Niasse adds flourish to Calvert-Lewin brace as Everton progress

Great to see young players given a chance but will there be balance? We will soon see!

If he's good enough to 'fill in' at full back, he must be good enough to be given a run out in his natural/preferred position, especially when Jagielka and Williams are such an obvious liability nowadays.

Koeman's sacrifice of foresight for favouritism will be his downfall.

One of his main strengths is getting down the line and putting crosses in, we lose a lot of that if he's at left back and having to check back to cross.

Made up Kenny gets a chance.

I think Calvert-Lewin and Sandro could be quite mobile. We'll soon see. I hope Lookman gets on to show what he's got too, and maybe Niasse deserves a go.

http://www.evertonfc.com/listenlive

Kenny right-back, Holgate centre-back, and Williams dropped.

We are second-rate from start to finish.

That aside, reiterating others' comments – Do you think Koeman does things deliberately to wind the fans up!!

Why no Holgate at centre-back? and JonJoe should be playing at right back!!!

what a spoon!

It is our cup!

I can see him after the game saying words akin to " Okay, so I need to give some of the youngsters a chance and Niasse a game too, this was all my idea, I am a legend"

Oumar Niasse, back of the net! Go and eat a massive slice of humble pie, Mr Koeman; no locker for him but he scores you a belter. Koeman – you're a welt!!!

Holding grudges will get you fucking nowhere in life. When he's fit again, give young Ross a chance to prove himself. We just might forgive your ignorance and cancel the taxi.

I'm so made up Niasse scored tonight; if ever a player deserved a chance, it's Niasse.

What future Niasse? You have to admit that he has been treated like shit, especially by Koeman.

Comes on, scores, up yours, Ronald. However, Niasse has conducted himself admirably and that has been thrown his way, without really giving him a chance.

One goal doesn't make a season, but is the answer under Koeman's nose, or is he too stubborn to admit it.

Calvert-Lewin is the future, Niasse? let's be fair, he hasn't been given a fair crack of the whip.

If Calvert-Lewin doesn't start Saturday and Niasse isn't on the bench at least, time to walk, Mr Koeman!!!

Hope that's not a grudge there.

Top bloke. No way better to answer a manager who never rated you than on the pitch.

Good result, lets now go and build some momentum. Also, why was Kenny played out of position?

I've said before, if players, managers, media and club officials want to know what fans really think, where better than fans' forums? Especially TW in Evertons case.

The comments might make their hair curl and they may not always like what they read but it's from the horse's mouth.

Calvert-Lewin has got to start on Saturday; I would tell him to play within the lines of the 18-yard box.

I, like many others, gave him dogs abuse when Roberto signed him, but that loan spell at Hull proved he can score goals. I hope Ron gives him a few games now, god only knows we do need a goal scorer. Not to play him would be criminal.

Lookman needs to start. And Holgate; well we know where his position is... And it's not right-back.

Obviously pleased for Niasse. Koeman dismissed him after seeing him perform last years pre-season. I watched as Niasse ran under a ball coming towards him so he wouldn't have to head it. That was one of my old tricks from when I was playing Under-10s.

Hopefully this does his confidence the world of good and he starts to play like a man... And then, okay, maybe he can have his own locker.

I was also very impressed with Vlasic. 19 years of age and he looks a proper player to me, composed and intelligent.

A good night and we should not be scared of Chelsea, of course.

Saturday's so important but let's enjoy this one. Again, as at Man Utd, no hint of a team not trying for the manager, which is also encouraging.

Typical luck, getting Chelsea away mid week, but bad runs at certain grounds surely must end one day? But one game at a time. Let's see how we shape on Saturday.

Nice to wake up having a victory for a change. Who will Koeman pick for Bournemouth?

Firstly, we've been proved that we were right all along where Jonjoe Kenny is concerned. The natural successor to Coleman during this spell has been at our club all along, in the U23 League Title winning, U20 World Cup winning Kenny from Kirkdale. Good on him.

On Saturday I would like our back 4 to look like this :

Baines - Holgate - Keane - Kenny.

Secondly, the players showed us what happens when you throw off the shackles of two defensive midfielders and play Davies and Klaassen - both of whom played very well today. Klaassen is clearly much more technically able than Tom, but Davies gets involved to a greater extent.

Besic is a woeful player. He must have given the ball away on the edge of our box about 40 times. Sandro was hit and miss (Jesus Christ those free kicks), Calvert-Lewin's excellent leading of the line for such a young lad was justly rewarded with his 2 good goals. I have special praise for Vlasic, he was excellent throughout.

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Here's an interesting take on our recent results:

Everton 1 - 0 Ruzumberok (W) (No Siggy)

Ruzumberok 0 - 1 Everton (W) (No Siggy)

Everton 1 - 0 Stoke (W) (No Siggy)

Everton 2 - 0 Hadjuk Split (W) (No Siggy)

Man City 1 - 1 Everton (D) (No Siggy)

Hadjuk Split 1 - 1 Everton (D) (Siggy)

Chelsea 2 - 0 Everton (L) (Siggy)

Everton 0 - 3 Tottenham (L) (Siggy)

Atalanta 3 - 0 Everton (L) (Siggy)

Man United 4 - 0 Everton (L) (Siggy)

Everton 3 - 0 Sunderland (W) (No Siggy)

There's a common denominator in all the games were losing. Whenever Sigurdsson doesn't play, we seem to win. Just a thought.

Come on guys, if Koeman looked beyond the end of his nose, the answer is there.

Calvert-Lewin probably won't score 25 goals in a season. However, give the lad a chance.

If you really want top 4, pay top 4 prices. That said, what top 4 striker would currently join us. Answer: Somebody on the way down, looking for a payday.

In short make the most of what we have. Who would honestly join us to further their career when Champions League is a no-no?

I said the other day that if Sandro scores more than 5 goals for Everton I'll eat my hat. Well I think my hat is safe!! He's worse than Stracqualursi was!! And please don't tell me he's a young lad in a foreign country Рso is Jesus, so is San̬, and let's not forget lLukaku has been banging in Premier League goals since he was 18!! Sandro, like Besic, just isn't good enough

The full backs did ok, Holgate sticking manfully to his task despite playing on his wrong side. Calvert-Lewin was excellent, and I still think Lookman will be a very good player. I can't say I was impressed by Niasse's general play but, fair play to him, his attitude has been first class and he took his goal well.

Niasse can perform and looks like he could be Everton's saviour. I love the fact he is an Everton reject. Well done, fellow supporters in keeping him in contention. A new Everton hero is born.

Good performance, good result. Besic – aagghh! Calvert-Lewin –excellent. Vlasic and Davies have good motors. Kenny solid without being outstanding.

He's been treated terribly. He's not a bazillion-pound striker. But Jesus he's not that awful! Dude keeps scoring...

He should have been transferred. He wasn't. He's never, from anything I seen / read, done anything but conduct himself professionally while being treated like dogshit.

My new favorite underdog.

Brent, you didn't want Jonjoe to score a hat-trick on his debut, did you?

Another exit from this competition now looms.

Yes, I'm a tough task-master! If Hibbert can score so freely...!

Happy for Niasse but not getting carried away... he did look awful before Koeman saw fit to destroy him.

Calvert-Lewin was on the assist list.... See where I'm going with this?

Bill – indeed it was Costa and not Drogba. Same end result tho.

As most of you on here keep saying, Besic, I agree, is a big disappointment.

It's always nice for a striker to score, so tonight must have been a morale-booster for Calvert-Lewin. But, the striker who deserves the main mention is, of course, Niasse. Humble and professional lad, who deserved a break. With our lack of strikers, he obviously needs to be on the bench, at least.

But no, it's no contradiction, come to think of it: Besic is the exception that proves the rule! ;-)

Made up with all the young lads tonight, especially Kenny. Did my eyes deceive me but wasn't he running in on goal when Calvert-Lewin grabbed his second? Mini-Coleman.

Klaassen looks lost against utter dross. I still have no idea what Besic is meant to be. Williams is a prancing clown of a player... dreadful. At best, a sideways passer; at worst, a walking free-kick, penalty, calamitous passback waiting to happen.

Vaughan outmuscled Keane and could have scored twice. Holgate Iooked like a baffled Sunday League player that MacManaman murdered when he came on.

Tom Davies merely minces about, tries to dribble, then gets dispossessed. This was against utter garbage incidentally. Anyone even remotely attempting to milk positivity from this game is an idiot.

I can't imagine Sean Dyche was papping his pants tonight... we are one weak, identity-less team there for the taking... Do not assume anything else by this result! Sorry that I never stayed home... Utter crap!

From the hodgepodge of highlights and reports a stuttering effort, with some very nice individual efforts to an indifferent team performance.

But a team that felt thrown together, played as such.

Davies very good, Calvert-Lewin played as a centre forward did his job! Vlasic as already mentioned on the thread decent.

Will Koeman have learnt anything from that? It's possible based on taking Lewin off after 60 mins.

Sandro & Klaassen definitely need a more graded introduction into English football.

Very happy to get a win, so nice one, Ronald!

Kenny – composed all night.

Calvert-Lewin – Those games down the right flank now look what they always were. Ridiculous. He should be told he is number 9 for the next one or two games so he can relax and play the game that has had Rhino tracking him since he coached him when he was a youngster.

This has shades of Davies and Holgate about it. The fans see things literally weeks before the penny drops with our Gormless manager.

I'm waiting for the first post to suggest Koeman has been fantastic in bringing on the kids.

Oh and Niasse... comedy gold. Every single head I could see was directed towards the dug out for Koeman's reaction. Suffice to say he was not doing cartwheels. His popularity amongst the players was evident as they mobbed him.

John Pierce: "Sandro and Klaassen definitely need a more graded introduction into English football."

Thanks for restoring some common sense. I could hardly believe my eyes when I read someone on here suggest that it was right to start them in every game in order for them to be "bedded in".

He's going to have to eat humble pie at sometime and play these players, and in their correct positions.

The total lack of emotion when Niasse scored summed Koeman up perfectly. Though he:d given Calvert-Lewin a tiny clap for his second, he wax either too petulant at being proved wrong, or totally indifferent to the pleasure being shown all around him that he just came across as being graceless, and, dare I say it, as if he really couldn't care less. Therein lies the biggest problem for me with Koeman.

In any business, large or small, the people who work for you as a manager, respond to stimulation and positive motivation but Koeman seemed unable or unwilling to acknowledge Niasse's contribution.

Koeman just appears to be totally disconnected from the players, and either can't or won't make even the smallest gesture that might begin to get them fighting for him. The lads did okay, Sunderland may not have been great but you can only beat what's in front of you.

The true acid test will come with the fallout from this game. Will Koeman acknowledge that Niasse, Calvert-Lewin, even Lennon and Lookman should be a bigger part of his plans or will he now revert to his Plan A, whatever that might be, as nobody has yet managed to work out what that is?

Time will tell.

What did come across in the commentary was how much Klaassen appears to be struggling, and they discussed after the game that he is seriously off the pace and physicality.

I just watched highlights. How about Calvert-Lewin and Niasse up front on Saturday?

I think that behind the hard man persona is a nervous and insecure man.

Knocking someone, dropping them into the void, and constantly trying to offload him would destroy anyone. The way Niasse has behaved has been incredible... never thrown his toys out of the pram. Give him a fucking chance.

From The Echo on Niasse.

You should get on to TW more often mate if you want a laugh. That comment is mild compared to some of the belters posted. Just take a look at this thread to start you off.

Calvert-Lewin is a fantastic player. Darren Hind, perhaps Koeman played Calvert-Lewin on the right to give him Premier League exposure without the full goalscoring burden? Do you think it would have been best to hang him out to dry or ease him in gently?

Did we play better without Rooney?

I can't remember Rom's hold-up play being very good or indeed consistent but he found the net regularly. If Dom and Oumar can get some game time in their proper positions, surely these two should be given a go.

Sandro, stay on the wing, really not a striker

The problem is we will go back to the usual negative dross against Bournemouth.

Are you sure of that? Everyone looked at Koeman to see his reaction. Nobody else saw that.

For the record, I thought that Holgate, who once again was playing out of his natural position, did reasonably well. Tom Davies, closely followed by Vlasic and obviously Calvert-Lewin, was MotM for me.

Calvert-Lewin looks like class in the making.

Well taken goal by Niasse, controlled it and side footed into the side netting. Nothing wrong there. Signs of life maybe?

I know, I know, it was weak opposition, but this is how confidence is built.

The best striker ever in the Premier League started the majority of his first season on the left wing.

Holgate performed well on the left in an attacking sense. Didn't see Sandro but Kenny did well. Vlasic wasn't involved in any goal but was available.

If all of those players carry on developing and perform against stronger teams ,we will be much better by Xmas. Doom and gloom? No.

Been a while since so many empty seats around me; the competition or the standard of play so far this season?

I think it's the standard of play myself. I considered going and having my usual season-ticket seat but on a wet, crap Wednesday, especially having been soaked to the skin earlier in the day, the prospect of a 98-mile round-trip to watch sideways, backwards, walking football didn't appeal.

But the fact is, Sunderland are shit. We've learnt very little from last night except that we should be able to beat shit teams which, while useful to know, does not actually prove that Koeman has been picking the wrong team all along, or that if only he would pick the fans' favourites rather than his own, we would be challenging the top four.

Still too many players playing out of position though Holgate was decent at Left back considering he is probably a centre half in the making.

We bought Sandro as a striker in the mold of a Defoe type goal poacher, playing him left-mid for most of the game wont do him any favours at 2-0 Koeman should have at least tried 2 up top with Calvert-Lewin and Sandro.

Vlasic had a decent 1st half then faded 2nd half, when he played against us for Split he played down the middle but we have bought him and played him on the wing whilst Lookman and Lennon are on the bench.

Besic is a liability and will be exposed even more against better players.

Klaassen will need a season to adapt before he can be judged properly at the moment he is trying but off the pace.

Kenny played right back and had a comfortable debut not sure he did enough to warrant a start on Saturday.

It will be interesting to see who Koeman picks for Saturday. Rooney, Schneiderlin and Sigurdsson will come in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H1gnVSsgdI

I'm also increasingly concerned by Michael Keane, he lost Vaughan for their two best chances and looks some distance from a 㿊m defender so far, his positioning was very at fault for goals against Atalanta and Man Utd where he stationed himself in no-mans land leaving Mikhtaran and the Atalanta player whose name I forget all the space in the world.

Anyway, a good result.

Hard to call the team this weekend with so many players yet to impress this season. The only names i'd want for certain in the starting line-up would probably be Pickford, Gueye, Rooney and Calvert-Lewin. Good luck, Ron!

Is there any need to use the words such as, idiot, clown, utter crap, minces about, garbage, rubbish.

Your entitled to your opinion, but we did score three goals, I'd hate to read your post the next time we lose.

It's a full 10 seconds after the goal goes in before camera goes in Koeman.

What are you looking for, a Klopp-like reaction?

Not Klopp, no, but Koeman is sure frugal with the happiness.

I don't expect (and can't stand!) the antics of Conte, Klopp etc., I merely pointed out the fact that his humour by pass operation has been an outstanding success.

I bet he was the only Blue in Goodison without some trace, some flicker of a smile on his grid even 10 seconds after Niasse's goal.

Personally, I don't have a problem with that – you didn't see Brian Clough leaping about when his teams scored, nor Mourinho a lot of the time, but their reputations and record don't need to be mentioned.

Just because a manager doesn't leap around doesn't mean they aren't happy.

The real business is Saturday in the Premier League. The home match against Bournemouth is a must win game.

Losing or even drawing that match will put us in a much worse place than before Wednesday.

The team selection, tactics and performance, will be heavily scrutinised. Here's hoping we have turned a corner. Calvert-Lewin looked sharp with Niasse and Lookman worthy subs.

Rooney will start on Saturday, so what will the set up look like? Will it be effective? I am hoping for an attacking line up maybe Rooney Calvert-Lewin up top, and Vlasic out wide.

Davies must start, I think his reintroduction has been a catalyst for the modest improvement.

Yes they have, but it took them both a year to be any good. Sane was shit for a year, and Jesus took 9 months to get into the first team proper.

If we had more cover, it would be worth taking him out of the firing line for a couple of weeks but unfortunately he's still the best of all our centre-backs right now.

Chopping and changing the whole set up is doing his head in whilst he is trying to settle in.

I have confidence he will be a great signing and defender for us.

Made up for Niasse, simply because I remember what he said when Koeman first fucked him off. He said I'm sure the manager will pick me if he thinks I can do something for the team, because a managers job is to pick his best team.

He never said nothing else, (to the press) just put his head down and continued to go into work everyday. He's now proved himself good enough to be part of the managers plans, but can the manager prove he his good enough to be part of Everton's plans?

He very much hit the ground running, only to pick up an injury after about six games. And Sane also made significant contributions last season for Man City – in a much more competitive squad than we have.

Can I send you the invoice for a new keyboard? Your 'farted in his car' comment made me spit out my cup of tea all over it!

Hilarious and very true. I could not think of a better way to describe Ronald's face after Oumar bagged that one.

We all know their is a good team ready to be picked from our squad, and if anyone expects a team to be flowing after 8 changes in its line-up, then I would have to beg to differ.

No identity? Without a fucking doubt, but loads of talent getting pulled from pillar to post. Don't call people 'idiots', mate, simply because the manager is not doing his job right now, even though I do understand your frustrations.

"Ronald Koeman was in my line of sight as Niasse scored, and he did celebrate by raising his arm, then applauding."

I thank you, sir. Brings balance to the thread.

I thought the crowd were very patient and didn't groan when there was miss placed passes. I think they realized that getting on the backs of players very rarely helps. Let's hope the ones attending on Saturday show as much patience.

Calvert-Lewin was the stand out performer, and yes you have to factor in the lack of quality in the opposition, but every one think that Calvert-Lewin did was excellent. He has pace a good first touch and can score goals whats not to like. By the way take a bow Mr Koeman for playing the lad last season when most on here including me didn't think he was ready.

I also thought Tom Davies was very good, I cant believe he shows so much composure for such a young man. I think Tom deserves a start before some of our expensive buys in midfield.

I was glad to see Lookman come on I think this lad has something special about him. Just needs time on the pitch. I also thought Vlasic had a decent game, comfortable on the ball and always looking to get back and help his full back.

I think both players and fans were pleased to see Niasse get on and a great finish for our 3rd goal, from an exquisite pass from Tom Davies. Again, I think Koeman deserves great credit in bringing him on, he could have chose to ignore him as we were winning the game comfortably.

How many of us have publicly admitted we may have made a mistake in being to harsh with his initial judgement. I don't think he will start in the coming weeks, but how refreshing to see such a good attitude from a guy shunned and sent on loan. Yet no moaning or mopping about or calling the club and the manager. Instead, kept his head down and worked through the bad times. I wish him every success.

I was pleased to see Kenny get a run out again. We have to take into consideration the opposition but he did most things well, and will have done his chances no harm. For me, the only slight disappointments were Klaassen and Sandro, but they will both need this season to bed in. I thought Sandro was very industrious but for a striker seemed reluctant to get in the box. He seemed far more comfortable when linking with the midfield and shooting from outside the box.

Of course there were no cartwheels, it was a third goal in a comfortable 3-0 win. What do people expect? It was hardly the winner in a Champions League Final.

I did notice Niasse give him a long long look as the teams restarted again though. The goal obviously meant more to him than it did to the manager.

For me Koeman has painted himself into a corner on this one. Will he have the nerve to risk giving the young man a crack and him scoring more goals for us?

I was also impressed by young Calvert-Lewin – he seems to be made of the right stuff.

Perhaps we have two striker options after all?

Given the all new and need to gel players and some have had several years development together. A big turn around from the squad 4 years ago.

He's getting a chance because our inept board and or recruitment team have failed to replace that gobshite Lukaku despite knowing for a minimum of 12 months that he'd be off.

In fact, a point raised previously; we shouldn't have been in a position where Lukaku was our only striker of note for at least the last 3 years in the first place!!

I wouldn't make wholesale changes, but then again that's my opinion, I do hope Niasse, at least makes the bench, that goal will have boosted his confidence, and he has something to prove.

There were some other encouraging performances, Vlasic for instance. Klaassen has a great football brain and vision, but the game seems to be too quick in a physical sense, and he seems to be easily dispossessed, and knocked over at times.

Hope also Kenny gets some more chances, while not being outstanding, he did enough to show, he is a better deputy for Seamus than Holgate, and definitely more so than the hapless Martina.

Calvert-Lewin has come of age at the right time too, and deserves to start on Saturday, but will he?

Given Calvert-Lewin was pulled off – surely to start against Bournemouth Wayne played well up front against Man Utd so will play. Rested players will come back including Pickford, Sigurdsson, Baines, Jagielka (in a three), Martina, Schneiderlin, Gana, will all play.

Positions up for grabs and in contention are: Sandro, Vlasic, Klaassen, Lookman and perhaps Mirallas.

Davies and the Niasse Monster on the bench with Besic, Holgate, and Kenny.

Also, shame on you Ronald for not pounding your chest after each of our goals. Mr Klopp does this and he's the greatest manager in the whole wide world. Ever.

I felt a bit sorry for Holgate, playing out of position and on the wrong side; like Williams he also seems to have the odd rick too. Kenny did okay on the other side, needs a few more games to be judged properly. Vlasic looked lively in the 1st half, ran out of steam though.

Davy Klaassen would probably do well in a decent side. He has a good football brain and thinks quickly – I think the speed and physicality of the English game may be too much for him. I'm afraid, in my humble opinion, don't think Sandro and Besic are good enough.

Great to see Oumar given a chance. He's no ballet dancer and looks like a stick insect on speed, but the lad scores goals and closes down defenders. He needs to be used by Koeman and let's be honest, aside from Calvert-Lewin, we have no-one else to lead the line... (Who mentioned Rooney?)

,ORDINARY TO CHELSEA. Takes me back. Nice one!

1

1,Turned on,BlueKfrog,1,11:38:15,,92.4.47.139,probation,18855,09/21/2017 11:38:15,Horan,probation,, 852707,35521,toffeeweb,21/09/2017,David McMullen,davidmcmullen2010@hotmail.co.uk,Conte apparently saying he'll play the kids – well I'd say it will give us a chance but we always always always blow it.

Cheers Ian (#8) but would their game on the Monday be moved? ,Conte apparently saying he'll play the kids well I'd say it will give us a chance but we always always always blow it. Cheers Ian (8) but would their game on the Monday be moved? ,,BlueKfrog,1,11:43:21,,81.134.193.196,ok,19984,09/21/2017 11:43:21,DavidMcmullen,reader,, 852708,35464,toffeeweb,21/09/2017,Derek Turnbull,DerekTurnbull66@googlemail.com,"Sorry, meant to type why just restrict ourselves a large single tier behind just the one goal. We should have this massive home end behind both goals.

Strikes me that the only matter of substance is whether Koeman has the tactical and man-management skills to get us playing decently.

What I will say is he took that goal really well. If our former striker had scored it the media would be In raptures.

Why not give him a go when the need or opportunity arises?

Good result and performance, but we have to keep it going. The kids did well, keep em in, and Niasse was almost fated to score. Wish I had put money on it.

He seems to have picked up a bit now, hasn't he?

I hope Calvert-Lewin, Niasse and Kenny can impose themselves on the Premier League in a similar manner.

Jumping topics to Rooney.... I've always believe Everton, Man Utd and England all performed better as a team unit without Rooney than with him. The challenge is that he's too good to leave out. He's definitely better as a team player now than he was but there's still that niggle.

He's bought for £13 Million (considered a huge outlay at the time) and he's not been able to live up to the price tag; trying too hard, finding it difficult to adapt to the pace, lack of confidence etc.

Nowadays no-one expects much from him; pressure is off and he's relaxed and playing for enjoyment as a wealthy man with no worries.

Might not be the answer to replacing Lukaku but could be a decent option to Calvert-Lewin and Sandro (who I still reckon will come good – just needs to relax a bit more).

People judging Niasse on a handful of appearances when he was in a side bereft of any togetherness and going through the motions until the manager was binbagged, I was one of them too.

The fact remains is that he has some speed and can score when played in, he even scored against the "Sky favourites" when playing for relegation fodder Hull.

He is certainly no Lukaku, but he is obviously worthy of a run out because we haven't exactly been in a position of free scorers of late.

Calvert-Lewin is still green but hopefully Koeman will trust him more and get him up top instead of putting him on the wing or God forbid, put an actual striker in the striker's role????

He's now back, albeit because we never signed a striker and took his goal really well. Not sure if he's the answer as I expect a striker to come in January but he deserves his chance and has now become an almost cult figure.

Good on Niasse. Great attitude and I hope he can kick on from here.

Special mentions too for Calvert-Lewin, Kenny and Davies.

Against Bournemouth we must go for it – Lookman in for Sigurdsson:

Pickford
Martina Keane Jagielka Baines
Vlasic Gueye Davies Lookman
Rooney Calvert-Lewin

But come Saturday, Koeman will go back to conservative worst and play players who did well in the past for their previous clubs but not for Everton.

I would go with Jags but he too is off the pace ATM.. but he gets my nod... just.

As far as I am aware Besic was born in Berlin and played his early football there before moving to Hamburg and Ferencvaros, so you are still consistent to say the old Yugoslavia produced great players. I remember Red Star Belgrade giving a football lesson to our neighbours across the park back in 1973: Link

Rooney has lost the ability to link the attack with the midfield through a loss of pace. Last night's showing proved that Everton do not need to start with him – maybe just later in the game as a sub.

Therefore do we promote more of the U23s into the 1st team ? replace Koeman with Unsworth? Or promote Unsworth over Koeman whereupon he coaches Koeman how to play hi-energy, pacy, progressive football in a fluid system. Sandro may benefit from time with the U23s.

To those that doubt (the U23s) – get your arse to a game or two and then offer properly informed comments. When Leicester's U23s beat our lads, they did so due mainly to a lad with a distinct hairdo. Yes, the same lad that shut down Liverpool on Tuesday night. The same lad that Beni ran past with ease 3 or 4 times.

Really happy for Niasse. He's not Rom, he's not Drogba but he was / is very popular with the U23s and they play a game that suits him, knock it down the channels, give him the chance to use his pace and strength and offer overlapping support on the wings. His presence in the box also gives Sigurdsson someone to cross to.

Final offering: get Robinson back from Bolton, it's not doing him any good there, we need his explosive pace at left-back / left wing-back. The right side axis of Jonjoe Kenny and Gethin Jones looks special enough to try in the first team. Consider Feeney at centre-back or get Pennington back.

Have faith.

Calvert-Lewin – I am willing to contend that he will match Lukaku for goalscoring and beat his assists this season (already achieved) compared with Lukaku at the same age (16 in all competitions, 1 assist in 33 appearances), assuming he is played regularly (currently 3 goals in 8 appearances with 2 assists).

Brian, I agree with your assessments of the players last night, I think Sandro is trying to hard to please at the moment, but most of the crowd, including me, seemed please with the effort he is putting in, I am confident there is a very good player in Sandro.

If Ronald does not play him and our poor from in the Prem continues, I cant see any love for Ronald whatsoever. Niasse could see himself employed at EFC and taking over Ronald's locker.

Legend status is within his grasp, how many other players have sat with our fans at an away game? Spoke volumes for me, seems he cares enough to watch us in his spare time.

Saturday is going to be mighty interesting seeing who, and how, Koeman will play after that. I haven't read through this thread but my own take on Ron's dilemmas as follows. Martina or Kenny?

I think Martina has surprised most of us (definitely me) but despite good showings for the U23s may still be Ron's second choice. Although having said that, if he wants to try him out in a tougher game, Bournemouth may be the perfect trial. So I see Kenny maybe getting a chance.

Vlasic and Tom Davies seem to have done enough to oust Sigurdsson and Schneiderlin for this game, but will Ron be prepared to bench his faves? I hope so. Gana will play and Klaassen. Rooney will be in there and Calvert-Lewin has got to be nailed on, so no start for Mola, Niasse, Sigurdsson and Schneiderlin.

This is a must-win weekend and I'm looking forward to watching again after only OS commentary last night, and by the way, for any of you guys on the forum last night – apologies for the bum steer to the YouTube link. Got myself quite excited there, and then there was fuck all.

My only question was is Koeman good enough? But I like a man who admits he's wrong, especially when he proves this with his actions rather than just words.

Brian @164, great post mate, because – although I never saw the game – I agree with your very sensible words, with regards the players, and it also proves that not everyone is an idiot!

Calvert-Lewin has proved he's capable as long has he's played in his proper position. Kenny deserves to stay in the side.

I thought Klaassen was useful last night and I think we can only afford 1 slow number 10 in the side. With Ross it could be two as he has speed so could operate wide.

Rooney has done well this season but ultimately when he plays with Sigurdsson we try to play through Rooney too much and we are slow as a result. So I really think we can only afford one of those two in the side and I think Sigurdsson's first-touch quicker balls lend more to the more up tempo play we need.

Schneiderlin can then compete with Gueye and perhaps come in when we need to be more defensive minded and Klaassen can compete with Davies although my feeling he may prove eventually to be the best no 10 at the club.

We then need to have 3 players with pace in the other forward positions at all times unless it's a situation where we need more possession and then Rooney can take up an advanced role.

If we start losing games against the likes of Bournemouth, Burnley etc, then I'll reach for my Leonard Cohen albums... but not just yet.

I'm more convinced than ever that Koeman will be a failure... With regards to his treatment of Niasse, if he can't see he could have possibly been wrong or even come close to admitting it with a well-deserved smile, then he's more doomed than ever in my opinion.

Up the Blues!!!

We all love an underdog it's one of those odd traits of being an Evertonian, and one of those traits that possibly holds us back as a club – we're a sentimental bunch once you scratch the surface, much like our dear leader.

Aside from that I think we can all agree that Niasse is likely not the answer, but he is worth a punt given the circumstances - he makes some good runs, and movement up front is something we're lacking, Calvert-LewinDCL aside. Who knows, with him making a few runs, not only is he likely to get a few chances, but also likely to open things up for our 4 Number 10s sitting just behind him.

These will all develop into good Premier League players, IMO.

Remember, things had already gone south for Martinez and less remember the thread is rightly suggesting time for both Klaassen and Sandro so let's think that Niasse also got that time to adapt.

Yes, circumstances were drastically different. He is no long term answer but, given the hole we have dug for ourselves, then his physical presence and speed are actually ingredients we need in this side right now.

Off the bench he is worth a look at. I do wonder if Ronald was nudged, a'hem, asked to ensure Niasse was included. Yes I'm mischief making but maybe.

Further to my original post, Everton were not good last night, but the opposition gave us some wriggle room to find out a few things, it shouldn't of taken Koeman this long but it has, a shame.

Just play players in a system which fits their natural positions. Until you have a team that feels comfortable in its own skin them you ask for trouble by playing people out of position. A repetitive theme under Koeman.

Had to feel for Holgate too, it does nothing for him and actually Garbutt should have played, regardless. It's inept to do that to a player, let alone one so callow but with huge potential. Not character building but criminal.

So Bournemouth, down on their luck too, but an open side. If we play an open game we will win. Last year was no exception. This game was pointedly the one were many failed to see how bad we were under Koeman, blinded by the plethora of goals. We were gifted so many of our goals that day and destroyed by them for 20 minutes after half time it was embarrassing.

If he goes back to a conservative approach, with two defensive midfielders and tries to play Rooney and Sigurdsson together, it is IMO likely to be a difficult afternoon.

Tick tock, Ronald.

He seems to excel in-amongst the opposition, providing flicks and creating diversions. And he's had some nice runs where he could have picked up deflections in front of the goal (that never happened, sadly...).

He was sort-of slated for the Sunderland game, but by being in the right place, he had the last touch for Calvert-Lewin to work off of to get the first goal. And he had the cross that Calvert-Lewin headed into the post.

I've been watching most of the games except the Man Utd game, and obviously only the 20 minutes highlights for the Sunderland game, but Klaassen seems to have so much to offer in the crowded spaces, once the rest of the team starts looking for those opportunities.

I admit he could, and should, have a lot more to offer in the middle of the field. But so should the rest of the sorry lot!

I still can't help to admire how he would be so very much of use to us in that very foreign area: The inside of the opposition's box... :)

I don't know if he's going to make it at Everton because I'm not sure if the man who brought him to the club, will be here for that long, but if Klaassen is given time to adapt, and comes to terms with the very physical nature of the Premier League, then I'm sure we will eventually see a very good footballer. I hope so anyway!

None have them have played in a league with the pace of the Premier League.

Klaassen is nowhere near that level.

It's done now. I can't really see Niasse becoming a goal machine – if he does, we'll all look mugs – but It's nice to know he does have a goal in him and offers another possible weapon to our armoury.

I have seen enough of Klaassen to be hopeful he can come good. I like the way he moves the ball quickly and often looks for quick one-twos round the box; however, we may not see the best of him until next season.

We were a group of 6 – 2 family members, 2 mates from way back, meself and the Brazilian missus (who can now claim a 100% win record for watching the Blues).

She loved the pre-match ritual . the walk up . touching the Dixie statue for luck. Goodison under lights. Even the Bizzies on their mounted horses. I'll speak later about her ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi' moment when Niasse came on but, whilst a keen follower of Brazilian football, she knows little or nothing about the Blues apart from how they can transform her hubby into a screaming, cussing Dervish or singing, smiling, laughing, hugely content being, all from watching a grainy stream on a dodgy internet connection once or twice a week.

She also recognizes Wayne Rooney. Within 10 minutes last night, she got it bang on the money: the outstanding player on the park was Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Now Sunderland offered nothing. Even at 1-0 and 2-0 down they were reluctant to break their deep-lying defensive ranks. But they still had to be beaten. And they were.

My assessment was:

Stekelenburg. Nowt to do, but even so there were a couple of nervous moments when he was not decisive enough as his centre-backs ran back towards him to balls played over the top. A half decent keeper would have taken better control of both situations, rather than forcing the centre-backs to make hurried clearances as resulted.

Kenny. Had a solid game. I was confused by what the hell earlier posters were on about, claiming he was being played out of position. He was in his default right -position and whilst not rampaging forward as much as we know he is capable of, he was solid in defence and consistently did something I wish more Everton players would do: hit crisp firm accurate ground passes to the receiver, rather than gently roll a ball into them. It potentially reduces reaction time by the defending team and can pull the opposition out of position more. He'll come good.

Keane. In his early games for us he looked like a consistent 7-8 out of 10 player. In recent games, he's performed more like a 4-5 out of 10 player. He was probably about a 6 last night. James Vaughan tested him last night. Needs to get back to the impressive form he first showed us.

Williams. Solid game. With Sunderland playing so deep, he often carried the ball out from defence and used it well, particularly with Holgate down the left flank. He was involved in one of the best moves on the night, which the replays don't pick up on very well, his tremendous crossfield pass to Jonjoe Kenny. What you don't see bottom of the image is how much in harmony Williams and Kenny were. Kenny ignites the burners from the half way line. Williams sees his intent and delivers a great ball to where Kenny is headed. Kenny controls the ball and interchanges nicely with Vlasic before crossing to Lookman who was twice thwarted by the keeper.

Holgate. A really good game in an unaccustomed left-back position. Defensively solid. Very confident. Got forward effectively and contributed to the first goal.

Besic. I will be amazed if he continues to see much Premier League action. Mo does some good things. That does not compensate for the number of times he coughs up cheap possession in dangerous positions. Against better opposition last night, such errors would have cost us goals, I have no doubts.

Klaassen. Played a part in the first goal and had one or two good moments, but overall – especially against opposition such as Sunderland – we should be expecting more. There is an intelligent footballer in there. He is not showing it sufficiently over 90 minutes for us yet.

Davies. Very good. He took the lead in midfield. Playing centrally and always looking to receive the ball and be involved. Contributed to two of the goals. He should certainly be starting ahead of Klaassen and Besic on last night's showing.

Vlasic. Very impressive. Combined well with Kenny down the right. Technically very sound and very alert to what was happening around him. Encouraging.

Sandro. Similar to Klaassen, there is a footballer in there but he has to offer more. He's game and a worker, that is evident. He drew warm applause for chasing back to deep in our left back position to retrieve the ball for the team. More to come.

Calvert-Lewin. Outstanding. He still has his critics on TW but if he continues to improve on last season as he has done this (in a struggling side) and performs as well as he did last night, we have a real talent on our books.

His ability to receive and retain the ball, no matter how it is delivered to him, was Sharpesque. He has quick and sure feet and can go through the gears. His first goal (in which a number of players contributed to its creation) showed a combination of good tight control, strength, composure, awareness (to open up his body to create a better angle to calmly curl the ball home as he did) and no little skill.

His second goal owes a lot to Tom Davies's quick first time pass from his own half to Sandro, who in turn fed Calvert-Lewin with a good through ball before another clean, calm finish.

One of the best moves of the game almost gave Calvert-Lewin the perfect hatrick, but his header rattled back off the upright.

Of course, he got a great reception when going off for Niasse, but I have to say the biggest cheer of the night was for Oumar's appearance. This was the moment my missus offered up her Obi-wan Kenobe moment. My Amazonian Shaman pronounced: “The force is strong in this one. He is going to make you all happy tonight.”

The others laughed, but she has been right too many times from my experience not to dismiss it out of hand. She was proven right.

Before his goal there were a couple of times he looked like an excited puppy chasing after a bouncing ball, before landing sprayed legged on the floor, but the icing on the cake was his goal, nicely set up by Davies. Oumar created the chance himself by the way he turned goalwards as he took the ball on his chest to offer a better shooting angle, but then was astute enough to shoot with the outside of the right boot to leave the keeper no chance.

And unlike another poster on this thread, all the heads I could see near me were turned towards Oumar's goal celebration with all his obviously delighted team mates. Everyone around me were saying what a cracking goal it was and how pleased they were for him. I didn't hear one reference to Koeman in the immediate aftermath of our third goal. Koeman was certainly fulsome in his praise of the goal in the copy of the Echo I picked up this morning.

Finally, the Goodison crowd. I was pleasantly surprised how full the stadium looked. I was also pleased that a Goodison tradition was maintained. Both ex-Blues Jack Rodwell and James Vaughan received warm receptions when substituted. There was widespread delight for Niasse on scoring his goal (although the four regulars we were with were spooked by my missus' earlier call!).

Otherwise, it was an extremely subdued Goodison. There was only one short burst of ‘Everton-Everton-Everton' after the second goal. Apart from that, nowt! Maybe the recent poor form, the poor opposition and the fact we always had the game in hand influenced how tepid the crowd was, but bear pit it wasn't.

So in closing, this ‘idiot' thoroughly enjoyed his evening and saw lots of positives to take from the game, all the more so as in response to questions from my missus about individual players, I found myself saying a lot, “he's just 19 … 20 … 21.”

And beyond the actual footy, I have to say the city is looking great these days.

Loved it!

Bit of humble pie for the manager but also some of the sheepish looks on a few of the supporters around me in the ground last night who thought it was highly amusing that the lad was getting a chance were priceless. They seemed really disappointed that he failed to fall flat on his face.

The other thing I'm sick of hearing is that Klaassen has a footballer's brain – the problem here is that this seems to be coupled with dart-players legs. He was very poor against low quality opposition – again

I'm happy your lady liked it, and she only channeled the average Evertonian's love of the underdog for Niasse. I'd stay impressed with her if I were you! But get her to stop hexing Rooney! ;D

Pickford
Kenny, Keane, Holgate, Baines
Gueye, Rooney
Vlasic, Calvert-Lewin, Lookman

Rooney with these kids would be deadly and they have the legs to help him out. But hey Koeman will never start all three up top, no balls! Thing is, use these kids now. They need it, so do we.

As for Fortress Goodison, I think all grounds are the same now. Fan demographics have changed and they demand to be excited (and see themselves in a media mirror) before singing.

In earlier years, fans tried to intimidate the opposition and sang because that was the tradition. Those days are fading away, I suspect.

Many crowds now split now between grumbling old men who are not on TW(!) and the rest taking selfies! (And the occasional visiting oracle!)

But it is so nice to have a breath of fresh air here and read of a nice time.

The posts are still up there, for anybody to view. reading them, many of the comments concerning selections have question marks next to them.

The reason is simple if you read the posts. These guys did not have access to the usual links to watch the match, by all accounts Radio Merseyside was hit and miss and they were completely guessing at the formation... hardly hilarious... or even surprising. What was certain. is that somebody was going to play out of position... they were just having to guess which one.

With regards to the Koeman reaction to Niasse's goal. I don't think any of the several people who saw the incident at the game or on TV mentioned Klopp or Conte. But the clear impression of all (bar one) was that Koeman did indeed have a face like a smacked arse.

I was surrounded by the usual arl arse battle hardened crew and, when Niasse was warming up there was almost a chorus as people turned to each other and laughed "It's a fuckin nap he will score".Don't think any of them was spooked when he did.

Well experienced in the mysterious ways the gods of football can serve up irony and surprise when you most expect it are these veteran match goers.

Of course nothing would have been said if they were wrong.

Seems quite pleased our Ron.

The natural reaction immediately after the goal... or the one where he had time to think about what his response would be to the inevitable question.

They both made me laugh. I'm not bothered either way.

One of my worries, very much!

What is the point of Dan Meis making any new ground 'intimidating' if the EFC supporters will sit there all silent?

Even if the current team may be shite, tell those visitors they'll have to work for it!

“Everyone knows it was a difficult situation for him..."

Yes, they do. You made sure of it.

“You pick the player up and you put the player in the team..."

I see. You picked him up. I thought you knocked him down, but what do I know?

Have to admit it, the finer points of the tough love technique are totally lost on me. I was impatient and thought it was bullshit, but Ron understands the long game of improvement by public negativity.

Coming next: Barkley returns, on absolute fire.

Great reading, how refreshing to read a post/article that doesn't close with a negative comment designed for us all to hang on to.

Does Koeman get excited at any of our goals? I'm usually too busy cheering them to notice.

Difficult to see if Koeman does or doesn't from my seat, Dave.

I suppose it depends on where you sit in the ground if you have a view of him sitting in the dugout.

We didn't prove anything by beating a poor Sunderland team but it's small steps at a time now and this very tiny step might lead to some confidence and a few more wins and points in the next couple of games.

I wondered why you hadn't been posting recently. I didn't realise you were travelling around, enjoy the rest of your holiday and I hope you see another win on Saturday if you are coming. Best wishes to you and your wife.

Well done to Niasse and Calvert-Lewin of course.

Being honest, he must have been impressed, it really was a very well taken goal and he has said that after the match.

It will not do Koeman any harm if he continues to play Niasse and he scores a few more, the goals are welcome from anyone at the moment; hope I'm doing a demented dance two or three times on Saturday.

He could do cartwheels, or sit on his hands for all I care. Give me strength!

Niasse's goal was a top finish. I posted three or four weeks ago, I didn't think he was as bad as he was made out. Very good movement and runs.

I don't think anybody cares what a manager does when his team score...normally.

But these are not normal circumstances. Seldom, if ever, has a manager so publically humiliated a player the way Koeman did Niasse. These were exceptional circumstances and people who hated the way Koeman behaved, were taking extra pleasure from this goal.

It was originally a simple observation, one which several people on here clearly made, but it has clearly gone down particularly badly with a certain group... which is a little bizarre when you take into consideration that some of them haven't even seen the incident.

I guess it will be yesterday's story this time tomorrow.

On a more constructive note, good article on BBC football today regarding EFC and our present situation.

I pledge henceforth never to be vexed by the dream of apparent appearances, and to be free of all illusions.

Up the Toffees.

More heartache ahead, I suspect!

20 posts mainly contesting incidents you didn't witness in a match you didn't attend.

Some going that like.

I make no secret of the fact that I think our club will be better off without Koeman and for that reason, I'm desperate to see him gone.

God knows, he's an easy target lately . .but even when the stakes are so high and it means so much. There has to be a place for loyalty and faith in an individual, even in the cut throat world of the Premier League and even if it is sometimes blind.

I once stated in an alehouse full of Evertonians, that signing Tim Cahill was a huge step backwards for Everton, I said it with such a conviction that friends and family did not forget it and still remind me to this day. The ironic thing is, I was driving the bus and I was the only sober person in the place.

Like everyone else on here I've been wrong hundreds of times. but I don't think I will be this time. I would honestly be delighted if it was wrong about Koeman not being for changing and the faith of those supporting him is rewarded. Just like I was when Cahill made a mug of me

Anyway, it's show time again in about 6 hours and I will try to get a bit of kip. Hopefully by the time I have woken up George's will have posted his match day soul soother before I whizz round the betting shop to exercise a little blind faith of my own.

Only Everton manager that I really disliked was Walter Smith, he did to me what Koeman has done to you, Darren, he stopped me from traveling to away games to watch my team, which incidentally is something that Koeman has also done to me.

I'm older now; priorities change but the fact that I couldn't be bothered going to Goodison the other night was only down to two facts. Everton's tactics are all over the place, and Koeman's complete lack of a style, is completely fucking boring to watch, and whilst Walter disappointed, then Ronald just exasperates!

I know football's changed, but please just give us our Everton back... please!

I too am impressed with your change of heart. It was only yesterday you posted you don't take any notice of my posts.

Get on Man City to score four or more.

I'll be watching out for your tips in future though.

If you can count 20 odd posts of mine on this thread, you need to change your abacus.