Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Everton

I just hope that's not transmitting to the players. He was questioned about Gordon's substitution and did not give a straight answer except to say it's a team game and Richarlison came on and scored a goal.

When questioned about the zonal marking system, he said he believes in it but the players have to be more aggressive and committed to winning the ball.

He did say they had been analysing and working on the mistakes that were made against the mighty Watford so let's hope we see an improvement on Monday.

With the injuries, as I thought he should do last week, I'd go with a 3-5-2 giving the midfield duo some assistance from the wing-backs. I just don't think Tom and Allan have the strength or legs to occupy the middle third of the field without support.

Not very optimistic to be honest, but I suppose a lot will depend on who is fit and who starts.

I believe Rondon has said that he is not 'taking the knee any longer' – he is worried by the time he gets up the match will be over! :-)

I'm waiting for the next international window to come and go and see where our manager is; if he's still at Goodison, then fine... but I don't suppose many will be that upset if he's in the dugout at St James' Park, come the middle of next month.

Seems like he won't be going to Newcastle:

Link

But Newcastle are apparently looking at Marc Overmars as DOF and Paulo Fonseca as manager. So essentially a Dutch DOF and a young Portuguese manager who made his name in some of the lesser European leagues. Sound familiar? What could possibly go wrong?

Pickford
Coleman Holgate Keane Digne
Davies Allan Onyango
Townsend Richarlison Gray

Subs: Gordon, Rondon, Iwobi, Dobbin, Godfrey, Kenny, Begovic

I did not advocate the removal of Mr. Benitez, nor do I want Everton FC to remove him, unless the bad results continue for a very extended period of games. I also want him to see the error of his ways, with regards to his continually choosing Rondon over A.N.Other.

But as we all know, money and lots of it does talk and it will be better for Everton FC when Newcastle actually appoints a full-time manager, if only to stop the tittle-tattle. Your links would seem to indicate that Mr. Benitez has no intention of leaving Everton of his own accord.

I think the reason being was that Rondon was being left on the pitch but at the same time, it was 1-1 and the manager wanted to give two strikers a chance to win the game and we scored immediately so in a way it paid off, even if Gordon stayed on we would have still shipped those four goals.

You can't just play players because fans think you should.

If Gordon can't play 90 minutes, and it's on more than one Everton manager this then he clearly can't do the full game yet.

Same with all these so-called wonder youths we are supposed to have.

If there genuinely was a player that was impossible to ignore, for example the next Wayne Rooney or next Ross Barkley at 18 or 19, then I'm more than certain he would be breaking into the first team.

Onyango, Dobbin, Simms are probably nowhere near ready

We have chucked players in from the youth set up over the years and frankly they've looked nothing and their careers dissolve.

Nick Chadwick, Keiran Dowell, Michael Branch, Keiran Agard, Jose Baxter ect ect:

If there's something genuinely game changing hanging around in the youth setup then it doesn't get ignored.

“Richarlison not named in latest Brazil squad.

“Hasn’t been dropped – he’s not considered 100 per cent, and there is a desire to manage his return to full fitness carefully.”

I'd like to think that's good news but it probably means he won't be as effective for us if he plays, or he won't start... or both. And that means the Incredible Hulk will start.

No mention of what's up with Simms?

Bad news is that Delph is back training.

"Why did we let Beni go?"

Really?

You mean aside from the fact that he hadn't played a minute for us in three years and never showed the slightest indication of being a Premier League player?

Dude's found his level in Scotland. Be happy for him and let it go.

Plus it won't hurt his rep if he eventually gets the boot here – this job is a free shot being such a basket case club with neutrals expecting his demise because of his past. Newcastle fans won't be at all phased if he gets the boot.

Yet, if he survives, his stock rises because he must have done well. This is the perfect place for him to play a waiting game.

I can't see Benitez using Onyango from the start, but things will depend on injuries. If Gomes is fit, he will probably be first in line to get the nod. Delph, if he's fit enough and sharp enough in training, may even get a call-up.

What about Gbamin – have the injuries finished him as a top-level player? Has Benitez written him off? He was brought in to compensate for the loss of Gana Gueye yet 2 years later, the midfield still looks like we need Gana in there, breaking up play and wrestling some control back.

Godfrey looks like he needs more time to recover from his Covid-19. It's difficult to leave him out but it may benefit him and the team to give him more time. Holgate comes in to give him another opportunity to prove himself.

Michael, please don't tell us Rondon is starting, I'm trying to enjoy my weekend. If Richarlison is 90% fit, he has to start. I can't see how Benitez is going to get any improvement out of Rondon. There was no excuse for his ineffective performance against Watford. The fitness one has now run its course. There is no logic in expecting a complete turnaround against Wolves.

But, in reality, it's probably true, Benitez will ask Rondon to start, give 100%, and prove himself; he will be working on him, motivating and instilling confidence all week. Then he'll bring Richarlison on for the last 30 mins, to seal the win or rescue something.

4-3-3:

Pickford
Coleman Keane Holgate Digne
Allan Davies Gomes
Townsend Richarlison Gray

More likely he'll be back in training in some form, but not quite ready to play. Still, it's encouraging when initial fears were that he could be gone until Christmas.

You're right, Jim @16, the reaction was not about him – it was about Rondon not getting the finger. My worry is that Benitez is such a stubborn git that he'd purposely not start with Gordon because people have been asking him to, and obviously carry on playing the bag of cement up front "because he's never let me down before".

Just curious.

Michael Ball, in his Echo column this week, commented on how the likes of Dave Watson would always want to play even if only 50% fit. The difference is desire.

I usually find myself in agreement with most of your opinions but "Gordon going off didn't change the game"?

IMO, it totally changed the game. Gordon had been doing well backing Digne up and was the architect of most of our forward runs.

Besides the crowd reaction, which obviously had an effect, the change necessitated Godfrey moving across to back Digne up, causing a wide gap between the centre-backs and, with Tom still being so advanced, left Allan with too much space to cover.

I think it will be disappointing if Mina is missing again, he never misses a game for Colombia but seems like he struggles to play 4 or 5 games on the bounce for us.

I see Delph has been training with the first team, although he has been out that long, I just hope Benitez isn't considering starting him against Wolves. Although we are desperately short in midfield, I think to play just two in the centre and two wide men is leaving us exposed in the middle of the park.

I would have loved to see Doucouré, Allan and Gana Gueye in midfield with Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin and Gray up front and Townsend to give any of the front 3 a break when needed.

I hope, when Benitez is allowed to go back into the market, he targets someone like Gueye to play in midfield. Phillips from Leeds would be perfect but there are bigger teams than us looking at him.

Just hope I'm wrong.

Don't worry... Delph has a couple of days yet to pick up a knock.

As I remember it, under similar injury-hit circumstances a few years ago, Holgate played a couple of half-way decent games in midfield. If Mina is out and we're lacking height at the back, Holgate might be the better option to push into midfield.

The last 3 or 4 years we, as fans, have expected success. It has made us entitled and of a similar level as that of Man Utd it Liverpool fans (whom I detest). Every misplaced pass has been met with howls of “Championship at best”, or words similar.

It's no wonder that the likes of Davies have chosen to play it safe. If, being a 20-year-old looking to make it, you have the option of a risky forward pass that might be met with criticism, or a safe 5-yard sideways pass that will not yield an ounce of criticism, which would you choose?

Our young players have been introduced to a toxic atmosphere and we all need to take a step back and realise this.

The loss of Doucouré is a huge blow as there is no-one else in the squad that is fit to replace him, or with the strength he has to support the attack and the defense, or the tactics the manager can use with him in the team. Calvert-Lewin is another loss but can be overcome better with the use of Richarlison as a striker.

The last game, the anger – and rightly so – was the collapse in the midfield and defense, and the substitution with Richarlison proved correct in the attack, as he scored the go-ahead goal. The problem with removing Gordon weakened the midfield along with the injury to Gray who was substituted.

I think the manager, despite his comments, understands the mistakes he makes and I am hopeful he can rectify them. I don't remember what the score was when Gray was substituted, but I think his loss in midfield made all the difference in the score.

"I think the manager, despite his comments, understands the mistakes he makes and I am hopeful he can rectify them."

I truly hope you're right...

My two cents for the lineup tonight:

4-2-1-3

Pickford
Coleman Holgate Godfrey Digne
Gbarmin Allan
Gray
Townsend Richarlison Gordon

Subs: Davies, Rondon, Iwobi, Dobbin, Keane, Kenny, Onyango, Begovic, Lonergan (to make up 9 subs)

And just when I thought it couldn't get any worse Delph looks like being passed fit - although for what is a bit unclear. It's bad enough being down to 9 men with Rondon and Iwobi on the pitch. Delph would make up the unholy trinity and bring us down to 8.

Miracles do happen in football and boy do we need one on Monday.

Benitez now saying in The Echo — as we suspected — Onyango won’t be in the team near term. He’s “not quite ready” also references his injury and says even if he was ready he’s opposed to dropping kids into a struggling team. I get the logic but at the same time part of me would like to see a fresh face giving us some cheer lol

There is a fortune on offer at Newcastle for a Coach, Ole is Teetering on the brink and you want us to drop a Coach after 4 months and sift about in the bargain bin of the 3rd place finishers for those vacancies, Nah.

Continuity...even If it is ex rs, FSW, continuity.

Graham@ 10; nail / head; game set and match, etc.

I still think we go back to the 'Wall of Four' and fill in as best we can in front of them. We will 'lose' this game 1-1 or 2-2.

Pickford
Godfrey
Keane
Mina or Holgate
Digne
Allan
Davies
Gordon
Townsend
Richarlison
Gray

Subs: Coleman, Holgate or Mina, Begovic, Dobbin, Rondon, Delph... erm, we have such a poor squad.

Benitez was talking about it in the press conference, and defending the system. Suggesting that after a year or two in 2005 at Liverpool the penny dropped and they were defending well.

I’m not sure the players we have now are fully clued up as to what’s expected. Also even if they know ( or pretend to know ) the theory, and whether that can translate to immediate and reflex action in real time.

There’s some basics for defending set pieces that it’s difficult to let go of.

No 1 Marking danger men, blocking their runs, stopping them jumping, divert them from the flight path of the ball, jumping into them when they leap.

Same goes for marking the near post man, all these things must also be done to stop the near post flick on header.

To do all these things the danger men have to be marked, they have to be tracked by lightly , covertly holding their shirt or waist and not letting them escape whilst your watching the corner / free kick come in.

Zonal marking frees these danger men up, gives them the space they need to see the flight of the ball, time and space to make their run. The physics is willingly conceded to the attacker..

If you watch a high jumper they need a run up
to get the elevation they need. From a blocked or standing position they’d only get half the height.

I’ve got a feeling we are going to be talking about zonal marking all winter. Rafa is an experienced and successful manager, he has already said “trust me “ that he knows what he is doing.

So I’ll trust him, but he knows full well that trust has to be earned. What happens on the pitch, not because one or two matches but over time, will dictate whether he is trusted or not.

Especially when it comes to zonal marking.

I think the zonal system is used in different ways by different teams, last year we played a zonal defence and from free kicks we were a lot deeper than most sides. But in the whole of last season we only conceded 6 goals from dead ball situations and we have already conceded that amount in 9 games so far this season. This was the main problem under Silva we conceded a lot of goals from dead ball situations, most clubs now have a specific coach looking at dead ball situations for both attacking and defending.

My pet gripe is why no clubs now put a defender on the far post from corner kicks. The amount of goals scored in the Premier league already this season from near post headers from corners ending up in the far corner of the net, or producing a tap in at the far post is astonishing. Seeing we keep all 11 men in the box for corners would it really disrupt things to have one on the far post. Just watch MOTD and see how many goals could have been prevented with a man on the far post.

Benitez has said its not the system thats wrong its the players not interpreting his way of zonal marking, yet as I say these same defenders didn't have a problem using a zonal set up last year, without it leading to the problems its already caused this season.

I'm good for Tottenham home.

(Always works for me despite everything that's happened at Everton since those days).

No wonder Bally was disillusioned with the signings from then on and vocally spoke about it until his transfer. For some reason (maybe his dodgy ticker bad health), Catterick totally lost his touch as a manager.

The mention of Alan Ball just makes this sewage farm era seem even worse than it already is. These mercenaries would have learned some new phrases from Bally who when in a GOOD team used to dish out bollockings on a regular basis I'm sure this lot would have got a good kicking too.

It's a great pity that the Board don't have a sub-committee comprised of knowledgeable fans to be listened to, with regards to many aspects, because invariably they very rarely get things right at all. I suppose they would deem that as undermining their 'questionable expertise' so wouldn't permit such a sensible intrusion. I believe we would have a much better team and the Club would be in a much healthier position if they had adopted that model.

On another note, sorry I didn't get a chance to speak to you at Bramley Moore (Get Together) it's not that there were too many to get round, it was just that time flew, and before I knew it, the gathering had started to disperse and we all headed for our respective transportations home. Hopefully next time Brian, and there will be another probably next year, after we see how we are faring, and the impact, if any, the January transfer Window has had on our play and standing in the Premiership.

An excellent post-match comment posted by Conor McCourt, nailed Everton's problems. He examined Arsenal's progress since Arteta arrived. We have no vision, no plan, no winning mentality.

I've always believed in using our younger players, and giving them a good run in the team. But what happens? We ship them out on loan – and, in my opinion, that can make some players worse.

Why does Benitez use Rondon? Mates at Newcastle? Oh but the fans know nothing about football! We know enough that bringing on Iwobi, and taking off Gordon, was an absolute disaster.

Zonal marking? I've never known a zone to score a goal.

Two goalies on the bench – I have no idea!

Will we get anything from the eight games against Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea and Arsenal? I doubt it.

As Conor said, we're heading in opposite directions to Arsenal. (BTW, Arsenal winning 0-2 at Leicester. This will be 10 unbeaten for the Gunners.) It certainly puts that myth to bed about losing home games last season as there were no fans.

Conor, please write out your post, and stick it in a letter, and send it to the Everton board, training staff and manager!

Was there two Reds in the Park End for the cup game, and a fellow Red snatched a pie off him, and launched it onto the Goodison pitch, not wanting the fan to contribute to Everton funds, just as Imri Varadi scored, and caught the pie plum in his face.

Was that similar to your later experience, and pure
Luck, or was the pie intended for Varadi :-)

Everton have been slapstick ever since.

Another good win for Arteta today, he's definitely has a vision and plan. Arteta was my choice ahead of Ancelotti and posted a comment at the time but, hand on heart, I believe he would still have chosen Arsenal.

At least we now know, from the horse's mouth, that it is the organisation within the club and the players not understanding the manager's idea of zonal marking that is the problem and nothing to do with the manager himself. There appears to be no truth in the rumour that he has been out on the window ledge contemplating team selection for the next game.

All I can suggest is back to the wall of four, a low block and hope Gray's and Richarlison's pace can conjure something on the counter. For sure, it is the last half-decent chance for a while to get a result.

Dead right. After Arteta left Everton, he saw how not to do it, then he went to Man City and saw how to do it.

Going to Arsenal ahead of Arsenal was a no-brainer.

The warning signs were there against West Ham. Keane has a tendency to play too deep, which caused Doucouré and Allan to be defending in the penalty area. Against Watfor, d Allan worked very hard, as did Gray and Gordon, but the defensive line did not push up in support. This allowed Watford's attacking players space to run into without having to worry about offside. This hands the momentum to the attacking players.

Martin Keown on two occasions on MotD identified Keane as being too deep during attacks that resulted in goals. On one of the occasions, Keown described his positioning as 'criminal'. This has a knock-on effect on players around him, which puts them also out of position.

As far as set-pieces are concerned, against West Ham, Everton where below par, both attacking and defending. With zonal marking, it takes players to watch for the attacking players and attack the ball. Everton did neither against Watford.

These players are coached, week-in & week-out, but, if the preparation and training is not at the right level, the focus and application goes. Both West Ham and Watford where better prepared than Everton and now Everton are going into the Wolves game trying to catch up.

Even Benitez has the look, like ourselves, of wondering which Everton will turn up.

I have a ticket for Wolves. It cost me a year's membership fee on top of the ticket and I'm in one of the home sections, but I'm good to travel to see us go above Arsenal on goal difference!

Funnily enough I still have a copy of the Daily Mirror with Michael Thomas on the front cover from the day after that win at Anfield. I guess it shows I was a bitter blue even at 12. Lol

We could find ourselves sliding down the table easily because I don't think there is much to choose quality-wise beween 2/3rds of the teams.

Come on. £80 +, a cunning west Midlands disguise needed and a train ticket still to buy. Give me hope!

Meanwhile we hire another KITAP1 safety first manager. The 3rd (arguably 4th) of Moshiri’s 5 manager reign.

Potter and Hassenhuttl also putting on good shows with young, attacking teams.

Whilst I’m sure we’re all grateful he has invested so much, our current problems start with an owner who’s an accountant first and an entrepreneur second.

Next time I see you Danny, I will sort a sausage roll out for you, sounds like something my older brother would have done, he hates them even more than me, and that's saying something.

Watching that good Brighton performance, I too wondered if Potter might be our future manager. A super display from his team.

He wont come to Everton while we have no money to spend and the prospect of having to sell to buy just won't appeal to many upcoming managers.

Nuno wont last at Spurs, they look absolutely abject but rest assured we will allow them to own the Goodison pitch next Sunday and old "H" will score his customary double.

On to the Wolves game, what a huge match in terms of these fuckers in our defence needing to show some mettle and guts.

Conceding 5 at home to lowly Watford, if l was a defender and played in that kind of debacle, I know next game that came along I'd be busting my balls to keep the sheet clean.

We'll find out much about the character of them on Monday night at Molineux for sure, although we probably already know that most of them are well and truly exposed already as seasoned bottlers.

Yep, you're an out-of-form striker and your own fans are getting at you. What Premier League fixture would you want next most of all? Everton, of course, who gifted Mr Kane with two of the most simple tap-ins you could ever see. And now he has our new zonal marking system to look forward to as well. Hat trick for Harry? You bet – just don't expect any decent odds at the bookies.

As for Monday night, if I see Rondon and/or Iwobi selected to start I'll have serious thoughts about even bothering to watch because it would make me feel like I was a rubbernecker slowing down to look at a terrible car crash.

Also the defence, Benitez will have been rogering them with a blunt instrument all week, so they could improve for not wanting a repeat dose.

I am expecting a reaction from the lads to put last week’s debacle right.

Wolves 0 Everton 2

To be honest either would do! I am still hopeful Rafa can right things and steady the ship, providing he sends Rondon to the bilges, handcuffed to Iwobi!

'Oh and it's Michael Thomas down the middle... it's up for grabs now... Thomas!'

I copied his forward role celebration in our front garden! My red brother's face was ashen! Bliss!

Back to blue matters... important we get something v Wolves to stop the mini rot. Maybe a return to the formidable 4 at the back? That would mean Digne on left and Gray on right...maybe Allan, Davies with Townsend acting as the link between Richarlison and the midfield. Could Townsend stay on the right and Gray play off Richarlison? Please no Rondon or Iwobi. Can't see Gbamin ever playing.

There's been a few turn-up results today, let's hope Everton can get this win, and a confidence boost for Spurs.

My starting eleven:

Pickford
Coleman, Holgate, Godfrey, Digne
Allan, Gomes, Davies
Townsend, Richarlison, Gray

Not one of them will drop their head if it gets tough going.

Last week, we were a shambles. Let's see if our manager and players rectify our issues...

I would put a half-fit Tosun on, before Rondon. I honestly believe if Raffa sticks by Rondon, he will break Sandro's record for appearances without a goal.

I have given the guy enough time to use fitness as an excuse; I have now come to the conclusion that he is shite.

I'm still backing us to snatch a draw from the jaws of victory.

The problem is when we were behind at home against watford, our players... especially defensive lines all became 'schoolboy like' defenders. I won't put my money on current backline of Keane (can only defend deep?), Godfrey (can't defend set pieces or win a header?), Digne (he was not Digne since 2020) and Coleman (past it?).

I would too – were it not for the fact that, if he scores, Bill will offer him a new 5-year deal.

But seriously, I'm excited at the thought of a half-fit Tosun playing. How sad is that?

Wait until post-Christmas and see where you are. Even then it can be too early. Remember December 83.

I guess I'd go 4-3-3 for a fast counter and see if a hard-working Andros can do a job in the middle.

Pickford
Coleman Holgate Keane Digne
Townsend Allan Davies
Gray Richarlison Gordon

I agree totally. I would have taken Arteta in a heartbeat over Carlo. He has energy and desire, which I never expected and never saw in Carlo. But also I agree in his mind between us and Arsenal there was only one choice.

It would also have been interesting to see someone from the 'Pep' camp try to manage an unfancied team. Is that even an option?

Big difference is that Man Utd have players like Ronaldo, Cavani, Rashford, Fernandes. We have Rondon, Iwobi, Davies. Now to me, there's a massive difference in quality, to being able to bounce back. Those players were playing well below their best, meaning that there's massive room for improvement. Our players were probably playing to close to their best ability.

Could it be that Finch Farm and specifically the players want to be the world's first carbon neutral net zero team?

Based on last weeks performance it could be true

Only the massive difference in wages they are on, the Man Utd player has always been class and proved it. Rondon will improve once Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison are fit again and he plays alongside one of them or comes on as a sub, which is what he was mainly signed for. But, having seen him, I can understand the fans' opinion of him... which is “Of course he will get better because he can't get any worse.”

We won't have much possession but we should cause Wolves plenty of problems.

The difference is that we don't have a decent squad. We are a shambles.

The rest aren't capable of beating Championship or League One sides, so why are they going to be good enough to win Premier League games?

This isn't a Rafa problem, this is the birds coming home to roost on terrible transfer business and a failing youth system. Instability at manager level will just continue until somebody is trusted to build it out.

We're missing Calvert-Lewin since the start of the season, and Richarlison is only back now, and Doucouré has probably been our best player, very few other teams are missing their top players, even with better squads.

Playing that piece of shite Rondon up front is a disgrace. We will be in the Championship soon.

Fucking rubbish.

£450 million spent to produce a small squad horrendously lacking quality is dereliction of duty from Moshiri, Brands, Denise BB, Kenwright (he brought Moshiri in) and yes Unsworth as the Academy is still failing us. It's pitiful, how can so much money have been spent to make us go backwards?

The new stadium will come 15 years too late (Kings Dock was the missed opportunity) and won't change a thing to such a pathetic outfit.

You're right about Rondon though – but I would love to be proved wrong.

I'd go with your team pick. Bit tough on Richarlison to go straight to centre-forward when not match fit but what choice do we have?

Also, I agree that Ben needs to sit a few games out, he has been directly responsible for too many goals in the last 2 matches and needs to get his head and body right. I can't help thinking if Yerry played in the last 2 games, the results could have been different.

Also, I agree with others that, with the centre-midfielders we have out injured, if Gbamin isn't strongly looking to start now, then when will he?

I just want to see a true professional team performance for 90+ minutes. I just couldn't stomach another lackluster game that we simply didn't show up for again, we need to make some ground up fast!

COYB

Obviously Calvert-Lewin is a big miss, but the point is that we have no decent substitutes for him and Doucouré who missed 9 games last season.

Our neighbours play a simple 4-3-3 and never deviate from that system, they always have 3 very hard-working midfield players who will run and tackle for 90 minutes and when they win possession they play it early to their very quick front 3. This system also allows their fullbacks to bomb forward knowing they will have cover from their midfield players. Yet playing the system we play, if Doucouré bombs forward, which he rightly is being encouraged to do, that leaves Allan to cover the whole midfield.

Wolves are starting to get their act together after appointing a new manager. I just hope Adama Traore doesn't play as he will go past Digne at will if he plays wide right, I don't know what's happened to Digne over the last 12 months but he seems to have lost a couple of yards of pace and players are going past him with ease.

I just hope we can scratch together enough points in the next few weeks to keep us somewhere around 10th or 11th then hopefully kick on when all the injured players are back and firing on all cylinders. I think our best 11 playing every week could see us challenging for 6th place but without our best z1 we could virtually end up anywhere from 11th to 16th.

Look at the players he has at Arsenal: Aubamayang, Lacazette, Saka, Smith-Rowe, Gabriel, Tierney – and add to those that he bought in the summer.

These are top players and he has a squad at Arsenal. In fact, he should have been performing better with those players over the last 18 months. The jury is still out on him and many Arsenal fans don't see him to take the club forward.

Our squad would have most likely got Arteta sacked.

My feelings exactly.

Our fans would have hounded Arteta out as soon as the first bad run came about.

The problem is without fan base now is patience has worn thin because we have gone so long without success and also because we genuinely believed the financial muscle brought in by Moshiri in 2016 was that sledgehammer needed to break the glass ceiling.

I honestly still think there's a good manager there in Marco Silva too, given time and the right guidance.

Silva was let down by that buffoon Brands failing his duties in the summer of 2019.

Would have been a different story if we had got Silva's to main targets that summer, Kurt Zouma and Wilfred Zaha.

I agree about Gbamin, it's time to know if he is physically able to play at this level and if he breaks down again, at least we and he will know the game is up and hopefully there is some insurance money to collect.

I also agree with others, our biggest problem is perhaps the least expected given most of them are fit- our defence. Godfrey has taken huge steps back, Seamus, bless him, is on his last legs and Digne's form has collapsed. Worryingly we have no back up in the full back positions. Seems a bit remiss of our world class management team...

Fast-forward 36 years and players can play regularly for their international team then suddenly can't be bothered playing for us despite the obscene money they are on. A total lack of desire compared to the days when real men played for the shirt, for their team mates and fans – and played to win.

With respect, Keane came back quickly after a cracked skull and also played half a season with a damaged foot. I'm from the old days too and love Reidy and his 80s team. Loads of players play with knocks in today's games but, if you can't compete properly, you get left out given the size of the squads now. Admittedly ours is paper-thin atm.

And yet I keep getting told the game is better now there is no tackling and players are protected. Well, it certainly hasn't made the game better at Everton. It's no wonder the game is fast now, you can't slow it down by clattering someone!

Seriously though, if they reintroduced tackles just in Everton matches, then our bunch of slow, thick players might just start passing it quicker if they knew a late one was on its way!

I watched Bally playing for Southampton in 1980 v Spurs on The Big Match the other day, no holds barred in midfield then, Bally was imperious on a shit heap of a pitch, playing one-and two-touch and they couldn't get near him because of his movement. And he would have been 34 or so then. An absolute privilege to watch a real midfield player. And he demanded the best from his team, and dished out bollockings everywhere. Genius.

I never saw him play live for Everton, I was 4 when he left, but, if he played like that for us, then you guys on here are so fortunate to have witnessed that sort of ability.

I haven't seen one as good at Everton since 1977 when I started going to matches. His movement to make passing angles was just insane. Oh for a Bally today.

That being said who would you play in midfield tomorrow?
Not Gbamin I recently rewatched his "welcome to Everton" video on YouTube. His short passing was awful, his long field passing was worst than Keane's was when he had that toe injury.
The only thing Gbamin had was his speed and fitness. They must both be nearly gone now.

My team is Pickford, Coleman, Godfrey, Keane, Digne, Allan, Gomes (72),Gray, Townsend, Richarlison ((70) and Rondon(65).
Subs Tosun (65), Gordon(70), Davies(72), Holgate, Dobbin, Delph, Kenny, Iwobi, Begovic.

If we are winning by a good margin he might opt to bring Holgate on in midfield instead of Tosun and play 4-5-1

Coleman
Keane
Godfrey
Digne

Holgate (sit in front of back 4)
Allan
Townsend

Gray
Richarlison
Gordon

Still worried on defending set pieces tbh.

Sod's law if a team wants to bounce back after a shitty result (Spurs), who would they choose to play next week?

I think we'll get a draw, then go on a bad run for a few weeks and be below midway, worrying about relegation, then in the New Year with troops returning, and some January reinforcements, do better and end the season in our customary eighth spot.

Reidy thought he got his revenge and smashed Pflugler who he saw out of the corner of his eye and screamed "Have some of that, you Hitler Bastard!" - only for Soren Lerby to reply "I'm Danish". Reidy had got the wrong guy.

Boy do I wish we'd signed Rafael Leao when we apparently had the chance. In Italy this evening watching Roma v Milan and he is the star of the show going forward for Milan. Skillful, strong, creative...everything perhaps that we thought Kean would be...

Last week was a shambles defensively and with the same people likely to start (except for Richarlison), it will be another tough afternoon.

When you have the lead twice and then concede four against a team like Watford, your defensive strategy must take some serious reconsideration..

I hope Rafa has dealt with this in some way as he may just be using up his nine lives.

Some allowance can be made because of the injuries but still you need all hands on deck behind the ball when you have the lead in the second half and Everton seem to very poor at doing that.

It will be very hard to listen to any excuses if they falter against Wolves.

The league allows you to sign another player, say a goalie, if all but one of your goalies are injured; maybe we could enquire about a one-off exception in this case?

Another example is to imagine one of our players is being held in another country without a trial or definite charge and cannot return to play – would we ask for an exception then?

I don't think good, very good, or legendary footballers make great managers. Not many players have done that, consistently, it's almost impossible.

Mikel, I think, is still on a steep learning curve, but in the last month, Arsenal are improving.

Tomorrow, an Everton fight back... and that is what counts.

I think it comes down to what is in the contract between the parties. I seem to recall reading some years ago that most American sports contracts have a "morality" clause which allows clubs to terminate contracts in such events, even if it doesn't allow for innocent until proven guilty.

The whole scenario is a fiasco, and apart from the individual culpability or innocence of the afore(not)mentioned player and seemingly can only happen at our Club, what a shambles ! Where's Don Alexander when you need someone to blame, or partially for all this mess ? Which, by the way, I agree with Don on most issues regarding 'you know who?'.

I don't think Wolves are anything special but neither are we, I'd take a draw now.

Because of this he will suffer as we suffer when he is reduced to selecting some of the clowns Walsh, Brands & Co have blessed us with. Moshiri, who put his trust – and money – in them, must feel fate has dealt him a crap hand!

Biley, Angell and Jo scored at least one goal in their short careers at Everton. Rondon has won a free-kick.

I think.

Might have to check that though.

Every game is different.

The run of fixtures up to New Year will return a maximum of 7 to 9 points IMO. Bottom 5 by the start of 2022 unless we somehow get the injured players back sooner than expected.

Tosun photo on Reddit

Can't be any worse than Rondon? 😂🤦🏻‍♂️

Wright never gets credit for playing nearly 300 games after his Everton disaster. All in the lower divisions, of course, but he netted over 80 goals in eight years and dozens more in non-league during his thirties!

I'm still praying for a result tonight. To cap off the good news, Spurs have sacked Nuno so they are likely to face us with the boost of new manager Conte plus Kane facing his favourite opponents. Just when you thought things can't get much worse.

At least no kids knocked on my door last night wearing scary Kenwright masks. I think there was one wearing a Rondon mask, but he never made it as far as the front door.

Result tonight. We get a result.

Pickford
Coleman Holgate Keane Digne
Allan Davies Gomes
Townsend Richarlison Gray

As others have said, a hugely uninspiring team given the money spent. Things will be better when Champions League, Mina and Doucoure are back, 3 of our best players this year and the spine of our team.

These days, very few of our lads put a consistent run together without picking up a knock or two which would've been just run off by our greats from the past.

I still remember our fine team from '78 which hardly ever altered from game to game and played more games, lasted longer in cup competitions, and played on shite pitches too.

This great game of ours has gone fucking backwards for me!

Those who still believe that Rondon's poor performances are due to lack of fitness need a reality check. I want to know what aspect of his game is up to Premier League standard. Let's just accept that he is well past his sell-by date; he isn't very good.

I can't help thinking though, "Oh for a Foden, Smith-Rowe, Mount to burst through onto the scene and give an adrenaline shot to the midfield and wider team." There's one or two prospects in the U23s, but that's all they are at this stage. I think we probably need to be sourcing such a player who can energise the midfield, maybe even as priority No 1.

What's going on with Gbamin? Doucouré out, even Delph getting mentioned as a possible midfield pick.

It is almost beyond the imagination now that Gbamin starts a match and plays a blinder helping us win. What a lift that would be if it happened.

"There's one or two prospects in the U23s"

Heard that one far too many times over the years. Change is needed.

Change indeed. And not just at board level.

2 or 3?

Start one of them instead of Rondon.

Yes, Godfrey is out of sorts. He's not playing the way can. He is still suffering from the after effects of Covid and I'm sure I read that he has a slightly enlarged heart. Somebody on here will know. However, if that's the case the club should not be playing him and possibly putting his long term health at risk.

In all this mess I would love to know what Moshiri thinks of this. Millions down the drain. Has he asked how? Why? And who is responsible?

Surely he must be bothered about losing this amount?

This manager is famed for his attention to detail and fitness of the players he coaches.

Not sure how fit they are compared to others but this zonal or man-marking would be mostly a moot point if Pickford commands his area or at least comes for most crosses. Maybe his lack of height leaves him short on confidence and being a good shot stopper is only doing half the job. De Gea and most modern-day goalies are the same. The Schmeichel or Big Nev type is a thing of the past it seems.

By the way, if he persists again with his favourite upfront, I'm not bothering watching.

Rondon is getting fitter, but he has no pace, seems unable to jump and gets in the way of his teammates when he does get into the box. He wouldn't get a game at Norwich.

As for tonight, it will tell us a lot about who Rafa trusts. I wonder if Holgate will get the nod? Then who will he pick as our forward line?

As he is naturally cautious, I imagine Rondon will continue but I will be amazed if someone doesn't get dropped for Holgate to play.

Is Gray fit, after being withdrawn versus Watford?

If Rondon, it's two fingers to the Everton faithful.

Benitez has talked him up to the limit, claiming he's giving 100% and it being all about the team rather than individuals (crap managerspeak alert!), while also claiming the crowd are 'understanding' of the constraints – and stating his case very clearly why he won't be 'risking' any of the young players.

It's bullshit because most fans can see and have voiced how fucking useless Rondon is. Yet he keeps selecting him. If he picks Rondon to start again tonight, I shall be most irked.

More like a Snail Mo, that leaves a trail, but not of goals, just disbelief and gritted teeth from the fans.

Other than that who is on penalties tonight l wonder...

Pickford
Coleman Keane (No Choice) Godfrey (He as to get over Covid effects sometime) Digne

Allan Gbamin (or Gomes or Davies - all risky)

Townshend Gray Gordon

Richy

The main thing is we remain committed and aggressive no matter who plays and we emphasise to Digne and Coleman that we want to minimize free kicks and corners.

https://team-picker.files.bbci.co.uk/everton-starting-xi-3c718e941e9375ed5e19998727607dfa.jpg

Pickford, Coleman, Digne, Keane, Godfrey, Davies, Allan, Gordon, Grey, Richy, Townsend. ( Grey as the No 10 ).

Subs Gomes, Kenny, Holgate, iwobi, Begovic, Rondon, Gbamin.

Seeing as Norwich are doomed - offer them Kenny and Holgate plus the dosh in January for Aarons. Also possibly any of Tosun / Delph or both. Tosun on loan.

Luke, I agree with your sentiment but throwing the kids in when the team is poor is not good for their development. Much better to ease them in to a solid unit but I do believe we will be forced into playing more young players due to FFP which may not be a bad thing.

Dobbin looks a great prospect as does Onyango, Whittaker, Astley and Tom Cannon not to mention Anthony Gordon but it is a big leap in standard from the youth to the Prem.

If that's true Dave, then 3 at the back? Unless Mina is fit?

I will try my best not to get ejected but I'm not promising.

Pickford
Coleman
Holgate
Keane
Digne
Townsend
Allan
Davies
Gray
Richarlison
Rondon

Holgate in for Godfrey. Davies keeps his place rather than risk another 6 month injury to Gbamin.