Good point about the impact of the new breakaway speed... I would put Lukaku in that category as well, certainly our fastest forward since AJ. (Remember when our paciest player was Pienaar?) And I think that capability helps our defense as well... opponents are likely to be more cautious about committing players forward when they know they can get burned at the back.

Great observation also about Deulofeu's unwillingness to fall when fouled. I applaud him, although if the game had been 0-0 at the time of the breakaway I might be less sporting in my feelings.

Sometimes there are crucial moments that swing games and usually scoring the first goal but scoring right on half-time really choked Stoke who arguably missed the best chance of the half thanks to Howard.

The team can now go to Old Trafford on a high knowing they have a real chance of a good result providing the defence comes up big especially on the set-pieces.

Ossie came on strong in the last half-hour when Stoke were all over the place and that was about it. He was carried by Pienaar up until then and Pienaar had the "cracker".

The confusion may be down to the fact that Joe Royle mixed them up in the first half commentary and kept on praising Osman for stuff Pienaar did. Not bashing Osman here, just think Pienaar should get the recognition he deserves for having a great game and bossing the midfield.

From afar they are both farly similar as they're roughly the same size. Only when the camera zooms in can you clearly see the difference.

Tbh, at times I had to wait to see the shirt number myself to be sure which was which, so can understand how big Joe could mix them up - some of the camera angles at Goodison are from pretty high up.

As far as the next 2 matches go, I've been as bullish about Martinez as anyone, but I think we have our work cut out in the next 2 games. I'm not going all 'Moyes' on us, but I don't think we should get too disappointed if the results are not altogether favourable.

I watched the full game that Utd played today and was impressed, they're still a very good side, Rooney's on fire, he was everywhere. Arsenal are in a purple patch also, and while I'm hopeful, the two games are probably our two most difficult we've yet to play this season.

One thing I am confident about is that Roberto will have a good strategy for each game and the players will be as prepared as it's possible to be. Here's hoping.

While I would be very pissed off to lose both games, I think seeing the above happen would bode well for the rest of the season.

This next game is the one I want us to win more than any other this season. COYB.

I know RM will send us out to win both games which is the best approach, but I've not a clue how the games will pan out!

Having said that, what a great selection problem RM has for this particular game. Deulofeu/Mirallas; Barkley (I presume he comes in?).

Can't wait, I will be on TW for certain.