Koeman: 'We showed incredible spirit'

Wednesday, 13 December, 2016 60comments  |  Jump to most recent

Ronald Koeman hailed the commitment of his players after they recovered from conceding the first goal against Arsenal to battle back to a deserved win this evening.

The manager made it clear that he was dissatisfied with the first 20 minutes of the game but praised the Blues for their response and how difficult they made it for a team that came into the game on a 14-match unbeaten run.

“The first 20 minutes were really poor,” Koeman admitted after the final whistle. “[We were] very nervous, unsure. Every ball was back instead of playing forward, too many mistakes, no aggression, no pressing on the ball.

“And, yes, after 20 minutes we played face to face and we showed unbelievable spirit in the game. We came back after 1-0 down and we deserved the win. Of course, the final with 10 players a lot happened in the box.

Article continues below video content


“We were lucky in the last situation but I think we deserved the win today. After a poor 20 minutes I think we played great football and really had a great understanding and the support of the fans and that makes Goodison Park still difficult to beat Everton if we play like we did after 20 minutes.

“Sometimes it's difficult to understand why we start so poorly in the beginning. Of course, it's normal after a bad run of results that maybe there's a lack of confidence but show your personality.

“And we showed that big personality after 20 minutes in a difficult situation in the game. We fought back, went face to face. We. made it very difficult for Arsenal and that's a huge compliment to the players.”

 

Reader Comments (60)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer


Brian Williams
1 Posted 14/12/2016 at 00:15:47
Excellent all round and the players did exactly what we all want them to do, and that's put 100% effort in, no more no less.
David Price
2 Posted 14/12/2016 at 00:15:56
Koeman gets it after tonight. Tempo, two strikers, fresh legs in midfield. Ross, Gana and Macca really clicked well.

His comments towards Wenger at the post match were excellent. He'll take the big boys on, don't worry he'll sort it.

Got to give him credit for the changes and the players responding.

Terrific night – shows what we can do. Fortress Goodison is back; same again Monday, lads.

James Watts
3 Posted 14/12/2016 at 01:12:57
Absolutely gobsmacked. I missed the game – partly on purpose and partly due to being on at 4am here– but can't believe what I'm reading. What a fantastic result and can't wait to watch the full game.

We'll done, boys, and was great to see the young striker coming on and Valencia starting. Has the penny finally dropped with our stubborn-arse manager? Frigging hope so! Get in there!

Teddy Bertin
4 Posted 14/12/2016 at 01:40:52
People talk about the 12th man but when Evertonians get behind the team like that it's more like a 12th, 13th and 14th man! No other stadium in the UK has that.

Fair play to McCarthy, Baines, Gueye and Coleman tonight for reacting in the right way to the stoney silence that greeted our awful play up until the goal.

Great to see some fight back in our boys. Slightly worried by Lukaku's body language and walking around. He may have been knackered but that's worrying too.

Impressed with Valencia's passion and workrate too.

Well done, lads. Best performance for a long time.

Peter Barry
5 Posted 14/12/2016 at 02:12:25
I stayed in bed too, James (#3) – far too early in the morning here in Bali.

So it appears the problem is me: I jinx Everton because every game I watch live we seem to lose. So, if I stop watching altogether, we will be Champions, of course!

Tony Byrne
6 Posted 14/12/2016 at 02:46:38
I went to the game tonight: pride, passion, commitment & a bit of heart can make that much difference. This is the type of performance that us fans can connect to,give us a bit of fight & we will respond all day long.

Made up Williams got the winner; this lad has not looked happy in the past few games,his reaction to scoring tonight backs up my assumption. A huge test in beating a quality side without Barry is a major plus IMO.

Gueye was his usual brilliance tonight, a special mention goes to Macca though, dogged in the tackle, great on his day.

Baines & Coleman showing the form that made them so formidable in days gone by? I would question Baines as a LFB long-term unfortunately,a superb servant who's time is coming to an end sadly.

Barkley being put back in tonight was well justified, he didn't hide.

Lukaku for me, didn't seem to put as much effort in as the guys mentioned above, just my opinion. Lost the ball soooo many times.

Final mention for Koeman, it's early days and he needs at least another 24 months. I will back him for the next 2 years because we need a steady build, not a 5 minute fix. This squad needs 10 players IMO over the next 18 months.

Zahid Ibrahim
7 Posted 14/12/2016 at 03:01:32
Finally, a win!

Fantastic victory especially against a top in-form team like Arsenal!! The guys now know what it takes to win a game in EPL, 100% passion, no less, which Koeman has been advocating all along.

Hopefully, they will gun down the Reds next Monday at Goodison Park with the same gutso performance.

Tom Brown
8 Posted 14/12/2016 at 03:21:40
This might sound negative but it isn't supposed to...

Anyone else watching that thinking that at the heart of the difference lay the absence of Barry? He wouldn't have had the legs to play his part in that frenetic effort. If a centre-mid can't join in, then it is liable to undermine the whole team effort.

Barry still puts in good individual performances, but I feel they need to be sacrificed if we are to regularly repeat the team performance.

Mike Gaynes
9 Posted 14/12/2016 at 03:34:09
Tom (#8), that's a difficult conclusion to argue with. Barry could not have maintained the frenetic pace of this game. And for the first time this year, Barkley's passing was good enough that Barry wasn't missed through the midfield.
Mick Davies
10 Posted 14/12/2016 at 03:50:59
Teddy @ 4, Fair play to McCarthy, Baines, Gueye and Coleman tonight for reacting in the right way.

I couldn't agree more; those 4 epitomised the blood and guts displays we saw 3 years ago against the Gunners, Man Utd etc. The team are much more balanced without the immobile Barry. No disrespect to the guy who has given everything for us but the amount of cards he collects betrays his sluggishness, in a Premier League that is saturated with nippy players.

He can't cope now, and the Gana / Macca barrier choked Arsenal's usually productive midfield, leaving Barkley, Baines and Seamus to bomb on, taking the game to the opposition – something we haven't seen much of for a couple of years.

This has to be the set-up for the derby, where we can take advantage of the loss of Coutinho, and the cowardly captain Henderson, to batter them into submission. I just hope we see another performance like this next Monday... COYB

Darryl Ritchie
12 Posted 14/12/2016 at 05:54:42
I'm happy to see that the fans that paid to see the match, got their money's worth. That game was everything I've come to expect from a Premier League fixture. Nobody can say that we stole one from an underperforming Arsenal side.

They were on their game. It's just that for the last 70 minutes, we were better.

It was a riveting game to watch, the final score was just icing on the cake.

James Watts
13 Posted 14/12/2016 at 06:13:53
Peter Barry (#5). Looks like we'll have to both take the jinx blame I think. Actually looking forward to NOT watching the derby now. 4-1 to us! ;)
Richard Lyons
14 Posted 14/12/2016 at 06:24:31
I like his criticism of the first 20 minutes, and particularly:

"Every ball was back instead of playing forward."

For a week or so, I wondered if Koeman was really Martinez with a blond wig & mask, but that comment would actually have been praise from Martinez, not criticism...

Adam Fenlon
15 Posted 14/12/2016 at 06:41:34
I know we've played a game more than most, but can't believe we're still 7th after such a woeful run.
Jay Woods
16 Posted 14/12/2016 at 06:43:16
Wow, the players were up for it (after a limp start).

Maybe Koeman should insist they all get up at 4 o'clock in the morning on matchdays where the kick-off is mid afternoon, just to replicate that playing-at-night vibe.

Paul Conway
17 Posted 14/12/2016 at 06:46:32
I know its early days, but, after almost 50 years of supporting Everton, I have to say Gana is proving he has the potential, to possibly be the best player ever, to don an Everton shirt.

He is simply majestic, with a quality deluxe.

James Morgan
18 Posted 14/12/2016 at 06:51:12
Absolutely brilliant performance after Arsenal scored. Gana covered every blade of grass, Barkley put a real shift in, even Lukaku decided to run a bit after seeing the team do so, plus I noticed the ball stuck to him or he won it in the air a few times. He can be a beast when he wants to be!

Also, Valencia deserves special mention for his effort and tenacity. The cross from Baines for Coleman was top class as well.

Let's not revert back to type against the shite Monday now!

Paul Kelly
19 Posted 14/12/2016 at 06:56:32
And I'm going to have some incredible spirits also, scotch, vodka etc

Well fought victory, more of the same Monday please.

Liam Reilly
20 Posted 14/12/2016 at 08:07:15
Gana is like 'Billy's Boots' (many youngsters won't get that) but his positional sense is almost disturbing; it's so good.

Playing 2 up front allowed Ross to hang back in the midfield 3 (something I've been advocating for sometime) thus allowing him more time and space to be creative.

McCarthy showed what a player he could be if he can stay fit and Seamus should be the captain for me.

Kim Vivian
21 Posted 14/12/2016 at 08:38:36
Does that result make it easier or harder to choose Monday's team?

Honestly? No-one deserves to be displaced from the starting line up. I can see Gaz being brought back but the Gana/McCarthy axis was pretty convincing last night.

I've only just got myself down off the ceiling. Great night – even on TV. I tried for tickets for this game but no chance from so far away.

Mike Allen
22 Posted 14/12/2016 at 08:42:32
Don't get carried away, boys... but suck it up while we can. Plaudits from the pundits talking as if we are minnows. A Moyes performance – it's all we've been asking for – show some pride and put the effort in.
Geoff Evans
23 Posted 14/12/2016 at 08:44:06
Pride and passion doesn't win every game but it's a bloody good starting point. Let's show it every game.
Colin Glassar
24 Posted 14/12/2016 at 08:55:44
Paul (#17), Gana is turning out to be a great signing but that's a bit OTT isn't it?
Paul Tran
25 Posted 14/12/2016 at 09:00:31
Koeman has wanted commitment, pressing and energy from day one. For the first time in ages, the players did it. He took his blinkers off and stuck two up front, which created space and encouraged more movement.

Koeman got some stick for talking about running and aggression, but that's the foundation for any successful team. In the 1980s Kendall called it earning the right to play.

I was watching on the telly up here in the Highlands and I'm still buzzing! It's only going to be a turning point if we keep it going, so here's hoping...

Paul Kelly
26 Posted 14/12/2016 at 09:16:43
Kim, "I've only just got myself down off the ceiling", Lionel Richie fan? Or a plasterer?

Colin, " that's a bit OTT isn't it?", maybe, but player of the season so far by a country mile I reckon.

Colin Glassar
27 Posted 14/12/2016 at 09:40:42
That I agree with Paul. I just hope his contract is rock solid.
Jim Burns
28 Posted 14/12/2016 at 09:42:37
Paul @ 26 - I agree Gana is clearly the buy of the season – another great shift last night, but...

Paul @ 17 that suggestion is just silly. I won't insult the memory of so many Everton greats by listing them and I'll forgive you on the basis I was pretty high myself when I left the ground last night.

The groundswell of noise which grew as the game – and commitment – developed was wonderful and in complete contrast to the sullen and justified crowd mood at Watford on Saturday.

Big question – WHY the change?

Paul Kelly
29 Posted 14/12/2016 at 09:43:25
Agreed mate, I bet his performances ain't gone unnoticed by the masses.
Tony Abrahams
30 Posted 14/12/2016 at 09:44:27
Tom (#8), that's not a negative it's just plain common sense.

Barry has been and still is, a very good servant to Everton but you've got to have legs in the engine room, which is where this victory was engineered from.

I thought the crowd's response was absolutely brilliant tonight, when we finally stood-up to Arsenal, and Williams in particular went from being the most nervous man on the pitch, to the type of leader we have been looking for in the space of about twenty minutes.

Let's hope the players enjoyed it as much as the fans did, because as Koeman found out for himself last night, when your team fights for everything, Goodison responds, and the united efforts of both the players and the supporters, will always win Everton games!

Colin Glassar
31 Posted 14/12/2016 at 09:46:13
Wouldn't it be nice to go into the new year on 32 points? Three tough games coming up but...
Paul Kelly
32 Posted 14/12/2016 at 09:50:03
Jim, he's been on the website –the know-it-all-never-wrong-fickle-as-fuck-fanbase.com, otherwise known as TW (only joking, people) and taken our suggestions on board.

I mean, like what else could it be?

Christy Ring
33 Posted 14/12/2016 at 10:36:41
Still on a high after last night's performance. We looked a more dangerous and balanced team with Valencia supporting Lukaku.

I know I'm biased, because I'm a huge McCarthy fan, but last night, he was back to what he does best. The bite in the tackle, and his hounding and aggressive attitude, showed that a fit McCarthy played in his proper position, has shown Koeman, that all he wants, is to be part of this Everton team.

Tom Sharp
34 Posted 14/12/2016 at 10:51:40
Such an incredible performance. After that torrid first 20 minutes, the passion just kicked in. Everyone played there part, the 4 finally looked solid, both had cover for the first time in how many games

I was pleased Koeman addressed the left side balance. Baines was getting obliterated against Watford as there was no balance to the team, so for him to bring Lennon in was a great bit of management.

McCarthy and Gana God were absolutely majestic the dynamism of them two last was truly outstanding. Lennon and Valencia (who will turn out to play an important part this season) ran their absolute nuts off, chasing back and forward! And what a difference Barkley makes just by a passing FORWARD.

Unfortunately with Barry, McCarthy and Gana, Gana being slightly better then two others, their passing range forward is more a less non-existent. Even against Watford as soon as Barkley came on we starting getting on top because the ball was moving forward.

I'm hope Koeman plays the exact same team against the Red Shite

And a quick mention for Calvert-Lewin – I thought he had a good like debut, he's going to score a few headers, that lad!

Tony Hill
35 Posted 14/12/2016 at 10:59:19
What last night showed, above all as far as I'm concerned, is that the team are prepared to play for this manager and that the manager himself is fully committed. I had fundamentally doubted both of those things on the basis of recent matches.

Even if, God forbid, we lose on Monday, I will be more than content to back the Koeman project from now on because if you know the team and management are trying their best then we can only give them our wholehearted support. That is what magically occurred last night: a rediscovery of our soul.

Michael Lynch
37 Posted 14/12/2016 at 11:30:56
I agree with everyone about everything.

I kept wondering if Barry's absence was helping the midfield. Barry has been immense, but Macca and Gana seemed to compliment each other better perhaps? Maybe it was Macca's intensity combined with Gana's uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time every time – as someone said before – that did the trick.

I just can't understand why it all seemed to come together last night, as against any other night this season? I mean, we've been shit and gone a goal down before, why did it galvanise us so much last night, while in every other game it hasn't. I wonder if Arsenal were simply the right team for us to play. The gave us a certain amount of space and they didn't really like going toe-to-toe with our lads.

Anyway, whatever the reasons, that was the first game this season that I've actually enjoyed watching. Absolute classic. First of many I hope. Tony (#35) puts it perfectly, it did indeed feel like a rediscovery of our soul.

Everton Wint
38 Posted 14/12/2016 at 12:07:38
The reasons we found or soul was because. Koeman finally, for the first time this season, in my opinion picked a Koeman style team. Lennon and Valencia both have pace and like to run at and take people on.

Gana (great midfielder) and McCarthy have so much energy it's unreal, and given time to blossom could become our Reid and Bracewell. The back four and keeper are fine when playing behind a midfield like that because all spaces get covered, instead of getting exposed every attack.

Ross playing more with energetic players around him moving all the time will grow and start to run at players again like he use to, and have options to find. Everything has to happen at pace for Ross, he's totally an instinctive player and gets exposed when he has too much time because he then thinks.

Finally Rom, he just needs to be in the box more, practice killing and shielding the ball more and increase stamina so we can see him take defenders on those long sprints. We'll be a danger to all. Still bouncing, what a present from my team for my 50th today. COYBs

Raymond Fox
39 Posted 14/12/2016 at 12:41:20
All the team contributed to that result, but the first 20 mins it was very poor, we let Arsenal have all the room in the world it, was déjà vu again. As soon as we went one down we were a different team, the team that we want to see.

My assessment of the players performances:-

Stekelenburg 8/10 – Very solid performance.

Coleman 9/10 –Back to his best. Make him captain.

Baines 8/10 –Tempted to give him 9. Almost back to his best.

Jagielka 7/10 – Solid without being outstanding.

Williams 7/10 – Almost an 8 though took his goal chance brilliantly.

Gana 10/10 – What a performance. Must be worth £40m now, plays like a Conte on speed. I hope he hasn't a release clause in his contract.

McCarthy 9/10 – Another back to his best, as a spoiler he wants some beating. Ran all night.

Barkley 7/10 – Tempted to give him 8. Had a really poor start to the game, but he grew into it and played much better the last 65 mins. Still lacking aggression and he is still a passenger when it comes to defending, a big flaw in his game for me.

Lennon 8/10 – I like Lennon, not brilliant but reliable and gave his all.

Valencia 9/10 – Second to Gana performance wise. Should be automatic pick on that effort. Get him bought if possible.

Lukaku 7/10 – Too passive again, he should be making his size tell much more than he does. He has the speed to go past defenders but most of the time he's in the wrong positions. Could be a great player if he could only find some more aggression.

Funes Mori, Calvert-Lewin and Mirallas weren't on long enough to rate but I thought Mirallas did well for the time he was on. The young lad looks like he has something about him and looks to have a future.

Great night for the club, puts our hat in the Premier League ring again.

Any opposition watching that game wont fancy coming to Goodison to play, let's keep it up.

Mike Galley
40 Posted 14/12/2016 at 12:43:10
I thought the commitment/spirit, call it what you will, was fantastic last night. I've a feeling the players knew it was time to deliver a performance even if the result didn't go our way. Thankfully it did.

I've heard a rumour that there's been a bit of a meeting between the players and management early this week. An attempt to clear the air and maybe iron out a few problems or grievances. Anyone else heard anything like this?

Alex Doyle
41 Posted 14/12/2016 at 12:46:58
"I agree with everyone about everything"

This must be a ToffeeWeb first

Thomas Lennon
42 Posted 14/12/2016 at 12:50:44
Extraordinary!

24 hours ago I was reading a very long list of people who had lost interest in Everton & football at this level after watching for 30-40-50-60 years etc.

That's football. Passion never dies, it goes on recharge.

Joe Foster
43 Posted 14/12/2016 at 13:03:30
Great game. Nearly had a heart attack at the end. More of the same please.
Vince Furnier
44 Posted 14/12/2016 at 13:08:00
Very funny and very true, Alex Doyle.
Ciarán McGlone
45 Posted 14/12/2016 at 13:14:37
It was good to see Koeman smiling during that interview.

Hopefully that continues, it suits him.

Tom Magill
46 Posted 14/12/2016 at 13:15:52
What a performance! We're back!

That's an early Christmas present for me, everybody put in 100%. Well done, Toffees – same again on Monday please.

Tom Bowers
47 Posted 14/12/2016 at 13:53:14
I have to admit that Jags and Barry have done great at Everton but there comes a time in everyone's career when cracks appear. Jags has been off for a season or two now and Barry has started to wane especially with his late tackling.

Whilst not wanting to bash the older guys too much it has to be said that Baines has seen his best days. That's not to say they are washed up but can still be good squad guys for a season or two longer. Everton have some really good younger defenders who are ready to step in and it's a matter of sooner than later.

Let's not bash Lukaku for yesterday's game. He has carried the attack for a few seasons now and, although he has his faults, there is nobody else in the squad who can fill his boots.

Don Alexander
48 Posted 14/12/2016 at 13:59:11
Last season, at Southampton, the players were banned from using headphones/social media whilst at work because Koeman said he had worries about the lack of togetherness such behaviour caused on the pitch, particularly in terms of communication between team-mates in the match.

In a press article in September, Gareth Barry said Koeman had done the same, and more, with us given the lassitude (my word) that had grown and grown under Martinez.

I've said it before but Koeman is one hard-nosed professional. The need for him to cosset the lovelies being mega-paid to also become just that has no place amongst a squad of men. Last night, for the first time this season, in my opinion, they played like men and even the thick ones in the team should be able to see the connection to winning, not shirking.

Paul English
49 Posted 14/12/2016 at 14:00:54
Mike Dean? – this is one bad ref from the Wirral. He is the ref for the derby. He's never done a team from Merseyside before, and was given the 4th official job last nite, to give him the taste of what to expect. He frequently sings You'll Never Walk Alone. His son is a Red Shite season ticket holder... BE WARNED!!!
Brian Furey
50 Posted 14/12/2016 at 15:00:17
Amazing turnaround last night and at 1-1 I was putting the kids to bed and I had a feeling we would get a winner.

So what was so different about last night? Well first of all the facts & then opinion. No Barry, no Deulofeu, no Bolasie.

Coleman was like a man possessed and he didn't care that he wasn't wearing the armband, he acted like the team leader and showed his passion going in at half time.

Baines seemed a lot more up for the game too and his run and winning that free showed something we've not saw for months.

Gana has already been amazing but his partnership with a much more mobile McCarthy meant he wasn't so worried about covering for Barry and Jags.

Lennon reminded us what he was capable of and compare the effort he put in last night to what we saw from him a few weeks ago.

Most of the players certainly upped their intensity and workrate but I think that also came from a much more animated Koeman. In other games, he looks so passive and in control and his team selection and tactics was very much to be negative and defensive.

To actually listen to a lot of the fans and line up with 2 strikers totally shocked me as I thought he would never do that.

Yes, he was even smiling and enjoying himself and let himself get sucked (off) sorry in by the Goodison passionate atmosphere.

We still have a lot of work to do and we can't play like that every week as it's totally exhausting and not possible. It's good to show some of the players that they can knuckle down and win ugly, something that I think the younger lads like Lukaku, Geri, Barkley aren't used to doing as they have had it far too handy under Martinez.

On another note. I think big Rom has never really had to work hard for a team and so it's not his natural style. You can see that Valencia knows he has to work harder and make runs. Rom is trying to add it to his game a little but it's not natural for him as he's used to getting loads of goals with just good supply of balls to him.

The style of play of most big clubs now seems to be play 1 up front and they have to work hard with the team. I think this is why no big club is taking a chance on Rom and it could be the reason why he's already been with us as long as he has. I think he did better when he had Kone up front with him and I'd like to see Valencia play a few more games with him. He is fast and makes good runs and looks keen to impress.

Paul Smith
51 Posted 14/12/2016 at 15:04:40
Better result and from 20 minutes in I thought we controlled the game and took it to Arsenal. To be fair they were only a final ball from being out of sight after 20. Seeing us stand up to a top team and show no fear was a big improvement for me and seeing Ross Barkley in the deeper role I have screamed for him to play was much better and with more players in front of him rather than just Lukaku he put in an intelligent performance and a good range of passes.

It's a shame there are still a few groans at any little mistake he does but there's always going to be the few that won't be proved wrong. Support the lad if you want to see his best. McCarthy who I have heavily criticised for 3 seasons for hiding and not wanting the ball seemed to put a far better shift in once he was booked an wound up.

Again the first 20 were dreadful from him and Williams but great to see the team turn around. Play like we did for the last 60 mins an we wont be getting hammered.
Phil Davies
52 Posted 14/12/2016 at 15:30:43
Incredibly happy with the 70 mins display, but I do have one criticism... Ross Barkley does not know how to pass and move!

He's got the pass bit down, he struggles with the bit after though. So many times last night I found myself shouting for him to move forward into space, He passes the ball and then stops to watch what the other player is doing with it.

Denis Richardson
53 Posted 14/12/2016 at 15:46:12
Season started yesterday.

John Malone
54 Posted 14/12/2016 at 16:09:48
Brian 50# I think your point about Lukaku is a bit flawed seen's as Rom basically admitted that Chelsea wanted him this summer and Koeman wouldn't let him go!

I rate Lukaku highly as a finisher but no so much as a centre forward if that makes sense! And I have to agree I would definitely like to see Valencia or even Deulofeu playing off Lukaku!

I've come to the conclusion Ross Barkley is not and never will be the player we all want him to be. If he hasn't got a footballing brain by now, he never will have. If Tottenham want to give us £35 million for him, I'd take it and sign a real top class midfielder. I'd even have Gylfi Sigurdsson before Barkley.

It's not even as if he is a blue scouser who gives everything for the shirt because he doesn't – he ambles through games a bit like Yaya Toure is doing now at the end of his career!!

If we want to succeed, we've got to be cut-throat like Klopp has been with Sturridge – there is no shirt for sick notes or under-performers; we can't afford to carry people if we want to be a top team and win trophies!!

Paul Conway
55 Posted 14/12/2016 at 16:35:55
Colin at ( #24)

I did say it is early days, but I have to say, based on his performances, which are in the main, consistent, he is such a pleasure to watch. Can't wait to see him playing with real quality.
Paul Conway
56 Posted 14/12/2016 at 17:23:33
Jim Burns (#28),

My judgement is based on his standout performances for us and a very poor Villa side.

I have to agree with you about the Everton greats. Modern footballers are so transient nowadays that he probably won't be around long enough , but I would love to see him prove it. That said, it is the silly season... :-)

Paul Avery
57 Posted 14/12/2016 at 17:38:40
That's one hell of a 50th birthday present, Everton Wint @38 have a great night.

I do love beating Arsenal more than any other team as I live round the corner from Finsbury Park. I didn't have the bottle to wear my Everton shirt today... I wanted to (but I work on site and I'm sure some would have got a bit lively with me) but I did engage with as many Arses as I could... they were all furious! 😂

COYB – more of the same Monday, please.

Paul Smith
58 Posted 14/12/2016 at 17:44:59
John Malone, that is just unbelievable that comment on Barkley who had a very good game against championship contenders and some players who are supposed to be amongst the best on earth.

I've seen McCarthy given a 9/10 on here for running. Words fail me. Our only player who can run from midfield with the ball, turn a player like he's not there, pick passes out of different range and tries to play the right way get, he gets more stick and McCarthy gets praise for running.

Although he hid from the ball 'til he got booked and wound up. Barkley is never a number 10 and does all his best work from deep.

Tony Waring
59 Posted 14/12/2016 at 17:55:57
Fabulous night, just like the match against Bayern Munich all those years ago. Just 2 questions:

1 – Can we please play all matches at Goodison at night under the lights?

2 – When did Leighton Baines discover he had a right leg?

John G Davies
61 Posted 14/12/2016 at 18:21:58
Sitting at the game last night with the score 1-1 I wasn't sure if Koeman would tighten up to not get beat.

He did the opposite and went 3 forwards. Risking a defeat to get the win.
Good for him, could have easily went for the "not get beat" option.

Paul Conway
62 Posted 14/12/2016 at 19:17:08
Ha ha, Wenger moaning about the referee decisions.

The French lost their right to complain about poor refereeing decisions since Thierry Henry had a big hand in scoring against RoI in a World Cup playoff!

Jon Cox
63 Posted 14/12/2016 at 19:59:37
Re- last night,

Get this on a consistency reality.

We'll do just fine...


Add Your Comments

In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.

» Log in now

Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.


About these ads