There are also some that think it's a flash in the pan and it will all turn to dust and are waiting in the wings to see it all crumble...blah blah blah Ex-Wigan manager took them down, signing no mark players who were relegated. blah blah blah dodgy keeper...blah blah blah....see what happens next season when the loanees have left..blah blah blah. If only to shut them types up I hope we finish in the top 3 and win the FA Cup, but they'll still probably find fault and tell us that we are sycophantic Roberto fans who fail to see the blindingly obvious.

What was your prediction Patrick?

How do those people who think we are just a flash in the pan explain that out of the top 10 teams in the Premier League only 1 has beaten us, 5 we have beaten, and 4 we drew against.

I think a lot of Everton supporters with the change of the manager were a little apprehensive on how we would do at the start and now, halfway through the season, are pleasantly surprised how well we are doing.

As for the rest of the season, I can not see us moving out of the top 6 unless we have a rash of injuries or suspensions and BK and his cronies do not back the manager in January by selling our top players or not providing finance for future players.

Let's all remember in regards to our chairman he has not always backed up his talk with action.

You have said it all in such a simplistic statement - nice one, son, take a bow!

This has got to be the best side we've had since the late 80's, and if we don't win anything/achieve European qualification, it's still been an amazing turn around in terms of the football being played and the optimism of everyone connected with the club. I posted months ago for us all to be patient; Rome took a lot longer than one season. So we can look forward to a brighter future now we have a man in control who knows what he's doing

I think you owe Oviedo an apology.

This boy should be up front.

Let's hope our board finally learn from their past mistakes and don't repeat them again.

Unfortunately, I was only a small boy when we were revelling in the glory days of the eighties and so grew up amongst the dark days of the nineties. Even though we had some good times under Moyes I can say this is the most optimistic I have ever been as a blue and finally feel we can shake the annoying tag of "over-achievers" (which drives me mental).

Naismith won nearly all heading duells. A solid squad player, the kind who is is asked to do a job and does it right. Baines was off the pace and caught in possession but will come good again so long as he is not disappointed by not moving to Manure. Alcaraz looked calm and classy.

Looking good I think... Quiet optimism. Let the BBC and Sky ignore us for now. No pressure. Remember. He who laughs last..............:-)))

This season at New Year we are 4th with 37 points, 5 off top.

I certainly think the Scottish manager was holding us back.

The problem is that all the people who said he was going to get us relegated got it wrong. Then they said the players weren't good enough to pass the ball...oh dear. Now that we're fourth people are saying 'its too early to judge.' There's nothing left for now.

Wait till we lose a couple. It'll be open season then!

Some managers, in any field, are great at getting the best out of all their staff and I think Roberto falls into that group.

The main difference to OFM is that he struggled when people's form dipped or they made a mistake.They were just left out and their confidence dropped through the floor

It's easy with a big squad of very capable and expensive players. The pressures on OFM are different as they are from a business perspective.Despite all the rhetoric if MU don't get into the Champions League I think that will be a very short appointment.

I've just seen the interview with Roberto over Barkley, he made me laugh and shows he respects this clu8b of ours. Well done.
I have no doubt BK will back Roberto with cash for players, he did for Moyes

The dreadful mindset of points gained at certain matches being a bonus is just cowardly, sure it gives leeway to pack the place full of journeymen and compete with those around but absolutely nothing more.

Roberto is a completely different animal courageous and intelligent he's milked the system to get real footballers - Barry, Mcarthy and Lukaku down the spine of the team - it has absolutely transformed things.

Add in the unshackling of existing talents like Oviedo and Barkley not to mention Deleufeu and others in the wings and I wouldn't swap our manager or set up for any in the league.

What has happened at GP (irrespective of league placings) outranks anything the money boys are doing because it's so cavalier and unexpected.

I knew we'd challenge if Roberto come along I just didn't think so quickly.

The other side is as you mentioned, tactics. RM is playing more towards the strength of each player. As much as I hate OFM since he dug back at us for Baines and felli, he assembled a great team. BUT he could not harness them. It was simply not his gameplan. I continue to rate OFM as a coach. Manager...nah...

The pieces have to fit. OFM had the pieces fitted in a slightly dysfunctional way and RM merely adjusted it. Be it luck or talent, I hope it continues for many decades to come. He's just slightly older than me, so we have a long time to watch things to unfold!

Do you think it's because of other managers holding back their teams this year?