Everton comfortably through with a clean sheet

, 31 January, 115comments  |  Jump to most recent
Carlisle United 0 - 3 Everton

Everton are safely through to the Fifth Round of the FA Cup following an encouragingly routine victory over Carlisle United at Brunton Park.

Ross Barkley and Aaron Lennon led the way with the stand-out performances of the afternoon, the latter helping Roberto Martinez's side get off to an early 2-0 lead with an assist and a well-taken goal, the former lashing home a deflected shot in the second half to complete the scoring.

Starting in place of Gerard Deulofeu who was an unused substitute, Lennon galloped onto Tom Cleverley's nicely-weighted ball over the top with just than a minute and a half on the clock and he picked out Arouna Kone in the centre to tap in from close range.

12 minutes later, a slick passing move down Everton's left ended with Bryan Oviedo crossing low into the Carlisle area where Lennon expertly rounded the nearest defender with his first touch and hammered the ball home via the goalkeeper to put the visitors into a comfortable lead.

Article continues below video content


It was an advantage they never looked like relinquishing. The League Two side's attempts to get back into the contest were largely stifled and Keith Curle's men were largely restricted to two chances of note – the first, a powerful half-volley from Asamoah, was beaten away by Joel Robles after seven minutes while substitute Ibehra's goalbound shot late in the second period was diverted behind by Phil Jagielka's out-stretched leg.

With Everton in control, Barkley capped a fine individual display with the third goal midway through the second half. A trial run a couple of minutes earlier where he skipped his way into the box but just overran the ball at the last second paved the way for a similar jinking move where he drove in from the right and fired home via a slight deflection from the edge of the area.


Matchday updates


By Michael Kenrick

For Everton, Both Lukaku and Stones are dropped from the starting lineup at Carlisle, with Robles retaining his place in goal for cup games. Hallum Hope, once of Everton's Academy was on the bench for the home side.

Everton kicked off with the home crowd enjoying the occasion until in the second minute Everton scored a simple goal, Cleverley with a smart ball over the top for Lennon to run onto and he slid ist across goal to Kone at the far post for a simple tap-in.

Asamoah got a shot off from a loose ball by Cleverley but it flew wide. After a bright Everton attack Funes Mori made a horrible mistake that gifted another chance to Asamoah, who this time lashed his shot at Robles.

Coleman won a free-kick on a ball over the top from Barkley and it was whipped in to Kone but he could not dig it out. Oveido then had a shot that ran wide, then he had the chance to cross from the left but it was overhit. But his next cross was leapt on by Lennon after a brilliant one-two with Barkley and the former Spurs man, with a splendid touch, fired in off the Carlisle keeper, a fantastic Everton move.

A dangerous free-kick was executed poorly by Barkley, well wide, but Everton continued to move the ball well and press the home side high up the field. Lots of possession passing in the Carlisle half denied the home side any contact with the ball but failed to produce much of a threat on goal.

Asamoah won a corner for the home side but it produced little threat. A second Carlisle corner was played very deep and headed out. Then it was Everton's turn for a corner but it was equally unproductive, the Blues have noticeably relaxed the pressure and class that had given them a comfortable two-goal lead.

It was a more even game as Carlisle made the most of their turnovers while Everton probed but without the incisive cut and thrust of the earlier moves as the game drifted toward half-time. Kone did get a chance off a cross from Oviedo but played it straight at Gillespie in the Carlisle goal.

A good tackle by Comely saw a poor challenge in response from McCarthy who ended up in Lee Mason's book. The resulting attack looked to cause a little panic in the Everton defence until Robles stepped out and took command.

Keith Curle made two changes at half-time, including Hallum Hope coming on against his old club. Kennedy stood on MaCarthy's ankle and saw a yellow card. Everton continued to play the ball around with moderate urgency, Barkley trying to cut in from the left and Cleverley firing wide. Asamoah got behind Jagielka but the Everton captain caught him and deflected his shot away for a corner

Barkley made a beautiful crossfield pass right to Kone's feet but he hesitated and the chance was gone. Coleman danced in behind the Carlisle defence on a great ball from Lennon but was foiled by a determined block. Barkley then tried a drive down the middle but his last touch was too heavy and it allowed a block.

Osman came on for Pienaar to a fine reception at the ground where he spent a few happy months on loan 13 years ago. And he laid a nice pass at the end of a 25-pass move into the path of Barkley whose shot benefited from a deflection off the head of Ellis and flew past Gillespie for Everton's third of the day.

Hope was blocked by Cleverley for a free-kick that was messed up by Hope, Osman blocking it at close range with his hand before it ran through but three Carlisle payers were offside. At the other end, Cleverley lashed his shot wide. Then Kone tried one form an impossible angle that glanced off the face of the bar.

Barkley was given a sporting round of applause from all round the ground as he was replaced by Gibson. Everton now relaxed with a three-goal lead, Galloway coming on in place of Coleman.

Carlisle were at least keen to get a goal, giving Robles some work to do in the late stages, while they still came back to defend well as a team when Everton attacked. And there was some Olé footy from the home side, Gilliead running well and playing a great cut-back that needed a vital leg from Robles to keep the clean sheet for Everton.

In the end, it was job done, and a comfortable scoreline, with the potential banana-skin competently avoided, and a place in the 5th Round after the disappointment of Wednesday at The Etihad.

Full details: ToffeeWeb match page



Reader Comments (115)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer


Geoff Evans
1 Posted 31/01/2016 at 13:08:00
Keep Stones there and protect the £50 mill the mancs are reported to have offered.
Brian Williams
2 Posted 31/01/2016 at 13:10:48
I hope that team selection doesn't come back to bite us in the arse!!
Joe Clitherow
3 Posted 31/01/2016 at 13:24:05
Is it just me or did RM look terrified in his interview before the game? Has someone had a word?
Victor Jones
5 Posted 31/01/2016 at 13:59:03
Everton two goals up. Surely this game is now over? Surely now we have the perfect opportunity to show our game management. Close this game out. Win. Famous last words. Even Everton cannot fook this one up. Or I will eat my words. Sorry (not), for all the neutrals tuning in. Now let's see some proper entertaining football. And Martinez lives to fight another day.

Jumping the gun here, but let's hope for another favourable cup draw. And let's get another Cup run started. Fifty years since Trebilcock's double. Could this be our year?

Peter Cummings
6 Posted 31/01/2016 at 14:24:13
Just another 2 (for us) and we can breathe easily as long as they don’t rally as we let them come at us.
Christopher Timmins
7 Posted 31/01/2016 at 14:28:03
Kone to score in every round on Everton's way to winning the cup!
Rob Hooton
8 Posted 31/01/2016 at 14:29:46
I'll only rest easy if we're 5-0 up with 30 seconds of injury time to play!!
Anto Byrne
9 Posted 31/01/2016 at 14:36:31
Two-nil up and cruising... now, how many times have I said that this season? Bit nervous are we?
Anto Byrne
10 Posted 31/01/2016 at 14:43:39
Stone’s is a fantastic footballer. Those who want cart horses instead of thoroughbreds probably want David Moyes reinstated as Manager. The best of the rest is that what you want?
Peter Gorman
11 Posted 31/01/2016 at 15:11:22
Depends Anto, a thoroughbred is fuck all use in pulling a cart.

And rather best of the rest than mid-table dross but nice analogy though.

Jim Hardin
12 Posted 31/01/2016 at 15:20:05
Anto,

Why post about a player not playing today and a manager not managing Everton today? No one denies Stones is a fantastic (or potentially) football player. The complaint is he is a mediocre or worse centre-half at present. Problem is... that is his position.

BTW, Moyes signed Stones and Coleman and Barkley didn’t he? Guess he could recognize the difference and when not to put square pegs into round holes.

Brent Stephens
14 Posted 31/01/2016 at 15:28:46
All the press reporters drooled over Stones on Sky Sunday Supplement today, recognising that his issues are largely Roberto-derived.
Colin Glassar
15 Posted 31/01/2016 at 15:28:47
Anto, I suppose it’s like some men fancy obese women with facial hair. You can’t account for some people’s taste.
Tony Hill
16 Posted 31/01/2016 at 15:33:36
A good, solid performance against a pretty dreadful side. We still managed to have our customary doze, of course, and to ease off generally but no complaints.
Jason Thomas
18 Posted 31/01/2016 at 15:41:02
Early goals killed it and a general good performance. Ross seems to be on the verge of a hot streak but...Aaaahhhhhhhh!!!!!!

Kone is fucking dogshite... Every time he gets the ball, it turns to shit. He is simply not good enough for Everton. I hope the Niasse deal comes through!

Steve Brown
19 Posted 31/01/2016 at 15:44:15
How bad was Kone today? Just awful.
Jay Harris
20 Posted 31/01/2016 at 15:47:40
Job done that is about all you could say as we lumbered through this game.

Very impressed by Lennon’s attitude. It is what we will need in the coming months.

I thought Funes Mori and McCarthy both had off days today and we looked disorganized with no shape or teamwork. Individuals won that for us today.

Maybe Roberto’s mind is on his next job.

Steve Brown
21 Posted 31/01/2016 at 15:48:22
Thought we looked a lot more solid with Jags and Funes Mori. Stones is pure class but you can't make the number of errors he has made in the last ten games and remain in the side.

Also, Oviedo aint no right back. He was very good at left back but dire the moment he switched to the right. We need another right back as cover for Coleman now we missed out on Byram.

Colin Glassar
22 Posted 31/01/2016 at 15:52:10
Funes Mori really needs to improve his passing, and decision making. He's a good stopper but the rest of his game is lacking. I'm sure he'll improve though.
Jeff Armstrong
23 Posted 31/01/2016 at 15:53:09
Kone’s tap-in will paper over an absolute terrible performance from him against lower league defenders. As one poster mentioned, every time he had the ball, his decision-making and execution was embarrassing.

Surely McAleny or another youngster should have been given a run out today? But no, Martinez’s favourite is given another go.

Jeff Armstrong
24 Posted 31/01/2016 at 15:55:52
9 clean sheets this season, 8 of them from Robles...
John Crawley
25 Posted 31/01/2016 at 15:59:38
Jay (#16), I’m no fan of Martinez but you’re obviously watching a different game than everybody else! We controlled the game from the start, kept possession of the ball, scored 3 good goals and looked composed. Which is what you’d expect against that level of opposition.
John Hughes
26 Posted 31/01/2016 at 16:03:35
Just watched Martinez's interview –only one 'incredible' mentioned, must be some kind of improvement but Everton did enough to win the tie today.
Martin Mason
27 Posted 31/01/2016 at 16:03:48
The problem is what I call a glass ceiling. We can look the world’s best against teams until a certain level is reached and then we go to pieces. A bit like playing squash under the old rules.

With the way we are set up by Martinez we will always come up against this limit which is around the top 4 in the EPL. In other words, unless we change our strategy, we will never join that elite. I believe that our squad is almost good enough.

Joe Clitherow
28 Posted 31/01/2016 at 16:06:57
Kone today was just......Kone. Nothing he did was particularly badly executed in isolation but his game is just what it is. He slows everything down when we have advantages in attack until it is lost. Sometimes that can be useful but it never presses the advantage of quick build up play. Martinez loves this kind of stuff, i.e. walking the ball in via a "perfect" goal.

The problem is that hardly any goals get scored that way in the Premier League and our good build up hardly ever ends up testing the keeper.

Barkley by contrast has an all action running style that is exciting and well suited to the Premier League and is being stifled usually by a pass wide or back when he gets to the 18-yard line. There are signs though that he is being more decisive and going for the shooting opportunity last few games and he looks much better for it. I thought Ross was very good today, albeit against a lower league team who were not very good.

Alan Bodell
29 Posted 31/01/2016 at 16:07:48
I thought Joel Robles looked very good again today and surely it's his time. I realise he wasn’t heavily tested but looks so more composed and confident than Tim and his throwing distribution is much better.

I know we are not one of the ’chosen wealthy’ but I wish we had donated all our match fee today to Carlisle with their current trouble, could have been a massive plus for us media wise.

Oh yeah, I still want Martinez out.

Peter Lee
30 Posted 31/01/2016 at 16:10:49
Kone is currently our second choice lone striker. Not his fault, maybe not his choice. He is also one of the choices that Roberto Martinez calls on to play left. Again, not his fault, maybe not his choice. RM has consistently preferred to play with someone wide left when we are moving the ball out of defence who can link with Lukaku once play is established in the opposition half. Early in the season against Southampton, it was more flexible and we scored two goals from play down our right that included Kane. He worked both sides.

Until late in the game he consistently shows for the ball, receives and and controls it and passes to a blue shirt, often under pressure from at least one defender, and retained possession moves us up the pitch.

I can understand why somebody might not like him but, if you don't tell us what he really does wrong in a game rather than what you prefer to imagine.

Today he was instrumental in the victory. Disagree? Explain why please.

Joe Clitherow
31 Posted 31/01/2016 at 16:24:56
Peter

My criticism of Kone is as I have said above. He is what he is. Sure he often retains possession which moves up the pitch but I expect more than that from a striker for Everton. I expect incisive play which creates a goalscoring chance.

My main gripe is that he always slows down our attack by taking two or three touches and bringing down the ball to look for a pass rather than playing an instinctive lay off which keeps the pressure on. Pienaar is the model for this on the left out of our current players but sadly not for much longer. Sometimes he gets it under control, sometimes a single flick on to an overlapping player.

Next time Kone plays, watch and see how many one-twos he plays either receiving or initiating - not nearly enough. I always thought the old "wall pass", the "give and go" properly executed was the cornerstone of unsettling attacking football. Man City seemed to demonstrate it successfully countless times against us on Wednesday. It's not a big tool in Everton's armoury under Martinez, and Kone is just made for Martinez.

Tony Hill
32 Posted 31/01/2016 at 16:30:58
Ross just needs that extra degree of confidence to fulfil his massive talent. That lovely run he had should have resulted in a great goal but he suddenly became aware of what he was about to do and lost his final touch.

I'm pleased, though, by the overall tightness he has brought to his game this season and if he can develop his self-belief then he will be one of our very best.

Sometimes, a particular type of immensely talented person is strangely embarrassed and hampered by knowing what he/she could really do if they allowed themselves full expression and I think Ross falls into that category. It's the opposite, in footballing terms, of players like Lineker and even Beckham who make the very best of a fine but limited talent.

He's a joy to watch though, regardless, and I'm delighted he's ours.

Martin Mason
33 Posted 31/01/2016 at 16:34:30
Kone had a very good game today and scored. He has been instrumental in the improvement of Lukaku, what can the lad do to please some? Mind you there are posters here who’d have you believe that Ross Barkley isn’t up to much.
Phil Walling
34 Posted 31/01/2016 at 16:34:38
Thought somebody might be on to congratulate my forecasting result and score correctly thus depriving Victor Chandler of 110 quid!

Stopped on way home from Pafos Sports Bar to get the Walling Woman a bottle of fizz and lord it a bit over the shop's RS owner.

Can I be the first to say today's game could be our Oxford Moment (we've only had five of those so far this season!) although the first team may feck it up on Wednesday!

Anyway, good to have a win to celebrate – if only against fourth-tier opposition!

Peter Lee
35 Posted 31/01/2016 at 16:42:50
Joe, we won't agree, that's life. Taking the ball as Kone does, under pressure, back to goal and keeping us in the game, is something to be treasured rather than decried. At times he will play it straight back, other times he moves infield and much more often than not gives it to a blue shirt. Unless there is someone in a position inside to take a first time pass, and most often there isn't due to the nature of the game at that point, that's our best option.

Your second paragraph often applies to Ross Barkley in a far less pressured situation. Not having a go just pointing out that the standards we use to judge players in different positions need to be different.

If we are talking about the selection of favourites, mentioned by others earlier in the thread, I can't for the life of me see how Ross Barkley gets a start in the hole ahead of, in order, Naismith, Mirallas, Deulofeu, Osman and Cleverly. (Yes, I know he plays for Norwich, he wouldn't if I was making the decisions.)

Ian Hollingworth
36 Posted 31/01/2016 at 16:44:10
Phenomenal
Joe Clitherow
37 Posted 31/01/2016 at 16:44:43
Martin

I'm not slagging Kone off for the sake of it. I just don't think he is good enough.

But I don't think he had a very good game today as you say. He broke down at least two good moves, one taking an excellent ball from I think Lennon (who was very good today before he faded - surely lack of match time) and slowing instead of taking it on at pace.

Yes he scored but he should have had more against a poor lower league side. Too slow in both feet and head.

We need to set the bar higher than Arouna Kone if we expect to improve, no disrespect to the lad

Andy Crooks
38 Posted 31/01/2016 at 16:44:44
Well done, Phil Walling. Also, Martin Mason, why have you over the last few months started posting incisive, pertinent comments?
Fran Mitchell
39 Posted 31/01/2016 at 16:45:50
Barkley on his way to double figures already this season. He could end up with 15-18 goals if the team has a run of form.

For a 22 year old, that is excellent, added to his 7/8 assists this season.

This lad is gonna be at the level of Frank Lampard in goalscoring midfielder terms, albeit a different style of player.

He needs to press more, and still much to improve in decision making and final ball. Despite this, he is already proving to be a top class player and the big clubs will definitely be taking notice. With a European Championship coming, we need to ensure we can keep him.

And remember this when people come criticising Stones. Young players have dips in form, it is only natural, but the class acts will always come through these experiences better players. Last season, some on here were calling us to get shot of Barkley to the highest bidder, a lazy luxury player who believed his own hype, I heard many people say. (As they did of Lukaku.)

Tony Hill
41 Posted 31/01/2016 at 16:49:48
Peter (33), if ever there were a paragraph on TW demonstrating that this is a forum for diverse opinions then it is your last one. Osman and Cleverley ahead of Barkley. That's Osman and Cleverley. Osman and Cleverley....
Dave Abrahams
42 Posted 31/01/2016 at 16:54:12
I'm pleased we won, but Everton give the ball away to the opposition when there is absolutely no pressure on them... how many times today? And it happens every game; we put ourselves under needless pressure – very frustrating; passing is one of the basics of the game.

Kone is a player who appears lifeless to me, loses the ball as much as he keeps it, along with a very ageing Osman; there is more life in a nit nurse's comb than the two of them.

Joe Clitherow
43 Posted 31/01/2016 at 16:54:16
Peter,

I don’t disagree with your first sentence at all. Different players for different times and different games. One of the best at the back to goal was Teddy Sheringham. But he would mix it up too. I just don’t think Kone does as he always holds it too long for me without fail.

The thing about Ross in the hole is that today was his ninth goal, so he isn’t that shoddy in that position. He and Lukaku have between them scored more than half the team’s goals this season.

I think he would have had quite a few more if he had shot more rather than passing it wide when teams pack the 18-yard line. Only Barkley and Lukaku look capable of shooting in this team. We don’t see Leighton on free kicks any more.

Colin Glassar
44 Posted 31/01/2016 at 16:58:17
Phil, I predicted the team before it was announced, beat that!!
Nitesh Kanchan
45 Posted 31/01/2016 at 17:04:49
It is better to play City, Arsenal or Liverpool in the next round rather than semis and final to get another heartbreaking loss and be so near and yet so far to silverware. It will be more deserving if we beat these teams and win it rather than running the luck of draws.
Paul Thompson
46 Posted 31/01/2016 at 17:05:03
Some valiant defence of Kone on here and he does work hard and can hold the ball. But I thought he was poor, particularly against lowly opponents. Limited awareness, ponderous and some shockingly bad passing. As he is now the second choice striker I really hope this new lad is coming in.

Thought Lennon was our best player overall. Is there anyone in the club who works as hard all over the pitch? He was neat and incisive too. Barkley had a very good second half and is was gratifying to see their fans applauding him when was subbed.

Steven Twine
47 Posted 31/01/2016 at 17:09:53
Very professional and I think we can all agree the early goal then 2nd goal within 15 mins really settled the game. And did we need them early goals to ease nerves and for us to settle after Wednesday result.

Martinez way looks really good when we are not under pressure and the opposition are not closing us down. When we have time on the ball we look terrific. Unfortunately these things do not happen in the Premier League and that’s where Martinez let’s us down.The messing around with the ball around the penalty area, the extra passes around the opposition penalty area are not tactics for the Premier League.

First goal today, long ball over the top, we only tried that one more time in the 88 mins! I find that really strange... if it works, why not try a few more times? I hope we can take this forward but I can’t see it with our manager and his tactics.

Pete Ellingham
48 Posted 31/01/2016 at 17:12:11
Maybe Kone was put off slightly by the morons shouting racist abuse at him from the crowd, absolutely disgusting! Hope they are caught and named! Well done Everton, you can only beat what's in front of you.
John Raftery
49 Posted 31/01/2016 at 17:17:45
We made the game easy today. It might have been really difficult on a deceptively bumpy pitch but as we found at Stevenage, Cheltenham and Scunthorpe in recent years two early goals deflated the home team. That we were able to do this without our two best performers this season, Barry and Lukaku, was a big plus with next Wednesday in mind.

Based on today’s evidence Lennon deserves a place in the starting lineup. In a team which needs players to work hard around the pitch and last longer than 60 minutes he is what we need at the moment. A few more like him would be good as well.

Patrick Murphy
50 Posted 31/01/2016 at 17:22:06
Pete (#45),

What annoys me is the way the media (or at least some sections of the media) treat Everton in general, for example C4 News reported that Everton had beaten Carlisle 3-0 but over the top of Barkley scoring the third goal the newsreader said "the game was marred by racist chanting from some sections of the crowd". They did not make it clear that it was the home supporters chanting against Everton players, leaving plenty of room for those not in the know perhaps believing that it was Everton fans who were responsible for it.

If Liverpool players had have been subjected to the same abuse, C4 would have ensured that there was little doubt about who was responsible and who were the victims of it. A small point perhaps, but it exemplifies how we are treated in general for what reason I don’t know.

Martin Mason
51 Posted 31/01/2016 at 17:28:21
Kone destroyed Everton in one of our worst ever cup performances. His play is smooth and very understated.
Andy Crooks
52 Posted 31/01/2016 at 17:39:38
Martin, what does that mean?
Dave Abrahams
53 Posted 31/01/2016 at 17:41:17
Martin (48) yes I agree he was great that day, but it was three years ago, injuries have taken their toll on the lad, and if you think his play is smooth and understated, fair enough.

His end product isn’t much to write home about, I’m afraid, but I do concede that injuries have really curtailed his usefulness to Everton.

Joe Clitherow
54 Posted 31/01/2016 at 17:42:30
Tosh, Martin. That was McManaman and Maloney that tore us apart down the wings that day.

In any case, a single good performance against a very poor Everton side on the day bears no relation at all either to today’s game or the other performances I have seen him put in. Unless you are arguing that is the sole reason we have signed him, much like his manager, in which case it is very relevant.

My point is that he is not good enough for the standard of player we can and should have playing for us and neither is the guy who brought him in. It isn’t personal

Tom Bowers
55 Posted 31/01/2016 at 17:44:39
An easy game, as it should have been. Early goals help against sides like this in the cup on their own patch. Everton still showed some jitters on defence once or twice and let’s hope that’s corrected for the next Premier League game.

Pienaar was an okay starter for this game but I doubt we shall see a lot of him in the future given his age. Cleverley is very average but Oviedo is worth another start at left back as I think Baines is past his best.

Eric Paul
56 Posted 31/01/2016 at 17:44:45
Brett Angell was better than Kone – he is clueless.
Paul Tran
59 Posted 31/01/2016 at 17:54:52
Well done Phil. Don't drink all your winnings tonight!
Martin Mason
60 Posted 31/01/2016 at 18:06:07
Dave@50

He’s obviously not the future for Everton and we have lost the best of him due to injury which was a tragedy for him and us both. All I say is that he was pretty good at one time and he seems to be the catalyst that has released the potential that was in Lukaku.

He’s a really personable lad who didn’t cost us much and has done well in many games. Like many other players (eg, Osman, Hibbert, Barkley!) he isn’t as bad as some make him out to be.

Mike Gaynes
61 Posted 31/01/2016 at 18:11:00
Credit Kone for getting into the box sharply for the tap-in, something Rom failed to do a couple of times on Geri's crosses last week. But Kone also dithered away a great chance off that cross-field ball, and generally seems slow and reluctant to attack off the dribble the way he did a few years ago. I commented on the Forum that the Kone who once left Heitinga for dead would have ripped Carlisle's fullbacks to shreds.

I do give him top marks for the guidance he gives Rom on the field... helped make him a better player, no question. But I reluctantly agree that Kone's time with us should end when the season is over.

David Hallwood
62 Posted 31/01/2016 at 18:11:53
Just watching a bit of the Chelsea - MK Dons game, and the 5th goal came from an 80-yard pass from Fabregas, like the one that done Jags. If only we could mix it up like that, instead of tap, tap.

Surely Martinez must realise that teams that play a high line against us(like everyone) are vulnerable to being done at the back with pace-and we’ve that in spades.

He also must see that if he wants to play out of the back he must find a way to counter a team that camps out in our half. Frustrating.

Peter Murray
63 Posted 31/01/2016 at 18:12:22
A lot of the Anti-Martinez Brigade will be miffed at this result.

Perhaps you, too, Lyndon. Give credit where it is due today. Your article "I’m sorry Roberto..." was overstated and bordering on arrogance.

Despite the clean sheet, the tactical know-how, choice of players and a totally professional performance, the carping has already started, with particular reference to Kone.

Well done, Roberto.

The predicted banana skin was avoided. Let’s just celebrate for once.

Martin Mason
64 Posted 31/01/2016 at 18:14:10
David, the funny thing is that, when we were tapping the ball around this afternoon, that was when we were at our best. Playing conventionally we weren’t as good.
David Hallwood
65 Posted 31/01/2016 at 18:16:37
I’m not saying abandon it, Martin, just mix it up.
David Hallwood
66 Posted 31/01/2016 at 18:19:35
Bournemouth away.
Brent Stephens
67 Posted 31/01/2016 at 18:20:39
Not the worst draw for us.
Gareth Ashman
68 Posted 31/01/2016 at 18:22:18
Did anyone else see Lawro look in the bowl to make sure we were away from home!!!!!
Brian Denton
69 Posted 31/01/2016 at 18:22:31
I was sure we were homing in on Arsenal away.....A bit of good luck almost!
Robert Workman
70 Posted 31/01/2016 at 18:23:34
We just missed Spurs away and Arsenal away!
Colin Glassar
71 Posted 31/01/2016 at 18:24:15
Bournemouth? 6-6 easily
Kim Vivian
72 Posted 31/01/2016 at 18:25:02
Okay, so it’s Bournemouth away so we should make the quarterfinals.

Fairly local to me... Big question is – how am I going to get tickets?

Gerry Quinn
73 Posted 31/01/2016 at 18:26:10
I wonder if Arsenal will ever leave London to play a cup match. Once in the last 3 years, at Brighton, if I am right. Fans are lucky bastards, cheap travel costs.
Ray Roche
74 Posted 31/01/2016 at 18:27:48
Bournemouth away.

Could be worse.

Could be Bournemouth at home.

Peter Lee
75 Posted 31/01/2016 at 18:29:59
Joe, if we move on to Barkley then I have to agree that his goals return is good for a midfield player; however, given that he performs no, zero, zilch, nada defensive duties and doesn’t tackle anyone, anytime, anywhere, it's not enough for me.

It would be okay if he could thread passes through a tight defence; he doesn’t – hence my preferences for the four players I highlighted earlier.

Tony, in that context, I note that, whilst you criticise my inclusion of two players ahead of Barkley, there was no criticism of the other two being included ahead of him.

Craig Fletcher
76 Posted 31/01/2016 at 18:42:50
Paul (43) agree with you, I thought Kone was average at best. Lennon our best player on the pitch, worked hard all game in attack and defence. Coleman looked lively which was great to see, Barks I thought played within himself a little but scored a great goal, Oviedo was bright getting forward.

Pienaar is getting better with more playing time but I'd be amazed if we retained him for next season. He's still a shadow of a once very good PL player.

Ray Roche
77 Posted 31/01/2016 at 18:46:58
Craig, maybe Coleman was better knowing Lennon was there to help out if needed...
Colin Glassar
78 Posted 31/01/2016 at 18:55:35
One thing that worries me is the lack of cover for Coleman. We’ve tried Stones and Oviedo there and neither have worked out. Browning is out until the summer, and Hibbo is MIA so we’ve really got no cover at all...
Tony Hill
79 Posted 31/01/2016 at 18:56:36
Peter, I actually agree with you to the extent that I would have tried Mirallas behind Lukaku much earlier this season and re-jigged our formation accordingly. But not Deulofeu in my view, he is a wide player capable of coming inside effectively.

I also agree that Barkley is not best at 10 and that he is weak defensively. He is, however, a huge talent and we should be building the side around him, I believe, looking to make the best of his very considerable gifts of pace, power and trickery. I would use him centrally where he has room and I would make sure that we had the legs and nous around and behind him to cover defensively.

He is erratic but a gift to our club, and I expect him to show it over the next few years.

Jay Harris
80 Posted 31/01/2016 at 18:57:30
I was thinking the same thing when he switched Oviedo to the right Colin.

I can't see it happening in this window though.

Maybe the new manager will see the point.

Colin Glassar
81 Posted 31/01/2016 at 19:00:10
Have we got a decent RB in the ressies, Jay?
Joe Clitherow
82 Posted 31/01/2016 at 19:02:17
Peter (#66) – "he performs no, zero, zilch, nada defensive duties".

Do you think that is down to Barkley? I’ll give you a clue what I think, which is that *no-one* does under Martinez.

Despite the fact that I think any competent coach who was not hampered by a lunatic "philosophy" would have improved this aspect of Ross’ game he has changed from a fairly ineffective hyped up youngster last season who was deserving of criticism into a much more effective goal scoring, goal assisting midfielder who is integral to any success at all we have under the ludicrous system he is asked.to play under.

Today he scored a beaut, played a key assist in another goal and very nearly contributed another goal all on his own from a pick up just inside the opposition half.

You don’t like him, we’ll clearly disagree, but I see a player who is maturing and getter better all the time, despite the lack of coaching which would take him to a really stellar level. The talent is there and I wasn’t sure about that this time last year

Jay Harris
83 Posted 31/01/2016 at 19:04:14
The only up and coming RBs are Tyas Browning (who is out for the season) and Mathew Pennington who I thought he might have given 45 minutes to today.

Neither of these lads are ready however for a top 4 challenge which hopefully will be the minimum requirement for the new manager.

Jay Harris
84 Posted 31/01/2016 at 19:08:18
Joe, I totally agree with you.

Ross Barkley is a diamond still partly in the rough through not being coached to his correct position and taught how to close space down but nevertheless an immense talent.

I wish people would get off Stones's and Barkley's backs and allow them to grow. They are both potentially world class players and we are privileged to have them at the club.

Kim Vivian
85 Posted 31/01/2016 at 19:14:15
What new manager is this, Jay?
Tony Abrahams
86 Posted 31/01/2016 at 19:16:15
Alan (#26), it would have been a great gesture if Everton could have given Carlisle the money. Walking up to the ground, it was only when you realised that every house was empty from about 1 km away, that you completely realise the utter devastation that those people suffered.

A stroll in the park, but why does Lennon tuck in when we have got the ball? Obviously playing to instructions to maybe get Coleman to run in behind... I just think we would be a much better if our wide players stayed wide, especially considering we already have 3 players in the middle of the park.

Brent Stephens
88 Posted 31/01/2016 at 19:19:57
Tony, probably wide players staying wide gives a static predictability, and no movement for others in possession to pass to more easily.
Tony Hill
89 Posted 31/01/2016 at 19:22:20
Jonjoe Kenny also plays at right back and is promising, now on loan at Oxford of course. I think Browning is a serious prospect and I hope to see him come through next season once injury-free.
Colin Glassar
90 Posted 31/01/2016 at 19:32:37
Jay, sounds like you want a new manager. What’s wrong with this one? Please send your reply in a SAE to Mr William Kenwright Esq, c/o The Boys Pen, Goodison Park, Walton, Liverpool 4, Merseyside.
Tony Abrahams
91 Posted 31/01/2016 at 19:47:27
Brent, it also drags fullbacks wide, and leaves space to attack in behind. All the best teams play with width, it created our first two goals today.
Tony Abrahams
92 Posted 31/01/2016 at 19:55:08
Asked a friend of Bill Kenwright’s, had we been sold, today. He said not as far as he knew, and that although Bill has good and bad days, he hasn’t been diagnosed with cancer.

He also said that he had heard a little whisper that Walton Hall Park could be back on?

Michael Polley
93 Posted 31/01/2016 at 19:57:22
Pleased with the win, but we need a vital 3 pts on Wednesday night. No excuses, or cock-ups please, let’s get a result against the Geordies. Why do I not feel confident though???


COYB – Give me more to cheer about!

Eddie Dunn
94 Posted 31/01/2016 at 20:03:17
On today’s game, I thought we did well, with a little kip towards the end of the first half. Our keeper was as good as he needed to be, and Lennon and Barks stood out. Also the centre back partnership was better balanced, but like stated above Oviedo, was good on the left but once switched to the right, he was lost.

I particularly enjoyed our play when Gibson came on, him and Lennon reminded me of us turning the corner this time last season.

Lennon and Pienaar really looked comfortable, with their intelligent probing and neat passing.

I know Carlisle are poor, but the team showed good professionalism and thankfully avoided another pothole on our road to who know’s where.

The only sour note was just how poor Kone was against such low class opponents. He really lacks speed off the mark and his confidence seems low. I hope we are in for this Senegalese lad as with Nais gone, we have little back-up to Lukaku.

Kone seems a nice guy and some of his approach play is tidy, but he offers no goal threat (I know he had a tap-in) but Lukaku would have had a lot more shots and headers had he played.

Peter Bell
95 Posted 31/01/2016 at 20:24:12
I know there is no place in society for racism, but hope it is not allowed to over shadow everything else in the papers. Carlisle supporters should not be allowed to be dragged down by the small mindless minority.

Their supporters were great and the applause and appreciation for both Ossie when he warmed up and Ross when he was subbed was commendable. They club announced through their PA system of their discontent, well done to Carlisle, and leave the rest to the police.

Ron Sear
96 Posted 31/01/2016 at 20:31:42
Both Stones and Howard didn’t play and, for the first time since Christmas, I felt relaxed when the opposition entered our half. Cock-up factor was reduced dramatically.
Ken Reece
98 Posted 31/01/2016 at 20:42:08
I thought without Barley and Lennon the game would have ground to a halt they both showed the pace we need to start playing the game at.

This match and the Swansea game were being played out as if it were a testimonial or a friendly. I hope the team are not told by RM that was okay because it’s not. It is good football but needs to be taken up a couple of notches in pace and intensity.

It reminds me of Bob the Pole when he came to us with loads of pace and really direct until it was coached out of him when he’d set off and them stop turn around and pass it back to Alan Harper.

Glad we are through to the next round but Martinez has still got to go and take that useless twat Kone with him by far the worst player ever to play for us.

Aidy Dews
99 Posted 31/01/2016 at 20:47:26
Let’s not get carried away, we won a game we should of won, we were expected to win and it’s a job well done.

Today I felt the team were at its most balanced I’ve seen it in a long time. If Barry was in there it would of been better, same for Baines. Pienaar’s intelligent movement has been a big miss for us and it was good to see him in the team.

Joel once again looked assured in goal and bred confidence in the back 4 but no doubt in midweek he’ll get taken out!

No matter what side we put out today I was expecting a win, whether it be scrappy or convincing like it was in the end.

That clean sheet is a big bonus today but once Howard & Stones come back in, and they will, it will make us nervous at the back again and put a clean sheet under threat.

Wednesday is a massive game and we need to win, anything less really isn’t good enough! Personally from now until the end of the season, I’d stick with Joel and give him a good run, see what he can really do for a sustained period in the side. I’d also drop Stones for a while and let him sit on the bench and stew over his form, think about the mistakes and watch how both Jags & Funes Mori defend, and then maybe that might be the wake up call he needs to finally get his head out of his arse!

I’d also try and get Pienaar fit enough to play a more prominent role from now until the end of the season. His unselfish movement off the ball alone makes such a difference to us in the final third, opens up pockets of space for others to go into and exploit.

And it’s good to see McCarthy back and hopefully he stays fit. Barry will be glad to see him back has he’s his legs in the engine room. Hopefully his return will make us more solid.

We need a big result and performance Wednesday. We need to work hard, defend well and have a go and get a good win and turn our season around.

Fail to do so and I don’t know where Martinez can go from there?!

Dave Williams
101 Posted 31/01/2016 at 20:55:27
Kone had a decent game and linked midfield and attack well. Very much an old-fashioned target man and can’t be judged against Lukaku as they are totally different players.

I thought Oviedo was fine throughout and can’t believe how some people say a player has a bad game just because they might misplace a few passes.

Lennon was good but Ross was the outstanding player on the pitch.

Brent Stephens
102 Posted 31/01/2016 at 21:02:01
Tony, I know what you're saying. I'm assuming that the rest don't stay static, so a winger moving inside allows a FB to move forward in that wide position, and somebody should then be looking to cover that FB space. Well, that's the theory!
Martin Mason
103 Posted 31/01/2016 at 21:03:02
Telegraph says Lukaku to Man Utd for £65M this summer.
Michael Penley
104 Posted 31/01/2016 at 21:11:06
What I found interesting is that McCarthy will NOT perform any forward pass whatsoever. At certain times a player was available in space with no pressure and he went backwards. This has to be the manager's doing. Certain players have been given certain roles and can't deviate from them.
Paul Olsen
105 Posted 31/01/2016 at 21:17:38
"...can’t be judged against Lukaku as they are totally different players."

Sure, that would be very convenient for Koné.

Peter Bell
106 Posted 31/01/2016 at 21:28:20
Michael @91, totally disagree that McCarthy is under instruction.

McCarthy always passes it sideways, but Besic passes it forwards. Nothing to do with instructions, it's down to the individual ability of each player; quite simply, McCarthy just looks for the safe pass all the time.
Eddie Dunn
107 Posted 31/01/2016 at 21:46:13
Aidy, well said, I agree with everything you said. Balance is all-important.
Michael Polley
108 Posted 31/01/2016 at 22:00:08
David (#55), I totally agree. The opposition know how to play against us when we play out from the back. They just press high up the pitch, and put pressure on the back 4. However, if we play the odd long ball we would be immediately hitting on their back 4. In essence it would disrupt their gameplan.

I’m not advocating the ’long ball’ as a gameplan, but it would be beneficial to mix it up a bit, and cause the opposing team some problems in how they set up against us.

At the moment, we are too predictable.

Jason Thomas
110 Posted 31/01/2016 at 22:16:52
I posted earlier saying that Kone was dogshite. I’ve calmed down a bit now. He just frustrates me like a post match Martinez interview!

He’s too bloody nice. He gets himself into decent positions, a lot of the time making the space himself and then... He goes into ’nice mode’ and looks for a pass, instead of having that killer instinct of going that one step further by trying to score.

And when he then does neither, he has that little smile that winds me up a treat. He needs to get more nasty! Quite simply, he’s not good enough for us.

Jay Harris
111 Posted 31/01/2016 at 22:39:10
Kim,

Nothing more than wishful thinking and my opinion that his position has become untenable.

I don't know any fan, apart from a few who post on here, that want Martinez to remain in his job.

That and industry insiders who will all be whispering in the board's ear.

Teddy Bertin
112 Posted 31/01/2016 at 22:42:55
Today was a classic example of what happens when we play against a team who want to play football like we do. Dead easy, we show our class and outplay them where it matters. The problem is that, when we play anyone who isn’t only interested in playing nice football and building from the back, we act like we’ve never seen a team get stuck in or counter-attack before.

Average performance, against a team that would like to be like us, but I was ultimately very disappointed by Pienaar, Kone and Oviedo. Barkley held on to the ball too much but, after chance upon chance, took his chance. There’s something there but until his brain starts moving quicker he’ll never be the player that we think he could be.

Coleman oozed class today and barely broke a sweat. We need to build that right-hand side around him and Lennon. It could be very dangerous and maybe rotate Barkley with Deulofeu behind the striker. Not sure, but Coleman looks a different player with Deulofeu in front of him (and not in a good way).

Trevor Peers
113 Posted 31/01/2016 at 22:44:16
Spot on, Jason, We badly need a striker. Kone isn’t even good enough for Carlisle.

Let’s hope we see some action before tomorrow’s deadline.

Jim Hardin
114 Posted 31/01/2016 at 23:48:53
So, based upon beating a League 2 team about 60 places below us and only 10 spots off being relegated out of the League altogether, we should start picking who gets to play EPL games? Respectfully, get a grip people. We only won 3-0. Good for Robles in keeping a clean sheet but how many shots did they have? His hardest save may have been the horrible backpass the Jags lashed at him early in the first half.

I am glad for the win and moving on in the FA Cup but cue the reality please.

Ian Riley
115 Posted 01/02/2016 at 00:24:57
Thought the team looked well balanced. Martinez dropped those not in form, stones and Howard. Lukaku had a rest. Good professional performance. The team appeared to put a shift in today. Only Carlisle but we haven’t won for a while. Remember some of our losses to lower league opposition?

All off to sunny Bournemouth! Let’s slap on the suntan lotion and have an ice cream! Lovely!!

Paul Ferry
116 Posted 01/02/2016 at 02:25:02
Jay Harris - 97 'I don't know any fan apart from a few who post on here that want Martinez to remain in his job'.

A 'few'?

6,300 votes on the yes or no poll. 27 per cent of 7,300 is 1,701.

Hardly 'a few'.

Naturally you will point out that 73 per cent of 7,300 is 4,599.

Nonetheless 27 per cent is not a 'few'.

There are plenty of rational and sound reasons to not want this manager and there is no need to embelish or misrepresent.

Phil Walling
117 Posted 01/02/2016 at 02:34:22
Five league wins and a few draws will see Roberto starting next season at Everton. Always providing BK retains some influence.

Betya!

Mark Andersson
118 Posted 01/02/2016 at 02:46:21
I really don't get the racist chants if your team has black players in it. Just shows the moron mentality of some fans.

Saying that I really don't get the scathing criticism of our own players. Kone is like a sticky bud the ball just sticks to him when played, big Rom could do well to learn from him.

For the first time in my life I never jumped for joy and screamed GET in for any of the goals, well I sort of did when Ross scored..

Thought the Carlisle fans were class applauding Ross and that will give him confidence.

When was the last time we won two on the bounce?? The Newcastle game is yet another must win or Martinez will be in for lots of stick at the next home game.

I still think he is the wrong man for the job and Everton need to get a more high profile manager. I will leave the rest of you to debate who it should be.

Good win today just wish there was more of them, then maybe I could get excited again.

Brian Porter
119 Posted 01/02/2016 at 06:38:40
Watched the game from first to last and there was little to fault in the players’ attitude and performance, though Kone again showed he just isn’t Premier League quality. Yes, he scored probably the easiest goal he’s ever likely to score. (I doubt any PL defence would have let him into that position so early in the game.) Apart from that, he was slow, ponderous and even when presented with another golden opportunity in the second half, he somehow managed to mess it up completely.

If he can’t do better against 2nd Division opponents it says quite clearly he’s not a viable alternative to Rom as a striker. He lacks vision and seems unable to puck out a pass to anyone more than 10 yards away. He may have been decent in his Wigan days and it’s not his fault he got injured, but he obviously hasn’t got what it takes to perform at this level any more, a willing workhorse is the best I can say about him and hope Martinez realises that fact sooner rather than later.

Cleverley wasn’t too clever; I expected him to grasp his opportunity with slightly more enthusiasm, but those two apart, the rest did their jobs to see us past a poor Carlisle, who tried and failed to play the Martinez way, thus avoiding a potential banana skin and going through quite easily to the 5th round.

No more mistakes against Bournemouth next time guys, please. Surely we should have enough to see the off at the second bite of the Cherries!

Tony Abrahams
120 Posted 01/02/2016 at 09:25:24
Michael (#90), it’s a good point, and is actually why McCarthy doesn’t need another player next to him, playing a similar defensive role.

It looks to me that it’s the way that Martinez, has coached James McCarthy down the years, and it’s how he wants him to play. I actually think this kid, is as good as anyone, at getting the ball and keeping it very simple, enabling other players to play.

He’s rarely caught in possession, and his usually available to help team mates who might be under pressure, but give him time to pick a forward pass and he does seem reluctant, this is definitely the least effective part of his game.

I said on another thread that although Barry has been great, I would love Everton to play a midfield triangle, with McCarthy at the point, playing behind Besic and Barkley. I just feel, that if we want to get to the next level, we have got to get more players forward from midfield, and we have got to play the game with more pace.

Tony Abrahams
121 Posted 01/02/2016 at 09:34:58
Brent (#88), that was exactly the plan to get Lennon, drifting inside, and Coleman pushing on round the back. It was alright yesterday, because the game was only a stroll, but against better opposition I’m not sure it’s the right tactics.

Alan Thompson
122 Posted 01/02/2016 at 10:16:28
All the bagging of players with the exception of McCarthy who ,today, put in his usual poor performance. When we are attacking he’s stood in our own back four and when we are defending he seems to be on the wrong side of the ball. As for his passing, whenever he gets possession he passes sideways, which is not always unacceptable, but then moves to where he can’t take a return pass.

Perhaps he could watch the movement of Funes Mori and Oviedo after they have made a pass and would someone mind telling him that the midfield is also supposed to not only create but also back up attacks. If he is just following the manager’s instructions to cover any defender who moves upfield then perhaps its the manager with whom someone should have a word.

All in all, an unimpressive performance that was good enough for that particular opposition but would not have produced such a result against Premier League opposition.

Shane Corcoran
123 Posted 01/02/2016 at 10:22:25
Alan, I agree completely on McCarthy. I'd add in that he looked a little complacent yesterday.
Tony Abrahams
124 Posted 01/02/2016 at 10:43:27
Do you think that because it was his first 90 minutes, in over two months, and the game was being played at Everton's pace, might have contributed to you feeling that McCarthy was a little bit complacent yesterday Shane?
Anto Byrne
125 Posted 01/02/2016 at 12:10:35
I especially thought Gibson was outstanding in that short period he was on the field. His range of passing is excellent always forward thinking whereas McCarthy and his crab football went nowhere. I honestly don’t see what the fuss is and how he is first choice.

Robles looked very assured even relaxed and made good decisions overall. I think Cleverley is so underrated, what a lovely ball to set Lennon away. Kone has good hold up play but 7 goals in 48 matches tells its own story. I much prefer Mirallas and Besic and the think we could have rested them ahead of the City semi-final.

The Swansea game was calling for fresh legs in Lennon and Gibson. Hopefully we can build up some momentum and get to Wembley via the FA Cup. Top six finish is possible with a turn of luck.

I thought Peter Reid's comments about the defence were spot on. If we can address that we can be a top team. I’m sure the powers that be are going to tell Robo to sort it or fuck off elsewhere.


Add Your Comments

In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.

» Log in now

Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.


About these ads

© ToffeeWeb