Insipid Blues never really got going against belligerent Barcodes

Abdoulaye Doucouré returns to midfield following a one-game suspension
Everton are back at Goodison Park to face Newcastle United in today's lunchtime game as they look to get back to winning ways by atoning for what was one of the season's most disappointing results in the reverse fixture in early November.
Despite Pickford's gaffe on Wednesday, he retains his place, with Coleman, Iwobi Sigurdsson and Doucouré back in the starting line-up. Holgate, Godfrey, Gomes and Davies are back on the bench where Ancelotti names only 8 subs but, of course, two of them are goalkeepers.
The visitors kicked off, wearing all yellow, playing toward the empty Gwladys Street, where they won an early corner off Sigurdsson. From it, Rodriguez looked to release Iwobi down the left but the ex-Arsenal man was not interested in making a counter and reversed the play instead. When the ball was played up, Calvert-Lewin was called for running into Darlow.
Richarlison was caught cynically by Lascelles, for what should have been a straight red but was only a yellow 4 minutes into the game. From the free-kick, a tremendous ball in from James and Mina challenged Darlow for it, just heading wide.
James then combined with Digne but Calvert-Lewin was not deep enough to challenge for the excellent cross in. Digne then crossed very well under pressure, forcing Darlow to concede the corner, delivered a little better by Sigurdsson but still cleared away.
Shelvey was allowed a really cynical neck grab on James, but no card. A few other Newcastle players have perfected the hand-to-face to push off the pressing player, nice training from Steve Bruce. His side won a free-kick wide right that Shelvey delivered and Mina cleared.
Iwobi won a similar free-kick on the opposite side, fired in by James, that Mina could not direct properly. When Everton tried to play out of the back, Newcastle were pressing high but James was providing some great out-balls. The game was open and even, both sides getting up the field and Everton having to block a few long-range shots.
Shelvey was finally booked after treading on James's foot. Iwobi got past his man nicely but then crossed poorly. Richarlison stepped up and fired a meaty shot that forced a save from Darlow.
Newcastle mounted a very strong attack and Shelvey came very close to scoring, his shot deflected just wide. Mina was next to go down under a forearm smash to the face, needing some treatment. But the tempo of the game was very much in their favour, with Everton not implementing their counter-attack successfully.
A bullet header from Wilson off a Newcastle corner almost brought their opener, Pickford pulling off a fine fingertip save to turn it onto and over the bar. But the signs were becoming increasingly ominous for Everton, who were being thwarted effectively, by fair means or foul (or Iwobi's incompetence) when they tried to venture forward.
Wilson spun Sigurdsson who caught him Gomes style, giving Shelvey a chance from the set-piece but he lashed it well over. They did get forward with a nice back-heel from Calvert-Lewin playing in James for the shot. Doucouré set up Richarlison who sliced it wide when it should have ended up top corner.
Newcastle attacked again with confidence but Pickford handled the high cross well. James was again cynically taken out but referee Atwell ignored it until he halted the play for an Everton foul. When Sigurdsson and Lascelles kicked each other, he favoured the Newcastle player with the free-kick. The physicality of the game was starting to tell.
Sigurdsson had a chance to play in a set-piece but it was poor, straight to Darlow. Richarlison then went for glory when more patience was required, with Everton's attack not really asking enough questions in a first half that was far too even.
Everton tried to build with more care at the start of the second half, with some good passing that was worth a goal but for James straying offside and Calvert-Lewin being unable to convert when played on.
Everton suddenly found a lot more space down the left but lost the ball in a turnover and the visitors then created a fabulous chance for Wilson who screwed it wide.
Calvert-Lewin's shot was parried by Darlow for a corner that was superbly curled in by James but Darlow collected it. At the other end, another niggly foul called, and more bodies strewn in the aftermath.
A couple of Newcastle corners threatened but Pickford was alert to the high ball, although the parry did not relieve the pressure. Everton's early dominance since the break had faded and Newcastle were threatening again. Gomes came on for Iwobi and Everton suddenly set up a decent attack but the corner produced nothing.
Saint-Maximin came on for Fraser, and Newcastle pressed a lot harder, winning a corner that Calvert-Lewin cleared. Everton were still not getting forward in anything like the manner needed, with Newcastle stifling them and threatening to steal a goal. And a corner from Shelvey, and an unstoppable header from Calum Wilson, did just that.
Calvert-Lewin won a corner from the restart, successfully defended, leading to a Saint-Maximin inspired counter that came to nothing. Gomes again passed the ball out of play.
Coleman looked to overlap down the right but crossed in behind Doucouré. He gets another chance but his low cross is booted out for a throw-in. Almiron was too strong for James, easily taking the ball off him. James was getting tired and frustrated but he remained virtually the only hope for an equalizer.
From a corner, Digne summed things up with an awful shot that was miles off target. Newcastle were invited to reprise the goal on another corner but Everton defended it this time.
A shocking giveaway by Coleman led to Shelvey creating a golden chance for Wilson to double Everton's misery, as he rounded Pickford but could only strike the post with his shot.
Richarlison was caught a little clumsily by Hendrick for the 7th yellow card of the game as 5 minutes of added time and Shelvey powered another free-kick just over the angle.
Everton won a corner but somehow Newcastle broke with Everton all over the place and Calum Wilson had no trouble lashing it past Pickford to underline a dreadful day for Everton at Goodison Park.
Kick-off: 12:30pm, Saturday 30 January 2021 on BT Sport 1
Referee: Stuart Atwell
VAR: Kevin Friend
Everton: Pickford, Coleman, Mina, Keane [Y:61'], Digne, Sigurdsson [Y:35'], Doucoure, Iwobi (63' Gomes), Richarlison, Rodriguez [Y:79'], Calvert-Lewin.
Subs: Olsen, Virginia, Kenny, Holgate, Godfrey, Davies, Gordon.
Newcastle United: Darlow [Y:84'], Hayden, Lascelles [Y:4'] (54' Clark), Schar, Lewis, Manquillo, Shelvey [Y:21'], Hendrick [Y:88'], Almiron, Fraser (67' Saint-Maximin), Wilson.
Subs: Dubravka, Longstaff, Carroll, Joelinton, Gayle, Krafth, Anderson.
Reader Comments (631)
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2 Posted 30/01/2021 at 11:36:01
3 Posted 30/01/2021 at 11:36:45
4 Posted 30/01/2021 at 11:40:09
Good line-up.
Got a small hope that we'll romp home and Bruce will see his P45
5 Posted 30/01/2021 at 11:41:21
6 Posted 30/01/2021 at 11:42:34
7 Posted 30/01/2021 at 11:44:07
8 Posted 30/01/2021 at 11:44:17
Rest of the line-up looks good.
9 Posted 30/01/2021 at 11:44:21
10 Posted 30/01/2021 at 11:46:20
If Coleman and Digne can get some good supply in to DCL and Richie lurking that will be the key. Should be an exciting game.
11 Posted 30/01/2021 at 11:50:30
Feel confident that we have the players to see this through but need to ensure we don't get caught on the counter attack as both Coleman and digne will be further up the pitch leaving Keane and mina open to Newcastles pace.
Fingers crossed 3 points !
12 Posted 30/01/2021 at 11:50:34
13 Posted 30/01/2021 at 11:53:46
Richarlison needs to step up in his favoured position too.
14 Posted 30/01/2021 at 11:55:01
Not sure how poor Richarlison has to be before he sees the bench (probably score a hat trick now)... but a clear lack of options given the absence of Bernard.
Let's go.
15 Posted 30/01/2021 at 12:00:28
Have to admit I am a bit worried about not having Godfrey in the team today. His pace and aggression has helped us greatly.
16 Posted 30/01/2021 at 12:04:31
but let's
tune into more pleasant ones And more joyful
joy (joy)
joy (joy)
Joy, beautiful spark of gods
Daughter from Elysium
We enter heavenly ones, drunk with fire
, your sanctuary
Your magic bind again
What fashion strictly divides
All people become brothers
Where your gentle wing dwells”
My thoughts on a “normal” match day at this time would be am I getting driven to The Dark House by the wondrous Gosia or do I get the “underwater” Jacques Cousteau Merseybus under the River - - but for today my biggest decision is whether, after having a late and lazy breakfast, to change from my Everton Dressing gown (yes I am nearly 72 - - God Bless Us All), and get dressed properly - - Mmmm - - decisions.
Instead of that Gilgameshan Journey under The River and along those “Memory Lane Cakes” Streets of my childhood and youth - - I have my top floor to walk between my writing room and the TV room - - so somehow I have to close my eyes and allow myself the liberty to just float for a few minutes between the Three Windows - - to my right The Great Duomo of St.Peter and Paul - - is it Firenzi or New Brighton - - Let Your Soul and Spirit Float Into Into Into The Mystic - - just listening to Marvin Gaye - - obviously an Evertonian:
“Honey, you do me wrong but still I'm crazy about you
Stay away too long and I can't do without you
Every chance you get you seem to hurt me more and more
But each hurt makes my love stronger than before
I know flowers go through rain
But how can love go through pain?
Ain't that peculiar?
A peculiar-arity
Ain't that peculiar, baby?
Peculiar as can be”
A quick walk across the landing and a left glance out of the window - - The River and further those very streets I wish I was walking and further still the roof of Goodison - - Oh how I wish I was there with friends and comrades - - my thoughts quickly jump for no reason to Cardinal Godfrey and old TW friends many of whom I have never seen are but visions in my soul - - I just thought of Darrens post this morning and these words from Shakespeare came into my head:
“When to the sessions of sweet silent thought
I summon up remembrance of things past,
I sigh the lack of many a thing I sought,
And with old woes new wail my dear times waste”
Into the front room - - my seat booked in front of what now passes as my Match Day Seat - - Oh how I wish to be out in the cold and the rain and the wind - - fighting the elements but in my element with friends and Blues - - everywhere is grey and misty and wet - - I have to search my soul and spirit to find Blue Skies and conjure up in my minds eye the faces of friends many not seen for nearly 12 months now - - no sorrowful thoughts here only dreams of the day when we can all meet again.
“Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay”
Now I have to go and get to my seat - - close my eyes and imagine I am in queue at The Park End - - stopping to say “hello” to friends and comrades and - - shaking hands and hugs (remember them) - -Hey Dan - - jokes with the gang around - -my daughter and grandson sitting next to me - -the goal within touching distance to my right - - the grass like the fields of Elysia:
“And you look out on the water
And the big ships, and the big boats
Came on sailing by, by, by, by
And you felt so good, and I felt so good
I felt I want to blow my harmonica
Take me back, there, take me way back there
Take me back, take me back, take me back
Take me way, way, way back, way back
To when, when I understood
When I understood the light, when I understood the light
In the golden afternoon, in the golden afternoon
In the golden afternoon, in the golden afternoon
In the golden afternoon when we sat and listened to Sonny Boy blow
In the golden afternoon when
We sat and let Sonny Boy, blow, blow his harp
Take me back, take me back, take me back
Take me way, way, way, way, way, way, way
Back when I, when I understood, when I understood, yeah
Oh, ah, take me way back, when, when, when, when, when, when
When, when, when, when, when, when, when
I was walking down the
Walking down the street and
It didn't matter
Cause everything felt, everything felt, everything felt
Everything felt, everything felt, everything felt, everything felt
Everything felt, everything felt, everything felt so right, ha
And so good”
I promise you all that I am now blowing my harmonica - - just for you - - there you go - -Notes in the air - - On The Astral - - Reach up and grab Them - -Put them into your heart and your mind and your very soul - - they are sent from me to you - - as in a dream.
My thoughts, good wishes, posso waves, cosmic grooves, firm and warm handshakes are for you my dear friends - - Up The Blues - - your friend - - George
17 Posted 30/01/2021 at 12:08:01
18 Posted 30/01/2021 at 12:08:52
19 Posted 30/01/2021 at 12:13:57
Amen to that, George.
20 Posted 30/01/2021 at 12:14:18
Good luck today COYB Rodriguez is brilliant
21 Posted 30/01/2021 at 12:15:00
22 Posted 30/01/2021 at 12:15:29
Apart from him I more or less agree with Carlo's team. In some positions there is nothing much to choose between the bench and who is picked, maybe I'd go with Holgate instead of Mina.
We should win, but theres more pressure to win on the players in these type of matches than against top opponents and that can affect performances.
23 Posted 30/01/2021 at 12:17:02
Reasonably happy with this team, but I think we'll know inside about 10 minutes whether it's too lacking in midfield. Shelvey shouldn't be causing us too many problems in terms of engine, but you don't want to give him time and space. I half expected to see Davies for that reason.
24 Posted 30/01/2021 at 12:18:37
Brilliant.
25 Posted 30/01/2021 at 12:18:57
But great lineup overall!
COYB!!
26 Posted 30/01/2021 at 12:19:05
I hope he doesnt fade into his anonymous self that he normally does playing in midfield or we could be overrun there. Thankfully Richarlison and Iwobi should provide cover, but I worry about counter attacks if Doucoure ventures forward. Sigurdsson wont, or cant sit in front of the defence and break down counters like Davies can (and Allan usually does).
27 Posted 30/01/2021 at 12:19:24
28 Posted 30/01/2021 at 12:23:19
29 Posted 30/01/2021 at 12:31:47
30 Posted 30/01/2021 at 12:31:49
31 Posted 30/01/2021 at 13:13:09
32 Posted 30/01/2021 at 13:15:25
33 Posted 30/01/2021 at 13:16:05
Sigurdsson virtually useless in that deeper role.
34 Posted 30/01/2021 at 13:20:13
35 Posted 30/01/2021 at 13:21:07
Really need Charlie to step it up a gear as he (Along with a lot of others) just looks painfully slow
36 Posted 30/01/2021 at 13:21:27
37 Posted 30/01/2021 at 13:23:55
It's going to be a strange game until someone breaks the deadlock. Things haven't come off yet, but I still think we look more likely.
38 Posted 30/01/2021 at 13:26:28
39 Posted 30/01/2021 at 13:27:02
Pickford has done well so far and his distribution has been decent. Coleman is offering nothing on the right, would prefer Godfrey to come in at some point. Iwobi off the pace so far, doesn't look match sharp; hopefully he gets it together second half. Richy looking more like it, better touch, control and passing and taking shooting opportunities. Couple of miscommunications with Digne. Sigurdsson neat in possession. James by far the most likely to create something. DCL cutting a frustrated figure. Need some more quick passing sequences in the final third.
Think we can (and should) win this.
[BRZ]
40 Posted 30/01/2021 at 13:27:06
We need to start taking greater advantage of the space that Richy and Digne are being afforded down the left and deliver better quality into the box. Iwobi some nice moments on the opposite flank.
Siggy having a fine game, apart from his poor free kick near half-time. Very tidy in all he does and feeding Richy and Digne time and time again.
James providing the magic moments as always. The recipient of an accumulating number of sly fouls.
Nobody having a bad game. One goal changes the whole dynamic of the game. Let's hope it's us that get it.
41 Posted 30/01/2021 at 13:28:49
42 Posted 30/01/2021 at 13:28:53
Is Calvert-Lewin actually going to do anything? At the moment only James and Iwobi look like they want to do something, most of the rest look like they are waiting until we defend the lead we haven't yet got.
43 Posted 30/01/2021 at 13:30:03
44 Posted 30/01/2021 at 13:33:23
45 Posted 30/01/2021 at 13:33:29
When we have gone up a gear we have played out best stuff.
If we do not change something Newcastle will nick this one and God help us when Allan Saint max comes on as he will rip our cm and def apart.
Time to see some of carlos genius tactics.
For what is worth siggy nit having a poor game nor his he having a gd game but we will not turn into a regular top 4 team with him in the side, excellent work rate but everything else 2nd rate.
Let's hope for a better 2nd half
46 Posted 30/01/2021 at 13:34:34
47 Posted 30/01/2021 at 13:38:03
48 Posted 30/01/2021 at 13:39:08
49 Posted 30/01/2021 at 13:46:22
His attempts to tackle are laughable.. almost invariably gets beaten for pace and tries to drag the opposing player back..
Lot of misplaced passes too. It gives me no pleasure to witness this. Davies should have played that position.
50 Posted 30/01/2021 at 13:47:28
Look at Keane and Minas lack of pace. Wilson should score.
Thats why we cant push higher.
51 Posted 30/01/2021 at 13:51:49
52 Posted 30/01/2021 at 13:52:21
53 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:01:53
54 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:02:52
55 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:05:10
56 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:05:39
57 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:06:52
58 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:10:02
Garbage.
Ancelotti - what a fucking joke
Mid-table beckons
59 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:14:26
60 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:16:59
We have to question the position of Ancelotti!
Who is picking and motivating this fucking team. Utter garbage. No physical presence at all. No ideas. Too many Everton players to list today who are useless.
61 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:18:59
62 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:19:09
63 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:19:40
64 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:21:03
65 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:21:28
No positives at all.
66 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:22:39
It's shocking all round
67 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:23:41
If we let Tosun and Bernard go and bring in nobody ill be livid.
That performance was disgraceful.
68 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:23:52
Totally ignored Newcastle's 2nd half display midweek were they showed great improvement.
Set up like we were expecting a stroll.
Cannot play Siggy and James in the same game when you need to win a battle.
Wilson ran rings all day. Left alone for the corner.
How much did he cost?????
We have bugger all if DCL is injured.
Very luck not to be stuffed by Leicester but came home to roost today.
Bloody disgrace!
69 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:24:32
Terrible. Just terrible.
70 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:24:40
All by understimated Newcastle.
Without that defense nor Allan, we look no better than any mid team table.
On top of that no back up at all for our aspirations. totally absurd. I believe Ancelotti thinks something like James Rodriguez is Messi or something like that. And because of his great manager career the board backs him in everything. Too many questions and little time to answer.
Before the game I said good team overall but thought “going back to that defense was probably a gamble but a chance Ancelotti could take because of our opponent”. If he is intelligent enough Holgate and Godfrey should be back next game. That was the biggest asset of our last wins and he changes it. Amazing truth.
71 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:24:57
Utterly dreadful, no courage again and outfought.
72 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:26:15
74 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:26:51
A fantastic chance to have 6 points in the bag and up to 4th
No excuses the whole lot of them a weeks wages to Alder Hey and a flogging
75 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:26:55
76 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:26:58
77 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:27:31
78 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:27:41
Enough said top 8 at best and a clear message to the board that our squad is well well short of quality.
Be an interesting few days to see who we bring in as we need a few fresh faces willing to roll their sleeves up.
79 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:27:41
And need a back up plan up top. DCL put in a shift, but there is no alternative to him in the squad.
I fucking hate Wilson. He is a right shit to play against.
80 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:27:49
If Iwobi or Charlie are coming off then the only replacement he should consider is Gordon.
Sigurdsson playing ok but on a yellow? Sub him for Gomes.
I really think we need to consider either Holgate or Godfrey as the back up to Allan, no one else seems to have a chance of filling that role.
81 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:28:05
Total shite.
Not a single shot 2nd half.
Awful. Terrible. Abysmal.
Worse than total shite ( although I am not sure if that actually is possible, but if it is then it was.)
Just a tad disappointed!!!
82 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:28:58
The Toon played like the home team. No desire to work hard, no guile and no real threat.
It should have been 4-0. Like Leicester but better, and Newcastle got what they deserved.
Another letdown in a lifetime of let downs by Everton, and another weekend sullied by a tripe performance.
Back to the basics, and for me Godfrey with his heart and desire should start all games. Siggy and Gomes, not enough belief. Siggy is knackered as is Gomes, who cant make simple short passes.
Enough said. This is the pits, but its gonna take some character to fight back from this as the mental side of Everton is miles off the best teams.
Absolute tripe, and Worse.
83 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:29:02
84 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:29:13
85 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:30:00
WE ARE JUST NOT A GOD TEAM
86 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:30:38
Fact is, we're setup as a counter attacking team. And not a very adventurous one. Our central midfielders play right in front of the defence. If that wasn't the plan then it would be changed. We're geared up around inviting teams onto us and exploiting space. There was plenty of space but we didn't exploit it well enough in the first half. And in the second we did nothing.
As has been the case for a while now... if we concede the first goal, we're done.
At the moment I reckon we're as likely to beat a top team as a poor team.
I'd rather watch the attacking stuff from early in the season. We conceded plenty, but we looked good.
87 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:31:08
There is never any speed to our play we are so slow through the stages of the pitch and so predictable give it to Digne and cross it in!!
Thats West ham,Leeds and Newcastle at home we have failed to score against and when you look at our bench today it shows how lacking we are in options.
[BRZ]
88 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:32:11
Defended better. More tenancious all over the park. More incisive when attacking.
We looked to have woken up the way we started the 2nd half, but we kept up a long Everton tradition of ensuring a team on a woeful run turned it around.
A poor missed opportunity to keep in the mix with 1 point from consecutive home games.
Siggy was the pick of our players for me. James gradually got lost in the mire of the game. Doucoure played his part. Richy a little improved on recent weeks, but he and Digne's quality given the room they had was ultimately lacking. Gomes showing again how limited he is.
Too slow in transition. No guile in the final third. We HAVE to win games like this against this sort of opposition to seriously challenge for those European places.
Credit to Newcastle. They fully deserved their win.
89 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:32:36
Run ragged by Steve Bruce twice this season.
Top six is not even remote.
Richy, Siggy and don't mention Iwobi all passengers.
Two goals for Richie all season. Definitely a world beater
Bloody disgrace to their shirts.
90 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:32:51
This one is on Carlo. When Rich is clearly not in form and make no changes.
91 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:32:57
This one is on Carlo. When Rich is clearly not in form and make no changes.
92 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:32:59
93 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:33:31
94 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:34:12
95 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:35:25
96 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:35:45
97 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:35:54
98 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:35:57
99 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:36:05
100 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:37:12
It's like a never-ending cycle of shit.
This was an awful performance. Just terrible.
101 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:38:33
102 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:39:17
103 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:39:36
104 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:40:02
105 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:41:33
Anyway.. he was only one of a number of problems today.
Not enjoyable at all to watch today
106 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:41:43
107 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:42:19
108 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:42:32
We have had billions pumped in, tried no end of formations, staff or tactics, even with or without supporters, and we are in exactly the same position we were in 30 years ago.
We are cursed to be mediocre.
109 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:42:56
Id also seriously consider selling Richarlison as his contribution is on a steep decline as the season goes on.
110 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:43:06
Id also seriously consider selling Richarlison as his contribution is on a steep decline as the season goes on.
111 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:43:37
112 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:45:34
Newcastle played a diamond midfield leaving us lots of space wide, which we DIDN'T exploit. Taking Iwobi off was non-sensical. We had lost the battle in the middle to their diamond so our best chance of hitting the forwards was through the width of the pitch.
A shocking performance and shocking decisions, even before we kicked off.
113 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:45:51
114 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:46:57
They go to the game, spend their hard-earned, especially when traveling, and get served up dog shit.
Today I'm angry for Mike Gaynes and all the Left-Coast American Blues and Ex-Pats.
They woke up at 4 a.m. FFS to get served up that utter shit.
Fucking criminal display. Pisses me off to no end.
115 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:47:22
We need a striker as Calvert-Lewin looks like he thinks he's done his bit for the season and Richarlison either doesn't like how he's been asked to play or he wants away. Digne looked as though he didn't know why he was putting crosses in and, sorry, can't think of a single good thing anybody else did for the entire game. Total rubbish front to back!
116 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:47:25
We need a striker as Calvert-Lewin looks like he thinks he's done his bit for the season and Richarlison either doesn't like how he's been asked to play or he wants away. Digne looked as though he didn't know why he was putting crosses in and, sorry, can't think of a single good thing anybody else did for the entire game. Total rubbish front to back!
117 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:48:25
Iwobi has 1 good game in 6or 7, Richarlison hasnt been good since he came back from his last international with Brazil, and despite a good start DCL has been poor. DCL is good in the 6 yard box but anywhere else on the pitch he doesnt do a lot. I think after the first half hour I think the Newcastle players must have thought there is nothing to fear here we are as good as them. Their confidence grew and they looked like the top 6 side and we looked like the team struggling.
I really couldnt understand right from the first whistle we had Doucoure playing between Mina and Keane, surely he should have been 10 yards in front of them to drive us forward. So with the transfer window closing tomorrow unless we get the likes of Dzeko in we are going to struggle until we have better alternatives up front. Obviously looks like Tosun is sorting out a move but he isn't the answer nor would be bringing Bernard on we have seen them fail on so many occassions, they aint an option even if they had been on the bench.
118 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:48:46
That was poor. I was talking online throughout the match with a friend and former military colleague who has been a Newcastle season ticket holder for many years. He was convinced they would capitulate and is currently in pleasant shock.
Always nervous when I hear lines as I did this morning such as "Newcastle without a win in 11". Those runs come to an end and we are particularly good at assisting teams out of those type of runs of bad form in recent years. Very accommodating in that respect Everton.
No excuses, no defence. That was poor. At half time I thought it was an interesting end to end match and I always try to look beyond the result. But, we had no answer for their pressing, kept trying to play a patient game when a bit more urgency was needed and never really looked threatening going forward.
In typical recent Everton fashion, when something is there for the taking (top 5), we choke and will have to do it the hard way. Maybe we are better when the expectation is lifted.
Leeds, Fulham and Liverpool in February. That will define our season as we move into March and the business end. Surely our barren Derby run can come to an end just as Newcastle's winless run did today. Ever(ton) the optimist.
119 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:49:36
120 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:49:37
121 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:49:53
Also, not having a single recognised striker on the bench is criminal for a team supposedly challenging for a top four place. Bringing on Gomes is hardly going to force the opposition to panic.
Richarlison is becoming unbearable, rolling around in apparent agony nine or ten times a game. Imagine being an opposition defender seeing that, and knowing there is no alternative on the bench to replace him. Easiest 90 minutes youll have all season.
122 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:50:33
Wilson just rinsed us. Ancellotti knew he would be playing yet put the slowest back four available to him on the park so Wilson could have a field day. That back four with Wilson, Almiron and Saint- Maxin on the park? Holgate and Godfrey on the bench for fuck's sake!? Who did Carlo think would get anywhere near those guys?
Coleman, Mina, Keane, Sigurdsson, Gomez and Davies (I know he didn't play today) have no pace whatsoever which is why there is no tempo to anything we do on the pitch. You have to have genuine pace to be a counter attacking team.
Lots of new signings required.
I have defended Ancellotti throughout but sooner or later he has to read the riot act to this bunch of under achievers and he certainly needs to put his hands up for his terrible back four selection today.
Bloody hell am I pissed off or what? AGAIN.
123 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:51:45
Same old spineless fare from our millionaires out on the pitch, yes?
124 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:52:26
125 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:53:36
126 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:53:36
Today begs the question - what the fuck is our best team?
Surely it starts with Holgate-Mina-Keane-Godfrey?
I know Digne is a damn good footballer, but solidity at the back is paramount with our below-par midfield!
And you rightly mention the rolling around on the ground. Here's an idea:
When you are playing an anti-football, slow it down team, don't play into their hands by slowing down the fucking game rolling around on the ground like a fucking Nancy! Grow a fucking pair, please!
127 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:55:06
We were out-fought in midfield and lacked physics strength. Also our build up play was slow and ponderous.
Allen may have made a difference, but the continued concern is the lack of alternatives up front. Carlo must know this, but all we are hearing about is more outgoings before Mondays deadline. I wonder what is going on behind the scenes?
128 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:55:14
Newcastle worked hard and this is a pivotal week, and Everton, have spewed it again.
Stick to the players whom will put a shift in, and start at Leeds with Godfrey and Tom Davies starting, and Siggy and Gomes left out.
This team wont win any games playing like this, and this has got to be a warning shot to the Everton hierarchy, of what could happen, to this season.
Leeds, West Ham, today, United or were pathetic performances, and traits that theres no heart and lack of belief today, but no captain on the pitch.
Ive total respect for Seamus over the years, but Everton, need to consider in my view a new captain, perhaps Keane, Diane and... Godfrey.
Godfrey is an enhanced Mick Lyons, but a very good footballer with the heart of Mike Lyons.
Plenty to discuss the next few days.
129 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:57:14
130 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:57:51
131 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:57:52
The game was ruined from the off with that tw*t of a referee. Why wasn't Shelvey booked from the off. It took 3 tackles before he was booked, yet Siggy is booked after one challenge!
How many tackles against James went unpunished. I don't know how these officials get away with such poor performances!
132 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:57:55
133 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:58:41
So why does Ancelotti keep altering it? Every time he changed the back 4 Everton have been beaten twice at home of all places. So no doubt, the manager will change it again, because certain people can't learn from their same mistakes.
When Everton were successful in the 1980's because they had a back four of Stevens, Mountfield, Ratcliffe and Pat Van Den Hauwe that Kendal was reluctant to change.
134 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:59:06
We've seen the same shit year in year out no matter how much money we spunk off on lavish managers, players ect ect
Same boring shit nothing changes
135 Posted 30/01/2021 at 14:59:12
James is a delight at times but very lightweight and easily intimidated. Richarlison is making me want to puke, writhing in agony over absolutely nothing, a dozen times each game.
I would like Godfrey in there somewhere. He would have been a better choice alongside Doucoure today. At least he wants to get on the ball and move it forward
I am still not convinced about Pickford, way too theatrical, a schoolyard keeper and finally Siggy stinks up the park.
136 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:01:16
137 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:02:10
We don't even have any injured attacking midfielders or forwards waiting to come back from injury, so someone has fucked up somewhere.
Bottom half finish for this shower of shite.
138 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:02:24
Being a spectators a mugs game anyway, does it make any sense at all to become upset about results that you have no input whats so ever. Its not your fault when they lose, no credit to you when they win.
I think thats me finished, I've become ever more p----d off with game and the antics of over paid softies.
139 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:03:30
They disrupted our attempts to play out first half with a high press then reverted to a defensive setup in the second, scoring from a set-piece and on the break. Good gameplan.
Carlo said thus week that Mina and Keane are top box defenders but lack the pace to defend higher and he's right. Our low defensive line kills our attempts to play on the front foot. DCL is up top and isolated and there's big gaps in midfield that could only be covered by energetic, athletic midfielders. It was easy for them to play through us and to click our passing lanes. We lack the speed and athleticism to play deep and with the ball.
James had to drop very deep to pick up the ball but then had few passes available. DCL dropped deep too later on, which says it all.
What's the solution? I'm uncertain but for games when we expect to control possession Godfrey, with his recovery speed should come in, probably for Mina, which would enable us to push higher.
Coleman should have been replaced this summer, he's done as an offensive threat. We are laughably short of attacking options. We had every available attacking player out there initially (except Bernard, who's apparently leaving), so had nothing at all to change the game with. Only a viable strategy if you can take the lead every game.
.
So frustrating watching another blown opportunity.
140 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:03:41
We will get shredded by Leeds if we play that badly against them.
Come on Mr Brands, get some of the dross out and bring in one or two class acts this window. Mr Ancelotti, you have a lot of work to do before Wednesday
141 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:03:56
At least we fought hard for a point in the face of total domination.
Today we set up to collect the points from Newcastle but they turned up. You have to win the battles before you can win the war and we were not set up for battle in the first place
Poor showing on and off the pitch.
Total insult to the fans ( or message to the Board) that this Great Club cannot assign 9 players for the bench ( 2 Goalkeepers!).
How small a Club are we becoming! It is something you expect from lower division Clubs NOT a Club with our wage outgoings and standing.
142 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:05:42
We sell or loan out 5 forwards and bring zero in, bad management doesn't even begin to cover such incompetence.
Either we buy some forwards or keep losing in a very embarrassing way.
Get lost Everton your cheating our fans big time!!!!
143 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:07:26
Win your personal battles to win the right to play. No matter how good our players are, without the will to win it means nothing.
It's easy to say after the game but dropping Godfrey, Holdgate and Davies was a mistake. Not on ability but on will to win.
It's not the size of the man in the fight but the size of the fight in the man.
Hendrick, Lewis, Hayden, Almiron all pretty average technically but all won their battles and deserved the win.
No team has the right to win a game on paper. Put the effort in and get the rewards.
I just hope this forces us into the market to go and improve the team.
144 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:08:26
At least we would've had a bit of nastiness, but once again we're undone by a pressing team.
145 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:08:40
146 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:08:54
147 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:10:27
148 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:11:06
149 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:14:12
We dont have a MF which will scrap and fight for every ball. We dont have that ball carrying player who can relieve the pressure. Bar Allen, Doucoure and James we dont even have intelligent, quick witted players. Ours are slow in mind and body, and some are even weak minded cowards.
Our forward line is now nonexistent as theres no supply, no crossing from the wings, no killer passes through the middle etc...
7th max, if we're lucky.
150 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:14:36
151 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:15:51
152 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:17:55
I was worried when I saw Atwell named as ref. He pretty much allowed them to kick lumps out of James (an obvious tactic) for much of the first half.
But, back to my earlier point. No excuses. That just was not a very good performance from Everton and let's give some credit to Newcastle.
153 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:18:08
When was the last time we won a game with something really in it ? Biggest chokers around !
Apologies
154 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:18:42
155 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:19:05
156 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:19:07
157 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:20:13
Hope you get a go at some more positive ones soon.
158 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:21:10
159 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:24:55
160 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:26:55
161 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:28:43
162 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:29:48
163 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:30:51
164 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:31:03
Im still more worried about us going forward, though. Like you said, we totally played into their hands today and allowed it to become a stop-start first half against a team bereft of confidence. The longer that went on, the more we could see Newcastle thinking ‘Hang on, this lot arent actually very good are they?.
165 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:31:12
Fuming - no-one above a 5 today incl James by his standards. Keane was ok probably.
166 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:31:22
167 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:33:11
168 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:34:49
A "leader" would not have allowed the targeted kicking of James.
We need to start winning the battles before we can consider winning the war
169 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:36:04
Everton, consistently fail to deliver, when it counts.
Some tough games the next 4 weeks, and on the showing of the last month, its hard to see even with return of Allan, if a drastic change of form can happen.
I hope The management team give them a good rollicking, and get them all in tomorrow at FF.
Theres no excuse for such crap display today.
West Ham, have picked a couple of players up, but t I dont sense Everton topping up this window. Hopefully there will be some players leaving to get some money in, but who will come will be interesting.
170 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:37:26
I believe everyone in football knows what a flaccid attitude permeates USMFF so why am I not surprised by today and, if Jones can improve a team so much in a week, just what the hell do the current permanent USMFF incumbents do week-after-week, month-after-month, season-after-season, manager-after-manager?
You'd think someone in he owner's chair would take notice and do summat about it wouldn't you? Starting in the boardroom.
171 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:37:37
172 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:39:30
173 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:41:42
Why didn't someone tell Rich, "You didn't get your leg hacked off by a dull dwarven axe, get up you're slowing down the game!"
Where's the retaliatory tackle for JonJoe Shelvey hacking at James?
Why is every ball lazily passed BEHIND the onrushing forward? (Except James...)
It was just a listless, lackadaisical, half-assed effort.
Not one single player should ever abide that.
They went through the motions today.
174 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:42:10
Perhaps we shouldn't be looking to scapegoat individual playes but it is so hard not to when they don't appear to give a toss.
I laughed when I was told 6 months ago that it's in his contract that he has to play if fit. I'm not laughing now.
175 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:42:18
Moronic, because I'm not a kid and barring a few golden years, have had fifty years of this crap, where every time we start to look like we might do something, reality bites and we are shown our true status.
Last month it was West Ham, then a couple of results to draw you back in and start to build up your hopes again and now this.
For what it's worth (not much) Newcastle's game plan - kick James out of the game - worked a treat and that was the worst refereeing performance I've seen in a long time.
But that doesn't excuse the clueless, slow, meandering efforts of our lot.
The only positive I can think of right now is that Allan will be back soon.
176 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:45:22
I think the missing leader is Allan. The captain without the armband. We are really missing his presence and continuous "fly in the ear" bickering and pointing.
He also may have sorted out and stood up to some of the Newcastly bully boy tactics.
177 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:45:37
178 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:46:41
I was interested to see big Dunc trying to suggest some change to Carlo but he shrugged his shoulders raised an eyebrow and Dunc sat back in his seat. Hey ho such as life supporting Everton.
179 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:47:12
IMO, probably the worst performance by Everton this season or many seasons. Why, oh why, do well fold so badly against mighty Newcastle - without a win in 11 matches? Trust Everton to break a bad run of form.
I doubt Everton would have scored a goal if they had played another 180 minutes, never mind another 15 minutes. Did Everton have a genuine chance the whole game? I did not see it! Whereas, Newcastle had at least 2 more clear cut chances to score goals (including the clear chance that Wilson had when he rounded our keeper). Horrible, horrible watch. I look forward the whole week to an Everton game at a great TV time here in India and this is what I get served up? Shameful!
Players:
Pickford: Really not to blame for both goals.
Coleman: Sadly, his time is up. If Brands cannot get a new right back, I would play Holgate or Kenny for the rest of the season. You have been fantastic, Seamus, but sorry to say, your time is up.
Mina and Keane -not much to blame, but wasted so many corners.
Digne: Bad game - gave away too many corners, I knew that one of them would result in a goal, and it did (although not from his mistake). After the 1st 15 minutes, his crossing was poor for the rest of the game. Really poor game.
Doucoure, Siggy, Iwobi - as a midfield, they were the worst I have seen this season. Siggy for all his experience wastes possession so much, it is really frustrating. Iwobi had a terrible game. Doucoure's bad pass resulted in their 2nd goal.
James - got increasingly frustrated as the game went on, and he let his frustration get the better of him. Newcastle had a plan to target him, and the referee did nothing to protect him.
Richarlison and DCL: Really worrying how bad they have become in the last few games.
Gomes did nothing worthwhile during his time on the pitch, I don't blame him too much, because the rest of the team around him were so poor.
Mr. Ancellotti, your team selection and substitutions were really bad. Only 1 substitute for a game in which we were losing? You think Gordon is not good enough to come on the pitch in the last part of the match? I mean, really? The bench was really worrying - no recognised striker to come on and try to change the game. Brands better have something up his sleeve, otherwise, I suspect we would be lucky to end up in the top half of the table.
I have never been so angry after an Everton game. On that performance, Carlo is deluded if he thinks that Everton will be in the mix for European places.
180 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:47:50
Flinging balls into the box from the touchline is not too difficult to defend. Can we not try to play football toward the box does Ancellotti mind or is he even bothered. We know we can't play football out of our own box. Perhaps Ancellotti favours the Pickford big boot so we lose possession in their half rather than the edge of our own box. Does Ancellotti mind or is he even bothered.
Not just in this game as its been going on for years that the dithering on the ball would happen a lot less if others were running off the ball to find space in which to receive it. We lack movement and pace, does Ancelotti see this, surely he could at least improve our movement off the ball, or is he even bothered.
I don't really like singling out a player when our whole team have played utter shite but Sigturdsson has the ability to give the ball away with his right foot his left foot and his head which happened in the space of a few minutes in the second half as well as regularly throughout the match. He has nil pace and can't tackle does Ancellotti see this or is he even bothered.
Carlo needs to get his act together. "The Emperor has no clothes" More like The Emperor has no clue!!
181 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:49:04
We have a good solid defense and two good front men even if they are not really firing right now. What we don't have is a midfield and there you usually win or lose the game.
182 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:49:29
Missed badly over the last few weeks, mate. And your right, he is one who would fight back. Disappointed that one or two didn't step in and take the yellow.
183 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:49:39
Ancelotti cannot survive on his reputation alone – and I'm afraid that reputation is fast turning into a crock of shit. He has to get rid of Sigurdsson, Gomes, Davies, Coleman and Pickford, to name but five. He could then start trying out our youngsters – we have nothing to lose.
Why does he persist with that Icelandic ironing-board? Adds nothing. Dead-ball specialist... my arse.
Gomes is too slow – a liability with his fouls. Davies is s a tryer, but a lightweight. Guaranteed to lose every 50-50 ball.
Coleman, sadly is past his sell-by date. Pickford? Enough said.
Give me big Dunc every time – at least with him, the team played with fire in their bellies.
184 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:51:47
A slack, lazy, even gormless performance from a team in a comfort zone. if your boss tells all-and-sundry that he is happy with our position etc, etc, then you wander around thinking you have already made it.
The players will go home to eat with their posh cutlery with the smell of freshly laundered towels in their nostrils... a pretty wag, dressed in haute couture, will emerge from an anteroom and offer her beautiful body as a means of distraction.
It's a fucking hard life.
185 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:52:51
Who's our leaders? Nice-as-pie Seamus? Boy-next-door Keane? Deaf-mute Sigurdsson? Serial whinger Richarlison? Rabbit-in-headlights Iwobi? Spinning-top Davies? Who?
Maybe Allan if he ever returns but for years we've had loads of spineless, gutless players and it's now part and parcel of Everton Football Club.
186 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:53:19
Obviously we are a diverse bunch in everything but our futile support of a once-great football club. I need to ask the other ToffeeWebbers:– Does anything in your life fail to meet expectations as often and as deeply as Everton?
As I nearly had an aneurysm watching an absolutely inspid performance, it seemed quite incredible that I had actually commenced watching the match for pleasure.
I might come back and post about the actual game tomorrow or I might just try and wipe it from my memory as quickly as possible. We made a team at its lowest ebb look like Champions elect. Just dreadful.
187 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:53:57
Do you not think that he would have been a massive improvement on Sigurdsson and Gomes today?
188 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:54:12
Lot's saying they were all shite except Keane. That's way over the top – Mina was also decent..
I'm done with Sigurdsson and Gomes and patience is wearing thin for Richarlison. I too am eagerly looking forward to Allan coming back but it will take more than that. I still believe in Carlo but I'll feel better towards him if he absolutely hammers those shit houses who didn't put in a shift today.
If Sigurdsson or Gomes start the next game, I'll close my laptop and read a book instead. It will be the first game I've not watched all season so we'll probably play like Brazil but the disappointment tonight is weighing me down. It's the hope that kills you.
UTFT
189 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:58:39
Without our home crowd, the spineless losers that infect this club are exposed to the world. I'll be relieved when we get over 40 points and I can relax and not have to watch us for the rest of the season.
Ancelotti is living on past glories, dire players on stupid contracts... will the bleeding ever stop?!
190 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:58:56
Just after the game, Sigurdsson stayed on the pitch having a great chat with Shelvey, so much for passion and disappointment!
191 Posted 30/01/2021 at 15:59:52
As Colin said, keep Allan, James and Doucoure and get rid of all our other midfielders. Davies is okay for backup. Gomes, Bernard, Delph, Sig and Iwobi offer nothing.
James was the only one who showed anything and he was awful after 70 mins.
192 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:00:15
"We have the quality but you won't win games with that attitude."
I have backed Sigurdsson on many occasions on here.
Not today.
193 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:01:37
194 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:01:40
You are a better man than I, and I tip my hat.
195 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:02:17
Cant see James wanting to stay next season and play with so many rank average/poor teammates.
196 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:02:41
Getting outplayed by Newcastle is embarrassing. For 10 minutes in the 2nd half we appeared to have a game plan to stay patient and keep the ball. Looking for good openings, James playing deep dictating play.
Then we stopped. I don't know why but then a strange sub followed. Gomes for Iwobi. We lose control of the game and an attacking option out wide.
It's easy to criticise when we lose. I don't know what the thinking was but it didn't work out.
Our slow defenders started to play a high line. As has been said many times they can't! Our true full backs offered no protection defensively. Wilson bullied them all.
We lost to a brilliant headed goal. That can happen. But we stopped playing and doing what we had done well before that goal.
We have no game changers on the bench. No pace in defence and the continued lack of movement and pace going forward will only change with a few quality incoming players.
For me Godfrey is a must starter in any defensive position. He's a good defender with outstanding pace. Wilson would have seen a lot less ball and space.
Siggy isn't a midfielder. He wasn't the problem but he's certainly not the answer.
The rest of the season is going to be a slog. I don't think we will recruit new players until the summer.
I'd still bring in King. I hope we bring in some attacking reinforcements but sadly I don't think we will.
197 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:03:28
198 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:05:23
199 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:07:37
Shameful display by all of them.
200 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:08:13
Apart from the odd rare occasions, now decades ago, they always do. It's almost as if they are scared of success as they don't want the benchmark raising too far above the level of mediocrity as this just might create an expectation of success instead of the never-ending cycle of dashed hopes and false dawns and the "plucky little Everton" jibes that we are continuously having to endure.
After nearly 55 years of watching and supporting this club, I have long since stopped expecting anything other than what we get... which is, in the main, a mix of some good but mostly meh. Fuck me, I was a young(ish) man the last time we won at Anfield and I'm now into my 60s.
Where this club is concerned it really truly is the hope that kills you. The RS (apart from the plastics) don't even take the piss anymore, it's that long since we have been relevant and it's getting harder each season to be even bothered anymore by results like today... never mind surprised. I could have almost expected it with this lot.
201 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:08:55
Also, Carlo is clueless. He ain't a squad builder. Just a glamour coach!!!!
202 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:09:37
I dont agree about Wilson being second rate, hes always been decent and anything but second rate against us, I think he would have been a great signing for us and would complement DCL as well as getting his fair share of goals, and he cost less than we paid for Tosun,3 years ago...
203 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:11:33
It was clear from the start Newcastle's objective was first to stop James. How many times did he have his feet stamped on, and they weren't accidental, they were deliberate. And what is it with this new goal kick routine we've started using, whereby Keane or Mina touch the ball for Pickford to clear? FFS just let Pickford take it.
Overall, a really disappointing performance but fair play to Newcastle who deserved the win.
204 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:15:04
The Blues always break my heart but Ill love them long after these current not good enoughs have gone and the next not good enoughs put on the shirt I would crawl on broken glass to wear.
Blimey, this ales quite strong!
UTFT!!
205 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:15:49
206 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:16:19
207 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:18:45
We were told Brands was the best at what he does, well he's not. He's just another wage thief taking the piss out of the most gullible club in football.
From the owner to the CEO to the Chairman, the Director of Football, the manager and his coaching staff the club is rotten to the core.
208 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:18:46
209 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:19:37
The old ship Everton is still light years away from dining at the top table again. Probably never will. Acceptance of mediocrity and tales of the Everton family, Grand Old Team, Dixie, Ball, Howard's way, Unsworths starlets and EITC can only run for so many decades.
I'm done with this shit, no more money from me until I see genuine shake up from top to bottom and in a new stadium (gonna be a good few years then)
[BRZ]
210 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:19:44
'Sig was the pick of our players? Seriously?'
Yep! That's what I saw as I watched the game through my eyes, not yours, or anybody else's. I judge performances of the team and individual players on the present game alone, not some preconceived prejudice I may hold.
Time and again Siggy was the out ball for the defence. Time and again he played neat short interchanges with Doucoure and James which kept possession and kept the ball moving. Time and again he fed both Richarlison and Digne in acres of room on the room. More occasionally he switched play accurately to either Coleman or Iwobi on the right.
He wasn't in the team to tackle. His role is not to play the midfield enforcer. He wasn't out of position. He wasn't played around. He gave away one unfortunate free kick on the edge of our own penalty area which anyone could have conceded in a similar situation. He put in one bad free kick on the stroke of half-time.
Other than those two blemishes, he was consistently the most accurate of our players today in his passing and in retaining possession.
Other opinions allowed. I'm happy with mine.
211 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:20:37
A few decent players amidst a collection of average footballers (which is what we have now) can go a long way if caring, sharing and working is part of their make up. Joe Royle's mish mash pf a team were "a team". They nailed the shite and defined "esprit de corps" by rampaging through Spurs in that never to be forgotten semi then won the trophy
The players here aren't dreadful they just go through the motions at 75%. A coach who could get 95% out of them wouldn't put up with this shrinking violets act whenever someone stands up to us.
Unfortunately after a seasons worth of togger under the charming Italian I can see that is not in his gift. He is a square peg in a round hole here
212 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:21:44
You are avin a laugh.
Right,😁😁😁
Looks like Moshiri has been
fucked over yet again.
213 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:21:58
I imagine it will be a relaxing evening for them glass of wine, nice meal, chill.
How many will feel physically sick? None I'd say. Not as sick as we will. How appalling that vastly paid, incredibly fortunate, hired hands can do this. We deserve better than the disinterested crap served up today.
No heart, no passion, no hurt, no guile,no fight no shame.
I hate feeling this gutted; gutted for every single blue who has had their emotional investment shit upon by these sorry specimens.
214 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:22:16
Richarlison got a kick after 3mins and instantly disappeared for the rest of the afternoon contributing only his usual 3 or 4 roll arounds seemingly injured only to then get back up on his feet in a Lazarus like recovery. He's done nothing all season and deserves to warm the bench for a few games. If this doesn't give him the kick up the arse he deserves then get rid in the summer and use the money to find somebody who doesn't play in a sulk every week
Mina oh please!! 6ft 5ins tall and goes down like he's been shot face after a non challenge from Wilson who then goes on to run him ragged all afternoon.
Digne way off the pace and his crossing not up to its usual standard. Meanwhile on the other side Iwobi couldn't cross the road to go the chippy let alone find a blue shirt with the ball. Some on here have been singing his praises lately. Have standards fallen that low that people question it when he's not in the side?
Coleman, great club servant but no longer should be considered as a starting player. Offered nothing going forward and has always been fairly average defensively. JJK clearly isn't rated by Ancelloti so a new RB is a must.
Gomes was never the quickest but I'd fancy my chances in a sprint with him and I'm in my 50s! Same with Sigurdsson. As a result the midfield gets over run and players with pace running at our central defenders is only going to end one way
DCL gets zero service and ends up looking the version who was in and out of the side under Silva. He's not going to score if nobody creates chances for him as hes not the type of player who will create something from nothing
This performance surely puts to bed the delusional talk from some regarding Champions League qualification. Absolutely light years away
215 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:22:22
less than average squad however can anyone explain the goal kick set up is it asolute fucking nonsense or is it just me
216 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:24:45
We can sit here and slate individual players but can anyone say any player that came off with head held high because I cant. Seems to be a more preparation and lack of professionalism problem to me. Look at the games we have lost this seasons. The barcodes twice. West ham, Leeds, Southampton and united aside from the mancs we should have been coasting in those games. We looked like we coukd coast through those games and got rightly beat. When we play the so called top teams we seemed to be switched on, against teh so called lesser teams not much. Whether its arrogance, lack of preparation or just a lack of professionalism, or all three, it needs to end now. Sick and tired of losing these games through lack of application. We have players who are better than that, they've shown it against the better teams. But they are consistently letting the club and fans down by just not turning up to these games. All bear a collectively responsibility.
Its games like this that completely deflates me. I wish we had someone like Peter Reid to go and play merry hell in that dressing room, but alas there is no one who will do that role now. Who tells them how much it hurts because it appears nobody tells them at the moment.
They're really lucky they can go out and do what they allegedly love doing and thays playing football while the rest of us are in lockdown and they can't even be arsed to put in the effort.
Beer o clock has started early today
217 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:24:57
Did the interviewer consider asking our respected club captain " why ?"
218 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:27:09
219 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:27:55
My weekend is absolutely destroyed. I wish it didnt matter, but it does.
220 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:27:58
There is obviously something deeply wrong at Everton. It is not new nor is it seemingly something a New Owner/Manager/Player can change or address.
I am unable, like most of us I guess, to actually put my finger on what it is that is wrong at this Once Great Club - - but the fact that there is something seriously wrong is there for all to see.
We wanted a new Owner with lots of cash - - we got one - - has he put serious money in - - yes - - is it working - - no - - why - - dont know - - how many “mistakes of judgement” has Mr. Moshiri made - - will another New Owner answer this Golden question “whatever is wrong at Everton - - Ill fix it”. For me the answer is no - - I do not think we need to look for a new Owner.
The Manger - - hes a “dinosaur” some say - - can only do it with “big name players” - - well we had “bright young managers” - - didnt we - - Silva and Koeman - - isnt that what they were - - Ancelottis “past it” - - its only a “payoff/pension” job - - do we believe that - - if so - who is the next “bright young thing” - - I always knew under Kendal that I didnt want anyone else - - he was the best and was right for Everton - - Ancelottis record is phenomenal - - I was/am hoping he hasnt put his feet up but will find his own way here - - more praying than hoping - - but he is making some howlers and no matter what his reputation is he has to take criticism on the chin and positively move forward - -that is why he is the Manager to make big decisions - - and correct ones most of the time - -do we get rid - - and replace with who - - do we persevere and stay a mediocre run of the mill just stay in The Premier team - - if we could see that he is putting all his eggs in the trophy winning basket - - League/FA Cup - - is that what he is doing - - I dont see it - - we were dreadful against United and yet wonderful against Sheffield (as we should be) - -then we would all be made up - - if we win the Cup I guess all would be forgiven/Acceptable/OK - - of course - -we are in desperate need of a “trophy” - - is Ancelotti surrounded by “yes” men - - dont know - - is he making mistakes - -yes - - know who you are working with - - stick with it and get the best out of them - - surely a man of his experience knows that - - so should we change the Manager - - the answer for me is again no - - but I do wonder who speaks to him and questions his decisions and discusses them and his vision with him.
The Players - - well I do not like just slagging individuals off - - and to be honest after today I would not like to swop any NUFC Players for ours - - but what is happening - - I said on The Forum - - no leadership/characters/personality/passion/drive/ambition from most - - so what is happening - -it seems to me that there is a complacency around Goodison - - you cannot win in a competitive occupation/sport with complacency - - and the problem is that it is contagious - - there are many situations with players that I simply cannot understand a man of Ancelottis standing/experience allowing - -you need to be tough to make decisions - - not unpleasant or arrogant or nasty - - just tough and fair - -then everyone can see it and accept it - - it creates unity and belonging - - Pickford - - he is always likely to make bad match losing decisions - - its on his CV - - Olsen looks solid - - what we need now - - but what do we do - -well “nothing” is the answer - - Coleman needs to be thanked for his tremendous contribution and told he is now a squad player - - Kenny - - not good enough - - Iwobi - - flatters to deceive - - beat a man wonderfully today and then put an unchallenged cross into no-one - - does it time and time again - - Richarlson - - needs to be asked “what is wrong with you Son” - - DCL is not a Sole front man - - either needs someone alongside him or needs a rest - - Bernard/Tosun/Kenny/ are all going arent they - - get the workers in to let James play a free beautiful role - - get a goal scorer - - get some pace - - dont drop the pacey Godfrey for slow laboured players - - stop wasting the final ball - - be decisive in your passing - - we have some of the best players we have had for years' - - now - - at our Club.
So again the question is what is wrong - - we seem to have The Owner - - The Manager -- and in most cases The Players - - but its not working - - or doesnt seem to be - - What Is Wrong At Goodison.
The problem is time/patience/empathy/support/belief/ is running out.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way – in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.”
221 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:28:16
222 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:28:59
That is probably the most damning statement a captain can make against his own players.
Whether the statement has any affect on some of our players is a different story
223 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:29:30
224 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:31:49
225 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:32:55
“ legendary coach “.
226 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:34:28
That was fucking woefull today.
227 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:34:45
228 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:34:56
229 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:35:56
Nkounkou and Gordon should be given the opportunity to show their potential and also help them feel they can have a future at the Club.
I would hate to see them move on to other Clubs because they feel they will not be given a proper chance. That is the impression I get. It must be disheartening watching highly paid senior players showing no passion or commitment when you are chomping at the bit for a run in the side.
Over to you Carlo.
230 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:39:05
231 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:40:16
In the world of coupon busters we are serial offenders. Anyway its all ok because apparently when it comes to seeking a boost for a squad left pathetically short up front and wide right. ”we will look but we are not desperate ” of course we are not desperate, after all here we were with another great opportunity to move up the table, build momentum, and all those other things successful teams do only to blow it with a performance that insults every last one of us. Honestly, its the very definition of pathetic.
232 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:40:26
Regardless of how Sigurdsson played today, he is not a central midfielder and has consistently shown himself to be poor against weaker teams for over 3 years. How has this not been seen yet?
Playing a version of 4-2-3-1 has not worked against weaker teams since Martinezs first season. How has this not been seen yet?
We will always struggle to press weaker teams with a centre back pairing that is slow. We need at least one fast centre back so we can keep pressing high up the pitch.
If we play with attacking full backs and intend to use them as such, we need a midfielder who is happy to cover for this.
Calvert-Lewin cant score without service.
This season, rather than being a season to sing Ancelottis praises, should be looked at as a massive missed opportunity. We should be about 6 points clear at the top of the table. I have no doubt Ancelotti has improved the team, but he has also made countless silly tactical mistakes that have cost us points.
233 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:40:31
I remember if anyone took liberties with Temple or Scott or Young, someone like Gabriel or Kay would " have a little word ". Wind forward and if Steven or Inchy were being given a tough time then Reid or Psycho would suggest that the offender " desist ".
I think its called team spirit or sticking up for your mates. Much as I admire our Corinthian philosophy sometimes raking the back of some bastards leg with the studs is an effective tactic. Let the other lot whinge for a change
234 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:41:29
Complacency.
They dont have our beating blue hearts - they dont care.
And whilst I love “Everton” I hate THEM. Everton is a word, an idea, a dream. The players come and go, the stadium will soon be gone, we play in Royal Blue, electric blue, pink, amber, green, salmon. The managers are mixed ability but not blues. The only constant is us - the Blues and our memories. And they drive our expectations and hopes. But sadly, the inhabitants of the corridors, the boardroom the changing room, the training pitch, are no longer playing or working for us. Everton Fc has become like the rest Everton plc - driven by budgets and driven by cautious safety and maintaining the status quo. They dont give a monkeys about us anymore George - the Corinthian spirit that that great man and wonderful human being once spoke about has died.
Evertonians for ever - someone please give us our club back!!
235 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:42:03
I thought the team selection was too weak. The midfield included Iwobi James and Sigurdsson, too many players in there who cannot tackle or win the battles. It leads to a disjointed performance with no control or shape. Colemans inclusion offered little offensively, I think Holgate at right back gives Iwobi or James a bit more license.
Godfrey brings some much needed energy, drive and determination to the team. He has to be the first name on the team sheet. I think the time has come to give him his natural role as CB. Bring his qualities to the heart of the team.
I think the game could have been won with a bit more shape and bite in the midfield today. Davies starting alongside Doucoure instead of shoehorning Sigurdsson into the central midfield where he fails time after time.
Im totally pissed off today, annoyed and miserable. A win at Leeds will give us some respite.
236 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:43:21
It was a poor performance. A bad day at the office. It happens to us all.
Best thing is to put that one behind us an move on.
237 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:43:57
The defence was too deep. DCL was isolated. Richarlison was isolated wide left. Iwobi isolated wide right. No support from midfield.
Combined with that we have a Dinosaur in charge who has got rid of every forward not guaranteed a start and filled the bench with Defenders and Keepers. His sole tactic is too nick a goal and then defend it with reinforcements from the bench.
Sacked from his last 3 jobs. Terribly negative football.
We have been lumbered with Brontosaurus Carlo topping up his pension.
Outcoached by Steve Bruce. What an indictment.
238 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:45:35
239 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:45:56
240 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:48:02
241 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:50:17
242 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:51:22
243 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:52:10
There were very few positives to be taken from our performance, other than it provided confirmation of the inadequacies of several players. If they are at the club next season (Im thinking Sigurdsson, Iwobi Gomes and Pickford in particular) I shall be disappointed.
244 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:53:34
I saw a team wanting James and Digne to produce something everytime they touched the ball and forgetting their own responsibilities.
This is where levels show like the sky. Richarlison, perfect example.
One of our most influential players and one most would certainly expect to start games. All he shows me lately is that he can't jump to the top level.
The mentality of our games is different now. Expectation is there before Kick Off and there is not much room for error.
Did anyone see the expectation affect James game? Keane Mina? These 3 all looked up for the challenge of pushing the side forward again. Not losing concentration and managing the ball well.
Doucouré also to an extent.
Someone tell me where Iwobi, Calvert Lewin, Richarlison, Sigurdsson, Gomes, Pickford, Coleman are playing high level football or playing like they have a winning mentality?
Richarlisons composure stinks. Gomes passes and moves slower than every opponent he faces. Sigurdsson the same. The heart is there but the speed of play at the top level evades these players.
Funnily enough Richarlisons best passage of play was winning the ball back, getting his head up and following his pass. Where is his head at when he runs with the ball?
Iwobi too, what a boring player to watch. Where was the heart to make a run like the Wolves run he made?
I don't think we could have had a more attacking line up than today and once again we showed timid, sluggish, flat football going through the motions and admiring James.
245 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:54:04
246 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:54:49
247 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:55:34
248 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:55:35
249 Posted 30/01/2021 at 16:59:10
250 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:01:20
Wigan in the cup, RS in the semi, Aston Villa to go top last season, Man U in the cup!! Every time we choke!
Im trying to keep a sense of perspective here!! Its one game in reality but lets face it we really are an irrelevant team. We never win anything, rarely qualify for Europe and when we do we choke and we are never in the relegation fight! A pointless team ( hard to say )!
I dont know how it changes really ? We thrown a lot of money at it! Have a classy manager ( Im still 100% behind him despite errors) and yet were still nothing !! In a fight for 7th with Southampton, West Ham and Aston Villa!! Once we go out of the cup v Spurs next week then once again we can focus on the this fight for 7th!
Truly depressing and cant stop thinking about it!
A big signing out of the blue might help me recover a bit ?!!
251 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:01:53
252 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:02:35
253 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:03:14
254 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:03:17
255 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:03:34
Agree about having players on both posts btw.
256 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:03:50
EVERTON IN THE COMMUNITY TURNS 33!
I feel so much better.
257 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:04:49
But for God's sake we have to wake up and be bold; and we need to get a striker in. All is not lost, not yet.
258 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:04:57
259 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:05:07
Time and again Siggy was the out ball for the defence.
Only when he was stood 5 metres from the central defender and then passed the ball straight back. That is NOT an outball.
Time and again he played neat short interchanges with Doucoure and James which kept possession and kept the ball moving.
Neat short interchanges that kept the ball moving? We couldn't string two passes together today. You must be getting a different feed in Brazil. And where did these neat interchanges take us? And as for Sigurdsson moving, well that does not happen.
Time and again he fed both Richarlison and Digne in acres of room on the room.
If Digne and Richy were in acres of room, which they were, then anyone could find them, especially when playing deep and given time on the ball.
You are obviously willing Siggy to be the superstar that he definitely is not, not in this game, or any other.
You are entitled to your own opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts.
260 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:06:18
261 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:06:54
My eyes are very open as they have been for the 49 years I've been following Everton.
That allows me to both praise and criticise based on what I see, not just make an argument fit my dislike or disapproval of the manager.
Kendall must go leaflets.
262 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:08:57
If only the club employed a man who's job it was to do something about that.
263 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:10:20
If the management team can't motivate this group then bye bye. It was miserable and predictable today. No complaints about the result. Might be a blessing in the long term going forward. Let's hope so.
264 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:12:21
Its clear within the thread we have poor midfielders though and not a great deal of difference was sat on the bench.
I don't believe for a minute more than 2% of Evertonians looked at our line up and never thought - this side should beat their lot?
I don't believe Ancelotti never thought that we couldn't win. Or maybe he thought - i'll start our most direct players and restrict them all because I don't fancy winning.
265 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:12:49
266 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:13:33
267 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:13:37
If Ancelotti pissed in the centre circle most would say it was raining.
268 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:13:40
I'm not bothered if he can't tackle. He is supposed to be a creative midfield player and has this reputation as being a player who can spray passes and land the ball on a sixpence. It's a complete myth. Gylfi was in the media this week saying he's never been happier at Everton. No bloody wonder. Trot around a bit. Do some pointing and have fans thinking he's done okay. Nice work if you can get it.
269 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:15:12
Danny @261, no criticism meant here but we have to realise that what we see isn't necessarily real only our interpretation. What we comment isn't fact only opinion. We were pretty shit today though.
270 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:15:24
271 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:18:20
272 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:19:30
I feel we have improved if you look bigger picture.
Today was a shit performance and we deservedly lost. In the course of a season you win games, you draw games and you lose games. Even champions do.
But in the more strategic outlook, I think we are moving forward. That's how I see it. You maybe don't and I think (please correct me if I'm wrong), you would rather not have Carlo Ancelotti as manager and will therefore use every defeat or poor performance to force that view home.
Simple fact is, a poor performance is poor regardless of who the manager is / was. Today was poor.
[BRZ]
273 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:19:40
Don't be so down, fellahs. Between you, you are closer to 150 years of supporting Everton, than a century. You've seen a LOT worse times than a home loss to the PL's most out-of-form team.
The manager in his post-match comments identified the issue today. At different times, for prolonged periods, we have shown we have both the quality and the spirit to compete at the sharp end of the table. Today the spirit was sadly lacking in too many. And without the spirit, the quality also suffers.
As Carlo said, the mentality has to be switched on from the start, all game. If not, you will get results and performances like today.
Opportunity missed? Absolutely.
Terminal and indicative that we will never return to past glories? Exaggerated.
In the last 9 PL games it's W 5 D 2 L 2. Add two cup wins into that run.
It's not all bad, is it?
274 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:22:44
[BRZ]
275 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:23:05
'Jay, you are entitled to your own opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts.'
But evidently you are, Barry, claiming your view of the game as the only factual and valid one.
Convenient.
Carry on.
276 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:25:13
As Martin Mason said, Newcastle were good — today. They havent been shite all season, they started well then turned shite. Like most teams theyve a lot of average players and a few good ones. Today their average players upped their game, ours didnt. Their good players showed their quality, our good ones were dreadful. As we saw with Sheff Utd v Man U, the difference between the top and bottom isnt that great and if youre below par you can lose to anyone.
277 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:25:41
I reckon two at best.
279 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:27:34
280 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:28:19
The big worry for Carlo is that our performances at Goodison have been awful and he needs to take responsibility and do something different to change it.
281 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:28:56
Five of the so called 'big six' still to play away from from home.
We need to improve that home form very quickly if we are not to undo the work in gathering the points from the first half of the season. Can't afford to have too many of games like today. We need to move quickly on to leeds and get 3 points.
282 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:29:11
If we stay calm and the manager and team change their approach then this can still be a truly excellent season. We all feel desperate now but things can turn again. We must fight and we must take risks.
And get those two hard cases Holgate and Godfrey back in.
283 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:30:48
Id say James would. Him apart Godfrey has a shot
284 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:31:53
285 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:33:49
Both need to be back for the Leeds game.
As our right side options seem to be delivering zero service to DCL, it would make sense to play Digne as left midfield- at least a few crosses may come in.
286 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:34:46
To me we should have played Gomes from the start instead of Sigurdsson you cant play him and James in the same team unless you want to get outfought in midfield.
I actually felt sorry for Iwobi being hooked as he did far more than Richarlison who seems to spend more time on his backside than on his feet, also DCL must wonder whats happened to the supply line.
It pains me to say but when you see the Dark Side play they have energy, players close giving the man in possession options and they pass it well, Everton do not do any of those things.
The sooner we get Allan back in the centre with Doucoure and Gomes, then hopefully we can compete. Ben Godfrey in midfield would also have been a better proposition than that lot today truly woeful.
As for European football, on this performance its pure fantasy !
287 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:35:03
When we did get into good positions the final pass was usually dreadful and we failed to work their goalkeeper, at all.
I don't usually criticise individuals but I fail to see what Iwobi brings to the side, He always looks busy but there is never any end product. Coleman has been a great servant but I think his days as a first choice have come to a end. Richarlison looks only half the player he was last season.
Let's hope we can dig something out at Leeds because they will punish a similar performance to today's.
288 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:35:12
Next year for Godfrey.
Imo he will be a top class CB.
I agree on James.
289 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:36:24
290 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:38:18
It was all so obvious, all so predictable. Yet we did nothing to counter it. They kicked lumps off us early and to be honest most of the team seemed to want no part of it.
Wilson should have had four. Five even. We weren't able to deal with his movement, and Richi lost two headers from corners one of which ended up in the net the other one brilliantly saved. An adjustment not made really.
Richarlison himself dropped into the midfield to pick up the ball and try and drive it at them, to varying degrees of success. He at least was trying to make something happen. The Barcodes did the take turns to foul James thing, the officials either didn't notice or didn't care. I thought James body language spoke volumes. So here I am getting kicked, niggled, stamped and trodden on around an empty Goodison Park
The lack of any real options on the bench is telling. I feel for Moshiri - there's no fucking way I'd handle the casual destruction of tens of millions of my wealth by chancers, spivs and plain crooks the way he has. I'm not sure if it's financial fair play or just Moshiri imposing a spending limit on himself but if there was a January where there was a case to break the budget and bring in someone this was surely it. Instead he, like us, has watched a 1-0 lead against the Foxes turn into one point from six and yet another tremendous opportunity thrown away.
This is where the opportunity - and financial! - cost of the Walsh years really comes back to hurt us. Not that the Brands tenure has achieved anywhere near what was hoped for when he arrived. The failure of Phillip Cocu in Turkey and Derby after leaving PSV is interesting in it's own way as well. It's very very difficult to successfully import and imprint a new football culture. Something our own manager is presently struggling with.
What sort of response from the players can we expect against Leeds? You honestly can't guess with this bunch. The occasional passionate performance gives the illusion of belief. But the safe bet is always for this group to roll over and wait for their belly to be tickled.
That's the nub of the problem probably. Fuck January, glad it's nearly over.
291 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:38:29
Football is dead simple now. You are either in that mix of darling clubs where most of your 11 is quality, the squad is made of 2 teams and you can get away with mistakes, or.
You are one of the other hundreds across Europe that can't make mistakes, rely on perfection, minimal injuries and genuine officials.
292 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:38:52
293 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:40:02
Im sure he told Steve Bruce the exact same thing.
294 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:41:32
I posted same at the start of the season.
Sulks like a big tart.
Good on his day, but they are few and far between lately
295 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:46:39
Building on your Dads Army theme, an empty Goodison looks a lot like an auld empty barn. Hopefully the warden will instruct us to get those ruddy lights off on Wednesday so floodlight failure saves us from Leeds.
296 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:47:38
Did Carlo, take the squad on a field trip to a Fish Processing plant during the week, or recently? Why, because they had no backbone, were gutless and stunk the place out. I will however give a reprieve to James Rodriguez, who seemed to be the only one committed into trying to play.
George @ 220 such a poignant analogy of not only today's debacle, but one that has been lingering and threatening to manifest itself for a while now. Mark @234, & Tony@235 and many others expressing what we all as a (Everton Blue) family feel about our beloved side, it is gut-wrenching and I know nearly all of us feel the same way. Trouble is, I don't know what the answer is, I believe it goes a lot deeper and further 'than a bad day at the office' and one unfortunately you know is going to be repeated until the root cause is eradicated.
297 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:47:40
Finding a way to keep us solid, whilst adding creativity is the next step for Ancellotti, and I doubt he can do it without signing more players.
Im not moaning because we deserved to lose today, but if I honestly cant remember the last time I saw a good ref, then this fella lowers the levels of officiating to an incredibly poor standard.
298 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:47:52
Coleman and Iwobi did virtually nothing, Digne was wasteful and backed out of challenges. Siggy plays too slowly for this league and we had no game changers on the bench though why he didnt bring on Godfrey and Holgate to check the very mobile Wilson puzzles me.
James and DCL were the only two who looked bothered. Leeds next will be interesting as they play a similar game to Newcastle but are a lot better at it. We need to field players who will put in hard graft so Holgate and Godfrey, James,DCL and Tom must all start plus Doucoure. We need reinforcements up front and a creator in midfield- any chance Marcel??
299 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:51:05
300 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:52:40
301 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:53:36
No player likes to get relegated as it lowers their value so they put the extra effort in their game as Newcastle did, Evertons players never did and performed as if they expected to win. There are no easy games in the premier league as Sheffield Utd showed against City, the difference in this game, is City fought for the win. Everton's players didn't.
The problem we have is we do not have that good a squad that we can drop under performing players, but there should be a couple dropped and explained why. It is no use blaming individuals as there was to many but listening to Ancelotti's comments I doubt if in private with the players he held back.
There is another problem and that is the standard of refereeing. Newcastle laid out there tactics in the first 10 min with the tackles on a couple of players 1 was a yellow and the rest ignored. I don't blame Newcastle for their tactics as if you can get away with it why stop. The problem now is other teams have seen it and can see how to slow Everton down. I
just hope that Ancelotti has a go at the referee's and Everton's players start surrounding and complaining to the referee like the other teams do.
We have blown away the 2 game advantage we had and I hope this is rammed down the players throats, as poor displays like this lower their value as players, both financially and as a person.
302 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:55:08
303 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:56:12
304 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:59:33
If youve never turned off a game before then either your remote has been out of batteries or youve a much stronger constitution than me.
Thomas 300
Who indeed? Nathan Broadhead? Maybe Baningane as a fill in? The options from the mythical academy are endless
305 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:01:44
I don't actually hate using them as an example, but Liverpool under Klopp done it the other way around. Go hell for leather going forward, then in year 3 put the final pieces in the jigsaw at the back.
I reiterate. Poor performance all around today, bad result. But 12 months on I think we're in a better place and have more to look forward to than not. It's a bad performance and result but in the context of what may turn out yet to be a good season, it's just a result.
306 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:03:09
307 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:06:11
308 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:07:47
Negligence is the correct phrase for our forward options.
309 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:07:58
To be fair.
That is your take on most things Everton
310 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:08:55
311 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:13:18
What we had on the bench today was a disgrace.
312 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:13:43
Do you honestly believe that Carlo is so happy with his squad thats hes decided to further weaken it just to what? Show off his turd polishing skills? The players leaving have gone for a few reasons a) theyre crap b) Raiola unsettled one c) because the club has massive debts, an unsustainable wage Bill and greatly reduced income due to Covid.
313 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:15:13
You dare not say such things the claim "Martinez benefited from "Davey's defence" will raise it's doddering head despite the fact Martinez' Wigan (among many others) shoved 3 up that pillar of organisation and defiance.
If Mosh had any idea about the game he would have rescued Bobby and saved himself a shedload of cash, unfortunately he is absolutely clueless about the game.
314 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:17:18
315 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:17:33
Ironically the bench would have looked stronger with Bernard and Tosun included. I assume that their absence means that they are leaving the club.
316 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:18:08
317 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:18:22
None of them play for Everton
318 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:19:19
319 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:20:15
320 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:20:32
321 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:22:05
As for Seamus saying "they wanted it more" - that should never EVER be said about the opposition. Shameful - what more motivation do players need than zeroing in on the Top 4? Which manager is it who looks first for character beyond anything else in his new signings? That's what we need now with all new signings.
And if Tosun and Bernard go within days then we can say goodbye to anything above 7th or 8th. We'll have a ridiculously thin squad but at least we'll have made inroads on the wage bill and cleared out some lockers for new boys in the summer.
322 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:22:51
😂😂😂😂
323 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:22:55
324 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:25:36
I agree but I suspect at this point Carlo trusts Sig or James as an auxiliary striker more than Simms. The balance of th squad is wrong and has been for a long time but thats more on Brands than Carlo surely?
325 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:26:50
your not daft, you get the point.
326 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:30:11
Well if anyone needed a slap it was Shelvey and I was begging Carlo to stick Godfrey on the pitch with specific orders: "just tackle Shelvey, that's all and preferably very fucking late". For me the referee summed up our performance, absolute total shite, in minute 3 when Richy got kicked I knew where this game was going.
Steve fuckwit Bruce loves a tight game and if the referee is willing, stick in a few late tackles, then keep repeating till the referee stops it. Well, as we saw, the referee was barcode blind. You know what, sometimes you have to let teams know who is who on that pitch and Bruce did just that. Now I don't give a fuck if Digne can cross the ball like a Jesuit priest on acid, for me he does not hold his position or the boy attacking him if your not good enough to hold your position, at least put a tackle in.
Now Godrey and Holgate both love a tackle and we had them on the bench, whilst Shelvey was roaming around Goodison slapping James and Richy at will. Fucking twat.
Carlo, just so you know. Just so you are fully aware, we haven't had good football at Goodison for almost 3 decades. Yes that's absolutely right, three. whole. fucking. decades. Don't be fooled by "Nil satis nisi optimum" because it's not at Goodison anymore, it's been fucked right off.
Please. Bring it back.
327 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:30:42
The manager whoever he is has no magic wand to make them.
It should be enough for the players like any school football team to look at at the opposition and think we are better than these let's beat them.
328 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:34:05
I do, but its no good speculating on players not at the club.
I think we will see new player (s) over the next day or so
329 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:37:02
Feel so let down by Carlo and the team today
330 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:37:12
Sigurdsson looks like another Schneiderlin in that roll. Useless defensively, useless going forward.
331 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:37:13
332 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:40:24
negligence.
333 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:40:26
Over the course of a season it's going to count against us. So dislodging a side from the rich 6 is going to be a big ask. Obviously Leicester are a very good side / squad too.
There's a chance - because I do think Ancelotti is a clever manager. But without reinforcements at this stage it's going to be very hard work and we might well fall short.
Important to remember we're never as bad (or good) as we think. So there's no reason to be all doom and gloom about the Leeds game. But this is not going to be the season we crack top 4 (and never was).
The players aren't good enough.
334 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:40:36
335 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:43:19
- playing Gylfi in a CM role, after it was a disaster last year, and proved to be one today too.
It must be a real kick in the teeth for Tom / Andre to see themselves behind such a square peg in their round hole.
- Not giving Gordon a go from the bench.
Maybe hes just another in a long list of talent that never really was, but when chasing the game surely his ‘defensive deficiencies (according to Carlo advice) are worth the risk.
- Not using the full 9 spaces on the bench and wasting one of the 8 on having a 3rd goal keeper.
Surely keeping Small and Onyango in and around the team, and their hope high. is sensible. Especially if we are as skint as Kieran believes.
Overall, Im also just really worried where the squad is at. Its right that weve stripped it down, and I think Allan in for Siggy today would have changed the result, but weve left ourselves unbelievably lightweight in attacking third.
Really hoping we get a surprise in next day or so, because what a wasted opportunity this season will be.
Team for next game for me (442)
Olsen
Holgate Mina Keane Godfrey
James Doucoure Gomes Digne
DCL Richie
336 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:44:27
Have you read the wages these players are demanding and as far as Kean goes (a) he is our player (b) he never really got your heart racing when he was given games for us. Why does every one go on about Ancelotti and Brands not going for anyone. how do we now their not trying ? is it because they are not mentioned on every Football show or in the newspapers or other media outlets. They kept it quiet until they signed Godfrey. James and Doucoure.
The team out today was nearly the same that started off like a house on fire at the beginning of the season. We have a poor squad to overcome injuries and suspensions (yes) but do we have to buy in every transfer window when we are still trying to sell off the deadwood, and loose a couple of games (no)..
We are not the only team in the premier league who need new players and they may be after the same players we are. We may have a billionaire owner, but reading about the richest premier league clubs, there are 14 clubs richer than us and some of them may be after the same players.
It is easy sitting at a keyboard saying we should go out and buy new players, its harder when you have to do it in a midterm window when clubs want to keep their best players and sell their deadwood. That is why we cant sell ours.
337 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:47:03
338 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:50:17
Just read Tim Cahills autobiography. Seamus comment could never have been made in Moyess day.
339 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:51:39
340 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:52:04
Why when Richarlison and DCL where anonymous, why didn't they swap positions?
Seems to me Carlo isn't here for the long haul, hence why Big Dunc got the assistant coach job.
341 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:52:32
Your on the money with your 'Midfield we have numbers at least. In forward and wide positions we don't even have numbers' comments.
Maybe it's a season where Carlo has been told to cut down on the wage bill for 12 months, to keep Moshiri's bank manager happy, after the exhaustive spending of recent seasons.
If that's the case we're in for another very mediocre season, Spurs in the cup will be our next and only meaningful fixture.
342 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:56:25
343 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:57:28
Im not particularly saying we should go out and buy AB&C, but keeping the forwards you already HAVE would at least give the coach options, ok he has probably sanctioned the outgoings, but to then leave himself with NOTHING is rank bad management by all.
344 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:58:43
Now, big picture before I rant a bit! Everton are on course for 66 points, that would have gotten you 3rd last season. We are definitely better off than a year ago, no question.
However, today that showed the limit of the squad, the bench was unbelievably shallow. Two keepers, and not all the sub slot allocations taken!!?? Man, we have really really spuffed a lot of money away, it is untrue!
Richarlison embarrassed me today as an Evertonian. The rolling around, the going to ground and sulking - he's a big strong lad from Brazil - dish it back out fella! I am a little peeved that the drama queen mentality that has stopped me watching anything other than Everton games, has no crept into Everton. It makes me frustrated and a little angry to watch grown athletic men play acting like a little girl who has lost her dolly. It is just pathetic.
Right, not one Everton player stood up to the bullyboy tactics of Newcastle today, not one defended James, a small chap, or went to his aid, not one. Carsley, Fellaini, Cahill, Distin etc. what has happened? Everton used to at least have a pair!
I can handle poor performances, I can handle wrong selections; that today was insipid - no communication on the basics (not even a 'man on' Zingari league like warnings today). Where are the leaders? They do not look that bothered, they really don't seem to care or want to achieve. That is totally unacceptable, even for one game.
345 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:02:52
However not bringing in at least one forward - even on loan - seems odd.
Paul The Esk has been sounding warnings about our ‘housekeeping for some time.
Current activity reminds me of Bill Kenwrights ‘balance the books sales. which reminds me. did we ever locate the Arteta transfer fee?
346 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:05:27
347 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:06:06
348 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:12:51
You're delusional.
Was it you or someone else that were saying after the Leicester game, "with 36 points in the bag, half way through the season. " making the assumption we'd beat Newcastle.
As you say, we're talking about Everton - and the only thing you can guarantee with Everton is they will always let you down.
Where do you think we're going to get another 33 points from? Away to United, City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, West Ham etc? And our home form is worse than our away form.
total 55 points at best - and that's being generous.
349 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:14:58
Having eight subs including two goalkeepers and not giving a young player match day experience stinks of arrogance and really not giving one flying fuck about the structure of the club.
I didn't see the match but I am horrified that an insightful blue like Derek Knox could take no more.
I looked at the live forum to get an update about what was happening and ended up with another reason to be gutted at the performance:
The fact that it gives credence to some really vile views. Banter? Fuck me, how can some on there attach their name to the utter brain dead poison they post.
350 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:18:25
We will, I am confident, have a better squad for the 21/22 season. Always next year though isn't it?
351 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:25:13
Koeman, and Walsh wasted a lot of money, Allardyce only spent a fraction, although both players were high earners, who we have had to loan out, just to get them off the wage bill, but Ive just heard financial FairPlay has been cancelled, so if Ancellotti doesnt sign anyone now its obvious hes being negligent, especially if hes getting another two top earners out of the club.
352 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:25:57
And even if he is by then we will be judging him on his own squad.
353 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:25:59
Thanks for letting me know that I am delusional Sean! That'll explain why the rich super-models keep knocking me back!
Other teams have Europe, we don't - though with Everton who knows?
Half way through a season, double the points, not really delusional me think! It's possible we'll get 'em from the same source as the previous 19 games, just a thought. And, we may not!
And no, it wasn't me who mentioned 36 points mate! Some other deluded head!
354 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:27:18
355 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:31:10
356 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:33:20
Your correct about Silva/Zouma too, but I think Kurt fancied his chance at Chelsea with Fat Frank, and was proved right for 18 months at least.
357 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:34:44
358 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:40:50
Or Barry it might be because youre one ugly fucker. Just another option to throw into the mix. No offence like.
359 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:42:31
360 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:42:52
Haa haa, what a lovely chap you are !
361 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:44:56
362 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:45:30
364 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:49:29
365 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:49:38
Other than the youngsters that we have loaned out all the others have been expensive flops. WE easily have the worst record in the Prem for buying players.
366 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:51:48
We are an infinitely different team today to the one that finished last season.
We ARE in the process of rebuilding and it will take more time.
We WILL get setbacks, like today.
But OVERALL, surely, anyone can see a general improvement in comparison to the YEARS mentioned above.
This first half of this season has been a quantum leap forward for us and if anything of the same magnitude happens in the second half of the season we will end on 66 points (or hopefully a few more) which should guarantee a top 6 finish and, with a bit of luck, we might get to the top 4 (although I doubt this squad is capable of competing at that level in Champs League - yet).
But, Come on guys and gals, give Carlos a chance to at least get his feet under the table!
He's been here two half seasons and I for one can look at the EPL table today and say - yes, I can see the effect he and those he has signed so far, have had to date.
He will need a couple more windows at least to truly put his stamp on the side, but if after those windows the players he brings in have the same incremental effect as those he has brought in already, then I can see us being serious challengers in 12 months time.
Meanwhile, we will still suffer the occasional HICCUP.
367 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:52:06
3rd transfer window? I make it 2 until Monday.
And in a pandemic. Shit I'm making excuses and being an apologist. Or a realist. Depends on your view.
His signings to date as I see it are Allan, Doucoure, James and Godfrey as well as Olsen. Personally I feel that has improved the squad.
368 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:54:41
You've posted that before, about three transfer windows, and backtracked when somebody pointed out he'd only just arrived for the first one, and that was also a notorious winter-nothing-much-available-window. So why post it again when you backtracked before?
And the third one is also such a window!
369 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:59:49
I have mentioned a lot of what you have covered in your post today. The last few games were really hard to watch, but it is the bigger picture that needs looking at. Now, if we haven't improved on last year by the end of the season, then yes, we can be more critical.
These times are utterly unprecedented.
370 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:00:52
371 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:04:09
372 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:06:09
Taking it a stage further, it seems though not always, that certain teams seem to be dealt with more leniently than others. I'm neither suggesting that any brown envelopes are involved, I don't think there needs to be, because the average referee is on an absolute fortune plus expenses, but is arguably the most influential character on the pitch.
I do appreciate that decisions have to be made on the spot, not always supported by VAR, or the benefit of a slo-mo replay, and there are some good actors out there, amongst the alleged victims of foul play, but surely this has to be addressed sooner rather than later otherwise the game we all love is going to be irreparably ruined beyond belief.
373 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:06:49
Look at the players Villa have put together ( since Ancelotti arrived here) Watkins, Cash, Barkley, Traore.
Bobby Mallon. I want better for my club. I'm calling out the bullshit we are seeing. It's a pity you accept it
374 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:07:57
375 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:10:43
376 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:13:47
Carlo, the hapless commander reaching for his revolver in the drawer.
Gomes, missing in action
DCL, captured behind enemy lines
Pickford, shell shock suffered in the battle of Leicester
Godfrey, faking his age trying to get to the front line.
Richarlison, impersonating an officer
Sigi and Digne, still playing in the Christmas day friendly
Coleman, copped a Blighty one some time ago but won't desert his comrades.
ToffeeWebers, stuck on the home front, powerless, angry and resentful of the Kaiser across the lines.
Bill Kenwright, court martialled, convicted. Sentence to be decided by Don Alexander.
377 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:14:44
378 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:14:49
Fuck football it's more corrupt, than a corrupt kiddie, at a corruption convention.
379 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:17:12
Time for carlo to get angry. Expectations and reality are our problem. This is a top ten squad. Further additions are required. The players going. Really, have they made a difference at Everton? No! That's why its called rebuilding. Carlo knows what we need but it will take time. However desire to win is a must at any level of football.
380 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:17:44
By the way, it was a penalty that should have been awarded following a clear handball by that well known villa player, Cash. Sorry don't know his first name!!
381 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:20:10
I believe some of these star struck refs like hob knobbing with the stars. Think Clattenburg taking advice on red cards from Gerard after going on tour with them. You get big personalities like Pep and Klopp acting all smiles while patronizing their mistakes and I think these muppets want to keep them happy. In the old days it was the bullies who influenced the ref eg Fergie time. Bullying gets you nowhere any more as Mourinho has learned but flattery and the chance to join “the cool kids” seems to affect refs. Beyond that, the EPL refuse to enforce their own rules on diving so why would a ref? Lastly, a lot of refs are fat, short sighted and or incompetent
382 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:25:41
383 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:26:20
384 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:28:00
But, we still have everything to play for. I hope the manager is given a striker at the very least to help this improved squad finish in the top 6 as we approach the business end of the season.
385 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:28:30
Brilliant analysis so true.
386 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:29:05
This slow, ponderous, pointless passing out from the back is shit to watch and a shit way to try and get a result.
387 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:31:16
We have no plan of attack.
390 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:36:04
That's why our team look so lacklustre, they're skull fucked with how it's allowed to happen. Then we turn on our own, rinse and repeat, wonder why we've been so lame for so long.!
391 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:39:32
I saw Everton make a decent start to the game, with some slick passes and decent movement. Sadly they allowed Newcastle to gain a grip on the game and they were worth their success by virtue of their workrate overall.
I understand the frustration of everyone because I experienced the same frustration, but whether you agree with Carlo Ancelotti's team selection or tactics, I think it's unfair to blame him for the lack of spirit shown by the players. It's long been my opinion that, once the players cross the white line, the manager has little or no control over their performances; personal pride should be motivation enough.
I fully appreciate the feelings of the fans, we all react in different ways but my reaction was one of great disappointment. It's also my view that most of us know that that the players we have, whilst good individually, are not what we require collectively.
392 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:42:10
393 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:43:35
394 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:44:02
Lets pray that on Wednesday the mess of today is washed out the system andEverton, turn up.
I hope theres no more feedback from Seamus or the other players, they owe the Everton. Supporters, a proper performance v Leeds.
The next game that is important, the players must turn up, and as Jay @273,, has stated earlier, with perspective, Evertons form over the last 9 games, results based, is not the worst.
As we all know its the hope, that fekkn destroys you, but today hopefully, is a lesson to this squad and management, of not preparing mentally for every game with the right mindset.
Well, lets see what happens at Leeds.
395 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:44:27
396 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:44:43
397 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:44:52
398 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:45:09
It was definitely a team plan to injure him or at least make him get rid of the ball quicker than he usually does. Unfortunately it worked and if other evil bastards catch on this will happen more often. I wonder who suggested that this was the way to neutralize him? Could not be the tactics of centre back manager?
It takes a better ref than Atwell to spot this or know what is going on. I can never understand why refs don't know more about the dark arts and give quality players more protection.
Today, we were without the two players – Godfrey and Holgate (and Allan) who are prepared to give as good as they get while most of today's team didn't have desire to do anything about it.
I hope Carlo has learned today's lesson that we have to play a back 4 of centre backs and use Digne in front of Godfrey. I for one would much rather see a more defensive set up and try to nick a goal than be opened up like today.
Just to rub salt in the wounds, Barkley has just scored for Villa. If we don't get anyone in before the window closes, our only hope will be waiting for Allan to return, which will give us some bite in midfield.
399 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:50:43
I was surprised Carlo didn't bring Ben on to cover the pace of the lad who came on. And James should not play wide... In any formation.
400 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:52:16
If it looks like shit and smells like shit, I can assure you it is shit.
402 Posted 30/01/2021 at 21:04:00
403 Posted 30/01/2021 at 21:04:58
For the owner to write the rest of the season off to balance the books is a pretty understandable, but he could've at least given the heads up.
With no new forwards coming in, it's just the same two stale worn-out zombies we already have up front, that's the reality of watching the Blues.
As for a new ground, don't make me laugh, just sort Goodison out. Perfect timing during a pandemic, I would have thought; stop treating the fans like total idiots.
404 Posted 30/01/2021 at 21:07:21
He did ok today after his injury/withdrawal earlier in the week and was better than a lot of others. He made errors certainly but he usually tries to move us forward.
He put in a couple of balls to the penalty area which were well directed, he defended generally well including one crucial covering run and his removal was a mystery as far as I am concerned at that stage of the game.
Some have decided to dislike him.
405 Posted 30/01/2021 at 21:07:25
Well, there's your answer, mate.
406 Posted 30/01/2021 at 21:12:54
Ancelotti knows more about football than I ever will, and I still have faith he will make us a force. However, I do think his decision to stick with calamity Pickford was a bad one, even showing a sign of weakness perhaps. Calamity deserved to be dropped after the fuck-up the other night.
Why the fuck did he chase Olsen and bring him in if he's not going to give him a run, from what I have seen he has done very well when picked.
Today's result should be no surprise to me, as an Evertonian I have come to accept that when opportunities are there Everton will probably fuck it up nine times out of ten.
Leeds next, Let's hope they are off their game!
407 Posted 30/01/2021 at 21:15:11
Today he dumped his defensive plans and went full steam ahead, but we just couldn't pick the pace up to attack quickly. Whether it was due to months of slow play or just Coleman and Digne didn't perform as attacking full-backs at all, I don't know. What was obvious is that Newcastle had sussed us by attacking our full-backs and Wilson gave not only Digne a bad time but also Keane with his pace, movement and physicality. Digne hung back, James's trademark long ball left-wing switch wasn't on at all after the first 10 mins and we floundered.
The midfield we have, even with Allan isn't one of pace. movement, it's static and relies purely on James creating any moves we make. We will get taken to the cleaners again on Wednesday at Leeds as they will press us, outpace us, and frankly I fear another significant loss.
He just has to get Godfrey on somewhere in that back 4, preferably as a centre-back who with his phenomenal pace will allow us to push right up and cut the gaps out and our midfield can push up and support our front two – who also want a right kicking up the backsides, as both are developing into right little moany schoolboys.
Last point – I know James gets targeted, but the amount of downtime he and Richarlison cause us with their theatrics is ludicrous.
408 Posted 30/01/2021 at 21:18:45
A sweet smell of great sorrow lies over the land
George's poetry lamenting our plight (This world was never meant for one as beautiful as George)
Dave A's street wisdom ( heartbreaking to witness his pain)
Even Derek Knox is having his Godfather moment (just when he thought he was out. They pulllled him back in)
I don't think many of us saw this defeat coming.., I suspect most posters were expecting another bun fight about the manner of our "victory" tonight. Not so.
Many thought a new dawn was about to break. The rest of us, secretly hoped they were right.
Today hurt. Really hurt. You can reach out and touch the pain.
This thread reads like a Greek tragedy. Theyre all out tonight. The philosophers. The thinkers. The poets. The artists. The street wise. The cynical. The Ravens. The pipers. The painters. The purist...and lets not ever forget the excuse makers,,,,We're all united by the terrible realisaton that our seemingly endless wait goes on.
We could examine the facts, Analyse why every time we think we are climbing back up the mountain. it always goes so terribly Pete Tong. We could be philosophical. poetic. cultured and dignified in our misery.... FUCK THAT. We're Evertonians.
"WE GET KNOCKED DOWN, BUT WE GET UP AGAIN. YOU'RE NEVER GONNA KEEP US DOWN"
"WE GET KNOCKED DOWN, BUT WE GET UP AGAIN. YOU'RE NEVER GONNA TO KEEP US DOWN"
"WE GET KNOCKED DOWN, BUT WE GET UP AGAIN, YOU'RE NEVER GONNA TO KEEP US DOWN"
"WE GET KNOCKED DOWN, BUT WE GET UP AGAIN, YOU'RE NEVER GONNA TO KEEP US DOWN"
Sorry to be so self indulgent. but right now, I'm feeling no pain.
Get on Bushmlls Irish, if you havent tried it before. Its not in the same league as the single pots, but its cheap and cheerful and it's so much better than paracetamol. The best 20 quid I've spent this weekend.
"PISSING THE NIGHT AWAY...PISSING THE NIGHT AWAY"
409 Posted 30/01/2021 at 21:19:19
The problem today seemed to be after Newcastle starting handing out crunching tackles, a number that should have been punished but were not, the Everton players did not want to become involved in this type of game, nor protect our more skillful players.
I agree with John #391 and mentioned it in a previous comment. I don't believe that after coaching through the week, Ancelotti tells his players to go out and play like that as it seemed with no effort. This may be one of the reasons we can't sell our deadwood as they give the impression that Everton players have no fight in them.
It's terrible today that when we read the team sheet we had the team to win the game; the problem was the players did not believe it.
410 Posted 30/01/2021 at 21:23:16
Iwobi has improved, I was thinking more of the balance today.
411 Posted 30/01/2021 at 21:25:17
412 Posted 30/01/2021 at 21:37:28
That'll do me.
413 Posted 30/01/2021 at 21:37:47
Cheap and cheerful?
How dare you, sir... (Try the 16 or the 21 single malt.)
414 Posted 30/01/2021 at 21:44:38
I'm not a Tom Davies fan at all but I would have him in the midfield ahead of Sigurdsson every time. I'd even rather see Holgate sitting in front of the back four which would at least free up Doucouré to drive forward more.
The mobility and stamina of this squad is worrying as is the ability to pass and move. We have very few players who can actually run with a ball at their feet; Iwobi can but has no end product and Richarlison looks like he just can't be bothered – I'd bench him and give Gordon another try.
Whoever starts out wide, Richarlison or Gordon and Iwobi say, they need to play narrower so they're closer to James and Calvert-Lewin which will allow us more link-up play while allowing space for the full-backs to overlap.
Finally, the lack of pace throughout the squad needs to be addressed at the end of this season, we must be the most pedestrian team in the Premier League.
415 Posted 30/01/2021 at 21:51:55
Glad it wasn't the old Wimbledon we were facing. Hate to think what ‘Fash the Bash' would have done to them.
416 Posted 30/01/2021 at 21:56:17
Seeing both Sigurdsson and Coleman in the starting XI today and Godfrey, Holgate and Davies not in it left me feeling we would get a draw today at best. I put my bets on accordingly and normal service was resumed; betting on us to lose lined my pockets once more.
Perhaps one of the worst aspects of that game was the fact that the Everton substitutes must be thinking to themselves, "Why the fuck I am here? We are shite and I am unable to get in this fucking side!"
Godfrey is entitled to feel royally fucked off, Holgate and even Davies too. And Carlo, if you are gonna defend so deep, you need players with pace or players who are prepared to run at opposing defenders, you had Moise Kean and Theo Walcott, you and Brands let them go (without replacements) and Calvert-Lewin chooses rarely to run at defenders despite (allegedly) being the very fastest sprinter at the club.
That 'performance' today was shameful, inept and embarrassing and the players out there today mirrored your own passive stance on the sidelines.
417 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:02:30
We all need to follow Darren's line now. Circle the wagons and take our drink.
418 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:07:11
That's where are. Ancelotti will get us up there but needs another year to clear the deadwood from the last 4 years and replace them with decent players.
419 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:08:46
Licking my wounds and accepting defeat as much as I hate it. That was a bad performance and bad result. Happy clappers, apologists, excusers and those who don't like our manager alike, sometimes we can all be in agreement with what we see. I think most of us are today.
Poor from Everton. Let's move on to the next one. No point dissecting this one.
420 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:16:58
I've preached all season about patience and see where we are. February is a key month. Leeds, Fulham and Liverpool. Then we go into the business end of the season.
421 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:17:12
The same players that have got shut of our previous Managers, have done the same yet again. They start off playing then, after a while, down tools and stroll across the pitch far too slow and struggle to play the simplest of passes to a teammate.
You can look at Allan, Doucouré, Godfrey, Digne, Holgate, Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison (when he can be bothered) as the team we need to build around; you can also argue Keane.
So that leaves us needing a right-back (I love Coleman but sadly age caught up with him), another power house midfielder, and certainly another centre-forward. The rest I would move on when possible.
In regards to the goalkeeper, do we stick or twist?
It's looking like Bernard, Tosun are leaving, Bolasie Gone, Kenny... that still leaves Delph, Davies possibly Gomes who I would look to bring better in, in the summer.
Gbamin could be the one who could come into midfield, as long as he does not turn out to be another sick note.
So not that far off when we have a fully fit starting 11. But the backup is very poor, and that is where we need to act, bring in some quality, and once we have those fringe players out of Goodison, we can then start to bring hopefully better quality of players in; too many are just happy enough to stroll around the pitch.
422 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:18:40
He did. Anyone you play there would give more protection than James.
That is not slagging James in any way. I have said many times on here, build a team around James having a free role. I don't want him tracking back.
My wagons are well circled, mate.
423 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:23:38
424 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:23:47
We were too nice out there today. Stroking the ball around like we were in a training match.
425 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:26:42
He defends so deep because the centre halfs havnt got pace (Godfrey has)
Imo it should be Ben first on the sheet and AN other alongside him.
426 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:28:32
427 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:28:41
428 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:30:06
UTFT!
429 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:31:12
430 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:31:41
Some of his passing and touch today was again wonderful. Some was less wonderful, but Pure Everton, pure football, he is; and he was betrayed by the dim traffic warden, Atwell.
431 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:36:58
432 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:36:59
He reminds me of Martin Keown but a lot faster.
Tony,
Genius mate.
Was thinking before, who was the last player we had with his qualities
433 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:37:28
434 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:44:32
435 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:44:56
You see them, and then.. frost. Then, you sulk, rant, accept your fate, miss MOTD, once more, and have another drink.
436 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:45:12
I still think we are well placed in the league.
Poor show today. But I'm confident we are moving in the right direction.
437 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:48:01
High praise mate.
"Rodriquez expresses and embodies everything we all want Everton to be about."
Amen brother
438 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:48:25
When he's put in that deep lying midfielder role I'm assuming his job is to provide a hard working, defensive screen and receive the ball from defenders and find a way out. He did that consistently. I wouldn't expect any more of him in that position. Did he light up the game? No. But he wasn't as culpable as many others.
I'm not sure how Doucoure continues to get a free pass. He stands alongside Sigurdsson. His passing can either be slow and ineffectual or quick and suicidal. He's not 'enforcing' in midfield. Did he make a tackle yesterday? He's not picking moments to break from midfield. What is his job in a setup like yesterday? He's capable of doing the things Sigurdsson is being criticised for not being capable of doing.
James has great moments. He also has plenty of the game where he drops in between the miniscule amount of space that exists between Sigurdsson and Doucoure. Who is the ball going forward to if 8 of the players are in defence?
Our striker and wingers are capable of more but the above leaves them pretty isolated. Can't even really judge them.
Carlo found a tactic out of necessity. Our attackers were injured or suspended and we were still shipping goals without the corresponding goal threat. So he took a pragmatic approach ahead of a set of tough fixtures. We went defensive, and hoped to nick one at the other end. We had a great run against good teams. That run had plenty of luck too.
But the attackers are back now. There's no need to be relying on luck against teams like Newcastle. Remember that period before the Derby when we were top of the league playing beautiful football? When every neutral wanted to watch our games? Save Allan, those players are all available.
439 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:49:02
Newcastle 3rd goal is exactly what I meant by Goal keepers not coming out and diving at feet or booting it away. Wilson gave him a chance to reach that ball with his poor first touch but stopped
440 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:52:56
441 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:55:56
442 Posted 30/01/2021 at 23:02:17
443 Posted 30/01/2021 at 23:02:25
I was gonna go dry January, but the lockdown and the age old recurring ulcer, which is EFC, saw to that, being honest always does.
Redemption in Leeds!
All stay safe and well.
444 Posted 30/01/2021 at 23:04:32
445 Posted 30/01/2021 at 23:07:18
We'll get there someday and peace love & understantding will break out on TW just hope you & I are there to see it.
446 Posted 30/01/2021 at 23:19:10
Slainte.
Up the fuckin toffees
447 Posted 30/01/2021 at 23:22:30
448 Posted 30/01/2021 at 23:22:54
We didn't deserve a point on Wednesday, and that made me angry and sad. But I believe we will get better, and that makes me happy.
I'm optimistic... More than I have been for years.
I'm also pissed. Goodnight, Blues. Up the Fucking Toffees!
A happy clapper.
449 Posted 30/01/2021 at 23:30:14
Equally happy clapping.
Everton is my escape. As I am sure it is everyone's.
450 Posted 30/01/2021 at 23:38:00
You preach to us that football is a simple game Carlo. Then why complicate matters with poor team selection and tactics which clearly don't suit against opposition motivated for combat. As for Big Dunc? Did your inspirational motivational ability get lost in translation? I can only assume our foreign contingent are unable to fathom Glaswegion!
451 Posted 30/01/2021 at 23:49:57
Escape...seriously it has to be more than that? Fuck next to my family, friends, community etc etc etc sometime I'll get to the Boys in Blue but they are much more than just an escape. Fecking 45 years later and I haven't escaped...must be something more than that Danny O?
452 Posted 30/01/2021 at 23:53:34
1, no, he is not great, hes just not played recently,
and 2, yes, he is missable when weve had to make do with Sigurdsson, Gomes and Davies, ... and thats about it on Allan.
453 Posted 31/01/2021 at 00:13:21
454 Posted 31/01/2021 at 00:54:20
Bottle, no one had the bottle to harass the referee for allowing the Newcastle players to leave the foot in, sly over the top stamps, it was clearly a tactic that was engineered to happen with Richardson, James in particular, one after another Newcastle players took turns in dishing it out with the only objective being to injure.
No Peter Rieds in our team anymore.. we can't take it and we can't dish it out.
There are several players that need to be gone and frankly the sooner the better.. there are players who didn't want to know today, there are others who are just out of form.. and it goes a long way to say we have no replacements up our sleeves...
So lets get down to the nitty gritty..
Pickford.. can't fault him today but his inconsistancy is a problem
Coleman and Digne.. dreadful day for both.. contributed nothing. Stopped nothing.. did nothing. and one is the captain..
great servant but time to say thank you and goodnight for Coleman.
Siggy.. said before, he needs to go.. just not what we want or need anymore (if we ever did, should never have been bought)
should never play alongside James..
Gomes. I like him but he no longer has outstanding qualities, a shadow of his former self, needs to go too
Richalison, completely lost his confidence and needs to dropped but little if anything to replace. Gordon?
DCL, did anyone notice how often he was playing deeper and deeper to start attacks?? Alarm bells anyone? Remember Ancelloti telling him to stay in the box? I realize why he is dropping but its an indictment of the middlefield and not his play, he can see it as we all can.
We need a few hard-nosed leaders as well as skilled players for they are the ones that allow the skillful ones the room to play. We are only half a team and too many are failing to turn up.
Final word, dreadful referee. professional fouls on key players continually left unchecked. Steve Bruce? deliberately targeted and coached those fouls. He brought the game into disrepute.
Fed up.
455 Posted 31/01/2021 at 01:48:25
It's no good continually blaming the management. The players on the pitch have to show they want to win. Coleman, for all his qualities, just doesn't have the legs anymore. We bought Sigurdsson to be the playmaker behind a front two. It should be a choice of him or Rodriguez in that role. Not both and certainly not as the ball winner in midfield.
I think Ancelotti was sending the board a message today. "Get your cheque book out!" If I was interviewing him, I would first ask why two keepers on the bench? Gomes and Davies got the run around against Leicester. They might have had more of an impact today.
Richarlison looks like he wants away. He spends so much time sulking, he has forgotten why he's on the pitch.
The difference between Premier League teams is small. It's a game of chess. You need eleven committed players trying to exploit the opposition until you find a weakness.
Digne doesn't look fit. Maybe his confidence has been shot with his injury.
On to face Leeds. We have to give a performance. Never mind the result. The players need to come off the pitch thinking they couldn't have done any more. All the talent in the world is no substitute for hard work.
I do wonder what will be said at Finch Farm. We can/t win any games with eight or nine giving it a go while two or three are not at it 100%. I hope Ancelotti lets Dunc give it to the whole squad. I just don't see Carlo as the teacup-throwing type.
For all the weird decisions by Ancelotti: three keepers, Sigurdsson in centre-midfield, not dropping Richarlison, and the formation changes – it is the players that need to give more.
456 Posted 31/01/2021 at 02:02:07
Somebody at Newcastle had a brainwave...they signed Wilson and Fraser, who weren't doing much, the whole team wasn't doing much for the last dozen games.
So they sign their previous coach (on relative buttons, no doubt at Bournemouth).
Newcastle, eventually get it together in the 2nd half Vs Leeds by all accounts, then they come and do a job on us. Whatever they paid Clark was the opposite of wage thievery, it was Money well spent.
Ancelotti - Damned if he does...play the 4 of a kind and KITAP1 against side that will come and defend.
Damned if he doesn't.
He wasn't helped by the Reff and many players, even for them, playing collectively pooly I typed in 'poorly' but 'pooly' came up and it fits the bill so I left it in.
Ancelotti fluked into this 4 of a kind back 4 when Delph injured himself by moving faster than walking pace Vs Burnley.
He got some good results with it, but seemed to zig when he should zag, when it comes to which teams to play it against.
We would all be up in arms if he went...as best he could given player limitations...the full Italian - 0-0 is a result and 1 point in the bag thanks and I'll take it all day long - Job...
I wonder how many points we would have?
It couldn't be any worse to watch.
I saw Ferguson try to tell him something...I can't lip read glaswegian... Ancelotti raised the eyebrow, shrugged, Dunc left him to it and sat back in his seat.
As the season ends early - yet again - not with a bang but a whimper...
What? Spurs in the cup? give over, they only bottle Vs the rs, not us.
'It's not in his nature' Son will run rings round Kegger and Mina
Is it too much to ask for a road map, a menu of even small achievable dreams??
The footballing arm of EitC doing charitable works for winless team, and none scoring forwards since...if not forever - Too fucking long anyway.
457 Posted 31/01/2021 at 06:28:08
Seeing Shelvey kicking lumps out of Rodriguez, I ask myself who we have on the pitch who can sort someone like him out? The only candidates were sitting on the bench – Godfrey, Holgate and Davies.
And another thing: Who is the boss cockey in this group? There isn't one... but, the sooner we get Allan back, the better.
I would swap you Gomes, Sigurdsson and Delph for Almiron.
They ALWAYS do it to us. Fed up, I am.
Could be a long hard February.
458 Posted 31/01/2021 at 08:33:45
In Rugby League, after too many fouls, the ref puts the whole team on a warning, and the next foul, even if it is the player's first, gets a yellow card.
459 Posted 31/01/2021 at 08:40:15
As a player, when I crossed the line, I was in a different world and didn't think of anything else (work, life pressures etc) for 90 minutes. Watching Everton has always been the same for me. Highs like winning a title, lows like yesterday or being part of a thumping and knowing I could have done better. It takes me to a different place. Sadly, yesterday was one of those places I'd probably have taken life pressures over!
I think Allan is probably the only player who would have done something about Shelvey yesterday. I was about to call him a shithouse but, let's be honest, he was just carrying out instructions. I still think, with better officiating, he's not on the pitch to deliver that corner for the first goal, but come on Danny, that's clutching at straws. No hiding from that performance.
Looking above, absolutely agree on the recent back 4 but, at some point, we have to break out of that posture. Personally, if fit, I definitely have Digne in. He is such a good supply chain for Calvert-Lewin and, amongst the dross we saw yesterday, there were occasional glimpses of that, particularly in the first half. Maybe as someone says above, we have brought him back too quickly from injury.
460 Posted 31/01/2021 at 08:49:09
I hope Dunc doesn't get disheartened by this spell. That was NOT a Big Dunc performance.
461 Posted 31/01/2021 at 09:32:20
The Godfrey boys, or should I say 'poets', have got me cursing that I never paid enough attention during lessons, but stick with that Irish Bushmills, because you'd never find an argument with that post, mate!
(ps: I also never felt any pain, and it's definitely not because I'm immune to it!)
462 Posted 31/01/2021 at 09:45:13
He is slow (I bet Godfrey would beat him by 10 yards in a 100-yard sprint), weak, and a really poor crosser of a ball. Yes, he does hit the target now and then, but so do full-backs in pub-football.
I have played the game at quite a high level, and have never played with a full-back who couldn't put at least one good cross in a game.
Overrated, overpaid... and should be over there!
463 Posted 31/01/2021 at 10:07:14
464 Posted 31/01/2021 at 10:15:30
Personally I'd like to see Mina & Godfrey, but it's harsh on any of the centre backs to be fair as all have improved this season.
Doucoure I think is good but not on his own. Also, I don't think you can have Sigurdsson and James in the same starting line up. One or the other, preferably James, but not both.
465 Posted 31/01/2021 at 10:21:45
466 Posted 31/01/2021 at 10:42:45
We should think, though, that we can do well this season and not at some undefined future point. So much of sport is in the mind.
467 Posted 31/01/2021 at 10:44:08
468 Posted 31/01/2021 at 10:51:57
After one game out and some saying we don't miss him, we had players fighting for his position. That has rode its cause now and the likes of Sigurdsson and Gomes need to go back to bit parts.
They cannot handle the demands of the 90 minute game and they seem to do better coming on against tired legs.
We need some steel in the team and a driving force. Allan is about the best of the lot in this respect.
469 Posted 31/01/2021 at 10:55:39
Any time Carlo has 1 chance to change the team or formation slighty it all goes to pot and it will take him 4 shit games before he finally gets it right. In Lukaku we had a streaky striker. in Ancelotti we have a streaky manager, who must get it right from kick off or else thats it we are stuck till the next game because he cant change tactics mid game.
Of course it doesn't help when lwobi and Richarlison go awol.
And ffs we have 1 striker. The bench is good covering the back positions but Allan is such a huge miss, we have a hole when he is injured.
Another season wasted? Yes if we don't strike now and get a couple players in. The alternative with injuries to dcl and Richy will be Siggy up top again. We cant keep asking the players to try to win sitting so deep.
Godfrey was a huge miss yesterday for his pace, fight and spirit. Maybe the answer will be a switch to a back 3. Whatever it is, it cant take a month for him to get it right.
470 Posted 31/01/2021 at 10:57:35
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=O0YiuSbBdaQ
471 Posted 31/01/2021 at 11:02:56
Not fucking one
472 Posted 31/01/2021 at 11:10:18
I thought he looked reluctant to commit into challenges yesterday but I also think our players were way over confident and expected an easy win.
Looking back now at the laid back passing, Richarlison thinking he could dribble through five players when he struggles with one, we thought it was a walk in the park.
473 Posted 31/01/2021 at 11:13:08
My own view is that although it hasnt been pretty, at least we have been playing with a method, but the minute we move away from playing to our current strengths, then even second rate teams can cause us problems.
474 Posted 31/01/2021 at 11:19:06
You have just got back in after an important game (sunday league)
The skipper is telling everyone "they wanted it more than us"
What is your reaction?
475 Posted 31/01/2021 at 11:20:33
Either way and to Tony's point, play to the strengths of the players available and that includes formation.
476 Posted 31/01/2021 at 11:22:20
477 Posted 31/01/2021 at 11:22:47
I don't think even if I used Darren Hinds use of the Bushmills would it make much difference, even though it might for a short while. My wife has become more concerned about my blood pressure in watching our games of late, and is even suggesting she might ban me from watching us live. She said just watch it on MOTD were you will know the result and wont get so irate. I think last night was the first time in decades that I didn't watch MOTD when we have played. I have seen a lot worse performances than yesterdays including some really embarrassing defeats by our neighbours but for some weird reason I just didn't want to watch that again.
I think both manager and players are equally to blame, but probably the players more so as they can actually have an impact on what is happening. One defeat shouldnt define a season but I have this nagging feeling that yesterdays defeat might just have done that, despite all the optomism I have to accept that my loveable Blues just make up the numbers now and trophies are consigned to our past. I hope with all my heart this isn't the case, and I have a lot of faith in Ancelotti but it seems that it is becoming almost impossible to reach the heights we once occupied.
478 Posted 31/01/2021 at 11:39:41
If the other team want it more, then plainly and simple youve got problems. Either not enough competition or players who think theyre better than they actually are, will always amount to the same thing, because football is like any sport, and once you get to big for your boots or lose your desire, (Id say we have got to many players with nowhere near enough desire) then you will always struggle.
479 Posted 31/01/2021 at 11:44:42
You get it Christine and so do most of us, most of this squad and the coaching staff, seemingly, are on the outside looking in.
Christine, I hope you are settled now in NZ and enjoying life there, except for days like yesterday, but girl you are wasted there, Everton desperately need someone in the boardroom like you. Think about it!!
480 Posted 31/01/2021 at 11:48:43
I'll put one out there and either get nods of agreement or laughed out of ToffeeWeb. Phil Neville for David Moyes. Not the greatest player, not the most aggressive (but that tackle), however when he didn't play you could see that squad missed his leadership and presence.
481 Posted 31/01/2021 at 11:50:08
482 Posted 31/01/2021 at 11:50:31
These players, surely want to take it to the next step and get into Europe. Sure to God that is motivation enough, because it seems their massive wages don't motivate them.
I generally don't come and slate the team, maybe lockdown makes it hurt more now when we lose
483 Posted 31/01/2021 at 11:53:53
It seems to me that the formation doesn't get the best out of the team. Back four are too deep. Midfield slow and ponderous. DCL isolated in the middle and Richarlison isolated out wide. There is no link play.
The answer to this in my view is playing the best formation which if course is 4-4-2.
This would give us two banks of four when defending and the wide men joining the front two when attacking. It would also mean Richarlison and DCL would play closer together and link together:
My team for Leeds:
Olsen
Godfrey Keane Mina Digne
Iwobi Allan Doucoure Gordon
DCL Richarlison.
The wide men aren't the best it's what we have and I don't see any attacking width anywhere else in the squad.
We need to prioritise buying attacking pace asap.
And.. I didn't even mention the "A" word.
484 Posted 31/01/2021 at 11:57:56
485 Posted 31/01/2021 at 12:01:10
Not a lot wrong with that. Arguably should have been the defence for yesterday.
Is Allan fit?
I'd probably tweak that slightly. James for Gordon playing No 10 and make it a 4-2-3-1. But I'm just not a fan of 4-4-2.
486 Posted 31/01/2021 at 12:03:22
487 Posted 31/01/2021 at 12:04:12
I was going to ask you a follow up question, the same scenario but from a professional point of view.
Nobody in any saturday/sunday teams I was involved with would last more than one game if he was accussed of that.
In Sunday league terms.
"you spewed it there" resulted in fisticuffs
The worse insult you can aim at a player imo
488 Posted 31/01/2021 at 12:04:37
Heres my team as posted on TPF this morning IF all are fit AND motivated...
Olsen
Godfrey. Mina. Keane. Digne.
Iwobi Allan. Doucoure.
James.
DCL & Richy
But would also consider Richy in left mid. I just think DCL could do with someone playing off him and until end of play tomorrow we dont, criminally so as you point out) have anyone else.
489 Posted 31/01/2021 at 12:07:13
Id chin him!
X
490 Posted 31/01/2021 at 12:27:23
491 Posted 31/01/2021 at 12:52:30
Only one of the teams liked fighting Dave, and usually with each other. This was very hard to comprehend, because they were all best mates in the boozer, and although I think I started getting through to them in the end, I was always brought up on the opposite.
Help your mate on the pitch, but try and destroy him in the boozer, nothing better for team spirit imo, just as long as you dont go to far!
492 Posted 31/01/2021 at 13:06:59
Don't forget that was supposedly only Allen short of our best team.
493 Posted 31/01/2021 at 13:13:07
Our players should have reacted like for like sure, but that ref was a coward - especially towards that gobshite Shelvey. And whilst I agree Mina made a show of it, Wilson weighed him up and swung his arm and connected and should have had a straight red.
When he didnt Mina should have kicked Wilson from one end of the park to the other, but then that ref would have probably have found his bollocks and sent Yeri off.
494 Posted 31/01/2021 at 13:17:26
The loss to Newcastle, made it all the more important that we beat Leicester, which we would have done, but for Psycho Billy.
I have 2 questions: What's happened to the previously wonderful Andre Gomes?; and Who has stolen the real Ducoure and replaced him with an automaton that goes missing for 70 minutes?!
495 Posted 31/01/2021 at 13:18:02
Short memories I would say.
Newcastle, and other teams fighting for their lives will do whatever they can to put the likes of Rodriquez and Richarlison off their game.
The latter in particular would need to fucking wise up, dropping to the ground at the slightest touch isn't doing him any favours with the ref's, now marked as a play actor I would think.
Ancelotti told it like it is, we had no desire on the pitch yesterday, and of course he is right but I have a problem with him saying this also, as for me he has to show HIS desire with actions not words.
Although he is not on the pitch, he can clearly lead by example when picking the team.
Selecting Calamity, a player who has just you lost three points with really poor goal keeping ( again ) was a big mistake and really sends out the wrong message as far as I am concerned.
I'm sure Ancelotti knows fine well we are fairly weak when it comes to getting stuck in, there is no doubt that's why Allan was brought it, a good player who will also be up for the contest and will fire a few rockets up your arse.
The only other player I have seen having a rant at his team mates including Rodriquez has been Godfrey, that's what we need - more like him.
This young man wants to win, you can see it in his game.
Roy Keane ( love him or loathe him ) said " as long as you did your job and gave your all for the team I would never have a problem with you, if you didn't then I would let you know - being popular in the dressing room was of no interest to me - winning football matches and trophies were".
Isn't that's what this club had when we were last winning stuff - the "all for one" mentality, just the right mixture of skillful and tough players.
Any team can go out and have a good match day, it's the teams that go out to do this every match day that win trophies
If he stays, I believe Ancelotti will make us better, but it's going to take a right few windows I reckon.
The mentality of the team is not good and has been perhaps overlooked for far too long.
We need players who take it badly when are losing, and want to do something about it - we don't need players who sulk.
I believe the thinking behind agreeing Keane loan to PSG was to show clearly "if you don't want to be with us" then you can go and of course hope he does the business while over there.
So the right reason in my opinion, but then we need to replace don't we, and we didn't !
And now if the rumours are true about Tuson and Bernard, we are doing it again !
I think fans being allowed back into stadiums can not come soon enough. players need to hear what it means to us all again !
496 Posted 31/01/2021 at 13:29:36
Now
"what the fuck were they thinking selling Keane"
Fucked if you do.
Fucked if you don't
497 Posted 31/01/2021 at 13:30:25
I don't think yesterday's result defines the season. But I do think that by the end of February we start to get a clearer picture of whether we are still in the mix, or making up the numbers again as you say.
Ever the optimist, but the next 3 games are pivotal and one of them is you know who.
498 Posted 31/01/2021 at 13:30:31
Silva tried the high line and we got done time after time because both of our centre halfs turn like truck.
Its not pretty we know but theres no Stones or Ramos we can call upon. Our defenders are what they are and until either Godfrey becomes classy with his feet or we sign a 70 million Centre Half we need to sit deeper.
Godfreys pace if he becomes a reliable centre half might allow us to play a higher line but he can't pass a ball so I doubt he'll play much higher.
Most of the top sides have got a sub centre back as good as ours or better in some cases, we are doing what is required to get the best out of our defenders so we have a better chance against the top sides.
None of them have hammered us yet and thats a big difference from most of the last 20 seasons supporting Everton.
By the way Ian your last post wipes the floor with all your previous in my honest opinion. Far more constructive and much more of a problem solver than the defeatist posts you previously made.
Frustration is horrible mate thats why i never hold grudges over a football argument.
499 Posted 31/01/2021 at 13:39:52
I don't think anyone is bemoaning Newcastle's tactics. As I said earlier, Shelvey was just following instructions.
It's more our inability to stand up to it and I think just about everyone here is in agreement with that.
500 Posted 31/01/2021 at 13:51:32
501 Posted 31/01/2021 at 13:57:04
Undoing the scattergun collection of recent years' transfer "strategy" was never going to be a quick fix.
What we are seeing now is the impact of having a good team but scratch the surface and we are back to last season's squad.
Not done much with them? I'd say we are better placed in the league now than we were just over 12 months ago.
502 Posted 31/01/2021 at 14:01:13
Agree, and put less politely.
Some of them have no heart, no stomach for a fight.
I reckon, after we get over the disappointment of yesterday, the game we saw will be of massive importance in our development.
Ancelotti has publicly accused them of having no fight, no desire.
An unusual statement from any manager, even more so from a manager who is well known for backing his players.
The performance and attitude against Leeds will be interesting.
Cast iron guarantee Godfrey and Davies will start.
503 Posted 31/01/2021 at 14:02:06
504 Posted 31/01/2021 at 14:06:31
505 Posted 31/01/2021 at 14:07:31
You might be right and I might be wrong.
Some of the teams you've mentioned have Europe to contend with, this has been a very unusual season, and we do not know what other factors might impinge on the season.
Not here to try and convince anyone of anything. We just have to wait and see!
506 Posted 31/01/2021 at 14:13:35
Apart from that it is the manager and his coaches that should be laying into these players, and I am sure if we had a decent squad being able to rotate the players more they would do it.
Talking about Sunday Football, it was years ago when I run a team in the Liverpool & District Sunday Football League and was also on the league management committee, it was a tough league but fighting was dealt with by a disciplinary committee once a month a we usually only had 4/5 players appearing. I always found the majority of teams, and at that time there was 8 divisions with usually about 8/10 teams in each division played hard but never seen any fighting between team mates.
Reading the comments today and after watching the game again I agree with most of the comments of lack of effort, poor refereeing, and poor tactics on the managers part. All of the comments are definitely not except able, and the people responsible are all to blame. The problem now is what they do about it.
Enough complaining I will carry on watching the darts.
507 Posted 31/01/2021 at 14:13:52
508 Posted 31/01/2021 at 14:19:42
509 Posted 31/01/2021 at 14:25:29
Talking to our own experiences as players and coaches at our own levels, I think we all agree. Ability is one thing. But it has to be matched with desire and commitment.
I can begrudgingly walk off the field of play having been beaten by an opponent who played better on the day but knowing I had given everything I could.
Mistakes and being outplayed can be tolerated and accepted. A lack of desire cannot.
510 Posted 31/01/2021 at 14:25:32
For those of you who may still have the game to view, can anyone explain to me ( @ 46 mins ) why this was given as a foul throw by Rodriquez, I cant see anything wrong at all.
511 Posted 31/01/2021 at 14:25:51
From what weve seen this year only Allen does this - but Holgate and Gordon are both no-nonsense characters who wont be bullied either. The sooner we have all 3 back in the side the better.
512 Posted 31/01/2021 at 14:27:05
Don't worry folks, I know him!!
513 Posted 31/01/2021 at 14:28:17
514 Posted 31/01/2021 at 14:29:44
As I remember it.
We all gave 100%,anything less and its yourself you are letting down.
I probably posted from a personal point of view.
The highest insult to anyone on a pitch.
"you took seconds"
515 Posted 31/01/2021 at 14:33:23
516 Posted 31/01/2021 at 14:34:15
517 Posted 31/01/2021 at 14:35:06
518 Posted 31/01/2021 at 14:42:13
519 Posted 31/01/2021 at 14:42:35
"I am watching the game again and need help"
520 Posted 31/01/2021 at 14:43:29
521 Posted 31/01/2021 at 14:45:33
522 Posted 31/01/2021 at 14:49:07
523 Posted 31/01/2021 at 14:57:13
Interestingly, maybe 10/15 mins before the James throw-in, in real time, I called Newcastle out for a blatant unpunished foul throw.
As a lot of posters have stated here, there was a lack of fight and aggression in that team yesterday, and as I mentioned in a previous post, nobody stood up to Shelvey, and no one helped out James. Richarlison needs to stop embarrassing himself, and put himself about a lot more - he is a big strong lad from Brazil! Maybe he needs to watch the Gracie brothers in action!
Whilst Allan is out, I feel we need to get Davies, Holgate and Godfrey in the team to add the grit that was missing from the Newcastle game. Even a midfield 3 of Allan, Doucoure and Davies in some games too. Thus allowing the full backs to overlap, and getting any one of those 3 forward more.
Just a thought. It might not be pretty, but it could work for now.
524 Posted 31/01/2021 at 14:58:52
I had a poor opinion of him anyway and that was before being aware of the Watford-Reading "goal". Shocking.
525 Posted 31/01/2021 at 15:04:47
I'm sure him and the linesman had "enjoy watching yourselves being utterly incompetent on telly later " from Watford players and management - probably not as nice as that..lol
I will be keeping an eye on this ref from now on!
526 Posted 31/01/2021 at 15:06:26
Were you based around Lower Breck mate
527 Posted 31/01/2021 at 15:10:35
528 Posted 31/01/2021 at 15:12:18
529 Posted 31/01/2021 at 15:17:43
I just want to refer back to the incident with Pickford and Saint Virgil. Michael Oliver has recently come out and said he probably should have sent Pickford off that day. So I suppose that's incompetency in itself, but think about it for a minute, if he had done his job properly in the first ten minutes of that game, he could very well have given Van Dick two yellow cards for the cynical challenges on James and DCL. Again, incompetent refereeing, but at least we wouldn't be putting up with all this shite from the gobshites regarding their beloved Virgil.
530 Posted 31/01/2021 at 15:32:25
I had high hopes that video technology would help them much in the way it does in Rugby where officials are actually respected.
But they seem to be in conflict with it and feel threatened by it.
I find football officials too much in tune with their own ego and authority. They feel like they have to demonstrate authority and control, even when they know they've got a decision wrong.
For too long they have gotten away without having to explain. Managers and players have to come out and face questions after a match. Why shouldn't officials?
531 Posted 31/01/2021 at 15:44:29
532 Posted 31/01/2021 at 15:48:15
533 Posted 31/01/2021 at 15:49:13
We stopped going after I moved up to Kirkby but I still remained as the league registration secretary. This was in the mid 60s early 70s we won 6 league titles and at that time the presentations were in the Grafton. H.Catterick presented the trophies on 2 occasions and I got to talk to him on these occasions and he was not like what the newspapers made him out to be, as sour and abrupt.
534 Posted 31/01/2021 at 15:49:56
535 Posted 31/01/2021 at 15:52:57
Yeah, well it's all about opinions isn't it, and we have had our fair share of shit decisions over the years.
The one I always remember was Gerard on Gary Naysmith, one of the worst tackles you are ever likely to see and didn't even get booked on the night. If you find that picture ( sorry I don't know how to load the link ) he should have been banned for the fucking season, the intent and venom s there for all to see.
Some of the stuff that prick got away with against us is unbelievable.
Back to VVD, no doubt he was laying down a marker early on and he really did his best to give Rodriguez a "dead leg" so fuck him as far as that is concerned.
He got ( quite by accident ) what was coming to him I think most neutrals would agree.
If you watch the best centre halves in the world, they all have one thing in common, they all let the opponent know as soon as possible what they are up against, all have that dirty side of the game in them..
In stead of Mina getting stuck into Wilson yesterday, he decided to play the big kid and look what happened.
We had the chance to buy VVD when he was at Celtic, but let Southampton buy him and that's another story !
I really hope for a better performance against Leeds, tey will allow us to play football if we can sort that out !
536 Posted 31/01/2021 at 15:54:39
I thought you may have a connection to an old mate of mine, sadly no longer with us.
Les Gall.
What a man. What a Blue
537 Posted 31/01/2021 at 15:55:07
538 Posted 31/01/2021 at 15:59:20
Creasehead in action.
EDIT: Sorry - link function not working.
540 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:00:51
541 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:01:40
One of the few tough players we have is Godfrey and he wasn't even on the field against Newcastle. On a more positive note Leicester also only got one point from two games. The Premier is a tough league and we just DON'T have tough, hard working players, particularly if we try to play defensively. No bite no fight !!!!!
542 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:05:34
543 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:07:46
544 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:09:41
What does your point prove there? Leicester who are not scared of us, are scared of Leeds?
Or Everton and Leicester fear sides when they are at home?
It was hard to work out if there was a genuine fact?
545 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:13:41
No mention of the fact that we are also equal on points with Spurs, and also have two games in hand, or the fact that we are eighth, but equal on points with sixth place, so it should be "Leeds only four points behind top eight".
BT sport or sky sports don't like to mention us, do they. 😠😠😠
546 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:14:43
547 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:17:43
To the next game; I feel unclean saying it but a Liverpool win favours us more? Based on realistically who we are challenging and where we can finish?
Tin helmet at the ready. Soap ready to wash mouth out.
548 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:19:14
Is that how it works???
549 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:21:09
550 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:21:35
551 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:22:45
552 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:23:35
553 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:23:47
554 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:24:26
555 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:26:29
I bought a coat off them for my niece
Fuckin arm and a leg it cost me.
I'd take a job off them just for the discount
556 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:28:14
Ian, get that, but it is also unarguable that we beat Leicester by 2 clear goals on their own patch this season.
557 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:37:21
SKY viewers aren't interested in lowly unfashionable Everton. The only ones that are are Everton fans. The only way this attitude to Everton will change is by regularly qualifying for the CL. Even an FA cup won't make any difference.
558 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:46:52
559 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:50:58
560 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:56:41
561 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:57:27
Good point Joe. Beware of living in your history. History and traditions are a good thing but they should be the benchmark to remind you of what you stand for, not nostalgia. Being an exile in London, I recall healthy debate amongst Chelsea and Liverpool fans when Chelsea were in there ascendency and Liverpool as average as I have seen them in my lifetime. The Liverpool fans pointed to history and titles won past. Chelsea pointed to making history not living in the past.
562 Posted 31/01/2021 at 17:01:31
When he was appointed he took on a big job, a squad with loads of overpaid poor players, which is being proven by how difficult it is to offload many of them.
Every time we come up against a team that shows lots of energy & pace, we're found out e.g. H v.Leeds & Newcastle. The worst problem is midfield (e.g. Gomes & Sigurdsson both) which is far too slow) & doesn't contribute enough goals, and defence, which is also slow (e.g. Mina & Keane) & not good enough on the ball (e.g. Mina & Coleman). A consequence of both is that forwards get poor service & are out-numbered by opponents.
Hopefully, Godfrey replacing Mina, which must be in Carlo's plan, will improve matters and enable the back line to move a few yards up the pitch. Also, as good as he may have been 2+ years ago, Coleman should have been replaced at least 2 years ago.
Another concern is our very poor record at producing quality players for the first team - I've thought for ages the back-room of hangers on like Unsworth, Ebbrell & Jeffers need to be shipped out and get people with the right skills - being ex-EFC like the BK culture is NOT a qualification. Hopefully, Carlo recognises this as well?
563 Posted 31/01/2021 at 17:06:08
564 Posted 31/01/2021 at 17:11:48
565 Posted 31/01/2021 at 17:14:41
From what I saw Leicester were simply better than us and had us on the back foot.
Your opinion is that we gave them too much respect. My opinion is that they were better than us.
Yesterdays result, in hindsight, was probably what we needed. Rather than viewing the 1-1 as a good result we can see that we were lucky then and simply not good enough still.
Btw - not a trick question Ian - Bielsa - would you take him over Carlo?
566 Posted 31/01/2021 at 17:20:57
Actually I was suggesting that a specific Everton fan had the ability to shake the club up at Board level, there doesnt seem to be any there at the moment who is concerned enough or has the football knowledge to go in and question the manager, coaches and players about the way they are all operating at the moment, it will never happen the lady in question is happy where she is, but I would love someone with her football knowledge and absolutely loves Everton football club to be in the position to shake the club up, it definitely needs somebody to start getting things changed, unless it doesnt need changing and we are all happy to carry on dreaming about winning trophies instead of actually winning them.
567 Posted 31/01/2021 at 17:40:09
I have NEVER done that before, always believing (stupidly), even when under the cosh, we would somehow turn things around. It was evident early on yesterday that apart from James, we lacked creativity, and the rest (possibly Keane and Mina excepted) didn't even share a backbone or any responsibility.
For fear of repetition I have always maintained that I can reluctantly accept defeat if it had been by a better side, even bad reffing or Lady (bad) Luck, as long as they gave their all in the process. Sadly there wasn't even a vestige of that yesterday, and no sign of anyone willing to make a change, incite or galvanise any team spirit. (?)
568 Posted 31/01/2021 at 18:18:41
569 Posted 31/01/2021 at 18:22:10
I don't think that player is Allan.
570 Posted 31/01/2021 at 18:30:15
And sob into my beer
UTFT
571 Posted 31/01/2021 at 18:31:02
There is a lot more to do on a board than to walk into a dressing room and tell the players what you think of them, we have enough problems without starting a mutiny
The board of directors run the club that involves a lot more than the first team, the team are as they say, the icing on the cake, The board provide the rest of the ingredients that make the cake and most of that has nothing to do with the team but what is required to run an organization as large as Everton F.C.
.
572 Posted 31/01/2021 at 18:32:32
573 Posted 31/01/2021 at 18:33:57
Sure we have won games but even some of those were far from impressive and those two cup-ties summed up the current malaise. The draw against Leicester was not a bad result but yesterday was a disaster against Bruce's mob.
One thought after three quarters of the game that Everton had enough quality on defence to get at least a draw but then it went pear-shaped.
The Leeds game coming up is vital if they want to stay in the top half but another defeat may take them to mid-table and this squad are playing like a mid-table side currently.
It's hard to imagine that given some of the mediocre performances since the RS game that they haven't made a signing or two in January especially a midfielder and a forward.
Richarlison is under a cloud and there is no punch to help from midfield where they easily concede too much of the ball.
With some of the top teams coming around soon who knows where we will end up if Carlo doesn't get a grip.
574 Posted 31/01/2021 at 18:40:38
He was mate. A nicer lad you could not meet, a gentleman.
Home and away.
Everton and Bob Dylan fanatic.
Sadly missed
575 Posted 31/01/2021 at 19:07:56
576 Posted 31/01/2021 at 19:13:05
Likewise, when Richarlison was out for 3 games, we all thought our fortunes would change, after 3 abysmal defeats, when he returned. It was not to be.
Now, we're saying that getting Allan back will be the answer. Again we will be disappointed.
Ancellotti is failing to find our best midfield combination. He appeared to have solved our defensive frailties, with 4 at the back, then he changes it. Dropping Godfrey & Holgate, when Godrey has arguably been one of our best players.
Each game we play, the opposition always have a busy, dynamic midfield - fighting for every ball, winning tackles, playing like terriers with great spirit and commitment. Look at the possession the opposition had against us in the last 2 games, and also winning twice as many corners.
What do we have? Siggie completely anonymous and ineffective. Gomes too slow, and a now a liability. His killer pass has gone too. James good, but needs a couple of terriers by his side. I always wished Davies could have been one of those terriers, but sadly not up to it - the heart in the right place - but lightweight and no pace. Are Doucouré and Allan the terriers? - not yet convinced. Ancellotti is the cause of our demise. His reputation is in the past. What has got for us in the future?
577 Posted 31/01/2021 at 19:54:40
Come on, Brands, go and get him. Gana, Allan and Doucouré would be a great midfield.
578 Posted 31/01/2021 at 20:04:24
By the way, Kenwright was the owner and chairman for a lot longer than John Moores... A massive difference in football knowledge and how to make it work, and I know Moores had plenty of money. If Kenwright had had the same amount of money, he'd still be a pauper football-wise.
579 Posted 31/01/2021 at 20:06:26
I hope I am wrong but, from where I am standing, he looks like he has morphed into another wanker on Everton's books.
580 Posted 31/01/2021 at 20:16:02
581 Posted 31/01/2021 at 20:21:56
Hi Thomas [536], I knew a Billy and Harry Gall, who lived in one of the streets that led from Townsend Lane to Breck Park, I believe they had an uncle [Leslie Gall] but I can't recall them following either Everton or Liverpool.
582 Posted 31/01/2021 at 20:27:04
The dockers club was a brilliant place to spend a Sunday, it was full of rogues, comedians, and comradeship, along with loads of great amateur footballers, playing for many a different team.
583 Posted 31/01/2021 at 20:33:59
584 Posted 31/01/2021 at 21:14:21
The story of Everton Football Club.
585 Posted 31/01/2021 at 21:16:11
I know you weren't asking me but I was alarmed when we appointed him as much as I was when we appointed Martinez and then Silva after that (acknowledging Koeman in-between who I had high hopes for). I accepted humble pie after that first Martinez season but concerns came home to roost.
Well, it turns out most results have gone our way this weekend. With games in hand, we remain in a good position. Over to you Mr Ancelotti and Everton. Your / our fate is in your / our hands; no-one else's. The 3 league games in February are massive and season-defining.
We have everything to play for. Take yesterday as a huge kick up the backside.
Concern is the already thin squad is getting thinner. I hear Kenny is off to Celtic on loan? I hope tomorrow brings a couple in the other way.
586 Posted 31/01/2021 at 21:34:25
What was the centre-forward's name? Half-decent player but would cause mayhem in an empty house.
587 Posted 31/01/2021 at 21:37:34
I know you weren't asking me, but I always thought John Deehan was the brains behind Mike Walker's short-term success at Norwich.
He was a canny footballer too.
588 Posted 31/01/2021 at 21:46:00
589 Posted 31/01/2021 at 21:50:05
590 Posted 31/01/2021 at 21:53:14
Still remember my first game, I went past a player and rolled it wide for one of our players to square it to Kevin for a tap-in. Our player miscontrolled it and it went out for a goal kick. I hadnt even turned to get back in, and Kevins running at me like a fuckin lunatic. “What the fuck are you doin passin to him” he said, “pass it to me cos hes fuckin shite - dont be stupid lad, just give the ball to fuckin me!”
Brilliant, it the start of a very funny period in my life!
591 Posted 31/01/2021 at 21:53:32
My name was William but I was always called Bill my dad's name was Harry I don't now if it us you are referring to as we lived in Scarisbrick Road. My dad had a brother George who lived on Kingsland Crescent over near the Crown.
I know he had a daughter, Sylvia, who now lives in Spain bit I can't recollect if he had a son. Gall is an unusual name, will have to phone my sister and see if she knows anything about a Leslie.
592 Posted 31/01/2021 at 22:15:16
593 Posted 31/01/2021 at 22:24:50
594 Posted 31/01/2021 at 22:28:52
ie: It was a breakaway, I had a clear run toward goal, I heard a call, I think from the opposition coach.
'Take his legs"
After being dragged off an adjoining pitch where I was a surprise player. I was carrying a badly fractured arm, minus a few teeth and my legs weren't too good either.
Helped by a few mates I caught a bus to the Royal Southern hospital. The only sympathy I got was from the bus conductor who allowed me free travel. I already was chosen as an Everton supporter and my biggest worry was being able to watch the Blues later that same day.
595 Posted 31/01/2021 at 22:38:44
Apologies, I have only just seen your post.
Leslie was my mates dad.
I met him in far and wide places following our beloved Blues.
As I said a great, great man
596 Posted 31/01/2021 at 23:12:16
Went to an Liverpool game in the kop the following week and when I went to the hospital the following Monday to have the aluminum splint removed they wanted to now what I had been doing as it was all cracked and dinged
597 Posted 31/01/2021 at 23:42:31
598 Posted 31/01/2021 at 00:08:07
Assuming the players in the news are sent out on loan and no one arrives before Wednesday, this is my team to face Leeds, in a 4-2-3-1 formation:
Olsen
Coleman, Keane, Mina, Godfrey
Holgate, Doucoure
Davies, Rodriguez, Digne
Calvert-Lewin
I believe that Richarlison, Sigurdsson, Iwobi and Gomes deserve to be relegated to the bench. My team selection will hopefully give these players some competition at least. Drastic measures, wholly justified, in my opinion.
599 Posted 01/02/2021 at 08:57:46
600 Posted 01/02/2021 at 09:07:49
European football is still there for us as it for about six other clubs. The two Manchester clubs and the club across the park will probably occupy the top three spots at the end of the season but after that it's a lottery.
601 Posted 01/02/2021 at 10:11:04
Yes, Everton have the billionaire and his mate, they both know how to make money. They need help to make a successful football club; they haven't had much help up to now. I'll leave it at that.
602 Posted 01/02/2021 at 10:34:04
Apologies, I had a bout of depression after watching the game the other morning, woke up with a sore and miserable head at midday, and swore I wouldn't catch up on ToffeeWeb until I found some Zantac!
Dave, I am flattered by your comments but alas they are unfounded. Perhaps 20 years ago, I would have given an arm and a leg to do it, but it has only been the last 20-odd years that I had the opportunity to actually be a senior executive and learn the trade, so to speak. So timing in life is everything; perhaps in another time and place, the dice would have rolled that way and god I would have loved it! To be honest, I am not sure I could have sat in the same room as Bill Kenwright during the Kirkby fiasco... we will never know!
But Bill is right: there are those younger, better qualified to be of value to the club and my time is done! I have watched the Blues since the early 60s and proud to have done so, travelled the world but never forgot where I came from: Portland Gardens, Virgil Street and Scotland Road. I know every foot of the walk between Mile End and Goodison Park. I am proud to be an Evertonian. But what is STILL brilliant is the people, the blue blood on here, it flows the world over.
Yesterday, I drove an hour, about 30 miles out of Nelson, to a field in Tasman where they were having a village festival, a family day, music acts and sitting in the sunshine with local people in the Upper Moutere Valley. Sat on a hay bale listening to the music, drinking a glass of wine and thinking how lucky I was to be able to do so.
I had my pink Everton Ladies shirt on... within 10 minutes of sitting down, I had a woman tap me on the shoulder, and ask me where I got my shirt? "In Liverpool One," I replied. She was from County Road, her husband and kids, all Evertonians, knew of my family... shared a laugh for a couple of hours. Then one of their teenage kids said, "Don't you write on ToffeeWeb?"
14,000 miles, Dave... Evertonians are everywhere and I am proud of that. I am proud to be one. I get it.
603 Posted 01/02/2021 at 10:58:47
We all felt Saturday's fiasco, but we get over it, we are well used to such days, had plenty, especially in the last three decades.
Anyway, made up you had a great day yesterday and meeting fellow Scousers and Blues too, bet you talked the legs off each other!! That's the spirit, we get put down but always jump back up and get on with it.
Happened long ago to me and my mate, 12 and 10 years old, got on a bus full of Toffees outside Maine Road, just lost to Bolton 4-3 in the semi-final of the FA Cup. Quiet at first, then an old fella shouts out, “Are we down-hearted" - pause, then, "No!” In seconds, the bus kicked off with “Give us an E then V right through to N then EVERTON repeatedly. The bus became alive with Everton songs, bucked me and my mate up.
It's been the same ever since, that spirit will never die with Everton supporters, but by God we need one of us in that Everton boardroom, not some pseudo Evertonian who acts like one, if you know what I mean.
Carry on enjoying life, Christine, where you now live. On match days, your spirit will always be back in Liverpool cheering on the Blues.
604 Posted 01/02/2021 at 12:31:11
Sat outside the Crown Hotel in Hawkes Bay one evening before Covid, having a cold beer, and two gents sat down on the table next to me. Started chatting and it turned out that one of them was from Breck Road and had emigrated to New Zealand many years before.
I was brought up in Woodville Terrace as it was then and he was from Richmond Terrace which was the next street to mine. Small world. Staunch Everton supporter and we had a good old chat about past glories.
Unfortunately not much to talk about since then and we spent 15 minutes berating Bill Kenwright. How he ever got to boardroom level is mind-boggling but they say that opportunists have an eye for money and he certainly did have a good eye and a gift of the gab, as we say in Liverpool.
I'd been at board level for many years before my retirement in positions both in Singapore and China and would love to be able to question some of the comical, idiotic and crap decisions made over his Everton tenure. Never mind... we are born Blues and he can never take that away from us hard as he has tried.
Keep enjoying the great wines there and, mad as we get, we will never forget who we support. COYB
605 Posted 01/02/2021 at 14:58:23
I. was born in Norris green and when I started supporting Everton in the mid 50s I walked to the ground through Walton Hall Park. My wife was from near your neck of the woods she is from Queen Anne Place the 4 Squares before moving to Croxteth
The Kings Dock fiasco finished me with B.K. but I believe Moshiri has now got a more a professional board to look after his interests and keep Bungling Bill in check.
We are in one of the safer areas of the Covid 19 but it just takes a couple of idiots to change that, good health and take care of yourself.
606 Posted 01/02/2021 at 17:11:50
Bill, I have a property in Davenport to the south east of Orlando. Well, town address is Davenport, but it's on Highway 27 in the Four Corners area. Not been able to get out this year.
Having spent a lot of time serving abroad and in different parts of the country, now living in London, I love bumping into fellow blues. What I also like is the intrigue that foreigners and other parts of the country get when they realise you are from Liverpool and support Everton. They get very interested and inquisitive.
I think we all had a bad day yesterday. Still in the mix, so let's move on. It's all we can and ever do!!
607 Posted 01/02/2021 at 17:58:39
I was playing football and said to our manager, “ no way am I getting back on that aeroplane to go home, have a good game and Ill swap places with you he said, but dont think that ferry is plane-sailing, if you dont”
I went to take a corner and someone was flying a kite behind the goal for some reason. My stomach turned, it was honestly like the flight Id just been on, and luckily for me our manager kept his word, which was lucky for me because Ive never been fond of sailing!
A beautiful place NZ, it was sadly wasted on a stupid city kid like myself, but at least the people are living properly again, which gives me hope for Wembley in may!!
608 Posted 01/02/2021 at 18:11:41
The North and South Islands are quite different, personally I prefer the North Island, more happening, I always remember a tv ad done by Spike Milligan in the 80s, in which he opened with the statement, "So, this is New Zealand, is there anybody there?"
A beautiful country but so far away that any further you would be on your way back!
To me it's still like the UK was in the 50 s in some respects, it's not without its faults either but a much simpler life. In these times I consider myself lucky that so many years ago we called this place home.
It's funny how small decisions made in your early life have momentous impacts later, if we only had foresight!
609 Posted 01/02/2021 at 18:18:27
It is great to hear a positive story on normal life resuming. I too second your Wembley May call. I just hope we get the Green Man end, not that dreadful industrial estate on the other side with that awful place; forget the name of it.
610 Posted 01/02/2021 at 18:22:16
611 Posted 01/02/2021 at 18:25:49
612 Posted 01/02/2021 at 18:40:35
613 Posted 01/02/2021 at 18:42:53
614 Posted 01/02/2021 at 18:45:39
I am another scouser, born and bred Evertonian, who has lived in Canada since 1963. We live about twenty minutes from Niagara Falls. We have a few things in common.
I was born in 1939 and lived all my Liverpool life in Clubmoor, right next to Norris Green. I went to Norris Green baths on a very regular basis. When we were not swimming, we chased whoever was the enemy (could be the RS) with rolled towels. I also frequented The Regal (the rag house) when I was not at 'The Clubmoor Cinema'', a little bit posher.
I also walked right through The Cemetary to watch Everton. When I was 10 to 14 I used to push a handicapped man to the match. Ulterior motive. I got in free.I also played football at Clubmoor Rec most Sundays.
Keeping things relevant. I am more nervous now watching Everton than I ever was 60 plus years ago.Totally pissed off by the Newcastle game. However this whole league is inconsistent and I ALWAYS try to stay positive. Win the next game and I will be reborn. My Scottish wife thinks I am insane when watching Everton. Actually she is only partially right because I am like that most of the time.
I have great memories but thats all they are Memories. I prefer to live in the present. I still get as much pleasure watching the present Everton as I ever did. I really don't care what Liverpool do. I find that is the best way. Canada is far enough away to not receive to much taunting.
I have been back quite often to Liverpool to see family and 'of course' Everton games. In fact I and my sons were one day away from the Derby game when Covid 19 struck and we had to cancel the trip. We are still paid for whenever this thing ends
I have mentioned this before but I have two adult sons who had no choice to be EVERTONIANS. They are named John Everton and Andrew Goodison. My wife would not let me call our daughter Gladwys. I don't know why.
615 Posted 01/02/2021 at 18:50:06
Rest of the family all centred on Portland gardens, playing at the simmy and watching the arl fellas playing bowls before having a pint in the Green Man, of The Black Stuff fame..
616 Posted 01/02/2021 at 18:58:22
I got that impression Christine. I do love nature and the outdoors, but I'm a city boy at heart so always like to return to my home comforts. New Zealand I think is larger than the UK land masse wise but has a population of 4 million, so it gave a feeling of isolation. Whereas we have 67 million with the majority of that crammed into an area south and south east of the M62!!
I'm fortunate to have lived abroad but do love the UK. I think we beat ourselves up a lot. For me, the ideal retirement scenario is splitting my time between the UK, the States and Germany.
For the Canadian cohort, love Kingston in Ontario. Spent time there when in the Army too. Great place.
617 Posted 01/02/2021 at 19:04:19
Maybe its watching on the telly? But its mad because I relaxed around the sixty minute mark on Saturday, probably because I felt we never had the craft, and I started resigning myself to a defeat.
I will be nervous again on Wednesday, and if we win, then I will be even worse on the Saturday for the United game. Thats nothing to how I will be next week though, because my nerves will be absolutely shattered for the Tottenham game.
Maybe its because weve been defending for our lives, or maybe its because we lack a bit of adventure, but watching on television is becoming a horrible experience, (I dont know how you fellas do it) and I just cant wait to get back in the crowd.
618 Posted 01/02/2021 at 19:14:44
It is definitely more nerve wracking watching on the box. It is probably made worse by that time coinciding with mainly watching very average and often defensive Everton sides, but for some odd reason, you feel like you have more control over the game when you are in the stadium.
Even though clearly you don't! I know what you mean though. I've watched Everton in some very odd locations and settings, but much prefer when I can be in the stadium.
619 Posted 01/02/2021 at 19:21:32
“When Im in the crowd” might have changed with the introduction of all seater stadiums, and although its great putting the kettle on at half time, nothing beats the noise, the emotion, and the whole picture, which can never be replicated watching on TV.
620 Posted 01/02/2021 at 19:26:39
He asked me why not, so I told him.
He thinks Im mad!
Hes a Chelsea fan - I told him he wouldnt understand.
He said of course he does but actually he wasnt sure how they got on as hes not seen the score yet.
I said, there you are then!
621 Posted 01/02/2021 at 20:09:12
I am the same as you, try to get back as often as I can, and ever since I have been in Canada my vacation has been at the end of October and the beginning of September (after checking the fixture list) if I am going back to England.
I don't know about you but I have been in Canada since 1976, have a Canadian Citizenship and passport but still call Liverpool home.
622 Posted 01/02/2021 at 23:57:19
She impressed me most of all when we met in 1964 and she told me that her cousin was best friends with Alex Young. That lead to marriage mainly based on the fact that I would almost be Alex Young's second cousin. He was and is my all time "Favourite Blue"
Mind you it wasn't all peaches and cream. She told me last weekthat she was related to Kenny Dalgleish. After 56 years of marriage divorce proceedings could be in the works. No, not a chance, she is a really great cook although she has never come up with a decent scouse . other than ME.
623 Posted 02/02/2021 at 00:32:20
The closest we got to an Everton player was Rooney. My niece, her dad was my wife's brother, was a school friend of Rooney and his wife and they were often around at their house, I met him a couple of times before he went to UTD.
They are still friends and she went to their wedding in Italy,but my niece would never say anything bad about them.
You can tell your wife that I have Scottish ancestry. In our family tree there is a, William Gall ( bread maker) born 1791 Peterhead Scotland died 1855 liverpool.
Hope you are all keeping well.. we just celebrated our 60th anniversary, but with all the restrictions going on we couldn't even go for a family meal. Don't now when we will get our vaccinations but the wife's younger sister her husband and their daughter have already had theirs in Liverpool.
624 Posted 02/02/2021 at 09:55:23
625 Posted 02/02/2021 at 10:41:41
Was Christy thier relation?
626 Posted 02/02/2021 at 15:35:05
627 Posted 02/02/2021 at 20:05:35
628 Posted 02/02/2021 at 20:19:10
629 Posted 02/02/2021 at 20:46:50
Yes she remembers all of them, she always talks about when she was sent from class onto the roof,and while she was up there it started to rain and as she puts it, I was soaked rite through even to my knickers. She thinks they forgot about her up there. When she got home she told her mum and she said well you must have done something wrong.. Her uncle Tommy Owens was there and he went back to the school and went up one side and down the other to who left her there.
630 Posted 02/02/2021 at 21:39:17
631 Posted 02/02/2021 at 21:52:39
She said yes, she was an old battleaxe and skinny as a rip, she said she could be a rite cow so I expect she gets her milk.
632 Posted 02/02/2021 at 22:18:38
633 Posted 02/02/2021 at 22:24:23
634 Posted 02/02/2021 at 22:31:38
Sorry.
Memory playing tricks again mate.
Was Christy Harolds mate?
635 Posted 02/02/2021 at 23:30:35
Dave we would love to come back over, but who knows when we can do it with this covid19 crap..we have had our trips cancelled for different things the last few years. the last time we were there was in 2010, unfortunately it was for a funeral, and I was only there for 1 day and ended up in hospital. signed myself out for the funeral but had to go back after it..
Needed all kind of notes for my insurance company,and a doctors note for permission to fly home, got home whisked into hospital had an operation.Back on my feet.
636 Posted 03/02/2021 at 10:30:58
637 Posted 03/02/2021 at 10:36:16
Yes, strange and really desperate times, there seems to be a small light at the end of the tunnel with these vaccines, let's hope the light grows and wipes out the darkness that has gripped most people these last 12 months and you can finally complete your plans to come over again.
Best wishes that you do. In the meantime, keep tight hold of that Friary girl!!!
638 Posted 04/02/2021 at 05:37:49
Sorry, I somehow missed your post and thinking of Hawkes Bay reminded me of my pre-Christmas visit to Napier and what a joy it was, I was very impressed! Indeed I sat outside the Napier club with a glass (or two) and a great meal in lovely sunshine.
The place is the Art Deco capital of the world I think, it is like you woke up in a Chicago gangster movie of the 1920s! The place is amazing, difficult to get to in that it's miles from anywhere but worth the drive.
It's the 90th anniversary of the Napier earthquake this week, the devastation was immense. I have been in the middle of the bad one in 1986 here, but not the one in Christchurch that did so much damage and loss of life.
I wouldn't mind settling in Hawkes Bay but prices in New Zealand have gone through the roof. I should have worked for longer!! Stay safe and enjoy Hawkes Bay the next time you are over!
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1 Posted 30/01/2021 at 11:33:22