Dazzling Richarlison sets the required tone

Gordon and Kean can't be pleased...

Also interesting that Virginia went from starting the last cup game, to not even being on the bench.

Why the complete change of 'keepers? We have to have faith in Carlo and we have to progress. but this is unexpected.

Very happy to be shown by 9:30 to be wrong, to be a doubter.

I wonder if I'm reading too much into the subs' bench that some of them are not in the starting XI as they were last week because loans or permanent transfers could be in the offing..?

The game plan has to be 2 or 3 nil up hopefully by half-time or after an hour then take Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin off for Gordon and Kean.

Surprised but hey ho! Come on, boys.

Delph needs the game time. Maybe a final attempt to put this trio in the shopping window, while hoping to guarantee victory with Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison.

Also, Calvert-Lewin probably wants goals and wants any chance to score them – when a striker is in the mood, he's in the mood. And maybe Richarlison wants to break his duck for the season.

Also surprised Gordon isn't starting though. I liked the partnership between him and Nkounkou.

Also, we only have two fit centre-backs, why let Gibson go, and play Keane, with the Palace game on Saturday?

Get the job done early doors, then make the changes when out of sight, that's what I am hoping for.

We've played fast, direct, possession football and had chances + scored 2. In fact, fair enough, we potentially could have had more but they've defended so deep.

I can't believe this is largely the same team as last season!

Idiots!

Teams really don't know from which angle or direction we will come at them. Gone is the snail-like crossfield passing along the backline taking 5 minutes to get from one flank to the other.

There is greater confidence on the ball to give and receive short wall passes in tight areas, pulling the opposition out of position and opening up space for our mobile runners.

Iwobi started poorly. Two positions when he could and should have easily rolled in Kenny on the overlap, but he has grown into the game. Got into good shooting positions and was pivotal in Richarlison's 2nd goal. Bernard also playing well.

Nkounkou continues to impress. The most anonymous player in Blue has been Sigurdsson for me.

Nicely set up to sub out players and save them for the weekend. Highly unlikely that Fleetwood are about to break Carlo's incredible record mentioned in commentary of never losing to a lower league team in cup competition in two decades.

A smashing watch this.

Previous regimes we'd probably stumble to a 1-0 or 2-1 win, maybe even get 3 after they tire at the end. But we'd always be laboured and generally average. We'd always be like 'miserable game this, but result is all that matters'. This is actually good to watch... and with the same players as last season.

Again, what's the catch?

Interesting comment. In his first year, Richarlison was definitely play-acting and diving around too much. Silva even publicly stated it.

That is no longer part of his game. He's improved in every area. Massive credit to him... but I'm afraid the criticism was warranted.

No. It wasn't. Post the Silva quotes please. I need to review them.

I was at Goodison when we played Southampton at home not long after he'd joined. Mark Hughes was in charge of Southampton and they singled Richarlison out for some heavy treatment. He stood up to it brilliantly.

He's got a lot of heart, this lad, and it really infuriated me the stick Evertonians gave him. Much of it in his second season, I might add

Pickford.

Incoming.

He is entitled to go down when he's getting fouled. It was beyond that though. He was diving and milking or feigning injuries. It's more prevalent in South America and it's something we don't like as much in England.

Richarlison told to stop diving by Everton coach Silva

I'll just state that I absolutely love the guy, by the way. Best Everton player in a long time in my opinion.

Any comments on his star player Jordan Pickford? Giving Fleetwood 2 goals!

What an absolute basket case!

But in Martin's eyes, the idiot can do no wrong.

Pickford is an embarrassment.

Virginia should've started (unless he's injured?) and we'd be 4-0 up by now. Pickford's clearly learned nothing from last season!

That's the difference between keepers like Pickford and Martyn. Pickford jumps about and makes supposedly world-class saves – often because he just isn't positioned correctly to begin with.

Martyn didn't have to make as many world-class saves because he was in the right place. Martyn would have simply stood there and caught that shot, no need for an extravagant dive.

Special credit should go to our young full-backs – did either of them waste a pass? Well done, Kenny and Nkounkou. (What a find that lad is!)

He's not that bad. But he's just not very good. I said earlier this week that, unless he improves this season, we will need to replace him to seriously target top 4 or 5. He's mediocre at best currently.

Excited to see more of Nkounkou and Gordon though. Even the much-maligned Iwobi did well. I wonder if him or Bernard will soon replace Gomes in the first-choice midfield 3?

I'd be very surprised if Carlo does not sign a keeper after that performance!

Thank god it was against Fleetwood! Imagine playing Premier League teams off the park and then Pickford letting them back in?

Gordon looked good when he came on, although a little greedy/eager, and made the wrong choice on occasion. But he looks dangerous.

Well done, Bernard. He really showed up and put in a performance. If he can play like that in the Premier League, in a central position, he's got much to offer.

Also, well done, Iwobi, a decent performance. He's more effective centrally; when he's out wide, he doesn't have the pace nor the skill. But he did well today.

In general, it was a decent, enjoyable, relatively comfortable win – as it should have been. We finally played like a Premier League team against lower league opposition, rather than like in the past when it was difficult to decipher (at least for the first 70 minutes) which team was top division.

But Pickford. Boy oh boy... We know that all the plusses will be forgotten, and the post-match debate will centre around him. A day to forget, but he's on thin ground if he doesn't sort himself out; he'll neither be No 1 for his club nor country come the end of the season.

If we could get top quality competition for him, I'm sure we would but it isn't easy. I guess Carlo will task Brands with finding him one for next season.

Third consecutive game won by a 3-goal margin.

Bit more nervy in the second half than was necessary due to one man.

Jordan Pickford.

He deserves all the criticism that will come his way on the two goals.

Solely responsible for coughing up the first goal. What was he thinking, on his own goal line, trying to dummy and dribble around two closing forwards?

And the second was equally poor. He seemed to think that flapping it away to the side was the best option, when palming the ball over the bar was the best thing to do in that situation.

Still, plenty of positives to dwell on rather than only the negative.

Just two words: Niels Nkounkou. He's 19, for fuck's sake! Just how good can this boy be?

Lots of nice goals tonight, but the fifth, with the clever carry through by Digne before his excellent pass to Nkounkou and then the full-back's sublimely disguised back-heeled pass into Moise Kean to finish, was really sweet.

Moise Kean doesn't look a happy bunny to me. For someone needing to impress, he didn't exactly bust a gut in his time on the pitch, did he?

Now to keep the momentum up away to Palace at the weekend.

I hope the West Ham Covid-19 outbreak doesn't lead to postponment of next week's cup tie...

The main goal now is to sign a centre-back as soon as possible (Demiral? Todibo?) and I would love a new experienced striker, like Llorente or Mandsukic. Let's see what happen's. COYB

10-4 — over and out.

I always hoped he'd mature and settle down, but there's no sign of that happening. If I was a defender in front of him I'd be on edge for every shot or cross. Hopefully grandpa Ancelotti can get his head straight.

The second mistake was diabolical. He could have stood still and caught it easily but as usual he tried to make a simple save look spectacular and was made to look ridiculous.

Sigurdsson and Davies both look too slow and lacking in confidence, even against Fleetwood. Iwobi was impressive. He moves better and moves the ball quicker than the others under scrutiny.

Nkounkou!! What can I say. Jay Matete looked impressive when he came on for Fleetwood. Only 19. Sign him up.

Trying to defend Pickford after that has to be impossible.

So good from so many players tonight. Nkounkou was again excellent and I was impressed with Delph in the first half when it seemed everything went through him.

Made up for Richarlison getting on the scoresheet and hopefully that's the start of many goals.

Another potential slip up neatly sidestepped, bring on West Ham.

We've only had two class goalkeepers in my 40-odd years of supporting the Blues. I think Pickford is the weak link in this team.

Nkounkou was the highlight for me from a good performance tonight.

Also thought Carlo picked the right team to start and made substitutions wisely.

I note that normal service has resumed for Sigurdsson and Pickford. Both were really poor against League One opposition.

Hopefully Pickford can shrug this off and keep himself a clean sheet at the weekend. His form is worrying though. We won't get away with howlers like that in the Premier League.

Impressive display. The left-back is exceptional. What a signing he is.

Lots of positives but the most consistent negative is Pickford. He really isn't very good. I admire those that still have faith but I'm sorry, he's a massive pile of pants. Brain-dead, terrible anticipation and awareness of the game. Yes, he can make fantastic reflex saves but that really does cloud people's views on him. He consistently gets beaten easily.

Gordon done very well when he came on, really forcing the issue and making things happen. We've got two top class young players there.

Bernard and Iwobi both shone and showed that they give us strength in depth.

Richarlison showed his class and deserved his goals.

Digne is a very classy player and did well taken out of his left-back position (not easy).

Also, I thought Tom Davies did well when he replaced the knackered Delph, he helped us get a grip back on the game.

A good performance overall, but we will need to cut out the mistakes if we are to progress against West Ham because goals will be harder to come by.

Great interview at the end with Don Carlo, who spun the question about signing more players, by saying he had a squad of 31 players, which means I definitely expect a couple more in now!

Pickford (2) – he'll save us 9 points over the season, but cost us 15. It's a real shame, but time to look for a replacement and not just competition.

Nkounkou (10) – what can you say? If this lad keeps on like this, he could become a genuine world-class superstar. This kid is a monster so far.

Digne (7) – not a centre-half, but did a good job as stand-in. Oozes class on the ball and at set-pieces.

Keane (7) – not his recent commanding self, but looking settled and confident.

Kenny (6) – unfortunately failed to stake a claim. Huffed and puffed, but some strange decisions to go running into the box, leaving the winger exposed. When compared to Nkounkou, you can see he's unfortunately not the future.

Delph (8) – Playing for the future, and he has one playing like that. Can he get fit and stay fit?

Iwobi (9) – Slow start, but "Wow, who was that??" Play him in the right positions and he may not be the joke we all started to think he was.

Sigurdsson (7) – had no choice but to step it up, and he has. All the attributes, questionable past attitude. Keeps doing what he is and he has a roll.

Bernard (9) – another playing for his future, and again it showed. A magician, and as much skill as most players I've seen in a blue shirt.

Richarlison (9) – Neymar, watch out, this boy keeps growing. Hungry, skill full, a menace.

Calvert-Lewin (6) – should have wrapped it up, but a unique physical threat upfront. Can become the modern-day Sharpie.

Subs:

Gordon (8) – If we didn't have such quality all over the pitch, we'd be drooling over this kid. Hope he keeps getting chances.

Davies (8) – We were flapping and under the cosh, he changed it back in our favour. 22 years old and massively underrated by most of the fans.

Kean (8) – 3 in 3. Young lad, great prospect, great skill, an arrogance strikers need. We'd be mad to let him leave.

Final thoughts:

Every midfielder on fire. Why? Because they know there is no space for anything else. We need defenders (central and right back) to feel the same. and most of all the goalkeeper. He's not worth writing off, but he needs to win back the place because he's done enough to lose it.

Well done to Brands. What a find! Rodriguez for free and Nkounkou for 𧶲k?

Carlo has instilled an air of confidence in the players that is clearly working.

Special mentions for Nkounkou, who played like a wingback and a winger – two for the price of one. I can see Carlo keeping him and Digne in for some games.

Like many have said, he already has it going forward and shows a maturity beyond his years. He just needs to get his defensive duties honed to be one hell of a player.

Nkounkou is a real find and should be seriously considered for a place in the first team. However, I agree with an earlier suggestion that we don't really get a chance to see his defensive abilities in such games against weaker opposition.

Everyone played well in the first half and we showed great team play. Not as good in the second half but, except for two ridiculous goals by Fleetwood, we still bossed the game.

Agree with your ratings, except Kenny, who I would have given an 8 for involvement and effort. Pickford at 2 is okay, but if you had have gave him a 1, few would have objected. He was really poor.

Sigurdsson was a 7, but he did fade as usual and still will not take responsibility.

Davies did well, when he came on, Sigurdsson no effort whatsoever, and as for Pickford, two more absolute howlers. Carlo needs to bring in an experienced 'keeper, because it's a big ask to start Virginia.

Q. Is this cup winnable?

A. "We have to try to do our best. It's an important competition. A short competition. Three games to the final."

Yes, Carlo!

Kean – very relaxed finish. First time I've really seen him take a shot looking relaxed. Goals will come.

Nkounkou and Gordon – both excellent.

Pickford – given a hospital pass for their first and they targeted him with the press. Other better teams will do likewise. Defence cannot put him under that pressure.

Maybe I'm marking Kenny down simply because Nkounkou was that good on the other flank. If he was right-footed, he would walk in ahead of both Kenny and Seamus. Maybe a bit greedy to hope for an equivalent, but certainly an area that could get better.

Delph was smart tonight, pity he's as durable as smart price bog paper.

Bernard is justified to have a whiff of Gomes position.

Gordon is a gem and could do a great job on the right allowing James to roam wherever the feck he likes. Rich is better off away from the traditional centre-forward position, it nullifies his ghosting talents.

Nkounkou is on some trajectory and is a pleasure to watch. I think it would be premature to bin Tom Davies when he now has some quality to learn from.

The blueprint of our new players has had an instant effect on how the existing players play their game. It'll be interesting to see if Carlo has anyone on speed dial if he offloads on Deadline day.

I would love Maxi Gomez from Valencia and Arias for right back too. I think he will wait on his two centre-backs coming back fit. To be honest, I'd prefer Digne or Nkounkou than Mina on current form.

4 out of 4, and a very good start to this season, no an incredible start. Hopefully there's no injuries and get ready for Palace.

nb: In fairness to Jordan Pickford, he was played a suicide pass, and he's not solely to blame for that goal.

Don't blame the back-pass, he could have cleared it straight away, but decided to take a first touch, should have came for the 2nd, changed his mind, and made a hash of the overhead kick.

Try not to defend the indefensible.

What the fuck goes through Pickford's mind? Everyone could see he was going to be closed down from Keane's backpass, so why does he need to take two touches, just boot it away. The second goal, he should have gone for the cross to either catch or punch the ball away, but stopped. And how he tried to save it, God knows?

Anyway, Bernard was MotM for me. Thought he was outstanding, closely followed by Nkounkou. What a great run and back heel for Kean's goal.

Next week we should put out the strongest team possible because West Ham certainly won't. Play Rodriguez, Allan and Doucouré, get through to the quarter-finals which aren't played until December, then we can concentrate on the league for about 9 or 10 games.

I thought Pickford played himself into trouble playing across the front of the goal, on the first goal. The second he was in panic on the first cross before the ball came back for the shot. He actually helped the ball into the net instead of saving it which would have been easier.

His performance had an effect on the whole team.

However, any reason why we didn't try to get Emiliano Martinez?

I don't have a down on Pickford as many do on here, but your comment 'Pickford – given a hospital pass for their first and they targeted him with the press' I cannot agree with.

The pass from Keane was perfectly normal. It didn't have Pickford scrambling to recover it. He had ample time to clear it. He tried to be way, way too cute and as a result invited pressure on himself from not one, but two forwards. And he stuffed it up.

His own reaction to conceding showed he knew that he had stuffed up. No one else.

Carlo warned him publicly last season that he needed to do better. Jordan can expect a raised eyebrow and a quiet word from the gaffa before the weekend, I'm sure.

In the second half, we showed good resilience. Iwobi, who has previously not impressed me with his heart, battled well. And Tom Davies, whom I like but fear is not top class, held the midfield together.

4 wins, 14 goals. A start I could not have dreamed of.

I struggle to remember any game with Pickford between the sticks, where I didn't have that ever lingering worry that a mistake could come at any time. Perhaps it is now time for a change. At the very least, to give him a serious kick up the arse.

As for Pickford, it's his fault for both goals no doubt. Just clear the back pass and stay on your feet for the 2nd goal and you catch it. He is young and will learn the hard way because when he does this in an important game, Ancelloti will drop him and he won't come back to the team. Is he related to Joe Hart or just trying to emulate him? An enigma indeed!!

Probably win us the game v Palace at the weekend though!

When you have a 'keeper who cannot be trusted, you don't play passes back to him in his own 6-yard box. It is asking for trouble.

We can compete with the best this season, provided one simple thing is done. That is to drop Jordon Pickford. I'm not saying I told you so, I just want him gone.

It's not a witch hunt and I'm not jumping on the bandwagon. I've said it from the first time I saw him play. Nothing has changed my view. He is and will continue to be a liability. Any experienced, calm, safe pair of hands, who is comfortable dealing with crosses will do.

The confidence in the team is sky-high right now in every department bar one. Ancelotti needs to address this problem immediately or face the consequences.

Much as I like Carlo, I am baffled how he cannot put the full blame on Pickford for their first goal.

We are making giant strides in the rebuilding, but a new goalkeeper is a must.

If anyone on here says who do we replace him with, I would even try Bernard in goal before this clown. It is not just the odd mistake, it's week after week.

I think if it were a normal season Ancelotti may well have replaced Pickford. Without doubt, and as we all knew, midfield was our priority area to strengthen.

With the limited funds available the manager has transformed our midfield. Unfortunately, I suspect we will have to put up with Pickford for a while longer

The second goal he stopped when he realized he couldn't get to it and was back in the goal when the Fleetwood player with an Everton player either side of him tried an overhead kick that can go anywhere, but he corrected it with a shot on goal Pickford got 1 hand on it but couldn't stop it, he was on his feet.

Supporters are saying the RS went out and got a new keeper but don't mention that when he was signed it was a world record fee for a keeper and I have seen him make the odd mistake also he is now 33 years of age so has a lot more experience than most keepers.

It is difficult to be a keeper at Everton as you always have the memories of Southall to compete against. Names are being mentioned to replace Pickford, but can anyone mention a keeper we could sign that hasn't made mistakes? Forwards, midfielders and defenders make mistakes but being a keeper his mistakes are not forgiven.

Fast forward a couple of seasons, a great side under Gordon Lee, again an average goalkeeper and from going on an unbeaten run until Boxing Day, we again finished short.

Now I know we expect a lot with the likes of Gordon West and Neville Southall picking up winners medals, but you have to have a quality goalkeeper.

If we are to learn from our past mistakes, then we need to relieve Pickford in goal and try somehow to bring in a quality keeper, even more so than a centre-half or right-back.

He turns 28 next week. He's just 18 months older than Jordan.

I'm pleased for Bernard as well. He has flattered to deceive along with many others in the past but worked his socks off last night.

Mosie Kean 0 hows about just a hint of a smile when you score a good goal! It gives us fans hope you might actually want to be at the club!

But my goodness, how well did Bernard play? He was fantastic. it's wonderful to see a guy with magic feet in the middle.

If Bernard keeps playing the way he is, Gomes had better watch his back and keep raising his game.

Nkounkou is just amazing. Simply incredible. This kid has to be in the lineup soon. He's just silk, with a powerful frame. I can not believe that kid is 19! John Pierce has been crying out for pacy center-backs. Can this kid possibly play there? He has the size and his speed is really good. Maybe?

Either way, that boy looks to be our single best "young buy" in years. Great player.

We look fantastic. The excitement is palpable. We're looking at, health of the players intact, a special, special season if this continues.

Have several of our deadwood finally found some professional pride? Iwobi and Bernard benefited the most. I would have started Kean and perhaps he expected to start hence his ‘enfant terrible'.

Starting Richarlison was good, he got his goals his performances had merited. Smart by the manager.

Pickford needs a short sharp shock. I'd play Lössl and bench him this weekend, if Lössl plays well keep him for the cup game. Then go from there, he has to fear for his spot, otherwise he will not change.

Tonight, as with the games to date emphasize the need for a ball playing centre-back and a right-back. Whilst Digne would be unlikely to cut it a centree-back in the premier league (maybe in a three), the virtue of his distribution was clear to see. Kenny's limitations were shown up by a lad on the other side who has played two games for the club.

Vital we change this dynamic. The keeper comes later. Fun watching us though.

For the second he was obviously still rattled, which is his major weakness. I don't think he could have got to the cross comfortably so his decision to abort was correct. However, all he needed to do was block the goalbound shot rather than panicking and trying to push it away.

I still don't see these perfect alternatives though, so I expect he will be persevered with.
Iwobi started weakly but came on a storm and could be especially useful playing opposition who play a high line against us, or against tiring defences.

I thought Tom Davies did okay but I don't think he controlled things when he came on as some have said. Likewise, Delph was neat and tidy but not imperious.

Our season is already heating up. Victories over Palace and West Ham would give us massive early momentum.

Watched the 5 goals over again and, although Pickford was at fault for the first goal, Fleetwood players were waiting for that backpass to close him down – and so will other teams.

On 6 October 2020, I will be 80; have to put it down as a senior moment. Became an Everton supporter after playing on Goodison Park in 1953.

And look how many of the posts are about Pickford.

TW that.

I agree with you. If you want to go on to win things then you need a quality keeper in place.

All I would say is what you suggest is winning the title. Yes, we had West and then Southall, which gave us that edge. Jordan is not that standard and won't be.

But where we are right now, a keeper wasn't / isn't the priority. He's good (not great) and we can still win something, it just might be a cup. A stepping stone, not the league, but then we're nowhere near that as a team or squad right now.

I repeat myself from other posts; our cousins across the park viewed keeper as the last piece in the puzzle along with the centre-back. It wasn't a priority until they'd sorted out what was in front and they could score goals and be competitive.

So, I hear you, but I just feel we're going to have to go through that rollercoaster ride of conceding stupid goals on a regular basis, having the odd frustrating result but at least now we counter that by scoring more and winning more if what we are seeing now continues.

I'm sure by next summer we will be looking to sort out the keeper and centre-back but right now midfield was the obvious priority.

All too often, passing to the keeper - who then hoofs it... Jagielka and Moyes used to get stick for that same thing...HOoooof...it's just laziness. Play a one - two, pass and move triangle around a forward by all means.

It's a wonder that only Joey Barton has so far deliberately targeted not only Pickford, but keepers in general.

I know that the game has changed but there was never a time, anywhere or any when, that fannying around in your own box was considered good form... and that's all it is - Fannying About.

I do imagine that it's an area which will be revisited in Jan (or whenever they have another window). I also reckon that two lists have been drawn up too. One with names of good quality back-ups that will push Pickford, and a second list of quality players who will replace him.

Problem is, would we keep him as a back up or try to sell? Obviously the latter will be much harder to achieve as not many teams will be able to afford him and many have good 'keepers already.

Unfortunately for Pickford, the area that he needs to work on the most, you can't really coach. He's a very good shot-stopper, and has/had good distribution. He just can't focus fully on the game and continually lets mistakes ruin his game.

I see Pickford's position as a near carbon copy of Joe Hart's career. England's No 1, who basically didn't fit into a World Class manager's plan, and pretty much found out that he's not as good as he and especially the British media thought he was.

To me he comes across as a bit thick (admittedly not unusual in a goalie) but, for his and our sake, he needs to correct the obvious silly flaws in a career that might still flower to emulate such undemonstrative greats as Jennings and Banks.

Otherwise he'll be the 21st-Century version of Gary Sprake.

Over to you Jordan.

Mix in that our next opponent with clearly see this is a potential weakness. Pick Lössl and that goes out the window.

But you have to have a good keeper who can also play football. It's why it was Pep's priority when he inherited a City side that had already won the league.

Get it right and it creates space that you can then exploit.

'Drawing them in' only works if they fall for it. Your opposition forwards can space themselves to be able to cut out any short balls

Or... They 'fall for it' too quickly for the keeper to cope, like yesterday and force a goal.

I stick by my original statement...
"All too often, passing to the keeper – who then hoofs it...Jagielka and Moyes used to get stick for that same thing... HOoooof... it's just laziness."

And I did also say...

"Play a one - two, pass and move triangle around a forward by all means."

But we're in the next round and I'm sure Carlo will have words in various ears in the privacy of Finch Farm before Palace.

I wouldn't always call it lazy, it's just decision making; Jordan made the wrong one, which is a trait of his game. Good shot stopper (despite the second one tonight, so let's say on average), but decision making is poor. Way too subject to a rush of blood to the head.

It's the 'keeper's mistake, plain and simple. I'm sure there isn't a goalkeeper in the league that hasn't made a similar gaffe...it's just the frequency at which they happen to Pickford that is the worry.

I don't know about this idea that we need to sign someone to put pressure on him. Pickford's issues are all in his head. Decision-making isn't something that gets better overnight and he isn't showing any signs of improvement. I don't know that more ‘pressure' is what he needs. I think he needs to see a psychologist if he isn't already.

Virginia? Not exactly filling me with confidence either. But I don't see how it benefits the team to drop a goalie who is prone to the odd error and replace him with someone who is demonstrably crap.

Useless playing him in this game in my opinion unless he is clearly told 'Gylfi, forget what happens behind you. Forget the central midfield. If the ball gets coughed up, it's the 6 and the 8's fault. You just work hard in the 10 role purely and try to create.'

But the thing is, does Ancelotti want to tell him that? Or does he, knowing it's a second-string midfield, want Gylfi as a 'calm head in the middle' – which I suspect happens? If he does, then it's a mistake.

He cannot take 'responsibility' in the way people think because he doesn't have the pace or engine to maraud. He's just a 10 – that's it. Far, far less useful otherwise.

You know what a certain loudmouth who by rights should be eating crow kebabs three meals a day would say to that? “Very funny thread, lots of criticism of negative comments but the negative ones are people talking of others being negative.”

Which translates as “Yes, you are right, Mike, but I'm too proud to admit I'm eating crow on toast every day for breakfast.”

What's the worst Lössl can do? We are playing well, keeping the ball so you'd think playing a counter-attacking side in Palace he won't be overly exposed.

The solution is not to sell him but loan a decent back up in the short term. Ancelloti has to have the option to pull him out to help Pickford.

In my 40 years watching Everton, Pickford is one of the worst I've seen between the sticks, very unreliable.

On the other hand, top players that want to wear the shirt should stand out in a game against the likes of Fleetwood and I believe Nkoukou and Bernard were influencing the game all night as was Richy.

Averagely good were Sigurdsson, Iwobi and Digne followed by Keane, Kenny, Gordon, Calvert-Lewin, Tom Davies and Delph in that order.

Kean scored a good goal but is still sulking about not getting his move back to Juventus, so certainly should not be considered for the first team.

The good news is we have won the first 4 games and scored a hatful of goals and silenced Carlo's biggest critics who were insisting he was past it, played boring football and was only here for one last payday.

Let's hope we can all get behind the manager and the players now and get a return to normality soon.

John P #133: "What's the worst Lössl can do?" Well, since you asked: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHFR0dDZfLA

These are the positives from this game and I see no negatives in the big picture other than the normal lessons to be learned and minor mistakes. For their first goal, Pickford was put into an impossible situation, their second goal was brilliant but perhaps saveable (I was surprised that he didn't save it) but, for both goals, Pickford was let down by the defence that gave him no protection.

I leave his selection to the manager.

Not so this season. We simply kept doing the right things. I loved how we snuffed out the fires instantly denying the opposition any sort of encouragement.

"Pickford was put into an impossible situation for their first goal" – It wasn't even a bad pass back from Michael Keane. A goalkeeper needs to know when to just clear their lines. He didn't. A mental or concentration issue.

"Their second goal was "brilliant" and perhaps saveable?" – What? It looked like an overhead kick by a Sunday league pub team player. It was perhaps saveable? Yes, probably, by any other player with a pair of gloves on and dare I say Lössl who was sat on the bench or even Virginia who was for some reason dropped for after doing everything right in the last Carabao Cup game.

And all this other nonsense from other posters about he maybe doesn't perform for us because he doesn't have any other competition!!!

He doesn't perform for us because he is shit at the one job he has to do. Make saves.

He has now conceded 25 goals from outside of the box since the start of the 2017-18 season. More than any other Premier League goalkeeper.

And people say he is a good "shot-stopper"?!

I was curious to see if you would still defend Pickford after last night's latest errors. Almost have to commend your persistence. I really hope he turns out to be as good as you believe him to be. Wish I had your faith.

‘For their first goal Pickford was put into an impossible situation'

Kicking the ball with his right foot should not be an ‘impossible situation' for a Premier League goalkeeper. Absolutely incredible take on the incident.

His problem is that he's not good enough. Nowhere near.

He needs to try and find a way to focus for 90 minutes. Get a top sports psychologist in to work with him one day a week for the rest of this season.

Great link, but Lössl had one poor attempt at a save, and one great save – against Man Utd. Half the errors of Pickford vs Fleetwood

A lobotomist would only need one session, and he'd be cured! Meantime, try to instill into all the players about the dangers of unnecessary back-passing, with fines being applied for doing so!

That should do the trick. Simples! :-)

I can't wait to see Bernard or Iwobi replacing Gomes, who's just not as mobile and tricky as them in unlocking defences. This is not to troll Davies, who's still a developing young player - but where does he fit in to Carlo's regular first eleven? Nkounkou needs to be unleashed on Premier League defences, and we saw tonight glimpses of a potential line-up which can accommodate both our left-backs.

How about 3-5-2: Digne, Keane and Mina as the centre-halves; Nkounkou, Gomes, Doucouré, Allan and Rodriguez in midfield; Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin in attack.

I'd agree in principle, and recall that, when Brian Clough raised eyebrows to bring Shilton to Nottm Forest in 1977, he told the press that a quality keeper was worth 10 points a season (that's 15 in today's currency).

However, David Lawson was the most expensive keeper in Britain when we bought him (㿼k!), so the intent was there

Funnily enough, Lawson and Lössl both came from Huddersfield Town.

George Wood, average?

The crows on the apex had better scarper, another breakfast will be served soon.

Let's not lose sight of the fact this is the best start we've had in a very very long time. Optimism is through the roof so let's just accept that we are going to ship a few goals down to a few 'keeper errors.

But, if we keep scoring and creating the volume of chances like we currently are, then I would take that as a huge step forward this season.

In Carlo's comments at the end of the game, he mentioned we have 31 first-team squad members. We need to drop that by quite a lot before the end of this window. A keeper can be the focus for next off-season instead of a new midfield if Jordan doesn't raise his game!

On a side note, I was chatting to a friend during that week of speculation before our new 3 midfielders officially arrived. I was genuinely concerned that we might go down this season given the way we finished last season and the unknown output we would get from a brand new midfield.

What a difference 4 games makes! Up the blues and bring on Palace!

So, apart from a centre-back, I see more outs than ins and, because he's changed formation to accommodate James, it means we're no longer desperate for a right-winger.

Things are looking good

The first is a hospital pass, insofar as, if he leathers it, there is a real danger it hits the opponent and rebounds into the goal. No way he should be given the ball on or near the 6-yard box with attackers flooding towards him.

And the second is a volley from point-blank range that literally could have gone anywhere. The fact it went straight at him doesn't mean he made a mistake, it's like a penalty that sometimes goes down the middle, just getting a glove on the ball from that close in is surprising.

Please tell me this is a wind-up?

In my best Victor Meldrew voice: "You can not be serious!!"

His contribution at Spurs was a large factor in the 3 points.

The second, he is clearly expecting a much harder shot, and the rather tame effort wrong-footed him a bit. Again, it's an unconventional situation and I think he was unlucky.

There are not a lot of good candidates out there at the moment, as Chelsea and Man Utd and even Man City know, so let's try and give him the benefit of the doubt. Cos just as he does make the occasional howler, he is just as capable of producing world-class stops.

Players will now have to decide whether it's safe to pass back to him or not. A hesitant defence is disastrous in the Premier League.

Everton are beginning to build a solid back four, but all this will be undermined by the "clownery" (thanks, Lyndon) of Pickford. A back four needs a reliable goalkeeper behind them, and unfortunately, Pickford is anything but.

Carlo has to act quickly, and get rid. If anybody asks who can we replace him with, my answer is, any other goalkeeper. I would even take Alex Cairns, the Fleetwood goalie!

What makes the situation worse is that Pickford has a player coming towards him from his right-hand side so hitting it first time (when he's already backpedalling) is to hit it towards a player directly in front of the goal. This would have been covered in Goalkeeping 101 and keepers would be trained never to do that.

So Pickford tries to work it onto his left but the ball is moving too slowly and, by the time he's in a position to hit it with his left, two players are on him.

Keane received the pass already facing towards his own goal despite the fact that Lucas Digne had his hands up for the pass (out on the right) and Keane just wanted rid as easily as possible, and IMHO played a ball that made it difficult for the keeper to clear first time with his right.

I'm not saying Pickford doesn't make mistakes; I'm not saying he doesn't need to improve. What I am saying, and David James alluded to it on TalkSport earlier, is that people jump very quickly to decisions about players' (especially goalies') errors because of "labels" and Pickford has been labelled "error-strewn" – so every little thing he doesn't do to perfection is highlighted.

With regard to the second goal, saving a shot at such close range is a lot down to luck, why?

The fastest human reaction time is around 0.15 to 0.2 seconds, that's when at rest and fully concentrating with no distractions. Now a well-taken penalty (obviously much further out than the second goal) should hit the net in under 0.5 seconds. The distance that shot came from, I'd estimate less than half that time 0.2 seconds. It was hit from the 6-yard box line.

So saving such a shot, even hit close to a keeper, is down to moving in the right direction in less than 0.15 to 0.2 seconds and, even then, moving into a position where the difference of an inch can mean a goal is conceded.

It's really easy to jump on people's backs when they've made mistakes in the past. It's really easy to follow the mob and decry and belittle someone simply because everyone else is doing it. It's not just a ToffeeWeb thing, though it is rife on here; it's an everyday life thing.

"Hardly" anybody, for instance, mentioned that Nkounkou totally lost his man in the build-up to the second goal and allowed a free header to find the scorer, who was being marshalled by Digne and Keane who failed to stop him shaping up for an overhead kick.

"Hardly" anyone has mentioned how Pickford's saves basically won us the three points at Spurs in the first game, two great saves that had he not made (he couldn't be blamed for the goals) but make them he did.

Again, I'll admit the lad's got faults in him and needs to improve. He also needs to be looked at fairly in every instance. What he doesn't really need is his own supporters stating that he has ADD or ADHD. That's just IMHO.

If you think him grinning is fine, especially in the Burnley game last season, is acceptable, then fine... but his awareness at times is like he is away with the fairies.

He should be thankful fans are not in the stadium, because opposing fans would target him to get a reaction, just like he goaded the Newcastle fans when leading 2-0, to then allow three goals past him, and we ended up losing 3-2.

I rest my case!

They got it to 2-1 in the second minute of stoppage time; we kick off and attack. Maybe we should have just knocked it about and kept possession for the final 60 to 90 seconds.

I am as frustrated as anybody with Pickford but let's not place all the blame at his door!!!!

There are 10 outfield players to get past before they get through to the keeper... it's a team game, for fuck's sake!

When Pickford consistently becomes a bad keeper, then they'll drop him; I'll almost certainly accept their good judgement. In-between time, I will just continue to enjoy the superb performances that the club are producing and not even worry a bit about Pickford's perceived form.

Remember that Calvert-Lewin and Davies are Championship players at best, Iwobi worse than that, and even Keane has been the subject of the boo boys.

The second was more understandable. He rightly backed off chasing the cross and then the overhead kick was smashed at him.

Overall, he is an average to good keeper, a good, instinctive shop-stopper. His footwork and positioning for shots from distance and set-pieces is weak, his concentration is variable and he makes errors. But we need a left-footed centre-back more than we need to replace him right now.

The 2-2 game was at Goodison.

Goalkeeper is an unusual spot in this way and I can't remember many clubs that have had two keepers of similar ability since Chelsea bought Cech when they already had Cudicini.

Lössl is not a great keeper and Virginia is a kid whose one loan was a disaster. If we were to bring in someone like Romero, I could quickly see Jordan put on the bench but currently the options are very thin.

He will almost certainly retain the gloves till January... when either he will have improved or, if not then, perhaps Brands and Ancelotti will be forced to act. For now, there seems little choice but to back him and hope he rediscovers the form of his first season with us.

As for Pickford and the first goal... yes, there was a risk of a rebound if booting it out, but that doesn't justify taking an even bigger risk. He dithered and I think he makes people nervous. Other teams will target him in the same way.

If not, then my apologies to Brian if he meant the other game.

Mind you, I think the Geordies taunt him everywhere.

Brian Williams, I also watched back the play numerous times and come to a completely different conclusion from your own... Opinions, eh?

Mike Gaynes, you have questioned over a couple of threads why ToffeeWebbers are talking so much about Pickford given the overall game and results to date.

You are or have been a sports journalist. You know how the game works. As well as reporting on the overall game and the result, if you can generate extra copy on an incident in the game, the sports desk will love you for it.

Legitimately, ToffeeWebbers are doing exactly that about our goalkeeper's performance last night. It's an ongoing issue. And I write as someone who defends Jordan and I don't consider replacing him at this time as a high priority.

I have to admit, my memory's not what it used to be... I think.

I was there, and it just seemed like he let the crowd get to him. He became erratic and a bit unprofessional. I think this affected the defenders too.

Mind you, their 3rd goal was offside.

I have only logged back on because I've been into town and had to come home because I forgot what I went for...

They then banged three goals in towards the end of the match; the defence was to blame for one of the goals faffing about on our left flank close to our corner flag.

The one when he stayed on his line against Burnley, instead of coming out to kick the ball clear, is the one that winds me up: it was something like 80-20 in Pickford's favour. Coleman blasted him, even though their player fluffed his lines with the finish, it was that grin on Pickford's face, the same grin when he fluffs it in games, but they failed to score.

It's harsh to say there's very little about him I like; his attitude towards mistakes etc. He has no calmness or authority for defenders. Oh how we could do with a younger Nigel Martyn.

I like both Tom Heaton and Pope, but there's no money for either.

Thanks for your email confirming I owe you two Desperados, but you've gone too far in saying forget them anyway. A debt is a debt, Brian. You'll get them, mate, even if I have to swim across the Mersey with them.

You are definitely blessed with that memory of yours.

Probably yes the wrong choice of word. A horrible pass, I meant. Putting him in a real dilemma. If you watch it, you can easlly see how he came unstuck.

If I was Carl,o I would be looking at the centre-back for that one, and even then there was an element of bad luck...

Tut, tut! It was for a jar of Cousin's Memory Powder! Dup. :-)

Interesting take on it all. I don't like referring to the past but I'm sure Southall, both Schmeichels, Seaman, Martyn and my all-time favourite, Jennings, would have made all the saves. Nowt we can do about it though as we are stuck with him.

We will never know but he could be the difference in not gaining a top 4 spot.

Someone on the matchday thread suggested Pickford is on the take, like Bruce. I don't believe he is. That's an extreme suggestion. But you could argue, and Liverpool players have, that Bruce's good moments offset his match-fixing escapades.

My worry with Pickford is he is going the way of Joe Hart but, at the same time, I think there's an expectancy he is headed that way and it's driving negative focus on him.

There are keepers who've had rough periods and rebounded. Chris Woods was one. Immense at Rangers then widely ridiculed as error-prone for years before he had a renaissance at Sheffield Wednesday.

Hugo Lloris was also cited as world class in the matchday thread. But Tottenham fans have been talking about him in much the way Everton fans have slated Pickford the last 2 years. Ditto De Gea... ditto Kepa.

Just on the second goal: He gets caught a bit in no-mans land. But the overhead kick is so close in that he's braced for something that comes at him like a rocket. It's a bit like in cricket where a fast bowler loops a slower ball down to take the batsman unawares.

He loses the flight of the ball because he's expecting a rocket at point-blank range. Possibly could have committed and punched but possibly just unlucky with the save.

Other keepers get balls fizzed back to them when the defender is in trouble and they just boot it straight up the pitch, which is what bighead should have done but he tried to dribble it out and got caught out.

The second one, he fumbled into the net.

However, I don't think Lössl or Virginia are better keepers, so we will just have to accept the occasional howlers until Carlo and Marcel can get us a keeper that matches our ambition.

He went from Messi to Messy in the blink of an eye.

Had he continued to go to the ball instead of stopping, he would have been able to palm the incoming cross clear.

When the attacker headed the ball back across the 6-yard box, he headed the ball on the corner of the 6- yard box, and I've always believed the 6-yard box belongs to the goalkeeper and he should totally command it. It's what I was told to do when I was playing in goal anyway.

As I said at the start, I'm in no way defending Pickford for the second goal, but the finish reminded me of a certain Mr Cahill away at Chelsea, and I'm sure we all thought that was a brilliant finish!!

On Saturday, West Brom, had a free-kick near the halfway line, and Everton defended deep waiting for a ball into the box. The players were that deep they were on the 6-yard box line, and this illustrates what I'm alluding to.

A strong goalkeeper would have them defending the penalty spot minimum, so who allowed the team to defend that deep?

A keeper with no confidence, or a defence with no confidence in the keeper? Anyway West Brom took it short, because the whole Everton team was too deep, so it was definitely a collective problem, but this should come from the keeper imo.

I don't have a down on Jordan as some have, but I don't ignore what I see as primarily his mistakes. For example, I don't attribute any blame to him for the two conceded at home to WBA as some did, but I see him primarily responsible for the two coughed up to Fleetwood last night.

On the first, nothing will convince me that Michael Keane's back pass was a poor one that a long-established international and Premier League goalkeeper would struggle to deal with. JP created the subsequent problems himself.

As for the second, I have no issue with him for making the split-second decision NOT to go all the way to claim the original cross, chosing to retreat to the centre of his goal.

My issue is how he subsequently attempted to defend the scissor kick (which, I have to say Rob, had none of the ferocious power of Cahill's memorable goal at Chelsea).

He didn't try to catch it. He didn't try to palm it over the bar with both hands as he was well-positioned to do so. He tried a single-handed, flat palmed sideways swat akin to a tennis volley without the racquet. A very strange form of defence.

I just wonder, Rob, as an ex-keeper yourself, what you thought of his save selection on that play.

I acknowledge, as another poster eloquently wrote, like a batsman in cricket being deceived by a slower ball by a pace bowler, Jordan may have been deceived by the slow pace of the scissor kick and so 'through his save' (to paraphrase cricket parlance) too early.

Again, I appreciate keepers have nanoseconds to respond in some situations, but Jordan's choices appeared poor to me yesterday.

"Don't forget your trousers."

This goes back to an unfortunate incident in which the "victim" seemed very unreasonable to me and thankfully to the jury too. I'm still banned from Holland mind.

Whilst is not quite as binary in today's game as a defensive unit you should know what the plan is. As you allude to, our guys don't. Maybe it can be improved but it boils down to not having a keeper or centre-half who is in charge of that unit.

The position of the 'keeper is more psychological than physical. Controlling your defenders stops you having to make a save, elite keepers do this, they have great judgement too. They don't have to react the way Jordan frequently does. We applaud his reactions but, if he got the first part right, it would go a long way to improving the situation.

Pickford raised his left arm and somehow managed to push the ball across his body towards the right-hand corner of the net. A strange attempt at trying to save, I must admit.

I get the feeling that as soon as he commits one error the abuse rains down on him. Were he to have a more 'likeable' persona, he may well get away with more. I remember many English fans lauding his attitude in the last World Cup, his verbal attack on Mario Mandzukic springs to mind.

I don't see Carlo dropping or selling him any time soon. Get Nigel Martin, who himself was calmness personified, to come in to work on the psychological side of things! Jordan is still young and I think he'll still save us more than cost us this season.

Can you people not find something positive to say about what have been incredible performances? The massive good feeling that is being seen through the team is countered by poison in a section of our fan base. Julian, you are spot on.

A #9 can miss 2 sitters and then score the winning goal and nothing is said. Like it or not we don't have an alternative and to buy one, once clubs realize we need one the price will go up.

Pickford is not perfect but I believe we have won more games because of him than lost.

Lobotomies and hefty fines! You are a tough man, Derek. Is this part of your standard operating procedure for managers? :-)

This is not a dislike of his personality, well because we don't know his personality, just what we see on the pitch.

If you can conversely put together a body of work that highlights him consistently winning games for us as befits an international keeper, then I for one would reconsider.

As little as two weeks ago, his performance was worthy of credit, his last two absolutely not. Goalkeepers need to inspire trust in their defensive unit. I'm not seeing that with Pickford, are you?

It really was a strange attempt to save Fleetwood goal #2 and one that screams alarm bells.

Most Premier League keepers, including the ones that warm the bench would have dealt with that comfortably.

I actually think the attempt on goal was that close that, for a split second, he shit out of standing strong between his posts and dealing with the ball.
Kind of like a spasm reaction. It happens all too frequently.

Judging by the players' reactions last night, I think they are getting fed up of the clangers too.

Put him up for sale and get someone else in. Any French or Brazilian keepers?! I'm sure there are plenty of replacements in Europe and potentially the Championship. Start with Strakosha at Lazio and work down.

Only the tip of my Managerial Iceberg, Barry! :-)

Klopp acted quickly with Loris Karius for two similar errors.

Strangely enough, having played in goal myself, I can see some reason for the second cock-up. Pickford assumed a better connection from the guy doing the overhead kick and tensed up expecting a blaster. It was a case of anticipation getting the better of him and he wasn't able to re-adjust. Nevertheless, it was a cock-up.

To me, however, the first goal was the worse mistake. Even if it was a hospital ball from Keane, which it wasn't, he had ample time to clear it with his right foot. Anywhere would have done. He really does have good ball control for a goalkeeper but moving the fall onto his left foot was a stupid decision. It's those split-second decisions that define a keeper.

The problem is that, even if he does improve his decision-making, I doubt whether he has the natural attributes such as height and robust presence ever to be a really top-class keeper.

One thing is certain, Lössl is not the answer. He is bang average and I've no idea why we signed him even as backup.

Poor Nev - he will forever be lambasted for stepping out of The Hive. Not that I agree with much that he says but to belittle him for trying to think outside most people's box is becoming a bit passé.

But we both know what is meant.

I have played in goal and I don't want to go over last night as it doesn't need my comments to explain his performance. However, on Saturday what made me make the comment was that one the first goal his reaction time from the ball leaving the strikers boot to it hitting the back of the net and how far it was from Pickford's reach imho makes him culpable for the first goal (Yerry does not cover himself in glory).

The second for me was he didn't cover his angles. And dropped his left arm in anticipation that the ball was going wide (Yerry does not cover himself in glory). But a goalkeepers role is to anticipate all scenarios and the ball was 27 yards out so no matter what the walls stature he should have both sides of the goal covered.

Romero for me and, if Jordan wants to stay, then 2023 he could be challenging but only if he sorts his temperament out.

I don't understand your comment on 27 yards unless you mean when the ball was first kicked in towards the back post. There were 4 Everton defenders between the goal and the goalscorer when the ball was kicked in, and the scorer was inside the 6-yard box when he scored.

Another point that can be mentioned is, if VAR was used, the score could have been ruled offside as the scorer looked as if he was ahead of the 4 Everton players before it came back into the middle. Pickford had both hands up when the ball came at him.

Supporters who want to watch this, go to YouTube: Everton v Fleetwood 5 goals, and just slow it down during the goal, frame by frame. I am not saying Pickford wasn't at fault but I think it was coming off his line for the first ball in that was the problem.

As baffled as I am about your continuing support for Jordan Pickford, your derogatory comment regarding Calvert-Lewin as no better than a Championship player, takes the biscuit.

Having watched both regularly at Goodison these last seasons, Pickford's form has fluctuated from bad to worse, excepting for the occasional spectacular save. The opposite is true of Calvert-Lewin, whose work rate, endurance and natural athleticism, coupled with a willingness to learn, has endeared him to the fans and especially as he is finding the net, had pundits calling for him to be promoted to the full England team this season.

Assuming Calvert-Lewin continues his current magnificent trajectory, I fully expect that in years to come, he will be as revered by the Goodison Faithfull as the great Graeme Sharp.

Frankly, Martin, you are deluding yourself to think otherwise, in my opinion.

Royal Blue Mersey gave the stats.

As for Jay Woods disagreeing with his non-football comments and using them as a means to disregard the only truly world class player I've ever seen play for Everton, well, each to their own.

My apologies – you are talking about the goals West Brom scored. I thought you were talking the same as other people about the goals at the Fleetwood game.

Talking about the West Brom free-kick, the commentator's view was Pickford knew he could get nowhere near it.

I was shite. That's why you also have never heard of me too!!!!

Perhaps you're not seeing that I was taking the Mick should take the biscuit? I was just repeating often quoted opinions on here to show perhaps how seriously I need to take those about Pickford. Sorry it wasn't clear, I really like all of those players.

If we were talking about a downturn of a few months then fine. Every player had bad patches.

But to my eyes (and stats) he has been below par for a couple of years now. I hope the Romero rumours are true.

I apologise... Forgive me for taking you literally. I see the point you were making now. It was rather cryptic in the context of your overall post.

“I too played in goal... I was shite. That's why you also have never heard of me too!!!!”

Oh believe me, Chris, we have! Your reputation goes before you!
You're just describing your good games!

The attacker got between Keane and Richarlison meeting a good cross. Kean should have headed it away and Richarlison got himself sucked in. As for Pickford he has been reasonably solid for England no matter what his stats say and there is the possibility that under Ancelotti he could improve. I don't think Neville will look beyond this. Ancelotti may bring back up, but he will support and coach Pickford in the meantime.

During the match I was about to post how will Kean was playing with his passing and distribution. I held back to see how he was defending when challenged. Having said that he met the next corner with the perfect clearance header.

It was obvious that Dourane and Rodrigeuz where being marked and harried. Dourane succumbed a bit, but Rodrigeuz was well fit for the attention. He did get his first introduction to high intensity Premier League Football, particularly in the second half. I did think that Everton did get too much involved in Crystals Palaces tempo. It did take the introduction of Sigurdsson to take the heat out of the situation.

Gomes for me was superb. He seem to have time and space on the ball and able to get into positions to do so. His pass to the ring wing set up the first goal. He rarely succumbed to pressure and actually fulfilled the Dourane role of box to box midfielder, with great distribution. Our forwards where threating all the time and both Colman and Digne where outstanding. Allan was the anchor he always was.

The Penalty was the right decision. Digne headed pass to a onside Richarlison was deflected by a hand. The penalty was taken legally, because Richarlison after he stopped put down his standing foot and kick the ball with the other. If he had of stopped on his standing foot and then kicked with the other it would have been illegal. The commenter on Amazon read out the rule.

Moise Kean and Richarlison worked it all out on the training ground. Not such a silly run up after all.