Match Report

For a few glorious minutes after Gerard Deulofeu had gleefully converted Ross Barkley's cross to put Everton 3-2 up it felt as though Roberto Martinez's side had come of age. For weeks, the manager has been talking of his young side's need to mature, to adopt a winning mentality and now, having twice trailed to a confident and enterprising Stoke City side, they had turned the tables and had three points in their grasp.

If the energy and intensity with which his often irrerepressible attack, led by the magnificent Romelu Lukaku, drove themselves on to claw back those two deficits epitomised the best parts of the side the Catalan has assembled, what followed in terms of defending that precious advantage was symptomatic of the glaring deficiencies that underpin the fact that the Toffees, as lauded as they have been in recent weeks for their shwashbuckling approach, will begin 2016 in the bottom half of the Premier League.

Martinez acknowledged that his side needs to be better in those situations – they're words that ring hollow the more they're repeated after every failure to press home an advantage or throw away points from winning positions – but the main thrust of his post-match comments concerned the anger and sense of injustice around the penalty decision that handed Marko Arnautovic the chance to win the game for the Potters from the spot in stoppage time.

It was a rash challenge by John Stones but also, predictably, an awful decision by Mark Clattenburg, a referee who was for years persona non grata at Goodison Park for his antics in a Merseyside derby in 2007, but in laying all the blame on the match official's incompetence Martinez largely missed the bigger picture. As has been the case in so many games in recent weeks, a single point from this match would have been scant reward and far less useful than the succession of threes that Everton have tossed away since leading 2-0 at Bournemouth at the tail end of last month.

More important was what it confirmed about Martinez himself and his naà¯vety when it comes to managing leads and closing out matches when his team is ahead in the final stages. He was criticised in the aftermath of that emotionally crippling 3-3 draw at Vitality Stadium for leaving the fatigued Arouna Kone on for the entire game when his contribution to the team's performance had evaporated. Here again, he had one substitution remaining with which he could have shored up defensive midfield and slowed the game down with the introduction of Muhamed Besic but, not for the first time, his cavalier nature go the better of him and in presumably trying to go for a fourth goal, he left the door open for Stoke to grab victory from the jaws of defeat instead.

It was a desperate shame because the attitude shown in recovering from twice going a goal down to two admittedly impressive Xherdan Shaqiri goals – the second was a ridiculously sublime effort that stunned the Goodison Park crowd into silent admiration – was excellent, particularly on the part of the Blues' attacking players. Lukaku was simply unplayable at times, giving as good as he got against a robust Stoke defence while scoring two well-taken goals of his own; Ross Barkley was an effervesent presence probing from deep, teasing opposition players and taking them on in tight spaces; even though he still refuses to shoot enough, Kone was all close control and neat lay-offs; while Gerard Deulofeu, who started poorly and was rightly booked for another pathetic dive in the first half, was one whose display grew in stature, culminating in what should have been the winning goal with 20 minutes to go.

In truth, Deulofeu wasn't the only one to start below par; Everton matched the visitors in the early going as the two teams traded near misses from Barkley, whose whipped shot aimed for the far corner deflected wide and Arnautovic who flashed an effort of his own across Howard's goal. But the home defence was picked apart in the 15th minute by a swift-moving move involving Bojan Krkic whose inside pass was shuffled on by Arnautovic across the Everton box to Shaqiri who swept a shot into to the corner – in annoying accordance with Everton's Law, it was his first goal in Stoke colours.

It was the 13th time in all competitions this season that Martinez's side had conceded the first goal but, once again, they were quick to respond, levelling the match within six minutes with a goal that was beautiful in its execution and simplicity. Barkley carried the ball to the edge of the Stoke box and paused before rolling the ball to the open James McCarthy. The Irishman, starting his first game since Bournemouth, shaped to hit it first time but slipped it to Lukaku insead in front of goal and, level with the Stoke defence, he turned and fired past Jack Butland.

That sparked Everton into greater attacking endeavour and Barkley raced away on the break before back-heeling to Brendan Galloway – his selection in place of Leighton Baines was one of four changes the manager made from the win at Newcastle – but the makeshift left back dragged his shot a yard or so wide. Coleman then went down in the penalty area under Erik Pieters's challenge but referee Clattenburg only awarded a goal kick – a decison that would anger Martinez further in the context of the award of a spot kick to the visitors at the end of the game.

You had the feeling as the game headed for half time that Everton now had the measure of Stoke and that the game was there for them to win if they could maintain their offensive intensity in the second half. Unfortunately, the Blues' high defensive line was caught flat-footed on the stroke of half time. Not for the first time Stones, who, frankly, had an uncharacteristically awful game, delivered a forward pass straight to the opposition and Bojan returned it with interest, a through-ball that dissected the home defence and put Shaqiri in the clear. The Swiss audaciously clipped a half-volley on the run that sailed over the hapless Howard, and spun almost in slow motion into the top corner of the American's goal.

Everton's response was everything a hopeful home faithful could have asked for. The defence had to survive a nervy moment when Glen Johnson easily got around Tom Cleverley at the byline and had to be closed down by Ramiro Funes Mori but the Blues eventually levelled in the 64th minute thanks to the midfielder's quick-thinking at the other end. Cleverley, who had been left out of the starting XI but come on after only 20 minutes for the injured James McCarthy, hooked a superb ball over the top to Lukaku who brought it down high off his chest with aplomb, set himself and then tucked it past Butland into the far corner.

The momentum now with them, the Blues pushed for a third and Steven Naismith, on for Cleverley who himself had to go off with an injury, looked to have got it but his goalbound shot deflected agonisingly wide. It was Deulofeu who got it a few minutes later though when Lukaku put Barkley in on the overlap with a nicely-weighted pass and the midfielder put the ball on a plate for the Spaniard a yard or so from goal where he couldn't miss.

That should have been the game won there with 20 minutes to go but Martinez remained un-reactive, leaving all four of his attacking players on the field and left the tiring Gareth Barry to complete his second full game in less than 48 hours. Hughes, who had thrown on Joselu at 2-2, added John Walters in place of defender Kirk Cameron with 12 minutes to go. It was the former sub who did the damage in the 80th minute, though, after good work by Arnautovic down the left flank and when Howard failed to get any decent purchase on his cross, Joselu hammered a first-time shot back past the 'keeper to restore parity once again.

Carving out a fourth and winning goal proved beyond Everton who just had a wasted corner and Coleman's snatched shot that he ballooned over the bar to show for it. Instead it was Stoke who put together one last incisive move through the space afforded them in the middle of Everton's half and Stones looked to have got a decisive knick on the ball with his out-stretched leg to deny Arnautovic as he tried to power towards goal. Clattenburg initally seemed to agree but after a moment or two's hesitation he pointed to the spot and Arnautovic clattered it down the middle with Howard gambling to his right.

"Unacceptable" was Martinez's assessment of the officials' inconsistency but it's a description equally applicable to Everton's home record. It goes without saying but conceding seven goals at home in the last two matches is no recipe for progress in what can be a relentlessly unforgiving league. Take that late penalty out of the equation and the Blues had still shipped three goals and failed to win for the seventh time in the Premier League this season. Indeed, they've only won four times at Goodison so far and one of those was via a penalty shootout against Norwich. Being one of the most entertaining sides in the top flight – and this certainly was a thrilling game if you were a neutral or Stoke fan – counts for nothing if it means another season of under-achievement and a mid-table finish.

The buck stops with the manager, of course. Martinez has been praised for the exciting young team he has assembled but the concerns over his team's defensive abilities that have dogged him since his days at Wigan, are as acute now as they have ever been since he succeeded David Moyes two and a half years ago. On this evidence, it doesn't look as though this particular leopard is able to change his spots. Phil Jagielka's absence is rightly held up as an important reason for the defensive frailties currently being exhibited by Everton – we were conceding silly goals even with the skipper in the side as well but there is no question that his leadership and experience is needed back there, particularly while Howard fails to inspire confidence and Stones shows signs of believing in his own hype.

As unlikely as the sudden adoption of defensive solidity appears to be, the opportunity for Everton to mount a push for the top six remains open if they can get their act together as they enter what is once again a daunting run of fixtures over the next few weeks. They will go into the New Year game with third-placed Tottenham just five points off fifth place but it's a gap that will be impossible to breach without wins. Martinez's Blues need to start grinding out victories immediately or another season of frustrating medioctrity in the League beckons. Sadly, we look doomed to it unless something significant happens in the coming month.

Lyndon Lloyd

Yet more exasperation at Goodison Park

Following the elation of our last-gasp Boxing Day win at Newcastle United we dared to be confident going into what was always going to be a tricky encounter against Mark Hughes' Stoke City.

We were in good spirits pre-kick off in the pub as we received the team news and weren't surprised to see Roberto had made four changes, with Baines, Mirallas, Lennon and Cleverley all rested to be replaced by Galloway, Kone, Deulofeu and McCarthy. Evertonians' favourite referee Mark Clattenburg officiated.

As is often the case, Everton didn't get going until a goal behind when Shaqiri finished a lovely flowing move from Stoke City to put the visitors deservedly ahead on 16 minutes. This awoke Everton and we soon levelled when Lukaku was given time to slot home inside the penalty area from a James McCarthy pass. This was to be the last meaningful action of the game for James McCarthy as he was substituted only four minutes later, replaced by Saturday's goal scorer Tom Cleverley. You had to question, especially with Gibson, Osman and Besic all available, why McCarthy was rushed back for a game he wasn't ready for. It seems we don't learn as he made last seasons injury come back in the exact same festive fixture, only to not feature again for months. A waste of a substitution also.

Anyhow Everton were at least back competing in the game though a lot seemed to hinge on a Mark Clattenburg decision roughly five minutes before the interval when he booked Gerard Deulofeu for a tumble as he got around his defender and headed towards goal. Now I was at the other end of the pitch so I've no idea if it was a dive or not (though I'd wager it may have been given it's not exactly his first offence of this ilk this season), though over the next few minutes Clattenburg gave a series of decisions in Stoke City's favour, irking our players and supporters alike. We seemed to lose our discipline again at this point and were carved open far too easily and Shaqiri lobbed Howard masterfully to put Stoke City ahead at the interval.

Things had to get better for Everton and get better they did. It was a brave effort by the Blues to fight back at Stoke City and we were very good value for our equaliser when a majestic ball from Tom Cleverley was controlled well on his chest by the exquisite Romelu Lukaku, who then finished well past Butland to level the scores. Goal number 18 of the season in all competitions for Lukaku and without him in the team you wonder just how badly we would be faring. We may find out next season.

This was Tom Cleverley's last action in the game also as the substitute became the substituted when Naismith replaced he. We were baffled by this though it has emerged he had to be replaced due to injury. Regardless, with Goodison rocking and no longer humbled by the noisy Stoke City support Everton pressed on for the winner and we dared to dream when a fantastic combination of Lukaku, and then Barkley, and then Deulofeu resulted in our third goal and getting our noses in front in the game for the first and only time.

With the alarming number of goals we have conceded this season you knew it wouldn't be straightforward for Everton, though even so, the cruel finish to the game was difficult to stomach. Roberto Martinez has to take responsibility for staying so gung-ho with the team. Lukaku, Kone, Naismith, Deulofeu and Barkley all remained on the pitch with poor Gareth Barry having to cover a mountain of work in the middle. We'd done the tough work getting ahead in the game and now we had to see it out. Barry desperately needed the assistance of Besic in there but this was neglected and it wasn't much of a shock when Stoke City levelled in typically calamitous circumstances. Funes Mori only half cleared the ball and another ball came back in for which Howard flapped. The ball fell to Joselu who still had a bit to do, though did it well, thundering his half volley into the net and levelling the scores. Nobody shocked. We've seen this all before too many times now this season.

There was still time for the real kicker of course. From the opposite end of the pitch it looked as though Stones had tackled Arnautovic and we thought at first that Clattenburg had given the goal kick, though after much deliberation Clattenburg pointed to the penalty spot with Goodison aghast in disbelief. It would be easier to take if we'd have been awarded at least one penalty all season as we're simply not getting any of them 50/50 calls inside the penalty area. Though Howard guessed right, Arnautovic still scored and Stoke won the game at the death...Seamus Coleman skying our late, late opportunity high into the Gwladys Street end.

Poor defending cost us yet again and this will go down as yet another game we should have gotten more from this season and let slip away. Phil Jagielka's return will make a difference to the defence yes, but with or without or skipper, Roberto has to get his basic managerial decisions correct, and leaving Barry so hopelessly exposed after getting ourselves ahead was abjectly poor in my view.

We've reached a pivotal time in the season now with big league and cup games coming up over January. Even with all Lukaku's brilliance, it will take a major slice of luck to turn this season around if we continue to get the basic so badly wrong.

All the best for 2016 Blues!

Player ratings:
Howard: Needs to be moved on. The problem we have now is that a large section of the fans have lost faith in Tim Howard and when that's the case as a goalkeeper, it's very difficult to get it back. When he catches it's now met with ironic cheers. Whenever a goal goes in he gets slaughtered. I couldn't believe the abuse he was getting from the Gwladys Street for the Shaqiri's wonder goal on half time. It was impossible to save but he got a ton of abuse. Earlier in the half he came and punched, clearing the ball out of the box and then caught the return cross and got stick also. He's made mistakes, no doubt about that, and the time may be right to replace Howard, but getting on his back in games really isn't helping in the meantime. 6
Galloway: He didn't do much wrong but the attacking force Baines brings with him in comparison is clear for all to see. 6
Stones: Never thought I'd say that between he and Funes Mori, John Stones is the weak link at the back. He had a shocker today. Both he and Funes Mori improve immeasurably alongside Jagielka. Our skipper's return can't come soon enough for me. 5
Funes Mori: Despite conceding four I'd say he didn't do too badly today. 6
Coleman: OK defensively though seems to have lost that cutting edge in attack. Some of his crossing was woeful and he did sky a late chance which you've seen him put away previously, even on his left foot. 6
Barry: Hopelessly exposed at 3-2 up and he must be exasperated with his manager for not giving him some help in there. As always this season, one of our top performers today. 7
Kone: For someone so confident in his skill and ability to run at players it's baffling how terrified he is to shoot. Since his hat-trick against Sunderland he's been incredibly shot shy. Whether we replace him with Mirallas or buy a replacement, we need a better player than Kone in the team. 6
Deulofeu: One of his more effective games for a little while. I'm disappointed however if it was a dive in the first half as he really needs to rid that attitude from his game. He caused them problems in the second half and got on the scoresheet. We'll really need him at his best next month if we're going to make any in-roads in the league or the League Cup. 7
McCarthy: Rushed back too soon. Do we ever learn? 6
Barkley: Did pretty well but should have taken more initiative and dropped back to help Barry as we "protected" our lead. I know that's not really his game but it would have been better than having nobody there, though Roberto should have sorted this out. Nice assist for our third goal. 6
Lukaku: An awesome display and like so many games this season, he deserved so much better. He must be getting sick of this by now. 9

Substitutes:
Cleverley (for McCarthy): Did pretty well and played a wonderful pass for Lukaku's goal. Shame that was his last action. Both he and McCarthy may now be sidelined for a while, perhaps Besic will finally get another opportunity. 6
Naismith (for Cleverley): Got involved and almost volleyed a goal instantly but it deflected wide. Nearly set one up for Stoke City also but Howard got out well to prevent the goal. I think he'll be gone in January. 6

Paul Traill

From My Seat: Stoke (H)

A bumper crowd descended on L4 and the Room of Nonsense soon filled. Beer flowed as handshakes were exchanged and who-did-what stories exchanged. Those of us that had been to Newcastle relived the game with excitement but bemoaned the horrendous weather conditions. No one got back early. Our mate Leggo had got himself in trouble with his long-haired one as, on Saturday morning, she sent him out for a 4-pint green top milk but he never got back until half nine Sunday morning – his excuse being that he could find nowhere open that sold them until he found himself in Newcastle. I don’t think his apology for the lateness of the milk run has not yet been fully accepted. The teams were beamed through and the talking point was the non-appearance of Mirallas even on the bench. Many wonder what is going on with that lad.

The walk up to the ground was windy but dry and even some singing broke out at one point. The fat van had its longest queue for many a day, more than double that of the Blue Dragon! And with the ‘Fan Zone’ belting out songs the human carpet of bodies in Goodison Road had the excitement levels rising.

Z-Cars and then a minute’s applause for those that had passed on this past year, a true Blue every one.

Stoke kicked off and off we went on a journey that would both lift and deflate spirits right to its very end. It took ten minutes for our first shot on target from Barkley that had bottom corner written all over it until a deflection took it for a corner. Stoke retaliated and a decent pass and shot sped past the far post. With fifteen minutes coming up we were looking to settle when Stoke showed us the simplicity of a move executed quickly that got them into our box and with our defence all over the place Shaqiri was invited to slot home from close in. And hey ho we find ourselves behind at home again.

The rowdy Stoke contingent were in full voice. I thought our lot looked a little sheepish. However with Barkley and Barry prompting we set off looking for the equaliser and just after the twenty minute mark Barkley went on a stop start run that unsettled the Stoke defence. He did another stop and the rolled the ball square to McCarthy who quickly moved it to Lukaku and our hot shot obliged. 1-1 and all to play for. Barkley was now showing some England form and made a powerful pacy run to their box flummoxed more defenders with a back heel pass to Galloway who with a side footer of deliberation only passed it wide of the far post. From my seat that looked a good chance gone. McCarthy on his comeback game was subbed off for Cleverly just after his assist and Lukaku’s goal. That was a shame with a load of games on the near horizon.

Coleman raided at pace into the box and was felled by Pieters. Our ref Clattenburg pointed but only for a goal kick. "Bastard!" said a man behind me. Then just before the break Deulofeu let us down again as well as himself by making a fast determined run on a counter attack but on reaching their box the ball ran away from him so he threw himself to the ground but all he got was a booking. I find that embarrassing.

However we were well on top now and as I mused how well a goal would do us just before half time Stoke went down our end and a superb ball from Bojan, who had impressed throughout the half, left our defence on its heels and Shaqiri lifted a half volley high over Howard and down into goal and for the first time ever in my time watching the Blues the ground remained silent. Not a cheer from the visiting fans or a groan from the home fans.

Second half and we had first shot from Cleverly in the box but it was blocked away but then Cleverly was involved at the other end when Johnson beat Cleverly and came along the byline heading for goal but Howard and Mori between them halted him before further damage could be done.

The crowd were getting restless as we kept possession by going backwards and sideways and then forwards as we tried to find a chink in Stoke's very well-drilled defence. We needed patience to stand a chance but with Stones and Kone passing to the wrong colour shirts too often for the crowds liking patience was becoming a rare commodity.

That patient build-up finally paid off as the hour mark was near when a bit of good joined up stuff got the ball to Cleverley who looked up and hit a great thirty yarder into the box and into Lukaku’s chest where he controlled and hit the back of the net. Delirium from the crowd as a superb assist and top draw finishing had us level again. Now the crowd was up as they roared the lads on to take the game. Ground not quite rocking but the loudest we have heard for some time.

Just as the celebrations subsided Cleverly was subbed and Naismith entered the fray. This seemed most strange as the lad had just put in a superb pass that led to a goal and then sprinted about 40 yards to celebrate. I found out later it was an Achilles injury so that’s him and McCarthy out now. It never rains for what it pours. It seems as soon as someone assists Lukaku in scoring they get injured!

Naismith almost had us in front soon after his entrance when he hit a powerful one but it was deflected for a corner. The crowd were still up and willing on the Blues as they had the upper hand in this phase of the game and on 70 minutes a delightful move picked out Lukaku running the left channel, he found Barkley who without looking squared the ball into the feet of Deulofeu who side-footed home. 3-2 and Goodison was on fire. ‘We only sing when we are winning’ sang the Park End as the Street got on with the Deulofeu magic bit.

Ten to go came along and we are three two up but a worry was that we were rather open. Were we going for another? If so it was dangerous as Stoke had already showed us what they had on the break. I had the impression that we were getting progressively nervous and our concentration and decision making was getting flawed. We seemed a mixture of many styles but master of none and so it was proved when we allowed Arnautovic to get a cross in across our six yard box. Howard sort of half-dived, flapped, then punched but it gained no ground and remained in the six yard box for the freshly on sub to smash the ball home. That was a downer.

We went straight back at them but not in a very structured way which allowed them to get on the ball and go on a quick counter as we were not holding a shape and I said to my mate that we were looking vulnerable. On 90 minutes and the board out ready somehow we let a Stoke player to charge down the line toward the Park End, allow him to cut in and head along the byline where Stones went to ground in a tackle in the box. The Stoke man went down and after what seemed like eternity our ref Clattenburg pointed to the spot. Everton players protested vehemently but as ever to no avail and those of us left had to sit and watch Arnautovic hammer the ball straight and true and another home loss was witnessed. The whistle went, fans not happy and let it show.

MotM—Lukaku

Overall quite a disappointing afternoon and made worse when you look back on other losses and remember our present manager telling us they must learn game management, correct defensive positions and not to be bullied after each one. If his milkman is reading this, give him a knock will you and ask him how he thinks it is going because we fans are just not seeing it. On the walk back the number of fans loudly criticising the manager seems to be growing. We have heard it before of cpirse but it does seem to be growing more of late.

Perhaps we will hear a bit more on take overs shortly as our Chairman is well again and he did his two hour Christmas day ‘Rock n Roll’ show on Radio 2 He said he had been poorly but was now OK.

Spurs next and I only hope some of these lessons to be learned our man talks about are on show to the faithful. Still it’s an unpredictable game so let us hope for better. Then we have a whole host of games in quick succession – please let us win a few of them. See you Sunday.

UP THE BLUES

Ken Buckley

Match Preview

Everton close out 2015 with a tricky home fixture at Goodison Park as Mark Hughes's improved Stoke City come to town fresh from a morale-boosting home win over Manchester United on Boxing Day.

The Toffees received a shot in the arm of their own morale, however, with a last-gasp win over Newcastle United that vaulted them back into the top half of the table at the Potters' expense. Tom Cleverley's stoppage-time goal ensured that the two sides come into today's game level on points, with Everton ahead on goal difference.

Stoke's 2-0 triumph over Louis van Gaal's struggling Red Devils means that they have beaten both Manchester clubs at the Britannia Stadium this month, but their home defeat to Crystal Palace, a goalless draw at West Ham and their defeat at Sunderland at the tail end of last month illustrate how erratic they can be, too.

Furthermore, while they've won three times away from home this season, all three victories came against teams in the bottom half of the table battling to find form. They've only conceded seven times on their travels but they don't score many either, managing less than half of Everton's away tally to date.

That should give Roberto Martinez encouragement as he prepares for this one despite the fact that Bojan Krkic, Marco Arnautovic and Xherdan Shaqiri are starting to gel as an effective attacking outfit. He will also be mindful, however, of how strong Hughes's robust side are at the back and that they will likely pose a more difficult barrier to break down than many of the teams the Blues have just faced.

Predicting which team the Catalan goes for is not as straightforward as usual and his selection may depend as much on fitness levels and how heavy was the toll inflicted by the heavy St James's Park pitch on Saturday as individual form and normal squad rotation. The back line largely picks itself but the manager has options in midfield and in attack.

Gareth Barry is vital in defensive midfield but his energy levels may be a concern less than 48 hours after playing the full 90 minutes on a difficult surface. He could start but then be replaced by someone like James McCarthy – if he is passed fit –Darron Gibson or Muhamed Besic in the second half.

Kevin Mirallas did well enough in place of Arouna Kone but it would not be a surprise to see Martinez restore the Ivorian to the line-up at home while Aaron Lennon was useful against the Magpies but Gerard Deulofeu, while flattering to deceve in his 20-minute cameo, did help create the winning goal.

With so many difficult games on the horizon, it's imperative that Everton use the nature of that 1-0 win at Newcastle to spur them on to greater attacking fluidity and potency, starting with this game against Stoke. It certainly won't be easy but, once again, it's one those games they should win if they are to show themselves to be the top six side they believe they are.

Kick off: 3pm
Referee: Mark Clattenburg

Lyndon Lloyd

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