Column 77comments | Jump to last This article may have been recategorised and is therefore no longer available at this URL. You can try to find the updated link in the article archive. Share article: Reader Comments (77) 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 Mark Tanton 1 Posted 30/11/2013 at 14:07:44 Hmmmmm, this is rotation I guess? I never like seeing Osman in the standing up position, he's far better sitting on the bench. Really good to see Deulofeu start. Is Barkley being used sparingly? Are we looking ahead to Man Utd and the Goonies? Kevin Rowlands 2 Posted 30/11/2013 at 14:09:57 Hope this doesn't backfire today, very risky team selection imho. James Stewart 3 Posted 30/11/2013 at 14:13:59 Pleased to see Deulofeu start but dropping Barkley and Mirallas after his best game all season is bizarre. Trevor Lynes 4 Posted 30/11/2013 at 14:14:21 I cannot understand all the changes but we must trust Roberto's strategy!!We look a bit on the small side against this physical Stoke team, IMO. Andy Veitch 5 Posted 30/11/2013 at 14:14:33 Forget looking two games in advance — we need to get a result today. Looking at the changes we are too light against a physical team. Why rest them??? .... Argh. I fear a bad result! But I will always support you. Paul Kelly 6 Posted 30/11/2013 at 14:15:33 Good bench. Paul Andrews 7 Posted 30/11/2013 at 14:19:07 Roberto certainly can't be accused of playing safe.Good for him. Mark Jones 8 Posted 30/11/2013 at 14:19:13 Can't help but think we should have picked our best team to win today then accepted anything against United is a bonus. HOWEVER, Martinez is more positive than that, so I reckon he's planning a six point smash and grab this week. Come on you blues! Kieran Fitzgerald 9 Posted 30/11/2013 at 14:24:48 Maybe Oviedo and Dl Boy are in so that they will run at this Stoke team. I think Del Boy will draw a lot of fouls from the Stoke defence and Oviedo will keep their players pinned back. Disappointed to see Osman in there. Mark Frere 10 Posted 30/11/2013 at 14:26:07 A very confusing line-up, Mirallas and Barkley had their best games of the season last week, and now, they've been left out. Martinez probably has the heavy December schedule in mind. If we fail today RM will get absolutely slated. Richard Lyons 11 Posted 30/11/2013 at 14:48:50 I like it! A bold move by RM, I think Osman and Barry provide the experience to balance Deulofeu's talent. Del and Lukaku together for 90 minutes (well until Del gets substituted, presumably) that's making my mouth water. Hmm… just realised that 3 of the 4 names I've mentioned are loan players... Steve Brown 12 Posted 30/11/2013 at 16:27:59 There's life in the old dogs yet. Both Osman and Pienaar have been excellent. Brian Hennessy 13 Posted 30/11/2013 at 16:42:05 This is great for the goal difference. Another 4 against Man U on Wednesday and we could be up to second..... Drew Shortis 14 Posted 30/11/2013 at 16:58:43 Great performance all round, but I'm most impressed with how Deulofeu and Oviedo seized their opportunities. I was laughing to myself about some of the negative comments regarding Oviedo's ability over the past week. He was the obvious choice at LB and didn't let us down defensively against a physical stoke team. Going forward he was very lively and got a goal and an assist. We need not fear the departure of Baines and can spend his fee elsewhere on the squad! Ross Edwards 15 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:02:06 Sensational performance, glorious football. I did have my reservations when I heard the team news come in, but my fears were proved wrong big time. If we play like that on Wednesday against Gollum, I Ross Edwards 16 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:03:59 Ah, didn't get to finish my sentence, I was going to say that if we play like that on Wednesday, we could be celebrating a first win at OT for 20 years. Anto Byrne 17 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:02:21 Jelavic looked good, and had a couple of good chances. It was a very astute move by RM to put him on when the game was won. I like the up-tempo passing game and a left-back not afraid to pull the trigger. T'was a lovely strike. Mark Frere 18 Posted 30/11/2013 at 16:57:18 A fabulous display from all our players, Barry, McCarthy and Osman owned the midfield. Deulofeu was a constant menace, he's nowhere near the finished article yet but he just oozes class. I love the way he just keeps on running towards goal even when he's fouled, there were a few occasions when he could've gone down but he just kept going - such a exciting talent.Over the moon for Oviedo - a goal and an assist, and a all round top performance from the lad. If his defending is up to scratch, then we have a very good LB on our hands.Pienaar was excellent also. Roll on Manure and Moyes. COYB. Paul Ferry 19 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:07:16 Name the only team to have not lost more than one game in the prem as we reach December. Martinez is the best thing to have happened at Everton for so long. And how about a big shout for GJ, it's so lovely not to see hieroglyphics Roundy any longer. The difference in our club since June-1 is thrilling. Oviedo was outstanding today. The hippy can take a walk if he wants we'll just keep on getting better and better and will buy well in the window.Don't you just love the positivity. We lose the hippy for a month – Moyes: "This is very very bad news for us [glum face goes glummer] very bad, we'll have to regroup, rethink, and see what we can do...." Bobby: "I see this as an opportunity and see the positives in this for us as we can bring in new people and try something new, and we'll hope that Leighton bounces back soon."Love him to bits. Paul Mackie 20 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:12:04 Great game. I thought we'd scrape it 1-0 but we were just dominant. Oviedo played really, really well. He had an opportunity today to finally stake his place on the LB position and I think that's exactly what he did. A performance like that on Wednesday and Moyes will be in for him instead of Baines come January!Now lets hope that some of tomorrows results go our way as it looks like we're starting to hit our stride a bit. Ross Edwards 21 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:17:01 Forget Entwistle Paul and revel in our thoroughly deserved victory and glorious football. Paul Ferry 22 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:22:02 Good point Ross. Steve Pugh 23 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:13:30 It's no wonder players go down when you have such blatant fouls going unpunished because both Del and Lukaku stayed on their feet. If referees brought it back and gave the penalty more players would try and carry on to score.I can't wait for us to play a team whose keeper is not in the form of his life,Finally I think some people need to hold their hands up and admit that they don't know as much as Roberto, that midfield was perfect for this game. Can't wait to see who he picks for Man Utd. Richard Lyons 24 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:16:12 Now that was the result I was looking for! It's about time we thrashed someone, and Stoke are just the kind of side who should be taken apart by a team that is learning to play with real flair and not to play it safe. KITAP1? It's not Spanish! Graham Mockford 25 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:08:58 Great performance today, high tempo, good ball retention and in Deulofeu a player that, despite his sometime naivety, scared the shit out of them.Two tough games coming up, I would suspect Barkley and Mirallas back in for Osman and Deulofeu, which is hard on both of them given today's performances but a sign of the depth in our squad.Just a mention for Tim Howard who seems to get loads of stick on here but he is in the best form of his career this season, 7 clean sheets in 13 games and another top save today. Paul Ferry 26 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:23:17 Roberto is the best little Spaniard we know. Kevin Rowlands 27 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:21:17 I agree Paul, there are some posters on here and they know who they are, are starting to look real stupid with their anti Martinez opinions, long may it continue. BTW Phil Sammon, what was that about Oviedo should be nowhere near the pitch today? too funny! Kunal Desai 28 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:20:34 That was a terrific second-half performance and sets up nicely for Wednesday night at OT. Martinez has a big decision to make whether to drop Deulofeu or bring back Mirallas. I wonder if Moyes will pack the midfield and be happy to take a point? We need to go for it; we have pace on both flanks and an out-and-out striker who is beast and is likely to terrorise that centre-back pairing. This is the first time I've been confident in years going to OT knowing that we can win and if one man can do it, it's certainly Martinez. Paul Ferry 29 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:27:01 Well, I hope dreary Dave gets his hands on the match video soon. One thing for sure, he will be more nervy about Wednesday than our bouncy Bobby. We must start with Del on Wednesday and I want to see Ross but for who? Osman, I suppose, is the one, but he did well today and experience counts for something in the middle in a game like this one. Paul Kelly 31 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:20:02 Let's revel in that performance. Fucking brilliant. Sublime.A good return to The Old Lady for Mr Ruane.All the pieces of the jigsaw fitted nicely together didn't they? Oviedo? Who could ask for more? Slotted in nicely didn't he? Keep it up son, and anyone who says he had an easy game, that might have something to do with our dominance. Square pegs, square holes and all that!And a Gerard I actually admire, quality.Fucking brilliant all round, apart from Jelly, had his chance, wish he'd buried it just for his sake, chin up, keep working.Mr Ferry, that must of looked good on that side of the Atlantic as it did here hey? The future is bright, the future is FUCKING BLUE! Roman Sidey 32 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:22:35 Whilst also being realistic, is anyone actually worried about playing Man Utd?I'm not, and after scoring four in the league for the first time in a very long time, I think Moyes will be shitting himself. Gutted I'll be working and won't get to see it. Mark Frere 33 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:34:53 Paul Ferry - I don't think Osman or Deulofeu will start against Manure. I think Mirallas and Barkley were left out today with Wednesday's game in mind. Barkley and Mirallas were excellent against RS and Osman and Del Boy were excellent today. Its a nice problem for Martinez to have. Brian Denton 34 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:40:09 Just back - a pleasure to be at that game. I too was a bit surprised at the team selection, but you can't argue with the outcome! Some excellent performances. Pienaar played better than in ages, and Barry was majestic. McCarthy shows every sign that he can become a very good player. So all in all, very good. No reason why we shouldn't go to United with more ambition than to just get out alive... Ross Edwards 35 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:41:53 We are 3 points better off at this point than last season. We have also conceded 4 less than at this point, and a better goal difference too. Paul Kelly 36 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:48:00 Roman. Phone in sick. Charles McCann 37 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:40:09 That was just fantastic. Absolutely delighted to see us pass the ball about so well and be so positive when in possession. I'm guessing Mirallas and Barkley will come back into the team for Gerard D and Osman on Wed night. Great options to have on the bench. Think I'll tune into Match of the Day tonight! Jim Harrison 38 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:46:53 Osman and Pienaar were both outstanding today, as were pretty much every player in blue on the pitch. Jim Harrison 39 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:46:53 Dup Roman Sidey 41 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:45:13 Paul Kelly, good mention. I was sick to my stomach for Jelavic. Had he slotted that goal it could have been a pivotal moment for him. When he got through I thought, "Finally, come on boy." Ah, the poor bugger. Paul Andrews 42 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:51:14 One lad who sits along from me said "its the best I have seen since the eighties".The no fear football is a joy to watch. The players are enjoying it so much it is obvious. Jackie Barry 43 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:50:57 Osman good, thought Pienaar carried him in the first half in all honesty. In the second half he came more into it, so that's a positive. Nothing against Ossie just think the position he occupies needs to be someone who drives forward and creates chances for Lukaku. Paul Ferry 44 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:53:53 Crikey have a look at Johnny Lundstram's goal today. Paul Andrews 45 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:53:23 Somebody made a point on here yesterday about "when was the last time we conceded three"I prefer to concentrate on the positive.When was the last time we. Scored 3 & 4 in consecutive home league games?Does anyone know? Shane Corcoran 46 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:57:08 He's not listed as having scored Paul. Not on BBC anyway. Paul Kelly 47 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:54:31 Me too, Roman, I've been his biggest critic, but never wanted someone to score so much, thought he was going to do it. It could've changed his season and my opinion of him, but not to be; he's still shite but he's our shite and that means he's worth more than a thousand red cunts. Roman Sidey 48 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:56:59 Paul, not sure of that combination, but the last time we scored four was in April 2012 when we did it three games in a row, with the amazing 4-4 at OT in the middle. Tim Greeley 49 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:36:18 Minor bit of a masterstroke resting Barkley as the Stoke goonz would have surely egged him into that fifth red card today. Now he can go straight tits on Wednesday, shoving his revenge boot right up Moyes's ass. Graham Mockford 50 Posted 30/11/2013 at 18:07:27 Paul #142It was only eighteen months ago, Sunderland and Fulham. Paul Kelly 51 Posted 30/11/2013 at 18:09:18 Paul Ferry- have you got a link? John Malone 52 Posted 30/11/2013 at 17:52:35 Good second half that, Oviedo played well against a poor Stoke I'll be interested to see how he does against a fast and strong Valencia on Wednesday night. Deulofeu looks a live wire who will be some player when he get's his final ball and shot perfected. Did anyone sense a bit of friction between him and Coleman hardly a pass between them and Coleman seemed to blank him after his goal?Bring on the mancs first time going there expecting to win in years. Trevor Lynes 53 Posted 30/11/2013 at 18:35:05 Martinez is really cavalier in his attitude to football and this team play better football than the '80s side, it actually rivals the '60s side. The squad took the rotation in its stride and that's really pleasing when one sees the fixture list for December. Del Boy has the makings of becoming a second Ronaldo when he fills out and gains in confidence. Unfortunately the boy will not be staying with us. :0(I feel confident now for the tests coming up and I just hope that Baines stays until the end of the season and Roberto gets some funds to add to the squad in January. If the board back him, Europe beckons. Paul Thompson 54 Posted 30/11/2013 at 18:56:57 Not sure how much Stoke are more open under Hughes or we are under Martinez, but I never thought I'd see us thump a Stoke team quite as decisively. Either way, it was a treat to watch. The movement and passing amongst all the midfield players was particularly impressive. Some very good quick throws out by Howard too that got things going. Tamhas Woods 55 Posted 30/11/2013 at 18:57:11 Paul Andrews 142That would be the 2008-09 season when we beat Stoke 3-1 at GP on 14 March 2009 and then stuffed Wigan 4-0 in the next home game on 5 April.We bettered that in March 2010 after winning 3-1 against Utd and then 5-1 against Hull. Paul Ferry 56 Posted 30/11/2013 at 19:13:52 Sorry Paul (Kelly), I just got on here and saw your post — I watched it on Sky; it's not on YouTube yet, mate. Phil Walling 58 Posted 30/11/2013 at 19:25:50 That's two great performances on the trot and Roberto is proving to be a far more adventurous and exciting manager than Moyes was.But to all those that think OT will be a stroll in the park, I would remind them that OFM has seven or eight more talented players at his disposal that our man and, if he deploys them right, even a point for us will be a great result.My hope, though, is that given today's result, it will be him that will bottle it! Paul Kelly 59 Posted 30/11/2013 at 19:54:10 Good point there Phil, OT will be a challenge but I had my reservations before today's game coming on the back of the derby, wasn't to sure if they would put in a shift but that's why Bob is on the big bucks and I'm not, what a performance it was. More of the same against TGT's lot please lads. Confidence is high, no reason to upset me now. Bill Gall 60 Posted 30/11/2013 at 19:57:59 The more I see of Everton this season, the more impressed I am of Mr Martinez. After the derby game last week, I suppose along with many other supporters I was surprised at the line-up today.The performance today was outstanding, and the changes he made shows that Everton are more than capable of overcoming injuries to players.With lots of games coming up until the end of December, it is refreshing to see the potential of the squad that hopefully will be added to in January without the need to sell. Patrick Carty 61 Posted 30/11/2013 at 20:11:48 I can't wait for Match of the Day.What a day. Tom Bowers 62 Posted 30/11/2013 at 20:11:27 It's good to rotate the squad a little especially when you have some strength in depth that RM has now. However if you are going to start players like Osman who are long past their sell-by date then you are playing a dodgy game.In the first half-an-hour, Osman did absolutely nothing and that's no exaggeration. Against better teams than Stoke that could have been very costly. Pienaar had already done a full shift by then.Okay so Osman did come to life once the game was beyond Stoke but most of the other players had put the Blues in that position but certainly not Ossie.I could understand Barkley being pissed off on the bench when he knows that his youth and energy would create a much bigger impression. Luckily it was only Stoke today but a bigger task comes on Wednesday and RM must bring Barkley back in the starting 11. Dave Roberts 63 Posted 30/11/2013 at 20:23:18 It's looking pretty good at the moment. The story is Roberto is looking to bring players in in January after saying Everton are in the best finacial position we have been in for years (debate there probably!) He also says Baines is going nowhere which is fair enough but evejn in the unlikely event of Baines asking for a transfer we can say no....and remind him that if he wants to spend the rest of the season in the reserves he won't be going to Brazil...will he? So it's up to him but somehow I can't see Bainses asking to go...I think he's better than that.We now have a proper squad and a manager who knows how to use his players. We won 4-0 today without asking Barkley or Mirallas to break sweat which means they are fresh for Wednesday and Oviedo's performance today meant I had entirely forgotten about Bainesey's absence not long after kick-off. As good as he is Delofeou is unlikely to be a regular at Barcelona...he must know that.... and somebody has to start the process of convincing him he is better off here where the fans are beginning to love him. Lukaku needs commitment, not from him but the from the club he plays for....we have to let him know we want him to stay...both from the terraces and from the club. It probably won't make any difference but we have to give it our best shot and the club has to break the bank to keep both of them.I rest my case. Mike Gaynes 64 Posted 30/11/2013 at 20:50:23 The best word I've seen to describe today was "sumptuous"... it was sheer pleasure. Dave Roberts 66 Posted 30/11/2013 at 20:54:28 Sorry about the typos...It's my birthday todat and we had a few scopps before and after the game. I'm a little bit pissed but the Blues gave me a bloody good birthday pressy today. Thanks lads!hang on I'm just going the bog to spew up agin..... Colin Malone 67 Posted 30/11/2013 at 20:40:10 Jackie (#140) Nothing against Ossie just think the position he occupies needs to be someone who drives forward and creates chances for Lukaku. I agree, Lukaku is even more of a threat when Barkley is playing.My only criticism is, I wish we would approach corners differently when we play against the likes of Stoke, we didn't win it in the air all game. There are a lot of options rather than a high ball in the penalty box. Besides that, Roberto is doing a great job. Dave Roberts 68 Posted 30/11/2013 at 20:59:16 .....phwoar...that's better! Tony Marsh 70 Posted 30/11/2013 at 21:16:46 It just gets better and better by the week — this having a proper football brain as a manager. Roberto Martinez is so clever and astute. We no longer allow our opponents to drag us into their type of game which happened all the time under Ginger Balls. We now go out to win in style and try to out-football the opposition and don't you just love it? We are totally transformed under RM and I really fancy us to do something special this season.... Starting with OT on Wednesday. I reckon Moyes is under so much pressure in this one that he will cack himself and go safety first... Can't wait!!! Wayne Smyth 71 Posted 30/11/2013 at 21:28:06 Best player? Either Begovic or McCarthy - who quietly and efficiently worked his bollocks off - but there were so many candidates on our team such as Deulofeu and Oviedo who spent an entire season without a sniff under OFM.Most of what I wanted to say has already been said, but I note that no one mentioned our switch to 3 at the back. When Stoke brought on a second forward (Jones), I thought they had a spell of pressure and Martinez countered this by switching to a back 3 with Stones coming in on the right side.I thought after that we played some of our most pleasing football and actually looked far better and more comfortable than with a back 4.Really disappointed for Jelavic though; I badly wanted to see him notch one and regain his confidence, but on the plus side at least he made some good runs and linked up well in the 10-15 minutes he was on.Roman, like you I'm not at all worried about the Wednesday game, like I would have been at any time I can remember. I watched Utd versus Leverkusen and they were the worst Utd side I can ever recall seeing, even though they won 5-0. The german side were like a dodgy sunday league team. Really difficult to believe they are second in the bundesliga. The only way we'll lose is if we're overawed, and I think Roberto is not one for telling his team they should try to escape from there with their lives... The top of the table is now incredibly tight. If we can put another nail in gollums coffin, and get something from the Emirates, then top 4 becomes more of a reality than I think any of us dared hope.Viva Roberto's Revolution! Denis Richardson 72 Posted 30/11/2013 at 21:50:12 Wayne - bit against the grain maybe but I had Pienaar down as MotM. He seemed to run the show in the midfield, full of energy and making space, runs and tackles. Think that was easily his best performance so far this season. He was playing more central but drifted both left and right to get involved in things. Very impressed with him today. Got a little annoyed with Joe Royle commentating as he mixed up Pienaar with Osman a couple of times in the first half and started raving on about how great Osman was playing when it was actually Pienaar... anyway, very glad to see him back to his old self. His energy is a great plus in the midfield. Wayne Smyth 73 Posted 30/11/2013 at 21:57:22 I think a lot of people will have picked Pienaar. I'm probably in a minority, but I just think that McCarthy plays with real energy and gives the team a good tempo, not to mention a solid base to attack from. What he gives to the team is not in your face like Deulofeu, but his performances have really improved us since he replaced Fellaini.But as I say, you could name about 4 or 5 players such as Pienaar, Barry, Osman, Oviedo and Deulofeu and they'd all be worthy MotMs. The entire team played really well today. Bill Gall 74 Posted 01/12/2013 at 00:06:08 To me, the progress Everton have made over the last couple of games is reflected in the opposition's MotMs being their goalkeepers.Mr Martinez is starting to instill in the players the need for goals and not to sit back and protect what you have with 40 mins to go. Tim Jones 75 Posted 01/12/2013 at 04:37:14 It seems that Martinez is confounding all the 'doomsayers' and his transfer market dealings have proved to be masterstrokes. How refreshing it is to watch an Everton team that really tries to win every game instead of taking 'knives to a gunfight' and playing boring boring boring KITAP. BTW, one of the best ever Everton home games I ever saw at the 'Old Lady' was a 0-0 draw against an Ipswitch in the '60s who were at that time riding high. The football was scintillating and entertaining and got a standing ovation at the end. Tim Jones 76 Posted 01/12/2013 at 04:44:52 What I was trying to convey in my last post is that winning is not the be-all and end-all — it's HOW you win that really counts... and that draws can be just as entertaining as wins. Dan Parker 77 Posted 01/12/2013 at 05:26:27 I don't know how it's going to work out in the long run but right now I don't frankly care. Roberto Martinez has been wonderful in every aspect since he's joined us, everything we could have asked for. I know some people on ToffeeWeb don't like BK so much but he sure knows how to get us a good manager and sign good loan players. I wonder how much his length of stay helps to secure decent deals, who knows? Anyway, I bloody love Bobby right now! What a guy. I'm not going to opine about the future but, right now, it's good to be an Evertonian!! Tim Jones 80 Posted 01/12/2013 at 09:50:50 What was Martinez's best bit of transfer business? – In my opinion, selling Fellaini: we are a much much better team without him in it. David Price 81 Posted 01/12/2013 at 13:16:29 Every player looked so comfortable on the ball. A joy to watch. What a statement we can make over the next two games. That's the time to really judge the side. 15 games gone with all of the top half teams played. Keith Young 82 Posted 01/12/2013 at 18:21:54 Phil#224 Great Summer feeling at Goodison. We can cure ourselves from worrying about dark days ahead thanks to RM! Like Tony I can't wait for that " scary place" ( still is forOFM ) to be conquered. We have nothing to lose there (our reputation being a "little club" to OFM ) so over to you RM and many thanks so far !! Mike Corcoran 83 Posted 01/12/2013 at 20:02:12 Paul Ferry, please don't call bainsey a Hippy. He is a Mod, our very own Austin Powers, beamed in from Match of the Day 1970, a Victorian gentleman explorer, an extra from Zulu, a young colonial at his first Indian diplomatic post. But no Hippy. David Price 84 Posted 01/12/2013 at 21:55:00 If Carlsberg did weekends.............. 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