Precious strike by Maupay seals Everton's first win

A draw is a must.. a win a bonus.

Wise up.

Thought DCL would be on the bench, maybe at Southampton, if not then perhaps this injury is lingering on more than first anticipated?

We need to turn in a power-packed performance.

It's one thing doing it againt Liverpool but until we reach a level of consistency there will remain questions.

Here we are a week later, and he doesn't even make the squad. Feels ominous. We've been down this road before.

And this all started from a stupid broken toe, not football related. He must feel desperate.

Or should we repeat the mistake that fool Benitez made by rushing him back only for him to break down again?

Doucoure blows hot and cold, especially under Frank and is not yet match fit. Why on earth would you take off our fittest and most in-form player for him? It's all about opinions and I must respect yours but still it seems a strange shout.

If the Doucoure was to return, I would push Iwobi into an even freer forward role in the place of Gray. I suspect your boy Doucoure will soon find himself behind Garner as well as Iwobi.

More ridiculous rumours, Frank is giving him an extra two weeks to get fit, which makes sense.

I see Branthwaite has scored for PSV.

We need to start getting men forward otherwise we'll never score any goals at this rate.

Only concern for me is Tarkowski. Continues to be caught out of position quite a lot.

Need to keep the effort up and this us there to be won.

Unpopular opinion... Gana slows down play too much. Great to have a solid defensive base but if we hesitate in that position then there's a very well drilled team ahead of him getting themselves organised.

We've probably been the better side, yet West Ham have looked more dangerous.

However, at times our defence looked a little asleep, disorganized while at the other end nobody seems to want to put their head in where it hurts. Maupay looks like a short centre-half who is lousy in the air and has been pushed forward to make up the numbers.

We could and should have done better with some of those attacks while we still have trouble putting in decent crosses, and corners, we should have a plan by now.

Frank needs at least some stern words at half time if not a boot or two up some backsides.

Great goal.

Neal before him.

Worrying though that Frank moved Iwobi to the wing to accommodate a less than impressive Doucoure... not sure why Gray got hooked either.

Fair play to Maupay, he took that goal superbly.

But great win and green shoots... a relegation battle was never a reality this season.

Once we scored we went straight back into the safe mode we played the first half in. Plenty of the ball but too happy to play the easy pass backwards. As a result, we end up with the fullbacks having plenty of the ball and the wingers not having much to work with.

We were the better team, and West Ham were pretty poor. That didn't need to be as tense as it got.

Won't judge Doucoure too much given how little he's played but Ciaran's 'less than impressive' is probably a bit generous!

Gana was immense, Iwobi and Gray very good as were the centre-halves. Gordon had an off-day and should have got hooked earlier.

We deserved to win.

A win with a clean sheet at home. Keep this momentum up!

I think it's wise to get Doucouré match fit again fast. Even though now we have Onana and Gueye, with the press and intensity we're playing, another player who brings energy and ground coverage is always welcome.

And happy with Maupay's strike. Maybe he wouldn't score 2 digits in a season. But what an important goal it is!

You can allow for a performance like that when it's your first win, we desperately needed it.

Terrific goal from Maupay, made up for him.

The goal looked a nice move but more impromptu rather than practised while their keeper didn't seem to have his positioning right, another "Well who'd have thought he would shoot from there?"

Again, I couldn't follow the substitutions, maybe McNeil was like for like when I thought an extra, more mobile midfield man would have been better and why Rondon with 2 minutes + extra time to play?

Still, an important win over a club below us in the Premier League.

Everybody worked their socks off, did their jobs, covered for each other. And one excellent moment by Iwobi and Maupay won it.

It does look a great, well-balanced midfield but I can't see where the goals are coming from.

At last, a striker that can finish. Defence outstanding and midfield much improved. I thought Doucoure could have upped a bit. Gueye is a great signing.

Goodison respectful to the Queen.

Keep it going, lads!

Gray and Maupay put in a shift but Gordon was poor, but how George could say it was a shocking performance, extreme to say the least.

The lack of firepower and goals in this side is still a concern.

We are starting to look like a decent team, just need the game time to get the players used to playing with each other. Still frustrating at times to see forward runs only for the ball to be back in our own half – you don't score from there.

Overall, a decent game and it will give us the momentum to push on up the table. UTFT COYB IFWT NSNO

That said, I think something is happening here. Slowly but surely we are becoming a team – not a bunch of individuals, a team of fighters, triers and no divers.

The midfield was the first time they have played together today from the start. A lot of new players to bed in, but there is cohesiveness, intent, fight, spirit and 2 clean sheets in a row – 5 undefeated in a row.

Whisper it – things are a-changing. A young manager, decent coaching staff, a togetherness in the players and fans… something not seen for a while. Plus options: McNeil, Doucoure and Rondon (yes, Rondon) are not bad options to bring on – compared to say when Ancelotti had 2 keepers on the bench.

The ball is moved faster, the defenders contemplating better, players talking or berating each other.

Yip - I see progress, major progress.

Also, I can watch Everton without the feeling of embarrassment as there were no theatrics today - my real bane of the modern game that has all but switched me off from it!

These are extremely fine margins to live on, but the hope is that, as Calvert-Lewin is eased back and the side continues to gel and grow in confidence, more goals will come. The important thing is that we've got that first win in the bank, the monkey's off our back, and now we can kick on.

I said 'shocking' because, once we scored, we sat back and let them come at us. Better teams than West ham will take advantage of that.

I think we're at our best when we're on the front foot. And McNeil and Doucouré were poor when they came on and that put more pressure on us.

I thought it was a good performance: solid, organised, hardworking. Iwobi has become such a good player under Frank, he was my MotM.

The two young fullbacks are improving nicely. Gordon and Onana didn't really get in the game much but Gray did very well.

Surprised no one made much of the incident when Gray went down, it seemed a clear penalty to me as the defender missed the ball and tripped the player.

Importantly, we now seem to be hard to beat, which is a good starting point.

We sprayed the ball left to right at times, Iwobi and Gray outstanding knitting it all together. I thought Gordon was off the pace as we need more from him in the final 3rd. Other than that, happy days.

Well done, Frank, with the complete overall in a short space of time. I didn't think it was possible but I'm made up with every signing so far.

Overall, I thought we did well controlling the game in midfield, looking composed on the ball and always posing a threat on the break. A good win which lifts us into mid-table.

That said, we are improved and improving. We've signed proper Everton players, men with character and a little bit of shithousery to them. It's a good base for Frank to build from.

Another 9 or so of those and we can breathe a bit easier.

Moyes spent big money during the summer, and the Hammers have a strong squad. We'll also meet weaker teams this season.

Having Calvert-Lewin back after the break, and our midfield getting more time to gel, will be a big plus.

I don't know why we go back into this defensive mode so often, but if we continue to do it, we are going to get caught out against more attacking teams.

I thought Gordon was off the boil today, as he was against Liverpool, maybe still a hangover from summer transfer rumours. I would have subbed him earlier and reshuffled the formation a little to give Garner a run out.

Delighted.

Is that a petty reaction to comments from their camp leading up to the game or ignorance to the fact they finished 7th and are playing in Europe, somewhere we aspire to be?

Enjoy your Sunday afternoon, Blues.

I'm off for a few celebratory super bocks with the Mrs 🍻🍻.

Excellent goal by Maupay as well, that'll help him settle quickly. Three well-deserved points.

The biggest improvement is playing a back four. Two solid centre-backs and a good, young and quick right back at last.
Centre of midfield, solid and some creativity which we were desperately missing.

Tarkowski, Coady with the ever industrious Gana in front of them make us much more solid. Three great professionals to have at our core. Begovic deserves a mention, looked reassured today.

Iwobi continues to impress. I like the way he is accepting responsibility and looking to receive the ball. Also Patterson, a few mistakes but another good performance from the young lad.

Maupay took his goal very well, what a great finish. We're are still light in the attacking department. This win gives us time now to get Calvert-Lewin back 100%. Then he will start and any two from Gordon, Maupay and Gray will be fighting it out.

Gray, won MotM (not player) but his final ball/cross is still either just in front of its target or over his head and his set-pieces were not the best.

Doucoure came on and although he was naturally a bit rusty, he immediately gave the ball away for them to counter, and subsequently misplaced at least two or three more passes, one of which could have put us in on goal.

He also left his man, to double-up on their winger, allowing the lad to pop it inside to the unmarked teammate. Such mistakes could have cost us the game.

Indeed the game had been drifting in West Ham's favour for too long, before Lampard made his subs.

In previous matches, this reactive, rather than proactive, strategy has been our undoing, as it almost was again when Benrhama hit the post.

I suspect Gordon's lack of penetration was down to instructions to keep tight on Bowen and Cresswell.

It is nice to have the rub of the green for a change and the releatively healthy appearance of mid-table obscurity will surely lift the morale in the camp and encourage more confidence going forward.

Frank lapped it up at the end. He knows how to engage with the fans, even though it wasn't exactly a thumping win!

Wonder what he will do if we stuff someone?

Then Maupay scored with a superb shot and they, as expected, didn't really have any sort of response. However, that didn't stop me having a squeeky bum right up to the final whistle as I expected them to get one back with a fluke goal or be given one by another wonky Oliver decision.

True joy when that didn't happen, though, as if either team deserved to win it was us because we, at least, were the more deserving.

Onwards and upwards. We have started now. All we have to do is carry on with the good work. The midfield and defence can keep it tight but let's have more end product up front.

But then, what would ToffeeWebbers have to write about, the School of Science that most of them never witnessed, anyway?

Maupay took his goal well, like a true striker, knew where the goal was and instinctively hit it. Gray or Gordon wouldn't have scored that, they don't have that instinct. That's what you get with a natural striker.

Defence looks like they are getting stronger each match, with the midfielders settling too it will take time to develop an understanding. Signs are promising.

This is another match we would've lost easily last season. So progress is there for all to see. A bit more fluidity going forward is the key now, we are so much more comfortable in possession. Iwobi, Onana, Gana all played well. It gives us a real base to build from.

Patterson a legit prospect. To have so few games under his belt at 20 (21 in a few weeks) and being a Starting-11 player in such a tough league, yet look like he belongs.

Gordon must have a virus or something because he had no energy whatsoever and I was surprised he stayed on as long as he did.

I would love Iwobi, when he gets 25 yards out, to keep running with the ball into the box and see what develops because he has so much skill but he tends to get so far and release it first time.

Hope the reason Dom wasn't on the bench isn't a set-back.

We have some players who are as good as all but the best, such as Iwobi and Gana; the rest are improving.

Get points on the board, confidence will grow and performances improve.

Great team effort.

But, on at least 3 occasions in the first half, we could have broken from their corners if only Lampard would leave Gray or someone on the halfway line as an out ball.

Wasted opportunities.

Maupay scored even though he couldn't hit a barn door. We played a back four again even though “cowardly Frank” insists on a back five.

Gotta love ToffeeWeb experts like Ian who wanted bottom-of-the-table Brenda in charge.

Meanwhile we beat a usually good West Ham Utd and some say “They're crap now though” while we drew with in-form (at the time) Leeds and Brentford and the same people were saying “But they're usually crap”.

So we can't win for losing in some people's eyes. Maybe they're among those who booed today?

I have bored the shit out of everyone around me for years, going on about leaving 1 player up the field at corners.

The only one to do it – Fat Sam.

You must sit near me in the Top Balcony cos that's all we go on about too.

We still have a long way to go, especially as an attacking force, but we are definitely starting to look like a team, and Iwobi is starting to look like a footballer who was coached by Arsene Wenger.

Patterson and Onana both showed their inexperience at times today but you sense they are both going to be massive players for Everton in the future. They are tenacious, and do a lot of good things very naturally, so that was a very important 3 points we got today.

Maupay is not the tallest, but he works hard and the ball sticks, and that was one brilliant instinctive goal, that was! badly needed.

Everton are still a work in progress, but the win today will add to their confidence. The signs of the improvement can be seen in our Goal Difference of –1.

Everyone will have their own opinions of the MotM but I prefer it as, the team won the points and kept a clean sheet. For once, we have a bit of luck, with the international break, giving us a chance to improve some of our injuries.

We do need strengthening up front but, as the next window is a couple of months away, the service to our present forwards will have to improve.

That first win was needed and we can relax for a couple of weeks, and hope the 5 games without a loss can continue with more wins than draws.

It has gone unnoticed Tony – except by you! Cheers! So, whispered it metaphorically was!

The thing is, despite the new faces in the team, the team looks more gelled than it has in a long time. Even Patterson and Mykolenko, though Benitez signings, are basically new and starting first-team football this season.

The two centre-backs are new, two new midfielders, Iwobi in a new position, and a new centre-forward. Somehow, they are looking like a team, and I would go as far to say, a decent squad.

We are light up top to a degree, but it was also noticeable that the 3 players substituted today were the forward players.

We also have some versatility in the squad now.

Peter #80, I loved that. I hate giving up goals on corners more than I hate broccoli and brussels sprouts put together. Great improvement in this area.

Talking of broccoli and brussels sprouts put together – that could describe the Calvert-Lewin & Richarlison partnership for me!

Anyways, things are looking better!

ps: I'm away this week - see you next week.

On today, the thing that got me was that we just look like a well drilled unit with a solid back four and protection from centre mid and I didn't think West Ham would score even if we played an hour more.

Once Calvert-Lewin is back firing, we can work on opening up. Demarai Gray needs more confidence to keep going when he's at speed.

And Patterson will be a legend!

We kept Rice quiet today which shows how good the midfield was, as he ran the show for the last 2 seasons. Need more goals from midfield and gamble more in the final 1/3.

In a Guardian article before the season began, a series of questions where asked of fans of each club, one question asked who will be the first manager sacked?

I think 16 of 20 said Lampard... tosh!

I think we are all feeling positive after our last 6 games (unbeaten) and it won't be long before others start catching on.

Lampard is reminding me of Kendall Mk I.

Gana was magnificent for me – his composure is something else, and he looks so confident all the time. And we look so much better at the back compared to last season.

Moyes still a dour bastard. Bought well and they have good players but he has no bollocks. The twat. Love Coady. Proper scouser. And imagine doubting Gana. A player.

Everton. The Gear!

It wasn't a classic but the link betweeen the manager, the team and the crowd is fully intact and will pay dividends over time.

I thought Maupay was impressive today apart from his goal. Looks a sound signing.

Good if unspectacular result.

All those fretting about relegation can stop fretting. This is a well-assembled side that is getting better. Best First XI since the end of the season Silva got us to 8th.

Once we get into a rhythm, we might give someone a good hiding.

Also, Patterson is an absolutely cracking player. Grit, class and dynamism.

Also, Peter at 86, Fat Sam – for all his faults – knows how to do set-pieces.

Mark,

See you soon, I hope.

This is steady stuff from Lampard. It feels like he is going back to important basics; getting the defence right, getting the teamwork and attitude right. The signings of Gana, Coady and Tarkowski appear to be masterstrokes.

Though I liked Lampard as a person, I wasn't entirely convinced by him last season but his attitude and demeanour are growing on me by the game.

Tempting as it is to dream of greater things this season, I think it will be a question of building a team which may well take longer to complete than our magnificent stadium. Thinking back to a year ago, though, we would have settled for this then.

You can't please all the people all the time!
You can't please all of ToffeeWeb any of the time!!
But you can silence a lot of the doubters some of the time!!!

I'm not getting carried away. There wasn't a lot to get carried away with. It's about small steps. Incremental progress. That's what we are seeing.

Defence not made of wet cardboard ✔️
Midfield not collapsing at the slightest glimpse of a Battle ✔️
Keeping hold of the ball for more than a few passes ✔️
A striker scoring a goal ✔️
Keeping hold of a lead without crumbling ✔️
Winning a match without key players ✔️

These are things we haven't seen from an Everton team in a long time. So, while it's not a time to say we are the finished article, Imo it's a time to say 'Yes, we are progressing and the team is obviously better than it was." That's progress!!

I thought it was Gordon who deserved the bollocking. Just stopped chasing his man and then bollocked Patterson. He should've not given up the chase, imo.

I thought Patterson was good.

Anthony is playing in little snatches and although he runs back and puts in the odd tackle occasionally, he's not working hard enough off the ball, to try and get on the ball, and I personally think he made a little bit of a fool of himself on this occasion, because it didn't look good, imo.

In fact, Patterson gets a vital nick on the ball as their man is getting ready to shoot. A brilliant and vital piece of defending.

Understandable to some extent but he needs to sort himself out.

It might be that we end up going back to three at the back if this happens, but something makes me think that they could be a good pairing and a real handful for a lot of defenders?

And it also means that we now have a versatile squad - not stuck on one formation, come rain or shine!

Calvert-Lewin and Maupay could be a throwback to the old Little and Large pairings like Cottee and Sharp… or Quinn and Phillips at Sunderland

It remains to be seen who will make way when Calvert-Lewin returns, but Maupay could be retained and then a fight between Gordon and Gray for the third forward position.

Thought Maupay's general hold-up play was excellent, as well as his great finish.

Shame we didn't pick Cornet up from Burnley as he's one dangerous player. Would have him in the side over Gordon, no question.

Great to have two hardy centre-backs who don't get injured and don't give away cheap goals. Hopefully we see very little of Keane and Godfrey this season, just like by default we will see very little of Mina.

By the way, has that numpty, Kenwright finally left us? Things have gone pretty quiet in that direction. Perhaps he is getting worried about his possible knighthood!

I thought Begovic's save towards the end was a good one and the man never makes me feel uneasy. A fine deputy and he has 3-4 years left in him.

We have had a good start towards those goals and if we can stay this way and get to January around midtable then perhaps we can add a few more goals and a bit more precision in the final third.

But 3 points today and unbeaten in 6 will do for me. Iwobi is really making all his previous detractors eat humble pie (can't help but think of Colin GlasSar's constant slagging him off- sorry Colin!), apparently he's being offered a new contract and richly deserved.

Both players had to be brave to pull that off. They both had easier, safer options.

Iwobi was immense once again and has been so in every game so far this season. He always seems to do the right thing and makes it look easy.

Tarkowski and Coady have made the biggest difference, and now with Gana ahead of them, we look totally solid.

I have a lot of faith in "thin" Frank and his team. If we can become a bit more clinical in the final third, we will be competing in the top half of the table in no time.

Great goal by Maupay by the way, and great assist from Iwobi.

I feel he always wanted to play in the middle and now Frank's give him that opportunity, he's grasping it and now there is more competition for them 3 midfield spots all the midfield need to be performing or there's someone chomping to take their place – healthy for the sqaud.

He did not have a lot to do but certainly controlled his area and made some good catches.

Pickford has been outstanding this season, made some brilliant stops, but the big lads West Ham threw up for set pieces, found it tough going trying to outjump Begovic, apart from a stray throw out, I thought Begovic did a great job.

Be interesting when Pickford is fit.

Two games running now Onana has had the shit kicked out of him.

I agree about Gordon not tracking back. Frank should sit him down, show him that video, tell him that's just not acceptable. I hope he watches it and apologises to Patterson.

Maybe Patterson could've come and pressed but to just let him go and give him all that time was criminal. Hope he's not getting too big for his boots.

I don't think he's playing I'm "snatches". I think he's still a young lad who's been asked to do an unfamiliar job up to now this season. Back to his familiar position today but I thought he was dragged too central and left Mykolenko a bit isolated at times.

I've said on previous threads, I think he should be used as a sub in some matches, tires quickly, has less impact later in the match. Love the lad but how a young lad like him tires so quick is worrying, was it just tiredness why he didn't track his man?

Something is not right with a Gordon, whether carrying a knock or something, but he looked gassed after half an hour.

For once we have some players with nasty streaks in them, no more Mr Nice Guys.

You have said those comments about every manager we have had.

A very good goal by Maupay. Looking at it on the big screen, he knew what he was aiming for and put it away brilliantly. Patterson is a young player with an old head on his shoulder, he'll be bollocking Gordon shortly especially if he doesn't do what he is supposed to do, help the full back out, he failed on a few occasions and like in the derby game he looked knackered at times, didn't have the best of games. The new lad Onana didn't impress either going missing for large parts of the game and loitering instead of getting involved more.

But the win was what was necessary today and we achieved that which might release a lot of tension now we have our first win and with Dominic, hopefully coming back we might start rippling the net a bit more often,

Made West Ham to be driving the bulk of the match, but little surprise there.

Still, from Everton, great signs, plenty of work to do, but spine, and guts with skill.

Hopefully a clean health check, on returns from International duties, and Everton can beat Southampton on 10 October 2022.

Gone the days of a shaky backline, as long as we keep Keane and Holgate away from the first team.

And Iwobi, what a player he's turned into (am I dreaming?). Spraying passes left and right like Pirlo when he was at the peak of his game!

Hopefully we can bring in a creative, goal scoring midfielder and another striker in the next window.

Overslept and missed kickoff. The Mrs put the game on at the beginning for me so I wouldn't "know" anything that happened about 10 am. Stopped /paused at 30 minutes and headed out to Mass. Came home, hit play, and watched the rest.

I thought we played great. Controlled the game completely, and our midfield looks very good in my opinion.

I said to my son just after halftime of our "replay" that we had a real team now.

We are so much better - in talent, competence, and viewability, then at any time under Rafa or the latter part of last season! It's like night and day.

I'm very bullish on this team and Everton's future under Frank. Great three points.

Oh, and to all those who said Gueye shouldn't come back - as you say across the pond give your head a wobble. He covered every single blade of grass. He doesn't look as if he's lost a single step. He is immense and a massive asset to Everton. It's wonderful to see him back "home" and playing effectively and as if he never left.

He has fitted in superbly in his 2 games back.

Fantastic player.

That being said, we lost our shape when Doucoure came on. As usual, he was like a chipmunk chasing a shiny bit of paper and his passing was dreadful.

Gana was immense, he showed for the ball out of defence or as a counter to the press all game. You can get exposed when you play that role, as happened once when they hit the post, but he made a massive difference.

I think Onana is a bit of a rough diamond like the young Fellaini. I hope most fans are level headed like you and don't a) over hype him then knock him down or b) slag him off if he has some poor games.

I think long term he can be a good player for us but the next 12 to 18 months might be a bumpy ride given his age and lack of experience.

As for Gueye? I think he's better than when he left. He was always a great destroyer but now he seems a bit more composed on the ball. And while he's no spring chicken there's no sign of him slowing down any time soon.

I do wonder if Frank May work Garner in instead of one of the aforementioned just to add a bit more craft over the season. But I think for now he's wisely taking things cautiously, sorting defense first.

He did his job today. He didn't shine above the rest, but he surely didn't play poorly.

The thing I love about him based on interviews is that from day one he “gets Everton” plus he's good.

Works for me. 😜

I was very impressed about how much more solid we look now and 2 clean sheets on the bounce is not to be sniffed at.

I thought Demarai Gray had a blinder closely followed by Iwobi, Garner and our 2 CBs.

Complaint:– how the hell did we get 3 yellow cards and they got one.

Onwards and upwards.

Onana was awesome in the derby and a bit off it today.

We as fans should take a balanced view and judge players in the round. I can never get criticism of a player's performance based on pre-conceived opinions – usually a single error leads to a lot of abuse.

If a player I am not keen on plays well, I try to comment on them in particular as I like being proved wrong if the team benefits.

Onana is a young and a work in progress, so fans (including me) need to give him time and patience. He will be a top player for us in the future.

Up front, end product still missing from Gray and Gordon. The latter wasn't there today, actually neither was he at the last game!

Someone please take over corner and free kick duty from Gray, very weak! For the second game running Gordon's head was elsewhere, the lad is off his game.

Maupay… lovely goal.. Touch, turn, strike!

Begovic almost let Antonio sneak up behind him and take the ball, Coady almost deflected one into his net... but generally we defended well.

Final aside, there are a number of individuals on TW that continually post with comments that are either derogatory or negative. Doesn't seem to matter if we win, lose or draw. I'm not a happy clapper either but it gets tiresome to hear the continuous poor opinions on players, the match or the club – no matter if we win or lose.

It's a win. Period.

First disappointment, apologies I didn't make it to the Bramley Moore. Those travelling to Southampton, let me know and we can meet up then.

We continue to look way more solid and playing as a team. I don't expect any teams to roll us over easily this season. I don't expect to stand in disbelief at White Hart Lane as we get thumped 5 - 0. There, I've said it, you can quote me!

Once again, our 2 young full backs impressed. As he grew into the game, I thought Patterson was a contender for Everton man-of-the-match. He might not be the best going forward, but for those who like a traditional full back, Mykolenko is in danger of becoming the Ukranian Tony Hibbert!

Our centre backs were resolute. Watching closely, it struck me that Tarkowski is not the best of footballers, but he can defend. Coady had a bit of a shaky day but was there when we needed him. Despite a seemingly never ending barrage of corners and playing against what I thought looked like the land of the giants, I never felt threatened. Although not for the first time in the last 12 months, the Goodison woodwork gave me a moment where I stopped breathing for a period.

A mention to the keeper. Many might not agree with me, but has he given the manager a dilemma? Pickford has been in great form and is an outstanding shot stopper. But Begovic brings reassurance and commands his box better. Also, his positioning is really good. He often didn't need to make the save because he was in the right position. But he did save when he had to and it was a good one.

Onana is going to be some player, but be patient with him and Gray was a constant threat. Let's hope he sustains this good start to the season and it's not a repeat of last when he faded. Another contender for our man of the match. A mention for Iwobi. Like the team, he grew into the game and was key in what I thought was really good build up play for the goal.

Gordon had an off day. In some ways, I don't mind players having a go at each other. We haven't had enough of that recently. But I thought at the time, Gordon had lost his man, been lazy in tracking and Patterson was right to have a go. I hope Anthony isn't resting on his laurels after his progress this past year or so. Maybe he's just tired? He's young and has played a lot of football in fairness.

Mention to Maupay. Aside from a great finish, he buzzed around and kept the West Ham defenders occupied.

I thought West Ham started brighter but we settled into the game. In reflection, I thought an even game between 2 even teams, which says a lot. West Ham are a good team. Neither of us will be in the position we were in before kick off yesterday come May in my opinion.

I mentioned my contenders for man of the match (Gray & Patterson), but it had to go to Gueye for me. Outstanding. He still does what he did, but now has added a touch of class to his game. Quality.

The win was coming. The wins are coming.

I'm a big admirer of young Gordon, but he has a lot to learn. The fact that he was still able to block the cross after falling asleep proved it was his task in the first place.

I have it on very good authority that Patterson is no shrinking violet though. That said. I sort of liked that they went at each other. In recent years, an incident like that in the Everton defence would have passed with shrugged shoulders all round. No harm in offering your team mates the odd gentle reminder.

George @33,

"Shocking"?, I accept it wasn't edge-of-the-seat stuff, but yesterday's performance was a huge step in the right direction. I think Frank is doing this the George Graham way. First, he wants his back line working, then his midfield. The good stuff will come.

When he won his header, he directed them to a blue shirt. He was also comfortable on the ball.

I agree with Kieran, he is a rough diamond and similar style to Fellaini who was one of my favourites. Super Frank is taking us forward.

To be honest, like many have said on here, I had become deeply disillusioned with everything Everton by the end of last season, and it had been coming a long time. However, for the first time in years, the club has made clever, solid and robust signings who massively improve the character and ability of the team.

Also, Frank and his staff have clearly improved several players beyond belief; Iwobi was genuinely my personal “worst ever Everton player”, but look at the lad now!

Likewise, I feel the younger lads like Patterson, Mykolenko and Gray are being properly coached, they seem to be improving game on game. For the first time in ages, I am looking forward to each game.

Sure, there is room for improvement, both as a unit and individually, but the progress in such a short time is nothing short of miraculous. Good things are happening here and those responsible should be recognised. Can't wait until we play again.

Agree with your comments, which always seem spot on, except for Begovic.

For me, it's Pickford all day long, I've taken several looks at that shot from Benrahma and, for me, Begovic is defo out of position. If he was more central, it would have been a routine save. Additionally, I feel that Pickford would have had that ball tipped over the bar or round the post.

Talking of which, can we take the Goodison posts to Southampton? They are all putting in a solid shift and I think the keepers are starting to rely on them.

We are much more solid with those 3 midfielders. The formation means that we need end product from the wide players. I thought Gordon had his quietest game for about 6 months yesterday. The spat with Patterson was pure frustration on his part.

Gray had an okay game, he plays that ball across the face of the goal a lot of times without anyone getting a final touch on them.

Onana kept Rice quiet without creating too much himself.

We now have a lot more options with formations across the back and midfield. We need Calvert-Lewin back and also need to be on the lookout for more goals. We may have missed out on Kudus but even being seriously interested in players like him and Onana are massive signs of intent.

I like Anthony, but I didn't like his attitude towards his teammate yesterday, and I haven't enjoyed what I consider to be a lack of desire to take up better positions, by working harder, in the last two games.

Gordon has had a lot on his plate lately and, if it's true he wanted to leave, he might still be having a few problems in his head, which might just be contributing to his energy levels at the moment.

Magnificent improvisation, obviously we will never see that goal again but credit to the striker for having the quick thinking to take advantage of a bouncing ball on the edge of the area. If it had fallen to any other player, it would not have been a goal.

His body language seems all wrong, walking round with a gob on him as if he has the cares of the world on his shoulders. Not seeming to be enjoying his game at all.

Reminds me of the way Rashford was playing at Man Utd last season and his spat with Patterson seemed totally out of character.

I'm sure the manager and his team have clocked it, but they really need to sort him ASAP or he'll find himself warming the bench, and we really need his talent on the pitch.

He'll be thinking 'After all the effort I put in for you last season, now you've completely messed me up.' He'll get over it, there will be other offers. But you can understand him having lost a bit of oomph for a couple of games. If you're even slightly less than full pelt in the modern game, it shows immediately.

I thought Gordon was excellent against Liverpool. His play set up at least 2 of our strong counter-attacks.

I accept he wasn't great against West Ham but he's young and youngsters struggle with consistency generally.

However, it's one game. Let's not say there's a trend when there isn't.

Personally, I'd bite your hand off if we got a good offer. I did not like that petulant display of not closing the player down then screaming at Patterson.

I would drop him for the next match and play Garner there instead. It might shake him up a bit.

Or it could be that he is just a young player and consistency is something he will build up in time. He was wrong to have a go at Patterson. But at least they are all showing hunger and fight.

I agree with the Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink assessment that we just about deserved it through performing that little bit better at the really crucial moments.

Maybe it's because we can be a tough crowd to please, and expect too much at times.

Iwobi was MotM again and I thought Gray had his usual 8/10 game, he's always dangerous.

I'm pleased Maupay got his goal, it will make him more of a threat in matches to come. I think we have good reasons to be optimistic.

Maybe I'm a bit fey from my Irish ancestors.

He had done very little in the first 20 minutes or so, then I started looking for him, and he was ambling about, loitering without intent for most of the time. He got a couple of tackles in but seemed to me to slow Everton's game down, passing the ball backwards when he had space in front of him.

Just one game, I realise, but when he got injured near the end, it was time to replace him, if not before. He was doing next to nothing, except possibly making his injury worse. No way did I think he had a good game yesterday.

Gray is playing very well and reminds me of Jimmy Husband in the way he drifts into the centre from the wing, ghosting past the opposition.

The young lads will be inconsistent and Gordon has had a lot to cope with recently. It may be that he is benched for a game or two.

I really like Onana and Gueye is a great signing to guide the youngsters. Patterson and Iwobi are the stars of the show for me with Alex looking a top-class midfielder now – those who slagged him off constantly must be a bit embarrassed now.

He allows others to play around him. In fact, the only time Gomes looked like a Premier League player was when Gueye played alongside him.

I think Gordon's started the season well, couple of goals. He's definitely no striker, so I don't think he'd like to stay up front. Yes he's has alot to cope with, but if he's going to be a top level player, that comes with the territory.

I don't believe he ever really wanted the Chelsea move at this stage. I've never questioned his effort or commitment, it's his fitness and stamina that's the issue.

Or is he being over-played? As someone said, at least him and Patterson showed they care by arguing about it.
Just thought he looked like he thought he was the big "I am" by blaming Patterson.

What is really encouraging is team shape, work rate, team spirit, clean sheets and some spells of good football.

People will switch off, make poor decisions etc etc but it is coming together. No need to get on people's cases.

Just imagine how good we could be next season if we keep a settled team playing together this season, give some talented young players space to develop together + add one or two forwards of real quality to the squad.

Well, we have options now to switch things around in midfield in terms of giving players a rest, introducing the to the league gradually, and tactically. I reckon in the next few weeks we will see Onana switched around with Garner, Doucoure and Davies, both in the starting line-up and within the match.

Takes the pressure off, allows for competition, recovery and in-game tweaks (the non-injury type of tweaks).

As for Gordon – he looks knackered, whatever the reasons, mental or physical. We also have McNeil who he can be switched around with, plus other alternatives too.

How long has it been since these things were an option?

Pickford has been outstanding and no-one would dispute him being the number one, but Begovic last Premier League games, has brought two clean sheets and for me it is a dilemma: you have Pickford who is a brilliant shot stopper, then you have Begovic who controls his penalty area and catches the ball well from set-pieces.

You mentioned the shot that hit the post; have a good look at it again. I was right behind the shot in the Park End stand and it looked like it was going well wide, then the bend on the ball brought it right back in and onto the post. For me, that was his only misjudged shot all game.

Much as I like Pickford, the thought of Pickford defending 14 corners would have had my heart racing; however the defence dealt with a lot of the corners.

So yes, no doubting Pickford is Number 1, but I think we have a cracking Number 2 in Begovic. The defence for one looks much calmer with Begovic in, so I would agree, it is a dilemma, if Begovic keeps his form up.

Si @199, I like end to end. Football should be about entertainment even if it frightens the life out of me at times!!

Christine, really good point. I've said a few times that I wonder if Gordon is going to develop into a Number 10 rather than being used out wide.

Kevin Molloy @191, his touch wasn't the best but he took the chance instinctively early. Great finish too.

Mike Gwyer, good shout on those Goodison posts. They have been contenders for Man of the Match on at least 3 occasions in the past 6 months!!

If I had one, I would go back to 1986 and get Lineker's boots that the kitman left on the coach at Oxford.

The two options in the midfield to advance the ball was effective and we worked their defense with some intent. Gray's work effort will eventually start to create opportunities while some of his work went without someone on the end yesterday. The game management was especially a relief. We had some idea of how to go forward without too much risk and while we did give up some uh oh moments late the emergency response team took out the danger and did so without giving up the unnerving foul around the box.

We got enough stuff in this squad for Frank to frustrate the opposition into either overstretching their offence or outright pressing in moments where the team is ascendant. Just keep this thing functional for some self-confident aspiring striker to mumble to himself, "I could bang a few in with those lads, hmm where's my phone".

And 10 May 1986 still haunts me.

A couple of hours later, we were back on the train, sharing the carriage with raucous Liverpool fans toasting their double. We had to put up with Wool comments like 'When Bruce made that save from Sharp, I said 'he'll not be beat again today'.

Buckets and buckets of tosh.

But listening to their fans on TV today outside Goodison after the game, I couldn't believe what I was hearing, shit, absolutely shit: One poor side, Moyes has lost the dressing room, etc etc.

One had the audacity to say Everton aren't a good side, what he also failed to say was that at least they're a work in progress.

The lad interviewing them did praise us a lot though. Saying you can see what Lampard is trying to implement here.

I thought it was an even game myself and said to the lads at half-time, "One goal settles this" – and so it did. Funny how we all watch the same game but see different things.

I think Gordon doesn't like the effort required to motor at pace up and down the pitch to defend and attack at pace. It's hard work and little thanks or limelight. He is young but slight in stature, it's toll on the body means he is able to do it a few times but not for a full game.

Frankly, it's the James issue again, great skill but don't ask of him what his body can't do. We have to be careful it doesn't take his enjoyment out of his game and ruin him. He has to develop into something other than a fast winger, because, as shown before at the club, we can't afford luxury players. The lure of Chelsea where he would be allowed to develop rather than word to death must have been massive.

Yes should probably have said difficult to fully enjoy! The opponents on the attack seemed much more insignificant in the mid-eighties when we just ‘knew' we would end up winning.

My tuppence on Onana is that he is being asked to play a ‘reserved' role with Iwobi and Gana. It was notable how he was being used as a target man for set-pieces. Maybe the intent was for him to be a bit ‘lower profile' in other aspects of the game so he would get overlooked at those times?

Robbie Mustoe said on NBC that Coady and Tarkowski have changed the club. They've been huge, but I think that's doing the others a disservice, Lampard and Thelwell in particular. We had a joined-up recruitment plan. We brought in real leaders with big personalities.

I also think that the lack of a striker at the start of the season could end up being a blessing in disguise because it meant we had to work on being solid and hard to beat. It also gave Gordon and Gray some goals and now defenders look at our front three and know there are goals across that front line. Maybe not a ton, but some and hopefully enough to get us up the table.

Does anyone notice a difference in the players? To me, and I know there's a lot of new faces, but the whole team look fitter, we are way faster, quicker but I meant that the players don't seem as bulky or, what's the word, over-muscled, especially in the upper region, or am I seeing things?

In the training videos on the official site, they're doing lots of sprint work and all the drills seem to be at a really high pace. Maybe the weight-room training has changed, so hopefully if there is a new way of thinking, it'll result in less muscle strains, thigh and calf injuries etc.

Anyway, I like the clean-sheet approach personally. If we don't let in any goal, we will have a point at least. Then look forward for a 3 if chances are taken well. With this team, we can play counter-attack well.

I know you didn't like Benitez, but I'm not even sure Gordon would have come through at Everton if it wasn't for our former manager, who stated he couldn't last a full game, and got Anthony working so much harder.

Hard work is the key to real success, so if a kid would sooner quadruple his money for less work, I wouldn't blame him, but I would also say that he's never going to be as good as he could have been. If he doesn't want to work hard, his talent will only take him so far.

Chelsea is not the place where they nurture young talent. Look at Salah and Lukaku, look at Hudson-Odoi – off to Leverkusen. Rhys James and Mount are the exceptions.

I would imagine Gordon would just get a few minutes here and there. Surely better for him to put in the hard graft and learn his trade on the park every game.

Although the team structure and personnel are much improved, we're still very much a work in progress.

I expect something like a 10th-place finish. Could be as high as 8th but equally could be as low as about 14th. In some respects, it doesn't matter because there's no glory in 8th.

And, whatever the case we will certainly see some bad performances this season as a team and from individuals (Gordon was poor against WHU for example).

The important thing is that we keep developing as a team – so that we're in contention for silverware and European places next season and beyond.

Having said that, we don't know how much we have in the kitty and how much, if any, leeway we have with FFP. Totally agree we look more stable now but still a little lightweight up front.

i Went on Sunday and was disappointed to a degree that only Maupay (the smallest in our team) was the only one 'having a real go' in front of goal. I know Gray also chipped in but straight at their keeper.

Others also had a 'chance at goal ' but chose to pass rather than shoot. Hope that gives Maupay a confidence boost as well as his teammates (not that he was lacking) but he has never been known as a prolific scorer anyway, and has averaged 1 in 4 throughout his career.

Hypothetical question: would Dominic have made a difference, even coming on as a late sub? He wasn't, without explanation, even on the bench. Hope this was to give him extra time for recovery and nothing more sinister.

If Calvert-Lewin was fit enough to play, the win might have been more comfortable. Indeed Calvert-Lewin's fitness (or not) will, much like last season, determine where we finish this season.

Apparently if we can get clubs for Allan and Rondon, it frees up a bit of leverage to get the forward or wide man we need.

We don't want to have to rely on Gordon and Gray all season when they feel up to it or form dips. Gueye will now give us the insurance to let Onana burst past the forwards. We need him or someone in midfield to start to at least get close to double figures.

We are building for the future, not this season. Our best hope this season is that we might grind our way to a cup victory – and I hope we go all out to do that.

Robert, you are probably correct about any possible additions, but forever being the optimist after all these years, I still hope for the best possible scenario, anything less it's back the Gin/Genie in that bottle, and we all know where that leads to! The Rubber Room.

Brian M, good point about Allan and Rondon, still with possible moves despite the Window being shut here, but Saudi and China are a possibility. Oh, and what happened with BM after the match? We had Taxis and lifts arranged for all who wanted to go, and Tony A and Neil Copeland were even offering to go back if any were left behind.

Trouble is now we are building in confidence/ability and starting to get points on the board, another dreaded International Break disrupts. Getting back to Sunday, while I accept 3 points gladly, I hate those 1 goal leads, a freak goal near the end from the opposition and there is another 2 points down the Toobs Baby. Famous quote from Telly Savalas as Kojak!

Our last win before this was that Palace game and the talk now is of 8th not 18th.

The difference a defence and a midfield makes - who knew?

A plan, a style, a shape – a young manager growing in confidence and influence.

And Iwobi MotM contender every game.

We're much better but not great. Not much difference between 8th and 15th these days so hoping we're at least sniffing around 10th. Oh, and a cup or two!

I wrote this post and then scrolled down and read Brian M@202, and honestly don't see no reason why Everton couldn't make the Top 6, if the likes of Anthony Gordon and Demarai Grey became consistent performers. Although it wouldn't surprise me if Lampard reverts to 3-5-2 once DCL is fit.

While you are correct in saying the game has changed so much, but profoundly disagree about the great players not adapting to the modern game. I couldnt see anybody I thought were special struggling to fit in to todays game. Yes its quicker than it used to be, but the training and how they are looked after now is a world away from players having needles put into them to deaden the pain.

Also the great players of the 60s didnt get the protection these players get now, in fact there is an argument that says most could not have stood up to the physical side back then. Do you really think that Tony Kay, Billy Bremner and Dave Mckay wouldnt frighten the life of todays midfielders if you played to the rules that existed back in their day.

Also I think in general the standard these days just don't compare to the players in the 60s and 70s. I havent seen anybody other than Ronaldo or Messi that could have lived with the great players of the past like Pele, Maradonna, Cruyff, Best, Charlton, Greaves, Garincha. I better stop as this post will go on for hours.

I have been watching Everton for 60 years now. A Season Ticket Holder for many of them (sadly relinquished due to work). I regrettably didn't renew, and have regretted it ever since.

However, I digress. I don't remember any player during my time of watching, until recently that is, going down like they had been shot by a high-powered rifle and rolling around, as if in agony, when at worst they had sustained a broken fingernail.

Also, I don't remember players picking up movie star's wages and living the high life, with a few exceptions: Best, Marsh, Stan Bowles, Frank Worthington etc. They were always on decent money compared to most on the Terraces but it is ridiculous now.

After the end of last season, we thought this season would have to be a rebuilding in formation and style and, with the knowledge that we may loose a couple of our more productive players, the management team set about to first strengthen our weakness in both the defense and midfield. This had been started but there will always be room for improvement either in a transfer market or our own young players.

If you read my post again, you will see I wasn't talking about hard workers, and that I was talking about the modern game having no time for strollers.

(Sometimes it's easier talking rather than writing, especially for people like me who don't always properly explain themselves).

I don't want us to waste money on players like Che Adams in January. We're past that point of desperation. We need just one or two genuine talents now to take us forward.

Top 6 for us if we identify something in January to really push us on. Not beyond the realms.

If he carries on his form so far, we can snap him up for a decent price, if not we send him back, seems baring injury or loss of form, we will be signing him.

This season has been a huge change in our buying and selling players, finally on our terms instead of being ripped off, baring the Richarlison deal where we honoured the one more season then agree to let Richarlison move, also giving us that money we badly needed to stop us falling foul on last years ffp.

We have stood firm on Gordon, we also backed off when Blackburn tried to have us off with Diaz, some might think we have over paid on McNeil, although looks slow, will come good as a squad player, when we have a target man to get crosses into.

Overall we have now changed our strategy in transfers, now it is on our terms, been a great Summer window and looks like we now have a well-balanced squad, fighters and leaders in the team, early days but certainly heading in the right direction, both on and off the field.

But your post is exactly right.

Now you're talking my language, Mr Murray!!

If we revert to 3-5-2, then the manager is trying to fix what is not broken.

We have come a long way since Norwich and, with Mina, Holgate and Calvert-Lewin almost ready for action, we have options in most sectors.

It looks like Allan might be on his way and surely Rondon and Keane will soon follow him out the door.

I'm not sure where else we need to strengthen apart from getting a third striker in; we seem pretty well covered everywhere else.

We've still got Garner to come in yet, so even if Allan goes, we have Doucoure and Garner and McNeil as cover… seems alright defence wise and out on both flanks.

I can see us going for the Blackburn forward for a much lower fee, due to his contract ending in the summer, allowing him to sign a pre-contract agreement in January.

Chances are both Warrington and Mills might be ready for the following season to add to the squad; bring Coady in for the agreed 㾸 Million and I think we are sorted pretty much everywhere.

If Maupay hits the ground running and we can get Calvert-Lewin fit, I can only think of a striker to add cover.

All-in-all, I think we are in a strong position for once, and are well balanced through the team.

For fear of sounding greedy I would like that lad at Ajax who was, if reports are to be believed, gutted not to be joining us at the end of the last window; he was even prepared to go on strike to push it through. Mohamed Kudus was his name, and he certainly knows where the goal is as an attacking winger or midfielder.

I suspect we had him earmarked to replace Anthony Gordon who thought he was going to Chelski, which obviously never came off. Who knows what the January window will reveal?

Now you've said it, I wonder if it has affected Gordon? I don't want to be a conspiracy theorist, especially after a couple of games, so I'll stick to him being a bit off sorts having played a lot of football for a young player over the past 12 months.

What seems apparent is that we didn't have to sell him to fund the incomings we made. I know we don't know the ins and outs, but it seemed that the decision was down to the manager if we believe some of what we read?? I don't know, but as you say, maybe Kudus was lined up as a replacement.

I'm with Brian, unless it would be a replacement, I think the focus will be a forward now that we seem to be actually planning our transfer activity.

Impact substitutes is what we lack really now. We have subs to hold a lead or close out a game. But the options if we need to get a goal are limited.

McNeil needs time. I'm not writing him off, hopefully he's just settling.

I know we have Calvert-Lewin to come back, and Maupay is doing a good job for us, maybe he will be that super sub, once Calvert-Lewin is back?

If the whole squad was fit, I suspect Frank would see the front line as the first he'd want to strengthen.

Sounds a decent player, Kudus, I'm struggling to think where we could fit him in though, hard to drop Iwobi, Gueye or Onana, and Kudus wants first-team football.

I know a few are still unsure on Onana, but he is still young and, if he gets the right coaching, could be a beast; last two games he had been kicked to death by opponents.

Then you have Doucouré as well.

I think we need another striker to strengthen our squad, may well go for Kudus but, from what I've heard from a few Man Utd mates, they rate Garner highly and are not happy he has been sold. Unless they try the buy-back clause, if Garner does not want to stay at Everton, then Kudus might be an option.

My guessing is we will bring Diaz in from Blackburn; other than that, I do not see many incoming players in January – unless Calvert-Lewin breaks down again, then I see us bringing 2 strikers in.

Most footballers overcome nature by practising ball control with their weaker foot so they can at least propel the ball with it, but McNeil's total lack of control with his right foot screams pub player.

How has he managed to become a Premier League player without improving his right foot is a complete mystery.

There's a 20% sell-on clause with Garner but he's 100% our player with no buy-back clause.

Dave Thomas was fortunate to have Bob Latchford to get on the end of his crosses, likewise with Sheedy having Sharp and Gray to cross to.

I can name another player who was only one-footed, Norman Whiteside. Kevin Ratcliffe said to Pat in the '85 Cup Final, "You should have forced him past you instead of letting him cut inside, and score with his stronger foot."

McNeil is still only 22 so plenty of time to work on his other foot, but I think McNeil will shine when he has a target man to aim for. My only concern, he looks like he is pulling a sledge behind him: not the quickest of players.

I think the perfect way to sum both him and Iwobi up is Iwobi is poor playing out wide – as soon as we moved him inside, he has been a different player; we need to do the same with McNeil, play him out wide.

Man Utd insisted on putting a buy-back clause in the deal, there again, if Garner does not want to go back, and Everton do not want to sell, then there should be no problems.

Seems not. Thanks, Bill, an even better deal now without the clause to buy back.

And the last time I checked he was second in the Premier League in fouls, so he's certainly getting around.

Yes, he's been inefficient on the ball, both dribbling and passing, but that's the same issue he had last season.

Not that a bit of rest wouldn't be in order, but I think he's playing at the same level now that he was last May.

It may be that they were both carrying knocks and I don't believe you can judge a player on one game especially after excelling in the previous games so they both get a pass from me.

Against West Ham, he looked tired, which is what I put what I thought was a performance below those standards.

I'm not knocking him, by the way, far from it. Like I said, I'm not going to judge him on a couple of games.

Your observations about leaner players appears to be the case. Weight training does have its place, but not to excess.

I played football (centre-half in those bygone days of old) and rugby (loosehead prop mainly) to a respectable standard.
However, a good friend and teammate who was better than me in both sports, got the weightlifting bug and bulked up to such a degree that, other than weightlifting and muscles on his muscles (exaggeration on my part), he was unable to train normally due to his overdevelopment. Shame, but he couldn't see it, and got the hump when he got dropped.

My point being that Kieran's observations may well be the reason for leaner fitter players. There will always be players who struggle with minor injuries, but they imo are from previous regimes.

I've been looking up reports of Garner's transfer and many do quote a buy-back clause.

However, after the window closed it was being reported there wasn't any buy-back option.

This is from the usually reliable The Athletic.

Patrick Boyland, Sep 7

Yes - we reported sell-on but no buy-back.

He is on a 4-year contract and we have an option to activate a further year.

Hopefully those days of paying silly money are a thing of the past, and only selling on our terms. Looks like we are finally getting it right off the field.

My best wishes go out to all who attended the get-together, and I am ready for the next one, if God spares me.

All we need at the moment is more firepower to put games to bed,so pleased that Maupay scored on his home debut too...it looks like we finally have a team again,now for a away win down at Southampton!

COYB