, one of them being WHITE to indicate that they wanted to call an offence but didn't for fear of influencing defenders or affecting the outcome of a game.

Amit Vithlani
349 Posted 08/12/2019 at 08:08:26
I watched the game again and, as Dunc himself admitted, this was very much a short term fix.

It was simple tactics - keep our shape, go direct, contest the balls in the opposition half.

That is not to deride Big Dunc. With barely a day to prepare, what else could he do?

I expect we will see him play to the strengths of Ricky and DCL. Good.

But longer term, a few key issues. As many have pointed out, Digne is positionally suspect. Meanwhile, those deriding Iwobi need to look at how many times he was puffing back to cover. Its not his strength but he gave it his all. He would be wasted covering for Digne. I hope focus is given to our left side by the new coach.

Schneiderlin was - I can't believe I am saying this - a destructive wrecking ball. This system suited him. He could get close to his man and challenge him when the team hunted in packs.

All about keeping shape, close to one another, fighting for each other.

I think Delph, Davies and Seamus will do better in this side. Moise Kean too - up top next to DCL or Ricky. Leta hope we see him toom

We've long yearned for a manager to play two up top. We got it. I hope the next guy takes note.

United are better than us but I really think our front two will give Maguire and Lindelof a tough game. We will sit deep and go long. If our left side is sorted out, we might have a chance.

UTFT. Thank you Big Dunc. I was choked with emotion at the end, seeing the Old Lady finding her voice once again.

Amit Vithlani
350 Posted 08/12/2019 at 08:08:26
I watched the game again and, as Dunc himself admitted, this was very much a short term fix.

It was simple tactics - keep our shape, go direct, contest the balls in the opposition half.

That is not to deride Big Dunc. With barely a day to prepare, what else could he do?

I expect we will see him play to the strengths of Ricky and DCL. Good.

But longer term, a few key issues. As many have pointed out, Digne is positionally suspect. Meanwhile, those deriding Iwobi need to look at how many times he was puffing back to cover. Its not his strength but he gave it his all. He would be wasted covering for Digne. I hope focus is given to our left side by the new coach.

Schneiderlin was - I can't believe I am saying this - a destructive wrecking ball. This system suited him. He could get close to his man and challenge him when the team hunted in packs.

All about keeping shape, close to one another, fighting for each other.

I think Delph, Davies and Seamus will do better in this side. Moise Kean too - up top next to DCL or Ricky. Leta hope we see him toom

We've long yearned for a manager to play two up top. We got it. I hope the next guy takes note.

United are better than us but I really think our front two will give Maguire and Lindelof a tough game. We will sit deep and go long. If our left side is sorted out, we might have a chance.

UTFT. Thank you Big Dunc. I was choked with emotion at the end, seeing the Old Lady finding her voice once again.

Dave Williams
351 Posted 08/12/2019 at 10:08:30
What makes yesterday even more remarkable is that we were without possibly half of our first choice team in Coleman, Delph, Gbamin, Gomes and Mina.

Coming on the back of the total embarrassment of Wednesday and the sacking of a manager the performance and spirit yesterday was quite an amazing achievement accomplished in a very short space of time.

Whatever Duncan said to the players in that time would be fascinating to know because as others have said Morgan was very good yesterday, Calvert-Lewin played like a man possessed, Richi was superb, etc,etc.

The question now, of course, is can he do it again? One thing is for sure and that is he has rammed the doubters words about freeloading cone man well and truly down their throats.

Well done, Dunc.

Keith Harrison
352 Posted 08/12/2019 at 10:42:43
Still buzzing this morning, as I'm sure Dunc is. He's probably hugged the paperboy, milkman, jehovah's witnesses and every pigeon he owns so far today.
Looking back at some posts, and how the media in general reacted on Thursday morning, you'd think that godless crew over the road were world-beaters.
I know for a fact I am not the only one that thought, despite an embarrasing scoreline, we, and Silva it has to be said, were unlucky in that game.
The RS did little more than boot the ball goalwards, and capitalised on our slow, too high defence.
We pulled it back to 2-1, and were bossing the game when a blatant penalty was turned down. As last man, this would also have resulted in a red card for VVDVAR, and at 2-2 against 10 men, I would have backed us to win. When you consider he should have been the 3rd player of theirs to walk - Robertson for a deliberate elbowing when falling on Davies, and Terence Trent Darby Arnold Snidey for a stamp, and we should, with proper refeering, been playing a maximum of 8 men.
Mike Dean, a local referee whose affiliations are to Tranmere, absolutely bottled the big decisions. Arnold should also have received a second yellow for deliberately punching the ball out of play.
We had more than twice as many efforts as them, and it just makes you wonder if Dunc had been in the seat on Wednesday what the result should have been.
I'd love him to be on the touchline in the cup match, and square up to Bingo (Banana Splits) as the match gets heated.
He may not be long term - at least not yet - but the players themselves have found the passion within them, so they will be expected to give that as a minimum henceforth. Hopefully Duncan has unleashed The Kraken!
Mike Gwyer
353 Posted 08/12/2019 at 11:57:32

Keith

I'll give you a tip mate, leave all past games against the RS well alone. What happened, happened and let's move on. We go there again in a few weeks time and for me, it will be a different game.

Tommy Carter
354 Posted 08/12/2019 at 12:23:45
A remarkable couple of days for Duncan.

I witnessed on Wednesday quite a gutless and lost group of players.

Being bullied by a 20 year old full back and a 10.5st full back on the other side.

Yesterday was the complete antithesis of Wednesday night.

I am not a Ferguson fan to the extent of a lot of other blues.

I had major doubts about his role at the club.

I had major doubts about his ability to communicate anything more than a ‘get stuck in’ kind of message.

Clearly there is a lot more to Duncan than I am aware of.

He wears his heart on his sleeve, a huge set of emotions, positive and negative appear to simmer just below the surface.

But what I also witnessed was a team clearly working to specific instructions. For him to have got this message across so clearly, and for the players to have taken it on is quite remarkable.

His subsequent press conference also illustrated some knowledge of game strategy and tactics that I was not aware he had.

As a player, Duncan was an enigma for me. He showed up on big occasions and was found wanting in many others. When we needed our talisman to help us win points agains big standard opposition, he failed to turn up.

On many occasions the likes of Ken Monkou, Richard Shaw etc had Duncan in his pocket. Because he didn’t fancy it.

My worry if we were to install him as manager would be how he could cope with a non cup-tie style game away from home. In this league, there are many of these. Can he inspire himself and his team to get results in these games?

When teams sit back against us and allow us 70% possession. How will we cope with that?

What’s he going to be like in the transfer market?

Who will his staff be? (I categorically do not want jeffers there).

It’s and Interesting time. I think he should get at least a few more games. If he picks up enough points, give him until the end of the season.

Derek Knox
355 Posted 08/12/2019 at 12:25:54
David P, @ 347, thanks mate, that explains a lot, I have sent a few messages to your Mobile without reply, which I thought was strange!

Keith @ 352, entertaining post, and like all things in life as well as Football, what if? As Mike Gwyer said, it is now water under the proverbial, so we just have to get on with the future but hopefully learn from the past.

"Hopefully Duncan has unleashed The Kraken!" I liked that, the Craic or the Kraken, was mighty!

Tony Williams
356 Posted 08/12/2019 at 12:32:21
Superb win, passion back, and I understand us all still being on cloud nine after that. I don't want to take anything away from yesterday but I can't help feeling a little anger. If those players can play like that yesterday, then why didn't they do it before?

To use an excuse and say they didn't play for the manager is a disgrace. They should have done it for us, the fans. They owe us, performances have been shocking and we have had to endure it all.

I read and hear a lot about "motivation" but I am of the opinion that if you are paid to due a job, especially the money that these players are on, you shouldn't need any motivating to go out and give your best.
.

Sean Kelly
357 Posted 08/12/2019 at 12:52:07
Tony #356, Spot on, lad.

Every week, they should be playing for us, the club, the manager and for themselves and in that order. They should look at themselves in the mirror. If they can collectively turn on a performance like yesterday like a tap, then shame on them.

Well done, Duncan, for exposing them.

Tony Abrahams
358 Posted 08/12/2019 at 13:25:31
Maybe it's because we played a much simpler game of football yesterday, that it was so much easier for the players to comprehend?

Fast and direct, and scrapping for every second ball, might not always be pretty, but it can be pretty effective, and is also very easy to understand, which was definitely the case yesterday.

We will move on now, happier in the knowledge that the players can fight, but we rode our luck at times yesterday, especially when Chelsea, like Liverpool, realised how much we suffer by just playing simple balls over the top. Until we sort this out, then not every day will end up like yesterday, because a team will never gain enough confidence, unless they can sort out this very basic art of defending.

Paul Tran
359 Posted 08/12/2019 at 13:41:59
Dead simple, Tony #356. The players and Silva were in a rut. Whatever it was, whether they were confused, bored, unhappy, they were going through the motions. They still cared, still wanted to win, but their habit of drifting through games had stuck. Silva couldn't get them out of it.

I've seen this in my work with corporate teams. People care about their organisation, like their manager, but that spark & purpose goes and it's hard to get back. It came back yesterday. Now it's all about whether they develop new, better habits.

Tony Williams
360 Posted 08/12/2019 at 13:57:49
Tony (358) & Paul (359),

Because we love the game and our club, we tend to make excuses for them, but in the end their job is to play football and do it to the best of their ability. If the workers throughout the country did that, the place would collapse; because they are footballers, there is no difference.

I re-iterate what I said in my previous post – they should do it for us the fans and treat us with respect. No excuses.

Mark Guglielmo
361 Posted 08/12/2019 at 14:13:00
Alan @348 I haven't found a good replay yet but I thought it was a goal on the field of play, and then VAR checked to see if it was offside. If I'm honest, I didn't pay that close attention as I was (wrongfully, it turned out) too busy being angry with Pickford.

Amit @349 some really good observations. Only thing I'd differ with is whether or not Coleman would do well. I don't think it matters in the least. Sidibe is our right back unless injured. As for Digne, completely agree. I think he would be better served with Richarlison dropping back on the left simply because his workrate is top and he's perfectly willing to cover when needed. We could then play Kean up top with Calvert-Lewin too. I'd then rotate Iwobi or Walcott as needed and use Bernard as a fresh legs sub.

Paul @359 I think you're completely correct. 'Rut' is a perfect way to describe what was going on, and the reasons why were numerous and honestly not worth our time dwelling on any longer.

Paul Tran
362 Posted 08/12/2019 at 14:14:10
Tony, I'm not excusing it. It's what happens. In my experience, it's the difference between doing alright and very well. Overpaid footballers have the same behavioural habits as any other human. If management lets things drift the results deteriorate. That's one reason why some organisations perform better than others.
Steavey Buckley
363 Posted 08/12/2019 at 14:16:27
So far this season, after playing in complex systems of having players playing in different formations that left the team with just one striker up front by himself for most of the game, always outnumbered by at least 2 defenders. So, it was refreshing and relaxing for players and fans to play in a 4-4-2 system that allowed 2 strikers to compete effectively against central defenders.

This was the main reason for the downfall of Chelsea, while the rest of the team were supported by another player, which you always get with a 4-4-2 instead of being outnumbered in Silva's baffling formations. That finally says that 4-3-3 does not work.

Tommy Carter
364 Posted 08/12/2019 at 14:21:15
I disagree completely about the lack of effort under Silva. It's nonsense.

These players were lost. They weren't not bothering or caring.

The players just pressed in a very specific way yesterday, at the expense of getting on the ball and keeping possession.

I'm not suggesting the way the played under Silva was better. It was different. But they were still trying. Just trying at his way of playing.

It's an accusation Barkley used to constantly get because he wasn't steaming into tackles or chasing lost causes. He was too busy making himself constantly available for a pass and constantly trying to make things happen. He didn't always get it right but his effort was faultless for me.

But a lot of the fans find it easier to see effort in chasing down players and sliding into challenges. I get that. But I completely disagree that these players weren't trying.

Paul Tran
365 Posted 08/12/2019 at 14:24:46
Agreed, Tommy.
Steavey Buckley
366 Posted 08/12/2019 at 14:25:54
It was refreshing and relaxing for players and fans to revert to a 4-4-2 formation that allowed Everton's 2 strikers to compete effectively against Chelsea's central defenders.

And that was the main reason why Everton won 3-1, instead of having just one striker competing by himself in an ineffective 4-3-3 system favoured by Silva.

Dave Abrahams
367 Posted 08/12/2019 at 14:28:57
With one Everton player, it doesn't matter who he plays under – Koeman, Unsworth, Allardyce, Silva or Ferguson – it makes no difference because he is just a very poor player and he will cost Everton as long as he is selected.
Tony Williams
368 Posted 08/12/2019 at 14:45:09
All these excuses coming through, lost, not bothering or caring, they can't just not bother that in itself is a condemnation, that is treating the fans with contempt. Excuses once again. Excuses doesn't excuse lack of effort.
Stephen Brown
369 Posted 08/12/2019 at 14:52:57
There's been many a debate on here about Big Dunc's legendary status as a player! But what cannot now be questioned is the fact that he's one of us!

He's my favourite Everton player and to see the scenes yesterday genuinely brought tears to my eyes! I've watched the celebrations with the ballboys about 100 times today! I love it!

I'm not sure if he's the long-term answer but as he rightly said himself that moment cannot be taken away from him!!

I'd love him to recreate it at Wembley in February! We all deserve (Dunc included) our moment! Well done Dunc!!

Tony Abrahams
370 Posted 08/12/2019 at 14:58:46
The players looked lost and played like they had been given too much information, and this is why I came out of Goodison completely numb after the Norwich game, Tony. Yesterday, the players never had to think that much, and just played a simple game, especially because they only had the ball for less than a third of the game.

We went from being over-complicated, to playing a very basic game, no fucking about trying to constantly play out from the back, and two forwards which helped us get the ball forward much quicker.

I thought Everton did alright against Man City, but I'm sure if Silva would have used Duncan's tactics that day, then we would have beat the Champions, instead of playing a game that suited a team playing with a patched-up defence.

Stan Schofield
371 Posted 08/12/2019 at 15:32:36
This idea, often repeated on ToffeeWeb, that the players often didn't try under Martinez, Koeman, and Silva is a complete bag of shite.

I have never seen any Everton player not trying. The trouble is, no matter how hard they try, if they're off form or setup badly by the manager, the effort might produce little end product.

The key here is organisation. When a team is well organised, we get the best out of players, they enjoy the game, want the ball more, and produce a better end product.

Professional footballers started out playing football because they love it. The money they get is a bi-product of that, just like any profession where an exceptional level of talent is required in addition to effort. Their job cannot be compared to most jobs. Most people go out to work to get money to live, not because they love the activity. It's time that criticism of players for supposedly not trying is knocked on the head.

John G Davies
372 Posted 08/12/2019 at 15:37:30
Stan,

I have seen many recent occasions when Everton players are not giving 100%. Jumping out of 50-50s, hiding instead of showing for a pass, etc. Plain to see on too many occasions.

Paul Tran
373 Posted 08/12/2019 at 16:10:25
John G, the point I was making is that I don't think that's down to players 'not trying', it's a result of poor organisation and management. And again, this isn't an 'excuse', it's what can happen when a team is poorly managed and motivated. It takes the edge of people's performance.

I think its appalling, but it says as much about the management as it does about the players.

John G Davies
374 Posted 08/12/2019 at 16:17:07
Fair enough Paul if that's how you see it. I have never understood not giving 100% in every game, never have and never will.

I recall Graeme Sharpe's comments when a co-commentator praised the players some seasons ago for their commitment.

"Players should not receive praise for commitment, that should be a given in any game."

I think that about sums it up for me.
Paul Tran
375 Posted 08/12/2019 at 16:33:34
John G, I agree with you. I suspect none of players believe they've ever given less than 100%. We know there are occasions when it doesn't look that way.

I think everybody should be fired up for their work. When they're not, and they're not aware of it, it's management's job to notice. All too often in recent years, lax management has allowed our players to get away with it.

Hate to say it, but that lot across the park always look fired up – that's their management instilling good habits. Should be a given, it sadly hasn't been for us.

Tony Williams
376 Posted 08/12/2019 at 16:37:06
It is all excuses, it's not an Under11 team, they are highly paid professional footballers and you just cannot justify trash, and lack of effort, eg, vs Sheff Utd, Norwich.

We all love our club and want success but apathy and blind support amongst the supporters to me encourage what we have been watching; our expectations must change.

Aarron Stobie
377 Posted 08/12/2019 at 16:38:46
I personally think that we wont end up with a manager until at least next week. This is because Niko Kovač was lightning quick to sound out any rumours of being the new Everton boss. Whilst Gallardo won't commit to River Plate I'm sure that he won't come to us with the likes of Barcelona and Arsenal wanting his services.

I think the only people that are really in contention are Duncan Ferguson and Eddie Howe. It's clear to see that Duncan Ferguson wants the job and will accept any sort of offer. On the other hand Eddie Howe is clearly unsettled at Bournemouth and would also accept an offer from us.

Whoever the new boss is, it's pretty clear to see any hopes of top 6 or even Europa League are completely off the cards unless we have a miracle second half of the season which is unlikely. We will get top 10 at best but the new manager will have plenty of money to spend ahead of next season.

Paul A Smith
378 Posted 08/12/2019 at 16:41:35
I am with you, John G Davies. I understand we all get down in our jobs and it can become mundane but on a matchday I can't think if anything but wanting to win.

How a professional can think it is okay to stroll through a game and not give everything to win is very strange to me.

That is how they got there in the first place. Maybe Silva should have spotted a lack of desire and urged more but I think it's a prerequisite anyway.

Joe McMahon
379 Posted 08/12/2019 at 16:45:31
John G, I'm with you. They should try my job with the long hours and pay, then they'd realise how privileged a life they have.
Michael Kenrick
380 Posted 08/12/2019 at 17:22:36
Sorry, I'm with Stan (#371). In fact, his post should be on auto-repeat every time we get this fallacious claim on here.

Yes, I fully understand the logic of expectation expressed by Tony and others, but, as others have said so many time on here, the players are not robots. You are using very simplistic logic to reach a completely false conclusion.

The team performs badly; obviously the players are not trying. A new manager comes in, the team plays better, the players are obviously trying more than they were... meaning they weren't trying.

Sorry, but that completely misses the point of what happens (a) when you have a hopelessly incompetent incomprehensible manager in charge, and (b) when you replace him with a Goodison icon, a former player, a passionate lifelong Evertonian who changed the way they play, who organised and motivated them to play differently.

It's not going to work every week, but to invert the passion and desire of the occasion yesterday into a condemnation of the players' previous efforts, rather than the stifling effect of the previous manager, for everything we have suffered beforehand this season, is completely wrong.

Tony Williams
381 Posted 08/12/2019 at 17:23:04
John G (374), Paul(378)
Well said.
John G Davies
383 Posted 08/12/2019 at 17:29:24
Michael K.

What is your explanation for players jumping out of tackles?

I have seen that several times this season. Not dainty wingers of course but supposed battling midfielders.

Michael Kenrick
384 Posted 08/12/2019 at 17:42:47
Perhaps it's self-preservation, John G? A desire not to have one's leg broken.

Sorry, but I'm not a stupid fan who demands every player goes 100% into every tackle. Every situation like that has its unique split-second circumstance and nuances. Sensible players will jump out of some tackles and not others.

Anyway, your point is a complete red herring. The change of manager and its impact on the team and how the players play as a team... try and focus on that, John. That is the issue.

Mark Dunford
385 Posted 08/12/2019 at 17:42:53
Agree with Michael and Stan. Silva was massively out of his depth and the situation got worse with just about every game this year. He was also incredibly unlucky with VAR and injuries.

Ferguson had the same pool of players to choose from, but reorganised them, simplified the plan and inspired with his own commitment and performance. It may not continue in same vein, but - no doubt - he vastly exceeded expectations in a really difficult fixture and fully deserves a further, serious chance in next few fixtures.

Paul A Smith
386 Posted 08/12/2019 at 17:47:14
Another thing John G, these players are all on social media now. They see the reactions of fans and take it as what the majority are thinking.

Managers are rarely on social media and if they are its usually to check if their players are behaving correctly.

I believe a lot of players go through the motions thinking -its ok, the fans are not on my case and the manager will be the fall guy.

As a man trying to be honest, I could never do that knowing kids and adults in great numbers depend on me.

When I realised all this stuff counts with this generation I decided to give managers more respect without really thinking about it.

Imagine being a fireman and your attitude was, ah its ok, whoever started the fire will get the blame anyway.

Andy Crooks
387 Posted 08/12/2019 at 17:49:03
In my time as an Evertonian, I have seen demoralized players, bewildered players, players played out of position who look bad, but non-triers are rare.

Silva and his team combined to make both look bad. Silva did his best. It just never fell into place.

Paul A Smith
388 Posted 08/12/2019 at 17:53:32
Agree to an extent with Andy Crooks too. Silva was trying to play his way (and the way Moshiri seems to demand) with a quality of player it didn't suit.

He should have reverted to type because this squad is more suited to yesterday's 'in your face', 'we win the battle' style.

The high line with slow centre-halves was his biggest fault for me, whereas, with Zouma, it was progressing.

Paul Tran
389 Posted 08/12/2019 at 17:57:55
John G, here's my take.

Caveat: I think it's disgraceful that any player gives less than the maximum.

Player is human. Player has demotivating manager that give too much information and detail. Player plays shit. Team plays shit. Player lives luxurious life that we dream of but still feels unloved and unfulfilled. Player is egotistical man than needs assurance. Player goes onto pitch demotivated. Player subconsciously goes through the motions thinking he's giving his all. Player knows that coach and club will keep picking him because they're as weak as he is. Player doesn't go the extra mile. That includes not putting himself at risk, so he decides he 'can't' make the tackle and pulls out.

Or I could just say he's a lazy bastard. That's easier, but doesn't solve anything.

Footballers earn good money, but like every workplace I've experienced, some are more committed, more resilient, more courageous than others. Some will work their socks off (as they all should) and some will need a kick up the arse.

Over 50% of our waking hours are spent on autopilot, so when your workplace is a shambles, you have a different, ineffective manager every year, you don't perform and still get a massive pay cheque despite underachieving, there's a chance you'll work the same way.

The only solution is to get a manager who makes it clear that nothing below 100% is acceptable, that there's no automatic picks and that you work, you deliver or you're out. You set the culture and you stick to it. That's what Liverpool did and look at them now.

Paul A Smith
390 Posted 08/12/2019 at 18:02:33
Great last paragraph, Paul Tran. As horrible as it is to look up to them, having an ambitious owner makes it vital to look into what they have done since Klopp came in and spend more time on thinking about important player values.

On the pitch and off it.

John G Davies
391 Posted 08/12/2019 at 18:10:53
Michael K.

Schneiderlin. Played for Southampton, played well enough to get a move to Man Utd. Got a move to Everton.

Position? Holding midfielder who loves a tackle, a lot of the time going on the floor into tackles he had no chance of winning, resulting in yellow and red cards.

I have seen him jump out of 50-50 tackles this season. Are you suggesting that is because Silva didn't give him instructions on tackling?

Paul Tran
392 Posted 08/12/2019 at 18:20:15
Yes Paul. I've been watching us since 1971. Bar those brief, wonderful spells in mid 80s & 90s, I've watched talented, mediocre & dreadful players under-achieve and just not quite go the extra mile. During the mid 80s, I heard most of that team called lazy at some point.

The difference in the mid 80s and 94/95 was that those teams cared passionately about winning. They developed a competitive, winning culture that we haven't seen for years. It was easier to forgive the blips, because we trusted them.

In 1983, those same players were called lazy and worse. Did they care less then? Did they try less? It may have appeared that way, but I'm not convinced.

We need someone in post that has the players enjoying working their socks off so we trust them again.

I wasn't surprised we reacted yesterday.

Michael Kenrick
393 Posted 08/12/2019 at 18:30:29
God, you're like a dog with a fuckin bone, JG.

I don't care if Schneiderlin jumps out of some tackles. He may be preventing a broken leg. Or do you not agree that considerations of self-preservation may enter the equation?

When playing for Southampton and Man Utd, did Schneidelrin go into every tackle 100% regardless of the danger and never ever jump out? Is that what you're saying? How can you be sure? Did you watch every minute of every game he played for them? I think not...

So you see him jump out of some tackles when playing for Everton... Again, I don't care one jot that he does, but you do. All I'm saying is maybe the factors raised above affected his judgement, desire and commitment when playing in teams poorly organized and (un)motivated by Silva?

Some of us think that's a reasonable explanation for what you see as a lack of commitment. Nobody ever suggested it was because Silva gave him instructions on tackling. How ridculous! How would we even know?

Please stop now.

Jay Harris
397 Posted 08/12/2019 at 19:24:46
Motivation, Inspiration and organization.

# things that Silva lacked and big Dunc has in spades.

That was the difference yesterday.

Now all we need is a manger with those qualities and be a master tactician.

Danny O'Neill
398 Posted 08/12/2019 at 21:06:22
Posted this on the match report too.

I think yesterday showed what motivation can do. I'm a massive football purist, but you can't win unless you earn the right to play football. You do that through passion & desire. Passion & desire alone won't win you football matches, but you have to have it or the ability doesn't matter; and vice versa.
So, it seems apparent that having watched the same players yesterday as we have for the previous part of the season, motivation was missing. That was Sliva's problem. He seemed very popular with the players but there was no fear factor. To coin Peter Reid's quote on the recent Howard's Way film: "I'd have run through brick walls for him". Silva was / is a coach, not a leader. Like Martinez before him.

To repeat what I said on the forum yesterday, let's not knee jerk here and make an emotional decision. Let's not have a United / Solskjaer moment. Forget yesterday, that club will unfortunately have to sack a club legend & fans' favourite at some point in the near future.

Let's continue the search for the right manager. Duncan can buy the club time so they don't have to make a stupid short term decision (e.g. appoint Moyes god forbid). But don't ruin Duncan by riding the wave of emotion & making him an offer he can't refuse.

Elevate his status and make him assistant manager in any future structure but don't give him the top job just yet.

Danny O'Neill
399 Posted 08/12/2019 at 21:12:56
Absolutely Paul Tran. Regardless of what many may opine on the modern footballer, they are human and need managing & motivating.

And again, you are totally on the mark with what Klopp has done at Liverpool. He's not necessarily a Pep in terms of tactical nouse or ability, but he has motivated a bunch of players to the point of forgetting how to lose.

Neil Copeland
400 Posted 08/12/2019 at 21:55:44
Did anyone notice Richarlison's reaction to being substituted? He was pissed off, despite picking up a knock in the first half and being on a yellow. I thought his reaction was great and exactly the passion that we want to see from our players every week.

I agree that the players were trying under Silva, they looked gutted at every goal conceded and every game lost. It was his tactics that weren't working.

However, Duncan found a system that suited the occasion and found a way of getting what Everton is about into the players heads. The difference yesterday was self belief and belief in the tactics being employed. Perhaps the old adage of “a change is as good as a rest” was a factor.

Collectively Ferguson, the team and the support brought a level of pride back to Everton FC at a time when it was desperately needed. The next few games will be very interesting as will the next few weeks regarding the manager position.

Whatever happens, the moment belongs overall to Duncan Ferguson who, against all the odds, may have just saved our season. Like others, I am praying that he continues to succeed if only to see him on the same touch line as Mr Ed.

Danny O'Neill
401 Posted 08/12/2019 at 22:44:42
At the time, I thought that was a poor substitution, Neil. We lost an outlet that had been causing Chelsea problems and then relied on hopeful balls to Calvert-Lewin.

Sod's law (and gratefully), I was proven wrong; however, we rode our luck. Tom Davies was ironically involved in the 3rd & decisive goal; however, prior to that, he almost done what he did against Leicester in giving away possession cheaply (he cost us 2 goals in that match).

Neil Copeland
402 Posted 08/12/2019 at 23:07:23
Danny, you were not alone, I thought the same of the substitution. My heart was in my mouth regarding Tom Davies at times. I can't fault his desire but he can be sloppy with his passing.

All's well that ends well, I suppose, and gives us something to build on.

Steve Ferns
405 Posted 08/12/2019 at 23:20:40
I reckon Tom Davies would have started had he not been carrying a knock. He struggled to start the Leicester game and was taken off with the injury in the Derby. Ferguson clearly felt he was not 100%.

I think we'll see Ferguson get Tom in for the Man Utd game if he's still in charge. I think Tom did fine and, whilst Gylfi ran a lot, I'd much rather see Tom in that position in a 4-4-2.

Derek Knox
406 Posted 08/12/2019 at 23:22:35
Brian @ 324, Re: the video clip, I am like you, I don't know how to upload these things, but I know you already have my email address, so if you can send it, would be much appreciated.

Still euphoric after yesterday, and couldn't sleep last night, even after a couple of Lagers, so I re-watched Reds & Blues, The ballad of Dixie and Kenny.

Okay it's a bit old hat but still funny, and for anyone that hasn't seen it, try to watch it, you won't regret it. You will recognise a lot of its stars and includes Howard Kendall too!

Steve Ferns
407 Posted 08/12/2019 at 23:29:12
Brian @324: was it this video of Bill?

Link

Neil Copeland
408 Posted 08/12/2019 at 23:29:35
Derek, very good!

Steve, I like Tom Davies but worry about the number of times he gives up possession. Difficult one versus Sigurdsson who I thought improved the longer the game went on.

If Siggy's form and goals return, then I would rather see him than Tom. Having said that, Tom's high energy certainly adds something to the team and perhaps we will need that against Man Utd.

Steve Ferns
409 Posted 08/12/2019 at 23:32:53
Neil, we didn't make most of those 37 tackles because Tom Davies gave it away! We were giving it away all game long.

It's ridiculous and incorrect to talk about how he gave it away. He's a fantastic player and he fights hard, never gives up and makes things happen. I wish we had more like him.

Danny O'Neill
410 Posted 08/12/2019 at 23:33:45
Look, I was absolutely delighted with the response, the result and for Duncan.

But please, 4-4-2 is an absolute formation in the modern game. Over the course of a season, you will get overrun in midfield, as we pretty much did do yesterday.

Steve Ferns
411 Posted 08/12/2019 at 23:38:12
Danny, I think some people need to watch the game back, and take the emotion out of it and see how easily Chelsea got through the lines. And that's with 100% effort, 100% passion, and the crowd at maximum. We can't match the effort and passion every game, it's impossible.

I was crying out for Tom Davies from the time we went 2-0 up as we needed to get an extra man in the midfield to stop them just dancing through our lines as we were so outnumbered and Gylfi and Morgan kept getting so far apart.

Neil Copeland
412 Posted 08/12/2019 at 23:39:09
Steve, that's fair comment about yesterday but he gave it away at Leicester and Liverpool and it cost us. It has cost us previously also although I can't remember a specific incident.

I don't disagree that Tom is very talented but prefer to see an in-form Sigurdsson playing (assuming of course that his form is returning which is, I know, perhaps optimistic based upon 45 minutes).

Steve Ferns
413 Posted 08/12/2019 at 23:43:31
Neil, I disagree that Tom cost us. It wasn’t like the Iwobi pass. Tom gave it away much higher up the pitch and there was plenty of opportunity to make a tackle.
John Reynolds
414 Posted 09/12/2019 at 00:52:59
36-odd hours on, with a few glasses of red wine on board, I think that Dunc's final whistle celebrations yesterday are the highlight of my Everton years since Gareth Farrelly and Jean-Luca Vialli's goals in May 1998. (There's still a sod of Goodison in the front garden from the post match pitch invasion, dancing with friends and strangers in The Clock and missing my flight.)

I'm lucky enough to have been around in the 80s. We're a long way from there but it's not impossible. It begins with belief. That came back yesterday. Systems, formations, tactics are all important but irrelevant without that sense. If Dunc can instill that in the players beyond today then he has my vote.

All I know about his role in the club is that he has been retained under 4 managers. Lots of people have disparaged him as Duncan McCones and suchlike, but I've always felt he has been underrated. On the few occasions he has granted interviews he’s come across as much more intelligent, thoughtful and reflective than the common view of him suggests.

Finally, he has met my 8-year-old nephew on trips over from Ireland over the past 3 years and every time he has been warm, welcoming and made his day. That little man has suffered slings and arrows in school from Man City and Liverpool fans but kept the faith and he's watched Dunc hugging the ballboy at least 25 times. He'll go into class with his chin up tomorrow.

We can be heroes, just for one day.

Steve Ferns
415 Posted 09/12/2019 at 02:56:05
Anyone notice how Calvert-Lewin was ready to head in Richarlison’s goal? With that one and Tosuns (against Tottenham when he headed Tosun!) he’d be on 7 in PL and 9 for the season. He’s definitely gone up a level.
Danny O'Neill
416 Posted 09/12/2019 at 06:01:37
**absolute should read obsolete. I, like John, was still feeling the effect of the red variety of grape!!
Derek Knox
417 Posted 09/12/2019 at 09:01:55
Steve @ 415, watched that small video of Jabba the Hut post-match celebrating and generally appearing to be the drunken rear half of a Pantomime Horse. He evidently has a lot more sway than he should have with 5% and even has the temerity to brag about it to all and sundry.

As Chris Kamara would say " Unbeliievable Jeff unbelievable".

Paul A Smith
418 Posted 09/12/2019 at 10:30:04
Steve 411 I thought Davies needed to come on because Kovacic was picking everything up.

Davies was poor but the extra man made it better for the team.

Steve Ferns
419 Posted 09/12/2019 at 10:52:43
Paul, I am pretty certain that Tom Davies was carrying an injury. This was said by Silva for the Leicester and Liverpool games, he played in both and came off against Liverpool when Silva needed to save his career but instead took Davies off and brought on Schniederlin. It must have been injury for that to happen at that stage.

Also, factor in Schneiderlin's run-in with Duncan Ferguson with Kevin Mirallas. Maybe that is all water under the bridge. It makes more sense to me that Duncan went with Morgan Schneiderlin due to Tom carrying a knock; also note the affectionate kiss by Duncan to Davies.

Martin Mulrooney
420 Posted 09/12/2019 at 11:17:48
I believe we should keep the same team and formation against Man Utd at the weekend, if Ferguson remains in charge.

Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin both have the legs and stamina to press and cover space, between them, that an extra ‘advanced midfielder' would provide, but limiting our counter-attacking potential.

Richarlison on many occasions was performing the duties of an extra midfielder anyway.

Calvert Lewin, with someone alongside him, can be an absolute nightmare for defenders. How many aerial challenges does he either win outright or prevent defenders from retaining possession and quickly allowing their team to get back on the front foot.

Direct balls, set-pieces and crosses will most likely make up a significant portion of our attacking output and with Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison on the pitch, we have a chance.

Once they have given it their all and sapped the defenders' energy levels, then Kean is a perfect impact sub, at this moment, to go sniffing for a goal.

Did Davies retain possession or win more duels than Richarlison?

Steve Ferns
421 Posted 09/12/2019 at 11:27:14
Martin, do you have no concerns that too often Sigurdsson went to the left touchline to help stop an attack, and Schniederlin then came steaming across to snuff out the danger only for Chelsea to play around him and go straight at our defence, through the middle and have free reign to get at the defence?

This happened at least 5 times and we survived by sheer will and determination. You cannot rely on that every match. We had gaping holes in the middle as a result of the deficiencies of 4-4-2 and we cannot run that risk again.

4-4-2 could work if played with different personnel. Say we had a Gueye or a Kante who can cover the ground and play like two men. Gbamin should be such a player, if he ever gets fit! Davies if fit will cover a lot more ground and should make a difference.

I don't think Delph would make much impact though, as he doesn't have the legs, however, he can read the game well and maybe this could make a difference if paired with Davies and so able to control the youngster.

Martin Mulrooney
422 Posted 09/12/2019 at 11:45:56
Steve 421:

(I am new to this, so please don't pass judgement on any formatting mistakes)

Long-term, I believe it will require a different approach or personnel change but, for the situation we are in, I say roll the dice again and try to outwork and outmuscle a result.

I don't believe Davies, deployed as an No 10, offers much more than Richarlison does when he is involved in both phases of play.

I don't know the figures but does he win a significant amount more duels or cover more ground?

I wouldn't say Davies offered any more protection, once he came on, either in ground covered, space occupied, tackles won, or retention of the ball. This is not a negative post about Davies but a post championing the merits of ‘more of the same', please.

Matthew Williams
423 Posted 09/12/2019 at 12:39:04
Phew... a much needed win. Not so much "The Dogs Of War", more like "The Mersey Mutts" to me but at least our lads can show some bottle and belief when it matters.

I just hope we can really show that level of intensity in our away matches and also in both our upcoming Cup ties when the pressure to achieve will be ramped up to the max.

All credit to the big man when it mattered on Saturday... thank you.

COYB

Paul A Smith
424 Posted 09/12/2019 at 13:18:32
Steve, I can only stick to things I know are true.
You seem to believe everything the papers or a "source" looking for attention says.

You think he kissed Davies because it fits the narrative you pose about Davies being injured. It's absolute gossip and sounds more soppy than Kenwright.

So how come he kissed the ballboy then? Was he playing through injury too?

Davies was poor vs Norwich, had a hand in both of Leicester's goals and I am pretty sure if you are out of form and injured you are not being risked at all. In any sport.

Sack all the hearsay and believing muppets like Greg O'Keefe who has an agenda of his own and is trying to get reactions for his new venture. Which is also common practice to the streetwise.

Greg O'Keefe. I watched him torn apart by someone who shouldn't have stood a chance against anyone educated. Like all the other modern-day journos, he follows Twitter for ideas and now has a podcast.

Let's see if the little shithouse interviews someome like Paul Gregg or someone with real information about Everton. Instead of all the guesswork and no quotes.

Steve Ferns
425 Posted 09/12/2019 at 13:34:12
Paul, if you go off what you know to be true, then that's not very much at all, is it? If you speak to different people, and hear things that overlap, then you can accept that there is some truth to it.

I note you don't like Greg O'Keefe. I always found him to be a decent guy, and that's from meeting him often through work, and in the gym at the top of Old Hall Street.

Paul Cherrington
426 Posted 09/12/2019 at 14:40:05
An absolutely brilliant result and performance inspired by Big Dunc at the weekend. Well done to the big man – a true blue legend and he obviously has what it takes to get a performance out of this group of players.

Pretty special when he got the same players who had been rubbish for Silva recently playing so well in such a short space of time. Well done Dunc! I would certainly give him a few more games in charge now and, if he continues to do so well, let him have the job properly.

I think the big man being in charge at the weekend showed some key things too:

- How important it is to have a manager who is actively involved with the game and what is happening on the pitch. Seeing Big Dun shout, show passion and celebrate was such a refreshing change from someone merely standing there like a statue, passively watching what was going on. I think it not only helped the crowd to be up for the game but also rubbed off on the players too. When the man in charge is showing passion and desire, the players will too.

- How important it is to stick to simple plans and basic instructions. We all know Dunc did this on Saturday with a formation the team understood and apparently no complicated set of instructions or masses of data weighing on their minds. By keeping it simple and not making it all full of complex formations and messages, he unlocked the on-field paralysis and allowed them to simply play. It's not a hard game - get the ball and put it in their net or work hard when you don't have it to stop them.

- How important it is having someone connected to the club in charge who really understands us and can get the fans excited. Big Dunc showed how much of a difference this makes by being a figure everyone was behind from the off and understanding what Everton fans expect from our team. I just think some of the managers who come from outside the club don't have this grasp of things or that connection with the fans. Especially the foreign coaches who don't get how much we value fight, passion and desire.

Paul A Smith
427 Posted 09/12/2019 at 18:23:07
I see Paul Merson has said Brands should manage the team if he is buying the players and see how hard he finds it.

https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/12/09/paul-merson-suggests-marcel-brands-should-take-charge-of-everton/

I see his point here to be fair.
Yes I remember he thought Richarlison was overpriced.

I see the point in him doing the negotiations and sorting contracts throughout the club but picking the players for the manager?

That is an accident waiting to happen in my eyes.

Danny O'Neill
428 Posted 09/12/2019 at 18:56:45
Depends which direction we want to go in Paul. If we adopt a true Director of Football model, then we should embrace it or not do it at all. It's a continental approach and in a way has worked even in the Premier League.

If you get it right, then it matters not who the coach (note coach, not traditional Moyes style British manager) is. You can replace the coach because the structure throughout the club doesn't change. Theoretically anyone should be able to step in and pick up the reins. It's how all the top European clubs work. It's how Chelsea have operated for more than a decade with an impressive trophy haul to show for it. It's pretty much what City have done. They can change the coach and it doesn't really impact in the way changing a traditional British manager does.

The key is allowing the manager / coach of the day to have a say. I think (don't know), that's maybe where we have so far fallen down with adopting this model.

EDIT: One last thing; never ever listen to anything Merson says. He a total arse. I'm usually more constructive than that, but I can't think of anything more constructive to say about Merson.

Paul A Smith
429 Posted 09/12/2019 at 19:15:21
As the old saying goes Danny, Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
Merson tallks a lot in his job so he gets a lot right and a lot wrong.

He does make a good point here in my opinion because of our current situation and because of the last crop bought by a director of football.

I understand your point too Danny and its not a fact it doesn't work but to me, Brands needed a year or 2 in British football before he decides what the criteria is to bring a player in.

I am not sure how all the other directors of football work but anyone bringing the City, United, Shite etc Directors of Football into the equation is a nonsense because it doesn't take a Brands to identify the targets they go for.

Doing the deal as said above I see fine mate but the criteria for a very good deal in the premiership has to be far more scrutinised.

The system I saw Moyes used to bring players in seemed to work fine and with the funds available now we could entice higher up the kind of lists he drew up.

I do want it to work mate but I don't think the club have structured the roles properly.

Ray Dimmer
431 Posted 09/12/2019 at 20:49:18
Ferguson for the manager for at least the rest of the season!

Players love him, fans love him, he's a true Toffee!

Danny O'Neill
432 Posted 09/12/2019 at 23:12:26
It seemed to work with Moyes? It got us out of trouble but then we hit the glass ceiling. Is that what we want to go back to? I suppose that depends on expectation. I watched Everton win the league twice & want to see it again.

It works for most successful European & English teams that actually win trophies in the modern game. Moyes never has and never will win anything.

Danny O'Neill
433 Posted 09/12/2019 at 23:24:43
And I don't buy the "must understand British football" criteria. Firstly, British / English football is overrated, hence the prominence of overseas players.

Second, name me a Britiish manager who has won the league in recent years outside of Alex Ferguson. Noone. And none of those non-Britiish managers had previous Premier League experience ot the "Britishness" so many deem necessary until they were given there first in the Premier League

Steve Ferns
434 Posted 09/12/2019 at 23:29:59
Danny, don’t forget Ferguson masks a lot of it too. Go to English managers and the last two league winners were Howard Wilkinson and Leeds in 1992 and Howard Kendall for us in 1987. They says a lot for me.
Danny O'Neill
435 Posted 09/12/2019 at 23:47:22
It says a lot indeed. We (England / UK) don't have the standard of manager/ coach around who will win trophies. I don't say that triumphantly, it's just fact. Local or British managers will give us passion & the odd day like we've just had. Right now they will not bring us trophies.
Derek Knox
436 Posted 10/12/2019 at 06:11:30
Steve @ 434, so if it's to be an English Manager his Christian name would have to Howard. Can't think of too many who would satisfy that criteria. :-)
Paul A Smith
437 Posted 10/12/2019 at 06:30:00
Danny of course it worked with Moyes. I am not talking about how much money he had I am talking about how he chose a signing.

"I've seen us win the league twice" so have I and I am up in arms about how we buy and sell now.

Hugh Jenkins
438 Posted 10/12/2019 at 09:09:00
Surely, nationality has nothing to do with ability?

Frankly, I find it a ridiculous assertion to say that a manager (of any nationality) cannot achieve anything, because of their nationality.

In football, It all comes down not just to the individual ability of the manager, but also the players they manage and all the support structure behind them, at any given team.

As in all walks of life, some individuals are more gifted than others, for many different reasons.

However, the nationality of the individual, is not one of them.

Hugh Jenkins
439 Posted 10/12/2019 at 10:28:16
Paul (427) - I don't think that Brands "picks the players for the manager", in the sense you have suggested.

From the interviews with both Brands and Silva over the last season, it seems more a matter of the manager telling the DoF the type of player he wants / needs for a position and then the DoF going and finding that specific type of player and negotiating the terms of transfer and player salary etc.

In the past Bill Kenwright used to do the financial part and in recent time Moyes did the identifying part.

These are the two roles that I believe Brands has taken over.

Neil Copeland
440 Posted 10/12/2019 at 12:56:13
I find the manager nationality thing a bit odd too. Based upon recent times it would suggest that the new man must be Italian, Spanish or Portuguese. We all know how the last one turned out for us.

I bet if you look over the past say 40 years there will be a fairly even spread of success versus nationality.

There may not be a UK manager that stands out at the moment but it doesn’t mean to say there isn’t one at all. I am not saying that I want any of these names; Howe, Dyche, Rodgers, Lampard, Potter, Gerrard but who knows what they may achieve given the opportunity.

Too many factors involved to rule out any nationality.

Brian Wilkinson
441 Posted 10/12/2019 at 14:21:53

Ferguson got the team playing today, he gets what Everton means, I would certainly not be in a rush to bring a Manager in just yet.

I would give Dunc a game at a time, I would certainly have him in charge of the Leicester cup game next week, Goodison under the lights, crowd up for it, gives us an advantage against a good Leicester side.

Like I have been saying for a year or so on here, football is a simple game, made complicated by over tactical shite, too much information and pages of notes drilled out to the players.

Duncan made it simple, every player knew what they had to do and did it.

Why over complicate the game, keep it simple, go out and do your job and help your team mates out when needed.

Same again please Duncan for me, put the new Manager on hold for now.

Paul Cherrington
442 Posted 10/12/2019 at 15:01:15
I do think that having a British manager who understands what Everton are about, what the Premier League is about and what our fans want from a football team is important. Otherwise we end up with the recent crop of managers like Silva, Koeman and Martinez who just do not get it. You saw the instant uplift around the place on Saturday that having the right sort of person in charge has.

The trouble with some foreign managers in the EPL is that they neglect to understand how important playing with passion and desire is to fans and also to succeeding here. like Silva et al, they think that a clever formation and dossier of facts is all you need. They just don't get that teams here won't stand around and watch you pass it around the 18 yard box to your hearts content.

The other thing that you have to accept is the barrier having a foreign coach who doesn't speak good English presents. listening to Silva, Martinez or Koeman speak usually saw me switch off after about 30 seconds. Can you imagine how the players felt hearing them waffle on without making sense every day? This is the other reason a British manager is so important - they can make themselves understood and get the players motivated with the right phrase or words. I know Big Dunc or Moyes don't speak the queen's English but you can bet the players listened to them and knew what they wanted. with most foreign managers all you get is the same two phrases repeated over and over again.

Danny O'Neill
443 Posted 10/12/2019 at 16:20:11
On the nationality thing, that was more my point Neil (& Hugh before you). It isn't important, I was just trying to articulate (probably not very clearly), the lack of quality in British managers right now. I get fearful of the "must have Premier League experience" tag, as on one hand it throws up the spectre of the usual re-cycled British suspects (Moyes, Pardew, Hughes, Allardyce etc) or we go for a Martinez or a Silva. Yes they had Premier League experience but they also got teams relegated.

I suppose my point should have been look outside the Premier League be that to the continent or the Championship. And I don't care about nationality.

Fair call out on Moyes Paul. I was trying to point out that the DoF model can & does work too. I do have faith in Brands. I think out most calamitous "strategy" was the season we bought Rooney back. Bill, being the sentimental old fool he is, went and brought "our Wayne" back. Koeman bought Klaasen because he was Dutch & Walsh pursued various targets who escape me now (although credit him for Guaye). It's like they'd all gone out shopping, agreed to meet afterwards & told each other what they'd bought when they got back!!

Dave Abrahams
444 Posted 10/12/2019 at 17:03:09
Steve (407), just watched that link of crying arse, doing what he does, in a room full of grown men, how come not one of them gave him a load of stick, what a sickening, vomit inducing phoney the man is, how can anyone listen to him, at the very least get up and walk away.

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