Everton comfortably through with a clean sheet

Jumping the gun here, but let's hope for another favourable cup draw. And let's get another Cup run started. Fifty years since Trebilcock's double. Could this be our year?

And rather best of the rest than mid-table dross but nice analogy though.

Why post about a player not playing today and a manager not managing Everton today? No one denies Stones is a fantastic (or potentially) football player. The complaint is he is a mediocre or worse centre-half at present. Problem is... that is his position.

BTW, Moyes signed Stones and Coleman and Barkley didn't he? Guess he could recognize the difference and when not to put square pegs into round holes.

Kone is fucking dogshite... Every time he gets the ball, it turns to shit. He is simply not good enough for Everton. I hope the Niasse deal comes through!

Very impressed by Lennon's attitude. It is what we will need in the coming months.

I thought Funes Mori and McCarthy both had off days today and we looked disorganized with no shape or teamwork. Individuals won that for us today.

Maybe Roberto's mind is on his next job.

Also, Oviedo aint no right back. He was very good at left back but dire the moment he switched to the right. We need another right back as cover for Coleman now we missed out on Byram.

Surely McAleny or another youngster should have been given a run out today? But no, Martinez's favourite is given another go.

With the way we are set up by Martinez we will always come up against this limit which is around the top 4 in the EPL. In other words, unless we change our strategy, we will never join that elite. I believe that our squad is almost good enough.

The problem is that hardly any goals get scored that way in the Premier League and our good build up hardly ever ends up testing the keeper.

Barkley by contrast has an all action running style that is exciting and well suited to the Premier League and is being stifled usually by a pass wide or back when he gets to the 18-yard line. There are signs though that he is being more decisive and going for the shooting opportunity last few games and he looks much better for it. I thought Ross was very good today, albeit against a lower league team who were not very good.

I know we are not one of the 'chosen wealthy' but I wish we had donated all our match fee today to Carlisle with their current trouble, could have been a massive plus for us media wise.

Oh yeah, I still want Martinez out.

Until late in the game he consistently shows for the ball, receives and and controls it and passes to a blue shirt, often under pressure from at least one defender, and retained possession moves us up the pitch.

I can understand why somebody might not like him but, if you don't tell us what he really does wrong in a game rather than what you prefer to imagine.

Today he was instrumental in the victory. Disagree? Explain why please.

My criticism of Kone is as I have said above. He is what he is. Sure he often retains possession which moves up the pitch but I expect more than that from a striker for Everton. I expect incisive play which creates a goalscoring chance.

My main gripe is that he always slows down our attack by taking two or three touches and bringing down the ball to look for a pass rather than playing an instinctive lay off which keeps the pressure on. Pienaar is the model for this on the left out of our current players but sadly not for much longer. Sometimes he gets it under control, sometimes a single flick on to an overlapping player.

Next time Kone plays, watch and see how many one-twos he plays either receiving or initiating - not nearly enough. I always thought the old "wall pass", the "give and go" properly executed was the cornerstone of unsettling attacking football. Man City seemed to demonstrate it successfully countless times against us on Wednesday. It's not a big tool in Everton's armoury under Martinez, and Kone is just made for Martinez.

I'm pleased, though, by the overall tightness he has brought to his game this season and if he can develop his self-belief then he will be one of our very best.

Sometimes, a particular type of immensely talented person is strangely embarrassed and hampered by knowing what he/she could really do if they allowed themselves full expression and I think Ross falls into that category. It's the opposite, in footballing terms, of players like Lineker and even Beckham who make the very best of a fine but limited talent.

He's a joy to watch though, regardless, and I'm delighted he's ours.

Stopped on way home from Pafos Sports Bar to get the Walling Woman a bottle of fizz and lord it a bit over the shop's RS owner.

Can I be the first to say today's game could be our Oxford Moment (we've only had five of those so far this season!) although the first team may feck it up on Wednesday!

Anyway, good to have a win to celebrate – if only against fourth-tier opposition!

Your second paragraph often applies to Ross Barkley in a far less pressured situation. Not having a go just pointing out that the standards we use to judge players in different positions need to be different.

If we are talking about the selection of favourites, mentioned by others earlier in the thread, I can't for the life of me see how Ross Barkley gets a start in the hole ahead of, in order, Naismith, Mirallas, Deulofeu, Osman and Cleverly. (Yes, I know he plays for Norwich, he wouldn't if I was making the decisions.)

I'm not slagging Kone off for the sake of it. I just don't think he is good enough.

But I don't think he had a very good game today as you say. He broke down at least two good moves, one taking an excellent ball from I think Lennon (who was very good today before he faded - surely lack of match time) and slowing instead of taking it on at pace.

Yes he scored but he should have had more against a poor lower league side. Too slow in both feet and head.

We need to set the bar higher than Arouna Kone if we expect to improve, no disrespect to the lad

For a 22 year old, that is excellent, added to his 7/8 assists this season.

This lad is gonna be at the level of Frank Lampard in goalscoring midfielder terms, albeit a different style of player.

He needs to press more, and still much to improve in decision making and final ball. Despite this, he is already proving to be a top class player and the big clubs will definitely be taking notice. With a European Championship coming, we need to ensure we can keep him.

And remember this when people come criticising Stones. Young players have dips in form, it is only natural, but the class acts will always come through these experiences better players. Last season, some on here were calling us to get shot of Barkley to the highest bidder, a lazy luxury player who believed his own hype, I heard many people say. (As they did of Lukaku.)

Kone is a player who appears lifeless to me, loses the ball as much as he keeps it, along with a very ageing Osman; there is more life in a nit nurse's comb than the two of them.

I don't disagree with your first sentence at all. Different players for different times and different games. One of the best at the back to goal was Teddy Sheringham. But he would mix it up too. I just don't think Kone does as he always holds it too long for me without fail.

The thing about Ross in the hole is that today was his ninth goal, so he isn't that shoddy in that position. He and Lukaku have between them scored more than half the team's goals this season.

I think he would have had quite a few more if he had shot more rather than passing it wide when teams pack the 18-yard line. Only Barkley and Lukaku look capable of shooting in this team. We don't see Leighton on free kicks any more.

Thought Lennon was our best player overall. Is there anyone in the club who works as hard all over the pitch? He was neat and incisive too. Barkley had a very good second half and is was gratifying to see their fans applauding him when was subbed.

Martinez way looks really good when we are not under pressure and the opposition are not closing us down. When we have time on the ball we look terrific. Unfortunately these things do not happen in the Premier League and that's where Martinez let's us down.The messing around with the ball around the penalty area, the extra passes around the opposition penalty area are not tactics for the Premier League.

First goal today, long ball over the top, we only tried that one more time in the 88 mins! I find that really strange... if it works, why not try a few more times? I hope we can take this forward but I can't see it with our manager and his tactics.

Based on today's evidence Lennon deserves a place in the starting lineup. In a team which needs players to work hard around the pitch and last longer than 60 minutes he is what we need at the moment. A few more like him would be good as well.

What annoys me is the way the media (or at least some sections of the media) treat Everton in general, for example C4 News reported that Everton had beaten Carlisle 3-0 but over the top of Barkley scoring the third goal the newsreader said "the game was marred by racist chanting from some sections of the crowd". They did not make it clear that it was the home supporters chanting against Everton players, leaving plenty of room for those not in the know perhaps believing that it was Everton fans who were responsible for it.

If Liverpool players had have been subjected to the same abuse, C4 would have ensured that there was little doubt about who was responsible and who were the victims of it. A small point perhaps, but it exemplifies how we are treated in general for what reason I don't know.

His end product isn't much to write home about, I'm afraid, but I do concede that injuries have really curtailed his usefulness to Everton.

In any case, a single good performance against a very poor Everton side on the day bears no relation at all either to today's game or the other performances I have seen him put in. Unless you are arguing that is the sole reason we have signed him, much like his manager, in which case it is very relevant.

My point is that he is not good enough for the standard of player we can and should have playing for us and neither is the guy who brought him in. It isn't personal

Pienaar was an okay starter for this game but I doubt we shall see a lot of him in the future given his age. Cleverley is very average but Oviedo is worth another start at left back as I think Baines is past his best.

He's obviously not the future for Everton and we have lost the best of him due to injury which was a tragedy for him and us both. All I say is that he was pretty good at one time and he seems to be the catalyst that has released the potential that was in Lukaku.

He's a really personable lad who didn't cost us much and has done well in many games. Like many other players (eg, Osman, Hibbert, Barkley!) he isn't as bad as some make him out to be.

I do give him top marks for the guidance he gives Rom on the field... helped make him a better player, no question. But I reluctantly agree that Kone's time with us should end when the season is over.

Surely Martinez must realise that teams that play a high line against us(like everyone) are vulnerable to being done at the back with pace-and we've that in spades.

He also must see that if he wants to play out of the back he must find a way to counter a team that camps out in our half. Frustrating.

Perhaps you, too, Lyndon. Give credit where it is due today. Your article "I'm sorry Roberto..." was overstated and bordering on arrogance.

Despite the clean sheet, the tactical know-how, choice of players and a totally professional performance, the carping has already started, with particular reference to Kone.

Well done, Roberto.

The predicted banana skin was avoided. Let's just celebrate for once.

Fairly local to me... Big question is – how am I going to get tickets?

Could be worse.

Could be Bournemouth at home.

It would be okay if he could thread passes through a tight defence; he doesn't – hence my preferences for the four players I highlighted earlier.

Tony, in that context, I note that, whilst you criticise my inclusion of two players ahead of Barkley, there was no criticism of the other two being included ahead of him.

Pienaar is getting better with more playing time but I'd be amazed if we retained him for next season. He's still a shadow of a once very good PL player.

I also agree that Barkley is not best at 10 and that he is weak defensively. He is, however, a huge talent and we should be building the side around him, I believe, looking to make the best of his very considerable gifts of pace, power and trickery. I would use him centrally where he has room and I would make sure that we had the legs and nous around and behind him to cover defensively.

He is erratic but a gift to our club, and I expect him to show it over the next few years.

I can't see it happening in this window though.

Maybe the new manager will see the point.

Do you think that is down to Barkley? I'll give you a clue what I think, which is that *no-one* does under Martinez.

Despite the fact that I think any competent coach who was not hampered by a lunatic "philosophy" would have improved this aspect of Ross' game he has changed from a fairly ineffective hyped up youngster last season who was deserving of criticism into a much more effective goal scoring, goal assisting midfielder who is integral to any success at all we have under the ludicrous system he is asked.to play under.

Today he scored a beaut, played a key assist in another goal and very nearly contributed another goal all on his own from a pick up just inside the opposition half.

You don't like him, we'll clearly disagree, but I see a player who is maturing and getter better all the time, despite the lack of coaching which would take him to a really stellar level. The talent is there and I wasn't sure about that this time last year

Neither of these lads are ready however for a top 4 challenge which hopefully will be the minimum requirement for the new manager.

Ross Barkley is a diamond still partly in the rough through not being coached to his correct position and taught how to close space down but nevertheless an immense talent.

I wish people would get off Stones's and Barkley's backs and allow them to grow. They are both potentially world class players and we are privileged to have them at the club.

A stroll in the park, but why does Lennon tuck in when we have got the ball? Obviously playing to instructions to maybe get Coleman to run in behind... I just think we would be a much better if our wide players stayed wide, especially considering we already have 3 players in the middle of the park.

He also said that he had heard a little whisper that Walton Hall Park could be back on?

COYB – Give me more to cheer about!

I particularly enjoyed our play when Gibson came on, him and Lennon reminded me of us turning the corner this time last season.

Lennon and Pienaar really looked comfortable, with their intelligent probing and neat passing.

I know Carlisle are poor, but the team showed good professionalism and thankfully avoided another pothole on our road to who know's where.

The only sour note was just how poor Kone was against such low class opponents. He really lacks speed off the mark and his confidence seems low. I hope we are in for this Senegalese lad as with Nais gone, we have little back-up to Lukaku.

Kone seems a nice guy and some of his approach play is tidy, but he offers no goal threat (I know he had a tap-in) but Lukaku would have had a lot more shots and headers had he played.

Their supporters were great and the applause and appreciation for both Ossie when he warmed up and Ross when he was subbed was commendable. They club announced through their PA system of their discontent, well done to Carlisle, and leave the rest to the police.

This match and the Swansea game were being played out as if it were a testimonial or a friendly. I hope the team are not told by RM that was okay because it's not. It is good football but needs to be taken up a couple of notches in pace and intensity.

It reminds me of Bob the Pole when he came to us with loads of pace and really direct until it was coached out of him when he'd set off and them stop turn around and pass it back to Alan Harper.

Glad we are through to the next round but Martinez has still got to go and take that useless twat Kone with him by far the worst player ever to play for us.

Today I felt the team were at its most balanced I've seen it in a long time. If Barry was in there it would of been better, same for Baines. Pienaar's intelligent movement has been a big miss for us and it was good to see him in the team.

Joel once again looked assured in goal and bred confidence in the back 4 but no doubt in midweek he'll get taken out!

No matter what side we put out today I was expecting a win, whether it be scrappy or convincing like it was in the end.

That clean sheet is a big bonus today but once Howard & Stones come back in, and they will, it will make us nervous at the back again and put a clean sheet under threat.

Wednesday is a massive game and we need to win, anything less really isn't good enough! Personally from now until the end of the season, I'd stick with Joel and give him a good run, see what he can really do for a sustained period in the side. I'd also drop Stones for a while and let him sit on the bench and stew over his form, think about the mistakes and watch how both Jags & Funes Mori defend, and then maybe that might be the wake up call he needs to finally get his head out of his arse!

I'd also try and get Pienaar fit enough to play a more prominent role from now until the end of the season. His unselfish movement off the ball alone makes such a difference to us in the final third, opens up pockets of space for others to go into and exploit.

And it's good to see McCarthy back and hopefully he stays fit. Barry will be glad to see him back has he's his legs in the engine room. Hopefully his return will make us more solid.

We need a big result and performance Wednesday. We need to work hard, defend well and have a go and get a good win and turn our season around.

Fail to do so and I don't know where Martinez can go from there?!

I thought Oviedo was fine throughout and can't believe how some people say a player has a bad game just because they might misplace a few passes.

Lennon was good but Ross was the outstanding player on the pitch.

Sure, that would be very convenient for Koné.

I'm not advocating the 'long ball' as a gameplan, but it would be beneficial to mix it up a bit, and cause the opposing team some problems in how they set up against us.

At the moment, we are too predictable.

He's too bloody nice. He gets himself into decent positions, a lot of the time making the space himself and then... He goes into 'nice mode' and looks for a pass, instead of having that killer instinct of going that one step further by trying to score.

And when he then does neither, he has that little smile that winds me up a treat. He needs to get more nasty! Quite simply, he's not good enough for us.

Nothing more than wishful thinking and my opinion that his position has become untenable.

I don't know any fan, apart from a few who post on here, that want Martinez to remain in his job.

That and industry insiders who will all be whispering in the board's ear.

Average performance, against a team that would like to be like us, but I was ultimately very disappointed by Pienaar, Kone and Oviedo. Barkley held on to the ball too much but, after chance upon chance, took his chance. There's something there but until his brain starts moving quicker he'll never be the player that we think he could be.

Coleman oozed class today and barely broke a sweat. We need to build that right-hand side around him and Lennon. It could be very dangerous and maybe rotate Barkley with Deulofeu behind the striker. Not sure, but Coleman looks a different player with Deulofeu in front of him (and not in a good way).

Let's hope we see some action before tomorrow's deadline.

I am glad for the win and moving on in the FA Cup but cue the reality please.

All off to sunny Bournemouth! Let's slap on the suntan lotion and have an ice cream! Lovely!!

A 'few'?

6,300 votes on the yes or no poll. 27 per cent of 7,300 is 1,701.

Hardly 'a few'.

Naturally you will point out that 73 per cent of 7,300 is 4,599.

Nonetheless 27 per cent is not a 'few'.

There are plenty of rational and sound reasons to not want this manager and there is no need to embelish or misrepresent.

Betya!

Saying that I really don't get the scathing criticism of our own players. Kone is like a sticky bud the ball just sticks to him when played, big Rom could do well to learn from him.

For the first time in my life I never jumped for joy and screamed GET in for any of the goals, well I sort of did when Ross scored..

Thought the Carlisle fans were class applauding Ross and that will give him confidence.

When was the last time we won two on the bounce?? The Newcastle game is yet another must win or Martinez will be in for lots of stick at the next home game.

I still think he is the wrong man for the job and Everton need to get a more high profile manager. I will leave the rest of you to debate who it should be.

Good win today just wish there was more of them, then maybe I could get excited again.

If he can't do better against 2nd Division opponents it says quite clearly he's not a viable alternative to Rom as a striker. He lacks vision and seems unable to puck out a pass to anyone more than 10 yards away. He may have been decent in his Wigan days and it's not his fault he got injured, but he obviously hasn't got what it takes to perform at this level any more, a willing workhorse is the best I can say about him and hope Martinez realises that fact sooner rather than later.

Cleverley wasn't too clever; I expected him to grasp his opportunity with slightly more enthusiasm, but those two apart, the rest did their jobs to see us past a poor Carlisle, who tried and failed to play the Martinez way, thus avoiding a potential banana skin and going through quite easily to the 5th round.

No more mistakes against Bournemouth next time guys, please. Surely we should have enough to see the off at the second bite of the Cherries!

It looks to me that it's the way that Martinez, has coached James McCarthy down the years, and it's how he wants him to play. I actually think this kid, is as good as anyone, at getting the ball and keeping it very simple, enabling other players to play.

He's rarely caught in possession, and his usually available to help team mates who might be under pressure, but give him time to pick a forward pass and he does seem reluctant, this is definitely the least effective part of his game.

I said on another thread that although Barry has been great, I would love Everton to play a midfield triangle, with McCarthy at the point, playing behind Besic and Barkley. I just feel, that if we want to get to the next level, we have got to get more players forward from midfield, and we have got to play the game with more pace.

Perhaps he could watch the movement of Funes Mori and Oviedo after they have made a pass and would someone mind telling him that the midfield is also supposed to not only create but also back up attacks. If he is just following the manager's instructions to cover any defender who moves upfield then perhaps its the manager with whom someone should have a word.

All in all, an unimpressive performance that was good enough for that particular opposition but would not have produced such a result against Premier League opposition.

Robles looked very assured even relaxed and made good decisions overall. I think Cleverley is so underrated, what a lovely ball to set Lennon away. Kone has good hold up play but 7 goals in 48 matches tells its own story. I much prefer Mirallas and Besic and the think we could have rested them ahead of the City semi-final.

The Swansea game was calling for fresh legs in Lennon and Gibson. Hopefully we can build up some momentum and get to Wembley via the FA Cup. Top six finish is possible with a turn of luck.

I thought Peter Reid's comments about the defence were spot on. If we can address that we can be a top team. I'm sure the powers that be are going to tell Robo to sort it or fuck off elsewhere.