Chelsea point represents another step forward for Everton under Silva

Just how long will the Sky darlings' tail keep wagging the Referee dog before something is done to improve the standard to a higher more consistent level?

Mina yellow card: Correct (if you see the video in slow motion, the leading leg misses the ball completely and catches Hazard on the shin, the trailing leg kicks the ball away inadvertently)

Jorginho yellow card: Wrong! Straight red. No excuses.

Alonso tackle on Walcott. Wrong! He steps on Walcott's ankle – very painful. Should have been a yellow at least.

Kante: Yellow card. Meeaah, I think Richarlison makes a meal of the tackle.

Bernard: Yellow, lucky it was not a straight red, because Richarlison saw red against Bournemouth for a similar head 'kiss'. Refs take a dim view of a deliberate clash of heads nowadays. But, Rudiger's reaction to the head 'butt' was farcical with a clear intent to get Bernard sent off. Silva should have a quiet word with Bernard to never repeat such stupid actions ever again.

Other than that, the referee got the penalty decisions correct (not given) for both the teams. If that had been Jon Moss, I shudder to think of the outcome.

There is no doubt Gomes has brought a real calmness and confidence to the midfield – no wonder Barcelona are not interested in talking about a permanent move.

Mina did well on his debut, but I can think of at least a couple of refs – Moss and Mason for starters – who would have given Chelsea a penalty when he tangled with Morata from a corner. I am sure Silva will be telling Mina you cant do that in this league, because refs will be watching for that in the future. I can't think of a time when we had such 3 good centre-backs, and Jags as back up.

While at times we did play 10 men behind the ball it wasnt like Koeman's or Allardyce's 10 men defences. We defended high up the pitch and held a high back line so there was very little space for Chelsea to play in. I also thought the tactic of letting Luiz and Rudiger have the ball but pick up everybody else worked a treat.

Again I thought both wide men had quiet games, but both could and maybe should have scored. I don't think Silva can do anything else but to play Lookman from the start in the next game. He looked very lively when he came on, I still think Bernard will be a real talent but will probably need most of this season to settle into the Premier league. Have to say another excellent performance from Gana playing alongside Gomes he is back to his very best.

I don't think anybody is getting carried away as we have had so many false dawns with managers and teams only to be let down. But the signs are positive, a team playing the way the fans want always looking to get at the opposition no matter who they are. Very early days for Silva but a lot to be positive about.

Along with Mr Ferns, I was a massive supporter of Silva's appointment and think he and Brands have done a remarkable job to turn around what was one of the dullest most dismal Everton teams I have seen last season into one which is capable of being both exciting and very organised and disciplined at times.

We've gone toe-to-toe with Arsenal and Man Utd and Chelsea away and, though we are not at their level yet, we have made huge strides already in bridging the gap. We suddenly have a squad with decent options everywhere and players playing to their best rather than below themselves. We fear no-one. We believe. And I think the fans are beginning to as well.

If this type and speed of progress continues we might yet stand a decent chance of top 6 this season and maybe even a shot at the game-changing top 4 next season.

Yes, it means we have to do more to win games, but this will only stand us in good stead for the future.

I thought we were excellent yesterday apart from the woeful final balls of Walcott, Coleman and Gueye.

Every time Walcott gets the ball, I say "Watch him fuck it up" and he obliges. Every now and again, he'll turn with the ball, accelerate away and look an amazing player, then he'll forget to pass it and he looks like a dick. Such a frustrating player, better than what we had but, my god, let's get Mola out there now!

He was actually right to book Mina and crucially he didn't fall for any of Morata's attempts to con a penalty which is something I'd not likely be saying about many others. Overall, he did okay for me.

It's a funny ole' game!

I hate to criticise players who are trying their best but I have to agree that Walcott conceded possession with every involvement and his lack of control or finish when the ball came to him in the area on his right foot yesterday was enough reason not to retain his place for the next fixture. For me, however, you could level the same criticism at Bernard who had an equally gilt-edged chance and fluffed it.

I don't think we can drop both of them at the same time so there is a decision to be made and an example to be set. Who gives you the reaction?

Pleasing result though I really thought Barnard should be controlling and smashing that chance in; hopefully he's able to increase his sharpness as the season progresses.

I liked the way we set up from the start yesterday when not in possession, basically a deep 4-2-4 so all the space was cut off. It created a block of 4 players in the middle leaving Chelsea frustrated and no answer, until we started to tire and injuries took hold of certain players. Thankfully they have some recovery time now with yet another international break.

What did concern me was going forward, the lack of composure. We can't be snatching at chances, giving the ball away cheaply or over-hitting crosses on such a regular basis and still think we can bridge that gap to the top places, because we won't. We have enough quality in the team to do better and I'm sure we will improve. A couple of players really need a goal.

Finally, I think Lookman is ready for a start. I'd have him on the left where Digne can provide better cover for him than Coleman. If he is played on the right then that would stop Coleman from going forward and I think it would disrupt the balance more and leave us open at the back.

Once again, I'm enjoying watching this team grow as the season progresses.

The ref was out of order to bracket that in the same realm as a shirt tug to stop a counter. It could have easily ended Sigurdsson's season.

Silva has got us playing some lovely counter-attacking football – and we now have a team that can defend very solidly. 'Team' being the operative word. There is real spirit and identity beginning to appear.

Keane's confidence has seen a huge positive U-turn in his contribution; and either of him, Zouma or Mina will float my central defensive boat. As previously mentioned above – Mina needs to change that WWE technique as quickly as possible or we could be conceding a lot of penalties. You cannot take your eyes off the ball, take an opponent by the neck and hope to get away with it very often. We were fortunate yesterday with that one.

I believe that playing Bernard and Walcott, both of whom aren't hitting the heights currently, is a luxury that on paper is mouth watering but on the pitch, currently, isn't the sum of its parts. For me, drop Theo to the bench and give Lookman his chance.

Hopefully this will be the kick up the backside Theo needs to get back to producing some positive outcomes rather than disappointing nothings. I like Walcott but he has not been adding anything recently – and we can't afford passengers with the RS test coming up.

So, a resounding 'well done' to Silva so far – the signs of progression are obvious.

But please, let's not crucify the guy when set-backs do happen, and they will. He is trying to build something, and that takes time. Let's give it to him.

Remember – it could still be Allardyce!

Some players, granted are taking a little longer to adjust but, at least for the time being they have the youth and experience to challenge for the top places.

The 'bench' has some really adequate players and, with Lookman chomping at the bit, the rest of the season looks promising.

Obviously the striking element has to be improved and now, with Gylfi and Richarlison carrying injuries, there has to be concerns.

The international break comes at the right time and they could be both fully fit for the Cardiff game although may not get much training time in. No good risking them in any way if not 100% ready.

By all accounts, we did well, and to come away with a point is a great result; not many teams will not concede at Stamford Bridge.

I would also add that I don't think Chelsea are a highly loved Sky team like some of them!

I was sat in the Chelsea end (very quiety) and it was interesting listening to them. Talking about time wasting etc and their views on the Hazard foul. Bernard etc. Even they were saying Rudiger had milked it.

My only negative of the game was Walcott and Bernard. Both are players I like, but they seem to go to pieces anywhere near goal. Both had good chances you would expect them to deal with, and fluffed their lines. I think Lookman should definitely get a chance, he looked very lively when he came on and maybe starting a lot of games has tired Bernard, who hasn't played much.

The Silva era is going well: we are starting to see real shape, real desire, and a real spirit to not just give the points to the top sides.

Yes, Chelsea had more chances and Pickford did really well as shot stopper but we actually fashioned some good chances ourselves and played some good football but couldn't quite break down a very good Chelsea defence. Let's not slip up against Cardiff!

Team Performance:
I thought that there were plenty of positives in this game. Compared to the Arsenal and Man Utd games, this is probably our best performance, besides the fact that we got the one point.

In the first 20 minutes of the first half, it was as if we were the home side, in the way we pressed and attacked Chelsea. What I thought was encouraging is that we have improved immensely in our defending of corners. We won practically every corner swung in, and even when we didn't get to the first ball, we didn't make it easy for Chelsea, and we almost always got the second ball.

There were quite a few occasions when we hunted in packs, eg, two to three players closing in to a Chelsea player on the ball.

On the other hand, I have noticed that Sigurdsson's corners have been very poor. He seems to do better at passing or striking a moving ball, instead of a dead ball. Note the number of times that he overhits the corners. Digne's delivery are more effective, in my opinion.

Comparing the way Chelsea moves with and without the ball, it's a reminder of the gap in the quality between the two teams. They do a lot more pass and move into space, which we do well to incorporate into our forward play.

Individual Performance:

I thought that Bernard probably had his best game since Leicester. He was more effective in his dribbles and was able to open up space.

Walcott continues to be the one whose place is most likely to be threatened. His pace would probably mean that he would always offer that threat, because he can be so direct. I would prefer to see Lookman come on in place of Walcott rather than Bernard.

Bernard's best position is probably in the middle, but because Sigurdsson is there and thriving at the moment, Bernard's likely to remain on the flanks.

But he could still do a job there; David Silva was playing in from the flanks when he first came to Man City, and he was impacting the game from there.

What I noticed is that this Chelsea (and all the top sides) are not going to be just beaten by pace at the back. If it was, we have plenty of pace to burn, but we have hardly got the better of the quality teams. We need more trickery, as evidenced by Lookman's wriggle into the penalty box. Thus, I think a Bernard-Lookman combo on the flanks is worth trying out.
The thing though is, Lookman has a languid style which can come across as not committed/lazy etc. Much like how players such as Berbatov come across to others.

The question is whether fans will get impatient with the way he approaches the game, especially when we are chasing a game, and needing to up the tempo. It remains to be seen how he can translate his creative play into 90 minutes that fans can accept.

All-in-all, I think there are many reasons to be optimistic. We have more strength in depth, and a couple of victories in the next few games would be instrumental in overcoming the mental block that we can't hack it against the "big boys".

Of the three away games, this was the one where I felt that the players believed that they wouldn't fold.

Looking forward with anticipation to after the international break!

Richarlison Fit To Report For Brazil

He may yet have to withdraw as he will be assessed by the Brazil medics. The same report adds that Sigurdsson is more of a doubt about joining the Iceland squad.

I watched us play Chelsea at home last season and they toyed with us – how quickly the football world turns. Clean sheets are starting to become a more regular feature but this one ranks the highest - against a very good side while still presenting an attacking threat.

One thing always seems to stay the same – if a top 4 team is not getting its own way, the studs start to be brandished against certain targets – those who present the most threat. It is abhorrent to me but perfectly illustrates why improving squad strength is the way forward.

Moshiri seems to suggest that this will largely be achieved by developing youngsters and that is certainly Brands's skill set so my guess is they will be given time to develop into the squad. The only snag is we will be left weaker by injuries this season. I don't think the champagne needs to be on ice this season.

If things carry on in the same vein, the future looks very bright.

We have signed much better players, and it's showing. Players with heart and fight, ability and work-rate, and also more quality as well.

Except maybe for “little Bernard”, who has fluffed his lines twice now away to the big guns, but because of his heart and natural ability, you just know he's going to get it right in the end!

I had a feeling it would take him a while to acclimate to the pace here, but like you I think he'll come good. And I think his first goal will make a big difference in his confidence. I predict it'll happen against Cardiff.

When you look at the signings made by Silva – Mina, Digne, Zouma, Gomes, Richarlison and Bernard – they are all really looking like they have something to bring to the party. I know a couple are on loan, and Bernard will take time to settle properly, but hopefully we'll get them all signed up when the time is right.

And we finally look like a squad of lads who are all pulling together and enjoying each others' company. The squad spirit is high and there are smiles on everyone's faces.

Great job to date, Mr Silva and Mr Brands. Long may these happier times continue!!

Tony Cascarino says Everton are well away from the big teams and Pickford being MotM, even though Chelsea had a bad day, proves it?

Was this the same fella who was asking, "What is it that Evertonians actually want?" when they all wanted Allardyce out.

Let's hope that Liverpool have an off day, then Man City, because once our players become more confident, then “our crowd” will show them they are exactly what we want. Especially if we can sign a top centre-forward in January!

However, I took great heart when my grandson, who went to the game, told me that's the proudest he's ever been watching Everton playing away, he's 21 and has been watching Everton since he was very young. It tells you a lot about the teams we have had to endure, also tells me, we are on the way back, slowly but surely.

Lookman has looked dangerous off the bench and Bernard has shown enough progress to continue. Zouma will be unlucky if he misses out, but this competition for places is exactly what we need.

Rome wasn't built in seven days and this Team is growing in stature and belief. Last season under Allardyce, and under Koeman, they'd have had a meltdown. The assurance and confidence is maturing and yesterday was very satisfying.

On the subject of referees, it's no wonder there's no FA referees at major tournaments these days.

If the FA had any guts they would be suspending these over-paid arseholes and fining them.

I'm resigned to ultra piss-poor officials in this league. Let's hope we don't get any blurt of an official for our beloved neighbours in 3 weeks.

Pickford made 1 top save from Alonso, the 2 or 3 other decent saves he made were routine and, if he hadn't made them, would have went down as goalkeeping errors.

We also had decent efforts: Sigurdsson's shot — a yard either side of the keeper, he probably ain't saving it, Bernard's effort a foot wide and Lookman with a little more luck could have been in on goal after a fine dribble. Not to mention Chelsea could easily have been playing with 10 men.

Both sides could have snatched it and if gobshites who were shit strikers themselves cannot see we're improving, then so be it.

How embarrassing was Rudiger when the huge Bernard knocked him to the ground after breathing on him?

I am concerned however that the front three do not carry the goal threat they should.

Bernard in particular although a skilled footballer couldn't hit the net if he was standing in the goal.

Walcott's touch and confidence seem to have deserted him and Richarlison is never a number 9.

I think Lookman and Calvert-Lewin although not as skilled would be more prolific.

Richarlison may not be a natural #9, but he's the best we have for the position at the moment. He maximizes our attacking threat.

Bernard may not be a top scorer by nature, but he can DEFINITELY finish:

Walcott hasn't lost confidence, he just has the same limits as always, particularly composure in the box and first touch. His goals/games and assists/games ratios for Everton are exactly the same as they were for Arsenal. He is what he is. And isn't.

If I were Silva, I'd start Lookman over Bernard right now, and bring in Bernard at 60 for whoever is playing worse.

A point at Chelsea is a real indicator of our upward spiral in form and attitude.

Our calmness on the ball in tight areas is impressive whilst we are carrying a real goal threat with Richarleson. We need Walcott to start scoring and either Bernard to show more composure or start playing Lookman.

Chelsea knew that they had been in a game yesterday not like in previous years.

It's standard that when playing the sky darlings that you also have to compete against the ref. This game was no different and neither will be the Derby.

The “kid” from Brazil, has only been at Everton for four months, but he looks like he has supported the club all his life because of his sheer will both for himself and his team-mates.

Obviously a lot of this is down to Silva, who looks like pride in the shirt, and fighting for your team-mates is his mantra, and this is why I'd leave Bernard in the team over Walcott, Mike.

Agree that these two have got to be rotated along with Lookman but, because Bernard seems to have the most discipline, then he would start for me before the other two, especially against the better teams, anyway.

I think we are going to see three centrebacks, and it's going to be intriguing watching this squad develop because it's full of potential – it really is!

Agree with you on Richarlison. Nobody has mentioned his price tag in a while, have they? Or Sigurdsson's, for that matter. Worth every dime, both of 'em.

If Silva wants to persevere with Walcott then give him a run at centre-forward and move Richarlison out wide. A big no to Calvert-Lewin as a starter at present

ps: Most pleasing aspect of yesterday was the attitude of the players. Really looked as if they were up for it and looking after each other. I think Mina will become our leader on the pitch that we have long craved given time.

Pickford --- Keane Zouma Mina --- Digne and Coleman possibly playing as WB slightly further up and providing all of the width --- Gana and Gomes central --- Sigurdsson and Bernard playing either side but slightly deeper off Richarlison upfront. Relies a lot on Digne and Coleman getting up and down but hey, that's what they do anyway. Bernard could be more effective further in and without losing Siggy's effectiveness?

This link makes more sense: EVERTON 3-4-2-1

IMO referee Friend lost the plot at times. Should have been a sending off for the two-footed tackle on Sigurdsson. The second is to do with Rudiger's drama queen behaviour after the incident with Bernard. Honestly, I didn't catch footage of any head butt/kiss by Bernard but, whatever, there was no excuse for Rudiger's pathetic behaviour when on the ground. Watching this again, he was cupping his hands over his mouth with face to ground and then with eyes closed and at least 3 times he looked up the see if the ref had called it, then away cupped hands and then look back up.

Pathetic. EPL should fine him for such pathetic behaviour IMO. Maybe also take retrospective action for the two-footed tackle. But ... we all know they won't, don't we?

I also can't remember any club enjoying the products of a single transfer window as we have since last summer's endeavors by M&M. Huge respect to the pair of them but as Tom Lennon (#20) all but says, it may take one or two more windows to create a squad fit for the owner's stated purpose re Champions League qualification.

Unusually I had TalkShite on last week when the absurd Jim White "interviewed" Farhad. He spoke very positively about the BMD plans but also inferred that the squad still needs to be slimmed, and I agree with that. I'd suggest anyone other than the six not signed by them up to now needs to look at themselves big-time, except for Jordan, Seamus, Gylfi, Idrissa and Michael of course, for now. He also spoke of the need to develop as a winning team from within the youth product, ideally.

That's how it should be too, at a professionally run club with designs on winning trophies rather than bulging the bank accounts of third parties allegedly doing Everton, via their teary chairman, a favour. Long may it continue.

What I don't understand is that in our first home game of the season, the team had a few, well-executed set-piece moves. I am not sure if it was in the same game but, in one free-kick move, Walcott scored a blinder.

What concerns me is that we do not see any training ground moves anymore. Have they lost interest or did they run out of ideas?

We have not been able to build a squad partly because we have lost players just when the team is getting its act together.

By all means we have to dispense with fringe players.

But Moshiri, Brands and Silva must hold the spine of this side together. Levy and Pochettino have done very well fending off interest in Eriksen, Kane, Lloris & co.

Then, with 2 or 3 high-quality additions we may see our re-emergence as a consistent top 4 challenger.

Its tough that someone has to sit it out. Zouma has done little wrong and its a difficult one for Marco Silva, but Zouma has to give way.

Keane and Mina did very well keeping Chelsea out and they are now in the box seat. It is up to them two to keep their places by playing well. It's up to Kurt Zouma to be professional and be pushing for a start and be ready to step in again when injury or dips in form inevitably happen.

Though the offensive play is promising better pass completion in midfield and especially in the final third is the next stage. In midfield, this is achievable with the players we have, but there are questions regarding the forward line.

Walcott has been peripheral in the last five games. Richarlison though improving is better on the wing. Bernard needs more games in the Premier League. Lookman is capable and Tosun & Calvet-Lewin are out of favour.

Brands and Silva will be looking for improvement and more competition for places. Any purchases will be funded by the sale of Niasse and other members of the forward line, if Moshiri is to be believed.