Blues hold on for an unconvincing win in front of the fans

Ancelotti is a fool. A dullard. We are now 9th. Soon to be 10th. He has taken us backwards from Allardyce. Failure to sack him is negligence.

Pity Location Location Location doesn't start earlier. May have to be an old Death in Paradise instead.

I will be watching but with absolutely no enthusiasm or expectation.

If that is the best Mr Ancelotti can do after recent performances and his criticism, then we are all DOOOOMED, Mr Mainwaring.

Can't wait.

Hope I'm proved wrong.

Totally agree. Beautiful player but an utter waste of a shirt if he plays once in a blue moon.

We can dream, can't we; and have I?

You have been doing the same thing re team selection overvand over every game Ian.,"Only a fool does the same thing over and over expecting a different outcome"

You have been doing the same thing re team selection overvand over every game Ian.,,,1,17:48:48,,213.205.192.39,ok,23848,05/19/2021 17:48:48,Tomrichards2@outlook.com,reader,,,no 1156136,40820,toffeeweb,19/05/2021,John Hall,johnhall_311@msn.com,"Is there much difference to another 5 man back line set up than what we witnessed in the last game?

Different names, same old problems I fear. Pass back and square looks to be the order of the day.

1 am my time here waiting for kick off now and hope I haven't waited up to watch another shit show.

Thankfully it's all nearly over and can rest and try to forget the absolute rubbish we have been served these past few months.

you beat me to pointing out the same thing

Outside of the chosen subs who else is available? Besic? Broadhead?

Fucking fatigued!

Hypocrite.

No real game-changers on the bench, but it's been that way all season. Davies should come on at some point, if he's behind Delph again then I have no idea what Carlo is thinking of. If we switch to a back 4, which we won't then give KNkounkou a shot in front of Digne.

He's has history critics, of which the strange 6 months deal probable doesn't help bit in sure he could remind Ric how to go past a defender of two.

Please no Delph, I would have liked to have seen Nkounkou play in a right sided midfield or wing back role.

Balderdash!!! UTFT!!!!

For that we have to give credit. With Spurs losing our European hopes still flicker. Just !

Let's beat City, regroup and arm Carlo with the required war chest.

Lord knows, he's going to need it

James rested for the Man City match. . . just in case he turns into a fairy.

Nothing to get excited about.

The first half was beyond poor and, if we'd have lost 1-0 today this would have been seen totally different.

But it's moments like that going in your favour that create the win. Very little else. No masterclass from Carlo Magnifico. Take both goals away and compare the remaining 94:55 of each game and they're not that much different.

Well, of course it would!

If we'd replace James and Iwobi with Adama Traore down the right we would immediately go up a level. He's a constant threat. Wouldn't come cheap though 50m? but I'd like to see a front three, Richarlison/DCL/Traore.

But its moments like that going in your favour.

Which moment?

59 points not a bad tally but there's a very good chance Arsenal and Leeds leapfrog us on the final day and we finish 11th which would be utterly nauseating.

11th for fuck's sake honestly.

Unfortunately, I can envision a scenario in which Tottenham lose and we nick a draw against City, but still fail to qualify because Arsenal wins out and jumps us by a point (obviously a lot also depends on what West Ham does). Anyway, we still have a chance, and that's all you can ask for.

As for the match, it was... fine. Certainly not an emphatic win, but a deserved one - just. If we're being honest, we rarely dominant and rarely get dominated. It's usually these terse, turgid affairs in which one side produces the lone moment of quality to grab a 1-0 win. Sometimes it's us, sometimes it isn't. We're in good defensive form though, having allowed just one goal in our last four matches.

Grateful for the win, makes me happy and calms my mood and nerves, so I think it is best to just accept that and not dwell on the performance, Mina and Pickford had good games for me.

What we need this summer is a proper number 10 who isn't injured all the time. We don't have enough players who can pass properly.

Improvements here and there in the team tonight. Nothing sparkling but certainly better - which probably highlights how poor it had become in recent weeks.

Alan J (Edit: and Si) - I agree re. Keane & Mina. Wolves barely got a look in aerially.

Robert

11th is out of reach, 10th is the lowest we can go :) mathematically

We've been great at soaking up pressure and beating sides on the break, we've been as poor in living memory at beating poor sides at home.

We need creative players both in midfield and up front. Four quality signings in the summer and let's see where we get. Definitely not time to panic and give up on Carlo.

It ain't over til the fat lady and all that...

Yes, Traore was very good but he played for Wolves. Not one of our players stood out like he did.

Si, I am happy with the win, like I always am, but I thought we were poor and see nothing to get excited about in the performance, except for the improved effort which, let's be honest, should be there in every game, but it hasn't. Mind you, a win at Goodison should be celebrated, given the embarrassing scores from the last few months playing at home, so I'll raise a glass to that and be grateful at least, cheers.

If the scoreline would have been a 1-0 defeat, but we played the exact same way (say they scored from a corner instead of us), then the comments on here would have been along the lines of “no passion, couldn't create a chance, sat back and let them attack, sideways passing, no midfield etc”.

The performance was abysmal but some people label it as a good performance simply because of the scoreline. It wasn't a good performance, the first half was on par with the worst I've witnessed this season. We were shite, they couldn't score from a set-piece.

We shouldn't give credit for a piss poor performance just because we scored from a set-piece.

I agree on the need for pace in our buys though. We are desperate for players with pace.

If, and against all odds, Everton get in the mix for Europe, in my view, it will help attract better players, but securing them will be a different story.

Hope eternal, let's hope Spurs and West Ham capitulate in their last two games.

If..

If that doesn't make the board act on getting more quality in, nothing will.

So, not abysmal for me. Not great, but definitely better than against the Blades where I thought we did about 3 half decent things in the whole 90.

Digne is often isolated out on the left and, rather thank linking and jinking, is just putting the same cross into the box hoping Calvert-Lewin can get on the end of it. He needs someone to link with; Richarlison was doing this early on but, now he's playing more centrally, Digne is more isolated.

Coleman on the right has the will, desire and etc that we want. He's just gone a season and an injury too far. The occasional decent performance, but generally not good enough. Not helped by the absolute lack of anyone else on the right... Iwobi is just awful and needs to be shipped out. Godfrey has done well when put there, he has energy and pace... but he's a centre-back.

Allan and Doucouré are both better when in the opposing half, pressing the opposition and making it difficult for them to get out of their own half. They should be charged with taking the ball forward with their energy and power. But, when playing too deep, their chasing and running leaves gaps.

They need another deep-lying midfielder, who can pass and tackle. What Schneiderlin was supposed to be. Davies isn't that, but could be a decent option as another No 8. Sigurdsson and Gomes are both too slow. And Delph doesn't deserve a mention.

So there is much to improve. A defensive midfielder, a right back, two wingers or wide attackers, add to that an alternative up front, a creative midfielder and possibly another centre-back, should one of Holgate or Mina go.

So, considering such limitations, I think we've done well despite the form falling of a cliff recently.

Sign McNeil, Aarons, Joachim Anderson, Diaby, Rafa Leao, Rabiot, and a clone of N'didi and were good to go... simples!!!

There is a reason he hasn't been head-hunted but that doesn't mean you should invite him to run through on the keeper time after time. I suspect most teams he plays against do their best to keep him playing kick-and-run on the flanks.

I can only remember Godfrey going past his man once. No-one else has any threat. None of the midfield run past the striker, it is just so predictable. We are doing well to be as high as we are on set-piece goals.

The personnel is too similar, and the tactics resemble big Sam's...

We score first; we might win. We concede first, and we lose.

How much better Wolves were playing the ball around, keeping possession, than we were. Doucouré was the worst of a poor lot, regularly coughing up the ball if two or more of the opposition dared to breathe on him. I was beginning to compare us to Everton of the 90s, when half the balls we played were hit-and-hopes, 50/50 at best, a complete inability to hold onto the ball.

Seeing and hearing supporters back in the stadium, deliciously defined on one of their corners by a bearded fellah with a baseball cap in the Gwladys Street end, simulating (at least, I HOPE it was stimulating!) the wanker gesture whilst also mouthing the word to the Wolves player.

What a glorious release (so to speak) of one year without access to a live game.

They would be some decent odds, but we need Spurs, Arsenal, West Ham, and Leeds to lose and Everton to at least take a point at Man City. Massive odd and improbable.

Massive stakes... and the disaster of Sunday night has now passed; surely Everton can do a mission impossible on Sunday?

How to beat City at home? I'd start with Tom Davis in midfield, in place of Doucouré, but who knows? Play with belief like Everton haven't shown perhaps since Spurs and Liverpool away.

So it is, and let's hope for the miracle.

We need to pull a rabbit out of the hat against Man City on the last day because, looking at the other teams' fixtures (Tottenham not including), 10th place is looking set by goal difference.

Leicester to beat Tottenham at home – Spurs 59 pts (better goal difference)
West Ham to beat Southampton at home – West Ham 62 pts (plus this West Brom final score)
Arsenal to beat Brighton at home – Arsenal 61 pts
Leeds to beat West Brom (at home again) – Leeds 59 pts (better goal difference)
Man City to beat Us

6th - West Ham - 62
7th - Arsenal - 61
8th - Spurs - 59 GD
9th - Leeds - 59 GD
10th - Everton - 59 GD

10th place – a good season for everyone? Hope Carlo's happy with his home form this season.

When you have players like Allan, Doucouré and Gomes together on the field, they are not natural attacking players, so it's no surprise they inspire teams to keep their defensive positions and, when Carlo plays 3 central defenders in the hope that the wing-backs can create, it just doesn't work – there are too many defensive mentalities out there.

I do think Carlo has to take part of the blame as he does set us up too defensively; however, I do believe him when he states he doesn't have the personnel to play the attacking style he wants to play. It's going to be an interesting summer of recruitment as we definitely need at least 2 good wingers and a Mount or Maddison type player.

Give that man a medal, or a tissue, or an old sock.

"... bearded fellah with a baseball cap in the Gwladys Street end, simulating (at least, I HOPE it was stimulating!) the wanker gesture..."

Nothing to do with the players basking in adulation. Would you really have just had them walk off without a backwards glance? Like it or not, many of those players will probably be with us next season and they need to try to re-establish that rapport with the fans any way they can.

Jay, I'm hoping one of our TWebbers will reveal himself to be the man with the mountain man facial hair and the Von Dutch top!

The football played will be though!

I hope we sign someone who can do a bit more than win corners.

I don't rate him, you do. All's good.

Pedestrian midfield and both Doucouré and Allan were dreadful. Godfrey and Pickford the only players who looked the part. We need a player with the directness and willingness to take a man on, like Traore tonight... but, unlike him, with more end product.

But they're doing it to me again aren't they? We go into the last day with a chance of pinching European footbal as it stands.

I love you more than you frustrate me, Everton. I don't know why, but I do.

Not the best of games but I still enjoyed it. Once we had scored, I didn't think the result was in any doubt. There was no lack of effort tonight and I think the supporters make a difference; our home record is 100% this season with fans in the ground. Not bad against 3 teams who finished above us last season.

There is no doubt the home support is right behind Carlo, his chant was repeated a number of times tonight.

Paul #104, absolutely – while there is hope, we are in with a chance, mate!

It was noticeable on viewing that no-one was showing for the ball. There was more spectators at the game then than you expected; some were on the pitch.

Could you see the bearded guy with the baseball cap?

If you can't accept that even a second-rank footballer like Traore will be a threat if you completely ignore what he obviously does excel at, then I'm glad you're not setting the team up.

Does anyone think Carlo will be losing patience with him? I think he will be off in the summer.

Traore, whilst a menace in the first half, is a big "no" for me. As Thomas says, no end product and would likely cost £40M. Far better options out there for a fast wide man.

Headline a bit curmudgeonly. We stunk for most of the 1st half but finished it well on top and controlled the 2nd. A one-goal lead is always fragile, particularly if you lack a scoring threat, but I never felt we were hanging on. Similar performance to many of our wins this year, which is to say we see out games well when getting in front, but it's not good football and Ancelotti knows this better than us.

Richarliosn's best game for an age; lad feeds off the crowd and their absence is likely the reason for his big dip in performance level this season. Expect a rebound next season.

Think everyone played well, after that poor half-hour or so.

My opinion is, with two goals and two assists this season, is he doesn't do much switching on.

One of the highlights was Ben Godfrey challenge on the Wolves player in the first half close to the Park End on Goodison Road side. It lifted the crowd tremendously.

I imagine a player with his vision and ability will be a "little bit tired" playing with some of these duds.

I think Mina will move if the right bid comes in too.

I thought the headlune was right and you comparative assessement was unfortunately spot on. There were players not showing for the ball most of the game, a bit better after the goal. But it takes that type of goal for Everton to win now. No chance of a second.

Yes, the squad is highly lacking quality, but so far this is not Carlo Fantastico. Sam Allardyce teams have more fight, and at least they go for it.

Who knows but Everton have regularly turned the tables before at City and if they could break the mindset and smash into City on Sunday and believe they'll soften and pulp.

But you can't play football like a honey bee looking for nice flowers. Everton, this Everton, don't know the meaning of ruthlessness. If on Sunday they all get tuned in, then there's a chance, and City will be focusing on the Champions League Final.

Will they play their second choice... Pep knows this is his chance of glory and eternity in City football history,.

Let's see.

Yes, It most probably is just the way I react to laps of honour. It used to be the players ran a lap of honour when we won something, then it became an annual event for the players, then they started bringing their kids on with them!

This one was a lap of honour after winning six, yes six home games all season! The best way to have a rapport with the fans is to do your best for 90-odd minutes every game.

You can try to twist a simple statement of fact into a vote for player of the year if you want, but it doesn't make it true.

I thought we dealt with him by keeping him to looking for crosses most of the time, and I really don't think anyone would set up to actually allow him multiple opportunities to run in behind the defence with only the keeper to beat despite his low conversion rate. If they did, then you might find his stats were better.

I think Moshiri will back Ancelotti. We should raise £50M from selling Kean to PSG, despite media rumours that we'll accept £38M. With a few others offloaded we should have more funds available than last Summer.

What do we need? Obviously a replacement for Coleman. I'd pass on Aarons though, as English TV money puts selling clubs in a strong position. There are equivalent players in Europe for smaller fees. Whatever, we need someone quick, energetic and who can cross a ball. Ancelotti wants to rejig central defence, allowing us to play a higher line, so a defender with pace who's comfortable on the ball will be targeted. I think one of Keane, Holgate or Mina will be sold.

I don't think we'll sign Olsen but Pickford has responded to the competition, so a competent goalkeeper, on loan or a free, will come in

Usually I dismiss media speculation but think Rabiot is one that could happen and possibly for as little as £20M, given Juve's problems and bloated squad. He's 25, athletic, technical, can carry the ball, pass and defend. Everything Gomes was supposed to be, and more, so it's Adiós André.

We need a right-sided wide player with pace who carries a goal threat; if he can play on the left too then even better. Diarby would be ideal but if too expensive, then Brekalo or similar would do fine.

A striker looks necessary as Richarlison needs to be shifted back to the left, but I'd be wary of someone like Toney. He'd cost a load and is 25 with no experience of playing in a major league. He could work out but could also be an expensive bust.

Outgoings would be Delph, Gomes, Iwobi, Bernard, King and one of the centre-halves.

I lost count of the number of corners Wolves won but I'll settle for around 10, as mentioned by a few posters.

We all got a Mars Bar and a bottle of water on the way in!!!! That's me suckered in to another season ticket!

I understand your point but I think Si's interpretation is correct. Ideally we could win something and have a victory lap but, until then, we have the players doing a lap to acknowledge the fans and fair dues to them — the fans that is — 6,000 hardy souls played their part as motivators tonight.

I appreciate the point you are making about goal difference but good teams sort out their defence as a priority. In the main, I think Carlo has achieved that. The next will be to make us more potent and hopefully enjoyable to watch, I think he will achieve that also. Time will tell, I suppose.

The main point though, being the magnificent backing of the fans for Ancelotti. His name was bellowed out numerous times during the game, "Carlo Fantastico, Carlo Magnifico" by the true fans, not like the moaning miserable bastards on here, especially posters #1 and #3 who can fuck right off.

Carlo is here for a long time, so fucking get used to it. I could go on and on about the miserable fuckers on here, but seriously I wouldn't bother wasting my time.

Speaking to mates and other fans in the Black Horse on County Road before the match, and every single person is 100% behind Carlo. This manager will get us to where we all want to be.

Attacking Digne and (mostly) Sigurdsson, he was getting beyond them or drawing fouls every time. His switch to the opposite flank after the interval made things easier for us with Ben and Seamus dealing with him much more comfortably.

Curiously, only when Seamus went off, did Traore return to the right flank and again he started troubling Digne. I had a little chuckle to myself when Digne was nowhere to be seen late in the game and the Wolves man looked to be away, yet somehow the slow turning, slow reacting and zero awareness Michael Keane (as some portray him) gobbled him up and put in a tremendous sliding tackle on the touchline to completely snuff out the threat.

Compared to a similar type player to Traore, Allan Saint-Maximin at The Barcodes always impresses me more.

Excellent post... particularly when many were suggesting that Carlo was in for a rude awakening today with supporters back.

Let's see if our away form holds up at Man City, and what type of performance we put in there, given our topsy-turvy season, I wouldn't be surprised if we get a win in an entertaining game.

Oh, and great post Rob👍🏻

I thought the two midfield men were poor overall tonight, but Godfrey put on a show. Some crunching tackles, good recoveries and a couple of barnstorming runs.

He is the sort of player who, with those sorts of plays, ignites the Goodison crowd which in turn galvanizes the team IMO.

What was your assessment of them, and Ben in particular, Rob?

I had it on good authority that the “apologists” on here were out of touch with the matchday fans. Well, what do you know? Most fans in the ground and out of the grand and sensible and realistic after all.

Not so positive from the start on the Live Forum.

Ben Godfrey was immense, simply no other words to describe his performance tonight. Allan and Doucouré were quiet although I thought Allan did put himself about a bit, always wanting the ball and trying to get forward.

Doucouré was slack with some of his passing, but understandable given he's been out for a few weeks.

A good pre-season will see them both up their game next season.

No doubt that part of the positivity in the stadium came from people just being grateful to finally be able to get to the Old Lady again (myself included, and, as I posted earlier, I found it quite emotional). But there was also in my opinion a general good feeling about things and Carlo in particular with the chanting that has been mentioned.

You get a different feel for things at the game as opposed to watching it on the box, that difference really showed in a positive way tonight.

Have you been on the brave pills again?

With so many more tonight, even better I bet!! God, I can't wait to be back at a full Goodison Park, in full voice, without the negativity from some on TW – whenever did you hear, at Goodison Park, before a game, the negativity from some on here? This isn't a real world on here.

It's the open-top bus parade that signifies celebrating something for me, and the last home game walk around the pitch is simply appreciation of the fans (or mutual appreciation if it has been a good season).

Lap of Honour at a Cup Final is something separate again.

We have been an erratic and weak team, who can be beaten with enough intensity and enthusiasm. We have lost a lot of points which we shouldn't have done and been very inconsistent.

We need to be self-critical, starting with the players, but also across the entire club. We are Everton and we are obliged to try to win every game.

The feeling on this team is that it tries, but that it cannot get the job done. Today, we finally could win at home.

Being at the game is a very different experience to watching it on the telly (phone, laptop etc). At the stadium, you can pick up the mood of the crowd and the team.

Like Jay mentioned earlier, those couple of tackles by Keane and Godfrey would have raised the volume and the spirit of the crowd, conversely, a bad pass will annoy the fans and the player responsible will have no hiding place.

Football is meant to be a visceral experience and the advent of VAR and the way it's used has spoilt that to a degree. The viewer at home may enjoy the tension of seeing if a decision goes their way, but in the stadium, it takes away so much of the pure joy or despair, that in some ways I'd prefer an instant bad decision by the match officials than a correct call via the technology.

Seeing as the usual suspects, not including West Ham Utd and Leicester City, despite the strangest of seasons, are likely to end up in Europe, it does make me wonder why the scandalous six thought it was necessary to exacerbate the gap between them and the rest.

I would be made up if, after the end of this campaign, each of the six was docked a dozen points each, but that isn't going to happen and we'll have to make a better fist of it next season in front of what will hopefully be many more fans.

But there's one last game and fight, on the park, with a team with an eye on their greatest ever opportunity, and to those who are up for the fight, let's see.

“What's Our Name?"

The frustration and hope that kills, but hope eternal.

My lad never stopped singing from start to finish. The crowd certainly responded to the effort of the team, even if the quality wasn't always there.

There were some very frustrating 'counter-attacks' where almost nobody got forward to support the player on the ball, but otherwise, most players put a shift in.

Richarlison was totally whacked at the final whistle. Godfrey, for me, has been the standout player of the season. He was immense again tonight. Brilliant to watch.

Well said. Fortunately the contributions on ToffeeWeb are not always representative of the views of the majority of fans. Some who go to every game never read anything on here. Occasionally, when I mention the site, some say they dislike the negativity while some have never heard of ToffeeWeb.

With one game to play, we are 10 points better off than we were last season. That is progress. A similar improvement next season will see the team in the Top 6.

Having made the team harder to beat away from home, Carlo will know exactly what is required to turn them into a more expansive team at home. It remains to be seen if and how he and Marcel Brands can recruit the players who can make a difference.

Supply, demand and Covid-19, etc.

Let's up the ante for the pre-season, and get the Everton furnaces going early, for a good season, as Everton need one, regardless of this season's final position.

Hope eternal, Everton.

Thanks for your insight. For some unknown reason (well, I do know actually!) I trust your judgement over a those of a few Looney Tunes on here.

Must have been a huge buzz for you getting to a live game again.

Chuffed for you and all the 6,500 who attended.

When you are insulted back for the relentless negativity of your posts, you squeal and claim you are bullied. You are a world-class hypocrite.

As soon as I see his name, I just skip his post because it's usually bullshit negativity with no basis.

Has someone given you the Bumper Book of Football Cliches as a present? :)

I imagine that they gave freebies to friends of the club and therefore they didn't count towards the attendance.

It's true that certain pieces of advice or nuggets of "wisdom" have officially been overused... and they weren't even that great to begin with. :-)

So, if Spurs lose to Leicester and we win, we're into the Europa League. That would equate to Carlo achieving the team goal this season, while simultaneously having no doubt we need to improve. I'll take that.

Roll on Sunday. Hopefully Man City play a bunch of young kids and second-team calibre kids and we eek a win.

Leicester City have a lot to play for, despite the deck being stacked against them. So I can definitely see them beating Spurs. Fingers crossed.

Finally, Rob @138 -

having the fans back was brilliant. I'm very, very happy to hear they are behind Carlo. Relieved in fact. Thanks for sharing that.

The sour sods on the Forum want us to believe that they speak for some sort of mass fan uprising against Carlo. They're never going to accept how lonely their dump-the-manager island really is. (Although I think the Steve Cooper advocate is starting to get the idea.)

I thought the "Steve Cooper" suggestion was part of my dream when I fell asleep at half-time. Did he really really say it?

Jamie,

We don't even need to win to get Europe. A draw would do if Spurs lose, or if we were to lose 1-0, we would also qualify as long as they lose 18-0. So many options!

But we kind of need to assume Arsenal will win, and that gets us 8th and that new-fangled thang we call the Europa Conference League.

I was thinking Europa League – 7th or higher.

We could also finish 10th, God help us. If you think TW is "negative" just wait until that happens!

In an honest moment, I can't say I'd be overly positive if that 10th place scenario plays out.

True but I'm hoping Harry Potter does a number on Teta.

(a) Is the most overrated Brazilian International of all time;
(b) Is the Incredible Sulk;
(c) Needs to be benched (while these same folks simultaneously demand that we be more attack-minded);
(d) Should be sold this summer and good riddance.

Jamie & Kieran – unfortunately, I think the Spurs lose, we draw, Arsenal win (and vault into 7th) scenario is quite plausible.

I do know that, even after all this time away, the crowd were getting restless before the goal. If anybody on here suggested that a crowd who had been deprived of live football for so long were going to turn on Carlo on the day they were let out of jail, I didn't see that suggestion, although I'm wide open to be proven wrong if somebody wants to put up a couple of examples.

Anyone who believes the crowd will not react angrily to the repetition of this season's shit-show is either fooling himself or doesn't know the place.

If Carlo intends to play this cowardly excuse for football next season, his first purchase when the transfer window opens should be a couple of defenders... ear defenders! The vast majority of match goers support Everton and not the manager. They certainly won't support shite.

Mark my words; Carlo has to shape up or he will soon start falling out of love with life in Crosby. He has a transfer window to bring in players who don't need a magician to get them to play a bit of footy. The overwhelming majority of match goers do not see supporting negative shite as some sort of a positive.

The clock's ticking. I hear David Copperfield has already been sounded out to replace Carlo...

I'm with you on Carlo, I'm prepared to give him a bit more time but I'm very disappointed with Carlo and what's been on offer so far. This dull football has got to improve next season cos the Goodison faithful won't put up with this zombie shite again – especially after he brings more of his own players in.

Slow to get forward out of defence and bogged down by lack of movement going forward. There is defending, but the Everton defence was sitting back. Carlo in the first half expended a lot of energy signalling to get them to push up.

When the defence and midfield did get forward, more wing than midfield, they inevitably had to stop and pass back. The forwards were like statues beside their markers. Runs were non-existent. Individual player improvement is at a standstill.

The squad to me looked unfit. They are either badly trained or not applying themselves at training. Lack of ball control, out of position, hurried shots and poor pass completion are all symptoms of that. I found Sigurdsson – with his near-miss gestures for the camera irritating, having not created enough space with speed of movement prior to the shot.

This squad is far from being on the front foot. They are lethargic-looking to me.

As I said earlier or elsewhere, I didn't get to watch last night but it sounds like from here, and talking to my brother, it was more of the same.

But they've only gone and given me a glimmer of hope we can sneak Europe. We smash Man City, Brighton do Arsenal and Leicester beat Tottenham to sneak 4th over Liverpool who fall against their former manager in his last game in charge of Crystal Palace..

Not much of an accumulator to ask for.

From what I can see, only our defence doesn't need much tinkering; Keane and Mina is our best partnership, hands down, Godfrey should be right-back until we sign a better replacement.

We are crying out for better attacking options and I include a striker in that because, not being overly critical here, but Dom is pretty useless with anything on the floor unless he's 2 yards out, he shoots like he's wearing slippers.

I'm hoping for a much much better season from Richarlison next season and that means back to well into double figures scoring and also being more involved in our attacks.

We need a new right-midfielder with pace and I can't stress that enough. Central midfield we need a man capable of carrying the ball and a player comfortable with committing to attack in the Tim Cahill mould.

This is the ground were applause rings out when Blue Bill's chubby chops go up on the big screen.

Using the relieved and happy demeanour of these people to back a point is clearly wrong. The only way you can do that would have been if we had a full house in for all of those home shit-shows. I somehow think the matchday crowd would have been getting just a bit pissed-off by now.

We sang the Richarlison song a lot because he was working his arse off. The Carlo Fantastico song came out a few times because many people are happy he's our manager.

There was also some anxiety because of the endless corners Wolves were getting. And some abuse when a counter-attack ended with backwards passing.

Yes, it was only 6,500, but as always, they responded to what they were seeing... in this case, a lot of effort, even if the quality was patchy. You make it sound like we were just happy to be there.

I was giving an opinion on a player I don't rate. Thats all. No idea where you are coming from with the "twist a simple fact" foolishness.

To be honest your statement justifying his worth: "but he wins corners" took me back a little.

Carlo: "Marcel, find me a forward who wins corners. Not interested in his poor goalscoring record. Not interested in his poor assists record. Find me one who wins corners."

"If a team set up to allow him opportunity to run in behind the defence with only the keeper to beat you might find his stats were better." They won't and they aren't.

If it's just pace you are looking for, I believe Usain Bolt plays football.

We have 4 centre-backs, we need to use them all depending on the opposition. If we expect to defend deep then Keane and Mina work, if we want to press the opposition, Keane and Mina will not work.

6,500 supporters surely represents a cross-section of the game-attending Evertonians – unless the club of course chose each one for their known happy clappiness leanings...

Yeh, that'll be it, come to think of it. 😁👏👏👏👏

"Brent, I know you attend most away games, so I assume you don't get to see much of the Live Forum, or any other pre-match threads on a matchday, but fuck me, is it like this all the time? The negativity, the moaning just goes beyond belief."

Rob, I get to read the Live Forum on the way back from games, home and away. Reliving the excitement of particular moments in the game. But, boy, as you say, the negativity on there – and incredibly before the game even starts! Contrast that with actually going to the game – there might be gripes after the game, but never on the train / bus going to the game, never in the pub before the game, never around and inside the ground before the game.

Carlo will be here next season and hopefully he will sign some forwards as a priority, that would be an encouraging sign.

If he signs defenders and defensive midfielders, then he will just be reinforcing his present disastrous tactics of grabbing a single goal and managing the game out in that typical negative Italian style which is so awful to watch. Moshiri should insist that he spends any money we have on players who can score goals.

You didn't by any chance get your vaccination yesterday? I believe one of the symptoms of a bad reaction is to imagine you can hear football fans supporting a football manager.

Relax mate, the chants for Ancelotti were imaginary.

A centre-half with pace – maybe Kurt Zouma might come back
A right- or left-sided midfielder with pace – Traore
A creative midfielder – Buendia, and
An experienced striker as competition up front – Sergio or Ings

We can never play on the front foot with Mina and Keane on the team sheet; sorry, they are just too slow and we can't play with a high line due to their lack of pace.

Kevin, exactly my thoughts. I think we're set up normally to minimise the weaknesses in defence – by sitting back deep, with a ring of midfielders trying to protect the defence. Push out, push forward, be more expansive and the defensive frailties are exposed, as so often at home this season. Our "goals against" tally, I believe, hides those defensive deficiencies.

Unless we strengthen at the back, we'll still need to detract from our attacking side, as above. I admire many of Keane's footballing and personal qualities (ditto Mina) but we're set up to hide their weaknesses.

Having said that, I ask the question of Carlo, are we really that bad that we need to be so negative in order to cover these real or perceived difficulties. The answer to that is he and the other coaches have to be given credit for knowing their business.

I must be on a parallel universe. Not where I sit, not in a million years kidda.

By the way, do we (hand on heart) deserve Europe? We did that Toon double and the home defeats. I bet the rest of the Top 8 or Top 10 haven't had it in their grasp like us, then the usual Blue collapse.

Just hope and pray we get it right this summer. At least for the next generation, eh?

The crowds reaction was being gaged and talked about on the Live Forum last night. Nobody mentioned hearing chants for Ancelloti, but that doesnt mean Rob is imagining the Chants. If he says he heard them. He heard them. End of. No need to suggest he imagined it.

Very few managers are universally accepted. That won't bother Carlo. He's been there and done it. Champions take both praise and criticism in their stride.

If Duncan was constantly shouting at the defence to push up, then surely this was to help stop Allan and Doucouré, getting overrun every time Wolves had the ball.

Kevin (214) and Brent (222), I've been saying that for several weeks since the Koulibaly rumours started. Repetition time, but if we get the chance to do a transfer we should even if (and I accept) it is not our immediate priority.

Mina & Godfrey (my current preferred pairing) are good. But bring in genuine top drawer quality alongside the potential that is in Ben and we take our defence up a level. Both in terms of ability and in terms of up the pitch.

Our midfield players are not as bad as we make out.

We just seem to give them to much ground to cover. We have to play a higher back line in order to become a more compact unit

He's re-running the game for forensic analysis.

Adama Traore is the Forrest Gump of Premier League football. Give him the ball and he will run, and run, and run. If there were no stands behind the goal, I swear he would carry on running all the way out of the stadium!

Seriously though, as you say, he has next to no idea of what to do when he's near the goal. Well actually, he does, he will boom a cross right out of play the other side of the pitch. He may well get one good cross in every twenty attempts.

No thanks, he's not for me.

Regarding the Richarlison song, you say sung for his hard work... I heard that song in the first 5 minutes – I think some people just like him.

I doff my hat to those of you who went to the game – it is of course true that you get a good feel of the attitiude of most fans. The other thing to remember is also the ones who went are perhaps the happiest with the fayre recently served-up. And as for the wanker with the beard, I thought his action to the Wolves player was uncalled for, or had the lad just committed a bad foul?

As for the Live Forum, the negativity is due to the frustration of many who can't vent their spleens at the match. At least at the game, you can see the big picture, see the coach's face, see what the players are doing off the ball, and you can give your support or otherwise have a moan. I'm sure many of the keyboard tantrums would be tempered if sat at the game next to strangers.

I am all for giving the manager time to get his prefered line-up installed but I am shocked at how we have deteriorated since that great start to the season. Still, I would have settled for the win at Anfield after such a long wait, just a shame we have blinked at our opportuniies since.

He can hear my wallet opening from the next room.

"I've been saying that for several weeks since the Koulibaly rumours started."

Yes, you have indeed, Danny. My thoughts aren't original. I just think views like yours are worth supporting / reinforcing.

He's a good impact player at best and, in fairness, that's how Wolves used him a lot previously.

Remember Tony Daley for Aston Villa? He was pacey. Not very good, but quick.

"That's our future sorted, two Iwobi's. Champions league here we come."

Imagine the opposition manager to his right back – "you mark Iwobi"!
"What, both of them?!"

Brian #238,

"I heard the Carlo Fantastico song and so did my son who has very good hearing. He can hear my wallet opening from the next room."

Do moths make that much noise when disturbed?

The seagulls that used to hang around Crosby beach in my youth know about our home form, yet it has remained unaddressed.

Maybe Carlo feels he didn't have the tools to tackle the problem. But I do think that he will feel that by his own standards he has underperformed this season.

There was a time last night in the 2nd half he had run 30 yards upfield to join the attack, the ball was lost and played to Traore in our half, Godfrey was in front of Traore but he went past Ben as if he was standing still and, at this point, Coleman was 10 yards behind Traore but he caught him on the goal line and prevented him crossing the ball, absolutely brilliant.

I have said on here for months that Keane and Mina are our best centre-back pairing and again last night both played well, especially Keane and the message to Southgate who was sitting in the stands was "How can you leave me out of the Euro squad?" His ability to keep pace with Traore on one break and then make a terrific tackle epitomised Keane's whole display.

The problem for Carlo is that whichever 6 play midfield and up front don't score or create enough. This isn't new this has been a problem for our last 4 managers and despite changes in personnel the problem is still there. Don't know if its because he is just coming back from injury but, for me, Doucouré doesn't look to be the answer to having a box-to-box midfielder, his control is poor. Gomes, Allan, Sigurdsson,Davies and Delph have little pace so struggle to link up with the attack.

Our wide players Bernard and Iwobi don't create or score and it seems the physicality of the Premier League is to much for James, he clearly has a problem and you cant build a team around a player who only plays 1 in 3 or 4 games very talented of that there is no doubt.

Richarlison had his best game for a long time last night but, unless he can get back to last season's form, then we will struggle up front. Has he just had a poor season or does he want away, I don't know but Carlo needs to sort and quickly.

Finally, Calvert-Lewin; he has improved but, for me, he is way short of being the finished article we need to lead the line. He is excellent in the air and is very good in the 6-yard box but he has very little else in his locker.

I am sure Southgate must be praying that Harry Kane stays fit for the Euros as his alternatives of Calvert-Lewin or Watkins are nowhere near the quality of Kane. Maybe he might have to ask Vardy to reconsider playing for England again.

"I'm gonna hurl abuse at an opposing player and represent my tribe." Clowns like him are why I wouldn't want to take my lad to games anymore. Most Evertonians I know are great but there's always the odd idiot like him. All clubs have them.

I sit in The Upper Bullens and a lot of the fans are passive, or keep their thoughts to themselves, I make mine known and there is another fan further back who gives the players loads, when they deserve it, he'd have worn his larynx out this season along with mine. Some fans don't like fans like me and the other fella, don't think they like it when we go berserk when we score or applaud at good play.

Winning is everything to a lot of fans, which I understand, but I've never acknowledged that we've played well if we haven't. I remember a night game v WHU, we were winning 2-0 when their goalkeeper got sent off and they played the rest of the game with ten men, we won 2-1 and were pretty poor. Yet, at the end of the game, fans all around me were happy and cheering the team off, I was amazed that such a poor performance could be accepted with such joy, even though we won.

I wasn't there last night, but I think the win was a big reaction to the result and not the performance. If I had been, I'd have been glad with the win but up on my toes at the end and quickly out of the ground.

Craig, especially because this lockdown has taken so much away from everyone, both young people and old.

Goodison has missed people like you, Dave... miserable bastards who only go the match to be entertained!

Eddie – maybe you are right, but the Richrlison song was quite persistent during the game. Can't imagine it would have been against Sheffield United...

I left the game very happy to have been back, and of course pleased with a hard -fought win, but disappointed how the season has turned out after the exciting start. The lack of pace is so obvious, and makes us so easy to play against sometimes, but I still wouldn't take Traore. He must drive fans mad.

Maybe I'm the odd one out... got to say though, I'm glad to be like that.

If Everton don't buy a speed merchant or an effective winger in the summer, we'll see much the same style of football that we've seen so far in 2021. This current team reminds me of Joe Royle's nearly men of 1995-96, minus Kanchelskis and without the excitement.

I do hope that, in a few years' time, we don't rue the massive opportunity missed like we did when Arsenal pipped us to a European spot all those years ago.

The season has been a disappointment. I've asked as many questions about Ancellotti, as most people (not just saying he's a dinosaur, he's had the sack from his last three jobs and he's shite) and have queried many of his decisions and formations, but only at Goodison Park.

My biggest thoughts would need me to write at least six pages, so I will just write one thought. Maybe Ancellotti is not here just to go and win one cup; maybe the man is here because he wants to try and build something better? A question I'm aware that people might find it easy to take the piss out of!

You may remember I posted the day after the Spurs cup game, that I was speaking to his son-in-law whilst out walking the dog in a local park. His son in law told me that Carlo, his family and all his back room staff that he brought with him, all love living in Liverpool, but above all, Carlo's main aim is to get Everton to the top of the pile, and that he wants to emulate what Man City have done over the past few years.

This is obviously going to take more than the 18 months, and one transfer window, that he has been with us. They didn't realise the enormity of the club when he took over, the history, the tradition, the fan base, in fact everything just completely blew them all away.

This may well be Carlo's biggest challenge he's ever come across in football but, going by what his son-in-law was telling me, he is determined to make it succeed.

When you consider that Godfrey found Traore too quick later on the other side, it really shows that Keane is surprisingly pacey.

On the wanker with the beard, I thought it was sad but I do recall being behind the goal when we played Wolves and John Richards missed a sitter... he smiled as a thousand wrists gave their verdict.

Do you stop your son reading your abuse on ToffeeWeb? Some people are so far up their own arses, they forget themselves.

There are arguments to say Ancellotti should have done this, but I'm not sure it's his style. There are arguments about loads of things, because we all have different opinions, but one of the most decorated managers in football has stated that he actually decided to play so many games in a certain way.

I'm curious, because if this is how his team got most of their points, why would a manager move away from this?

Short-term pain, for long-term gain, is what I'm obviously hoping was behind Carlo Ancellotti's decision making!

Best thing about it was the free Mars bar, followed closely by Richarlison's goal. The rest was mostly forgettable – like the whole season really – but at least there was some effort and intensity.

Godfrey was the MotM and Player of the Season for me. He gets the ethos of the club, rather than the ethos of the current squad.

I have said it all season, we will look back at the games at home which we should've won or competed, West Ham, Newcastle, Fulham, Burnley, Sheff United, etc it's just a shame we now go into the last game of the season against low and behold the best team in the world.

It really does make you laugh when you think about it. Everton need to win their last game and it's against City, Liverpool need to win theirs and they have got Palace at home with fans, yet again you couldn't write it. They need to win and the ref plays an extra 15 seconds allowing their goalkeeper to score a header, again you couldn't write it. It's like God is above Liverpool on match days and supports them, leaving us in misery every week.

We have blown our chances this season but we do also have to remember we have had a lot of injured players, which nobody at Sky has mentioned, and I am convinced in the summer Morishi will back Carlo and Brands will get rid of so many players freeing up important wages. Walcott, Bolasie, Besic, Holgate, maybe even Sigurdsson and Richarlison could go as neither have done well this season, although I hope Richarlison finds his form again quickly as I would love him to stay but quite frankly in his position this season he has massively underperformed.

It's not the big games, it's the games we go into were everyone thinks this should be three points. The Sheffield Utd game is a prime example. You have to wonder if all the players go into these games with the wrong mentality.

Whereas Liverpool have called them three finals and they have already played 2 exactly like that, finals. We have had three finals, Villa, Sheff and Wolves and played in none of them like finals. Poor really and very disappointing end to the season, as per usual.

1) nice to have it confirmed by others, that I didn't imagine it.

2) for those criticizing the lad, I think you need to lighten up. That's what home fans DO! That's part of the fun of being at the match. Abusing the opposition!

If some of you were offended by the bearded fan, you would have gone ballistic at one of the funniest sports photos I've ever seen.

Across a two-page spread in glorious technicolor, I once saw an outstanding photo obviously taken at Old Trafford from the opposite end of the Stretford End, during a Manchester derby.

A zoom lens foreshortened everything so the banked red-and-white masses on the Stretford End appeared very close to the action.

And the action captured was that of City player, Niall Quinn, holding his head in his hands having missed a sitter.

To a man, woman and child, the red-and-white masses all had a raised hand showing the wanker gesture, sneering, jeering, laughing.

Funny as fook! As was the isolated socially distanced fan picked out by the cameras last night.

Whoever you are, power to yer arm, lad! You gave me a good chuckle. Thank you!

He picked himself up, looking at the Kop screaming out him with their veins sticking out of their throats... he stood and faced them and gave them the “Fuck Yis” with both hands! I loved him for it and jealous I was never in that position to do it myself!!

I don't let him read my comments, or anybody else's on TW. He'd be too depressed.

Everton have never lost at Goodison Park in the Premier League under Carlo Ancelotti with fans in attendance (6 wins, 2 draws).

Must say, most of them look like experts in that field...

A far better alternative would be Pereira at West Brom. Ten goals in a struggling side, can go past players and he can whip in accurate crosses early. A big favourite with West Brom fans, but likely to be available following relegation.

He already has Premier League experience and is unlikely to succumb to 'fatigue' like some overseas show ponies. From a relegated side I know, but so was Godfrey. We should be able to outbid Villa and still get him for less than what we stupidly paid for Iwobi.

It must be sobering and embarrassing to have made that big claim for months and to have your eye wiped!

Nobody will ever take a knee to stop wanker gestures. Did you see the lad before kick-off give 2 middle fingers to the camera because he realised the screen had captured him?

Commentry apologised for that and some might find that worse. My language was terrible, and still is if I lose composure, but I still do my best to never hurt people.

It's not great to see or hear abuse but this is mellow and a bit over the top on the bearded fella.

It wasn't just the players that hugely appreciated supporters being back inside Goodison Park.

Carlo Ancelotti was as animated as ever on the touchline as he barked regular instructions to his players during a tight and hard-fought victory.

And the Evertonians inside the stadium took an opportunity in the second half to remind their manager of how much they appreciate him, with a loud rendition of his chant breaking up a quiet period of the match.

The boss acknowledged the song with a brief little wave to the Gwladys Street from his technical area, before giving a full sign of his appreciation when the squad and staff walked around the pitch at the end of the game."

Tonight's Echo printing yet more Fake News! Shouldn't be allowed. :)

Wait until next season when he gets it right.

Calvert-Lewin is also playing badly, is that because of his poor partnership with Richarlison, as some would claim, or our inability to get the ball out of defence quickly and fed to them from the right areas?

Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin are proven class and class is permanent. Forwards are always victims of playing in a poor side, Richarlsion and Calvert-Lewin are not hopeless, they are victims of the way Everton are playing.

They will be back and we should understand the problem and make allowances.

Didn't Arsenal creep past us and Spurs on the last day in 96 to steal the last European spot? We can't let it happen again.

Let's not get too precious about it. Football is a game of emotions as much as it is a game of beauty and mistakes. People get caught up in the moment and we're all guilty.

I'm being biased here and we all have our idiots who step over the mark, but generally us Evertonians are a decent bunch. Far removed from the London fans I live amongst who seem more focussed on goading the opposition than watching their own team. Or the Copts and their staged almost choreographed bricking of opposition team coaches. We have a good balance and are mostly interested in what Everton are doing.

Massive over stereotyping there but stuff like this happens and mostly, it's just a bit of passion and competitiveness coming out in supporters. Nothing sinister.

It's like the bloke who used to stand behind me continuously shouting "Fucking shite, Everton!" throughout the match, every time there was a stray pass. And my best mate (RIP) who couldn't wait for the opportunity to point and call Sheedy a lazy bastard because he alledgedly didn't work hard enough and wasn't fast.

Sometimes, people just need to get things off their chest in the moment!

I did swear. I'm sorry.

"Class"?

This is a major cause of all things wrong at Everton.

How does "class" enter one's mind? I have heard this about players nobody likes at Everton now. How many times are we going to call average players "class"?

Our strikers haven't played a 1-2 together in 3 seasons. And thats' not to say to say they have been paired for 3 years but there has been no great link-up previously and this link-up is as bad a partnership I have seen.

"Class" and players from this squad hardly go together.

Joe Parkinson got the only goal at Goodison against Villa, Blackburn beat Chelsea 3-2 at Stamford Bridge. Spurs drew at Newcastle and in the latter stages at Highbury Arsenal were trailing to Bolton.

Had Bolton hung on to their lead, Everton would have qualified for Europe in 5th place, alas it was not to be as Platt and Bergkamp scored in the last 8 minutes to win the game for Arsenal. Bruce Rioch managed Arsenal and Colin Todd managed Bolton, where Andy Todd had given Bolton the lead. Was Andy, Colin's son?

Another victory would have got Everton into the Champions League, pretty familiar territory, so near but yet so far.

Randomly, I was somewhere in Bosnia that day and got the news when I phoned the wife on the welfare facility in the eventing. She supports Villa so that was an awkward conversation given I was 3 months into a 6 month stint away from home and the focus was supposed to be on how much I missed her!!!

At least Sunday I / we can watch events unfold from the comfort of the living room or pub!

Class, Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin do go together. Both are top internationals who have been talked about as £80M targets. Please don't let your apparent dislike for Everton hide your apparent weakness of judgement on two exceptional players.

So, another instance of Everton being penalised by Uefa for something they had no part in.

What I saw on the forum it looked like we were playing abjectly for the first half, Carlo was a total wanker and most participants on the thread were sharpening up their pitchforks and priming their torches.

Second half I saw we had scored a goal (it took me ages to find out who scored) but seemingly very little celebration of the goal. The Live Forum crowd then moderated to a more general discussion and some banter, and clearly people had relaxed a bit in the main.

So - we saw it out. 3 big points and possibly heading for some sort of third class Euro thingy which frankly I am not very enamoured with - many games likely to compromise league position with very little to offer in my view. I'd rather we missed out and concentrated our efforts next term on a domestic cup and/or Champions League qualification on merit.

So how were we anyway? Who was our MotM? and who put in a performance worthy of a bid for next season? Who had their flip-flops on and who was looking for a new berth somewhere?

And how were the fans in the ground reacting?

Dreadful first half but we didn't really look like conceding a goal. Usual story of not being able to string 2 passes together.

The second half was also poor, but we had a couple of spells where we looked more threatening. Obviously got the goal from a corner - well taken, and perhaps got lucky with a penalty shout against Doucouré. It was a game between two average teams playing dull football and we just happened to be the team that won on this occasion.

Keane was MotM for the Sky pundit and I couldn't argue, but no-one really stood out as having an excellent game. Plenty of them were below par... Doucouré possibly the most notable. In short – you didn't miss much!!

Totally agree. One of the reasons Everton play so deep, which seemed to crack Carlo up, is as you say, both Mina and Keane like playing deep. Having to defend on the turn and compete for the ball against an attacker with pace, they hate it and often totally exposed.

A lot of Wolves pressure was caused by an unwillingness to push up and compact midfield. In the first half, Carlo was gesturing continuously to push up. Mina and Keane want the play in front of them.

Glad I didn't change any plans but that wasn't going to happen anyway. I was having a very nice couple of days away with friends (Chelsea man, my pal) down at West Wittering (Chichester way) so was sunning myself quayside with a pint or two of the local best, and some scran.

Down to earth on Sunday probably. Expecting an exhibition match from Man City at our expense but, if it keeps us out of third-tier Euros – that suits me.

You never know – we might even turn up!

They bussed them in from Strangeways and handed out song sheets en route.

With the current fashion of the defenders picking up the ball so deep, the forwards need to offer more of an outlet as there is so much space for the midfielders to cover. Unfortunately we don't have the quality to play that way - a big reason why James has ended up central and picking up the ball in his own half, rather than playing wide and creating in the final 3rd, as he did when we were flying early in the season.

We need pace, creativity and a top-class centre back in the summer... hopefully 3 or 4 good signings will provide the balance we sorely miss at the moment.

I'm not saying we can't or don't need to imrprove in that department, but too often you see them look up and realise there are no options, so with the instinct to retain possession (natural), then have to come sideways and backwards.

We could punt it hopefully upfield but then you're just most likely giving possession back to the opposition.

And we do need a leading centre-back to get that defence out of our own box. That will force the midfield higher and get us into the area of the pitch we need to be in to win games more convincingly.

I think we're agreeing – they're stuck in the middle of a slow defence and an attack that offer no outlet.

We need players to actually move so that the midfield have something to link up. I think that strengthening the defence and the attack will free up the midfield to play more.

When we play with depth, as we've tried at home in the diamond formation, it just hasn't worked. Some good sides solve this by having false 9s who come deep to help, like Firminho. Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin are having to do this but Richarlison ends up covering the full backs either Calvert-Lewinside and there's never anybody near Calvert-Lewin to pick up the many balls that he wins from deep.

Easy said but all we need is a couple of good fast wide midfielders of the Trevor Stevens model. I'm sure though that Carlo knows exactly what we need and will solve it in the summer window allowing us to win the Premier League next year. The wide left or right player could be Richarlison and then all we need is is one "winger" and a superb Number 10. Easy isn't it?

You're right though. Earlier in the season we pushed forward but with the players we have we left a gap between the midfield and defence.

Later in the season we've sat back deep and now there is a gap between the midfield and the forwards.

We fix that with a central defender who (alongside Godfrey) is comfortable coming out from the back and pushing the team forward. And, like you say a better quality winger.

In fantasy football world, am I allowed Sabitzer?

That's what people do then? Join forums of clubs they don't like? Is that why you are here?

Any more ridiculous posts for me to laugh at??

We are in a great place now and the current situation is temporary and not a bandwagon for people like you to jump on to bring the club down.

What baffles me about Godfrey is how he is not in the England reckoning while Keane is apparently in the mix?

I read in The Telegraph and The Guardian yesterday that Southgate feels it is "too soon for him." He is 23, he has played 28 times for Everton this season and has well over 100 career appearances.

Joe Gomez is also 23, and made his England debut 4 years ago at which point he had played just 5 Premier League games. Hudson-Odoi, career to date has played 57 times at club level, also made his England debut 2 years ago. But somehow Godfrey "isn't ready" to compete with his obviously inferior club mate for a spot.

Magnificent Everton Supporters. That's my first comment on my return to Goodison last night.

Emotionally it was a very special night for me. 6 months ago I thought I may not ever see Everton or The Dark House or my family and friends ever again. I mentioned watching Everton on my iPad while recovering from a serious heart infection and Sepsis, my wife and daughters having been told at one point that they had "lost" me. So to have my wife drive me to The Dark House and meet my daughter and grandson for the game was incredible.

We met up and then followed all the correct procedures at Goodison. in my opinion well organised and polite and made easy by friendly staff all the way. I quite seriously had a lump in my throat and a genuine tear from my eye when The Blues came out and were given a tremendous reception by our magnificent fans. How we/they/us have endured being Blues yet still have something wonderful inside us when we see our Team. My daughter and grandson stood and applauded like everyone.

Now onto the logic of the match (back to emotions later). It was generally a poor game. Not much different to what has been going on recently. Indecisive, slow, poor decision-making. Some individuals shone - Godfrey in particular, Keane and Allan and Richarlison for me. I have read some people mentioning Taore. A big muscle-bound pacy bit of nothing for me. Runs fast and nothing. Everton handled him well. I know we won and it is too late to mean anything after so much early-season promise but no matter how bad we are playing there is nothing to compare with going to the game, seeing Goodison, the green grass. The Blue infrastructure and roof. The players come out. Hear the crowd. Marvellous.

And then down to The Dark House. Once again to be choked with emotion. Many friends there who did not have tickets but wanted to see me after my difficult few months. Beautiful and lovely. I am not for watching the game in the comfort of your armchair with tea and biscuits. Just like Gene Kelly – "gotta dance, gotta dance, gotta dance". I have not a criticism of those who cannot go and enjoy watching from home. I enjoyed and was pleased with the opportunity to watch on my iPad from my hospital bed.

5 days after been declared "dead", I was recovering, still on life support machines" and a nurse asked me, "can I help you, George". I asked for the TV for MOTD. Blues, that's what we are. BLUES.

One of my friends came from Birmingham without a ticket to see me and give me a hug. We spent the night discussing mutual good times with Everton over many many decades. We are Evertonians. Love to see changes to The Team. Generally speaking, although not unanimous, most (a vast majority) want Ancelotti to be here next season but he certainly was not beyond criticism. But again. unanimously we all agreed to a major disappointment this season. A missed chance. But we will all be in The Dark House for the first game next season. Believing again.

I send you True Blue Cosmic Grooves All Across Mountains and Seas to each and every one of you with a firm handshake and, yes, I will say it: Love. And kindest wishes to you all, brothers and sisters. If you are in New Brighton call me. Tea and cake and biscuits always here for you all.

Great to hear you are recovering George.
All the best

But then Everton is the one thing that is always there right?

Agree on Traore. Good assessment.

Hope you are well George

As Hoddle said "If you're good enough you're old enough. as long as you play for certain clubs."

I may have to unpick my mattress!

Barkis and Lowell George!

Sometimes, going to the game full of our eternal optimism, is often better than the game itself. By a strange twist my seat was feet away from where I sat, with my sister in law, during that great 1980s period.

Hope you enjoyed your Mars bar, George, and hope you continue to improve.

Moyes got 4th with 61!!!

If the lads do manage to get a win against Man City and end on 62 points, it will be the highest since Bobby's first season and more than Leicester got to finish 5th last season.

Just two more wins, against teams that really shouldn't be winning at Goodison, even without fans, is the difference between a really good season and ultimately a disappointing one.

The real issue has been the same since Rom left: goals!! Calvert-Lewin had a good season by his standards, but there has not been enough from the rest of the team.

George McKane - wonderful post, sorry to hear of your health troubles but delighted to read about your rise from the ashes and return to the old faithful. May that game be the first of many more for you and your family at Goodison and beyond. Warm wishes.

We all criticise players just as we do managers. It's nature and we should if they don't perform. I too have no issue being proven wrong. This season, I see great improvement in Tom Davies. Also Calvert Lewin. On Dominic, all I would say is that it's great he now realises chasing the channel and corner flags is not his job, but he looks to me like being restricted to being an in the box striker. The big difference between him and Harry Kane (to use an example) is that Kane can and will produce goals from the edge or outside of the box as well as in the box. We don't get that from Dominic. Is it something he can develop? I'm not sure.

Richarlison for me has underperformed this season but the talent is there. I'm shooting from the hip here and haven't given it much thought but there seems to be a problem in finding his position. Like Sigurdsson, put him in the right position for the right game and he'll win you games. But what is it? What is he? I don't have the answer but we seem to stick him in wide positions because he's quick. But then look how effective he is in the box and in the air. Another enigma of a player but still young enough to develop as are Davies and Calvert-Lewin.

Mick. I agree, the word "class" just like legend is overused. They're not class, just good players who still have potential to get better.

Stick the CB from Napoli in there too for good measure

Class
A set or category of things having some property or attribute in common and differentiated from others by kind, type, or quality.

DCL and Rich are both established International Players in Nations who play at the highest World levels and are established players in a world class league competition (undoubtedly the best in the world for me) and hence are world class. They are class by any definition you can find. They are "not class" by any definition only opinion?

It's great that you are so positive and I am certain that it will stand to you in the year's ahead. While I suspect you will be sad to say goodbye to the old lady I am sure that you are looking forward to taking your seat at BMD.

I accept my schooling!! And that is meant lighthearted.

I think we agree in that the players mentioned are very good and playing at the highest level. And they will only get better in my opinion, especially if surrounded by better players as we and others have discussed.

Brands has also stated in the past that some of our players are the envy of the Top 6... 😄😄

Seems to me, Colin, you are pissing into the wind, sadly

A desire shared by all Evertonians – not just you. Please help me by defining what your "real class" is in a similar way to how I defined mine as applied to Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison; surely you don't just mean your opinion do you?

On Traore, he's like a 100m sprinter in a 400m event. Very dangerous at times but hasn't the stamina to last. He can't play 90mins, maybe he should work on his stamina and reduce the bulk, muscle weight.

For that reason alone I would rather we get Neto, a quick, clever, creative winger who can last 90mins.

From another thread I posted:

Pace is great but it's just one strength. We had Walcott, Bolasie and Niasse who all have pace and a fair bit of energy but they were pretty useless when it came to passing, crossing, shooting and general 'team play'.

How I'd love a Kanchelskis. A fairly simple player, no fancy tricks or overplay to make himself look good, he just did everything well. Direct, fast, strong, delivered passes, crosses and goals.

He was a great outlet for the midfielders and defender's to put early balls into space behind the opposition. James needs a player like that so he doesn't have to slow play down and get caught in possession.

Simms should stay at Blackpool (may soon be a championship team) or a similar league 1 team. He needs to learn playing real competitive football. He's probably learnt more in 5 months than the previous 18 playing against kids.

https://www.enworld.org/attachments/40860-jpg.68947/

In any event, if our team doesn't improve significantly in the next twelve months, I can't see him staying here.

You're right though. Dominic can develop. He has improved this season in realising that he needed to improve the part of his game to be in the box to score goals. Maybe his next development step is to work on the outside the box aspect of being an all-round striker? I hope so. The lad has huge potential.

To keep it realistic just think of the players labelled class over the years and what they have achieved. You'll find there isn't many Everton players in the same bracket I am afraid, but you bandy the word class whatever way you feel.

The last player I would have defined as class at Everton was Rooney because he pulled off things that most are not capable of ie chipping a keeper from 40 yards for his hat trick.

Obviously most of his class came at United and I believe only James in this squad is capable of shifting the ball with an element of class.

So, yes, you believe that class is whatever your biased opinion of it is? Opinion as fact, which I'm sure you will accept it certainly isn't. Surely, rather than have a purely opinionated view of what it is, then do as I do and use a clear and accepted dictionary definition of class, as I used the word and the English speaking world generally uses it.

Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison are world class players and your personal opinion doesn't really change that. It's more a problem that you have rather than they have? The definition I used is easily applied to any player in an objective way which eliminates opinion completely. Isn't our language wonderful.

'Top class' I use for players playing at a consistently high level in a major league. The stand-out performers.

'World class' being Ronaldo, Messi, Mbappe etc. Players that would improve almost any team.

Everton have no world class players because the only nominee is James who does not perform consistently and hasn't for a few seasons, mainly because of injury.

But he's certainly top class, along with Digne and Allan. That's it. We have ex-top class players that are not at the level they were: Coleman, Sigurdsson, Mina.

For me, Richarlison and Dom are just below that level due to inconsistency but, at 23, both have time and the determination to improve.

You've used one dictionary definition of class which is about grading types of bannana. Class on the football field is like beauty in the eye of the beholder. We all see it differently?