From My Seat: Chelsea (H)

Well summed up as usual Ken...Where do you begin? well you can't give teams a 2 goal start, especially one of Chelsea's class.

Only 2 of their goals were of the wtf nature the rest were well worked and 9 times out of 10 would've been scored, no matter who the opposition was. There were 'Offside' goals, but so was Naismith last week, there was a goal disallowed for us, there were 3 deflections that could've gone anywhere, but only Coleman's counted, we hit the post twice

They some how contrived not to lose it and We, in our own shoot our selves in the foot trademark way, contrived not to win it

It is easy to blame Jags and Distin and blame them only, but this is a collective guilt and just as the credit always seems to go up the blame should always go down...So come on down Roberto Martinez... but bring the rest of the crew, both playing and none playing with you.

Is this just part of the Everton Roller-coaster. Well we've had plenty of poor starts before. I don't expect an 11hr triple loan coup like last season and I'm not sure we have the money or time to replace or shore up the middle 2, even if you allow that they are all of the problem

It's too early ( by two or 3 seasons ) to start with the MOB Mk II, but things need to change for the better. It just struck me, is this just the Martinez equivalent of Moyes finishing 17th

Sort it Roberto and quick...3-6 is a bit too much with the no fear, even if we had ended up with anything from 2-3 to 5-5 we would be consoling our selves with 'Everton in 5,6,7,8,9,10 goal thriller' headlines. This would just be papering over the cracks

As always with Everton, there are more questions than answers. I would look for a cat to kick, but it's not the cat's fault

What a game! The result sucks, but some parts of that match were utterly breathless.

McGeady played well for me, looking much more comfortable, Naismith again proved he is a very good player who isn't scared to put himself about.

Unfortunately, it wasn't to be as we were sliced open time and time again with Jags and Distin not looking like they knew what they were doing and frequently looking like they were several steps off the pace. Stones may be young but when he plays he is composed on the ball and that is what is needed. 10 goals in three games.....not good enough.

As you said, we have been building from the front in this transfer window.....now lets close the window by getting someone who can help close the door!!!!

A long season ahead and there is much to be won.

Swansea, Arsenal and now Chelsea have served up a few lessons that could be useful. When under pressure, it was noticeable that defenders in those teams had no qualms about hoofing or lashing the ball out for throw ins. Too often we see Jags and Co put themselves under greater pressure by attempting joined-up stuff in and around our own penalty area.

Where it comes to central defenders I am a firm believer in the old saying, 'Keep It Simple'. On one occasion when John Terry almost came unstuck when tried joined-up stuff with his full back. A TV close up of Mourinho showed he was livid over it.

Defence needs some serious sorting out. What has happened to Jags?? He's just not the same commanding figure as he used to be. Got caught out and lost his tackles a couple of times. We didn't seem to have the discipline that the Chelsea rearguard possessed - holding their positions well while staying close enough to our forward players to nullify our threats.
Having said that we did score three against this season's potential champions, which speaks volumes for us going forward.

Agree with Naismith being MOTM. Makes intelligent runs into space and works tremendously hard when we lose the ball. Mirallas was probably the only other player with enough menace to bother Chelsea's defence.
First time watching McGeady in action other than through the highlights and I must say I'm encouraged with what I see. He's a bag of tricks and has pace to offer. Great pass for Naismith's second goal.

Diego Costa is a nasty little bugger. The whole incident with Coleman started with a minor tangle which he somehow took offence to and got booked when he retaliated. When he scored, I'm pretty he sure he said something to Coleman in Spanish to rub it in. Guessing Howard knows a bit of Spanish and didn't take too kindly to the new guy trying to bugger young Seamus around in a language he doesn't understand. Just standing up for your teammate I guess...
Having said that I think Lukaku was poor in comparison to Costa. If you want to play the strong target man, Costa is a good example to follow. Pressed our defenders into hurried passes and mistakes. Showed up for the ball in spaces (flanks) and generally played Jags out of the match I feel...

Sigh.... early days yet, but we've played two home games now with minimum rewards to show.

But that?

That was every but as bad as Arsenal on the opening day of 2009, the 1-6 reverse..
At least that day there were mitigating circumstances such as injuries and Moyes playing want away Lescott.

That yesterday was just straight out of the schoolyard.
From the first goal conceded to the last.
Not one of our defenders can actually defend and Tim Howard?

What the hellwas he doing on Coleman's OG??
How the hell is he letting the ball in from that angle when there isn't even a gap there?

It was also McCarthy's worst game since joining us.

The least said of Laurel and Hardy the better...I don't think people need any explanation of who I am referring to there.

I love Martinez I really do but I think this is going to be a very different season to last.
Last year he got off to a honeymoon period.

This year he may need to make big decisions and he may need to change his rigid philosophy that doesn't always work.
He needs to realise that sometimes you have to adapt to the way the match is going or maybe even who your playing.

A clear example of that was the Anfield Derby in January.
If we go there so wide open again next month then your looking at another avalanche of goals conceded.

Both teams’ were incredibly open in the way they played, that’s not to say poor defences didn’t contribute as well.

Nine times out of ten if we score three at home we win. I think we’ll still see Jags and Distin at the Hawthornes in a fortnight’s time, but I’m sure they’ll realise they are on borrowed time if things don’t improve.

The keeper and his six defenders performed like clueless novices and need to be coached and organised in a proper manner by an experienced specialist.

I think part of the reason for this seasons shambles so far is more of a collective issue in that the team is not functioning as a unit rather than just the fault of a couple of individuals. Yesterday, at least two of the goals were as a result of 2 laughable attempts at playing offside.

As well as Roberto trying to bring Jags and Distin up to speed he needs to get the defence and our two DF midfielders working as a cohesive unit.

He should at least be screaming when we were 3-1 down! Howard had to push past him to square up to Costa after he jibed Shamus.

Midfield was poor as they got dragged all over the place. Manager to take the blame for playing so deep, standing off and playing the offside trap.

Manager / staff to blame for disjointed play AND ineffective pre-season.

Rest Jags, bring in Stones and Duffy. Give captaincy to McCarthy or Barry... GET IT SORTED, Boss!

The calendar year of 2014 has seen us concede:

4 at Anfield;
4 at Arsenal in the Cup, another day when the defence totally wilted;
3 at home to Crystal Palace;
3 at home to Man City;
2 at home to Swansea;
2 self-destruct own goals in a must-win match at Southampton in April;
2 to Leicester, a spirited but limited side;
2 to Arsenal in the last few minutes despite them not really putting us under immense pressure;
and 6 in that debacle yesterday.

The defence's best moments this year was during the 7-match winning streak in which Stones partnered Distin, how coincidental?

That doesn't mean we can be happy with the centre halves we have. Stones is still young and a bit green although he is the best user of the ball he is not necessarily that commanding and a 'shouter'. Alcaraz, well he is never going to be reliable to play enough matches.

The other two? The least said the better – I have seen better defending on a Sunday league pitch.

We have replaced him with a winger yesterday who, no matter how well he might have played, was never going to add backbone to CM in defensive situations. Whereas Ross was the first obstacle allowing the other two to cover the centre-back area, we currently have a space which Gareth or James have to attack, thus leaving the centre-backs exposed and they cannot cope. The answer is on our bench – either play Besic (he was just a bit naïve and unlucky yesterday) or Gibson if he is fit.

Gibson was the player I was most excited about when Roberto joined us as his game is all about ball retention and clever passing. The centre of our team would look a lot more solid with one or other of them plus Gareth and James and maybe the whole team would feel more solid and play with more confidence at the back.

That said I feel desperately sorry for Jags who just doesn't look up for it at present and should be rested to get over whatever is bothering him.

Great report by the way Ken – no knee-jerk!

IHowever I think it may have been time up for Jagielka last season when he was out injured. Stones came in and looked amazing. Tons of rave reviews and almost a call up to the WC squad. Question is why did we then drop him and bring Jagielka (who look weak at WC).

Would go Stones, Distin and look to bring in a new cb on deadline day.

I do think some people have to remember that there were 2 teams playing, and Everton are a very good one, but Chelsea are better. It seems every goal scored can result in blame for one defender or another. That's life, get over it. And yes, we had defensive lapses aplenty (as did Chelsea), and let's hope the manager can fix it either with new blood or better training.

I also was disappointed with the performances of four or five of our players, some of whom have been excellent in previous games. But in all honesty we were playing Chelsea, not MK Dons. Not easy to avoid all mistakes when players of that quality press you with speed, power, precision, and a share of good fortune. We were hammered, let's move on.

Defensively collectively we were an absolute shambles.
There was no leadership anywhere, nobody knew who they were meant to be marking , nobody went with their men, we just stopped running.

The other thing that frustrates me is why does not one of Barry nor McCarthy never ever try to help out more in attack and try to get into the box?

Iknow we haven't struggled for goals so far but really we need more help and support sometimes for Lukaku and Naismith.

Mirallas does a good job but perhaps McCarthy needs to start looking to get into the box more seeing as he has younger legs.

Just watching the Redshite murdering Spurs again.

Makes me really think now the likes of us, Spurs, and you'd have to say United are only fighting for 5th.

There is no way City, Chelsea, Arsenal or the Redshite are finishing outside the top 4.

Hate Rodgers but the little shit seems to be a good man manager and motivator, you can spend loads of money but you need to get your men playing sensible football and get them all knowing what their strengths are.

At the minute I'm not sure Martinez is doing that.
He brings Lukaku in but so far had anybody seen him really pick the ball up and run with the goal in front of him?
He has spent most of the time coming from a wide area, fir Christ's sake he's our only out an out striker.!!

I would personally start Eto'o with Naismith just behind him at West Brom., maybe give Lukaku a chance to influence the game as a sub, after all goals where most of his goals came from in his time at West Brom.

Its a big test for Martinez.

I'm backing him but many more displays like the first three matches and the fans will have every right to become disgruntled.

This is meant to be the season when we really try to push on, what with the money being spent.

And as someone has said, we were playing Chelsea!

Positives? Naismith is getting better every game. Eto'o looks a great acquisition. Lukaku's touch and play when he has his back to goal must surely get better (it can't get any worse, can it?!).

Unlike Manyoo, who don't seem able to buy one, we can score goals. We bagged three yesterday AND hit the post twice. Had Mirallas got a deserved second headed goal from what was a brilliant move (instead of drawing a top class save, with the ball pushed onto the upright) who knows how the game would've panned-out?! Chelsea may well have collapsed and we'd now be celebrating. And I know Howard's departure would similarly have changed things, but football is mad sometimes.

We created twice as many chances as them, had twice the possession, and won 8 corners to their one.

It is easier, I think (I fucking hope) to learn to stop opponents' scoring than it is to rediscover one's own scoring touch. Being able to score 3 (could've been five) against Chelsea means we're doing something really well. Chin up lads!

Final comment: yesterday reminded me of a midweek game at home to Chelsea in the early/mid 1980s. We battered them all night, but it just seemed like every time their forwards (Dixon, Speedie and Nevin) got the ball they fashioned a goal. We lost 3:4. Granted we were better that night than we were yesterday, but shit happens. I'd rather lose 6:3 than 3:0, and to be fair, maybe 5:4 would've been a fairer scoreline. I don't believe for a moment they were three goals better than us, not in a million years.

Onwards and upwards.

Goal 1: Jags plays worst offside ever.
Goal 2: Offside.
Goal 3: Ddeflects off Coleman and goes the one place the goal isn't covered.
Goal 4: Deflection, though poor closing down.
Goal 5: Howard.
Goal 6: Besic has a mare and is punished.

Add some poor luck at the other end and poor refereeing, to both teams I know, and the little bits of luck that turn a game mainly went the way of Chelsea. Jags and Distin are shot and any confidence they had has long gone, but let's not write the season off based on yesterday.

Naismith is turning into a great, McGeady is creating chances, Mirallas looks more focused and Eto'o looks sharp.

Two weeks to sort the defence before West Brom and get the positivity back in the club and the supporters. Over to you Bill, Bob Elstone, RM and the coaching staff.

We seem to be getting punished with a goal every time the opposition get sight or our 'keeper lately, bad luck? Who knows?

I am confident we will soon see a few wins on the board, but it's hard to take at the moment.

The gung-ho philosophy to defending which did for them up the M6 will surely do for us if allowed to continue unchecked and only the introduction of Robles in goal is needed to see us rooted in familiar territory for Martinez.

Yes, we played some good stuff at times but if that is as nothing if it continues to prevent us winning due to a total lack of goal prevention and running out of steam in every game played.

Always had my doubts now I have my fears.

An all out attacking formation that features a back four and two defensive midfielders?

Clearly, it's not quite as straightforward as that as, often, our fullbacks are operating as forwards. But what struck me so much yesterday was how often, especially after 60 minutes, there was a huge gap between our defensive midfielders (who were very deep) and our 4 forwards. This left so much space for Willian, Matic and Fabregas, and they took advantage of it.

The fourth goal seemed to exemplify the problems. A line of Chelski players could have shot but the ball reached the furthest from the passer who calmly hit it home. The defence was too deep and the defensive midfield had vanished. The wisdom of Barry’s three year contract is questionable (2 with an optional 3 might have been OK - Eto’o has 2 years??) and the defensive heart of the team - Jags, Distin with Barry in front of them - has a combined age of over 100 and it looked frail on Saturday. We are vulnerable here and players seem to "lose it" suddenly. There is little experienced cover as our squad seems to be a mix of young and old - with at the peak of their career in the 24-29 age range - and no key defenders in this group. Would anyone be disappointed if Micah Richard’s arrived today?

The fourth goal seemed to exemplify the problems. A line of Chelski players could have shot but the ball reached the furthest from the passer who calmly hit it home. The defence was too deep and the defensive midfield had vanished. The wisdom of Barry’s three year contract is questionable (2 with an optional 3 might have been OK - Eto’o has 2 years??) and the defensive heart of the team - Jags, Distin with Barry in front of them - has a combined age of over 100 and it looked frail on Saturday. We are vulnerable here and players seem to "lose it" suddenly. There is little experienced cover as our squad seems to be a mix of young and old - with at the peak of their career in the 24-29 age range - and no key defenders in this group. Would anyone be disappointed if Micah Richard’s arrived today?

Jags just needs a rest to get his confidence back although we are suffering from the same problem as Man United (Vidic/Ferdinand): our first choice centre backs are past it but their annointed heirs are not ready yet (Jones/Smalling and Stones/Galloway respectively).

But he did say it would take him 3 seasons to put a team together to challenge for trophies, so it would be unkind of us to not at least give him that time.

Or a triumvirate of all three? You may be on to something there Jack...no-one has ever considered what three Neville's could bring to the table (or four if you count Neville Neville)

I'm in!