Seasons2020-21Everton News
Frustrated Ancelotti criticises Everton's lack of spirit

Carlo Ancelotti was as frustrated as Evertonians have seen him since he took over as manager following today's dismal 2-0 defeat to struggling Newcastle at Goodison Park.
The Toffees looked flat, uninspired and demotivated and were soundly beaten by a Magpies side who could have won by more goals had Callum Wilson not wasted two gilt-edged chances and Ancelotti was critical of his players' attitude.
As it was, the former Bournemouth striker grabbed a brace as Newcastle ended a run of six straight defeats and 11 games without a win by putting Everton to the sword.
“We are not happy,” Ancelotti told BBC Sport. “The key point was that we didn't have the same spirit that Newcastle showed in the game.
“I know we have quality. The good run in the past was because we showed fantastic spirit on the pitch. Today, we forgot the spirit at home.
“We tried to play with quality today, but in this game and all the games, quality [on it's own] is not enough. You have to sacrifice, play with motivation and ambition — I think all these kinds of things we forgot at home today and I hope that we are able to [get that back].
“It's true that we played on Wednesday night and didn't have a lot of time to recover but I put four of five players in fresh. [The reason why we lost] was not tactical or physical — it was only mental.
“[The next games are] a good opportunity for us to get back our usual attitude because I am so disappointed today but I cant forget that this team has done well using the kind of quality that we did not have today.”
Ancelotti went further in his post-match press conference, telling the media:
"Without spirit, there is no quality. Today we were lazy, we were slow. We were not focused. We didn't win duels and second balls.
"We didn't avoid corners or throw-ins. I said exactly that to players in the dressing-room, no secrets.
"I am disappointed. I hope it is only one game. I want to show our spirit in our next game on Wednesday. We are still in a good position in the table."
Reader Comments (137)
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2 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:28:18
3 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:30:18
Shared responsibility ? Discuss.
4 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:31:52
How many times did the next match mean that Everton would advance up the table, only to find that most of the players couldn't be bothered. Ancelotti was put on the back foot by Bruces midfield tactics , though. Not enough competition for places , players thinking they will get playing in rotation is another problem.
5 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:32:39
6 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:43:57
The only way Newcastle were going to get a result gains us todwas to out battle us and fight for everything. Our set up allowed them to do that with ease.
We are not Man City, we have to battle for the right to win. Only winning the battles will allow the likes of James to shine. Playing too many lightweights in midfield killed us.
As Dave above says, get the hard bastards Godfrey and Holgate. Get some energy back into the side.
7 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:46:15
8 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:51:21
Why do I sit and watch teams like Fulham that are in the bottom three play football fast, and commit men trying to score goals despite being a clearly limited side?
Is it all just about the players or is it also down to how the manager sets them up?
Can we not commit five of six men at home to Newcastle and try and score?
Why bring Gomes on for Iwobi instead of pushing Richarlison next to DCL going two up top and take Sigurdsson off and replace him with Gordon on the left?
I'm not gonna sit here and start criticism of a manager that in the past has won endless silverware, but there are times when I wonder if his tactics and setup is just too old school now for the way the British game is played.
The Premier League now, it's fast and it's furious yet we still play the games in slow motion, when do we ever look fit and ramped up?
We keep saying that we need better players well we signed James last summer, we bought Doucoure who is supposed to offer us a box to box energy, Allan is a good player but his injury record now is morphing in that of Fabian Delph, also Allan isn't going to offer any attacking threat is he?
Our academy must be god awful if we can't bring any lad through to challenge players bang out of form like Richarlison, the fact we have two goalkeepers on the bench as well, what's that all about?
So basically we are where we are, again a team struggling to create chances, a team (or manager) not flexible to in-game changes of formation/style, a team that has no other way of playing but just lob the ball to DCL's head.
9 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:53:18
The loss of Holgate and Godfrey hurt us defensively no doubt. But as many pointed out on Wed, without Coleman and Digne we lack creativity as James apart we have no creative midfielders. If Carlo kept the same team today maybe it would have been 0-0 but I dont see how we would have won. That said Mina was marking Wilson so that goal still wouldve occurred. Ideally we need Gomez Iwobi Sig and Davies to become good players. Unlikely to happen. Alternatively Godfrey and Holgate improve going forward, or both Digne and Coleman both regain their long lost form
10 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:56:50
Ancelloti wasnt wearing their boots or even on the pitch.
This game was not about tactics or setup it was about desire and unlike the Leicester game where their players were superior could you honestly say any of the Newcastle players would get into an Everton team.
Before the game we were all lauding the attacking selection as we expected to tear Newcastle apart but they were there one that showed energy and motivation.
We have seen this under previous managers. The players cannot maintain a positive attitude and approach.
“Lazy “ is too kind a description for them.
11 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:07:25
12 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:12:37
13 Posted 30/01/2021 at 18:33:13
Despite some good wins and very decent performances (team and individual) this season, we have few players who we can expect to put in a very good performance on MOST occasions. Iwobi, for example, had some very good games recently but is there anybody who thinks he has in him that level of ability on a more consistent basis? He's not shown it before, so why now?
As another example, Carlo also squeezed something out of Siggy for some games this season but is there anybody here who has held a candle for him over the last few seasons?
We are more in need of a bonfire of the vanities with so many present-day disgracefully highly-paid self-regarding players... Richarlison (who I actually respect for his defensive duties - and as an aside, did you notice even James covering at RB at one point!) - Richarlison too often has his head where an enema should be. Another who provides magic one moment and Tommy Cooper the next. He looks as if he might have been sawn in half after some tackles - he was only half good today.
We're marking time until the summer transfer window - it's nailed on that Carlo doesn't see this squad as having sufficient strength in depth in terms of CONSISTENT performance AND application as Seamus alludes to. As the next transfer window will surely confirm - and the one after that.
14 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:28:08
15 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:33:47
Which of Ancelottis signings do you consider lack spirit?
16 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:46:36
Our current squad still has too many passengers especially going forward playing with speed and accuracy.
Too many times our midfield players take all tempo out of the game and go for the safe, sideways pass instead of the more direct attacking option which James seems to be the only one doing (and capable of doing).
Many of our players seem like they do not even want the ball and when they pass it they do not go in position to get it back. They just stop and expect somebody to do domething on their own.
We do not have enough technically gifted players who can play a pass first time with accuracy, and we lack leaders.
Is Ancelotti mistake free? No. But we can not keep changing managers and I think he will slowly make us better given time. Our current squad is a result of the total mess left behind from changing managers so often recently (Even if I agree with those changes).
That is one of the reasons why we are spending the January transfer window getting rid of overpaid deadwood rather than getting much needed new faces in.
I hope we can add attacking quality in the summer (Our defence is fine), thereby improving both our starting 11 and our squad depth.
This season is over as far as Champions League goes.
17 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:47:11
Remember Leighton Baines comments when we signed Aaron Lennon halfway through the 2014/15 season?
"He's shamed us into hard work"
That suggests we have been a club that's been on easy street for too long now, players too comfortable in their positions, no pressure or expectations.
As for Carlo Ancelotti's comments tonight, well my question would be..
Are we going to see a reaction on Wednesday night at Elland Road?
18 Posted 30/01/2021 at 19:47:20
When I look at this group recently Im not seeing any belief or spirit in the side. It needs freshing up. Were the only side in the league (other than perhaps Burnley) who havent mixed things up over the difficult festival period and its showing badly.
19 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:03:01
20 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:03:01
21 Posted 30/01/2021 at 20:08:40
He didnt against West Ham, Leicester or today
The Wednesday night game against Leeds should be interesting.
22 Posted 30/01/2021 at 21:48:33
On paper, our 11 is much stronger than theirs but the reputations mean nothing once the game kicks off.
A real lack of heart from the usual suspects put us up against it. Dropping lads that aren't as technical but want to win games cost us. Holgate, Godfrey and Davies should be in the 11 against Leeds.
I thought the ref was poor today. No way would he let some of those fouls go unpunished if they were against one of the Sky darlings.
23 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:02:33
24 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:24:49
25 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:36:26
Unfortunately desire and physical prowess have always been significant factors. Without desire you can have all the pace, mobility and technical ability you want but you wont necessarily win.
Motivation can only work if there is something to appeal to. To say its the managers job is trite if he gets no response from a reasonable expectation.
I didnt see the game. Had to rely on Talkshite commentary. What a waste of time. Two guys who obviously thought it was telly commentary. Occasionally identifying the player in possession in between loads of pointless chitchat doesnt amount to describing the action on the pitch. Cant believe people get paid for it, and some people find it better than any of the televised stuff whilst there is no matchday attendance.
26 Posted 30/01/2021 at 22:59:39
Carlo taking the first step to shit street by publicly calling out players.
You would think a man of his experience would realise managers never win this battle, but no, it must be the realisation his complacency in the summer has began to bite him on the arse - as predicted.
I, among many, said he had a single window to create a revolution because of the harsh reality of modern day footy but events proved he and his compadres were of the it will be "alright on the night" mindset and barely scratched the surface.
Looking grim if things don't improve pronto
27 Posted 30/01/2021 at 23:11:51
28 Posted 30/01/2021 at 23:16:52
1st goal free header surrounded by three Everton players
2nd goal surrounded by no Everton pkayers and poor technique by Pickford.
Quality my ass, most not bothered. Same old Everton attitude. Never a Top Foyr attitude.
29 Posted 30/01/2021 at 23:25:48
Allan is our holding midfielder; Doucouré is our box to box so we lose drive and impetus if he sits, Davies should have started with Doucouré playing ahead of him.
Gomes should never pull on our shirt again. Richarlison is having a dog of a season and Calvert-Lewin has no competition but we loaned out Kean and Walcott and have quite literally nothing to replace them.
It's a fucking shambles from Moshiri, we should be looking at a striker, winger and central midfield signing big. Instead, we have got rid of Tosun, Simms, Bolasie etc.
Very very poor and Ancelotti must be questioning his decision to join us.
30 Posted 30/01/2021 at 23:30:57
Pickford
Holgate Mina Keane Digne or Godfrey
Allan or Davies
Doucouré Sigurdsson
James Calvert-Lewin Richarlison
31 Posted 31/01/2021 at 01:48:19
We could have won playing Holgate and Godfrey the way we won our last couple of games: by headers, corners, or free-kick headers. As I understand football, presence and confidence in the players is what makes a good team; Holgate and Godfrey were playing really well out of position. So Digne and Coleman, although great players, should've waited.
Again: why change the ONE clear thing that made us win so many games lately?
Ancelotti talking about lack of spirit, and what about that question? What about it?
32 Posted 31/01/2021 at 02:02:05
33 Posted 31/01/2021 at 02:31:52
My point is that Holgate and Godfrey weren't scoring those goals or taking those set pieces. It was James, Mina etc. Those guys didn't get it done today so I don't see how Holgate or Godfrey would have helped us get an actual goal.
34 Posted 31/01/2021 at 04:31:52
You can only sprinkle a bit of glitter on it, which doesn't last long; they have a couple of decent games, it soon rubs off and you're left with what you started with.
Nicolas @ 31; I used to think that but I'm not too sure. This 4 of a kind at the back / aka, 'The Wall', was stumbled upon by Ancelotti when Delph got Injured breaking into a trot vs Burnley, but I'm not sure if he has properly worked out when and when not to use it or, for that matter, how to feed in the odd change to it...and when to do that either.
I think he likes it, and it may appeal to his Italian defensive nature but, as we've seen, no two teams are alike and one size doesn't fit all, every game.
He picked the 'right' team 'in theory' for Newcastle on 10 games without a win... but they for some reason, more than likely this new coach Clark, who should know how to get the best out of Wilson and Fraser, didn't turn up, didn't stick to the script.
All aided and abetted by the, as seems usual for Everton, insipidly charitable performance for the benefit of those in need of a win or a goal.
Short version: We 'Evertoned it' good style.
Cushions would fill the sky for less back in the day, which, I suspect, is why they got rid of them. Nothing said 'Booooo' to The Board more eloquently than massed squadrons of cushions.
With no spectators, we can't even vote with our feet.
35 Posted 31/01/2021 at 04:35:01
Pickford
Holgate Mina Keane Digne
Davies Godfrey Doucouré
James
Calvert-Lewin Richarlison
I would drop Richarlison for the next game – that would send out a clear signal that no-one is irreplaceable.
36 Posted 31/01/2021 at 07:11:28
He tried to introduce more attacking intent with the inclusion of Coleman and Digne at fullback, but that simply resulted in the team becoming weaker to set-pieces without improving our work down the flanks. Play a back four of Holgate, Mina, Keane and Godfrey for the remainder of the reason, select Davies every game to cover until the injured Allan returns and build out from that.
Regardless of the formation, these are a squad largely of internationals. Their attitude and application in this performance stunk. Complacent and lazy through the entire team.
Every time this club has the opportunity to make a big step up, it bottles it. Been the story for almost 30 years.
37 Posted 31/01/2021 at 08:22:10
38 Posted 31/01/2021 at 08:35:27
Technically, we are much better than Newcastle... we just didn't want it enough. That, for me (and most Evertonians), is unforgivable.
Gomes didn't have the impact I'd hoped for when he came on. I thought he might bring more balance to the midfield pairing; clearly Sigurdsson is ill-equipped for that role so, when I saw the line-up, I had some reservations about yesterday.
39 Posted 31/01/2021 at 08:45:05
I would say the likes of Holgate, Godfrey and Davies have that hunger whilst the likes of Mina, Iwobi, Gomes, Sigurdsson etc came for the money.
Also, how fired up do you think Wilson was when he saw he could tickle Mina and he would fall to the ground like a baby? He must be the least intimidating centre-back ever.
40 Posted 31/01/2021 at 08:50:47
Carlo got it wrong, fair enough; let down by his players, quite a lot of them, but what does he say to them at half-time, because they got worse – not better. Then he brings on Gomes not to replace Sigurdsson but to line up with him like a pair of sideboard ornaments – the only substitute he made! Start earning your money, Carlo, you're being paid plenty of it.
Off to church now, can't even light a candle, they've been banned because of the virus. Wish I could ban one or two useless ba... stop, Dave you're going to church!
Well, you get the drift, I'll say some silent prayers instead.
41 Posted 31/01/2021 at 08:51:12
42 Posted 31/01/2021 at 09:25:37
We have obvious shortcomings and some new faces, bedded-in with a proper pre-season will no doubt help (that is if we can fit a pre-season in). In the meantime, our squad looks short on cover up top and, although we have a plethora of midfield players, each one (Allan excepted) with flaws. Defensively we look sound although the goalkeeper flatters to deceive.
It's the halfway point in the season and to get top six (I will forget top 4 ) we need to replicate our form from the first half. This included a couple of good winning runs. As others have said, Richarlison hasn't warranted a starting berth for some time... in fact, since the derby.
Yesterday Shelvey looked streets ahead of any of our midfield. I have seen him in previous games this season where he has been ineffective. As for Mina and his pathetic attempts to get Wilson sent off – it was embarrassing.
Although James looked to be our only player who wanted to get on the ball and make things happen – did anyone else think he was stifling Digne and Coleman, as he got in their way? I thought he slowed our play and his lack of pace made him easy to mark.
It seemed that our players had been told to give it to him whenever they could. Stop James and you stop Everton. As he got more frustrated, his passing got worse, he came deeper looking for the ball, and he eventually got booked.
We have scored most of our goals from either crosses or long punts from the back. James looks good on the eye but he holds it too long, plays too deep, and is a ball-hogger. If he had been pushed up alongside Calvert-Lewin, it might have got interesting but Ancelotti only made one sub. The game had been drifting away from us for half-an-hour and he patiently stood and watched.
Next game, I would bench James, put Iwobi on the right, and Digne on the left. Bring an extra body (Davies) into midfield and go back to the four centre-backs.
Oh, and if we don't get another forward in on loan, then we are doomed.
43 Posted 31/01/2021 at 09:31:05
I think it certainly is the case that he overestimated what he had at the club but what has really disappointed me is the seeming inability to change the mindset of the players.
What really does go on in Finch Farm, in pre-match talks, half-time and full-time de-brief when we see the kind of flaccid display of yesterday — which is a repeat of a now significant number of games in the manager's tenure???
Either he or the coaches are failing and it is clear and obvious we are a soft-bellied squad, so why is that?
44 Posted 31/01/2021 at 09:35:56
Everton unfortunately are still nothing but a mid-table team. I look at the team directly below us, they have Barkley (should still be an Everton player) and they score goals (we don't).
As stated above, even without Kane, we won't beat Spurs. Season over again. At least we can look forward to another Bramley-Moore Dock update soon, Unsworth's tales of the next big thing from the Academy, and EitC receiving another award.
45 Posted 31/01/2021 at 09:47:47
One other issue which was worrying, was the performance of our centre backs. They both particularly Mina seemed to be intimidated by Wilson. They need to be stronger than that. I hope word isn't getting around that if you're nasty to Yerry he doesn't like it. But I''ve seen Cavani and Wilson both front him up to our disadvantage in recent weeks. He needs to start kicking some of these characters into row z for a few weeks.
46 Posted 31/01/2021 at 10:03:48
47 Posted 31/01/2021 at 10:24:58
We don't need to be so strict, but the profiling and general ethos makes sense.
Otherwise we just go from season to season trying to break the big 6 through buying expensive players (fee or wages) who aren't good enough for a big 6 side.
48 Posted 31/01/2021 at 10:36:33
49 Posted 31/01/2021 at 11:27:56
You lost me when you said you would drop James for Iwobi.
James is by far our best player. He is on a different level from the rest of the team. His magic is in the final third. Newcastle were happy to see him pick the ball up deeper as he would generally keep possession but not be able to provide the killer pass.
Digne did get forward a lot yesterday but his delivery just wasn't there. Coleman couldn't get forward too much as generally Iwobi either fired the ball back to him or lost possession.
Yesterday I saw a collective lack of will to win a game of football. Watching your best players continually getting hacked down and nobody getting within 2 yards of the opposition to even put a challenge in is unforgivable.
I would play Holdgate holding centre mid for the rest of the season. The lad is quick, aggressive and can pass. You never know it could save us £50m on buying another centre mid.
The Leeds game will be interesting, their movement will no doubt cause us problems.
50 Posted 31/01/2021 at 11:39:47
Amazingly we have actually won games without him.
He should have been pushed into their box so that the mutants wouldn't dare stamp on his tootsies.
I know he was our best player but Coleman tried to go down the line a couple of times only for James to block his route or fail to give him the pass. He appeared on the other wing and got in Digne's way..Digne got the hump and stopped trying to get down the line.
Something is going on at the club. Some of these guys are pissed-off. Probably with Richie getting a start each week and James getting carte blanche to do whatever, while Tom Davies and Gomes get treated like a couple of spare pricks.
For Leeds, get Holgate and Godfrey back on board..get Davies back in the middle..we need fighters not dancers.
51 Posted 31/01/2021 at 11:50:29
I totally agree, we need more aggression in the team. We are far too easy to play against. I wouldn't lose any sleep if I didn't see Iwobi, Sigurdsson or Gomes in a blue shirt again.
52 Posted 31/01/2021 at 11:52:50
53 Posted 31/01/2021 at 12:09:10
Probably would have ended up 0-0 though, so better at least, but I'm not sure how we get the win.
Ancelloti chose Digne, Coleman, Sigurdsson, Iwobi and James to open up a crap side. They failed.
Also, the fact is that Richarlison needs a rest / some competition and shouldn't currently be starting. DCL is not yet 100% and can't do it on his own.
Ancelotti will not be blind to any of this. Expect we will set up much more solid against Leeds.
54 Posted 31/01/2021 at 12:19:02
City, United, RS & Leicester can score goals. Why? Because their players bust a gut to get close enough to shoot. I watched a vid of us training on YouTube. The drill was a one-two from 25yds out and Gomes was the best goalscorer!!!! How many shots has he had all season? I would rather see 10-12 skied efforts. Even shots heading for the corner flag than the total lack of desire to get on the scoresheet. Surely the coaching staff train the players to try to score.
55 Posted 31/01/2021 at 12:25:15
I know the game has totally changed but I find myself going back to Peter Reid talking about Marwoods challenge on Heath during Howards Way! Looking out for each other.
We need a more nasty horrible edge to the team. Godfrey and Holgate seem to have it so we missed them, Allan also has it ! Yesterday we simply didnt have that edge hence the treatment of James continued!
Im still so disappointed about yesterday. We just seem to choke everytime we close to something! Trying to keep some perspective but it really does pay to be a pessimist when supporting Everton !
56 Posted 31/01/2021 at 12:27:35
If a team like Newcastle is coming to disrupt and fight like dirty bastards to get a result we have got to expect it. It is naive in the extreme if we parade an array of ballet dancers across our midfield and then expect to win the battles that are inevitable.
I think where we differ is that I would want James Rodriguez in the team as our creative genius. All the other players are there to battle for every inch of turf and battle to win the ball and for a yard of space.
Play Godfrey, Holgate and Davies yesterday for Sigurdsson, Iwobi and Coleman and there is a different level of toughness, energy and resilience running through the team. It annoys me greatly that Newcastle were not worn down at all, they were still firing on all cylinders in the last quarter of the match. We didnt stress test them in any way.
After Leicester Ancelotti said that the point was a good point, only in the context of getting 3 against Newcastle.
He will be furious with that performance and I hope he has learned a lot from it.
57 Posted 31/01/2021 at 13:12:43
If Gordon gets hooked for a poor half then Richie should have been treated similarly a few weeks ago.
As for Domenic, I imagine he is still not quite right and has to play within himself. Whether he is fully fit or not, it emphasises just how reliant we are on him.
58 Posted 31/01/2021 at 13:13:56
59 Posted 31/01/2021 at 13:44:37
Certainly a big "wow" if true where did you read that?
60 Posted 31/01/2021 at 13:47:00
A damning statement.
Gauntlet firmly threw down.
61 Posted 31/01/2021 at 14:01:19
Much of our attacking play had been based on the combinations between James and Digne with Richarlison down the left, opening up space for DCL in the box.
But yesterday, and against Leicester, Richarlison was woeful. So Digne was reduced to hopeful crosses into a crowded box. Dignes most dangerous moves this season had been low crosses to the near post. But that option was gone as Richarlison was neither there, nor pulling defenders out of position.
Same with James, he would look up hoping to see Richarlison making a run in behind the defenders, but nothing coming, so he'd take another touch, turn, beat a player before eventually spreading it wide.
There is something clearly up with his mentality. He looks like he isn't enjoying his football. And everytime he has a chance, and misses, rather than looking like he is determined to score the next one, he looks frustrated and annoyed.
DCL still held the ball up well, and had good touches, but his threat is in the box and we simply didn't get near it.
Coleman also offers nothing down the right. He's neither an attacking threat nor defensively stable.
62 Posted 31/01/2021 at 14:37:28
63 Posted 31/01/2021 at 15:08:23
Most sides in the modern era quickly adopt a clear established way of playing so you can at least see what they are trying to do.
With us we have one way of playing, that's get it wide and cross it.
Have Leeds got better individual players than us?
No I don't think they have.
So why can we never evolve the way we play, why do we sign international footballers, seasoned Premier League players but produce no different any year?
64 Posted 31/01/2021 at 15:36:04
65 Posted 31/01/2021 at 15:38:30
66 Posted 31/01/2021 at 15:42:45
67 Posted 31/01/2021 at 15:43:06
68 Posted 31/01/2021 at 15:43:12
A petulant, spoilt footballer for me.
A big girl
Not a knee jerk reaction either.
I posted similar to you a while ago.
69 Posted 31/01/2021 at 15:47:09
The Manager can't help it when his players don't show up. It happens in every single sport, it happens in life, etc. People put in a position to complete a task with passion aren't up for it.
The difference between a good manager and a bad manager is the ability to immediately reverse that phenomenom and right the ship.
I fully expect a different Everton side against Leeds. They're going to come out flying.
They may not "dominate" because Leeds is a fantastically coached team as well - they will play the "prettier" stuff.
But our effort will be like night and day from New Castle to the Leeds game. I'd bet the house, wife, and kids on that.
70 Posted 31/01/2021 at 15:51:08
71 Posted 31/01/2021 at 15:57:13
72 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:10:17
73 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:14:58
74 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:17:14
Pickford should be fined a weeks wages every time he passes it to a defender in or just outside the 6 yard box it is regular the opposition run into the area and the defenders are faffing about with a hot spud, criminal.
75 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:23:36
It was great to watch them overcome a good technical side like Leicester. They proved that Leicester were beatable, if you have a real go.
76 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:36:10
77 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:37:49
78 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:46:39
79 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:53:04
80 Posted 31/01/2021 at 16:55:02
This is madness. Rich is a ridiculously talented footballer. He was our only real quality prior to the Doucoure-James-Allan window, and just about the only thing we had to look forward to when it came to going forward.
He was the shining light in the Silva ball of shite.
He was our only player prior to said window who would have commanded 50 million plus.
We are, unquestionably, a better team with Richarlison in the squad.
He's simply going through the proverbial purple patch thingy.
Three men who may be the most intelligent and level headed on TW, and I can't agree at all with the calls to cash in on Rich. We'd be so, so worse off without him.
But I will grant you this - if Rich doesn't stop rolling around on the deck after every tackle moaning like a gigantic pooss-whah, I might just break his leg myself.
81 Posted 31/01/2021 at 17:04:16
By that I mean he's not really an out and out wide player, he hasn't really got that searing pace to be a dazzling winger and he's not what you'd call a true centre forward.
We play him on the left because prior to this season that's where he's flourished mostly.
I look at him and I feel though at times stuck out on that wide area that he's just anonymous now, he's wasted, he's not particularly super skilful.
He's a pretty competent finisher (not a great one I will add).
I still think he's a slightly more composed footballer in front of goal than Dom who in fairness is a good six yard box player but he's not exactly a dynamic Lukaku type striker.
That's not me advocating swapping Richarlison for DCL but I'm just thinking at certain moments in certain games could Ancelotti look at mixing things up?
Surely in training we try different things?
Whatever, the only thing that's obvious is that Richarlison has had a really poor season by his own recent standards (two 14 goal campaigns) I did think he'd push on again and get 15-18 goals this season and take his game up a level but it's not happening.
It's a conundrum and we really need to find out how to get him something like he was this time last year.
82 Posted 31/01/2021 at 17:05:27
And how dare you call me level-headed! I can be as ridiculous as the next guy!
83 Posted 31/01/2021 at 17:11:11
It's worth pointing out to those footballing Einsteins who dismiss him as "championship at best", Just what happens when they get their way and he doesnt play
He didn't play at Southampton - We lost
He didnt play against Newcastle - we lost
He didnt play against Man U - We lost
He didnt play against Leeds - We lost
He didnt play against Man U again - We lost
He didnt play yesterday - Guess what
Nobody needs to be told Tom is NOT the scouse Perlo...but the evidence would suggest he is a proper proper team player.
Maybe he just does what he is told. Maybe he just carries out Carlos instructions to the letter... Maybe he is the archetypal foot soldier, but he has got a far better win rate then the much missed tackling machine from Brazil- He played in most of our loses and gave the goal away which cost us two points at Burnley.
One of the stattos may well prove me wrong, but my gut instinct tells me that OUR boy has the best points-per-starts record at the club this season.
Just saying
84 Posted 31/01/2021 at 17:15:58
Great post IMO.
Brent -
Have it your way, you're as ridiculous as the horde. 😂
85 Posted 31/01/2021 at 17:20:29
Are you saying Tom is a better player than Allan?
If you are, you best get that Bushmills back out
86 Posted 31/01/2021 at 17:22:36
A "purple patch" is what we over here call a hot streak.
The British word for slump is... um... uh... never mind. Forget I brought it up.
87 Posted 31/01/2021 at 17:24:27
Our players need to work harder. Carlo couldn't defend that performance. Remember it's not evertons reputation on the line but his.
Just put a shift in lads!!!
88 Posted 31/01/2021 at 17:31:07
89 Posted 31/01/2021 at 17:32:59
90 Posted 31/01/2021 at 17:38:08
Jamie (61) Ive never honestly seen Richarlison in the same light as yourself, I think if you gave marks out of ten for every game he has played for Everton he would finish up with an average of six, and thats being generous but I stress thats just my opinion, we all differ in our assessments of players.
91 Posted 31/01/2021 at 18:26:33
92 Posted 31/01/2021 at 18:32:01
93 Posted 31/01/2021 at 18:36:39
94 Posted 31/01/2021 at 18:38:53
By not bringing in a competent goalscorer or two, he's condemning the club to another season of tepid, awful mediocrity, with only the FA cup to go for, a really difficult tie against Spurs at home where we seem to be most vulnerable.
I've been a big fan of Carlo but he seems to have lost the plot by selling or loaning out 5 forwards and bringing zero in. That can't be the way forward, he may get away with it this season, but next season he has to sign the forwards we need or the pressure will begin for real to remove him.
95 Posted 31/01/2021 at 18:39:32
It appears that who ever the manager may be at the club Koeman, Allardyce, Silva or Ancelloti they all have this crazy insane notion that Pickford, Coleman and Sigurdsson must all be shoe-horned in to the side at the expense of anyone else. Each time the managers are sacked the next fool picks up the baton and carries on with the madness. WHY is it written in the managers contracts they must play these players??
The mini winning streak we went on just before Xmas starting at Leicester came about by accident not by design. Due to injuries Carlo had to play 4 center halves at the back. Godfrey, Holgate, Keane and Mina. We never have looked so solid at the back which allowed the rest to go and play up the pitch. Soon as the two lightweights Coleman and Digne are fit the gameplan goes out the window they come back in we stop winning. Dropping Godfrey for Coleman is a fucking disgrace.
Like I have said previously this rebuilding job at Everton is far to big for Carlo Ancelloti. Carlo is used to his teams being ready made full of world class players all he had to do is a tweek here and there and buy the odd player. You are guaranteed to win trophies at PSG, Bayern, Madrid, Milan and Chelsea. This is a whole new ball game. Rebuilding a club from top to bottom is not like sending PSG out on a Sunday afternoon to beat a team of grape farmers 7-0 is it??.
I would get shut of Ancelloti now. Carlo has no passion no energy no desire and no fucking clue whats needed here. Give Duncan a crack or do what the likes of Southampton, Wolves and Villa have done. Find a manager with some ability to manage in the modern game. Winning trophies at elite clubs 10 years ago means nothing today.
We have blown the best chance we will ever get of a top 4 finish. If the fans had been in the stadiums we wouldn't be putting up with this Shite would we? Maybe we would plenty of our lot use Carlos CV as a guage of how lucky we are to have him. I would sack him today.
Considering Ancelloti is such a genius he has left us in the same situation as the previous load of wasters who had the job before him.
One striker at the club and little to no pace in the squad. Yes sure looks like Carlo is the best manager in the world like a lot of our fans keep telling me. I just cringe when I hear this said.
96 Posted 31/01/2021 at 18:44:38
Certainly not me.
Which of the 5 forwards you mention would you like to see staying?
97 Posted 31/01/2021 at 18:47:22
98 Posted 31/01/2021 at 18:52:38
Some things I really believe could make a big difference are,
1, Pickford dropped and replaced by Olsen. He is too erratic and does not give the defence confidence. Olsen appears much more steady and calm.
2, Coleman has to be a bench player from now on. He has lost it.
3, Michael Keane and Mason Holgate appear to be the organisers of that defence and keane is the best centre back we have but he is slow. Therefore Mina cant play along side Keane. I would think Godfrey alongside him with Holgate at RB and Digne at LB would be our best back 4.
4, Allan is a massive miss and we need to play the next best player we have who plays the same way. I believe that is Tom Davies. Clearly not as good as Allan but can cover for him. Gomes nor Sigurdsson can!
5, Sigurdsson can only play in the number 10 position. Nowhere else. James should play there so Sigurdsson is a bench player.
6, Richarlison needs to be dropped. Something is going on and he needs to be rested or shown he's not too big to be dropped.
7, Iwobi is a confidence player. If he plays well leave him on the team. Dont swap him or play him left back etc!
8, we really need another forward player. Especially a centre forward who replace Calvert Lewin or play alongside him.
Do the above and we'll get top 6. Easy at that!
COYB!!
99 Posted 31/01/2021 at 18:54:45
Crosby?
100 Posted 31/01/2021 at 18:55:06
One thing I do agree is that Tom is nowhere near as bad as some people make out and he was right pick for yesterdays game. At least he tries to go forwards sometimes - unlike Sigurdsson.
101 Posted 31/01/2021 at 19:03:56
102 Posted 31/01/2021 at 19:07:01
103 Posted 31/01/2021 at 19:09:09
A small ripple at most.
The vast majority are still behind him.
Opinion on TW tells you that
104 Posted 31/01/2021 at 19:14:48
Fan Boy websites ? Do one. I'l leave them to those who prematurely ejaculate because we have signed a Brazilian who makes Tommy Graversson look composed...
YeahbutnobutYeah...Have you seen his tackiing stats"
Must be acutely embarrassing for you excuse makers to see The championship player pissing all over the Brazilian superstar. Especially after Carlo used all his "pulling powers" to get him here.
"Wait till he`s back. then we`ll be more solid"....Yeah of course we will
105 Posted 31/01/2021 at 19:18:04
Get paid 😁😁
106 Posted 31/01/2021 at 19:20:32
107 Posted 31/01/2021 at 19:22:48
There for me mate. 😁😁
108 Posted 31/01/2021 at 19:24:35
109 Posted 31/01/2021 at 19:26:42
110 Posted 31/01/2021 at 19:33:41
111 Posted 31/01/2021 at 19:33:47
Forget this season and enjoy whatever it may bring - Carlo will steadily improve us - not bring over night success.
112 Posted 31/01/2021 at 19:34:24
113 Posted 31/01/2021 at 19:35:12
Go on. I will indulge you. Explain how you arrived at that conclusion, please.
114 Posted 31/01/2021 at 19:39:46
115 Posted 31/01/2021 at 19:43:18
116 Posted 31/01/2021 at 19:46:02
117 Posted 31/01/2021 at 19:48:53
I enjoy reading his wind ups.
One of my favourite posters on TW just for the responses his posts bring.
A good Blue though. Undoubtedly.
Hes harmless.
Few more Bushmills he will be on singing Chumba Wumba songs
118 Posted 31/01/2021 at 20:02:03
119 Posted 31/01/2021 at 20:10:36
He should be dominating and leading and should have looked after his mate James yesterday... complete pussy.
120 Posted 31/01/2021 at 20:15:01
Believe you're taking Post 26 too literally. I think Barry's arguement is that Carlo's failure to totally overhaul the squad in the summer will prove to be his undoing. Contradicts Carlo's own view that his role here is one of evolution rather than revolution but the bottom line is that we'll be participating in future windows FFP rules permitting.
121 Posted 31/01/2021 at 20:39:16
What makes you think the dinosaur was called Crosby? Anyhoo, you're incorrect... I have it on good authority from Ian Edwards that the footprint belonged to Carlo Ancelotti.
122 Posted 31/01/2021 at 21:14:56
Go on, mate.
I would enjoy a pint with Darren. I would have a decent bet he would be exactly the same as he is on here.
Maybe at the TW do...
123 Posted 31/01/2021 at 21:41:18
It was more to do with me feeling it was impossible, because to much money had already been squandered before he got here, and it looks like it's time to finally start balancing the books.
124 Posted 31/01/2021 at 21:55:48
125 Posted 31/01/2021 at 22:18:30
Hopefully one day we can all meet up for a pint.
After we got the "your a c**t"
"no its you yer fuckin divvy" out of the way we would have a riot
126 Posted 31/01/2021 at 22:39:22
Unfotunately you are right. I do think. there was a collective attitude, Manager and Squad thought that Newcastle was going to be a easy win. How they exspected to get into the top four with that attitude was never going to happen. Now Ancelotti finds what ever his plans where he has to gwt a side that will beat Leeds. I doubt he is fully confident in these players he has or a mudfield that was torally outplayed by Leeds the last time and both Leicester and Newcastle where able to. pass through. like a sieve.
But wbat really bothers me is the latter of awareness and implementation of basic coaching by quite a few pkayers in. their role. In otherwards no continued improvement in their roles. This tells me that Everton largely have a squad who are not bothered wheather they progress or not. Wilson last goal accompanied by three other Newcastle players and most of the Everton team watching from the opposition area not bothering to get back in pisition says alot regarding attitude.
127 Posted 31/01/2021 at 22:50:56
128 Posted 31/01/2021 at 22:55:43
129 Posted 31/01/2021 at 23:06:30
KIT&NAG...reminds me of something?
130 Posted 01/02/2021 at 01:31:20
Jeez. Off the mark. This is where I normally cue the movie Airplane and the line, "Excuse me stewardess, I think I can help. I speak Jive."
131 Posted 01/02/2021 at 01:42:31
Ancelotti puts out a different but similar squad, due to injuries suspensions whatever and it performs...TUVWXY&Z.
All ok so far.
Squad 1 and 2 are mixed again, due to whatever and instead of ABCDs or VWXYZs we get !%#&@WTFs??
If a player can't repeat the basic things he did from Wednesday to Sunday how can the manager plan for anything.
If it wasn't before and Ancelotti and Brands didn't know it before...which they did, because they're not total dummies.
This season always was a...
'Potential write it off, get rid of deadwood and anything we acheive is a bonus season.'*
* but this - "Time to do stuff 'goodwill' thing won't last forever, both in the Board room or on here."
Our GD, tells the true tale, we were/are in a false position...*looks over at Moyes and W Ham...and you are too matey.
We're currently dead half way in the season; P 19, 33pts.
Come the end of the season we won't be on; P38, 66pts
The top 7 teams will be, in some permutation or other...the old top 6 + Leicester...(with Arsenal as the only big worry in this accumulator)
We could at best be 8th or 11th due to GD.
Covers arse...or there could be a decent signing(s) at the 11th hour to pep our season up.
But I don't hold out much hope with these inconsistent bottlers.
132 Posted 01/02/2021 at 03:50:42
I realize that this phenomenon happens to every club, but that knowledge doesnt make it any more palatable when it happens to Everton.
The question is whether Ancelotti has any answers. I think, with his experience, he will.
133 Posted 01/02/2021 at 04:40:08
134 Posted 01/02/2021 at 12:30:21
135 Posted 01/02/2021 at 13:45:06
Part of me wishes we could have 2 mangers, with Carlo drilling the players and planning tactics will big Dunc actually managing the players and choosing the teams. Hed have them fighting at least, which is surely our identity (certainly over the last 20 years). Did anyone notice Fergusson pleading with Carlo to bring someone on during the last game and the boss keep shaking his head saying no? Big Dunc not afraid to sub a sub if hes not giving 100%. Carlo has his faves fo sure, no matter how shite theyre playing.
136 Posted 01/02/2021 at 20:11:26
Constantly changing the back 4 constantly is a recipe for leaking goals.
I don't understand why Carlo with all his experience doesn't seem to know the importance of this.
137 Posted 02/02/2021 at 00:06:05
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1 Posted 30/01/2021 at 17:23:23
He is now finding out why most of these players have failed to win things in the past.