Wembley failure caps Martinez's 'defining week'

Cracking support from all the blues who were at Wembley!!

I personally have not posted since the Southampton debacle. I got into words condemning some who again blamed the support as contributing to the teams shite performances.

I was asked why – if I wasn't happy – I continue to watch them. My answer was simple, I am an Evertonian.

I was asked to basically keep schtum and just support the whole lot of these wasters in this our most important week of the season.

Well I didn't go to Anfield and it was bloody difficult to keep quiet believe me.

Anyway now I'm back home.

Yesterday was another, in my opinion, load of shite.

I cannot remember one single game since Martinez arrived where we have played 90 plus minutes of all out footy. I've seen Leicester, spurs and our near neighbours maintain high levels of consistency where we are completely knackered by half time if we put the effort in first half, and 75 minutes if we decide to show up for the second half.

Same yesterday. No way we were unlucky, in fact, again in my opinion United were by far the better team over the piece – hate to say that !

Every week the team go out to a game plan that is outdated and easy to play against – if anyone disagrees then just look at the results. Yesterday was no different. The first half was 100% Martinez without a shadow of a doubt. I reckon the players just came out the second half and just said bollocks to this and got on with it. Martinez has never changed his philosophy so why would he do so yesterday.

And for any of our posters who have in the past in any way suggested that we are in any way shape or form responsible for our dire performances over the last 2 years, just remember that those you blamed were exactly the same supporters who backed OUR club 1000% yesterday.

My voice is hoarse. Mainly from the 94th minute on shouting for the Catalan Clown to fuck off!!

Instead on Wednesday he picked a man out of position (Oviedo)who was duly exposed. Though he had injuries and defensive problems, he picked a bench without recognised defenders. That's not planning or tactical awareness, it's idiocy.

As for yesterday, he allowed Lukaku to indulge his belief that he is a penalty king. The man's record is pathetic, when he scores it is usually, because the keeper commits himself and the ball goes where the keeper was. This is allowed though we have in Baines an excellent penalty taker.

Besic could be many things, to me, probably mistakenly, he is the equal of McCarthy in the defensive midfield role, but he is not and never will be quick enough to be a right back, yet that is where he was asked to play. His positional play was poor and his lack of pace was constantly exposed.

His handling of Deulofeu this season is another example of Martinez's inability to use and get the best out of a talented individual. Lennon works harder defensively and is a good player, but just look at the assists Deulofeu has provided, particularly for Lukaku. In a pivotal game, Deulofeu ought to have started.

For Martinez, his inability to read situations and to change tactics, is his main fault. He hopes things will happen, he doesn't really have a plan and he certainly doesn't have a Plan B when things go wrong.

Your recent articles, Lyndon, have summed up our club's problems and pointed out what needs to be done. There is almost universal support on this site for what you've said; I just hope the Board are reading your words.

The first half was a disaster, we let Man Utd walk all over us, retreating into our own half and exploiting the odd breakaway.

Obviously missing key personnel, hampered our game plan but I would like to know one thing, does our Under-21 side not have a right back?

Please don't come up with the answer that he may be only 18 or so because the player turning Besic inside out is around the same age.

The second half was different and offered us something to cling to and if Lukaku had taken any of the chances, including the penalty, the result could have been so different.

In the end it comes down to this: Martinez and his coaches have failed their own players, they have failed the directors and most certainly, failed the fans and I think it's overdue that we wish them all the best and send them packing.

It would allow time for the new management to assess the players and put in the shopping list for next season. We have to move forward and we won't with Martinez still here.

it wasn't missing "key personnel" that hampered our game plan.

It's the fucking game plan that hampers us !!!

Every week it is exactly the same - failed - game plan and this moron doesn't have another one to replace it when it doesn't work

The result could have been different if if if if ? United should have been out of sight first half.

We got exactly what we deserved. Yes we came back into it half way through the second half but believe me if we had got a result yesterday we would have been on here laughing today that we'd got away with it.

Totally agree with you that the whole management has let our Club down.

The biggest culprit is Kenwright. That idiot calls himself a Blue ! If he really was he would have binned this clown last season

The defining week from hell was just that!!

I predicted the no-show at Anfield, even predicted that we would be too scared of having a shot on target , and predicted the obvious heavy defeat.
Then we all just knew yesterday would be the trademark Everton hard luck tale.

We could have written this so called defining week and all been correct to virtually every small detail even right down to the man sent off at Anfield.

Its so horrible to always be right about this predictable boring club.

Now its down to the board to re-awaken the supporters interest in what is a club on its knees and one the majority has lost faith and interest in to put it bluntly.

Martinez has been lucky to get another 12 month's in the job after last seasons pathetic form and performance levels.

Don't make it last any longer.

It didn't work out and we lost to a Man U team that is not nearly as bad as many make out.

If Everton had played like they did yesterday all season I would have fewer complaints, there was fight, urgency, tempo and spirit evident. Sadly Martinez and his team seem unable to find those essential qualities on a regular basis; he never has to my knowledge for any team he has managed and for that reason alone it must be time to call an end to the tenure of our cup manager.

Perhaps some chants will break out too!

It goes without saying: season over. People were wishing us good luck at work but I knew deep down it may be the same old same old. In the first half, I wasn't disappointed.

After the own goal, we seemed to change into a different team – at one point, I actually thought we could win this! But the old Everton curse reared its head which we have seen all too frequently this season.

In the pre-match interview with Martinez. I spent more time shouting at him than I spend shouting at Rob in The Archers! (and that's a lot).

If he has a career change – and I certainly hope he does – has he considered politics? Another line of work with people completely out of touch with what's happening.

As for our Champions League striker, perhaps he should stay a bit longer and learn his trade on that showing, although the money would come in useful!

"I will get you Champions League" – Fine words, Martinez, fine words... at least you're good at something. Do try politics, try anything... try opening your office door and closing it behind you for the last time PLEASE, so we can move on – we all deserve better.

Not so much the older ones but all the kids. Every single one crying their eyes out !!

Maybe these overpaid unfit tossers would possibly - though I doubt it - understand what it meant to those kids to watch their "heroes" play less than half a game every week. To see them underperform in a semi final.

I've seen the 60's onwards. I remember as a kid in the 50's crying when we got beat but it's far worse now watching todays youngsters seeing that shit.

You don't mind us getting beat by anyone if we can say we gave everything but that doesn't apply to this team and hasn't for 2 years.

Like a bunch of divvy's we will be back next week, including the kids.

Just wish those wasters could have seen them yesterday though

Unless, of course, we on here are the vocal minority and the majority want to perpetuate the 'we do things different' Everton way.

It will be our lowest crowd for a good few years but let's hope the ones who go get the point across that this club is simply not living up to its motto..

Our supporters were nothing short of magnificent and I firmly believe it was they with their consistent attempts at lifting the players who had the greatest influence on the final 35 minutes. This had nothing to do with RM.

The players responded to the fans and put pride back into EFC in front of millions - at least for 35 minutes.

I can't find it online but I read it on another forum.

The ball is firmly in your court Mr Moshiri, use it wisely.

They are 3 points ahead of us with a game in hand.

This from Kenwright straight after yesterday's game.

Bill Kenwright on Roberto Martinez after Everton were knocked out of the FA Cup. #EFC pic.twitter.com/CMjEqNjVCy

— Premier League Zone (@ThePLZone) 24 April 2016

The fact I see nothing to say he's going anywhere shows me that this guy is still in charge. I'm beginning to feel like Moshiri is yet another Bill stunt. The master snake oil salesman likes the apprentice one - surprise, surprise!

Time to redirect anger away from Bobby brown shoes, for now. #kenwrightout

If you really want change, Martinez and Kenwright out, an empty ground will solve the problem in DAYS.
Banners, chanting or name calling will NOT.

If you want to be heard, vote with your feet, don't renew season tickets, boycott games and blank this shambles from your mind.

The club will be soon be onto you about why you haven't renewed or "have we upset you in anyway?" Then you tell them why! Let them chase us for a change!

It will put you in a better place – honest!

Also, someone should show Barkley this line from Lyndon's article
"lacked the power to beat Rooney who had tracked all the way back to his goal-line" - yet another game where I watched Ross watch players running past him like it was a testimonial game. Was he even fit yesterday? Looks overweight to me and out of condition.

The real problem is Bill Kenwrong. Just wants to be in control of the club for personal prestige and won't ever admit he's made a mistake, needs to be ousted. Seen him outside Wembley trying to push a fans camera away like a prima donna pianist with a celebrity injunction. The old yellow pricked toad.

Excellent article as ever Lyndon, pretty much says it all. I think there's 100% agreement that Martinez needs to be replaced for the reasons we drone on about daily. But will the hierarchy see it this way? will they see 2 semi finals for a team that hasn't won silverware for 20 years as progress, and see the 19 pts dropped from winning positions as a sign that the team is nearly the finished article?

We are all waiting for the day for the 'Martinez sacked' headlines, but the bookies would have to offering generous odds for me to part with my money on a Martinez sacking. It really all depends on the influence Kenwright still wields because he does have previous in backing a manager when the team's going through tough times.

BTW don't scream and shout at me that I'm a Bill & Bob apologist; I want to see the man gone as much as everyone else but it isn't a gimme.

Numerous people have highlighted the size of Barkley, who looks enormous.

He is also not affecting the game & generally doing nowhere near enough to justify playing the "10" role.

He needs a good pre-season & an end to the me culture this manager has perpetuated where coasting about and playing with "arrogance" is code for doing fuck all. Stones is another who is suffering from poor coaching & having his head filled with shit.

The squad overhaul of out of contract players, players who think they're better than they are, and gaps in the squad is just a massive exercise this summer. Any decision on manager needs to be quick so that we can get first choice targets in. A rumour from yesterday that he wouldn't be sacked until after 30th June to reduce severance payments, but I don't know how true that is...

He still needs to go though. His loyalty to a Wigan back room has cost him his £3m a year job. He's a nice guy, but clearly is do constrained by his beliefs that we have repeatedly seen. We have been worked out, and a bad start next season will put us in serious trouble. A new manager needs to crack on now. I'd put Sheedy in charge for the next game.

Barkley is a talent. But if his decision making has to improve, and if he's going to trot around the pitch not putting a shift in he either needs to be an impact sub or the first lad to come off. The standard of the rest means we can't afford to carry a luxury player like him.

Gutted yesterday. First half booed off, 2nd half is the best we played in ages.

The second half was something entirely different, and in my view was the result of the turnaround of John Stones who went from sensibly hitting a few Row Zs in the first half to suddenly dominating the game. If he had managed to beat one more player in one of his runs, he'd have scored one of the best FA Cup goals ever. When Stones began to play with confidence the game was absolutely transformed, which goes even more to the point that the manager has ruined possibly his finest asset.

By contrast, Lukaku managed to out do Brett Angell, Bakayoko and Shandy Andy in putting on the "Worst ever performance by an Everton forward". To my count he missed 7 easy chances (assuming a penalty to be an easy chance, which Lukaku's statistics seem to question). Since he missed a penalty and had the anticipation of a dead sloth for most of the game (not to mention the ball-controlling skills of a concrete bollard), it could not possibly have been worse if he had been subbed for Mirallas at any point before the 90th minute.

As a point of levity, however, the Sunday Times' player assessments this morning were: Stones - 5; Lukaku - 6. But then they also gave Rooney 9, and I didn't realise he was on the pitch. As my father used to say "He must have phoned the report in from the pub."

For what it's worth, which could be fuck all,thought I'd throw a rumour out there, voice from inside the club reckons he's gone June, because they'll have to pay him off less.

Thought I'd share with yer, probably total bollocks, but hey, it's give me a glimmer hope.

At one point in the game I watched on bewildered. We had Jagielka at LB. Baines and Gibson CB. Stones CM and Deulofeu at LM with nobody near Besic on the right. I'm all for a bit of swapping position to keep the opposition guessing but we were just disorganised. A trait of the Martinez style of management.

I thought Stones had a fairly good game , one of his better ones recently. However Both goals Man U scored he was the closest defender though who hadn't quite anticipated danger quickly enough. I'm not trying to hammer the young man I just want a decent defensive coach to work on this part of his game to improve him.

The current regime just don't that and that's another reason why the time is overdue to change the manager and his elected staff.

Martinez and co out and Unsworth caretaker till we appoint for me. Let Unsworth introduce some of the younger lads.

Or do we have to take a gamble on some unproven young manager like Eddie Howe? Does Moyes have any chance of coming back? I hear all this talk of Martinez gone but who can we realistically get to replace him.

First of all this is NOT a poor MU team. They had four youngsters yesterday who played with great skill and tremendous pace supported by a masterclass of attacking midfield play by Rooney who showed Ross how it's done by actually tracking back to clear one off the line!!

But to us- didn't turn up in the first half and could have been three down at the break. That said we could have been two up had Rom been playing like he was a month ago. Bad control from someone who really does appear to think rather too much of himself- swap him for Rooney plus cash!!

The whole team was transformed after half time and gave it a real go for the whole half. Stones was immense and on this form we need to keep him- marvellous second half and decent defensively. Jags likewise- gutsy and covered like a demon. Gibbo did well and if only he could stay fit! Cleverly got into the game and made headway down the left whilst we hunted them down in packs rather than stand off and invite them to pick their way through us like we did in the first half.

The player I was astounded by was Ross. I am a fan but I was shocked at his appearance looking very heavy and unfit- almost dishevelled. In the first half he kept losing the ball and refused to track back to tackle or cover leaving us with only 8 outfield players for them to pick through and thus they found the gaps. He was a bit better in the second half but needs to watch how Rooney played that role and learn from him. To be honest I would have subbed him at half time as I can't recall a worse half by a midfield player than that. Something is wrong with him either personal stuff or the confidence has gone but why the increase in weight?

Intriguing to consider who changed the tactics. Duncan was on the pitch with the subs ( no Niasse!!) so nothing to do with him. It is sad to see how Baines has declined and he was also anonymous in the first half and not that great in the second. Geri looked better than of late but Rom could have had 5.

I am proud of the effort they showed after half time and wouldn't blame anyone for the winning goal- Robles played very well and I think can be number 1 going forward. Jim Bennings has banged on all season about how we are at our best playing high tempo and this game proved yet again that Jim is spot on. No one fears a team with a slow tempo and which doesn't press. We completely dominated them after half time because they couldn't build due to our dynamism-. HKs great team hunted in packs in an incessant search for possession and would then give the ball to Sheedy and Steven so we could play. Klopp is doing this across the park to some effect and it has to be the way forward.

Question is who will be in charge?

IT'S NOT ABOUT TAKING THE CHANCES SOMETIMES. !

Keep on talking the utter rubbish Roberto.
He deserves the sack and he will get the sack.

:)

General comment about tracking back. Ross and other players should look at the distance Fellaini made up in getting back to block Lukaku's shot with minutes to go. Incredible...who knew Fellaini had that in him

I don't know if there is apathy at Goodison. It seems unlikely that a man who has just bought half the club would not have a plan. But we see no evidence of anything. Since one of the most humiliating days in our history last Wednesday we have heard nothing, only the drip drip drivel of our manager. It is quite disgraceful, especially given that during those days since Wednesday supporters have been spending large quantities of cash to get to the semi-final only to end up defeated and deflated again.

Maybe something will happen this week that will provide us with some hope for the future. If not, we can only conclude there is apathy, and if that is so we must make our feelings absolutely clear at the match next weekend. I hate Goodison when it is toxic, it's the complete opposite of why we go, but if that's what it takes, so be it. Enough is enough.

Lukaku got a 6, praised for his performance but penalised for his penalty miss.

Really goes to show what a funny old game it is.

EFC has been around for a long, long time, established in 1878 (if y'know your history!) so maybe on 78 minutes it's time for action.....'Out The Gates On 78'.

Surely the Club don't want this kind of publicity (especially so near the Season Ticket Early Bird deadline?) They have to get rid of Martinez this coming week. To keep him and ignore thousands and thousands of true fans is a complete dereliction of duty.....and that is unforgivable.

I took my place in the red end. What blew me away was the extent to the blue support. There were quite a few occasions, especially in the second half, where the blue end erupted and the volume of the singing completely silenced those reds around me. I felt that the reds were almost embarrassed that the sheer intensity our fans showed could not be matched. All we need now is a team to match the fantastic level of support they get.

When the winning goal went in, I got away from my seat and moved to the exit. When the whistle went I then got out quick. What staggered me was the number of reds who were sprinting out of the stadium (faster than I can run), as if there was a bomb scare. I know trains need to be caught, but I had a valid reason for wanting to be out. They had just won a semi yet thousands couldn't be bothered to stay and celebrate. Compare these fans to the magnificent blues who were at Wembley yesterday and, frankly, there is no comparison.

One a final point, when I got home later, my wife said they had watched it in TV, and the impression she had was that the stadium was predominantly red. Who would have thought?

You have been told, the board are waiting until June, as sacking him then will cost them less.

FFS, that well and truly indicates Kenwright is in charge.

This pulling the names out of a hat of people who shouldn't be a million miles near Everton is really quite pathetic and sad and shows just how desperate some of us are. To continue this sad, sad theme can I throw some names into the hat then? Fletch and Sav? Owen and Ferdinand? Kammy and Paul Merson? Warnock and Carra? As managers they'd have about the same degree of success as the originally named.

If we want to progress we need to go out and get the best available not some fat twat who's just got a team into the SPL or two gormless mancs who've won fuck all as managers/coaches.

So the truth of the matter becomes clear. Martinez is not the real problem; he's just a symptom. The real problem is that loveable idiot, Bill Kenwright.

If, by some miracle, the Seasiders should win then BK will immediately offer Howe the manager's job and we can all go off and support Marine !

I am a huge Barks fan but even I thought playing him when he was so clearly unfit was a mistake.

Bit harsh on the fat twat . Is that supposed to be Warburton on Weir?

Out of interest, who would be your ideal replacement...just in case Martinez does leave before the end of his 5 year project

I suggested Warburton/Weir sometime ago. Would be an interesting choice. They seem to work well together. Anyway I assume they would want to see their project through in Scotland

Neil Lennon won shitloads on the SPL, so did MON, wtf did they do down in England? Sweet FA because it's chalk and cheese, night and day, there's no comparison. Scottish football is shite!!

Surely a club of our size, repute, and now, finances can do better than some no-mark manager from the Scottish 2nd division. So my ideal replacement would be Simeone (which won't happen) or Koeman.

They tell me Howe got homesick after a month or so at Burnley and ran home to his family on the south coast. Then he signed Gosling ffs !

I do think you were a bit hard on the Neville Brothers, though. I'm sure they got Salford City promoted last year. Must look at their managerial CVs.

Warburton was doing well at Brentford and agree with Vinny. He could do well in the Premier League. He seems to think about what he's doing and assume he brought in Weir for his defensive knowledge.

Also taking your comment about Scottish football. Agreed. Not so great and probably wasn't in a different era such as the late 80s when Alex Ferguson did so well in Scotland before coming down south.

There is one Scottish manager for sure who I don't want to see at Everton.....

I just hope BK and Moshiri do the decent thing and release Martinez tomorrow. It's actually unfair on Roberto, giving him false hope because his position is untenable after failing in these defining games.

BK needs to admit he was wrong and do the right thing for the club and supporters. There's nothing wrong with admitting you're wrong, I can vouch for that personally and admit I was one of the people on this forum that thought Martinez would turn things around up until earlier in the season. The Swansea and West Ham home games were defining for me but I would have even given Martinez the start of next season if it meant we won a cup this season. But he hasn't, and the new deadlines for the re-emergence of Martinez's first seasons form have all been and gone. Yesterday was the defining week, the last throw of the dice. Martinez has nowhere else to go now except exiting L4.

He's achieved more in 3 years then Moyes in 11, with near enough the same spend and squad. The squad isn't as strong as we're hyped to believe.

• Coleman has no left foot, can't head;
• Stones is learning, and improving;
• Barkley will continue to develop, but needs to start proving he's not lazy!
• Lukaku is 22 and as per Ross needs to keep improving.
• Cleverley should move on...

Second half proves the players are with the manager. Should have started the game with that intensity and confidence. We would have battered Man Utd.

Why on earth would we want Moyes back or Eddie Howe from Bournemouth? Moyes should have achieved more with the squad he left. Eddie Howe isn't proven and is still learning. He's never managed BIG players.

If we are to change, give me a proven manager. I'm willing to give Martinez next season with money. We need to back them all. Not believe media hype.

COYB

It's come to something when I'm more interested in whether Leicester win today. Sad.

We are at a crossroads and if we get it wrong then we could indeed become the next Villa. We need a to drawer manager who can attract top draw talent and I can't see any British managers who could fill that role currently.

Moshiri either gets this right or we could be in big, big trouble. I think a manager who has the players in awe of him and not the other way round is crucial. A manager who will motivate, instruct and and demand the highest standards is a must, not someone trying to make his name in the game.

So please no more talk of Warburton, Dyche, Howe, Neville, OFM, Weir, Unsy etc.... Let's reach for the stars and get us one ourselves. No more potentials please, but the real deal.

I get that he has a lot of unpleasant baggage about him, but we're looking for someone who can change the mentality at Everton, and really shake things up. Not a future Son in law.

Moshiri has to get this right and should be aiming as high as he can. This is not the time for a young unproven manager.

If Jose only sticks around for three years, so what. Martinez has had three years, and done sweet FA.

Hopefully we would win a cup or two during Jose's tenure, maybe even qualify for CL.

Get him in now!

We are hoping Mr Morishi has vision but I am starting to fear he is a Philip Green friend of the baord only they have had to admit he is there.

None of the directors, or even the manager, use social media so no direct way the fans can raise any concerns with them. We can shout as much as we like, but when those in charge are not listening - what good will it do? The only way to show our feelings is direct action - at Goodison on a match day. Sitting in silence does nothing, a couple of banners displayed for a couple of minutes when the team walk out does nothing. The only way these people will "hear" our voices is either by being vocal - and being vocal as one - at Goodison. Either that or a planned walkout during a match, or a planned no-show with the team playing in front of an empty stadium.

I'm at my wits end now with this clown. Supporting Everton has become a chore for me now, rather than a pleasure as it used to be.

To Be or not to be?

Once again a perfect summation of the game.

A sickener of a first half when we played without pace, passion or tempo. Second half a lot better when I believe the players took it on themselves to change our pattern.

At the risk of repeating myself, when Gibson dropped deep allowing Stones to move into midfield, Stones looked absolute class.

He showed his fragility in defence on a couple of occasions again. This boy, if played there, would develop into the best holding midfielder in the Premier League.

Had a quick chat with Tony Bellew in the fan zone, but had the misfortune to see BK mooching into the stadium a bit earlier.

The sooner the club puts an end to the Martinez era the better. He just doesn't learn from his mistakes, and has us playing in an entirely predictable way.

His bizarre comments about not working on defence or set-pieces and not being interested in clean sheets are the words of a total madman. All 3 of these aspects are vital if you want to be successful.

Get rid now.

In terms of attacking play, I don't think that Martinez is clueless. In his 'famous fifth' season, he inherited Moyes's fit and defensively capable squad. And coupled with his attacking style, we did well. The holes in his (and also his staff's) coaching methods weren't highlighted straight away.

Seasons 2 and 3 however, and our defence has begun to look less and less capable (with on paper an extremely good first choice back four) and our whole squad has begun to look less fit, shipping late goals left right and centre.

I think we have two options – a new manager (obviously) although I would rather bring a 'top class' manager down to our currently mid table level than give an 'unproven' manager an opportunity. The other option is to make some changes to Bobby's back room staff, bring in defensive coaches and improve squad fitness. If we get those two attributes nailed down, then perhaps Martinez's 'style' wouldn't look so flimsy.

You need good foundations before you build anything fancy on top!

Have had time to calm down (or come out of depression) after shouting myself hoarse yesterday. It's the hope that kills you as they say and that 90 minutes, in a nut shell, pretty much summed up what it's like to be an Evertonian.

First 45 minutes I really could not believe what I was seeing. I sat there in the stadium thinking to myself my old uni side would have given this lot a game. I'm 100% sure I did more running playing for my uni side than our sorry excuse for midfielders did in that first half. Everybody stood like statues when we're on the ball, no one pressing when they had the ball. Passes just going sideways in our half waiting to either lose possession being tackled or a lump up the pitch, hoping that Lukaku would then do something. We were lucky to come off only 1 down at the break, score should have been 3-1 (if Lukaky had remembered to bring his first touch and shooting boots). The boos at half time were fully deserved and I joined in in full - it was a cup semi FFS and these twats produce THAT??

Second half comes and after a few mins the players suddenly seem to remember they are professional footballers playing in a cup semi final in front of 86,000 odd people. The drive and passion that we've been screaming for all season suddenly made an apperance and low and behold we look better, score the equaliser and should have scored at least another two times, not even including the missed pen. I honestly thought we'd make it to extra time and then who knows.......

But no, the injury time routine returns and just when you think we've got another 30 mins we concede another late soft goal. Poor poor defending again, lack of concentration etc.

I don't really have the strenght to bother dicussing tactics, players or formations as it's all a bit irrelevant now. Especially as our manager will be gone in a few days time (presumably). Although I find it laughable that the Sunday Times had Barkely down as our best player!

We have 4 meaningless league games left (other than league position prize money), use them to give some youngsters experience and allow the old heads to wave goodbye. Otheriwse see you all in July, when we've hopefully gotten a new manager and Kenwright has also pissed off.

This sorry excuse for a season is finally over - will enjoy the Leicester story and look forward to the Euros.

Ciao!

Yes, the first half was a bit pedestrian to say the least but we did come alive second half. Must agree with all about Rom, he is a lazy friggin' lump who couldn't trap a bag of cement with the touch of a baby elephant; get rid to some Champions League team. Yeah as if he's ready.

Felt sorry for Besic, he was there to be exposed and he was. Jags was great considering. Kenwright looks totally ill and I send my best to him.

I have a sneaky feeling Martinez will be manager at the start of next season but time will tell. For now, well done all who made so much noise there yesterday, at least we made the best of it and came home minus a voice.

To be fair, he did on two occasions make something out of nothing and having done the hard work should have converted at least one of the two excellent chances. The rest of the first half was "don't give anything away", and it was pretty much defence against attack for the rest of the half.

Whether it was right to boo them off at half time, I don't know but you could feel the frustration amongst the crowd. Second half started much like the first, but, with 30 minutes to go, things changed. I don't know if it was the players who instigated the change or the manager. But they at last began to realize this was a semi-final that they were losing quite easily. When the penalty was awarded, Baines picked the ball up and seemed he was going to take it, but Lukaku made the gesture as to say I take the penalties so Baines handed him the ball.

Even though we missed the penalty, it didn't dampen our new-found confidence, and we went at them even harder, the inclusion of Deulofeu certainly helped. But it just wasn't enough but at least for the last 30 minutes they had a go.

So the week that was to define our season, which resulted in two defeats, so now the speculation will begin. I don't know when Everton will release RM but if we have any resemblance of a club wanting to get back into the top 6 then this must be a given.

I see some papers are speculating as to who our new manager might be; some have mentioned Eddie Howe. I hope the men in charge at our club will look a bit higher than that, I don't want another maybe manager – I want someone who has won trophies and over a period, not a one-trophy wonder.

If Farhad Moshiri really is here to take us back to the top then we need a top manager. There are many in football around the world, and I agree we don't look an attractive proposition but, like Abramovich, if you throw enough money at the problem, the top boys will come.

Time and time again he intercepted balls and strode into midfield instantly turning defence into attack. His performance was the biggest single reason for our battling second-half performance, He was immense, head and shoulders above everybody else.

Our defeat was down to Lukaku squandering chance after chance. This guy's first touch was appalling. It has always been appalling and those who insist he has improved it have had their claims well and truly exposed.

There is a clear difference between learning how to use your body to shield a ball and "learning" how to have a good first touch.

One's do-able... the other aint

He let Fellaini make the run to the near post for their first goal; he didn't react quickly enough.

I also think he left too wide a space for Martial to run into; he should have been narrower.

Ross has no direction from the manager. If he played for another club, with the talent he has got, he would be getting a fucking big kick up the backside. Which clearly shows Martinez is not doing to any of the players. He is too nice a man to manage a club like Everton.

Would a change of a right-hand man be positive? Yes. Not an Archie Knox with his baseball bat. Maybe Peter Reid or Andy Gray could be Roberto's missing catalyst to success with Everton Football Club.

How about Good Cop Pellegrini, Bad Cop Duncan Ferguson?

Don't mention the record points total in his first season as that was achieved with Moyes's defensive set up still influencing our play. By the time spring came round and we lost at home to Palace the Martinez effect had taken hold and we have gone steadily downhill ever since.

Martinez has to go if our club holds out any hope of progression to better things. Also, why are some people saying we should make our thoughts known at the Norwich game? We must start this week at the Bournemouth game as after that we only have Norwich left so we have two games in which to let Kenwright and the board know how we feel.

Perhaps a half-empty stadium might have some effect. Moshiri won't be too chuffed with his investment if he realises the fans are staying away from the 'product' in droves. Money and the making of it is certainly something he understands. Hit the club where it hurts and someone will have to sit up and take notice.

I`m sure John Stones will be deeply concerned by your determination to blame him for every single goal Everton concede. It was only a few short weeks ago that you were coming on here telling people who had long since seen through your hero Martinez, that they were totally wrong; "He has raised your expectations too high" you told us.

For three years you`ve spouted this nonsense.

Next, you are on here gloating that all those who claimed Lukaku`s first touch was awful had been proved wrong – wrong again, He can still control it further than most of us can kick it, as painfully demonstrated recently.

Now you`re on here challenging every bit of praise raised about John Stones. Are you really so determined to one day be proved right?

Did you not see the ease with which Besic was being beaten? did you not know that Jagielka was miles away from being 100%? Do you not understand that Baines was the one who could clearly see Fellaini and Should have gone with him? Do you get the fact that 21-year-old Stones (who made top class tackle after top class tackle) was trying to hold together a back four consisting of two crocks and one out of position? The answer to all those questions will be no, of course it will be no.

The clamour for Stones`s signature will be intense this summer and guess what? Not one of those who are prepared to part with a king`s ransom will be looking to sign a Holding midfield player.

People like you who have been taken in by Martinez's pie-in-the-sky bollocks, are the reason he is still here. You're also one of the main reasons the finest footballing center-half seen for half a century wants out.

"School of Science"? How can we ever be that again when our footballers are hounded by people who don't even understand the concept?

I use what I see to form my opinion. Maybe I need the benefit of the coaching experience you have to understand the situation.

Whilst you are no Pep, as you mentioned in a previous post, your coach's eye is obvious.

To blame John Stones for every goal we concede is vindictive, to blame him for Martial's goal is just plane Moronic.

The guy who tackled Jagielka initially lost the challenge, but stuck out a foot and was able to toe poke it. That toe poke could have gone anywhere, quite literally anywhere. The defender who could have read where it was going still hasn't been born yet, never will be.

The ball ran straight into the path of a £50m striker who duly buried it.

You would have to be cockeyed, malicious or completely stupid to even attempt to lay the blame for that goal at John Stones's doorstep.

Of course those who are all three, will be on here blaming him every time we concede a goal... they'll even try to pass it off as opinion.

There have been hundreds of reports and thousands of comments about this game, I have not seen any report or comment anywhere that even mentions Stones part in this goal . .now the regular critics think they have something to hang their hats onto.

When a player gets a toe poke to a ball and has no control over where it goes. a lurking attacker has the luxury of being able Gamble and sprint flat out, it doesnt matter if he gets it wrong. it happens 100 tmes in every game. The DEFENDER on the other hand . . . . Na, dya know what I cant be arsed having this debate with the same people every game.

The worlds top coaches can save themselves the indignity of fighting over the lads signature ,they merely need to consult the footballing Einstien's on here who think that goal was his fault

Here are 2 reports I found without much effort that mention Stones part in the second goal:

Jonathan Northcroft in the Sunday Times

"John Stones was drawn out of position and Anthony Martial charged into the space he vacated"

And from the Independent

" Herrera got the better of Jagielka before slipping through a pass that Martial, running away from Stones, clinically despatched. Watford or Crystal Palace, who meet at Wembley on Sunday await. "

And what is the significance of 48 hours? Is there a time limit on posting comments on events from the previous game?

Stones had a great second half, for the first time in a long time.

I hope he builds on it and is not knocked down by this sort of incorrect (in my opinion) criticism,

"Herrera got the better of "Jagielka" . .you do understand that don't you ? . . . He say's jagielka.

The 48 hours has no significance to you at all, it wasnt directed at you

Please no, not Moyes, ffs, I couldn't handle it - an absolute car crash if it happens.

Can you imagine BK fawning all over him " what a guy, I was distraught when David left the Everton family....I always said the door was open for a return .....blah blah fawn,yada.

What a nightmare!

This group only exists in your head.

When Stones fucks up defending, he gets pulled up for it. Same as Jags, Baines, Mori, Howard, Coleman, Robles, Barry and McCarthy. Do we need to go into how Delboy and Barkley get torn to shreds over their lack of defending?

He's a young man who needs coaching for the position he plays. Not the "Go get'em boys.", he's played under for 3 seasons.

". . . blame Stones for every goal we concede." Made-up nonsense.