Lennon and Barkley lead Blues to vital home win

I'm sure many will find issue with Roberto over that still...

We have seen Barkley an Naismith there last season and now Kone Osman and Cleverley. And people wonder why Baines's impact has halted. I'd also give Galloway another run. We were doing better with him in defence but he's not in the squad tonight?

He wants the money move. So, he exaggerates (make that OVER-exaggerates) the "play from the back" philosophy and ensures that the home crowd berate him, whilst seemingly conforming to Roberto's style.

Result is that the crowd begin to hassle him, then he can say that he was harried out of God's Acre by disgruntled fans..... possibly lowering his transfer fee.

I'll honestly state that I hope this isn't true, but this kind of thinking does keep running around my head. I don't trust modern day football professionals........

Potential is fine as long as it's fulfilled.

It's very coincidental that Howard and Stones are both missing.

Jags playing safe using the long ball, not so much playing it out all the time. Keeping it tight.

He has obviously been told by his manager AND team-mates to keep on trusting his instincts. No-one is happy when it backfires and the suggestion that he is persevering simply out of arrogance and needs knocking down a peg or two is equally as nonsensical.

What Everton and the player both need is for him to rediscover his confidence so he doesn't fluff his attempts to play himself out of tricky situations.

Nice one!

You've seen everything from Barkley today: amazing play, frustrating hold ups and an eye for a shot and goal; we've got to take the good with the bad... but it's mainly great.

Barry and McCarthy covered well. And credit to Martinez – he obviously told Barkley to sit on Shelvey, to stop the long passes, and it worked.

I'll be honest, neither Jagielka nor Funes Mori were under any pressure at the back, to any great degree. But there were was on instance, nearly 75 mins in, when they got in behind Funes Mori, but Jagielka's positional play got him in to cover – I'm not sure John Stones has learnt that yet. Great result against a poor Magpies.

ps: I Ioved the cheeky penalty at end!
COYB

It was a good win and solid performance with a clean sheet to boot. There's not been enough of them this season. Hopefully this will give us the momentum to kick on.

Two points of note... why hasn't Lennon featured more? And that is the FOURTH Premier League clean sheet in a row for Robles.

Hope Rom's injury isn't too bad. Roll on Stoke

Read ALL of what I posted
ALL of it

"Utter lunacy" does apply to some TW postings mate, but especially to the cretins who selectively quote others, try the hat on.

I've never seen so many Row Z balls in a game but the defence looked much sounder than it has in a long time. I hope it continues on Saturday.

Once again, Gareth Barry bossed midfield.... Robles looked pretty solid. For once, things went to plan but we were getting edgy at 1-0.

On another note; the premier league pass coverage of the game was pathetic. They're usually good but it kept cutting out and, the most frustrating thing was that the commentary was three seconds behind the action. Amazing how frustrating that is.

He may possibly drop a few clangers in the future but he has the look of a real goalkeeper and those in front of him appear to play with more confidence and were more progressive... He must remain.

Shame Kone is so consistently hopeless. Don't think Taskers supply a barn door large enough for him to hit at any distance!!

Lennon and 'Beowulf' Barkley were the Men of the Match.

I said on another thread a few days back we wouldn't beat Newcastle; very happy to eat humble pie... a big 3 points tonight.

I voted Martinez out. If he can play more like this, then I might change my mind. Sure, there was plenty of room for improvement and Newcastle are relatively easy pickings but... good signs.

We are also due one over that crowd Stoke as they have won the last three against us – not to mention they are a point ahead of us in the table... big game now.

I'm switching off now since I can't bear to hear RM's flowery speech for a rather difficult effort to put a poor team to bed until the final minutes. Definitely got away there with Mitrovic's horrific miss. Overall, the team played OK; hope they can improve on this.

Tony Draper, there is no need to simply hope. I am putting it to you straight, your 'paranoid supposition' is utter lunacy.

The lad has many ways to engineer an exit so the idea that he would choose to do it by subjecting himself to ridicule / venom from the crowd and disappointment from his team-mates being the most convoluted and plain daft suggestion I have yet seen for his recent misadventures on the pitch.

Barkley is a rough diamond but if he trims off the edges he will be an absolute treasure. His penalties were perfect, especially the second. Robles looked especially assured.

Let's crack on, FFS. COYB!!

As for being a definite better proposition in right mid than Gerard – yes, if you want a speed merchant with the small ability to cross the ball, let alone cross it well regularly, quickly and under pressure of advancing opposition. Different tactics tonight, different pick and it worked for Lennon.

He's gonna be some player.

I seemed to notice a lot more 'Row Z' clearances, including one by Jagielka which certainly went far enough to hit Row Z, only it went straight upwards.

As I say, untypical game but a welcome three points. Some of our approach play was very slow, so it is understandable that the crowd doesn't get excited much of the time!

Umpteen chances later and we are still only 1-0 after 88 mins... I feared the worst. It would've been a travesty after the chances we created. The three best players for me were Barkley, Lennon and Oviedo. Lennon was tireless and his defensive duties were fantastic; Deulofeu does not have that in his locker.

Barkley to me was frustrating tonight; he showed some pure class at times but he has a habit in most games to not pick the final pass. He seems like he wants to do it alone, but he was still class tonight.

Newcastle were poor but Mitrovic should have equalised. We got away with it. I feel the team is much more at ease with Robles between the posts and I cannot see him losing his place from here on in.

Let's hope we can go all the way in the FA Cup and with Niasse to come in we can finish the season strongly. I really think we can challenge next season for one of the top four places. We really do have a great squad at present.

My main problem tonight is Coleman. He has lost the ability to cross a ball, fly down the flank at full pace, use both feet, think off attacking. He is an average full back offensively and defensively. Unload if this is not the managers fault, if it's Martinez's instruction then as usual unload the manager.

Oh I forgot Robles, done his job, well. Newcastle are shit and will be relegated, but it's a win and that will keep the sit-on-the-fence sycophantic blue noses happy. Stoke next... let's see!

We were decent – had a better shape. Lennon and Deufoleu are very different players and each will suit different games. We are lucky to have both.

Barkley was again frustrating at times trying to dribble his way through five men, but he did boss the game and deserved is goals. His confidence is high and long may it continue.

The defence held it together. Joel looks confident and I think can become a good goalkeeper if kept in the squad. Oviedo has started showing his class aswell, cutting out crosses, throwing Townsend out wide and linking up play well (although every challenge against him I fear the worst).

Let's crack on with this win now. Go into the stoke game full of confidence and throw Naisse on second half to shake things up.

COYB

Evertonians aren't stupid, they are prepared to support their team but when it has been consistently bad for so long we are entitled to be anxious and pretty pissed off with what has been on offer. If you both have regularly been to watch us in that period then you would understand why we are why we are. 35,000 plus cant all be wrong!!

As for tonight, finally got 3 points against a very very poor Geordie team so I'm pleased but let's not get carried away by beating a team of that calibre. Good hardworking performance and let's leave it at that. It goes to show how far we have fallen when some think that was an amazing game/performance.

'The second goal was decisive. Scoring the second goal made it a different game and allowed us to control things. We showed a mature way of playing'

The second goal went in on 88 minutes. Arrrgggggh!

But god, they were poor weren't they.

Relegation writ large all over their performance tonight.

We dominated the game but, on the other hand, with 20 minutes to go and 1-0 ahead it felt like the same problems... We were pushed up high with huge gaps behind us. Only the fact that Newcastle are woeful saved us there. Mitrovic, just as in the away game, let us off the hook.

But of course we're all happier. And the second penalty was something to enjoy.

Newcastle were very poor and we couldn't put the game out of reach until the last five minutes. Passing again was pitiful, a shambles of a game to watch.

A £50m player isn't "a luxury". It's a rarity. Only a player with the potential to be very special indeed would attract such interest.

I really dislike the apparant eagerness of some to suddenly cast Stones as this overrated, accident waiting to happen, and cast aspersions about his character and 'arrogance'. He's a young player who, in the wake of constant spotlight, speculation and hype, has suffered a downturn in form for the first time in his fledgling career and instead of patience and an understanding that such peaks and troughs are par for the course with those still learning the game, we're hearing 'let's fuck him off'. Totally uncalled for and shortsighted in the extreme.

The fact that people are bigging up the views of a balloon like Paul Merson as being 'bang on' about the boy is bad enough. A guy whose own displays of 'defensive positioning' when a player consisted of slumping over slightly whilst cradling his pint to stop it being sloshed about by people squeezing past him in a nightclub bog and raising one arm above his head to rest against a wall while he barfed his guts up in a back street.

If this American takeover happens and we show a bit more ambition than at present, we don’t have to sell and we can help John Stones fulfil his potential in an Everton team where it’s not a given he plays every week. Maybe sitting there watching us win tonight might make him re-evaluate when it’s appropriate to do a Cruyff turn and when to kick it into Row Z.

Second youngest player in EFC's history to make 100 appearances for the Blues (behind Michael Ball, of all people...)

11 goals for the season ... 8 assists ...

But - hey! - what does he bring to the team?

I bet the Barkley Diamond song is being belted out in the ale houses of Liverpool tonight.

Hopefully Robles will be given a run of games now, with Howard having to win his place back on merit, rather than seniority.

Stones and Lukaku may go, although I hope not, and for big money but Ross, for me, is the one we need to keep. Selling one of our own turns us into a Man City or Chelsea, teams with no soul. We are better than that. And as for those posts saying we should have bid for Shelvey, words fail me!!

That Michael Ball stat came as something of a surprise. for some reason, I didn't recall him making anywhere near as many appearances for us.

Nothing has been proved either way after tonight. Great to win though. And we got two penalties in one game – you wait 23 league games for one and then 2 come along in 5 minutes!

The same with Lukaku, he will be off as well for a huge fee. It's nothing new; it's something we've known for a while. Nothing will keep them here next season, they will both go even if they have to ask for a transfer.

Surely he has to stick with Robles and give the guy more game time.

I agree with your point. It's just one of them situations where if we have a run of results in his absence with the scrutiny of his value in the media of late. Is that scrutiny going to increase?!

I don't think John Stones is overrated but I do think Stones is a luxury player in this current Everton team. He style and age means he's going to make mistakes, and with the current tactics deployed by the manager are those mistakes being accentuated unnecessarily?!

And three points, three goals and a clean sheet are VERY welcome.

Not so clever was that (once again!) we did that 'let's all switch off' thing for about ten minutes in the second half.

What IS that all about?

It's like someone tripping over an extension wire that leads to a plug connected to a life-support machine that's connected to all of them (this MUST be addressed).

Consequently, as bad as they were, at 1-0 up, I was just imagining the kick in the guts I felt was almost certainly on it's way.

The relief when the first pen hit the back of the net was incredible – like me and everyone around me was finally able to breathe out and...relaaaaaaaax.

My feeling is that if we really concentrate on getting a few (more) clean sheets and defending 'á la Lennon' (defending from the front – closing down and panicking opposing defenders) we could still pick up a few decent wins.

Anyway, this isn't a moan, just a few observations – up the Toffees!

"We've waited a long time and I'm really happy. I really enjoyed that. It was a good win for us. We played well in the first half, kept them out in the second and got the clean sheet and the win. Hopefully there are many more to come!"

For me, Lennon was MotM!

Was it a top drawer performance? No.

Were Newcastle sturdy opponents? No.

But for some to claim the scoreline was flattering and only boosted by the 2 late pens, they are being unjust.

We've kept a clean sheet. Won our first pens in the league this season, which were tucked away with aplomb by our Diamond Geezer.

The Barcodes were poor, of that there is no question. But their clear MOTM was the keeper Elliot. But for him we could have been 3-4 to the good before the pens went in.

Ross was Boss. Lennon brings an energy and defensive cover to the team that Del Boy and Mirallas cannot match. The midfield had a more solid and together look about it that has been absent for some weeks. The defence didn't fart-arse around. Oviedo is a very cute defender, how he leans on players and checks their runs.

And for those sticking it to John Stones, presuming him to be arrogant ta-boot, haven't, I suggest, ever seen his down to earth interviews or know of his charity work in the city.

Not only is he a very fine footballer, he is a very sound and well-grounded lad.

He hasn't been in the best of form of late, but anyone suggesting Funes Mori is a sounder defender than Stones maybe need a reality check after tonight's game. Don't get me wrong. I like Funes Mori a lot also, but he was possibly the poorest player on the park for us tonight.

John Stones is IMO in a different league to him. I hope he will be a mainstay of the team for many years, rather than cash him in this summer as many are advocating.

Of more concern is Romelu. I think he is clearly playing through the pain with some injury. That's why the Niase signing is timely. Because without Lukaku at the sharp end of the pitch, Kone is never ever going to take up the slack.

Cleverly Barry and McCarthy were fantastic. Closed everything down, protected the back four and provided the platform for Barkley and Lennon to run riot.

Couldn't agree more. I see no coincidence in McCarthy on the pitch for 30 minutes and Everton taking 3 points.

I've said this before... we've missed him terribly!

McCarthy is a gem. I honestly do not understand how anyone can't see it. He closes everything down. He wins possession for us constantly. He single-handedly stops attacks.

I understand no one, not even James McCarthy's own mother, would claim he's Ronaldo. Admittedly nothing he does is pretty. Nothing he does is "beautiful".

But my word is he one hell of a player and so valuable to the team.

I haven't read any of the above comments but I can imagine the usual negative Minnie's bemoaning our win against another poor side. Lads, a wins a win. Give me 14 more wins like that until the end of the season and I'll be made up.

But then, he did get into Walter's teams and became a fixture at 18, at an age when Ross of course missed a couple of seasons with his triple leg break, so he clocked up a lot of appearances at a young age.

I seem to recall a story that Walter and the Medics (great band name!) regularly pumped pain killers into MB to get him through games when he should have been rested. A surgeon in his later years at Rangers later discovered he was one bad tackle away from a career ending injury because of this poor practice during his time at Everton.

This talk of Goodison atmosphere 1) most of the time we are shite and shifting it sideways, been that way since last season, crowd recognise that 2) rightly so, I'm on tenterhooks when I watch us half the time 3) streams/TV coverage seem to dampen things. I respect that there are blues all over the shop but TV rarely gets it across 4) we won 3-0 tonight. If it was convincing, confident, whistles and bells the old lady would shake. Alas we played a poor side. A Geordie mate of mine text me and said "you've won 2 of the last 11 in the league, both against us" and he's right.

We needed three points tonight. I'll take em however they come.

Half-hour would have been a crime!

On a different note, as a person who reads ToffeeWeb but has never ventured a comment until today — the bias and bitterness as far as keepers is so blatantly unfair as to be ridiculous. Howard has struggled and will likely be gone this summer to the MLS, much to the applause of most all here. It is time, and if he's asking me, he should go. But he has served the club well for a decade and doesn't deserve the tar-and-feathering he gets daily. Robles was in the net when we conceded 3 to City. No clamor for his banishment with goals that Howard has been subject to all season — deflections as well as bad calls, and as everyone knows, pourous defense. Today he records a clean sheet. Good that, but who here — if they're being honest — wouldn't say Howard would do the same today? I'm excited to see Robles get more games so we can all at least see what we have, but perhaps he should hope not, because it wouldn't be long before this lot is calling for his head.

As far as Stones and Barkley — you that trash them regularly will be so damn miserable when they up and leave.

Take the points, use it to salve wounds, and root for more of the same come Saturday. CYOB.

It always felt then that we were the 12th player. There were boring games and poor performances but the crowd seemed then just to divert their nervous energy into chanting / calling for greater efforts.

I haven't changed, even though I am as bitterly disappointed with our drop out of the 'Big 5' and the reduction of our status to perennial mid-table mediocrity. When I do go to the game, I never shout anything at a player other than 'Man on' or 'Concentrate' in a variety of terms. Sure, I get annoyed and utter a fair few expletives but I have honestly never felt the need to single out one of our players and hurl abuse at him at the top of my voice.

I get more annoyed at the way the attempts to get a chant going normally peter out after about 10 seconds, and very shortly after some decent play everyone dutifully settles into their chair to quietly wait for the next bit of entertainment. I'd happily sing myself hoarse each week no matter what is served up on the pitch, because that to me is what a supporter is there to do; to be actively involved and to make your own entertainment if the players aren't delivering. P>It's a sporting occasion, and shouldn't be confused with going to the pictures or to see a play where getting your money's worth can be viewed as what is contracted for with the establishment.

Middle-aged as I am I would still be happy to see the return of the terraces if safety can be reasonably assured (after all I still head for the mosh pit at gigs even though I know my knees will be agony for days afterwards). Even sat down, I'll happily chant, clap in time, and stomp my feet throughout the game as long as I am not the only one (I'm too self-conscious for that).

I don't get the idea of going to the game and adding to the pressure on the players; what is wrong with 'if you can't say anything constructive don't say anything at all'. I am not trying to tell those who are fortunate / dedicated to go regularly how they SHOULD behave, just that I believe the negativity heaped on individuals is pointless or even counter-productive.

Hate to admit it but after the second goal we left (no bloody taxis as usual) and only discovered the final result in the pub on Sky highlights.

Stoke on a stutter at the moment and we owe them one.
COYB

Two chances to completely change the games and possibly the outcomes and twice he blew it, God bless him.

Funny how a flailing elbow gets everyone up in arms but a deliberate knee to the small of the back passes by with hardly a comment.

Our new 㾹.5M signing, Niasse ran around the centre circle having been introduced to the home fans... and he drew polite applause. Maybe 3 or 4 people cheered. Maybe 2. In any case I felt sorry for the guy.

We didn't play particularly well but we didn't need to. I think Newcastle wanted to keep the score line credible and just tried to hold us just inside the half way line. For the most part it worked.

Second half we got closer and hit the bar a couple of times. However once again... as soon as Newcastle tried to press, the crowd got agitated when we should all of learned by now that at 85 minutes gone you stop screaming for a 2nd goal and control the game.

Luckily for us Lennon, who was excellent all night won us a penalty and Barkley thankfully converted (happy that Bainsey wasn't on the pitch for him to snatch the ball off). The confidence that penalty gave him though was evident in his 2nd penalty and our 3rd.

PHEW. Deep exhale out... but really we had no competition... Newcastle had no fight, just appalling. On another plus note Robles looked really sound. I think he has a system of whistles going to his back four. One whistle (if you need me), Two whistles (come on then), and Three (hurry the feck up). He commanded his area when he needed to and looked big and strong. I hope RM sticks with him now. We shall see.

Watching Mitrovic miss that sitter and blow another 2-3 half-chances with poor touches brings into focus the relative quality of the transfer dealings RM has done. Newcastle splash out herds of unproven players from Ligue 1 and the like, and all save 1 or 2 are SHITE. Wijnaldum is excellent, Sissoko good, but just about the rest of their team massively underachieves/were just not good enough from the start.

Karma for their defender also as he tried to put Ross off for the first penalty only to be sent off for the second.

I know that this is only one game, only one win, but done without Howard(trumpet fanfare plays in the back ground). Well played Joel Robles, funny how our clean sheets revolve around JR. Same thing happened around the same time last season. Until Martinez reinstalled TH. Let's hope that someone now has the good sense to give Robles a proper run of games. Let's see if we have a proper keeper on our hands. And again, no Stones. And again a more solid defensive performance. And yes , I know what Stones can do, and what he brings to the team. But 40 to 50 million IMO would bring more. Invested wisely,

Well played everybody. Congrats to Martinez for getting things right tonight. And good to see a few players having a shot from distance. And good to see players running at defenders. Lennon looked sharp. (Again, he was sharp, this time last season). And special mention to Barkley. What was that penalty about. Beautiful. Just beautiful. Has Barkley woken up to the fact that his EURO place could be under threat? Hence his better performances... Can only be good for Everton, the fact that he is now bossing games(albeit only the last 3 or 4). Let's hope that he keeps this run going.I hope that Lukaku is not to badly injured. But the new man, going by his presence in the ground, looks to be getting into Everton , judging by his reaction to the goals, and the win. Nothing dour about that guy. First impressions from me, is that I like him. Heres hoping that he can step in and do a job for Everton.

As mentioned by many, a win is a win, is a win. Three points more. A clean sheet. A few goals. A cheeky penalty. I would have taken a lucky 1-0 win. But that win tonight was a good bit more than that. So for tonight , this old idiot of a supporter is happy. Its all about winning football matches. That is entertaining enough for me. Please pass that fact on to Martinez. It is all about winning football matches. Get your nose in front. Then close the game out. Simple. Now bring on Stoke. COYBs

I picked up on that sneaky knee in the back on the Live Forum – I too was amazed that no-one reacted.

He should be warned, nay punished, when committing that kind of disgusting assault – it was deliberate

But at least we got three points.

I'll agree that, taking this game in isolation, we looked very comfortable. We were three goals better. Just one would have been a travesty.

But in the context of our season, how many times have we been that dominant and then been caught by a sucker punch or two?

In the context of our season, the first 85 minutes weren't dissimilar to a lot of our games.

So I'm pleased we got what we deserved tonight, pleased with 3 points, happy with the clean sheet, but remain concerned with why we usually don't get these things despite largely out playing our opponents. We do know the reasons and those problems were still there tonight.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/12138647/Everton-3-Newcastle-0-match-report-Aaron-Lennon-and-Ross-Barkley-end-wait-for-league-win-at-Goodison-Park.html

Last night has shown me that only one (maybe 2 if Niasse turns out to be OK) of the many of the questions that beset us most of the weeks and months previously, has been addressed. e.g. The keeper. I feel that his conveniently timely, maybe diplomatic Injury, will prove more serious as the weeks go on.

2013-14 W21; 2014-15 W12 - 2015-16 W 7. 40/100

Taken as a whole 40% is not too bad. It might be better though if the overall trend was going the other way.

Thin Ice Roberto, very thin ice.

Barkley does appear to hold onto the ball too long, but when there is little movement ahead or around him that is to be expected. He then seems to put his head down to concentrate on keeping the ball, just as a player makes a run. That composure and awareness will come in time however. In my opinion he will be world class. Movement at times can be described as static and that would be generous. Pressing again, seemed minimal. I don’t mean to damn with faint praise, but things could be so much better. In summary, I would say a good result and for the supporters, a large sigh of relief. Well done Roberto and the team. I expect the improvement to continue.

One more thing, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to suggest that, not only journalists but also employees and dare I say it, players visit this site. Because in my estimation, many of the points raised by fellow contributors, have been there to see, both in tonights game and in reports in the media. ToffeeWeb get’s it’s fair share of stick, but when it comes to reflecting the zeitgeist of the supporters, more often than not, it’s first. And that’s why, it is always the first site I visit every day, Michael and Lyndon do an excellent job but the reason I come here, besides the craic is the informed, hilarious, astute, reasoned, passionate contributions from the community. Slàinte.

Robles looked at home and was alert. I think he has earned the right to be Number 1. I don't see a future for Tim Howard. I was happy not to see Osman or Pienaar although Deulofeu could have been unleashed for the last 15 mins... but who to take off?

I've set the team 21 points from the next 24 but it won't happen unless we play the form players and forget about favourites. If Stones and Lukaku go in the summer, well, so be it. I read Man Utd are thinking around £65mil and another £35mil for Stones. If Martinez is still around, I hope he has identified who he wants. Barkley must be worth £70mil if it's correct Man City want him but I would be hanging out for a lot more from them.

On to Stoke who are on a bit of a downer. I hope we haven't used up our penalty quota?

Robles kept a clean sheet but really had nothing to do. Still, no major screw-ups, although some minor ones, so good for him. still nothing to show a number one keeper. Newcastle was so poor and our team defense was actually better so I am not sure he actually had a save to make. I would like more games tlike that no matter who is in goal please.

Excellent defense by the entire team in front of him. Hope DelBoy took note. Not much to tell from the performance except that the back four looked good without Stones. Not sure where the Mori was shaky comments come from. I think he picked Jags up a couple of times.

Everton just won a must-win game and after this weekend, who knows, one point above Liverpool if all goes well. Stoke, with the giraffe up front, and no Shawcross or Cameron, have looked average and Butland has leaked goals like a sieve so now is the time to hit Stoke when they are not in form.

We coulda, shoulda scored a few more. The Barcodes were never really in it. They are mess! I feel for they're fans.

A good, professional three points.

Funes Mori had a couple of iffy moments, but has been one of our better defenders recently so can be forgiven an off-night. And who noticed his pass through the defence that led to the first goal?

Lennon was great and needs more starts. With Del Boy's suspect fitness maybe he should be used as an impact sub in the last 30 minutes for a while and let Lennon show us more of what he can do. In the last two games he's been mightily impressive. Ross was great, yes, a few misplaced passes and still a question or two about his final ball but then we're not out there in the heat of the moment with a spilt second to think.

All-in-all, one of his best games for us. I just hope Rom is fit for Stoke, if not, let Niasse start because the only downside to tonight was that Kone again showed his total unsuitability for PL football, slow, ponderous and fluffing a chance he coup and should have at least hit the target from.

Hopefully with Niasse on board, we might have seen the last of Kone in the first team. Transfer list him and I'm sure some lower league club will buy him for a couple of mil in the summer. Something to build on tonight, well done lads, now more of the same next time out please!

Still not won a midfield battle! Has to be 4-4-1-1 or 4-4-2.

Robles with another clean sheet – Howard will play against Stoke.

No subs used except for the injury, but they did not need to be made; well done, RM.

A group of middle aged men with young pretty ladies in the Academy Box at the corner of Main Stand and Park End who did not seem interested in or understand the game and all drinking out of paper cups (being PC for watching fans) – new American owners?

And wait for it – a ref that had a good game (and not just because of the penalties).

All-in-all, a good evening at Goodison, a long time since we have been able to say that.

I remember in Martinez's first season when Oviedo scored in our away win against Manure; in the next game (when Baines returned) Martinez deployed Oviedo as the left winger.

I would be happy to see Oviedo or Galloway play on the left, they understand their defensive responsibilities as well.

COYB!

Maybe the emergence of (new media darling) Dele Alli as a threat to his starting place in the England team has awoken the dragon in him.

Until he realizes that then he hasn't yet grown up enough.

1. Barkley really is quite infuriating. Yes, he played well but there were a number of times when he was up one on one against Cudicini (in my opinion the worst defender in the Premier League) and elected to pass instead of driving on, some occasions when he should have passed but didn't and several instances where he could have got a shot off but delayed. His decision making is where he needs to improve drastically.

2. Funes Mori is a very good defender but seems to have difficulty with clearing with his feet any ball that is off the ground. He should be given volley practice. Quite extraordinary how he manages to miss-kick so many clearances.

3. Kone is very good when involved in build-up play but hopeless at finishing. He should have had a hat trick!

But a win is a win - so not grumbling too much.

Really? I'd quite like that particular sieve at Everton!

The game is played at 100 miles an hour and he receives some tough treatment. It will take time to hone his skills and at 22 to be able to play that role shows a real talent; so just enjoy the class of the boy and get off his back.

Oviedo had a good little game; I would like to see him improve his upper body strength though, he gets knocked off the ball far too easily.

Barry and McCarthy were impregnable last night. Mr Martinez is going to have a serious headache when Besic is fit because he really does have something special about him.

Another clean sheet for Robles; he must now stay in the team (doubtful though).

Overall, a good performance. Let's take it too Stoke and get another massive 3 points.

Hopefully same team again, where possible, for Stoke.

Yes, I was there; yes, I watched all the game... they offered nothing.

The score didn't flatter to deceive, because they didn't even earn their wages last night, Newcastle's version of ToffeeWeb will be in melt down.

Lots of changed opinions on here... let's see what happens in the coming weeks. In my heart, I hope we move onwards and upwards.... mind says something different though.

It seems like the work ethic was better and that had much to do with Aaron Lennon and Cleverley, who whilst both lacking the skill of say Deulofeu and Mirallas make up for it with endless running and commitment to the cause. Better teams may require a bit more artistry to break down and Del Boy was possibly our best player against City last week but I think Lennon and Cleverley showed the way. From what I hear Niasse is a work horse too which will stand him in good stead.

Barkley also had his best game in a while and Oviedo looked very useful in both attack and defence with little coming down his side.

Robles seemed to instill a calm into the defence that has been lacking and I think we can be sure that Jagielka and Funes Mori is our best defensive CB pairing and should probably be given a run as much as Stones is my favourite player.

Shame about Lukaku as Kone is decent player but much poorer alternative. I doubt Niasse will start vs Newcastle so hopefully Traffic can find his shooting boots this week as should really have had a hat-trick last night.

People on here want him to get it right every time. That's not possible. You can't always know what the right decision is until you drive forward and see how things open up in front of you. You have a split second to make the decision. And even if you make the right decision it may not always work out.

How many goals and assists has he got this season? And people still aren't happy. He is growing into a superstar right in front of you! Take your negative blinkers off and enjoy him.

It'll be interesting to see how Delli Belly is performing when he's played 100 first team games. Getting your first cap after 3 Premier League starts can bring expectations that are hard to fulfill.

People should also remember that, although Barkley is just 22, he missed at least a year of development following that horrific injury. Laaaandan press are a bit more sympathetic with Ramsey after his broken leg, a gift from Stoke, recognising his lengthy spell out of the game, pity they can't view Barkley in the same way.

I thought that there were a lot of good performances last night, again Barry ran the show both in breaking up their attacks and heavily involved in starting a lot of ours. The back 4 looked steady and McCarthy and Cleverley had good games in midfield, very industrious the pair of them.

Lennon played well and did a lot of defensive covering, as well as scoring and getting the opener, so well done to him.

How good this performance was, has to in some way be judged by how poor Newcastle were, but as the saying goes you can only beat whats put in front of you. Just wish we could have killed the game off a lot earlier.

So far as the crowd being quiet, its all to do with the slow ponderous build up. Even the so called dour Moyes years had a much better atmosphere than we are seeing now and that is purely down to the football we witness. The crowd have been patient and when Martinez first came the atmosphere was fine. But slowly over the last couple of years it had totally died due to the fact that the crowd know its not going to be an exciting experience and also the crowd temper their enthusiasm due to the probability that we are always likely to concede stupid goals.

I also came from an era where the terraces created an atmosphere regardless. Unfortunately not having the terraces does, to an extent, put the onus onto the players to perform to make the crowd more boisterous. Long gone are the days whereby the crowd would sing and sway all game regardless of whether the game was good, bad or indifferent.

Which brings us back to present day. Whether you agree or not as to who should gee up who, the fact remains that in general the fare served up by the players for the last 2 years has been, by and large, very poor and you cant blame the crowd for getting frustrated and anxious. You do get to the stage where the players/manager have to take responsibility for creating the negative/quiet atmosphere we are seeing due to their negative awful style of play.

Evertonians may not have been the most vociferous bunch of fans in the past for also-ran games but when it mattered the team could always count on us. These days we struggle to even make a noise in the so called bigger fixtures let alone any others. We show our support year after year by turning up regardless of whatever rubbish we are being served up, but this is also a two way street, if we want to create an atmosphere then the players have to do their bit too.

Watching Ross moving the ball around our midfield like an overgrown ballet dancer is a thing of beauty! His balance & touch are not something you can coach – the boy is a natural born footballer, same as Rooney. He's also a confidence player, what about that second penalty? Superb.

A clean sheet was most welcome, let's hope Joel now gets a run, as I would bet Howard has already made plans to go back to the US.

Stoke are not exactly flying although they have the indian sign over us right now – 3 consecutive wins.

I like Robles. He was vocal, gave a pep talk to Lukaku before the start of the game and anticipated danger early when the Bar Codes tried a couple of long balls over our defence.

Lennon has an infectious work rate, and Tom Cleverly is a little under-rated. He has moments of good quality and puts a shift in.

Barkley is absolute class and in good form, long may it continue. Why should he not try and hold the ball up? It is he who creates space for the others. He had a man marker which meant we could work the flanks as they had one less covering midfielder. For the first goal, we over loaded on the left thanks to Oviedo and Cleverly finding space, as Barks had drawn his marker.

Martinez deserves some credit for last night's performance, after all the brickbats that have been thrown at him (me included). However, the nagging feeling remains that he had changed Howard for Robles earlier in the season, we might have been a lot more confident in our defending and may have produced better results.

I am a big believer that any sport relies on 90% hard work and 10% talent. Players like Barry, Lennon and CleverlEy are needed to do the ugly work so that the likes of Barkley, Deulofeu and Miracles can have a base to work from.

Think back to the Holy Trinity and the part John Hurst played in that.

And defence looked confident without Tim Scissorhands Howard behind them.

Newcastles attack was woeful, the entire team in fact. However, Mori looked shaky on a few occasions, as did Jags. Also, in the brief spell of Newcastle pressure, a few times our defenders 'got rid' and each time it fell straight to the opposition, and we remained on the back foot. I distinctly remember it happening on 2 occasions within 30 seconds, first by Funes Mori and second by Coleman. Luckily, Newcastle were crap so it amounted to nought. Yet it goes to show the importance of having a defender who is comfortable on the ball, who won't panic under pressure and will aim to defend through keeping possession. A rare thing.

Roubles looked OK, but again, little to judge on.

Barry was a bit wobbly, but improved in the final 30 mins. McCarthy is difficult to judge. What does he do? I like him, but he has no discernible talents. But, Maybe a midfield version of Muller. Not good any anything in particular, but effective.

Lennon has something to offer.

Coleman is way off the pace.

Kone is woeful, but has decent movement.

Barkley is brilliant, and getting better. Give him a new contract, captains arm band and whatever else we need to keep him.

Cleverley, Barry & especially McCarthy were superb at it last night. That allowed Ross to concentrate on what he does best. Kone again not up to scratch in all areas of his game. Let's hope Niasse is the answer.

Now... Please, please, please, let's have two wins in a row!

Maybe we made Newcastle look worse than they are – although they seem to be in a bad place currently – by actually playing pretty well ourselves and doing the basic closing down job for the entire 90 mins.

Also, people saying we got away with one with Mitrovic miss... yes we did, but we also hit the bar/post 3 times and made their keeper make a couple of decent stops, so we could have already been 4 up at least by then.

I think most can see to different extents what he brings when we're out of possession. It's the other side of his game which is lacking and frankly I don't think he's ever going to develop at this stage.

Thankfully Mitrovic missed that sitter or we could have been on here highlighting the usual tale of woes. Small margins, I think! Don't get me wrong we should have been out of sight by then and the 2 pens in no way gave us a flattering scoreline but some of the same lack of concentration was evident in that late period.

After 70 mins I was shouting for Deulofeu to replace the excellent Lennon just so that Newcastle would have to worry more about us counterattacking them and forcing them to retreat a bit . If we'd have drawn 1-1 there would have been many on here criticising the manager for not making that change. Again, small margins.

I have to eat humble pie myself today, I'm happy to say, as I proclaimed that we were never going to get a clean sheet due to our recent form. I thought it would be about 3-3. However I do think that the woeful opposition had more to do with that than our play on the night. I'm more relieved than ecstatic after that game but delighted to get the 3 points and a much needed, and hopefully confidence boosting, win.

I haven't heard the manager's comments but I hope he hasn't included any 'incredibles' or 'phenominals' in his description of the game. It was simply a workmanlike performance by a team who got done what was required. Negative? I prefer realistic!

Perhaps the "minor knocks" that kept Howard and Stones out were a convenient excuse for RM to drop two off-form players without admitting he screwed up for weeks by keeping them in the side.

We look like an organised defence (mainly) last night, but I do still worry about Coleman's positional awareness. He gets caught out a lot.

The lad has exceptional skills and physique. His movement with the ball at his feet is really exciting... BUT he has a tendency to lose the moment just at the point where everyone else, including desperate defenders like Coloccini last night, expect a goal or a goal creating pass. That's why he's so frustrating.

But how lucky are we to be able to witness his development? I hope his development continues. He's about the same size and shape as Zidane. He could go on to the heights that guy went to.

No pressure there then, Ross, but be assured that as you work hard on your game the fans will love you!

That may be due to the fact Newcastle were so poor but I only felt anxiety once when Mori lost his man completely and Mitrovic had the miss of the season.

I saw more Row Z balls than the whole of the season put together although some of the punts upfield left a bit to be desired.

Overall a very workmanlike performance with some skilfull play thrown in and top notch displays by Barkley and Lennon.

Great win that showed that little bit of tenacity that's been missing. Onwards and more importantly upwards we go!

I'm worried again about last night as the opposition was poor and we are good against this type of team. Stoke will be much more meaningful. Barry has been superb this year but I feel that against a certain level of team he becomes a weakness.

Saying all that I'd love him to stay but we aren't where we would like to be to keep a player like John Stones, sadly.

I like the lad but prefer Besic, he will keep his place and in time make a half decent pairing with Besic when Barry is moved to the bench – but that may take time.

No harm to Howard, but he has been championship standard for some time now. He needs to get himself back to the states pronto otherwise he'll struggle to get a game even there.

He's got to learn when to play and when to launch it!

As for last night... a job done with a lot less stress. Joel has to play Saturday.

I hope Coleman get's his crossing boots on though and his charge down of Jag's clearance was sublime!

We have good players who want to make a go of it at Everton. Lennon, Besic, Barkley, Funes Mori, Galloway, Robles, Coleman, Cleverley, Mirallas. These are the players RM should be picking.

Howard is clapped out and the likes of Stones, Lukaku, Deulofeu do not see their futures at Everton. Lukaku is going to do a Benteke/Bony for some rich club. He'll sign and hardly score. But that is not our concern. Just get as much as we can for him. Stones isn't the love child of Moore and Beckenbauer. Remember he'd be gone already if it had been up to him and he will be gone in the summer. Again just get as much as we can for him. I couldn't stand another season of him telling us to calm down just before he makes some suicidal back pass. Deulofeu is still yearning for Barca. but it's not going to happen because he not tough enough, fit enough, or consistent enough.

If RM wants to win games, move up the league, regain the support of the fans and keep his job he needs to start picking real teams not dream teams.

He picked a real team last night and we won 3-0. Those players did what needed to be done and deserve to be picked again. Stones and Howard can stew on the bench and wait to get picked because they deserve to be and not because they think they should be.

I agree he would be a sad loss and as it stands he would probably be one of a major hemorrhaging of players, but if we send out the right signals between now and May we may be the club to remain at.

I have said before and will say again – I simply cannot believe that our weaknesses are not being addressed. We are NOT Wigan and we are NOT Wigan fans who, with the greatest respect, have not enjoyed and learned from our top flight experience that as a club and supporters alike have benefited from.

We are Everton, and make no bones our voices are being heard, and if RM by whatever means necessary can start getting the same out of the defence as he is getting out of the men in front we could have real prospects to look forward to.

RM has to realise what his best team is and pick on form and not experience/seniority.

In all walks of life, there are people who are bad at their jobs. Martinez is one of those people. He has a track record of a poor percentage of wins, and a very bad defence. So it is no surprise we are where we are. If we are to progress as a club, Martinez must be sacked immediately.

We are 2pts short of being 7th on our own, we got lucky with the City penalty that wasn't given, but have been on the wrong end of a number of decisions that have cost us points, the Chelsea game for instance!

You failed to mention that we have only lost 6 games, we have the most draws in the Prem. with 11, if's a big word granted, but!

I even think Reberto has reflected on previous team selections. On to the next game.

Exactly, depends on how you look at it or interpret it. We're most definitely a team that has only won 7 from 24 but equally a team that is only 2 points off 7th place.

As I've said before, the season finishes in May and with a bit of momentum and a decent run (lets face it every team has one and we're due one), who knows?

Season finishes in May, not December, not January and not February, although not is the time for momentum.

He was right to tell the park end to calm down, he was well in control of the situation when they were screaming for him to launch it. NOW, all of a sudden people are dreaming up a load of points he has cost us . .what bollocks.

I'd really be interested to see a list of points he has cost us through through fucking about. Maybe one of his habitual critics will supply it. . .and please don't give me the Stoke game, we'd have been talking about a brilliant tackle if the referee wasnt such a useless twat.

Stones made a mistake in the cup, his fellow defenders have all made them. That's what having no faith in the guy behind you does. The game before he went home, only to find the dopey fucker in goal was concentrating on his next excuse . .it was only a few weeks ago that "money cant buy you Stones" was booming out.

These experts who keep slagging him off need to have a fucking good chat with themselves and ask why he is the most sort after young defender in world football.

I don't care what Paul Merson says, he spent a lot of his youth walking around pissed looking for his bessie - Charlie. Who the fuck is he to criticise a kid who is filling the papers for his footballing ability alone ?

If he is reinstated this time Martinez should be shot. His indecision hasnt just destroyed the confidence of Stones, our other defenders, who are generally regarded as top draw, are all nervous wrecks

Miopia. It's a terrible disease, and seems to spread amongst ToffeeWebbers like Zica is spreading in Brazil.

Despite the disappointment of this season we need to be realistic and 'accept' that the manager is going nowhere and will be in his current post for next season. There has been no vote of confidence/communication or comment from the owners or board, so we can only summise they are satisfied with the current situation. Unless we are sold, I don't see any changes afoot.

Robles should remain in goal for the remainder of the season. It is likely that Tim Howard will leave in the summer as his age and performances this season make his situation untenable. God only knows why RM hasn't sorted this ages ago. Therefore stick with Robles and give him a decent run in the team, build his confidence and allow trust and a solid relationship to develop with the defence in front of him. Both have been sadly lacking all season and manifest themselves in the individual mistakes that arise from hesitation and poor decision making by both the GK and the defenders in front of him.. At seasons end the manager will /should know if he is good enough to be our goalkeeper for next season or whether we need to buy a new first choice.

Keep Jags and Funes Mori as first choice centre backs so the latter can learn further about playing in the premier league and playing alongside an experienced centre-back. We have spent large parts of this season with two inexperienced centre backs (I know they are international footballers) in front of a hesitant and mistake strewn goalkeeper who doesn't command his area so its no surprise our defensive record is chronic. On current form they are our two best central defenders.

Stones needs to earn a place on merit or if either of the above play poorly or are injured , not reputation or valuation. If someone wants to make a bid for him in the summer, then so be it, if not then he stays and plays for a place. I don't want him in the team purely because it may add to his value ( his recent performances suggest if he is in the team his value will reduce). For every couple of million on his valuation, his mistakes may cost us the same financially in league position or a cup run. His summer valuation (if there is an offer) will likely be influenced by his performances in the Euros rather than how he plays for Everton. Imagine the media backlash if he cocks up for England or the clamour for him to join a so called 'big' club (terrible expression, it should say rich club) if he plays well !! The lad is only young and clearly needs a break to think about his game and come back stronger when the opportunity arrives.

I was happy he stayed in the summer , not only because of his potential but also because it stuck two fingers up to Chelsea/Mourinho and the press putting out stories each day. In fact our stance on Stones last summer has probably been the highlight of the season!

Give the new man up front Naisse as much game time as possible by playing 4-4-2 in all home games. Whether we like it or not Lukaku will not be in an Everton shirt next year. The lads goalscoring record has been fantastic over the past 3 years and one of the rich European clubs will take a punt on him. No Champions League = No Lukaku,. I don't see how we can criticise a player for wanting to play at the highest possible standard so we need to be making plans for a life without him. You can say he's lazy and doesn't defend from the front, but his record proves he can put the ball in the back of the net when the opportunity arrives.

I know it's somewhat risky subbing a sub as the other players may be more fatigued, but giving Gerry a game up the middle could have proven fruitful; give the lad two ways to swerve defenders. Shit em right up.

Kone was playing like he knew another striker had just been bought, and, save for a few passes to the wingbacks coming around, he certainly did nothing to impress anyone. He's had a handful of matches since joining that suggest he is a good player, but every single other match aside from that handful suggests he is absolute garbage.

I agree with you our defenders are nervous. Our back five or seven look so open and vulnerable at times. It's down to the coaching and nothing else. It's how important Martinez makes defending a priority! Looking at our win ratio and goals conceded, not much. Our midfield is to exposed, we get out numbered.

He'd probably say he was the person out on the pitch who had the situation under control? To call an instinctive gesture saying as much 'disrespectful' and a sure indicator of him having a swollen opinion of himself is overly sensitive speculation mixed with a soupçon of shite. From the way people have gone on about it you would think there were legions of Everton fans unable to sleep that night through pure unadulterated fume at a player having the temerity to say 'keep your fucking hair on'. If he'd have turned round with a big shit kicking grin, and give it a big Jimmy Krankie style two thumbs up instead, would everyone be saying "Cor, he's a cracking lad that Stonesy. Right wee cheeky chappie and modest as they come"?

If this is true then we should be unbeaten this season with a 100% record. A win is a win be it against poor, average or brilliant opposition. When it happens, enjoy it. When it doesn't, mope, kick, scream all you want but don't belittle every hard earned victory for gods sake.

Now, they say that luck evens itself out over the season and if that is the case then I can see us finishing in a reasonable position in the league. Even though we don't score from enough of the chances we make (yesterday was a perfect example!) without checking the league again I think there are only two sides that have scored more then us. An extra 10% on the conversion rate could have seen us in the top four. We have also had more than our fair share of injuries to key players, especially defensive players.

Going forward I really do think we are one of the best teams to watch (my Manure supporting brother-in-law also thinks so) and this augurs well for the future. The situation now reminds me very much of the 67/68 and 68/69 seasons when it was clear that something exciting was happening and that all that was holding us back was ironing out a few difficulties. One was Royle emerging as a great striker and the other was the gelling of Howard Kendall with Ball and Harvey.

While we are too inconsistent and at present unreliable at the back, this is still some of the best stuff I've seen from the team in years.