Deulofeu magic sees Blues through

Shows him that Kone & Cleverley are ahead of him for a wing spot.

Why the hell Martinez made such a great effort to re-sign him is mystifying. No way he will stay in January. Why on earth should he? What a stubborn waste of match-winning talent.

So that's Lukaku on his own up front again then – in a tried and failed formula. And the 'dream team' of Osman and Cleverley in the middle. How (un)exciting.

Why even replace Kone in the first place? Cleverley or Gibson for McCarthy would have been quite sufficient?.

Barkley and Kone both played poorly against Bournemouth and when Mirallas was given a 15 minute cameo against Villa he had three shots which is more than any of the above managed to muster.

He is without any doubt the second biggest goal threat at the club and I cannot understand how he is not being brought on when Barkley is obviously fading. He should be the automatic first choice of sub if any of the attacking players are being substituted.

Strong squad now that a returning to fitness besic can't get on our bench.

Osman looked like a granny against Villa the other week in the few minutes he was on the pitch!

Cleverley looked woefully short of fitness too.

Basically if Middlesbrough put the shackles on Deulofeu and Barkley, there goes the service to Lukaku, hence he'll have a poor game and he isn't the same player without a striker partner like Kone.

I honestly don't see how Martinez expects to hurt them with such limited attacking options on the pitch.

What a let down!!!

What really is the story with the Robles/Howard situation?.

If Martinez really has faith in Howard as his number 1 then, as in the FA Cup Quarter Final at the Emirates last year, why in the hell would you drop him??

Is Joel really the better keeper hence why he gets picked for higher profile games and is Martinez just at war with himself over his love and blind faith for Howard in league matches??

Yet he also plays Tim Howard against Dynamo Kiev last season so why not Robles then if he's the "Cup keeper"??

Martinez, what a strange man to work out.

I guess it looks like goodbye to Mirallas come January, not sure he could have done more to show RM his worth than what he did against Villa, when he came on as sub.

So if Deulofeu gets injured then we have the non-scoring Lennon to fall back on. Will be interesting to see how Lukaku performs without Kone as they seem to gel. I know Kone wasn't great against Bournemouth but I would rather have him wide left than Cleverley any day of the week.

I really wanted us to hold on to Kev last Summer and was delighted when we did. If he puts in a transfer request this January, I would be very disappointed but he would go with my blessing. He's never let us down: what's going on?

Make a fool out of me, Ossie, please. I can't see it though. A very weak team, it looks like to me; we'll see later on...

He is a fanny of the highest order who can turn it on when he can be arsed. We can now get top dollar for him when he goes.

He will be fuming at the minute as the self-interested tit has dropped out of the Belgium squad hence energy packed cameos off the bench.

Having said all that tonight was the ideal time to give him a start.

Each to their own I guess but most of us I suspect will just sit back and wonder how many goals and points he could be contributing if it weren't for a certain clown who is unfit to manage the club.

And yes, I agree it's a disappointment that Mirallas isn't starting. But, it could be a long night and he could be a good weapon in extra time.

If he clearly isn't starting him for a reason, can you shed light on what it might be because I haven't a clue. It is why he is getting stick and plenty of it.

Mirallas's record for our club surpasses every other attacking midfielder but people honestly ask what has he done for us lately. Mostly kept the bench warm mate.

If Kone was playing today, I'd understand the frustration a little more, but clearly we've gone for a slightly more pragmatic approach.

2-0 result says not so.

Very professional performance tonight, and we closed the game out well in the second half, looks like we have learnt a thing or two from Saturday.

Deulofeu, what more can we say – class. But I still wish he would drop the over-the-top theatrics from his game.

And Andy – I'm allowed to have an opinion on opinions. The whining is pathetic, and I will stand by that. For example: 'Thought we had a chance tonight but now that Osman is in we have no chance' – are we really still at a stage when this forum has to descend into Osman bashing?

Talking of bashing – wonderful finish from Lukaku, who is proving his ability and improvement with every game this season. Deulofeu was wonderful, and is showing why the majority of us were so happy to see him come back. He is a £20million player.

Semi-finals next... I'm hoping for Stoke or Southampton. Man City's attacking force is frightening, and I'd rather face them once in a final than twice.

Sloppy again in the 2nd half and 2 nil is not enough to let the foot off the gas. It would only have taken a deflected goal for Middlesbrough and it could have been another capitulation. I cannot understand why we fade so badly, surely 90 minutes full effort is not too much to ask.This sloppiness is becoming a habit and must be stamped out if we are going to progress.

With the team selection, I'd agree with Jim, on this one. I'd like to see Mirallas and Deulofeu both in the same side, but with the absence of McCarthy, I think Cleverley offered us a little more defensively as we had Ossie who's a little lightweight in the centre of the park.

Great performance from the lads and manager

Two great goals, Lukaku's goal similar to his header against Villa.

Deulofeu has the football world at his feet. What a talent. We can only hope he defies logic and stays with us beyond the 2-year Barca buy-back clause.

And I saw no theatrics from him tonight. He was clumsily crunched from behind for one foul he drew and the ref missed the clear elbow thrown for the incident Leighton got booked for protesting.

Only Boro's 3rd defeat in 32 games at home, having conceded just 2 goals on their own turf this season, but we made it look easy.

Great tackling and winning the ball back all over the park tonight, too.

Spot-on!

The 2nd half mirrored the Bournemouth game in that we just stopped playing and invited Boro onto us. We were sloppy and passes went astray and it just drives me up the wall that when players receive the ball they look to play the ball backwards first before looking to go forward. If Boro had scored with that header like they should have, then it was different game.

I too have to wonder what Kevin Mirallas has done to deserve the treatment he is getting. I like Cleverley since he arrived at the club but playing on the left? Seriously? Same as Kone, he is not a wide player and obviously the writing is on the wall for Kev they way he is being treated.

As I have said, I am so pleased to be in the semi-final of a cup competition but we really need to up our 90 minute game if we are going to progress over a two-legged tie. It will have been noted by Man City, Stoke, Liverpool & Southampton how much we let up in a game so we need to show we can play for a full game.

Having said that, a closer game may make us concentrate for the full 90. Very excited for the draw tomorrow now.

It could have gone horribly wrong but it didn't. I'd still like to see us go on and get the third and fourth goals but 2-0 away from home will do for me. Rom has scored 49 goals in 90 appearances for the Blues.

Deulofeu was taken, sure. But, his over-reactions robbed us of a clear free kick. I´m sure he is able to look like something other than a Barcelona player if he really puts an effort into it. It just looks silly and does not reflect well on us as a club.

In all other aspects, I am fine with him looking like a Barcelona player.

I can't agree with you that the 2nd half mirrored the Bournemouth game. Boro are a tidy side and they were always going to have a wee spell of dominance in the game, and so it proved.

We weathered it comfortably, keeping them at arm's length, with real bite in the tackle and no nonsense defending when necessary.

We were once again the more threatening side in the final 10-15 minutes when better decision making in the final pass could have seen us add to an already impressive scoreline.

I'm as much encouraged by tonight's performance as I was left aghast by letting 2 points slip on Saturday.

Now Everton... let's REALLY go on an 'old school' run of 4, 5, 6 or more consecutive victories...

Yep, I said it... I like Klippity. Don't care... he's hard to dislike and he's one hell of a manager.

But Man City are just scary dangerous going forward and home and away I don't like our odds against City.

Stoke of course, or Southampton would be lovely.

Silverware... start to dream.

What a player we have in Gerald.

I agree with Dave @41 a mirror image of the Bournemouth game, we got out of jail due to a poor Boro team and a goalkeeper who can command his box. Mori and Barkley were poor I thought, give possession away like that to a Premier League team in the semis and we will be finished.

I suppose this is coming across as a bit bah humbug considering we have just reached a semi-final and I really am pleased and can't wait for the semis, but if we don't start playing for 90 minutes then the better teams will find us out.

Magic stuff from Deulofeu for both goals and another great header from Rom or otherwise known as 'the worst header of a ball to play centre forward for Everton'. You know who you are...

Roll on the semis.

Enjoy the two-legged semi, Blue boys. I will cheer from the land down under.

Had the others been fit, then we may have seen Kev start instead. Avoid Man City and I'll take any of the others home and away including the shite! COYB.

Cleverley did okay, but I think the reason for the selection of both him and Osman tonight was Martinez going for a more pragmatic approach initially against an in-form side at home. Mirallas looked lively again on the counter-attack in the second half as the game opened up.

Overall nothing to complain about though, and looks like we came through it with no injuries apart from Gerry's smack to the face.

Ammmmmmazing!

Spurs at home on the Sunday

1st leg semi I guess will be Wed 6th

3rd round FA Cup the following weekend.

We did seem to learn from last Saturday, there was a period during the second half where we started to drift back but Stones in particular drove us forward.

Great decision making by Roberto to bring on Baines, don't get me wrong , Galloway has done brilliantly but Baines is much more comfortable on the ball and he was a better outlet for Stones and Mori playing from the back.

I though Barry had another very good game, I wrote him off after last season but am glad to admit I was wrong. Cleverley did pretty well considering his long lay-off.

Two stunning goals and a clean sheet, bring on the semi-finals...

There is one thing that Martinez has brought to the team and that is competition for places. Mirallas could be one of those players, given that he is a Moyes signing that does not figure long term in Everton's plans. If we can unload Kevin in January and fund the signing of Yarmalenko I will be very happy.

Martinez played as close to his strongest team as he thought he could given injuries – yes that didn't include Mirallas.

Glad Baines, Osman and Cleverley got some match practise. Kone probably needed a rest anyway, Deulofeu is ahead of Mirallas, Osman a bit of a wiser head.

If Deulofeu was suddenly injured I'm sure Mirallas would be back in the frame – but I get the feeling Martinez would sell for the right price.

I wish he was several years younger. He's consistent, in spite of a lapse after his injury last season, our best midfield player since arriving at the club.

I'm still frustrated with Ross – A typical Ross Barkley performance and we'll be in trouble – he must toughen up & stop strolling when he hasn't got the ball. And most of the time when he gets the ball, I'm expecting him to lose it. I know such as Stones & Barry give it away sometimes, but I'm always much more confident when they're in possession.

I thought Cleverley did okay – he was in for his energy – every bit as good as McCarthy, and offers more going forward. I'm still hoping to see Mirallas starting games for us!?

Expecting a very tough game on Monday; midfield will need to work hard.

We were great in the first 30 mins and I understand that after being 2-0 up we were trying to control the game but we did not do it that well. Saying that, had the decision-making been better going forward, we could have scored a hatful.

I just don't know what to expect from us at present! I never feel safe at 2-0 (and that was before Bournemouth). I am enthused by how many goals we are scoring but I know we concede easily.

Bit of a crap post I know but I am delighted we are in the semis – I just want to avoid Man City. Bring on everyone else!

The best form of defence is to attack, and sorry about Osman, as I say I didn't see the game, did he struggle as much as though it sounded? I felt sorry for him against Villa when he came on for the last 20 minutes, he looked knackered. I've never been an Ossie basher but his best days are long gone.

I hope and think that may all come. It's in the heads of the players and/or in the manager's head that the next crucial step needs to be made.

Anyway, a top night to be Blue.

Go on then. Exactly what "fuck-ups" are you referring to? What was wrong with the subs he elected to use tonight? And on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being Peter Sellers in Dr Strangelove; 10 being Scooby Doo when he's dressed as a woman), how much of a master of disguise are you if you're privy to the precise words said in the dressing room at half-time?

Personally I'd like an Everton v Southampton final.3-0 to us again and our first Carling / Milk / Rumbelows / League Cup.

Then the FA Cup. Then the League and European Cup.

Goodison re-developed. The shite go into liquidation. Anfield bulldozed. I drive the JCB.

Annoyed that we learnt nothing from the Bournemouth game. Showed our superiority in the first half with real quality attacking play and two brilliant goals. Then in the second half showed unentitled arrogance and stupidity by sitting back again on a lead which is playing to our weakness not our strength. Fortunately, Boro were not as good as Bournemouth at seizing a gift opportunity.

Robles might not be our long-term goalie solution but he's obviously so much better than Howard.

Joel did well again tonight, but if we get to the final, will he be dropped??

I was always a fan of Osman but FFS in a match like this...

Lukaku seemed to be less effective in the absence of a partner and like others I question What Mirallas has done to peeve Martinez. For this game he was the ideal replacement for Kone and would have given Galloway more protection than Cleverley or Osman who I thought both looked out of sorts.

Funes Mori also had a poor game – his passing in particular was not good in the last 2 games.

I thought we looked much Better with Baines and Mirallas on the pitch.

Fast forward to now and the boy is on fire! Only Ouzil (11) has more Premier League assists this season than Geri (7) and GD has only played half the minutes that the Arsenal maestro has.

Add a couple of assists and goals in the cup and his output this season has been absolutely invaluable.

We're very lucky to have him regardless of how long we get to keep him for.

I didn't see the game but a fairly comfortable win by all accounts; ye of little faith – I hang my head in shame... COYB!!

OK, we got away with it this time but what it tells me is that this Manager is just not up to the job of managing Everton.

If we'd have blown it again, Martinez would have been murdered for leaving him on. We didn't... so let's give a bit of credit.

I see the 'I-told-you-so's are back... it really takes the edge off a good win. I would have far more respect for somebody who challenges the "negatives" before the game if it upsets him so much, waiting to see the outcome and coming out all full of knowledge if we win is "pathetic".

I wonder if they would be happier if there was no pre-match opinion.

2-0 and on to the semifinals.

Second half again had a Groundhog Day feeling (Bournemouth) for the first 20 or so... but when they missed the sitter of a header, that was our let-off and we got back control.

Like many, I can't understand the Mirallas situation, he looks dangerous and an asset when he comes on – even only for the odd 10 mins.

Great to see Bainsey back too, his delivery on free kicks was just so much better. Let's hope his injury is behind him.

I initially thought that Barry and Osman were poor selections, but with that comfortable win I can't fault RM. Neither of them played really well, but they did their job.

I must also say that this is the most exciting group of players I've seen since I was a kid ('80s). Del Boy, Rom and Ross are fabulous to watch, and I never tire of seeing John Stones.

I like and understand the need to be selfish when you're an out-&-out attacker, but this is why he doesn't get in the team every week and sits on the bench.

It seems very simple to me. This isn't Football Manager, it's reality, and players like Ossie are extremely important for being neat & tidy in possession, whereas players like Mirallas will lose the ball and drop you in it more times than they'll win you matches.

I'm thoroughly enjoying watching us this season.

That header, if it was on target, would have likely been tipped over by Robles, whereas Howard would have tried to time his ridiculous swipe at the ball where he inevitably misses it. Look at the 3rd goal vs Bournemouth, he's like a dozy cat trying to time a swipe at a moving object coming towards him. Just try to tip it over or block it.

I know it's the wrong thread but Howard could sabotage our season... AGAIN!

He is the 'Makalele' which allows the 'Galacticos' to do their stuff and I wish we had an attack-minded midfielder who was as experienced and assured for Barkley and Co to watch and learn off!

Great win last night; I've got a feeling we're going to draw the RedShite and show them who the best team in Merseyside is over two legs!!

I didn't see the game so don't know whose right. Maybe somewhere in between? I'm glad he's with us anyway.

Barry and Osman did lots of good stuff last night, but they also made quite a few mistakes. That's why I'd say Barry wasn't quite at his best (his standards have been very high this season apart from the Spurs game and maybe one other).

The result was good of course and we looked good in the first half but still there was a drop in concentration, energy and execution in the second half that was disappointing. What was more than disappointing was Martinez's refusal to do anything about it. We got away with it this time but I would prefer a manager who recognizes when his team needs a boost or change.

Still... the right result is the main thing and if we can beat Palace then we will likely be 6th or 7th and still in both cups at start of December which represents a very decent effort.

I'm not sure who 'they' are but I'm sure no one wants no pre-match or post-match opinion for that matter.

But when you post something as ridiculous as #13 where you claim the game is over before a ball is kicked, it's not surprising someone might come on and point out that was a ...... er ridiculous post.

Anyway I thought we established nothing could take the shine of a victory for you.

Btw I agree with your view on Osman, I certainly don't think he let anyone down and I thought that was Robles's best performance for us, more so than Norwich where he made more saves but he looked genuinely composed last night.

I also find it interesting how the performance of certain players divides opinions. Some say how well one played. Others how poorly etc. I suppose we all have our favourites.

With players like Barry or Osman in a team, they probably don't stand out as much as others like Barkley as they just go around the place efficiently and mostly effectively and there is not too much excitement involved in watching them. I admit I am never on the edge of my seat when Barry gets the ball, but we would probably miss him if he was out....or not!

The point is Lukaku is showing what a player he is becoming and could become; best No 9 in the Premier League – including Vardy, Kane et al.

Stones and Barkley were a little too cocky for my liking last night and against better opponents both will be found wanting; I hope the manager has a word.

I do hope we get a chance to put matters right and get Liverpool in the draw.

As to the issue of being in control, I think we were. The biggest annoyance was Barkley, though. A move near the end typified his problem; we broke on the counter and he had options left and right, but carried the ball too far and ran into trouble. When Gerard was in those positions back in the day for the unmentionables, he almost always made the pass to the player in the better position. Can't anyone at the club coach this stupidity out of Barkley?

Let me get this straight - RM deserves no credit for guiding us through to a semi-final (whilst incorporating some squad players), but he will deserve all of the blame if we fail to win the trophy? Cool logic.

Also, I'll take a 2-goal lead at half-time, followed by a shit, goalless 2nd half for the rest of the season, thanks very much!

We got: result, clean sheet, world class goals, quite solid performance (against a well organised team who won at Old Trafford recently).

Certainly room for improvement, but very happy with the boys and the manager. Fans sounded good as well. (I watched on TV.)

Agree with you re Barkley's distribution and note your comparison with Gerrard. But are we talking about Gerrard in his early 20s or when he had far more experience? I don't remember how good he was at same age of Barkley.

He was terrible, absolutely terrible. His goal was a fluke and it was a miss-hit shot that found Lukaku for the second. I would have taken him off at half-time. What a waste of money, Barcelona were right all along, he will never make it...

What the goalkeeper does transmits itself to the defence and the rest of the team. As Mike points out (#103), had that 2nd half header been on target, Robles looked like he would have made the save of the game. While Howard would have probably made one of those characteristic jumps (Bournemouth 3rd goal) trying to swat the ball out. They work occasionally – the save against Saints last season that was in the MotD short list for 'save of the season'. But more often and not, he does as Mike says look like a dozy cat swiping at a moving toy. Your post made me laugh there, Mike.

I think the Monday night game against Palace will be a microcosm for how this season will plays out. If we beat them, I can see us consolidating a place in the top 6.

They've been our bogey side for years ever since back in the day when we lost in that Mickey Mouse Cup final – something Data Systems Cup, whatever it was called, they've been a thorn in our side for years. They're actually a good side this season so we really need to be on our game.

The second replay took place at Old Trafford on 13 April. The game is probably best remembered for a 40-yard goal from Villa centre-half Chris Nicholl, and in a 2010 poll this was voted in the Top 25 of all-time League Cup moments. Brian Little scored his second of the match in dramatic fashion during the dying seconds of the game to give Villa a 3–2 victory. Mick Lyons and Bob Latchford scored for Everton.

We are at our best when attacking with pace, so why play Osman? Equally Cleverley may have more pace but is also a tippy-tappy player – Gibson offers more attacking options through his pass selection and is as mobile as Cleverley.

I just think Martinez has favourites and Osman and Cleverley are two of them; he has people he does not trust – Miracles and Gibson fit into that category. Good managers have to see beyond that and I just don't think Martinez is able to do that.

Deulofeu showed again that he is the one who makes the difference for us on the pitch. I really would leave him on at all times unless injured or totally out of gas. Well done to Rom too – another goal and he is playing well.

Shame to hear the second half dropped off a bit again but sounds like we controlled the game better rather than hanging on, like at Bournemouth.

Yes he his improving all the time and his goals this season are welcome indeed but three things frustrate me. He lacks vision in picking a pass, especially an early one after he makes an initial break. If he had the same ability to do that as Gerard Deulofeu what would we have achieved this season? Not sure you can coach vision but you can insist that he gives the ball earlier.

My second reservation is his physical involvement. It may be that the circumstances of that appalling injury he suffered continue to affect him but he doesn't respond to challenge by driving through tackles and I can't remember him making a crunching tackle himself. Has he ever been booked for any? Too often he just hangs a foot.

Finally, and this may relate to the vision thing, he doesn't track back enough for me, he is often seen in the background jogging back as the opposition race forward. The most obvious example was in the lead up to Yarmolenko's goal last season when Ross could have got to him, at least ran alongside shoulder to shoulder and made him think.

I did smile when he spoke of carrying his England form into his club games. He is the luckiest lad around to have so many international caps at this stage. He is not yet near to the player Howard Kendall was and he didn't get one.

Well, that would get us two cups and the European Champions League entry next season. If that's the end product, I'd be bored out of my skull and what little hair I've got would be all gone, no thanks.

Also, if we are only going to play one half, could we all get in for half price?

I really do understand what you are saying, but I'm old school and I want to be entertained – not sweating on a result that could be well settled if they played forward an awful lot more than they do.

Perhaps a tad harsh on Ross. He has Barry and McCarthy behind him to make the crunching/cynical tackles, and alleviate te need for him to track back all the time.

He has added assists to his game, and is on track to break the 15 goal mark for the season.

His cushioned pass for Lukaku the other week was sublime, and it was his cross-field pass that put Del Boy one-on-one with amorobieta for the 2nd last night.

The fact that he is clearly not the finished article is a big plus in my book. He's 21 ffs, and has shown definite inprovement from last season. If that continues, he can become world class.

I just hope Barcelona or one of the other big clubs don't see how good McGeady really is and make us an offer we can't refuse.

He would be much better suited to the Barca way of playing than Delboy any day!

Again unfortunately, he got better and better, he loved Liverpool and would cheat for the bastards (many, many times). All that mattered to him was that Liverpool won. I'd kill for a player like that in this present Everton team.

Delighted with the result though. Looking forward to the draw tonight, and hopefully 3 pts against Palace on Monday.

I find this part of your post really strange. You, amongst many others, have been relentless in pointing out Martinez is shite, along with most of his signings. Apart from that, I don't really see many posters saying 'I told you so.'

Secondly, how can anyone discuss how players have performed, or how the tactics will pan out before a ball is kicked?

Robles did okay last night but I still have my heart in my mouth at set pieces and I dislike how he lets the back pass run further back instead of coming to meet it. Can you imagine that Boro player bundling the ball into the net against big Nev in his prime?

I would have settled for a 2-0 win before the game. Also, I thought our away support was fantastic.

Really hoping we can get Stoke or Southampton in the semis with the home leg second. I'm not like other Blues, I don't want to face them lot at any cost. I still come out in cold sweats thinking of Distin's backpass in our last semi-final.

If we draw the reds in the semis I'm coming to Goodison from across the pond. First time I'm rooting for them lot, sorry everyone.

The biggest issue for me is that when he needs to do something quickly, he takes to much time, and when he needs to take his time he does it too quickly. This also seems to depend on what part of the pitch he's having to make decisions in. In the middle of the park he could sometimes take a few more touches, get his head up, and play a more effective pass but seems obsessed with first time passing, usually toward his own goal, that doesn't add any particular value to the play. Yet when he is near the opposition goal he seems to hold onto it for too long before making the wrong choice, where as an early ball into a team mate might create a chance.

Frustrating but I think we should definately keep him in the team (but rotate him a bit more) and find the right people to advise on these limitations

As for his influence on the team......
For our second goal the team made 28 passes, Barkley was responsible for 6 of them, including the long diagonal switch of play to Deulofeu which finally gave us the space to run at the defence. That is what I call an influential player!

I'd have settled for anykind of win pre-game. Of course we wasn't perect, but getting through was what mattered most.

And what an absolute gem we have in Deulofeu. Hope Barca keep their current form up for a long time and don't ever want him back.

It's amazing how many times Ossie gets stick... strangely after a game we have just won.

Simple game put to bed, now for the Redshite – it's a fucking knapp.

Ossie is and has been a loyal servant to this club and a great player. As such he deserves more respect then some give him. You don't play as many games in the PL as he has if you're that bad.

One aspect of the game last night that still worries me is the over-indulgence at the back, playing triangles in he penalty area, passing the ball across the penalty area and playing the ball sideways outside the box only for the fullback to have to effectively take a goal kick from a wider position (or for him to return it to the goalie only for him to have to hit it long with his wrong foot). I'm all for ball retention but in the right areas! I get the impression that we're always only a stumble, miskick or mis-control away from conceding a soft goal. It also smacks of a certain arrogance at times. Much as I think Stones is the best young centre back that I have ever seen, I think he can get a bit carried away with his own ability at times!

Perhaps a little churlish on a night when we won 2-0 but hey-ho, it's only because I want perfection!

One other point, I'd forgotten how small Baines was! He looked minute when he came on as sub. Has he shrunk?

Proud to be part of a magnificent away support yet again. Who says we're not a big club?

In fact, why do we have threads at all?

That's off-topic, Shane. Needs a thread of its own.

As for Bainsey, he's always been that small, Ray - and he's a bit touchy about it. The squad turned up at Alder Hey in 2010 for Christmas and I got photos with my daughter and half the squad. When it was Leighton's turn he was next to the bed and I said, "Can you stand up Leighton?" Got a death stare!

WE ARE IN A SEMI FINAL!!!!!

(Please let's avoid Man City and the RS next round!)

I could not have put it better myself. It always amazes me that the doom-sayers are never on here when we win.

Either that, or my eyes are broken!

Playing a pass across your own penalty area is nearly always risky. As I said, we're always only a slip or a stumble away from gifting a soft goal. It happened many a time last season!

The place to start passing around is in the opponents half as in the Villa game.

If you piss around at the back it only takes a slip, misplaced pass or a gust of wind and you're in the shit.

On a positive note I thought Robles looked very assured last night and made some good saves and catches.

What is it that Ossie and Barry always have to be the scapegoats and slated before a ball has even been kicked.

We all know neither are getting younger, but experience and an old head in a young team is everything.

Barry played well and Osman scored in the previous round, both contributed to our cup run, so regardless of team selection next game, lets just wait til the match is over, before passing judgement before kick off.

Well done Everton, clean sheet and a decent two-nil win at Boro.

You have to take it in the round. If you want a ball playing centre half who brings the ball out with composure and brings our midfield into play you have to accept that he will occasionally give away possession. I can't think of too many examples where that has led to goals but I see numerous occasions where he distributes in a manner most centre halves could only dream about. I'm sure experience will also aid this.

Of course if you want a big lump who likes to put it into Row Z you can always go and buy Shawcross or Dann.

I personally have never seen a centre half with as much potential as John Stones. The only one that comes close is when I saw Rio Ferdinand as a 19-year-old completely boss a game against us in the 90s.

Re John Stones and crosses droppin over his head, I noticed that as well. On this occasion, with Stuani's effort, he turned around and it seemed he had a go at himself or someone else. He seemed annoyed at something. Himself or lack of a call. Can't blame it on Howard not coming out to collect the cross on this occasion.

Andy, if Barca are in that much trouble there's little chance that they'll be able to afford Stones as some parts of the media are suggesting. OR. They'll offer to scrap the Delboy buy back clause for first refusal on Stones....

It's the cross penalty box and triangular passes INSIDE the area that do my head in. Marginal gains with potentially disastrous consequences. And it's not just Stones who's guilty of it.

I have criticised Martinez for keeping faith with his favourites even when they are stinking the place out, playing players out of position, playing players who haven't yet recovered from injury.

I have criticised him for taking the piss with his moonlighting; I have criticised him for arriving back from said moonlighting without any plans for pre-season; I have criticised poor results that ensued; I have criticised the football that had the Goodison faithful howling their derision for much of last season.

I have criticised some of the nonsense he has spouted after those games. I stand by every single bit of criticism I have ever levelled at him and I challenge you to contest any of it...

HOWEVER! I have been generous in my praise for him too. I have sung his praises over the way he handled the Stones saga, cheered his defiance, praised every performance that has ever warranted praise, told everyone on here how proud I was of him... even on this thread, I called his decision brave.

Glad I couldn't second guess the manager, but do wish he would bring on his subs a bit earlier, to keep the tempo up though.

Graham, have to agree with you about Stones. He's so calm and composed, it spreads through the team, but I thought Boro, played into our hands when they tried to press us high. Talking at half time about Woodgate, because of who we were playing. What a player he was before the injuries started, and think this is the only thing that can get in the way of Stones, becoming one of the best.

Also re Stones – it's amazing he wants to play out from the back how he does and it adds so much to our game. But I think he does need to learn that sometimes you have to just get rid or do it ugly.

Mirallas for me, is a great player if only he could be team player and get his attitude right.

The point is not whether the negativity proves true or not, but the point of it in the first place. Something like: 'I thought we had a chance tonight but now that Osman is in we have no chance' is not necessary, whether we won or not. There can be a question of motive aside from the result, and claiming that we will lose because of the inclusion of one player is unnecessary. It was just as unnecessary as the years of Osman bashing, when posters would similarly bemoan the appearance of Osman (out of position) and exaggerate his deficiencies.

I also find it amusing, Darren, that you claim your own lack of bias, but then attribute set opinions to others. Clearly plenty of people have mixed opinions of Martinez. Some on here can express them clearly, others will moan and castigate after every defeat, and disappear during the good times.

Personally, I think Martinez is a positive attacking manager who can't get a team up defensively. I think we will have some wonderful games with him, and some horrible games, and I think the lack of defensive stability, despite very good defensive players, will ultimately cost us. I don't expect him ever to achieve the consistency required for top 4 (and our squad is below the standard of most of the realistic top 4 contenders), but I think Martinez is more than capable of delivering us a cup.

I don't think he is the best manager for us, but I think his positivism and his ability to develop young players is fantastic, and I don't think any of us can say for sure whether he will be a success or failure yet.

Claiming some of us have a school girl crush on Martinez, just because some look to see the positives, pretty much sums up your argument, and does yourself or those who support Martinez no justice. I think it might be time to grow up a little, or you risk your good points getting lost amidst childish insults and exaggerated representations.

When will we ever see Mirallas again? He is more of a threat than Barkley going forward. What has happened to Besic?

Pity we can't say the same about Martinez... who will he pick to play Man City? Let's see if we can give them a good game... and win it too.

I know you are not blind to his shortcomings but surely you can accept that his negative approach to building from a defensive base makes success over 38 games impossible to achieve.