Calvert-Lewin hat-trick beats a brace of red cards!

Can only assume is a way to try and maintain some value for the likes of Bernard and Iwobi who are surely up for sale.

Other than that: COYB

3-0 please

That's how I see it anyway...

We'll see. I'd hope we would see Doucouré start pushing on a bit more this week.

He’s turned the game upside down in a couple of minutes.

Great to win despite not playing well.

Mina does look slow and is the weak link in the back line. Hopefully Holgate comes back sooner rather than later. Pickford makes me nervous all the time. All-in-all, a good watch. :)

Finally we seemed to figure out that if you give the ball to James... he just makes things happen. What a class act.

We've got a young striker. It's a miracle how Richarlison hasn't scored but he was good again. Full backs both really good.

But we're just fun to watch. Massive smiles in my household.

And James. Wow. Do fans of the mega money teams just get used to watching that kind of quality? Because I'm mesmerised by every touch he takes.

Great start but we need to tighten up somewhat or the better teams will punish us. I'm not the biggest Holgate fan, but I think we would have been a better team with him today.

We've just absolutely dominated that game. 5-2 doesn't really do it credit!

West Brom showed a quality which took us (fans included) by surprise. Nobody panicked. We stayed calm, got back into the game and went on to play with purpose, passion and at times sublime skill.

And we won. That is all you can ask of your team.

James - pure class. Kept mostly quiet in the first half, then conjured up a superb goal. And some of those passes he was pinging around in the second half were ridiculous. That one he somehow threaded to Digne in the box was almost too perfect, in that Digne clearly wasn't expecting it to reach him.

Agree that Mina had a poor game, and Gomes flattered to deceive a bit as well. Richarlison's put a hell of a lot of graft in over these first two matches and it seems quite unlucky that Calvert-Lewin already has four goals and he has none.

Now back to bed, since I had to get up at 4:30 AM West Coast time to watch this on Peacock. Top of the table should bring some sweet dreams!

It's tough to get wins in the Premier League. A lot of the time you have to get wins when you are not playing well. You have to find a way.

I thought we were, as Michael says, a bit lost for 40 minutes and even when James scored West Brom we're still in the match. We were often a bit sloppy and leaving ourselves out of position open to counter-attacks. Gibbs's moment of madness then ended the game as a contest.

The stats say we have come from behind once in the last 42 matches to win. So that says it all, we found a way to win, and we can play much better than that.

Mina had a stinker. Really poor. I do think he’s a good player however. People have bad days.

Everything else I have nothing but positives.

I’m getting seriously excited. We look like a very competent, dangerous team. It’s wonderful.

An experienced left-footed centre-back would be just the treat. We look dangerous going forward just need to make sure we don't waste so many chances. Situation of today's game helped us greatly.

It is tragic that Holgate got injured as he did – followed by Branthwaite. It strikes me that Mina cannot play well for two games, consistently he is the proverbial "hot and cold" player.

I had hoped that having addressed the midfield area, we could manage for this season – or at least until January, without having to rush into the market to get another centre-back. Alas. the injuries to Holgate and Branthwaite and the inconsistency of Mina means it looks as though we will have to get in another centre-back in this window.

Let’s enjoy it while it lasts! Top of the league!!

Why am I still up?

Agree with your take, Mina looked rusty, Gomes sometimes looks like he has anti gravity boots on.

Richarlison hasn’t scored but he has been fabulous these last two games. Working for the team while always looking threatening. Looks stronger and tougher this season too.

Like DCL he is a top player now and is still getting better. Exciting we have got them two and now being given top quality service from James Rodriguez and Digne.

It’s at must, I’m deffo gonna die on this particular tactical hill.

I hope Moshiri takes one more gamble because I see it as pivotal to our progress.

Previously we might've lost or at best drew - even Vs 10 men, so full credit to all concerned...even Mina and Gomes.

The media will give us minimum credit though - no change on that score

Without being critical of individuals a lot of players first touch and decision making was disappointing. There is certainly room for improvement which boads well.

Help us when James isn't on the field because he is quality and with better players we would have had more goal scoring opportunities.

I'd love a top quality, fast, skilful winger. We missed out on a few good frees but hopefully we can bring someone in who's top drawer.

He is simply not up to the job.

If we need to score 2 maybe 3 most games to compensate his inadequacy any ambition will vanish without trace.

There are still some weaknesses in the team, our defending was very naive at times, and we need a pacy winger/midfielder. But it’s excellent to be watching a player like James in our shirt (just imagine the ovation he would have received from a packed Goodison), and DCL is scoring the scratchy goals we have needed him to score.

Its a while since EFC have got me out of my dining room chair. Did it twice today.

Apart from that Pickford has nothing to do.

I thought we started off slowly in each half instead V of going straight on the front foot but quality got there in the end.

I thought we needed a winger today instead of Gomes but what Do I know.
Well done blues.

I think we all want more than that!!

Mina is a concern for me as he could’ve done better with both of their goals. And Gomes has to improve his defensive game as several times he lost the ball too easily.

Carlo saying DCL needs to learn from watching tapes of Inzaghi I thought was brilliant. Learn from the best and inzaghi was one of the best!

Especially pleased by DCL's second goal, a real poacher's effort. Being in the right place at the right time is vital to be a prolific goal-scorer and I wasn't sure he had that instinct. He misses a lot but it's better to be in the right place six times scoring three than only being in right place once and scoring it.

The front 3 are really gelling well and I'll happily eat humble pie re DCL. I didn't rate him 18 months ago but he's sticking the ball in the net and you can't ask more than that. One of the strangest hat tricks I've seen of late but its 4 goals in 2 so great start for him. Hope he stays fit and keeps it up. With Richarlison and James, he'll get a lot of chances.

The midfield three will also only get better and it's been a good piece of luck for us to have a relatively easy set of opening fixtures to get some points on the board, build confidence and also allow the new boys to settle. Palace away next followed by BHA at home. 10 points from the first 4 games would set us up nicely before the international break.

Downside, as mentioned above, is CB and goalie. I don't think Keane, Mina nor Pickford would get into any of the top sides in the division so this is obviously an area we need to improve on. However, the main issue for the last few years has been midfield and it would seem Ancelotti has sorted this out in one stroke. Would be happy to get another decent CB in and let the team settle for now. New GK and another CB can be for next season imo.

Would also be nice to shift one or more of Walcott, Siggy, Bernard, Delph or Iwobi. None of them bring much and are really just bench warmers providing some squad depth but they're all on over £100k/week! 5 non-first team midfielders costing the club over £500k/week!

Onwards and upwards..

When he comes off the field, JR looks like he should slip into a tux and glide into a martini. Not a bead of sweat, not a hair out of place.

Agree with all the praise for Seamus and Richie. And Allan, of course, who is crucial.

He is definitely not the finished article or as good as he thinks he is. Ideally need someone to put pressure on his place and improve his concentration.

If Carlo and the team can get Pickford back to his earlier form here, we'll still have one of the league's better keepers. It's his instability and nervousness that are the problem; aspects we didn't see when he first signed.

It's still in there, it just needs bringing back out. Absent some catastrophic permanent change in his psyche, it's too early to think we should get shut, in my opinion.

I hope folks here will give Moise Kean more time instead of rating the Italian national team player as not good enough so soon.

Their free-kick was a great strike, but it never ceases to amaze me how goalkeepers line up their wall. It was very poor from Pickford imo, who I’m sure couldn’t see the ball until it came over the wall?

Surely with free kicks further out, a keeper should stand in the middle of his goal, just like he does for a penalty kick, and this is easy done if they put a little gap in the wall? It won’t be long until the opposition put one of their own players in the wall, I’m sure, but if he was standing centrally, I’m sure Pickford would have just moved his feet quickly to the left and caught the ball?

Rodríguez, has got to play inside, well he hasn’t really, but I just think by playing centrally he will always be closer to the ball, which is his obvious strength, the way he can talk to the football. Sure we will miss his effortless switch of play, but he can still go and play there when he wants to, especially if we can sign another skilful wideman, who can also attack at pace through the middle?

Then onto Allan, it’s been a long time coming but finally we have a genuine captain, and a little fetch and carry footballer, with industry that the flair players need to do their jobs properly. Well played Everton👏

Minor point, but that has to be one of the worst kits I've seen in a long time.

The first goal a giveaway buy us on the edge of their box, riced in transition, compounded by a centre-back scared of pace and wouldn't step out.

The second a needless foul, part of a collective failure to start the second half with intensity.

No way was Jordan at fault.

I did however see the game totally different to all judging by the comments. I thought we were very poor in midfield and I don't think we have addressed the balance there at all.

Allan is not a holding midfielder and continually went hunting and got played around and was at fault for the first goal. Doucoure played the best I had ever seen him last week but was cumbersome and leggy today while Gomes had a shocker offering nothing going forward or in defence. I think this is still a problem area as West Brom played through us time and again in that first half.

We all know by now that Keane and Mina can't play together unless we camp on our box but they got very little cover today and both were exposed especially Mina.

At the top end it was a totally different story for me and I couldn't believe some were criticising Richarlison's performance last week as I thought our front three were mesmeric once again. We now don't need to perform well to win games of football with the quality there. Let's hope we can keep all three fit as they are a joy to watch on this form.

A few nice fixtures to follow so let's make hay while the sun shines.

Tony

When the free-kick is so far out, do we really need that much of a, or any, wall? Really, I know it was a good free-kick but should England's number one be beaten so easily from there?

Regarding the early mis-kicks and abject attempt at the first goal, not much to say. The top clubs get the top available keepers. We are still well short

Even conceding a worldie at the start of the second half didn’t throw us of our stride and once we regained the lead it was one way traffic.

Thought our full backs were excellent, DCL got his goals, Richarlison put a real shift in and trying to not get too carried away at how good James looks.

Gomes was the sluggish one today and left us light a few times, even by his defensive standards. Only two games in. It will tighten up.

Interesting comment from Leon Osman who said most people relate to a #9 when they score spectacular goals from outside the area, but the one you want is one who can get those ones around the 6-yard box as well.

For us old-timers it goes back to the likes of Jimmy Greaves whose majority of goals were in and around the 6-yard area, and was considered as one of the premier goalscorers of his day.

Doesn't matter how you score them, what matters is you are in the position to score them.

Okay, sure, Mina should have done better for the first goal. But what about Keane? He should have communicated for Mina to engage. I watched the replay several times and he had his mouth firmly shut. Digne too. They both should have communicated. Mina should have been told he was covered and could engage. His eyes were firmly on the man with the ball. Keane and Mina has a man between them. Digne should pick the runner up, push Keane to cover Mina and then Mina should engage.

Same old problem of no leaders at the back.

But we scored five. Enjoy it. When did that last happen.

I was wondering if Mina struggles with communication as Silva mentioned his lack of English last year.

But, regardless I can't remember the last time an opposing side essentially gave up with 30 minutes left allowing us to sub out our best players. Not suggesting that made it easy, opposite in fact I think we deserve credit for mentally breaking WBA so damage limitation was their best option having already conceded five.

Come back soon Mason, he has none of those faults, almost the complete defender. Great game though wasn't it and James is like a dream. Everything is good, even Sigurdsson looked almost like a $40M player in the attacking position he took up when he came on.

A high line and quick centre back will squeeze that space, it gives the opposition fewer options. One of the centre-backs will be in the team most weeks and they have to learn to step up and play that way.

Ironically, when we went 4-2 up and scored the fifth, both centre-backs buoyed by the score line felt secure enough to squeeze up and step into the opposing half with the ball. It was our best spell in the game, not a coincidence for me.

So I relied on comments here and those of people who were updating me as I politely nodded at admiring the tourist sights & attractions between 1230 - 1430 BST!! So, my thoughts:

1. We now have players who won't panic just because we go a goal down after 10 minutes. There are 80 more to play. Likewise, it's not the end of the world if we concede an equaliser straight after half time. There are still 43 minutes to go and win the game. I hope this isn't just because there isn't an anxious crowd scarred by years of watching mentally fragile teams who can't cope with that situation. When we go back, have faith in them.

2. We can score goals but still have an average-ish defence. This is going to take some getting used to as we (rightly) prioritised fixing the midfield over defence. That can come next window or next summer. We might just have to become used to the fact that we are going to concede, but at least we now know we have the ability to bounce back and out-score the opposition. It won't sit easy on the Moyes generation, but conceding doesn't always equate to inevitable defeat.

3. I confess to saying Calvert-Lewin didn't look like a top-level striker 2 years ago. Forgive me for my frustration as much as others get frustrated. Just as I say the defence will benefit from having a proper midfield in front, taking the pressure off them, similarly, the forwards will benefit from having a proper midfield supporting and creating for them.

4. Whatever happens, we are in for a much more entertaining and exciting season. We all watch football and Everton to be entertained right?

5. Calvert-Lewin with justifiably get the plaudits but Rodriguez, I believe is the difference as we have gone shopping in Waitrose rather than Tescos. We have Carlo to thank for being able to attract this type of player given our brand post last season.

6. We have signed the Brazilian Peter Reid. Games are won and lost in midfield.

Enjoy fellow blues. It is great to be enjoying and looking forward to watching Everton again regardless of result.

"A Calvert-Lewin hat-trick, who'd have thought that a couple of years ago?"

I hate to say it but I would. I think he has it all, we need to get behind him, he will miss a few but I think he will build on last season and score 20+ this season.

He is selfless, hungry, powerful, fast and good in the air. They will get him working on the finishing and finding spaces to get those snarky goals. He is a great find.

I read with interest when James told us that Big Yerry had pleaded with him for the entire week to come and join us. Saying very nice things about the club.

He also said Mina was on the lookout throughout the entire Spurs game, shouting "Are you okay, Jay?" every time he got tackled.

Perhaps the big fella will settle down when he feels more confident in his mates' fitness and resilience and starts to concentrate on his own game.

Holgate is not a short term absentee. We have got to hope the two we have got in there start to forge a better understanding

"I hope folks here will give Moise Kean more time instead of rating the Italian national team player as not good enough so soon." For all of my Calvert-Lewin promoting and backing, I'm afraid to say I have seen nothing to back up the hype surrounding Kean. In fact, I would go as far as to say we should get rid if we can get our money back.

I am generally a positive blue but I just don't see what the fuss is about. I hope and pray he proves me wrong but, if we can get an offer of £25M plus, we should take it and go for Edouard.

I can see us selling Kenny, buying Arias and getting Tomori on loan.

Mina is terrified of a foot-race so he just backs off and backs off, as it is a two on two. Digne sprints back incredibly well to turn it into a two v three, and Mina should have engaged at that point, with Keane ready to cover. Whether the communication is there or not, Mina should be stalling the striker waiting for support – when the support arrives he has to engage.

But before all that, with James in possession on the edge of the WBA box, Gomes inexplicably loses focus so when the ball is passed to him he is looking away and cannot collect it. Allan and Doucouré are committed to the attack, so for me this is unforgivable from Gomes. When your midfield screens are ahead of the ball, and your mistake lets the opposition straight to go two on two against your centre-halves – that deserves at least the hairdryer at half-time, and possibly the hook.

I've lost faith and patience in Gomes now. He's too slow, too ponderous, never seems to win a meaningful tackle, gives away too many free-kicks, very rarely makes a pass that hurts the opposition, and is too easy to dispossess. All-in-all, I think we should be looking for a better option there, as when we play against better teams his mistakes will cost us results.

We are doing okay but when we play the likes of Man City and Liverpool, where they can come at you from every position, we will have to be more smart and play more a Spurs style than a West Brom.

He's a liability.

The midfield was wide open at times and I put that down to WBA playing some good stuff and right up for it. Carlo is not happy with the defence so expect another in before the clocks go back.

Well done Calvert-Lewin, he's buzzing tonight!!

Interesting comments from Calvert-Lewin on BBC Radio 5Live interview. Seems we will be playing a much conventional set up in which he is more of a typical fox-in-the-box type striker.

Harks back to the 80s when the team structure was based on strikers striking, wingers winging and midfielders running the show. For the first time in a long time, we seem to have the right players in the right positions.

I for one can't wait to see how it plays out.

I quite agree. This is becoming a site for moaners. Dom gets his first hat-trick. James was world class again. Everyone played well... yet, just because they gave us one or two problems, it's nothing but complaints.

We're a much better side than we were last season but it doesn't mean opposing sides won't give us a game. As it should be. This is the Premier League after all. Every side we play should give us problems.

Personally, I don't think playing into the sun in the first half did us any favours but, once we got on top, we just brushed them aside. I've seen James do that lob over the defence when he was playing for Bayern in one of his YouTube videos. You can see what Carlo thinks of him. He's like the son he never had. Brilliant player.

I didn't see the game and the highlights of the first goal didn't immediately jump out to me as being a huge goalkeeping error? The second was a great free-kick.

I like the look of that winger the have, what a steal for them, no wonder Hammers fans are spewing about it!!

IMO not Pickford's fault. The mistakes started just outside their box when Allan got sucked in and was then bypassed on the counter-attack. Mina erred next when he backed off and allowed the shooting chance.

If you see the replay, it shows Pickford quickly checking his position and then the lad shoots well and scores.

Some will blame him. I don't on this occasion.

Used like today, Sigurdsson could be a very useful weapon off the bench to kill a game off. I just hope we don't fall into the trap of believing he can do it under different circumstance off the back of a couple of performances like this.

Swap the sharp and mobile Bruno Fernandes in that Gomes role and we go up a notch further, top 4 challengers becomes a reality (along with the expected speedy left-sided centre-back).

For the moment we have to hope they can get more out of Gomes to find something approaching that.

I remember one expert predicting we would lose every game for the rest of the season When Silva was in charge.

He disliked him so much, he came back every week to make the same prediction. It got really amusing because, the more he wanted us to lose, the better we played.

I would like to get Tomori in as Mina and Keane are too much alike. Good in the air but a little slow on the ground.

Just watched Leeds v Fulham. They both have porous defences and one of them will go back down.

But the main point is this: for the first time in a long while you can see us making a genuinely significant jump forward. This is a different gear.

It's difficult to be critical of the mistakes made when the team responds the way it has today. With the points in the bag, we move on to the next game with bigger tests to come.

Im with Steve Ferns on not being able to understand all the moaning.

Apart from 2 Yerry Mina mistakes Pickford wasnt troubled at all.

On the first one you shouldnt need to be told to close a player down and not keep backing up allowing the player so mucg space.

On the second one Pickford organized the wall and it was only Mina who didnt jump. If he had jumped like he should have no way was that going to be a goal.

I cant remember the last game we scored five and really it could have been six or seven such was our domination.

Yes some players could have done better but that is the case for every team in every game. All 11 players cant be outstanding in every game so I am still buzzing from our first two performances and results (3 if you count Salford).

I feel there is now a professionalism in our ranks which wasnt the case under Martinez, Koeman or Silva.

I am worried about Mina, who lacks commitment to the ball. I would take John Stones back in a heartbeat but, if there is an old fashioned blood-and-guts number 5 out there to play alongside Keane or Holgate, it would be a better mix. The Mountfield or Watson type next to a thinker.

Anyone we can sign in this window looks like it will need to be a loan or dependant on players leaving. Probably why Iwobi got some shop window time today.

But come on guys. we came from behind and cruised to a 5-2 win. I can't be alone in hitting the beers tonight in a happy mood, can I?

Saturdays in the sun, Everton winning, beer, love it!

And when you think Ancelotti, the spent force dinosaur who couldn't attract these players to us, gets applause, well it's great.

The longer we can play like this, the longer the haters will keep the amazing low profile they're taking so far.

Hopefully we can keep up the form and keep up this for,

A very good start to this season, and onto the next game.

John #124 Ole Gunnar or Carlo? Difficult choice!

We've had some good players in blue shirts in the middle who I liked a lot like Arteta, Graveson but not since Dacourt really have I thought we've got a genuinely class midfielder like we have in Allan. And we've certainly not had a genuinely world class player since the 80s like James. Different gravy.

We’re top of the league. Enjoy it as this doesn’t happen often.

But be careful. Don't be bombastic in your opposition to them. Like you, I wanna enjoy it while it's there, rather like the beer when Dave Abrahams buys them for me.

John K, that’s my point, I honestly think goalkeepers really contribute to a lot of great free kicks, especially with those walls, that stop them seeing the ball until it’s already in the air, and nearly over that wall

We need more pace at the back sooner rather than later.

Look back at your own post @ 84 which opens by complaining about TW expressing negativity about the game and the start of the season...and then immediately contrive a way to call out a player you constantly scorn, Michael Kean, as being part culpable in their opening goal.

Others with justification call out Mina on both goals. Carlo, arms spread wide, clearly not impressed by such a soft giveaway.

3 games. 3 wins. The last two by 3 clear goals. Average age of the mid-week starting XI 23. Nailed on starters from last season now only making the bench if they're lucky. DCL 4 in 2. James reminding Blues what a genuinely class footballer is. Carlo knowing and stating what needs to improve.

Can't wait to enjoy the next game, regardless of the opposition, home or away.

the commentary for James' goal on the link you posted; archetypal South American commentary, love it!

James calmly and effortlessly made a huge contribution today.

Its a definite conspiracy!!!

Same for the first goal - when Doucoure and Allan are both caught ahead of the ball, we're vulnerable to runs from deep and leave the defence exposed. That will change in time when they fully work out each others game and rotate the shielding in front of the back four.

Some heavily critical posts on here, which feel a little premature, not least since we won handsomely, and we're top of the league!

I thought we were excellent today, James is world class, and oozes calmness, skill, and vision. He really is a joyful footballer to watch and I can't wait to see him play live in the flesh. Football at Everton in recent years has been turgid at times, and a lot of us lost that joy, but it's back at least for now. Allan is also a high quality footballers in my view, absolutely crucial to the way we play and really someone I'm certain Evertonians are going to universally fall in love with.

We have squad depth, options all over the pitch, creativity & goals, and we have defensive players to come back. With Holgate & Keane alongside our quality full backs I think our first 11 is good enough to beat anyone in the division on current evidence.

I also fully expect the bubble to burst obviously - I wouldn't be an Evertonian if I didn't think so!

Much to improve on but a very positive start to what could be a good season.

He had a terrible season last year, truly woeful but I think he still has something to offer and I think he could flourish in a midfield where we now have some genuinely athletic and competitive midfielders in Allan and Doucoure.

The same can’t be said about Iwobi or Walcott

OK he was dodgy today, but ffs it's the 2nd game of the season.

won away with a clean sheet at a top club,
come from behind to win,
enjoyed a comfortable cup win,
averaged 3 goals a game,
bedded in a brand new midfield,
seen our superstar signing score on his home debut,
beat a newly promoted club,
a striker scoring a hat trick,
had a favourable VAR decision,
displayed quality rather than promise,
pushed for further goals despite commanding lead,
reached the top of the league,
entertained and excited fans from start to finish.

Despite the above, the nerve-jangling antics of the usual suspects understandably draws out the lingering negativity of parts of our beleaguered fan base.

Could this season be different? Can our lapses prove non-fatal given the changes in attitude and personnel?

At 1-0 down today I felt the slightest hint of something that I haven’t truly felt since the 80s. Confidence. You scored, well done. We’ll just have to score more.

Not getting carried away after 2 games but it’s nice to think we have the ammo to get out of sticky situations. If this is another false dawn, it’s an enjoyable one so far!

Allan had another solid game as did Doucoure. We seem to have a habit of giving the ball away in bad areas of the pitch at times and then getting punished, we need to work on that. Unfortunately Gomes seems a bit lost at times giving up possession easily and not moving the ball forward early enough, Mina also gets caught out by pace and looks vulnerable. I'm sure Carlo will Iron out these problems, if he can we can look forward to a great season.

Never a penalty anyway and surely a retake should have to be taken by the player who took the first one if it's to be fair?

I see a couple of people critiquing a couple of individual performances but the thread is one of celebration and an overwhelmingly positive reaction to the game... The only real negativity is from those calling for a halt to the... err, negativity.

The players and the manager were rightly slaughtered last season. So far this season, they are doing exactly what the critics were saying they wanted. If they continue to do that, then everybody is contented and the praise will duly given. Isn't that how it should work?

This is one of the most positive, happy after-match threads I have ever read on ToffeeWeb. I don't understand why some people can't be happy with that.

There's two 'negativities' there, Daz, so there can't be an "only" real negativity. 🤣

Centre-back really does need to be solved because neither Keane and particularly Mina are just not tough enough. We need a hard-tackling fast-moving back. Branthwaite could be just that but he still needs time. For such a big guy, Mina seems to be nervous about heading a ball. That was shown by the free-kick which he could (not should) have got.

However, all-in-all, we should all be very pleased with how we are playing. Must stay positive.

Less than two months ago we lost 3-1 against a team about to be relegated. Today we have beaten a newly promoted team 5-2. For me that is evidence of significant progress in a very short time. It wasn't perfect but two consecutive wins in the league are not to be sniffed at.

We have started well and momentum counts for a lot in this league. Providing the players don't start thinking they have cracked it we can be optimistic of a decent season ahead.

Just hope beyond hope we can have a season getting lucky with no or few injuries.

We won by three goals and I'm very happy thank you very much. I'd also be happy not to sign a centre-back right now, as Keane is playing so well. I hope he can continue to prove me wrong.

Yes!! I get to watch MotD.

Suppose all the comments will be how poor Man Utd were and not how good Palace played. The same as us last week as far as the pundits said it was how poor Spurs were and not how good Everton were.

The 2nd turning point obviously was the red card on Gibbs. We have ridden our luck so far this season, and the refereeing in both the games was quite decent.

I thought Doucouré and Allan had a relatively quiet game. James, Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison were brilliant. I was surprised that Kean being preferred by Carlo over Gordon, because, in my eyes, clearly Gordon is the in-form player.

Iwobi ran around a bit when he came in, but the guy just doesn't put in any tackles. Anyway, the past 7 days have been absolutely fantastic to be an Everton fan and long may it continue.

He's effectively been semi-retired for two years. I can see him having the odd moment but I'm much happier with and more optimistic about James.

With the kids away and presumably just you and the girlfriend in, will you be watching MotD at the same time as engaging in some other activity?

Depends who comes first.

Nice to see Calvert-Lewin banging in hat-trick though. Our positive start continues.

But we responded well to going down, and again when they equalised. Everton teams of previous regimes would have wilted in such circumstances and we'd have lost/drew.

And James Rodriguez I feel this is gonna be a common statement on here but what a player. I have never seen such quality in a blue shirt (born mid-80s). When the ball is at his feet, it's just magic. And if he does stay fit, we've got one of Europe's best players on our hands.

Richarlison was excellent again I felt, and unfortunately his excellent finish was just offside. He wants a goal, and once he gets it he'll be off.

Allan again showed his quality.

And Calvert-Lewin. Well done. Great striker's performance. Last match he won it with a stellar header, this time a hat-trick of, tap ins and a scuffed header. Signs of a goalscorer.

Ancelotti's mentioned Inzaghi in his post-match interview. He mentioned how he talked to Calvert-Lewin about the importance of scoring with one touch. And it seems to be rubbing off on him.

If he gets half the goals Filippo 'he was born offside' Inzaghi got then he'll be a club legend.

The feel-good factor continues. And next week at Palace is an intriguing match.

Allowing Gibson to go to Reading, there must be a CB coming in next week. Tomori signed in time to play The Cod Army ?

My only fear is that we will at times be vulnerable on the right-hand side which is why I think we will be in for a pacey, hardworking right-back. We must shift some deadwood, too many players to chose from now. Am I the only one who thought Calvert-Lewin's header was class? I thought he bent his neck round it and steered it brilliantly in?

Thank God that miserable, unappreciative git doesn't come on ToffeeWeb and post!!!! Really some people just make my blood boil, I can see he is just waiting for us to fail. Carlo do you not know we just won 5-2?

Btw my match report.
Pickford 10 wonderful
Coleman 10 wonderful
Mina 10 wonderful
Keane 10 wonderful
Digne 10 wonderful
Allan 10 wonderful
Dacoure 10 wonderful
Gomes 10 wonderful
Ricky 10 wonderful
Calvert Lewin 10 wonderful
Rodriguez 10 wonderful

Match analysis; a wonderful performance and a wonderful result produced on a wonderful thread.

Who would make way for Zaha, Tony?

Couldn't watch as I was playing golf, but can't wait for MotD! We've not been able to say that much in recent years!

On another note, I think we could do with getting 2 centre-halves in time for Wednesday. At the moment, both Keane and Mina will have to play, so nervous about injuries.

Got to get Tomori done Monday and find another stop gap from somewhere. Stones on loan as well?

Branthwaite, however, is left-footed and is a natural there, I have always preferred a left, right-footed centre-back combo, ever since Howard did with Rats and Degsy.

20 minutes of oh no typical Everton when 1-0 down.

70ish minutes of being agog at James – this guy makes the game look so easy. Pace not required.

Calvert-Lewin now a proper force as a forward – good things come to those who wait.

Richarlison superb today and not even got going with goals yet.

Let's keep dreaming and enjoy the ride this season.

Hush Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore...

Colombian Spanish-speakers appear in the majority when commentating on any post now. For the signings of Allan and James, the club put up Portuguese and Spanish language pages which was a great innovation.

I hope they take that further and have full Portuguese and Spanish versions of the entire club site, as well as adding translations to manager/player interviews as many Colombian posters are requesting.

It would also be nice if commercially Everton exploited the James Rodriguez (and other players) link better than we have in the past.

I am over the moon as we all should be, but let's not carried away, it's only 2 games in, but from what I have seen, from watching all our potential suitors, I do actually believe that this could be our year!

Having said that, Caution has to be the bye-word, if we can capitalise on our games before the derby, there is no reason why we shouldn't be able to build up a decent unassailable position. That's what THEY did last year, and with a lot of luck, help from refs and VAR (bent) so why can't we do that this year?

Remember this, there are a lot of teams this year that appear capable of taking points off our rivals (including us btw) which will only do us a favour if we can do our part!

Four English clubs went deep into August in European competition on top of completing the English domestic season.

No one has had a proper pre-season to speak of giving new players at all clubs no time to integrate fully. We have been fortunate in that all four of our signings (I'm including Nkounkou as well as the tres amigos) have hit the ground running immediately.

Given the late start, the very condensed season (still got to fit in the Euros and the Olympics next summer) and the fact that there will also be another adjusted season next year in preparation for the 2022 World Cup, I fancy it could produce some unexpected results and impact more drastically on some higher ranked teams than would be the norm.

If that happens, some other team(s) will benefit.

Here's hoping Everton is one of them. We're showing early signs we could well be.

Losing Holgate's pace also means we play with a deep back line, which can also help an opposing team to counter. If they back off against Palace, like they did for West Brom's first today, we'll have the same outcome. Hopefully a new centre-back (with pace!) comes in, but that's wishful thinking before next week.

If Mina plays, he needs to be braver going and winning a ball nearer to the half-way line when someone comes flying at him. Disciplined full-backs can provide the cover, and they'll need to be disciplined next week with Zaha and Co about.

Allan and Doucouré will need to hold the middle, and I think we'll need clever play around the box, with width options too. I'd play James more in a traditional Number 10 next week, perhaps in a 4-2-3-1. He's got the vision to pick through that organised palace 4-4-2 defence in tight space.

If we do that though, we lose something on the right. Carlo looks like he's had enough of Walcott's headless chicken act, and clearly doesn't fancy Bolasie. For me, if we are going to get anyone else after a centre-back (new goalkeeper is just too wishful I think) then another right-wing option is also on my wish list.

In the meantime, I'd give Richarlison a go there and give Gordon a go on the left side. Both will work hard, and slot back in to make our own 4-4-2 defensively. Gomes doesn't deserve to lose his place, but it's a squad and we can switch back to the 4-1-4-1 the week after at home to Brighton.

My team for Palace then:

Pickford (Doh)
Coleman Keane Mina Digne
Allan Doucouré
Richarlison James Gordon
Calvert-Lewin

That's the way I see it if we did sign Zaha, which I don't think we will. It could only be Gomes as it wouldn't be any of the three new lads in midfield.

If only we had a world-class midfielder to protect the centre-backs from players running at them... oh wait!

The way the media are responding too shows that it isn't just my blue-tinted man-crush glasses showing. They are sitting back and saying "James was fantastic, again".

I really think that, come the end of the season, there will be many a club across the Premier League and beyond thinking "Why the heck didn't we sign him?"

Just watching him pass a ball 5 yards is glorious. Never seen such talent in our shirt.

This enabled them to launch counter-attacks which, in Everton's case, were poorly defended individually and collectively. Against other more competent sides than West Brom, this in reality could prove costly.

Everton's backline, in the case of Keane and Mina like play in front of them, they don't like being run at or having to defend on the turn. When a team can successfully nullify key players and gain advantage, it is imperative that the other players step up. Losing possession and not being available for a pass is not good enough.

Fortunately, Everton did finally get a goal from their numerous corners. Also, James got on the ball from great final-third interplay from Richarlison. The best he has ever done. Everton were slow to get control of the game after the reduction of West Brom to 10 men and only did so when West Brom got tired.

I was really pleased with the result, but I know that the above areas will come under increased scrutiny as other teams in preparation for games against Everton formulate their tactics. Ancelotti will also be working on improvements.

Whilst it seemed to be acceptable before for our blue-tinted star players to slip up, if Everton are to progress, something will have to be done to minimise these slip-ups and accompanying poor technical play.

Talk for yourself, I am still in Kansas.

May be this weekend can get better tomorrow, we shall see.. Let’s hope so..

Carlo has done a hell of a job getting Sigurdsson back in to some semblance of form. He'll never live up to his price tag or salary, but that's not his fault. He looks like a competent player again, which is a positive.

I'd be surprised to see Zaha coming in as a replacement if Walcott isn't sold. An improvement on the wing would be a nice luxury, but I kind of doubt we're gonna spend that much for a non-necessity. Competition for Pickford is necessary and a short term solution at centre-back is necessary.

I've been following Everton since 2008, so this is the first time I've ever seen us sitting in first place for any amount of time at all. I know it doesn't really mean anything at this point in the year, but even as a novelty, it's a nice sight. Long may it continue.

Can we get Dunc to protect James's house and actually double up as a bodyguard if the president of Colombia tries to show up at Goodson.

On the evidence of just two games, James is far and away the best passer of a ball I've seen in a blue shirt. His ability to switch the play, or play others through, is sublime and he does it not just once or twice in a game but time and again.

We have a world class player on our hands. Let's just hope he stays fit.

Calvert-Lewin is definitely Championship at best this season as are all the team, to be honest, because the next step up is Champions League and we are not eligible to enter it this year. The EPL Championship will have to suffice.

Then we seemed to realise that the guy doesn't need to be in space to receive the ball. Give it to him under pressure, with a player up his backside, and he'll still do wonderful things. It feels like every time he gets the ball he does something more than you thought was available to him.

I just pray he stays fit, because he's undoubtedly the classiest player I've seen in a blue shirt.

I'm a grown man in absolute awe of an Everton player for the first time since I was a teenager. Feels good!

The three new signings again impressed in their various roles. Truly, James Rodriguez is going to collect the accolades on account of his sublime control when receiving the ball and passing/shooting with such purpose, and rightly so.

Allan is thus far the keystone in the midfield arch, whilst Doucouré supplies most of the remaining stones to keep the arch stable. So far so good.

On the other hand, on the Beeb tonight, we having for once opened the show, Calvert-Lewin, aged 23 and an international young striker, said that Carlo had emphasized to him the need to try to score with one touch in the box, not two, or three.

What!?

How can this bog-standard advice be necessary to a 23-year-old professional years after he signed on to learn from whatever Kenwright's boys have delivered at Finch Farm?

And don't give me his adulation of Ferguson. Having now "arrived" he's cute enough to know that homage to his elders is key to other elders signing him or improving his contact.

Nobody in football has ever openly spoken subjectively whilst employed. That's what makes autobiographies slightly interesting once the buggers have retired, rich on the back of fuck-all achievement.

To me his comments beggar belief, not only re Calvert-Lewin, but also to whomever else with genuine talent has withered in the Finch Farm "complex" of recent years, where attempting to score with one touch in the area was seemingly ignored as a key skill.

Wow!

Second from the free-kick, no keeper was saving that. Also, he made a few good saves also, early on when he made a hash of the pass back but the ball back was a bit awkward maybe, then another when he rushed out to take it before it became a problem.

Mina was a bit shaky but, other than that, an all-round good performance. 5-2, 6 points, top of the league, and Richarlison hasn't even got off the mark yet! So can we stop moaning!

Also, West Brom looked decent going forward and surprised me. Never in doubt, even when we went a goal behind, I always knew we'd grab a few today.

Happy Blue, let it continue. :)

However, having watched Man Utd, Liverpool, Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea (members of the so-called ridiculous big six) over the past week, I can honestly say that they have all been inconsistent for parts of games and some of them (Man Utd, Arsenal and Spurs) really poor for all of the game. Everton have played better football than any of them.

However, football starts from the back and, unless we get a tough no-nonsense centre-back who can tackle, move forward and distribute accurately, I just don't think we will have the complete team. West Brom's goals were a joke, particularly the first one, when we allowed a player run 80 yards without ever being tackled once.

I am so much a blue-blooded Evertonian for 70 years and I would just love to have one more special spell, like Everton of the '60s and the '80s. We do now have the basis of a really good team along with a great manager. Please, Moshiri, just fork out some more cash for a tough, fast centre-back and while you are out shopping a dynamic right-winger would also help.

Build up to James Goal

Allan, Allan! - I love a player who wants the ball.

Funniest thing I heard today though was Alvin Martin completely glossing over the positives from today's game and going straight for the defensive weaknesses. I think for once that lot from across the park might have to take us seriously.

A couple of weeks ago I was very “meh” thinking about the new season. But now I'm well and truly engaged with it.

Alvin Martin? That muppet. I remember when he got a red card for “falling over” and tripping a player with a clear run on goal. For a few days him and Harry Redknapp were whining it was unfair, he slipped, he's not that kind of player.

Then someone dusted off a copy of SHOOT! Annual 1975 and it had an article in it by Alvin Martin about how to do a professional foul while making it seem as if you slipped over. Never had much respect for him anyway but had even less after that. Now you tell me he's slagging off the best team (looking at the table) in the Premier League. Total ass clown.

Not sure who the main commentator was but he gave Everton a great build-up, passed over to Alvin for his response and his first intention was to shoot us down. He never even mentioned James's performance or Calvert-Lewin's hat-trick.

He's as bad as Mickey Quinn. Completely biased.

It is, isn't it?

We knew, didn't we?

When we went a goal down, we reverted to lateral passes and back passes, but that changed when James began to drop deep and move centrally to link play. WBA played really well and their pressing games was working well, but they were never going to be able to keep up that level of intensity for 90 minutes.

Last season, watching Everton was a form of masochism but this is a lot better.

Mick Quinn? Another blast from the past ass clown who I thought of weirdly today with respect to the fact Calvert-Lewin has finally started getting the simple goals Mick Quinn thrived on.

Glad to see you post. I was worried. Unusual radio silence from the Gaynes residence today despite another glorious win.

Could be important at the end of the season. Would hate to lose out on Europe for the sake of one or two goals. Let's get six against Palace.

Sure enough, getting into the car this morning, my next-door neighbour asked me if everything was okay as she heard a lot of shouting and saw me running past the window at nearly 1 am...

I had to apologise for the noise, explained I got carried away and told her it was a long time since I did that. I told her I was an Evertonian. She looked at me puzzled when I said, "Football." Still a blank look... "Soccer," I said...

"Ahh" she said, "I thought you would support Liverpool since you come from there," was her response. I think I just looked at her in disgust, shook my head and asked her not to insult me and drove off.

A win is a win is a win... but a win with some style is the cream on the cake. Today is not the time for slicing and dicing individuals' performances and pointing fingers of blame or negativity either... just enjoy it for the first time in a long while. Could it improve? Yes. Will it? Yes!

Tactically, when we attacked in the first half, the gap between midfield and defence was immense with no one sitting in the gap.. but I am sure that will be fixed Enjoy... dance a little jig, hopefully the first of many!

The second goal was unstoppable too, perfectly placed over the wall and if anything the fault of Mina for not jumping with the rest.

It is possible for all shots to be stopped but they were at the very top end of the scale. Otherwise Pickford had a good game. For me it is a massive benefit for the team to have him.

Could it possibly be the absence of the home side fan pressure? Are some sides better without the pressure of their fans?

Well done you Blues – I had a shit stream, missed all the first half but really starting to actually properly enjoy being a toffee again. Still seems a bit surreal if I'm honest...

Top of the league!

New players still bedding-in. We will get better.

Just enjoy it.

That is becoming more and more prevalent. Even Norwich and Bournemouth last year were latching on to it. They have really, athletic fast and mobile attackers ready to counter attack. Players who are like a coiled spring, primed for it.

They know the bigger teams will have 70% possession and their set up is to counter that. West Brom were set up very well to execute it, and were 2 inches away from going 2-0 up because of it. Crystal Palace exposed Maguire and Lindelof yesterday. We will see more of it.

We need that fast, left-sided CB to help counter this, in some games he will be essential. He will prevent a good few counter-attack goals (5-10?) throughout the season.

This signing could mean the difference of a couple of places in the league.

I’m worried that I’m so optimistic!

With a second spike happening I can't see there being thousands of fans allowed on 1st October and am not surprised to see the Premier league trying to put money before health and safety by trying to insist fans should still be allowed back in grounds.

Pickford fortunately got his one match mistake over early and avoided damage. It was noticeable that he was always looking for the safe throw out and pass. He rarely kicked out, which he had done in previous games, giving the opposition back possession in a lot of occasions.

No use having great possession then giving it to the goalkeeper to give away. I am sure Ancelotti had said something to Pickford along those lines.

The red cards happened before and on the break of half time... and were key.

Pickford drops his left arm inexplicably on the WBA freekick.

Richarlison wriggling out to gain space teed up James's beautiful goal.

Richarlison looked miffed that DCL slid in his shot, but it was going wide.

DCL subbed off for Sigurdsson, with Richarlison moving to striker role, but looked a bit leggy by that point. It seemed a bit rough on Kean, but he came on later.

Iwobi on for Rodriguez, and the nice moment where Ancelotti looked like a proud father.

Sorry to piss on everyone's chips, but the harsh reality is that for all the recent good work, I still maintain we will win nothing with Pickford in goal. I was the first to applaud his performance against Spurs. Then from the first whistle yesterday it was back to square one. Shaky distribution, dreadful positioning and reactions for both of their goals. I was screaming at the telly exactly where it was going for the second, as their player took the free-kick.

Pickford is a liability, he will cost us more goals than the occasional spectacular save which keeps us in games. My heart is in my mouth with him at every corner or dead ball situation. Is it any wonder the back four looks ragged at times, when there is no confidence in the keeper? Thank God that the outfield players got it together yesterday. Last season we would have been dead and buried after the first goal!

I have to say that another player who has regularly had the wrath of my tongue, namely Sigurdsson, has in fact impressed me in both of his cameo performances so far. Perhaps playing with better players will finally bring the best out of him.

As for Moise Kean and Iwobi? Totally brainless. Useless, both of them. A return to Italy for Kean? A swap deal with Iwobi for Zaha. Are Juventus and Palace really that stupid? I doubt it.

But just compare them to the S Americans. Richarlison and Rodriguez sulked and whinged and pinched their way to a thumping victory. But there was no basking in the glory with them, they just wanted to annihilate the opposition. Rodriguez seconds after a sensational goal had already forgotten it and was twisting the knife into his oppo.

Daft arse Degsy was comparing our front four with the 84-85 team, but the mentality that team had is only with the South Americans at the moment. Let's hope for more snide in the weeks ahead from the homegrown lads,

Still lots to do as we all know but who can argue with 6 points from 6 and progression in the league cup.

Truth be told we were probably better last week against Spurs but our class told in the end, as did our numerical advantage.

We will probably need more than our B team to beat Barton’s bullys on Wednesday, so here’s hoping we treat that game (and that competition) with the respect it deserves.

By the way, those videos doing the rounds of Carlo and James at the lights on Spellow Lane are priceless.

Once Everton has touched you 💙

I’m not sure many keepers would have got a finger to that though . It was just a sublime free kick ; great power and shape, over the wall and right into the top corner. Perfection and well done to the WBA lad.

Well observed, Pickford did inexplicably drop his left hand at the last fraction of a second for the free-kick. I found it a very odd thing to do. Perhaps his brain was sending a signal to his arm to disguise the fact that his reflexes weren't working!!

I honestly hope that the lad proves me wrong and makes me eat my words. I just can't see it happening though. I think he will be found out this season.

Did anyone see Bilic's press conference after. He basically said his player made a mistake by not going down when James touched him. I've just watched the incident again and the contact between the two players was minimal at best. Was there another incident before that as I can't remotely understand his point of view.

I thought Richie had a fantastic game today btw. It was rightly ruled offisde. But that finish at the end from Siggy's cross was an absolute fire-cracker!

Onwards to Fleetwood!

Think they will be a different proposition to Salford, and Joey Barton will have them fired up.

Agree with those picking out Mina yesterday for their first goal he made no attempt to tackle or challenge until they were in shooting range. Pickfords positioning should have been better too, imho!

The free-kick I've only seen once but again was an absolute screamer into the corner. Maybe a few more viewings are required?

I think some critics could do well to remember how large a goal actually is, if anyone is out walking across their local pitches today they might want to stand in the middle of one to get some perspective, preferably after the Sunday league match is over!!

I am so happy that not only have we found some silk it appears we have found some mental steel resolve to go with it. We have at the moment it appears 80% of our first team playing at the top of their game and so far it appears enough to get us the 3 points which is all that matters.

I thought Rodriguez's goal was superbly taken and Calvert-Lewin header was also, it was wrongly described as bouncing off his back? The speed it flew in could tell you it had hit his head.

Calvert-Lewin scored the perfect back-trick; back-heel, back post and back!

Great win and enjoying being time for however long it lasts! Me and my dad wanted more goals in the last half hour but can see why they took their foot off the gas a bit with the schedule we have. COYB!!

The pass by James is sublime. The kind of pass that I haven't seen in an Everton shirt. Such perfect technique, the vision, the weight of the pass, a perfect lob.

Richarlison is loving playing with James, and his movement and running in the first 2 games has been exceptional. His finishing isn't quite there, yet, but his performances have been fantastic.

Then Calvert-Lewin with the perfect striker's goal – right place, right time...great movement, reading and anticipating rather than waiting.

This front 3 has real potential to be amongst the best in the league. There is an excellent combination of pace, strength, skill, ariel ability and technique with a genuine world-class player involved too.

If Kean isn't licking his lips in anticipation for his chance, if he isn't busting a gut in training to be part of this, then we will need another backup striker.

Gordon offers solid back up for the wide berth, and could have an exciting season (I feel Ancelotti has tasked him "Go prove yourself in the League Cup".

Maxi Lopez could be a decent forward option as competition for Calvert-Lewin. Or Benrahma from Brentford.

I also note and quote you " because he who had seen the dance of a snake is never contend with the dance of a millipede ". So you have RS supporters over there too! :-)

Ancelloti is no fool. He assessed our problem areas last term and he has drafted in first-class recruits to compensate. He will no doubt be aware of Pickford's weaknesses.

Goalkeeper is the most important position in the team. Without a world-class keeper, success is virtually impossible. The new players, particularly Rodriguez, have given us a glimpse of what world-class really means. If we are to achieve that level, it is vitally important that our goalkeeper inspires confidence. If Pickford did that, there would be no need for speculation or differences of opinion concerning his ability on TW or anywhere else.

The first goal was down to Allan losing the ball high up the pitch and Mina backing off instead of trying to close down their player. I would also add if you watch the replay you will see Mina also pulls himself in to allow the shot to go past him. He made no effort to block it at all. Maybe he thought he would have deflected it into the net. But isn't it part of a defenders job to get some part of their body in front of a shot even at the risk of a deflection?

As for the free-kick. It was right in the top corner. Pickford would have had to have been seven foot tall to stop it and even then it would have been a stretch. It was a perfectly placed free-kick. If one of our players had took it we wouldn't be saying their goalie should have saved it we would have been too busy heaping praise on the taker instead.

I have criticised Pickford in the past as much as anyone but so far this season he appears to have knuckled down, cut out the gurning and done his job as best he can. He has made some crucial saves to stop goals, especially against Spurs last week. But he's not a superman. He can't stop every shot so, unless he made some glaring error, I don't see any reason to criticise him for the two goals conceded against the Baggies. Those goals were the result of poor defensive play, not poor goalkeeping.

I will be up there in line to bash him when he makes a mistake again but this time I think you have to say hats off to West Brom. Mina should have done better on the first but it’s still an excellent finish.
Great free kick. It’s the walls job to stop that. Most keepers don’t get a hand on it.

I think West Brom shocked them. It took a while for the players to adapt. Allan must of been thinking how easy it was going to be after spurs. Took him some time but ended the game well

DCL. Hats off to the lad. Speaks well, sickeningly attractive, 4 in 2.

I think he had a poor game but I'm prepared to overlook it, provided he learns from his errors and continues to work on his game. Especially as we eventually won so emphatically. I want the lad to find consistency and prove me wrong. I take no pleasure in criticising him.

Unfortunately I've seen enough of him to draw the conclusion that this is as good as he gets. In my opinion, that is not good enough.

Good day to you too.

Pickford wasn't even unsighted and the trajectory was a nice height and plenty close enough I cannot fathom the excuses people are making for him.

He will cost us points again this season and wobbles will set in defensively whenever the pressure is on. He is a liability.

Some of our old faults are still there at times, and it highlighted yesterday how important Allan is to our game. Yesterday Allan pushed up and we lost possession but neither Gomes or Doucouré was covering for him and their player ran 35 yards unchallenged before scoring. Same thing happened at Spurs when Allan did venture forward and we lost the ball it seemed this allowed Spurs to run at our back 4.

The positives were we came from behind to win and we don't do that very often, James looks the quality player that Ancelotti knew he was, and he seems to have already established a great understanding with Richarlison. I also think Ancelotti has had a really good tactical influence on Calvert-Lewin, no chasing all over the park wasting energy; now he stays in and around the 18-yard box, which is paying dividends. I remember Alan Shearer saying that Bobby Robson did the same thing with him, that he wanted him in and around the 18-yard box. I think 12 months ago I would happily have seen Keane sold but he is another who seems to have flourished under Ancelotti.

2 wins is a decent start, but we know there will be tougher tests to come, but I think this team is far better equipped than last season's and although there will be bumps in the road, I think we can expect a far better season than last season.

But injuries are always crucial and an injury to James and Allan would set us back so let's hope we can keep both of these boys fit for the next couple of months.

With respect, I believe that there are better current English keepers, notably Pope of Burnley. But we don't have any world-class English keepers at present, so Pickford's competition is limited. Similarly at Everton, neither Virginia or Losl are considered top-class keepers, so at present Ancelotti's choices are limited.

If I were to give Pickford the benefit of the doubt and retain him in the hope that his game improves, then it would make sense to sign a proven experienced top class keeper, who is perhaps reaching the end of his career. It wouldn't dent our finances and the competition for a first-team place would take Pickford out of the spotlight and give him an opportunity to improve his game.

We need stability in goal and we need it now.

”Ain't No Stoppin Us Now!
We're on the move!
Ain't No Stoppin Us Now!
We've got the groove!
There's been so many things that's held us down
But now it looks like things are finally comin' around
I know we've got, a long long way to go
And where we'll end up, I don't know
But we won't let nothin' hold us back
We're putting our selves together
We're polishing up our act!
If you felt we've been held down before
I know you'll refuse to be held down anymore!
Don't you let nothing, nothing
Stand in your way!
I want ya'll to listen, listen
To every word I say, every word I say!
Ain't No Stoppin Us Now!
We're on the move!
Ain't No Stoppin Us Now!
We've got the groove!
Ain't No Stoppin Us Now!
We're on the move!
Ain't No Stoppin Us Now!”

Enjoy yourselves Blues and take it all in.

Blue cosmic grooves all the way - George.

Which Hospital are you in Arrowe Park or the Royal/Broadgreen, or The Cuckoo's Nest ? We just need to carry on from this, easier said than done I know, only 36 games to go win them all and no-one can touch us. :-)

Still think we need a couple more reinforcements though, so here's hoping, get well soon George!

He was floundering here, like many, and his injuries meant we simply could not rely on him. He'd have been a drastic improvement o what we had last season, but now we have Allan. So again, Macca would probably be again on the bench.

But I'm made up that he's found his form again, he was fantastic for 18 months with us. Palace got themselves a bargain.

Cosmic Blue Waves.

And with Digne! Those cross-field passes are sublime.

It still makes him the youngest Englishman to score a hattrick for Everton.

All looking very good at the moment, midfield looking so much better, however I do think we could do a few more tweaks in this window, Iwobi and cash for Zaha, simply to drive the price down and get Iwobi out of the door.

I would also look to offload Moise Kean, no matter what talent he may have in the future, it is clear the guy wants away, those saying same posters said the same about Calvert-Lewin, the difference being he always played for the shirt, grafted and was proud to be part of Everton, Kean is totally different, let the guy go and bring in either Gomez or another striker.

I would honestly hand on heart have a fully fit Tosun, who at least gives his all as an option, than a player who sulks and trying to get back to Italy.

A goalkeeper is a must, either this or the next window, then I think we will have strength, in all departments.

Sorry Martin could not resist, there again you May get the last laugh, if Spurs do a Devon Loch.

Correct me if I'm wrong Phil, but I get the impression, reading between the lines of your posts, that you don't rate Jordan Pickford very highly?

Would that be right..?

Stay safe mate. Hope to see you soon.

For that first goal it was James and Gomes who gave up the ball after we'd won it back. It was Doucoure and Allan who had overcommitted and left the midfield wide open. Seamus was caught up the pitch, though he'd just won the ball so I'll excuse him.

You can definitely level blame at Mina. Though he was let down by those ahead of him and if he'd been beaten by the player he'd no doubt be criticised for that instead of backing away.

But Pickford? How do you pass over the contribution of the other 6 players mentioned and arrive at the conclusion that Pickford was at fault?

Out of interest, do the same people blaming Pickford rate any of the goals we scored? Why aren't they goalkeeping errors too?

Spurs actually had a very good end to the season after the restart, so I was surprised how poor they looked against us. Maybe we should give ourselves even more credit.

I read somewhat surprisingly that based on results since Mourinho was appointed they would have finished fourth in the league.

A bit premature, then, in writing off either Mourinho or the club as being in sharp decline.

I both smiled and raised an eyebrow at Bale returning to Spurs when compared to our signing of James Rodrigues.

Even some of our own supporters questioned signing the 29-year-old, injury-prone, 'lost-it' Rodriguez, whilst the signing of the 31-year-old, injury-prone, 'disinterested' Bale is seen as a major coup.

By many accounts we have got Rodriguez on a free transfer and £76k a week. He is OUR player for the minimum of two years, with an option to extend. The Spurs' Bale deal is a single season loan for which the Londoner's will pay 40% of his £600,000 A WEEK(!) salary - £240,000.

I wonder how that all sits with the very soft Bank of England loan they arranged, the staff they have laid off and their capacity to pay such eye-watering numbers playing in an empty stadium?

Rodriguez v Bale numbers will make interesting reading come the end of the season.

Still can’t get over how good I thought we were. A lot of valid nit-picking on TW, but valid nit-picking is still nit-picking. We were fantastic and after the first 20 I thought we completely controlled the game.

We look marvelous. I still can’t believe it. It’s a pinch me moment.

Ehrm...'Spurs that'. (Doesn't quite have the same ring to it as 'Everton that' for some reason!).

I wager some opinions are entrenched and refuse to bend even in light of the evidence to the contrary. I’m not a Pickford fan but he wasn’t to blame yesterday. Does he need to become a calmer more disciplined player? Absolutely. That’s an agenda for me not an opinion. Tony A mentioned the other day, be dismissive but at least back it up, I agree wholeheartedly.

I think other dissenting opinion, comes from a good place. In two games we’ve seen such an uplift in performance and possibilities that some including myself are in a rush to see the problems resolved because we can see something special. I’m hoping most are the latter.

https://talksport.com/football/760832/gareth-bale-tottenham-loan-injury-wait/

It doesn't shape my view of individual games though.

We're pretty much at the point we have been in past seasons where every loss is Gylfi/Pickford/Davies/etc fault regardless of what actually happens.

Makes this place far less interesting to visit when people could offer those types of opinions without even watching the game. And I suspect on plenty of occasions in the past, that's been the case.

I’ve found it hard to dissect his performances. I often have looked for him and he seems to be doing little, but that aura causes opposing players to do funny things. I think the primary recipient will be Richarlison.

I’ve no idea how he floated from the right to inside left for his goal. Whether he just drifted there or it was vestige of a set play. He didn’t even seem to hit it hard, just timed it and it was laser guided! I thought Seamus was much more involved yesterday as we were the dominant side but I look at Digne’s delivery and Coleman’s and sigh. It’s night and day. I think yesterday made my mind up if we are playing a side like WBA then we must find a better crosser. I even wonder in my more prosaic moments if a winger could play there.

Yeah, good post. Pickford had no chance for the first.

Without doubt Pickford made a couple of game winning saves at Spurs and its obvious his form has definitely picked up. I'm sure Carlo and his coaching team will review both of West Brom goals and we will see how our CB's perform against quick breaks in future games, for me Allen being totally out of position for the 1st goal did not help and its obvious that Mina and Keane are heavily reliant on a solid holding midfielder playing in front of them.

Just checked him out, Brighton signed him from Chelsea on a permanent three and a half year deal during this close season, didn’t say how much he cost, he’s having another good attacking game at Newcastle today, a real live wire of a player.Chelsea must be very well stocked with defenders to let this lad go, he’d only played three times for Chelsea, twenty years of age this month.

I agree with everything you say about Allan & Mina for their contribution towards WBA's first goal, but disagree with your views on Pickford. He starts the game off with an atrocious clearance, that almost costs us a goal – trademark Pickford. Yes, their free-kick was excellent, but why does he pull his arm away at the last second?

He is a liability, and every game we just await his next stupid mistake. Of course he made a few blocks against Spurs, but any half-decent goalkeeper would be expected to do the same. He doesn't boss his area, he's afraid of big centre forwards, and lacks confidence claiming high balls, especially when attackers are near. He cowers on his own line, hoping defenders will clear the danger. Maybe his lack of height has something to do with it.

You can guarantee he'll cost us at least 9 or 10 points a season directly from his errors.

I am keen to get another look at Virginia on Wednesday. Not really seen much of him, apart from the game against Salford, but I do like the way he catches the ball cleanly, instead of padding it to the ground first, like most goalkeepers do.

I think Pickford can destroy any momentum, and motivation in our defence from his obvious weaknesses. We must get rid asap,

Dortmund v Monchengladbach was played in front of 10,000 spectators yesterday with 8,400 to be allowed to watch the Leipzig fixture today.

Hopefully we're not too far behind.

We’re looking good at the moment and still sit top and should be at least 3rd by the end of the second round of fixtures. I’m just going to enjoy it.

Could we strengthen the best XI? Absolutely. Are we able to do so without breaching FFP? I’ve no idea. I don’t think we need to improve the whole XI in one window. We can maximise our financial muscle by doing so slowly. So, whilst Pickford has obvious flaws, if you wait until next summer, we can see exactly where he’s at in terms of possible improvements, and also Joao Virginia who seems to have been bumped up to backup. He did alright against Salford and he’s likely to play against fleetwood and he’s very highly rated. He might be the answer, and 12 months to see where he’s at could be worthwhile.

The management seem to have recruitment sorted right now. So, let’s enjoy our start and wait and see if any more transfers are made before the window shuts on 5th October.

This being Everton, I’m sure there will be crushing disappointment soon enough and then we can get back to slagging off our players.

I don't want to overstate the comparison but he has that "floating" way about him. It comes from pure giftedness, in the end, I suppose.

I live in Kansas City we haven’t peaked yet for Covid as it rises everyday. School on zoom, curfews on bars, no kid sports, no gatherings of large groups. And yet they let 20,000 fans in to the Kansas City chiefs match but asked them to wear masks when they weren’t drinking. Fans here get pissed up at every game. They then had to revise state rules to require quarantine if you’re in large groups to exempt Chiefs games. It’s ludicrous. Quarantine or don’t. Don’t ban everything except the highest risk event with the highest risk people (eg overweight, high blood pressure drunken Trump supporters)

Back on thread. Whatever happens, it looks like it's going to be great to watch Everton again. Regardless of result, all a football fan wants (in my opinion) is first and foremost to be entertained and see their team compete. Success is hopefully a by-product of that.

My only concern is that scratch the surface and we're back to last season's lacklustre midfield. Here's hoping we have a Liverpool style freak of luck with injuries, because let's face it, they too don't have strength in depth.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

That was a red card all daylong. Referee couldn’t do anything BUT send him off.
No chance of Tomori coming here on loan now, Chelsea will need him.

Brian #333, I've seen no sign of Kean "sulking", and I don't think Carlo would play him if he was. I see nothing but effort from him.

Kevin #355, not sure it's geographic. The most extraordinary player I ever saw with that ability was Anthony Yeboah. He could hit absolute missiles with virtually no visible backlift. Of course it helped that he had thighs like bridge girders.

Liverpool so vulnerable over the top. Can we exploit it when we play them?

Pretty good header by Mane.

Discuss.

Sorry mate, I wasn’t thinking.

I’ve not been well

On the other hand, it looks as though we dodged a 15inch battleship shell with Zouma, and Tomori doesn't sound any better.

And it also sounds as though any criticism of Pickford is very much wide of the mark given standards elsewhere in the Premiership.

I would deffo get shut of Kean. On loan at least and replace him with more experience. Wouldn't mind Stones on loan out of those suggested, l think he'd fit our style or play

So - no 10 man comeback on the cards today - I'm afraid.

On the RS game, why did Fat Frank start without Abraham and Barkley? Abraham was easily Chelsea's best player last year and I suspect Ross still has lingering "feelings" about the Redshite.

When people here slate Pickford, I generally ask them who we should get instead. Haven't seen a solid suggestion yet.

In time if we're going to take a stepping stone approach to get to the top it becomes more so, but right now, I'm pleased we're focussing on what's in front of the defence.

Like our neighbours, the defence is often the last piece of the puzzle. Yesterday showed that. We just might have to get used to accepting we'll concede, but at least now, we know we can come back with goals!!

It will be emotional, but exciting & entertaining!!

I know most of their new signings weren't playing, but I thought they had done some good business making up for lost time following their transfer ban.

But this was a very un-Chelsea-like performance from Lampard, be it as player or manager.

The second half proved nothing more than a light workout for the 'bours.

And still, Everton top of the league.

Some of the decisions over the weekend were downright ridiculous in the Premier League.

The problem now is the defence, which is weird given that a couple of weeks ago we had Keane, Holgate, Branthwaite and Mina who, in the right combination are a formidable group to choose from.

Mike, I agree about Wolves. A club with an outstanding manager who play very solid football. I would be quite happy to see a final table of 1st Everton (of course) 2nd Wolves, 3rd City, 4th Sheff U, 5th Arse, 6th Leeds (who have been a bit of a revelation too).

Tell you what, nothing to be afraid of from Man United, Chelsea or Tottenham. Yes, it's two games in but we can beat those teams, and any other team.

We're 3/4 players away from being spot on, but we have enough this year - injuries permitting- to give it a real go, and who knows?

If we fail, it's still going to be entertaining and thank God for that; no more plodding tedium.

We have our team back.

I hope it works for us away next week. Crystal Palace have started very well and have one or two really, dangerous players. Ok, just one. I thought we should have won there last season though and I think it will be nicely set up for us this time round now that we have a real midfield. Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin have been outstanding and I fancy our chances of getting behind their defence and doing some damage.

A blind man can see the way to beat the RS is balls in behind their back four but Chelsea insisted on trying to play through them and getting hit on the counter.

Chelsea gave their match on a plate to the RS, the RS, are beatable and if we can play to our potential we can expose them in the box.

Interesting times and Everton, are top of the League, fantastico.

Here’s to good week, for All, TWrs and their families, and let’s pray the COVID19, resurgence, doesn’t cause any bad health to us and our families.

All stay well, and safe, and onwards Evertonians, to our next victory.,

Hi George [322] I would like to add my best wishes to those you have already received, if Everton had a portion of your spirit they'd be a much better team.

For me, it doesn't warrant a lot of discussion, Jay. Pickford is a league better and is an Everton player already. Pickford is, in the real world, as good as any keeper on the planet within the range of often irrational opinion. I'd say one-on-one he is the best shot-stopper in the game and is worth several points a season for us, net.

Kepa is proven weak in many aspects of his game, Pickford is only weak in the minds of a few Evertonians and then only in a hand waving sort of way. Given the positive things that are happening at the club, discussing Pickford's merits is the ultimate waste of good breath.

We aren't looking for a goalie, it is absolutely last on the list of priorities far below a new tea lady. He is part of these positive things, very much a solution not a problem. There are Evertonians who would find a down on some players even if we were to win 3 European Cups in succession, it is a cross that other supporters have to bear that's all.

“One of the best shot stoppers in the game”?! What on earth is this based on. The stats show this one very clearly and he stopped one of the lowest percentage of shots in the league last year, beaten only by Kepa.

He was good against Spurs and maybe he’ll be good again. But for the last two seasons I don’t see how on earth people can see him as a good shot stopper at club level.

He needs to improve this year or else new goalkeeper will be near the top of the priority list next summer.

The trouble is we won’t be able to sell him unless he plays better. And if he plays better then we won’t to sell him! For that reason I think it’s very possible he’ll stay for a while yet but he’s got work to do in my eyes.

All the talk is about the centre-back cover coming in and rightly so but I have been thinking who covers Allan?

The team in front of him has been getting all the headlines, but Allan is the lynchpin. Who covers for him when he needs a break or has a niggle or injury? Delph?

We have players to make do, but do we need a young and up-and-coming Allan or Gana to press for that spot? and be an attempt of a like for like back up. I'm thinking in the way that Nkounkou has been brought in to shadow Digne.

Delph is really not mobile enough (or reliable); Tom is not really that type of midfielder, neither is Sigurdsson.

I want us to have strength in depth where it matters, I think over the 38 games this is going to be the key to the door of the top 4.

It's a lofty ambition to say it, but why not. Outside of the RS and Man City, who are almost in a league of their own in recent years, 3rd and 4th places are well up for grabs. I don't see why we should fear any team this season, and I see a good few reasons they should fear us.

I am watching Leicester v Burnley at the moment and I would happily take either keeper over Pickford.

I recognise Pickford as his status clearly shows him to be which is an absolutely top class keeper by any standard. Remember that it is on you to prove your assertion that Pickford is a poor keeper not just to wave your hands and state it as some kind of fact. As the number one keeper of his national team and the top club in his national league (like that?) you may struggle to do that.

Give the lad some support instead of the usual Everton fan minority, baseless, hatchet job. He plays for Everton, he has the support of EFC and its expert staff and the English football hierarchy; what qualification to you have to say that they and the vast majority of Everton fans and anybody of any position in the game is wrong about Jordan? Do you you not feel just one little bit that it could be you that has it wrong?

What he is good at is coming out and saving with his feet. The rest of his game is poor.

I would make replacing him a top priority.

I have supplied evidence. Statistically he saved a lower percentage of shots in the league last year than any other keeper bar the disaster at Chelsea. Ergo he’s not one of the best shotstoppers.

As you’ll know keepers are rotated far less than most other players. So Pickford has had no competition at Everton. As for England I will be interested to see if he’s still number one by the Euros. If he repeats his level of the last two years (and Henderson and Pope do likewise) then I suspect he won’t be. Obviously the club are not going to come out and slate him with only Lossl in reserve but don’t be surprised if we take an offer for him next summer in the unlikely event someone pays what we did for him. If he was really that good why has he been linked so little with a move to the top 4?

A speedy recovery and good luck. At least Everton are helping for a change.

Bill G. and Ray, spot on. People who say Pickford isn't good enough... I say fine, who would you rather have that would be available in this window at a rational price?

The key word being "available"... not the starting keepers for Prem clubs that finished above us last season (sorry Colin #418).

Sam #424, c'mon, you know better than that. You keep citing that percentage but you know it doesn't account for the kind of shots the defense gives up. Teams with better defenses give up more long-range shots that are easier to stop. Pickford gave up a boatload of goals early last season on point-blank set piece headers based on Silva's complete inability to defend free kicks and corners. Are you saying that all the keepers with better save percentages are better shot-stoppers than Pickford? Nah.

I think the ongoing debate is ridiculous. Carlo will replace Pickford when A) he decides he's not good enough, or B) a bigger club comes in and buys him. Until then, it ain't happening.

We'll have to make do though as I doubt he's going anywhere this season. It's a shame, as a solid keeper can make all the difference to a season.

Palace’s new striker looks really good to me. He’s a dangerous player. If we’re a susceptible to the counter against Palace as we were against WBA, that kid and Saha could be big trouble.

Dave Abraham’s and George C. back regarding that Lamptey kid. I actually thought he was a RM! He was bombing forward so much, and admittedly I wasn’t watching closely, I thought he was in midfield. Learning from you two that kid is a RB? Kid looks a player for sure.

We are in control of our own Destiny for once in a long, long time, so let's make it count. Like many have already mentioned I was gobsmacked to witness such a poor performance from Chelsea, and they were at home!

Let's carry on under the radar if that is at all possible, but once you get a win or two, or show promise the Media Hawks are circling above to pounce, highlight any mistakes, and try to put pressure on, so their darlings can enjoy a resistance free run!

Come on, and now you better believe us!

I'm not saying Pickford is the guy to take us into the Champions League, but the only alternatives I usually see suggested here are for other clubs' retreads. Like Romero.

And Leicester are top. Where's the Prozac.

If you want to use a stat that better accounts for the quality of chance then Pickford also does poorly when considering his Xgsaves (ie, he let's more goals in than xG would predict).

Isn't it possible, given that all the stats I've seen suggest it, that's he's not that great a shot-stopper compared to the other keepers in the league?

Sure, it's possible, but I would also point out that over those same three seasons we've ranked at the very bottom of the league for the set-piece goals-against I mentioned.

My belief is that on point-blank shots inside the six-yard box, Pickford's reflexes make him one of the best in the world. Otherwise he strikes me as about average for the Prem. And you already know where I think we should shop for an upgrade.

The Palace keeper is better than Pickford.

At the moment he's ahead of Alisson (presumably we accept he's a good keeper?) in every single category including save percentage - 78% compared with 50%.

Great start and Very early days, but the aura around Everton, has lifted, this last week.

In my time over time, it’s the best in genuine optimism, in terms of a new beginning,since HK, 1983, last half of the season.

We won, some great games and lost a few, but that turned the team, and the clubs, mentality.

The mentality also of the Government and Degsys local government, at the time.

Stapleton’s, goal, in 1983, though, we lost, in the FA cup 1/4 Final,, was born an era, and another generation, of, Evertonians, and we took the positives and the era, was as it was.

The best club in the world, by miles. Great memories, and a more, to be made.

“What’s Our Name?” Everton!
.

Sam as to stats, well I prefer to view the whole thing, be it game or season.

An average keeper behind an excellent defence and midfield, will get you higher than a great keeper behind an average defence and midfield.

Tommy Lawrence had clean sheets galore, League Titles and an FA Cup winners medal...and was an ok bloke too

Gordon Banks had regular hammerings playing for Leicester and Stoke...yet managed to scrape a World Cup Winners medal behind a decent defence.

David Lawson was a stand out keeper for a really tight, disciplined and well managed by Ian Greaves, underated Huddersfield team that got promoted and did well for 1 season. Until 3 or 4 of of their players got cherry-picked (no pun intended) like Trevor Cherry, Roy (predictive txt wants to put Jack) Ellam and Frank Worthington.

Now we could've bought any of them and got good value and Frank Worthington would've been Excellent value. But we (well Catterick in his declining years) bought an average keeper from behind an well organised defence and stuck him behind a poorly organised defence and midfield and - when your other choice did not inspire confidence either - the rest as they say, is history.

It's Pickford until further notice, I'm afraid.

A lot of pressure on this team now.

Spurs was a real test of whether we were at that level. WBA a test of whether we could dispose of an organised, hardworking but limited side, as we've failed to do so often. Now we go to a team with pace in attack who just destroyed an effective but immobile centre half pairing. Then face an underdog side trying to prove the doubters wrong.

The 'real test' for us is whether we are up to this many 'real tests'!.

Look forward to more threads like this as the project gathers momentum.

My feet are still on the ground. Just

(Sorry Aaron, you didn't but needed for comedic effect)

There is a lot more to come from this team - amazingly, however, I was wondering how we will cope as teams start to adjust to our new threat. James will be targeted so we will need another creative player - mind you, it is pretty clear he is used to winding up the opposition too. No mug our James.

Are we all happy that we are getting a bit of 'nous' - sneaky shoves, diving will be next? All are routine in the top 4.

Our attacking three were described as 'superb' on MOTD, I don't think that has ever happened before.

Is it me or has home advantage disappeared along with the crowds?

The games I have watched, it seems that the fast counter-attack is being used often, with a lot of the home teams pushing up, just a little bit to far and being punished?

Some of the officiating has also been very poor, (at least this is consistent imo) but maybe it’s just the new rules?

Penalties are being given for nothing imo, and I’m not sure Atkinson, would have given that penalty on Saturday if Old Trafford was full, or his VAR assistant would have flagged up De’Gae, for having one foot off the line when he made the save, but who knows?

The game is changing rapidly, but how can a team play on the front foot, when they don’t have enough pace to recover? Liverpool got away with a few which might not always be the case, but Manchester United, certainly didn’t, and this is something Everton have got to pay a lot of attention to, next week.

https://twitter.com/irish_pics/status/1307780810607652864?s=09

Very pleased for young Dom and Keane is showing real leadership at the back...bring on Fleetwood!

COYB

Thing is, most bigger guys don't have the same all round pace (or endurance over 90 minutes) as the lighter ones, in general. Van Dijk is unusual - as was Rats, way back. Nonetheless as you say, Liverpool have got away with a few - but they've certainly scored more than a few that way.

It's a pity but I think more and more teams will start to play in a similar way; athleticism and fitness is more widely available and trainable than exceptional skill. It can be something of a leveller.

With the pace and movement of many forwards now, the hulking great centre half spends a lot of his time in a very precarious situation. Drop back, and the forwards are coming at you with speed, hold high and they can run in behind. Always been so, but it's now a much more extreme version.

If we allow Palace to play as they did at Old Trafford, we're in for a tough afternoon. We need to really occupy them at the other end.

Also you asked for evidence. I provided it. You totally ignored it. Here you go again:

https://fbref.com/en/comps/9/3232/keepers/2019-2020-Premier-League-Stats

And for Mike Gaynes here is one that takes into account the likelihood of those chance normally going in:

https://www.statsperform.com/resource/stats-perform-goalkeeper-rankings-dec-18/

Fell free to ignore these too!

He's been better in our two games this season. Long may it continue. But for the last year or two he's not been in the top 6 keepers in the league. Not even close.

I feel the latter is a problem that can be easily coached, the former however seems more a innate issue - a combination of positioning and concentration.

But he is excellent at making reflext saves from close distance, and the reality is, more often than not, it is these types of goals that win games than long rangers. He's good on one-on-ones, and he does have good passing ability (even though its been wayward).

I feel he was never as good as he had been perceived, and he is not as bad as he is now being considered. He's decent, and can become good.

To get a better keeper will cost a huge sum of money, and would not be a guarantee either. Sheff Utd spent 18 million on Ramsdale, Villa spent 20 million on Arsenal's reserve - neither are better than Pickford.

I feel our best hope is that, along with the general increase in stantards across the club, Pickford can raise his game. There is a place in the Euros added to his challange of being good enough for Ancelotti, so he shold be fully motivated to do so.

The first couple minutes against WBA, he makes a horrendous clearance, almost costing us a goal.

You should have gone into politics mate – acknowledge the facts presented by Sam.

Pickford is not beyond saving. His work at Sunderland and in his first season with us was very good. But it’s gone a bit downhill since then. Especially last season.

Goalkeeper is a crucial position of course and if we want to stay near the top of the table we need one who is better than decent. Hopefully he can return to his previous levels. But another season of mediocrity from him and I think Goalkeeper may need to be near the top of the priority list next summer.

Big question I've always got is 'Do I feel confident with him in goal? Do I trust him?' With Pickford, the answer is no. He was very good at Spurs, more of that and I'll happily change my mind. He was OK on Saturday after a shaky start.

As Fran rightly mentions, our best hope is that as the rest of the team improves its consistency, he follows suit.

For now, like so many of our signings in the last few years, I'll label him as talented and sporadocally effective. Is it him or our managers? We'll find out this season.

The similar stat chart just below, ranking the Bundesliga keepers, would indicate that Yann Sommer is a much better shot-stopper than Manuel Neuer. I think every footy fan's eyes would say different.

Not saying this statistic doesn't have value, I'm just not sure what it is.

That is a great point and one not raised often enough when judging a goalkeeper. Trust and predictability are hugely important when assessing a keeper and how they fit into a defensive unit.

A spectacular save is quite literally a last resort. Pickford is excellent in one on ones and regularly makes outstanding saves, but I think that’s only half the story. It’s the one area of the pitch where a ‘maverick’ is not really tolerated.

Maybe Chilavert.

Fran #488, good post.

Neuer and Pickford for example are two quite high profile goalkeepers who we've seen making stops in international tournaments and in the PL or Bundesliga/Champions league.

They are also two quite loud and exuberant characters. Quite showy. Yann Sommer has always struck me as an excellent keeper but he's a bit quieter and plays for unglamourous BMG and Switzerland. Could that affect our perception?

Of course the stat only really measures shot-stopping and not a keepers ability to claim crosses, sweep up at the back or organise his defense (all qualities that Neuer excels at). It's just that people keep saying that Pickford is a great shot stopper. He clearly isn't!

To me Pickford has good reflexes and "normally" good distribution.

My criticism is that he seems to be a nervous wreck and does not organize his defenders creating uncertainty as to who should go for the ball. I also hate this palming away and punching lark but it seems all keepers are being told to do that these days.

It does seem that Carlo has done some work on him over the close season and at this point I would say hold rather than twist because I don't see many keepers substantially better that are available.

Lets see how he does in Carlo's first full season and continue to monitor the situation.

CB and a wide player are much more pressing issues for me.

One of my all time favorite keepers.

Nev
Dasayev
Chilavert
Pfaff

His perfect versus France in 98 was up there with Nev’s v Holland.

14%from outside the box ? That seems really quite high. Although its harsh to blame him for the two excellent strikes which beat him this week. Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and credit your opponent

And for all his adventurism, he was really, really good. European clubs almost never signed South American keepers back then, but he was up there with the best in the world in my book.

And legend has it that after Chilavert's fistfight with Asprilla of Colombia in a World Cup qualifier, Asprilla had to talk a Colombian drug kingpin out of dispatching a hit man to shoot Chilavert in the head.

I believe Chilavert once threw a punch at Maradona as well.

I thought two saves that he made against Tottenham were both match winners. (Alli , Doughty?) His failings seemed to get slated much more than his brilliant saves get lauded.

If we can see he is putting in the graft to improve and it is showing dividends, he deserves our support to do that.

As others said above, I never quite feel that Pickford is solid in the way I did with Martyn or even Howard in his prime.

If he plays like he did at Tottenham every game, then there will certainly be no more complaints from me.

Well, if it was said in 1981 originally, Jasper had more chance of nicking the legendary quip than poor John.

Phil was just obviously trying to start another apocryphal tale at 478 before, with brilliant comic timing, Thomas Lennon posted at 479!

You know your stuff, so I wont question your judgement here but... Martyn, Howard were a few years older when they got into that zone. I really rated Martyn, I think he was the near-perfect goalie at for a couple of seasons.

I suppose Neville, the best until Schmeichel was about 27 but let's not split hairs.

I post this without having a friggin clue of Pickford's age, is he about 25? Can we afford to let him mature as our Number 1?

He made a howler at the beginning of yesterday's game? It didn't cost us... didn't Allison make a howler for Liverpool last week?

Let's give him a break, let's support him.

I will always support any player who steps out in blue but alot of what we do on here (or what I do on here at least) is debate which of our players are good enough or who may need replacing or upgrading. For me, Pickford will need replacing if he continues like he did last season. He's no kid anymore and is going backwards rather than forwards.

Hopefully, in a better team, he can remedy that but I can't agree with anyone who thinks he was good for us last season let alone one of the 'best in the league'.

Sam; Consistency I am hoping will get better for him with hard graft in training and a much better defensive midfield in Allan and Doucouré shielding the centre backs. But total consistency won't happen any time soon, the best we can hope for is improved consistency through hard work. Another season like last and he will be out, he has no option but to step it up.

Roger; Another factor could be that plenty of Premier League teams now have very dangerous players, the money is drawing the best talent in Europe and South America here. I think 'keepers are getting tested with more quality than ever before... there's no hiding place.

Brands' intervention key to Calvert-Lewin's success

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has enjoyed a spectacular start to the season with four goals in Everton's opening two games, including a hat-trick against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. But had things worked out slightly differently, it is unlikely that the 23-year-old would be leading the line at Goodison Park.

At the beginning of last season, then-manager Marco Silva was keen to upgrade Everton's striking options with Cenk Tosun struggling for goals. The club's interest in Juventus forward Mario Mandzukic was well documented, as the Croatian's time in Turin looked to be coming to an end following the appointment of Maurizio Sarri.

Silva wanted to bring Mandzukic to Everton and the club's owner Farhad Moshiri is likely to have backed him. The move would have been expensive — more in terms of the 33-year-old's hefty salary than a transfer fee — but the greater cost might have been to Calvert-Lewin's development.

Director of football Marcel Brands is thought to have faced a fierce battle to convince Silva not to pursue Mandzukic and instead give Calvert-Lewin the platform to develop into the player he is today. Moshiri was spending heavily at the time — with Alex Iwobi, Moise Kean, Andre Gomes, Jean-Phillipe Gbamin and Fabian Delph costing more than £100 million combined last summer — and wanted to see his investment translate into success.

Brands fought hard for faith to be placed in Calvert-Lewin and some at the club believe the England Under-21 international would now be elsewhere, on loan or permanently, had the Mandzukic transfer proceeded.

You're correct Brian, the gag came from a programme called ‘Radio Active ‘ which went out on 6th October 1981.

You can hear it on the Radio X website.

Totally agree if we are judging him on last years standard, it was well below top class.

I'm a person who believes in judging players on this season, let us let last season go for now, players can change, players can have that transition where they leave all their baggage behind and step on significantly – think of Vardy, think of Cantona, Thiery Henry, Ian Wright? People are praising goalkeepers like Pope, still trying to promote goalkeepers like Forster? (Okay, not recently...)

Time will tell, of course, and I know giving Pickford a bit of stick on ToffeeWeb doesn't mean you aren't a good supporter but to criticise when he clearly wasn't responsible means that Evertonians like me have a duty to support him.

I also read about Silva wanting Mandzukic and wondered if he had got his way he might not have been sacked when he was. Mandzukic might have scored enough to keep him in his job a bit longer. Silva might have paid for Calvert-Lewin's development with his job. Of course there were other factors at play, but an interesting thought non the less.

Centre-forward: Mandzukic
Centre-back: Marcus Rojo
Defensive midfielder: Doucouré

Mandzukic would have probably done well for us last season, but would probably have got an overly long and overly well-paid deal.

Rojo barely played for Man Utd and then disappointed in a loan move back home, he's back in the cold at United and awaiting another loan move.

Doucouré was someone Silva was desperate to sign, and we can all see why, but if Marco was in charge of his own recruitment, he would not have been signed so cheaply and on just a 3-year deal. So, here the Director of Football looked after the long-term interests of the club.

Makes you think if Silva had had a little more luck in the transfer market and a little more luck on the field of play he might still be here. Like The Don he had some pulling power with reasonably talented players, to say nothing of his great gift of Richarlison.

The Feel-Good Effects of Thiago, James Rodríguez, and Gareth Bale