Baines penalty rescues undeserved point

Cleverley in the starting XI = WTF? – guess you can't win them all.

That is certainly the back 4 I would have wished for. Wouldn't be too bad if played in a 4-3-3 but I guess we'll be the usual 4-2-3-1 with someone shoehorned into the AML left position.

Big games needed from Mirallas and Bolasie.

How many more times does he have to have a completely anonymous, unproductive, non-contributory, devoid of any impact or influence 90 minutes for him to be left out out first team plans unless everyone else is injured.

He will make such a difference today... Not.

Give Valencia a game alongside Lukaku, you Dutch dunce. Can't you see that's where we are hitting the buffers EVERY game?

Take a risk and change things. Show us you have some idea, or the semblance of a Plan B?

Your project is NOT working and journeymen like Cleverley will not miraculously change that.

Can you not see that simply repeatedly putting failures into the same formation – where they have been tried and failed numerous times before – will not succeed in providing the:

Catalyst,

Energy,

Passion,

Game Plan,

Long Term...

This is what you keep giving us shite soundbites about.

I just despair. We will get twatted today.

Doubt it though, we are too ordinary in too many positions, midfield is the biggest priority. Their goolie is worth one goal start to them.

You never know though, one can only hope.

Let's just hope he buys wisely in the next window, that's when he can be judged. These aren't his players but he's hardly getting the best out of what he's got.

Perhaps Koeman is curting off his own nose to spite his face. Maybe Koeman feels he HAS to drop Barkley, and Cleverley is his nearest fit.

Stekelenburg at fault again too, far too many passengers in this team...

He doesn't have a clue, Unsworth would have more of an idea than this ٤million man. Didn't think I would ever be saying that!

We need a top goalie, priority number one, then a creative midfielder and thirdly another striker. Stekelenburg and Robles are Number 2s at best and only at best. Yes they can both pull off good saves now and again. That, is simply not good enough for Everton.

I didn't want Koeman, I wanted Pellegrini. This is anti-football... pathetic hoofball... pure utter bollox.

We have Koeman's name and some cash to attract some decent names in the transfer market, but his style won't change. So when these names are in I'd get rid for a manager more in tune with the modern style.

Also beginning with C is Christ almighty how does he get a game? The very fact that Koeman picks him is a huge concern for me. It means he cannot spot shit when he sees it.

For half an hour, at least we tried today. I was pleased to see some effort.

Still haven't put in a full 90 yet, though. If we could've just played the entire game the way we played the second half, we would have won easily.

Holgate totally dominated Rashford. Our kid beat their kid!

The only positive from the game was this team showed they are capable of putting in the effort and desire, and now the manager has to get them to do it over 90 min.

Idrissa Gueye has a short sleeve shirt and SWEAT BANDS on his wrists. I don't think we would find sweat bands in Lukaku's kit bag. Can we get rid of this big, useless, lazy, bitching lump asap and play someone else.

Enner Valencia put far more effort in that Lukaku after he came on. I have the feeling that Koeman would have pulled Lukaku if not for the two injuries... or is that hopeful thinking?

Still plenty of work to do but lots of effort and passion on show today and something to build on.

Start the next game with the team that finished, with 2 up top and two tricky wingers. Go for teams from the off and at least have a go. Find a playmaker, another Idrissa and a terrier to play next to Rom and we'll be sound.

COYB!

We badly need a few players who can control the ball, pass accurately forwards and chip in with ten goals a season.Valencia should be played alongside Lukaku otherwise we are completely devoid of any potency.Barkley is not the answer up front and if he does not develop a football brain he may as well sit on the bench.I would play Holgate with Williams instead of Funes Mori.Get a creative player in front of Baines and put Barry out to pasture.We need to dump Cleverley, Kone, McGeadie, Niassie asap and sell McCarthy and Barkley while they are still worth money.

Hopefully we've seen the last of the formation but I'm not holding my breath.

It all changed when Cleverley went off – he was woeful. How was that not a red card? Anyway much better Blues.

"The whole team performance was positive and we showed great organisation from the start. We made it difficult for United to create anything.

"We went 1-0 down through a mistake which was disappointing, of course. One point was the minimum what we deserved.

"We made the subs and we took risk with four strikers on. David De Gea made one or two unbelievable saves and we could have scored earlier.

"It was a fair result. We're still unbeaten at home so we are very happy."

Great organisation? We were woeful. Can anbody see any pattern in our play?

'We are very happy' - I'm not!!!!

I have nothing more to say, am bored with Everton.

It might have taken injuries to stumble on it but we should definitely be starting with something close to the team that finished that game.

Content with never seeing Cleverley in a blue shirt again, would drop Stek for that moment of idiocy and would be nice if Lukaku put a shift in other than when anywhere near his mate Pogba but there are positives too. That's a solid centre back pairing given time, Gueye was immense again and Holgate looks the part. Davies in next please, Ron. Even Valencia looks like he can get on the end of things in the box so probably deserves a closer look.

As stated above it's something to build on going on to a winnable game at Watford.

eriously is this what the "School of science" has come to. If only Alex Young was around now, no I don't mean if he was younger, I just wish he was still on the books even at his advanced age. To think that Bolasie is called a footballer and treads the same turf as the Golden Vision.

Man Utd dominated the first 15 minutes, but we played pretty well for the final 30. Much better intensity and movement and the fact is we actually had more shots on target. It is, true, however, that we ended up with our best formation by accident rather than design. Let's hope that Koeman has learned that lesson.

Very harsh headline based on the 90 minutes where we had 6 on target to their 2.

I thought Mirallas was MotM closely followed by Gueye. Much more effort all round – we just needed more brains than brawn.
Goal scoring box-to-box midfield player and goalkeeper to add to the essential centre-forward in the January sales and we will be cooking with gas.

"Undeserved Point".

I am guessing, Michael, you dislike Koeman?

Yes, we were absolutely fucking shite for big chunks of the game, and may have conceeded two goals.

But, equally, prior to the subs, De Gea pulled off a good save from Mirallas and if Stek does not have a brain fart, we go in half time at 0-0.

We deserved a point, as we forced United back after the subs came on.

Granted, it had nothing to do with Koeman's starting XI, which was a fuck up, or his tactical substitutions, given two of them were enforced.

The players responded to 4-4-2 and if we are going to play direct football and press up the pitch, then 4-2-3-1 aint going to cut it. Bolasie, Cleverley and Barks need to be given a break from the starting XI. Valencia gave Lukaku good support and by pushing United back Gana got in the box to win a penalty.

I hope Seamus is fit as I'd play him in front of Holgate.

Lastly, Koeman needs to wipe the shit from his eyes and drop Stek. He is just far too error prone.

Happy with the point but hope Koeman learns some lessons and starts picking a starting XI which suits the direct, high press game he wants to play.

(ie 4-4-2)

Generally though, and especially in the second half, we stunted any United creativity and started to control the game a bit more, especially when the holding midfielders stepped up higher and after the substitutions. Funes Mori still looks uncertain and a bit slow on the ball. Maybe one of the kids could step up into that role.

Also can Lukaku and a few others just take a long hike and not come back. Just so fed up with the lack of effort some of these players show.

Without the rubbish 60 minutes I obviously missed affecting my judgement, I thought we were pretty good and offered far more than Man Utd.

Valencia looked lively and Holgate was excellent (as he was at the start of the season).

I also thought that big fella with the funny hair for United had a great game!

Still not sure we have any clue how to control and attack as a team. But it helps with the right attitude and energy. Let's see now if they use this to keep improving.

Let's get this playmaker we need and see what happens. Koeman needs some time and we need a bit of patience.

Truth is though he is making a positive show until January.

Ridiculous headline, the game is played over 90 mins and, despite Man Utd dominance in possession, we were by far the better team for the last half hour with far better chances.

Switch goalkeepers and we would have had a decisive win.

Also, Mason Holgate was absolutely outstanding when he came on and the referee Oliver had a terrible game apart from the penalty which was nailed on.

Some very good performances in last 30 minutes and I prefer Holgate to all other available options for right side of central defence. Baines held his nerve impressively for an excellent penalty. More by luck than judgement, but we got there in the end and it was a fair result.

Our midfield is by-passed by their attacks and our 'hit and hope' long balls. No we never; I've seen more worthy pen's not awarded just this weekend, and 15 mins of possession does not convince me that our manager is clueless. I'm relieved but not happy.

They should have been down to 9 men, we kept a good degree of control and nearly snatched it at the end.

I thought Holgate and Valencia did well, Gana and Mirallas did well.

Maybe the margins are fine but we could do ourselves a lot of good by viewing life from the perspective of a half-full pint.

Cheers

They, Man Utd should've been down to nine men, hopefully retrospective punishment will follow for Rojo and Ibrahimovic.

On a plus point, my missus had gone downstairs for a smoke and thought that Everton had scored. I had to explain that Lukaku had actually made a tackle and that the roof had nearly came off the Old Lady.

Last 10 minutes great; previous 80 minutes bang average. Sort it, Ronald.

A mixed bag today. I thought the first half was 50/50, I don't know what Stekelenburg was playing at for their goal...

I thought we started the 2nd half dreadfully, but we then went 2 up front, first with Mirallas, then with Valencia, partnering Lukaku. The last half hour we were very good and penned them in.

Positives: the defence defended well (including an appearance from Holgate). Gueye was magnificent. The set pieces were much better thanks to Mirallas taking them. We also got some support around Lukaku second half.

Negatives: Stekelenburg for their goal. Cleverley didn't have a great game either, although he at least gives you some energy, which you don't get from Barkley. You need that energy against the better teams...

More positives than negatives for me today...

Pogba is definitely living up to his pricetag... the one that saw him leave United.

Also felt the dropping of both Jagielka and Barkley, was not only long overdue, but proved to be justified too!

I also watched the Bournemouth v LIverpool game, and I have to admit to admiration for the Home side, as they never give up, and play, not only for the full period, but for each other. There is maybe a lesson to be learned there!

The next few games will be not only be crucial, but also pivotal to our future this season.

I still think we have the correct manager, it's just going to be a harder task than first imagined, to get into the upper echelons of the table.

That continued into the second half and it was only with the enforced subs that we did indeed improve somewhat. Was that enough to 'deservedly' draw the game? Sorry but I don't think so. It was too late and the game was lost and we were giving the ball away at will. The penalty was pure luck and the only way we were going to beat De Gea.

Yes, we got a sight or two of goal finally, and if we'd played like that for a greater portion of the game, it could have altered the balance of the play a little... but crucially we still could not get it past De Gea from open play, and that is our lasting weakness since the Big Lumox has stopped scoring.

As for Everton, they started well for 15 mins or so and ended the game on top but the bits in-between were woeful. Too many players think they have to wait for the ball to arrive at their feet and only Gueye and Holgate showed how players should play in a blue shirt.

If Ronald honestly sees something in Cleverly, I'm afraid I can't see it. Mirallas at least reacted to the howls of derision aimed at him in a positive way, but we have a long way to go before we'll see a decent performance out of this group but at least they never threw the towel in.

Stekelenburg didn't have a save to make and De Gea made at least two outstanding ones.

Got that headline wrong for sure!

Are we going to see the stupid fans who don't want the manager sacked after 5 months called Koeman Apologists soon? We've already got "Dour Dutchman".

We deserved our goal, he was brave enough to play with four forwards at the end and got his reward.

Lukaku did not work hard enough and does not show when defenders and midfielders gave the ball. His work rate went up to the required level only when Valencia came on.

Gana is the buy of the transfer window. Fantastic player.

Deulofeu should not be played in the wide positions. He moved inside for 5 minutes and played two eye-of-the-needle passes into feet in a crowded box. As a No 10 or nowhere for me.

Holgate is a better defender than Coleman. The sooner he gets a run, the better.

All-in-all, a well deserved point.

Gueye really is a shining star, he never stops trying and he was excellent today, largely shutting out Pogba. Holgate's intercepting clearance late on showed what a natural defender he is; he looks a massive talent to me.

All-in-all, I am happy because there was some heart eventually in that performance against a physical United side. (Rojo should have been sent off without question.)

Has anyone seen a more talentless player than Cleverley in the Premier League? If so, who is it, because I can't think of one!

I thought we battled a whole lot better than we have over the last month or more and made their keeper make 3 crucial saves.

I'm astounded by the negativity all the time.

Decent performances from Mirallas and Gueye. I'd give Valencia a start against Watford.

We came alive when that lazy bastard Lukaku chased after a lost ball and won it back on 74 minutes. The crowd immediately reacted and we had some flow about us.

The first 73 minutes were a very poor and average home display against a very average Man Utd side. Gueye was superb today and my MotM.

Sitting in the Park End right next to the away fans was bliss to see their faces when we equalized; with this point and the Red Shite getting beat, it wasn't a bad day in the end. COYB.

Stekelenburg - 1. He only really had one situation to deal with and he fucked it up big time.

Coleman - 7. Seemed to be getting back to his best. Marshalled Martial quite easily.

Williams - 5. Seemed nervous and unable to pick out a colleague in blue.

Funes Mori - 5. This guy should be sold as a constipation remedy.

Baines - 7. Love this lad. Has lost a bit of pace but he's one of our own.

Bolasie - 3. His feet are too quick for his brain. I can't make up my mind if he's crossing the ball or shooting.

Gana - 8. What a great little player he is. Neat, tidy, never gets flustered, loads of energy. MOTM.

Barry - 6. What a servant he's become. Not his best game but his experience and positional play is invaluable.

Cleverley - 0. His wife is gorgeous

Mirallas - 6. Invisible in the 1st half. The subs seemed to galvanise him after an hour.

Lukaku -6. Does what he can (IMO) with shite service.

Subs:

Holgate - 8. Didn't put a foot wrong and is a more than capable replacement for Seamus.

Valencia -7. Ran after everything, showed skill and effort something we've been sadly missing recently.

Deulofeu - 6. Terrifies defenders. Draws 2-3 of them out of position and frees up space for teammates.

Overall 6/10 but at last we showed some balls to get back into the game.

Michael, you need to start looking through blue-tinted glasses mate.

Well done to Valencia. I said last week the lad should be given a chance alongside Rom who again looked languid for large parts of the game. We definitely need to be playing with 2 strikers and from what I can see a 4-4-2 is the way to go until we bring in the players we need.

Yes, we are not world beaters but we've just made a draw with close on the richest club in the world, surely that deserves a little praise.

Me thinks you expect too much.

If he had stood on his line, that situation would have come to nothing.

What he was doing when he came racing out I don't know but he had no right to do so. It was a nothing situation.

Anyway, at least we can put this theory to bed that Koeman is fault-free because our players are shite.. Great last 25 minutes. This team can play when it wants, or is allowed to.

I though both teams were crap with hoof-ball the prominent feature of the game. Get ready to welcome back Barkley and Jagielka next week!

Gueye was superb, Mirallas did well second half, Holgate and Valencia looked good when they came on – apart from that, nobody rose above mediocre.

For those of you saying Jagielka deserved to be dropped, it's hard to disagree but have you seen how bad Williams is these days? He looks the exact opposite of Stones – bloody awful on the ball and awkward defending. Of the two, right now, I'd choose Jagielka.

Surely he deserves a one if only for his choice in wives.

The most dogged Everton have been all season long. Rubbish technically, poor goalkeeping and Cleverley was atrocious but undeserved? We were unfortunate not to take all 3 points. Onwards and upwards. For all their millions Manure were just that, shite.

Valencia put some good work in. And Deulofeu did a lot of work as well. (Though I wish he would cross when he has initial chance. When he doesn't it confuses people running in to the box.)

Holgate in my view should never have lost his place in the team. He was part of the team that started season winning games. What a tackle just before our goal.

Koeman says Holgate and Davies are not ready. I beg to differ with Holgate. And though he tries hard, Cleverley is struggling form wise, so putting Davies in can't be any worse.

We got a point which was deserved in the sense we were equal to the opponents in many parts of the pitch, if we had failed to get a 'jammy' penalty and lost the game 1-0 the posts may have been a little more hostile and vitriolic but they wouldn't have been fair or accurate.

Not sure that Koeman can do right for wrong with a lot of people on here but it's beginning to get a little tiresome.

It's fairly obvious we need a major rebuild and it's not going to take a few months, let alone a few days, at a time when the transfer window closed.

Lighten up everyone, we got a well-earned point today and we need to get behind this team, as poor as some of them are. If we can get five points from the next three games, we can look forward to 2017 in a far more positive light.

On another note, I really hope Koeman sticks with 4-4-2, Lukaku is better and much more of a threat when he has a striker alongside him.

Lastly, Cleverley should never wear a blue shirt again, he's utter fucking garbage, offers nothing and should be the first name on the clear-out that will be happening in the next two windows.

Love Gueye. From the first to the last minute he never stops. An example to the rest.

Keep the faith.

The first half barely had a shot on goal from either side, it took a bit of brain failure from Stekelenburg to enable United to edge in front.

We did up the pace a little in the 2nd half, but the telling thing was that, with 30 mins to go, United settled for 1-0. We therefore got, in my opinion, exactly what we deserved.

Valencia did well when we he got on and if Koeman's got anything about him, he'll start him at Watford (big 'if' like...)

As for Lukaku, I swear my dog could trap a ball better than that useless lump. I can't believe anyone would want to pay 㿨M for him. They'd have to be mental.

Delighted we got the penalty but I never thought in a million years it was a penalty.

But how he doesn't send Rojo off is a joke He flew in on a parachute – disgraceful decision And I always said he's about the best ref in the Premier League... Not today.

I heard a few blaming Funes Mori for the goal What was he meant to do when that fucking idiot has a brainstorm like that?

Not disappointed; not happy. But I'm dreading the Arsenal and Liverpool games because they'll take us the cleaners with their speed. Yes, Liverpool concede but we won't create nothing – like we haven't done for weeks That said, if he starts with 4-4-2, which I doubt, we might just see something different.

But please, Ronnie boy... no more Cleverley. One of the worst players i've ever seen in an Everton shirt and by god that's saying something!!

It wasn't good enough but did see some more effort than in past two matches. Would you say the point was undeserved if the order of the goals was reversed?

Wasn't great as a spectacle, but the team deserved a point.

That was another poor performance littered with poor passing, poor decision-making, and just brainless hoofball. It got better the last 20 minutes when Valencia gave their centre-backs something to think about Other than that, the 2 of them were comfortable all game.

Also a big mention to Holgate who does not look out of place at all on the big stage . Pity others can't see that, hey, Ronnie?

Yanick Bolasie, run down the wing for me - and just keep on going. Before today he'd made the greatest number of crosses in the Prem - most of them to nobody at all.

And, oh, Lukaku - if he ain't scoring, he ain't doing anything.

Delboy will be gone before long, surely.

I thought the set up was right today - 4-3-3 morphing into 4-4-2.

1. Poor game between two poor sides.
2. Point was deserved as De Gea had to make several fine saves.
3. Holgate oozes class from every pore.
4. Deulofeu is annoying, but he makes stuff happen.
5. 'Stekelenburg' is clearly Dutch for 'headless chicken'.
6. We need Virgil Van Dijk, but he'll go elsewhere.
7. We need Joe Hart, but he'll go elsewhere.

Maybe that "undeserved point" is a turning point, I don't know but at least we showed that we can knuckle down and fight for a result.

And Michael, to paraphrase Ronald Reagan, "Mr Kenrick, tear down that headline!!".

Stekelenburg is slow, and his decision making is questionable; he certainly is not the answer to our goalkeeping question. Robles can't be any worse.

Valencia showed some good touches and is surely worth playing up off Lukaku.

Finally the defence was better without our great servant Jags. Funes Mori did okay (if he had noticed the looping ball for the goal was going in earlier, he could have stopped it). Holgate is ready for the first team.

I was pleased with a point, and thought we negated their threat and could have nicked it late on.

Koeman is full of positives so let's not knock him, after so many have criticised him for his blunt criticism of one or two of our players.

Onwards and upwards... I do like Bournemouth!

Once or twice he shrugged off his defender but then he was so deep he might as well have been sitting on a Pier Head bench. Of course, he'll put one in against Watford and be declared a world-beater.

Go and find them, Walsh.

I thought that we were better than our last few games but I think we will be happier with the result than United. It WAS, in my view a lucky point.

Damian, I agree about Cleverley but can we really trust Robles until January? I almost kicked the telly when Stekelenburg ran out of his box to try and tackle a United player after gifting them a goal. The man obviously has a screw loose.

The quality is there sometimes too.

If we display that level of desire and fight we'll get more points than we've recently picked up.

However, we do need a new spine to the team. Whether that's in January is debatable though.

Funny how Holgate didn't look out of place isn't it? I'm fairly sure Davies wouldn't have been worse than Cleverley... but what do I know?

I have never rated Stekelenburg, and there is only one reason he's in the team and that is to do with his nationality. Robles may not be the goalkeeping solution, but he should at least be given a run ahead of Stekelenburg who's now costing us points on a regular basis.

Everton have never won anything – it's always the other team that loses it. Always last game on MotD unless we are playing one of so called "big teams". I have suffered 60+ years of this crap and by now I am immune.

Happy days... Point taken???

Rather than have one of the usual suspects sent out to spout inanities, I would like the coach to explain and justify this hairbrained piece of nonsense.

Well done Blues for finally digging in and showing some bottle.

Imperative that in January that Koeman addresses the spine of the side starting with the goalkeeper, followed by a centre-half and a couple of midfielders and a forward.

Lukaku - 6. Does what he can (IMO) with shite service.

I'm bewildered. What your saying is, if it's not on a plate... Unbelievable.

Bright spot: Holgate, should never have been left out of the side in the first place. When Coleman is fit, play him wide right in front of Holgate.

The substitutions made the difference, and then we seemed more on equal terms, and played with more heart and energy. But I thought the penalty was a bit soft – we often see them not given.

I was very pleased with Holgate when he came on – what a shame he understudies the undroppable Coleman.

I'm not a fan of Mirallas but thought he was very good in the second half and, although De Gea made a good save off Kevin's shot, he didn't have to move. I felt Mirallis should have scored with that effort – it was a great chance. If he could play like that every week, then he would have no problem keeping his place.

Holgate came on and did what we know he can do. Gueye had another excellent game apart from gaining the penalty. Valencia deserves more games. Lukaku gets no service, say his fans; Valencia made his own space with movement and energy.

All-in-all not a great game but there is potential in this team with the formation that finished the game.

If we could play for 90 minutes the way we played for the last 20 minutes, ToffeeWeb might be full of happy fans. Nah, forget that, it'll never happen – the happy fans on ToffeeWeb I mean...

Whilst by no means great we were both better than we have been and more threatening than Man Utd, particularly as the second half wore on.

Koeman is not my cup of tea and Bolasie and Stekelenburg are poor footballers brought in by the new manager. However, Gana was back to his best and Valencia was decent in a morphed 4-4-2.

Cleverley should never play for us again whilst Holgate should play every game.

It is safe to say that neither side will be challenging for the title but a much improved display is worthy of more than half-hearted praise.

We all have different opinions and here is mine: a goalkeeper, offload Lukaku and get a top class centre forward, who can head a ball, read a through ball, bust a gut to get into the box expecting a cross to come over. In Mirallas, Bolasie and Deulofeu, we have players who can come better with a target man to aim for, or play a through ball; another midfielder to help Gueye out.

Goalkeeper and striker a must,; other areas need addressing as well, but the above 2 mentioned are teh priority.

Nice to see a bit of fight and most will have heavy legs tomorrow for a change but bring on that transfer window quick as.

But as always, Michael remains a consistently harsh critic. As the headline indicates.

Gana, Seamus and Mason were excellent. Baines seemed incapable of forward movement for an hour but he was also revitalised by the subs and we saw some decent positive passing on the left with much better movement off the ball.

Valencia looks worth a run on this performance – sharp, quick and very mobile. Some food for thought!

One thing is for sure we would be worse breaking down 10 than we would be trying to break down 11 with them having a go.

Credit goes Gana, for perpetual movement thats how he finds space by the way, Baines for his mettle on the pen, Holgate for his poise and Valencia for his nuisance value.

The rest were garbage, disjointed, ponderous. Only the fortune of injury forced Koeman into a change of formation.

Both teams looked what they were, 2 wins in 17 between them.

Wouldn't hurt to start with what you finished with Ron?

Gana and Barry are the 2 best players we have, Gana hardly gave Pogba a kick today. Bolasie is not delivering – he seems to always want to try the difficult thing rather than the easy option. I thought he would add something to the team but so far that doesn't seem to be happening.

Without Barkley ,we seemed to move the ball a bit quicker, and I fear his days are numbered at Goodison, but he won't be alone as I think we all realize that a mass clear out is necessary.

I hope the last 20 minutes were how we are going to play for the rest of the season. A little more direct with Lukaku and Valencia up top and Mirallas and Deulofeu making up the front four.

Fair play to Everton for the effort today and a point well deserved but, to be honest ,Man Utd were crap. 4-4-2 looks the way to play with Lukaku, as his first touches are dire when he's alone up front.

We need more players with his tenacity, energy and movement and then we might get somewhere.

Valencia's impact shows how much we have suffered recently by having such an immobile striker.

Lukaku is such a dillema. Our most valuable player and a young striker with an incredible goal record comparable with some of the greats at the same age. BUT his style of plays limits us so much. Nearly all attacking play goes through him or revolves around him finding space as the lone striker.

He needs another striker to do the stretching for him and Valencia showed how that might work today. Get an upgraded model and perhaps we might be in business.

The players seemed to get some confidence from the goal and pressed well towards the end, looking the more likely to win it. What a pity we can't give them that confidence as supporters instead of sucking the confidence out of the team and undermining players like Ross – a great talent who is greeted week-in, week-out, by howls of derision at every minor error. You pay your money and do what you like – I get that. But it's not supporting a team as I remember it from the '60s and '70s.

My antidote to supporting Everton:

1 – It's only a game.

2 – Sometimes you win, lose or draw – the unpredictability is part of the fun.

3 – You can enjoy a game that you don't win if the football matters to you – Stoke at home last season for example.

4 – There are more important things in my life... I can't speak for you.

Overall, if we took some responsibility for positive support, maybe we would be seeing better performances and games.

Just saying like .

Man Utd were exceptionally fortunate to finish with eleven.

Stekelenburg has now fully proven that he is not our next Nigel Martyn.

Tom Cleverley, however, has proven that he is the new Mark Pembridge.

We deserved a point. Fortunately, by the time we appear on MotD2, I will have laughed my cock off at the antics of Jurgen Street-Porters lads and their Nivea spattered meltdown.

That is poor, Michael. Very poor.

Also, I thought Valencia added something positive later on, some fat for Koeman to chew on there. We just need a win now to set us up for the rest of the month. COYBB.

I have to say, I am really concerned with Koeman's tactics and style of play!< This long ball direct stuff is dross and doesn't suit us at all, we don't have one forward player who is strong in the air or who has a massive physical presence to make us want to play that way!

We were so lucky at the beginning of the second half not to to go two down, Funes Mori's defending is car crash to say the least. The whole team do not defend or play as a unit.

The last 20 of the game were United completely stopped masked the rest of it – Stekelenburg, Cleverley, Funes Mori, Deulofeu, Bolasie are all shite. When the game is tight we have no quality at all – it is literally all kick and rush, it is shocking!! I am pining for the days of Pienaar, Baines, Arteta and Osman playing quick one- and two-touch football!!

The distribution from the back is so poor! At least if you're going to play direct football, give the centre forward a chance of getting the ball! Honestly if anyone watches the game back in the cold light of day tell me I'm wrong – I'd love it to be the case!!

Koeman still referring to us as 'Everton', it's just weird. Have you ever heard another manager not say 'we'?

Jenas summed us up perfectly: 'I was watching Everton and didn't know what they were doing, they couldn't string two passes together.'

Similar to what I was discussing with the fella who sits next to me, the question being: 'What is our style/pattern of play'? Anyone know? I haven't got a clue.

We started the 2nd half very poorly, the wheels nearly came off and there was a spell when we were all over the place. He had to change it and did. After that, there was more variation to the play and we were getting it down and playing a bit more.

I'm all for hitting Lukaku early when it suits but you have to vary the play. After about 30 minutes, United were all over the tactics. I remember Baines tried to hit Lukaku and one of the mids read it like a book and just cut it out easy.

Start of the 2nd half was terrible – we were just banging it forward and it was coming straight back. When we got it down and mixed it up, we were better and all our best stuff came when we got it down.

Work to be done. As long as we remain tight, we can stay in games. We seem to be set up to grind out results.

We all know that they should have been down to 9 men, 10 men for 75 minutes, and we were the stronger team as the game went on. But there are clearly many things to be sorted out.

But, all things considered, not such a bad day in the end.

Good to see Holgate step up, he should get a few games now if Coleman is out for a bit. Gueye again was pure class. He's one of the few players we have who actually looks like he knows what he's doing when he has the ball. Mirallas also played okay.

Cleverley should be added to the list to ship out in January, along with McCarthy, McGeady, Niasse, Kone, Gibson, Lennon... here's hoping anyway.

I will take a last minute equaliser if not the three points. Hopefully the players can take something from that although we can't play Man Utd at home every week. Watford away in the cold will be interesting. We live in hope.

Crap we may well have been but if there is commitment then there is hope and it can be built on fairly quickly. I think we may look back on today as more significant than it now appears to be.

The commentators on the US feed that I was watching just accepted the Rojo yellow and Lee Dixon got just about everything wrong. Didn't see MotD, but ain't surprised at the attitude.

TalkShite covered the red's game and guess what? They had Ray Houghton as their summarizer! The only good bit was hearing the biased tit trying not to show his disappointment.

None of them ever shows for the ball by running towards our man in possession. So all he can do is either pass sideways or back, or lump it aimlessly up to Lukaku, who is not the best target man in the world.

I don't know why this is – maybe low confidence? You would think it something a good manager would sort out, but we are awful to watch at present.

Yes, United hit the woodwork in the second half but the best, indeed only, saves of the game came from De Gea. Mirallas had a very good game operating in a free role and we grew in confidence after the replacement of Cleverley and Bolasie who were both proving to be liabilities.

So, while this performance was far from perfect, it was a big improvement on what we have seen in recent weeks and gives us something to build on next week.

Posters are easily pleased if they're happy that yet another virtually last minute equaliser from a penalty was necessary to get it. Yes, there wasn't the same shameful lack of effort as recently but by just about any scale of measurement we were second all over the pitch, and for once the MotD highlights did us a favour.

Next week, they need to work harder, run more, and try to actually make a goal from open play that doesn't have input from an opponent. As an aside, can anyone remember the last time we featured as a contender on Goal of the Month? I can't, and that is definitely not down to bias at the Beeb. That's down to our players being inadequate.

Before the bullets start coming my way, it could have been worse, but to get only one point at home against a team next to us in the league should always disappoint.

No such dilemma on Lukaku for me. I'd flog him to the first club that offers whatever we're asking. You only have to look at the movement of Mane across the park to see what we're missing up top – genuine movement and pace that stretches teams and provides an option.

I agree entirely with your comments. People using this "lack of service" excuse for Lukaku not being involved in the game are obviously oblivious to what is happening. If he doesn't move he will never get service.

In fact, he hides. He is always second to the ball in a 50/50 with his central defender, even when the ball is played into feet. He is static. The midfielders have learnt from this. They knock the ball into him less because they know he will cough it up and it makes them look bad. They only knock it over the top for him to chase now, as he likes those balls.

The other "myth" that is prevalent here is that it is only his job to score goals. Bollocks. Maybe back in 1970 that would ring true, but not today. He has to put in a shift like the other players. The modern game is all about pressing as a team. If one man fails, the system is broke.

Rushie pressed like a maniac in his day. We called it "closing down" then. As far as I recall, he also scored a few goals too. Balotelli was ejected from Liverpool because of his lack of effort and Sturridge will be going the same way. As an experiment, why don't we start Valencia and sit Lukaku on his fat arse. There is nothing wrong with one up top, as long as EVERYONE is working hard.

De Gea made three top notch saves and Valencia really missed when he should have planted a header in their net. But I get it after saying all that it's still the case that we were shite for long periods, disorganised, lacking any creativity, lumping the ball over forward players heads and generally looking short of leadership and ideas.

I thought we did start a little better than in recent weeks. But not much. We've badly lost our way, the manager seems to be a bit lost too. He was right to drop Jags and Ross, but of course the gamble is that if you badly need to make changes and you've declared that your younger players aren't up to it, then your bench is full of players you also think are failing, so sub options aren't so exciting are they?

This weeks crap about the young players we have on the sidelines, well not even that now apparently, has damaged us further. Koeman may of course have a point about the risks but by so publicly declaring how far off the U23/Academy players are from the first team, he's also saying that they would have to fail to improve, even slightly, on the last ten "performances"?

For me Holgate showed today, albeit briefly, he'd be worth a go at RB and allow Coleman, when fit again, to play wide right in front of him. I'm convinced it's a solid a more creative option. I just feel Davies looks better than Cleverley right now. I really mean that, he cannot possibly be worse. And Ross is having such a hard time this year... again that Davies feels like he's a genuinely better option than both Cleverley or Ross at the moment...it's a risk I see that.

But surely this is whole nonsense of Koemans stuff this week about the kids. You just have to take some risks sometimes, otherwise doing the same thing with the same failing players will just get you the same results.

We can beat Watford next week but I'm not hopeful. We are hanging on to 7th place but I see little prospect of anything better and a real chance of much worse unless the January window produces a really big arrival, ie, of five or six with three or four out. A keeper is vital, a centre back, a striker and yes a Number 10. At least. Hopefully more, but I can't see it happening.

Except he wasn't always second to the ball. He showed for the ball on the rare occasions we actually had the ball in the first half. He was winning headers but there was nobody up to run onto the header.

When the ball was played to his feet he'd try to play the ball back and turn and run, but the pass wasn't made in return. He played a neat one-two with Mirallas to put him through on the keeper but the shot was saved. Meanwhile, Bolasie on multiple occasions hit his cross over the cross bar and out of play.

Mirallas was actually getting forward and trying to provide support, much more than Barkley does. But we were saddled with having a three man defensive midfield set up of Cleverlye, Gana and Barry. Absolutely useless in attack. It wasn't until the manager was forced to bring a second striker on and we were chasing the game that players started to get forward more.

The entire first half was hoof after aimless hoof forward, nowhere near Lukaku or any other player. Other commentators were actually pointing out that our play made no sense, lumping it up field with no players in the area. If you think that having Costa up top in that game with the rest of the team we put out and how we played would have made one ounce of difference, you are severely deluded.

That being said, Pembridge was an absolute donkey and Cleverley on today's performance is not far off those standards.

In the absence of McCarthy or Besic, I absolutely can not see how a youth player like Davies or Walsh could offer any less than Cleverley at this moment in time.

We got a dodgy Penno, courtesy of Fellaini having a bit of a 'rep' for loose gangly elbows and knees... and the Ref being a tosser. Payback for not giving the Red?

At the moment, Koeman and Everton could best be described like more than a few governments... 'In Office, but not in Power, staggering from one crisis to another'.

I really hope Koeman and Moshiri are on top of this situation and have some sort of Idea, some plan in place, be it ever so slow, but not too slow ffs... Improvement this season would be good.

Crisis? What Crisis.

He definitely wasn't hurt by the manager's conservative tactics and the players around him. He definitely didn't struggle after Hazard had a horrendous year, not scoring goals and not providing service. That would never happen to a striker like Costa.

What formation did Chelsea run versus Man City? 3-4-3? Has Conte isolated Costa up top this season much? Last season when Costa struggled, it was because he was isolated up top. He was 9th in scoring behind, wait for it, Lukaku, who was third.

So your "point" is what? Seems Lukaku does better at being isolated than Costa despite his movement and aggression as you claim. This season, with support, Costa is benefitting from having fewer defenders keying on him, more movement by teammates around the box, and in it, and is scoring. Do you really seriously think Lukaku couldn't benefit from some of the same?

We are fucking awful to watch and we aren't getting the results either. Ronnie the Robot seems happy to be unbeaten in the league at home but that run is actually four draws, and three pretty scrappy wins against shite.

Might be a novelty for us to start home games (well any game really) by attacking the opposition from the kick-off rather than a desperate salvage mission in the last 20 minutes.

Hoofball played so wilfully deserves absolutely nothing; by supporting and defending it, we virtually guarantee more of the same. Any fucker could do what Williams, Funes Mori and Stekelenburg did all afternoon. They are supposed to be professional footballers, FFS. How ironic that some have a problem with you "telling it like it is".

That said, Man Utd didn't deserve a win either. Those trying to make them out to be a good team because they are rich would be well advised to visit specsavers this morning. They were a disgrace. That tackle on Gana was cowardly and spiteful, their time wasting sickening... and I don't know who Slimey Zlatan is trying to kid when he claims he didn't intend to kick Seamus in the head. I was as far away from it as you could get and I could still see him bring down his foot... fucking shithouse.

Still, deserved or not, we denied them the victory and that will do me. I'll take an undeserved draw over a defeat all day long.

ps: Get young Holgate into the center of that defence. If we don't introduce a little culture back there and continue with the mindless big boot, we will not only continue to slide down the table, we will empty the fucking place.

I'm sorry but I think Bolasie is shit, not a team player at all plays with his head down and always looks to shoot rather than pass anybody in, never gives the full back assistance or even an option down the line. Sorry, but I hope he is injured for a couple of weeks so we can try somebody else, a modern day Peter Beagrie one good game in 5 player.

We need a new goalkeeper too, waste nearly every goal kick and isn't convincing at the back a good number 2. Lukaku is being slaughtered and I see why but playing long balls to him every week isn't his strength we need to play it on the floor to him so he can run on. The current system doesn't work and if we are to continue the long ball then we must play 2 upfront.

It appears to me that Koeman is so convinced of the poor quality of this squad that he asks them to be tight, compact and defensive to the point of surrendering all attacking intent.

And then, as if by magic, we ended up with two forwards on the pitch, two centre mids looking forwards and we created space and chances. We looked better at the end, but my money's on us starting 4-5-1 on Saturday.

This is a very poor league. The current top five will probably remain top five. The rest is a mess of mediocrity that beats each other every week.

Even with this squad, sixth place is a feasible target. Lucky managers often stumble on their best formation, the good ones grab what works and use it. Over to you, Ronald.

Our attacking midfield is non existent, they don't work hard enough, offer any outlets down the channels or score any goals.

Lukaku is left isolated and is accused of being useless and lazy, but if you provide the service he will score goals. What's worrying, is the manager doesn't seem to have any answers at all, and the club aren't linked with any midfielders who could remedy the problem.

We looked marginally better, yesterday, when we we're forced into playing 4-4-2 through injury, at least there was a goal threat, but will Koeman stick to that system? I doubt it. Tactically he's looking pretty useless.

It's plainly obvious to see we are not playing well and are not creating enough chances. The lack of ball retention and the fact that Lukaku is not good enough to play the lone striker role in this system has got to be addressed.

I'm almost as concerned as I was when Martinez was here, but at least he had the humility and the nouse to change the shape and tactics. I really don't think Koeman has and I'm hanging on to this transfer window and the fact we've got money to spend as a saving grace but if I'm being honest do I want to watch route one kick and rush every week even if we get player's in who are better at it??

No!!! Definitely not – I thought we'd moved on from the big dunc year's and the last thing I want to do is go the game each week to watch a crappy championship division style dogfight football with little class or skill!

For me, the biggest problem we have at the minute is Koeman and his instruction's! I have no doubt in my mind it was him who told Stekelenburg to be ready to rush off his line and help the back four as we were playing a high defensive line; granted he never told him to get it wrong but it's another example of poor management by not knowing your players' strengths and weaknesses and playing to them!

I have seen nothing from Koeman to make me think he is a top manager apart from being a disciplinarian and setting some standards for hard work which should be the very least! Every week we are playing the sane 4-2-3-1 and hoofing the ball up to Lukaku with no success; it's shocking to watch and the result's are just as bad!

I hope I'm wrong but I have a feeling it's going to be another difficult season, regardless of the transfer window, and that Koeman just isn't that right man for the job!!

I know, I know. We all want a balance... but after years of reading (especially on the near psychotic live forum) comments like, "Just kick it anywhere", "Clear your fucking lines", "Knock it forward as fast as you can" etc, etc, etc ... It makes me chuckle to think that you do actually get some things you want.

I thought we were far better with the three changes, and I hope we start with the same end side and attitude against the Arsenal.

Unfortunately, It's all about the money, and until we can spend seriously and match the wages on offer elsewhere, we will continue as a mid-table club.

Again with the straw man arguments.

Nobody is calling for a return to tippy-tappy. There is a massive gap between aimless possession obsession and mindless hoofball.

Ever thought people would just like to see intelligent, combative, entertaining, joined-up, on-the-deck, football from time to time ?

We have been served up shite from both extremes of the spectrum in recent seasons. When people are dismissive of one, it does not indicate they are pining for the other.

I know its December but why adopt your Scrooge like approach by saying it was an undeserved draw? By what criteria was it undeserved? Did I miss something at the match? Did Steklenberg make save after save? Was it all Everton defending for their life?

No, but I did see their keeper make saves from Baines, Mirallas, Gueye and Valencia – all goal bound efforts. Now apart from the goal gifted by Steklenburg and the effort that hit the top of the crossbar, I can't think of another effort they had on target. So how you interpret that as an undeserved draw, I don't know.

The whole problem with Martinez's system was there was too much onus on the centre halves to distribute the ball and not play long! Now it is the complete opposite under Koeman were the instruction seem's to be get it forward as quick as possible even if the pass isn't on, the old-fashioned playing percentages play the game in their half!

I think what we all want to see is good football what is played from the back but what does not involve your centre-backs being the main ball players! There is nothing wrong with mixing it up but the last thing I want to watch is centre halves pumping diagonal balls unless it's dying moments of the game and we need a goal!

Top teams can play and can fight – at the minute, we do neither!

I'm absolutely dreading the derby again!!

At the moment, Koeman seems to be putting all his eggs in the January Window Basket... He also seems just as stubborn and Inflexible as the last two.

I hope he changes and starts to get us improving, winning and finally playing a better brand of footy.

I also doubt he'll last 3 years – especially if he doesn't get the money he thinks he needs, or if the players he wants won't come, no matter what.

Everton's football has been poor all season and consistently only reasonable for one half of games. We are slow starters and always concede the first goal.

As I write this, I realise I could have written this in the last two seasons as well, and could have added "and we can't close games down to hold on to a lead".

At least we are fitter now and can last out games now.

It strikes me that that this group of players are consistent, consistently poor. They let us down under RM and they are letting us down now. They are the common factor and a fair few of them know their time at Everton is now coming to an end. They are not underachieving, they are bottlers.

The ones you could trust to give their all – Jagielka, Baines, Barry are all getting on in years and some have had injuries all too frequently. It may be form or it may be permanent. Time will tell. Coleman is still one to trust, as is Williams. Gana is a revelation and a blueprint for the modern footballer that Koeman is looking for. As for the rest. Not for me I'm afraid.

Valencia looks worth a start, maybe in the Barkley slot. Mirallas tried yesterday and didn't hide but, after all these years, he doesn't convince and divides opinion. Deulofeu is similar, and for me a major disappointment. I thought we had a potential world beater on our hands at first, but sadly not.

Lennon was always full of running and energy but this season he has played narrow and rarely been seen out wide.

I could go on but It is pissing me off!

Judge Koeman when he has HIS players not others' cast-offs.

I want to give Koeman time, but what concerns me is that all he mentions is the pressing. I would have thought that the system was the most important thing, with the pressing being there to implement the system as effectively as possible. That seems more logical, and possibly more understandable to players.

I get the impression (although I'm trying not to, but starting to fail miserably) that all the talk about pressing is in lieu of having a defined system, plan or pattern, rather than something to implement a system, plan or pattern. I hope I'm wrong.

I keep telling myself that Koeman is deconstructing our way of playing after last season, and that during this deconstruction period it will be difficult to see an effective system, but the latter will become recognisable (with good flowing football, creativity, and football brains) once he's finished the deconstruction and started constructing his way of playing. But I might just be kidding myself. It might just be wishful thinking based on hope rather than evidence. Again, I hope I'm wrong.

The first half was truly dire but improved in the second half when forced into a 4-4-2.

Gana was very good but poor old Tom Cleverley, despite trying probably harder than most, was awful and I'm glad the cheers when he was taken off weren't worse than they were.

Lukaku was noticeably trying harder and it's good to see Valencia getting a slightly longer run.

But let's not kid ourselves. Everton are mediocre and we're in for a very mediocre season. In some ways I don't mind. Let's see where Koeman has the team after two more windows. He'll be learning about the team still and most likely realising that he has a lot of surgery to carry out.

It makes for grim viewing though.

Similar with skiing: when a good ski instructor takes you right back to basics, you can't see the point at first, until everything comes together.

Given Holgate's emergence and the failure of Deulofeu to look anything like a decent footballer at the moment, I'm up for trying Coleman in a further forward position. Probably madness but at least he can be required upon to work hard and put in the challenges, I also think that he's a decent crosser and even seems to get more goals from RB then some of our wingers. So my team vs Watford assuming Bolasie is injured:

Robles
Holgate, Williams, Funes Mori, Baines
Coleman, Gueye, Barry, Mirallas
Lukaku, Valencia

Get two strikers up-top contesting crosses and creating space for each other.

On a more serious note, the MotD break down of the match showed Rom with 44 touches of the ball, but only ONE in the Man Utd area! Something wrong there.

Mirallas had his best game for eons and Valencia is surely worth a start at Watford. I think we should play two up front and start on the front foot for a change.

On a side note, has any body heard a more immaculately observed minutes silence? Particularly relevant when you also consider our opponents and the Munich Disaster.

And as for Deulofeu, how the fucking hell does this lad get anywhere near the first team before an academy player? However, we can slag off as many as we like, but they don't pick themselves – it costs the club ٤m pa for someone to do that.

The truth is that every manager has to decide what makes their team effective. Against Man City, Conte decided to hit them on the break, but City had the majority of possession. But because Chelsea have much better players than we do, they can play that way because in Costa, Hazard and Willian they have players with pace and a great first touch – something sadly lacking with our front 3.

I see even Moyes is now playing 2 up top and they are starting winning games. So because of the type of players we have we probably need to play Valencia alongside Lukaku, as on his own Lukaku is struggling. For a big man he isn't good in the air in fact on Sunday he hardly won an ariel battle. We know his first touch is poor so another striker alongside him may help him and us.

I thought for the last 15/20 minutes when we had Valencia, Lukaku and Mirallas and Deulofeu on the pitch we posed problems for Man Utd, and the movement between them was better than it had been.

As far as style of play is concerned, I think most of us agree that we are lacking a creative midfielder, maybe Koeman can see we are and thinks bypassing the midfield gives us more chance of a good result!

I've been banging on for two years at least, about our squad not being of the quality required to challenge for the top 6; I've not seen anything to change my mind this season.

Regardless of tactics, its the players on the field that have to be good enough to make them successful. Who in our team would the usual top 6 clubs want to sign? Very few if any.

We need to spend a lot of money and be able to persuade some top players to come to Goodison or we can expect more of the same.

Talking of young players I thought Galloway last season showed he was a top class defender in the making and he deserves to be made more use of this season.

It's commonly acknowledged that the January transfer window is not a good time to do business unless you're pushing for a league title or further into the Champions League and need to strengthen. (Steve) Walsh's 'go to' talent pool will be pre-occupied by the 'Africans' ... and besides, why would Moshiri pump millions into the team when Kenwright remains the majority shareholder and (with Elstone) still presides over our transfer dealings?

The overhaul we need will not happen in January. Nothing of note or long term benefit will happen in January. Please don't stress yourselves out over the forthcoming transfer window, it will ruin your New Year... salvation comes from having (almost) a fully fit squad... oh dear.

Colin,I agreed with us getting the ball forward early yesterday, it wasn't hoof ball that suggests aimless punts into the night time sky. We tried to play it into the forwards and compete for the second ball. There us a difference to anyone with basic football knowledge.

One of the best Everton sides I had the pleasure to watch did that on a regular basis,along with the ability to play on the floor. If it's not working trying to build, there isn't a problem to changing attacking ideas.

The offence has been mediocre and it seems that unless Rom scores nobody else will. A Baines penalty in 87th. minute saves a home point and a Coleman header in injury time saves a home point against lowly Swansea.

These are alarming statistics and I don't think I have seen an Everton team play so poorly for many years for this length of time.

If only we could put this amount of urgency in to the other games that we should really be winning.

The Everton supporters were tremendous, too.

Gary (#207). Looks like you need to take a "happy" pill, mate!

Game between two mid-table teams short on confidence ends in stalemate. A bruising encounter with very little quality football or skill on display. Both goals the result of defensive mistakes by useless large lumps.

Tom Cleverley, the England international midfield maestro, was man of the match for his all action performance, reminding the writer of a young Alan Ball who used to grace these parts.

'January Window Basket' – another Dutchman? Haven't seen him in action!

I'm not blaming him here for offering nothing as he had zero service, which seems the norm these days with our lack of creativity.

No goals in several games, granted almost no supply during that time, gives the lad an excuse.

However his close control almost never brings others into play, his movement flatters to device, often on his heels when the vital moment arises.

Yesterday as Bolaise broke down the right in the 1st half, he completely misread the the ball or expected it to plonked on his head, a small lead to the ball and well Jones is dead in the water.

He is laden with goals, please don't think that's a contradiction, but Everton neither have the players or tactics to harvest this bounty.

I happen to think the crux is that others are in part suffering because of Lukaku; were I Ross Barkley I'd be fairly pissed with Rom. He hides, rarely comes short to spin away, stays the width of the 18-yard box.

Now Ross has his own issues but, his most dangerous pass should be to Rom, and if I were an Everton midfielder the only pass I'd give Rom is over the top.

Lukaku's ability to stem our momentum with poor control, poor decision making, often with the ball coming straight back, is a big influence on the fluency of our play.

Now after slagging him solid for paragraphs, I think I would keep him, if the right style of players can be found to complement him. If they are not available, then I would sell him that being said.

The classic number 10 who is about control and retaining ball possession is the player I want to see. Not a Coutinho-style but a more physical type, Sharpesque.

Mad to say it but a Fellaini-style player would be great, holding the ball up, allowing Barkley to receive and play shorter more accurate balls through for Rom much higher up the pitch and facing goal.

After all this, I do wonder whether we will sag back into our previous performances as I fear the players not the manager played a little better just because it was Man Utd.

How utterly ridiculous that is! Of course, when you see it in black and white and with all the verbose waffle removed... hey.

Now often the crossing has not been of the highest standard but Lukaku could really help himself to more service by showing some better movement. He doesn't often make that near or far post burst that so often leads to goals but tends to stay static on the penalty spot and point at the patch of grass in front of him that is blocked off by the defender who has barely had to move anyway.

When he does get chances, he's a decent finisher and sometimes he makes goals from almost nothing. But, to move from being a good goalscorer to a top class striker, he's got to work on his movement around the box.

Two of Chelsea's goals were long balls against Man City, the difference is they have mobile forwards who actually know what to do with that service; we don't seem to have that in Lukaku.

I actually think we deserved a point against United and could have snatched a win.