Sigurdsson and Tosun finally find the net

I trust he will now score a hat-trick – Go do it, Dom!

Irrespective, I expect a comfortable win here.

When will more of the manager's Super-Dud buys be fit enough or good enough to get a start?

By Bernard's own admission, he has barely trained or played for 5 months and is still off the pace. Ease him in gently.

I for one have no qualms going with the same XI that played well for an hour last week, then got a second wind and finished strongly after losing the two goals.

I predict a 7-0 win today. Got a feeling.

I'm excited to see him when he is up and running but I think it'll be prudent to introduce him in dribs and drabs for a little longer.

Silva is giving a number of younger players a fair crack of the whip. So good luck to them. Good luck to the team.

Whatever the scoreline, I hope we give a positive display. Signs of some improvement. Hopefully a clean sheet.

COYBs

A very bitty game – from both sides – with very little quality.

I've been quiet on Calvert-Lewin thus far, as I believe there's a footballer in there. I may have to concede I was wrong.

Davies is not a captain, that is blindingly obvious... Although, I've no idea who is. Please bench Sigurdsson... he's slow, clumsy and frankly a crap number 10.

Not a great watch. We could easily lose this.

Get Baines on in centre-mid.

Only positive is that Digne looks good.

What the hell is Silva playing at???

A bit uninspiring. Lucky to be still 0-0. Surely the second half has got to be better. Hopefully Bernard will come on at some point. We knocked on the door a few times. Need someone to unlock it.

Go 4-4-2 with Walcott up front and get one of the above-mentioned on the wing.

Get him off the pitch as soon as possible!!

That was awesome from Pickford.

We needed that win... and the clean sheet.

Big positive today was the back line. All very good. Going forward and most importantly in defence. Mina can stay on his holidays.

It would be churlish not to mention Sigurdsson... two great finishes and was far better in the second half. I'm still not a fan... but kudos due.

Satisfying.

So he just scored his second... Put the game beyond doubt... like I said, that Walcott is rubbish, hasn't lifted a finger for two weeks.

Totally disagree – Calvert-Lewin is going to be a great centre-forward and getting all these minutes at this age will do …

Tom was brave and led the way at Arsenal last week and all the Arsenal fans were praising him and our team.

As for your comment on Sigurdsson… Humble Pie???

Pleased he scored the 2 goals but, for me, his overall contribution is, so far, extremely poor. Or do the 2 goals suddenly make him a world-class performer in some people's eyes?

Reading the report, sounds like Digne has settled into the left-back role nicely.

Shame about Calvert-Lewin who seems to struggle as much as Tosun – but glad Tosun got his goal.

I'm still not sure about Calvert-Lewin or Tom Davies, for that matter; the others were okay. I thought the back four were solid enough, although seldom challenged. Digne being the stand-out defender/attacker down the left.

I really like the look of Bernard, he does make a difference when he comes into the team. Tosun took his goal well but did little else after coming on.

Gana was energetic as usual and I thought he had a good game. I think once Gomes is fit, they could make a good midfield engine unit between them.

Walcott tended to fade in and out, but generally was okay.

I can watch Match of the Day tonight.

I totally agree with you regarding Sigurdsson in general. However, unless you're of the opinion that, once you decided a player is rubbish then he can never change, then I would say we should give him his fair dues after this game. Poor start, missed a pen, but essentially won us the match.

I think his goals paper over the cracks when you look at the bigger picture; sure they won us the game today, which is great, but over a whole season if he performs like he did today and doesn't score every game (which he clearly won't) he will be a liability if he doesn't up his general play.

He's the only central midfielder we have that is capable of seeing a forward pass and actually scoring goals.

Get in, Gylfi lad!!!

Yeah, he is a little bit like Le Tissier in that respect.

He scored two goals. And he was working hard up the pitch all match, chasing down the Fulham players trying to play it out the back, which resulted in multiple turnovers. It was far more than just coming up with a goal or two.

The highlight from our point of view was Bernard, a real footballer, who knows what is about him and how to put defenders in two minds while bringing his own team mates into the movement. Watch his movement for the last goal, he knows what he wants to do and where it is going before the player who passes to him actually has the ball, he's thinking two moves ahead. If there's a downside it's that I don't know how both he and Richarlieson can both play wide left.

Otherwise, Keane and Davies were our best and Tosun moved well to lose defenders for his goal but I didn't see any evidence of any superior coaching, most of the time it looked like nobody knew where anyone else was never mind what it was that was expected or actually happening. We really must start playing as a team because for a large part of this game it looked like eleven strangers trying to work out what to do next.

At least we now have more points than games played.

He's a real contradiction to me, can't remember a similar player in blue, can you?

Almost as important was the clean sheet. I honestly thought it would never com, however, it was more to Fulham's poor finishing than our defending.

I have to agree with other posters in that, although it sounds harsh after him scoring 2 goals, Sigi really has to up his game and overall contribution.

Great to see Tosun finally get a goal and hopefully that will settle him now.

Everton, really from Martinez days are a one half team. It would be better for us to get our good half first half and hope we can hang on!

There is still a disconnect between the team and the ground. If the players just showed a bit more passion and commitment, the fans would get more behind the team. People moan about the youngsters but they at least get stuck in and don't shirk.

I think as the season goes on and we have the stability in the team they will all learn more about each other and maybe we'll play more through the middle and Gilfy than the wings, which we have done so far this season.

The positives:

3 points;
A clean sheet (at last!);
Keane and Zouma make a good partnership;
Digne continues to improve;
Siggy shows great strength of character to score 2 goals after missing the penalty;
Bernard could be our Silva;
Tosun scores! (finally);
Kenny and Walcott could be building a decent right-sided partnership;
Davies is growing in confidence in central midfield;
Richarlison – well on the way to being our superstar;
Calvert-Lewin wears out the opponents' defenders like no other player in our team. When he starts scoring, he will be a superstar.

Bring on Leicester next week!

They hit the bar, we hit the bar. They had 5 shots in the first half to our 6. It was 50/50 possession. The first half was a bit boring and stop start due to the constant fouls and a couple injury stoppages, but Fulham were not the dominant team.

In the respect that he scores spectacular goals but is criticized by some for his overall game play.

Winning breeds confidence hopefully, and although we rode our luck after getting carved open in the first half when their player hit the bar, we were worthy winners by the end.

All see a different game, but I thought Gana Gueye, was absolutely outstanding today. He got dragged out of position, in the move I mentioned above, and he lost a 50/50 just outside our box in the second half; otherwise, I didn't think he put a foot wrong.

Good character to not give up after the penalty miss and Syggy has the eye for the pass, and hopefully soon Bernard will start, and perhaps at Walcotts place.

But the full squad being available for selection and only then can we say yes or no, this squad can, can't or won't.

Soton and a tough month of games looming. Patience needed. Curious to see any foundation in the comment by Andy at 42..

The club surely won't be tinkering for a new boss, after on less than 2 months?

I know nothing but I hope this is just pure rumour.

Great platform with Zouma and Keane partnership allowing Idressa and Tom Davis to move forward with great linkup play.

Taking shape but not ready for top 6.

He seems to be pushed or knocked off the ball very easily and is very weak in the tackle. I really do hope he comes good though.

My post was just intended to highlight some of the hyperbole after the West Ham game. It probably deserved to backfire. I think today was good and a massive step forward.

I also thought Sigurdsson had a decent game as did Gana, probably my MotM.

I sometimes think some on here want us to lose so they can complain like fuck to suit ridiculous theories. Give the lads some credit, they played okay especially in the 2nd half and fully deserved the win.

We are getting better, head and shoulders above the shite served up last season. Give the team a bit of time and they will deliver. Hopefully we can get a decent striker in come January as that is a priority. A good win and decent performance in the end.

You can only play with what you have got, chances are if Calvert-Lewin has the ability of say Daniel Sturridge who has just saved those red swines with an absolute worldie, then we could have been celebrating a win at Arsenal last Sunday.

Second half, we scored and never looked back. Bernard was very promising as we attacked with some style, that was very refreshing to see. Keep it up blues.

Do we look as bad as those teams when we play away from home?

Are they really that bad?

Southampton to drop for me. They were so poor against us I was astonished.

As I assess things, I can only draw the conclusion that the gulf between the top 6 and EFC is insurmountable.

I then assess that the level of quality we have compared to everyone else pretty's stark too. I think only Leicester have anywhere near our quality

So you have a 6 team league. Everton and Leicester stuck in jeopardy. And then the rest of the others fighting it out for themselves.

Got to love the Siggy comments before kick off, got a nice big piece of humble pie for a few, form an orderly queue please.

The momentary switch-offs always cost us against the better sides. Today we were lucky.

Today let's celebrate a clean sheet today and to beat Southampton and Leicester, would by any teams standards, be an excellent week.

Compared to 12 months ago, things are nowhere near as bad. But patience another of our eternal virtues is needed in heaps and big heaps.

Good weekend Evertonians!

Jamie Vardy will pose a different threat again for our central defenders and they'll need to be bang on form because Leicester in general is a tough place to go plus they have started the season reasonably well.

First things first, though, Southampton is a huge game on Tuesday night and a Cup run keeps confidence high. What we don't want after this good win today is to then go and get knocked out by the Saints, that would be hugely disappointing.

You won't find a bigger blue than me – I travel from Yorkshire to watch Everton weekly and have done for 25 years.

Please let's remember, it's Fulham we have beaten, eh.

All of the mistakes Calvert-Lewin made last week Richarlison made the same mistakes today; that's not to say he had a bad game... but you still had a go at Calvert-Lewin – do you actually watch the match.

Let's just call it a truce – I will support the blues till I die, even if we win sod all.

I don't like the Silva appointment and never will but let's just wait and see 🤘🏻

Happy with the result, which is the main thing at this stage; the performances will, I think, continue to improve the more the new signings come in and a more a settled team appears on the team sheet.

Michael o/p, you've really got it in for Calvert-Lewin haven't you? The serially useless one, I can see him improving with each game, personally, but to each his own.

Maybe that ovation was in support of those things, you know "support" right?

May it continue.

He is the same age as Calvert-Lewin (I think) who is trying very hard for us. So what's the difference?

I've said before I expect ups and downs this season resulting in a 7th-12th finish. Seems we're about on course.

I'm more interested in the foundation of the team being layed. It appears we have found a very good left hand side potentially. And that Michael Keane may prove me wrong when I said he had fundamental flaws. The centre midfielder still seems a weakness to me but if Tom Davies keeps getting minutes that will surely help him develop. Remember how average Henderson used to look?

The team will take time to gel and still we've not seen the best of Bernard or any of Mina or Gomes. I'm looking forward to every Everton game now, more so than I have in a good few years.

Our very own Graeme Sharp would disagree with you.

"Support" ... yes, I know support very well, I've been doing it for a long time but I've never been sarcastic with my support; "honest and open" is the only way to be.

Only time will tell but there is not much between them right now, statistically-wise.

Bernard looks class every time he comes on – no surprise, that move to set up Sigurdsson.

It would be nice to go to Leicester full of confidence (not forgetting the League Cup game on Tuesday first) and get another 3 points.

What improvements would those be? Calvert-Lewin is consistently awful. The worst striker in the entire league, can't finish to save his life. The fact he is still starting games for another Everton manager is a testament to how poor our striking recruitment has been.

Lots of positives today. We need to find a formula that makes the sum better than our parts. In the summer we seemed to agree that would take time, for some that hasn't lasted seven games.

I've got the impression Silva has an eye for a good footballer. That will stand us in good stead while we're building familiarity throughout the team.

We are a work in progress, bit there's enough quality to make today the norm against most of the league.

This season I'm expecting us to beat the bottom twelve and have a puncher's chance against the 'big six'.

To everyone else, he's served up dross all season and should be benched. To me, I feel every single chance we have at goal from a counter-attack, he's at the centre of the move. We just don't put it away!

I thought Kenny was excellent today. I was an advocate for loaning him out because he made lots of mistakes with the ball. But today he looked like a Premier League player.

And how good is Digne?!

"Our very own"? Do you work at the club? Greame Sharpe's opinion on anything regarding Everton is of very little interest to me.

I know what I've seen watching every game for the past two seasons. The boy isn't up to it. Someone said it brilliantly earlier on the live forum. “This level is about delivery; not development”.

On a positive note, I thought Jonjoe was excellent in the second half and will retain his place if he keeps that level of performance up.

Tom frustrates me. Lovely footballer but found wanting too often and won't be in the side when Gomes is fit if he continues in this vain.

I'm expecting this team to really blossom as the season goes on. If we are still in touching distance with Top 6 in February, things could get interesting.

Digne and Zouma both excellent today. Richie and Bernie have both been stand-out in terms of providing eye-catching quality this season. I expect Mina and Gomes to be of a similar level.

The days of living on a prayer with players like Calvert-Lewin and Davies are thankfully coming to an end.

“Ours” is a possessive meaning Sharp is an Evertonian. Do we have to be gainfully employed at the club to use that term now? Sharp was also a striker so may have more insight than the average keyboard warrior. Didn't Calvert-Lewin have a hand in more goals than anyone else last season between scoring and assists?

Today, our #30 was arguably our poorest performer. Yes, he was heavily marked today (literally, in the first half, with a red-card worthy thigh-high challenge which left stud marks), but he contributed very little.

There were a number of times he could have laid off the ball, or got his head up and played in someone. Instead, he gave up cheap possession and did not show great awareness of those around him.

However, because his name is not Jonjoe Kenny, Tom Davies or Dominic Calvert-Lewin – popular whipping boys on here – he gets a 'free pass'.

Similarly, Bernard draws a disproportionate amount of praise for his 5-6 minutes on the pitch, whereas the most influential player in the game is heavily scorned by some.

Yes, a woeful penalty miss by Gylfi, but – my! – how he responded. It was his pass in behind their fullback for Kenny that led to Jonjoe's pull back and Sigurdson's exquisitely placed finish for the first.

And – correct me if I'm wrong – but wasn't it Sigurdson himself, together with Gueye, who helped turn the ball over deep in our half, 70 yards from the Fulham goal, that saw the ball moved upfield to Bernard, with the Icelander bursting a gut to be in the position he was to receive Bernard's lay-off and once again guide home a superbly placed finish.

He was hard pushed for the MotM award by Gueye who, in my eyes, continues to be one of our best performers this season.

It was a thoroughly deserved win. That does not ignore the poverty of the football (from both sides) in the first half. But nor does it presume – as too many are inclined to do – that by default certain players always play well, whilst others always play badly.

Some on here would be well-served to watch each game and each player on their merits, rather than have a jaundiced eye about the team and individuals before a ball is even kicked.

His left foot is a wand, the amount of quality balls into the box and set plays he put in today, outstanding.

ps: I'd love an ambitious bold move for Marko Arnautovic in January, maybe a fantasy... but still!

Goals win and change matches.

Sharpe is an employee of the club so any opinion he expresses about Everton players has to be taken with a pound of salt.

So I won't be changing my opinion on the player based on what Sharpe says. Does that make me a keyboard warrior?

With regard to an ovation, Eric, no difference whatsoever.

I'll stand and applaud each and every player who's given 100% as they come off to be subbed.

Overall, I thought we were industrious but lacking cohesion in the first half. The second half was much better and, although there is still plenty to do, there was a lot to like including the support which remained largely positive.

I know that stats can be misleading but I noted that only Man City had more shots on goal and target than Everton in the Premier League today.

We are definitely heading in the right direction.

So the only man whose opinion of players that really matters, which is the manager – who is an employee of the club – should be taken with a pound of salt.

And your qualifications are????

I think it is a little pompous to dismiss an Everton legend out of hand whilst posting on here you are assuming everyone is all interested in your view of our... sorry, I mean the Everton Football Club.

If you recall, Sharp was critical of Martinez early while both were working at the club so I am not sure he is a party man as you suggest. Either way, I am well aware that most Evertonians would be more interested in his views than mine or yours.

The problem for Everton has never been Gylfi Sigurdsson but the players behind him lacking mobility or passing accuracy, neither Gana or Davies are really pass masters and Schneiderlin is too casual and again lacks mobility.

You want a goalscoring creative central midfielder — then you have got one in Sigurdsson.

You want a midfielder behind or next to him with an engine on him but also the ability to use the ball and carry it — then that's hopefully going to be Andre Gomes (if he can get fit at some point before his flippin loan expires).

Regarding Gomes, does anyone know when we can expect to see him play?

Catch a grip, son.

Patience also, but well done Sigurdsson, and Digne and Toscun.

Patience, guts, and spirit... “What's Our Name?”

Also, a trio of Gueye, Gomes, and Sigurdsson, with the addition of Bernard would be more suitable for Tosun who needs to be part of passing movements, which he is more familiar with. Gueye is valuable for his work rate and mobility and would work well with the same players as Sigurdsson.

Everton are still mostly attacking down channels and forward passes in the final third are still low in completion rate. Such a selection involving Sigurdsson would improve the number of forward passes in the final third. Davies and Calvert-Lewin were really poor in the first half and Silva's high press tactics were in ruins as a result.

What's more, I think Silva knows he needs these players fit and introduced as soon as possible. If Mina was also fit to play, I really could see light at the end of the tunnel at last.

I can only assume it's the price tag and his emotionless style. If you can shift your focus from those things then you can enjoy the player.

On the game itself, it pretty much summed us up. There's plenty of promise but a long way to go. We'll have bad halves and good halves. We'll leave gaps at the back and will occasionally excite. Plus there's some real quality in that attacking third.

Add a striker, another centre midfielder and sort that defence (two lumbering centre-halves can't be a long-term plan) and we've got something.

We know Calvert-Lewin and Davies are playing because we can't select much better. But they're doing a decent enough job for their age. And the experience they're gaining will be important. If I was taking a punt, I'd say Davies will turn into a regular top-level midfielder and Calvert-Lewin might end up more in the Anichebe category (lower Premier League or upper Championship) but let's give them a chance – in their preferred positions – and find out.

Some fans don't know when their well off!

Might not have always liked your opinion, Davie, but I learned a great thing as a child, and it was that no player, no matter how good he was, was never any better than the team!

Gana Gueye was today though, because unselfish footballers are invaluable and that's exactly what that kid was today!

Onward Everton, but first we have got to get fit, because Silva's football is so demanding, and I'm not sure the present squad can cope? Bevied? Yes, happy? Definitely yes, just to reach an age where I understand the arlarses, makes me realise that you don't start learning until you are a dinosaur yourself!!!

Meanwhile, the real work was done by Calvert-Lewin, who ran around a lot and gave defenders a really hard time... without actually troubling the net. Funny how his ovation hardly registered on the sound-meters. But then it was the fans actually watching the game, as you so wisely recommend, who made these collective judgements of the relative contributions provided.

Average performance against Fulham, goals and a clean sheet = Silva is shite.

We are not even out of the blocks. More patience please... He receives tirades of flack for not wanting the free-flowing football of Allardyce or the defensive masterclass of Moyes.

I didn't call anyone stupid and gullible - be they match-going or, as is the case for the overwhelming majority - watching remotely from every corner of the globe. That was you, just now.

Nor do I deny anyone - ever! - the right to express their opinion. I will (which I believe you allow and wish to encourage) if I choose contest others opinion, as I did.

I gave reasons why I thought Richarlison was poor. You – and the entire live Goodison audience - are at liberty to agree or disagree.

As to the bone you seem to be gnawing at, there is clear evidence within this very thread that people will and do comment not necessarily on what is happening on any given day, in any given match, but more based on their preconceptions of a player before a ball has been kicked.

You appear to be one of them in your live commentary in the last two games with your sneering comments about Calvert-Lewin.

Entirely your right, Michael. But I won't be changing my opinion on the content of my post @ 107, if that's all right with you...

Yes I agree on Digne

You may have a fair point on Sig and the midfield. I felt he was hiding v West Ham and standing where he would not get the ball. Could just be my perception but that was the impression I had. I do not doubt his ability

Before the last three games... He'd made 2 late sub appearances and I've start. He scored on his start. In the cup he scored twice.

Tough to judge him based on those showings but the return was pretty good.

In the last three games he's played as a winger and then finally got a run in his true position... away to Arsenal. Not exactly the easiest game to judge him but he did a good job and was a big part of the pressing approach that had us on top for long periods.

Against Fulham he got an hour. Absolutely underwhelming would be my view, even taking into account that he won a penalty. It's probably the first disappointing run he's had this season. ie he was in his favoured position against an average team at home and didn't show enough.

So I think it's fair to criticise his showing against Fulham. But the rest of the comments about him? No chance, he's done alright despite being thrown out wide.

Going on loan would be much better for him - give him a chance to play regularly up front and find out if he's any good. Unfortunately we can't afford that. We need him around the squad.

I dropped Sigurdsson yesterday so what does he do? Score two goals!

What do I know.

One thing I did get right - I said our luck was going to change and when it did some team was going to get hammered.

Well, our luck turned when they hit the crossbar just before half time. It's all uphill from now on (smiles).

Obviously anyone can have an off day but, with his experience, I expect to see him show his qualities more often. Pleased to see he scored, but it doesn't change the fact he hasn't hit the heights for us so far.

I need to see him do a lot more before I fully accept he can be that midfield creator we all crave. Tosun also covers a lot of ground but many don't rate him at all. Yet Sigurdsson runs around a bit and all is well!!!

We both only want what's best for Everton and I guess it's the frustration of not seeing what we want to happen over the last however many years

As previous people have said, no point bickering between ourselves! ❣

I find it hard to dispute any of the sentiment you expressed.

I also think many ToffeeWebers will read your well-balanced post and reflect on their rash opinions.

I think you might find that these "preconceptions" are entirely based on how the ball has been kicked previously.

As Jay says, the crowd are at liberty to cheer and applaud as they wish, no problem with that, just the same as myself.

Richarlson, never had a great game, maybe he never even had a good game, but he's brave, he keeps trying, and he's only a kid himself.

Will Lewin come good? He's playing in the hardest position on the pitch, he never had a good game today, but again he's only a kid.

Kenny was called a headless chicken on ToffeeWeb the other day. Headless chickens don't play through balls like the one he gave for Walcott to cross, for Tosun to 𝐒𝐜o𝐫𝐞.

A young team Everton, and the worst thing you can do to anyone (especially kids) is slag them because you don't think they are good enough. Not trying hard enough? Definitely, ask Schneiderlin, but the game is hard enough, and you don't need to be getting slaughtered off your own, unless you look like you don't want to know, IMO.

Vay, vay funny.

Big flash motor, his missus in the passenger seat looking genuinely terrified and all the while our lovable Gwladys Street ninjas banged on the bonnet, took photos and best of all, serenaded him with a beautiful version of his own song.

Still no news on when he's fit though.

Sigurdsson is in a too advanced position for me; he should be deeper, for his creativity.

The problem is I'm not sure you really got what Richarlison did for the team yesterday, despite not having his best game.

Many teams have passed around Everton over the last few seasons, denying us the ball and exerting constant pressure. We would win the ball back but immediately lose it through bad passing, control and a lack of movement. This pressure would often lead to conceding a goal or 3.

What Richarlison provided yesterday was a constant out-ball. He challenged for every ball to be sent his way and often controlled it, or at the very least ensured Fulham had to go backwards. This bought the whole team the time needed to get back into formation and push out from the back.

The effort he put in, the kicks he took, and the overall higher level of quality he showed in comparison to what we've seen from recent wearers of an Everton shirt is no doubt what caused Goodison to applaud so loudly as he left the field.

Everton have been waiting for a talisman for quite a while now and I for one think Richarlison could be it.

COYB

Calvert-Lewin isn't a bad player because he is a kid, as some would say. Calvert-Lewin just isn't very good. If performance is age-related then Richarlson is young also and he is brilliant. Michael Owen was terrorising defences in the Premier League at age 17. Hate to say it but Steven Gerrard was in his late teens when he was running games for Liverpool up against the likes of Patrick Vierra and Roy Keane.

Age has nothing to do with ability. You are either good enough or you are not. If Dom Calvert-Lewin was any good, we would see it by now. Sorry but the lad isn't a natural finisher.

Good win yesterday but Fulham are really poor and will go down. We sucked first half and better teams would've put us to the sword. Plenty of work still to do but some good signs. Where is Gomes? Is he out for the season as reports have said??

Let's not forget Martin Keown, a player who stank Goodison out for a couple of seasons; then, from nowhere, he turned out to be one of the top defenders.

If you look since Siggy come, the different managers and style of play, different formations we have played, not just for Siggy, other players as well have been played here, there, and everywhere.

We need to get a settled side and then we should get what we expect from Siggy and for me, I would make him captain, instead of keep changing captains.

He seems to play every week, so hand him the arm band.

Once we have players up to speed and a settled starting 11, players will start showing their true form. Pienaar and Baines were untouchable on the left, they played week-in & week-out, they knew what the other would do. If you are playing with different players, it's a lot harder to anticipate what the other player will do.

We need to get our strongest 11 up and running, playing together week after week, build up a team that knows the other players' lay-offs, runs into space etc.

That is not happening because either we have not got our strongest 11 at full speed yet, or the players are one week playing on the left, next as a centre-forward, then in some cases playing as a second defensive midfielder.

3-0 was a decent result; for me, I would play as many as those starting 11 again, against Southampton, get an understanding within those players, and not make too many changes.

If you get a result, follow it up, get those same players back on the pitch for the cup game.

It's what we've lacked over the years, intelligent footballers like those you see all over the park at Man City. Arteta was one, so was Osman (sort of), aside from them I can't think of any others we've had in the last 20 years.

Maybe Manny Fernandes to a degree.

I still see too much talk of having 'grafters' in our team as the players our supporters warm to – I wish this would disappear. Everton fans love a good tackle & all that, but the game has moved on. We should as well.

Spot on pal. Anybody at the game will have seen the effort Richarlison put in, he's a real fighter. And his effort is often matched by quality. He didn't get the breaks his efforts deserved but, the harder you work, the luckier you get, as goes the saying.

I'm delighted he's ours.

Others are providing statistics to compare Calvert-Lewin favorably with Richarlison. Why the Spin? Why throw misleading stats around when anyone can see they are anything but equals. Why are you lobbying on Calvert-Lewin's behalf? This is professional football, not a kids team where everyone must get a game.

It was clear yesterday that the whole team got a lift when he went off. It must be demoralizing trying to supply a striker with chances he won't score. "Oh but he scored two in The Caraboa Cup a month ago". The sooner the Calvert-Lewin apologists stop dreaming, the better.

I agree on Bernard. Looking forward to seeing him start. Where will be the interesting question: I'd like to see him in the No 10 slot as I think having someone there who can beat a man and play a pass would really give us some new options.

Ditto with Kenny. He's already improved massively under Silva, though only a week or two ago was being referred to by some as Sunday League standard. Our negative regime last season killed his natural attacking game, you could see he was just scrambling around trying to just defend. Totally blunted his development. Now he's getting forward, looking comfortable on the ball AND perversely defending better. Like Tom he has energy to burn and a great attitude.

Calvert-Lewin is further away. He's giving it everything but strikers get judged on goals. If we get competition in for Tosun in January, maybe a loan to the Championship to play up top will aid his development. Holgate has a lot to learn but has great natural ability and the right attitude.

Agree with David Barks on Sigurdsson: a class player criminally wasted by incompetent managers out wide last season. He's not an athlete, but he is a footballer. He's clever, technical and sees the game, whilst also working hard and never lets his head drop. In a team playing badly, he isn't the type to win a game by himself, he lacks the speed and ability to take defenders on. He's is a team player though and will play better with other intelligent footballers, which bodes well because that's the direction we're heading in. Also to those suggesting he does nothing and then scores the occasional goal, you realize it was his through-ball putting Calvert-Lewin in for the penalty?

A misfiring first half, lucky that Sessegnon hit the bar, but we mullered them in the 2nd. They offered zero threat other than the break from our corner. We totally outplayed them and richly deserved the margin of victory. Jokanovic essentially admitted as much. Our defence was excellent. Bernard is a clever player and will be major for us in a month or so. Still Mina and Gomes to come.

To those who think Silva is no great shakes, compare and contrast with last season. Which of our players actually improved? How many regressed? This season, most are showing improvement. All the new additions we've seen so far are looking good. This indicates that our recruitment and coaching are both working. Good times ahead IMO.

How about Niasse playing right-mid and thinking "He's 3rd division".

Moral of the story, don't be too quick to judge young players or players playing out of position.

One of the problems with social media is instant judgement; shite first half, genius 2nd half. But I fear for Tom Davies and Calvert-Lewin. Baz from ToffeeTV pointed to Tom's passing stats being 80% completion, and the 'not good enough' brigade will focus on the 20%. Will he become a top midfielder? Who knows, but FFS give him a break, and let him learn his trade and support him – not sap him of confidence. Ditto Calvert-Lewin.

There was another good display by Michael Keane and just as well with Mina not yet making his debut.

I'm positive all the new Silva & Brands signings will be a big improvement on what we have. Last time I was genuinely optimistic was the sigings of Lukaku and Barry.

Davies is showing a lot more now and I agree, he has a lot more to learn, especially the timing of his tackles, but that's down to his enthusiasm.

Whilst Fulham are basically a Championship side, they still caused some concern early on but at the back they are a mess. If Walcott and Tosun or Calvert-Lewin can click more consistently with Richarlison, then the offence will do well and Gylfi's brace was a real bonus.

Richarlison will be very sore today after the kicking he took yesterday so maybe he will be rested for Southampton and Bernard given a start.

When I look at it now, and as somebody else has mentioned, I see two players for each full-back spot, four rising to five centre-halves (going on yesterday's performance, both Keane and Zouma will be hard to dislodge).

Davies, Gueye, Sigurdsson, plus Schneiderlin and soon Gomes in midfield. But it is up front that is going to be interesting for two reasons as I see it.

Walcott and Richarlison are automatic starters for me under normal circumstances, but if as I am tipping he will, Tosun finds his finishing touch, then you will have Bernard banging the door down for a start and Calvert-Lewin still in contention

Perhaps Silva will use all five of them, subbing one or two of them every game.

What a difference from last season where it was square pegs in round holes every game.

Did Martin Keown suffer from terrible flatulence? I don't remember how his performances “Stank” out Goodison. He got called up for England and did well enough to get a move to Arsenal when they were the best of the best.

Look at his goals per game ratio. He will never be a Premier League striker — NEVER!!!

He just doesn't score goals; when you claim to be a striker and you can't score, then you have a problem. Any striker can hit a rocky patch but statistically you will have a better chance of seeing Elvis in Walmart than you will of seeing Calvert-Lewin score at Goodison Park.

I don't know how many of us here on TW were calling for his inclusion (Bernard) before the team sheets were made official, but no, the Manager chose to stick with those that played against the Arsenal.

While I admire in some respects, Marco giving players a chance to prove themselves, games in the Premier League are not the platform to do that.

Let's hope Bernard is one of the first names on next match's team sheet along with Gylfi, Charlie, Gana, Digne, Keane, Pickford, Walcott, Zouma, Kenny, Davies, and someone who can score a goal regularly, not once in a Blue Moon!

I just cannot see Silva lasting much longer as any half-decent team will rip through this poor defence. A change of manager is desperately needed, the sooner the better.

What a laughable post. "A change of manager is desperately needed"??? 7 games into his first season? Coming off a 3-0 win which, sorry, was a convincing result.

19 shots to their 6.
6 on target to their zero.
12 corners to their 1.

Expect Moshiri to bankroll a big signing next summer.

I would agree 100% that there is plenty of room for improvement but we are most definitely moving in the right direction .

Get a grip, mate.

Lukaku was ideal for this type of play because he had the pace, but more importantly, he has the ability to score goals. Sad to see him in languishing at Man Utd, where they don't play to his strengths.

He's had 7 games. During his tenure we have recruited the following:

Bernard – For me, who has studied this lad previously will be a sensation in the Premier League. He has the ability to make defenders look very foolish and is very Silva like in his football. A very shrewd move.

Richarlison – Potential to be world class. He is at present a very very good Premier League player and is 21 years of age.

Mina – I again highly rate this lad, and let's face it... a strong towering defender has been needed for many a season.

Gomes – Whilst clearly untested in this league, potentially he is going to be a fine addition if only temporary. But surely an upgrade on what we have had previously.

He has completely transformed the way we play and whilst we are still far far away from seriously competing with the top 4, we are slowly edging closer and I thing we will give any side a real test with a full side to pick from.

Absolutely ridiculous.

Of the new signings, he's the one I have seen the most of. He adds passing and vision. He lacks pace (but he's not slow) and work rate.

At his best he goes past people in the middle of the park (similar to how the equally slow Gascoigne did), and can bang it into the net from distance. He's got great feet. Great Touch. Great Technique.

The bad is that he sometimes looks "lazy" in the Schneiderlin mould, strolling round the pitch, anonymous, game going on around him. I don't actually think either of them are lazy, but those who do think Schneidelrin is, will likely think Gomes is. He lacks the defensive side of his game to be box-to-box.

I'm very interested to see exactly where Silva slots him in. It seems to me like he can only take Sigurdsson place. That's unless Sigurdsson and Gomes both play as 8s with a very static 6 (can only be Schniederlin unless you put a strong leash on Gueye).

Does anyone know when he is expected to be available?

I hope I never see him disgrace the beloved Blue shirt again, with his lethargic, half-hearted displays, and robbing the Club on a weekly basis.

As to who should be dropped, I'll leave that to Silva. I assume he would have had a plan when he bought him. He certainly can't be left on the bench.

Make no mistake: Paul Gascoigne was lightning fast over 3 yards... add that to the fact that the first yard is the head — that is what made him a genius.

Make no mistake about it. Gomes is a long way off Gascoigne. It's just how a comparison of how a “slow” player can dribble away from players.

I don't know anything about Gomes so I will trust your judgment.

After a season or so, he was like a different player altogether, his timing of tackles were second to none and even ended up winning an England cap before his move to Arsenal.

But the early days he was poor, thankfully he got time and upped his game to turn out to be the player we all saw as a top class defender.

I am sure some of the other posters on here will have seen the same as me early doors when he first played for Everton.

Typical blues probably. Giving Keown down the banks because he wasn't world class straight away.

Well, our loss because he went on to be outstanding for Arsenal and made an England World Cup squad a decade after we let him go.

I go the game. Lukaku was being booed 2 years ago. BOOED by his own fans. Blues. Booing a 25-goal-a season striker. Pathetic. Maybe worse than that but I don't know a strong enough adjective.

Very nice to read those stats on our young Tom Davies.

I'm beginning to defend this kid the way I did Martinez! I love his game, his energy, and his willingness to play the ball forward. I thought he had an excellent game v Fulham. I still believe he's going to be a fantastic midfielder for years to come. I just pray we show enough patience when he screws up. Another post alluded to Henderson over at Mordor, and how he's been allowed to grow and develop. I think there's parallels with Tom in that regard.

Another one of the homegrown boys, Jonjoe Kenny, also (in my opinion and as we know it's all about opinions...) had a fantastic game against Fulham. He was involved in two of the goals, one of which he played a brilliant ball down the right.

Finally, a word for Michael Keane. Last season, he turned as fast a barge, looked a headless chicken, and played poorly quite often. I'm not sure what Silva is feeding the kid for breakfast, but whatever is in those Corn Flakes he needs to keep eating! The boy's been very, very good. A proper centre-back who's showed some true skill this season.

That's three young players, often maligned by many here on the site, who are starting to play well. Long, long may that continue.

I think you'll find that statistically or statistic wise Saturday was 24 hours long.

I was correcting a previous post, and the reference to the length of the day was to how much I'd had to drink.

It's Eric with a “c”... And I think you'll find a day is 23 hours 56 minutes and 4 seconds long.

I just wish people would have a little patience and give them all some time under Silva before slaughtering them.

Sigurdsson is a very different player but similar to Osman and Naismith in that he works hard, can see a pass, reads the game well, scores a few important goals but hasn't got the pace, strength or ability to make him a standout player. He's a good player and until Bernard and/or Gomes are 100% should retain his place.

Bernard was said to be a flying winger, not in my eyes. I understand he's not fully fit but he hasn't the pace or stamina to be a winger. Good player though, he's just got natural ability to turn, create, play the killer pass etc. He reminds me a bit of Beardsley but in the modern game, I think he'd get bullied centrally until he adapts to the Premier League.

Davies is a good player, a box-to-box midfielder who is improving and is playing well.

Calvert-Lewin is playing well but neither striker has had much support or too many chances but he has to improve finishing.

I don't care about the Kaboo Cup, keep the defence the same and alter the midfield and forward line-up. I want Lookman, Bernard and Dowell to start! Rest Richarlison, Davies and Gana.

Against a fragile Fulham, with the worst record at Everton ever? I expected us to set the tempo and win comfortably gaining some valuable confidence in the system and each other.

Sloppy, careless, untidy. Pick one or all three we looked listless and fatigued.

Fulham in contrast we're sharp, incisive and quick. If we'd gone in 2-0 down who could complain?

The change was marked. Tempo and precision appeared and the strength on paper materialized.

The penalty was a touch fortunate but I cannot help thinking, Garrett the lino has the missed penalty at Bournemouth on his mind, was quick to give us the benefit on any doubt. For my money, the ball had gone, the push irrelevant.

The penalty miss inspired one man, Sigurdsson, and he made up for it in splendid fashion. I've watched the goal repeatedly, the way he sorts his feet out is truly something worth watching. A shuffle, and a skip the perfect distance to match the speed of the ball, pretty lush that.

A good win with Digne and Gana managing 75-80 mins of quality, the rest, very poor to middling efforts.

The clean sheet came with some lucky caveats, mainly Fulham's inability to take a chance.

I hope Silva stays strong Tuesday night.

My recollection of the first half was us outplaying Fulham the first 20 minutes. I saw very little going south, and thought we played well.

The rest of the half Fulham was on the ball and very dangerous. We, as you point out, did not look good. Too many holes in the back line, and two opportunities that would have seen us down 0-2 had players with a bit more quality been playing for Fulham.

But the idea we were awful in the first half? I didn't see that in the first 20 minutes.

Fulham is a good side. They play "proper" football and can retain possession against anyone in the league when they are on their game. They had, as I expected, control of the game in spurts. The last 25 of the first half was admittedly a "long spurt" (don't touch that one John you know what I mean) and they showed their quality.

We need to learn to defend better when teams get their tails up. But we were not completely abject for the entire first half.

I didn't see that.

This season will be a rollercoaster ride. We will see periods of poor play, as we did in the latter part of the first half. I expect it. Seven games in, a new coach and system, it's bound to happen.

But we will improve. And those spurts will shorten in length over time. That's the hope anyway.

3-0. Well done. Roll on tomorrow.

Finally, speaking of Fulham, take a look at their schedule. It's been hell. They'll climb the table, they're no mugs.

And we handled them in the end. Improvement is needed to be sure, but we did what we had to, and convincingly in the end, as we deserved overall.

Oh yes, drifting through games and not really doing anything of note for much of the time. You can't say he was out of position or the tactics didn't suit him – truly great players get past those excuses to put regular excellent performances in.

Just because he has a foreign name and cost a lot of money doesn't mean he should be given an easy ride or all his many poor past performances excused because he was just in a run of poor form. it makes me laugh that the same people who suddenly love him and Richarlison give hard workers who actually turn up for most games like Calvert-Lewin a tough time. But of course if they have one or two bad games, it's a sign they can't cut it, not just being in bad form like the star names.

Also, I wouldn't get carried away at beating a weak Fulham team who will probably be relegated and only came up last season. Surely that is something to be expected playing them at Goodison rather than a cause for wild celebration? Enjoy the victory yes but it's a sign of how low our standards have fallen under Silva that it many fans have reacted like we have just won the Champions League. Let's see where we are come season end and then we'll really be able to tell how good the current manager is – with the way Fulham cut us open and could have had 3 or 4 themselves, I know how I think it will pan out.