Silva rues more costly errors from 'nervous' Everton

Saturday, 21 September, 2019 119comments  |  Jump to most recent

Marco Silva blamed more defensive mistakes and a poor second-half performance for Everton's shocking 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United this afternoon.

The Blues followed up a sobering 3-1 defeat at Bournemouth last Sunday by losing at home for the first time since March as the newly-promoted Blades scored a goal in each half while successfully keeping Silva's faltering attack at bay.

Yerry Mina inadvertently put Sheffield ahead five minutes before the break when Jordan Pickford failed to deal with a whipped corner and the ball bounced in off the Colombian's shoulder.

Richarlison might have done better with Everton's best chance of the game three minutes later but headed too close to Dean Henderson and with just one more effort on target after half-time, the hosts never came close to getting back into the contest despite some very attacking changes from the manager.

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“Bad result,” Silva admitted in the tunnel afterwards. “Second half… bad performance, really. As Chris (Wilder) said, we deserved more from the game but that's not the most important thing for us — today again the mistakes we made had a big impact on the result.

“They were winning 1-0 without one shot — they didn't try at all, they didn't drive in our box before they scored to make it 1-0 in one moment.

“Until that moment we had the better of the game; we were creating some dangerous moments and commanding the game like is normal with good mobility and creating the space out wide…

“We knew before the game they would be strong out wide trying to block our combinations out wide [so] we tried to play between the lines in some moments.

“But then in one moment… it was so easy for us to make a clearance but a lack of communication [in our defence] on the corner and the own goal.

“We reacted strong and Richarlison had a good chance to score but [the] second half was bad, not good enough. I didn't like it at all with the mistakes we made and at this level when you make those mistakes, it's not easy for you to turn the result [in your favour], even if you have enough time to do that.

“There was no reason to play football so nervous for the next 50 minutes. We cannot handle pressure or make the right decisions if you are nervous. Then we gave them the chance to score the second goal.

"We had six wins in a row at home and in the last seven months we didn't lose at home so it is difficult for me to understand why we play nervous for 50 minutes.

"But we'll analyse it and prepare for the next one because we have to change. We have enough quality in the side.”

Silva went to his bench earlier than usual, taking off Bernard and Morgan Schneiderlin and introducing Cenk Tosun and Alex Iwobi but only Moise Kean came that close to scoring when his effort was charged down by Henderson.

Everton's efforts were increasingly lame, however, and when Lys Mousset plundered a second with 11 minutes to go, many fans left their seats in disgust at what was an abject display.

“We tried everything from the bench,” Silva explained. “We have the solutions there as well for that. We changed with Alex and Cenk first and played the two strikers and tried to be more offensive on our right side and playing with three in attack.

“I tried giving some feedback from the side of the pitch giving feedback giving different solutions for us but the mobility was not enough and in attack the decisions were not always the best.

“Again, we have to work on it, keep working really hard and to show stronger personality on the pitch.

“I can imagine [how the fans are feeling]. I 100% understand their reaction — they came to support and to see the team giving 100% commitment but we didn't play well enough form them to be happy with us and I fully understand.”

 

Reader Comments (119)

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Paul Hewitt
1 Posted 21/09/2019 at 18:48:39
Just go, please.
Nick Armitage
2 Posted 21/09/2019 at 18:50:16
Taxi. Out of his depth. He's not moving forwards.
Mick Conalty
3 Posted 21/09/2019 at 18:58:45
Taxi for Silva and Kenwright they can share the fare.
Tommy Coleman
4 Posted 21/09/2019 at 18:59:05
Magic..."Moments".
We created one chance. There's no structure to our attacks or to our defense. This is a coaching problem. Unfortunately, I've given up that Silva is the coach to take us to the next level.
David Connor
5 Posted 21/09/2019 at 19:00:31
This Charlie has to go. Worse than the last 3 duds put together...Oh, by the way, take Duncan Ferguson with you. Attacking coach my arse...
Alan J Thompson
6 Posted 21/09/2019 at 19:03:29
"But we'll analyse it and prepare for the next one".

We've been playing the same miserable system for how long and now he is going to analyse it and do it again next game but against a lower division team.

Please, somebody, have a word.

Paul Hewitt
7 Posted 21/09/2019 at 19:23:51
Nervous and can't handle pressure. It's bloody Sheffield united, not the rs or city.
Ken Williams
8 Posted 21/09/2019 at 19:25:07
At the moment, I cannot see where the next win will come from. This idiot has not got the first idea of how to defend against set-pieces; he does the same thing week in week out expecting a different result.

Teams like Sheffield Utd we should be putting to the sword; unfortunately, our sword is blunt and the next Premier League game is Man City.

John Keating
9 Posted 21/09/2019 at 19:29:33
I'll use the same word as I described Martinez: delusional.
Joe McMahon
10 Posted 21/09/2019 at 19:36:49
These costly errors, the Masters of art at the Finch Farm training machine will eradicate this won't they.

Our next 2 games, City and then Burnley away will be 0 points (1 at best against Burnley). Bottom 3 awaits.

Sean Kelly
11 Posted 21/09/2019 at 19:37:18
What's this shite "show more personality on the pitch" WTF is that?

He played two defensive midfielders again Sheffield United. How many will he play there against Man City?

For god's sake, man, own up. You are in way over your depth. Watford must be pissing themselves laughing having been compensated for this fraud. Send him back and get a refund.

Andy Crooks
12 Posted 21/09/2019 at 19:37:52
Martinez Mk II without the good first season. When he goes, and he must, surely "the legend" should go with him. After all, he is the common denominator in year after year of mediocrity.
Gerard Carey
13 Posted 21/09/2019 at 19:43:07
I really think his body has been invaded by Martinez:

"In a moment this or in a moment that"!!! Anytime now, we'll hear the word "Phenomenal". Looks way out of his depth.

Martinez, Koeman and Silva — none had any success in the Premier League, no track record, except (in the case of two of them) getting teams relegated.

Stephen Brown
14 Posted 21/09/2019 at 19:43:10
Delusional and incoherent!
Awful
Rory Grant
15 Posted 21/09/2019 at 19:45:10
From now on all responsibility lies with the owners. Do they care or not? To think about or discuss anything else is just too mind-numbing.
Jim Bailey
16 Posted 21/09/2019 at 19:49:59
Silva,your "moment" is now. Just do the decent thing,resign and you might even earn some grudging respect off the fans that you repeatedly let down.
Stay, and you will be remembered as another complete and utter failure,with no pride or dignity
Your call.
Tony Hill
17 Posted 21/09/2019 at 19:55:10
Rory@15, I think you're right. This is a critical moment for Everton with the new stadium coming up (I'm parking my cynicism on that for present purposes).

I don't want more patronising pap from management diploma gobshites. I want us to start winning football matches regularly, because that's what we're here for.

Andy Riley
18 Posted 21/09/2019 at 19:59:06
That was one of the worst performances I’ve seen in 50 years. Reminded me of the worst days of Walter Smith and Mike Walker not just the dying embers of Martinez. Massive game now on Tuesday and then City next Saturday which I think may see the end of him. I’d like a proven winner like Mourhino but quite honestly that was so bad I’d take Moyes back!
Jim Bennings
19 Posted 21/09/2019 at 20:08:32
Spineless wank from players and manager put together.

Is there an unwritten rule at this club that involves having to play TWO holding midfielders at all costs?

Why do we bring everyone back to defend corners?

Why don’t we possess a single centre forward that can control a ball, score, shoot straight blah blah.

Why do none of our midfielders pick the ball up and run bloody FORWARD?

Why do we only have one way of playing, pass the ball out wide only to put in the usual half baked shoulder high crosses, for Christ sake will someone tell them that we no longer have Tim Cahill, Duncan Ferguson or Marouane Fellaini in the middle waiting?

Why has there been too much sentiment about replacing players like Coleman (who has been great for us but his legs have long since gone and his crossing is god awful)?

Why have we left ourselves short on central defensive options?

Why are we so easy to beat?

Why don’t we score enough goals, or take enough shots or even look feckin arsed when passing the ball at snail pace?

Why don’t we just start signing players that might actually bust a gut for us from teams in the lower realms of Premier League or Championship, it didn’t do any harm why Moyes brought in the likes of Cahill and Lescott?!

I don’t trust Moshiri or Brands at all no matter what.

Moshiri has pursued Silva all the way when really he should have been chasing a manager with a serial winners CV or at least someone who has achieved a few things in British Football and has a bit more knowledge of the game, I could even have understood a Eddie Howe appointment, at least he’s been through the leagues and got a good attacking side there.

We are the most tepid boring unit to watch in the league.

I’m sick of being told to be patient, how can we be patient watching dog shit turn stale week in week out?

George Cumiskey
20 Posted 21/09/2019 at 20:23:37
Put your money on Siggy and Sneids being in the team next week !, And Walcott coming on at 70 minutes.
Sondre Haga
22 Posted 21/09/2019 at 20:32:22
Silva, strong personality on the pitch comes with strong personality from the bench. And a plan they believe in. 2 holding midfielders against a team totally without any attacking threath ffs.
Jobe Nineteen
23 Posted 21/09/2019 at 20:34:12
For me personally, the plan B that Silva delivered in the second half today evidenced just how desperately inexperienced he is and to be honest just how out of his depth he is. Replacing Bernard with Walcott was sheer desperation and Silva has been out manouvered and out smarted by two Championship managers so far. We have gone backwards every season since Bobby Brown shoes lost the plot and was shipped out, something long term strategically has to be put into place now or we will be facing another panic alarm going off.Bye bye Mr Silva.
Steve Ferns
24 Posted 21/09/2019 at 20:36:15
Jobe, it was Coleman who was replaced by Walcott. Bernard was replaced by either Iwobi or Tosun as they both came on for Bernard and Schneiderlin.
Allan Board
25 Posted 21/09/2019 at 20:37:44
An easier start to a season you could not of wished for-on paper anyways. However football is played on grass, not paper, and Everton are not good at it are they?
This is just tiresome drivel from all involved at the museum which is Everton.
The irony of Moshiris comments about EFC being a museum is not lost. It has got worse since he took over, which I can't comprehend as he knows more than most that leadership starts at the top.
Man City had shit like this till they realised there is no other way but to have a proper, winner of a manager in charge and paid huge money to get Mancini.
Stop trying to do it on the cheap, invest in management. Someone said earlier that it was better when we were skint and I agree!
John Pierce
26 Posted 21/09/2019 at 20:41:05
Every body bar him could see this result coming. The clues have been there throughout his tenure.

A counter attack manager, yet his team has more possession than most teams. Most notably possession with little penetration.

His record against poor teams is very poor. We may win some games against dross but we rarely play well.

After his ‘magic’ subs today we were shapeless, had no pattern of play and there was still 30odd minutes left. Surely this detail maestro ‘games’ tricky situations like this out? We resembled the 2-3-5 of the 1950s but without the goals.

His in game solutions to adversity are non existent, proof his record when we concede first.

I’d expect Brands to act, because the structure is there to dispense with a poorly performing manager. Sadly I think he’ll hesitate, based on my gut, we will see a marginal improvement and wait for the next wobble.
Brands signed off on him but it wasn’t his choice. In the harshest of terms, he’s not his problem. I was like lukewarm at best, wobbled last season and have seen enough. Going nowhere under Silva.

Dave Williams
27 Posted 21/09/2019 at 20:54:10
This is like last season when we were in a terrible rut from December and it then turned around just as his position was becoming precarious. I still don’t know if he turned it around by accident or design but I would guess Moshiri will give him time to see if he can do it again.
I wanted Arteta, still do and if not Benítez and don’t think Silva has it in him but I’m afraid we have some more grief ahead to see if he can change it.
Kevin Murray
28 Posted 21/09/2019 at 20:58:44
I started following the blues 30 years ago and bar 1995 have had nothing to celebrate. I am, like most, utterly fed up with the lack of ability to fulfill basic requirements on the pitch. Basic stuff.

Positional sense, communication, heart, passion and most of all Pace and movement!

The current 'head coach' appears to want to play the same system, with mostly the same players regardless of the outcome. He needs to change his thinking quickly or surely his position will be untenable.

In my opinion he has to play 433. This means sigurdsson has to he sacrificed. He is offering so little anyway, its obvious to most. Energy has to be injected above would imagine the likes of Tom Davies and others from the u23s would at the very least add some energy.

I also think serious consideration should be given to dropping Pickford. He needs a kick up the ass and taking down a peg. He is causing most of the nervousness and lack of confidence in the back four.

Please, please someone within the club so something. And quick. Coyb !

Kase Chow
29 Posted 21/09/2019 at 20:59:40
Partly this is Silva

Partly a poor summer recruitment: no options at centre back and no proven goalscorer.

I have no time for snobs that think players like Josh King, Mitrovic, Ashley Barnes not good enough: each of those will get 10-15 this season whereas we don’t own a striker that I believe can give us that eg DCL, Tosun, Kean
(I don’t count Ritchie because he’s a winger and we need some one that can hold the ball + score)

Silva really isn’t impressing and is in fact depressing

This is crap: results haven’t improved and nor have performances he’s surely walking towards the trap door

Peter Healing
30 Posted 21/09/2019 at 21:02:25
Only Oumar can save Silva...
David Mosses
31 Posted 21/09/2019 at 21:13:04
Why are we so slow getting the ball forward, every other team move the ball a lot faster and therefore create more chances. Why do we have to pass the ball sideways and backwards as soon as there is any pressure put on the player in possession.

Why do we have a goalkeeper who flaps at crosses and comes out when the attacker is bearing down on goal and gives him all the goal to aim at. All these points are and should be dealt with in Finch Farm but from what we are seeing on the pitch either they are not listening or are totally stupid and can't grasp what they are being told.

If the manager wants to keep his job he has to make them get a grip of the instructions otherwise I'm afraid it's curtains for him. The next two games will determine his fate.

Dave Williams
32 Posted 21/09/2019 at 21:16:33
Pickford was awful with the second goal — he stepped towards the player, changed his mind and stood there and virtually ushered the ball into the net. Had he been quick off the mark he would have stood a chance.
Dave Williams
33 Posted 21/09/2019 at 21:16:33
Pickford was awful with the second goal. He stepped towards the player, changed his mind and stood there and virtually ushered the ball into the net. Had he been quick off the mark he would have stood a chance.
Ricardo Chincilla
34 Posted 21/09/2019 at 21:29:06
I've been coming to this site for years and now figure I might as well put in my two cents.

People are calling for Silva's head, and as someone who wasn't a big fan of his appointment to begin with, I think people should really consider Marcelino. I've been calling for his appointment for something like the last three seasons, but for some reason he keeps slipping under the radar. Instead, we go for managers with "Premier League experience" who ultimately get us nowhere.

Jim Bennings
35 Posted 21/09/2019 at 21:33:04
Dave,

Pickford did the same for last weeks third goal at Bournemouth, comes then doesn't come, leaving the striker with a simple task of finishing.

Mind you having said that, I wouldn't have backed one of our lads to have scored that chance, no doubt they'd have wanted three touches and ran it out for a goal kick lol.

Eric Paul
36 Posted 21/09/2019 at 21:37:32
The 3rd goal last week and the 2nd this week were pure defensive errors
Jason Lloyd
37 Posted 21/09/2019 at 21:39:20
Nothing at the club has changed since Martinez.

It is rotten from top to bottom.

Too many bad feelings are at the club.

Changing the manager, the staff the players wont fix it.

Moshiri needs to take full control of the club and get Kenwright out.

Then they need a mass clear out of cronies and a new management structure and a strategy.

Only at this point do you consider what this means for the playing side.

Ian Riley
38 Posted 21/09/2019 at 21:40:31
Nervous? Playing an average championship side? This what comes from a week's preparation? Players are not putting in a shift? Win the battle then play? Ten years ago we were very average with ability due to the players we had. They showed heart and desire. They pick up a pay cheque for that performance today!!!

Kase #29, you're right we are snobs! Moyes, Allardyce and Koeman not good enough. Not good enough for this great club. Yes, if you know your history. If any club has milked their history, we have 'cause we haven't come close to a trophy. We lack leaders on the pitch. The first team management team lack experience. My worry in the summer was our defence. No 15-20 goal scorer, boy our defence will have to step up. That's happened!!!

Silva post-match interviews. Not got a clue how to fix it. It's hope over desperation. I wanted Moyes back when koeman departed to settle the ship with money for quality players. He had the club at heart and every player fought for the club. Moyes, Unsworth and Cahill to settle the ship. Won't happen though. Silva will be given time and I do hope he can turn it around.

Silva needs to get tough with some players. There not giving all!! Stuff talent, work harder!!

Dave Williams
39 Posted 21/09/2019 at 21:44:27
Jim, absolutely right! I know he isn't the tallest but given he can use his hands he should be able to dominate his box and he doesn't!

Ian, Moyes Unsworth and Cahill?? Interesting thought that one!

Rick Tarleton
40 Posted 21/09/2019 at 21:45:10
The famous "You Don't Know What You're Doing" chant is so applicable.

I keep banging on about how Silva sets up his teams. Call it 4-3-3 or 4-2-1-3, it is ineffective and impossible with the personnel we have at our disposal.

We haven't a box-to-box midfielder or preferably two of them,which this system requires. When in the sixties we played 4-3-3 we had Ball, Kendall and Harvey who were all box to box players, similarly in the eighties we had Bracewell and Reid to anchor and provide energy and we played with two central strikers, Gray and Sharp, or Sharp and Lineker.

Now we have no box to box players, and our anchors can't pass. We play up-front with umpteen wide players each trying unsuccessfully to provide a central striking role and each failing miserably.

Yet week in, week out Silva persists in this formation. The definition of insanity, doing the same thing over and over again and expecting it to be different next time.

Next week, we'll try Tom Davies against Man City, perhaps we'll start with Richarlison, Iwobi and Walcott, on the buggins turn principle, and we'll possibly lose again.

As for our hapless zonal marking from set-pieces. Mr Silva, have you noticed it isn't working. Our defenders stand like rabbits in headlights and our attackers and midfielders fail to do their marking jobs by blocking the opponents' runs.

Having met the mighty teams like Bournemouth, Brighton, Villa and Sheffield United, we're now moving onto the better teams. God help us with this tactical genius in charge.

Jim Bennings
41 Posted 21/09/2019 at 21:47:14
Well look at it this way.

Where do we score enough goals to win enough games?

Where do we keep enough clean sheets to avoid defeats?

Where is the identity and pattern of this team?

I was no massive Moyes fan, he evidently won zero but he didn't spend the lavish amounts that we do now.

One thing we had, however, under Moyes, regardless of a lack of success, was an identity most of the time, a way of playing that commanded some respect form opposing sides.

Pat Kelly
42 Posted 21/09/2019 at 21:52:42
His moment has come. It's time to go. He will do no good for the Club. Only harm.
Dave Evans
43 Posted 21/09/2019 at 21:53:17
Marco. We are not having enough dangerous 'moments' in and around the opposition penalty area. The vast majority of all the 'moments' of our play is getting there.
Eric Paul
44 Posted 21/09/2019 at 21:53:46
Jason @37,Do you not think we have gone backwards since Mr Moshiri has been at the club? I am no fan of Kenwright and Moyes but it was more fun being an Evertonian with them at the helm.
Jim Bennings
45 Posted 21/09/2019 at 21:59:50
Eric,

Too right it was!

As I say, there was more identity back then, less to spend but signing some hidden gems from Cahill to Arteta, to Pienaar to Coleman to Lescott, even canny little loan signings like Brian McBride or Landon Donovan.

There seemed to be more identity and intimacy there in the club back then.

Now, we are just splashing £30 million here there and everywhere and trying to convince ourselves that we are signing really talented players when the actual performances and end results are just all a bit shit really.

Moshiri has been here nearly four years, look at the managers he's been through and the money spent yet we are no closer to remotely looking like a top-six challenger let alone participant.

Kieran Kinsella
46 Posted 21/09/2019 at 22:01:22
Eric @44,

My worry is we are like Villa with Randy Lerner. Good intentions, lots of money spent but mistake after mistake in recruiting, management and tactics.

Rick Tarleton
47 Posted 21/09/2019 at 22:11:18
As far as value for money goes has there been a worse buy than Richarlison? He is an expert at just missing and diving.

Sigurdsson runs him close, a dead ball specialist; Spurs soon realised his limitations and got rid. In the right team he could play just behind a central striker and pick up the loose ball, but run a midfield, provide the creative nous for a team? Don't make me laugh.

Walcott, is simply a joke.

Of the four Barcelona fringe players only Digne has truly been a success and the jury is out on his defensive capabilities.

Not all these buys are Silva's work, but we have had a plethora of duff managers since Kendall Mark I and Silva is continuing the tradition of setting up teams with players who can't play the system he wants and then talking about individual mistakes. It's the system and the players who make the mistakes inevitable.

Dave Williams
48 Posted 21/09/2019 at 22:13:29
Jim, again I agree. Moyes instilled discipline into his teams. They all knew their role and no one dared deviate apart from Graveson sometimes.

This lot don't seem to know whether they're coming or going and the Man City game could be Armageddon!

Tony Twist
49 Posted 21/09/2019 at 22:17:54
I want him gone... then again, I never wanted him in the first place. But who is available to take over from him? We have been so very lazy with our recruitment of managers, I can't imagine us ever getting it right again.
Jay Wood
[BRZ]

50 Posted 21/09/2019 at 22:18:37
Rick @ 47.

"As far as value for money goes, has there been a worse buy than Richarlison?"

Don't be so daft, Rick.

Denis Richardson
51 Posted 21/09/2019 at 22:34:31
If we can't beat Sheffield Utd at home, then we really are in deep shit.

It's only 6 games in but getting just 7 points against the teams we've played is a very, very poor return. Silva won't be sacked in the near future but, at the very latest, he'll be put out of his misery in December. At this rate, I can easily see us losing 5 straight then, starting with the Leicester game.

I can't see anything but a loss against Man City, then Burnley away before another international break. If we lose to City and Burnley, will the board finally say enough is enough?

The Premier League table doesn't matter this early in the season but to be dropping points so easily and regularly against the lower teams must be setting off alarm bells surely.

Dick Fearon
52 Posted 21/09/2019 at 22:35:02
Cashless Moyes did to others what others are now doing to us. I hold fulsome praise of Brands until he finds players like Cahill, Arteta Pienaar, Coleman, Baines etc.

I have never understood why Silva was chosen over the likes of Benetiz, Howe and other experienced Premier League managers.

Eric Paul
53 Posted 21/09/2019 at 22:35:42
Jim and Kieran,

Spot on, we've got no identity or playing style.

But it's all Kenwright's fault, and I reiterate: I am no fan of Kenwright.

Trevor Peers
54 Posted 21/09/2019 at 22:36:23
Silva was always a disaster waiting to happen. Lots of us on TW were certain he lacked the experience, guile and character to be a decent manager. This guy has the Midas touch in weakness, both in defensive and attack.

This is what happens when an owner with no experience of running a football club picks the manager because he thinks this is a business project, a money-making exercise. How on earth did Moshiri decide Silva was the right man to manage the Blues? He's weak moody and often shambolic in his man-management, team selection and tactics.

The chickens have really come home to roost now, Moshiri will lose £millions of his fortune and we are now in a desperate position IMO, but I don't see a way out, because Silva will be given even more time. When he finally goes and he will, probably by Christmas, it will be a miracle if left to Moshiri, that he picks the right man to lead us back to stability. We all know what will happen if he fails again.

Alex Carew
55 Posted 21/09/2019 at 22:37:47
I'm with David @5: on your bike, Silva... and take Duncan with you. Not sure what he has to offer other than to deliver old Gwladys her free half-season ticket in January. Not sure how he has survived so many managers, maybe they are just scared of him?
Paul Jeronovich
56 Posted 21/09/2019 at 22:45:42
Today was the day were I felt that I’ve had enough of the shit being served up year on year by this club. Slow, boring, predictable football. I hardly got out of my seat the whole game and you could feel it all around the ground. Fans are becoming bored of this shit.
James Newcombe
57 Posted 21/09/2019 at 22:58:52
Not sure how much of this is Silva’s fault to be honest. He had the team playing very well at the end of last term. But then the spine of the side was ripped out and simply wasn’t adequately replaced... Not even close.
Rob Marsh
58 Posted 21/09/2019 at 23:11:18
James @ 57

The frightening thing today was that Silva took the shotgun approach and let Sheff Utd have it with both barrels, we effectively had 5 forwards on at the end and we still looked blunt.

Silva by doing this was admitting he's got no more ideas. He's lost; for his and our sakes, the end has to come.

Paul Birmingham
59 Posted 21/09/2019 at 23:17:11
Taken time and I don’t think that there’s nothing more to say.

I’m in danger of becoming a broken record, but nothing changes, at Everton, and the appallingly lack of character and shape is so clear, and I sense every team is eager to play us, now as we have no character and no guile and heart.

Every one should be refunded for attending the last two matches.

But that won’t stop this rot. Too slow, no threat other than the wings, which rarely deliver good crosses, no movement, and it’s too easy.

I despair, and any one who believes this season won’t be a struggle, then on this start, I can’t see how it won’t. I hope I’m proved wrong.

Brian Murray
60 Posted 21/09/2019 at 23:22:09
We really have to give Brands the benefit of the doubt if he until now has not picked a manager. Mostly Kenwright and now Moshiri are the ones making the bad calls. I’m sure in the next week or so when Silva finally has no where else to go Brands will have an inspired plan b. We have to keep believing that.

He created a dynasty at PSV so he can do it here. Time to approach Jose and see if he really is yesterday's man or if he has his hunger back. No more relegated managers,
Jim Wilson
61 Posted 21/09/2019 at 23:35:59
Who on earth but an idiot would think you can play a 6' 5'' centre half with a 6' 3'' centre half.
A total recipe for trouble at the back. Any decent manager knows one centre half with a mobile pacey sweeper is a must.
Factor in last minute signings, constant team changes, carrying Siggy each game and no wonder we are struggling
Silva is a complete disaster. He has no common sense and no clue on the fundamentals of the game.
Kunal Desai
62 Posted 21/09/2019 at 23:39:25
This is the turning point I fear, similar to Martinez when we lost 3-0 to Southampton in Dec 2014 many knew that was the turning point. Martinez was lucky enough to stay on for near enough another 18 months after that, Silva won't be that fortunate, though I wouldn't put it pass our generous board to relieve him of his duties until next summer.
Last season Silva had a free pass, there is no getting away with three wins from fourteen matches this time around.
The message by Moshiri and Brands better be clear, start delivering or you will be out on your ear.
Bill Gall
63 Posted 21/09/2019 at 23:55:51
The most frightening thing about today's defeat is that if you asked any of the supporters, what player from S.Utd team would you swap for one of Evertons in the same position, and the answer would have been, most probably none, except from some supporters who have personnel grudges against some players.

And yet here come a team that completely outplays us, play to a system their manager trains them to, and walks off with a result. so the question is, which manager done his homework and used it on the training ground.?

I believe Everon will eventually finish higher than S.Utd but doubt it will be in the top 6 to do it. We are in a rut that gets deeper and ends in a hole,and need someone to stop it now, and I am not sure if Silva can do it.

No one likes to see Everton changing their manager at the pace we are doing it, but it will cause more damage than we ever imagined if we continue the way we are playing. Silva is the manager and it is up to him to turn it around, and if he does not seem to be up to it, the owner better do something about it.

Moshiri does not understand the commitment of the Everton supporters and their faithfulness in attending home and away games, and as they say in boxing you hit a person often enough and he will go down. Continue playing like Everton are and you will start to see the attendances go down,and it will be far from easy to get them back.

Mr Moshiri you are in a privileged position as owner of Everton F.C. and as such you need to read the riot act to the people who are responsible for what is happening in this once proud club, and show you have a mean streak to protect your investment.

Success comes from the top, failure to act is a sign of weakness, supporters deserve success from you.

Jay Harris
64 Posted 21/09/2019 at 23:56:13
Revolution - Moyes as general manager and Mikel and Tim as coaches.

Sack the board and save a fortune. Let Moyes handle the recruitment and the footballing philosophy.

Evolution - Sensible option go for Marcelino but give him some power.

Ken Kneale
65 Posted 22/09/2019 at 00:11:06
Kunai 62. I fear the message will be carry on regardless. In no other Everton era would Martinez, Koeman, Allardyce (especially) or this fraud ever have been appointed but under Kenwright anything seems to go. Andy Crooks has spoken at length on another thread that this surely should mean the end of
FErguson but again, that should have happeneda long time ago and in reality he should never have collected another wage packet in the first place. We are in a massive mess and time will tell if those in charge are up to it
Andrew James
66 Posted 21/09/2019 at 00:13:23
I'm disappointed in Marco. I think his tactics are more difficult to coach than those of Martinez.

But today he'd sent out a lame duck with his selection. Morgan Schneiderlin who has been a regular in previous slumps under other coaches in again. No Davies.

Then he brings on Cenk not DCL...strange move given one has pace and the other doesn't, one scored last weekend, the other one didn't.

Why can't he grasp that the total lack of pace in the middle - Gylfi and MS - means breaking during a counter attack is very difficult to do?

I'm also getting tired of sides gambling with balls into our box and scoring and we never do it. Just occasionally if they drove balls low into the box, fast, we might get a ricochet? If you do it, defences get panicky and you have a good chance at a second wave attack.

We also are useless at set pieces, especially corners. Digne is good but with him and Gylfi in the side, we should be causing mayhem and we don't.

I don't think it all should be laid at his door. There's been a weird and incompetent failure by the club to buy a proven Premier League striker. Somebody to get the bread and butter goals.

Key players have massively underperformed. Gylfi has vanished in way too many games under three managers. Walcott has brought little of his decade long experience to the pitch.

Bill Gall
67 Posted 22/09/2019 at 00:14:23
Best quote of the day ( Everton play like M.City ) sorry that should read (Everton pensioners play like M.City)
Jack Convery
68 Posted 21/09/2019 at 00:14:54
As was going to write a little piece about today's result, what I think is wrong and what needs to be done to put it right but you know what I can't be arsed. Well done Everton Football Club you've ground me done with your ineptitude.
Phil Lewis
69 Posted 22/09/2019 at 00:33:28
Playing nervous? Does that translate from Portuguese as a complete inability to pass to a blue shirt, to defend set pieces, to find space and win tackles? Because that is what this excuse for a team has displayed these last two matches. Everton are abysmal, it's as simple as that.

Drop Pickford for a start. His well documented inability in dealing with crosses and set pieces shows no sign of improvement. Sign a centre half in January. Sign a playmaker also. We will never improve while Sigurrdson is in the team, he is a complete waste of space. He takes corners, end of!

Tom Davies gets rave reviews on International duty, yet can't a look in for us? Kean looks totally out of his depth at present. For God's sake buy or get a loan deal on a mature proven striker from somewhere, to lead the line and score goals. As ridiculous as it sounds, Niasse would probably be as good as any on current form. That's how much of a joke we are becoming up front.

Marco, the honeymoon is over. You need to man up, show some bottle and make radical changes right now!

Tony Williams
70 Posted 22/09/2019 at 00:38:44
TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE.
Habib Erkan Jr
71 Posted 22/09/2019 at 00:55:23
The players were nervous because they have lost confidence in your system. David Moyes should not be this difficult to replace.
Bobby Thomas
72 Posted 22/09/2019 at 00:58:18
Rick #47

We will double our money or more on Richarlison and he will end up playing for a better club than us.

James Stewart
73 Posted 22/09/2019 at 01:08:55
Nervous Wow, Sheffield United at home is not the game to use that excuse. Embarrassing. Not up to the task, so may as well just bite the bullet.

The only sensible option now is Benitez. Worked miracles at Newcastle and won big trophies, we need him asap.

Rob Marsh
74 Posted 22/09/2019 at 01:19:45
James @ 73

There's long memories on here and at GP, I doubt he'd be forgiven for making certain comments about the dimensions of our club compared to the one across the park.

The smart money, though, would be on him to do a good job here.

Bill Gall
75 Posted 22/09/2019 at 01:37:20
Can you imagine that with the money he is paid in China, Benitez would even consider coming here. He will not want to manage a struggling team, he had enough at Newcastle. He may be offered money for players but I doubt if he would be paid as much as he is earning in China.
Jer Kiernan
76 Posted 22/09/2019 at 01:41:48
Anybody know the portugeuse word for Embarrasing ? Maybe they can translate it for Marco ?? the only way I can describe this seasons so far

Just watched his interview in MOTD and he needs to be gone, ,the chance of him finding a wining formula after what I have seen this year and last would be bordering on miraculous,,

Give him another month but it would be negligence of a nearly criminal nature if the club where not looking at other options NOW ( then again they have yet to even try to replace Lukaku so who knows )

Eric Myles
77 Posted 22/09/2019 at 03:21:32
Steve #24, as soon as Coleman came off for Walcott I said to the missus, we'll lose this now, they'll score another 1 or 2.
Jim Bennings
79 Posted 22/09/2019 at 06:44:53
I have no doubts whatsoever that Benitez would transform us.

He’s a winner in every sense, a clever canny bastard and look at some of the results he pulled off at a crisis torn Newcastle?

He’d never come here though and to be honest I wouldn’t trust Moshiri to get the next appointment right either, his track record so far has been very very underwhelming.

Brian Porter
80 Posted 22/09/2019 at 07:28:53
Nervous? Silva has totally lost it with this latest twaddle of an excuse for yet another capitulation by our Merry Mersey Millionaires.

Is he really trying to get us to believe that this team of (mostly) experienced international footballers were too nervous to go out and play a game of football against the giants of Premier League football, Sheffield United?

If he truly believes that, then it really is time to go, because the only person who has the ability to spread nervousness among the team in none other than... Marco Silva.

He's the man who supposedly trains/coaches them, sets out the game plan and instructs those selected (by him) to play, in exactly what he expects from them, and tells them how he expects them to achieve it. In doing so, is he making them nervous by asking them to do things they're not familiar with or are afraid of?

Silva is becoming more like Martinez with every press conference. You just have to insert 'moments' instead of 'phenomenal' and there you have it, Roberto Mk ll. Only there are no smiles and jokes to soften the painful truth that Silva is completely out of his depth and doesn't have the tactical nous or basic ability to manage at this level.

What induced Moshiri to chase the guy for nine months, ending up paying millions in compensation to Watford who are now doubtlessly laughing themselves silly at soft touch Everton?

For God's sake, Mr Moshiri, admit you made a horrendous mistake (again), and fire the latest inept apology for a manager hired on your watch before we really get dragged into the relegation fight.

Terry Farrell
81 Posted 22/09/2019 at 08:38:19
Rick Richarlison is a good buy and your statement is pathetic.
Here we go again sack the manager. We were toothless yesterday and need a goalscorer as we have since Rom left. Koeman's transformed Holland did brilliant at Southampton but was hounded out of efc. A legend of the game given no patience at our club.
Those calling for the return of Moyes do me a favour. I loved him but when he went it was a few seasons too late and remind me where is he now?
Silva is by all accounts a great coach and if he leaves will be snapped up. Brands the same. Time is needed and a few more transfer windows but instant success doesn't happen. How many seasons/years does it take to build a successful team? I think we play some decent stuff but lack a cutting edge and Siggy is less of a threat this season which is worrying.
Allan Board
82 Posted 22/09/2019 at 08:41:38
Hi Jase@37,hope you're well. You are right, it's now 2019, but the club is still misty eyed over 1969 or 1985! Get real Moshiri, there is no White Knight riding to the rescue against all the odds! Those days have gone.
Solid, disciplined, professional and ruthless winner's is the criteria required from top to bottom. Even starting today, it will take years.
Run like a cosy mate's club for too long, with all the hangers-on that attracts.
Oh, and can we have some men signed to play for us please? This lot are a bunch of turn coats who give up when the shit hits. It's like watching u10s, next they will be blubbing!
Grow a pair Everton from top to bottom and stop feeling hard done by!
Yes to Benitez, should have got Rodgers, Marcelino looks like he can Don the hard hat too and available.
Safe options do not work anymore, and every day EFC becomes more marginalised and the fans have to put up with being ridiculed - never the staff.
It's as plain as the nose on your face.
Derek Knox
83 Posted 22/09/2019 at 09:17:54
Jim Bailey @16, good post there my friend which echo my feelings entirely.

The amount of compensation that has been paid out for Managers both to the Club they came from, and to them for cessation of Contract from us, is both embarrassing and costly.

As I have said on here many times, Farhad Moshiri should have been the answer to a long awaited prayer, but it is almost the opposite, when it's calculated the amount of money that has been spent on both players and Managerial Compensation, we are not a lot better off than before his arrival.

Furthermore, it is evident that Farhad is NOT a footballing man, but merely an investor and figurehead. Which beggars the question, who the hell is ill-advising him to appoint these useless Managers and buy over-priced dud footballers? (in many, not all cases)

I have seen on this, TW, people have even pointed the finger at M Brands, saying he was instrumental in Silva's appointment, I fail to see how because it was mooted well before M Brands was even mentioned, and eventually appointed, that Everton were sniffing round Silva.

Hence all the hulla-balloo and claims for compensation from Watford, for diverting Silva's attention from the job in hand, in which he was doing so well, (not) which led to him being given the order of the Watford Boot.

Then it was Professor Blubber, Lardiola, Fat Sam, whichever nickname he has earned for 6 torrid months (oh on an eighteen month con-trick by the way) so how could brands have been involved in Silva's appointment?

Having said all this Brands is not the Manager and I do believe he has got some decent players for us, (maybe a bit over-priced in some cases) plus cleared the decks of deadwood. Although some are on loan and will come back, only to be loaned out again.

I'm pretty sure Brands has seen what is happening at Finch Farm, must see Silva's training in action, (?) and how that translates onto the pitch on Matchdays. He must also know the general feeling of the players towards Silva, so I am sure he will report to Farhad Moshiri on a fairly regular basis, being a Board Member himself.

I doubt whether there would be any sentiment there toward Silva when weighing up the implications of retaining him, against the inevitable damage it will do to the Club and to the fanbase in the long run. I just hope he is capable of convincing Silva to do the gentlemanly thing and resign to save not only face, but the Club more money.

Jeff Spiers
84 Posted 22/09/2019 at 09:47:45
Allan @82. Summed up perfectly.
Jason Lloyd
85 Posted 22/09/2019 at 10:06:40
Stop focusing on the manager or players.
The way they behave and perform is a symptom of the real reasons why we won't improve.

We can swap endless managers or players, the root cause is the people who own and run the club.

Moshiri is an absentee owner, like Ellis Short at Sunderland was. And he has given this fiefdom to Bill 'boys pen' Kenwright.

Bill has stuffed the club with yes people.

The CEOs credentials are appalling evidence of this. Running a football club is nothing like a charity.

Working at Everton in the football industry has a reputation that lots of people avoid, people only go there for the money or they are a fan.

Yes sadly, we are the football club people don't like working at, this goes to the very top as to why, it's a toxic culture.

Stephen Davies
86 Posted 22/09/2019 at 10:20:16
Jason # 85.
Thats an excellent point.
Theres no room for sentiment if you want to get in the top 6 of the PL never mind 4th.
Theres a malaise within this club which can only be eliminated by a roots & branch purge and a leader ( including a manager) that wont accept mediocrity.
This cant be done lightly, you need coaches who are strong willed and have that determination and willing mentality that transfers to the team and the whole dna of the club ( look what Simeone has done to Athletico Madrid..a team feared and respected in Europe & la Liga. Hes stamped his character on that club with a belief that they can beat anyone).
Wenger did similar at Arsenal & Mourinho during his first 2 stints at Chelsea.
That person is out there with the vision and determination..but who that person is I don't know..but its not Eddie Howe & its not the present Mourinho).
But changing a manager for changes sake is not the answer as we will be writing the same old things in 12, 24 & 36 months time.
Karl Meighan
87 Posted 22/09/2019 at 10:36:45
The same old 8th to possibly 15th place awaits with nervous glances towards the relegation battle along the way.

What kind of manager takes 2 years to avoid conceding goals from basic setpieces? You could take 4 defenders from the 3rd division who would defend better with a decent system in place.

Were my eyes decieving me in the 2nd half, did he have all 11 back defending a corner without a man attacking the ball or even a player on the posts?

The 2nd goal there was 1 possible pass available with 6 blue shirts unable to see or snuff out the danger, absolute shocking and these don't learn Villa scored a similar goal still fresh to us fans but not to manager or players.

Joe McMahon
88 Posted 22/09/2019 at 10:51:24
Derek, Professor Blubber, Lardiola, Fat Sam that's a bit harsh. I'm not a huge fan of his, but he did get Bolton to levels they have never been before and Crystal Palace winning at Klopps Liverpool. But if he is Professor Blubber, what the hell is (everyone's fave) David Unsworth!

I'd rather we still have Sam Allardyce at the moment to what we have now (and thats says a lot). The people that have made decisions at this club over the past 3 decades have killed it. Everton are nothing but an embarrassing relic.

Derek Thomas
89 Posted 22/09/2019 at 10:54:51
How do you make £500M? - start off with £1B and buy Everton.

Not surprised at all by the result.

Deadman walking here, deadman walking the blue mile.

Clive Rogers
90 Posted 22/09/2019 at 11:11:03
It’s about time we had a proper dynamic chairman rather than a clown and a proven failure.
Dave Ganley
91 Posted 22/09/2019 at 11:12:18
No Marco you have no idea how the fans feel. If you did you would make sure that the type of insipid performance that we've seen at villa Bournemouth and now yesterday just doesn't happen.
Maybe you should try living in the city for a week, living amongst the gobshites and taking the same shit day in day out to maybe have an iota of understanding of how we feel. Until you do that Marco lad you understand fuck all.
Frank Crewe
92 Posted 22/09/2019 at 11:57:58
I see there are still those who blame Kenwright. Did he buy the players, pick the team, or set the tactics? No he did not.
We struggle because even though over the last few years we have spent obscene amounts of money on players we always skimp on the manager of said players. It's like buying a Ferrari and letting the local oily rag service it and then wondering why the brakes failed and the wheels fell off.
We have to stop appointing flavour of the month managers. The young guy who's had a little success with an unfashionable club, and by success I mean got them a little higher up the PL than they normally would be. If we want to be a top club then we have to appoint a top manager. Though I hate to say it we need a Klopp, Guardiola, etc of our own. A manager who has a real record of success in a major league that they can point to. We have good players but we need a manager they can respect, and maybe fear, who can fire them up because he's been there, done it and has the T-shirt.
Bobby Thomas
93 Posted 22/09/2019 at 12:02:55
The fair and rational thing to do is give Silva time.

But the nagging feeling is, if the players are nervous playing Sheff Utd at home, throw in the towel as soon as they go behind and own such an embarrassing an away record, what's the point? Theres no self belief and Silva seems unable to provide any.

Frank Crewe
94 Posted 22/09/2019 at 12:09:59
@Derek 83

"I just hope he is capable of convincing Silva to do the gentlemanly thing and resign to save not only face, but the Club more money."

If you were Silva would you give up millions to save the club money? I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you. He'll want sacking like his predecessors did.

James Stewart
96 Posted 22/09/2019 at 13:03:01
@74 True but I think most would quickly forgive if he whipped us into shape.

There isn’t another candidate in our reach with his type of cv.

Karl Meighan
97 Posted 22/09/2019 at 13:26:08
Why would a top manager come to a mid table team, Frank@92 good players, I don't see that. We have a few decent players but not 1 that would command a spot in a top 4 team.

Yes we have to give more time but we have seen nothing to suggest any of the new players will make a difference. Iwobi has been good and its clear he can pass a ball better than most of the players we have but Silva drops him.

It looks to me like we have signed players based on brute force and strength whatever happened to guile, creativity and skill.

Brands is often praised on here well I aint seen anything to suggest he can spot talented players early at bargain prices. Plenty of dogshit at top prices and no better than the last clown with no improvement is what I see.

Jason Lloyd
99 Posted 22/09/2019 at 13:52:37
97 Karl yes agree that the transfer policy is very questionable.

Newcastle got Joelinton and Andy Carroll in one window so you can get two aggressive strikers.

I do worry we are working too much with very dodgy agents like Raiola who I believe has had a similar damaging effect at Man Utd.

I also worry about the fact that Schneiderlin is the highest paid player in the squad, with very real concerns a clause is in his contract that he has to be play a minimum number of matches per season.

Christy Ring
100 Posted 22/09/2019 at 13:58:29
Losing to Villa, B'mouth and at home to Sheffield Utd, show's we're going backwards. Silva has no plan A or B. I can't understand how he continues to pick Schneiderlin and Delph, 2 holding midfielders, I know Gomes is a big loss, but after our shocking performance at B'mouth, he drops a wide player Iwobi. Davies is an attacking midfielder with pace, how is he constantly been ignored by Silva. Yesterday he brought off Schneiderlin correctly, but replaced him with a striker, ludicrous, instead of Davies, a midfielder. He completely loses the plot then, bringing off Coleman for Walcott, are they the signs of a competent manager.
Colin Glassar
101 Posted 22/09/2019 at 14:02:34
The most damning name given recently to Everton by (rival) fans and pundits alike is that we are “a nothing team”. No shape, identity, personality, philosophy etc... You can’t get any lower than that!
Andrew James
102 Posted 22/09/2019 at 14:29:08
The most damning thing Colin is that pundits chortle at the prospect of us finishing in the "Big 6" when we regularly used to finish there and have won more league titles than half of those sides.
Paul Birmingham
103 Posted 22/09/2019 at 14:30:18
It’s a repeat cycle and yesterday it was odds on they’d score their first corner and odds on that Everton think they just have to turn up and the win will come.

The lack of shape and vision down the middle means we are now so predictably slow, naive and ineffective. If you don’t shoot you don’t score.

Possession is nothing if you don’t use it and I sense the balance in this team is hard to find and if Marco Silva doesn’t know his best team, then I won’t neither as he is the manager and collectively with his coaching staff, drill the players.

It’s as if they turn up like a pub team playing a testimonial match.

The chance to puncture the top six this season is gone in my view. Sheffield Wednesday is a must win, I’d like to think the players have been brought into today to FInch Farm, but is that likely?

The fall from grace for Everton is not overnight, it’s happened over the last 3 decades, and unless the basic qualities, of spirit, determination, desire, care and team work, are brought back into the fold, this season will pester out.

It’s sadly predictable and like before in 1990s, staying in the pub, is the better option, than watching that turgid laboured pedestrian crab football.

Now is the time to show leadership and it will be a decisive week. City could get another record score next week.

Will Everton turn up? Surely one game a month with this team to put a full shift in, for 97 mins,is not too much to ask?

John Audsley
104 Posted 22/09/2019 at 15:37:33
Our form and style of play is that of a relegation side. We are much nearer to the bottom than we are to the top 6. If Tosun gets opportunities he will score as he does with class for Turkey. He deserves a chance at least. Service is the main issue as we are creating nothing.

Defensively and in Midfield we are a joke that a cant face talking about.

What a shite weekend. again.

Bill Gall
105 Posted 22/09/2019 at 15:41:26
Jason #99 you have no idea of the ridicule and negative comments I got when I suggested A.Carroll last season for just a backup sub. If we were serious about getting a striker in the transfer window despite his age and reputation we should have gone for D.Costa the ex Chelsea striker, but then I suppose he didn't act like Bumbling Bill wanted for plucky Evertons reputation.
Keith Gleave
106 Posted 22/09/2019 at 16:33:03
People have blamed Kenwright, it’s not his fault. People have said DCL, Tosun and Kean are no good, Ronaldo couldn’t score with the quality of ball our strikers get. Kean scored for Juve and Italy, Tosun regularly scores for Turkey.
The issue is a lot of supposed quality players who don’t seem to know what they are to do, ie, no structure. People and they are, need to blame Silva and his coach’s, what are they actually coaching.
For me Silva needs to go now, if you wait till Christmas it gives a new manager little time to sort this mess. The greater problem is who is available and it’s got to be somebody proven.
Clive Rogers
107 Posted 22/09/2019 at 17:27:55
Keith, Kenwright was in charge for twenty years, during which time we became a small club. He basically sat there and did nothing waiting for glory which never came.

Moshiri is on record saying what a shambles he took over. Look what Moshiri has done to the ground for a few hundred thousand. Why didn't Kenwright do that in his 20 years?

We are a small club who can't attract top managers or proven strikers so have to gamble on younger people hopefully on the way up. Obviously it often goes wrong.

Rick Tarleton
108 Posted 22/09/2019 at 17:36:07
I'm sorry, but good players make a difference. Richarlison doesn't, except against Wolves. He has skill and plays for Brazil, but please tell me when he has got hold of a game by his bootstraps and gained Everton a result.

We've had him for a season and a quarter, for the money spent on him, he doesn't influence games enough. Think of Everton greats and my first hero Hickson clutching a blood-soaked bandage to win us a game. Richarlison would faint at the sight of blood, never mind continue playing.

Stephen Williams
109 Posted 22/09/2019 at 18:37:03
Picking on individual players just doesn't cut it with me. We've been beaten by Villa, Bournemouth and now Sheffield United - question: how many of those teams' players would we take?
I'd wager not many! From Villa, Wesley looked ok and clearly Grealish has some ability. From Bournemouth, Callum Wilson looks an accomplished goalscorer and I've always had time for Josh King. From Sheffield - well, no-one really.
So our group, whilst not worldbeaters, should at least be beating these sides which are generally much more likely to be fighting relegation that challenging for Europe.
But we're not. If fact we're boring, slow and ponderous to watch.
The reason why is that despite this being Silva's squad, his team, being coached by him day in day out (15 months should be long enough to make a mark) and his tactics, we have no structure, no pattern, no plan - no identity if you like. A lot like the manager! Everyone knows the way to get through the packed defences we're coming up against is to move the ball more quickly - but we just don't even try - that's got to be coaching, or lack of.
I have no idea what we're even trying to do. Pretty sure the players feel the same. Although Martinez had plenty of flaws (and I'm not advocating his return), at least we could see what the plan was - even if it was flawed.
Calling for his head won't get him sacked - but continuing a run of pathetic results certainly will. It's up to him - change the performances and results NOW or he'll suffer the inevitable consequences.
Minik Hansen
110 Posted 22/09/2019 at 18:46:51
Lots of people got partially what they wanted to see, Bernard and Kean on the team sheet. Not so effective yet I'm afraid, and without Gomes, it was gonna be different and depending on how the opponent approached this game, difficult. I won't be surpriced if DCL and Iwobe is back in the team in the next PL game.
Rick Tarleton
111 Posted 22/09/2019 at 19:11:08
Steve , if you read my original post (40) you will see I criticised the system and the setting up of the team by Silva. My criticism of Richarlison and Sigurdsson was a secondary post suggesting that successive managers have paid way over the odds for a number of players. Only Richarlison has elicited any responses in his favour.
My main point remains that the team is badly set up and badly organised.
Stephen Williams
112 Posted 22/09/2019 at 19:18:41
Rick (111),
I hadn't read your post and certainly wasn't seeking to criticise anyone who has criticised individuals. In fact I think we're actually saying the same thing - we're just coming at it from different directions.
I recall something Sir John Moores said many years ago - ultimate responsibility for performances and results rests with the manager. I don't think he was wrong.
Neil Lawson
113 Posted 22/09/2019 at 19:41:29
An interesting dilemma for Wednesday. The Carabau Cup is our only vague chance of success and entry into Europe. Hence, the strongest team possible should be fielded ( whatever that may be) with no thought to the weekend game against City. a game we will surely lose. In fact, let's be brave and field the U23 side v City !! That said, after yesterday they may be our best 11. So a real dilemma for Marco!!
Brent Stephens
114 Posted 22/09/2019 at 20:09:30
Neil "An interesting dilemma for Wednesday".

If we field ANY side on Wednesday, we're stuffed! Tuesday we have a better chance!

Neil Lawson
115 Posted 22/09/2019 at 20:22:19
Brent ; but did I mean the weekday wednesday or the football team Wednesday ? That is a dilemma for you to resolve !!
Brent Stephens
116 Posted 22/09/2019 at 20:24:11
Good one, Neil. I see a politician in there somewhere!
Keith Gleave
117 Posted 22/09/2019 at 21:35:38
Clive 107
When I state about Kenwright, I’m talking about present rather than past tense. Moshiri may have made those comments and they may be correct. His choice of managers though have been poor, to say the least.
For Moshiri to make a profit, not only does he require a new stadium but also a team that constantly qualifies for Europe and challenges for silverware. The manager now is essential to the success of the club and his bottom line.
Ashley Roberts
118 Posted 22/09/2019 at 00:14:00
I did not see the game yesterday and it sounds as though it was a blessing in disguise. As soon as I saw the line up and the changes made, I knew we were going to be in for a miserable day.

I am sorry, Mr Fearns, but Shneiderlin should be nowhere near the first team. Can somebody tell me the percentage of games we have actually won when he starts? I am sure it is in single digits!

Koeman persevered with him and look what happened to him. At least fat Sam got rid of him. So can somebody tell me how on earth he gets near the first team? He is slow ponderous and cannot tackle so what does he bring to the team? He is definitely not a player for the future.

Why not blood some of the exciting youngsters we have? I have not seen him bring anybody up as yet. He keeps trotting out the old has-beens who we know have huge limitations.

So two defensive midfielders against Sheffield Utd at home speaks volumes. No wonder they were nervous! I am not sure where we are going with this guy but a loss to the other Sheffield team and a drubbing against Man City could be his last game in charge.

Mike Keating
119 Posted 23/09/2019 at 00:29:24
And please put an end to the embarrassing trips down Memory Lane at half time.
It only serves as a reminder of how useless we have become over the last 25 years and the club’s total lack of ambition.
“If Yer Know Yer ‘istory” is in danger of turning from an anthem into our epitaph.
Pretty soon there’ll be no old medal winners to wheel out.
Rick Tarleton
120 Posted 23/09/2019 at 06:59:08
There is a basic problem and it has been there since the late eighties of poor management, until Moshiri, lack of money, poor recruitment, inept tactics and general malaise. A series of managers and poor owners, Johnson, Kenwright and possibly Moshiri, despite his financial input, and inadequate players.
You have to be way over forty to remember when Everon were actually a big team (the old big five) and a good team. We can blame any one factor, but it is pervasive to the whole club.
Silva is just the latest face continuing this process. And the current crop of players are merely another bunch of players playing inadequately. "If You Know Your History" has become our excuse as Mike Keating so eloquently put it.
Kase Chow
121 Posted 23/09/2019 at 10:34:59
It’s all become so boring and turgid

The very best we can hope for is beating that lot across the park and we don’t even ever do that

At least if the football was exciting then great but it’s not

The whole thing is so so depressing

Elissa Murtaza
123 Posted 23/09/2019 at 14:40:04
I've passionately supported Everton since 1964. My family moved to Liverpool that year and because of my new best friend who was a blue, I became one too. From 1966 onwards I rarely missed a home game, taking the train from Waterloo and back again after the game. I can't remember anything other than positivity and expecting our team to deliver and they rarely failed us. I left the city in 1979 and built a career in the entertainment industry and never stopped following our club, despite living in the Middle East.

This is the first time I've posted because I share the same frustrations and worries about our club. My own personal take on it is that expectations within the staff at EFC are so low that incoming foreign players within no time at all, become disillusioned by our secondary status in the city and apparently waste no time in expressing their desire to move on to a 'bigger club'. If they didn't realize it when they signed they do so after crossing the threshold.

Does anyone else recall Jagielka scoffing at the idea of us challenging for top four when it was suggested to him by Lukaku who had just joined us? What type of club captain gives out that impression to a new and ambitious young striker? Can you imagine a Liverpool player saying such a thing? Would anyone one of us accept a senior member of staff with such an attitude.

As fans we are still ambitious but it's clear our club and some of the staff insitu do not share our ambition and even the idea of competing with our neighbors is laughable.

It's too easy to blame Silva and yes he should be held accountable but the fact that a new signing, Delph, has broken ranks by speaking out is I believe just the tip of the iceberg. I'm sure there are quite a number of recent former players who could enlighten us on the atmosphere behind the scenes.

Like you all, I wish we had answers.

Bobby Thomas
124 Posted 23/09/2019 at 17:01:47
Across the whole club, there is a loser mentality.

One example of it, straight off the top of my head, is Leighton Baines laughing and joking with Liverpool fans when taking a throw in as we were getting hammered there. It was under Martinez and we had 10 or 9 men. We didn't have a centre back on the pitch and they had something like 42 attempts at goal.

Baines and Jags were both very good players but absolutely personified the loser culture that has taken a vice like hold at the place.

The semi-final against them was a watershed for me. They were terrified. It was a total surrender.

Silva's latest comments just show the scale of the task. He and his staff clearly can't lift them. And we aren't signing the right type of personalities. Delph must be thinking "what the fuck have I done?"

Apparently Deph was at Goodison till 6:30pm on Saturday. We need more like him in. Men with personality and character. Apparently Richarlison was out the door by 5:15pm.


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