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Everton vs Arsenal

Yerry Mina took part in some of the sessions at Finch Farm on Friday but it would be a surprise if he made the starting XI to face the Gunners
Everton are at home for the second time in less than a week as they try to arrest their worst run of results since 1999 by beating much-improved Arsenal.
Manager Rafael Benitez is under mounting pressure just 4 months after assuming the Goodison Park hot-seat having overseen a sequence of six defeats in seven games that culminated in humiliation in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday evening.
If Leeds United don't lose at home to Brentford on Sunday, the Blues will start the day in 16th but, more alarmingly, an unlikely win for Norwich City at Tottenham would close the gap between Everton and the bottom three to just 2 points.
As a result, the Spaniard is not the only one facing stern criticism. Chants of “Sack the Board” were aimed at the Directors Box after the 4-1 derby defeat and owner Farhad Moshiri has been dressed down by supporters and local journalists alike for electing to send his only communication via TalkSport's Jim White.
Article continues below video content
Moshiri was in the United States in midweek but is expected to be in attendance at Goodison for the clash with the Gunners where an unknown number of fans will participate in a 27th-minute walk-out aimed at bringing awareness to the majority shareholder of their disaffection with the way the club is being run.
On the pitch, Benitez will still not be able to welcome back Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who probably won't be available until Boxing Day at the earliest, and his deputy, Salomon Rondon, is rated doubtful after tweaking a hamstring in the second half against Liverpool.
Defender Yerry Mina, another much-missed presence in central defence, has an outside chance of playing some part but is unlikely to be risked but, with the benefit of another few days' training with the first-team, André Gomes could see action this time around.
Regardless of Rondon's injury, the biggest question among fans has been around whether Benitez will address the porousness of his midfield by deviating from the 4-4-2 system he has been doggedly trying to stick with so far this season.
Having just two central midfielders left the Toffees wide open against the Reds in midweek and there is a danger that a mid-section of just Abdoulaye Doucouré and Allan could leave them vulnerable to Arsenal's passing game.
A 4-3-3 with either Gomes or Fabian Delph in the middle and Anthony Gordon, Demarai Gray and Richarlison up front would be one option but it's more likely that the manager will err on the side of his preferred formation and experience in the form of Cenk Tosun alongside Richarlison if he doesn't partner Gray with the Brazilian.
However Benitez lines up his side, the work done on the training ground at Finch Farm has to have been focused on tightening up the midfield and making Everton much harder to play through than has been the case recently, with the exception of the goalless draw against Tottenham.
That match against the other North London side should have been the platform from which Benitez could figure how to get his side to be more productive in attack but they were still too open at Manchester City and Brentford before being torn to shreds by Liverpool.
Arsenal, who began the season slowly but, after being hammered 5-0 by Manchester City in late August, went on a nine-match unbeaten run that included seven wins before they lost heavily at Anfield a fortnight ago.
They got back to winning ways against Newcastle before losing in an entertaining game at Old Trafford on Wednesday but, with Arteta's methods now starting to pay off, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang back in goalscoring form, and Bukayo Saka growing into a routinely influential attacking presence, Arsenal will pose a significant threat.
Arteta has Sead Kolasinac ruled out with an ankle injury and goalkeeper Bernd Leno is rated as doubtful with a hip complaint but Granit Xhaka and Emile Smith-Rowe will undergo late fitness tests to see whether they can feature.
With, hopefully, a bear-pit like atmosphere under the lights and a determination on the part of the players to start putting things right, Everton can replicate what happened in this fixture almost five years ago under Ronald Koeman.
That night, the Toffees ended a run of just one win in 11 games, the same record as the one they will take into Monday night, with a stirring 2-1 win. With the team badly needing points to put some distance between them and the relegation zone, a win like that would serve as a massive shot in the arm.
Kick-off: 8pm, Monday 6 December 2021 on Sky Sports
Referee: MIke Dean
VAR: Stuart Atwell
Last Time: Everton 2 - 1 Arsenal
Predicted Line-up: Pickford, Coleman, Godfrey, Keane, Digne, Allan, Doucouré, Townsend, Gray, Richarlison, Tosun
Reader Comments (120)
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2 Posted 05/12/2021 at 07:41:17
The mere fact that Tosun is still be mentioned at this football club as a potential problem solver underlines how abysmal it's been run and how truly negligent we were in trying to replace the goals of Romelu Lukaku.
Can't see anything but another defeat tomorrow and same at Palace and Chelsea for that matter.
Sacking Benitez won't solve anything, that's pretty obvious.
Bring in a new manager he's still left with the same blunt attacking options, the same problem at right back, the same lack of creativity in the midfield and lack of a goalscorer in that number 10 role.
It will be interesting to see what the hapless board will do, let's see if any lessons have been learned, but I won't hold my breath.
3 Posted 05/12/2021 at 07:53:22
4 Posted 05/12/2021 at 08:14:40
5 Posted 05/12/2021 at 08:30:13
I don't understand the fixation with having to play an out and out striker of a poor standard. We have 1 good one in DCL who is injured. Richarleson is more of a modern mobile attacking midfielder. Why not try a different formation.
The top 2 teams don't even play a recognised striker and haven't done for a couple of seasons knowing that winning midfield generally wins the game. I know we don't have the same quality as them but at least try and change something.
6 Posted 05/12/2021 at 08:31:55
Stekelenburg; Coleman, Jagielka, Williams, Baines; Gueye, Valencia (Calvert-Lewin), McCarthy (Funes Mori), Barkley, Lennon (Mirallas), and Lukaku.
Seamus scored the equailiser just before half-time.
None of us could foresee then, that Everton would still be struggling for consistency five years later, and that the dreaded "R" word would be on many Everton fans minds.
How welcome would a victory be tomorrow ?
7 Posted 05/12/2021 at 08:39:03
His small club jibe has come back to bite him on the arse..
8 Posted 05/12/2021 at 08:47:53
Old school I know, but isn't the manager supposed to do just that and to manage what resources he has at his disposal to get the best possible outcome ? If so, then Benitez fails miserably and must go and Mourinho must remain in my nightmare.
Love him or hate him, I do remember a young manager from a lower league team taking over at a failing Goodison and restoring pride and performance with a meagre budget and workforce. He isn't coming back and the Hammers are smiling but he was a manager who managed.
9 Posted 05/12/2021 at 08:56:07
10 Posted 05/12/2021 at 09:01:44
Our full backs will be severely tested by Saka, who will be attacking them and trying to find Aubameyang in the box. They will have to step it up a level to keep them out.
Then we have to try to find a team which can score a couple of goals. The time has come were we have to get points on the board so only brave, fully committed players can be chosen.
433
Pickford
Coleman Keane Mina Godfrey
Allan Doucoure Delph Gomes
Gray Tosun Richarlison
From set pieces Mina,Keane,Doucoure and Richarlison can be dangerous, hoping they can poach us a goal tomorrow from this route.
11 Posted 05/12/2021 at 09:01:48
Anything other than a win on Monday and I can't see Rafa staying in post.
12 Posted 05/12/2021 at 09:03:52
13 Posted 05/12/2021 at 09:10:40
Sorry, the edit timed out. Delete Gomes !
14 Posted 05/12/2021 at 09:13:40
15 Posted 05/12/2021 at 09:17:22
Jim Bennings #2.
"Sacking Benitez won't solve anything, that's pretty obvious."
Seriously.
Who decided to play only two midfielders against a 3 man midfield unit, who are probably the best midfield unit in club football. Who decided to play a high back line against the quickest attacking unit in club football. Our manager decided to gift that game to Liverpool. I mean there's a shed load of bad decisions he made in that game, fucking loads, but seriously it was absolutely appalling game management.
Look at the Brentford, Wolves and Watford games and again you will see many mistakes that were all put in place by our manager. Shocking decisions if I'm being honest.
That man should of been sacked weeks ago.
16 Posted 05/12/2021 at 09:26:58
Who do you think we will bring in as manager?
It's all well and good saying "anyone is better" but haven't we said that before sacking the last FIVE managers?
Wasn't Koeman meant to be better than Martinez?
Silva than Allardyce?
Ancelotti than Silva? Yet Silva finished higher than Carlo in one season?
Sacking managers isn't the answer when the squad is the worst it's been since 1997/98 when we nearly went down.
The club can't attract better managers with the plight it's in and the problems run far deeper than one man at the club.
17 Posted 05/12/2021 at 09:28:09
18 Posted 05/12/2021 at 09:45:09
19 Posted 05/12/2021 at 09:45:34
20 Posted 05/12/2021 at 09:47:45
21 Posted 05/12/2021 at 09:50:51
I guess the difference is that teams like Man City and Liverpool tend to dominate possession and always have midfield players in attacking positions. The fact that so many of these players carry a goal threat reduces the need for a traditional centre forward.
In contrast Everton have played a counter-attacking game for years that places more of a reliance on having a goal scoring no 9.
On this note - Where I live & work Im surrounded by Chelsea fans and a few reckon that Lukaku is not suited to Chelseas playing style and that they really need an Aguero or Tevez type.
22 Posted 05/12/2021 at 10:02:25
Couldnt agree more. All people keep saying is he needs more time and that sacking him isnt the answer. There is no way we would of got beat against Brentford with Carlo in charge. Also the derby would of been more closely fought, certainly not a 4-1 thrashing.
Im not even counting City and Liverpool. Its games like Watford where we were 2-1 ahead with 65 mins on the clock and we got beat 5-2. Its the tactics against Brentford. Even going back to games like Leeds away. Its not just about the results, its the decisions, the formations and tactics and most frustrating its the lack of subs.
I watched Guardiola bring on Mahrez and KDB last night at 70 mins. We seems to bring subs on within the final 10 mins when teams have already started to waste time against us. Its all around poor.
We dont scream about decisions like others do. We dont waste time like others do. We are quite simply tactically inept against these other teams. If it were me I would get rid of Rafa after we get stuffed by Arsenal tomorrow night and give it to big Dunc till the end of the season and go from there. Telling us what we would get from Dunc, is signing who want to play for the club and most importantly players who want to run. Would he raid Scotland for their best? Rather that then some of the signings we have made over the last few years.
23 Posted 05/12/2021 at 10:07:21
If, for his own reasoning, Benitez will not play Simms then unfortunately I see no other option than playing Tosun up top and Richie alongside him.
We can't give Arsenal space in midfield
Pickford
Kenny, Keane, Branthwaite, Godfrey
Allan, Doucoure, Delph, Gray
Richarlison
Tosun
24 Posted 05/12/2021 at 10:15:22
Jim
I'd probably say anyone, absolutely anyone and for me there's to much RED in our existing manager. Way too much.
That's my input on who I would want to replace our current manager, Moshiri and Brands can do the rest.
25 Posted 05/12/2021 at 10:16:41
Agree getting rid of Benitez will not get rid of the problem. As you say after six Managers who would want the job.
The problem is the Club itself : how it is being Managed ; the personnel still being promoted in Oct and probably plans to employ and promote more in the pipe line: no accountability throughout the Club and having the Manager as the only scapegoat. Though we get 'not his own man' Brands this time.
These are the obvious observations from outside. But what would the professional ( people who earn their corn out of football) view of Everton. It would probably be worse. No money for transfers and their analysis of the squad, the team and the players, which we can see ourselves on the pitch. There advice would be stick with Benitez, thats if he wants to stay.
We are now a the point of no return where these problems need addressing, with the start of the first signs of Accountability, Benitez '5-10% Improvement in All Departments' and the shifting out of underperforming Managers in the Everton hierarchy.
26 Posted 05/12/2021 at 10:18:16
This 'Who would you hire? Give us a Name line doesnt cut it. Six Premier League clubs have replaced their manager this season and it didnt take consensus among the fans on the replacements name for them to take action.
Nobody wants another managerial change, but the results are forcing it. I asked this question on another thread and I am asking it again. How many more defeats would be acceptable before the January window opens?
Equally; we all know the structural, operating norms and cultural issues at the club. Anyone who has been involved in business knows they can take several years to change. We dont have that long to act.
27 Posted 05/12/2021 at 10:20:46
But the thing that sticks out for me is the line up that Barry #6 refers to. The last time we beat Arsenal we had a decent team (albeit weak at CB and in goal).
If we were to sack Benitez, what then?
What are the realistic expectations for a club coming off the back of 12th and 10th place finishes with a deteriorating squad and no money?
And which superior manager would come to Everton as Benitez' replacement?
Unfortunately it is damage limitation till January window / return of injured players.
28 Posted 05/12/2021 at 10:31:59
If it's "a bit weak" then it's probably brought on by six years of bungling decisions made by the ineptitude at boardroom level.
If we sack Benitez next week and bring in another similar face, then where is the upturn?
If we bring in say Nuno what do we then get in January, same old "it's the start of a three year project".
That's all we are, a three year project that never gets past the first year or six months.
Any new manager will not be given time because the fans are too impatient now.
Duncan Ferguson is mooted all the time, but why at 50 has he not been out in the big bad managerial world and tried his hand somewhere?
Even Crease Head Gerrard cut his teeth at Rangers now he's got the Villa job yet Ferguson chooses to sit on our bench year in year out.
Any appointment from abroad would be filled with risk.
Someone tell me a solution?
29 Posted 05/12/2021 at 10:42:01
30 Posted 05/12/2021 at 10:43:26
At the start of the season he had the new managers bounce but what your seeing now is the real Benitez dull uninspiring football, pretty much how Necastle played under his stewardship. So I would ask those who are suggesting sacking Benitez isn't the answer are you sticking by that mantra even if we drop into the bottom 3 by Xmas, or do you suggest that we just have to stick with him no matter how bad it gets.
Look I agree sacking managers on a regular basis is not the way forward but to not sack a manager whose team is greatly underperforming borders on madness. This man will never ever unite the fanbase and without that unity its impossible for him to carry on. Even Spurs realized after 7 games Santos wasnt right for them at some point this board will come to the same conclusion over Benitz.
31 Posted 05/12/2021 at 10:52:52
32 Posted 05/12/2021 at 11:01:40
I think he gave Tosun some minutes as he is the next in line up top so he can continue his favoured system.
4141 could be played to pack the midfield and let him play his counter attacking style. Just what the idea of a 2 man midfield and high line against them lot was l can't get my head around.
Holgate is back for this game and perhaps time to give Coleman a rest. Or even Kenny, that's what he's there for. Isn't it?
The squad depth isn't his fault but the tactics, formations and subs have been. Is it Moshiri's plan to give him a transfer window, no matter what happens between now and January?
Will Arsenal loan us Maitland Niles in January or only sell him? They've done well off us.
We sold Lookman and got lwobi in for double the cost. Genius.
33 Posted 05/12/2021 at 11:05:57
34 Posted 05/12/2021 at 11:07:34
Personally cant see where the next three points are coming from unless we get rid. He said we ran more than the RS, did he seriously think we were ever in that game?
35 Posted 05/12/2021 at 11:10:14
My advice would be to keep carrying the kit bag. He probably knows scapegoat is the other option at Everton and the loss of his salary.
The equivalent of being told to walk the plank.
36 Posted 05/12/2021 at 11:13:40
Nuno, Potter, Ferguson, Lampard and even Rooney would be better than what we have.
Nuno was a victim of circumstance with Kane downing tools.
I have mentioned the rest on other threads.
The attitude of 'who would do better' will soon become 'get anyone in' If we are bottom 3 after Xmas.
37 Posted 05/12/2021 at 11:16:39
38 Posted 05/12/2021 at 11:22:25
Mourinho is yesterday's man - what we need is fresh blood to nurture a fresh team. Boy, I think I can smell bacon, Danish Bacon hopefully!
39 Posted 05/12/2021 at 11:26:21
Why would they be better?
What hard evidence do you have?
So Nuno was a victim at Spurs because Kane downed tools???
Seriously mate the whole Everton side downs tools for managers that's why we have gone through so many, so you think Nuno would get better treatment at Everton?
Rooney, give me a break, the fella can't even manage his own marriage let alone a Premier League football club with a volatile surrounding.
I'm not advocating keeping Benitez out of favouritism, but I've seen young up and coming managers sacked at this club, I've seen elite managers like Carlo Ancelotti walk out because he knew what was coming and even he had fans starting to turn in the latter months.
So throwing a few names on a list and saying "they'd be better than what we have" is that typical myopic view many have.
It's like players that haven't played for ages all of a sudden being the answer to all our prayers.
In recent times I've heard people saying build a team around Gbamin, Gordon, one time not long ago it was Holgate and Davies, just because they hadn't played when a few bad results occured.
Bigger picture and not myopic nonsense is required, that's why this club is the way it is.
40 Posted 05/12/2021 at 11:26:37
John Keatings side above looks a decent shout to me with Mina in place of Keane my only change( if fit).
I see no point in Tosun who cant run, cant outmuscle defenders, cant jump, cant hold the ball up- cant do anything really well. Give Sims a go- ok he is raw but bring him on with twenty minutes or so to go if we need goals because what the lad can do is put away half chances.
I agree that Rafa has made a lot of mistakes lately and the football is pathetic but better football will only come when confidence is restored which wont happen until we win a game or two.
Mourinho must be a joke- if Carlo and Rafa cant sort it out then Jose wont be able to either. We need a young man with ambition, enthusiasm and energy ( I know, Silva and Roberto were supposed to be that) but the risk is that if someone like that is brought in would he have the experience to drag us out of trouble?
Who would be a football club owner/ manager? I guess the multi million pound contract explains why the manager does it!
41 Posted 05/12/2021 at 11:32:08
I agree with every word this morning.
42 Posted 05/12/2021 at 11:39:32
If we are to get rid of him then there are plenty of options out there. Now whether our board is capable of finding someone better - thats a different question! Their lack of capability to get someone in who can inspire and change things is probably the major issue.
For me, I wanted Graham Potter in before we got Rafa and I havent changed my mind. Hes a young progressive coach who gets the best out of his players. He would change our style, create an identity and get the fans back on side.
43 Posted 05/12/2021 at 11:42:13
The constant, ever present in the conversation has been Mr Kenwright.
Out it all to oneside.
Lose Mon, Sun, a few results don't go our way we are in dire straights, if not there now.
I ll get slaughtered for saying it.
But the only manager I know of who has the methods, skill set and "Balls big enough to sort out the mess on the pitch is Sam Alladyce.Hes done it before for us.
He got his fee, but Martinez Koeman, Silva, Carlo, now Rafa have taken probably £60million out in pay offs, £250 million in wasted signings.
60 years watching, believing, enjoying, suffering.
Never suffered like this,Watford et al.
So get hold of Big Sam now.
I ll suffere mid table, not in bottom 3,then Championship.
Who thinks Pickford, Ritchy, other will go to the Championship with us.
It wont be pretty for a couple of months.But the players we can put out at the mo.Not the 3/4 quality lads, but the others6/7alongside them.
We got 11, 16 who can play the way Sam would want for a bit.
Who in their right mind things we can play the attacking, slick way, flanks, into the box we want a Goodison.
When we are bottom, or bottom 5, few points off the drop.
We need a manager who can deal with that pressure, deliver, set up right, with the squad we got.
4/5 injuries to our top players again and ????Jan, Feb,March.??
I don't want to go to.the championship and don't want to waste games, training time, transfers with Rafa, or another manager who will have NO IDEA of whats needed, the pressure of facing relegation.
Lets face the facts, reality.5 months to save ourselves from the drop.
Moshiri needs to act and it shoukdnt be a fancy pants, expansive, brilliant manager of world class players.We don't have that.
So Sam has to be seriously considered.
Would he come, of course he would.
44 Posted 05/12/2021 at 11:42:57
He wasn't even considered for a part in the 'Brooke Bond' Adverts, though he definitely had the looks. :-)
45 Posted 05/12/2021 at 11:50:34
Hes also now been relegated with West Brom so his “special touch” has now gone.
Benitez is divisive for our fan base, but Big Sam is worse. I remember the last game of that season, Everton 1-1 with Southampton with nearly every person in the crowd chanting “F### off Sam Allardyce”. Never experienced anything like that before at Goodison.
46 Posted 05/12/2021 at 11:51:44
47 Posted 05/12/2021 at 11:52:54
I've just been reading about Cornershop's hit song of the late 90s entitled 'Brimful of Asha' where Asha is the Hindi word for hope, which is in very short supply in L4 at the moment.
48 Posted 05/12/2021 at 11:55:39
I not hearing any serious solutions to a dire situation that could see us in the Championship.
Or leaving the opportunity to save ourselves to late.
Need coaching, tactics for players we have, (injury prone squad)
Manager, leader to steer the club to safety pronto.
Love it if we secure 12 points, even 10 from next 15.
Waste 5 games?? Waste Jan, give Norwich,Newcastle,Burnley,Leeds,Brentford a head start.??
They all winning points we winning none.
Cant wait longer than ????
18 games from Jan, 16 mid Jan??
49 Posted 05/12/2021 at 12:00:02
50 Posted 05/12/2021 at 12:41:43
Ancellotti followed the Big Sam Manuel last season to some extent. He declared that the players hadn't got the tactical and technical ability to play any other way and then had to publically declare a lack of work and effort, as destroying chances of getting into Europe.
The problem with this team is a tendency to play deep, with the proverbial error. Both are lethal in the Premiership.
Rafa on Sunday played s more offensive formation and with Rondon maintained a shape. But again the proverbial errors raised their head. I think he will go with the same formation again and hope that the players have learn't from that game. Against Arsenal especially these are the right tactics.
Everton need the crowd behind them and any walk out is a stupid idea.
51 Posted 05/12/2021 at 13:04:06
From 8th downwards there is little to choose between the rest of us ability wise.
The consensus at the start of the season was we would probably finish 10th to 12th, which where I still think we will finish.
Talk of sacking Benitez is madness, we will more of a laughing stock than we are now if we do.
We got off to a good start which glossed over the reality of the overall weakness of our squad.
The club has arrived in the present position due to incompetence thoughout the club for the last 10+ years.
52 Posted 05/12/2021 at 14:18:13
15th and dropping! PULL UP! PULL UP!
53 Posted 05/12/2021 at 14:27:50
We pay a price either way with the quality we lack. Make your choices take your chances.
54 Posted 05/12/2021 at 14:47:32
As for two Sunday rags saying Moshiri will go for Mourinho, such a replacement would be deserving of a new padded office in the Liver Building and a DCL designer jacket with extra long sleeves and plenty of straps.
Roma will sack Mourinho in a few weeks anyway based on recent results and his tactic of publicly picking on individual players has backfired spectacularly at his recent clubs (even though he would have plenty to choose from here).
I'd give a caretaker job to Big Dunc while a permanent replacement is sought, but the most pressing need is to remove Kenwright from having any further influence at the club and for Moshiri to leave footballing decisions to those equipped to make them.
Ferguson didn't do badly last time he was called upon and transformed the atmosphere at Goodison, which is exactly what's needed now. Yes, he's been here under half a dozen managers, but hopefully he will have learned from them exactly how not to go about it! The big mistake was bringing in Allardyce and wasting another £50 million on Tosun and Wallcott.
Whatever the team is, everyone needs to get behind them and make Goodison a proper bear pit. Any venom should be saved for the opposition, officials and for a fully deserving of it Board at the end. COYB.
55 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:00:25
For me changing the manager does very little. Personally I want to see a shake up at board level and that HAS to be done now, otherwise it's the same circle of shite in decision making. Brands, Kenshite and DBB. Get them out. That has to be the priority for Moshiri.
56 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:09:11
57 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:10:53
58 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:12:40
59 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:13:27
Are we overlooking the fact his fireman's hose ran dry last season?
60 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:13:42
[BRZ]
61 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:15:48
Heaven only knows how that was - ehrm - 'calculated'.
A totally faudulent claim I fancy.
62 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:18:31
63 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:19:15
64 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:19:29
[BRZ]
65 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:24:04
The Echo is reporting the Mirror's allegation, adding they are 'checking it' to see if it is true.
How come their own well-connected local journalists haven't got the inside track to get this exclusive first, or be so well-informed to be able to deny it immediately?
What a hopeless rag.
[BRZ]
66 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:25:27
I totally disbelieve the stat. From both games.
It didn't happen.
67 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:26:17
68 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:27:39
The owners of the Mirror also own the Liverpool Echo, which makes it even stranger that the local paper is behind the national title when it comes to news about Everton FC - having given it some thought, the Echo is probably obliged not to upset Bill and company - so they have to wait for permission to break the news.
69 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:28:30
https://mobile.twitter.com/EvertonNewsFeed/status/1467509907041796097?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet
Blue Bill still there?
70 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:29:05
Id still like to hear a general analysis of why this was necessary from the one who made the decision. Maybe I should be more specific, Moshiri Bill may be scripting it all.
71 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:31:53
[BRZ]
72 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:32:40
Reporting the Mirror story and at the end saying they are 'checking it out'.
I thought the same Barry. A sister paper checking out the veracity of their big brother's paper.
73 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:34:04
74 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:35:30
75 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:35:51
76 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:36:03
Now I'm usually the foolish optimist, but I'm also superstitious.
I'm currently in the US (yeah thanks UK Government for changing the rules!!).
When I watch Everton stateside, it rarely ends well. In fact, it's usually a disaster.
Early season in Florida, 2009 prior to deploying to Afghanistan. 6 - 1 thumping by Arsenal. Thanks Everton. Great send off.
November 2016, Texas, 2 months into my first civilian job. That 5 - 0 humiliation by Chelsea.
Two weeks ago, Texas. The City embarrassment. Last Wednesday, Florida, the obvious.
I don't fly back until Tuesday, so tomorrow concerns me. It's my fault. I apologise.
77 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:39:01
78 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:43:25
79 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:44:39
80 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:45:03
Well be selling. The only question is how aggressive ? Ok a second question, how young do we buy?
[BRZ]
81 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:46:56
I've linked it to the data for the Brentford-Everton game.
If you scroll down to the graphic of the footy field showing the players, click on any player and it will open a window showing the individual data and a complete metric of every play they made.
For example, in Seamus' case that day he completed 59 passes with a passing success rate of 79% and had a total of 109 touches all game.
On the ranking they apply he was the second highest rated player for the Blues on the day.
For me personally, as I called it on the day, Seamus was our best player v Brentford.
He had a more torrid time of it v them, but methinks someone is being a maverick on Football Insider and distorting the numbers to make Seamus look bad.
82 Posted 05/12/2021 at 15:57:10
83 Posted 05/12/2021 at 16:00:47
Just think Kenshite couldnt muster 30 million for Kings Dock and weve basically paid that out to fired managers on his watch.
84 Posted 05/12/2021 at 16:00:52
[BRZ]
85 Posted 05/12/2021 at 16:07:34
But if this is true, in all likelihood there will be a NDA - a non-disclosure agreement so the dirty laundry doesn't get aired.
More's the pity.
86 Posted 05/12/2021 at 16:21:41
If you want change, let them have it again tomorrow night.
I hope Moshiri leaves it to Benitez to sort transfers and forget the DOF bollucks,it has ruined Everton.
Farhad,strike now and get your own people in to run Everton, quickly.
Get Kenwright/Baxendale out the door this week.
Keep up with the confrontations at the directors box because it will work and they will leave.
Let's hope it's an early Christmas present for all Bluenoses.
Basildon Bond/ Miss Funny Fanny OUT!!!!
87 Posted 05/12/2021 at 17:27:42
88 Posted 05/12/2021 at 20:12:37
It's what Russ Abbott said all those years ago! Must be true, it would explain all the screwed-up faces in our Directors Box for the last few year's!!
You know what they say: 'a change is as good as a rest' and there's plenty who need "resting" at Everton.
89 Posted 05/12/2021 at 22:08:39
90 Posted 05/12/2021 at 23:46:52
I agree. The match tomorrow will see commitment and effort. I believe that some of these players where part of the resistance to Benitez as the comfortable life came under threat and their backroom pals and theur higher up mates feared the confidence and authority that Benitez seemed to have in his ' implementation of his Improvement in all department ' plans. There worse fears have been realised and accountability and appraisal of performance will continue as Benitez pushes on with his review.
Arsenal have alway been a barometer of Evertons season and it a good place to start a fightback, Benitez will be thinking.
91 Posted 06/12/2021 at 01:31:18
92 Posted 06/12/2021 at 03:59:49
In fact the only players safe in my eyes with RB in charge are Coleman, Godfrey, Digne, Branthwaite, Grey, Townsend, Rondon, Lonnergan, Begovic, Allan, Doucoure, Dobbin, Simms,Gordon and Delph ( RB seems to like Delph). Frightening isn't it !!!
Maybe RB should name this team to play Arsenal.
Begovic, Coleman, Branthwaite, Godfrey, Digne, Allan, Doucoure, Delph, Grey, Townsend and Simms. Come January it may be all he has left.
93 Posted 06/12/2021 at 07:21:12
94 Posted 06/12/2021 at 08:11:58
The lads seem to have been sleepwalking through the last few games waking up too late to save the day.
As stated above by Tom, the players now know that Benitez is in charge. Brands has gone -it's a clear signal, a sacrifice, but a statement.
Comfy, earphone wearing, x-box playing, tatoo-picking, hair-cutting, fashion-following, car-buying, wag-playing, chest-shaving feckers need to pull their proverbial fingers out and give us a victory.
95 Posted 06/12/2021 at 08:42:00
Pickford
Coleman Godfrey Keane Digne
Doucoure Allan Gomes
Grey Simms Richie
Pickford
Godfrey Keane Branthwaite
Coleman Allan Doucoure Digne
Grey Gordon
Richie
What well likely see is Rafas toothless 4-4-2 again, with at least 2 of Tosun/Iwobi/Townsend in the starting 11 again, and then the master stroke of bringing on Delph for an attacker once we are chasing the game.
96 Posted 06/12/2021 at 14:12:43
They know the position we're in league wise, they've had a bit of grief after both Brentford and the RS games.
They will have heard of possible protests and the demise of Brands.
Rather than get upset on the possibility of getting a bit of stick from the supporters they should realise their incompetence has contributed to the present situation.
They need to get their fingers out and get it sorted on the pitch !!!
98 Posted 06/12/2021 at 16:23:21
We have a squad of good but not brilliant players, who will huff and puff but will probably be second best once more.
Looking to the future the most disappointing aspect of being an Everton supporter is I cant see things getting better, we look like being a nearly club for a long time.
99 Posted 06/12/2021 at 16:48:45
100 Posted 06/12/2021 at 17:12:36
They were a tad unlucky to lose to Manure too,sadly there'll prove too smart for us tonight,as our confidence is at rock bottom and the Atmosphere will be toxic amongst the let down faithful.
0-2...and the misery sadly continues further methinks!.
101 Posted 06/12/2021 at 17:21:55
102 Posted 06/12/2021 at 17:29:11
“It costs a lot of money to look this cheap,” Dolly Parton once said, and it is a quotation that may resonate with Everton fans as they click through the Goodison Park turnstiles tonight before their teams match against Arsenal. Since Farhad Moshiri took control of the club five years ago, the thick end of £500m has been spent on players, who between them have somehow combined to make the grand old team demonstrably worse.
Despite the best attempts of five different managers, two of them highly decorated and among the best in the business, the seventh-place Premier League finish Everton once considered their birthright in the pre-Moshiri era is currently little more than a pipe dream. As for delusions of Big Cup or Euro Vase grandeur? Well, theyve been quietly shelved as Rafa Benítezs side try to arrest their inexorable slide towards the drop. Yes siree, as Dolly might say, it has cost Everton an eye-watering sum of money to become the fifth-worst team in the league and last night the first lamb was sacrificed at the metaphorical altar as their director of football, Marcel Brands, left the club.
“The board and I agreed that there is a clear difference in the vision and direction for this beautiful club and, with that in mind, the decision was taken,” said Brands, who had inked a new three-year deal just seven months ago. “I want to wish all of the squad every success, and I am convinced that there is enough quality to improve the current situation quickly.”
Everton fans are unconvinced and some supporter groups are planning a protest at tonights game, although it remains to be seen how many will take part or what exactly it is about their free-spending owners, proven trophy-winner of a manager and array of very expensive players they are protesting. Entitled #27minutesfor27years, the planned protest references the number of years Everton will have gone without a trophy come the end of this season and fans are encouraged to walk out of Goodison Park in the 27th minute, a full eight minutes later than it took many of them to abandon ship during their recent drubbing at the hands of Liverpool.
Tired of the chaotic behind-the-scenes activities they believe to be to blame for the current on-field shambles, those behind #27minutesfor27years want Moshiri to keep spending money but instigate a boardroom cull, stop communicating club business through favoured Scottish talk radio presenters and give them some face time so they can voice their concerns in the hope all concerned can get more bang for their emotional and financial buck. Fan reaction to the planned protest has been predictably mixed and if the current squabbling on various social media websites is anything to go by, those behind the #27minutesfor27years show of dissent may discover their fans are no better at singing from the same hymn sheet than the very people they are railing against.
103 Posted 06/12/2021 at 17:37:50
Otherwise, Partey, Elneny and Odegaard will completely dominate the game (with Rowe-Smith dropping back in too).
Gray, Richarlison and Gordon can play on the break.
As an observation, Arsenal are now probably going to reap the rewards of sticking with Arteta (must have been close to the sack) and of investing (heavily) in player development. They now have a strong, improving side and a quality bench.
Tough ask tonight but if we compete in midfield we stand a chance.
104 Posted 06/12/2021 at 17:39:26
Almost Murdoch quality. One to avoid, thanks for the heads up.
105 Posted 06/12/2021 at 18:04:02
And I can find no fault with Glendenning's commentary.
106 Posted 06/12/2021 at 18:10:38
Glendenning is a frustrated Mackem fan. With that context, the snide subtext of the piece makes a lot more sense. We got Moshiri the clueless billionaire; they got Short the clueless tightfisted billionaire.
"If that was us we'd be building statues of w'or Moshiri"
He's a hack with a cob on Mike, but if you want to read disingenuous crap you're in luck. T'internet is literally full of it.
107 Posted 06/12/2021 at 18:21:19
As to the Guardian, I find its reporting on the US to be vastly superior to the odious Murdock sludge here, particularly Fox News and the New York Post.
108 Posted 06/12/2021 at 18:31:37
Simms and Branthwaite may therefore be on the bench at Goodison.
109 Posted 06/12/2021 at 18:31:59
110 Posted 06/12/2021 at 18:32:17
111 Posted 06/12/2021 at 18:33:17
112 Posted 06/12/2021 at 18:37:16
You could have just stated your opposition to the campaign Mike, and I'd have been happy to accept that.
Quoting a snidey Mackem writing tripe didn't really add any weight to your opinion though. In fact, if anything it rather did the opposite.
I respect your opinion Mike, because I've read enough of your stuff to know it's thought out and has the clubs best interests at heart. Even when I don't agree with it.
Some hack from the Grauniad with an ax to grind doesn't even qualify. We'll have to agree to disagree on the campaign, and I suppose agree to disagree in our respective choice of broadsheet as well. Hope we both enjoy the match.
PS - Not as far as I'm aware Dave, the younger Glendennings wikipedia gave me a laugh though.
113 Posted 06/12/2021 at 18:43:44
114 Posted 06/12/2021 at 18:52:40
DM #112, I'm aware we have differing views on a lot of things, but it doesn't bother me a bit.
Dave #111, I assume not, since Barry is Irish.
Bobby #113, sorry, but I think it's a silly idea, and I stand by my opinion.
115 Posted 06/12/2021 at 18:56:04
116 Posted 06/12/2021 at 18:58:07
117 Posted 06/12/2021 at 19:01:31
Agree midfield will be critical.
118 Posted 06/12/2021 at 19:07:38
Mina
Keane
Godfrey
Digne
Allan
Doucouré
Delph
Gomes
Gray
Richarlison
I think that's best we can expect.
120 Posted 06/12/2021 at 19:14:15
That stat on the BBC is unwelcome. We cod become the first team to lose 400 Premier League games.
Oh well, if not tonight, it's going to happen this season!!
121 Posted 06/12/2021 at 19:31:44
122 Posted 06/12/2021 at 19:49:34
"We cod become the first team to lose 400 Premier League games."
sounds a bit fishy.
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1 Posted 05/12/2021 at 05:28:04