Gordon's deflected goal gives Blues a very precious win

Now I am nervous... Keane back in defence.

Anyway, let's do this. We're still ahead of Burnley, have 2 games in hand on Leeds with a superior goal difference (even though ours is shocking) and I wouldn't rule Brentford out of the equation just yet.

This weekend will tell.

COYBLUES !

I'm not for changing manager at this moment but just what is the idea, or is it just a few games too late?

Branthwaite the youngest but most composed the other night. I'm a fan of Dominic but he's just not doing it at the moment. Rondon would be better playing at the moment.

Lampard won't drop Pickford, too frightened of Pickford's ego being tarnished and his England place at stake. If the players can't realise how important these games are for us fans, then we are finished as a top club for a very long time but is it too late now to hope they will start having a go.

I can't make it today due to unforeseen circumstances but will be willing them on throughout the game.

Begovic in goal.
Back four: Coleman, Keane, Branthwaite, Godfrey.
Midfield: Richarlison, Allan, Delph, Gray.
Strikers: Rondon, Tosun.

The definition of insanity is repeating an action and expecting it to be different. That's why I would drop Pickford and Calvert-Lewin.

I agree, I would have kept Branthwaite in. It's a strange one. He's looked solid. I cant weigh Lampard up.

Is Frank up to this? He's very good with the media but…..

Players like Matic, Sancho and Rashford are real mood players - sometimes they just do not seem to fancy it. Let’s hope we are catching them on a off day. Crowd needs another MOTM display.

Personally I'd have retained Branthwaite - especially as he's a threat at set pieces - but whatever the case we can win this.

I agree with what people are saying that Branthwaite deserves a start, but I need to understand why they think he is a replacement for Mina.

I see a better Michael Keane. A traditional centre back who is still very young and can develop into a really good player. With both of them in the team I would see us sitting deep. Or is that me just being harsh on him?

Anyway, fasten your seat belts and strap in for an emotional Everton rollercoaster.

Picked the side many were calling for. Probably safer to play 2 defensive midfielders at the moment. Godfrey looks shaky without Keane. Keep the faith, lads.

As for Delph.. I'd take him over Doucoure every day of the week.

Bright start here.. I'll maybe take my headphones with me.. lol

Of course Delph is better than Doucouré. I don't rate Delph highly, but he knows how to play football. Doucouré is beyond useless.

These are absolutely here for the taking. Put them under pressure. Keep putting them under pressure. Then put them under more pressure.

I can't understand why we aren't using Calvert-Lewin more. Put the ball up when there's nothing else on. Make Maguire and Lindelof sweat.

I honestly never thought I'd say this... Alex Iwobi is a grafter. He understood the situation before anyone else. If nothing else, he's having a go.

As for Pickford's kicking, well, he showed his quality with it today and nearly put Richi through. I am though concerned about some things that were frowned on when I played but seem to be let go these days. Things like putting your head down into danger used to be seen as dangerous play but now always goes against the player raising his foot, is the obstruction rule still part of the game and has tackling from behind again also been sanctioned?

So far so good and let's keep up with having a shot when the opportunity arises.

Pickford has made a couple of top saves but that crass that came in was his all day long and he pulled out halfway. The save just after made up for it but he gives me the sweats.

Lot of luck with the goal so just need to keep battling against this average Man Utd side. Oh, can somebody tell Calvert-Lewin that he's still jumping 5 minutes too soon.

COYB

Fabian Delph... what a performance. Mykolenko and Godfrey, take a bow. Pickford, is right lad. Iwobi, keep playing like that and we'll love you.

Don't let it be a one-off. Repeat.

Fucking yes!

Give your all and we'll respond.

Iwobi was my Man of the Match. Pickford close. But to be honest, that was an incredible effort all round.

My Everton.

Also, I think we, again, saw why Pickford is our No 1 and Frank got the subs just right. Not the greatest performance that could be hoped for but the most welcome of points.

We live to fight another 8 games!

Regardless of the Burnley result tomorrow my god did we need that. What a result!

Got 11 days to rest and focus on Leicester. In the meantime, thank fook for that!

Biggest improvement, Delph and Allan in midfield gives better balance with more quality, composure and tenacity. Iwobi compliments it in his midfield role and is improving game after game, For me, this was his best game for us because of his graft.

The midfield functioning better gave the defence some respite. They all did well, especially enjoying watching Mykolenko improve week after week, what a buzz to see him getting stuck in and enjoying himself.

Pickford showed why he is undisputed England No 1. He has his failings but not many keepers should have made all three massive saves today. Match winners!

Also Gordon and Richarlison, heart on the sleeve stuff, giving their all for the cause. Calvert-Lewin can get sharper in the next 10 days, we need him fully fit and doing his job.

It's a big step in the right direction, more hard work to be done, but now we can see there is real fight. Onwards and upwards. Come on, you Blues!

Fantastic captain's performance (despite not being captain).

The need for leaders. It is stark.

Hopefully win some more now, starting with Leicester.

Well done, team Everton!

For the first time in ages it looked like we had a proper midfield 3 – and what a difference it made.

I'm sick of the idiots both on here and in the media that either slag Pickford off or damn him with faint praise. Apart from a few weeks in the start season, he has consistently been world class.
His saves have kept us out of the Bottom 3 this season. Yet people still try to have him shipped out. Today, his reactions and his command of the box meant we denied some very good strikers the goal their supporters see as their right.

Apart from Jordan, Godfrey and Keane were outstanding. Seamus was, well, Seamus. Delph and Gordon must be hurting after all that effort.

And one final word for Alex Iwobi. He has come in for a lot of often justified stick since we signed him. But today he put in a fantastic shift.

Having to calm down now. My blood pressure is through the roof. But well worth it.

The Everton crowd should have been given the MOM as they were outstanding, cheering the team on, from start to finish.

But what a much better player Iwobi is when he plays in the centre of midfield. Clearly he is wasted as a winger or even as a wing back. Without the energy and drive of Iwobi, Everton could have been over 'run' in midfield.

Considering the amount of the ball united 'saw' throughout the game they were poor up front.

But it is good to see Pickford coming out of his goal to get something on the crosses he usually leaves to the defenders to clear.

A huge win and well deserved, hopefully results go our way this weekend, with a late bonus Sunday of City winning, to top our weekend off.

I thought Iwobi, Richarlison and Gordon were everywhere. They gave us the legs that allowed Allan and Delph to sit deep and give us a solid foundation. Keane and Godfrey were strong and decisive (even though Godfrey being drawn into no man’s land for that late Ronaldo chance nearly cost us), and Mykolenko showed more encouraging signs (despite being one of the least convincing headers of a football that’s ever played for us!). DCL - I’m sorry to say - continues to be dross. His duel stats - in the air and on the ground - must have been ridiculously poor. I don’t know how much longer we can risk playing with someone so out of form and fitness.

The best performance of the day for me was from Lampard. We were so shockingly poor defensively against Burnley, and the way we generally managed to avoid isolating players 1v1 against players like Rashford, Sancho and Ronaldo is a huge improvement. Well done.

Initially I was concerned. Keane made a few dodgy decisions as did the defence, forcing a couple of good saves from Pickford, who I thought was a contender for Man of the Match.

But as we settled, we had bite and composure in the middle of the pitch, something we've lacked. To those who promote "play the kids", I thought we demonstrated today what a wise and experienced head or two can provide. Delph and Allan combined gave the younger players leadership and confidence.

On the back of that, you saw improved performances from the likes of Godfrey. He hardly put a foot wrong. Amazing what a bit of guidance can do for a young player.

Some could quote me for saying that I would be pleased if Delph never played for Everton again. I have said that. But today, he was a contender for man of the match.

As was Anthony Gordon.

But may I give that accolade to Mykolenko? As he settles, he continues to impress me. And to think the "pitch forkers" were out after one or two matches claiming he was useless. Like Ben Godfrey, he is in his early 20s. Plenty of potential in both.

Great result but we're not there yet.

No more talk of managerial change, the manager got a reaction after Wednesday. Well done Frank!

Excellent saves from Pickford, excellent game from Richlison, the whole team did really well to put us back in the mix.

Lovely to see the relief on Frank's face.

In the latest, Delph played almost a full game and Iwobi appeared in the guise of a genuinely good player.

Must get some pills...

Keanes stupid decisions to come out of position dribbling the ball in the first half on a few occasions, only to give up possession too easily, should have been punished but unlike against West ham we weren't.

The lack of pressing around the area giving Utd players to much time and space to deliver crosses and passes into the box would normally have resulted in at least one goal against mostly teams i.e. Spurs, Newcastle, Burnley recently, but somehow even the slack marking of Ronaldo near the end didn't result in us conceding a goal.

So we rode our luck at times but most teams do. I'm just glad Gordon decided to shoot. We have become a very shot shy team.

In general our passing and build up play has been poor all season. Today was on par and I'm grateful the defender's stayed back and the goalkeeper went long in the 2nd half.

A very welcome 3 points, at this stage and I reckon another 9 points could be enough. But are we capable of achieving it?

Man Utd are a shadow of the Ferguson sides bit still have excellent players. We made them look very poor with our hard work and discipline. You could tell their big players didn't enjoy that game one bit.

Some really good performances be heavily criticised players such as Pickford, Keane, Mykolenko, Delph and Iwobi. Coleman and Godfrey too.

Indeed the only one really not up to it is DCL. The fashion is badly judged but presumably he's still struggling for fitness.

Still, the big plus for me is Lampard's tactics which were spot on today.

haha I thought of you but it wasn't actually directed at you. More so comments I've been reading on Twitter

It took Godfrey a long time after covid. Maybe it's something like that.

The home form under Frank is much improved. Only the Wolves result was disappointing.

We need that atmosphere and effort in all of the remaining home matches. We’re nowhere near out of the woods yet but at least we’re still fighting and have a chance.

Can actually watch Match of the Day tonight. For once.

With luck these next two weeks will help. Just keep him away from London and GQ.

Right who's next ?

DCL is really poor. His lack of effort is the most disturbing thing. He is meandering around and not seriously challenging for anything. Why not start Deli as a false 9. Cant be worse than DCL.

Restricting Ronaldo to 1 half chance and our defenders mistakes not getting punished for a change makes a big difference.

The shape was right today, play with this mentality for the rest of the year and we will be ok.

Iwobi my motm, I have been one of his worst critics but credit where it is due. He looks the fittest player on the pitch.

Coyb

Coyb.

No worries, we fought in the trenches defending Carlo for long enough to forge that camrardery.

Things look alot better now with more side that will give Everton space in midfield.

United are Everton only a year or two of the slippery slope.

Nothing less than 3 points would have done today. The Leceister game in 10 days is equally huge, a chance for us to put back to back wins and I think after the Chelsea game if we are on 31/32 points that takes huge pressure of the players knowing full well another 3 or 4 points required from the remaining 5 fixtures will see us though.

I don't think we see players making mistakes and being apprehensive in there play if we can be in that position going into those remaining final fixtures.

Football is much more enjoyable under Frank and his pressers are refreshingly honest and sincere.

A proper mf with Allan back makes a big difference to our effectiveness but I still worry about our ability to score goals from open play. Where are you Dominic?

All our home games are very winnable. The away form needs sorting, if only for draws.

Sorry folks, know I was wrong after that. He’s fuckimy trotting…..wtf Dom???

Rest of them, especially Iwobi, Richie, Myko and Jordan…..well done boys!

Big shouts to Delph and Myko who had excellent games, Richy ran his socks off as usual but just lacks that killer instinct - I imagine we will lose him soon and he will thrive with better quality around him. Iwobi also played really well and deserves to continue in the middle, even got some robust challenges in and he may yet prove worth the money we paid.

I was knocking Dom during the match with many others but he is clearly still not fit yet after some horrible injuries, I still think he will come good again though but will need to improve if he wants to move on to bigger things. Pickford also made a couple of really good saves.

Feeling a lot more positive today! Keep on playing with the same aggression and commitment and we will be ok this season.

United seem a group of individuals rather than a team. Icing on the cake would have been a red for petulant and anonymous Ronaldo. Great player but hard to like.

Could of done with Watford and Leeds drawing, but let’s hope we string some results together now.

Seamus - had an excellent game and it was delightful to see him carrying the ball up the field near the end of the match showing that the legs are still there, I think he may have also fittingly made the final clearance of the match?

Allan and Delph together were a great pivot and provided leadership, Delphi’s cool head was incredibly welcome often during the match abs he was the main ‘organiser’.

Keane had a good match, despite his naysayers.

Pickford over Begovic every time, Begovic looked weak and pretty pathetic at QPR IMO.

I thought Lampard got most things right today.

DK #97, love ya, mate, glad you had such a joyous day out.

Danny #68, amen re Mykolenko. Earlier this week some dim bulb here shared his conclusion (after 400 minutes on the pitch) that the kid was a failure and would never contribute. I responded with some mild sarcasm. Next time I won't be so mild. The kid can PLAY. He's better than his predecessor already, and has many years ahead.

I made the same observation at the time. That was phenomenal running for the team and, if he starts to match that application with his passing, he may turn out to be the player we hoped for...

Been really surprised with Iwobi in the last few games. He's been excellent other than his mistake against West Ham. He's been brave in possession and worked his socks off. Maybe there is a player there after all.

Finally if you are still doubting Pickford when he's our only genuinely top-class player, you really haven't been paying attention for 18 months.

I think Ashley Cole deserves some praise because Mykolenko has become far better since he has been working with him.

He's also the fastest left back I've seen at Everton, and in a team generally lacking pace, that helps a lot.

That gobshite Ronaldo couldn't contain himself, snatched the phone and threw it to the deck – what a prick!

He's had enough time to get back to full fitness by now and hasn't improved at all. Hard to justify his continued selection when he offers nothing currently.

The only cloud today though, well done to everyone else!

I can't imagine what's going on in his head or how he's doing it but there's some steel there. Now performances are improving too. Good luck to him, I really hope he succeeds.

A great comeback after the midweek disaster. The players showed a lot of character and we may have found our best midfield combination. Good to have some options in the middle of the park for the next one with Doucoure and presumably Van de Beek available.

I thought Godfrey played really well today and showed a lot of guts after his late howler against Burnley. Apart from the opening nervy 15-20 minutes at the back, we were good value for the win.

There is some talent after all in this squad, just need to build confidence.

To those calling for Begovic; take your head out of your backside, give it a wobble and open your eyes. Pickford was brilliant today and showed exactly why is both Everton and England's number one.

Great shout regarding Dele as a false number 9, I said a similar thing to the bloke sitting next to me today.

Finally, Sean Dyche may have just done us a favour with his comments about winning, well done Frank for taking it on and proving him wrong.

Oh, and the support, absolutely fucking fantastic!

If the report Michael sites is true and not pond-scum journalism, and the players are really not sold on Frank Lampard and questioning his ability to guide them forward, they can all seriously just fuck off.

How many managers does it take to understand the players need to man up and get this done?

If true, do yourself, a bright young and energetic manager full of potential, and the fanbase a huge favor and honestly shut the fuck up!

What idiot would say such a thing in the middle of a relegation battle anyhow?? God above the balls to even think of going public with something like that!!!

Re Dominic, I'm a fan of his but, whether he is ill or off-form, he is a handicap at the moment, doing precisely nothing to help the team. He should be the first line of defence but ambles rather than runs about and offers less when we are on the attack, he should be omitted until he proves his fitness; I, can't believe he has just given up.

The other players made up for Dominic today with very good performances from Pickford, especially with him coming out and attacking the ball, Delph bringing calmness and experienced defending to the team along with Allan. The Ukrainian showing continued improvement, Keane more aggressive after a nervous start, Godfrey making up for his Burnley mistake by playing aggressively and bravely throughout the game.

And finally Iwobi, who has gone from being someone you didn't want near the team to a player most want to continue in his new all-running, with purpose, role as the man to find and give the ball to. I think he has had a heart transplant, that's how bad he was before this recent transformation, and long may it continue, a nice start to the weekend.

What a needed three points. The players (sans a few I won't mention to stay positive) gave their all and they deserved that result.

Loved the game today. Well done Everton.

Be well friend! To your health, be well, dude.

I agree and tend to think so. Bollocks of the highest order.

But my word did that absolutely trigger me! The nerve if that's true!

Jeez I saw red when I read that.

I got a bit excited and for whatever reason lumped for Begovic myself; I will hold my hands up.

I still think we should start with Rondon though, use Calvert-Lewin from the bench, and please keep Iwobi playing more central behind the strikers instead of out wide on the right.

Whether it is Dele as a false number 9 or Rondon as a direct replacement, I think Frank needs to try something different. Richarlison and Iwobi ran their socks off while Calvert-Lewin sauntered about. Real shame because he is much better than that.

With 8 games to go, there is no way I am prepared to accept we are safe.

We have to keep our heads. Stay focused.

But what a performance today. I've no idea what is going on with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, he is just not at the races. But every other player was heroic, battling for the cause. And credit to Jordan Pickford - I would have seriously considered replacing him with Begovic. Wrong again.

It was a very long 95 minutes, but on days like today being a part of Goodison, with my son and grandson in the stadium, is just wonderful.

Should be more than enough for Leicester.

Hopefully Frank will have learned from today that too much possession is at times an embarrassment for our players. Setting up to keep the opponents out makes us more likely to grab a win.

Richarlison, Iwobi and Gordon all put a tremendous shift in as they always have done. Delph and Allan kept the door locked in midfield but the player I was most pleased with was Mykolenko who was one of our best on Wednesday and very much looked the part today. If he can be more consistent with the quality of his crossing, he might prove to be better than his predecessor.

As regards Calvert-Lewin, he seems to have lost a yard of pace as well as the timing of his leaps since his return. In mitigation, he has missed a lot of football this season and three games since Sunday will have tested his match fitness.

Yes, that's what being a football fan is all about, isn't it! Gloating at the anguish of players who are probably not going to get qualification for the Champions League when your own team are still on the precipice of a truly disastrous relegation.

If I saw an Evertonian whose perspective was so warped, I'd probably give him both barrels as well. It is possible to enjoy a performance and result without relishing the opposition's disappointment enough to want a permanent reminder. Something that used to be called sportsmanship, that is very sadly seemingly nearly extinct.

Maybe I'm old school but I'd go along with the convention that we can be ‘merciless' to their fans all the time and the players during the game, but as soon as they leave the pitch they should be left alone.

What he can do is what he's done the last few games. When James was here, he was never gonna get that job. Now James has gone, he can... although he isn't as good, obviously, so will have ups and downs – but that's his best role.

We really need to stop the way we conduct transfer business and revert back to a more measured considered approach. The right personalities etc.

Anyway, a good result today. Two more and a draw should be enough.

If I'm being honest, I'm not really a fan of his red bra either.

And if the opposition can predict your formation, so what? Let them wory about us not the other way round. We can predict how they might respond to our formation and be prepared for that. Again, cf the other lot.

Anyone seen the photos of mina in the tunnel after the match, proper player, all the players loving him. Mina is our captain, he’s comes back we are sound

DCL has been a veritable workhorse up until his bad injury this season. He has been a continual nightmare for opposition defences, and has never done anything to warrant criticism in terms of attitude.

The incessant focus on his non-football activity of modelling, the criticism of him for it, is both puerile and extremely tacky. Anyone who focuses on it in this way needs to get a grip, shut the fuck up, and behave like an adult.

Trouble with some supporters is that, no matter how much effort a player has become renowned for, as soon as they hit a spell of bad form (which happens to every player), they become a target for utterly inappropriate criticism. Even Alan Ball and Howard Kendall were subject to it, and it needs to fucking stop.

Your'e 100% accurate.

And it's quite warm down here...

He's a very strange player and I can't think of an equivalent. He has the best eye for a pass of our current players, he nearly put in DCL today.

He's still quite young and he's an asset.

Just my opinion though and no, I won’t shut the fuck up.

You can sense a good team waiting to emerge from the dross. We just have to survive and that was a big result today.

He isn't the most talented. But throughout his career with us he's demonstrated an excellent attitude and hard work.

Personally I find the fashion sense a bit silly. Not quite as bad as Dele Alli getting introduced to the Goodison crowd looking like a startled crackhead, mind you. That didn't bode well.

But DCL was working hard, playing well and wearing fancy dress before the serious injury - so I suspect his form has more to do with the recovery from that injury than his penchant for denim jump suits.

You could fairly criticise the timing of it all. Comes across like he isn't focussed on the present crap situation - but on the radio today, Trevor Sinclair said that when you do photoshoots etc for magazines it can be months before they get published.

He's not Harry Kane, but he's very good when fit. So hopefully each game gets him closer to match fit.

You're. I know my contractions.

Paul Hewitt at 169 -

I agree. One swallow does not a summer make.

What a prick he is. Some fan there all excited about the win, getting a photo to share with his mates on Facebook and the prima Donna acts like that.A new phone or indeed a match ticket might be pocket change to Cristiano but that’s not the case for the average Joe The only upside to Phonegate is that one fan has a good story to tell and hopefully a few lads bought him a beer for his trouble.

Very good point. The gap between the best and the rest is now a chasm but the best as a group has shrunk. Essentially it’s just two teams, then you’ve quite a gap before Chelsea and Spurs. Then everybody else. WHU under Moyes are greater than the Sum of their parts, UTD the opposite, and Arsenal collectively have a Michael Keane like fragile mentality But you look at Palace just trashed Arsenal, thrashed us twice but overall they’ve only won the same number of games we have

Tony Hill and Jamie Evans

Good posts on Iwobi I agree he is a funny one but he has his qualities

Sorry just read the whole story it was a 14 year old at his first game. Fuck Ronaldo, Cantona went to jail for a lame Bruce Lee attack on a fat fascist. Ronaldo should get banged up for bullying and vandalism against a child. Absolute prick

For us, like for Arsenal, Iwobi is very effective when used in certain ways, and less so when used in other ways. He seems to enjoy his role within the ways Lampard has been setting us up.

I assumed the same as you when I read the headline, and imagined some scally mom saying “my boy ain’t a bad ‘un.” But as the other Si said the kid in question was simply an excited youngster who personally did nothing to bait Ronaldo The fans around him? Different story but this poor kid didn’t deserve that

I did go today and met Bill Griffiths and Jim Lloyd before. It was dry so we stayed outside, too noisy inside for me, not to mention wall to bar crowds of thirsty Evertonians. Slight bonus today, I was there today by courtesy of Stephen Vincent, who had his long-awaited knee-op yesterday, and I was two rows behind three mates I hadn't seen since my (living in) Liverpool days, and then I saw George McKane on my way back to get my lift.

I was over the moon today, not only with the result but the commitment shown by players, like many have said. Calvert-Lewin was the weak link and shouldn't have started in my opinion. One thing I would level against Frank, who I otherwise want to remain as manager, is his reluctance to have hitherto played the likes of Dobbin in Calvert-Lewin's position. Is he injured or what? He wasn't even on the bench!

If we can play all the remaining games like that today, talk of relegation will hopefully have evaporated, but basically we have played with more or less the same group of players. The big difference today for me was the pairing of the experienced Delph and Allan, who absolutely controlled midfield. I just hope they can stay fit and available for the rest of the campaign.

Like many have mentioned too, Mykolenko deserves a special mention after what he has been through personally, and too many had already written him off as 'another expensive' mistake. I think he answered the naysayers today with an imperious performance at left-back.

Overall, the knock-on effect of today will surely galvanise every one, but above all will breed the much awaited confidence that we should fear nobody!

To your point, did you see in Portugal at Under-23 level, they're trialing a stopwatch system with 30 minute halves kind of like basketball. Seemingly only about 30 of the 45 minutes the ball is actually “in play” so it does raise questions as you say about “Fergie time”.

This is what was posted earlier:

“As the United team traipsed off down the Red Zone between the Bullens and the Park End, an Everton fan was recording their miserable gobs on his phone.”
Personally, I honestly don't understand the ‘happiness' some seem to get from these ‘mementos'. I'd much rather have something that is actually positive.

I also really don't get feeling smug when they are pissed-off at possibly falling short of a Champions League berth whilst we have a hell of a scrap on hands to prevent being relegated.

If it was my kid videoing rightly disappointed players, I'd tell him to knock it off.

LIke I said, I'm not condoning Ronaldo, but personally I can relate to his annoyance more than I can to hankering after the dubious trophy of some miserable gobs.

Oh, would like to pass on some of this temporary joy to the Blue who predicted, with utterly appalling smugness, a 3+ defeat for our team. You must be gutted to be wrong.

I'm not too sure of the set-up but I'm surprised the fans can easily get within touching distance of the players. If Ronaldo has actually had to move towards the lad and extend himself to reach the phone, then he is potentially in serious trouble if the individual chooses to pursue things.

If the phone has been thrust towards the players, then it is still very wrong – but I'd still say it's something the lad maybe should have been taught to be wary of doing as soon as someone thought he was old enough to have a phone.

Yeah. Basically every throw-in, free-kick, corner – the clock stops.

I get your point. I was being melodramatic about locking him up. Not serious. But I think it was a bit crass to do what he did.

It appears he realizes that as he has now apologized and offered the Everton fan — free tickets to Old Trafford. Probably a sincere gesture but with club loyalties and how they're playing — rubbing salt into the wounds.

But the next game is what counts, and there's no reason why Leicester can't be beaten by Everton.

But not wishing to put a downer on it, I can't help wishing that the 3 points had come on Wednesday rather than today. Ironically if we had got two draws, we would now be 5 points off the drop zone, rather than 4 as it stands this evening with Burnley still to play.

I pray that the 3 points we gifted Burnley don't come back to bite us.

Made up today though. Knackered at 3:00 having played every one of those 97 minutes today, but still nervous as shit about the remaining games.

Moving on in more light-hearted vein to Ronaldo and his tantrum, I recall my good self aged 15 attending Preston North End where, due to my dad's work, we lived for a few years back then. He and I used to attend PNE to get our football fix.

One evening match, PNE doing terribly, I bawled out my defamatory opinion of Alan Spavin, a stalwart and talented midfielder for years with the Lilywhites, when a player was receiving lengthy injury treatment. To my juvenile horror he heard me and walked up to me in the paddock and whilst stood next to me simply said, "Son, if you think you can do better just turn up tomorrow at the training ground!"

Class!

PNE won the match and I decided to try to concentrate on what I was good at.

I'm Pickford's biggest critic, but give credit where it's due, he was outstanding today.

If Calvert-Lewin can somehow produce the form we know he's capable of, he's worth persevering with. But, if there is some underlying problem, then Lampard seriously needs to consider starting matches with Rondon. We still desperately need goals.

Whether he should be starting at #9 is another question. Depending on the opponent and the situation, Frank may want to consider either Rondon or Gray.

And I'd direct your attention to something I took note of when it happened -- around the 73rd minute, one of our guys got fouled (maybe Richarlison) in our defensive end. What with one thing and another, it was 61 seconds between the time the foul was called and the time Pickford launched the free kick. Supreme professionalism on Everton's part, but veteran referees keep track of that stuff.

So 5 minutes was just about right. And he whistled at 5:07, I believe.

What you say is correct. But what I and I think Brent wonder about — not just in this game and in general — is the fact that we have hard and fast rules in IT, eg, 30 seconds per sub. But elsewhere in the game there's no actual clock watching or set rules.

The ball can be out of play for 20 minutes for various reasons but, unless there's a sub or someone stretchered off, then it's not given as additional time. Ergo, it seems kind of artificial and arbitrary to have set parameters for say subs when other interruptions are ignored.

But again, from my perspective, this isn't an issue specific to this game – rather an oddity about football in general. The only reason it came up today was, being biased, we all wanted the whistle blown asap.

ps: Being the shameless biased hypocrite I am, I obviously didn't raise this point after the Newcastle game when we benefited from added time from the hangman – even though that incident probably wasted less time than the various corners and throw-ins.

But yes, it is mostly arbitrary... the ref alone decides how much to add on for injuries and goal celebrations and six-fake throw-ins and the like. And I believe football is the only sport in the world that does it this way. One of its endless charms.

It might have been me who said that about Calvert-Lewin's injury. I immediately saw it as a quad and a wasted year ahead.

You're never quite right until you've got back, then had another end-of-season rest and a pre-season where you know it won't just go again. It's a horrible niggling injury – you lose your speed, strength, and your confidence that you're fit again.

As a person who lambasted Mykolenko after two games – and he was unequivocally abject – you set me straight and preached patience.

This:

Robert #176, spot on re Calvert-Lewin. He has been a hardworking, committed player throughout his career. If he appears not to be so now, I find it far more believable that he is physically handicapped than that he has become lazy, given up on the club, or become a mental fashion model. I think that speculation is just plain silly.

I think you'll be proven correct. But in the middle of a relegation battle, watching him not press and be entirely ineffective, is it any wonder those of us who care become downright angry?

Brent and Kieran,

A "hard" clock is something I adore in footy. We do it here it Florida with our high school soccer. 40-minute halves, and the clock does NOT stop for throw-ins, but the ref calls for the clock to be stopped at injuries and substitutions. It's simply fantastic.

And the last 2 minutes on the clock then are frozen, and go to the ref to call time. He's in charge of the game, calls time, but everyone knows it's within 15 or so seconds of the final 2 minutes. He has the levity to not call time if there's a late corner, injuries in the final 2 minutes, etc.

It's absolutely fantastic and, yes, very American, but man I wish the world of soccer would warm up to it!

I did go today and met Bill Griffiths and Jim Lloyd before. It was dry so we stayed outside, too noisy inside for me, not to mention wall to bar crowds of thirsty Evertonians. Slight bonus today, I was there today by courtesy of Stephen Vincent, who had his long-awaited knee-op yesterday, and I was two rows behind three mates I hadn't seen since my (living in) Liverpool days, and then I saw George McKane on my way back to get my lift.

You hit a ToffeeWeb grand slam today mate. Made me smile reading that! What a great day for you. Cheers.

But well done, lads… maybe there's some fight left in them.

Mykolenko is better than Digne already? He isn't. Delighted that he is finding his feet and looking like a player, but let's not over-egg it. If Digne had remained, he would be picked every week by Lampard.

The sale of Digne and the signing of Patterson and Mykolenko were deals to conduct in the summer, not while sinking fast in the league.

In January, we needed a commanding centre-half, energetic box-to-box midfielder and established right-back. Instead, we spent £30 million on these two young men. Patterson has played 45 minutes in the first team and Mykolenko is finding his feet in mid-April.

I agree though it is not the fault of the players and they deserve our support. They may prove great long-term signings.

As a result of our ridiculous January transfer business, we are 4th bottom while Newcastle – who signed Burn, Trippier and Guimaraes in the positions we needed to strengthen – are now 6 points ahead of us and 10 points clear of relegation.

For those of you defending him, a lack of effort is indefensible. If he isn't fit, he shouldn't be in the team. His lack of effort is disrespectful to all those running their guts out around him.

He should not be selected, end of.

I was working today so couldn't watch or comment on Mykolenko. But I agree, the Mykolenko and Patterson signings were not well-judged for January when we needed urgent improvement, not ones for the future.

In my opinion, Delph and Coleman were only on the bench for an absolute emergency against Burnley because they simply were not fit. Burnley we're crap and, if it was not for childish defending, then we win that game.

Delph and Coleman made a huge difference yesterday against a much more dangerous opponent, so I don't see how Lampard is blamed for the Burnley game. He can't be out on the pitch with those players and if it's true those players are not happy with Lampard then they have probably realized they are not good enough for the game he (or any other manager) wants to play.

So yesterday we started to see some proper semblance of a balanced team with a steadying influence in midfield and also a very high-energy Iwobi putting pressure on the opposition. The defense dug in well and fought for every bit of space so that's where the big battles were won.

If anything, it was up front that let us down yesterday and I don't think Calvert-Lewin is mentally at the game. He is a target man for the pressure release so I assume Lampard is relying on the odds that Calvert-Lewin will click into gear.

So I hope, like myself, you all finally had a good Saturday night after watching us come back to life in our battle for survival. Hard to pick a man of the match but I'll go for Frank Lampard for somehow picking these players off the floor after the Burnley collapse.

In comparison to Digne's form over his final 10 games with us, Mykolenko is better defensively. Much better. He's faster, quicker to the ball, closes down crosses way better, tracks runners better, man-marks more strongly on corners, and is just as good in the air.

He doesn't have Digne's attacking sophistication, but let's face it, Digne wasn't giving us anything in attack when he left. I stand by my assessment. We came out ahead already.

Our January transfer business was excellent IMO. Our net spend was about zero. We sold Digne for about what we spent on Mykolenko and Patterson. We got the "energetic box-to-box midfielder" you wanted on loan, and we'd have won at Burnley if he hadn't got hurt in the warm-up. Plus we got Dele Alli and El Ghazi without spending a dime, although they haven't worked out yet.

And I'm not gonna debate other teams' transfer business (especially those with newly unlimited Saudi budgets), but if you really believe £50 million for Bruno Benchwarmer (4 starts, one goal, looked like absolute shit against us) was good business, you're welcome to your assessment.

Iwobi will never be as good as James creatively but he certainly outstrips him athletically. For a long time, I've thought he could make a decent attacking Zo 8 and I'm really pleased he is being played there with some success.

His work rate, as highlighted on MotD, was exceptional and it really helps us to have a player in the middle who can see a pass or beat a man whilst also covering a lot of ground at decent pace. If he keeps up these levels (a big if), he may start to make his transfer fee (not his fault) look less ridiculous.

So pleased with the 3 points. Couldn't watch as I was flying but a huge and needed result. Still work to be done but that belief will be crucial and the return of Mina will further boost our cause. If we could beat Leicester, that might give us a hint of breathing space before the tricky Liverpool and Chelsea double.

As good as yesterday was, I'd have preferred to beat Burnley and lose to Man Utd as we'd then have a 6-point buffer this morning. They look like our main rivals now, hoping Norwich get at least a point today.

Ted @163, how can he walk out? How can he not go if he has the opportunity? Sorry, I can't comprehend. Give me that ticket any day.

Let's hope it's form with Dominic Calvert-Lewin. That or he's still not fully fit as opposed to his head being turned and thinking about where he will be playing next season.

Aperitifs at the Royal Oak now, Derek? The place is upping the stakes.

Burnley lose today, we break the 30-point mark against Leicester and get a result at Mordor. Let's get this wretched season over the line.

Everton win, Schalke win to go top of Bundesliga 2. The sun is shining over a Royal Blue weekend.

Got to agree with you about Lampard as I thought that, after the Burnley outcome, he had to win this game.

I feel that Lampard is the right manager for our future and I am looking forward to the great footy that we will play but, for fuck's sake, we need to win the next 3 games in front of us.

We are Everton and we finally looked like a together team yesterday. While we got some breaks and we had good play, Man Utd didn't outclass us, they are shit imho, no balls, no steel, no class

Calvert-Lewin should have played 4-5 games with the Under-23s to get his fitness and timing back. This isn't working out and he can't continue to be picked when he's at 80-85% because he's not worthy of the shirt right now.

Well done to Keane and Godfrey for showing real bollocks after recent errors.

Iwobi is a definite starter at present. I can't believe I am saying that but Frank has found a role for him.

Burnley have an easier run-in but we have more talent to call on than them.

Danny, I trust the dogs are full of it this morning.

Also, I'm delighted that Iwobi is changing a few minds. The ability has always been there, getting chopped and changed has done him no favours. The energetic performance he put in yesterday was great to see. You don't play as many times for Arsenal and Nigeria if you haven't got something about you.

Delph was calm and assured, all of them put a shift in except for the off-the-pace Calvert-Lewin. Made up for Frank and I hope to see no more Big Sam shouts! UTFT!!!

Oh yeah, and I seem to remember us beating Newcastle on 17 March, a mere 24 days, or just over 3 weeks ago.

Maybe all this is irrelevant, but does it show how much the BBC think of us when ever their MotD commentators cannot even do a bit of research prior to commentating on our matches?

The issue here is the readiness of some supporters to get quite nasty and personal in their comments, in this case in relation to DCL’s modelling activities. Making personal pejorative comments is entirely inappropriate, and such people do need to simply shut the fuck up. They might not wish to, but they do need to.

I just don’t understand the constant criticism of Pickford. But for him yesterday we would have been 2 down early doors. There is a reason Begovic was available and that’s due to his inconsistency.

Just nice to be able to read the posts again after avoiding all things Everton for a few days. But my nerves are still shot

Jesus, give the kid a break - he just spent 4 months doing bugger all with a football so of course he's going to spend sometime concentrating on the modelling & fashion aspects of his life.

Did you all think he would just sit around at home in his dressing gown, instead of wearing it to the shops?

In a modern society where there's no real youth revolution, the things DCL does amount to exactly that. Fashion anarchy if you like - there's no youth movement now we have the Internet, it's saturated with bullshit so at least he tries to stand apart. I for one applaud that.

He may not be 100% fit but he is definitely not 100% arsed either. That is indefensible considering our current plight.

Again, have a look at him being substituted yesterday. Arrogant doesn’t even come close to it.

Even Alan Ball in season 70-71 was accused of caring more about his fancy white boots than about performing well for Everton, even though no other player could compare with Ball’s absolute commitment to the cause. Some people seemed to not notice the fact that he was knackered after the heat and altitude of Mexico 1970.

Some football supporters are very fickle, and some Evertonians fall into the trap. They need to get a grip on reality.

On Calvert-Lewin, I've said myself that something is not quite right. What that is, I don't know, but hopefully it's a temporary dip in form or fitness.

In his defence, being the Everton striker is an isolated job most of the time. Especially in this team where the defenders naturally sit deep, subsequently requiring the midfield to do likewise. And since Digne went, he doesn't have the supply that worked well for him as our wide players tend to want to cut in from the flanks rather than drive wide and get crosses in.

No, but he got all that money for doing a specific job, so now he has made it, and on guaranteed money by virtue of his contract, doesn't mean he should not be interested any longer. Mind you all this Catwalk malarkey can't be helping, but he is not exactly doing it covertly either !

I felt personally, having been at the game, he shouldn't have even started, as he has glaringly underperformed since returning from injury, and more so yesterday in comparison to the other ten.

Obviously not fit enough to clap us match going fans.

A small gesture from players I know but personally speaking it is always something I appreciate.

Like you say it means a lot to fans who may have travelled all day, (there and back) it's just a gesture of acknowledgement and appreciation. Even if it's unfortunately a losing game !

Yet, something doesn't quite add up energetically.

He obviously has a strong feminine side.

Yet, we all know that to play football requires a lot masculine energy.

That's not to say footballers don't have a feminine side (we all do), but I don't think we have seen the necessary aggression (and maybe even desire) from Calvert-Lewin.

In some ways, it is consistent with his style of football:

Efficient in the 6-yard box, good in the air.

But do we see in him the brute footballing force of say someone like Lukaku (or even Rondon)?

Maybe at the moment, returning from injury and the negativity around the club is affecting his form. I honestly believe he cares – he knows how much the club means to the supporters. He said enough on his Sky Sports cameo.

Let's just hope he returns to goal-scoring form, whatever shape that may be.

Pfft ! Not me, but just off to an Ann Summers Party ! 😜😂💙

Those who judged Mykolenko after one match still astounds me. They must be better and more instinctive judges of football than me.

Not sure why there is a big fuss about the fashion thing. It's part and parcel of the game and has been for a long time. Way before David Beckham and the Premier League.

I remember the Peter Reid thing. I was at the home game against QPR in the Paddock and remember him boiling over and arguing with fans to the front of me because of the slating they were giving him. A sad way for an Everton great to be treated.

We reserve the right to criticise, but sometimes, just think, Blues, before your frustration gets the better of you.

I liked the running and sprinting stats screen with Iwobi top of both tables in this match with 11.5km ran and 26 sprints. We had four of the top five distance runners and four of the top five sprinters. While the quality is lacking there is no shortage of effort. United fell short in both of those aspects yesterday.

He's a big strapping lad who can put himself about on the pitch, and he's confident enough in his own skin to say that he likes to collect Chanel handbags - that's brilliant in my book. He's not trying to gloss over it by saying he's gender fluid or some other identity pigeonhole, he's just saying he dresses how he wants and feels good about himself. The strength to do that is impressive, especially in the toxic world of macho footballers.

Modelling a Chanel handbag is worth a thousand taking of the knee or rainbow lace virtue signalling gestures.

Meanwhile, he looks dreadful on the pitch and, like others on here, I think he's struggling to recover from whatever illness/injury he's had. The only question is whether Lampard should keep playing him so he can regain his match sharpness, or if we are better off leaving him on the bench until we're safe (if we are ever safe).

Dominic has had a serious injury, he came back too early and suffered a reaction. He will not get up to speed for another 4 or 5 games.

We haven't been creating many chances and he needs 3 or 4 per goal. Perhaps he is being careful during the game, hoping to last the full match. Some suggest he has a bit of long Covid or post-viral illness. Frank had nothing but praise for him.

As for his modelling career, I think it is a mistake, just like his willingness to take up punditry during a lay-off.

In my opinion, players should concentrate on playing football, training and learning. He can have hobbies, of course but one only has to look at Rashford to see that even getting involved in worthy causes (unlike the fashion world) results in a drop-off in football success.

If Dominic wants to be the England striker and continue in the Premier League, then I suggest he concentrates all his efforts on making himself better. He has plenty to work on.

There will be plenty of time to pursue modelling and punditry in a few years.

Back to the game, Rob Halligan mentions these commentators and I'm sure the twit mentioned that Calvert-Lewin hadn't scored since (some distant date), not mentioning that 4 months of that he was injured. It sounded much more damning if that fact was conveniently forgotten.

Something I did recall though, was that against Newcastle, it was Dominic who played the perfectly weighted return pass which made Iwobi's task much easier for the winning goal, and at Burnley, as soon as Rondon came on to give some support up top, it was Domenic who laid off the little knock down for Rondon to almost equalise.

I think we would get more out of Calvert-Lewin if we got Alli or Rondon on to play off him. It might mean dropping Iwobi, Gordon or Richarlison, but it might be worth trying at least with half-an-hour to go instead of 3 flippin minutes.

Pickford was our most important player yesterday, because he did his job properly. Nothing more, nothing less. we got a bit of luck, but the defensive concentration levels were definitely higher yesterday - right across the board, but until that one swallow becomes consistent - the calls to drop nearly every single player will continue.

Calvert-Lewin, his head might have been turned, but unless he's signed a contract for another club, then who would currently want him? I've seen him give Maguire a hard time many times before, but he never laid a glove on him. Watching closely yesterday, I don't think Calvert-Lewin is bending his right leg as much as his left when he tries to open up, so it's clear the kid isn't fit, even if it's subconsciously.

Keane is playing much better (after a shaky start) and Godfrey showed much better defensive concentration. Coleman defended, Mykolenko is still a worry defensively, but is improving all the time.

The midfield trio all complemented each other yesterday, keeping it simple, and more importantly all contributing, whilst Gordon (although naive at times – just my opinion) worked very hard for the team, even when dead (a great attribute) and Richarlison did the same on the other flank, but with a bit more experience (sometimes!) that kept engaging the crowd.

A massive win, so valuable, and although Goodison was very tense yesterday, it's value to Everton Football Club can never be underestimated, as I shiver thinking that the place of a thousand emotions hasn't got long left.

Perhaps he was pissed off with being subbed? Pissed off with himself perhaps? When your form is shit, it's a struggle. Simple as that.

That's what bad form is, a set of circumstances largely beyond your control, which you nevertheless try to control because you're a professional, but can't control or struggle to control, and thereby become frustrated.

But some people tend to non-sequitar conclusions or gossip about players and their attitudes. Maybe that's why the media peddle so much shite, because too many people like to be immersed in it. Don't let common sense or real evidence spoil a bit of random opinion eh?

Ronaldo has also had some stick, and will take a lot more for his actions. I'm definitely not condoning him, but playing badly and losing hurts, especially when you've got high standards.

If only Calvert-Lewin would get a decent tweed suit and a pair of sensible brogues. Farewell blisters, hello Golden Boot.

He says that the club has made him, that he will always try his best and that his goals will start to flow again.

Patience and support needed.

Changing the subject, I see Merseyside police are investigating the Ronaldo phone incident.

I remember drape jackets and drainpipe trousers, then mini-skirts (although I didn't have the legs for them), parallels, como's, tye and dye, loons, all sorts of crap. But that's fashion for you. It happens. Get off his back.

Richarlison stormed off the pitch at West Ham, kicking a bottle into the advertising hoardings on the way. Others came over to the away following. I didn't mind. Richarlison was clearly frustrated (on the back of Cresswell seemingly escaping a red). I don't mind a bit of passion and being pissed-off.

Dominic was a lone figure for long periods yesterday as he and anyone asked to play as Everton striker has been this season. Is it any surprise that he potentially isn't enjoying his football when you add in the other factors too?

There is clearly an issue with Calvert-Lewin; if his teammates are calling him out for it, it's not only the fans on his back. Hope he gets it sorted out soon because, in these situations we find ourselves in, we need unity and everyone pulling in the same direction.

I listened to Lampard's interview after the game and it was obvious that, to at least half of the questions he had to answer, it was more like he was saying to the interviewer, it's not me that needs convincing.

I've definitely seen some green-shoots over the last 8 days, I just hope it's not my Everton-inflicted schizophrenia coming back!

Most us had given up hope on Iwobi; now he looks a different player and seems to be enjoying his football more. Ben Godfrey is improving back to where he was, Mykolenko us getting better with every game; so yes, lots of green shoots appearing.

Just need to hold it together and keep the fantastic support going and we will be okay.

Great post in my opinion. Spot on, I agree 100%.

I saw the entire replay today at leisure, pausing and rewinding as I wished. Most of the points have been discussed; my observations:

What a fine hound player we have in our hands in Gordon! Unbelievable that this young lad is virtually undroppable.

What impressed me most – among other things – was his corner-taking ability. He took all of our 6-7 corners and he put every one of them in the 6-yard box, right in between the sticks. It did not result in a goal, but caused a panic among the Man Utd defenders.

Contrast that with the terrible corners that Digne had been taking for almost a 6 months, and then you appreciate that Gordon is a very rare player – a great combination of effort, skill and heart.

Comparing him with another home grown Everton player who was hyped by the media – Ross Barkley – Gordon possesses lesser skills and physical attributes but more than makes up for it by his sheer determination. Don't want to jinx the young lad, but long may his career flourish at Everton.

I keep saying it, let's get this one over the line and re-group with those who deserve to be here and want to be here. Everton comes first. Always.

Leicester next then, subject to getting a ticket, a trip to the shoe box with a really big stand.

Paul, you've just reminded me of Saturday mornings at Hunts Cross Asda with women queueing for taxis in pajamas, slippers and curlers. Too far; a red line!!! Please tell me you don't sport curlers. Not that it isn't your right to do so as a free individual!!

A good point about Pickford complaining about Dominic not challenging for the ball. Players should be pointing out each other's faults.

Jordan could have no complaints himself if his teammates had pointed out to Koeman, Silva, Allardyce, Unsworth, Ferguson, Benitez and Lampard about him being rooted to his line when corners, free kicks and centres have been flying through his 6-yard box for the last 4 years.

I hope he carries on like yesterday and continues to get off his line and start punching the ball away. That has been the one constant and justified complaint about him from many Everton fans since he got here, not the only one but the main one.

Lot's of silly comments about Calvert-Lewin, always remember the old adage about class and form, but having said that, he's way off the pace and, when you're battling for survival, it must be all hands to the pumps, so he should be used as an impact sub until he gets up to speed.

But it's interesting that none of the top 3 clubs play with a Number 9, even more interesting that Chelsea have Lukaku and he's a bench warmer.

Maybe take a leaf out of their book; okay we haven't got Salah or Sterling or Werner, but start with Gordon, Gray and Richarlison, which gives us lot's of pace and mobility.

Add to that a RS looking midfield (albeit nowhere near as good) with a Number 6 in Delph and 2 workaholics in Iwobi and Allan, and we just may have the basis of a reasonable team.

Let's not forget he's only had one decent season.

We must also start with a settled team with our most experienced players for us to start playing with a bit of calmness and to help our younger players along too... So Coleman starts for me. Allan will be a massive influence too.

As for Delph, we must wrap him up in cotton wool and give him only light training duties. Godfrey, Iwobi are both improving as the games go on, and Mykolenko is now finding his feet too.

Only Calvert-Lewin looks off it for me and needs to sit it out from now on in, Rondon needs to start to make life hard for the opposition centre-halves, he's strong and is good at hold-up play and can bring our more creative lads into play and create our chances from there.

As someone mentioned yesterday on the Live Forum, we do have the making of a decent side but we need to be braver and start believing in ourselves from now on... we can do this, Blues.

Oh, the home fans were simply a real credit to our club too yesterday, they got the lads over the line... again!

COYB

Dom's had one decent season (15 goals) and one really good one (21 goals).

Or did you forget?

If we'd have won last Wednesday, we'd now be 10 points clear of them with a better goal difference. Three more wins, for us, would mean Burnley would need to win at least four and draw one assuming they had a better goal difference.

Two wins may even be enough. The margins are that tight. We must also ensure we don't lose to Watford!

Given an adequate service, Calvert-Lewin will score goals but he's not a natural striker. He very rarely scores one-on-ones against a goalkeeper. The difference in the last few games is he isn't chasing players down. In our current predicament, that is unforgivable and I'd have subbed him at half-time.

I don't care what anyone says — he's not a natural goalscorer, in my opinion.

Of course he's not a natural goalscorer. But he compensates with his physical gifts and work rate, and he has learned to anticipate well.

Great to see Iwobi this motivated again. Let's hope Gray keeps pushing as he is a match-winner for us and the best player for us in the first 10 games of the season.

The team is much more fluid when Iwobi, Gray, Gordon, Allan and Richarlison are combining well in different combinations.

Beating Arsenal and Man Utd this season needs to be reminded before every game, matching and being cheated out of a penalty against Man City this season as the only difference, drawing and beating Chelsea in the last couple of seasons, and winning away at Liverpool last season shows that these players can do it if they go for it.

The same players that can be perceived as the problem have given the solution at the same time. I think Frank is getting us there.

Must not forget to thank Benitez for bringing what look like 2 decent full-backs for the future in exchange for one who doesn't rate defending.

I'm not bothered about his modelling, provided it doesn't interfere with his training schedule.

Currently he won't force his way back into the England setup either. Head down, and prove the doubters wrong (me included).

Benitez later apparently denied having anything to do with those signings, or wanting the players. No way of knowing the reality obviously, so much rumour.

Also, good shout from Dave about Pickford, commanded his area well. That's been one of my little niggles – him being rooted to his goal line and not commanding his area better. Yesterday, he did everything right.

Stop taking yourself down; I'm sure you looked quite fetching in your mini skirt!

Delph, Allan plus either Doucouré or Iwobi. Playing 2 holding midfielders is the way forward. Espcially for the away games.

The team sv Man Utd was the best balanced I've seen all season. Interestingly, Ancelloti played both Allan and Doucouré as 2 defensive midfielders and we were better away from home than at Goodison.

So away, play 2 holding midfielders – not Rocket Science!!

What I get up to on a Friday night when I'm on my own is my business, okay?

The same team please next match against Leicester, Norwich beating Burnley today has given us the 4 point buffer back but we really need to pick up some points from the remaining away matches to ensure survival.

But more than that, he's a serial winner and I think he's now a proper Blue.

Although not the best team performance, individually they gave everything, We seem to play much better as a defensive unit when sitting back with a low block, the defensive screening of Delph helped too. Iwobi and Mykolenko were my two picks for MOTM, I was so happy for both of them and I thought Pickford was outstanding, how he held onto the shot from Pogba towards the end for a tap in and the Ronaldo shot could have went anywhere.

Sean Dyche has hopefully done us a favour with his comments, that might have a bigger influence that any Frank teamtalk, it should do, when another manager has a dig at your mentality you need to start asking yourself questions.

However I didn't realise how favourable Burnley's fixtures are. Whether I'm being pessimistic but they could get 15 points from that. I watched their game against Norwich today, they were unlucky.

I can see us getting a maximum of 10 points. I think we need to pull a result out of Arsenal, Liverpool or Chelsea and beat Palace, Brentford and Leicester at home to have a chance. I'm still not confident I just want this season over.

If we can keep them fit and suspension free and because of the transformation of Iwobi I can’t see Doucoure, Holgate, Gomes, or Van de Beek getting a start any time soon.

I still want to see Rondon getting a start but it looks like Frank doesn’t rate him.

All season I have felt our work ethic as a team has led us to this. This squad has quality but like life you only get out what you put in. We are still in the hole but we can see daylight with a step on the ladder.

Need to continue with the mindset of working harder not who we are playing against. Perhaps the players have been guilty of this. I watched burnley today and they didn't match norwich' s work rate. Perhaps this surprised united yesterday?

Much work to do but yesterday was a start. Have a good week all!!

Yes, I noticed the strange timing of Calvert-Lewin's jump too and have been focusing on that for a few times. Strangely, it seems he's trained to do that timing. When you think he'll drop, he's still hanging in there for a tad bit which the ball glances his head just before he drops. Maybe it's his way why he's been able to flick those balls time after time.

After last season coaching under Ancelloti, I think he focuses more on getting around the dangerous areas than just closing down and pressing. He probably saves some energy for the time when it counts most. But sadly, our crosses are so poor that never comes close to him. If we had Bruno Fernandes who can pass and cross accurately, he'd be scoring a lot of goals.

But just stop it with the demands to drop him. His replacement, Rondon, is currently going through the phenomenon whereby he improves in reputation with every minute he doesn't play.

Calvert-Lewin plays if fit enough. Likewise Pickford and Richarlison... both of whom have had similar suggested alternatives over the last few weeks.

We are always better with a back 4. No more back 3 (or 5) for the rest of the season.

We are better without the ball (maybe Benitez had a point) and I think Frankie has finally realised that. So, maybe our tough run-in might actually be a good thing.

Team structure is often as or more important than individual players.

3 in midfield works well. We've desperately missed a No 10 all season and Iwobi is doing a good job trying to fill that role.

Great performances all around as noted by many above. I was particularly impressed with Mykolenko who seems to have really settled in. We actually looked more vulnerable down our right side.

But telling was Duncan's passiveness. Whilst everyone was buzzing, he seemed resigned. Maybe I'm over-analysing?

Best header of the ball? I challenge you Sir. Bob Latchford, Graham Sharp and dare I say, Derek Mountfield?

Chris #304 - Agree with you, but most teams at some point put a run together, look at Newcastle, Leeds and Brentford recently. They have the fixtures there to be able do it.

Finally, on Calvert-Lewin, when on form he can be a real handful and a huge benefit to the side if it is built around him. Like last season Carlo had him playing like Inzaghi, he made a big thing about finishing with one touch as James and Digne put them on a plate for him.

I think Carlo was good at this, getting players to play to their strengths, doing things they can do well. Calvert-Lewin rarely scores when he controls, sets himself up and places one in the corner, he doesn't score from outside the box, he doesn't often strike the ball cleanly and if not being fed service I can't think of many goals created on his own.

My point is he's not the all-round striker people think he is (mainly outside the club). This side isn't built around crosses in the box at the moment, he gets little service, let's be honest, and he isn't benefitting from the set-up. Saying that he at least needs to put in the effort and close people down. He looked angry on Saturday but didn't channel it into his game.

You rightly say Calvert-Lewin is out of form, but you ask fans to stop with the demands to drop him. What a strange analogy... so, if you don't want people who are out of form dropped, under what circumstances do you judge whether a player should be dropped to the bench?

Danny in post 312 mentioned Ferguson's poor body language. Maybe, with him being side-lined by Frank, maybe not having his mentor working with him has upset Calvert-Lewin?

But with a club fighting for their lives to stay in the Premier League, you need everybody giving their all and so far that doesn't look the case with Calvert-Lewin – and probably why Lampard decided he was the first to be subbed on Saturday.

Ferguson does come out for the players' warm-up but doesn't do anything – just stands around having no input at all; it's mainly Clement and Cole working with the different groups.

Obviously Lampard sees no position in the coaching set-up for Ferguson and it's embarrassing watching him during the warm-up, might be an idea if he didn't come out for the warm-up to spare the embarrassment.

This is what happens when managers are forced to still employ people who they have no intention of having any coaching input on the team.

It's Leicester next and they are in a good run of form at the moment. If Mina and Van de Beek are ready to rock and roll, then they should start instead of Keane and Delph. This gives us the option of starting Delph in the derby match on the Sunday.

Whatever about Seamus playing two games in a short period of time, I can't see Delph doing so. In any case, a Delph and Allan combination lacks mobility.

I agree about Calvert-Lewin, Class? To me, he's just a bang-average footballer who uses his pace and physical attributes to make up for what he lacks skill-wise. He was fucking hopeless on Saturday and has been since all the creativity he thrived on has gone.

This fella is not going to create anything for himself or suddenly start knocking 25-yarders in as he doesn't have it in his skill set. Personally, I couldn't care less if I never see him in a blue shirt again.

I can't wait for the transfer window and all the top clubs fighting to sign him for £50M plus. In my dreams...

But we really don't. There's Rondon who is proven, but not in a good way. There's Richarlison who is wasted in that position. Then there are youngsters who are completely unproven at this level.

If he's deemed fit enough, he'll play.

The way we're playing at the moment a striker is important, but they're not going to be asked to see much of the ball. We need someone who can occupy defenders and maintain our shape. Calvert-Lewin gives us that.

I'm struggling to comprehend why people are surprised that Calvert-Lewin wasn't involved more. We had 30% possession. Most of that in our own half. We don't cross the ball. We don't create much at all and that's been the case for most of the season.

I don't doubt he's out of form and struggling for fitness. But who on earth would shine leading the line for us right now? He's being asked to do a pretty selfless job.

To the Everton list of great headers (in my time), we could add Tim Cahill and Joe Royle, who also had the knack of hanging in the air before the ball arrived.

The days of the big forward "bullying" defenders are over because they are big lads and will bully right-back. These days, if you want to get anywhere, then pace, passing and movement is the way to go. Plus we are going to need a lot more goals from our midfield.

Lampard was a goal scoring midfielder himself so I'm sure he sees our almost total lack of goals from midfield as a big problem that needs solving if we don't want to find ourselves in this position again next season.

Someone mentioned about Dominic jumping early. It is a forward's trick that is coached. To get the flick or to make it look like a foul (being climbed over).

Conversely, defenders can be instructed to jump late. I was taught that because you take a ball to the head or face but provide a block.

It's a generational thing, but I'm still going for Derek Mountfield and that semi-final winner at Villa Park!!

Tami Abraham was another we could have looked at.

I can't be 100% sure, and at work so can't check, but Frank Lampard has probably scored more top-flight goals than any Everton player (since the war). The nearest I can think of are Alan Ball and Joe Royle. Frank also got a good few for England.

I hope he stays (no matter what happens this season).

During that jammy two seasons where the ball hit him and bobbled into the net 36 times, he must have been the luckiest person ever to wear a football shirt.

Well that was a little of track, now back to our next match, if we can get a win and get at least a point across the park, that can put us in a much better position, oh to take points across the park, to help us and deal them a big blow in the title race, it could not happen, could it.

Anyway I will be down for the Leicester game, so if anyone wants to meet up Lime street before the game, or the oak, give me a shout closer to the game, be good to catch up with a few again.

See you there Brian.

Oh to have had Lampard in Midfield a few years back!

Joe you did miss out Dave Hickson and John Willie Parker who both scored over twenty five each but in our promotion season from the second division in 1954 and Big Ears Linacre in his one season with us, was it forty two goals cup and league.

Danny additionaly Greame Sharp did not manage 20 league goals in a season. I used to have the stats way back in my 20s. What he did do though was score some crackers including my first Everton match v Spurs. Adrian Heath got us a few also of course. The team mid 80s had goals allover the pitch.

Had a nice chat with him, though my lad was laughing at me saying he'd never seen me so starstruck! What a player he was. Through 84-88 not many could touch him. True legend.

Rondon did get himself fit and Frank played him in the cup. I know they were a non league side but you can only ask a striker to score goals and he did - 2 of them.

Then he played for his country and score a cracking hatrick.
Rondon Hatrick

In my opinion he is a viable alternative and would do well with supply from the likes of Iwobi, Van de Beek, Gordon, Richarlison, and Gray.

Richy proved yet again against Utd that his best position is on the left so we need a centre forward scoring goals - goals win games and we need 11 points from a possible 24.

If I was Frank ;) I would give Rondon 60 minutes against Leicester and then bring DCL on (unless Rondon is on another hatrick or knackered). Bit of man management.

I will be surprised if he does though - he is hoping DCL will play himself into form.

Alan #351, I believe it's to do with the number and size of the panels on the ball?

Eric, I recall the panels in caseys becoming hexagonal around the 66 World Cup, panels previously being rectangular. Maybe the change in shape influenced the bendability when shooting, making ‘banana shots’ easier? Maybe all to do with spin, like with a golf ball dimples.

It would have benefitted him and Everton if he had a few U23 games before reintroduction – it's what we would have done a few years ago. It would also have increased the 'competition' for places.

Thank you Mr Lampard for the removal of Holgate – it stopped the non-stop careless pass out that resulted in seemingly endless attacks on our defence which we have seen in every other game Holgate has played in.

DCL should remember no man can serve two masters: football or fashion. Beckham started in fashion at the end of his playing career. Many other footballers have lost their way by spending excess time and attention either playing computer games, drinking or gambling. You are ideal for fashion at the moment because you had a great last season. Watch the fashion calls dry up when you are scoring 5 goals a season. No sign of Tom on the fashion scene at the moment after his absence due to his knee injury… take note.

I think it was over Christmas period, at Elland Road. A ball was knocked in from deep, on the right towards the near post. Big Joe dived and glanced a beautiful header in at the near post.

I'm sure we lost 2-1. But was it 69 -70 (in which case, it was bearable) or the following season. 🤔