And thanks, as ever, for an excellent report.

Yet another one who gave Ross MotM (ToffeeWeb & non-Everton sites); I wouldn't have guessed that from some of the comments I saw on the Live Forum. Always great to get some balance and context.

It hasn't always been stylish football this season in fact it rarely has been, but one positive this season under Koeman is we have cut out the vast majority of the stupid self-destruct goals that were rife on a weekly basis last season.

We have got a better knack now of clearing the ball into Row Z and not pussy-footing around; yes, we still have vulnerabilities from crosses and corners but there's been some improvement at least.

Lets hope now for a positive transfer window, I'm hoping for two top quality acquisitions maybe more to have a solid end to the season and build a platform for a top 4 assault in 2017-18.

As a young boy, I would drop off my Mum at my Nan's house and drive with my Dad to the match. After parking the car, we would run past St Luke's and onto Gwladys Street, past the police on horseback and into the gate. I would sit on the bar and watch Alan Ball, Brian Labone and the rest of those great players with my Dad stopping me from falling off. A memory I will never forget.

Every time I read your reports, you bring the experience of going to the game back to life for me.

Happy New Year to you and all Evertonians!

Overall we were better than Hull and had the chances to win it. The derby game is always a non event and for as long as I can remember lady luck must be a red. Southampton played well and looked dangerous and had several very good chances and on the play for at least 70 minutes I thought they would get the goal and win it.

My preference is to get the goals early and then control the game conserving energies and giving players time off the bench. I thought Davies complemented Barkley very nicely and was prepared to run with the ball at pace and with Gana winning the ball it looks like a decent midfield.

However, we need other players to stand up and be influential when things aren't happening for other players who are being closely marked. I would like to see Mirallas driving the team or even the big fella showing a bit of Dunc aggression. We live for this.

Hopefully between now and the end of the season we can narrow the points gap with the 6th placed team. That would show improvement.

All the best for 2017, let's see what January brings for starters. Cheers!

2015... oh dear.

I have told them about the ale in our pub.

Great report as ever, along with some very good words of wisdom Ken. All the best mate, I can't wait to hear how you describe the walk up to Bramley-Moore Dock!

Lovely image.

I read some thought it was the anniversary of his best friend who died last year but, from reading this report, is it not more likely to just be that he wants to be the main penalty taker and he's not happy that he didn't get his way?

All the best for 2017.

I don't begrudge him your MotM award but would have given it to Valencia, who got a goal and a penalty and in general his arrival on the field livened everything up for Everton. But a win is much more important than a MotM award.

As you say, let's look forward to Saturday and the start of a good and memorable cup run.

To be honest, I thought Lukaku had one of his best all-round games for us and his hold-up play and distribution were much improved. Without wishing to be picky, I seem to recall the lovely pass to Coleman which led to the first goal was from Lukaku, not Ross, but maybe I'm wrong. Ross also played well, I agree with you.

I live in Florida now but went home for Xmas and upon seeing a sell-out thought the atmosphere would be great. However, I was so disappointed with our 12th man. It was like they were all hung over from New year. I've heard more noise from Prenton Park. Very disappointing boys and not the thing to get us in the top 4.

Thought the team played OK without being outstanding its as if we are now relying on special moments from individuals rather than a "team" pattern of play. I'm hoping that once we get some decent players in and a settled side that will come.Thought Ross and Mirallas were constant threats and young Tom Davis put a real shift in.

Worried about losing Gueye for a month. Valencia did very well when he came on and looks much more mobile and effective than Kone ever was.