A very 'interchangeable' midfield and forward line, I would suggest.

Donny had to come in for Gomes. Iwobi evidently impressing on the training ground again. Be nice to see that transferred to match day. Strong bench again, given all the injuries.

Time to start getting points on the board, Blues.

Gomes rightly given the trap door and Allan is lucky there's no-one else.

Good to see the extra man in midfield. Not so good to see it's Iwobi – but everyone gets a fresh slate under Lampard, so let's see how he does.

I expect us to win this despite all the huff and puff Leeds will throw our way.

Let's go!

I don't care who is playing or what formation, just win.

Come on blue boys.

Good luck, may we find some from anywhere.

Leeds have a few playmakers and we need to snuff them out to have any chance.

Not inspiring but this is what it is I guess

The continued absence of Myko and Patterson, some £30 investment, is worrying.

They've both been here more than a month, and for Patterson to still be waiting his debut, is not exactly what we hoped.

Keane and Holgate is not the defensive partnership to bing confidence either.

Hopefully we can score more than them I expect many goals in this game. I hope 3-2, I worryingly expect 3-1 to Leeds.

With the ball, I'd imagine a 4-3-3 with Iwobi tucking in with DvdB, Allan playing the pivot, and Gordon pushing up.

Personally, I'd put Gordon where Iwobi is, and replace Iwobi for Townsend...

No Gbamin, so no 4th CB option, no true CDM, how bad is he? Couldn't he have dropped one of Tosun or Rondon?

Why Branthwaite and Patterson aren't starting is beyond me.!?
Seamus IS the worst performing defender in the EPL for goal opportunities conceded/scored; and Holgate, well... despite scoring two goals, he is not as good as Branthwaite.

Both Patterson and Branthwaite have loads of energy, are fresh, and are rapid!

As I said two weeks ago, I was a positive sceptic of Lampard, now I'm a positive Blue, but a Lampard sceptic.

No tin hat necessary, 'tis my opinion and I'm sticking with it.

Lampard's backroom staff have obviously not done any tape work on Iwobi; he always flatters to deceive, allegedly, in training, only to deliver nothing on match day.

Goodison needs to be at its raucous and rocking best today methinks...

Good luck to the Blues UTFT and damn the torpedoes !

I hope I have a double helping of crow to eat after the game.

THAT was the most exhilarating 45 minutes of football Everton has played all season.

Leeds couldn't live with our high energy and press.

EVERYONE is contributing. Including very much the fans in the stadium. Racous.

What a difference a player like Donny van de Beek makes to the team.

A couple of long range shots off the bar is all Leeds have to show. We, by contrast, could have had another 2-3. No exaggeration.

Keep to your principles, Frank.

Trust the process, Everton.

"Seamus IS the worst performing defender in the EPL for goal opportunities conceded/scored;"

Yea, sure, Simon, but he was rather crucially involved in BOTH Everton goals. Does that swing the balance the other way just a smidge???

Can we keep this pace up for another 45 minutes?

Enjoyed that. No point in analysis, just enjoy.

Lots to like about that performance.

Where did this Alex Iwobi come from? I'll continue to maintain that he's got some pretty fundamental failings as a footballer... but today he was big, strong and aggressive. That'll do for me.

You get the feeling Leeds just want out of this horrible place. That's what we need to be creating at home.

This eases the pressure for all. The manager. Players. Team. Fans.

EVERYBODY stood up today.

Told many of you not all that long ago we were never getting relegated. And thankfully I'll win a nice chunk now that appears to be a cast iron certainty.

Turns out Benitez out dated methods and perhaps the Liverpool connections were the issue after all. That was a night and day difference in effort, intensity and overall performance for just about everyone on the pitch. Even down to a certain Venezuelan and a spectacular volleyed effort near the end.

Many many heroes today, but VDB, Gordon, Seamus, Richi and - yes! - Iwobi were absolutely brilliant.

I think Danny O Neill was right. We're winning the cup this year. Glad I've got a small lump on that at some nice odds to boot as well.

Enjoy your Valentines day blue noses, and treat your other halves to something nice. Like paying it forward after watching that really isn't it? More of the same please, for the rest of the season and beyond.

He seemed to really try today??

Tremendous day!

Enjoyed Dele Alli when he came on as well. Donny really knows how to look after the football, so him by a small margin. Chuffed to bits.

To me, football is a game of the moment. I hate predicting anything about it, from the result to the line-up to how the side will play. Good job I don't have to do the match previews!

And I guess that's why I don't gamble either. Just so glad to see so many proved so wrong by today's excellent performance and result.

In the same vein props to Iwobi who had another productive game in fact it sounds like they all turned up so as they say in my old parish "I'm dead chuffed". Lovely stuff

Leeds seemed to be targeting Kenny's side at the start of the half but Jon Jo did not look out of place and had a very good game but it would be hard to say that anyone didn't albeit one or two had less chance to shine.

It was right to sub Calvert-Lewin but I'm not sure I would have sent Alli on and I thought that after the amount of work Richarlison got through that he might have been subbed at 3-0.

Van de Beek certainly brought the midfield together and while reminiscent of Gomes at his best he seems to handle the pace better than Andre. The hard part might be when Gray is fit and Calvert-Lewin is at full fitness but on the strength of what Frank is getting out of them the "deadwood" pile seems to have shrunken considerably.

Finally, a lot better refereeing performance with the possible exception of Iwobi's booking as there was no malice at all and there must be a time when the free kick is sufficient penalty.

Fucking fans at Goodison - take a bow! 39,100 glowing, shinning, beautiful lights and souls in unison protecting that which they love.

That was an Everton team that I've been crying out for, for years.

Frank is our man, and we're in good hands. Brilliant brand of football thus far, even at Newcastle you could see what they were trying to do.

Onwards. So fucking happy right now.

You must be the only fella in the world who doesn't have an opinion on the match before it happens mind. In a minority of one can everyone else really be a "divvy" then?

At least we're all happy we're trending the right way now, with confidence and some momentum. Or is that too much positivity looking into the future? And I'm not really bothered what you call me or anybody else when we play that way.

Hope you treat your other half to a great Valentines Day though MK. It really sounds as if they deserve one more than most. Take care!

That's all

No MOTM for me today, cos every player did their bit.

Just fucking brilliant.

Utterly clueless,

Have a week off flower as that is really embarrassing.

It's about man management and every man has earned their lye in tomorrow! We must go again but first lets enjoy tonight!!

Some goals that take heavier deflections off a defender often get credited to the attacker that shoots, rather than given as an own goal.

If confirmed, I reckon Richarlison has been robbed of a goal there.

I don’t think it’s fair to say Iwobi hasn’t previously put in an effort. I think he always does just the problem is he’s typically careless and error prone. Today his effort was matched with quality

Richie MotM today for me, but closely followed by DvdB, Gordon, JJK, Allan, SC and with only a tiny croak, Iwobi.

I'm currently enjoying eating a triple portion of crow.

No, not Alex Iwobi.

Farhad Moshiri.

Looks like our owner's long string of bad decisions has finally been broken with the hiring of Frank Lampard. Well in, sir.

Simon #64, full credit for holding your hand up on your pre-game post (which didn't age well, did it??). Well in, sir.

I'll analyse in the the morning but right now I just love you Everton.

Enjoyed the aggression, the passion, and the technique from the team today

If Nil Satis Nisi Optimum means anything on a game by game basis, it means a performance like this

At least I have the courage of my convictions to post my opinions, no matter how unfounded on this occasion.

Michael #40 If you "find it tough running this website and have to wade through so much utter shite posted by divvies before the game who think they know how it's going to pan out." Then why do you do it; it is after all a fan forum, and not an echo chamber, or is it meant to be? I'm confused now..?

Shouldn't fans be able to post their opinions, and the odd statistical fact on ToffeeWeb, or is that just for the administrators?

If it gets to you so much, then just jack it in.

Just my opinion of course.

What often goes unnoticed is his ability to find space, which is so natural I don't think even he knows how he's doing it. Defenders constantly lose track of him. Look how often he was available for the ball today, and is in most games. That's what he offers.

Add more of what we saw today when he has the ball and he'll be a worthwhile player.

Dazza #49, when you're sober, I'm sure we'll more from you ;) hehe

Dazza #49, when you're sober, I'm sure we'll more from you ;) hehe

Bringing in a proven coaching team of winners is paying dividends already.

It's a top ten squad, so there will be blips, but that was the standard set today.

A wonderful day. A word too for Kenny who also looks like a player reborn. They were all great.

And that pass from Alli for Rondon bodes very well.

Everton alot better coached.

That’s a fair summary I think part of his issue is that he’s panicky and sometimes makes a move before thinking

Other than that, one portion of crow eaten, two more to go. :D

Simon Dalzell #76, thank you, and me too. I feel, that I should feel castigated, but in truth, as you do, I think Michael has made a faux pas.

I think the coaching team is crucial. For whatever reason previous coaches seemed to have slimmed down crews of family members plus whoever they inherited at Goodison. Frank has brought in a good mix of people he trusts with capabilities to supplement his skill set

Dennis #80, he was never quite good enough, but he built a fine career and came back from an absolutely horrifying injury. Full respects to him.

I mean, let's acclaim the effort and aggression that Iwobi put in today... but claiming there's a worthwhile player in there? Nah, we've been here before.

The odds are overwhelmingly in favour of him reverting to type. Because that's what he's always done.

Personally I think he lacks some pretty basic ability. Things like the ability to strike a ball correctly - the stuff you learn by 12 or you never really learn.

Today, he gave Leeds a horrible time with his strength and aggression. I'm happy to celebrate that.

I some times wish I didnt but I do. Unconditionally. And I can never help or stop that!! My blue boys forever. I fucking love you and always will no matter what you put me trough.

I will comment more rationally tomorrow but right now I just love you Everton even hough you get me into trouble with the wife and put the poor dogs through torture.

Everton. One word. One life

Great day, enjoy the weekend and celebrate a well earned win, and a clean sheet.

Hopefully the start of some stability and run of form. Well don’t to the whole squad today, all played their part.

UTFT!

The guy has shortcomings and I've complained of them in the past. He also has the potential to be much better if they can sort out his swede.

What we saw of him today if available consistently has a place in the team/squad I think. Including that aggression.

We'll pick up plenty of points at home so no need to shit our pants. Especially now with a league win under our belts.

Lampard got his selection correct but more importantly he got the players up for it. But the biggest contribution made today was from each and every one of the Everton fans who went to Goodison today - you were fantastic.

I honestly believe that we have now turned a corner.

As for the game itself no one could be unhappy with that performance, a very good TEAM effort appreciated by every fan there today and the thousands who watched it on TV.

I wouldn’t argue over who gets TMOTM award giving it to Jonjoe Kenny myself because I’m biased and the lad continues to get stick by many fans on here but he had a tremendous game today in a position he’s not used to, but enough of that every player deserves a pat on the back for the effort, determination and work they put in today and ease the pressure on us, keep it up lads.

Our press was excellent today. Rarely did we win the ball at the first press, but at the second and third which is exactly the right way to do it.

Holgate kept it simple, which is the right thing for him to be doing. When confidence is low, and you have the opportunity, launch it. Don’t play your way into trouble.

Allan and VdB were everywhere in the first half. They both dropped off a bit in the second as the pace of the game slowed but they always looked in control, ready to step it up when needed.

Coleman was solid as a rock today. Still half a yard short on pace at times but his experience, positioning and sheer willpower made up for it.

Kenny is a player that seems to refuse to believe he’s not good enough, despite the assertions of successive managers. Not great with his left foot but didn’t look out of place at left back today. And he got up and down the wing really well. A job made easier when a player like Anthony Gordon has a stormer in front.

Iwobi was decent. Perhaps not quite as good as some have suggested today. He put in plenty of effort and made a few crunching tackles. Good enough was good enough.

I certainly think it’s still too early to believe we’ve turned a corner. Leeds, like us, have a few injuries at the moment and had a very high-tempo, very tiring match the other night. Most other teams will present a bigger challenge. It’s madness to suggest we’re too good to go down or safe from relegation. Our next match could easily go the same way as the Newcastle match. These players can blow hot and cold and, this season, it’s been mostly cold.

That said, there were positive signs today. Now we need to get at least a point and a decent performance away at Southampton. Getting some some of consistency is going to be key. After that, we’ve got City at home, Wolves at home and Watford away. From those four games we have to target six points, minimum. Get those and we’ll be on our way.

Special mentions to Iwobi and JJK. Both were excellent today and I think Kenny should be given a new contract. We'll need the depth after we win the Cup and are playing in Europe next season.

Let Kenny and Patterson battle it out for the RB spot.

Congratulations to whoever has been working on the psychological side with the players given that that has been the main obstacle. Now drill into them that if they revert back to what has been the norm , they can expect the type of results that have become all to familiar.

Well done, more of the same for the rest of the season and see you all in the Premier league next season.

Well done Everton.

"Today was an outlier for Seamus, and as much as it pleased me (Yes, it really did) that he turned in a good performance, it doesn't detract from his other performances that make him a liability usually. I know, statistics, damned statistics, and lies!"

Link

We agree to disagree, so shall we leave it there?

I'm also guessing, that you're Irish so slightly biased? I apologise if you're not, it is dangerous to assume after all.

I have been a great admirer of Seamus over the years, however, I feel that despite this latest performance, he is becoming a liability on the pitch.

I will always think of him as a great servant, especially coming back from that horrendous injury.

Big performance by all the team, and credit to our manager and the coaching team, they instilled the confidence! First clean sheet in how long?

Before KO plenty were predicting Raphinha was going to tear us a new one.

Up against JJK, he spent more time in his own half as JJK went a-raiding. Result? Substituted at half-time and post-match Bielsa said it was tactical, that Raphinha wasn't injured.

I think we can call that a clear win for JJK.

Tremendous performance. Effort pays off.

All the players were fantastic but special mentions for Anthony Gordon, who gets better every time he plays, JJK who was very solid, Keane who was a giant in defence (as well as scoring) and Iwobi, who somehow has become a midfield enforcer. I don't know what Frank is doing, but it seems to be working.

In contrast, in his absence, they had been brilliant. The temporary manager backed them, praised them, worked on them individually, redirected them and inspired the best in them. Totally different team.

I'm massively impressed with how Lampard is handling our players. Today's was a team performance greater than the sum of its parts.

Frank was spot in post match interviews - yes to his views on Seamus, yes to his backing of Iwobhi, yes to giving credit to his backroom team, yes to getting Evertonians, in fact yes, yes, yes Frank lad!

So what was the Under 11s story all about?

Same players. Different coaches. Very different results.

I know, I know there's lots more to a great team than that. BUT right now this shit matters!! And it works!!

Even big, rich lads need some love now and again.

Being an ever-optimistic blue sniffing the first glimmers of hope, I'm daring to stick my neck out...

We will avoid relegation (it won't be easy) and
We will win the FA Cup!!
COYB!!!

Jonjoe Kenny !, can Mykolenko win his place back?

Iwobi, best game for us. Frank and the coaching staff have worked some magic. Well done to Alex for today, more please.

Richarlison, Fantastic today. Just love him, coming back to his best. DCL considering still on his way back to full fitness , did well.

Anthony Gordon, becoming consistently good, amazing for a young player to have that. Keep it up lad.

All the defence, pretty solid throughout and a clean sheet! Seamus - A captains performance .

Van De Beek adds some quality and forward thinking, did very well starting his first match in blue shirt.

Dele, what a cross. Rondon what great technique to fire in that volley, super save denied them two an assist and a goal.

Allan, industrious and best game for a good while.

Goodison crowd, magnificent.

Manager and coaching staff …the work on the training ground is improving us.

Now onwards and upwards, it’s become the norm one step forward two steps back, time to change that next week against the Saints. COY BLUEBOYS!

I've read with consternation as numerous fans of this club have called on Seamus Coleman to retire. He is only 33 years old, comfortably our longest-serving player, is our club captain, and while he has never been blessed with exceptional technical ability he has the sort of physical and practical application that has enabled him to have a terrific career. He needs to be used intelligently, and he will continue to have disappointing games from time to time, but the energy and ambition that saw him be involved three times in quick succession for his goal - including following the ball in and bravely heading home on the goal-line - tells me that he's still got a lot to offer this football club.

As for the overall team performance, it's just proof positive that when everyone applies themselves, works hard and shows belief then results are possible. The problem for us for many years has been consistency; we've bounced from energetic stomping win to abject clueless surrender all too regularly. I expect us to continue that cycle for a while, but if Lampard can make this sort of performance a consistent feature of his tenure then that will be one hell of a result.

I am really liking the look of Donny Van De Beek. He moves around the pitch very intelligently, always wants the ball, uses it quickly, and without possessing any of the explosive attributes that might catch the eye, he is a lovely footballer whose very presence enables the other players to come to life. I watched Romeu and Ward-Prowse do a similar job for Southampton against Man Utd this afternoon - no frills, no outlandish skills, just a very solid framework that frees up their attacking team-mates. Next week will be a fascinating game.

- I’ve been amazed by Alex Iwobi in training, pulled him aside and told him so.

- Set pieces were pointed out as a problem, and we knew it wasn’t just at one end. We’ve been focused on them.

- Seamus Coleman is a wonderful player, captain and “FELLA”. I’d heard about him, but didn’t realise what a man.

- I knew about the fans here, but maybe didn’t realise how big they can be. It’s really special club.

Might be hearing what I want with the verbatim rehash….but omg I’m absolutely buzzing with what I just experienced. My lad didn’t want to go before. Now he KNOWS what we are. Crowd were outstanding; songs for Donny, Seamus, Richie, Gordon….and even an “oh Alex Iwobi” and “keano, keano”. Booing Leeds possession and celebrating every tackle. Sucked the fucking goals in we did.

Long way to go, but we have by hope. We’re an irresistible force if we want to be. Maybe we finally have a manager who the players want too. Coyb.

Read this from #114, my post;

"Today was an outlier for Seamus, and as much as it pleased me (Yes, it really did) that he turned in a good performance, it doesn't detract from his other performances that make him a liability usually. I know, statistics, damned statistics, and lies!"

I'm just going to ask you if this result has changed your opinion of Lampard, after you posted this;

Everton cannot cope with aggressive Newcastle pressing game

Derek Taylor 277
Posted 09/02/2022 at 14:29:47
Flag this comment

"Rather like Martinez, Lampard looks like being an accomplished talker/bullshitter !
Again like the Catalan, he seems obsessed with short passing and not so obsessed with defensive tactics at set pieces. As a consequence, I can see him going down as only the second manager in history to dump Everton into the second tier.

I'd forego all the Russian millions to have Moyes in the managerial chair at this time even if BB was ic transfers !"

I take it you still stand by this? Or have you reconsidered?

Richie is one of my favourite players of all time he's got guile guts and rock hard and never stops showing for the ball. Calvert-Lewin –great performance. Donny van de Beek is a clever player. Knows where it's going before he receives it, à la Gareth Barry with pace.

Goodison Paek was a bear pit today. Frank is God.

That said, Leeds were very poor, and we shouldn't get carried away.

Equally though, our squad is nowhere near as bad as people make out on here. I was so pleased for Iwobi today, it's clear he's low on confidence and every time he contributes, his teammates try and highlight it, today he was immense.

Add a couple of players to our team, start the season well and with confidence, and we have a squad to step in and continue momentum.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not hiding from our players' failings, but those failings are only highlighted by defeat. When you score two and a defender makes an error to make it 2-1, no-one cares. When the strikers don't score and a defender makes a mistake – everyone should be sold.

Let's just get behind the team, believe, and support. Today, it was a joy to be an Everton fan

So here's a thought: I wasn't taken with Lampard at Derby and Chelsea. But there's a good chance he's matured and found a club that's a good fit for him. There's also a good chance that he's addressed his own weaknesses by bringing in Clement who is a first class coach.

Iwobi, Keane, Kenny and Holgate are not being called out for being crap. Quite the opposite, in fact.

We need a few wins still but we'll get them. Not plain sailing away, but Goodison is going to be a hard place to play.

First half, we were excellent all over the pitch. Second half we just saw it out. Great.

Difficult to pick a MotM but like Dave I am a bit biased to Jonjoe Kenny and all our local and young lads.
I thought Kenny was outstanding today and when I see him put in a performance like that it just makes me wonder have we always had a successor to Coleman but just didn't give him a real chance?

A great win but we really need to repeat it against Southampton. Get something down there and it will be a real positive.

Where has that performance been all season?

Stephen above calling everyone miserable bastards who had doubts about today's game, I think anyone who has more than 2 brain cells would have doubts before this game. There's faith and blind faith, Stephen.

Also, can we leave off calling out Iwobi after every game? It gets boring because one or two think it's de rigueur to climb on the bandwagon. All recent managers keep picking him – they must see qualities that some on here can't see. Fair play, he has some well-earned praise today.

Still a pity about our injury list but we coped great today, long may that quality of performance continue.

We have a lot to do before we are safe and the obvious inconsistent performances is baffling from an effort, fight and spirit point of view.

Players have to take more responsibility on the pitch but tactics, set-up, set-pieces and motivation were on show in bucket-loads today.

A far simpler and more direct approach was needed and that was delivered.

I was surprised by Leeds in not showing the spirit and passion from last season but small margins. Those two crossbar rattlers could have... let's not go there.

The result is the most important stat, followed by effort and shots on target. All very impressive from the team. It is a team game after all.

Bloody enjoyed that very much.

Consistency is the key now. Get 3-4 wins on the trot and we can start looking upwards. Btw, how did Iwobi play? Was he utter shite or did he perform moderately well?

Anyway, a win is a win and I can look forward to watching MotD tonight before I make any judgement.

Richarlison. He's Brazilian, he only cost £50 million, and we all think he's brilliant.

Richarlison!!!

From the off, our boys (now knights, till the next conflict at least) took the game to Leeds, who, were somewhat shell-shocked, and I thought seemed to be just a patch on their midweek alter ego. In all fairnes,s they did have some passages of decent play and were unlucky hitting post and bar on a couple of occasions.

I feel, although hypothetical, that under our previous manager, today we would have wilted, and certainly wouldn't have played with a bit of flair and speed. Not one player shrank from duty, and what about Iwobi? (Colin Glassar's favourite player) who, I thought "he must be on something here" unless like the old Drug's Awareness Advert (Warning) he "Talked To Frank".

What was it King Arthur once said? "Funny old game, Saint!" :-)

You were sorely missed on the live forum. The one game Iwobi looks like a footballing god, more than one person was crying out for your reaction.

He really was very, very good today.

Now we have posters telling us not to get carried away because Leeds were so poor.

Those stating that, you do understand why Leeds were so poor, don't you?

How often since their return to the Premier League have we seen Leeds so harrassed, out-pressed and lose so many 50-50 battles by a team more energetic and determined as Everton were today?

Leeds were so poor because Everton were so good.

I'll believe it when I see it. If there is a footballer hiding somewhere in Iwobi, then I'll doff my hat to the two members (his mum and sister) of the Iwobi fan club and apologise profusely and eat my straw boater.

We didn't give them a second, right in their faces from the first whistle. I've got to give Lampard full credit today for his tactics, he got the players playing 20 yards further forward and passing quickly and accurately.

Got to say I find it strange some of the more regular posters on here come on and say they haven't even watched the game... quite regularly.

A much-needed tonic this afternoon. A vastly improved performance with exceptional work rate across the team.

The issue moving forwards may be how this team copes with adversity, playing away from a rampant home crowd or when they go one down early on. It will take a long while before their confidence is fully restored and the trauma of the last 5 years eradicated. But today was a good start!

I sat in the car pre-game, like a couple of others, not wanting to get out. But the boys played well, and were roared on by a great crowd.

Van der Beek played well, but surprisingly I am going for Kenny for MotM. He played very well at fill-in left-back and killed off Leeds's dangerous right side.

The first half in particular, we were aggressive, on the front foot, and pressed as a unit, not just the odd player doing it now and again.

Calvert-Lewin's hold up play was a perfect example of what your main striker has to do if he isn't scoring goals. Van de Beek showed that he is most definitely not a newer version of Klaassen, despite the fact that he was caught out a couple of times in midfield.

I can understand, and welcome, the positivity all round but I have to say that watching Iwobi, which I do more closely than I probably watch other players, shows me that he still lacks what I have said he lacks, for ages, and that's courage.

I think sometimes people are that surprised that he does some good things that they get carried away and today he did do a couple of good things but he also failed to do basic things a lot more often.

He threw one tackle in, which people notice, but failed to challenge on numerous occasions.

When he gets on the ball, to me, it's blatantly obvious that the lad is shitting himself. Numerous times in the first half he got the ball near the corner of the 18-yard box and couldn't bring himself to drive into that box and "go for it", something Anthony Gordon does without thinking. In fact, I think Anthony Gordon is the player that Iwobi could be if he had the heart.

He may have been an improvement on previous showings but I still see a player who "generally" backs out of 50/50s and stops short of physically challenging opposing players, even though he did it a couple of times today... but he should be doing it every time. He just doesn't seem confident or relaxed enough when he receives the ball in positions where he could have a huge effect on the game and invariably fails to do so.

I still think he's a Monday to Friday player.

I'd love to see the running stats. I'd be amazed if they weren't as high as they've been since Moyes. I was tired just watching them. Every blade of grass was covered with speed and aggression. Just superb. Every single one of them. Not one player had a bad game.

Special mentions to Kenny and Iwobi who had their best games in a blue shirt.

Also, a special mention to Donny van de Beek. Complete Rolls-Royce of a centre-midfielder, 2 steps ahead in his passing and it's all one touch. Whatever Man Utd want, pay them. The kid is superb. Let's hope we can keep him.

Lastly, the crowd. That's as good an atmosphere as I can remember since we needed 2 goals v Fiorentina and Goodison was a bear pit... a horrible hissing bear pit.

It was raucous today. The crowd contributed to that victory as much as the players. That has to be the standard now. Nothing less is acceptable. We need them and they need us and if they do their bit, we'll do ours.

Frank, keep it going, mate. You'll be worshipped here if you can get us a trophy and our identity back.

Brilliant afternoon.

COYB

It goes past Iwobi.

Holgate was solid as fuck. Just played the ball into Row Z, kept it simple, was never out of position.

Kenny was fantastic. Lockdown at left-back, and actually bombed forward often to good effect.

Iwobi, Holgate, and Kenny absolutely killed it today.

My theory on how 3 maligned players could magically pull it all together in an hour of need and play out of their skins?

Go back and read Michael McFarlane's post @123. Spot fucking on.

Leeds were not poor. We just made them look that way.

It’s no coincidence that the teams that work the hardest usually come out on top. We were first to everything today. EVERYTHING.

There was an incident of dangerous play in the first half when a high boot caught Mason Holgate. For the first time in a long time our players surrounded the ref and fronted up the Leeds players. Backing each other up and taking no crap. This is going to be important throughout the rest of the season so long may it continue.

One love. One team. One Everton.
Tell your children. 💙

The rational – after Keane's goal, the cameras showed Lampard and his coaching staff celebrating, laughing and nodding at each other. Suggested to me the play for the corner was concocted on the training pitch, and shows the new backroom staff are bringing fresh ideas that the players are responding to, and executing. Very encouraging.

The emotional – after the game, the cameras showed Coleman and Iwobi celebrating and hugging. It looked to me like Coleman was congratulating Iwobi on an immense performance, and when Iwobi tried to shrug it off, Coleman made a really big point of bigging him up, talking right into his face, and tapping him on the chest. It must have gone on for almost a full minute.

That says two things to me: One, there's been a lack of confidence amongst the team (hopefully starting to come back); and Two, Seamus is a true leader of men. That kind of togetherness, support and encouragement is going to be essential for us in the run-in.

Anyway, two small things by contrast to the performances maybe, but I thought they were both very interesting.

Coleman and Keane take some unfair criticism on here; great to see both get on the scoresheet today. We would be a far worse team without both of them.

As said in another thread, we just need a good Everton anthem to rally around when the blood is up.

Obviously no one posts on here unless they support Everton so 99.9% will be happy even if the win defies their prediction. Simon isn't the 0.1% by the way. That's Carlo's nemesis on here.

Dave, Jonjoe Kenny did you proud today and I know you have championed him.

No, "I told you so" from Dave, though – just the usual thoughtful analysis.

The James Stewart of ToffeeWeb (hope that doesn't embarrass you too much, Dave!!)

The score was told to him this evening. He smiled.

'We can do a lot here.'

Not I - We. I believe him.

In all 3 games under Lampard - even the Newcastle game - I have seen much to be encouraged by in the football he wants the team to play.

Seven goals in two home games under Frank. As many as we scored in our previous six home games before that.

Any advocates still calling for KITAP1 as a way out of our lowly league position as flooded the forum after Tuesday's loss?

I wanted a back 4 and midfield 5 today. Sit deep and counter quickly.
I honestly didn't think our team had the legs to compete in an open game. I was wrong but who cares, that's what makes footy the game it is. We are all experts aren't we.

Today we all witnessed a high energy game, one of the best at Goodison this year.

Let's all hope we can keep it going. You can't beat an end to end open game.

I bet that smile from your brother meant as much to you and the rest of the family as Everton's win did, best wishes for your brother's health.

He came on for Calvert-Lewin which was a great substitution from Frank. Calvert-Lewin played very well in my opinion. He had some jibes on the Live Forum, but I saw him position himself perfectly to hold the ball up marvelously, multiple, multiple times, and then move play on. But he's back from injury, was starting to lag, and was pulled for Alli.

Dele was average in my opinion, but you saw the immense talent just under the surface. That pass you speak of was just gorgeous. He was like mid-right and curled a ball, on a dime, around the back line to Rondon. It was incredible. And Rondon actually volleyed the thing and really should have scored.

Ali had some good touches and it looked like he was told to drift around the pitch in a 10-ish role.

He hasn't played in a while and, from what I saw today, I'd expect consistent improvement. The kid is class, you can see it. I think he just needs to bed in a bit.

Today I'd say a 5 or 6 – average or just above average, but signs of 8s and 9s on the horizon – he's very, very talented. You can see it.

He deserves better than that.

I hope things will be okay.

Who knew what was lurking inside Iwobi? Seamus getting Killybegs rocking again, me getting pissed again, roll on Everton, you beauties!
i

Gordon now first name on the team sheet, what a player we have there. Van de Beek looks like an intelligent classy player. Richarlison worked his socks off as usual.

Great to see an Everton team playing like that again.

And yes, I was a keep it tight advocate but I did condition that on Van de Beek of Alli kicking in and Donny of the River seems to have got the flow goin'.

A kind word to all Blues that hang out here. That was hellish and may get hellish again but it was so much better being miserable fuckers with you. Keep that in mind the next time we disagree please, thank you.

A word about the Leeds supporters. Throwing stuff at the home players is never a good idea, fighting amongst yourselves is not particularly wise either.

Walking down Walton Lane after the game chanting “We are Leeds” at the top of your voice is just lunacy as I am sure, the biggest policeman I have seen, reminded the individual responsible. Grow up lads.

Donny, unfortunately, we will have to hand back to United. But keep up those levels of performances and Frank will want to make his move permanent.

At the end of Dele's cross, Rondon's shape and strike was excellent. Meslier pulled off one of the saves – if not THE save – of the season to prevent George cashing in on his perennial 4-0 match bet.

And all the best to Peter Mills and his brother. An Everton win – especially one as good as today's – is a great elixir.

I have been very critical of recent performances, but today, that's what it's all about. Backed by an absolutely fantastic support.

The problem is that we did it 7 days ago and then 4 days ago produced an utterly wretched performance.

Southampton away, now there's a test. No doubt, though, I think this fella has what we need over the coming years.

Peter Mills, sorry to hear of your brother's illness, mate!

Great story about James Stewart, one of America's great parks was full of tourists when an announcement came over the tannoys:

“We are very sorry to tell you that we've heard that James Stewart had died and we are closing the park as a mark of respect, please make your way to the exit gates.”

Then a few minutes later over the tannoys:

“We have just heard that it wasn't James Stewart who has died but Fred MacMurray, so we will not be closing the park. You can carry on as usual.”

I bet Fred MacMurray's family were bleedin' chuffed to bits when they read about that.

Do please pass on my very best wishes to him and my hopes for his full recovery. Cheers

More Colin Harvey, or Howard Kendall?

Discuss.

I lean towards Colin Harvey.

The thing that surprised me about Van de Beek was his work rate and energy. Critics had said he's another Klaasen and not physically up to the Premier League. It's obvious he has more skill than Klaasen but, based on today, he also has more grit and endurance.

Dave #184, so classy our cousins at times (sorry all you blues across the pond - just a bit of banter)

Me too, mate, he looks much stronger and better suited to the Premier League than Davy Klaassen.

I had this conversation with Julian Exshaw on the live forum.

I don't think Donny is going back to Man U. I really don't.

This is all conjecture, take it for what it's worth, it's a hunch I have bordering on being convinced of its truth.

DVB would have been bought outright had we not been up against FFP. He was not happy at Man U. He couldn't get a game as they have this Bruno fella who last I looked is a snarky c**t, but one hell of a footballer. DVB wanted out. I think when Frank came to Everton, DVB saw his opportunity to move just down the road, not have to uproot, and play for a manager that would play more akin to the Dutch way he is familiar with, and most importantly he'd actually play and probably move right into the team.

I smell one of those hush-hush gentleman's agreements - he's ours for a "fair" price at season's end. He wanted out, he found a fit he wanted, Everton couldn't outright buy due to financial constraints and FFP and agreed to buy at the end of the loan.

And then there's the introduction.

DVB was brought on the pitch at halftime, with Dele Ali, to be introduced to the fans. When has a club gone through such an introduction for a loaned player?? I've never seen it. Why fanfare his loaned ass, if we're not intent on keeping him? Is this something the American misses that usually isn't on TV? Do clubs trot out loan signings to introduce to the supporters normally?

I found that odd. Why do it?

Probably because they know he's here for the long haul is my guess.

I just don't see him leaving Everton.

When you say 'we may yet have to', I presume you mean resort to KITAP1.

No we won't. Not while Frank Lampard is manager.

Thank the heavens. We can play ourselves out of the hole that Benitez dug us in.

I don't know when I came to the realisation that anything can happen in a football match, and I find it difficult to understand how [or why] some fans predict results/formations/ tactics etc.

Regarding today's game, from my seat in the Park End, I saw a performance the like of which has been absent for quite a while, and I believe that a less high tempo approach may well have led to a different result. To those who suggest that Leeds were a poor team, I would counter that by saying that, if given the opportunity, they could have caused some damage.

I have long been of the opinion that we win as a team and lose as a team; obviously some players play better than others, but I see nothing to be gained by making some players 'scapegoats'. I've also learned down the years, to approach every game with an open mind, and to "enjoy the minute".

I obviously agree!

Another thing I just thought of - watch his "welcome" interview on the OS.

It's not a bunch of, "I hope to impress in the time I'm here" type of malarky.

It's more of, "We need to climb the table." Or, "I'm thrilled to be here and help us improve."

I'm paraphrasing obviously, but I remember a lot of "we's" and "us's" and verbiage and vernacular that made me literally think, "Hang on a second, you're a Man U player. Maybe you don't intend on going back?"

I'm just convinced he's staying, and I've been wrong thousands of times Lord knows, but I'd be stunned if he didn't sign a permanent deal with Everton in June.

I for one will be delighted if that is the case.

Personally, I'm not surprised Donny has performed as well as he has. Even in his debut at Newcastle. Bracketing Klaassen and vd Beek together was always wide of the mark. Donny was always far superior to Davy.

Nor am I surprised that Donny looked so comfortable today in the shared #6 and #8 role with Allan. He's played a LOT of football there with Ajax. He can tackle! He is resilient and clever with ball retention under pressure.

Looking at YouTube showreels of both Donny and Dele, I was also surprised just how good they are heading the ball in the opposition penalty area. Both have a good number of headed goals between them.

Together with Dom and Richy, that is a very potent weapon we now possess.

One Premier League win does not a summer make.

Your gut reaction ain't wrong, but at this point?

Just trust Frank. If he trots Iwobi out against Southampton, I'm sure he has damn good reason to do it.

IFWT

And one PL defeat when you lose two key players to injury in the first 30 minutes of the game, thus severely sabotaging the game plan and potential to make tactical substiutions, does not a winter make.

We did restrict Leeds today through our fine play, but my goodness they were poor, Rodrigo's shots aside.

Only one winner in my most humblest of opinions kind Sir ! :-)

Too often, a new manager comes in with preconceived notions and immediately starts freezing players out. It's clear there were guys Carlo had zero relationship with. The less said about Benitez's man management the better. Koeman turned the Niasse situation into a complete sideshow. Even Silva - the first thing he did upon arrival was tell the likes of Bolasie and Vlasic they were surplus to requirements. Bolasie was coming back from a major injury and Vlasic was a young player with potential. I don't think we ultimately lost much sleep over either, but why cut bait on certain players on the first day?

Just one of many reasons to like the culture Lampard seems to be establishing.

Better rein in the Donny excitement a bit. It's not just up to him, or us, whether he stays at Everton. It's up to United and our microscopic budget.

Man Utd paid $43 million for him and he's contracted there through June 2025. And the better he plays over the next few months, the more his price tag will go up. Especially because their restive fans REALLY want him back:

'Surprise surprise' – Manchester United fans react as Donny van de Beek makes instant impact at Everton

I love the speculation too, and the idea that he could run our midfield for years to come. But the cold hard financial facts say that, under our current circumstances, we probably cannot afford to buy this player.

Enjoy him while you can.

I think predictions on line ups tactics etc is just the boyish dream in many of us that if we were the coach we could outwit the opponent.

On your point on Leeds I agree. They looked shell shocked after five minutes as our approach seemed to surprise them. It’s funny because last year at Goodison we played similarly style wise but executed poorly and that played to their advantage. Carlo then set up a very defensive action at Elland road and we won. I wonder if Bielsa was expecting similar and they were shocked not only by our game plan but the execution of it.

On another point, I said in the forum that Luke Ayling somehow irritates me. But in fairness he showed good sportsmanship today. He was quick to apologize and admit fault when kicking Holgate and this avoided what could have been a sour turn in the game. He was also quick to stop play a few times when Richie hit the deck. Not that any of this helped his team but I just thought maybe despite his goofy manner he’s a decent sort of bloke

Peter M, I sincerely hope your brother pulls through mate🙏

The Donny effect reminds me of Dunc in 1994. Smith adamant it was only a loan, we had no money, couldn’t afford him, somehow it happened. On the flip side, there was a clamor to keep Landon Donovan when we knew it was only ever going to be a loan, we had no money, but that time it didn’t happen.

All I will say is that if he does well for us that’s good news. I’d rather have him playing well for three months then returning to Utd or some big spenders than have him non descript for three months and quietly packed off from whence he came.

I presume LA is for Los Angeles but I dread to think what MF stands for. They have a lot more dosh, apparently, than even Moshiri and his obese poodle.

Warming to Frank very much, haven't seen a manager this animated for a while, got a hint of the fella across the park in him.

In my view he is an important squad player and we should show him a little love.

United might be willing to sell Donny, but I doubt we'd be getting any friendly discount.

Lampard is clear on the best way for Everton to play and is able to gel the players to buy into it. Adjustments will be made where it falls short.

I expect Myko, Ghagi, Delle Ali and Van de Beek to really make a contribution and other players to improve.

lt is pretty unbelievable this January Transfer Window, since I don't think Benitez had a input and Lampard had minimal input Lampard has turned Myko and Coleman into effective wingers, both backs. Van De Beek did not perform like that at Man U, often subbed before half time. Both Keane and Holgate look no nonsense defender. Iowbi has just played the best game of his Everton Career. Richarlison scored with his left foot.

Against Newcastle Everton had useless players, in this game they where all contending for motm.

Maybe Lampard is a Magician.

100 percent agree

You’re being too critical of Iwobi as he was immense today. But like you I wonder if this was his Gomes game eg the once in a blue moon star performance? Hopefully not but at least with VDB and potentially Alli we won’t be reliant on Iwobi or Gomes being an every weeker

While you are possibly right in what you say, a lot hinges on who is the Manure Manager (not Farmer Joskins btw) as Ralph is only a caretaker, as I understand it. I do hope he continues to enjoy being part of the New Revolution, and wants to make his home here (football wise).

Could be, Dennis. I doubt Kenwright will be happy about being unemployed.

Can’t vouch for this at all but I thought it was interesting.

I just gotta figure that whoever replaces Ralf as the United manager would face a fan rebellion if he let Donny go cheap to us. And cheap is all we can afford.

Lampard speaks really well and I pray to my God that given the time we may be on to something with this management and coaching set up.

I don't think DVB will be end up at Everton after his loan has finished, just like I don't think the current back line will be first choices if Lampard has his way over a few windows - that will be just the start of it.

Anyway over the moon, and hope to fuck that the barcodes get beat tomorrow.
COYB.
PS,
What a goal that would have been from Rondon if it had gone in !

This day doesn’t deserve a negative, but FSW you are it…..thank fook you’re gone.

If Man U won't deal then on today's performance he is the level we should be looking at.

First game I've enjoyed for quite some time. Keep it up!

Moshiri is not on the Board.

Spurs turned down a £3Bn offer apparently.

LAMF Spurs bid

The next thing that came up was " “This comes from a Los Angeles based NASDAQ listed Special Purpose Acquisition Company, a SPAC, called LAMF Global Ventures. They were floated on the NASDAQ stock market in November, raised over $250m in their initial public offering".

Any further info, or is this all a wind-up ?

Kenwright wanted Duncan,
Moshiri (and Joorbachian and Usmanov) wanted Pereira,
whilst DBB, Ingles and Sharpe all said Frank.

The board frightened the life out of the Moshiri group, by embroidering what would happen if they went against the fans again. Remember the graffiti "Pereira out, Frank in" before an announcement.

And I’d like to start a rumor that a receipt for a can of spray paint was found in sharpie’s car!!

These three factors are why we won. Not since many moons ago have we shown such desire to boss a game. The players gave the crowd the momentum to spur the team on! No matter how much ability any player has or team, work ethic must be 100% straight off!

Sadly we are in this position because the work ethic and individual mistakes has been seriously present. Yes tactics, coaching, psychology and fitness all matter but putting in a shift as a team your 75% there to a positive result. Yes fans are critical of certain players but it's a team effort. Today not one player was man of the match. You could have picked them all. I don't like losing through lack of effort.

Yes we have ability and it's on to the next match but we must match the desire and hard work of today. Today brought confidence to move on and show the level we can achieve. Over to you lads!!!

I couldn't have stomached Pereira being appointed.

BTW, the triple helping of crow has been consumed. Thank you for your acknowledgement at #68.

Cheers Mike

I like to think the graffiti can man was Tony Marsh formerly of this parish still succinctly getting his message across

Anyway, it seems that all’s well that ends well and hopefully Frank and his new approach will get us up the table.

I suggested yesterday Jonjoe might start at left back to nullify Raphinha’s ability to cut in on his left peg. That worked quite well but I did not expect to see JJk giving opponents twisted blood with his trickery in attacking areas. That was a bonus. I have always thought Iwobi had the capability to be an effective player for us. The quick tempo suited him, as it did the other attackers.

Leeds left everything on the pitch on Wednesday night. I hoped today might be a good time to catch them. Pleasingly that turned out to be the case but we have bigger tests to come before we can start breathing more easily. Today was a decent start, but only a start.

Aside from one plonker bizarrely calling Seamus a “shithouse” I think the majority respect him. The criticism isn’t about his character. He’s like Obi Wan Kenobi and old warrior and we know he will bravely go into battle against Darth Vader. But as age has caught up with him, we know we will need Luke Skywalker, Leia, Hun and Chewie as our new back line in front of Pickford to ultimately defeat the empire. Over the last few years it’s seemed like we have Obi Wan Kenobi, the blue elephant from Jabba’s palace, C3PO and an Ewok. Obi Wan does his best and his character is not in question.

Steve Sergeant got the winner

I know at one point Lyndon said he mistakenly thought he was banned but I don’t it’s been a while

John R @ 259, I don't for one, think Seamus, deserves some of the stick he gets, but having said that, I used to be able to run 100 yards in about 12 seconds, but since it has gone metric, it takes me about 12 minutes now ! I can do it quicker in the Car however. :-)

Sounds like an old school Argentinian hatchet man

The following will be disgustingly American.

Over here, we have Halls of Fame. Leagues have them, as do individual teams. I keep thinking, as I try to comprehend the history of Everton and put into perspective players I've seen and haven't seen, if Everton had an Everton Hall of Fame, who would be in it?

Ball, Southall, Young, Dean, and God knows you all could fill in those others that this adoptee can't name or think of presently on the spot.

But, would Seamus make the Everton Hall of Fame?

I say yes.

Great right back, loyal with one Premier League club in Everton, Blue through and through, team captain, £60,000 purchase price makes him by far the best deal probably in the history of the club, etc.

The guy is just the poster boy for what you want as a "servant of the Cclub" as well. He's a gem of a person, and could you ask for anyone better to represent the club?

If you had such American conventions as Halls of Fames Seamus would, in my book, be an Everton Hall of Fame player.

Based upon that, I don't understand the criticism of the man at all. Yes, he's older now. Yes, he may not cover as much ground as he used to. But for the love of all that is holy, can you not appreciate he's in the September of his career, and was an absolute staple in the lineup out of his career and a joy to watch? He's a talented, talented player who's career has been dedicated to Everton and Everton alone.

Let the guy age. Appreciate how he still, to this day, can bring an "A" game and also never, ever gives anything but 100%. And don't be so "in the now" and forget about many, many years of glorious Seamus rumbling up the right side, doing his level best for the club.

I fucking love the man. He's a Hall of Fame Everton player in my book, as I "Americanize" my thought process and analyze his career to ponder just how great it's been.

I like the sentiment but I guess it depends how many people you have in your Hall of Fame. You'd need hundreds just to cover all of those who've won trophies.

Jamie #275, I'd reluctantly vote No on Coleman's Hall of Fame ballot. He's always been a very good player, but never a great one, never among the best in the league, and he's not even in the top 30 in club appearances.

I wouldn't say he measures up to Baines, for example, who was clearly one of the best at his position almost to the very end of his career.

Agreed. If you had Coleman it opens the door to Baines, Jagielka, Howard, Cahill etc. you've got Tony Cottee whose not seen as a legend and never won anything but scored a lot goals. Rideout, Unsie, Stuart and Co from 95 and that's before you even get back to the era when Everton were great

Baines is a slam dunk in my book.

Seamus is admittedly more "emotional" with the one club, cheap buying price, and overall demeanor. He's in no way one of the Club greats with stats or numbers, but he's more of a longevity, loyal, good character type inclusion for me.

And here's where I'd lean on Blues who actually know their history - and I'm asking this off the top of my head! Please bear in mind, I have a meager 15 years in this!

Name a better right-back for Everton?

The above question also illustrates my longevity (or lack thereof) and naivety. I've personally seen two mainstays at the position – Tony Hibbert and Seamus Coleman.

What right-back, in Everton's illustrious history, would make the Hall of Fame?

Baines - yes
Jagielka - No
Howard - No
Cahill - Yes (barely)

Baines all day long, easy inclusion in my opinion.

Yup. From all I've read, yes. He'd beat Seamus due to the trophies for sure. Style of play and talent I can't speak to, but based upon what I've read - especially on TW - he'd be the RB in the HOF.

Gary Stevens... Tommy Wright?

He was a homegrown athletic blonde fellow decent going forward more so than many of the era. Should've played more than 46 times for England but Bobby Robson had an affinity for Man Utd players so every tournament started with Robson, Wilkins etc got off to a bad start, they got injured or suspended; then he'd bring in the Everton players and turn things around.

Stevens left during the Euro ban when, if you can believe it, Rangers were bigger spenders than English clubs. He won the league there every year then, as an old man, joined Tranmere who were one of the best teams outside the top flight at the time.

Frank Lampard – I apologise – those other clubs who didn't appoint you missed a trick.
Donny van de Beek – I apologise – you are “what we need”
Seamus Coleman – I apologise – I saw the look on your face after you scored that goal, you still have the heart and you are not past-it.
Jonjoe Kenny – I apologise – for not even considering you for a start, well played, son.
Mason Holgate – I apologise – you were rock solid today.

And furthermore:-

Well played, Alex Iwobi.
Well played, Michael Keane.
Well played, Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Well played, Allan – you are a warrior
Richarlison – you are a great player, please never leave us.
Anthony Gordon – potential scourge of full-backs, you can go all the way

And last but not least:-

Dele Alli – see what you have got yourself into... great pass to ——
Salomon Rondon – I really wish your volley had gone in, it would have capped off a great few days for you.

The tactical reason being Jonjoe Kenny was bossing him and setting up Everton attacks. Well done, JJK and all the others who wore the Royle Blue today. 3 points well deserved.

I agree with you about Seamus and I've seen some great right-backs:

Alex Parker, one of the greatest sliding tacklers around at the time
Gary Stevens
Keith Newton
John Gidman
John McLaughlin
Tommy Wright
And our very own Tony Hibbert.

The Everton right side with him and Trevor Steven was magic – imagine Baines and Pienaar but 5 times better! And oo the right. Both England players and both moved to Rangers after that other lot fucked things up for civilized teams in Europe.

"And we love our Shaggy Stevens, Shaggy Stevens, Neville Southall, Ahhhhh, Everton, oh we love Everton" Da Crown Royals are kicking in... lol !!

And I'd like to start a rumor that a receipt for a can of spray paint was found in Sharpie's car!!

Also, loved to see Anthony Gordon on the field singing along to "Grand Old Team" at the end of the game.

Really hard to pick a MotM today but I'd probably go with Gordon.

Not getting too far ahead of ourselves, if Rodrigo's 2 shots had been a tad lower, it might have ended up a different story. Lesson to be taken on as he shouldn't have been left to take the shots in the first place.

Some excellent performances that include Iwobi and Kenny. Looked totally different to previous.

Exciting game for us to watch, for a change eh?

Great team effort!

Gordon gets better and better. What I really like about him is not that he has blistering pace, but a fantastic change of pace. It takes players out of the game.

Seamus showing desire and determination to get his goal. As well as nearly having his head taken off, I think he hit the back of the net before the ball!!

Michael Keane's desire to get through at least 2 Leeds defenders to get his goal.

Desire.

A 3rd goal once again made in Brazil, although I now understand it got chalked of and given to Gordon. Made in Brazil, finished in Liverpool I suppose!

Enjoy - let's get ready for the next one.

I know we are outnumbered by the large USA contingent but we must also have our say. Every poster on ToffeeWeb has very adequately covered every aspect of the Leeds game. We now seem to have a manager who now knows what Evertonians really want. Attractive, attacking football.

It is still too early to let expectations put the "cart before the horse", but today did give us promise. This season, there is only one goal, well two: by the time we avoid relegation, we go on to win the FA Cup. We just have to be optimistic and deserve to be able to be optimistic.

Lately I have been having great difficult getting to sleep because I have been worrying so much about how badly we have been playing. Tonight is the same, but so different. I lay in bed and rewatched all three goals about ten times each.

Eventually I gave up and got up to once more watch the highlights. No complaints and a far better cure for sleeplessness. COYB – keep it up.

But, that last bit is what gives me the shits. These players have stunk the place out for too long. Some for 5+ years, others for their entire Everton career. They showed today that they're capable of playing football very well and putting in enough effort to outrun one of the more mobile sides in the league. So what on earth have they been doing up until now?

Seamus nearly getting his head kicked off when scoring. Remind you of anything? About 5 minutes 30 seconds in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwUl7a7AsQA

Best moment of the match: Dele Alli's cross and the much-abused Rondon's volley on the run – deserved to burst the net!!!

He has spent his life helping others in so many ways, I have no doubt about the power of receiving so much goodwill back from the Everton family.

From what I have read, he seems to try and get positivity installed on players.

"Michael Keane's desire to get through at least 2 Leeds defenders to get his goal."

I'm glad you described it like that, Danny, but I couldn't help comparing it with the many goals scored against us from corners that would be put down, not to the prowess, skill, timing, desire and courage of the scorer (yes, a much-maligned Michael Keane in this instance) – but to a defensive failing – either poor organization or poor marking.

To my eye, those 2 Leeds defenders surely did everything they could and should have done (legally) to prevent the goal?

But give me your perspective, please, as spokesperson for the centre-backs trade union, on how you would be feeling if your defenders had failed to prevent it from going in? What (if anything) did they do wrong?

I don't have anything additional to add on the game, we all know it was much better than Tuesday, so I'll go to Jamie's question on Right Backs.

It will always be a generational opinion, but for me absolutely Gary Stevens. At the time, he was a different kind of full back. He attacked as well as defended. I always liked Denis Irwin at Manchester United for that. And Stevens weighed in on the goals with that rocket of a shot he had.

Mention to Hibbert; great defender. Should have been a centre back but for a few inches.

I love the call outs for Kenny. He played well again; he hasn't let us down this season. I've doubted him based on where I want us to be, but he is showing determination and commitment. I think under Lampard, he can come good.

The manager wants to win. It's in his DNA. It's what he knows. With this current squad, he's obviously go his work cut out. But he will install enough mentality for the rest of the season to go and try to win games, not set up not to lose them. It will be a bumpy ride, but we will get there.

And to Wembley.

Watching the highlights for the umpteenth time, how instantly has Donny settle in both ability wise and attitude?

We need to follow up the "2 Frank Lampards" chant on the back of the Super Frank. That would mean a lot to him.

I live in Scotland, and a while ago had a heated argument with a Scotsman on how to make porridge. He disagreed vehemently with my way of doing it, but I insisted it was the way I liked it.

He wouldn't give in, and said “You're a typical Englishman!”, to which I replied “I'm not an Englishman, I'm a Scouser!!”.

At that point, he stopped disagreeing, and said, nodding, “Aye”. So no argument there!

Hope Richie doesn't sulk over it ! :-)

I include myself in this criticism although I am 74 why havent I been on my feet in the usual sedate Upper Bullens stand singing and clapping more than I have in a decade. I hope this becomes the norm for fans to realize just how important their support is to players as well as having a detremental effect on the opposing players. I read a comment from James the Leeds winger who said when their crowd got behind them it was like we were playing the best team in the world.

I know Danny O"Neill had a discussion on a thread and he said he was sitting on the fence over the appointment of Lampard, which is very understandable. But for me he is the most charasmatic exciting manager that we have ever appointed, and I go back to when Ian Buchan was the manager. Not only does he remind me a lot of Brian Clough but he has put together the best complete backroom staff we have ever had. I know some will say how can you say this after 3 games, because you can see the style of football he wants to play, and the improvement in every player in such a short period is amazing. Yes I know some will say its just a new manager bounce, and they may be right, but I genuinely believe there is something much more than a new manager bounce. I believe at long last we again have a manger who can win us trophies.

Personally, I always preferred defending open play. Set pieces are always difficult.

Looking at that one, the Leeds defenders are firstly caught watching the ball. Not necessarily a bad thing because that's what you want to win, but they aren't watching Keane. Then, their body shape is facing the wrong way. They are looking the wrong way and positioned the wrong way. They are looking at the corner taker over by the Enclosure. If even one of them opens his body and has vision and awareness of Keane as well as the incoming ball, they have a better chance of stopping that goal.

That's my take in hindsight.

Brian, I'm climbing off the fence. On the right side too. Two Frank Lampards!!

I know many posters have been saying for weeks and weeks that no manager could get this team to play, not even Pep Guardiola. Maybe it just might have had something to do with appointing a negative dour manager whose horizon was hoping to avoid defeat.

I know many have made DVdB as MOTM and he was excellent but I think probably Keane, Kenny and Gordon were also candidates. I think the one player who I havent heard mention much is Allan who marshalled everybody on the pitch encouraging and also making sure they were all in the right positions. I think he should be our next captain. I think Holgate also deserves a mention as does Seamus, considering it was probably not a back 4 most would pick when everyone is fit they all played really well and constrained Leeds to shots from outside the box and not many sides do that.

And he's a leader

Brian Murray has pointed out that he’s also constantly engaging with his back room staff, and someone told me last night, that every time there is a corner at either end, that Paul Clement is right out on the touch line, overseeing everything?

Lampard looked shell-shocked after Tuesday night’s game, but he’s kept quiet, has obviously been working with his staff on pulling everyone together at finch-farm, and if this type of professionalism, hopefully now starts to become instilled into our club, then us supporters will do the rest, I’m sure!

Everyone played well yesterday, but football isn’t always about talent, it’s all about heart sometimes, and not letting people breathe, and nobody typified this more than Jonjoe Kenny yesterday.

This definitely helped us defend on the front foot, kept the crowd really engaged, and helped make Goodison a beautiful place to be once again, because our support was just fantastic!

I think the manager knows what he needs to do. In the short term there will be Newcastles as much as there will be yesterday's.

Get us over the line and then back him in the summer. And beyond. But let him do his job.

I'm sure you must know this already but there is an Everton Hall of Fame – more accurately "Gwladys Street's Hall of Fame" conceived and advanced by Dr David France – no doubt influenced by his extended time in North America.

There have been no more inductees since 2017, perhaps unsurprising given the malaise of the last 5 years that has gripped the club. But I'm looking to Frankie to turn that around and give us a reason to reopen the ballot very soon!

Btw, Aberdeen just sacked their manager, big Dunc maybe?

It really is a clean slate for all of them now and I like this. Surely even Gbamin and Tosun will get a chance before long. I think I commented in the deepest darkest Rafa days that we badly needed a reset as per a computer. Someone has pressed that button.

Van De Beek looks like he can be a midfield orchestrator. The type of player we've needed who is happy on the ball.

I’m sure he scored the winner the week after away at Coventry too and I thought we’d signed a superstar.

They have all now shown what they can do- now lets see if they can repeat it without that fantastic crowd roaring them on.

I had a little bit of friendly correspondence with Dr David France over the Hall of Fame and how the players are chosen and who by. I was asking why Duncan McKenzie was in that Hall of Fame and Tommy Ring wasn't. David replied basically that you can't please everyone and there would always be arguments among fans of who should be or shouldn't be chosen.

I think David was wrong in that case: Duncan was an entertainer who played to the crowd, Tommy was an entertainer and footballer who played for the team.

I think what I am really interested in is seeing what Frank and his coaches do with DCL. He is a fine finisher in and around the 6 yard box, but I think Frank and his coaches will try and make him a more all round player, a bit like Kane.
He laid on a golden opportunity for Anthony Gordon and won most of his aerial battles.

I also think Ashley Cole will and has had an effect on our defensive shape, and I would love to know how much work he has done with JJ as he looked very comfortable in an unaccustomed role. Same goes for Paul Clement who has seemingly along with other things is responsible for both offensive and defensive corners. I think our backroom staff has got me just as excited as having Frank as manager. They just seem to tick all the boxes, experience in Paul Clement and in Ashley Cole listening to people who know him well is an excellent coach. I hope Moshiri now lets this manager and coaches get on with their job with absolutely no interference from him.

I am sure this season Lampard and his coaches will predominantly be concentrating on first team affairs but I am sure in time he will look at the overall set up of the whole coaching structure and style of play. We will need all our teams to mirror they way Frank and his coaches want the first team to play, that way young players can progress through the ranks knowing what is expected of someone playing in the role when you are called into the first team.

I listened to Michael Keene's interview after the game and when asked what has Lampard and his coaches changed and he said intensity and having more options on the ball. I have said for many a year all the top teams train with the same intensity that they intend to play. You cant ask a group who don't train with that intensity to be able to do it on match day.

1) There was a good player in Alex Iwobi before we signed him. He had 15 goals and 27 assists in 149 games for Arsenal when we signed him, which is twice as good as he's done for us. He has proven that he can do it. Hopefully he can reach that level with us.

2) The blue tinted glasses are being applied to Baines career. Attacking wise, the man is a legend, but when it came to defending, my abiding memory is of crosses not being blocked. He was nowhere near the same class defensively, as his now coaching colleague, AC.

3) Having watched that Leeds game from 1974, and having been born 3 years later, what was the reason for the curved front of the stands behind the goals?!

Notice the lack of news coverage after a couple of Leeds fans threw bottles at Seamus yesterday?

I was talking to a mate of mine at half-time in the match yesterday, he came from Gerard Crescent, Tony Allen, he knew you and said you were mates with John and Paul Tootle whose dad is a good friend of mine. Tony knew you had moved to Australia. I'll mention you to John and Paul next time I see them.

And er…..Glen Kelley’s was unforgettable.

But on a corner, surely everyone has to watch the ball, don't they? If you don't watch the ball, how can anticipate its trajectory and predict the potential point of contact? Whether you can get your head there into that very small space is another matter, though.

So they are surely all facing the right way, in order to see the ball coming over, as well as being fully aware of the attackers right alongside them.

The defenders and attackers are pretty much together, they know exactly where their opponents are. They are each jostling to be at that crucial point of contact with the trajectory of the ball.

But only one can be at that point of contact. It was Keane. Perhaps his run prevented the defender in front of him from jumping as high as he should have for him to become the point of contact instead of Keane?

To my mind, the trajectory of the ball determines everything. It was a brilliant ball in from young Anthony, met perfectly by Michael Keane. I'm just not at all convinced the Leeds defenders could have done anything differently to change the outcome.

A few things. Kenny, imo, will never be a first-choice, top-class full-back. But if he can be a solid, dependable back-up, that would be a great achievement. Not every academy graduate has to be top class to be valuable. Solid and reliable squad players who will give their all are important. And having these local lads, Everton supporters, in the squad is very valuable.

Interesting also to see the social media of many of the players and how they are all praising, with quite some affection, Iwobi. So he is clearly a well liked lad in the dressing room.

No point getting ahead of ourselves, how many false dawns have we suffered?

I think Van de Beek could be a stellar signing, and we will be desperate to make his a permanent move on the summer... whether that will be possible is another thing.

On Gordon's goal, I think if he doesn't flick it, the keeper saves it. The deflection certainly took it away from the goalie.

I think the initial runs off the Everton players take everyone towards the goal, and when you're running forwards, it's hard to suddenly change direction and get a little bit of spring in to your legs to jump higher, and it does look as though the Leeds defenders hardly got off the floor.

Our next corner on the other side was so different because instead of everyone starting their runs from the edge of the box, it looked like we had about six players inside the Leeds 6-yard box, but Gordon's delivery was poor (cleared low at the near post), so we never got to witness what was intended with this set-piece, and don't say trying to score a goal!

Wouldn't mind wagering that they weren't Jars of Coleman's Mustard! 🤦‍♂️😜

Don't worry I'll get my coat by the exit, but like Arnie, "I will be back".

If Mr or Mrs Toffee Art is reading this can I make a suggestion for a future tee-shirt design, please?

I think the ‘Pereira out - Lampard in' graffiti image would be top seller. Look great them on us blues walking down Wembley Way in May.

The flight of the ball for Keane's goal was bang on the money and bang on the right spot.

A bit later we had another corner out there but was a lot higher and deeper coming to nothing.

I only started sobering up when we got back to Liverpool on the coach and headed straight to the American bar to start all over again.

Dave. Small world mate. I got to know John and Paul many years ago as they were pipefitters on some of the jobs I was on. My best mate Billy sees them all the time. Two good characters they are. Say hello from me.

John would have known Owen Moran (Cook da Books) who has just sadly passed away. He always mixed in the music scene.

Wish I could have been there yesterday to share the happiness at Goodison and a few pints afterwards. 🍻

When he had his arm around Iwobi praising him at the end, if only Iwobi had half the passion and courage of our Captain.

A pity you missed the game Del, excellent performance and great atmosphere!

There were only two bottles, hurled from the Upper Bullens, both of which missed their intended target. It was enough to get half of the Paddock up on their hind legs though. Still, we can't tar all Leeds fans with the same brush can we?

Thank you for @327!

I have a few of Dr. France's books (given to me by the man himself, I say with humility and thankfulness) and I had the distinct pleasure of meeting him and his lovely wife, Elizabeth, in Orlando this summer.

That link I will check out for sure. Something like that will be of great interest and benefit to this Yank!

Jamie

By coincidence, I was going through old stuff this morning and came across a collection of old Higsons Brewery beer mats which were called 'famous old Higsonians'. Gwladys Street was one of them and I believe it was this that was the inspiration for The Gwladys Street Hall of Fame.

What a player he has become this season adding work rate to his undoubted skill, Anthony has a lot to thank Mr.Benitez for.

As it happens, he's been frozen out completely by Ancelotti and Benitez, with Holgate, Iwobi and Davies being used as RB / RWB ahead of Kenny.

Now I don't see JJK as a top class full back, but he's not terrible. Why has he been so overlooked?

He showed yesterday that he's a Premier League player.

What the future holds I've no idea - but I just can't fathom why he's been treated so shabbily.

Everton-Leeds Final Whistle

What seems evident is that very few people stampeded for the exits as is normally the case at Goodison. Win or lose, the stands can empty very quickly at the old lady.

The support, which was racous and superb all game, on all four sides, lower and upper stands, remained well beyond the final whistle. There were very few empty seats to be seen.

Can any match-goers confirm this impression?

On the 3rd goal, I'm in the camp that believes Richy was robbed on that one. As I wrote last night, you often see shots with a bigger deflection off a defender NOT given as an own goal, but awarded to the shooter.

Anthony's feather touch was neither deliberate nor critical, IMO. Having worked the position so well, Richy placed his shot rather than powered it. It was going in for me without Anthony's help.

And if it IS Anthony's goal, then Allan loses the assist, which goes to Richy instead. A bit nonsensical, to me.

Like the 80th post on this thread directed towards you!

That Gwlady's Street HOF link and set up by Dr. France is just fantastic. I had a cursory look and will go back, cross-referencing inductees with wiki pages to read and educate.

It's so cool to see the names of players and management I've read about on these pages. I was very happy to see Adrian Heath in this unofficial HOF. I like the guy a lot, as he coached at Orlando for a time and I thought he was a good manager, and have read about him on TW but never really knew if he was "one of the greats" or just a few of the poster's favorite.

So many names: Reid, Ratcliffe, Lawton, Latchford, Horne, Harvey, Bracewell, Lyons, Stevens, Watson, etc. for me to go back and use as a reference to read and learn about. Just brilliant!

I noticed some that are not honored to be included, chief amongst them your man (pretty sure you love this fella) Kanchelskis, as well as names like Speed, Weir, Cahill, etc. (there's a ton). But I'm half glad as the HOF Dr. France has put together hasn't "opened the barn doors" and inclusion seems to be something that requires longevity and real talent. Kanchelskis, as example, looks to have only played three years for Everton? Had he stayed longer maybe he'd be in? Just not enough time at the club to warrant inclusion.

At any rate, that link is brilliant and I appreciate it greatly. Absolutely Americanizes this player history in a way I can grasp and digest.

Uplifting.

Those few seconds looking at Van de Beek's reactions and applauding the crowd tell me, again, he ain't going anywhere!

What the crowd, and Evertonians in general, have been praying and hoping for is a manager that everyone can get behind. One who says all the right things (easy I know) but also shows right from the off that he can motivate the players and engage with the support.

I have a feeling Mr Moshiri has, more by luck maybe than judgement, stumbled upon a formula that may finally work for us.

Early days I know, and I'm not going to get too carried away, but the signs are more positive than they've been in years. And for Evertonians to sing a manager's name hasn't been heard since Noah was a lad.

Like everything, it only takes a couple of idiots throwing something to give the club and fan base a bad image. We had it the other week. In a way, I am glad the media did not pick up the incident yesterday; we had the shame of those mindless idiots who hit Digne with them.

On the whole, most of our fans were excellent and credit to the club. I have to say, all the times I've witnessed Leeds, and I can assure you, I've seen some nasty stuff in the past, these supporters were a credit on the day and did not deserve to be tarnished by a couple of idiots among them.

Anyway, back to the game: yesterday was one of those games where every single player on the pitch and subs, contributed and stood up. Hard to think back where we have played a complete team game like that before. Normally, one or two have an average game, but I cannot think of any single player out there who had only an average game.

I said it when we finally got him that Van de Beek will be the player I expected: tough at winning the ball, great at laying the ball off, and gets in good positions in the danger area. He has one hell of a football brain on him: when 9 out of 10 players would have shot towards goal in the second half, he killed the ball and played a sublime pass out to his right. Just a shame we could not get an option to buy, he is going to be a huge success.

Special mention to Iwobi, what a game he had. Seems he is a confidence player; we saw what he can do when he had a go. The crowd got behind him; the more we cheered, the more pumped up he got. He needs to believe in himself and carry on from yesterday's performance.

Jpnjoe Kenny, having to play out of position, had a stormer, like so many yesterday, The whole team were outstanding, and we did our part as the fans in the stadium, getting right behind them – best atmosphere for a long time.

If we look back to where we the fans have built up an electric atmosphere and stayed right behind the team, an interesting pattern emerges: Arsenal at home, won; Brentford in the cup, won; Leeds yesterday, won. That's three games Goodison has not resembled a library, and three times the team with the fans right behind them have pulled out three decent performances.

Pretty much everyone played well yesterday but I think the guy who made the difference to the team dynamic was Van der Beek; he's exactly the player we have been missing and is key in oiling the wheels.

Maybe if magician Frank can get Rondon to almost score a worldie and Iwobi to finally look like a real footballer, he could re-purpose Gbamin into the player we thought we had signed. We could do with a decent back-up to Allan before we also flog him into the ground.

One half-decent performance has people asking for him to get a new contract! That's one of the things wrong with the way Everton are run.

I'm praying for survival this season and then for the manager to cull this squad without emotion.

Although I see where you are coming from! Your heart is ruling your head.

Kenny and Iwobi have been written off by previous managers who are no longer with us.

Give Frank the time to assess what he's got! FFP currently has us over a barrel.

With a young manager with current up-to-date philosophy, we will come through with what we have currently got.

Survival is a priority. Stability is what we need with a forward-thinking young manager.

Get behind the team, and dismiss the consistent negative comments regularly posted on TW.

We are in a relegation battle, but IMO we will survive, to resurrect ourselves next season.

Survival and the FA Cup, a dream, but possible.

Yes, they need an eye on the ball, but also on the runners.

If you look at the Leeds defenders, they are literally pointing and transfixed on the corner flag. If they open their bodies out at more of an angle, they can do both.

As I was coached and used to coach, in those scenarios, it's not necessarily about winning the ball, it's about doing enough to prevent the runner getting a clean run.

Hyper critical and over analysing. Let's take nothing away from Michael Keane and Gordon's delivery. That and his free kick at Chelsea that invited Branthwaite to score; we could have something here.

On Kenny, made up for the lad. They loved him at Schalke. His attitude is second to none.

Top drawer? No. Good enough for us now? Yes. And I think we have the best manager to get the best out of him. He gives us options too; right back but will do a job on the left. And at wing back too, which I'm sure the manager will have noted.

He may not be the player he was but he has never given an inch on the pitch, he's a Evertonian through and through and quite evidently a leader.

Keyboard warriors showing their true colours.

I think most on here have said he had an inspired game yesterday; but that, as you state, he is not the player he was. Though, at the tender age of 33 years old, that is to be expected, I would have thought.

We played well against Brentford in, let's be honest, just a week for the new manager and coaching staff to work with the players; then we had the "It's only one game" comments, instead of enjoying the moment. We had to pick faults in the match. Fast-forward to Newcastle and we were playing well until we had two unforced subs in the first half. Granted the wheels fell off after that. Did we get "It's only one game"? No, we got "We're going down, we're doomed, we are shite."

Fast forward to yesterday's game and all the players put in a great performance. As of yet, I have not seen any negative comments, apart from the pre-match, when some were questioning the starting line-up, Iwobi the whipping boy, Coleman past it, Kenny left-back etc – that was before a ball had even been kicked.

Lampard has only been here a few weeks, and already we have put in two very good performances. What he is doing is putting his arm around every single player, he is giving them the freedom to take players on, he is giving them confidence and belief. When you lose players like Gray, Doucouré, Godfrey and Mina, that is a huge loss.

Frank has found a way of getting the best out of the players that are available. It will take time, but I think he is doing a great job getting a tune out of the squad.

I have no doubts people will still be questioning the line-up, before a ball is kicked against Southampton. If we are not playing like the old Brazil within 8 mins after kick-off, some will be pilling straight in.

We will have good times, some might be bad. It is still a learning curve for Frank; he will make the odd mistake but, the following game, he will tweak the problem, and not keep going with the same old "keep doing the same thing and hoping for a different outcome" – like our previous managers.

We need to keep behind the team. We did our part in the ground on Saturday. If we can keep Goodison like that for the remaining home games, it will lift the players. So, for any with half-empty glasses, top your glass up and start believing.

Some players who get past 30 and/or have never really played well since returning from injury are particularly targeted and Seamus is one of them.

He was one of our heroes not too long back when Bainsey was the other raiding full-back but things change and sometimes not always for the better.

A slump like we have been through – and especially when Rafa was in charge – brought out the worst in some of us and perhaps understandably so.

I have questioned Everton's captaincy this season and never been convinced Seamus was playing well enough to be captain whilst not having any doubts about his commitment,

However nobody else has shown much form to be a worthy successor.

Frank seems to have gotten some response from the squad despite the reverse at Newcastle, who themselves have responded to new personnel.

We can only hope that this continues at Southampton who are also playing well.

He's as good as his last game and quite frankly he was exceptional. Giving a dog a bad name can be just wrong.

Chill your beans fella, I wasn't necessarily talking about this thread but of course given your comments I can understand your sensitivity.

I'm actually talking about a whole load of comments over a whole load of threads. I've no problem with players being criticised, I just think some players have earned enough respect through years of service to be given a little more leeway.

“But on a corner, surely everyone has to watch the ball don't they?"

Very good question, Michael. I think we could have asked that of some of our defenders this season, particularly one of them, after Brighton had scored two badly defended goals a few weeks ago.

One of them was trying to mark an opponent looking at him facing the Bullens Road stand while the corner was coming in from The Main Stand side. Unbelievable... as are many of the things this defender does.

I've heard it said that Patterson is not ready for the Premier League and the situation we're in. It may be true given his experience, and it may take even until the end of next season for Patterson to actually be a reliable first-choice option.

The fact that Kenny has shown himself to be a useful and reliable utility player is important. It may be too late now, we may lose him, but we need a couple of defensive players like him who can be relied on when coming off the bench or in an injury crisis (like now) or if, hallelujah, we ever get to having multiple cup runs and European football.

If Kenny leaves, I don't think anyone can accuse him of being unprofessional or not trying his absolute hardest when he plays. I'd go as far as to say he seems like an intelligent and skilled player, who may just not be quite fast and/or good enough for where we want to be competing in the future, but deserves ample credit for the here and now.

Well played, son.

Tommy Wright was in a different league to Seamus talent wise. What a player. Best left back? The wonderful Ray Wilson.

I'm sure they have fine fans, but I didn't see any yesterday.

I get Seamus has been, and is a great servant; I have never doubted his commitment, effort or desire, yet to my mind, his performances this season, until yesterday, were very patchy.

The man deserves all the accolades he got for his performance yesterday, and for an enduring Everton career, which should be indisputable.

Why people have rained down so much dog's (and cat's) abuse on him is beyond me? That is something I have never posted, or will ever condone or agree with.

I couldn't believe it when someone referred to him as a 'shithead' after the Barcodes game!? That was, and still is unbelievable; a genuine key-board warrior moment.

In truth, I have a lot of sympathy for Seamus, as the club should have found a replacement about three years ago, and then used him more sparingly, and to his strengths.

However, that just demonstrates the clubs 'tail wagging the dog' recruitment policy.

Lastly, I still maintain that Patterson needs to be played at some point, maybe against Boreham Wood, either on the right or left.

Oh, and Jonjoe Kenny was an absolute revelation yesterday, and I am absolutely delighted he turned in such a performance; just as so many other Bluenoses were.

Thanks again for the advice, Graham, peace and out :D

Of course as Brian says, it's not all of them - just nearly all of them :)

I went in the stands there once with my dad and sister back in the '70s at his insistence, after getting "Involved" the year before. It was pretty bad even in the seats with the older crowd. "Committed" lot, they are...

Perfectly fair. No player is above criticism, some players have done enough not to have their attitude or commitment questioned.

Unfortunately the thicker end of the Leeds fan base are absolute wankers. Overall they are not bad fans and they have stuck by their team through difficult times. Maybe 10% should be enlisted in the Ukraine Army and used as tank barriers. We also have to make allowances for them, they're from Yorkshire.

If they go down, I'll miss the entertainment their football has brought, but I won't miss their Neanderthal fans.

Leeds are a naturally aggressive bunch.

Newcastle are the self-proclaimed biggest club and for whatever reason think they are bigger than Manchester United.

Everton are mad followers but knowledgeable.

Chelsea have changed. More Kings Road than the Battersea boys I knew.

Let's not talk about them. They are just them.

Headed into town and again although only a few at the station, never seen any trouble, was not always like that, especially at Elland road in the seventies and eighties, where I witnessed a fan getting off the train with the old wooden seventies crutch, made no difference his foot in plaster cast, had his crutch taken off him, and whacked over the head with it, before the police intervened.

Was a nasty bunch back then, still are but nothing like they used to be.

I normally have a chat with away supporters on the way back to my car. On Saturday I decided not to because I didn’t trust the response I may get. Probably just me I know but a bit sad too.

However, as Danny highlights we are all different.

But "By their friends Ye shall know them." often tells the tale.

In the early 70s some rs and leeds pubs and social clubs had reciprocal visits to each others establishments, It was like old home week. The rs half of St Ambrose in Speke for one.

A Strange bunch...both of them really.

However left backs we have Pejic (70s), Bailey, Pat Van Den Hauwe, (80s) Hinchcliffe (90s) and Baines, - all above average with Psycho Pat the best of the bunch. And from earlier we also had Ramon Wilson world cup winner.

Danny and Michael, I think the aspect of Keane's goal you're both missing is that if it had been against one of the Sky 6, it would have been disallowed due to Keane having his hands on the defender's shoulders.

Another game I must have watched 3 or 4 times I think might have been against Liverpool in the '90s, Hinchcliffe suddenly became an amazing dead-ball taker and his corner kicks were creating absolute pandemonium in the opposition defense. Definitely Ferguson scored from a corner and maybe Rideout.

My mate had Sky at that time and for some reason I recorded the game on VHS, took it into school the next day and treated my whole class to Goodison Park absolutely rocking. I went to school in Ipswich, by the way!

Definitely a push there.

Then add to that he played Jonkoe Kenny at left-back and he had a stormer, again 2 weeks ago many posters wouldn't have batted an eyelid if Kenny had moved on.

What Frank and his coaches have done is to press the reset button for every player at the club, as he said he came in and everybody would be judged on what they do under him, regardless of how they performed for previous managers. Now I personally don't think that Iwobi will be part of the team going forward, but to get the level of commitment that no previous manager had got from him is quite telling.

I think when Gray got injured early against Newcastle we feared not just for that game, but how we would fayre if he was out for a few weeks, but while he will be a major part of Franks side, not having him against Leeds didn't lesson our attacking threat as most feared.

Again with Mina breaking down again many worried about a partnership of Holgate and Keane but on Saturday they restricted Leeds to having shots from outside the box as they dominated the Leeds forwards.

We have scored 7 goals and conceded 1 in our 2 home games against Premier League opposition, there is absolutely no way that Benitez would have got that performance or result. Likewise, had Pereira been chosen he would never have attracted Donny or Dele to the club.

But the main message has to be to Moshiri: Had you stuck with your original choice we would have been in big trouble, had your preferred choice to replace Benitez which was Pereira been appointed we would have I think been in big trouble.

Now I don't know who or what changed your mind, whether it was the protests or someone persuading you not to go ahead with Pereira but thank your lucky stars whatever changed your mind, it's clear you should never again be anywhere near any transfers or selecting who managers the team.

Do what all good owners do back the managers with money which to be fair you have done, then let them get on with it. But remind them of where you expect this club to be which has to be competing for trophies, and if it looks like they won't attain that, tell them they will be sacked.

What will be interesting is how we perform away at Southampton. We’ve seen it this season against Brentford in the cup, Arsenal at home and Chelsea away where we have followed up a good performance with a disappointing, lackadaisical effort and a bad result. If we play like we did on Saturday, we can give any team a game. We need to start showing that effort, pride and football ability more consistently and away from home.

At least we know that these players are capable of producing it though.

Dave, Pat was very good as a centre back but in a different way to Hanson and Lawrenson, but just as effective and he could intimidate his opponents while motivating his own players at the same time.

I don't want to distract from the deserved praise for the defenders as they deserve the praise. But it was the way we played higher as a team and hunted in packs that took the pressure off them.

Something many of us have been shouting for a long time.

Attack is the best form of defence.

But. And I will go and wash my mouth after this. You can't compare him to Hansen. Possibly the best footballing centre back I've seen. John Stones reminded me of him in style and I don't say that lightly.

It's why I got frustrated with a lot of Evertonians during his development. We get players who are comfortable on the ball but we have fans who are fearful of players being comfortable on the ball. We should be wanting that, not shouting the opposite.

The good players look after the football. Defenders included.

My complaint against Stones was in one game versus Stoke City when he was dribbling inside the six yard area, twice in a couple of minutes and not very successfully, I think he gave away a corner from one of the dribbles but Everton went from 3-2 up to losing 4-3. He was very young at the time but I’d never seen anything so stupid from a defender and he never learned in that particular game how foolish it was to play that way, remonstrating with the crowd when they had a go at him for playing the way he did.

I knew he was a very good player and he has proved it since with his time at City and the many caps he has won for England, mind you Keane has won a few of those!!

Looks like we might have that click with Frank L. and the players! Here's hoping!!!

More of a traditional centre back from what I've seen so far, but potentially a very good one in the making.

I know what you're saying about Stones. He frustrated and panicked the masses, but I could always see the footballer in him.

Watching him press almost as high as a midfielder for City makes me jealous and reflect on what we could have had. Sadly, given where we were, he was always going to go on to better things.

I was momentarily concerned that the ref or VAR would call it back for that but there didn't seem to be any protests from the Leeds players and maybe it's the onfield decision of the ref again dissuading VAR from having him look at the pitch-side monitor.

But there was no hesitation at the ground or in the commentary that it was a goal... or have people re-learnt how to celebrate the goals in real time, oblivious to the risk that they might be rolled back?

I think Frank has said that he will always encourage and help young players to get in the side but they have to earn it and not just be handed a start. So I think Branthwaite will be given all the help and the encouragement he will need to be successful. Many were calling for Patterson to play against Leeds instead of Coleman, so often supporters call for the youngsters to be played irrespective of whether they are ready or not. Despite all the hype around Patterson seems strange even the man who bought him didnt play him, now he might turn out to be a real find but I think fans should ask if he is that good how come he had only played 6 club games.

What I have found under Lampard is the many posters on T/W were saying that we cant play a high line because Michael Keane is to slow and he always wants to drop back, which stops us playing a high line. Well I think Frank has destroyed that myth as I think Keane has spent more time in and around the half way line under Lampard than under any previous manager. So maybe it was the previous managers who wanted him to play deeper and not necessary the players choice. I think Keane lacks a bit of self belief which is a bit surprising seeing he has won countless caps for England. But under Ancelotti he thrived albeit playing in a deeper set up and under Frank he seems to be thriving.

Know I am not saying he will be our mainstay in defence going forward, but I don't think he is as bad as many on T/W do. But football is all about opinions and I personally see more pluses than negatives with Michael Keane.

Despite my on the fence response to Lampard's appointment, I did call out that a positive will be his tendency to bring young players through. As well as knowing what it takes to win at the highest level. He and his staff seem to be changing the mentality.

Lampard and Gerrard. Let's see how those two go. Maybe English football is bringing through coaches that understand how to win rather than set up to not lose and finish 7th at best and consider it success? A lot of them consider 12th and survival success.

We'll see with Michael Keane. Only 3 matches in, one in which we capitulated defensively. He still makes me nervous every time I watch him. But then do most of our centre backs. He's a good honest defender but in his prime now. He's not getting any better, but he's going to be an important part of our team for the foreseeable. Can I please finally have that new centre back in the summer?

You are not alone in your evaluation of Michael Keane. Every single player at Everton gets criticised. None, IMO, attracts so much unfair criticism as Michael.

In all three games under Frank Lampard - even at Newcastle - Michael has been our most composed defender, playing exactly the way the manager wants to play.

I am sure Frank has noted how accurate Michael has been with both his short and long passing, ground or aerial, through the lines.

It may take others longer to note and appreciate.

Everton have had more than their fair share and it has impacted the season greatly. Newcastle are still likely to survive the drop.

I’ve said it before, but if Michael concentrated on his strengths, instead of being overly concerned about his one glaring obvious (to me) weakness, then he’s got enough attributes to become a very good player, and if this happens, I’d be absolutely delighted for him.

Funny really, I’m talking about a man who has got England caps, but I’m only interested in Everton, and if Lampard, and his back room staff, can get Keane defending on the front foot, then it’s Everton who will get the most benefit from this, hopefully.

I’ve said it plenty of times on here, but when we have all defenders fit we should pick the players who best nullify the oppositions strengths. That might mean that Keane starts 50% of the games, but plays consistently well in all of them.

I have made the point on here that he has achieved as a player, and in recent years, so will command a different level of respect from the old guard – Ancelotti, Benitez, Koeman etc even though they were successful in their own respects. Martinez was young enough to be known as a player but achieved nothing. Silva, frankly, I know little about. Allardyce I thank for what he did in his brief stint but is, well, Allardyce.

Lampard, and I guess his team, has connected with our squad in a way that these last managers could not. Allied to his intelligence, likely coaching skills and ambition I really do believe we have landed the cream of the available crop.

We are all fawning still over Saturday's performance and for sure we will have ups and downs, but the picture coming into focus around the squad management is looking really optimistic to me.

Just need something similar to happen at board level now - but we may be witnessing that as well.

I'm actually looking forward (with some trepidation I admit) to Southampton. I am away this weekend so this will be the first match I will be unable to watch since the start of last season but will be following on the Live Forum – for better or worse.

I digress. I would love Everton to move heaven and earth to get Bissouma from Brighton. This lad the future.

The major change to this team to me, was in a position that you read about every week from supporters that we needed, and that was a quality midfielder, and Donny van de Beek in midfield done his job calmly and professionally that showed what we had been missing. Man Utd depending on who their next manager will be, may not sell him, but this is a definite position we need.

When talking about intensity in a team the name of Leeds always comes up, yet there has to be more, as they are only 1 point ahead of us and we all know how poor we have been.

The commentators on Saturday made me mad in saying that Leeds are struggling because of their injuries in the spine of the team, never mentioned that Everton had the same problem with injuries. The difference, and I expect Lampard and his staff will have noted it, was Everton had control in midfield.

The signs are there that Lampard and his staff are working to improve the squad; let's get the same next week and show we are not just a home team.

Whoever it was, Is proving to be a very good shout.

I have heard all the previous rumours that Moshiri wanted Piera whatever his name was, Kenwright jumped on the Duncan idea, after not getting Roberto, the remaining ones Barrett-Baxendale, Sharp and Cahill insisted on Lampard.

If that is the case, it looks like the latter listened to the fans and got the vote on Lampard.

Going forward we need Moshiri kept well away from transfers, leave it to the manager and the board. By all accounts, Bill negotiated the deal for Alli, have to say did well on the structure, if correct.

The only regret for me is Man Utd not accepting a right to buy deal for Van de Beek, although I smell a reason why: I fully expect Man Utd to try and land Calvert-Lewin in the summer, and Van de Beek will be their buttering Everton up.

I personally hope we keep hold of Calvert-Lewin, but fully expect the vultures to be hovering in the summer.

I think if we are interested in signing Van de Beek on a permanent basis, then we have the rest of the season to have a good look at him and make our minds up. One game is not enough to decide if he is good enough, especially if we are paying upwards of £25M for him. He looked alright on Saturday but there is no rush unless of course he is wanted by a few clubs.

No mugs, Man Utd, they will see how he does and if, as expected, he performs well, they will rip our kecks off, or keep him, or use him as a bargaining tool.

Either way, I fully expect Man Utd to mug us off yet again.

"If we get Van de Beek for £25 Million, I will personally do a cartwheel on our next ToffeeWeb meet-up, Dave"

Brian, how about a sponsored cartwheel session from you? All the way round Goodison. I'm sure Dave will throw in a couple of groat that he stashed away when they were newly-minted. They were the days, eh, Dave!

Let's face it we messed up with bad call after bad call in its inception in 92 choosing managers and merchandise deals and anything else lucrative. (We all know why.)

With the help of his top coaches, we may be onto something. All we want is to get us relevant again and let the Top 6 know they have been in a game. The summer will take care of itself.

Appreciate your comments. I wanted Frank from day one, I thought he was a bit like Duncan, but in my opinion he did a great job at Derby and Chelsea, knows his football, a player's man.

But I credit the person who put the graffiti up at Goodison: "Lampard in, Pereira out". For once, Moshiri listened to the fans.

Well in, Graffiti Man ! I wonder if you will ever be revealed ? There could be a ' Hero to Zero ' in the offing for you if you do. A bit like the Old Robin Hood Song. Loved by the Good (fans) feared by the Bad (Authorities and Police) and then there's the cost of removal (of the aforementioned graffiti) and wilful damage to Everton football Club's property.

Evening ' All ! 👮‍♂️

But whoever it was, Derek, he can't be charged with damaging Everton. We are indisputably a more valuable club as a result of the graffiti.

It seems the likely suspects can be reduced to those who can spell Pereira.

I noticed a few of his were flagged for drifting out of play before coming back early in the season, but he has certainly got his eye in now. Wonderful trajectory. Best corner taker we've have since Baines decided to go all floaty.

Finch Farm product.