Premier League — Week 30

Just read about Haarland and his agent and his father flying into Barcelona and had talks with both Barcelona and Real Madrid. Now considering both these clubs are massively in debt Barcelona are 1,173 billion Euros in debt and Real are 901,000 Euros in debt, how can either possibly afford to purchase any players. Let alone where FFP comes into the equation, or does FFP not come into play for these clubs. Amazing how UEFA tried to bring City to book over their alleged breaking of FFP rules.

They keep saying football is a business well I cant think of any other successful business who are prevented from pouring money into your company because your competitors don't like it. Now if FFP is to stop owners of football clubs spending money they havent got then transferring that debt back onto the club. Then make it a law that when an owner takes over a club he has to deposit a bond with the Premier league that states that if he leaves the club it will be in no worse financial position than when they took over.

That's because the more you scratch the surface Brian, the more FFP is there to ringfence Europe's executive club. Barcelona & Real are members of the club. City were threatened with the naughty step because they are upstarts threatening the sanctimony of the club.

You are right on investment. A double-edged sword as many of us do get frustrated with how money dominates the modern game like never before. But in some ways hasn't it always had a degree of that (Mersey Millionaires etc)? It's a reality of the sport and no other business vector I know of would prevent a company investing in itself if it had the opportunity to do so. Within reason I guess as there are regulations in place to make things fair but FFP doesn't feel fair. That's the limit of my business knowledge, so I won't dig myself into a hole!!

On the transfer front, my son told me yesterday and I read this morning that our young 16 year old left back Thierry Small could reject a professional contract to seek first team football elsewhere. Now, that may be disappointing, but I like the attitude if true. If he feels he realistically isn't going to dislodge Digne for the foreseeable, then go and earn your stripes elsewhere. Nice to see a player driven by footballing motives.

When I read Ancellotti's article in the Athletic, he spoke a lot of sense on a load of different subjects, but because I think he holds back, or doesn't always tell us the whole picture, I was hoping he was biting his lip, when he spoke about a rich owner spending a lot of money, and how it might not necessarily be a bad thing at the moment.

A good lawyer will tear UEFA to threads with regards FFP if these clubs are still allowed to spend Brian, but maybe I'm just getting ahead of myself and dreaming Usmanov, might be ready to move forward with his plan?

I agree Tony, depending on your view, City have challenged the elite and given us hope or have at least raised the question as to whether FFP is dead in its current form. I'm not against the high level concept in principal, but the existing one smacks of self-licking elitism.

I suppose it's about how clever we are in how we declare any income, should we benefit from investment from someone like Usmanov. I'm not entirely read up on how serious that is.

Caveat upon caveat; my financial wizardry extends only to being not too bad at looking after my Natwest savings account.

Guess I'll watch Cheltenham v Tranmere this afternoon. Never a big fan of Tranmere despite their Merseyside roots for some reason but I did work in Cheltenham and have a few friends there.

I watched the second half when Tranmere played Sunderland at Wembley the other week Danny, and except for one bit of real quality, I actually thought Tranmere were the better team.

3rd Cheltenham goal. Minute margins, but the defender just goes to ground a fraction t0o early. That allows the forward to open up a yard of space and get the shot in across goal.

I wasn't sure where to put this but, if we're talking about a winger in the summer, has anyone seen the Sevilla player they currently have out on loan? Bryan Gil. Tricky, great feet, low centre of gravity. Cryuff-like almost.

So, after 20 minutes of a rather dull affair I thought this would be a case of Chelsea persevering and eventually grinding down the resistance.

It got a lot more interesting! Chelsea seemed to forget there was added time and were already in the changing room.

3-1 to WBA. Ooof!

What a Luddite that gravy-slurping oaf Allardyce is. Such football has no place in the modern age.

Make that 4-1

Looking like an unexpected good start to the weekend from our perspective.

West Brom have played very well in fairness.

Baggies playing great stuff on the break, Chelsea shell shocked, that 3rd goal was a goal of the month contender.

Guess this means fat Sam is a better manager than Carlo. Chelsea have been down to ten men since the 30th minute,, while West broms first goal was just a big hoof from their goalie which caught the Chelsea defence out. Now 4-2.

Fourth place is back in our own hands now, if we win our remaining games it's ours. (As long as West Ham don't win all theirs and have a better goal difference.)

For now, I'll settle for beating Crystal Palace on Monday.

Big Sam doing something we can only dream of... haha!!!

At least two of the WBA goals were fabulously constructed. Refreshing to see good football.

Great result!

Yet again, we look at the league and the possibilities with our games in hand. So far this season it's been a case of missed opportunities by ourselves!

Please no more excuses about injuries and tiredness. Every game a cup final!

Take care of our own business John. Do that and we are more than in the game.

Ah, those fleeting glimpses of hope within touch. This is why being an Everton fan can be so cruel.

I had remarked after we had squeaked out our win over WBA that they have a number of very interesting players that I hope are on Brands' summer list: Diagne is a real handful as a CF and would compliment DCL and Richarlison very well. The other player I like is their Brazilian - Pereira (scored 2 goals, I believe today). Very composed and accomplished player. He would strengthen the right side of our attacking play immensely. The 3rd player is their Goalkeeper - Sam Johnstone. He is destined to play for a top team.

I think Sheffield United have just brought on a Rugby League player?

Ajay, the two full backs look decent too, especially Townsend the left back, although we're probably more in need of a right back, Furlong looks like a good prospect.

Jeff, how many times have you watched Furlong? The three or four times I've watched him I've seen a lot more wrong than right. Regularly out manoeuvred and liable to go for tackles impetuously, he doesn't offer quality going forwards either. Only thing about him is he's reasonably quick.

If we hold our nerve, top 4 is absolutely within our grasp. It's the holding our nerve bit that has proved historically problematic, of course.

Such an opportunity as this may not present itself again for a long time, regardless of summer recruitment. Ancelotti must seize it.

Fair enough Si, I've watched them quite a few times, and Townsend has caught my eye on a number of occasions, Furlong not so much until today, but then they all had good game today, did you watch it?
I guess they're not in the bottom 3 for their defensive abilities either, but some of these relegation teams do have good prospects, Norwich for example with Buendia, Godfrey, Aaron's etc.
Pereira today was good too,some of these players are producing some far better football than what we are currently serving up tbh.

City two up, with the live stats I've just looked at suggesting Leicester can't lay a glove on them either. Every team bar City has had some very bad results, so let's just hope Everton can go and get a few good results in the next few games.

Is Kevin De Bruyne just the best player in the Premier League? Not particularly rapid, not physical but blessed with vision and speed of mind. What a ball through for the 2nd goal.

If we got depressed at the gap between us and City, then so must Leicester be.

We have to take care of our own matters on Monday, but results are going well so far. Arsenal win or a draw next up?

Yes, Danny. De Bruyne is just a sublime player. Not pace nor strength, as you say. But what vision and ability to execute the pass.

I'm thinking draw Danny, but an Arsenal win would not be sniffed at either, we just need to win our games to keep it interesting going into the final furlong.

I think Odegaard is going to be better than De Bruyne. He's emerged from the absurd pressure put on him when he was a boy and promises the touch and passing awareness of a master.

Of course, it is by no means certain that he will stay in the Premier League.

Now Michah Richards has caught Trentitis.

Are we all gooners in 15 minutes?

Is Klopp on drugs? He's like a hyperactive raver in that interview.

Draw or Arsenal win, Colin. A draw is the best result for us, as we need to keep Arsenal at arms length, and will be a point behind the RS with two games in hand.

I don't know about that Jeff, but now you've dragged me into the Jurgen comment space, I think he's gone overboard on the the teeth whiteners. Definitely an over the top Ross from Friends approach for those who watched the US sitcom.

Fascinating, some empty suit at NBCSN just made obvious the similarities between Red Shite fan and Neanderthal World Wrestling types. They're actually giving some red knob two minutes to show the Klopp love that ebbs from his protruding forehead.

I am now really enthused and looking forward to the new line of testosterone and asthma products pushed by FSG and plugged by Klopp.

A draw? I want them to have nothing. Not even the steam off my piss.

Let's hope that Everton can beat Palace on Monday, as destiny is in Everton's control.

Gonna be a very tough match and anything can happen, as proven today at Chelsea.

A bonus if there's a draw or the RS, get beat at Arsenal, as always good when they lose, but I can't see that game being a draw, based on current form, of both of these teams.

Ian, I wouldn't let them have the piss off my steam.

Ian, I will be shamelessly using that line as often as I can

And what's with the sea foam geolithic look? Cmon Arse get three here

Dale, they're paying homage to our 3rd kit.

Have to admit, it's odd seeing Liverpool play in blue. Even if it's a Man City or Coventry shade of blue.

The bearded lady has morphed into a Freddie Mercury lookalike! 😁😁😁

Crap game this.

Your right, Rob. A draw is a good result for us but how bad are Arsenal? Absolute crap!!

Martin Tyler is such a biased RS commentator, “if Liverpool win tonight they go top 5, only 2 points away from top 4 “ FFS, and if they lose or draw tonight Tyler?
Err. stay top 7. Fkin muppet.

I think we dodged a bullet with that Gabriel. He's absolute rubbish like the rest of his teammates. I can't see Arteta surviving this season. His team look as clueless as he is.

Win on Monday, Jeff, and we go level with a game in hand.

I'd be confident Danny if we were playing some decent joined-up stuff, but we're not.

It just feels like we're 2 steps back all of the time... This season's top 4 is there for the taking, but we just seem to be stuttering along, missing each opportunity to get up there and get amongst the elite. It sometimes feels like Ancellotti is happy to finish top 6 rather than bust his balls for top 4.

Colin,

Arteta got a lot of credit last year despite poor league form as they won the cup. People overlooked the fact he inherited a cup team. The much maligned Emery got them to the Europa League Final in his one season. Prior to that, they were FA Cup Winners and League Cup Finalists in Wenger's last 2 years, plus a few charity shields.

So all Arteta did was watch the team he inherited have another good cup run while they got progressively worse in the Premier League.

Can't see Arteta coming back from this position! Players seemed to have downed tools too!

Hindsight is great but I think he would have struggled here more! At least Carlo has kudos with the players!

We wont beat Palace even if destiny is in our control. A sight of Europe and the players shit themselves. We are Everton... be prepared for disappointment!

Just watched WBA wallop Chelsea.

We could do worse than make a move for Pereira from West Brom in the summer. He has something we're badly missing.

Win our games in hand and beat West Ham gives us 4th. We would also be close to Leicester. Let's be bold for once.

I think at the start of the season top 6 and Europe was the target. Top 4 is frustratingly there for taking but I don't think we have the legs or enough quality

I'm ever the optimist but despite that and the impression I may give I am also actually a realist. Top 6 or 7 and Europa League and some entertaining trips abroad and I will consider this season a success.

I'd have preferred a draw tonight but does that start to cement us in at least top 8. Providing we take care of our own results, which is most important.

Jeff (26),

On today's game, I thought Furlong was typically average even when WBA turned it on, but I wasn't giving the game my full attention. What in particular did I miss?

As you said before, the left-back seemed a much more accomplished player. WBA weren't at the races until Thiago got his red but did put together a lot of fluent stuff after that with some excellent finishing thrown in. I wouldn't trust most of them to do that consistently for 90 minutes, week in week out though, and Chelsea really seemed to wilt.

That's the spirit Mike! Come on, take a drink from the fountain of positivity!

Colin, spot on and let's hope next week Everton can be ruthless at Arsenal and turn them over. Arsenal's confidence looks shot.

A massive week for Everton, the opportunity is there starting with Palace, to turn them over.

Out of interest, does anyone know how James McCarthy's been doing, as I've not noted him playing too many games for them?

All have a Happy Easter.

Danny, I've said 7th all season and I'm not changing my opinion. I'd love 4th though.

Change of track but this is the general forum right? I've watched a lot of football documentaries lately but the Jack Charlton one certainly makes the room dusty. Great watch.

Danny for sure, and that's the spirit, needed for the rest of this season, anything can happen, that's a fact this season.

UTFT!

Danny, I've taken a drink from the fountain of positivity and feel a lot better. Think well only get beat 0-1

Fair one Mike. I'll go 3 - 1 Everton and raise a glass to you either way.

Nows the time to make this season count, and get belief and hope.

Home form, accepted has been poor and inconsistent to date, I believe this game will see Everton,come back to life for a final burst, this season.

It's the next Cup Final game of this season followed by a Cup Final every match.

The chance is there, let's believe, and Everton can win.

Ruthless and to the final whistle, give their all and play for the shirt.

Big stakes...

Danny, I'd rather have your score than mine. Cheers

So much for Chelsea setting up shop at home. I did think that Ancelotti would employ the same strategy at home but obviously he will have to be careful with it.

Jerome, WBA have got a crap defence but it looked like, yesterday, they made attacking their best part of defence. Maybe if Carlo had been a bit more attacking minded he could have won some games he threw away, unless WBA have more and better attacking players than the Blues.

Interesting half of football - surprisingly open for a contest between 2 teams in their position. Ings showed quality for the Southampton equaliser.

Whoever loses this should be okay but not out of the relegation water. I think they both have and should pick up enough points, but if Fulham get a win later they'd be looking nervously over their shoulders.

Bit of a strange one for me later, desperate for Newcastle to go down again but don't want Spurs to win, maybe a Fulham win and draw for the barcodes v spuds.

Watching the girls v Aston Villa. Goaless so far, pretty poor fayre being served up so far.

Walcott doing ok for Saints for 3rd goal, would we get a fee for him? Or is he out of contract this summer?

He did Jeff, although hadn't done a lot until then. Not sure on his contract situation though.

Southampton deserved that, it was coming. Although I felt for Pope, that was some save just before.

And as I type, Walcott messes up a 3 v 2 break with a poor attempted pass!!

Walcott is out of contract in the summer and will leave on a free.

Barcodes 1-0. Really piss poor defending by spurs, who have just equalised. 1-1.

Tottenham a 2, possibly even 3 chances to clear their lines on their right hand side Rob.

I never knew if this was true, but coaches always used to scream concentration from the sides just after scoring as apparently statistically you are most likely to concede within 5 or 10 minutes of scoring. Might have just been a motivational thing.

A short-lived inviting looking league table for about a minute then!

And now it's 2 - 1!

FFS Kane again, now 2-1.

2-2!

2-2!

Call that a draw, Rob!

I thought I'd posted twice seeing the exclamation mark

Finished 2-2, that'll do!!

Finished 2-2, that'll do!!

Need Fulham and Brighton to do us a favour now.

Yet again it's in our own hands.
Please don't mess it up again!!!

2 things that will stop us getting into the top 4, no wait, 3 things...

1. Our crappy goal difference compared to the other teams in the hunt

2. We play Man City last game so effectively we've already lost those 3 points and will need to be out of sight by the time we play our second last game

3. We support Everton

he loves his late equalizers, Jose does. He'll be tapdancing down the aisle as the spurs bus starts its ten hour journey back to that London. Spurs are quite literally on their way to WEmbley.

So, a Fulham result both keeps Villa out of reach and makes the relegation scrap interesting.

Until a few weeks back, I had this down as the most given relegation non-fight I can remember. If Fulham get a result, Newcastle will be fretting with Brighton & Burnley nervous. And dare I say, Wolves not out of the equation? Although we want Wolves to get a result tomorrow.

Alternatively, James, win the next nine games and our goal difference and the final game away to man city will be totally irrelevant!!

Sorry James 88 we will smash mancity last game as they won't give a jot.
Let's hope by then we need to win.

James I have been saying that for a couple of months, the biggest problem Everton have for qualifying for Europe is their G/D, that in a tie in points, a better G/D is worth an extra point. And once again we face a must win game for the points at home, and playing at home does not give us a lot of confidence

Exactly, Bill. We're effectively another point behind due to our goal difference.

We won't make the top 4, not a hope.

James @88 I've been doing my best Brian Clough impression all season "Goals Win Games".

Just for once it wouldn't it be great to have a goal difference that screams this team scores goals. Who can forget the 4th place finish and -1 goal difference.

the other teams are throwing points around like confetti. if we engage even half a brain top 4 is in our hands. Sadly, I have no confidence in our ability to grind out a result against even the lowliest opposition when there is ANYTHING riding on the outcome.

Joe - absolutely. It just never happens with us, so we're always playing catch-up. We're an also-ran, a footnote, nothing more.

Until we start really truly competing with the top teams, we'll continue to hang onto their coat-tails as we are this season.

Everyone is inconsistent, including us so I don't see any reason to believe we're going to win enough of the last 10 games to suddenly become a real top 4 contender.

The only thing keeping us interested is blind faith.

Let's see if Madley sticks with his decision here? It looked a foul, but not enough for a penalty, which he has now over-ruled, so that was one for VAR imo!

This is the first season in a longtime that we are hanging onto coat-tails, which definitely makes it a good time to bring it up!

Ross Barkley in trouble if he cant get a start in this Villa side

Mings cock up

Fulham 1-0. England's newest star that, Brent! 😁😁😁

Fulham's great escape is on.

Funny reading reading Villa fan comments saying Smith needs to be sacked. Not as funny though as yesterday's comments from Chelsea fans saying Tuchel has been found out, he's a fraud, busted flush, etc had a lucky start but needs to be fired.

Shouldn't Traore have been booked for deliberate handball there? He just fell over and grabbed the ball expecting a free kick.

Well Kieran, there's a few Evertonians who want Ancelotti sacked, and a few weeks ago Klopp was in the firing line from his own too. Fans are fickle, the merry-go-round would be spinning faster than it does now if some fans made the decisions.

And I bet that Arsenal YouTube site was an interesting place to be yesterday evening! Even in the context of modern fan fickleness, that is a particularly volatile place.

Two of Villas central midfielders taken off and still Barkley can't get on. Where does he go from here?

Fulham implode

Fulham's great escape is put on hold.

Rob I think if this result will knock the stuffing out of them, to be leading and then concede 3 will cause heads to drop.

That is possibly Fulham down. They done well to get into a position of giving themselves a chance but not sure they come back from this now.

I have no idea why, but I had a thought a couple of days ago. I wouldn't be surprised to see Celtic or Rangers take him.

Are we ever going to play that postponed Villa game?

Good shout that re Barkley,

May 1st we play Villa, presume that's the
re-arranged game.

Jeff

That's the home game, the away match was the one postponed as as of now (on BBC anyway) we only have nine fixtures listed of the 10 remaining

Jeff, the May 1st is the scheduled game. The prosponed game has yet to be re-arranged.

I wonder if the FA just forgot about it, then will get tot he end of the season and be like...oh yeah, you guys need to play.

Kieran, your correct, looks like we'll end up playing the games close to each other, could be like a two-legged tie for Europe!

Results have been kind(ish) so far this weekend except for Liverpool. Those two games in hand could be worth gold if we take advantage of them.

Obviously every game matters, but for me, the 2 against Villa and the West Ham fixture will be key.

Then get something out of Tottenham and Arsenal.

They all count, but if we were to target games, those would be mine.

It comes down to the oldest cliche in the book for me now, Danny: just take it one game as a time!

There's a reason for cliches, Tony. They are tried and tested.

Yes, win tomorrow. Let's keep it simple!!

Fran (117), I think the FA are just waiting to see when Grealish is fit before announcing the date of the Villa game.

You're getting cynical as you get older, Dave.

Thomas (124),

I've always been cynical where and when the FA are involved.

With good reason, Dave.

My nominee for Moron of the Week... whoever is on VAR for the Man Utd game.

How in the hell is that pen not called? Maguire's pullback was SO obvious.

Massive evidence of why football is no longer worth paying for, Maguire pulled back Wellbeck no penalty why? Because the played involved is an England and Champions League regular – what an absolute fucking farce football has become.

I will never pay to watch a Premier League game – it's a total joke. Anybody who thinks otherwise needs to see a shrink.

Interesting stat: Arteta'a win rate over 50 games: 42%.

He does come under scrutiny, doesn't he, Michael. But he got them the FA Cup last season. We would do anything for any silver.

Joe Mc #130,

You'd trade Ancelotti for Arteta?

Joe (130), the live commentators on the Arsenal game were also crediting Arteta for the team looking more focussed / organised on the pitch, in contrast to Emery and the latter stages of Wenger.

Don't think he has enough goodwill stocked up that he can afford too many repeats of Saturday though. The ropiest centre-back pairing anywhere in the league got an armchair ride.

Just how totally un-fucking-believable are the Redshite!!!!!

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner blames Everton goalkeeper Pickford for poor season

Come on, Everton, overtake the moaning bastards and stay above them...

Gerry, good to 'see you again', mate.

You know, Gerry, nothing that despicable bunch of a classless Club does, or comes out with surprises me anymore. They are vile individuals in the main but, in all fairness, not all of their fans are (maybe deluded but not all bad).

I have a few RS mates and sometimes even they are embarrassed, with what emanates from Satan's Den!

I don't blame Pickford for the poor season the Shite have had... But I'm happy to give him some of the credit.

Not just the journo's still mentioning it Tony. Their chairman actually blamed Pickers for their poor season in a very recent interview.

Just goes to show they're complete arseholes from the very top down!

Surprised the media have not blamed Pickford for covid and Brexit. I suppose most fans we be happy to give Pickford credit for the shite's poor season, Darren.

......................as mentioned by Gerry@133.

Bolasie just scored for Boro against Watford.

Michael @129, out of Wengers, Emery's, and Arteta's last 50 matches in charge of Arsenal, I'm certain 42% is the worst win rate out of those three managers.

Well done, David Moyes. He's embarrassing us.

Not the PL, but watching Norwich v Huddersfield, 5-0 at half time.

Keiran Dowell got the 5th from a wonderful team goal.

Norwich very sensible in retaining Daniel Farke and retaining most of their relegated team from last season. Romping away with the Championship for a quick return to the PL.

Game link here for anyone interested. About to show the first half goals again at the interval.

Norwich v Huddersfield

How's Buendia and Aarons playing Jay.

Not the PL either, but nice to see the RS defenders coming unglued against Real Madrid. 2-0 so far.

Mike. Amen to that brother. Shame it's over two legs so plenty of time for an iffy pen for the horseshoe club. Hope not we really need something to get us ( me ) out this flat mood eh.

Jay (142) I see Kieran Dowell also committed four fouls in the opening thirty seven minutes.

Buendia in particular and Cantwell totally running the show, Tony.

Not surprising given the scoreline and the home team's dominance not seeing a lot of Aarons.

Kieran Dowell fits very well in this set up also.

Rs gettting a football lesson in Madrid 😄

Colin, for fucks sake.

You should know better

John #146, I always thought his Joey Barton side was well hidden.

Thomas & Colin, its shit ain't it, and we are debating why our main striker can't score from 12 yards or the team beat Palace.

Jay 142

Re. Farke, Norwich are wise and following the example of Dyche with Burnley and Curbishley at Charlton who got promoted with similarly sized teams, relegated then promoted again. If Fulham go down, I think they'd be wise to give Parker the same kind of opportunity to bounce back. Too many teams these days get promoted then sack their coach the minute it looks like they may even be in the relegation battle.

Colin. Sick of getting second hand joy at their Fck ups. We want a team to be proud of, maybe four at the most of these gobshites should be here next season. Having said that we need a boost big time so hope real can see it through eh,

So jealous watching top players ooze skill and intelligence while we have to suffer our plodders.

Skill level of RM is superb. Control under pressure.

Surprised that Madrid haven't gone for the 4th goal.

City nearly did an Everton v Palace there but up steps de Bruyne with an absolute peach of a pass and Gundogan and Fodan combine to win it for them. Great side to watch.

They did, Colin, had a couple chances right after the 3rd one but missed.

City wins at the death and Haaland is walking around sharing his phone links with all the City players. Damn, I really hope they don't snag him. He'd score 40 a season with that midfield setting him up.

Yes, BW, they sure are! Can't help but enjoy them.

Them shower won't have them kemlyn road inches away from the linesman etc putting pressure on the big decisions, it's swung their way for years, Hope bmd is as close to the pitch side as that.

Nervy last 10 minutes there. The Madrid players looked knackered at the end.
What a joy to see players know what they are going to do with the ball before they even receive it. Skill and intelligence.

What about the kid Bellingham? So physical in his running and robbed of a perfectly legitimate goal. I thought Dortmund gave City more problems than any team tonight, and just shows how important it is to have players, who can get around the pitch quickly, in this ultra-fast modern game.

I was also thinking that when Kenny, never went to Burnley, that maybe he might go to Norwich in the summer? Especially because it looks like they are going to sell Arrons.

I'll say it now - Madrid haven't done enough

I watched the City game, but listening to the half time commentary of the other game, they were saying Madrid were wiping the floor with Liverpool, but they've also got a very hard fixture at the weekend against Barcelona, so I just hope they're not to tired next week Barry.

Barry

In front of an empty kop it might be.

Tony

What are your thoughts on Haaland? Whenever I've seen him he plays like a lankier version of Mick Quinn: a goal hanger who gets tap ins

City have so many great players I hope they win it all.

De Bruyne is probably the best player in the World on current form.

Amazing City started without Aguerro, Sterling and Jesus up front but they make chances so easily which just shows how mediocre Everton's offence really is.

Kieran, you serious?

Haaland is the real deal. The world's next #1 striker.

Kieran, do you watch Messi sometimes and think he's just a short Peter Beagrie?

Mike, I watched the man city v Dortmund game. Haaland is an absolute beast of a player, but I can only recall one opportunity for him tonight. A one on one situation which Ederson managed to block. Would have been classed as a poor miss on TW last night, and not great goalkeeping by Ederson. Haaland did well with his ball round the corner to Reus to score though. City got away with a disallowed goal by Jude Bellingham in the first half, which in my opinion, and also I think the commentary team, should have stood. This tie is far from over.

Mike/Robert

Lol I haven't seen him much. Just lots of tap in highlights. But now that you mention Beagrie there is a similarity but not sure if Lionel can somersault

When you get a chance go check out the Real Sociedad presser with Mr. Alguacil. It will revive your love of football.

Wow, the world's most celebrated goalkeeper sure looked like crap on that Mbappe shot. I think it went through his belly button.

No Lewandowski or Gnabry. I haven't seen much of this young Cameroonian fellow but he has some big boots to fill

Sorry Kieran, I've only just saw your post now mate. Haven't seen Haaland play enough but he looks very quick, and very powerful, so he might be really suited to the EPL.

Premier league 31, not up yet but started with a pretty tame game but finished with a brilliant but stoppable goal from Troare in the last couple of minutes which won the game for Wolves and left Fulham in a desperate fight to stay up.

Yeah, I suppose Wolves were worth it but I really wanted to see Ashley have to sweat it out again. Not likely now.

Fulham down I'm sorry to say, as predicted last weekend, the late capitulation against Villa was the writing on the wall, hope they have a late rally, but difficult to see.
Similar situation to us really, everyone hoping against hope, but 7th or 8th it will be.

7th will be Europe Jeff. Stop dangling hope out there!

Danny, do we really want to be in the third tier, Europa conference league?
It will be embarrassing, think I'd rather finish 8th!

As a neutral, I only find the champions league interesting in the last 15 minutes of the semi- final second leg, the Europa league might pique my interest at the last 10 minutes of the final, but this new “ conference “ malarkey has lost my interest before it's even started!

Even more so if we're in it.

We've (not you and I necessarily) have had this debate a few times Jeff. I get the counter but I'm in the I'd take it camp.

Regardless of the valid suspicion of the benefit of being in the lesser European competition and having to go through a qualifying round in the Faroe Islands or Kazakstan, I think having European football may just tip a transfer of two in the summer in our favour. Also, following Rob Halligan's mini-series, a European tour for this fantastic fan base would be, well, fantastic.

I get what you and others are saying and from a footballing logic I kind of understand it, but I'm up for 7th and the manager's target is European football.

We entered the 3rd tier of European competition in 1984. We kick started against University College Dublin, had what was for many the greatest night in Goodison history and won our only European trophy. I'll take it giving that another go!!

Jeff - I, along with a significant number of other Evertonians who had obviously had the same idea, was at 2015 EL Final in Warsaw between Dnipro and Sevilla. Exciting match and great experience although not on a par with my only other European final back in 1985! Have also watched EFC in a number of EL aways - despite the disappointing results in most, I'd take EL qualification in a heartbeat

Martin I'm referring to a new third European competition which I think is being rolled out next season, it even uses the word conference in it's title.
I would be more than happy to enter the EL provided the squad was considerably improved to compete at home and in Europe

That is key Jeff. We won't start next season with this squad, especially if we do manage to secure European football.

Have to admit my ignorance on the new format Jeff. Will have a read up on that.

Jeff @ 178; you'll probable get your wish. The Europa(s) - 2 now are great for away beer ups and Goodison under lights. But as a money maker, if you don't get to at least the semis, now worthnthe dispuptionand to win it you need a very near CL quality squad.
For me it's no surprise, that CL standard 'near misses' are always there or there abouts at the business end.

Jeff # 178 ] Like you, as a neutral, I find the latter stages of the CL of interest. The early group stages in particular are pretty dull with plenty of dead rubbers - comparable with International competition I suppose.
Personally I'd prefer all euro competitions returned to the knock out format- but we know that's not going to happen.
Thinking back 35 years, I recall many fellow blues not that excited about being in the Cup Winners Cup - regarded by some as the 3rd competition. Of course it resulted in our only Euro win - and the most exciting game many of us have ever witnessed at Goodison.
If the Europa League or a new 3rd competition came close to replicating then I'd certainly give it a chance - can't be any less exciting than the League Cup.

Just watching City v Leeds. Sterling has the same habit as DCL he can only score inside the six yard box, hopeless at shooting otherwise.