I really hope no-one gets injured today!!! We are scraping the barrel (again) and Jelavic is not even on the bench so he must be leaving for sure.

We really need some signings NOW and not at the end of the window or during the summer. Roberto said we will be stronger at the end of January, I hope he is right!

I am worried about Alcaraz though; great back up but come on, stay fit. Thank god Jagielka is back and can partner Stones and give him the guidance needed.

4th, here we come.

COYB

Another game, another win...

I had a quick trawl through the live forum and whilst I agree that RM made a couple of mistakes with his substitutions he probably realised that the players were struggling and went for more defensive cover. Had the Lukaku goal have counted we probably would have gone on to get another couple.

But all we can do is win our game and hope one or two fail to pick up maximum points. We have over a week to recover from this game and be right at it for the next.

Much less convincing was our defence, with Jags, Stones and Howard frequently nowhere near on the same page.

Injuries are a big problem now. The subs bench was thin already and if Pienaar is injured on top of all the others, we are going to be down to bare bones, especially as McGeady looks like he needs a few weeks off the pies before he's ready.

Lukaku had a strange game. Sublime touch for Barry's goal but he missed a sitter and looks short of confidence. Will McGeady's arrival mean Mirallas plays centrally, giving Lukaku a break? If so, hope Bobby still gets a second signing, ideally a central midfielder. We do need a striker though, as come the end of the season all we will have left once Romelu-lu goes back to Chelski are Vellios and an injured Kone.

Does anyone know what is going on with Jelly? I had Radio 5 Live on for the Hull and Chelsea game. No mention of him at all there. Same when they went to give the team news at Goodison. We need to hope Roberto has a few more signings lined up, although we will have Deulofeu back very soon.

Agree with the comments about the new signing. Someone needs to give him the address of the nearest Weight Watchers!

Amit, I agree on the CM need. In fact much more than a striker. We are apply great pressure but not opening up their defence for good looks. Both goals from outside the area...

I was watching the telly and Jelly was supposedly at the stadium discussing terms.

It's harking back decades surprising one and all with a swift new signing as per McGeady and already 4th-ish is becoming natural ground rather than pie in the sky.

Bit by bit the real Everton FC is being restored.

Can always tell on here when toffee-webbers are a tad subdued by the number of post-match comments on the thread which is a little on the slow side.

Apparently Bobby has told the 5-live fella that the toe is worse than they feared - 'probably' could be a fracture and could be 'complicated'.

Anyway, Bobby will treat this as other setbacks as something to be positive about and explore options including right now the window - we will be fine.

Barry was purring today and I felt that Jags did a good job today not least in sheperding Stones who looked shaky. Thought that until sadly he went off nuts had his best game for yonks.

So, Bobby is human after all, not his best subs but a boss first half display and reasonably comfy in the end despite a dodgy last quarter.

Will this feel-good factor ever go away, licking my lips for the shite.

A cruise for the blues though. We had at least one more gear to spare Other than the dodgy formation later on, the only concern is scoring more goals in open play

I thought it was a decent performance today and a good win, I realise that some people will be disappointed by some aspects of the game, but we are not going to dominate games from first minute to last. The season will become even more difficult for everyone as there is something riding on almost every game. I hope that RM does bring in a couple of players in this window as we need to ensure that all the good work so far isn't undermined by a lack of bodies.

On the other hand, Naismith did his usual. Apart from one clever run, he just headless chickens around the field with no attacking vision and a poor pass. I can't believe we would want to ship out Heitinga and Jelly, yet keep Naismith. The former have their shortcomings but they are both better footballers than Naismith.

A very strange occurrence today BTW. The ground started to empty with 5 mins of normal time left. Never seen that before, even when we have been 2 goals down.

Are we suddenly turning a bit blasé? Didn't like it.

Hope Pienaar recovers for the West Brom game we were terrible after he went off andwe played 3-5-2 lucky not to concede, not letting that ruin what was in parts a great performance from us today.

Special mention to Gareth Barry in my opinion the most important player in that Martinez team, must keep him in summer no signs of age quality every week an outstanding all round footballer.

I'm hugely impressed with Stones, even though he wasn't great today he'll have learnt more in that match than any of the other ones he's played in so far.

Last 15 minutes were strange and I think Martinez may have made that more difficult than it needed to be at the end

I fully admit to being ambivalent when Roberto Martinez was hired and was uncertain as to what direction we would take. I am happy to be consistently proven wrong and am now expecting to win every game.

Some of the football last year was beautiful to see but we have taken it to another level under Roberto, this along with his infectious personality it is enjoyable to be an Everton fan again.

John Stones looks a fantastic acquisition and plays the Roberto way, although I'm not sure about the 3-5-2.

It feels great to be proven wrong.

We've said before on here, how many times did Utd and Arsenal win the league just grinding out performances and getting the job done, not playing brilliantly?

I know its a cliché but its the sign of a good team that can without playing well.

What a squad we've got when everyone is fit.

Happy days.

The initial news from Everton suggested he would be back by the West Brom game, but subsequently, Barca indicated they thought the injury would take a lot longer. I think it was a grade 3 tear.

I've seen him on a video clip playing headwall with a Barca team mate but I think given the type of explosive player he is, Barca are playing extra cautious on having him return to action. End of the month to resume full training and playing early Feb is probably the most optimistic scenario and I wouldn't be surprised if the return was well into next month.

There is much optimism about this team and with Deulofeu and McGeady to come in things look bright indeed. Shame about Barkley but surely a broken toe should not mean being out that long?

We need to be aiming for three points against a West Brom team that has won just THREE games all season so we have to target the win there. And then it's on to the Shite and how I would love it if we could take that shite apart on their own turf. We will never get a better chance.

ps: Gareth Barry is God. When is he going to gain recognition for having a fucking outstanding season at Everton? After all, didn't Osman get capped last season despite being 31? Barry should be close to that England squad on this form.

Naismith truly is a dreadful footballer – he offers plenty of effort but nothing else; needs shipping out along with Heitinga.

Sure I remember some footballing oracles predicting we'd would be shipping 4 or 5 every game?

Kevin you may have spotted something that crossed my mind the other day – In 2003-04 we had a poor season but we did have Rooney, if you get a chance to watch the DVD of the season – notice how barmy the supporters were in most of the games, it just doesn't feel the same this season and it's difficult to understand why the crowd has been for the most part pretty laid back. Perhaps we don't believe that EFC can achieve what we all want as much as we used to.

Even we we have been behind, Goodison Park was always full until the final whistle.

It's as if some have a little too cocky!

Is it a good sign? Not for me.

Barry linked up expertly. His always plays the right pass. Pienaar has been an unsung hero for us these past couple of months. He doesn't get enough praise. Especially in a game like today when we are missing a few flair players.
Another clean sheet too.

For the first time in a while Lukaku's first touch was good. He had a good game. Some people may worry about attacking cover, but we have goals in us and from all over the park.

Defensively we were ok. Another clean sheet and thats 42 points from 51 available at Goodison, not a bad return that!

I was surprised that Bryan O was dropped for Bainesy. Bryan has been excellent since he came into the team and gets into positions that perhaps Baines wouldn't. But in hindsight it was a shrewd move. Bainesy had a good game.

All-in-all, I am delighted. We are 4th. Another clean sheet and we continue to play very attractive football even with a few lads off the boil and injuries to key players.

Keep it going Blues.

Don't get cocky, Blues! Doesn't suit our "Woe is Me" outlook!

Pienaar should have been replaced by Oviedo and Heitinga although he did clear some attacks was obviously going to be fighting them with a gaping hole in the midfield, daft decisions. Man of the Match: Barry by a whisker. Stones, another towering display from this 18-year-old behemoth, let's hope Stoke do us a favour tomorrow.

Yaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy!

We're EVERTON and everybody should take note

One question though: why not Oviedo on for Pienaar? Was Pienaar not playing left midfield, or did the re-jigged configuration not suit Oviedo's strengths? Was the game already won and so it was not worth risking a player who may have to start the next game?

I can't work out what RM thinks of Oviedo. He seems fairly reluctant to use him of late which can only be because either he doesn't rate him that highly, or because he is making sure that he is available to cover the likely unavailability of either Baines or Pienaar.

Good win today against our bogey team, just hope the Rednoses slip up tomorrow and we can push on for a CL place

A word on John Stones, this kid is gonna be special - sheer class. He's the most talented English defender I have seen at his age. Okay he got caught out a couple of times in the first half but let's not forget he is 19!!! I cant think of a single team in the league who has started a 19 year old centre-half this season - it's completely unheard of due to the difficult nature of the position. Then when you consider the fact that he is English and not an expensive foreign import it makes it even more incredible. His composure on the ball is absolutely outstanding, hes good in the air, the timing of his tackles is spot on and he can carry the ball out very, very well. In the kind of football that we are playing now it is absolutely IMPERATIVE that the centre backs are as comfortable as possible on the ball, they essentially become deep-lying playmakers in this possession-based football which is why I am ridiculously excited about this lads future. I look at the likes of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling who the media love to rave on about and Im sitting here thinking "not a chance is that oger or that lanky bastard half as good as Stonesy is". So great to see youngsters given a chance, Stones and Barkley are the future of this club and the future of England (not that Im really arsed about England). Apparantly Tyias Browning had a very good game today for Wigan, played right-back and seemed to be a bit of a beast! Also Chris Long bagged a goal on his debut as well! Bobby's revolution is just beginning.....

With Jelly looking to have gone, you would think we would give Vellios a run out, instead we got 15 mins from Johnny which seemed pretty pointless to me seeing as he may well be off too.

Chris Smalling is distinctly average and cost United far too much for what they got (as did Ashley Young), Raphael and Evra are decent but not as good as we have, Ferdinand is past it, Vidic is on the wane, and Evans is poor.

BK — find a buyer!

Stones is a thoroughbred - I just love the way he moves - he oozes class and I can forgive him 2/3 errors when he got the wrong side of the player albeit from some silly midfield error.

We are getting to be a team to be reckoned with - roll on./

A shame that the Europa league is such a non event and that Martinez could not bring in Barry, McCarthy, Gerard and lukaku before the first 3 games of the season!

Should be content I suppose with playing good football and developing the likes of Barkley and Stones but really feels that if we could get some of that CL money then we would have more chance of keeping all these gems, including señor bob himself.

Jo what planet are you on completely different a styles. Thought Lukaku held the ball brilliantly today especially for the Barry goal. Would have scored only for the linesman giving a questionable offside.

RM probably learned a few things from the last 15 mins and didn't get punished.

Osman is a vital part of our squad and never let's us down. Get used to it.

Is Ross only 18 years of age - Ah Bless. Well done young man.

Like goal line tech, I think offside is one of those rules that can be governed by tech in the future. It's a black and white rule that is murkied by often incompetent refs!

Side note, saw Chelsea before our game and I hope Torres keeps scoring, except against us, and double the goals against rs. That way, Chelsea might not have a place for Lukaku!

It would be more effective if corners were swung in from right and left, because it only requires a touch to guide them towards the goal. The same with free kicks from both sides of the field are always more effective when they are in-swingers such as the goal Liverpool scored in the recent derby game from an in-swinging free kick from Gerrard.

Of course Stones will get caught square on from time to time, Ross WILL sometimes choose the wrong option and Lukaku will have the odd game where he looks ineffective, but these are supremely talented kids and all three will go right to thee top.

I don’t believe half of the hype I read about Martinez, but it’s some achievement to allow these kids to learn their trade by making their mistakes and still keep winning. It takes courage and it should be both applauded and encouraged.

Osman's forte is his passing, and if Moyes had put him in that position years ago, I feel he would have adapted into a regular threat to opposing defences. He will need to be at 100% now until Barks returns, or we buy a replacement.

Stoke are falling apart at the Britannia.

Charlie Adam is the worst player I've ever seen. He takes all their set pieces and would struggle to cross the road, let alone a football.

And there it is, 2-1 :-)

Charlie Adam = shit ;-)

Hahahha!

This could easily end up 5-5.

Ooohhhh I bet Brenda is slapping them all with her bra right now

(oh fuck penalty, bastard Sterling, ladies and gentlemen we have a new c**t diver, but those night of the living dead defenders ... )

are running back away from goal BUT one of them jumps up to let the ball get past him and into the back of the net and if he hadn't jumped it would have hit him and not been a goal ...

So surely the Barcodes jumper was interfering with play?

With regard to Barkley and whatever is or may be broken.

The healing time for broken toes is 4-6 weeks. The healing time for a broken metatarsil is 6- 8 weeks. (Excuse my spelling if it is incorrect)

So whatever is broken he won't be at the Derby.

My understanding on Deloufe is he would be back with the team end of this month.

Anyone any idea what's going on with Alcatraz?

Why doesn't Suarez ever get injured?

Dennis (801), agree. We should always think long term. The derby is important but I think many will say we have the team for the game.

I understand your concerns but not much we can do. If we start aiming for only the FA Cup, our form will falter. What keeps us going right now is that we're playing every team every minute in the most beautiful fashion since god knows when. To pull back that enthusiasm is quite difficult without repercussions.

We play the best football in the league. And no, Ian Tunstead, that is fact.

For what it's worth my view is that Chelsea and City will finish top 2 and in fact I have absolutely no doubt at all about that, so much so that I don't care if they win every game apart from us needless to say coz they will finish top 2. They are not our rivals as we will not finish in the top 2.

Our rivals are Arse, Shite, Spuds, and Manure for the top 4 and I believe that we can end up top 4. So, positions 3-6 are up for grabs and we are right in the mix and Chelsea and City can win every game for all I care except for the obvious ones.

Actually, I have another idea. Much like the Yankees having their own TV, and I think Chelsea too, can't we have our own TV (which I know we have in some form) and play highlights of our games? Like not the short version highlights when we see only chances, but even half chances, build up play. This should go well with our recent array of media outreach. I don't know the contract stuff with Sky but if we can squeeze more airtime for ourselves, particularly in USA, I think it will benefit the club tremendously.

Also, if I may say, trying to win fans in Asia over is pretty hard since they are sold MU and rs left right and center. If what I hear about "loving the underdogs" is correct here in USA, USA might be a better ground for us to expand our fanbase than the hordes in Asia.

Has the interest in English Football increased significantly with the advent of blanket coverage of the Premier League - or is still too early to tell?

NBC pretty much broadcast everything, Olympics, NFL Superbowl, news, whatever. It's like the source of all TV, at least international sourced TV. Can't remember WC but I think its NBC too. Now, if the game is not on TV, my local cable will have it streamed. That's how I catch the games.

I would say the rise in performance is a good thing considering the timing of the NBC deal.

I wish there is a distinct way to complain and demand NBC to broadcast our games. Surely people want to watch the up and coming "Barca" over the sputtering Spurs with 90 mins of attractive football and excitement.

We all seem to have lost sight of this due to our splendid displays but imagine what Roberto could do with a few million quid extra. The mind boggles to imagine how far we could go.