Brilliant James is the star of Everton's 4th win

Having said that I will happily eat copious portions of humble and crow pie, should he have a blinder. :-)

The Siggy for Gomes (again enforced) switch is like-for-like, much-of-a-muchness. And that based on their respective form this season alone.

The single tactical switch these changes impact on is if Davies or Doucoure is going to play the Allan holding, seek-and-destroy role.

Carlo being prudent in not playing Delph in back-to-back games with playing his one and only full 90 minutes game just 4 days ago.

I for one am looking forward to see how Tom performs with better players around him, rather than covering for the failings of more senior players in the side.

Here's hoping Richy holds up and that we are not taking a gamble on his fitness.

More than enough in the starting XI and from the bench to make it 7 from 7.

Good luck to Tom, and COYBlueboys

Carlo prudently not playing Delph in back-to-back games with his one and only full 90 minutes game in 8 months just 4 days ago.

Edit button still not working in TW new set-up.

I assume Doucoure will sit deeper, which is a shame, but he's the only one who can do a similar job to Allan.

COYB

2-0

Still in hospital, Derek?

Nurse Ratched sent you for a lobotomy yet?

Or are you home already?

I know you drew a blank mid-week, but if you need it here is an excellent link for today's game. Tim Howard in the studio as one on the 'experts'.

(Again, the text edit and URL buttons not working in the TW site update, so here is the actual URL you will need to copy-paste into a browser window to view the game).

https://www.vipbox.lc/everton-vs-brighton-and-hove-albion-1-live

He's been written off on here before a ball was kicked. Some people have learned nothing from the humble pie they've been eating over DCL.

22, over 100 games for Everton. Key player in the England team at every age level.

Gordon would have been a natural fit being left footed and pushed Brighton back, to be fair even Bernard although right footed, when he first arrived he worked the left brilliantly with Lucas Digne.

As for Pickford, we need a better keeper thats glaringly obvious but until then he needs a massive kick up the arse and that's to be dropped for a few weeks and to lose the England number one slot, the untouchability is doing him no favours whatsoever.

Before Brighton scored, I would have said that we looked good in pretty horrible conditions. Davies isn't Allan and Iwobi isn't Richarlison but the team was still playing with similar confidence if not ability. Siggi probably the best on show - playing like a guy demanding his place in the team back. Great ball into DCL too - though DCL did brilliantly with it.

Then the goal. It looked to me like it dented our collective confidence and we started to look like a team that was very aware that it was missing key players.

But maybe this Everton team is different? When they look challenged, they rise again. Great ball, easy header for big Yerry.

On Jordan... he gets blamed on here for just about every goal regardless of his culpability, so it's gutting to see him really drop a clanger. Even the wet weather doesn't come into that. It was just horrendous. And he knew it; I've never seen him react like that. He was gutted.

Brighton move the ball well, but they hadn't created a chance, until another blip in concentration by our keeper, but it's gone now, so just dig in Everton, it's the only way we are going to get the three points today.

People say Lossl is bad. Is he that bad? I just don't know enough about him. Who can we realistically get in time?

Totally dominant. Could have been two up in five minutes. Slick play by James and Siggy on the corner. Great delivery. Towering header by the Dom.

The confidence, the swagger of a play from back to front an absolute joy to watch.

And then the one and only time they get in our box, Jordan does THAT!

He really isn't helping those who speak in favour of him, is he?

Beautiful delivery on the free kick. Yerry couldn't miss.

Richy going off weakens our right. The one bonus of that is that he may have to drop out of the Brazilian squad in the international break and stay on Merseyside to get fit for the Derby.

Tim Howard in the studio saying at half-time that in that situation on Brighton's goal, it's safety first. Push it over the bar and take the flack at half-time from your manager for conceding the corner. But that's a better option than seeing the ball in the net.

Asked if he thinks Jordan is a good enough keeper for Everton, Tim paused, sighed and said: 'I did. But these mistakes are coming too frequently. He is a very prideful keeper who thinks he can make these saves, but when mistakes creep into your game like this - as with Kepa - you need to learn early and quickly. Safety first.'

As has already been proven today, no matter how well you play and how much you dominate, one goal is never enough. Play as we did for the bulk of the 1st half, we will win this. Barring more Jordan Pickford 'moments'.

Sky Sports Statto
@SkySportsStatto
🥅 @Everton's Jordan Pickford has made more errors leading to goals in @premierleague since August 2017 than any other keeper (11)

11 Jordan Pickford
10 Asmir Begovic
9 Martin Dubravka
8 Hugo Lloris

OptaJoe
@OptaJoe
7 - Since the start of last season, Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored seven headed goals in the Premier League, more than any other player.

The Brighton goals which flattered them in the final scoreline were both of our own making. Pickford on the first, Digne putting pressure on the defence for the second by coughing up cheap possession. Good finish, but the opportunity simply doesn't arrive without our mistake.

Yerry Mina and Tom Davies with some fine blocks in the penalty area, but mostly Brighton played in front of us. Very bizzare plays they made on corner kicks and free kicks around our area. I recall just one being played directly into the box. Very easy to defend.

And how clinical were we when turning over the ball and slicing through them for James' two goals? Credit to Iwobi and Doucoure for their parts in both goals.

All this without Allan and Richy on the pitch. We are so much more potent now with the personel we have, the interchanging of positions and the opposition not knowing from what angle or flanks we will attack.

That James stood in glorious isolation for his two goals is not by accident tactically, or for lack of football nous on his part.

And anyone criticising Tom Davies today will never be convinced by the lad. He was outstanding.

This is a very serious football team we now have. And it can improve even more with the players already at our disposal.

Start believing more Blues. We're on to something.

edit: just saw the time on the post.

Just about to post the same thing.

We look a different team without Allan. He is the lynchpin that Marshall's the midfield where it matters in the centre. He is the man who takes games by the scruff of he neck.

Doucoure did very well and gave us a bit of solidity, but one man can't do it on his own.

Tom, Delph, Sigurdsson, did ok but they are a million miles away from what Allan brings to the team.

It will be interesting to see if Carlo is willing to play Godfrey in there when Allan is out.( and if he is up to that job).

Tony, I'll enjoy tomorrow even more if "They" slip up.

Defence was decent, Sigurdsson improved - and whilst Iwobi decisions are irractic he did get some great assists today.

Pickford just seems to have a constant error in him. Davies isn't at the level. Delph was sloppy at times too for me.

5-6 players had a better game than Tom. But make no mistake. He belongs here. The modern day Alan Harper - just gets on with it. Big shout out for big Yerry too. His best game in a blue shirt ?

The stardust was once again sprinkled by James. Please lord. Let him stay fit

We look comfortable in possession, we look comfortable without the ball too, Brighton had a lot of possession in the last 20 but didnt really threaten much aside from when we overplayed and gave them a couple of chances.

This is actually turning out to be a pretty decent squad now with some outstanding newcomers, let's hope we can carry these kinds of displays into the derby next game.
Happy days

Copy & paste:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/everton/top-scorers/assists

We can sit and stare at it all night and get pissed

I'm of the thinking that your view could have been typed prior to the game for all that the 90 minutes affected it.

Negatives ; Badly missed Allans influence and we have no back up for him , No Right Back now, Pickford gives me palpitations.

Iwobi showed a few doubters today. Clever passes for the goals and good movement. Davies was pretty steady, his block after jelly wrists palmed the ball out, the standout moment. Sigurdsson with an assist and without the ball he was very good, often scrapping for it after he lost it.

James again imperious, his technique in those conditions was exemplary.

The fly in the ointment is obvious, sadly the lad had three very poor moments today and it just undermines the team. My head tells me we don't have another option so we just have to suck it up, my heart just screams at him all the time.

We just need a back up that will tighten the lads focus. I think you can see that at centre back were they know their place is not guaranteed. Coleman was superb before his hammy went.

Plenty to chew over, but this can be done looking down from the top of the league!

DCL, Champions league at best.

Pickford has never shown the qualities of a top class keeper his drunken juggler routine is his MO not a once in a blue moon aberration.

He should never play for Everton again.

I think it is a good comparison to convey the importance in having a decent and reliable player like Tom Davies who can give his all to the team effort when called on.

You've got more then enough ammunition to bury Pickford today. I don't know why you'd go searching for more on the second goal.

It was a defensive blunder playing out. You could pin it on Digne, but it was a bit more collective than that. Doucoure had also done worse only minutes earlier.

On top of the Table for now, but our GD is the same as Leicester, and they have a game in hand. Just looked at the SSN page and unbelievably there is no mention of us at all.

I say unbelievably but it's not when you think of their bias towards Manure, RS and Chelsea.

Only weak link is the keeper but even that can't spoil the mood!

Almost all our players did well (Doucoure and Mina stood out for me) but James is a class above the rest. What vision and skill!

Tom has a decent game. Iwobi wasn't awful but Walcott showed us why his Everton holiday is over. Theo seems to be a nice guy but he's not at Everton's level anymore.

We just have that belief that we're going to win every game.

However without Richy, Seamus and Allan and with Siggy running out of steam we resorted to type and sat back and surrendered possession.

Luckily Yerry was having one of his best games and was a rock.

I have also changed my opinion on the goalkeeping situation. We can't get through this season with Pickford and Lossl as the options.

But my final special mention goes to Mina. Absolutely outstanding today.

Such a shame that our squad is not quite good enough, in my opinion, to sustain the injury crisis that always seems to loom. And Pickfords good performance against Spurs seems to have been a false dawn.

Godfrey's versatility will be welcome along with drive and pace.

As for GK, who knows. Really wouldn't be surprised to see no change this season. But who knows. The next couple of days might bring some surprises.

The good thing is we are top of the league on merit, have goals in us, have the character to bounce back and the stand ins are making themselves counted.

Even Ballon D'Iwobi managed a couple of assists today. Maybe he's the next shite player to come good.

I've never been impressed with Iwobi, but it's obvious he's not a winger. His quality is not in doubt, but his determination to get on the ball and play to his strengths definitely is imo, so it was nice to see him play a key part in both our second half goals, by doing the thing that he his good at.

Ancelloti said there will be a couple of surprises on Monday, I expect Kean to leave, so I wonder who he's going to bring in? Another forward thinking player is imperative, because I'm sure we can challenge for the top 4, if we do sign another good forward.

Besides, it wasn't just his second mistake, there was about 2 or 3 others in the second half where, if it wasn't for Davies and Mina, he would be embarrassed again. As it is, they've probably saved his Everton career for now.

But.. the juggernaut rolls on..got to love this.

He was a victim of the great sides under Kendall but went on to be a league winner at Arsenal and part of the Villa side that ran Utd close in 93.

As for today, we made short work of inferior opposition. Doucoure is immense. James is just class and DCL has me eating humble pie. Impressive performance all round except for the goalie making an unforgivable error again.

If it clicks, he'll be better. We finally saw a couple of snippets today. Not one to despatch just yet.

Not an accurate measure as such but yes, it is a surprise. James figures incredible when you consider how technical are so many of his passes.

Pickford wants to ' smell the coffee '!

How many stupid mistakes has he not learnt from, apart from Goal Difference, it didn't really make a difference today, but that could easily on another day, and against a different team, be 3 points squandered.

On the plus side, the team has beaten every team it's played so far, and there's still room for improvement, such a pity that the fans can't access the ground yet.

Agree with comments about Walcott, is he interested at all? Please someone come in with a cheeky ٢M bid. I won't comment in depth on our joke of a keeper (he who I have defended on other posts), he is destined to follow Joe Hart down the "I thought I was better than I was, then I wasn't" route. Nobody is going to offer money so it's only a confidence loan we can hope for, but who??

Romero on loan for the season please, do we also now need a right-back on loan? For fuck's sake, injuries are piling up man. The only thing I'd say in defence of Pickford is: a) they were horrible conditions out there today; and b) he was not to blame for the 2nd goal, Walcott should have closed down better and put the player under pressure. My word though, how good do we look going forward!

Walcott, totally uninterested and contributed nothing. Teams that may have been looking at him, will steer well clear. We are stuck with him, and will get nothing for our original outlay. Not even coasting, embarrassing.

Good result, bit concerned as the injuries are starting to mount!

Essentially that would have been a comfortable 4 0 victory and we were cruising.

Missing Allan and Gomes too with Coleman and richie leaving early. I am chuffed to bits. Starting to get nervous about the derby already.

I'd take anything for him. Complete waste of space.

I was impressed by Brighton's Solly March, could be very useful in our squad.

Mina who faces a fight for his place, was immense. Again he is a player who has benefited from only being required to play once per week. He was man of the match in my view. People often say he has a mistake in him. I wish Pickford made as few.

With only six games to play in the next two months we have a chance for players to recuperate before the schedule reverts to two matches per week in December and January. Then Carlo will need to use the whole squad to manage his way through three competitions.

James and Doucoure were my two picks for MotM and Mina had one of his best games, I thought. DCL is growing in confidence with every game.

Only Walcott, in his cameo and Pickford, obviously looked weak links today.

I'd give anything to see us get one over that lot. My lad is 10 in December and has never seen us beat them.

For all those Sky “experts” who asked what Evertonians wanted when we got rid of Allardyce, this is your answer.

There was no excuse for their first goal, and as I type, a big howler by Ederson for Leeds to equalise. Who'd be a goalie, eh!!

Thought he would have deserved a Full Columbian! :-)

I know James got the game ball, but to me Mina was MOTM. Scored the gamewinner, dominant at the back, heroic headed clearance saved a goal, blocked four shots (two of which were likely goals) and passed flawlessly. I still think he's our best CB.

And Iwobi, Siggy and Davies all stepped up to shine their tarnished images. Siggy was our best in the first half (the cross to Dom was elegant), Iwobi created superbly and Davies did his job with no mistakes. Proper credit to all three.

I think Iwobi deserves more credit than he's getting. He sees angles that others don't. I think he's a 10 and I'd play him ahead of Siggi.

I also think that clubs watching Pickford today will throw more balls into the box than Brighton did. Not only was he at fault for the goal, the cross that Mina managed to get over the ball should have been his all day long, it was well inside the 6 yard box. Plus a couple of dodgy punches that he should have caught, I am sure the defenders have little faith in him dealing with crosses.

So a break and a chance to get some of our injured back in time for the derby, hopefully nobody picks up any injuries playing for their country.
Lets hope both Richarlison and Allan are fit for the derby, you could see Brighton get more confident once Richarlison had gone off. I know Iwobi made the goal for James but I am not convinced, he doesnt do half the defensive job that Richarlison does and I don't think he is that great going forward either. Thought that was Tom Davies best game for a while and he did a decent job covering at RB when Seamus had to go off. Delph played well when he came on, and Sigurddson produced a lovely cross for DCL but not much else.

Great finishes by James and very encouraging performance by Mina.

I think all should be fit bar any international injuries, how long has it been since the Everton fans have been looking forward to a derby? that sums up how we are playing at the moment.

Who is the official for the derby, we may need some support from him 'cos if James and Richie are fit for this game I'm sure Klippety will have Millner on a seek and destroy mission and he is one dirty twat!

I thought Doucouré was tremendous again as well. Another example of a type of player many Evertonians have been crying out for years, that box to box presence. He has been crucial in this form run.

I said before we brought anyone in that we needed to find a way to score a lot more goals if we were going to slug it out with the big boys. I was not expecting a deluge like this, and across the board. It's not just in the cup against lesser opposition are we hitting four and five goals a game. Remarkable.

Sprake played behind a hard-as-nails team of many talents though, so he survived. Are we going to progress as Leeds did, with Jordan in goal though?

However, our bench players are *really* stepping up. Sigurdsson is making a credible case to start in place of Gomes. Delph, who I had zero use for last season, now looks like a handy squad player. Davies was very good. And Iwobi, who initially looked less than sharp when he came on, played those two killer passes in the second half, both of which resulted in James goals. I don't know if these are guys we'd want to depend upon for an extended period, but it's great to see everyone upping their game.

I tend not to get as riled up over Pickford as most on here, but that gaffe was... not good. Not only did he basically gift Brighton an equalizer when we were in total command, but you could see it totally threw the entire team off their game and for a few minutes, we appeared to be dangerously on the back foot. Unfortunately, Lossl doesn't appear to be a viable alternative, and Virginia definitely isn't ready, so not sure what our options are, realistically.

Walcott coming on at the end was a complete waste of time, he clearly has no role in the squad moving forward. Would much rather have seen those minutes go to Gordon, or Bernard, who probably feels very hard-done not playing a single minute since his excellent showing against Fleetwood Town.

He was often a liability, but he wasn't alone, and Peter Bonetti was another one. It seems rare to find a keeper that doesn't commit howlers.

Didn't stop us losing tempo and momentum as we still generally do for at least two phases in the game - the most predictable being after about 20 minutes (regardless of how well we have been paying).

But those are matters of development and they will happen.

How can we not be happy?

So much for the "will he adapt to the Premier League" doom mongers. I don't think I've seen such a class of player grace the Goodison turf in royal blue. Ever. (In fairness I'm in my mid-30s, so saw some absolute dross turn out for us).

I haven't witnessed the game but I base my observation on the Radio Merseyside commentary, which suggested that Everton were defending the Park End end in the second half.

Arsenal may come into the equation, later in the season.

However, It is beginning to look, even at this early stage of the season, that it going to be up to us or Leicester to stop the RS claiming a second consecutive title.

COYB.

As for our players – it's a simple game and if they do their job properly as coached, we will be okay.

Also, we score all sorts of goals now which bodes very well – the likes of Walcott are done at Everton and I believe Mr Pickford is on borrowed time.

However, what Ancelloti decides is and will be the right decision so I'm happy.

Brilliant Blues!!

Davies, an unlikely addition, played better. Sigurdsson was good, but faded in the last quarter and Walcott was as good as his Salford performance. Delph put in an average performance. Doucouré and Mina where excellent. Rodriguez is world class and Iowbi is getting increasing direct and confident as is Calvert-Lewin. The rest where consistent.

The big problem for Pickford is, when the team is winning well, he stands out as a weak link, consistently. I can't see Ancelotti allowing that to drift. He will be a headline topic for the next three weeks.

Not only has he bought three absolutely key, class players for the first team he has changed our weak mentality to one where we fight back when we concede a goal and we can now dominate periods of a game.

But more than that he has us playing a fast, slick passing game which will only improve with time whereas last season we couldn't pass the ball at all.

He has changed poor players who don't try into decent players who are putting in great effort by and large. Walcott didn't today but Sigurdsson did until he tired (he really is declining physically). Tom looks a different player and much sharper around the pitch, Delph and Iwobi are so much better as is Bernard on what I have seen of him.

With a few very good youngsters in the wings plus Godfrey, things are looking bright and credit must go to the manager who has confounded the critics and sorted out an absolute mess.

Peter

I made this point weeks ago. Before he'd pulled the shirt on. He's world class.

We have had 3 World Class Players at Everton Football Club post war. Ball, Lineker and Southall.

Steven, Reid, Sheedy, Kanchelskis, were all amazing players.

But world class is a step above this. We're talking Balon D'or contender, Golden boot winner, multi league title and champions league winning.

I was astonished that people questioned this signing. Read my posts, I said as much.

Richard Keys thought we should've signed Troy Deeney instead

Kieran #223, the key word in your post is "looks" jittery/shaky -- Mina certainly looks funky on the ball with that hip shimmy out of '70s disco, but when you watch where the passes go, you realize he's not jittery at all. Never seems to turn the ball over, no mistakes. Every pass is accurate and well-weighted.

He looks goofy when he runs, too, like a hyena on his haunches, but when you watch him tracking speedy forwards you realize he does have pace.

He'll be managing expectations where Gordon's concerned too. Having a class act as a manager bring that long view. He'll know Walcott and Iwobi aren't top drawer but he'll know they're both decent pro footballers who can do a job in a pitch if he man-manages them.

I like Iwobi but he just doesn't have that zip and zing you'd hope he'd have brought for his price.

Sigurdsson on the other hand looks like he's returning to the form he had at Swansea and Delph looks like he could be a very useful squad player. Even Tom looks like he might rescue his Everton career with a bit more work!

All in all, things are definitely looking up at Goodison.

Tony #229, according to Transfermarkt, Godfrey has played only two top-level games at RB in his entire career, and the most recent was 2018, so I doubt it. Imaginative suggestion, though.

Sticking my neck on the line here and say Iwobi was my MotM today. Not easy coming off the bench into a game like that. But it was clear to see he had fitted into the game plan well, sitting a little further back and allowing Doucouré and Sigurdsson to move further forward. Key passes and some good work in tracking back for the team too.

Long May it continue

The Golden Vision, the Holy Trinity and James were/are majestic. But Rooney was something else again; it's just too painful to say it out loud.

MotM for me was Mina thought he has is best game for us, Doucoure not far behind – such a brilliant signing. Then James Rodriguez, a wonderful, world-class footballer. Makes the game look easy when all around him are looking like they're on the limit.

Everton have won their first seven games in all competitions in a season for the first time since 1894-95 (won first eight).

We all know who the next game is against!! Can we equal that record? 🙏🙏🙏

Whether that is down to Gordon's expectations to play or Carlo doesn't like what he is seeing in training, I don't know but I don't rate Iwobi at all and when he and Theo were on the pitch we seemed to lose all of our rhythm and balance.

We are extremely strong in midfield at the moment, Sigurdsson, deputising for the injury prone Gomes, continued his good work from the West Ham victory, providing an excellent cross for Calvert-Lewin's opener, he tired towards the end, but anyone suggesting he is finished knows nothing about football, he's an important part of the squad. Davies had his best game for the blues, he seemed inspired by the presence of James and Doucouré. Carlo deserves huge credit for sorting out the midfield.

These are exciting times, the only worry is the numourous injuries we have sustained, but all should be well after the international break when we take on the RS next, hopefully it should be a classic.

Keane, Mina, Coleman, Siggy, Iwobi, Calvert-Lewin are all looking like top notch performers. We have genuine competition for places!! Am I allowed to get excited yet ??

I do think the international break comes at a decent time to rest and recuperation.

So with Kenny and Holgate certain to miss the Derby, unless Seamus is ready (and that hammy didn't look good), Carlo has a serious problem to figure out.

Never mind Rooney, again off the top of my head, what about the likes of Duncan McKenzie and Dave Thomas - Everton players who had that bit extra but didn't make the cut on the international stage partly because of footballing fashion and debatable management choice.

And what about those that had it but lost it through injury - Dave Smallman and Tommy Wright spring to mind. We may not have had a Cruyff until Jimmy Rodriguez but there's a history of forgotten or overlooked world class players at Everton so to say we've only EVER had three is mad. Some world class players don't always get the chance to perform on the world stage.

Ain't life good, Pete?

In answer to your post @ 258. Well, I covered at right-back against De la Salle in 1973 and as you know, class is permanent. Unfortunately, though, I have had overtures from the club about the goalkeeping position. Not my best position but apparently an upgrade is required.

Enjoy it. It is bloody brilliant being a Toffee. I haven't felt like this since the mid to late 80s.

I do hope we can get everyone fit and ready for the reds. I'd love it if we could give them a good game and get one over on them for a change.

Regarding Richarlison, he's tough as nails & I expect he will be fine within two weeks. We really need all of them available for the redshite, with Allan being a vital cog in the wheel.

We also had Three Blues in the 1970 World Cup, Ball, Labone and Newton, who were robbed by West Germany and Peter Bonetti of a runners up medal!

Good but I'm not sure it can last - we'll have to take it in turns being on top.

Failing that, could we move Digne to right back with Nkounkou at left? Or just use Nkounkou at right back; I'd fancy him against rat-face Robertson, for pace and strength. We need pace against him and Mane (assuming Mane plays after the Covid isolation).

Frankly, the way I'm feeling at the moment, I'd play Bernard or Simms at right back and still expect us to beat the shite.

Maybe, boringly, Seamus will be fit.

Good traits, character, and teamwork.

Good times to be an Evertonian, long may it last and savour every day.

There's a long season ahead and we'll need some luck with the injuries and let's hope we don't pick up any more soon.

Key players, vital to this squad are injured but the strength in depth of this squad will and is being tested.

I'm happy and made up another win, typically the international breaks for Everton don't fall, well, but this time it may do us a favour.

Of course, let's hope those on duty don't get injured.

Good to see the speed of transition today from defence to attack, and players with belief, desire, skill and football, brains. Doucouré, was immense.

Superb goals today, a shame we gave Brighton, a Stan Laurel special, but surely now lessons will be learned.

Let's see if we can get any more players in by midnight 5 October 2020.

All have a Ball, tonight and savour MotD. “What's Our Name?”

Thought all bar one or two put a great shift in today. Brighton aren't yard-dogs, though they were for the opening 15 minutes. Great win. Happy day!

1. Pickford - 5, No excuse for that familiar fumble
12. Digne - 7, May be world class!
23. Coleman - 8, Back to his best
13. Mina - 9, At his best, superb!
5. Micky Keane - 7, Steady as a rock but for the Pickford moment
16. Doucouré - 8, Unspectacular but vital
10. Sigurdsson - 7, Always in and around it things
26. Davies - 7, Covered the ground; covered for Seamus.
7. Richarlison - 6, Brave he even played.
9. Calvert-Lewin - 6, A goal'll do me. Clumsy at times.
19. Rodriguez - 9, World class!

Subs:

8. Delph - 8, Composed and confident.
11. Walcott - 3, Shite. 𧴜k-a-week shite
17. Iwobi - 7, Some vital touches and his usual leaden ones.

I am not a fan of Mina but he had a really good game. Davies proved his place as a decent squad member and James is a class above. I can't believe he is playing this well in the Premier League while not being up to speed fitness-wise; long may it continue.

Shame we are picking up injuries at an alarming rate; however, now is the time to enjoy being a blue!

I'm beginning to wonder if Carlo wasn't playing the old rope-a-dope tactic in the post-lockdown games, keeping the powder dry for this campaign.

Sad to say that yet again Jordan Pickford has done his headless chicken routine. We could pick up Darren Randolph for a pittance in the next 48 hours. Ireland's No 1 is considerably better than England's No 1 at the moment.

Years of most weekends ruined, and we are playing great football once again.

Ahead of Monday's deadline, I'd like to see a keeper brought in on loan and a few departures. Hopefully Walcott is one of them.

So therefore I reckon Pope should have saved that Newcastle goal. He was too slow moving his feet across to his left and then went down too slow. A good hand behind that shot and he keeps it out.

Ray Wilson?

Strange that you never seem to hear much about him now – when they were players think he was Colin Harvey's best mate.

I think he is scared of playing us right now, they might move the fixture to keep him happy... and it will help us as well. What do you lot think?

I watch Pickford, he makes the occasional great save, but he plays on the back foot, he doesn't settle his defenders, and he's all over the place on crosses at the minute.

Pickford has played a lot of competitive football for a relatively young goalkeeper, he's also got the experience of playing in a World Cup semi final, but he comes across to me like he's never been coached properly, or he's played for a lot of struggling teams, and has never fully developed parts of his game?

Give us Ederson and I'm sure we could get top 4, but I don't get this same feeling with Pickford.

A lack of firepower throughout the team

Inability to pass accurately or hold onto the ball

Very poor movement

What a transformation and totally changed my weekend routines. I am now off the depression tablets and instead of drinking to drown my sorrows I am now toasting the Don.

The only thing on my Xmas wishlist is a top class goalie (Donnarumma?) and strengthening the squad.

It's been moved once; it won't be moved again.

Rob, I don't know, I think there's a bit of a special on, being over-demanding of keepers right now. The bigger guys are indeed big, and getting down as they do, reacting to a fast shot from often a masked view, incredible they get near some of them near the corners. At full speed it looked a damned fine attempt to me.

Didn't see that someone had expected Pickford to save that second goal. No way.

We protected Pickford really well today.

Maybe Coleman has decided he wanted a rest before the Liverpool game, Gerry R?

I always thought the players didn't care as much as us, not a fraction as much. Not now though. Bring on MotD.

He plays football on a completely different level. Look at his two goals and watch his movement. As every other player moved to the man with the ball he moved towards the far post because he knew that was where the ball would be. Sure enough, the ball arrived and all he had to do was tap it in – not once but twice.

What a player! He has raised the game of every player at the club and when he is on the park we look unbeatable. The incredible start we have made to this season is entirely down to him and him alone. He has turned Calvert-Lewin into a star striker. Richarlison is playing to his full potential. Allan and Doucouré have transformed the midfield and the defence is looking a lot harder to penetrate. Centre halves are scoring, full backs are flying forward.

We look like we're partying like it's 1985 and it's all down to Carlo's brilliant signing of James Rodriguez. I reiterate – what a player!!

Someone suggested Nkounkou or Digne at right back v Liverpool earlier (should Coleman be injures) might not be a bad shout having a left footer there to help combat manes runs inside the full back.

I thought Davies was better than Delph. Delph for me was very average.

Hopefully Seamus has time to get fit for the Derby.

Failing that, Tommy 'The Seer' Carter - the only one on TW to identify James Rodiguez as world class (cough!) - has got that one covered.

Or would you prefer not to recall proposing Alex Iwobi be converted to a full-back, Tommy..?

No point asking the medical profession in the UK as they are all obsessed with Covid.

Any remedial suggestions?

The only positive we may have in the derby game is Mane with Covid 19 may not be playing on the right.

You mentioned that Tom Davies gave the ball away numerous times. Because I have a running banter with another Evertonian mate about Davies (and Calver-Lewin whom he thought was at best a bottom-six Premier League squad player). I keep a close eye on how many times he gives the ball away. Today, it was twice.

Just mentioning.

He puts us under pressure with hospital balls the vast majority of the time, lacks vision and pace as well as awareness.

Get yourself a nice foot massage and try some voltarol.

You could also try compression sleeves and maybe some anti inflammatory drugs such as ibruprofen or naproxen.

Mike #307, three initial suggestions. First, stop walking 18km every day. Go every other day for a while. (I'm up to 8km but I never go two days in a row.) Second, ice for ten minutes after you walk. And third, assuming you've got good walking shoes, insert some heel pads to slightly shorten the stretch on your Achilles. Not the crap pharmacy ones -- I buy Hapad pads on Amazon. Very comfy and last forever.

I think that Pickford is difficult to coach. I am sure at Everton that he is coached well and his previous mishaps are analysed and addressed in training. But the problem with Pickford is he is prone to lapses in concentration and makes basic technical errors. His hands were all wrong for the first error. He definitely is weak at catching the ball and can panic positionally.

He needed to get through this game safely; he didn't do that. The problem is the contrast of his performance with a team performance that can win well. Which if he doesn't arrest, will finish his top-flight career. One performance for England where such a contrast is drawn or results in defeat he has to avoid.

I would previously have thought that the performance of the goalkeeper at Everton, was not a priority for change, since there where other positions that needed more urgent attention. But Pickford is moving himself by his performances up the list, as other positional problems have been addressed. What's more, he looks increasing under pressure personally, which could be affecting his performance.

Isn't Callum Connolly a right-back? He's a local boy so could he raise his game for the biggest test of his life?! Give the boy a chance I'd say! Could be a hero?!

Davies was very steady, managing to stay on his feet most of the time. He drives me nuts when a player goes beyond him to dive in, it's last ditch and he often picks a yellow up for his troubles.

His block was exceptional, better than any of Mina's, it stopped a certain goal after the ball came loose from Pickford terrible prod. He'd get roasted in the Derby playing there though, make no mistake.

I hope Seamus heals fast.

Who would be your choice?

I've been on to the British Medical Council and told them to stop fannying around with Covid-19 and take a look at your fucking trotters instead.

That should sort them out.

Nah.

He'll play.

Respect to Don Carlo not Don Kenrick. ;)

Robert, you've seen him play, I haven't, but to debut in the derby at a brand-new position seems pretty wild to me.

John P, couldn't disagree more on Delph, I thought he played quite well.

Stephen, Connolly's a left-sider, and he's never started a game in the Premier League. A more likely desperation choice would be Pennington, who played about 10 games at right-back in the Championship this summer.

I'm with you on Digne, on a fine balance, assuming Seamus is out.

We haven't scored much against RS in recent seasons so it would be nice to put one over on them and hopefully Richarlison will be 100% fit.

Their defence is looking more suspect this season so this may be a real good opportunity as long as we have a good referee (not Mike Dean or Atkinson).

I don't profess to be the only fan claiming Janes to be world class. But a lot of blues seem to struggle with the concept. Because, in my opinion, we have had so few. We have had great players and great teams. But not world class players.

I'm sorry but the golden vision, no matter how great he was with Everton. Cannot be considered with his 8 international caps, world class.

During his peak, Eusebio, Lev Yashin, Jimmy Greaves, Di Stefano etc were the greats of the game. I'm afraid Alex didn't come close. He wasn't even a contender for the Player of the year in England.

Rooney. World class potential of course whilst at Everton.

Ray Wilson. A very credible suggestion. Well worth considering.

We are talking with James Rodriguez, truly world class. I am truly gutted that I may never see him in the flesh at Goodison as he may well be the most talented player to pull on our jersey.

Totally agree.

I don't believe in coincidence. Maybe the weather, a constant factor in all matches, had a significant influence?

Just saying!

I am truly looking forward to our next match, COYB.

We're clearly all lovin what is happening currently at the club. There is so much to say.

What makes me smile is watching the players celebrate. There is no egoism, no aloofness... the players celebrate together, every single goal.

Goal 1: Mina jumps on Calvert-Lewin.
Goal 2: they do their dance routine.
Goal 3: James reaches out to the creator, Iwobi.
Goal 4: James reaches out to the creator, Doucouré.

There is a togetherness, they look like they like each other, that they enjoy it

This is a fantastic moment to be an Evertonian.

Just asking for a friend.

Talking of alleged pricks, the Beeb's coverage of Nick Pope for Burnley tonight made me think we're better off with Jordan.

Over the moon with how it's going and I'm star struck with our number 19, but am I the only one who thinks Doucouré is not getting enough credit?

Don't get me wrong, all the new signings have been great, but this lad has been immense. One occasion last week, he chased down Saha (one of the league's speed merchants) and dispossessed him quite easily.

Having a great start to the season for me!

Pickford's mistake was unfortunate but the conditions seemed to be pretty awful and I agree with Fran. Fortunately we have learned to score goals as well as letting self-imposed mistakes cost us the game.

You can't put a value on team chemistry. It's so important. Our players seem to be getting along very well. The new guys have bedded in quickly, and there's something about this squad.

The players that went through the motions aren't playing, or know their days are numbered. The players who have refocused and are doubling down on their effort are reaping the rewards.

And they all seem to be getting along.

A team. And when you're playing as a team (see Leicester in 2016) you can't put a value on that.

Theo Walcott can't leave this club soon enough for me. Dude just stood there while that second goal was taken. Couldn't be arsed to put a foot in or close down.

Goodbye Theo. When you leave, hopefully I'll never think of Fat Sam again.

If we go back to the original thread when we're linked with him I think in June/July, I was among many (the majority) who were pretty dismissive. But he is perfect.

So much energy, great defensively, great going forward, good passer the guy is brilliant and just as important a signing as Allan and James.

I thought Davies and Iwobi – to name two – were superb. Unlike many of our fans, I think Delph is a quality footballer and evidently what we need is a squad where we have players of that quality who can step in.

Break now, get everyone fit, and – if the RS maintain their tactics – get Calvert-Lewin sitting on that halfway line and ping a few balls over the top a la Lineker 85 – I swear they are there for the taking.

My Achilles are feeling better so if Moise Kean makes a Late move back to Italy I'll dig my old Adidas Beckenbauer out of the shed and make myself available to Carlo (I'm not registered with another club - thus technically available as a free agent - albeit a 59-year-old one).

Not as quick as I once was but, on today's evidence at least, keener than Theo.

Look at the Instagram of any of our players: comments by Bolasie, comments by Delph, comments by reserve players, U23 players. all of them just praising their clubmates. All of them saying things like 'played lad' 'quality' 'on fire' and various emojis. The players, those that play and don't, seem to really like each other.

Mina, we see with the goal he scored, he is a popular guy. He is a character, full of life and vibrancy, always smiling, always laughing and dancing. This feel good feeling is just brimming through the club.

Such an unbelievable change.

TW will have to put an ad in the jobs section for a new miserable arl bastard, at this rate.

And don't think I haven't noticed your deep suspicions and frost towards Carlo melting either.

Go on... admit it. You're falling a little bit in love with him aren't you ?

In 62 years of being a Blue, I can honestly say we have only had one player who truly deserved the tag of 'world class' and that was Big Nev. We've had many great players like Young, Vernon, Ball, Wilson, Lineker etc but none that you could genuinely call world class. I thought the young Rooney was, potentially, world class but I don't think that potential was ever really fully fulfilled

The likes of Best, Eusebio, Pele, Maradona, Di Stefano, Puskas and Beckenbauer were world class; Charlton, Moore, Wilson, Greaves etc., although great players were not.

James' ability to see and make a short or long pass and, seemingly, to know, in advance, where the player will be is extraordinary as is his ability to drift into dangerous positions (twice today) without defenders being aware he was there.

He has seamlessly adapted to the Premier League although he lacks that previously thought prerequisite essential of pace. He doesn't need it; he makes the ball do the work.

James is truly World Class.

Then he does that. ffs. Can't defend him.

But watching the City game, then the Burnley game. Howlers from Ederson and Pope (both very highly rated) that cost their teams games.

Ederson's was rash - bad decision, bad execution. Pope's was a lack of technical ability with the ball at his feet when put in a crap position by his defender.

If Pickford made a mistake because he's got short arms, or lacks ability then I'd join the calls for his head. But does anyone think that Pickford does not have technical ability to catch that ball? Then why does he drop it? Could it be that the beating he takes from the media and fans regardless of how Everton concede has finally got to him? A young man suffering a crisis of confidence knowing that every involvement is being overly scrutinised. His reaction and subsequent decisions gave a bit away about what might be his current mindset.

So I'm back to defending him now. Ederson and Pope made terrible errors. Digne gave the ball away for the second goal. Doucoure made a shocking pass that Brighton should have scored from. No-one on here even mentioned it - yet another Pickford error saved by Tom Davies is in every third post. I'm sure every player in our team made a mistake that didn't match with their actual level of ability.

I think he's good enough. And not a priority. But if his confidence is shot then there is still a problem for Carlo to solve. A keeper lacking confidence is like a striker lacking confidence. And we've seen that before.

People are talking about the spirit and camaraderie on here. I would have loved to have seen the Everton defence's interactions with Pickford a bit more. If it was me, I would have been on him constantly - celebrated every goal scored with him.

Back in the day Clive Thomas would have sent them all off and he would have been right. Duncan needs to have a word with them. Seriously, it has just pissed me right off.

I now see a massive step change in the attitude of all squad members, except for Kean & Walcott, hopefully gone by Monday. We now have proper winners at the club who won't seem to be scared of anyone. The feel good factor is now running through the veins of every player, look at Michael Keane, he eptomises exactly what Carlo has instilled into this squad.

I praised Pickford to the hills a few weeks back, he just seems to have a "David James" in him at times. I do fear for the lad, if you can't learn from one of the best coaches in the modern era, or concentrate for 90 minutes, then you will be replaced eventually. This guy in his current form, could cost us a top 4 place, even as early as we are now into the season, today he could have cost us 2 points, better opposition would have been all over Pickford today, shots outside the box, crosses in etc, I couldn't believe Brighton taking short corners!

What a change though guys & gals! I just pray that injuries don't hit us too hard, historically they always have, let's hope we go into the derby with our strongest 11 & give that shower a game. Oh how we miss a baying crowd for this fixture with the start we've had to the season!

Onwards & upwards blue boys.

Mike G (324) - Might be wrong about this but I believe Callum Connolly is more right-footed than left-footed. I think he started playing left-back, both for Everton and England youth sides as Jonjoe had the right-back berths.

Jamie (338) - Totally agree about Walcott for the second goal. Rather than close Bissouma down he actively moved away from him and allowed him an unchallenged shot on goal. Also, there was a moment when he had a chance to run directly at the Brighton defence, half a pitch of open space in front of him, and rather than tear away and put real pressure on them, he carried the ball at medium pace, losing any potential for a one-on-one. If Theo no longer backs himself to win foot races, then I fail to see what he really brings to the squad, as it certainly isn't a high level of technical ability.

It was toe curling! but when we are winning

Glad you are home, Derek. Talk to you soon.

All the good work done so far will amount to nothing, hoping Pickford improves. He won't and we will win nothing while he remains.

That's just poor defending and as there is no real decent in house replacement... Andy Rankin, wherefore art thou?... and no obvious buy-in replacement; Pickford is going nowhere.

All Ancelotti has left is to improve the cover in front of Pickford... a decent team in front of an average keeper will get you further than the other way around... until Brands gets his crystal ball tuned in to Goalkeeper FM.

There were quite a few fuck ups in that goal. It's the keeper's that is the main one. Fair enough, but that doesn't excuse the fact they had players in the 18 years box without a blue shirt near them.

Practically every player on the pitch made mistakes. Some made almighty cock-ups such as the otherwise excellent Doucouré who turned and played Brighton through on goal.

Keepers make mistakes. Every single one of them. It's a horrible position. The more pressure you put them under, the more they'll make.

But has Jordan cost us a single point this year? No. Has he earned us points? Yes, he's made saves in tight games.

I hope Carlo simply says we win and lose as a team – at the moment, it's obviously win. Everyone does good things, and they all make mistakes. Get around the keeper and support him because the last thing we need is a keeper having a crisis of confidence.

Hopefully the international break is good timing for him. Go away and put in some good performances to draw a line under that error.

The alternative is that he's going to be under a lot of scrutiny. If he messes up, or if Southgate decides he can't be risked in his current frame of mind, then we have a huge decision to make for the derby.

The issue isn't whether Pickford has the ability to catch a simple ball bounced up into his hands. He does.

Well said. It shows the players are enjoying their soccer and enjoying playing with each other. Doucoure, such an unselfish player who could have tried shooting but put his trusts to James. And James in turn recognised that and gave credit to him.

I think Davies had a very good game. Very tidy passing the ball around. Make critical tackles. With better players around him, he instantly played better.

Iwobi is just woeful in 1st half. His running without ball looks "heavy" when comparing with Richarlison, who is a class above with his overall game. Drawing fouls, keeping possession, goal threat and pressing effort... Hope nothing serious.

Very happy with the team performance. Pickford's mistake is awful. But I think we have to stick with him for this season at least. So hope he can get this out of his mind and move on. Look forward to the derby.

COYB

I'm worried about James too. The window doesn't close for two days. A Manchester club may try and swoop in...

Curmudgeonly indeed you old grump! That said I was worried they'd get carded for time-wasting.

As for Walcott, he did not make a single challenge or go for a 50/50 ball today. He is riding the gravy train.

I thought that everyone else had a least a good game today and two or three were brilliant. There is a synergy going on in the team, genius begets genius.

The fatal ball wasn't fast or spinning - it just needed catching, are those big gloves with the big fingers a bit stiff and inflexible? Did they deaden the 'feel'

The main job... forget the keeper for a minute... defenders have to cut down the chances the opposition get and thus the number of times Pickford has to make a save... or mess it up.

One worry for me was, just before Pickford's error, how come Trossard got so much space and time at the far post to position himself and shoot? Why was nobody even near him and marking, since James was nearer to the Digne? So it should have been either of Iwobi, Doucouré or Coleman at least near to him. Imagine if it was Mane, it would be in the top corner.

The second point is, after watching Leeds, Liverpool, Man City this season at full throttle for the whole of 90 plus minutes, we seem to take our foot off the pedal after around 60-odd minutes. Fortunately, neither Brighton nor West Ham nor Palace punished us. But are we fully fit enough to last end to end for 90-plus minutes..

Tight marking and intensity is going to determine the derby outcome... oh, I forgot a certain James!!!!COYB

I don't know if it was James not tracking, or if we'd even want him to spend his game at right wing back - my instinct says you just live with it because you know that their overload becomes a defensive problem for them.

Unfortunately it led to a very soft goal on that occasion. But that's alright, we scored 4 and won easily!

That dance was hilarious. It all goes back to what Fran was saying at 333.

I haven't seen this level of camaraderie since BBS and the boys made that Christmas video with like the entire staff at Everton.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNPj8Xm1fSA

I hope to see that shite Columbian dance many more times! It means we're winning.

Note to Eds - the URL button doesn't seem to be working.

Pickford was at fault for the first goal all day long. The opposition will always get a chance at some point, regardless of how good your defenders are. It was a basic catch which he messed up. No need to say anything about our defenders. An amateur goalkeeper would have caught that ball.

That's like when Moyes (I think) used to pull everyone back for corners. It just hands over the initiative and invites pressure. Leaving him higher up the pitch means the opposition cannot commit men forward because they'd be vulnerable to his brilliance on the transition. It's what big, winning clubs do.

He was right on both counts.

If we are serious about being a top team, we can't afford a keeper whose unforced errors have resulted in 15 goals - and counting as there are bound to be more this season. He will remain as number one this season, but his coat is on a shaky hook unless he pulls himself together.

I do take issue with your 15 goals from unforced errors though.

The Liverpool one was badly dealt with, but more in the freak occurrence category. You might not see an attempted shot do that again in your lifetime.

Where are all these other goals from unforced errors? That implies he's gifting, without any pressure, 5 goals a season? There's no chance that's true.

Does it include things like the Fleetwood goal? Where Keane plays it back to him right in the middle of the goal, on his weaker foot, with two strikers chasing him down? ie the three things you're not supposed to do when playing it back. If that's not pressure, then who wants actual pressure?

Yesterday was a calamity, but most of the time it's a team putting each other under pressure because it's the style we want to play. Be brave in possession. We have defenders and midfielders (and sometimes the goalkeeper) occasionally giving the ball up in bad positions, but it's strategic and beats losing the ball 90% of the time by simply 'playing safe' and clearing our lines.

I even see him being questioned for the second goal. The guy hasn't got a chance has he?

https://www.premierleague.com/players/4640/Jordan-Pickford/stats

In the West Ham game, Sigurdsson came on, getting control of the midfield. I don't think he tried as hard over the same period in this game. Delph offered little going forward. Doucoure had to push foward in support of James when he was still on.

I agree that Allan is more effective and was missed. Brighton were effective in pushing Sigurdsson and Delph deep throughout the game.

By the way, I was overjoyed with the win, I just want the run to continue.

We've all heard of the old cliche, 'history repeating itself' ... I just hope and pray that is the case in our 8th game. Who is it against again? :-)

Simple answer to your final question: No.

I don't regret or take back single criticism I levelled at Ancelotti last season. I never bought the bollocks that better displays were not possible with the players he had at his disposal. The performances of players like Coleman, Mina, Keane, Dine, Calvert-Lewin, Davies, Sigurdsson have all put that foolish argument to bed.

This season, Carlo is doing his job. He is getting the best out of his players. All of them. His three additions have helped too. They have all hit the ground running and are a clear upgrade. All that has helped, but it doesn't even begin to explain the depths to which we plunged last season. No apologies from me.

Carlo looks and sounds different to me this time around. He looks like he genuinely wants to be here. The collective effort from just about every employee at the club is there for all to see. The new players are saying fantastic things about our club.

There is a palpable feelgood factor around the club and, having criticised the manager for poor displays, I am very happy to give him a congratulatory pat on the back for the wonderful turnaround.

Carlo has been around the block enough to know how to quell criticism. He also knows how shallow the fanboy sycophancy you have demonstrated can be. Nothing said on these pages will influence him.

I was angry with him last season. I'm delighted with him so far this season. I know you find that contradictory, but to me, it's perfectly logical.

BTW; I'm hearing disturbing things about you, going back to the states. Perhaps if you read your emails instead of posting shite on here, you could fill me in.

Rodriguez was both conductor and executor, we really have signed top drawer. I thought Davies looked better with Doucoure (who was immense) alongside and credit to the lad for putting a shift in at right-back when the team needed. But, I want to put a massive shout out to Mina. Whilst James rightfully takes the plaudit, I thought he commanded defence and got better as the game went on; some great blocks through anticipating play at the end.

You can tell the difference when we lose players (Allan, Gomes and then Richarlison), but the squad is showing it can do a job. The only negatives for me were Walcott and the obvious, but we won 4 - 2 and have 12 points from 12, so no point going over old ground for me!!

Don't get me wrong, I can think of some examples. Benteke and Stanislas shots that squirmed under him. Origi. Now Maupay. None were good.

The ones in possession I'm not so concerned about. We're asking him to take that chance and he's far from alone in making errors in that high risk approach, either in our team or elsewhere. If we want to play that style then I don't think we could do much better than Pickford in terms of his ability with his feet.

He's got to iron out some deficiencies but I think we've also got to be accepting that players make mistakes. All of them. Right through our team including our favorites and certainly not limited to the whipping boys who people on here could pre-compose their Matchday reviews about for all the accuracy that's in them. Right around the league there are keepers dropping clangers.

It becomes a bit self perpetuating. The more criticism he gets, the less likely he is to perform.

My opinion is that he's pretty clearly the best keeper at the club. So knock any thought of dropping him on the head.

Maybe we can find better, but that's true of every position. At this moment time I suspect what he needs more than anything is not longer arms, or technical training, or a kick up the arse, is to be encouraged.

If we line up against Liverpool with either no Pickford, or a Pickford that is scared of making mistakes, then I suspect we're in big trouble. He's been a big part of us winning 7 straight... arguably he was the key to winning the toughest assignment within that 7 game period.

We know the media love knocking Everton. And we know they love attacking young England players. Why play into it?

I think we still have an imbalance in midfield. We could do with another ball-winning enforcer to back up Allan, or to come on as sub to help shut games down. We have a plethora attack-minded non-tackling midfielders who are comfortable in an attacking phase of a match. When it comes to digging in I think we are a bit lightweight, especially when our lynchpin Allan is unavailable.

I am not criticising any of the players at all who have stepped in, by and large they have all done well. The squad would be more stronger and resilient with one piece of rebalancing business either that, or who knows, Ben Godfrey or Mason Holgate could be used to very good effect there?

Then we have got two days to sort out this Moise Kean back to Italy saga. Then get a quality replacement in at the same time. Marcel Brands won't be getting much sleep.

Like you I just want us to stay in the top four places all season and it will be interesting to see the developments in the next two days.

I'm more with Ernie on the Pickford debate. Firstly from an Everton perspective; can we get better? Over time and providing we establish ourselves then yes, but despite the mistakes, I feel he is good enough for what we want to achieve this season to make GK not a priority. To repeat myself, Liverpool left GK as the last piece of the jigsaw. I think we'll just have to get used to being a team that will score lots of goals, win more than we lose but concede a few along the way. Man City to my recollection (and without researching) were hardly renowned for their clean sheets despite the recent success.

And I agree, the baying English media have a track record of ruining English keepers. I have watched them slaughter the promising David James and the potential in Joe Hart amongst others. Would they have become top, top drawer? Maybe not, but arguably the media hysteria contributed to them never fully reaching their potential as their brand was well and truly ruined. We seem to have overlooked that keeper is probably the position on the pitch where you don't peak (even to this day) until you are into your early 30s.

That's my view.

Good point. That could be the reason why the midfield can be overrun at times. It's a legacy of Koeman's and Silva's half-baked thinking that all midfielders are an extention of the attack and to hell with final-third play, with one player cover for defence. Walcott is just poor with his Salford performances, though tactically shrewd.

Finally coming round to that thinking on Moise Kean myself.

Ancelotti has said it will be a surprising Monday for us.

Yes, he's settling well (said with a bemused look at such a stupid question!). Players with quality don't have problems to adapt. Football not complicated. The pitch is the same, opponents still 11, the pitch is the same, the ball is the same. Football is simple, not complicated.

A simple response, so full of simple truths!! We do often over-analyse the beautiful game these days.

I enjoyed the Macarena, I think I may join in at home next time!

It is true what you say about togetherness, however that comes easier when we're top and winning. I will want to see the camaraderie unity when things are going against us.

Courage and togetherness in adversity is a quality we will need for a top 4 finish.

Don't want the bubble to pop.

Obviously I've got a strong belief that if a guy has the ability (and I believe Jordan does) then it's just a matter of giving him the best opportunity to show it and be accepting of mistakes - obviously to a point. I don't think we solve this problem by changing keeper and I certainly don't think we solve it by a public display of anything but absolute support.

And I'll leave it there.

UTFT!

Tony is talking about the ability to close down games.

Well Carlo is now giving Everton more global coverage with his signings and Ferguson is learning off one of the all time best, like Arteta did with Pep. It's all going to plan.

Klopp was loyal to Mignolet and Karius respectively, until their errors forced him to reconsider and invest in Allison. Pickford is going in the same direction

I have to disagree with Ernie, yes, some of his errors directly leading to goals (1 every 4/5 games) are due to being out under pressure by his team mates (Keane example vs Fleetwood) however, a world class keeper upon being out under that pressure, hearing no shout or communication whatsoever, has to just get rid of the ball. It is all about communication and lack of that informs decision making.

He produces world class saves at times that save us points, not arguing that, but if you want to win a league title (we should be aiming for that), you have to win and draw with the top teams around you. I cannot imagine under pressure in last 10 minutes of these games when you need the keeper to instill confidence that the defenders and manager look at him with that. Can you imagine if our run and performances continue how nervous we will be every time a ball is lumped into the box in the last few minutes of every game. I never had that same level of nervousness with Nev or Martyn in goal.

Brighton need to have a complete rethink about how they approached the game yesterday, I can't believe they weren't getting the ball in the box at every opportunity.

I think he is capable of being world class, I'm just not sure if mentally he is strong enough to be able to concentrate for 90 plus minutes. He seems to be flapping a lot at the moment under little pressure given the goals we are scoring.

That hadn't actually occurred to me but, now that you raise the idea, a blow to the temple might do him the world of good.

I believe that he is afraid of spiders! :-)

Does that mean we'll get a striker in as backup?

I still don't see the potential in him but if a club like PSG does then great. Presumably he'll be worth some coin if he can have a good year with them. It doesn't seem likely that he actually comes back.

We would have to be in the market for a striker wouldn't we? Clock is ticking...

Yes Pickford should be dropped but for whom ?

And on Pickford, that ball was not too high he made yet another mistake. He kicked Mina in the chest with erratic pathetic play and could easily of injured him. He also punched or parried the ball, on numerous occasions, right back into the middle of the goal. He needs a kick up the arse and a psycologist... who l hope, would kick him up the arse.

We wont stay in the top 4 with a keeper causing such panic. If Lossl is never even going to be given a chance we need another keeper. Anyone happy with having Pickford in goal for the derby?

None of us can defend his mistakes - he clearly is making plenty, but replacing him won't be easy (Romero?) so I'm continuing to back him, since it seems likely he'll be our goalkeeper for the foreseeable future. Didn't de Gea have a year of mistakes recently? He seems to have recovered, so why not Pickford?

Up the the line or out of play 4-1 up with only minutes left. He's a brainless player, who is rash. He was terrible yesterday, easy to gloss over when we win but for someone with apparently longevity he plays like a naive pup. He trotted around, passed it back, sideways and barely if, at all progressed the ball, didn't win a tackle of note, one interception.

Tell me what he did do well?

Just maybe the conditions contributed to Pickfords, Pope and Edersons errors

I was a keeper myself, and used to smoke fags leaning against the goalpost during games. My concentration was also affected by drinking heavily the night before though.

Not making excuses though, Pickfords howler was a pressure free gaff 100% of his own making.

The lad needs to calm down and just slow down a bit, he seems to want to rush everything. As soon as he get the ball its like a hot potato he wants to launch it asap 95% of the time straight to the opposition.

Someone on the live forum said he was like The Tasmanian Devil from the cartoons. The description is 100% correct.

It was a poor error of judgement.

Watching Pickford, he's rarely super clean taking high shots from distance or crosses, frequently he catches them momentarily then pats the ball down. I've always found it an oddity, it's not a taught technique, seems more a self-learned skill. I look at it thinking surely attacking players observing this would try and exploit it?

I sometimes think his desperation to get things moving again manifests itself here. It often appears that the thought in his head is ‘I must get us on the counter' rather than taking the ball cleanly. My impression is he thinks he's more an outfielder rather than a goalie!

He appears incapable of going significant periods and staying focused, it's feels he must be in the game. At Sunderland he was as I guess as he was overworked. He's now in a team were most games he should be a spectator. It's a mindset I'm not sure he has.

The keeper we need doesn't need to be the ‘best' but should blend well with our play. A keeper who has good concentration and is happy to sweep as increasing we look to play a higher line fits the bill for me.

I really hope a viable back up appears by deadline day.

Absolutely right. You dilute the meaning if you do it all the time.

Exactly right, and he should've recognized it. Keepers trying to be too "Efficient" with possession. Safety first on the goal line.

That Bowen is smart, calm finisher. Very tidy player.

"West Ham have absolutely torn Premier League leaders Leicester to shreds today."

Someone needs to remind the BBC who exactly are the Premier League leaders since 5pm yesterday.

I heard the commentator say that Vardy had had fewer touches than both keepers!

To catch a ball the correct technique is to have the thumbs out and the fingers and palm of the hand on the sides of the ball. That is how young players are taught in Gaelic Football and Australian Rules football by a proper coach.

You can test this out with a child by throws a ball high for them to catch. More times than enough the ball will hit them on the head as it passes through their hands. If you show them to put their thumbs out, they will be able to catch and control the ball.

What you describe as Pickfords technique is trying to catch it with the palms and figures without the use of the thumbs. The result is either that the ball is dropped down once a catch is attempted or the ball passes through the hands looking that it is missed. You need the use of the thumbs to control the ball.

That's why Pickford could not control the ball in the incident that lead to the goal and it bounced forward in front of him. It is also the reason why he has a preference for deflecting the ball away and punching it. He obviously has had problems with trying to catch the ball in the past, so he has adapted this riskier way of dealing with a catchable ball.

I have often seen good footballer and goalkeepers devoid of this technique, but I am surprised that Alan Kelly his Irish Goalkeeping coach has not addressed this. But then such a basic technique can be taken for granted.

Pickford, I hope he improves, but he has not been very good since the World Cup finished imo.

I don't study to much, but his feet don't seem quick enough, (he crouches down and plants his feet a fraction to early, maybe?) which is quite a contradiction because he's very comfortable with the ball at his feet.

If he's difficult to coach, then he's obviously never had the right person coaching him, or he's got to big for his boots, and is now slowly falling from the peak of his career way to soon, because once he makes these kind of mistakes for England, the media will absolutely ruin him.

If this is seen as criticism, then that's exactly what it is, because he earns a fortune, and he plays for Everton, and I want every Everton player to reach their full potential, and something is not quite right with our number one at the minute.

Ederson and Pope made mistakes, and when a goalkeeper makes a mistake, it's the most scrutinized position in the world, but three wrongs don't make a right, and sometimes a player needs a rest for his own sake.

I still wonder if Pickford goes ‘hard' at the ball, his intention to be on the front foot to have the option distribute quickly?

It just snowballs for me, him being preoccupied with his next action rather than handling the ball. He looked visibly shaken after the error yesterday, ashen almost, not his normal response to a lapse, which is pretty good to be fair.

He was focused, something in games like this I often criticize, he was brave and did his job. He didn't get involved or distracted in trying to protect James or the other nonsense he gets typically gets drawn into.

The header on the line was very very good.

Has he been focused by the pending arrival of Godfrey? You'd would hope so. He must know it's eventually it's him or Keane fighting for one place?

He even scored with his 50p piece head too! I'm still unconvinced but cannot deny he was excellent yesterday.

I never thought I would find myself saying that about an Everton player but I just can't stand Pickford's histrionics, his gurning, the uncertainty he brings to his six yard box.

Now, I don't know anymore about the man than I can read on Wiki, it's just that I get the impression that his team mates aren't particularly fond of him either, his whole persona fills me with dread. The punch and kick to post following yesterday's howler.

I know that other first team players probably make as many mistakes as JP but I don't feel the same animosity towards them, even Iwobi! Tom Davies, love him, not a brilliant footballer but just gets on with it even when asked to play massively out of position like yesterday.

I really think that if we are to win something he has to go, or at the very least Lossl or Virginia need to be given an opportunity, if they are not good enough then why are we paying them.

Who would replace him? Neto from Barca, Romero would be the obvious 2. Maybe too late in this window but plans need to be put in place for the new year. Cillesson from Valencia would be ideal.

Yes, if allowed to continue, he will cost us points. From yesterday's game, he has directly reduced our goal difference by 1, which could be crucial if things get tight at the top at the end of the season, where a superior goal difference is as good as a point.

What happened to Virginia? He plays a full game against Salford – then he vanishes from the scene. This after agreeing to a 4-year contract. I know he wasn't really tested in that game, but he didn't put a foot wrong, and like many others, thought he'd continue in goal against Fleetwood.

Maybe it was the signing of Godfrey, maybe it was the criticism he'd received from a Colombian journalist in the week, or maybe he knows Pickford is struggling, and decided he needed to put his body on the line, to help the team?

Whatever it was, it was Big Yerry's best game under Ancelloti imo, so hopefully this is a sign of things to come.

Maybe I'm harsh, so perhaps a thrupence instead, more side, the corners are softer, closer to a rounder shape! 😜

I still think it's a psychological thing myself, I think he's become (more) jumpy and looks to be under pressure in situations where before he looked perhaps more assured.

Earlier, some of his distribution out from goal to distance was excellent, by hand or foot. This was a strong point, but that's often gone awry too.

Now so far, he has always been known to have a mistake in him, but this should be improving by now, or at least have stabilized. Are the pressures on keepers in the game now becoming an issue? These kind of howlers are happening to other keepers more often too (this weekend again).

Managers have no qualms about rejecting otherwise competent keepers that aren't to a certain outfield player level for distribution on the ground. There's the constant demand to maintain the ball in play, in possession at all times. Is it too much?

I'm certain the coaches are doing all they can with him, and I hope it works for him. Though I think it's often over-egged, bespoke help psychologically might help in Pickford's case. I wouldn't like to see him follow Joe Hart. There's no guarantee anyone we could realistically get in to replace him would prove more successful overall, in the game as it is.

Spiders hey, I reckon he's caught behind the black ball

If Keane hadn't done the Princess Diana impression it would not have been a goal. This entire season has had a mass of goalkeeping errors - yesterday was no exception and there is not a footballer out there who doesn't make several mistakes per game. DC-L had an easy shot in the first couple of minutes and missed, Richarlison has had a huge number of shots miss the goal so far, but this is very much part of the game and both of them, by general acclamation are playing superbly.

Goalkeeping errors tend to be more expensive than other players' mistakes, but they are just as inevitable, and I would still say that Pickford won the Spurs match for us.

He does need coaching, but what he needs most is someone to act for him as Dunc has done for DC-L, and get him to minimize errors, and not to get too concerned about the occasional mistake.

Come on, Tommy lad!

I get your point, but I just now think with the ability to deliver quality into the box, the threat we have from Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison, Keane and Mina is going to give opposition defences a lot to think about.

Long may his bonce continue to become more round!!

Howard was considered a potential United keeper at a time when they were dominating world football.

What became apparent is he wasn't the full package. Very few keepers are. He was generally a good shot stopper (American, so good with his hands), but if I recall, used to be very poor at commanding his box, installing confidence in the defence and in particular, not good at being proactive in coming off his line early to read the situation. Queue Pickford; a keeper who makes some fantastic saves but is irrational and poor in decision making in other aspects of his game.

Sadly, in my experience, you only get keepers who have the full package (the Jennings, Shiltons, Southalls, Martyns, Schmeicals, Neuers etc) who have that. So generally, most of us have to live with having a decent keeper who hopefully will be in better form more often than not and have a good protective defence and midfield in front of him. Jordan is having a bad patch right now and I've been as critical as anyone, but let's hope he can get back to a level that helps us achieve our ambitions for this season.

That is, unless Carlo has seen something in the team that means those ambitions have changed. If so, could be an interesting Monday!

Makes me really grateful that we have breought Ancelotti in who took his time assessing what he had inherited last season and made his moves at the start of this seasons transfer window. A number of supporters me included wondered whether he was up for the job after some of last seasons performances, and even wondered what Brands job was. Thankfully both have shown that they are top professionals and have shown with the right players brought in, plus coaching, the manager is able to get some of the players from last season to raise their, game to work with the new signings

Going in hard really would help. It has the technical advantage of being first and in front of anyone who is competing for the ball and creates momentum against any tackles. For a goalkeeper it gives him command of his area, something that Pickford lacks.

Gloves is another area , that could fill a book. Tim Howard with his recommendation of pushing the ball up and over the bar is pure glove speak.

Will#466

I am sure some coaches use a medicine ball to get the concept across and I am sure you are right that there are excellent results.

Will#482

Pickford to get to the high level he is at had to have outstanding natural ability, but the problem he has is that these basic technical flaws do come back to haunt players. Tony Abrahams is right when he says that Pickford was badly coached early on In his career.

In Pickfords case he is probably working hard and being very hard on himself to put in a perfect performance in the next game. But if the basic technical flaws are not addressed his confidence will then become a self defeating factor. There is many a professional golfer who tried to adjust his technique and had a long road back to his previous form. This is the delimea Pickford faces. He is not alone on this, his Goalkeeping Coach has to earn his corn and I would love to be a fly on the wall when Ancelotti talks to him. Ancelotti is the Real McCoy as far as coaching is concerned. But Italian goalkeepers are Glove disciples. For some reason I think Gloves where adopted on the continent before the home nations and Ireland.

We win 4-2

Two unmentionables lose 6-1 and 7-2

I hope I don't wake up in the morning and find out that it was all a dream.

No issue at all. Just very curious as to why it's the only game all season AFAIK, especially after all MotD2 games tonight showed them taking the knee as well.

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