Premier League — Week 24 and Loanee Reports

Branthwaite having a mare tonight for Blackburn, 2-0 down and Branthwaite looking like a kid vs men.

He doesn't seem interested at all, getting caught out in his positions. He just let his opponent rise and head into the goal without a challenge st all.

Backward passes all the time to his keeper.

There'll be shit games for him Mike, part of the learning I guess. Is Gordon playing for Preston?

Mike

Ched Evans around a box is quite the predator, Branthwaite probably doesn't want to get manhandled.

I would love to see the Red Shite stall on 40 pts while we take care of Fulham. That would leave us even on points with a game in hand. Then at kickoff on Wednesday we immediately overtake them on the live table. TA DA!! UTFT!! Suck it 'Pool.

Jarred played for Blackburn the full game, but Gordon was not even on the bench for PNE. Anyone know if he is out injured? If not, then this could be another bad loan move for young Anthony.

Oops I posted on the other thread!
Tony (2), Gordon did not even make the bench for PNE. I am hoping it was due to a (minor) injury. If not, this does not bode well for him.

Ajay

Apparently PNE fans were upset Gordon was subbed during their last game as he was doing well, so maybe he picked up a knock?

VAR smacks the rs in the face for a penalty!

Well, I confess to having no understanding of the current offside rule.

Sorry, meant goal not offside. And Vardy puts them ahead.

Brilliant. Suck it, ‘Pool.

Shocking rs keeper error again

The Liverpool howler capitalised upon by the Leicester prowler...

Bearded lady fucks up again!! 😁😁😁

Keep one spare for us next week please Allisson ! Clown

Hahahahahahah 3-1!!

Haha they can be utter shite on the back foot. Allisson is going to have to double sock.

3-1 leicester

They're so open at the back

From the sublime to the ridiculous. He's just saved a dead cert third, jammy bastard.

🤣🤣🤣

But wait, they think it's all over.... IT IS NOOOOW!!!

And once more Liverpool implode, isn't it great to see, Liverpool really should have had a foul prior to the goal as Evans pushed a Liverpool player in the back.

Oh, now it's 3 - 1!

I'm loving this.

I hope there's an after match moan-in.

Hilarious!
😆

We want 4. again!

My sides have well and truly split

Wish they wasn't playing us next though

All this and Allisson has heated boots on

Klopp's face is always a joy in these moments.

BT Sport commentator saying the confidence has drained out of the RS defence. That will be Pickford's fault!!

The gift that keeps on giving.

Good news, it seems, from Leicester...

Come on, Full time and let's hear how Michael Owen explains this one...

At half-time, he said Liverpool were in control.

The Red Shite look a bit short of breath. Out of ideas as well. This is setting up nicely for Carlo.

Neighbours probably wondering why they are hearing manic laughter from 'O Gringo'.

Why have I got a Queen tune running through my head?

Jurgen Klopp.

Bum-didee-bum, didee-bum-bum...
Bum-didee-bum, didee-bum...
UNDER PRESSURE!

McManaman: “... control the narrative of the game” — What's he on about, the pretentious prick?? It's a football game!!!

The only thing taking the slightest bit of joy from watching this is McManaman's moronic attempt to disguise his accent and not realising he sounds like a halfwit. He actually sounds okay when he forgets and just speaks naturally!

Anthony 23, I get your sentiment, but would you rather them be on a10-game winning streak?

Some nice bum didees there Jay. 🤣

Looking forward to the post match Klopp comedy show...

A toothless display from Klopp et al.

Has there ever been such a poor defence of a title than by Liverpool?

Cowardly.
Inept.
Laughable!

And it's all Pickford's fault!!!
🤣

They sure are missing VVD!

Well that put a denture in the shite's title hopes

I must be in a good mood because I never even turned the sound down on McManaman, and just wish Owen's face would have been on the screen when he said Jurgen Klopp won't know whether to laugh or cry!!

Always looking for positives where Liverpool are concerned, but what a ridiculous comment to make, Michael, who is probably getting paid a fortune to offer us his infinite wisdom!

The bearded blunder wouldn't dream of doing that in a derby,

What a great start to the weekend- 3-1 with VAR and yet another goalie cock up!
No doubt Pickford will get the blame!!

Let's go there and add to their woes. No pressure on us. Play with some heart and we beat them unless they get back on the tonic.

Who remembers this? Roundly ridiculed by the vile horde when first published.

Why Liverpool won't win the Premier League this season

Turning the focus back on us, I hope Carlo is not too traumatised by the disgusting break-in at his home last night.

We need his calmness and quiet determination to have the players and team focused.

This is now a huge week and three fixtures for Everton.

Opportunity knocks, Blues.

Let's blow the door off its hinges.

If games in hand are won, Liverpool will be 9th. Lucky they had a good start to the season otherwise they'd be in a relegation battle.

Mind you, as funny as this is, let's hope they don't resort to their usual behaviour when things turn to shit - i.e. - throwing things, setting fire to listed buildings and pushing people into fountains.

I remember it Nick, Jay W, put it on a link the other week, but I didn't need to read it again because it made a lot of sense the first time I read it mate!

Injuries haven't helped them, especially to Jota, who was keeping them a little bit fresh, but City suffered last year, and they are already back breaking records, so whilst I enjoy them losing, Everton have got to win tomorrow night, because that's more important to us toffees!

Oh my gawd... Radio Merseyside phone-in is hilarious. Blaming the ref and VAR and calling out the match commentators (that are reds). What a muppet.

Could be a tough game tomorrow, Tony, we have to be on it from the start.

I said during the Man City game after an hour that Liverpool are tired and that's the difference with them this season. They used to press in the 90th minute like it was the first. The fullbacks used to raid forward and get back. That's all gone. That is the reason for their downfall. VVD is a distraction: he played at Villa Park. It all fits, I think.

Mike Hughes they did all those things when everything was going their way. God knows what their capable of it this shit run continues.

That second Leicester goal. Wow. I mean the basics of communication on the football pitch.

Someone, defender or goalkeeper has to take control. No matter which way around you deal with those situations, communication is key. If the keeper calls it, the defender leaves and me personally, I have my skates on to get in behind and cover the goal in case he misses it. Or, defender calls it and keeper stays.

Seems they both opted to go for the same ball and not tell each other. Joy!

Fulham are not a bad side, David, and I'd say they are better than Newcastle. I like the way they try and play, so I'm definitely expecting a hard game tomorrow night, and just hope we can produce a first half like we did at Craven Cottage, which was as good as we've played all season.

As enjoyable as it is watching them suffer, I can only enjoy these moments if we win and win consistently.

For every Man Utd, Spurs, Leeds (a) there's a Newcastle, West Ham, Southampton etc... I firmly believe we are on the right track under Carlo but we need to start winning the “winnable” games.

David,

Right enough, the radio is dead funny! Everyone's fault.

At least we only blame our defeats – and draws – on the incompetent, old, money-grabbing Ancelotti.

This game is massive. It is one we have to win.

Level on points with El Diablo's club with two games in hand if we win.

Yes, Colin. I said on the main thread, we still have to win our game no matter how other results go.

Fulham have improved. I live in an area of West London where there is a smattering of Fulham fans amongst the dominant contingents of Chelsea, Man Utd and Liverpool, so talk to a few friends and locals regularly.

They have definitely improved from the beginning of the season. Don't think I've ever seen a season like this though where the bottom 3 are pretty fixed for so long. I'm not saying they will be an easy ride tomorrow, they won't; but those teams not in the bottom 3 right now on poor runs must think this is the easiest ride they've had in staying in the Premier League.

I called for a draw there, so maybe I get my Man City win later and Brighton to do something against Villa. But most importantly, we win our game regardless.

If we want to see real horrible bitter fans, Everton have just got to take seven points out their next three games, and then we'll see the self-proclaimers really implode.

Take that, Tony.

So long as the draw is against Man City.

That will be real popcorn time, Tony.

Still waiting for the Klopp meltdown. We've had sparks, but the fire hasn't ignited just yet.

Time to take a step back deep breath, do our job v Fulham and not get to obsessed with them shower for a change.

Now holding 9 points in hand over Liverpool, let's pile on the misery. Allison lost his shit again!

Fulham will be ready so we have to carry the momentum forwards!!

They desperately need to play someone easy next game, someone they're used to twatting all over the place just to get some confidence back.

I hear Dowie is free for a bit of fire fighting for them in between his modelling assignments for Preparation H.

What a very well worked and incredibly finished goal from Burnley.

Simply brilliant from Lowton there. Not a doubt in my mind Burnley will stay up. They're capable of such sharpness at times.

Bottom 3 are down, Mike. Think they have been for a while.

In the style of Monty Python, I believe it's time that Palace “welease Woy”.

Danny, up to now I've considered it possible that Fulham could pull themselves up past Burnley or the Barcodes. As some have said on the game thread today, Fulham have some real quality and Parker gets them playing with passion. But at this point I'd have to say you're right.

Now you've got me thinking what are the odds, Mike!

Fulham won't be a pushover. I'm not saying anything about Liverpool until we are above them in the table.

Man City, Man Utd & Leicester City look unstoppable for top 3. We are in the race for 4th spot with Chelsea, West Ham, Liverpool, Spurs and Aston Villa.

That will be at kickoff Wednesday, Jason.

I hope so Dale. We are the masters at fluffing our lines. An early goal from us tomorrow would settle the nerves.

You have to feel for the RS and their fans. I mean how many years is it now since they lost a game or conceded a goal that wasn't unfair in some way?

Didn't get my Leicester - Liverpool draw, but City ahead. Good for us as it stands.

Not good for football though, Danny, because that was an appalling decision, absolutely disgraceful imo, and given by a ref with a birds eye view.

Just watched a Spurs player do a potential Red card tackle on a City player and didn't even get a Yellow, terrible refereeing.

Was that the penalty decision Tony?

Tony, I thought Gundogan stood on the ball, accidentally, and was on the way down before Højbjerg got near him. Harsh penalty I thought.

Is Jamie Redknapp playing up to his thick as shit "League of Their Own" persona or is he really thick enough not to hear everyone else say "Gunduwan" rather than "Gundugan"?

As a pundit, you should at least be able to pronounce the players' names right surely?

Gunduggggggan scores!!

And scores agaaaaain!

Gundogan out for Wednesday!

Gone off with a groin injury?

Deli Alli at it again, pure cheat him.

Ho, ho, Martin Tyler, you skunk!

Andrew, I don't feel anything but disdain for them. They are cunts. Every fucking one of them!

They lost all my respect when they turned into the cult they are – I can't believe they are from the same city.

I hope Man City have a severe case of the runs when we play them.

Got to give it to Man City their intensity over 90 minutes is great.

Now a nice little win for Brighton to keep Villa away from us will round off a very good day.

What an absolute pleasure to watch Man City, and how they seem to enjoy playing pass-and-move to perfection, even the goalkeeper providing a 60- yard pass for the last goal and three City players running back to him, congratulating him on the pass. You get the feeling they hate it when the final whistle goes to end the game and they've got to come off. Brilliant to watch.

The good news for us when we play them twice in the next few weeks is I think they've peaked!!!

Well, I don't think anyone will be able to criticize the Special One's defensive game being overly strong, and he should play a more open game. 8 goals against in 2 games. Wonder how soon flags will be at half-mast in London.

Who is the next one on the firing list, Mourinho or Klopp?

See our boy Kean scored again today. 12 so far?

True, Dave @93, but I think their defence is still not secure. The problem is reaching it.

Part of the answer for us may be to try and pass by midfield with some well-directed longer balls against them. Try and turn their defence. Keane can do that well but so can others.

Calvert-Lewin has given them trouble in the past and I fancy him against Stones.

I think Liverpool are in a bad 'moment', shame.

Hi Dave [93],

I have just listened to the Man City vs Spurs match and, like yourself, I find it a pleasure to watch any team that plays with skill and application. I think I have mentioned on this site that, on occasion, I have been glared at for praising our opponents, following a good pass or tackle, I would find it impossible not to. I think that anyone who can only appreciate the good things that their team produces is depriving themselves of the pleasure of the 'Beautiful Game'.

John (100), I think it was a very common thing for opponents to be appreciated years ago, or maybe not so long ago, at both Goodison Park and Anfield.

You should always acknowledge good football, but as you say, it is now more frowned upon to do so, more's the pity.

Apparently there are rumours all over Twitter that Klopp has resigned.

Rob,

I think he is resigned to the fact that, when they bought a world class keeper, he turned out different than the label.

I hope Klopp hasn't resigned. He is doing a great job in 2021!

Can I have first dibs on the gnashers?

I can't see anything on Twitter saying he's resigned, Rob.

I don't use Twitter, Brent, but I've had messages on WhatsApp saying so. Ones were you can click on a link to open a Twitter page. I think it's all bollox to be honest.

I've heard from a reliable source that it's not true Rob. He's very down, was extremely bad on the day of his mother's funeral but he hasn't quit.

Yes, Danny and Rob, the standard of officiating in this country is horrendous, and what's the point of having VAR if they don't overrule pathetic decisions like the one to award City a penalty?

John #100, We'll said.

Irrespective of the opponent, some of the football Man City played vs Liverpool (2nd half) was a pleasure to watch. I'd forgotten they were missing both Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne.

Against Spurs tonight, they seemed to be playing in 2nd gear and never looked troubled.
While it won't be pleasurable to watch them if they do the same to us – any real football enthusiast will give credit where due.

Bit of leeway for Klopp, lads. He's just lost his ma. Let's not fall into the low standards them twats show on a regular basis.

I've had a little pop earlier but just remembered his loss.

I agree Thomas. Respectful silence.

Thomas Richards,

You beat me to it. I agree on Klopp.

I can't bear Man City. They seem so robotic, they strangle opponents, wear them down and when they are exhausted they eventually get the breakthrough. I much prefer Liverpool's football of last season in terms of the aesthetics.

We are Evertonians, Kieran.

We don't behave in the same manner as them.

As very good as Man City are, Everton can beat them. Get in their faces and don't stand off them and make them work hard, every aspect of their pass and move, get on their good side etc.

Basically stop the space, make them take more touches, and eventually the ball will arrive with an Everton player. Test their keeper, and believe in the impossible, it can be done.

Pep is wise, and Carlo is wiser... let's get at them 11 vs 11 and play to our counter-attacking and dead-ball strengths.

I still reckon they have a mentality issue if it's not going well on the Park, and Everton can exploit this, and we go and play with the players we have available.

The whole squad has galvanised and improved this season.

Fuck Man City, and let them worry about Everton.

The dynamics of this season, mean, based on facts, it's the most wide open top 7 battle for donkies' years.

A win tomorrow is for now, the most important priority.

Have a good night All.

Apparently Klopp has conceded the title race is over... perhaps reporting that he's "resigned" to that fact has been seriously misinterpreted; unsocial media eh? Sorry to hear about his mother... apparently he couldn't go home for the funeral because of the Covid restrictions. Seriously tough burden for any son.

Thomas, totally agree. I was going to reply to Tony @108 that it must be very difficult for him with his mum dying and not being able to attend the funeral. Just don't know why he didn't take some leave?

Foden has really come into his own. Last season, they shoe-horned him into a deeper midfield role. Now he's up top, he's in his element. Him on one side, Sterling on the other, any striker would be in dreamland. Southgate must be quite happy too.

Two things; Klopp's loss of his mother is intimate and in no way anyone's business to make any comment other than condolence.

Second, there are and always have been great footballers playing for other clubs. Hence it's "the beautiful game", allegedly. Not to recognise this on an Everton forum seems moronic to me.

Paul #116,

There are a lot of teams this season who have tried different formations against Man City and unfortunately have come unstuck.

Here's hoping that Carlo can out-think Pep and Klopp over the next 2 games and we can get at least 4pts.

My mate just said there are strong rumours Klopp is leaving.

It's "friend of a friend" stuff so probably bollocks.

But he has been under a lot of stress lately and with his mother passing away... stranger things have happened.

Paddy Power probably just covering the rumour but have brought Klopp in to 4/7 to be next Premier League manager to leave.

WOW! ... cast your mtinds back to how the Moyes to Man United story broke!

John Senior (100) and Dave (101), I have no problem praising an opponent if they do something that get's me out of my seat.

We have a long history of this. We are knowledgable football fans aside from being Evertonians. I always used to love how the Gwladys Street would always give a warm welcome to the opposition keeper as they headed to defend our own end. And the banter we would have with Bruce Grobelaar, who would also go along with it and wobble his knees for us!

More recently, I would use an example I have before and a match I used on the post Tottenham thread to draw out Osman's contribution to Everton. Man City at home probably about 10 years ago now when we came from 1 - 0 down to win 2 - 1. City not quite the power house they have become but very much on their way. I remember an aimlessly lofted ball that despite the spring sun, came down from the sky with snow on it to the right of our penalty box. Hibbert doing everything right in marking Sliva tight. Yet the tricky Spaniard took it on the proverbial six pence and turned him. Stunning. All corners of Goodison didn't berate Hibbert, they applauded the skill.

Tony, been saying all along. VAR isn't the issue, it's the officials. Still. They can't even get it right when they can watch it back several times in slow motion.

Klopp. I feel for the guy. Many of us have lost mothers and when separated it compounds it. I was fortunate enough (if that's an appropriate thing to say) to attend my mother's funeral but was then deployed to Afghanistan for 6 months 2 weeks later. Prior to her passing, I was away on pre-deployment training, so not there. My point being, I relate to the helplessness he probably feels not being able to help or grieve with the family when it matters most.

6/4 with Sky Bet now.

Friggin 'ell... some on here have got more sides than a 50-pence piece, jeez.

I think all of the supporters who loose a parent and especially a mother feel the same, and deal with it in their own way. I do hope none of these media ghouls are annoying the man for a story, especially if the rumours are false.

Bill #128,

To be fair to the British press (which I don't often do), they haven't run with this story. His mammy died a few weeks ago and this is the first I've heard of it. Feel for the man!

Spare a thought for Bournemouth fans. Marco Silva odds on to be their next boss.

Good Lord Kieran. Surely not? The poor fans!

Danny,

And we complain about our lot of life...

Mauricio Pochettino says Paris Saint-Germain are "very happy with everything" that Moise Kean is doing on the pitch, with the loan star having stepped up in Neymar's injury-enforced absence

Kean scored his 14th goal of the season on Saturday to fire PSG to a 2-1 victory over Nice at Parc des Princes. The Everton loanee produced an impressive all-around performance after filling in for Neymar, who is facing a few weeks on the sidelines with an adductor issue.

Pochettino hailed Kean for his versatility after the match, while expressing his satisfaction with the overall contribution the Italian forward has made since his arrival as head coach at the start of the year.

Celtic's Jonjoe Kenny relishes the rawness of "physical" and "up and down" Scottish game

The bruising, frenetic nature of the Scottish game can leave many new arrivals checking their contracts.

Not so Jonjoe Kenny. The uncompromising style the 23-year-old has encountered in the past fortnight has merely had the right-back delighting in the six-month loan deal he signed on deadline day to swap Everton for Celtic.

Kenny heads to Perth with Neil Lennon's men for today's confrontation with St Johnstone looking to bag a fourth straight win in his new colours – for a club that had only won once in their six games prior to his pitching up at Parkhead. For a terrier of a performer, Scottish football has held no terrors.

“It is pretty physical, up and down, and I have loved every minute of it. I enjoy that part of the game, being physical and making challenges” Kenny said. “The team's performances have been good. It's now about carrying it on and enjoying it.”

There is little enjoyment to be derived for many of a Celtic disposition from a title campaign destined to fall well short with a record 10th title the obsessed-over target. Rangers' 21-point lead - having played two games more than their adversaries - will result in a power shift no-one anticipated. Yet, Kenny says the remainder of the Premiership campaign isn't about his temporary team proving they are a better team than they have shown in this ghastly campaign. A crisis-fest for so long, that has brought a disconnect between the club and a support that have consistently demanded the removal of Neil Lennon and the board's powerbrokers.

“I don't think Celtic need to prove anything” he said. “They've won nine league titles, nine in a row, trebles. There's a big fuss going round, but what can you expect? You're making a big deal out of one season. It wasn't even one season, it was six months, but I think for us as a team, to the fans for the support they give to the team, we want to go out and prove to ourselves just how good we are and try and give everyone a little bit of a buzz. We want to finish on a little bit of a high and that's all we can really do right now.”

And news of another Everton player out on loan... how surprising is this for a player who has been out of match action for (I think) 9 months:

Neil Warnock confirms Yannick Bolasie blow as injury problems stack up.

The winger missed the [Boro] defeat at Derby having suffered a hamstring injury in training this week.

Yannick Bolasie could be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury in training this week.

The Everton loanee impressed in his home debut against Brentford but was ruled out of the trip to Derby after pulling up in training on Thursday.

Warnock doesn't yet know the full extent of the injury but says the winger will be out for "a while".

Danny (125), well said Danny, when somebody's mother dies then everything stops, only sympathy comes to the front, imagine not being at your mothers funeral because of these circumstances, you'd have to have a heart of stone not to feel for the man.

Michael (133 and 134), two young players out on loan, derided by some Everton fans, will they get a chance, a real chance, to prove their worth? I hope so for both of them, especially Jonjoe, doubt it myself but would love it to happen.

I don't think it's derision of Everton fans, Dave. Neither player was trusted by the Everton manager when there was ample opportunity for them to be given a run in the team to prove themselves.

I'm not a great fan of the loan system but, in that situation, when the manager resolutely refuses to play you or give you decent opportunities, then it has some merit.

And touching back to a question at the top of this thread, re Anthony Gordon and his non-appearance for Blackburn on Friday, his manager had this to say about what kept him out of contention:

"No nothing serious, it's just a slight niggle which meant he wasn't available tonight.”

Brian #68

Dowie is currently in Hollywood learning his line for the remake of the Goonies, he stands in front of the mirror trying to get it right "Ruth, Ruth, Baby Ruth."

Michael (137), Yes ultimately it was the manager's decision not to play them that made the players think that a loan move was the best option for them, but there was plenty of fans saying they were not good enough, saying it in a less than complimentary way.

I watched Jose Mourhino being interviewed before Spurs game at Man City, and as is there way the journalist was asking is there any animosity between Jose and Pep?

Jose said "I have never told the press before but, some months back, my father, who I was very close to, died and one of the first people to ring me was Pep. Then, a couple of months ago, when Pep's mother passed away, I rang him to offer my condolences."

Nice to hear the empathy between the two of them and I am sure many Premier League managers have these sort of conversations. But the likes of Sky and other crap journalists always like to try and promote a story between clubs and managers.

Very encouraging about Kenny, Kean and Branthwaite. All found good new homes on loan. I could see Kenny staying at Celtic and winning a tonne of trophies. He's only got a year left on his contract so the fee would be doable for Celtic.

Further to #134, Keeny playing on the right for Celtic, on Sky Sports right now. Also, some guy called Duffy, on loan from Brighton...

How is he looking, Michael?

Thanks for the loanee report,s Michael.

Pleased for Kean; I know it's the "farmer's league" and he is playing for a team that for the last decade has dominated Ligue 1 in a way Bayern Munich do the Bundesliga, but still good experience for him playing with good players around him. I, for one, would love to see him back at Goodison next season.

I really hope this gives Jonjoe the platform to establish himself, although I would like to see him in the Premier League. He will undoubtedly shine in Scotland but I think he can make a career at a higher standard. I really wanted him to succeed at Everton but never believed it; not for where I want us to be. He was very popular at Schalke and had a good first half of that season.

Bolasie injured again? I guess he never really recovered from what was a serious knee injury.

A couple of results to keep an eye on today again, but they matter not unless we sort our own house out this evening.

Thomas (143),

I watched it from when Michael gave the link. Jonjoe is doing okay: made five good runs, got spotted once by Brown but pass cut out. He made two good passes to players in the opposing penalty area and made good interceptions. Hasn't wasted a ball, but Celtic not playing with a lot of confidence at the moment. Good job they have got Brown, their captain, he is holding them together, but Jonjoe is more than holding his own.

Danny, I think Kean has a lot of talent but he didn't do it for us and I fear the moment has passed. I hope not, but at worst we should get a very good price for him.

I'm delighted for Kenny, a brave man and player and I agree with those who think he'll do very well at Celtic, the only other team I want to do well apart from the Blues.

I'm convinced Branthwaite is going to be top class for us. Same for Gordon if he wants it and behaves accordingly. He's the one who worries me most.

Good to hear, Dave, thanks.

Wish the kid nothing but the best.

Celtic are poor today Dave, very laboured, and then they move the ball quicker and score! Twice!

Should we be interested in Edouard? Age 23.

Great goal by Neto! I hope we sign him in Summer.

I suppose with many players like Kean, Bolasie and the likes it's a case of ifs, ands, buts and maybes.

They had opportunities after showing promise but somehow fell out of favor due to any one of several factors, injuries, change of manager, off-field problems and even a change of position or tactics.

Kean could come back along with Walcott but may be no different than when they left.

Look at Danny Ings. Scoring goals for fun with Burnley, goes to Liverpool and has nothing but trouble. Now he's back scoring goals again.

You could be right on Kean, Tony Hill. I'm hoping he's young enough to be given another chance. We'll see I guess.

I'll play devil's advocate on Ings. Comfortable at a smaller club as the big fish in a small pond, but when he steps up, the weight and expectation saw him freeze? I said devil's advocate, he should be given the benefit of the doubt given the injury problems that plagued his time at Liverpool.

It is an interesting aspect though. There are quite a few examples out there, but Zaha? The next new thing at Palace, chokes it at Man Utd, back being the superstar for Palace. I still think he deserves another crack; possibly last opportunity given his age. I'd like that to be us.

Even our own Sigurdsson. Never quite cut it at Tottenham, stand out player for Swansea, much maligned and criticised at Everton.

I see Southampton potentially heading for their 6th successive straight defeat. I said yesterday, there will be a few clubs around so glad that the bottom 3 pretty much looks nailed on and have done for a lot of the season.

Good perspective, Brian, we often vilify without realizing the weight on coaches. Some of that is just the show that Mourinho invites with his demeanor but it is good to see him and others find community in the hottest of seats.

Baggies!!! That was worth getting up for. Suck it, Man Utd.

I see Beni Baningime was an unused sub for Derby v the 'Boro.

Only played 3 minutes in two games selected since his loan move, coming on as a late sub in a 3-0 defeat at Rotherham.

The Saints continue to tumble down the league I note. Second only to WBA (54) for number of goals conceded (Saints 42).

Is that because it was offside?

Well. The door is open. Come on Everton.

I like watching Leeds. When they are good, they are very good.

But when their defence is bad, my word, they are very, very bad.

Jay

I suspect Leeds will get relegated next year. True they have energy in abundance but good sides will work them out. I'd take Kalvin Philips in a heartbeat though

Agree Jay
there definitely is no middle ground with Leeds. So good and also so bad.

4-2! Can we say the same thing about Arsenal as per my previous post about Leeds?

A Leeds supporting friend of mind has continuously told me they only play one way. No Plan B. When it works, it is fantastic. When it doesn't, they capitulate.

It cost them promotion 2 years on the bounce before they finally came up and they tend to follow a pattern. Off to a great start but then stutter and stumble as they either run out of steam or ideas.

Tonight contradicts that mind as they almost staged a heroic comeback!!

Deservedly comfortable in achieving any newly promoted teams primary goal though; avoid going straight back down.

Surprised to hear that West Ham have not been given a penalty this season, maybe they should put in a bid foe M.Salah

West Ham finally get a penalty and score.

Our games in hand are starting to slip...

West Ham are serious contenders for top 4.

Bloody hell!!! Moyes et al will be sitting in 4th place after their game tonight!!!!

This weekend just keeps getting better.

Looks like The Ginger Twat is taking West Ham 5 points clear of us.

If we don't make top 4 (and we won't), I'd like West Ham too.

I think Moyes may just get 4th this season.

Moyes is doing well but I'd be very surprised to see them even make the top 6, but good luck to The Hammers anyway!

Darren #168,

Chelsea beat Newcastle another team 5 points ahead of us. Top 4 is slipping away and top 6 is starting to look harder.

Next 2 games will be the ones that decide what position we will be trying for.

Been saying all season, to quote a TW bard, we are a seventhish team.

I'm not sure that's entirely true, Bill, although I really can't see us getting into the top 4 though, if I'm being honest.

This season has been really crammed, so I expect teams will start to tire rapidly soon... European football is also about to start again, so I just hope Everton can stay in the mix, because there is still a lot of football to be played.

Colin, correct Sir. Even if any of the big boys tire with European games, I've seen nothing in the DNA of Everton for well over 20 years to take advantage of any opportunity. Unfortunately Everton are not Leicester City, who did just that in 2016 and went to the summit and look at them now. A smart well-managed and well-run club.

Joe, I'm sure Moshiri wants to be successful but he might have been sucked into the Everton quagmire.

Bill was always happy with a few cup runs, a few seasons in Europe, and a decent placing in the Premier League.

I'm sure he'd have loved to win the league and be crowned Champions of Europe but in his heart of hearts he's a survivalist, a pragmatist – and that mentality seems to pervade everyone, and everything, at the club.

Given what I saw from Fulham last night and Newcastle, are the magpies potentially the ones who could dismiss my claims that the bottom 3 is a done deal?

Tom. I'm still amazed that this is a shock to you or to some. A pace less midfield, a different centre back pairing that obviously never played together even in training. A one game in five false striker or whatever he was just strolling around with his partner in crime nice guy Andre. No wonder Fulham smelt blood from the first minute.

I'd argue they're a better team than Newcastle, Danny, but a seven point gap, even with that dreaded game in hand, is a lot to make up, and looking at the positions of both clubs, just shows how poor we've been, when we've deservedly lost
to both of them.

With the premier league starting to look unpredictable the one thing that can change a position is your G.D.. and Everton's is only 4 the lowest in the top 10. It has to improve to stop teams with the same number of points going ahead of us. Imagine finishing 8th with 4 teams ahead having the same number of points but a better G.D.