The Ancelotti era starts with a win and 3 vital points

This suggests to me that Carlo wants us more on the front foot and getting more quality delivery into the penalty area which the above four are capable of doing.

Tom Davies, who has been playing well in spite of his doubters, probably needs a breather as Dunc said he was playing with a knock.

Let the fun times begin!

Interesting move with Sidibe.. crosses into Dominic and Richarlison would seem to be the order of the day.

Happy christmas to all...

It looked a bit nervous in the opening 5 minutes as players re-adjusted to the new manager's evident demand to revert to playing it out from the back, but as the half progressed things definitely got slicker.

It looks a very fluid line up to me, sometimes a back 3, at others a back four. Coleman looks very good in it! Mina and Holgate comfortable, playing out nicely through the lines to Delph, Bernard and Siggy, all also playing nicely. Digne is the one who really isn't up to speed with the rest.

Both Richarlison and DCL a mixed bag. Some very good movement and control, but also some poor decision making on the ball at times or missed opportunities.

Yes, Everton is way ahead on possession and content to go backwards and sidewards at times, but to me it appears more purposeful than under Silva as every player is looking for the quicker more incisive ball forward when the opportunity presents itself.

Very encouraging I thought. Only one irritation. the co-commentator on the stream I'm watching. He's watching a different game to me with his negative comments about how Everton is playing.

Impressive start, Carlo.

Sigurdsson is having his usual huffing and puffing game though.

Sidibe playing well in the advanced role and Bernard showing some great skill.

Burnley tough to break down but we're getting looks. Just need some quality from our front three.

In addition, kids becoming ‘successful’ by making it into the first team, will motivate other youngsters and can help the club recruit prospects when they are very young (sign for us and you really do have a chance to play for the first team).

Culturally our club wants to promote youth in order to fulfil its own strategic objectives. It will make Moshiri happy and everyone in the club wants to do that. That culture within the club will impact on the coach and his selection decisions, whether that’s consciously or sub consciously, after all that is what building a culture is all about in business, influencing employees decision making at a sub conscious level.

So I believe Davies has been the ‘look we brought a kid through to the first team’ example that helps Moshiri kid himself that this part of his strategy is working.

Thing is, it isn’t and all the culture has done is pushed Davies into the first team, when he isn’t actually good enough.

COYB!

All up a pretty decent performance. Looked solid, created bits and pieces.

Merry Christmas, Happy Boxing Day, three points.

Carlo is one cool mutha..

Happy Xmas lads.

That didn't age well, did it?

Coleman and Bernard were fantastic, Sidbe's cross once again superb. We looked well organised and were by far the better team.

I think this may be a match which will hopefully underpin the difference between Silva and Ancelotti.

Firstly I liked the system and have been calling for it for a while as it really suits Coleman(now) and Sidibe.

Secondly when we began looking predictable and poor which would normally result in a draw under Silva, Ancelotti changed the system again to a 433 which I believe contributed to the win as it gave us fresh impetus.

Happy day for all Blues

Thanks DCL. COYB.

Thanks DCL. COYB.

Not spectacular but professional and patient.

Newcastle away next, they seem to have hit a bit of form, so won't be easy but not impossible either. Pleased overall but would have liked another goal to reward our dominance.

Hoped Kean would have got a goal to boost his confidence.

Bar the goal the rest of our play was the same the players from both sides were truly dreadful no wonder the shite are easing through the season unopposed the gap is monumental

I do hope Carlo sees this and more importantly has a massive list of replacements.

Three points but truly dreadful

We were the only team trying to win that game. Burnley just set up to steal it.

Only once or twice did I grimace as the defence and midfield played it between them rather than simply hoick it upfield as was the case in the four games under Duncan.

Under Silva, it was constantly heart in mouth time when we played the same way.

Why? Because movement and positioning from his team mates for the man on the ball were often choked off by the opposition. Not so today. There was better movement and often multiple options for the man on the ball.

It's his forte, but I have a sense already that Carlo will quickly crack the defensive side of the team to give us a sound foundation on which to build.

It's also soooooo refreshing to have a manager on the sideline with the capacity to tweak the formation in-game to counter what is happening on the pitch and whose subs are not triggered by the time on the clock, or simply like-for-like.

I don't think anybody had an out-and-out bad game. The standouts for me were Coleman and Bernard. Siggy also had one of his better games of the season. Certainly his dead ball delivery was much improved.

How he recovered the ball tight to the touchline and sent Sidibe away for the cross for the winning goal was excellent.

DCL did some great stuff and he did some duff stuff, but his winning goal was one the likes of Duncan Ferguson and Andy Gray would have been proud of.

Lots to do yet. It would be nice if Carlo could double up on Saturday and record an away win in his first game on the road at Everton. But I for one am chuffed at that showing.

Today, we broke them down. The scoreline won't reflect that at 1-0, but we had multiple opportunities and tore Burnley apart more than once, despite them defending with 8 to 10 men behind the ball at all times.

Just have to finish / work on final 1/3. Very impressed with Carlo's debut.

Hard to single a man of the match out, Holgate again top drawer, Delph, Sidebe, but if push comes to shove, I thought Bernard was outstanding today, going forward, tracking back, he was everywhere.

In less than a month Ferguson has totally revamped this team, now Carlo will have the tact and know how to push this team forward.

Small steps but heading in the right direction.

Its a weird old season. We are now only 2 points off Arsenal and 3 points off Utd. but still only 3 points above 4th from bottom West Ham who have a game in hand.

Lets hope we get something at Newcastle.

Being "our" best player really isn't a high water mark and I did allude to the goal as the exception.

Do focus

Having said that, we did manage to get the ball played into space between their lines today (Bernard making himself available) and if Ancelotti can make us a team that can do that on a regular basis, rather than sideways passing along the back, we shall be much more effective going forward.

I thought Holgate was really good. Calvert lewin has also improved but his first touch when he is inside the box prevents him from being a genuine top striker. I don't think any player was particularly off. Coleman showed he still has much to offer but we are sadly lacking mid field dynamism.

I think that Ancelotti will have learned a lot in these last two games against Arsenal and Burnley. I hope his football wisdom transfers over to the players. Now let us win at Newcastle for as real drive upwards.

I thought Holgate was really good. Calvert lewin has also improved but his first touch when he is inside the box prevents him from being a genuine top striker. I don't think any player was particularly off. Coleman showed he still has much to offer but we are sadly lacking mid field dynamism.

I think that Ancelotti will have learned a lot in these last two games against Arsenal and Burnley. I hope his football wisdom transfers over to the players. Now let us win at Newcastle for as real drive upwards.

Steve@56 stop sulking it's about opinion perhaps you believe this type of error ridden football is what Carlo wants and explains the glut of trophies his cv lists.

Wakey wakey

He knew that Burnley would set up shop and try to push up in midfield. Everton would have been ahead, if not for Pope. Sidebe playing in front of Coleman added to the midfield and provided the essential early ball into the attack. Both Delph and Sigurdsson could learn from this. Bernard eventually did and we got less draw backs and more incisive passing from him. Mina and Holgate working well together. Min a still get caught out, but Holgate going from strength to strengh. Coleman and Sidebe initially did not get it together in defence, but soon overcome that. Richardson played well , but it was tight infant first half.

Burnley went to p!an B in the second half pushing more into the centre field, but Everton kept to task and Ancelotti let Burnley use all options keeping Ever tons shape the same. With more space available he made substitutions and Everton got more chances. Kean will be a better prospect until Ancelotti and it looks that Calvert Lewin will also benifit.

Set Peices defended well against with a higher line. , but Everton need better balls in when they get there own set peices.

Better possession mean''t a more even attack on wings compared to centre, which made things a lot more difficult for Burnley. Faster ball. movement in midfield and better pass comp!etion in the final third would really add to the attacking options.

Most important of all is that Ancelotti knows what he is about and can get it across to the players.

Your snark about a 20 min judgement is best addressed by the comment one of the greatest footballers of all time shared with me "you can tell a great footballer in an instant and a poor player in half that time"

Juvenile in the extreme, now can you Kindly stop digging

Holgate was very good today.
Massive improvement from him.

Thought DCL continued his progression, goal was the iceing on the cake.

Sidibe great again.
Bernard very influential.

All in all a good start to Ancelottis management.

Barry.
Surely not mate?

And then this gem: "I do hope Carlo sees this..."

Um, yeah, he was on the touchline so he probably did.

What a putz.

When a player like Schneiderlin is chosen repeatedly despite criticism, many people assert that the choice is because we paid a lot of money for him. When a player who's come through the ranks is chosen repeatedly despite criticism, many people assert that the choice is because 'he's one of ours'. In both cases, people are making an assertion. And that's all it is, an assertion. On the other hand, my conclusion that players are chosen on merit is based on my observations.

Keep making stuff up this is the era of "fake news" after all.

"putz", lol

Can't wait to read your book review of "The Two Musketeers."

Pickford (6): little to do, had to come out as we were caught square for one when he handled it outside the box, not great but got away with it. A few errant kicks straight out of play. Think Pope is the better GK tbh.

Coleman (7): busted a gut and some excellent supporting runs. Doesn't have the burst of old but far from slow, as some like to suggest. Made me nervous a couple times in possession as last man.

Mina (7): solid game, one vital headed clearance early on. Jury still out.

Holgate (8): unlucky not to score. Handled their physical strikers no problem. Comfortable on the ball. Can play DMC very well too as he has pace and a great engine, what's not to like?

Digne (7: not sure he's fully fit, solid showing, couple of decent crosses and interplay with Bernard. A lot more to come. Could be worth resting for Baines.

Sidibe (7): great cross for the assist, not involved enough first half but a bit of a beast when he hits his stride. A buy at the end of the season, surely?

Sigurdsson (8): predictably moans about him on a rare foray onto the live forum. In reality, produced an excellent all-round midfield display. Battled for everything, made some crucial interceptions and tackles to break up play, including the one that led to the goal. Good FKs but corners sub-par. Always comfortable in possession and kept us ticking. Tried a few through-balls but difficult to play through a compact team sat so deep.

Delph (6): barely noticed him for half an hour. Recycled possession OK but needs to do better to retain his place long-term.

Bernard (8): didn't touch the ball for about 15m, gradually imposed himself and carried a real threat as he drifted infield. Couple of good sequences with Digne.

Richarlison (7): busted his ass as per, some dangerous passages of play, couple of wasteful shots but can't give him a "6" just for his effort alone.

DCL (8): complete striker's performance. Thumping header for the goal. Battles the hardest centre-halves and gives no quarter. Strong in the air, holds the ball up about 5x better than Lukaku. Never stands around waving his arms if he loses the ball or the right pass doesn't come, brilliant attitude. Makes intelligent runs, improving his finishing, leaves it all out there on the park. I bet his teammates loves him tbh. Maybe some posters will cut him some slack eventually?

Subs: Kean - liked his contribution, bags of potential and I'm certain Carlo will get the best from him. Davies - good cameo, very good at winning cheap FKs to relieve pressure, nice first-time passes, should put pressure on Delph. Walcott - not enough time to show anything.

Roll on the next game.

Grow up for goodness sake

Perhaps:

- James Rodriguez (long shot, might not be arsed even if we could get him... Could become our Ozil and not in a good way)

- Ziyech (probs hunting for a much bigger move in summer)

- zielinski (some rumours to this effect but seems more of a runner that a clever passer)

- lobotka (clever passer but plays v deep - v short - like a poor mans modric)

- maksimovic (v clever player at Getafe. V adaptable positioning.)

Anyway, hopefully everyone will find this guesswork utterly fascinating and stop arguing. I'm now going to my tea and some beer.

Obviously it will take time and we will have set backs but as long as we can see improvement, unlike the last fool.

It’s better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you’re a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.

Same goes for posting on TW.

You make a key point on DCL. He has become the best clearance target man in the Prem -- fearless, strong leaper, great timing, flicks the ball on into good spaces. His weak spot has always been an inability to translate that aerial ability into goals in the box -- not making the strong commitment, not able to adjust in the air. Today, on that goal, he did both. Great to see him beginning to show signs of a poacher's instinct.

If you can't deal with opinion contrary to your own try hot milk and biscuits your blood pressure must be through the roof

Hilarious how the same people who complain about our declining status as a club take umbridge at honest analysis of why.

(I hate you for that.)

The football is rarely free flowing at this time of year, it’s all about digging in and doing that bit more than the opposing team.

I’ve been crying out for a return of the art of 1-0 wins, and today we got it and it feels extremely satisfying.

Good to see Bernard much more influential and Seamus continuing his good run of form. Again one of our best performers and proving he shouldn’t be written off yet. Delighted that DCL’s hard work was rewarded with a lovely finish.

It was also great to get a sense of Ancelotti’s much talked-about tactical nous and game management in practice. The Sidibé experiment worked well and the subs, positional and formation tweaks all made sense. There was none of the panic we got used to seeing in the last 10 minutes under Marco.

Barry Rathbone, you seem like the kind of chap who could start a fight in a mirror.

What a hoot this is you just rocketed to the top of the "list"

Come on guys calm down both teams were dreadful loads saying it in various forms just not as directly.

Burnley are always a good test of character as much as anything. They could have been 1-0 up in the first few minutes, how that would have changed things doesn't bear thinking about.

Anyway, happy to have an experienced winner in charge and if he can improve our psychology through winning luckily then great. Added confidence and belief is all well and good but at times you just need some good luck which brings positivety and belief.

I'm not a fan of defenders playing needlessly with the ball. As other managers have found out we don't have the players to do it well and cough up far too many easy chances for opposing teams. Please stop.

Why Digne crossing ability has gone down the drain along with Colemans refusal to cross really annoys me. Sidibe shows how easy the game can be. 3 players in the box wanting a cross.. Play the ball in and stop passing back or infield. Forward Momentum please.

Siggy passing was mostly terrible. Delphs not much better. Giving the ball away repeatedly. But some fans would rather have a pop at DCL and Davies then the senior players on the pitch.

We know they are not world class players. They are young improving players that have ability and potential.

To finish positively Holgate has been outstanding this month. Well done to him because I thought he was still a year or two away from being a premier league centre back. He and Mina were very good.

Interesting if Mark heard correctly. I'm not sure how they would widen it now... having walked that touchline, I've seen the incline -- it's surprisingly steep and you can see why players challenging for the ball go skidding into the side boards in wet weather. It would certainly take some engineering there to add even two yards on each side.

You can offer an opinion caveated on only watching the last 20 minutes (in which half of that time was spent protecting what we had).

What you can't do in that time is be completely definitive about the team being truly shite.

Both him and Carlo were like comrades from decades past discussing the subs. Bodes well for a smooth transition when proper footballers are brought in.

Liked Carlo's thumbs up to the director's box, shades of - "I've got this, lads"

"Lot of positive stuff on here tonight which is as it should be. You could see the shape of a team there already and with Don Carlo and Big Dunc on the case I am very optimistic. Sidibe, Bernard and for me Seamus were excellent. And Siggy did more today than he has in the last ten games. Holgate is becoming a player and DCL will go on to great things. Just need Brenda to give Klippety a slap tonight for a great end to the year. Thanks to Lyndon and Michael for their incredible work during the year. Delighted for George Mc who sent out positive vibes before the game and I wish all ToffeeWebbers a fabulous New year. This time next year Rodders."

Walter had the pitch narrowed in the hope it would compensate for the unskilful shower of squad he had. As far as I know it was put back to the usual dimensions under Moyes but I could well be wrong.

As for today's game, it was great to watch in the first half, albeit for the wasteful end product. The 2nd half was boring and a chore to watch for great parts. There were times when I thought Burnley would sneak a winner like they did in one of Koeman's final matches in charge. DCL goal was a beauty and he will be a part of the squad for many years to come. He's improved this season and I'm surprised some posters didn't see what else he did today, apart from scoring. Then again, We all see the game differently and have our opinion. I don't think Bernard did that much until the 2nd half when he began to drift more into the middle and carried the ball. For me, he did nothing in the first half.

And Siggy was our leading tackler. I await the game stats to find out how many he got, but he was all over the midfield winning balls.

Gerry #119, one startling statistic about Sidibe -- he has 43 tackles in just 11 appearances. Those are Gana-like numbers. Team leaders Digne and Rich both have 44 in 19 games.

Maybe the examples given were to substantiate this longer term picture to explain what Carlo needs to do.

If not and you prefer jumping to conclusions then hop aboard your very high horse it makes no odds to my opinion.

No Barry, I’m not in North (or South) Korea, the fact that I’m chowing down on a Labrador tagine is purely coincidental.

Dave @70, I just saw the goal replayed and the stats (I'm a stats guy anyway). Everything played out as I hoped really. Good amount of possession, multiple attempts at goal. I'm sure the sloppy plays other poster(s) mentioned happened but I'm not expecting a miracle nor a repeat 5-1 win against Burnley based on our recent form. May the progress by Don and Dunc continue!

I was beginning to think the curse of people taking themselves to seriously had taken over this place, nice retort

You had a very good goalkeeper in Pope determined to pluck them out of the air.

Two things needed to be better applied by the team at corners which we didn't do today (but did, at times, under Silva):

1) Block off the keeper doing what Pope did well today. This was very much Tom Davies' role under Silva. I only saw Bernard try this once today, but not very well.

2) Anticipate the near post flick ons and have someone feeding off them at the back post. DCL did this superbly on one late in the game and Moise Kean could have had a tap in for his first ever Everton goal, but was on his heels to snap it up.

Also chuffed to see DCL getting more credit. Hopefully we've seen the last of the 'championship striker' comments. If we do go into the market in Jan my priority would prob be a midfielder (or maybe Zouma if he was possible).

Bruce made a lot of changes and sacrificed today to try and go all out Saturday as he saw it as a better option to pick up points.

I still think we will win, but be weary of today’s result and do not expect a same walkover on Saturday by them.

Our current form should see us with a win, but take nothing for granted in this game.

Second point I liked from today was Carlo hilighting how Lewin can improve even more by staying more central and not to go out wide.

I thought Richarlison, was very selfish at times during the first half electing to shoot rather than play in Sibide, who was in some great advanced positions, I thought Bernard was great nearly every time he touched the ball, but he just didn’t touch the ball enough, but I honestly can’t remember the last time Everton tried to play really purposeful football through the middle of the pitch, and this is something I’m praying is going to be part of our future under Carlo Ancelloti?

A hard fought win, on a “Boxing Day-Ernie!”

Agree with most of the rating, but would have given Sidebe a higher rating. This was Ancelotti at his best, putting Sidebe in front of Colman, neutralized Burnley totally on the right flank and Sidebe early ball and awareness had Burnley constantly under pressure.
Also allowed Everton to attack more through the centre, if it had not been for Pope the game would have been over in the first half. Things improved even more in the second half as a result.

Similar tactics on the left flank , but it took Bernard a while to get the early ball in.

Interesting stats on Sidebe. He intercepts alot, showing positional awareness.

Well, I'm also prejudiced - I see a very young man doing a thankless task and who scored an absolute peach today. For the love of God, support him and he should thrive. We all know his shortcomings, let's enjoy the things he does well.

- top tier (no chance - eg Werner)

- aging stars (some chance, but stars fade quickly - see alexis sanchez and diego costa). Edinson Cavani may become available - we can dream!

- second tier (maybe belotti / diaz / dembele / piatek). Trouble is, are they really that much better than DCL? Answer - yes but only a bit better and no guarantee they settle in.

- flavour of the month scoring loads in inferior leagues (see Tosun, Moussa Marega, Andre Silva etc)

- youngsters full of promise (see Lukaku - and see also Moise Kean who we haven't seen the best of)

So great if we've got tonnes of money and can still recruit decent left sided centre half plus midfield reinforcements. Oh and a goalie too probably.

I'm also happy with Mina and Holgate who might develop a long term partnership for us.

Overall, very pleased with a narrow win and a clean sheet against a very tough and canny side. A good start. We will buy in January and I think we should be targeting 6th.

There’s no such thing as total football anymore, Man City probably get as close to Barcelona (2009-2014)under Pep but when you think about it, good football is winning football.

Liverpool can play good football but as had already been been mentioned, they play long balls too, but the long balls are very decisive because they always have runners in behind, they have completely controlled this match against Leicester tonight and when you watch them, it’s hard to see them losing a game anytime soon.

I think under Carlo Ancelotti here at Everton, he will know how he wants us to play, progressively yes but he’ll know he needs better standard players to achieve the higher ambitions.

Bernard in my view unlucky to get hooked,Siggy looks like now he’s at the point where he must do this every game, else he’s out and a very good shift by the squad.

A result today like this heralds a new dawn of genuine hope and optimism..

Forget the rest, Everton is what counts.

Enjoy the celebrations and the Very Best to All Evertonians.

Don Carlo, has a big job ahead with this squad, but the crowd and camaraderie today made a difference.

Same every game, and with the crazy results this season, to date, we still have an outside chance of a Euro Spec.

But we have got our pride back and dignity. The best Christmas in many years in context of Everton. There’s a feel good factor in the air. I’m getting on but, the feel good factory and stench of decay is lifting from the club.

Now for The Toon, and let’s make up for last season, I'm sure we will.

Jerome #145, good catch. Sidibe also leads the club in interceptions per game. But his positioning is also a weakness as a fullback because he gets caught up too often, which is why playing him in the midfield seems like an inspiration.

Paul #153, I don't think Bernard was unlucky -- I think he was completely gassed, as well he should have been after the number of runs he went on. He was all over the park. And given that we have another game in less than 48 hours, I think it was a great substitution.

Holgate also improving with every game. I used to think he had a mistake in him but this solid run in the side seems to be settling him. His concentration seems a lot better. I prefer him as the right sided Center back as he is capable of some very nice crisp passes. His left foot is just for standing on.

Thought Holgate and Coleman were on top of their games and Sidibe playing higher up was always positive.

On another note I would resign Deulofeu again. His product is always there and Calvert Lewin would benefit from his supply.

Hope those who have been so incessant in their criticism of Calvert-Lewin and Holgate are now beginning to see what others have been banging on about.

Both these lads are going right to the top.

PS: Robert Tressell I love your book.

3 points Happy am I. Leicester losing sad am I. Come on Vardy FFS!

I see the Bot (aka Derek Taylor) is still talking crap.

I watched Burnley and sorry but their football is what we would have had with Moyes. Our football was one touch with pace at times. Delighted to see and if players cannot improve or meet the standards this manager sets then goodbye.

Newcastle next!

Not that one Jack, I can’t make the link work. It’s here -

https://amp.thenational.ae/image/policy:1.956633:1577386411/Premier-League-Everton-v-Burnley.JPG?f=16x9&w=1200&$p$f$w=2822ad4

Mick #114 calling it like I see it. A lot of people on here are down on certain players that never have a good game in their eyes; no idea from previous comments if you dislike DCL or Sigurdsson tbh. However, I put it out there exactly WHY I considered both player well today, all you've done is say they were junk, lucky to be still on the pitch etc. I'm happy with my take, thanks.

Jordan Pickford distribution is not reliable, I can’t see Don Carlo, putting up with this any longer.

It’s cost us dearly the last couple of years, and prevention is better than the cure.

Interesting to see if Capo Dei Capi, will warrant a new GK, else focus on coaching Jordan Pickford, whom plays like he’s one of the Makem Lads, Likely Lads, in every game he plays, for Everton.

I see also a lit candle with Moise, and plenty more light to come.

And for Everton, there’s a ray of hope now at the end of this 30 year tunnel.

Let’s beat Newcastle, one game at a time, and see if we can unblock the sewer, in 2 weeks.

.

https://amp.thenational.ae/image/policy:1.956633:1577386411/Premier-League-Everton-v-Burnley.JPG?f=16x9&w=1200&$p$f$w=2822ad4

I would like Everton Soares (Cebolinha) okay he more of a goal-scoring midfielder/winger, but a source of goals nevertheless plus it may give DCL and Moise Kean more freedom to operate.

January is rarely a good time to 'shop' for strikers traditionally, or for anyone for that matter. I suggested Everton Soares because their season in Brazil is at it's end I believe and he doesn't have a lot of Contract left. Hopefully Jay Wood or Fran Mitchell can confirm this, or refute it altogether.

I believe a similar position too is Piotr Zielinski (Napoli) who obviously knows Carlo well, and possibly a Centre Back (left footed) will see us safely over the line and competition for places.

But there’s more belly and belief, shown the last 3.5 weeks than during the last previous managers, post Moyes.

He has rarely featured on the bench, seemingly Stek is preferred, but never actually playing in goal, to keep Pickford 'on his toes' hopefully someone can clarify what is going on.

Paul #173, Sidibe played about 1/3 of his games last year at Monaco at right mid. So it may not be his preferred position, but he's no makeshift. And the way both he and Seamus played today, I'd want to see them both on the pitch. I'll bet you a nickle they both start in the same positions on Saturday.

For me it’s a mystery a keeper that concedes, possession so regularly in any game, how any football team, at any level, can hope to win games.

I can’t see Don Carlo, tolerating this, once he’s completed his suss, of the squad.

Jordan’s a good keeper, but in my view the same errors as of two years ago, are now more common and hence, in very tight games and open games, the same golden rules of possession apply, as in every game.

Let’s see what Carlo’s, GK coach will take up, to improve Jordan, or give Jonas, a chance.

It remains to be seen, if and when, bar injury Jonas will get a chance, else if Carlo, is bringing in, one of his own.

But today’s a great day for a Evertonians across the globe. Celebrate!

Forget about the rest, one day soon Heaven, will rest on BMD, and GP, and the RS, won’t count.

We are Everton, through thick and thin, heaven, and scorn, slander and libel, but we are the Best, money can’t buy, what Evertonians have in their DNA.

Sidibe has done some good things when he has played both positions. All his other assists have come from starting at full back and he is a useful squad player.

If Ancellotti has his way he will have a team of athletes playing in their natural positions.

If Deulofeu cost the 25 million you suggest then sound. Thats about the price of a sub to a top side and that is where we want to be.

25 million would guarantee us a great deal of product. His assist record was excellent when he was here and he has matured now and continued to produce more often.

Colin Metcalfe i would too mate.

Really pleased with Dom and Holgate. Both are growing at challenging times. Both have had championship level at best comments thrown at them, but they're both proving they are good enough to get a good run in the side. Up the blues.

Sidibe, apart from his other talents, is already the most lethal crosser of a ball I've seen here since Dave Thomas. He does it naturally.

Sorry, but the words "guarantee", "product", and "Deulofeu" cannot co-exist in the same conversation. I have no interest in him. As to the price, yep, that may be normal for a sub on an elite team, but that ain't us right now.

But, Paul, ya got me on Colin Metcalfe, who is he?

As others have suggested for under £12M is a snip, for a player of his calibre, let's hope we exercise the option when it is due.

On a side note I was bemused the other day that there was not a single artical about Everton on the Daily Mails sport online page.. of course it was all about Klopp and Manure City and Chelsea

Im happy going into 2020 with hope that Everton have finally got a proven manager.

Let the madness of the rumour mill comence of who Everton will be linked with...

Happy festive holidays to blues all around the world...
The sun is shining brightly here in Oz hope all my fellow blues back in the UK are warmed by our new manager...

I can't pretend I know that much about the Brazilian league other than knowing who the best teams are. I think someone like Jay wood who knows that league would have a better insight into Barbosa. I wouldn't however, give too much credence to his stint at Inter. He only played 9 times. If anything I'd be worried about his personality than his ability. Barbosa is also still in his early 20's so it could have been a Moise Kean scenario that he just couldn't settle in Italy.

Adding players that can't crack the stating eleven doesn't make sense. I'd rather see Everton do nothing than buy players that only have potential or older players that are past their prime.

FYI, I'm a big fan of DCL and don't think we have to buy a striker in January. If we do buy a striker he needs to be world class (and I don't see Everton spending the big bucks to bring in a world class striker).

We played a glorified pub team today. We huffed and puffed but got a quality winner.

Sidebe should be kept Purely for his quality. DCL's header was a fantastic finish. No more than we deserved.

Utft

I watched the game on TV, where the graphics lined us up as a 4-4-2 but to me it was pretty obviously a back 3 of Holgate, Mina and Coleman with Digne and Sidibé as wing backs. We seemed to play this formation in a much, much better way than I’ve ever seen us do it before, where we’ve often picked 3 ‘proper’ centre backs who hate to be in wide positions. Holgate and Coleman seemed to thrive though.

Delph and Sigurdsson were the deeper 2 in midfield and Bernard started in the hole behind Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin. Richarlison seemed a little deeper at the start of the second half.

Is there any dispute about this? I haven’t seen how MOTD are lining us up yet.

Also, Calvert-Lewin has 6 Premier goals now this season at better than a goal every two games (minutes-wise), his all-round play is excellent and he appears to be getting better and better. If we sign a new centre forward he’d better be seriously good.

We need midfielders; Gomes and Gbamin are injured, Schneiderlin and Delph are both both injury-prone and underwhelming and Sigurdsson will never stop trying but seems to be struggling. Davies is great but sometimes lacks the physical attributes to play at Premier League intensity for 90 minutes and Baningime, who once looked promising but has made no progress in two years, seems to get injured a lot as well.

We seemed to be 3 at the back (Coleman, Mina, Holgate) at times; then 4 at the back with Digne added; then Mina, Holgate and Digne holding while Coleman advanced with Sidibe - now Coleman overlapping Sidibe, now Sidibe further overlapping Coleman. And so on through the game.

Add to that the new and flexible use of Bernard. I thought he struggled with his new role at first, but quickly grew into it.

So the first game, but already such creativity and flexibility in-game with formation and tactics. And how quickly Everton adapted to Carlo's "ask" - the first game!

Brent #199, that's the most I've seen Bernard driving into the middle since he joined us. In fact, he almost never did that at Shakhtar either. I'm guessing Carlo directed him to do that, and he certainly looked like he was having a good time with it.

We ain't that, you are right there, and that was my point. We will target a certain level of player and he is the type we can afford and entice.

Koeman didn't want him in the side that last season and I do agree he has faults but his creativity is there.
We lack that.

Mr Metcalfe is another poster talking about Pickford mate thats all.

On a side note, how about that fan who was just showering abuse onto Anthony Taylor? That had me in stitches for most of the match.

I think I will wait for them to show a bit more than just playing okay against Burnley at home before I think they are the future for a premier league winning team.

Moshiri would be bonkers to expect CA to coach the expensive players we have to heights they've never yet achieved. No, Moshiri must surely find the money to sign in the next two windows at least three, if not four, top-notch players costing way more than we're used to spending. That's a centre-back, a centre-mid and a centre-forward, min.

We need gourmet football to achieve what Moshiri promises and you don't get that from the ingredients of scouse.

I agree that a left back he did get caught out, but I think our static Centre Backs Keane and Mina did not offer cover. But it is fortunate he did bomb forward, because Everton needed something better than Walcott the roadrunner. Colman now gives cover and support going forward. H
Sidebes biggest strength is releasing the ball early to the forwards accurately and at pace. I noticed in Burnley first attack that Colman and Sidebe did get caught out in two minds, but they got it together after that.

Ancelotti as well as strengthen the right flank with their selection, seemed to try to get Digne forward in support of Bernard, with Holgate offering support on the left flank. You could never do this with Mina or Keane.

Simply, Sidebe is able to complete a pass in the final third and knows when to play it , something that Everton throught out the Silva era didn't seem to train at. The Stats for pass completion in the final third are woeful.

Bernard weakness is his tendency to draw back, which may confuse his marker, but also confuses the attacking runner. In the second half he did this less for a change, probably tackled by Ancelotti at half time about it.

Richarlison passing and pass completion in the final third needs a lot of work, but I expect Ancelotti will make him a world class player when he addresses this.

Both Kean and Calvert Lewin will benefit and improve finishing under Ancelotti.

Delph and Sigurdsson where encouraged to come deep for the ball. In Sigurdsson case avoiding his anonymous streak as Burnley pushed up in the second half. The midfield trio have to increase speed and movement, releasing the ball a lot earlier. Only Bernard is achieving this at the moment.

I think that One of Ancelotti priorities will be a more mobile and better distributing Centre Back to join Holgate.

Pickford really does need to get his act together. Pope is a lot better than him.

Ian #207, the best that can be said of Kean is that he attacked off the dribble on every opportunity, aggressively trying to get past defenders. He did not succeed once that I saw.

Nicholas #210, not me. Never. Foster may reach everything but has hands of stone, parries rebounds into bad positions, and his howlers live on in infamy. Check out the Arsenal and Wolves ones from last spring. Way worse than Picks.

To me DCL is starting to resemble Sharpy in his ability to fully occupy the attention of two centre-backs, and that's no small achievement. Hopefully, like Sharpy did, he'll advance to be a reliable scorer.

Tom Davies is a conundrum to me. At best I hope he can become a "water-carrier" at the base, providing the ball for more skilled midfielders. In fairness he's a way off it to date though, but he's still young, and it's way easier to be a respectable water-carrier when you've got a plethora of talent in front of you.

Mason Holgate is, and I said this on here when we had Stones, a potential Rolls Royce of a centre-back. He too is very young and maybe CA can even at this stage in his career finely hone Mason's talent to achieve the heights.

I thought we played well today. It was not vintage. It was not free flowing. Carletto has had only a few training sessions and the players are tired. So it’s hard to make a big difference.

Let’s make no mistake about it, Burnley are a decent side. They’re not a pub team as some called them. They were 4 points above before kick off. So we had to win. We should be above these. We should be able to get back to 9th now. But we need to claw back 3 of the 4 points Newcastle are ahead of us on Saturday.

Anyway back to this game. Ancelotti changed a few things. Back was the zonal marking but it worked ok. Note the nearest man to the corner taker is now closer to the near post.

Another change is that instead of working along the back four, man by man, and trying to prove down the flanks in a slow and methodical manner that was utterly predictable, we kept cutting back inside and tried to play through the middle. This was good to see and was able to cause Burnley some problems.

I think we have seen this game many times this season under silva. Only we fail to score, get desperate to win and go too gung ho and get done on the counter, then throw all the strikers on the bench on, and lose 2-0. Carletto kept his cool and made sure the players kept their cool and we found a way to get the goal we deserved.

Good win against a team, better teams than us will fail to beat.

Too cute by half, Steve. I know it was his nickname once, but the guy is a grandfather now. Let's stick to Carlo.

We also have young players in Richarlison, Tom and Moise Kean, so lets show patience with them also.

On the point about the pitch width, the piece of grass hasn’t been narrowed. It’s the same as it’s been throughout the PL era. Smith had the lines narrowed and Moyes tinkered with them year on year. It’s as wide as it can be right now.

As for changing it, you have to keep the pitch to the same dimensions all season long. Changes can only be made in pre-season otherwise you’d change your pitch for every game to frustrate or exploit the opposition frailties.

If you have flying wingers then you widen the pitch and give them room. If you’re like Burnley you’ll narrow the pitch. If you’re like Liverpool you’ll lengthen it to allow for the speed of the forwards.

Finally, any news from John, I hope his wife is recovering well in the HDU.

“He is a fantastic striker in my opinion, strong with the head. Where he can improve and he has to improve is the movement without the ball. He has to be more focused on the goal. He is really generous so he moves up and down, left and right, he has to stay, in my opinion, more focused in the centre of the box."

He’s nailed DCL in a week. He knows how to make him better and I think he will.

Winning breeds confidence too, plus fringe players will be aware of impressing Carlo, especially with the Window to open shortly.

Which again will be an interesting occasion on who we go for, who is available, and possibly who departs.

I am a very happy Evertonian today. At last - we have got a real one.

As for those doubting the squad. Since silva left 5th in form table, 4 games. 3 of those against “top” as the should be rated opposition. And this is a depleted squad at present.

Hopefully the corner has been turned, can get a bit of a run together, build the confidence and a bit of a head of steam.

I was a guest a the recent game at Old Trafford and ended up behind the dugouts. I could hear big Dunc's voice booming out "stay center forward"

For years Successive Everton managers have asked their isolated strikers to sweat blood for the team, rendering them little more than packing mules. Lukaku simply refused, played for himself and as a result scored plenty.

Ancelotti will not have been here long, but I expect this fact was relayed to him by The big fella during their many conversations yesterday. My take on Ancelotti's measured reply when asked about his striker expending energy around the pitch, was he was saying "Fuck that for a game of soldiers"

DCL has been fantastic this season. Despite Silva's bizarre policy of dropping him whenever he scored, he is still on course to score between 15-20 goals. Then watch him go.
With the confidence which comes from scoring and a manager who wants him to concentrate on doing just that, bruised arsed Cows everywhere will be running for cover as he runs through the fields swinging his Banjo

Since he was brought back into the fold he has played RB, RCB, LCB and LB. He has also given a couple of very distinguished performances in midfield.

A light house can only ever be a lighthouse. A footballer can play anywhere

Sometimes the obvious answer is simplicity, isn't it?
It might just catch on.

I was going to go through a few, and in honesty I would suggest there are not many I would take over him at present.
Alisson, Edison on current form. You have to say De Gea even though he is off form. Other. Than that? Lloris has made a number of clangers. Beyond that?
Kepa is young. He’s made a fair few howlers.
I don’t really see that Leno is an improvement.
The rest? No one there I would take. Pope looks ok, nothing more
Someone will pull the Big Nev card at some point, but it’s a silly bench mark. Might as well compare DCL to Dixie Dean.

https://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=560780

We looked pretty good yesterday. If we were just a little bit more clinical in lgoal the scoreline would have been more comfortable.

Mike 227, it needs to be handled correctly but I would like to see Pickford moved on. It's a shame that Joel wasn't given the opportunity to establish himself in the side.

You may have been. I actually didn’t think we would go down even if Silva stayed in charge.

It only needed a couple of results to get out of trouble and the squad was always good enough to get out of it. There was always going to be a point that Silva would have been replaced.

The tactical changes made by Fergie were hardly ground breaking, but change was required to get the bump.

I do agree that the picture looks decidedly rosier now. From Silva to Carlo? Crazy shit.

Looks like Carlo’s tactical flexibility is boundless.

I have to say, 3-5-2 played properly should morph into 4-4-2 as and when it suits the game as it needs to be flexible. I’ve never seen Everton do it properly before. Watching on TV, you don’t see the shape of the team, so anyone sitting in the Top Balcony will have a better view.

Now with Sidebe, DCL knows when the ball will be crossed and has a rough idea where it will go. That is why the Liverpool front three are able to capitalise on the metronome crosses of Alexander-Arnold and Robertson so frequently.

Will do, as far as Mina is concerned.

I am hopeful that the fact that the squad is relatively young , that they are still evolving. The one good thing I took from the game, was Ancelotti ability to identify strengths in players and fine tune them. I am fairly confident that he will improve the Everton weaknesses, that Silva was unable to identify or address, unfortunately. He did work very hard though.

Is that Christina Agulero? I think we’re looking for a fox in the box rather than a genie in a bottle.

442 doing this is a myth. The lad has been running all over to win headers and looked for Digne's run and Sigurdsson in many instances after winning headers near the wide areas.

If 442 was improving him, we would see a lot more improvement on the ground. That hasn't been evident. His shooting is still poor.

I don't hold anything against the lad. He is learning his game and it was baltently obvious he would need a lot of time. His aerial ability has never been in question.

To suggest he will reach the top is as ludicrous as saying he will never play for England.
I mean, can you see him at Man City or the Shite on this form? No. That is the top.

Give the lad time to develop a ruthless streak but 2 major points of his games have to come to light, aggression and composure are where he needs to make the difference.

The golden rule for a Centre Forward is to attack the near post, getting in front of his marker, stretching the opposition defence , as you described. Other forwards attacking the Centre and far post. DCL goal was a case in point.

Throughout the Silva era this rarely happened, Opposition defenders got a free ride clearing their lines at the near post.

Our defenders where poor at defending the near post as well.

This has caused me great angst watching.

Derek you know your football.

The golden rule for a Centre Forward is to attack the near post, getting in front of his marker, stretching the opposition defence , as you described. Other forwards attacking the Centre and far post. DCL goal was a case in point.

Throughout the Silva era this rarely happened, Opposition defenders got a free ride clearing their lines at the near post.

Our defenders where poor at defending the near post as well.

This has caused me great angst watching.

Derek you know your football.

I’ve never liked anything other than 4 defenders so I wasn’t too impressed when I saw the team line up. It worked out ok but I’m still not a fan.

Sidebe and Coleman were regularly in each others way. Coleman was actually visibly frustrated and yelled a few times for Sidebe to get forward and provide an option. It was great to see Coleman go celebrate with him after his terrific cross to create the goal. Maybe I’m extrapolating too much from it but it was as if Seamus was telling him that that’s the sort of thing he should be doing all game.

I noticed Colman and Sidebe getting use to work with one another too. I thought the first attack where the Burnley forward got a looping header to the back post was caused by Coleman and Sidebe not working together. Coleman was watching two attackers and Sidebe arrived late.

They got it together better as the game went on.

DCL has always been a good 'pivot'. Talk of buying Giroud is ridiculous, as he is a slower, less mobile & industrious, more expensive version that scores less goals. I'm more concerned about the lack of goals elsewhere in the team.

Yesterday was, in many ways, perfect. Clean sheet & workmanlike against a tough team. 1-0 keeps our feet on the ground.

Once thing I've noticed down the years is that when people find themselves working with the best in their field, the sharper ones up their game, listen and absorb everything they hear. Aside from his tactical nous, I'm hoping Carlo will have this effect on the players.

The goal was all about the cross, and then about Lewin’s desire, but look at the great position Moise Kean takes up, and this caused the Burnley number 5, to glance over his shoulder, instead of moving forward into the space that Dominic attacked, and that’s why I’m convinced these two are going to eventually make a great partnership between themselves... Well that’s what I’m hoping for anyway! (And I never watched motd in-case they picked up on it, which I doubt very much because it’s all about the league already being won in December I’m sure!)

I do disagree with you about the lighthouse only being static. If it has a family it can be lifted.

I was satisfied with Everton’s win yesterday against this anti football team Burnley, lots of Everton fans warned us that we would have to be patient playing against this horrible, football wise, team, it was very good advice and we deserved the win, not great, as the new manager said, but I think lots of us feel that better days are on the way under Ancelotti, certainly many happier ones than we have had in the last few years.

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/beta.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/12/27/seamus-coleman-reacts-to-evertons-carlo-ancelotti-tweaking-his-p/%3famp

No wonder there’s confusion. I see it as a huge positive that in 3 days Ancelotti managed to implement such a flexible and effective system.

It seems that both Colman and Holgate occupied right and left centre back positions moving into full back positions as Sidebe and Digne moved forward. Mina stayed at Centre Back throughout.

The midfield consisted off the trio of Delph, Sigurdsson and Bernard. Delph and Sigurdsson came deep to gather the ball. maintaining possession was a priority. They operated as a triangle with Bernard at the head, and sometimes Richarlison.

The attack was evenly spread between to two wings and centre. Early ball from the wings and midfield being the aim. The attack in the first half was based on lay offs and runners. In the second half it was based in attackers attacking the near, centre and back
post as a unit.

The big change defending set pieces was the holding of a high line. Silva defended too deep at set pieces.

Bet Ancelotti will be working on Evertons set pieces this week, particularly the ball delivered in.

Carlo said as much post-match. I thought Coleman in particular looked very good in it. The error people make with a back three is the presumption that it has to be three centre backs. Not so. Indeed, as Holgate and Coleman demonstrated yesterday, a couple of nimble players with an eye for a pass can make it a very offensive line up.

I think Sigurdson in recent games, both under Dunc and yesterday under Carlo, has debunked a myth that he is not capable of playing a deeper midfield role, whilst Bernard's performance adds weight to some TWers belief that he can be usefully deployed from midfield more centrally.

He clearly had a freer roaming role yesterday, rather than sticking wide left only, and was the most advanced of our midfielders all game. And very effective he was too.

I believe Ancelotti will quickly get the defensive side of the team up to speed. And for those opposed to zonal marking, be prepared to see it revived under Carlo. But be reassured on two things:

1) he will make a better fist of it than Silva
2) if he discovers the players at Everton really can't get to grips with zonal defending, he won't slavishly be insistent on it. He will dump it and apply something that will work

The reason I am confident that Carlo can get zonal marking right at Everton are the words of one of the all time great defenders, Fabio Cannavaro:

"What I remember the most from Ancelotti is learning zonal marking. I was accustomed to only tracking the man, but with him I learned the right movements and posture. It’s difficult to stop Carletto once he starts giving you notes!"

For anyone interested, this link has a page full of footballing greats describing what Carlo Ancelotti the coach and the man did for them:

Link

We're in very good hands with this fellah.

Now to beat the Toon

Whether that is likely, possible or that Everton is remotely interested in either player, I have no idea. But both can be picked up for far from exorbitant prices by PL standards.

Last season Gabigol was not with one of the top clubs. He was with the struggling Santos who at one point were in the relegation zone. He finished the season as the league's top scorer. This year he has smashed it out of the park and would slot in a treat alongside the likes of Richarlison, DCL or an improved Moise Kean.

Flamengo's front 3 has returned the following over their near 70 game season:

Gabigol 36 goals, Bruno Henriques 26, Arrascaeta 14. 76 goals between them.

So I must take issue with Robert Tressell @ 188 who wrote about Gabigol and the Brazilian league:

"Probably in the category of scored loads in an inferior league. These sorts of strikers, as here, typically shine in the best team in the relevant inferior league. They are used to both lots of possession and lots of chances."

It's a claim often made about leagues outside of Europe that they are somehow 'inferior'.

I'll share again a link I've previously posted on TW showing a very thorough analysis of statistically the top 20 leagues in the world, using the same maths that calculates both UEFA's co-efficiency ranking for their club competitions and FIFA's world ranking system for determining the leading national teams.

Link

Now the report is dated - from 2013 - but the rankings remain pretty accurate, based on the club successes in particular in continental competitions.

1) Spain La Liga
2) England PL
3) German Bundesliga
4) Italian Serie A
5) France Ligue 1
6) Brazil Serie A

If you read the piece, given the success of Brazilian teams in both the Libertadores and the Copa Sul Americano in the intervening years, and the non-success of French clubs in their European equivalents, the CL and Europa Cup, it is highly likely Brazil's Serie A now ranks higher than France's Ligue 1.

It may also surprise many that the Brazilian league is an extremely low scoring one, as well as competitive, with multiple different title winners this century as opposed to the monopoly of the major European leagues. So for Gabigol to score the numbers he has is impressive.

If anyone has any doubts about the quality of the Brazilian League, watch a replay of the Liverpool v Flamengo World Club final from last weekend on BBC's iPlayer. I would wager that is as difficult a game that Liverpool has faced all season:

Link

I feared for Flamengo in this game. I thought the aged Raffinha and Luis Filipe at full-backs would be roasted by Liverpool's own rampaging full-backs. They weren't.

There were periods of the games Liverpool were in the ascendency. There were others that Flamengo dominated. They did over 90 minutes what only United have done this season to Liverpool: kept them goalless after 90 minutes.

In the game you can see Gabigol make Van Dijk (like, the best defender the world has ever seen, honest!) look a mug at times. Only fellow countryman Alison prevented him from scoring.

Gabigol's movement, anticipation, his technique, his ability to get a shot off quickly from any position, would be a helluva asset for any team, not just Everton. Just turned 23, he is an absolute bargain.

He is a very viable option and whilst Flamengo and their huge tribe of supporters are desperate to retain him, the player himself has stated he still has ambitions to prove himself in Europe.

Just turned 23, there is a LOT more to come from this lad.

Having said that there is a lot of work to be done by Carlos and Dunc. to get this squad into consistent winning unit.

January may see some comings and goings but usually at this time of the year there isn't much class available at the right price so the gaffer may hedge his bets and see what the next month brings especially if the results go well.

That was a tough game to win yesterday as Burnley are well organised so kudos to the Blues for sticking to the task.

I’ve assumed he’s been promised big money in the summer but perhaps he hasn’t and he really is looking to mould a side with Brands over time.

Conor @249

Very clever. Although I cant help feeling you missed the opportunity to go out on a "high"

I think its best to keep the hype down and let a knowledgeable football man get on with his job before we judge him either way.

My hard faced brother looked mam straight in the eye after diagnosis saying "you've always been a bit nuts, mam, so things won't change much"

As she smacked his 58yr old head she laughed "you'd better not be shoving me in a home".

The granny annexe at chez Rathbone should be finished come spring and with the clan extending to 18 in these parts she has no worries on that score.

Richarlison = our Firmino
Kean = our Mane/Sterling
DCL = our Kane/Vardy/Lukaku
Siggy = our Eriksen
Davies = our Gueye
Holgate = our Van Dijk
Keane = our Terry
Mina = our Kompany
Sidibe = our Trent-Arnold
Digne = our Baines :-)
Delph = our Fernardinho
Gbamin = our Kante
Gomes = our DeBruyne

Sweet dreams are made of these :-)

Regarding Richarlison, he's in my opinion far better than Firmino in that he's had to perform for Everton. Firmino was bang average before Klopp, but Klopp's setups have brought the best out of him because he's fitted in to them.

Players are unique individuals. The chances are that if our players thrive under Ancelotti they will do so with their own unique styles

I have always fancied Everton Soares (not in that way) for us, since I first saw him, and he would have a couple of compatriots in Richie and Bernard.

I knew less about Gabigol, other than he had an unsuccessful spell, and is still owned by Inter Milan. I am pretty sure our new Italian Manager is well aware of him too. Wouldn't be beyond the bounds of reality to get the pair for less than what we sold Lukaku for, food for thought?

I have seen him a couple of times and he doesn't need to be reminded where the goal is does he? I think both, plus a bit of steel in midfield, and a quality Centre Back in the mold of Koulibaly, would, with what we have, build a decent side for years to come.

So thanks again Jay, for your useful and much appreciated low-down on the 'Boys from Brazil' haven't heard or seen Fran Mitchell much recently on here, hope he is okay! Good to get news from source (well almost) as opposed to lazy journos looking for a cheap and sensational headline.

Thank you. A very interesting post on Ancelotti s team formation. I genuinely impressed by what his coaching has achieved in a short space of time. He has addressed weaknesses that we where giving Silva ages to sort out.

Interesting, the good impressions he has made on top players and Everton players will certainly improve under him. He can certainly read other teams and the tactics / game management where right against Burnley. He also is able to vary tactics in a game.
The contrast with Silva is the difference, between night and day.

He really must have seen something in the Everton set up to attract him to the Managers job. He is not a mercenary type.

I have now had three Chelsea fans tell me that Chelsea played their best football under Ancelotti.

I would rather see us gradually add to what we already have, and build a side for the foreseeable future, that is capable of good attractive football, and results week in week out.

I have been sceptical about players from other leagues joining Everton, given the poor player management within the Club. I also was of the opinion that a lot of suitable players, would not see Everton as a good career move as a result. Even thought the same regarding potential Managers.

Ancelotti joining Everton appears different. He seems to have joined Everton believing there is genuine potiential. Therefore players joining Everton are now in a different situation, where they could improve, under a Coach who knows how to get the best out of players.

The Brazilian League football I have watched has been of high technical quality, but also surprising very physical and competitive. The referees let the game run, more than the Premiership.

I am of no doubt we now have a Manager, who would aid the successful transient of the top players of that league to the Premiership.

I have been sceptical about players from other leagues joining Everton, given the poor player management within the Club. I also was of the opinion that a lot of suitable players, would not see Everton as a good career move as a result. Even thought the same regarding potential Managers.

Ancelotti joining Everton appears different. He seems to have joined Everton believing there is genuine potiential. Therefore players joining Everton are now in a different situation, where they could improve, under a Coach who knows how to get the best out of players.

The Brazilian League football I have watched has been of high technical quality, but also surprising very physical and competitive. The referees let the game run, more than the Premiership.

I am of no doubt we now have a Manager, who would aid the successful transient of the top players of that league to the Premiership.

However there is no point judging the man on his record good or bad in the past. It's now what counts and the positive thing we can take is that he seems to have a knack of giving a lift straight away and sorting out deficiencies.

It's my hope that even if Carlo isn't the answer he will by his pedigree have enticed a much superior player and have laid the foundations for future success.

Got to be mixed emotions for Pep with a player like Sterling who missed two penalties, scored twice and then gifted the goal which got Wolves back in it. Overall some of his mistakes were inexcusable but his goals tally overshadows that failing.

I can't find the Adam Bates article Paul mentioned and I don't have that Italian version of Ancelotti madness here in US.

Paul 270, is that an article or some video/audio commentary? Did he ding our new hero? LOL

Tom 290, everyone in top 4 is capitulating except them. Someone must really love them. Well, and Klopp is indeed a great manager.

Wait no longer. I've perhaps been a little too critical (not much) of Calvert-Lewis, but, he misses 3 sitters before he scores 1. Very alarming to think that Ancelotti seems to think that he could be the long-term solution.

I kinda remember my best buddy saying that about Andy Cole when he was at Man Utd.

I think missing sitters is what we fans see about our strikers all the time. Which sitter he missed pissed you the most? The ricochet from the defender near their goal line?

Mike #297. I'm banking on a Christmas excess and not many realizing yet what Ancelotti's said, as the reason for no uproar YET!

Why call him anything but his proper name? Although a loss will certainly trigger a few names and expletives by the less patient on TW.

Although being Italian, and proud of his achievements, and quite rightly so, I couldn't imagine him being offended with " Maestro "!

The King.

Everton are going to have to beat our neighbours this season. I seen Lecicester and Man City totally bottle it in this past two days. We really do need to put a rent in them.

Most fans, after a 'true' life sentence, have, although it's early days, at least got the attention of the Parole Board! :-)

I believe we need to control the hype. Posters sometimes can't review a game without hype and we seen it again this weekend.

It has gone from Calvert Lewin isn't good enough, to hos supporters saying he will reach the top.

The manager knows the game well, knows stars well but we have to take everything into perspective.

Especially when the other lot seal their glory. That is going to cause some bad reactions our end.