Premier League – Week 2

It's here! Week 2.

Couple of observations from yesterday.

It's early doors and they couldn't have been handed a more difficult start, but conceding 8 in 2, you have to fear for Norwich.

I see Klopp has made an early start complaining at the fact other teams players tackle his players. Absolutely not allowed.

The wife (Villa) complaining at how lucky Jack Grealish was for his goal. I pointed out that it was all in the quality of the cross and that he had done the hard work being in the right place. A bit like one of Richarlison's last season when it bounced back off the post, hit him on the thigh and went in. You have to be there to score. That went down well. Only from the highlights, but he seemed to be playing higher than when at Villa.

Steve Bruce denying the blatantly obvious penalty even when it clearly was. His ability to deny & "nothing to see here" approach to questions would make a good replacement for Putin as the next Russian President.

After 15 minutes I thought Southampton were in for a long afternoon.

Rode the storm and got a lucky deflection, but really nice move and link up play by them for the goal.

Im sure it’s going to be a case of winning at half-time, but losing the game, two weeks in a row for Southampton Danny, but I hope I’m wrong though and the saints can soak up all the pressure and then go and score on the counter!

"Over three seasons"... My arse.

I prefer national records to carefully selected stats.

Sharpy offered far more of an all-round contribution than lazy Lukaku. That didn't stop him scoring many, many more goals for Everton. He won stuff too.

Oh and the fella who presents MotD scored nearly as many in one season than Lukaku managed in his first three seasons here – or are they not the seasons you want to cherry-pick ???

Calvert-Lewin has played here, there, and everywhere when serving his apprenticeship That's another thing daft-arsed stats don't take into consideration... but then you know that.

Another thing your stats don't take into consideration is that for years we couldn't afford a striker. Besides Yakubu – who was injured so badly – we spent years under Moyes unable to afford one.

Me, I'll just enjoy watching Calvert-Lewin get the 22 goals he needs to pass Lukaku's Everton record. Wonder if he'll do it before he is 25?

Mockers,

I already had that bet on here, for charity.

Mike G made the offer. Everyone of my deceased relatives including my mam and Dad were lost to Cancer. I can live with losing that bet. The bet made me realise I don't contribute nearly enough and I have since upped it.

I suspect both of us will be coughing up regardless of the outcome.

BTW; Two goal lead? Some advantage. Lukaku is playing for the European Champions and will get many many more chances. That's when you will realise he misses sitters too... More than our boy.

He will play his "game in hand" today and has every opportunity to score.

And Rom is on the board just 14 minutes into his Prem return. My heart aches.

So that fat lazy bastard slams in his first Chelsea goal.

Thought it was Southampton who were going to steal that. United got very wasteful & scrappy.

Brilliant forward play from Lukaku. Holds up the ball into feet, lay off, runs into the box bullying the centre back to the point of knocking him over and is there for the tap in.

Ah but... but... it was a simple tap in...

And that my friends is a proper CF, link up and finish!!! We had him and failed to build the team around him. Top two this year Chelsea and City Lukaku the finishing piece for Chelsea

Lose this and Arteta will really feel the heat, especially with Arsenal playing away at Man City next week. Could be the first managerial casualty of the season before the international break.

2-0. Mikey on a very slippery slope now.

Lovely second from Chelsea. Arteta looking worried? And look at Chelsea's bench.

I don't like the current trend of judging and sacking by October, but given that is the current trend, I fear for Arteta right now. This seasons Lampard?

I wonder if the TW Lukaku haters would have him back now? You know who you are; couldn’t trap a bag of cement, fat, lazy bastard, sweats like a pig, points too much for my liking etc… all out of the Ron Atkinson book of racist innuendo.

Danny

It’s not just this season, Teta has two 8th place finishes to his name. This after 5/6 wasn’t good enough under Wenger and Emery. They are on a downward trajectory that’s sped up the last few years

Colin being sanctimonious is one thing but insinuating people judged Rom from a racial frame of reference is unlike you. I was wrong as were many but not once did his race come into it.

Man utd and Spurs away kits were something to behold. Hideous

I shouldn’t generalise Paul so I’ll take that bit back. Although for some I expect there was a racial undertone.

I'm guessing those yellow shorts are some kind of link the the Newton Heath yellow and green? But it does look strange Kieran!

Rüdiger. Beast of a centre back. If only.

Colin, for what it's worth, I agree with you. I read a fascinating article years ago on the use of the word "lazy" with relation to athletes. The author's research found the adjective was applied almost universally to black athletes.

Fair enough, Joe

But you have never mentioned Siouxsie or the delectable Debbie Harry before, where as you (and a few others ) have never stopped going on about Lukaku since he left here doing warp factor six.

The only reason I can see for people wanting him to score more than Calvert-Lewin is because it will be seriously embarrassing for them if the guys who couldn't hit a cows arse with a banjo scores more than the guy they claim is a top class striker in Europe.

Paul T

I think the gauntlet thrown down by Mike is a fair one. More competition for places at Chelsea. Lukaku may find himself sitting on the bench a lot. He did last time he was there and he did at Man Utd. He will get more chances when he is on the pitch (that much is certain), but will he get more chances?

No sweat Colin. Race and intolerance of it is still an issue in the game, granted.

Danny

I was thinking that with Newton but my other issue was those big baggy shorts clashed with the refs yellow outfits. The ref could have worn a neutral color like perhaps black?

We’re good, Paul. I’ve read that as well, Mike.

Darren

Give it a rest fella, the only person who’s looking daft is you. Lukaku is a much better player than when he played for us. Guess what: he’s matured from a young player into one of the best strikers in Europe. His goal scoring record both at club level and internationally shows that, oh and the fact Chelsea spent a fortune on him.

I always find it strange for someone who’s always promoting young players and the need to let them develop, you had such a blind spot for Rom.

And yes, I know he left us; if I was as good as him, I would have done so as well.

Chelsea couldn't give Rudiger away last season. I didn't think we needed another centre back but after the first couple games perhaps we do. Keane can be very good but his lapses can't cost us any more points. Reminiscent of Pickfords woes. If we do bring another cb we'd have to get rid of one first.

Arsenal look like they did against Brentford. No end product.

Darren: "Lukaku may find himself sitting on the bench a lot... he did at Man Utd."

Sorry, but that's fiction and wishful thinking. Rom was never benched at Man Utd, or subsequently at Inter. He played virtually every game except for a handful he missed due to injury. And there's not much current competition for him at Chelsea. Werner is a disappointment, Havertz is better wide, Abraham is gone.

Tuchel will play him every game he's healthy this season. Guaranteed.

BBC has Beningime as MOTM again for Hearts.

Ray I was just about to post the same. It's a real pity he didn't make it with us. Does anyone know if he continues to develop if we have a buy back clause?

Lukaku looks to have matured. He is bringing others into the game, and is concentrating all the time. I think he will score plenty and get lots of assists. He is where he always wanted to be. I think Chelsea will win the Premier League.

I love Calvert-Lewin... I never loved Romelu.

So that's two ex-blues who got MotM today, Benni and Rom (sounds like a double act of some sort).

BBC may have given him MOTM but the scores on the doors gives him a 5.99 and so 3rd best for Hearts who are far harder taskmasters as all Dons players scored higher.

Proving once again, that supporters know nothing.

If Calvert-Lewin scores more than Lukaku this season then there’s a very good chance he’ll win the golden boot. I’d love to see it but seems a dubious bet to me.

Mike,

Not so. Lukaku was pulled off more times than a brothel keeper's doorman.

That is serious bench time. He left Man Utd, bleating (once again) that he had been scapegoated. I noticed you avoided talking about his bench time at Chelsea... For the record, he appeared just 10 times in two seasons, failing to find the net.

You think he won't warm the bench this season at Chelsea? You are deluded. it doesn't matter if you start on the bench or are planted on it for failing to deliver. Bench warming is bench warming.

Sam,

If Calvert-Lewin is within 5 of Lukaku, we'll be in for a good season. If he can even come close to him in terms of the scoring charts, we should be flirting with the top 7. Rom is an absolute goal machine and as close to a guarantee as you can get.

If Calvert-Lewin can keep burying the penalties he's now going to take, there is no reason why he can't get close to him. If he was more clinical one-on-one, I don't think we'd have managed to keep him this summer. He has all the attributes to be a top striker. It's up to him how far he goes. World at his feet.

Darren, for God's sake, Rom's previous time at Chelsea was eight years ago! He was 19 years old and completely raw. Are you really gonna use that to buttress your argument?

Anyway, Rom is now one of the premier strikers in the world, and if you really think he's going to be spending healthy time on the bench... well, we'll see who's delusional here. He delivered today, 14 minutes into his debut, and he will continue to deliver.

Benn, I get the Kane goals but wouldn't classify the Palace goal as an individual error that directly led to a goal.

Not sure why judgements of players have to be binary choices. Lukaku must be crap for Calvert-Lewin to be good etc. They are just at different stages of their development.

I thought Lukaku was excellent against Arsenal, so hope he carries that forward to the next game. Would love to see him teat Van Dijk a new one.

My favourite moment of the game v Leeds was Pickford's comment to Mina when he ended up lying on the ball outside our box. 'You fucking fool' seemed a good summary to me.

The Beeb and every other heavily-invested TV football broadcaster have avoided many obvious truths for many, many years.

That said, tonight, now, the Beeb are proclaiming Lukaku as the epitome of a ten-year odyssey to realise himself as the mega-striker popular view currently deems him to be.

"Ten Years?"

Calvert-Lewin is one third into that span of time, folks, and way more effective for the team ethic than Lukaku ever was in his pouting, can't be arsed unless it's perfect, time with us.

Calvert-Lewin tacitly accepts it ain't perfect for him on a regular basis but he still, visibly, strains every sinew to try to deliver regardless, totally unlike Lukaku with us, and then Man Utd.

Mike

please don't try to feed me the old "he was just a raw youngster" line. At his age, Calvert-Lewin was being dismissed by the likes of Joe. He was being hammered on these very pages. People like Brent Stephens loved playing to a ready-made audience by ridiculing him with their wonderfully original put-downs.

I wouldn't sink to abusing Lukaku, the boy, in this way. I simply point out that he was at Chelsea and he couldn't score, so he didn't play.

I was delighted when we signed Lukaku. I still remember him coming on against West Ham at Upton Park and knocking himself out in desperation to score the winner. He was immense that day.
It was only after Martinez rescued his career that the ungrateful fucker started agitating for a move, speaking to the press every time they were prepared to listen.

We often see players not celebrating when they score against their old team. They do it out of respect. When Lukaku ran over to the Evertonians to taunt them after his goal for Man Utd, he was showing our club, those who were present and you, zero respect. He gets none from me.

You instigated this bet because you are 100% certain you will win it. The bookies will support you. When I checked, they were offering 4/1 for Calvert-Lewin to win this particular duel, before a ball was kicked.

You also instigated it because you want Lukaku to score more goals than your own striker. That bemuses me. I can't comprehend it.

Those who hammered Calvert-Lewin still often come on here to lament the loss of the imaginary 20 goals a season they claim Lukaku used to score for us. The very last thing they want is for the "Championship at best" guy to be the one who smashes his Everton record. They're nervous.

I don't care too much if "Championship player" doesn't go past "Europe's top striker" this season or even next. He has the best part of a decade on his side and go past the lazy disrespectful fucker; he will.

That thought gives me a nice warm glow.

Darren, Lukaku was getting loads from our fans so no wonder he reacted the way he did. I'm actually pleased for him. He's worked hard to become the player he is.

Calvert-Lewin is 24 and has still got the time to keep improving. So too Richarlison. Hopefully we can keep hold of them.

FFS bitterness to Lukaku for celebrating a goal against us. He scored for the team he played for so he should be happy. Do we expect him to act like he's at his own funeral any time he faces Anderlect or WBA?

“Rescued his career” what a joke – he had a great season at WBA before we signed him on loan. Meanwhile the man so offended by Lukaku would have had Arteta who refused to acknowledge our fans post-transfer as our boss.

Calvert-Lewin is doing well. Lukaku is doing well. Good luck to each of them. No need to create false comparisons and animosity.

Darren, read much? Try re-reading the post in which I proposed the bet... the last line of which says, "I hope I lose". (I just saw a chance to bag an easy hundred for my favorite charity.) But somehow, someway, you have translated that into my wanting "...Lukaku to score more goals than your own striker." No wonder you can't comprehend it. It doesn't exist.

What also doesn't exist is the relevance of Rom having sat on the end of the Chelsea bench as a teenager. But if the bats in your belfry want to believe that he'll be benched in 2021 because he was benched in 2012, that's okay.

As for Rom being "Europe's top striker", you're just a teeny tiny bit off... Lewandowski only beat him by about 18 goals last season. Seems to me that Mbappe and Haaland and Messi and Cristiano beat him out too. But don't get discouraged, you were kinda sorta close.

Anyway, again, just for the record, I'd be absolutely delighted if Dom put away about 25 this season and beat out Rom. It would help assure us a very successful season.

Mike

Nice try. You have been banging the drum of Lukaku since the day and hour he raised two fingers and left this club. You have been desperate to be proved right. Though quite how that works escapes me. He ain't coming back

If you wanted to secure a few bob for your charity, you could simply have transferred the money in. You want Lukaku to score more alright; you just wont admit it.

As for the "a top striker in Europe", It wasn't me who said that. I've seen him fail too many times when the chips are down.

I make no bones about my contempt for Lukaku's antics. I get heartily sick of the same few people peddling the ridiculous myth that he scored 20 goals a season for us. He left five years ago for fuck's sake – I want this myth shown up for what it is and, although I will be paying up either way, I have no problem at all admitting I want to win this bet. I mean, Who looks to instigate a bet that they didn't want to win?

David

I don't agree mate. You are right that he was getting stick from a section of our fans, but many among them had always supported him. Despite everything.
He could have celebrated anywhere in the ground. There was 72,000 Mancs for him to celebrate with... but he headed straight for the 2,000 odd Evertonians. He didn't care about his fans among them. He was goading and gesturing to them all. Gesturing to EFC.

I noticed he was at it again yesterday with the Arsenal fans. Other than being a classless wanker, what was his excuse this time?

Evertonians have pride (at least most of them do). They do not take kindly to anybody repeatedly disrespecting their club. If you think the mild stick Lukaku endured from a small group of Blues at Old Trafford was bad, you're not going to like the reaction when Chelsea come to town later this season.

I find it difficult to maintain respect and affection for a former player who has openly and blatantly used us as a ‘stepping stone' and who used the Press, both at home and abroad, to engineer a move to another club. To then mock the very supporters who cheered and sang his name is unforgivable.

I can admire Lukaku as a player but as a person the guy is a shit. His antics in America with the other bellend, Pogba, says all you need to know about the guy.

Ray, I agree completely.

I think it was on another thread some bloke on here started having a pop at me because I was so annoyed with James disrespectful behaviour, the guy said he had a right to a private life etc.

Yes of course, as do they all, however it isn't private if they are posting videos on social media celebrating their transfer to Man Utd with Paul "the ego has landed" frickin Pogba. That is utterly disrespectful to the fans who have loved him, to the club who paid him.

Same with James, what is it with some of these guys? Why can't they remember their contractual agreements, their media training and behave online with a modicum of decency and respect? I don't get it.

As a long-time critic of the Premier League and its officials, I have been pleasantly surprised at how much of the footy I have enjoyed watching so far this season. I haven't seen every PL game, but what I have seen has impressed me, once again tackling has been allowed, silly players falling over for little or no reason have had to get up immediately and redfaced, as the ball makes progress away from their prone bodies.

This refreshing emphasis on allowing the game to flow by officials isn't welcomed by everybody though as the managers of the two North West red giants have complained about it being a throw-back to 15 years ago. What is their problem with a fast-flowing game of football, where the fair tackle is allowed to flourish? It's not as if their teams don't like to put a tackle in now and again is it?

I hope the officials continue to officiate in the same manner for the rest of the season and don't allow the managers of the sickly six to hi-jack the entertaining way the game is currently being played, it's been good for the neutral and the committed so far and its what many fans pay to see.

I must say, I thought Lukaku looked fantastic for that first goal against Arsenal. Perfect hold-up play. Laying it back while taking on the defender, then spinning him and brushing him off like an annoying insect when the defender tried to stop him bursting through with perfect timing to bundle the cross into the net. Lazy? I wish our boy was that lazy...

Some say it's a "ridiculous myth" that Romelu Lukaku scored 20 goals a season for us when he played for Everton. I think he played for us over 4 seasons. It's true that, in that first season, he failed... only 16 goals in 33 games. Not too shabby though.

But then the "myth" becomes reality for the rest of us:

• 20 goals in 48 games;
  
• 25 goals in 46 games;
  
• 26 goals in 39 games.

Why would anybody need to claim that was a "myth"?

Lukaku is as good a ''centre forward'' as anyone in the world over the last few years. Still, the management at Chelski must be smarting at the way they treated him before he left and had to pay the penalty getting him back.

He looks as strong as ever and whilst not the complete package (who is ? ) he is a handful for any defence. Hope he does a number on RS again.

We should not believe all the media garbage that goes on about players off the field behaviour.

As I said early on in the thread Michael, classic and quality centre forward play for that first goal.

Tom, that seemed to be the mentality of Chelsea at the time. I appreciate you just never can tell with a player when they're young and you just don't know if they will go left or right at the junction of potential turning into reality.

But it was also around that time they released a young Kevin de Bruyne, who went to Germany to play, show his talent and the rest is history as they say.

Looking forward to tonight's match. This will be an interesting one.

Lukaku will always get a round of applause from me when he comes to Goodison, I loved watching him in an Everton shirt, one things for sure he wouldn’t have missed those chances Saturday, we virtually trebled our money on him when we sold him, so to me he was a great signing, if I had a choice between Rom and Harry Kane I’d take Rom every time

Danny #51 "But it was also around that time they released a young Kevin de Bruyne, who went to Germany to play, show his talent and the rest is history as they say."

Danny, another lazy ne'er-do-well?!

Players careers are short and I can understand them engineering moves to suit themselves but they should remember its a team game which only exists because of supporters and to disrespect your ex team mates and supporters shows a total lack of class.

For me Dominic is 10 times the players Lukaku is because he gives 100% every time for his team and supporters. Lukaku is a great golascorer but lacks the integrity to be a top "player".

Lukaku scored 25 in the premier league one season, which surprised me, but that’s the only time he has broken through the 20 league goals barrier in the EPL, even though I’d say he his a much more natural and aggressive finisher than DCL.

The annoying thing for me about Lukaku, was his work rate, because when the kid (he was) was up for it he could be unplayable, and if he’s finally improved this side of his game, then he could become the best striker in Europe one day.

I think DCL, has been poor so far this season, although it’s rumored that he his not fully fit, but I honestly wouldn’t swap him for Lukaku, even though I still think he’s still got a long way to go, especially the way he hit that chance with his left foot on Saturday, when I’m certain he could have moved towards the ball and dinked it over the keeper with his stronger foot?

So Dominic has got three things to sort out if he wants to go to the very top, his feet, his technique, and his anticipation, has I sit there on my couch smiling, thinking it’s dead fuckn easy this football lark!!

Not blessed with pace either Brent and in honesty, I always struggle to see his true position. But then, do Pep's City line up in positions? They just tend to go out on the pitch and do their thing.

On that, I'm kind of with you Jay, as despite his lack of natural pace, you always see Kevin DB hanging out his arse with red cheeks flushing, demonstrating how much effort he's put in.

I personally wouldn't accuse Lukaku of not trying hard. I personally wouldn't confuse integrity with effort. I saw him try hard when he played for Everton. Like most of the players we sign these days, especially the top ones, they aren't Evertonians like me. They have no loyalty to the club and it's a job for them. Sadly, until Everton elevate themselves, we won't hold onto those top players. They will use us as a stepping stone and seek success elsewhere. That's an unfortunate reality but it should not stop us seeking to have them play for us when we get the chance. Otherwise, just get a load of Danny O'Neills. I'll give you effort and passion, but I'd be a whipping boy within weeks!!!

Linekar, Stevens & Steven, all revered by many, myself included, left us to further their careers. They don't get slated for it. Different time and circumstances but same sentiment. Professional decision whether us fans like it or not. I don't but if I take my Danny head off, I can see it. I can't slag Lukaku; Everton gave him a platform, but we couldn't give him what he thinks and thought he can achieve. The sooner we can achieve that, not only do we attract players (we still do), but we keep hold of them.

I don't like saying that by the way. Just talking honestly and opinionated.

Danny, a lazy ne'er-do-well like De Bruyne would be a revelation for us.

Here's an interesting one Tony on your unplayable point.

By virtue / victim of my time in the Army, you end up knowing very good friends who support just about every club up and down the country.

Different style and different reasons to Lukaku, but some of my West Ham and Newcastle friends testify that a fit Andy Carroll on his day was what you say; unplayable.

I personally can't see past him in a Liverpool shirt and being a flop, but they share similar frustration in unrealised potential. Interested to hear others' views.

Dominic is more of an Everton player. Lukaku however is an immense centre forward (I'm not going to say class). Dominic can get better but will be his own player and person.

I’d argue that Drunken Duncan, was the most unplayable footballer I’ve witnessed in a blue shirt Danny, but those moments didn’t come often enough, sadly, and that’s why I’m hoping he feels that he’s got loads of unfinished business, in his coaching career, and it’s possible that he might learn more from Rafa Benitez, than all the other managers he has worked with as a coach, because I think our current manager, might just be more demanding, which should really resonate with a man who wants to make up for lost time?

Danny(#56); With respect to Lineker he has always said that he was surprised that Everton wanted to sell him and the way he tells it is that Everton wanted the money and had agreed the sale and he went along with it. I'm not sure of the story with the other two but Souness was Rangers manager at the time but Colin Harvey said about Gary Stevens sale that no defender is worth 1M.

As for Lukaku, his father and his Agent both repeated that he wanted away from Everton and his Agent went as far as saying that had he been his Agent at the time then he would never have joined us.

Michael, it's been describe as a myth because it is.

Not sure where those figures you put up came from, but they have nothing to do with official records.

Tony, you've just made me think of Duncan and Carroll as similar in terms of style and frustration in unrealised potential.

The obvious is to think of them of target men because of height. But both were actually good footballers with the ball at their feet. I am not being biased in suggesting Duncan was the better, but Carroll was not just a battering ram either.

I don't want to open old wounds Alan, but there were other reasons why top English players were leaving the top English clubs at the time. And our own manager too. Sad time for English football. Gladly, we'll never be back there.

Lukaku does not play for Everton anymore so why fall out about it? Him and Dom are completely different strikers anyway.

I thought for a young boy, Lukaku was great for us, we trebled our money on him, which got wasted by some silly Dutch bloke. I also think Dom has done great for us, and will get better, and will finish a better proportion of his chances.

And-68 in 132 in the league and 87 in 166 in total is the correct Lukaku record. Just checked it on some clever Web stats site.

Wish we had another like that to go with Dom now!

87 in 166. Not bad.

If we're talking Premier League goals over the 38 games, Lukaku only scored 20 or more in his season under Koeman.

If we include his initial half-cup of tea at Chelsea, in his 9 Premier League seasons, playing for 4 clubs, that one time under Koeman was his only 20 league goals or more scored during the regular season.

Darren (61) - The figures equate to all official Everton performances (Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, Europa League) that Lukaku played in during his time here. I imagine Michael found them via a reliable internet source like Transfermarkt or Who Scored.

Trying to dismiss his goal scoring record is really clutching at the proverbials.

He scored roughly 1 in 2 over four seasons whilst still maturing as a player. That’s on a par with all our best strikers of the last 50 years.

Sure you can criticise other parts of his game but scoring reguarly is not a credible position.

Mockers

His stats are incontestable. Always were. The facts don't quite stack up though. A genuine predator judges his success by medals.

Imagine The great Gerd Muller saying "yeah but no but. Have you see me stats ?"

True marksmen talk about the trophies they won. Flat-track bulies have only their stats.

Empty.

Better than one in two Graham, just a shame his biggest off-day in front of goal came in that semifinal against Man Utd at Wembley, but hopefully we will get to celebrate silverware again shortly, for all of our desperate and very loyal fanbase!

Darren

There's some truth in that he has not won a lot; however, he did win a Serie A medal last year.

I would point out he is a much better player than when he left us, but he was only 23 to be fair.

Man Utd was a bad move for him, although Mourinho seems to have made a habit of ruining strikers in his later years.

He was outstanding for Inter, winning Player of the Year in Serie A last season. His international goalscoring record is also top-notch.

I suspect his medal collection will expand considerably in the next 3 years, looking at this Chelsea side.

Gerd Müller; now you're talking.

His more recent German namesake wasn't too bad either.

That Wembley semi final Tony. He should have won it for us that day.

Darren,

Alan Shearer, despite being the top goal scorer in the Premier League, and nobody has come close, but he won only one trophy, the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers. So I don't think you can only use the stat of what have they won as the only measuring yardstick.

Mick #52, well said, agreed.

Ray #46, the LA "antics" you refer to consisted of hanging out at the pool with Pogba and grocery shopping. No partying. He doesn't drink or get photographed at nightclubs. No scandals with women or drugs. Always fit, always performs on the pitch. By all accounts popular with his Inter teammates, and not just because of the goals and assists. So what makes him a shit person? Aside from being sometimes obnoxiously verbal about his ambitions and not as "respectful" as some might want, he seems like an okay guy.

Hi all, I try to avoid getting involved in polarised subjects but I feel that I have two comments to add to the mix.

I wasn't at the Old Trafford game when Lukaku scored against Everton but, if he just celebrated his goal, there's nothing wrong with that. On the other hand, if he was goading the Everton supporters, it's unforgivable.

My other point centres around the debate where he was described as lazy. I feel that in his defence, from my spec in the Park End I witnessed him make intelligent runs expecting someone to pick him out. Unfortunately, it was in one of the periods that saw endless passes played either backwards or sideways, and it took me back to the Peter Beagrie era.

The current European champions pay nearly £100 million for a striker who has scored bag fulls of goals at club level, has got a great international scoring record yet Darren Hind thinks DCL is better.

Beagrie. Now there was a truly frustrating player. Beat a player then go back to do it again. Then again

Contrast that to Richarlison's early cross last week and even Gray's this weekend that Dominic very nearly got on the end of.

I used to watch Gerard Delafaoe, point to the front post, gesticulating to Romelu, that this is where he should be running, but football, like life is all about learning, and it does look like Lukaku, has improved since he went to play in Italy.

Sky are saying Everton, are interested in the kid Jebberson, who scored the winner for Sheffield United at Goodison last season, but so are a couple of other EPL clubs.

Mike, not the way it was reported here. Why were the Police involved? Why was he arrested? Why were they expected to return to the USA for court appearance? ( not sure what happened to that) Why were they ‘accused’ in the Press (spit) of ‘partying hard into the night’ and why did the Police make several visits to their Villa to tell them to quieten things down.

Lack of ‘respect’ towards your former fan base makes you, in my opinion, a bit of a shit. He can keep himself as fit as he likes, be the most popular man with his peers in the Inter dressing room and be kind to kittens and old people but he’s not someone who I could ‘respect’. Sorry Mike.

Mike, let me say that I was a big fan of Lukaku when he was here but he pissed on his chips after he’d left.

Danny

But he’s a good laugh on a night out .....oh the stories

Darren,

You say those numbers are not the official records. Andrew (#66) confirms that they are. (Seriously, would I lie to you?)

If you say they are not official numbers, then please help us all out and give us the real records – along with a link that we could check. You wouldn't mind doing that, would you, as you seem so convinced it's a myth.

Michael, black is white, I swear.

Brent,

There's an interesting series on Radio 4 and BBC Sounds called the Age of Denial. Something about people needing to invent their own alternate version of reality because they cannot deal with the real one.

I suppose we should feel sorry for him and crowd-source some suitable mental health treatments that might help him out. But I fear from previous experience that he wouldn't take it too well.

Michael, there’s going to be some classic ‘hindsight’ in a minute when it’s explained that it is 20 league goals not total goals in all competitions.

Ray #79, Lukaku was arrested for not turning down his music. In a ritzy and otherwise all-white Beverly Hills neighborhood.

At 8 o'clock in the evening.

In July, with the sun still up. Nobody being kept awake. Or "partying hard into the night."

Rom's legal violation would casually be called Playing Music While Black, sub-section Pissing Off The White Neighbors With Black Music, in an area where drivers are regularly pulled over for Driving While Black by a department frequently accused of racial profiling.

When the case got to court, Rom's fine was less than $500. That should tell you all you need to know about the merits of the case.

Yes, Chris, I've been waiting for that one...

But in 2016-17 season. playing for Everton, Lukaku did indeed score 25 Premier League goals. How does any sane person claim that to be a myth?

No doubt we shall find out very soon...

You’ve been officially spanked, Darren. About bloody time😄😄

Chris

Hindsight, it was staring us in the face all along. Good work

He definitely did, Michael, the bookies paid out on it. Quite handsomely as it happened.

And we all know they don't pay out unless they have to!

Fantastic goal from Fornals. Laid it off and received the return for a flick in. Hammers meh 1-0. Cmon LC for the draw

Looks like Moyes has his mojo back.

PT, too bad you can't go back so easily and change the results of some of those races, eh?

Mike,

The whole discussion has centered around premier league goals. If you want to discuss flat track bully figures in minor cups games that were ultmatley shown to be insignificant due to misses (by lukaku) in the later rounds (when it really counts) That's your prerogative.

Lukaku scoring 20 goals a season...total myth.

sunk like the titanic when it mattered.

Come on Dominic lad

Mike@86

You clearly had a more in depth report than was available to me. ( I don’t normally read tabloid news papers). However, that doesn’t, in my book let him off the hook for his attitude towards his former fans. It’ll be interesting to see his response to the welcome or otherwise that he gets at Old Trafford.

And as is by magic and right on cue

No official figures then, Darren?

What about 2016-17 season? Playing for Everton, Lukaku scored 25 Premier League goals.

Total myth?

I'll make it easy for you, Darren. Click the link, then count how many times the word 'Lukaku' appears on your screen.

Everton Matches, 2016-17

Oh damnit, you're right... my browser says only 18 times!! Wouldya credit it!

Adios Ayoze. Red for me

And failed big time to score 20 goals in his previous three seasons.

Yes "20 goal a season Romolu" total Myth. So glad the we have DCL NOW

Darren, do you remember when I said on here I got 9/1 on him scoring 20 league goals? You told me you'd have given me 10/1.

To be fair, you had the good grace to congratulate me when I got paid out.

I liked Rom. He scored goals for fun and told the club to improve the team. I'd like more players like that.

But he's not with us now. DCL is a different player and a current Everton player, so he's got my support.

Red that all night long, clumsy and dangerous.

DCL will never be as good as Lukaku.

Guy's i've just logged on and I can't believe the Lukaku debate is still going on. It's possibly my fault for mentioning him yesterday. What can I say, I enjoyed him in and Everton shirt, and others did to. He can't have been that bad as he made PFA team of the year one season.

Can we draw a line now, we all have our opinions, but we are also Evertonians.

I see a chink in the armour there, Darren.

So he failed to score 20 league goals in his three previous seasons...???

But then what happened in the fourth season? C'mon, tell us about how the "Total Myth" was perpetulated in that fourth season with us. Tell us he didn't really score not just 20 league goals, but 25 league goals.

Sorry, I don't think it's a myth... it's a fact.

155 games, 85 goals. That's no Myth.

Mike

One swallow does not make a spring. It cettainly does not constitute 20 goals a season

Despite the preposterous odds against DCL scoring more than the lazy disrespectful fat twat. The eternall wrong will continue to be eternally wrong.

Foregone conclusion

The only regret I had about that bet was that I only put £20 on it.

I mean, I think we can all agree that Lukaku had a lousy performance in the FA Cup semi. But he did score our "goal of the season" in the preceding round against Chelsea, then added a second to put the match to bed. So I don't think you can entirely claim he failed to produce meaningful Cup goals when it counted.

Fair play PT.

A shark always knows when to strike, You struck.

Cap doffed

So you are quite sure that 25 goals in a season certainly does not constitute 20 goals a season? So, because he scored more than 20 goals a season, and not exactly 20 goals a season, then you are right and the myth remains just that?

Ray #96, no problem, you're entitled to your opinion of the guy.

But since you specifically mentioned the LA thing, I wanted you to have all the facts. Rom did absolutely nothing wrong in that situation.

As for the OT fans reaction to Rom, I expect it will be... vocal. He did not leave many friends behind there.

Wow. Soyuncu just gifted a goal. Not like him at all. Hammers 2-0

Darren

Everton players who have scored 20 league goals in a season in the last 50 years

Lukaku
Lineker
Latchford
Royle

Other than Lineker who played one season no player has scored 20 goals a season on average.

It’s a ridiculous benchmark to judge a goal record. Nearly as stupid as medal count which has Phil Neville as a more successful player than Alan Shearer.

Say what you want about Moyes but he's turning this west ham team into a top 6/7 side like he bid us.

Just back in watching the 2nd half. Thought the Leicester lad was unfortunate to see red. I thought it was natural momentum that took him through, not malicious intent.

Unfortunate to see red. He nearly broke his leg.

Actually, Danny, the two-handed shove he took in the back was a major contributor to the incident as well. He was put well off-balance. But apparently the ref didn't take that into consideration.

Bill #110 "I mean, I think we can all agree that Lukaku had a lousy performance in the FA Cup semi. But he did score our "goal of the season" in the preceding round against Chelsea,"

Bill, you might not know it but Darren Hind described that goal as "a scuffed goal". I kid you not. Later revised to claiming it was "a scuffed shot".

Brent, that's amazing. One of the greatest goals I've ever seen by an Everton player was "scuffed"????

The bats are really busy in that particular belfry.

Good Antonio takes over as Hammers top goal scorer from that Nazi Di Canio. Hammers 3-1

Goodnight Leicester!

Well that was special. Antonio again. Watch that one if you haven’t

Brent, is that goodnight Leicester as in, they're going down cos they're shite, because play and defend like that all season, then there's only one direction they are going, and it's certainly not up!!

Holding up my hand here... always admired Antonio, wished he was one of ours, but I thought he'd come to the end of it. Wrong-o. The guy still has it.

Rob, I only saw the arse end of the game, as I went to the U23s game. Were they that bad?

Quite an atmosphere, by the sound of it, at the soulless London Stadium... Top of the League! No, it can't be true.

And that bloke wearing No 9... he looks and moves and scores a bit like Lukaku. Maybe it is Lukaku?

All it takes is for a team to play on the front foot and score goals for fun. I can't believe that's David Moyes in charge... so I'll do a Darren and insist it is in fact someone else.

Rob @125
Leicester City reminded me so much of what we've seen with Everton away from home in recent years, lots of the ball but not creating nearly enough for the strikers, I was surprised they scored at all. Moyes' team looks well-drilled and prepared to let the other team have the ball, but the Hammers look pretty menacing when they go on the attack, mind you Leicester wasn't very good at closing down either.

Mike @ 126
I hadn't realised he was eligible to play for England until tonight, but I don't think he'll get a cap anytime soon.

Moyes must be on the prozac or something, because West Ham kept attacking rather than defending a slender lead., which is really not Moyesian at all.

Great performance from the 'ammers though. Nice to see them leapfrog the Chavs and the Shite to the top of the table, even if it is only week two. Eight goals in two games is impressive stuff.

Lukaku is a fat lazy bastard. He only scores goals that are irrelevant, i.e the 3rd goal in a 3-0 win, the 4th goal in a 4-0 win. Sell him for as much as we can. These are not my words, but the words of poster number 104 and 107.

So Paul, you think Lukaku is better than DCL? I'm not going to argue about the fact that Lukaku scores goals, be it the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th etc in a game. A goal is a goal, no matter when it's scored, but you couldn't wait to get rid of him, now, all of a sudden, you seem to be praising him. DCL puts in far more effort in a game than Lukaku does, DCL scores goals that are important to the team, not the 3rd or 4th in a 3 or 4-0 win, so it seems to me that maybe you want rid of DCL and we should have kept lukaku?

How do I know this, well Paul is part of a WhatsApp group we are both in, and it's all he's ever said about Lukaku when he was at Everton. Get rid, he's a lazy bastard, he scores goals that are irrelevant!! Your words Paul, not mine. Me, I'd have kept Lukaku and was disappointed when he left.

Brent, in my opinion Leicester were poor. They offered next to nothing up front and some bad defending led to West Ham scoring. West Ham looked impressive, but this is all before the Europa League kicks in. Let's see how they cope then?

Great performance by West Ham. Reminded me of us blues when Goodison was rocking under Moyes. Yes it did happen. Antonio still going strong, solid and balanced 11 all playing for each other.

Ridiculous tit for tat or here. Looking at Calvert-Lewin though, add his goals and the pens he has inherited... he will be up there this season.

Funny old game innit? Not that long ago, recruiting Ancelotti was a sign that we were finally shopping at Harrods. Now we’re hoping an ex-red on an Aldi-budget can keep pace with an ex-blue with vouchers for Albert Square’s market stalls.

Ray (46) - Oh, OK. Lukaku?

By the end of the first paragraph I was certain you were talking about John Stones. Apologies.

Wait. . . . . . . I take it back.

Ray (79) - "Lack of ‘respect’ towards your former fan base makes you, in my opinion, a bit of a shit." That HAS to be John Stones.

"Please Chelsea come get me out of here." Club blocks it. Next season, "Pep himself wants me. Let me go!!" Club demands he put in a transfer request. He refuses. Club says, "Then you ain't leaving."

Finally, at the "Three strikes you're out" point, now openly shitting on the Club that put him on the map, Stones puts in a transfer request. Deal cut.

My mistake an honest one, Ray. Thought certain you meant Stones.

Wrong again, I am. Ray (96) - "However, that doesn’t, in my book let him off the hook for his attitude towards his former fans."

That has to be Stones. Why do you keep putting Luka's name instead of young John?

While our worst defender Stones tried to flee Everton as fast as he could (twice), Lukaku not only stayed but supplied us his highest league goals total that season.

Neither Stones or Lukaku were boyhood Blues. Both stalwart, blond-haired and blue-eyed. No idea what Gaynes (86) was on about.

Ah well, both gone and not coming back.

Me? Stones can go fuck himself. Lukaku I'd have back yesterday.

On the Lukaku effectiveness.

I have a imperfect system.

3rd goal in a 3-2 win = 2 points
2nd goal in a 3-2 win is same as 2nd in 2-2 draw = 1 point
1st gets you nothing if the other team score.
Same as 2nd gets you nothing in a 2-0 or 3rd in a 3-1. Got the drift?

Lukaku 68 goals - earned us 43 points.
In the last 30 years two other players had a worst ratio having scored over 25 goals, Sheedy and Heath. They were in free scoring teams, Lukaku wasn't.
So my conclusion is he scored a lot of goals which did not affect the result.
I also discovered on average for every goal against a top 6 side, he would score 2 against a middle 6 team and 4 against a bottom 6 team. Flat Track Bully? He was also pretty poor at scoring on a wet Monday night in Stoke.

Is Ross Barkley the 2021-22 Oumar Niasse?

I see he has not been given a shirt number. Not sure about a locker as yet.

Phil 136; Re. Lukaku, I see...and knew of, your point. But he has improved...which was a point I made defending Calvert-Lewinon another thread.

It was his first game with something to prove though, vs Arsenal, who are gash and he always seems to score against them.

In my opinion, he's a better player now than the one we sold on... but he's not the totally Drogba-esque player the BBC and others would have us believe quite yet, if ever – fine margins.

Phil #136, don't go any further down that rabbit hole... you'll never make it out. But I would just point out that everybody scores more against a bottom team than a top team... that's one reason why they're a bottom team instead of a top team.

James #135, that's okay, half the time I don't know what I'm on about.

Mike (139) - Haha. You know perfectly well what I was getting at.

Personally speaking I'm not overly opinionated (and for some of us there really is a clear difference in the words "fact" and "opinion") on a mere Week Two of the EPL.

That said, I applaud the fact, not opinion, that our Dazza has once again clearly shown himself to be a feckless, foolish, muppet of a correspondent.

I post this just in case any previously unaware sentient being was of course unaware of his general absurdity/abuse-of-fellow-Toffees.

And Dazza, in case you don't believe it, I'm typing on Tuesday, honestly and reliably so, not the weekend or whatever might next flow through your bizarre mind.

Taken from TW records and clarified on official site.

Lukaku's goals in the Premier League for his first three seasons read - 15, 10 and 18. That averages out about 14 per season.

I smile when I see his flat track bully "stats" put up to make his record look better. His failure to find the net when it mattered. His goal against Chelsea was rendered less than worthless when he pathetically scuffed his way around wembley missing chances which cost us a place in the final - that's when it mattered!

Fact vs stat... only ever one winner for me.

Mockers,

I did not set the bench mark. The people who still pay homage to this disrespectful fucker by saying we miss his twenty goals a season are the ones who set that mark.
Even I didn't realise they were pinning for a guy who may get a hat-trick against a Leyton Orient second eleven on a Tuesday night.

James

Stones had offers from the two richest clubs managed by the two of the most successful managers in the country. Concrete offers.
Lukaku on the other hand was lifting his skirt in a come-and-get-me gesture to any moneyed club a few months after we had saved him from a relegation battle at WBA.

I don't care if Lukaku has improved. I don't care how many of the many chances he gets he will actually put away. He is not an Everton player and this will be the last time I speak about him... until we play Chelsea. I'm sure he will get the warmest of welcomes when he returns to Goodison.

Don Alexander

Oh sorry. I was going to respond, but I realised it was just another one of your moronic posts on a footy website where you don't even mention the game.

Statistics, data, opinion polls. They can all be used to support a view or standpoint.

Final point on the new Chelsea & former Everton striker; he has consistently & regularly scored goals throughout his career most seasons.

West Ham. Interesting to see how they fair. In the context of a season, is this a 2009 cup final moment and a Moyes team has scored too early? Deep down I knew we had and knew what was coming. Moyes' teams are generally better coming from behind (season) or holding on to nab one.

Also, how will handle expectation once it grows? He's never really done expectation.

So, in Darren's world, a guy who had scored 80 plus Premier League goals by the time he was 24 is a flat-track bully but a guy who scored approx 40 by the same age is doing a fantastic job.

He’s doing a good job at West Ham, Danny, and although I never watched any of the game, I had a feeling that the Hammers would win because of the home advantage, and when Michael described the soulless stadium, as having a white hot atmosphere, that is what I’d envisaged when thinking West Ham would win!

I’d just like to give the Everton team a bit of credit for Saturday’s performance now, because most away teams who have gone into a lions den atmosphere, have come away with nothing so far this season, but Everton were actually very unlucky not to take all three points.

Always had a soft spot for West Ham Tony, even though I was distraught when Lampard (Senior) broke Danny aged 9's heart! Taking my own emotion out of it, I did think that was a nice touch in respect to his dad by Lampard Junior in his cup final goal celebration. Even though that broke Danny aged 37's heart!!

They've also produced some really good players through their youth system over the years too. Most went onto play elsewhere but the quality they've produced is impressive.

My Texas based colleague who I've know for 25 years since our military days is a huge West Ham fan, so I always keep an eye out for them. He's been through more emotion than I have, which says something!! Last time we watched West Ham v Everton was over a couple of 9am largers with breakfast at Top Golf in San Antonio a couple of years ago. We lost 3 - 1 at Goodison. Long day.

They've started well. I'm still not convinced that was a red. I get it looked bad and the contact was awful, but I just didn't see the intent and it was his momentum, which as Mike Gaynes pointed out, wasn't necessarily his fault either.

David Thomas

I'm glad I don't live in your world. In your world, you will always use stats to distort underlying facts.

Calvert-Lewin was played here, there and everywhere throughout his apprenticeship. I'd rather look at his scoring record since he was allowed to play as an outright centre-forward. He's averaged 14 Premier League goals in the last two seasons, largely playing for a guy who sole intention was to spoil games.

After we have played our next 27 games, Calvert-Lewin will still only be 24.... think he will still be on 40 goals?

I so want him to outscore the "superstar" his detractors fawn all over, because it will be the ultimate response to those of you who so readilly bash and dismiss our youngsters.

When the ball came over and Frank fell over and scored the winning goal, also broke my heart, Danny, but I was still made up for West Ham when they beat Arsenal to win the cup, At least our introduction to Everton was full of character building. That now means our kids should have even more character because they've seen nothing except plucky little Everton being the best of the rest... aaarrrggghhh!

Anyone else on this thread would be fighting a losing battle, but not Darren, who shows exactly the type of character I once associated with Evertonians, especially when the six-shooters come out!

I knew you meant league goals, Darren, and I've also seen you praise Lukaku on these pages, even though I disagreed with you giving him a 10 out of 10 one game, an award I've only ever given to a 17-year-old Wayne Rooney!

I am 99% sure that Jesse Lingard will join West Ham before the end of the transfer window. Lingard and Zouma will make them even stronger.

I fell out with David Moyes towards the end of his tenure, as he started coming across as insincere and started believing that he had gotten bigger than Everton Football Club, but all credit to him for building a very competitive West Ham team.

But, I do think that with a few key additions ourselves (helped by some exits), we should be on an equal footing with them, plus the added advantage of not having to play in Europe to distract us.

I know Tony. The lost generation who have had the expectation beaten out of them. The poor souls. I see 2 sides of it. My youngest brother and my son. There is only 5 years between them. My brother was 5 and my son 5 months when we watched Everton win the FA Cup in the old Dunlops Social Club in Speke.

Fortunately my son listened to my romanticised tales of old (not old to me) in-between my rants, and expects more of Everton. If anything, of late, he shouts at me for making excuses! He's cut from the right Evertonian cloth.

Darren. I appreciate I pissed you off once. I'm waiting for that charity. We can do it on a bet if you would like, but that subject is close to me. And you should know what I'm talking about.

If you want to keep it personal or 1 to 1: dannyefc@gmail.com

Sorry: dannyefc26@gmail.com

Missed the 26

Ah, but Ajay, many perceive Europe as an inconvenience. Not I.

Hey, we're 2 games in. I remember the days we didn't produce a league table until after the 3rd. And even then most didn't take notice until after Christmas.

I still don't even though half the league sacks their managers because of supposed crisis in October.

To be fair to Darren, and I know that he hates stats, but…

Dom scored 29 in 67 Premier League games in the last two seasons, which is when he was played regularly as a proper striker. The team managed 91 in total over those seasons.

Rom managed to score 25 in 67 Premier League games in his first two seasons for us in a team that managed to score a total of 109 goals during that time.

I think it's fair to say that chances were more at a premium for Dom than Romelu.

Yes, Dom is older than Lukaku was and Lukaku did and can score more of a variety of goals than Dom. If you offered every Premier League manager in the country a choice of free singing either of them, I bet almost all would pick Lukaku. But, if Everton play to Dom's strengths this season then he will score plenty more goals.

Chris 152,and Tony 148, nice posts both concentrating on what Darren actually said and meant. It was obvious to me from the start that Darren was talking about Premier League goals, which means that Lukaku was never a regular 20-goals-a-season player. He scored some great goals and some easy ones and missed plenty of sitters apart from the three at Wembley vs Man Utd, which doesn't include the penalty he robbed off Leighton Baines that he scuffed giving the goalie an easy save.

One goal he scored versus Crystal Palace away amused me. Aaron Lennon had run his plums off down the line and threaded the ball to Lukaku, 2½ inches from the line, he put it in the net and ran away to the left signalling for the players to follow him. All the players ran to the right to congratulate Lennon on making the goal/ Lukaku had to run over and join in giving Lennon due credit.

I've never had much time for egotists and Lukaku was definitely one of the best of those.

Dave, I do agree to an extent but… you can't use the FA Cup Semi against Man Utd as evidence as Darren said that he was talking about Premier League goals only. 😁

Tony

This debate has been going on since we played Man U the week before the season started. It was only ever about premier league goals. Those sighing and wishing for a 20-goal-a-season man were never interested in somebody scoring goals that would propel into a Tuesday night glamour tie at Port Vale.

I suspect the editor of this site was being a tad mischievous when he introduced goals scored in meaningless cup competitions we were later knocked out of. I simply viewed it as a bone he was throwing for them to gnaw on.

I said I would not talk about Lukaku again, but in your case, I will make an exception. and explain why I once gave him a 10/10.

He had been doing his usual gobbing off leading to the Bournemouth game. I despised him. I sat with my arms folded waiting for him to fuck up. He didn't put a foot wrong. He was was destruction personified. He murdered them. Pace, ridiculous power, determination and skill. I'd already been hammering him on these pages so it was not easy to give him a 10/10 that night, but you call it as you see it, or you don't call it at all.

A few weeks later, he was at it again. Making it clear that he didn't think the club who was paying a fortune (our club) was good enough for him. The money they were paying him was good enough though. Wanker.

When Lukaku is retired, they will talk about how good he could have been. How good he was will be a whole different conversation.

Chris Leyland

I mentioned the FA Cup semi to illustrate how worthless his goals in the earlier rounds were.

I see Liverpool have stopped some of their players playing for Brazil and Egypt in the upcoming internationals citing both countries would require their players to self isolate on there return to England. But I haven't heard a peep whether we are going to adopt the same stance with Richarlison, although seeing as he has played in the Copa America and the Olympics I doubt we will stop him going to play for Brazil in their World Cup qualifiers.

Chris (154), true enough. At the same time, it was a massive game and it was Man Utd, not some lower league team, and I think we played against a few of those sort of clubs in both the League Cup and the FA Cup that season.

Brian, Rafa did hint that Richarlison would be getting a break after the Brighton game just before he picked him for the Southampton game so maybe he will get some time off.

Lukaku averaged 17 premier league goals a season in his four years at Everton. He averaged a goal every 2.07 league games.

Dominic has averaged 9.75 premier league goals a season in his last four seasons at Everton. He averaged a goal every 3.49 league games.

But Dominic is an Everton player and Lukaku isn't, so I don't really care how many goals he will score for Chelsea.

I loved big Rom. He was a bit of a goal machine during his time with us and got better each season.

I can understand why the fact he clearly viewed our beloved team as a stepping stone would leave a bitter taste but I can accept it. He would have been in nappies the last time we won anything.

So DCL is improving in front of goal every year, when you read first Chris’s, then Steve’s stats, even if that doesn’t excuse Dominic electing to hit his chance the other day with his left foot!

I’m gutted with mischievous Michael, Darren, because I’ve always had him down as a literal, and I was wrong!

Darren (142),

Yes, I know. Just shooting the breeze in here. I would have Lukaku back before Stones. Neither are coming back, so they're like anyone else who leaves the Club; I stop caring about them except when they're in a team we're playing.

Darren 147

I certainly hope he’s not still on approx 40 goals after another 27 games.

However, anyone suggesting we are better of with DCL instead of Rom then they must be off their heads.

DCL has improved massively over the last 12 months but he’s got a long way to go to get to the level of Rom

Not worthless when you lift the trophy though?

Isn't that like saying early season goals are worthless?

They all count and get you to the next stage or get points on the board.

We could even get a song out of this; "We played them on a Saturday and my heart stood still, ah do Rom,Rom,Dom do Rom, Rom"

Benjamin Mendy has been charged with 4 counts of Rape between October 2020 and August 2021. City have now suspended him.

If the complaint was made to the police in October, why did they do nothing until now? And second, why didn't City suspend him back in October? If it was only after the latest complaint that the police and City have acted, how come that within 26 days they have charged him and held him in custody?

Given that Everton announced that a player has been suspended 4 weeks ago which was following an arrest after complaints several weeks before and yet this player has still not been charged but held in "limbo".

Is this preference to a Big 6 club or just that Cheshire Police, who have acted in the Mendy case, are much more efficient than Greater Manchester Police, who are still faffing about presumably to the distress of both the accused and the accuser? Mind you, this is the same GMP that did not prosecute Roy Keane for premeditated GBH on Alf Inge Haarland, so they do have "form".

Phil,

Maybe I'm being naive here and you know a lot more about the details of these two cases...

But surely they are both guaranteed to be very different from each other in terms of complaints, victim testimony, charges, timing, defences, alibis, degree of proof, strength of evidence... a myriad of other compounding factors.

How on earth can you compare them, declare that their timelines should be exactly parallel, and draw such definitive conclusions?

Michael, I have no more knowledge about this case than what I have read in the papers and I simply summarised the situation.

Today Mendy appeared in court and is being held in custody. He was arrested in November and bailed by the Police. But having been arrested and bailed, City continued to include him in the team.
Everton instantly suspended the player involved after their arrest.

Once again, Everton do the right thing and one of the big six didn't.

Of course it also says that if it took from November to now to actually charge Mendy, then the Everton player can write off this season as it will be spring 22 before any charges are made or the case dropped. Unless we do a City and allow them to play.

Going back to the DCL debate. I’m going to predict that he makes it into our top 5 scorers of all time.

I’m also going to predict that Tom Davies makes it into the top 50 all time appearances.

Both for all competitions.

"Once again, Everton do the right thing and one of the big six didn't."

Odd thing to gloat about.

So, the owners of the other five clubs would have "Let it ride" too? And the other 13 EPL clubs? Every one of them would respond the way our Club did?

Leaving that out, I agree our Club acted properly and correctly. Keeping in mind, there's no accusation reported of our player raping or sexually assaulting anyone.

I also agree it's damn unusual that a player arrested 9 months ago on suspicion of rape wasn't suspended pending results of an investigation. Did City's owners need a video of it before acting?

Perhaps, a royal family with unfettered power over an entire country have a perspective regarding rape different from a western country's like England. Be interesting to see if the English media presses them on this.

And looking at the accusations, while on bail for suspicion of rape, Mendy must be fucking crazy. Wonder if anything new will start coming out from the cities he played in in France.

Given that Everton announced that a player has been suspended 4 weeks ago which was following an arrest after complaints several weeks before
Not exactly sure if that's quite right. The "complaint" against our player stems from something which occurred before he even played for us (I believe) and from a failed blackmail attempt by the family of the complainant.
And of course being arrested is not the same as being guilty or even being charged.
Very complicated this law malarkey!