Koeman renews call for striking reinforcement

Sunday, 27 August, 2017 136comments  |  Jump to most recent

Ronald Koeman conceded that today's trip to Stamford Bridge to face a very strong Chelsea side was asking too much of his depleted squad, one which is still short of a striker in his view.

The Blues came off a gruelling 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Monday and Thursday's trip to Croatia looking jaded and uninspired in their 2-0 defeat to the Champions but he said he was proud nevertheless of the way his players kept going despite a poor first half.

“Maybe it was just the one game [too many this week]. The quality of the opposition today also made it really tough,” the Dutchman explained.

“But I'm still disappointed about our first half. I knew we would get problems in the last 20 minutes but I'm proud of what the team and the players did until the last second of the game to fight for the best result today.

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“In the first half we made it easy for Chelsea. We had a lot of mistakes in our ball possession, like for the second goal, and they were more aggressibe with better quality on thew ball and that was the difference in the first half.

“The game plan was like at City — to be compact, closing the gaps — but it was more difficult. I think we had too many spaces in the centre of the pitch between the two midfield players and the centre-backs… good movement from Pedro, Willian and Fabregas in the midfield and it was too much.

“Chelsea was the better team but we were a little bit unlucky. We missed six or seven players. With everybody available, it's a lot easier to handle this week.

“Several times I have mentioned that we need a striker to bring in because Sandro needs to adapt to the Premier League and Dominic (Calvert-Lewin) is only 20, 21 years old.

“I'm really happy about his development as a striker but you can't do it [that way] for the whole season. In a tough season you need one more striker.”

 

Reader Comments (136)

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Andy Meighan
1 Posted 27/08/2017 at 19:49:45
To be compact to close the gaps. What a coward . Burnley went there a couple of weeks back and were 3 up at half time. Yes, they were playing 10 men after 16 minutes but didn't we play 10 men for a whole half and clung on for dear life.

He's had all summer to replace Lukaku because he knew he was off and he's done nothing about it. No, he's bolstered the squad with leaden midfielders who haven't got a killer pass in them to save their lives!

The lack of pace in that midfield is criminal. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if our players drove their fucking cars in reverse.

Kunal Desai
2 Posted 27/08/2017 at 19:55:27
Today was a poor performance all round. Both players and manager at fault here. We are clearly lacking one or two reinforcements upfront to hold up play. Go and get either a Costa, Dzeko or worse case Slimani. A player to go straight in the first eleven and fit enough to start against Spurs in a fort night. Maybe also another wide man as as well as left back cover.
Gordon White
3 Posted 27/08/2017 at 20:02:31
A striker all well and good. But we need to go into matches with the right mentality and set up to win! We don't need to win every match. But we do need to put a good show on. And at least look like we have a chance of winning.
Soren Moyer
4 Posted 27/08/2017 at 20:10:27
Very strong Chelsea team!? They didn't even have Costa and Hazard in their team!! Why don't you admit your tactics are wrong? Phenomenal and what a manager!
Sean Patton
5 Posted 27/08/2017 at 20:27:59
Gordon,

Exactly the point – it's all about the mindset. We could have had a peak Bob Latchford up front but if you set up to snatch a draw you won't get anywhere.

The thing I can't understand is Koeman has won there before. His record away against the top 6 with Southampton was great... yet, as soon as he comes here, that goes out the window

Joe McMahon
6 Posted 27/08/2017 at 20:47:27
There is a Hex over Everton FC. Doesn't matter who the manager is, how much we spend, so a new striker changes what exactly?

It's the same teams, season-in & season-out, that we never win at their place. Chelsea – over 20 years; Arsenal – over 20 years; and of course you know who – we last won there when I was still in my 20s... I am 48 next month.

Seriously, will Everton FC ever compete again? It's been 30 years since we last have. I'm Just embarrassed by everything Everton, from the turgid slow football that seems to be our way for years, to the antiquated, clapped-out wooden stadium that is Goodison Park.

This manager is on £6 million a year... Moyes was our manager for 11 years, whilst lasting less than 12 months at 3 teams since. The club is rotten from top to bottom.

David Pearl
7 Posted 27/08/2017 at 20:49:41
I wonder if Bill is still at Stamford Bridge talking about the Barkley for Costa and Willian swap deal...

John Mckay
8 Posted 27/08/2017 at 20:55:06
Poor performance was always going to be hard today, they was a lot fresher than us and it showed.

Nice rest for some players before the next game, hopefully have another striker in by then. Not overly convinced by jags and Williams either if want to push for top 4.

Ball doesn't seem to stick lately maybe lack of striker of just because we playing top teams at the moment.

I know Bournemouth lost yesterday just about but they was setup a lot better to try and beat man city.

We need to start taking the game to the opposition, missing the wide players.

Colin Glassar
9 Posted 27/08/2017 at 20:57:33
Can you imagine our ace negotiator David?

BK - £35m for Ross and we want Costa on loan.

RA- £5m for Barkley and £15m for Costa on loan till xmas.

BK - Deal!!!

RA - Now serve me a drink unless you want to swim with the fishes.

Peter Cummings
10 Posted 27/08/2017 at 21:03:13
Very little seems to have changed as we, once again, seemingly expect to lose against the so-called Premier League 'elite'. You only have to look across Stanley Park to see the hunger and determination to beat the pundits' favourites, a desire sadly lacking in our laboured approach against the same opponents.

Okay, so we've had a tough start with fixtures and injuries, with more to come, but what is needed is a 'we must and we can' match the top dogs in the Premier League. Only Rooney seems to show that mentality so far. The pathetic display at Chelsea only highlights how far we have to go while playing a two-half attitude, one poor the other just acceptable to fair.

David Pearl
11 Posted 27/08/2017 at 21:12:59
Hah, have you bugged him, Colin?

By the sounds of things, Costa isn't looking likely. I'd love it though.

Tim Locke
12 Posted 27/08/2017 at 21:20:56
Colin, I feel things might have change at the top and Kenwright's day of negotiating are limited to getting pass the people in the stand to get to his seat.

Stranger things have happened than Costa to Everton. The season was never going to be decided on these games. It is about winning against Stoke, Watford etc.

Over 20 points dropped against those lesser teams; bag them and top four is easy, maybe even top two.

Colin Glassar
13 Posted 27/08/2017 at 21:28:13
Blimey Tim, you've got me all optimistic again.
Phil Sammon
14 Posted 27/08/2017 at 21:29:08
Why don't you buy some more number 10's, Ronald? Or shoehorn another centre-back into the first eleven?

The cheek of the man to complain he doesn't have the quality up front. He's all over the place and it really shows in the balance of the team.

Stan Schofield
15 Posted 27/08/2017 at 21:49:50
He's done it yet again. He never admits he got the tactics wrong. He either doesn't realise it, or refuses to admit it. Not good.
David Currie
16 Posted 27/08/2017 at 22:01:56
I've said on here , before we bought anyone, that we need players with speed and players that can beat a man. We set up again today playing scared and being compact, hoping to hang on.

The mentality going to the top 6 teams needs to change into "Let's pick a team that is capable of attacking them and scoring goals."

Teams like Burnley just played away at Chelsea and Spurs got 4 points and scored 4 goals. We are too negative in these games and Koeman needs to take responsibility. Our football is slow and boring.

Phillip Warrington
17 Posted 27/08/2017 at 22:23:31
Managers tactics and his excuses: first, it was midfield was the problem, then we won a few games... now, in the last two Premier League games, we have been comprehensively outplayed, it's now a striker that's the problem.

Watching the German Bundesliga and listening to RB Leipzig manager who was explaining their transfer policy, first they decide on how they want to play and how they want each player in that position to implement those tactics; then they go looking for players who they think can match how they want to play... BUT they have to be under 24.

We don't have a clear style of play, and seem to buy players who become available because they're out of favor with their current clubs. We lack speed – not so much in the players but the way we play.

When Martinez first took over, our speed of play is what won us so many games; then he tried to over-complicate the way we played and paid the price.

But the current manager doesn't seem to have a style of play and, as soon as a team puts Everton under pressure, it's not good to watch.

Jack Convery
19 Posted 27/08/2017 at 22:57:18
Wenger's attacking policy against the top 5 away from home over last 5 seasons show 2 wins. All-out attack is not the answer either.

Better players with mental toughness and a belief in what the coach is trying to do is what matters every time.

John Charles
20 Posted 27/08/2017 at 23:05:49
How many more people does he want to play out of position? His normal 3 today - Holgate is never a wing back, Davies and Sigurdsson. Not to mention Williams who would be in the wrong position anywhere on the pitch.
John Charles
21 Posted 27/08/2017 at 23:07:13
"All-out attack is not the answer."

Some attack would be good, though...

Si Cooper
22 Posted 27/08/2017 at 23:12:29
A couple of weeks ago, when the Sigurdsson deal was still being wrangled, the manager talked about bringing in three more players – a left-sided defender, wide man and a striker.

With it now looking possible that Mirallas is on his way out, we need a lot of business to happen in the next few days, don't we?

John Pickles
23 Posted 27/08/2017 at 23:37:48
It wouldn't have mattered if we had Messi up front, for him to score we have to create chances and you can't do that if you can't string two passes together.

I doubt any team with ambitions of a top four finish have gone to rival and failed to compete in any aspect of the game. We didn't compete mentally, physically, tactically or technically.

The squad is new and needs to gel but that doesn't excuse the poor use of the ball to this extent. I listened on the radio and it was 95% Chelsea players passing (mostly in our half) to each other, the only time a Blue was mentioned was kicking it out or giving possession back to Chelsea.

Hadjuk Split were threading pin-point passes into dangerous positions all night, luckily with no end product, why can't our players, allegedly worth ten times as much, manage it?

Kevin Gillen
24 Posted 27/08/2017 at 23:57:29
I'm astonished how depleted we are already. You need an additional six players for a Europa League campaign and we are woefully short in certain areas. We have known for over a year Lukaku was leaving yet we have no idea of his replacement.

I don't expect Barkley or Niasse to kick a ball for us again. Meanwhile Dowell and Pennington are sent out on loan and it's possible Mirallas is heading for the exit. Bolasie, Coleman and Funes Mori are out at least until Xmas; Barry has left and only God knows if McCarthy will play for us again.

I expect to see at least four additional players by the end of the week but am I holding my breath? Two years ago, we turned up in the most important week of the year with one fit centre half and turned in the most embarrassing derby performance ever then lost an FA Cup semi-final we should have won. We were a centre half light all year. I cannot believe we are tempting fate again.

No sign of the Moshiri millions or of a properly resourced squad ignited by Walsh's inspired selections. I hate to go all miserable but are we any further on?

David Edwards
25 Posted 28/08/2017 at 00:40:12
I think our signings have improved our squad. I honestly do. We now have quality players in a number of positions and, if all are fit, it'll be difficult to decide our best line-up. However, Kevin has made a great point about our 'absentees' and how thin our squad can be if some of our first choices under-perform!

However, every TW poster knows two things about our squad at present. We need a top class targetman striker to replace Lukaku (even partially), and we need some creativity and pace still in our midfield. We are still two signings away from having a fighting chance of finishing above 7th and making a good fist at the cup competitions (including the Europa League). The money needs to be available for this, and I do hope this comes through.

However, it requires Koeman to show he is worthy of this investment. Yesterday's performance, and frankly some very average games before then, regardless of the scores – shows a lack of attacking vision and tactical flair that showed up last season – even with a so-called lesser squad. It remains a niggling worry for me. I mentioned the contrast to the vision of Klopp last season, and the 4-0 result even against a rather sad Arsenal side, is so clearly a result that I doubt Koeman could deliver at present, even with our top 11 available.

I have seen the ghost of the sideways pass I saw too often in the past (with the likes of Higgins et al) which stopped us progressing to the level we needed to from an attacking perspective. We are better at the back lthan last season thanks to Keane and Pickford, and more solid from a defensive midfield viewpoint too. But where are the goalscoring chances coming from at present... let alone the goals? We can't rely on Rooney's hard graft and boot memory all the time!

Tom Laskaris
26 Posted 28/08/2017 at 01:06:15
5-0 last season, trimmed to 2-0 yesterday. I don't understand all the negativity, that's a 67% improvement.

Bring on Man Utd. The stats don't lie, we should only lose by one goal to them this season. Life as an Evertonian.

Henry Lloyd
27 Posted 28/08/2017 at 02:58:51
The Chelsea Game was an awful display and things need to change very quickly.

Sandro Ramirez is simply not good enough in any way shape or form... Ashley Williams is a total liability. I am sick and tired of watching that 'Curved Backpass' from Jagielka... The whole game we did nothing but go backwards no intent or desire to go forward.. Fucking ridiculous!!

For fuck sake, Everton, do what the Red Shite do – move forward, score first, and worry about defending if we concede; they get away with it nearly every week.

Sick of watching Everton and I've supported them for 45 years!!!!!! Sort it out, Koeman, because you are starting to get on my tits...

Will Mabon
28 Posted 28/08/2017 at 03:39:15
“Several times I have mentioned that we need a striker to bring in because Sandro needs to adapt to the Premier League and Dominic (Calvert-Lewin) is only 20, 21 years old".


Then why did you chase a striker that needed to "Adapt", long before a striker you considered suitable?

Convenient to use this lack-of-a-striker excuse now. Having one of the best of last season in our team didn't prevent the exact same type of performance as at Chelsea being served up in the majority of the away games – with the same lack of success.

We need tactics adapted to the Premier League.

Dennis Ng
29 Posted 28/08/2017 at 03:47:52
Tom (#26), that's quite the spin there. I would have gone with that except that the energy wasn't there today. If would be a big understatement to say we lack pace until Calvert-Lewin came on. We probably can do with 1-2 more players with pace, whether it is a striker or a winger or just somebody.

I do think Sandro needs time to adapt and he was played out of position. Calvert-Lewin needs to start every game from now on. On that note, isn't Niasse supposed to be very pacey?

Jerome Shields
30 Posted 28/08/2017 at 04:02:33
I watched the game. No matter what strikers he gets, we are not going to be a top four side. We did not compete at Chelsea's level, either tactically or individually.

Koeman has assembled a team at great expense who have gone backwards at far as putting pressure on the opposition and positioning themselves as a threat on the opposition's goal. Defensively we are in disarray.

Martinez and Moyes at times where able to do this. Martinez's Plan A did work but he had no Plan B. Moyes could organise and pressurise the opposition. Both had inconsistent teams.

I think I will give this season a miss. I have supported Everton since the 60s. Why did the board run after this Manager given his previous record? All they did was pump air up his ass and give him illusions that he was better than he was. No way is he good enough to manage Everton.

James Stewart
31 Posted 28/08/2017 at 04:03:15
@28 my thoughts exactly. Rooney, Klaassen, Sigurdsson, Sandro all at their best in a free role behind a non-existent striker. Could be argued Lookman's best position as well.

Crazy recruitment considering we only have one winger and a kid up top in the squad.

Jay Harris
32 Posted 28/08/2017 at 04:55:54
The one statistic that brings it all home.

Not one shot on target. In fact we were hardly in Chelsea's box all game.

Disgraceful at any level.

Phil Sammon
33 Posted 28/08/2017 at 06:18:49
James (#31),

This is exactly what has me scratching my head. Rooney, Sigurdsson, Klaassen and Davies all want to play the same position. Sandro likes to drop deep too. We are hugely overstocked in the Number 10 role. Meanwhile we have one winger in Lennon and one full back in Baines.

I've never seen a team set up with so many players out of position.

Philip Warrington (#17) talks of Leipzig's transfer policy. Ours is the exact opposite. We buy the players first, then figure out how we can cram them all in the same eleven.

I thought Koeman was tactically sound when he was at Saints. He seems all over the place here. Very worrying.

Alan J Thompson
34 Posted 28/08/2017 at 07:51:53
Koeman seems infatuated with defensive midfielders. Schneiderlin and Gana play so defensively that I'm beginning to wonder if they should be called midfield and now Koeman seems to have taken all the adventure out of Davies. He too looks reluctant to cross the halfway line without quickly scampering back.

Watch the back 3/4 playing it square to each other because no midfielder wants the ball and when do they back up the attack by picking up loose clearances at the edge of the opponents penalty area. No wonder Barkley doesn't want to play for this man, probably doesn't fancy standing in front of his own defence all afternoon.

We were told Koeman knew before the start of last season that Lukaku wanted away but persuaded him to stay one more season. So why only now is he saying we need a striker if he's known that long?

Perhaps while waiting he might ask Sandro to do a little less "productivity" and hold his place as the centrepiece of the attack so that there is somebody to at least aim at in the box rather than passing back to someone in our own half.

Where is Deulofeu when you need him? Oh, yeah, gone the way of all ball players under this manager.

Darren Hind
35 Posted 28/08/2017 at 08:07:59
Seven weeks ago I submitted a post which was made a talking point. "Is Koeman buying the players we need?" I asked.

I was roundly panned by the footballing Einsteins and others who were a little too high on the number of signings we had made rather than the quality. "Hope he remembers to put the fucking roof on," I said.

It was as clear as the nose on Andy Townsend's face that we need to buy players who could create and score goals.

Only after a few friendlies did it occur to the guy that Lukaku needed replacing and even then he was holding out to see if the Spanish Andy Johnson could solve his problem on the cheap. It took him a year to realise Calvert-Lewin is far better up top and it's taken him weeks to come to the conclusion we all arrived at yonks ago – you cant put all that burden on such young shoulders.

We are now approaching the eleventh hour. Beggars can't be choosers. If we land a striker now, it will either be on a short-term loan, or we will be forced to pay well over the top for an average one.

Shambles.

Rob Dolby
36 Posted 28/08/2017 at 08:23:57
Is Walsh escaping too lightly from all of this? We are paying him a fortune and all he seems to be doing is buying 17-year-olds for millions. Why aren't we buying players that will go into the 1st team squad, whether on a free or not.

Isn't anyone ready to make the step up from the U23s?

Paul Kelly
37 Posted 28/08/2017 at 08:25:18
To be honest, I don't think even with a world class striker or winger or whatever would make a difference... It's your tactics, Ronny boy; unless they change, there is no point in getting anyone else.
Mike Berry
38 Posted 28/08/2017 at 08:29:58
We were never going to have any chance set up as we were. Being at the Stoke game and witnessing the appalling first half with three at the back and no-one having a clue, and then we go and repeat the shambles-only more so.

Even with a new striker (I notice Chris Wood caused havoc when he came on) it won't make much difference as we have no pace, not unless he plays Lennon and Lookman together which won't happen. Look at the dark side against Arsenal, superb pace and power having made excellent flank purchases, that's what we needed to do.

Mirallas possibly on his way too; not looking good for this usually optimistic poster.

Mike Kehoe
39 Posted 28/08/2017 at 08:35:43
The spine of the team is much stronger than last season for sure but yesterday's tactics were obviously wrong and the absence of pace up front was particularly worrying. It's perfectly understandable to play defensively and look to frustrate but there was no outlet and the pressure was relentless.

There is always the possibility that Calvert-Lewin was tired but to overlook pace, be it Lennon, Lookman or Mirallas is just naive: it really isn't rocket science. I was guilty of having too much faith in Martinez's abilities, so when we were chasing the likes of West Ham and he would bring on Osman for a forward and the entire ground would scratch their heads and 'what the fucks this' I would be thinking of ye of little faith and expect some amazing transformation: obviously I was never disappointed.

I do think we are better under Koeman but it will take time but it's definitely worrying when we set up so badly, so lacking in threat or intent: that is entirely the responsibility of the manager. Losing is always shit but it's definitely more digestible if you've had a go and can draw some positives. Let's hope we get some quality in: Bas Dost, Mahrez and Sessengeon?

Denver Daniels
40 Posted 28/08/2017 at 08:39:20
As if he didn't know that about Sandro and Calvert-Lewin weeks ago. We are sorely missing Lukaku's goals and then some. You'd better pull finger, Ronny.
Geoff Evans
41 Posted 28/08/2017 at 09:01:05
Spineless, no class, making up the numbers, playing for scraps from the big boys table.

Lots of obvious soundbites to cover over huge chasms in class.

Just taking the money.

Eddie Dunn
42 Posted 28/08/2017 at 09:08:05
Koeman is obsessed with solidity. We now have more of it in Pickford and Keane. Unfortunately Williams (who I have always liked) and Jags are too slow and Koeman seeks to protect them with two defensive midfielders.

Add to this problem Holgate having to learn the right-back role and Baines, who can no longer run on an overlap and you can see the problems Koeman faces. The midfield sits too deep and the likes of Rooney and Sigurdsson find themselves mugged by two markers every time they get the ball. The inability of Jags or Williams to bring the ball out result in the regular launching of the ball back to the opponents.

Obviously we are lacking a centre forward and a winger, but we also need a right-back, a left-back and another tall centre-back. That's a lot of shopping before Thursday's deadline. Like others on here, I wonder what Walsh and Koeman discuss in their transfer policy. How much time do you need to get in a proper striker?

Garry Martin
45 Posted 28/08/2017 at 09:41:28
Back to drawing board, Ronnie boy.
Joe Edwards
46 Posted 28/08/2017 at 10:31:40
Koeman is simply trying to deflect blame here, a striker would not have made a halfpenny's worth of difference to that display which was woeful, pedestrian and completely lacking in any tactics.

Koeman is to blame; his priority has been to replace Lukaku and he has failed to do that. Koeman promised pressing, high tempo, attacking football; he has delivered (so far), nothing even resembling that.

Tom Davies looks demoralised and lethargic; Sandro looks as if he has woken up in a bad dream; Williams and Jags are so far off Premier League level, it's an embarrassment.

There's no width, no cutting edge, no pressing, no threat. We are in short a total and utter shambles and the po-faced miserable Dutch twat is the reason.

Dave Williams
47 Posted 28/08/2017 at 10:32:48
I can't understand the striker problem. Sandro will be a good player for us in time but surely was never viewed by Ron and Walsh as the replacement for Lukaku. Why then did they not have a shortlist of three for instance well knowing from last season that Lukaku would leave?

Surely this was far more important than strengthening the squad anywhere else as him going left us completely without a scorer.

Hopefully we will be pleasantly surprised this week but whilst we have bought well there are still some gaping holes in the squad with a proper striker who can be a focal point being top of the list. This plus the fruitless trip to Italy are strange ones to me!

Paul Kennedy
48 Posted 28/08/2017 at 10:52:31
I don´t mind losing... I don´t like it! but what I hate is when you don´t even give it a go!! Very annoying.

I've got to say Arsenal looked very very poor yesterday.

Ray Robinson
49 Posted 28/08/2017 at 10:59:01
Dave (#47), I totally agree. It's criminal leaving it to chance until the last few days when everyone knows how desperate we are to sign someone. Our choice will be limited and the prices demanded grossly inflated.
Eddie Dunn
50 Posted 28/08/2017 at 10:59:21
It is strange though that last season we needed another striker even when we still had Lukaku. He didn't materialise – and now we are looking hopeless up top.

Calvert-Lewin is learning and Sandro could play off the main man, but most of the other top ten clubs all have a recognised striker that we would probably be envious of.

Dave Pritchard
51 Posted 28/08/2017 at 11:11:19
What do people think of Josh King? He is quite mobile but also a reasonable physical presence up front.
Nick Lacey
52 Posted 28/08/2017 at 11:22:06
With the prices that are being thrown around for players, it is really starting to feel like we sold Lukaku too cheap. He wasn't my favourite player in the world, but he sure can score goals.

As it would appear that the club have seemed to over looked Lukaku's replacement, in hindsight, maybe it would have been prudent to have waited to have seen how much players were going to go for in this transfer window and then tried to hold out for a greater price. But maybe if we did that we possibly would have got more money but wouldn't have been able to have brought in the players that we currently have.

Frank Crewe
53 Posted 28/08/2017 at 11:28:14
I've said it before and I'll say it again. We have the players for a decent 4-4-2. We have Rooney, Mirallas, Calvert-Lewin, Sandro. Any two of those would be decent up front.

Schneiderlin and Sigurdsson as a central two. Schneiderlin in front of the back four allowing Sigurdsson to go forward and support the attack. Klaassen and Lookman out wide.

Full backs: Martina (until Coleman is fit) and Baines overlapping the wide players and Keane and Williams in the middle. Also, if you plan to defend two banks of four and make the opposition break you down is always best.

We have plenty of players and on paper we are stronger than we were last season. This is what squads are for. If Koeman wants to buy another striker (something he's had all summer to do) then buy one. But I would still play 4-4-2 because we lack pace in the middle of the park but we do have great passers in Sigurdsson and Schneiderlin so let the ball do the running.

But if we don't watch it we are going to undo all the good work of the summer by becoming obsessed with acquiring a top striker at such a late stage of the window and convincing ourselves we are in for a rubbish season if we don't.

Richard Lyons
54 Posted 28/08/2017 at 11:36:39
I can't see us getting the required striker (or central defender, or right back, or left back) during this transfer window. Knowing us, we'll probably end up with yet another defensive midfielder and yet another right winger.

I very much hope I'm wrong (and I usually am) but I sense we're going to be disappointed come Thursday night.

It seems to me that there's simply no-one out there who is both good enough and available. So we'll continue to bore ourselves with mid-table mediocrity for yet another season.

It's been a bad day, by the way...

Dan Nulty
55 Posted 28/08/2017 at 11:40:52
Mirallas out clearly, hopefully for a decent fee on a permanent deal. Bring Redmond in or Mahrez. I can see Costa coming in as much as I hate the man. I can't see the point in £40m for a 30-year-old Vardy.
Eddie Dunn
56 Posted 28/08/2017 at 11:41:04
Frank – how often do we see the team start 4-4-2? I only see it in the last 10 minutes, when all is lost!
Michael Lynch
57 Posted 28/08/2017 at 11:46:57
I'm not sure who Koeman is expecting to bring in at this late stage of the window. As others have said, we knew what we were going to need ages ago, so why wait so long to get in a striker?

Meanwhile, I thought Calvert-Lewin was excellent again yesterday, and clearly should be starting every game in the absence of an experienced front man. Sandro is energetic but I don't really know what he is for. He linked up nicely with Rooney a couple of times, but Calvert-Lewin offered more threat in his first five minutes than Sandro did all match.

Sigurdsson out wide on the left seemed a bit odd too. Again, he looked a lot better when he tucked in a bit and Calvert-Lewin was offering runs.

I really don't see the point in scraping the barrel for a journeyman forward when all the real business has been done by now, then letting Calvert-Lewin sit on the bench. Give the lad a go.

Steavey Buckley
58 Posted 28/08/2017 at 12:06:33
Koeman is starting to resemble Martinez, as he loses the plot, calls for more reinforcements, but has spent a lot of money already on too many midfield players and not defenders or on width and a striker.
Frank Crewe
59 Posted 28/08/2017 at 12:18:59
Eddie, that's the point. Why play 4-4-2 when you're trying to get back into the game instead of starting with it?

4-4-2 is seen as old-fashioned these days. Apparently any other line up is preferable even if you don't have the players to suit it. As we witnessed yesterday with Baines and Holgate as wing-halves – even though they were totally unsuited to it.

Michael Penley
60 Posted 28/08/2017 at 12:31:46
"Dominic (Calvert-Lewin) is only 20, 21 years old"

How old is Dele Alli again?

Kevin Tully
61 Posted 28/08/2017 at 12:46:02
I don't think it's too much to expect an Everton side to put in a competitive display against the so called 'top 6' sides away from home. We can do it at Goodison, so it is clearly tactical and, I believe, a mentality problem.

We actually look like a side three divisions below these teams, and have done for many years now. That's unacceptable, and we will never achieve anything until we address our obvious underdog mentality.

Might upset a few, but I can't wait to see the back of our dilapidated stadium. Maybe a shiny, multi-million pound new arena will wipe away our inferiority complex which permeates throughout the whole organisation. We just can't shake it off, and I don't think we ever will as long as the same old faces remain. We're just too nice, there is no ruthlessness.

This isn't a knee-jerk reaction to one defeat, it's 25 years' worth of rolling over to have our tummies tickled. It's getting old.

Frank Crewe
62 Posted 28/08/2017 at 12:53:13
Kevin, West Ham moved to a new stadium. Didn't do them much good. Spurs are playing at Wembley, yet have the same points as us. Sunderland moved to their new stadium years ago. Been getting relegated and promoted ever since. Same with the Barcodes.

New stadiums are not the panacea for poor performances. The best cure is managers who play to win – such as Mourhino, Conte and Pep.

Liam Reilly
65 Posted 28/08/2017 at 13:19:56
Spot on, Kevin – it's a mentality issue. These footballers are all top draw but they are clearly beaten before they get on the park.

I can't understand the need for 2 defensive midfielders or even one. The term insinuates that they can't play with the football.

Let the back 4 defend and the midfielders dictate the game; one goes forward and the other one sits and let the other side worry about defending against us.

Also, we must assume that the intended Lukaku replacement must have given some encouragement and then backtracked; else the level of incompetency at the board level is disturbing.

Stan Schofield
66 Posted 28/08/2017 at 13:23:29
The continual focus on a new striker seems like bullshit to me. We had a good striker, but still couldn't perform away from home. The talk of a new striker, even a top one, is as if that would be a miracle cure, but it wouldn't.

If the manager doesn't get the tactics right, and use the existing players to the best advantage, no amount of new signings will change anything much.

We bring players in, and start criticising them, like Klaasen, when in fact any player will struggle more if the tactics are crap.

Koeman needs to get the tactics right, that's one of the main things he's paid to do. But he so often doesn't do it.

Kevin Tully
67 Posted 28/08/2017 at 13:34:21
Our problems run far deeper than any new stadium would solve, Frank. But I can well imagine the whole package of EFC, including Goodison, can project a 'smaller club' mentality to some. We are on our way to paying top wages, we can at last, purchase players without waiting until the last day of the transfer window, or going for loan players from the likes of Man United. We now have an owner who is serious about taking us places and competing. We are morphing away from the 'museum' we were viewed as. We actually could not upset some clubs, because we needed their help with loanees.

A new waterfront stadium may just go a little way towards helping dispel our underdog mentality. You can't deny this exists, surely? We are not talking just any stadium here either. If the plans do come to fruition, we could be playing in a world class arena.

Brian Harrison
68 Posted 28/08/2017 at 13:47:08
I have said for months why havent we signed a top notch striker. He knew before last season finished that Lukaku, Kone, Valencia and Barkley wouldnt be starting this season. So why didnt he address that problem before going after other targets, surely losing your 2 top strikers from last season meant replacing them was paramount.

When we got rid of RM as manager of the alternatives I wanted Koeman, but he has hardly changed much in his time here. I also worry about his man management he seems to fall out with players very quickly. The latest being Mirallas if he had doubts about him why give him a 5 year contract in the Summer. You can add Niasse,McCarthy,Deulofeu and Barkley to the list, yes you want a strong manager but surely the idea is to keep the players on your side as you may need them.

So at the moment I have more questions than answers over RK, has he defined what style he wants to play I don't think so. Whenever we come up against a top team who play 3 at the back then he also goes with 3 at the back. Yet each time he has tried 3 at the back it doesnt seem to work. He changes players from 1 game to the next which says to me he doesnt know his best team. When managers don't know their best 11 then you have got problems, as chopping and changing has never done any good when this happens.

Chris Williams
69 Posted 28/08/2017 at 13:52:14
Playing 3 centre halves can work if you have the right players, see Chelsea and City for starters.

I was reading that yesterday our 3 were the players with most passes in the game. That is surely a problem given the shortcomings of 2 of them on the ball. Plus a lack of recovery speed means they sit deep and have the slowest of them, Williams, sitting in the middle of the 3.

This drags the midfield back too and negates the attacking players. No wonder Rooney was visibly frustrated and exasperated.

To play this system you also need dynamic wing backs who can attack and defend well, are fast and energetic and can get up and down the pitch. Hence the amount City have spent on these positions.

The system is both attacking and defensively effective, if used effectively. To us it's purely defensive with negative effects all over the pitch.

We clearly don't have the players to play this system, so either get them in or stop playing the fucking thing.

I think you can argue extenuating circumstances about the programme, fatigue, missing players, gelling in new players , match fitness. But only up to a point.

Having looked at that abject, joyless display yesterday, the root cause was the structure for me. We could and should have made better use of the players at our disposal. We might still have got beaten, because they are a good team with class players all over the park, but for fucks sake have a real go, play to our strengths, and give us something to hang on to.

Steve Jones
70 Posted 28/08/2017 at 14:04:37
As plenty of others have said we've known for a long time we need a striker but it's not too late to sort out just yet, worth remembering we got Lukaku at the 11th hour on transfer deadline day in 2013 & that worked out ok!

I'll be disappointed if Mirallas goes and isn't replaced, we need pace, letting him leave without a replacement would be a step backwards just as letting Deulofeu go out on loan without a replacement last January was.

As for yesterday's game the set up was all wrong, we failed misearably with 5 at the back in this game last season and looked awful against Stoke in the first half with it so why play it again? Makes no sense.

There's a theme of Keoman falling out with flair players Deulofeu, Barkley and now Mirallas. As others have said without creativity it doesn't matter who is playing up front, Koeman is squeezing the creativity out of our squad and not replacing it.

Stephen Brown
71 Posted 28/08/2017 at 14:17:45
I'm not sure the worlds best striker would make a huge difference at the moment.

We seem to be shoe horning the players into the team rather than playing a recognised system. As I and many others have been saying we are totally devoid of pace and width. I never thought I'd be desperate for Bolasie to be fit as at least he provides both!

Rooney, Sigurdson and Klassen all want the same spot! One or two will have to sit out if we are to play a system that provides width!

I dumbfounded that RK cannot see this? He's been a brilliant player and decent manager plus has many advisers around him! I'm in the give him some time camp but it seems to me the problems are obvious?!

Stephen Brown
72 Posted 28/08/2017 at 14:20:36
Forgot to say if you play 3 at the back at least one must be good on the ball?!

Two DM players at home v teams parking the bus?!

Holgate wing back ?

DCL wing back ?

These are obvious mistakes, are they not ??

Andy Crooks
73 Posted 28/08/2017 at 14:28:28
I watched the highlights of the Spurs game last night and sonething the commentator said made me despair. As the minutes ticked down he said, " Burnley still beieve they can get someting from this game", yes Burnley at Wembley. We were beaten from the start. We believed we would lose and settled for avoiding a thrashing.
Stan Schofield
74 Posted 28/08/2017 at 14:28:34
Stephen, yes, they are obvious mistakes.
Matthew Williams
75 Posted 28/08/2017 at 15:06:06
We've been conned again, Blues, but some on here will never see it. A heartbreak season looming, folks.

Lose to the Mackems in the League Cup and I will want Koeman gone!!!

John G Davies
76 Posted 28/08/2017 at 15:13:02
As we speak, the squad is unbalanced.
If we sign players to balance the squad we will be ok.
If we don't, we won't.
Andrew Ellams
77 Posted 28/08/2017 at 15:25:52
At least we know there won't be any Yarmalenko rumours this week. He just signed for Dortmund for around £22million.
Fran Mitchell
78 Posted 28/08/2017 at 15:32:47
To think we only need a striker is wrong, because we Will still remain one dimensional (unless the striker we sign is a Henry-like complete forward).

Will Deulofeu gone, Mirallas a spent force and Lennon also past his limited best, we have no pace out wide.

We need 2 forwards at least I feel. We should Go for Luan from Grêmio and maybe try for Martial from Utd. If not, then Dembele from Celtic. A bid of 40 Million for Mahrez would also transform our attack.

Imagine having Mahrez, Rooney, Luan, DCL, Sandro and Dembele to choose from. Those 3 would cost basically the same as Lukaku. Sell Mirallas and Lennon.

That would show we really are targetting top-4.

We need forwards with pace and dynamism.

John G Davies
79 Posted 28/08/2017 at 15:35:55
That's two of our requirements Fran.
Wide left with pace and a centre forward who can hold the ball up.
Next requirement is a left sided centre half.
Nitesh Kanchan
80 Posted 28/08/2017 at 16:06:53
Yarmalenko has joined Dortmund.
Stan Schofield
81 Posted 28/08/2017 at 16:32:45
And the biggest requirement is for the manager to get the tactics right.
Mark Boulle
82 Posted 28/08/2017 at 16:36:13
Where are the rumours? Where are the links to unknown gems that Walsh was supposed to be finding?

I won't rehash what positions we are short in - it's abundantly clear to all posters on here and indeed every Evertonian with a brain.

Vardy for 40m would be a ludicrous signing. We need continental players with speed of thought as well as body who cost less than that. That's what Walsh is supposed to unearth with the king's ransom we pay him...

RK now only talking about a striker as well. No left sided defender? What the hell do we do if Baines gets injured? And can he be expected to play every league and Europa game anyway...?

Worried, very worried, despite what seemed a promising start (until Saturday).

Frank Crewe
83 Posted 28/08/2017 at 16:41:20
@Kevin67 Yes I do deny that exists. Arsenal were winning more leagues and cups when they were in Highbury than they are now in the Etihad Stadium yet Spurs have huffed and puffed for years in White Hart Lane. Are you telling me that if City or Chelsea played at Goodison they would struggle.
If I believe anything it's the exact opposite of what you say. Goodison should inspire the manager and the players to want success. They have the well paid privilege of playing in a ground that has stood for well over a century. It has seen great sides and great players give their all on that pitch. Leagues and trophies have been won and those memories permeate every stand, every blade of grass. Everyone at the club should want nothing more than to follow in the footsteps of those that came before and leave a legacy for those who will come after.
Winning mentality comes from the manager and the players. No professional player should give up and use the pathetic excuse of playing in an old ground. Koeman has to change his ways or leave Everton as just another failure, and a worse failure because at least he had money to spend which Moyes and Martinez didn't have. It's time he got his act together and livened up.
John G Davies
84 Posted 28/08/2017 at 16:46:48
I heard we are signing Bale tomorrow.
Followed by Aubameyang the next day.
Only rumours but it's something I suppose.
George Cumiskey
85 Posted 28/08/2017 at 16:48:41
He's got to be joking if he thinks we only need a striker. It doesn't matter who we sign nothing will change unless he has a rethink about his tactics.
Chris Williams
86 Posted 28/08/2017 at 16:59:58
John

And Ashley Young!

If it's rumours we need

John Pierce
87 Posted 28/08/2017 at 17:05:54
Quite the drama eh?

Everton now in the panic buy aisle of the transfer window superstore with the tannoy announcing closing time.

No guarantees, or refunds either. Fortunately the store takes Chinese credit so we are lucky we can blow stacks on an grossly overpriced forward who can't score goals.

Maybe there's a loanee left on the shelf from a mega club whos not made it, but hates cold weather.

A plucky unknown from the championship?

Ill be amazed if we get anyone near what we need.

Personally with Wenger all over the shop, and making it known players can leave l'd still be throwing the moula at Giroud. Distinctly 4th choice at Arsenal.

But its all got very messy, and very much how Everton do deadline day.

Giroud, Rondon, Dzeko

Niasse in the next match day squad? 👀

Darren Hind
88 Posted 28/08/2017 at 17:08:31
Mark

A few have suggested Koeman inquired about Costa on loan and talk shite have been going with it on and off today - I know, I know

But the clock is ticking and we are in dire need.

Let this be true

Eddie Dunn
89 Posted 28/08/2017 at 17:13:20
Frank #59- Yes! I am in total agreement- I just wanted to emphasise the point that he hardly ever pushes another striker up to help out. There were many games last season when Lukaku would have been aided by a partner. Remember the gaes when Valencia came on for a 10 minute cameo and suddenly we looked dangerous.
Ronald is far too conservative.
Kristian Boyce
90 Posted 28/08/2017 at 17:18:47
So Koeman is only talking about possibly bringing in one to two before the deadline now. Didn't he mention 3-4 last week? I see the old Everton mentality is coming back.
Tom Bowers
91 Posted 28/08/2017 at 17:22:43
Surely to God this ''striker'' problem will be resolved before the window closes.
Sandro will score some goals as will Rooney and Gylfi but none have the quickness need to really get behind defences.
I hate to say it but Klopp is putting all his faith in offensive speed to counter the average defence he has and it's deadly. Just look at what they do even without Coutinho.
Everton look positively pedestrian by comparison.
I would have liked Josh king but nothing happening regarding that move.
Bolasie has some pace but is quite some way from fitness. Delafeou was surplus to requirements but is proving himself back at Barca. Lennon has pace but is past his best. Come on Everton, don't leave the fans high and dry with another season of disappointment.
John Pierce
92 Posted 28/08/2017 at 17:24:48
We are desperate, but Costa?

No pre-season, not the sort of lad who is naturally fit. Had a very good time in Brazil this summer by all accounts?

Only with us for a paltry 4 months, we would used to get him fit for Madrid and see little or no benefit from it. Some one proper pulling our pants down, and we're letting them!

He's good for a sending off, add a nice suspension in for good measure.

Unlikely Athleti, his eventual destination, would let him play European footy?

We have 17 league games before Jan 1st, how many is he really gonna be match fit for?

Even by our previous panic deadline day actions that would be right up there.

Rudi Coote
93 Posted 28/08/2017 at 17:27:37
If we sign anyone with " speed of thought" he'll be the only one in the team who has any. The current lot are devoid of anything like what is needed to be exiting . successful winners .pacy.
I was a Koeman fan but he has me, and many others, frustrated.
John Pierce
94 Posted 28/08/2017 at 17:28:47
But yes we are that desperate and Costa is boss. I'm in.
Brent Stephens
95 Posted 28/08/2017 at 17:31:48
Kristian #90 "So Koeman is only talking about possibly bringing in one to two before the deadline now. Didn't he mention 3-4 last week?"

To borrow from an Edinburgh Festival line, if he doesn't know what a couple is, I wouldn't be surprised if his marriage is in trouble.

Eric Paul
96 Posted 28/08/2017 at 17:37:26
Koeman is deEvertonising Everton
John G Davies
97 Posted 28/08/2017 at 17:46:03
Costa?
Dirty horrible bastard. Please let this one be true.
Bobby Thomas
98 Posted 28/08/2017 at 17:49:59
With the amount of time we've had to prepare for Lukaku going it is extremely poor, indeed, that we are scrambling around for a striker. And we actually need 2 in. Not 1.

On Costa, if we are struggling to get anything in long term that Koeman finds acceptable, he will more than do short term. I remember United once bringing in Henrik Larsson for a 3 month loan. Costa can lead the line, he makes runs in behind, occupies center backs, can link and net.

But we really need some out and out pace. A striker that can run the channels and stretch sides. Without that the backs to the wall, soak pressure up performances will be the norm away from home against top sides. We have to possess some threat to get out and break. We have none. We are neat, tidy and inoffensive.

We also badly need a wide player. Not necessarily a winger. We lack a wide attacking midfielder to add some verve to a very one paced midfield. They tried to get Sissoko. Thankfully we missed that bullet, but I assume Walsh/Koeman had reasons for wanting to take him? Had perhaps identified in him some qualities that we lacked? We need to add legs and goals to our midfield. We need someone who can do that wide in a 4-4-2 and play wide in a 4-3-3, preferably left and right.

And there's also the thorny issue of the left sided centre back who can cover left back.

Bill Gall
99 Posted 28/08/2017 at 19:33:59
sorry when i click to enter my computer is se
Bill Gall
100 Posted 28/08/2017 at 19:33:59
to me I think Everton have left it to late for a quality striker.
(a) Every club wants a quality striker and prices will relate to this.
(b) Clubs are well aware of Evertons need for a striker and prices will be inflated for average strikers, not much better than what we have.
(c) as a regular scoring quality striker can mean the difference between promotion to European Competitions or even relegation clubs will not be willing to sell them.
(d) with all the money floating around in the premier most clubs don't have to sell, and will be aware at this time, it will leave very little time to replace them before the window closes.
(e) with the knowledge that we would be loosing Lukaku, I suppose we should remember the saying. " he who hesitates is lost"
Tony Twist
101 Posted 28/08/2017 at 20:17:35
Costa, you have got to be joking. What is the club doing with regards getting a centre forward in? Sounds to me like an excuse in the making. After the window closes the excuses come out, oh we tried so hard to get Costa. If we are considering getting Costa then we really are on the slippery slope. What is Walsh doing?...not a lot by the look of things. We need a focal point of attack, pace is good but not suited to the players we have, a strong, mobile, centre forward will improve things by just occupying defenders to make space for others to exploit which does suit the strikers and midfielders we have.
Mark Andersson
102 Posted 28/08/2017 at 20:56:12
I think thats a first were nearly all comments were a resounding shit tactics Koeman got it wrong.. I've not seen the match nor do I want to.

My observations about the observations, is that there will be a lot of disgruntled fans come the end of the window, no matter who they don't buy.

Some great views and rightly so concerns. It is though early day's so I'm still optimistic, for now. I think being involved with the Europa will be detrimental to our push for top 6. I also still think Koeman has been brought in to do what he did for Southampton, build a few good teams after selling our best players for big profit. The stadium project if it's real will have been taken into consideration by the owner and he will have had a long term plan, not the short term throw loads of stupid money at over inflated average players.

So my prediction is, a average run in the Europa, a Premier league finish of 6th or 7th and a lot more moaning fans on TW. Same as the last 20 odd years.. The shite will come close to winning nothing, City as champs with United on their coat tails all the way or the other way around. Spurs will be Spurs and ermm I don't care...

Kim Vivian
103 Posted 28/08/2017 at 21:27:17
A. Madrid looking for a club to loan Costa to for a few months. We got any pull there?
Andrew James
104 Posted 28/08/2017 at 23:43:15
For me this looks like we knew we'd sell Lukaku and so hedged against that by bringing in all the early signings. I suspect Sigg-gate was prolonged by Ross-gate and the club have been keen to get others off the wage bill.

If we were prepared to commit serious money then we'd have a striker now. We don't. I cannot see anyone out there who'd we get now.

Who knows? DCL might go out and score 20 goals but this is looking bad now and we'll be nailed on to finish an uninspiring 7th once again.

Steven Jones
105 Posted 29/08/2017 at 04:29:07
Why all the hyperbole negativity? 3 games in 6 days – 8pm Monday KO, 1:30pm Sunday... Three – yes three away games including the Champions and the Favourites and a squeaky bum European away game.

Quite evident the legs and the mental side we looked unsurprisingly jaded. Sandro and Gana probably risked and not match fit. Anyone expect Baines and Rooney to do three full games in that space of time...?? Several injuries, and people point to tactics.

Get real. Two good signings and a rest, we can now start to gel. BTW, it might take till January to settle things down 8-10 new players always does take time.

David Barks
106 Posted 29/08/2017 at 04:40:56
Steven,

Sorry, but no. We're seven games in, and haven't played well yet. We sneaked though in the open round of qualifiers as well, against real poor opposition. And we don't just have this season to look at.

We also have last season as well, which saw some really dire attacking play and the same poor tactics that we've started with this season. A persistence with loading the team with defensive players. A system leaving the three attacking players isolated and stretched from the 7 mostly defensive players. A system persisting with at least two defensive midfielders even when at home against relegation contenders. A system that many would claim to be three at the back, but in fact was 5 at the back with 2 defensive midfielders.

We've known all summer we needed to replace a top quality striker. We heard the manager talk about needing more productivity up front. So how does that reconcile with starting a match with only Rooney, Gilfy and Sandro in attack? We had a man advantage for more than half the game against City. We completely folded and did nothing but defend. At the weekend we were down 2, but the manager would not sacrifice a defender for an attacker.

Our squad has no wingers. We haven't replaced the star striker we lost. He overloads the team with defenders. We have no attacking philosophy to speak of.

Ernie Baywood
107 Posted 29/08/2017 at 05:18:26
Obviously we need another striker. They don't even need to be a world beater - the goals are already in this team. If we can get a decent player who can hold up the ball and give defenders a hard time while contributing 7-15 goals a year... that would be perfect. With DCL filling in and learning.

I'm going to assume the delay is because Ron thinks he can get someone who offers 15-20 goals a season. That would be someone on Costa's level.

We'll see. I don't think we can yet pick up that top striker and reckon we'll end up with taking a chance on someone or plucking Joe Average out of the Championship. Either will do for me right now but not signing anyone isn't an option.

Mark Andersson
108 Posted 29/08/2017 at 05:42:13
What is the deal with Costa? I must have been in a coma – well, watching Everton will induce that – but why is he not playing for Chelsea and why would he come to us or any other Premier League team?
David Barks
109 Posted 29/08/2017 at 05:52:36
Mark,

Conte told him during the summer he has no place at Chelsea any longer. Costa only wants to go back to Atletico Madrid. But they have a transfer ban so can not sign any players to be registered with them this season. Hence, the reason for a loan to be rumoured until he can end up at Atletico. Until then, Costa is AWOL in Brazil.

James Watts
110 Posted 29/08/2017 at 05:54:00
Mark #108.

Costa and Conte clashed middle of last season over a move to China I understand and fitness issues, which ended with Conte texting Costa that he's out of the door before pre season kicked off.

Costa said "Fuck you" and stayed in Brazil saying it's his destiny to go back to Atletico Madrid. Whilst tucking into some majitos on the beach and no doubt a few half dressed models.

Madrid can't buy any more players until January because of a ban. The solution the media (?) have come up with is Madrid to buy him but loan him to us. Which solves all the issues.

Except that it'd take Costa at least 6 weeks to get fit meaning he'd only have about 6 weeks or so actually in our team. Actually, forget that. Koeman doesn't seem to care about fitness and if Sigurdsson can play 2 full 90 minute games in 3 days with only pre-season training behind him, then I'm sure Costa will be in our starting 11 as soon as he's off the plane and finished off his kebab. No doubt with chili sauce still dripping down his chin.

Eddie Dunn
111 Posted 29/08/2017 at 07:49:50
Ernie- I agree that there are many target men in the division who would do a decent job, holding the ball up and laying it off to our improved group of number tens.
Voakes at Burnley springs to mind, as does Crouch at Stoke, and Rondon at WBA. There is Benteke at Palace, Origi at Liverpool, as well as the likes of Costa and Giraud and Leicester's Slimiani- who we were supposedly looking at last season.
Of course, now it is so late in the window most clubs won't countenance any frontmen leaving except perhaps Costa or Giraud.
James Watts
112 Posted 29/08/2017 at 08:00:50
Eddie #111. Are you really suggesting Vokes or Crouch? The world has gone mad.
Eddie Dunn
113 Posted 29/08/2017 at 08:56:28
James - haha! It shows what a state we're in.
Steve Bird
114 Posted 29/08/2017 at 09:16:59
The biggest problem with being an Evertonian is we allow ourselves to dream, we fantasise and actually believe things are changing, then the season starts and smacks us right in the face with the open hand of reality!!
Anthony Flack
115 Posted 29/08/2017 at 09:26:01
Deeney? - I suggested it before and expected to be run over in a rush of disdain
Ernie Baywood
116 Posted 29/08/2017 at 10:22:17
Anthony, Eddie, James... unless there is a massive talent in the pipeline I reckon we need to buy quite literally anyone!

Crouch could do a job for us! I'm hoping we can do a bit better though.

Rudi Coote
118 Posted 29/08/2017 at 13:30:44
What difference would a top class striker make? The tactics are such that he would never get many chances to score. Sort the tactics out then we'll see. I failed to see any chances v Chelsea and Manchester City where a striker could have converted. NON.
Eddie Dunn
119 Posted 29/08/2017 at 13:42:31
i would go in with a big bid for Sterling- he could stay in his house and be our creative spark. He would have to come out of his house to be the spark though!
Michael Lynch
120 Posted 29/08/2017 at 13:56:37
Kieran Gibbs going to WBA for tuppence and a packet of biscuits. Didn't we need a left back? Bit of a sick note, but a decent player. Ah I'm sure Bainsey will be able to play 60 games on the trot this season no worries.
Phil Bellis
121 Posted 29/08/2017 at 14:16:22
Just get Costa fit to play one game...up front with Rooney on December 10
Martin Mason
122 Posted 29/08/2017 at 14:17:08
The OX gone to Chelsea for £35M.
Fran Mitchell
123 Posted 29/08/2017 at 14:18:12
Costa for 12 months at 5/6 million loan fee would certainly be worth it.

Then use the money to get in a Mahrez or Luan (or a bid for Sterling worth a try) and make an agreement for Dembele or Dolberg for next season post Costa. And agreement for that for Ziyech from Ajax also. Giving these players another season of development, and planning ahead for next season,

And get Sakho to partner Keane.

Too much to ask? Ok let's lose Barkley for 10 million in January, sign Beneteke for 48 million in the last minute of the window, and pay 5 million for cancel Galloways loan.

Dermot Byrne
124 Posted 29/08/2017 at 14:22:44
Echo headline

"The extraordinary story of Everton target Nikola Vlasic – 30,000 goals and a family of sporting champions"

And we fall for this shit and want more coverage?

Are we stupid or do we have Attention Deficit Disorders.. etc

Roger Sunde
125 Posted 29/08/2017 at 14:41:15
I guess Martina can play left back but where is Luke Garbutt? Did he retire?
Brian Williams
126 Posted 29/08/2017 at 15:03:59
How can an Echo headline make us stupid?
Ray Jacques
127 Posted 29/08/2017 at 16:10:47
We need pace. Vardy best option up front but probably unattainable.
Mike Gaynes
128 Posted 29/08/2017 at 17:03:20
ESPN reports we are in for Llorente now.
Jamie Morgan
129 Posted 29/08/2017 at 17:10:02
I'd happily take Costa on loan til Jan. Now hearing rumour of Llorente too! I'd offer McCarthy and £15m and just get it done. Great target man and linked with Siggy really well last year. Two Spanish strikers to help Sandro up to speed and then he'd be ready for when Costa goes to Madrid.
Michael Lynch
130 Posted 29/08/2017 at 17:13:27
Llorente is 32. Is he really worth it?
Dermot Byrne
131 Posted 29/08/2017 at 17:21:59
Fuck thought. Take anyone. See that Chelsea game? OMG.
Kieran Kinsella
132 Posted 29/08/2017 at 17:23:29
Dermot

10 goals in the last three years. 30,000 in the 10 prior. That's a hell of a loss in form. There's no way he scored 3,000 per year in organized football from age six. His Dad must be including goals from kickabouts with his mates. In which case I must have close to 50,000 including with a tennis ball when the goal was the living room couch.

Dermot Byrne
133 Posted 29/08/2017 at 17:30:50
Agree Kieran. Echo on meth-amph
Jamie Morgan
134 Posted 29/08/2017 at 17:33:09
Didn't realise Llorente was 32, tbh, Michael.
Kunal Desai
135 Posted 29/08/2017 at 17:42:05
Zohore from Cardiff being heavily linked for £30 million. Not even heard of this guy. Lets hope this is just another name.
Max Murphy
136 Posted 29/08/2017 at 20:26:53
Joe (#6) – I agree totally with you.

My only hope for redemption is getting a manager, or management team from within the club – Unsworth, Ferguson etc. Otherwise, doom and gloom for another 20 years.

Koeman is not the answer, and he should return to Holland and pick tulips for a living.

Paul Tran
137 Posted 29/08/2017 at 20:39:56
No Kunai. We made enquiries for him and they said he's not for sale. Warnock said he's worth £30m
Michael Mcloughlin
138 Posted 29/08/2017 at 21:09:23
Just seen we are linked with Stefan just read we are linked with Texans Okaka. I would be very happy with this addition. Very strong forward, holds the ball up very well and is great in the air. Would be just what the blues are looking for
David Collier
139 Posted 30/08/2017 at 14:27:15
After our poor performances, why would any self-respecting, top quality, centre forward, even contemplate for one moment signing for my team?

He will be waiting for an eternity for someone to generate enough enthusiasm and skill to pick out a decent pass to him whilst performing his pressing duties as against what he should be doing which is, receiving the football in a timely manner and having that priceless skill which is a shot on goal.

We Webbytoffers will have to settle for the usual 40 points unless a miracle happens.

Just a thought, has Tom Davies realised that being in this team at the moment isn't going to do his future prospects any good at all?

Jim Harrison
140 Posted 30/08/2017 at 14:30:38
David Collier

Pure, solid gold bollocks.

David Collier
141 Posted 30/08/2017 at 17:58:07
Jim Harrison

In the spirit that your comment was intended, I was completely unaware that pure solid gold bollocks was your family crest. Please accept my unreserved apology to you and yours.

John Wilson
142 Posted 30/08/2017 at 18:30:40
we have to survive until January with what we have. I hope we can do it.

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