Our biggest chance to win in years and no striker is unforgivable. A half-fit Calvert-Lewin who can be subbed when tired is better than nothing.

They probably are fit... but it's choosing the right moment. How many times have you heard about a player who has recovered from one, only to break down early in his first match back and is then out for months??

We go with what we got.

COYB

That mentality needs binned.

This is a derby. Treat it as one.

Pragmatic line-up I suppose. Ancelloti just about admitted that he didn't believe we could have beaten City, and I think he's in the same mind-set for this. See if we can nick a point and pray we don't get a hammering.

Depressing, but that's where we are at the moment.

Subs: Allan, Calvert-Lewin, Sigurdsson, King, Iwobi, Nkounkou, Bernard, Olsen, Onyango.

Here's hoping

COYB

Afraid I think we're really gonna struggle tonight. Could be embarrassing. Hopefully, obviously, I'm totally wrong.

In theory.

Too defensive.

Doucoure really is poor on the ball. I don't think we'll be changing that. He gives plenty outside of that though and has stood up in that half.

We look good when we push forward. It's just a case of picking those moments now. These are absolutely there for the taking.

COYB!

That wont happen though.

The Ref seems to be giving them anything they go down for while overlooking similar offences by them. It is good to see late in the half that we are getting more players forward especially Gomes who I think looks good when he joins the attack.

So far, just Doucoure needing to up his game while a couple of good saves by Pickford who looks authoritative in the box.

What a pity about that Coleman header and more power to him for getting there.

Couldn't have gone better.

We've been the better team by far, even with Doucoure and Gomes both being clumsy and careless in almost everything they have done.

What a great game Tom Davies is having. And Mason Holgate. Both being the narks we need in this game. Jordan looking very solid.

If only Seamus had headed his chance down.

Be interesting how this plays out playing into the wind.

Gomes WILL give the ref another opportunity to give him a 2nd yellow. He has to be withdrawn sooner rather than later.

Just 45 more minutes Blues.

Finish the job.

Davies: magnificent.

We're going to win this.

YOU ARE THE GREATEST FANS IN THE WORLD! YOU'VE EARNED THIS!!

ENJOY THE MOMENT BOYS AND GIRLS! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

WHOS THE DADDY

Enjoy boys and girls.

First time in my life I've enjoyed Beglin's commentary.

I thought our defence was brilliant. I desperately want to see that Godfrey challenge again.

I can live with the defensive approach at 1-0 up. And save for the first 10 minutes of the second half I thought we always looked more dangerous. It was defence with intent.

A bit of credit to Jordan Pickford too. Made some great saves and didn't put a foot wrong.

Enjoy boys and girls.

Get in you Blue Boys.
22 years.
Stitch that you whining, self-pitying, diving, cheating, deluded tw@ts.

Well done you Mighty Blues.
Well done Carlo.
Onwards and upwards.

Looking forward to the RS meltdown on the phone-ins, the Klopp face like a slapped arse and MOTD.

COYB

(Now for a drink or three ...... 😁😁😁)

Don't know what happened and don't really care just WELL IN CARLO AND THE BOYS absolutely brilliant.

Oh ye of little faith (me!)

Well done Blues. Som massive performances out there: especially

Pickford
Keane
Godfrey
Davies
Richarlison
Holgate
Doucouré

Awesome, awesome, awesome

Finally finally! Well done Blues!

It should dampen the verbal diahhrohea from a few in work this work.

Same again now and keep this mentality. Have a great night, TWrs!🙏👍👌🏼🍀⚽️👍🏼🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺

It should dampen the verbal diahhrohea from a few in work this work.

Same again now and keep this mentality. Have a great night, TWrs!🙏👍👌🏼🍀⚽️👍🏼🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺

I don't care if it's took a global pandemic and no centre backs. I'll take it!

The Nokia Brick was the phone to have when we last won there. 37 I am and I was still in secondary school the last time we won there. 15 I was. A mortgage and kids now. That's how long it's took.

I wasn't pretty and the wind made it an awful game but we coulda scored more and I'll take it. I'm buzzing!!!!!! The beer tastes all the sweeter now.

Thank you, Carlo. Thank you Everton.

Fucking get in!!!!!!

I don't care if it's took a global pandemic and no centre backs. I'll take it!

The Nokia Brick was the phone to have when we last won there. 37 I am and I was still in secondary school the last time we won there. 15 I was. A mortgage and kids now. That's how long it's took.

I wasn't pretty and the wind made it an awful game but we coulda scored more and I'll take it. I'm buzzing!!!!!! The beer tastes all the sweeter now.

Thank you, Carlo. Thank you Everton.

Fucking get in!!!!!!

Waited so long for this moment. This could be a significant psychological turning point for the club. Richarlison, Coleman, Godfrey, Holgate, Pickford, Keane, Digne, Davies were superb. Doucoure, James, Gomes were not so good. I thought the referee had a good game, although it should have been a red card for Alexander-Arnold. Siggy was so cool taking the penalty. Fantastic day for all Evertonians, enjoy fellow TWers.

Keane, Godfrey and Holgate superb. Davies marvellous. But Pickford was sensational - the mental strength to perform as he did and ram it all back down their throats.

Fab goal from Richi and James's reaction gives the lie to him being unhappy.

Enjoy everyone, enjoy it. Fucking hallelujah.

I am thinking of you Merseysiders with deep emotion. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. I know you will have a great time taking ten years of piss out of the local Reds.

And a dodgy pen too. I love the salty tears of the gobshites.

As for the set up, team selection and tactics:
All spot on. Controlled substitutions at the right times.

Neither of my kids were born last time we won at that shothoel. My daughter is 21 in a couple of months and my sim in 16 in a few weeks. I've waited a long time for this and God,
am I going to enjoy it

In respect of your request that we treat a win with dignity and respect.
I considered your request very seriously but on reflection.. . .

Fuck the duurty c**ts. I'm getting rotten but not before I call everyone of them in my contacts to tell them they are still vermin

I was just starting uni last time we won there.

Lots of beer tonight.

Enough said.

L'chaim

I am physically drained, my nerves are shot to bits, my fingernails are down to the knuckle, the dogs shit himself cos of all the shouting, the missus feels sorry for whoever sits next to me at the match, but do you know what .

WE BEAT THAT SHOWER OF BASTARDS!
COYB
FTRS!

I am physically drained, my nerves are shot to bits, my fingernails are down to the knuckle, the dogs shit himself cos of all the shouting, the missus feels sorry for whoever sits next to me at the match, but do you know what .

WE BEAT THAT SHOWER OF BASTARDS!
COYB
FTRS!

First away win since I was in my 20s.

I haven't even seen the highlights yet, having missed the game (on purpose to minimise stress).

Enjoy the win. They're all 10/10 for me. That performance without the ball was magnificent. You don't have to have the ball to play well. They were all outstanding to a man. If one man doesn't do his defensive work the system doesn't work!

As for moi, I said I'd take it calmly, so repeat after me

We must not gloat. We must not gloat. We must not gloat. We must not gloat. We mus

As for moi, I said I'd take it calmly, so repeat after me

We must not gloat. We must not gloat. We must not gloat. We must not gloat. We mus

"Roses are Red
Violets are Blue
Liverpool Nil
Everton Two"

Absolutely well deserved, and great to see Pickford make such a great contribution.

I hope never again to hear any reference to that injury to The Blessed Virgil, and it's cost to that spent force of a squad..

Feel like I know you all already having listened to some of the garbage/wisdom from your mouths for the last 5 years or so.

I'm from Old Swan but have found myself in Mexico for 11 years, just want to let you all know that Mexico City is being painted a little bit blue tonight (If there's anyone else around please do let me know.)

It's only 2:25pm here so I have far more time to celebrate this than all of you, and oh yes I will enjoy it.

Coyb... Yessssssssss!!!

Having said that, and having trudged back across Stanley Park 20 times over the years with the taunts ringing in my ears and trying to explain to my kids it's all going to be okay... tonight felt so good. Such a shame we weren't there shoving it in their grinning faces literally and drinking the Winslow dry.

For all Blues everywhere – here we go!

"It's an amazing feeling, after coming here all those years and letting ourselves and more importantly letting the blue side of the city down. It's been hard. We can try and brush it off but when you have lived in the city for 10 years it has been difficult to take.

"I am fed up with coming out with the same clichés after losing. I'd thank the manager for the way he set us up and the players put in an unbelievable shift. That was against the champions, so we are delighted.

"I had to follow Andrew Robertson. The last time I had a job like that was against Ashley Cole at Stamford Bridge. He's a great player and I tried to stay with him.

"As a team it was just to compete and try and play. Dom [Calvert-Lewin] came on and made a difference. We need to start moving the club forward that goes back to the likes of Fulham at home."

And:

"It means a lot to us all, we are starting to get a bunch of players in the dressing room who are not tied down with that baggage. A great win for us, the fans and the Everton fans within the club. Delighted.

"When you have a world class manager in the dugout, you fully believe in these games, he spoke about how he did for Napoli.

"Once you are part of this club, you know the history about winning here and the last time we won a cup. We need to tidy up a little bit when they come to Goodison Park, we are still working.

"The mindset has to change and it is, not to just be beating Liverpool but being successful in our own right. I keep saying it, on a day to day basis we have to be professional and believe in the process, We cannot turn it on and off like in the last few weeks."

Telling words - and valid. This is the spirit we need.

That one was for you too, Jim.

You've never shone so brightly.

Now I'm going to party like it's Christmas Eve, as the last one gone was just crap as I couldn't travel up North to see my family and friends and have a few beers and a laugh. Got through the remains of my St Patrick's Day supply of Guiness (used to love night out with the boys on a school night at O'Neills on the Guinness and Caffreys). Now onto other things in the fridge and enjoy the meltdown and biggest outpouring this side of the Millenium Bug.

All of them heroes tonight but special mention to Tom Davies and Michael Keane who were absolute class today. Most of all though to Pickford who was world class. No stupid errors and numerous fantastic saved.

Let's go on a run now and, as Seamus has said, let's change the mentality and get into Europe!!!

Get in lads!!!!!

What a miserable few days to be a red shite!

Outstanding is the word.
Looked a lot calmer too.

Holgate really stepped his performance up compared to recent games and Keane was solid. Yesterday I mentioned the importance of Coleman in these fixtures and he was great for us today.

Got to give a pat on the back to Pickford too. He was a proper keeper today.

FUCK IT!

Gonna get twatted. I might even pour neat vodka into me fucking eyes tonight!

Gomes was a red card waiting to happen and I was surprised when he came out for the second half.

That apart, a superb all-round performance with special plaudits to Pickford, Keane, Godfrey and Davies who were all immense, with the others not far behind.

Have a good night, bluenose.

Best game I have seen Keane play for us. He was absolutely immense.

Magnificent performances all round, let's hope we now go on a run. We have over a week now to get players ready.

Good night.

Some people won't believe it until a spade goes into the ground.

In the meantime, we can celebrate making Klopp look very Klippetty.

“Let the weeping and gnashing of teeth from those despicable redshite twats begin!”

Haha

Sat in front of a poor stream with audio off and grinned like a Cheshire cat all through that game... millions of Evertonians worldwide are doing the same. I am proud of my team and of my manager today, proud to see Duncan almost in tears, then realised I had tears of my own... fabulous.

At long, long last. You could see how much it meant to the players, a word for Jordon Pickford. That display tonight was world-class, with great saves.

I don't care about Europe, or the Cup, I just want to finish above Liverpool. On that basis, Ancelotti can stay as long as Moyes did.

Well done, you boys in blue; well done, Carlo.

Klopp? Sack coming up...

The last time I remember such a great performance at their place was in 1970!

Well played the lot of us!

Oh, and behind Man City, it's all up for grabs, there's not that much between the next teams and we'll be in there fighting for it.

Brilliant scenes in the dressing room too!! Big Dunc looked like the drunk uncle at a wedding. Come on you Blues!!

No need for guilt mate.

You have bestowed on them the greatest gift a father can give.

Let the weeping and gnashing of teeth from those despicable redshite twats begin!

Brilliant mate!

Majestic pass from James, perfect finish from Richarlison.

The defence were resolute, and the effort was there throughout. Holgate was back to his best, Godfrey was tenacious and disciplined, and Michael Keane showed again how vital he is for us in these types of games.

But most of all, for me anyway, I'd like to stand and applaud Tom Davies. I have doubted him more than most, and today he again showed the sort of calm and effective all-round game in a big match when we needed it. Chapeau.

Robertson on the left.

Godfrey is an absolute gem, Keane's stand-out season for me so far. Calvert-Lewin worked his arse off. Tom Davies has developed so much without a crowd.

Great job the boys, great job, Mr Ancelotti. Enjoy your evening, Blues the world over.

How true!

He was switched on all night, wasn't he, mate. Our midfield improves and we tighten our defence up again, we could be a real force in the near future.

As someone just said to me, 8 March vs Chelsea could be massive for us.

We have to start winning at home though.

Congrats to all the players and staff, mainly to Pickford and Richarlison who had bad performances recently. I would also remark the defense line and the coldness of Sigurdsson in the penalty. Fantastic day to be a blue, COYB!!

Pickford, Keane, Godfrey –what a buy – and Davies were absolutely immense. Coleman and Holgate, no prisoners taken and laughing at them. Richarlison non-stop. James, what a touch and pass for the opener.

Thankfully we have a few days off to let Doucouré have a rest. The old overpaid manager... Well, tactically he fucked Shergar right off the pitch.

Now we cannot afford further cock-ups against the lower clubs.

Finally, Mane and Salah should be banned for non-stop diving and cheating. A bloody disgrace.

No danger of the players not caring.

Still not convinced about James though 😂

DCL and Davies celebrating at the end - love it. And that twitter vid of the dressing room is a fucking stone wall classic!

I may be cloudy in my recollection but my three favourite moments were probably:

1) The 2-second glance the ref gave to the VAR screen.

2) Richie's and Carlo's extended hug when he came off.

3) Certain out of form players - Pickford, Richarlison, Holgate, Coleman - doing their jobs to an absolute tee.

I also have to confess that I've criticised Tom Davies since last season. I honestly thought the lad would never make it at this level. But Carlo seems to have found a role for him and he's starting to exude confidence. Good luck to the lad and long may it continue.

Everyone was brilliant today, so I won't criticise any of them. Let's just enjoy the moment.

We can post when we feel like it or not on here and bury our heads on bad days but the two lads are here keeping this site going with their excellent reports, through good times and bad.

Boys, this one is for you, enjoy.

Peter, you're right. You remind me that I noticed once or twice in close-up that he looked calm, even calmed Holgate (I think it was) one time.

That save in the very bottom right was incredible - more like the reason we bought him. Perhaps his psyche has settled.

That Thiago, though? Best in Europe/the World.

John Keating #175, Salah and Mane are a disgrace and rightly should be called out, the media make me puke.

He has put up photo of Everton after beating the RS and a photo of Keoman after Bara beaten 4-1 by PSG - Oumar's caption "What a week"

THIS MEANS MORE

What's going on???????

It's marvelous when the formation works like it did tonight, even when errors were made there was always cover.

A few signings with little bit more energy and cunning in midfield and a forward, we'll be able to go up against anyone playing like that.

Never envisaged taking another 22 years for that feeling of elation.
Thank you Carlo Ancelotti.

The decisive interventions in our box and distribution in the second half was impressive.

It's the Agony & The Ecstacy being an Evertonian, but tonight, Everton played their game and deserved their win.
The world has seen Mr Ed and his team revert to type and taking dives all over the place.

They look like their bubble has well and truly burst.

No excuses tonight, Mr Ed, RS. media at Sky, MotD, Etc.

If Everton can take the spirit and goodness on, that they earned tonight this can give Everton a chance of getting into Europe and prepare for the run in to this strange season of football.

Next game please and let's getinto them, the same again please, Everton..

No more home freebies and a clinical victory over Sheffield United.

Now go fix the home form please.

A bit of a rest now. We are putting together a strong squad.

Watch us go next season.

And then that lethal second, just like a rapier. We led them on, led them on, led them on, then BAM!

Thank you and good night.

So pumped up on adrenaline at the final whistle I had to take Toffee the Mutt for a good long walk to stop the excited trembling.

The whole street, indeed, anyone living within 3 blocks, knew there was a game on today.

As I walked Toffee, singing a reportoire of Everton songs, normally friendly neighbours peeked nervously from behind curtains or crossed the street as I approached.

They probably thought me and the missus engaged in an almighty Barney for two hours, what with my screeching and agonizing and her screaming in fright whenever the reds approached our penalty area. (Yup! She's a convert).

So many positives from that game.

Pickford, with so much focus on him, outstanding. His best ever game for Everton for me. Jordan was pivotal in an obvious tactic Carlo employed all game. Hitting a long ball very tight to Robinson's touchline where both Richy and Dom time and again kept it alive to create problems for them.

The accuracy of Jordan's kicking - even against the strong wind in the 2nd half - was exceptional. And then you have the saves and the bravery.

The three centre backs...WOW! Just WOW! Not a single back step by any one of them. Mason back to his very best from last season. Who else picked up on his grinning and laughing at Mane who went in the book out of sheer frustration for getting so little change out of Mason?

The blocks and headers of Michael Keane all game. The speed and shepherding of Godfry, plus his memorable thunderous sliding challenging on the edge of our penalty area which saw the ball rocket to the centre circle.

TA-A discovering Digne has mighty balls. Seamus playing with all the years of hurt from previous Derby games. He would have kicked the Kop boardings to pieces if his header had gone in!

Tom Davies. Immense. Quite a few on here need to open their eyes and mind to just how well he is playing in recent weeks. For me, he was the closest in composure to James on the pitch today.

The Colombian's mega contribution was how he gathered Doucoure's headed pass and was so calm on the ball with the technique and the eye to play Richy in for the first goal.

Time and again, Tom played with the same calmness on the ball in a much more sharply contested area of the pitch than James plays. Tom's tackling, interceptions, perceptive passing...he was outstanding. He brought that altogether on our 2nd goal.

We had been whacking it long to simply clear our lines. From just outside our 'D', Tom received the ball, calmly turned, looked up and played a delightful pass for Richy to turn his man.

You could sense immediately 'summat is on here!'

Richy raced away, Dom got into his stride to support him and the Brazilian played a great ball in behind the defence...and the rest is history.

Richy was another outstanding performer today. He really is getting back to his best. His run, touch and finish on his goal, top drawer.

When you consider how poor both Doucoure and Gomes were both with and without the ball, it's remarkable really how easy it was for us. Siggy did a better job than Gomes when he came on and his pen now gives him 5 goals at Anfield.

Also, huge, huge credit to the manager. The game plan, the subs and the timing of them. All pretty much flawless today.

Throw in Klippity's ranting at the 4th official at Everton's audacity for competing and playing better than his team and I can hear a Lou Reed tune coming on.

'It's Such a Perfect Day.'

At last we have a winner for a manager, unlike the deadbeats loser club members ie Moyes, Martinez, koeman, Silva and fucking big Sam.

Now to do this again,again, for years and when the crowds are back.

The 5000 thousand Dark Side supporters who actually do live in the city have gone quiet?

Richarlison is a fantastic player. The way he scored the all important opening goal confirmed his star status at our club. He is the sort of player we need to win silverware and climb the table. Likewise Ben Godfrey, a player with the pace and the determination not to be cowed by the opposition.

The question for the remainder of the season is whether or not we can overcome home disadvantage especially against lower and mid table teams? That twenty six out of forty points have come in games away from Goodison suggests we might have

And I loved your Oumar Niasse post @203. Splendid!

Personally, I was a bit underwhelmed by the lineup as well. If Allan and DCL were deemed unready to start, fair enough... but it just felt like we were sending out a minimum of attacking power when Liverpool's defense was like a wounded animal.

That being said, Carlo's tactics were spot-on, even if didn't make for particularly stress-free viewing. I think if we went back and re-watched the match, we'd find that we were actually pretty calm and comfortable defensively... though in the moment, it felt like we were constantly playing with fire.

Just about everyone earned major plaudits tonight, though Gomes was pretty dire and probably should have been hauled off at halftime. Doucoure had a bit of a stinker initially, but was much better in the second half. And James seemed oddly gunshy in possession, but all it takes is one pass and he provided it.

BTW, am I the only one who thought that was a clear-cut penalty? DCL had a clear chance at the rebound and Alexander-Arnold hauled him down. If anything it should have been a red card, which is what I thought the VAR check was for (echoed by the commentators here in the States).

A final word for Ben Godfrey, who seems to be exactly the sort of snide, take-no-shit bastard this side has been crying out for for years.

One of the biggest games in world football and Everton have won. We will celebrate.

the ref blew the whistle before they scored so that cant be right

Enjoy it. Its been a long time coming

Davies' improvement continues to pleasantly surprise, which might (or not) be due to his apparent bulking up in recent months.

But Pickford looks like a new man, like he's been in a secret goalie training camp or something. The recent absence has done his game a world of good.

It's been too long!

Im enjoying it that much I'm struggling to get up for a piss.

His goal against City was described as a lucky rebound. No credit for positional nounce on his part.

I still need to digest and calm down before commenting with any kind of credibility. Still buzzing on fumes!

Let the weeping and gnashing of teeth from those despicable redshite twats begin!

Brilliant mate!

Pickford. Looked a top class keeper tonight.

Keane. Best game I have seen him play for us. Immaculate.

Davies. What can you say about a kid who has had criticism (off me included) but has the plums to play like that tonight.
Made up for the young man.

Ancelotti.
Kidded the bollocks off Klopp tonight.
Voided one of thier biggest threats easily.
Played balls into the channels and messed thier press up big time.

All in all a great, great night

Please announce the thumbs up for the new stadium on Tuesday.

I love the fact that blues from all over the globe are celebrating a long overdue victory against the establishments very own bunch of gobshites. Ex players like Niasse, gana, Pienaar, Kilban, heitinga, Victor et al. are all celebrating.

We have played a lot better over the years and got stuffed but against that bunch of gobshites I take any win no matter how we do it.

It's hard to pinpoint or fathom out why certain things happen in football. Ancelotti seems to have an ability to win games that others don't. As a fan I can't work out how he manages to do it but he does, maybe he is a lucky manager. If Moshiri bankrolled him we would get results and not just playing catenaccio.

Utft.

I noticed VVD was sitting the match out.
Is he injured or something?
Genuine question.
LOL.

Not one reference to any diving from their lot.

The RS 0 - Everton 2

The expression on Klopp's face was priceless.

The save off Henderson mate.
Was it as special as I think?

He can't get in the Chelski side and he been subbed in most of the Villa games I've seen and it's not hard that's bringing him off, we can do better.

Mad you keepers.
Fuckin mad.

Geoff #260, where can I see that celebration? It wasn't shown in the States. Got a link?

Bill G., the rules change at the start of the season took out the "double jeopardy" red card. Although there are exceptions, generally speaking they won't give a red on a penalty anymore.

Ian E, nobody has teased you more than I have, so I'll join the applause. Well in.

Pat #250, we're still in it!

I am now going to have one of my two-a-year Guinness with some pizza and watch the game again.

Just opened the Talisker single malt, had for months, buzzin tonight

Excellent performance from pretty much everyone (Doucoure having a bit of a mare early on but otherwise grand)

Sacred, special and savoured, and here's to many more, victories this season.

All considered, Everton are a work in progress but in my view are going in the right direction, and I've said on another thread, perpetual “Agony & The Ecstacy”!

To show the same courage v the Toon, West Ham, City, Etc.

But there's some good signs and Tom Davies is emerging to be a butterfly.. Great character, and spirit, and fekkn superb, a combative, intelligent hardworking CM.

Well done Everton, first team squad, TWrs, all in all, a very good day.

Enjoy the night, and the hangovers, into Monday by the, cargo.

Fekk the RS, now to keep this boost going.. That's all from me, and a day to remember, for Evertonians.

Next game counts, let's see, which Everton, turn up.

🍺👌👍🥃🙏🏼🍀🍀🍀

Interesting to see how today's result goes in the media tomorrow.

As I said earlier mate, mad as hatters all of you. 👍

We have Southampton on the 1st of March. West Brom on the 4th and Chelsea on the 8th.

That is a tough week for us and the squad will need to be fit and ready.

Geoff Cadman 260 great pen stat mate. When you put it like that it makes DCL start to sound like a nightmare for them.

The RS, will remember today, and 1923!

UTFT!

Anyway, thats me. Slightly polluted.

UTFT

Team spirit looks amazing on twitter and James looked to me to be fully involved in it !! Contrary to recent reports

It's a step, and in context hopefully a significant step for Everton FC, and Evertonians, across the World, we will find our Evertonian Garden of Eden, at least in hope for better times ahead.

I think so, but patience, will be needed.

If.

UTFT!

Souness is either going senile or has decided to play the pantomime villain

Great win today. I'm more relieved than thrilled...the Curse is finally over!!

Now to end another one by actually winning something.

My wife has been battling breast cancer since July, and got the all-clear on Wednesday. And now Everton have got one over the old enemy, at Anfield, for the first time since I was in high school.

Absolutely brilliant. Thank you Everton for making a 35-year old man cry.

For the record, it was never a penalty but as I said on social media, try finding a Blue who cares!!!

Wonderful news for you and your wife best wishes

But it was Deffo a pen!!

Defensively surely he has to keep that same 5 but play more on the front foot. Thats if Digne is fit.

Great time to be blue. Now he has to sort out who to play with Davies... what a player he is turning into. He just needs some white boots!!

Oslo and Essex are not under lockdown, they're just scared to come out for the next year or hopefully 20 years.

Special thanks to Tom Davies for beginning to justify my faith in him, Pickford for finally burying his Great Post Anfield Brainfart psychosis, Godfrey for that tackle, Richy, Keane, Captain Seamus, Digne for still having the balls to carry on (sic) and everyone else involved.

Finally, to show how fair minded I am - Thanks to Robertson, Salah and Mane for demonstrating live to the whole world what a shower of dirty cheating graceless arseholes the RS really are, despite what the hordes of ex RS media pundits tell everyone.

What a life time sketch, but what a great day today for Everton FC!
🍀👍🙏🏼🍻☘️☘️☘️☘️ hopefully the start of a new era for Everton FC.

We'll celebrate we'll, and to good times ahead for Evertonians!

Watching on (two) laptops on the way down. We arrived around 1:40 pm, and the boy's kickoff wasn't until 2:30 pm. So I told the boy I'd be there at kickoff, I had to watch the game, good luck son. Long story short:

For Gylfi's PK I couldn't sit. I opened the door of the car, sat the streaming laptop on the passenger seat (not to be confused with the Live Forum laptop), and stood outside the car to watch the PK.

FUCKING BOOM!

I literally ran around the car screaming in joy. People looked at me with that total, "What in the holy fuck is wrong with that deranged man?" look. I didn't give one flying fuck. I was in knots the whole time, and when that PK went in I knew it was over. The wait was over.

I was so, so happy for the TW veterans. The Blue Liverpudlians gone through hell since 1999. All the Blues - the fucking cradle born that the DNA is just stamped into their being - everywhere.

My Blue mate who passed away who played in the FA Youth Cup for Everton - his son texted me. Then the text from his brother came. Then his wife texted. Then my sons texted.

I welled up, just overcome with emotion, then realized I was in a fucking parking lot in Kissimmee, Florida about to go to my 11 year old's game and I'd best pull it together, as I'd just ran around screaming at the top of my lungs.

I'm half surprised the fucking paddy wagon didn't show up, wrap me in a snug white suit, and take me away.

Oh Lord, the happiness.

And a final thought - I was cracking through Twitter and to see Steven Pienaar, Tim Cahill, and Johnny Fucking Heitinga tweet out UTFT or some such shit just made me smile ear to ear.

Once Everton has touched you.

Drinking myself silly. Fuck yes.

Should have been a red card as well, but I suppose the ref decided that discretion is the better of valour instead of pissing of Klipperty.

A good by the numbers away win. A correct 11 selected, who all turned up.
A bit of a shock VvD not being fit...they kept that quiet, never seen a thing about that in the papers.

This may yet go down as 'The Richarlson Derby', the thing is to do it again next season so its just one of many.

Tom Davies is in a photo with Richarlson for my MotM. Doucoure had a few iffy moments, but steadied as he went on.
Good management of Gomes on a yellow.

A mention of the Referee too, whoever he was, not 1 of the usual suspects

*looks wistfully at those 12 pts dropped at home, shakes head and can only wonder.

Edit; Re the Penalty - nailed on, especially from the rear view, DCL, just had to reach the ball and poke it in, the offender...and everybody else knew it.

All the rs would have been screaming FOR it if reversed.

Rodriguez didn't look too unsettled at the end did he, looked very happy.

Don't throw this away Blues - One game at a time.

Well done Jamie the fans over here are very proud of our blue teammates over the pond.

Have a few more beers knowing we might of just have turned an important corner and there's more of these games to come.

By the way I noticed you predicted this win earlier and was thanked for your optimism, but the sentiment beneath was no champagne this time!

Well your siping the bubbly now!

I'm off to bed now to sleep of my what I've drunk. See you tomorrow.

UTFT!

Davies, has had an injection and I don't mean a Covid one. I know says Carlo, I won't sell him cos he's a blue and despite a few hundred thousand voices telling me otherwise I'm going to setup with him deep, niggling away at the oppositions forwards all game, winning tackles, playing short but accurate balls fwd. works a treat. Massive improvement so shut up the everyone inc moi and yes, to the twenty fans shouting against the majority view, you played a blinder !

Keane, just superb, England's centre back with Godfrey alongside him.

Pickford ? Seems to have lost weight, looks fitter, less combustible, brilliant game. Who knew.

Rodriguez sheer class and like his superb pass to Richarlison and that finish, a game changer.

DCL and Richarlison back up top together for the end of the game, looking forward to that v Southampton

Carlo smiling, Duncan kissing every player !

Made up, just bloody made up. At last !!

Quite seriously. Clattenberg wouldn't have had the guts.

Time and time again they dived, simulated, cheated. The ref, God bless him, was having none of it.

In years gone by, the whistle would have blown.

Not today. Today the ref was spot on, and we were not getting conned out of our victory. No Lescott mauling, no what the fucks, no redshite bias.

We beat them. And despite the calls for the penalty being a bad call? It absolutely was a pen. No question. The ref got it right.

Off to have a Bushmills with a splash of lime juice to kill the whiskey ass-taste, as is my wont.

God I'm on cloud 9.

Ed #327, your celebration dinner sounds perfect. I had my twice-a-year Guinness and watched the sun set into the ocean, and it was the best celebration possible.

Jamie, please post video of your circle dance around the car, somebody must have recorded it on their phone... and hey, did your son's team win that game in Kissimmee?

And yes, the ref did get it right. Pen, no red.

Would have been happy if it was a bad decision, but the correct one will do.

P.S. Someone told me, that the official stats. say that Rodriguez still hasn't registered a single sprint.

Imagine, going through an entire PL season, spraying world-class passes left, right and centre, without once breaking into a trot. How cool is that!!

I thought the ref had a decent game too — even before full time. Couple of errors (wrongly judged Iwobi and Digne to have knocked the ball out of play) also unclear how TTA wasn't sent off. But he didn't entertain all the diving, he played the advantage well, it wasn't a dirty game and he didn't make it all about himself as many refs do.

Yes most of the reports I read had it as a pen. Just Souness, Klopp and RS fans dissenting.

Their 'creator' Thiago has yet to have a goal assist at Anfield in his entire Liverpool career.

James took less than 3 minutes to do so in his first game there.

Thought for the rest of the week. I think Ancelotti knows what he is doing.

Regarding the pen - Stevie Nichols over here on ESPN even said it was a pen.

When TAA raises his arm and leg when DCL is going for the ball? TAA knew EXACTLY what he was doing. He's trying to trip him to stop a goal. End of.

BUT! I disagree with most posters. He should not have been sent off. It was not a CLEAR scoring opportunity, and being on the ground with his back to the contact from DCL, he should not have been sent off. Your mileage may vary.

I was nervous too but somehow I resisted the temptation to hide behind the couch. Wonderful that you got to share it with the grand and great grand kids mate COYB

Jay Wood BRZ

Another cool stat, Everton have scored more goals at Anfield this year than Liverpool

I was satisfied with Lee Dixon calling the pen but if Steve Nicol — miserable old RS git and as Bill says Michael Owen agreed — then fair to say not only was it a pen it was a declaration of war far worse than the massacre of St Virgil of James groin

I'm not calling for a red card by the way; personally I think the award of the pen is quite generous but I'm not complaining.

A word for m'man Hamez.

This dude is just class. I've now rewatched that pass to Rich like 15 times at least.

He brings the ball down, on a dime I might add, and in a millisecond looks up, sees the space between the defenders, and threads Rich through. It's just world class. It's sublime.

Anyone saying James might be a liability? Never!

Put the man in the "right 10 spot", let him roam, don't expect defensive track backs or masterclass defensive effort, let the man do what he's paid to do: create something out of miutherfucking nothing.

Then?

Sit back and enjoy.

God is he sublime.

Yeah I'm glad it wasn't a red as being down to 10 men would give them an excuse

He dipped into the dark arts. He lifted his leg to trip after feeling contact, making it look like it was part of a natural motion.

But as a ref, you can't say the end result of that would be a clear goal scoring opportunity. It wasn't a "breakaway" as I'd say in American parlance. There was a tangled mess of humanity: striker, keeper, defender, ball rolling.

Ergo, pen, no red. I think the ref nailed it.

The pass was great but it's James' control of receiving the ball that I most enjoyed. Someone was saying yesterday none of our players have a good first touch — you can't say that about this dude.

End of.

More importantly, it's almost 11 pm here in 'Merica. I always thought you were in Blighty. It's 4 a.m. there. Are you somewhere other than Merry Ol' England? Or are you just jacked and up at 4 a.m.?

Enquiring minds want to know.

Strong performances all around. I think when the game is watched again by some, Doucoure and Richarlison will get even more credit, as both worked their socks off. Love the grit and attitude in some of the younger players in defense. Think Darren Hind got the attitude and flavor of them spot on.

Regarding the penalty, the pace of the ball off the keeper was not going to take it over the end line into touch before DCL was going to get there. Neither DCL nor the ball were going too far away from goal on the angle of the ball's travel, so a simple shot at goal without the (foul) attempt to stop him. To me, obvious red as a DOGSO as refs are not allowed to consider if the player would convert it or not. I actually think this one could make it into our recert and original certification classes for referees over here. I only hope I am at a class (when they resume in person) with a Liverpool fan.

CYOB!

I agree that the ref has to be at least a little brave to deny the diving Mane and Salah and to award us the penalty. There are others who don't have the balls to make those calls.

I thought that Tim Howard did a good job of keeping a straight face in the post-match analysis. You know that he was glowing with pride.
COYB.

Are you sure about that rule for refs? I see that accidental contact doesn't necessarily stop it being a foul or penalty but surely a player has the right to try to get to his feet without that being penalised (or does a player have to remain prone and unmoving until he is sure he won't trip someone)?

If the ref is sure Arnold's movements were solely intended to entangle Calvert-Lewin, then that is a judgement that it was deliberate and, if so, Arnold's orientation should make no difference.

I would say it was a definite goal-scoring opportunity if Calvert-Lewin can stay on his feet but I accept Mike G's view that they tend not to give red cards when a penalty is awarded.

You, Sir, are the man. We live similar lives and have similar families.

I think the penalty is best left to attorneys. It's swimming in a sea of gray. Personally, I think it's harsh AF to send a player off who's on his arse and not even facing the important bit of play. He's on his back, feels the contact, and thinks he'll raise his leg to stop a goal in an honest moment.

Maybe this is my issue – I'd not have the balls to send a player off for doing that in the spur of the moment. It's not like he was beat and hacked a dude down to stop a clear "breakaway".

Either way, Liverpool 0, Everton 2.

Fuck YES!

Just intrigued by your assessment of Arnold's deliberate attempt to foul being mitigated by his relative position. I'm not bothered whether the ref was right or not (we've had plenty not go our way in the past) nor am I bothered that there wasn't a red card.

Here on TW I'm happy to admit that, if it had been against us, I wouldn't think it was a penalty for the simple reason that I don't think Arnold could possibly know that Calvert-Lewin would try to hurdle him nor do I think any defender would instinctively try to blindly obstruct an attacker by raising bits of body / waving legs about rather than instinctively try to gain his feet as quick as possible.

Don't be fooled by the slow mo. The clunk of Calvert-Lewin's knee on the top of his head was only a split second before the clash of feet and gave Arnold no chance to ‘range find' / work out what Calvert-Lewin was doing nor where he was going to place his feet. In my view no opportunity to exercise the dark arts, unless he has eyes in the back of his head. I'd be seething if that was given against us.

Just an open exchange of views and the most important thing is ‘Either way, Liverpool 0, Everton 2. Fuck YES!'

Fuck the ref analysis. Just watch this on a loop:

Link

Tom, can you give a quick message to the fans tonight?

The final words are brilliant, probably thinking 'me mam's gonna see this!'

And being a big Tom Davies fan, Jamie, I'm sure you'll enjoy this club video:

Tom Davies - Scouser

And yes it's gone two in the morning here in Brazil and I'm still hyper.

Furthermore, such is the narcissism of Klopp, I doubt very much whether his shattered and already crumbling ego will be able to endure this. I will be very surprised in the coming days or weeks, that he says his position is untenable or he gets fired from Big Bertha!

The end of the game summed a lot up for me, Carlo was there proud, and rightly so, ready and eloquent, to give a pitch-side, post-match Interview with the now trademark raised eyebrow. Where was the defeated Klopp? Locked in some toilet kicking the shit out of the door while contemplating what excuse he could possibly prevaricate, and hopefully get away with.

Let's hope too that a marker has been laid down today, and in years to come the Commentators will be saying "Liverpool haven't beaten Everton, home or away, since all those years ago"! Well, I can but dream, can't I?

So fucking happy. Still rewatching the game and celebrating like it was live, even now, at nearly half-five in the morning.

Rob Halligan, you carry on abusing those scumbags cunts as you're as equal to me in your hatred of those horrible twats.

It's been a long time coming, so every Blue revel and rejoice, you've waited long enough. To think my lad who is 18 has never seen us win at Mordor is shocking, but makes me want to celebrate all the more.

Penalty to us! Sorted.

Sing your song, Tony Abrahams – especially sing it to your ould fella. 😉

Pickford man of the match for me – there, I have said it. Our players wanted it and boy did it show.

I have gotten myself in trouble on here in the past for saying that the derby games are the two most important games of the season for us. I do believe it. This will be a turning point for us, I am sure.

Carlo Ancelotti – thank you for what you are bringing to our club – belief that we can compete again.

Up the Blues !!!

Well done, Blues, and especially Tom Davies, Jordan Pickford and most of all, Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey. James's pass to Richarlison for the goal was sublime and Calvert-Lewin's run to earn the penalty scared their defence to death.

Loved every minute of the game. Would any other manager have masterminded such a win? I think not... Carlo the Magnifico!

Anyway, enough of my domestic woes, it gave me an opportunity to read through the joy that is resonating on this thread. If one thing can unite us unanimously it is a derby win, especially the gold dust that is said win at Anfield.

A great team performance and the manager got his tactics spot-on: he schooled Klopp. Difficult to single players out as each and every one of them showed up. If I do, then I was torn between Tom Davies and Ben Godfrey. Pure class from James for the first goal (the take and the pass). But that's what happens when he has runners in front of him. Mention for Pickford too. The only question mark, surprisingly, was Doucouré in the first half. He's been one of my players of the season so far, yet – as my brother put it on WhatsApp at half-time, he was in danger of being Liverpool's most creative player!! No need to dwell on that though. All through that, I genuinely have never felt so comfortable watching a derby and that's not hindsight-fuelled bravado.

On the penalty, even at the time, I thought it harsh and expected it to be overturned, but it wouldn't have mattered. Guess it was the momentum of the defender, but will need to leave that to those more qualified in refereeing. It wouldn't have been a red card as didn't they change the rules on that a season or 2 ago to avoid "double jeopardy" punishment for penalties?

I privately hoped for 4 points from the last 3 league games, we got 3. Still on target, still in touch.

ESPN compiled a ranking of what Premier League teams have benefitted most from VAR this season.

We're on top.

And Liverpool are at the bottom:

https://www.espn.com/soccer/english-premier-league/story/4182135/how-var-decisions-affected-every-premier-league-club-in-2020-21

See, I love VAR!

Rowdy Yates, Ian St John, Bill Shankly, Emlyn Hughes, Jimmy Case, Phil Thompson, Graham Sourness, Jordan Henderson, Kenny Dalgliesh, Rat boy Robinson. Jamie Carragher, That twat over the road from me...And his two twat sons.

Darren Lewis. Jamie Carragher. Graeme Sourness, Jim Beglin, Danny Murphy, Mark Lawrenson. Stevie Mac Lar. Michael Owen and Tony "Twat" Evans

Your boys took one Hell of a beating... Your boys took one Hell of a beating.

Great post.

A little personal history. I was born in Waterloo in 1946. Transported to Australia in 1955.

Only saw 2 Everton games. First was their first mid-week game after being promoted from the 2nd Division. And we won 1-0, against Arsenal. John Buchan wrote there were only 4 policemen at the game! Shows trust in our followers. Follower for life.

2nd game was a 1-1 draw against Chelsea, probably in 1956. But I have never lost my commitment.

The last years have been difficult as I grit my teeth, but last night... Memorable!!!!! It will keep me going for a LONG while!

Sheffield United... the worst Premier League team in history at this stage of the season... have more points than Liverpool over the last 10 matches.

I know we don't care about them. But we do really!

Today myself and all my toffee peers are the Pride of Merseyside.

A good friend of mine is an avid Blades fan.

Fantastic win yesterday and a long time coming but, with Carlo at the helm, our form against top 6 is more assured. Davies, Holgate, Godfrey and Calvert-Lewin are fantastic young players. Keane, Digne, Coleman all committed quality players. Richarlison world class on his day.

Doucouré a great player who gives his all, James smooth as silk, Sigurdsson, Iwobi, Gomes and Mina all have roles to play. Pickford and Olsen decent keepers... and a new ground on the way. We are going places!

We sung/ still sing about them in 'The Royal Blue Mersey' for a reason and I don't care what anybody says, deep down we knew they were very, very, good at what they did...The rest and many besides, all and sundry, can all fuck right off though.

Edit; before, nobody could do it. But once its done, many could and did do it...4mins - then 3mins 59.4secs, now 3mins 43.13secs - its all about belief.

Go out and believe you can beat City - win that cup...you have nothing to fear but fear its self...and you just had your Roger Bannister moment, now beat it again.

Pickford - 9. Probably his best game for us since joining from Sunderland. He didn't put a foot wrong and commanded his area.

Holgate - 7. Solid game from Mason after a few iffy performances. This kid has so much potential but he needs to cement his position in the team.

Keane - 8. Micheal's game goes unnoticed as he's a quiet boy but he's now a leader (by example) on the pitch. He organised the defence beautifully yesterday.

Godfrey - 8. Houston, we have found ourselves a new Galactic! What a buy he's turning out to be. Two- footed, quick, strong, reads the game well etc... I just hope we can ward off the sharks this summer.

Coleman - 7. Mr. Everton. Seamus has a heart bigger than Goodison. I keep writing him off and he keeps on roaring back.

Doucoure - 6. Not one of his best games. I think the nerves got to him as he was jittery throughout. His work rate is phenomenal and maybe he's a bit tired.

Davies - 8. I'd have given Tom a 9 (and motm) but once or twice he was caught daydreaming on the ball and lost it. But there's no two ways about it, Tom has found his niche in the team.

Gomes - 6. I really want this guy to succeed but I don't know if he ever will. He shows flashes but then makes stupid mistakes, fouls too often, is negative in his passing etc... Will the real Andre stand up, please?

Digne - 7. I was going to give Luca a 6 but he took one in the balls for the team and carried on with a Gallic shrug of the shoulders. He's still not back to his very best and still has to improve defensively.

Rodriguez - 7. James will never get more than this because his game is all about stealth. He's constantly on the move looking for a killer pass. His game's not about blood and thunder. He's more the silent assassin type.

Richarlison - 8. Another oft criticised (by me) player who starting to regain his early season form. Richi has it all to be a world class player if only he would smile! Jay Wood might be able to tell me if Richarlison is the only Brazilian player in history who doesn't seem to enjoy his football.

Subs:

DCL - 7. Terrified the rs defence when he came on and got us the killer pen. Love this lad.

Siggi - 6. Gave us a bit more energy when he came on towards the end. Cool as an Icelandic glacier taking the pen.

Iwobi - 2. The less said the better. I give him a two for his celebration of the goal.

Carlo - 10. Absolutely got his tactics and team selection right. Carlo is the only manager around who constantly beats Herr Klopp.

Man Of The Match. Jordan Pickford.

I was looking for something on You tube then stumbled across the most Hilarious gloating of all time. I guess someone as arl as you will know I stole my post from that.

For those too young to have heard or seen the clip from the Norwegian commentator after they had beaten England. Have a look on you tube. Just type in "Your boys took a hell of s beating".
It was the moment I realised I didnt care about the England team

"Clement Attlee, Henry Cooopoor". Still makes me laugh now forty years later

Ha ha ha - never change, Colin.

Bill, and I was being generous 😉

Now we need Spurs, Villa, Man City and Newcastle to do us a favour today.

Another win!

He was there to try to intimidate Pickford and the disgrace of a media lapped it up!

Delighted for Jordan Pickford and just hope this can be a turning point for more consistency.

Still buzzing today !!!

We keep saying on ToffeeWeb that Everton need to be niggly, to avoid being ‘too nice', and to handle cheating and cynicism from other teams like the RS. That's precisely what Gomes did yesterday. He's a player who, with the ball, has similarities to Rodriguez, but he's also a big physical presence and a nark, a very subtle one. He's very valuable to us.

What a performance from us. Went at them from the kick off and never allowed them time or space to recover. Carlo and the team got it absolutely spot on. I was lost for words yesterday, too excited and just watched it over and over. Couldn't sleep either and will watch it again today. Had to check the date this morning, thought it must be December 26th!

The night wind revolves in the sky and sings
The Night is shattered and the BLUE stars shiver in the distance

And now it's Sunday morning here in New Brighton - - the weatherman says Grey today - - don't believe him - - I look out of my window with my Lovers Eyes and see nothing but Blue Skies - -everywhere.

Rave on Carlo Ancelotti:
“Down through the weeks of ages
In the moss borne dark dank pools
Rave on down through the industrial revolution
Empiricism, atomic and nuclear age
Rave on down through time and space down through the corridors
Rave on words on printed page
Rave on, you left us infinity
And well pressed pages torn to fade
Drive on with wild abandon
Up tempo, frenzied heels
Rave on, Walt Whitman, nose down in wet grass
Rave on, fill the senses
On nature's bright green shady path”

I told my wife in midweek that being an Evertonian was something special - - about loyalty and trust and something special that glory hunters” and “bandwagonners” just don't get - - that special bond we have going to the match together - - talking about our Club - - it is a measure of who we are that we persist with our Love - - I can see the Goodison Rooftop from my side window:
“Way over yonder, yeah in the clear blue sky
That's where flamingos fly
Well we're here and we're waiting
For that morning light to shine
And I'm looking at you, looking at me, looking right back at you
And I'm anticipating
Sounds along the way
Looking at you, looking at me, looking right back at you
Somewhere, somewhere, somewhere way over the rooftops of the houses
Heard it one time in a lullaby”.

I am reading Anna Akhmatova - - again and again - - she was a True Blue Lover:
“We thought we were beggars, we thought we had nothing at all
But then when we started to lose one thing after another,
Each day became
A memorial day --
And then we made songs
Of great divine generosity
And of our former riches”.

I am dwelling - - floating - - flying - - high up into The Blue Astral - - I float above the River - - over The Blue Liver Buildings - - high above those treasured Streets of Memory - - passing those places of friendship and drinks and songs and of everyday Lovers Artists and Poets - - that us - - me and you - - I am flying through Our City - - towards Our Home - - I see my Ma - - she waves me forward - -Maggie Brady - - “go on George - - it's your time” - - I look upwards and written on the Blue Sky are your word from TW - - like a Holy Scroll - - there are moments of pain and moments of Joy - - I see Marley's Ghost flying around with the chains and padlocks and weights of the past keeping him from Heaven - - somehow our chains - - may - - have been dropped and released so that we can now float and fly upwards towards our Blue Heaven - - my goodness - - there's Howard and Colin and Alan - - smiling at us - - they nod as if they knew it would all change - - they knew - - and dixie and Tommy - - it feel good today to fly free like a bird with no weights or worries to drag me down:
And we sailed, and we sailed, and we sailed
All around the world
And we sailed, and we sailed, and we sailed
Looking for a brand new start
And we sailed
And we sailed, and we sailed
All around the world, a brand new start

My dearest thoughts and wishes go to All You Blues - - to Dave and Tony and John Snr and Derek and Darren and Laurie Hartley and all of us - - it's been a long wait and we have to put up with some dreadful rubbish - - but here and now we seem to have a man of quiet strength and obvious dignity and its our time to celebrate and enjoy:
I will walk out of the darkness
And I'll walk into the light
And I'll sing the song of ages
And the dawn will end the night

It's our time for singing and dancing - - for poetry - - safe in the knowledge that we have created this ourselves with no need for using dark side tactics and no need for us to call each other names - - we are the singers of our own song - - the makers of our own history - - the writers of OUR own stories.

I am having a walk out today with my wife - - Gosia - - so I will “top of the morning” gang :

And we'll walk down the avenue again
And we'll sing all the songs from way back when, yeah
And we'll walk down the avenue again and the healing has begun
And we'll walk down the avenue in style
And we'll walk down the avenue and we'll smile
And we'll say:
" ain't it all worthwhile when the healing has begun?"

-- and I am sending Blue Cosmic Grooves All The way to you all - - with a firm handshake - - your friend - - George

The difference in managers response to defeats is often interesting. I feel our manager is happy to praise the other team and give credit where it's due...for example after the Man City game. On the other hand, Klopp yesterday in the interviews I have seen seems to offer no credit to Everton and how we performed. Probably shouldn't be surprised.

He has only just started us on the journey to again competing at the very top, and it will take time but at last we have hired a top gun, who knows exactly how to build a side. No at present it isn't the free flowing football we would all like to see, but we should take heart that practically all Carlos side played attractive winning football, at the very highest level. So to his critics I would say if we have given time for all of his predecessors from Kendal onwards then surely we need to give a man of Carlos ability a little more time to build and refine this team.

Usually the first task of a new manager is to improve the players he inherited and I think he has made a big impression on a few players that were here when he arrived. In fact some of the players he has improved, if many of us had our way would have been out the door by now. I personally never ever thought we could build a side with Michael Keane at the heart of the defence, now he lokks one of the best CBs in the league. Now a lot of the improvement in these players is mainly down to the player himself but all the players mention the impact he has had on them. Tom Davies another who has come in for a lot of stick on here, but in the last 5/6 games looks a completely different player, more assured in everything he does, again Tom says Carlo told him not to take to many touches and move the ball quicker and the difference is there for all to see. I also think DCL has improved under Carlo and others as well.

I think his demeanour to the players is saying yes enjoy your victories but if we are to be were he wants us to be, victories over teams like Liverpool should become our expectation and not our hope.

We have become a much more resilient side in the last twelve months able to go against good sides and hold our own. On the flip we have not nearly been as good against sides who need to be broken down. So perversely we are having one of our best seasons against the top sides for ages and having a distinctly average season against sides you would expect us to put to the sword.

That means only one thing, recruitment of three of four top quality players, mostly in attacking areas but also a right back.

And let's just hope City have a very rare off night in a few weeks time.

If it wasn't for our home form we'd be breathing down Man City's neck right now. So Carlo, as well as the players have to learn from these mistakes.

Depending on the summer transfers we could be seeing the beginning of a new Everton dynasty.

Enjoy your walk George with your wife and whisper to her “ I love you more than I love Everton” she'll “ Never believe You, that from this great big world “ you've chosen her, but she'll know she comes very close.

Blue cosmic grooves back George, I think they will be staying for quite some time.

I've just watched the highlights again. Our goals are something to purr about.

For the first, James showed his class. Taking a headed pass out of the air and makes the pass early on the half volley. He was able to do so because of the run by Richarlison who finished with a text book sweeping "pass" into the far corner. Football poetry worthy of words that only you can probably conjure George.

The second starts with composure from Tom Davies. When, at that stage of the game, many would have gone for Rugby style territory percentages and smashed it, Davies swivels in our own D with the team under pressure and picks out one of his team mates rather than the corner flag. Richarlison cleverly rolls his marker and then plays a lovely weighted pass into the path of Calvert-Lewin, leading to the penalty and second goal. Great counter attacking move; 2 passes from the edge of our own box but clever football, not long ball.

Still enjoying the moment and can watch the Sunday football with the dogs very relaxed.

An embarrassment.

A real statement of intent. No inferiority complex from Carlo. What a privilege it is to have him as our manager, and equally he believes it's his privilege to be here.

He just needs to find the way to pick up victories against teams who close up against us and counter. I think he will get this right as it is our only undoing so far this season.

Some brilliant posts, Jamie C, that's a cracker running round the car park, but sums up what it's like to be a lunatic Evertonian mate, and for Evertonians all over the world, I'm just delighted the monkey has been taken off our backs.

I can't wait for the first Liverpudlian, who tries to engage me on the penalty, because my straightforward answer will be, why did Arnold, keep running with Lewin? Maybe if he'd had the nouse to step up, he might have caught Big Dom offside!

I got what I asked for Laurie, I'm sure a United fan base will help bring the glory days back to Everton, even if I felt that Carlo, was to cautious at times last night, and was thinking Ian E, has got a point, because if you give Rodriguez, runners, you just know he'll find them SINGING WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED, EVERTON!!!!

Today, I got up late, had a late breakfast, started watching the hammers/Spurs game and I thought to myself, I'll go online and read the back pages of the dailies.

Surprise, surprise, almost all of them concentrate on the rs injury problems and klopps disappointment at yesterday's result. Even these stories are hidden half way down the page.

Who'd like to bet that if the shite had won every single one of them would be screaming, “Liverpool back in title chase”? It's really pathetic.

https://twitter.com/kevin_m_murphy/status/1363460664153567235?s=24

Derek Knox (various) glad to see you back on ToffeeWeb, you and your gentle humour have been missed, glad you are okay.

I posted on the match day thread asking if you had had the chance to paw through a book called "The lost tribes of Everton and Scottie Road" By Ken Rogers. Unfortunately the thread was replaced by the usual update immediately after I pressed send, so I doubt you would have seen it.

The reason I asked, is because it is all about an area you (as a former CG boy) will know like the back of your hand. Wonderful images of streets, Buildings and people, from Margaret Street Baths, to Vauxhall.

I gave a copy to My Dad before he passed on. He was besides himself. He loved it. He knew many of the people and streets so well.

I looked for it after he passed, but when it came to the inexpensive family "treasures", my light-fingered sister was always a step ahead of her thicko brothers and it had vanished.

You conjure up similar images in my head every time I read your pre-match post.

Another great post from you today. No coming back to earth after yesterday's hysteria, just a transition to a more sustainable state of bliss.

Maybe we could start a theme on Songs and Films! 👍💙

"i am convinced god is a Man City fan. He sent the wind down.
You cant play against god"

It seems that Pickford being out for a few games did him well. Perhaps get away that complacency that he's always no. 1? It seems his concentration is back. Perhaps Carlo's instruction is to keep things simple at the back. Clear the ball if you're unsure. Just don't over play it.

For Davies, he is my MOTM. Break down play, drive the ball forward, making the killing pass to find Richy for our second goal. I'd wish he can keep this consistency week in week out.

Perhaps if Allan is back in, Doucoure can be rested for a couple of games? He looks tired as it's shown by the mistakes when not under pressure.

His form has not been the best and had rightly received flak for that. But he has been abused from all corners of the media and so called football experts. He has received death threats for fucks sake. This in addition to having the burden of “that goal”.

So, to overcome all that and play the way he did yesterday is fully deserving of a 10 in my opinion. Hopefully he has reached a new level now and help us kick on.

Another match stat: The number Everton did on Salah and Mane reinforcing just how good that triumphant of Holgate, Keane and Godfrey were last night. Salah had just 1 shot, his fewest at Anfield this season. It was the most Mane has been tackled and lost the ball while dribbling in more than 3 years. And when he did so, he looked up into the gurning grin and laughter of Mason Holgate to the point he got himself booked in frustration.

Talk about James being unhappy at Everton, laughingly dismissed in Carlo's pre-match presser. He had been off the pitch 30 minutes, wrapped up in his snug club coat. Before the final whistle he took off his club coat on a freezing night then joined his team-mates on the pitch to celebrate joyously with them. Showing his true colours in more than one sense.

I think I'm most made up for Tom Davies. Another cracking game last night. Within this article on the club site - Tom's post-match comments - are embedded two great videos of the lad. A Tweet posted by DCL and a club video on what the club and the city mean to Tom. A good read and viewing:

Tom Davies: Scouser & Evertonian

If i've not remembered all that correctly abpout the Coventry game just forgive me. We all all high today!

Yesterday he looked to be the keeper we paid a record fee for back in June 2017, with not a hint of a brainfart. I truly hope he can maintain that and hope it wasn't a one-off. Maybe he has been seeing a Psychologist, he certainly appeared the epitome of calmness and reliability, between the sticks. Again, long may it continue.

He was certainly a contender, if not the actual MoM yesterday, but that would give the impression that we were under the cosh, far from it, but without his magnificent saves the score line may have been different. Godfrey, Keane and Davies all had a considerable shout too. I have often been one of Tom's critics, but I don't know what Carlo has done with him, but he is certainly a player transformed. Keane too, has been a rock in defence.

Hope the non-appearance of Allan and King was purely tactical, but it's great to know we have so many options now at our disposal, for the run-in both League and FA Cup. COYB

I also thoroughly enjoyed last night. I still am doing so.

They are; the first, early goal is so so important in any game but in a Derby it is vital. Confidence rises, and the other team will have to spend most of the game trying to equalise. This is what we did so well yesterday, we battled, we chased, we worked hard and we showed class. Speaking of class, James Rodrigues, there were fans saying it's not the game for him. How wrong they were. It was the perfect game for a player of his class to do exactly what he did. Put a killer ball through. Fantastic.

Speaking to fantastic... what about our Carlo hey. I hope the negative ToffeeWebbers will now understand he is exactly what we need. He is the best thing to happen to this club in donkeys years, 16 lost games in 52 since he took over and now an away win at Anfield. We are in dreamland with this guy. Yes, there are things we need to work out, home form and then breaking poor teams down and beating them but all in all we are doing great.

What a win! What an evening! My wife and all of her family are reds and they aren't speaking to me and have removed me from the family whatsapp group. I guess they really can't take it, and I have been waiting for years to send them the videos, pictures and meme's that I've endured for years. My father in law got it good last night and my own Dad appreciated it when I sent him a picture of my recently passed Grandad with the words, that was for you, written on it. Que, me getting a video back from him opening a bottle of champagne with my brother. Just stuff you love to see isn't it.

So all in all, we deserved that win. And how refreshing was it to see Everton get a penalty against them, at Anfield, it's mad when you think of how many decisions over the years have gone against us. It was only the other day I was watching the video of Carragher hauling down Lescott in the box in a game where Liverpool scored 2 penalties and beat us 2-1. Nothing ever goes for us. But I'm going to credit the referee as I thought in the whole he did really well and it was a definite penalty. I loved Salah's diving antics being fobbed off and I also love the fact on Graeme Souness and the quietness from Carragher was he even commentating?!?

You could almost feel sorry for Liverpool couldn't you?! Nahhhhhhhhh!!!! FTRS COYB!!!! Well in ToffeeWebbers! Well in all of you!!!!

Same to you.

Carlo I'm sure now knows even mid and lower teams need the same intensity and respect. If he cracks that, the likes of Richarlison won't have to go anywhere.

Now is not the time to say we need this or that – just let's bask in this and look them shiesters in the eye.

Our Pickford-tinged trip to Anfield is still a pleasurable memory thanks to Dave's company and Tony's generosity on that day -- but the memory of yesterday will be a whole lot different!

This week sums up being an Evertonian. Poor performance against Fulham and a long-running winning streak disappears. A decent performance against City but a massive gulf in class. Trepidation about going across the park, especially after the starting Xi was named.

Everton then deliver a memorable performance with a lot of derided players giving everything we've asked for. One proud record gone. One embarrassing run that has lasted decades finally over. My lad finally got to witness us beating them lot after 10 years. Superb stuff, Blues. Let's lose this inferiority complex and get behind this manager. Hoping for some good BMD news to rub salt in the wounds. COYB

That link will be a mess up from me mate but well worth a watch

Well done to all the staff who took part in their development of these well-developed down-to-earth club ambassadors (plus Coleman coming over from Ireland into the U23s, and staff who help a 20 year old Brazilian Richie bed-in to the club) over the years into career legends at the club - from kitman and tea ladys to coaches and doctors and so on...

I had managed to stockpile 16 beers in readiness for this game and drank my way through most of them. Everyone was so enjoyable too. For once I actually felt comfortable watching a derby from the moment Richarlison scored.

What a delight to read so many happy posts here on TW! Long may it continue, it's just amazing to realise we truly have beaten them again at long last

I had managed to stockpile 16 beers in readiness for this game and drank my way through most of them. Everyone was so enjoyable too. For once I actually felt comfortable watching a derby from the moment Richarlison scored.

What a delight to read so many happy posts here on TW! Long may it continue, it's just amazing to realise we truly have beaten them again at long last

Hopefully you will get to see most of the remaining fixtures, and hopefully too, they are all wins!

You also suffered cruel and unusual punishment (illegal under your country's constitution) when you witnessed Origi's goal at Anfield.

You are one of us. You have experienced the euphoria and heartache that goes with supporting our club. They make days like yesterday occasions to savour.

I'd happily finish in 6th (if we cant get 4th) to see West Ham finish 4th ahead of the RS in 5th!

It'll only be a turning point once we have the same mindset and discipline every game. That will take time and more quality players.

But yesterday was one more big piece in the jigsaw. I loved it.

Also, I bowed to no one in my criticism of Jordan Pickford. Now, I bow to no one in taking it all back. That was a master class of poise under pressure.

I still want to see him be more commanding of the box and re-assure the defence through this. I would use an example of the West Ham keeper today when a very good low cross came across the face of the 6-yard box. Fabianski was proactive and pounced to claim the ball as the Tottenham players were inbound. Jordan too often would be dancing on his line ready to dive one way or the other, enabling the shot on goal from 2 or 3 yards out, which will 8 times out of 10 result in a goal.

Much better from Jordan and, in the bigger scheme of things, he's still young for a 'keeper so can learn and develop.

Are we all kept in line? Do we all know our place? It's very worrying as a fan of a non-darling club; we are supposed to be in it for success and enjoyment.

Hearing Gary Neville the other night say "I am sorry, Leicester fans, but you are never going to win the league again... blah blah." It made me sick to be honest and I hate the fact it is probably true. My dad said to me 20 years back that football is a closed shop and nothing has changed.

The odd club has nipped in and out like Leicester of course and PSG, Chelsea and Man City have just beat FFP rules to get there but the overall look of the elite has remained.

Can we nip in and disrupt it? If we did, I'd worry something would change along the lines of what you fellas touched on.

The most inappropriately named competition ever. The Top Four League doesn't have the same marketing ring though.

It's just scary for clubs outside the elite, mate, and even some in it. Look how hard Spurs have found it to win a trophy.

They have had some class squads to choose from. Arsenal also to an extent.

In some ways I believe we have maintained a balance between the brave new marketing world of Sky TV and now BT Sports. Standby as Amazon have their mitts on this now and they are purely about world domination.

But we still have our clubs and our heritage, with that deeply rooted in our localities; this has prevailed. I would have to call upon our more learned American blues to comment, but I don't think we have quite gone down what I perceive to be the franchise model that many US sports have done.

But then again, in the spirit of competition, you could argue that the US college sports system that feeds their professional game makes for a fairer playing field, hence there are mostly different teams competing in the Super Bowl year on year. The recent Patriots run being contradictory to my point!!

Just read your superb (if not a little condescending) analysis on our world class, England No1 keeper.

You very clearly have a commanding knowledge of playing in goal at a senior level and seem to have insight into the mental challenges Jordan has faced.

Please tell where this insight comes from. Did you turn out a couple of times for your school team or are you just naturally gifted?

Ironically, the Patriots run really solidifies your point. The Patriots didn't have a storied history before Tom Brady, and they are located in Foxborough, a small Massachusetts town populated by less than 20,000 people. That they could rise up based on great scouting and great salary management and great coaching proves your point very well.

I am a new blue this year, so I have much to learn when it comes to whether the Premier League is set up to allow for parity (I've heard many say it is not), but I thought I'd contribute the knowledge I had on your point. Based off what I know today about the Premier League, I would say of US sports, the US collegiate football system has the most parallels to the Premier League. Where traditional powers always seem to have a built-in advantage, notwithstanding the occasional stretch where a team outside of "the club" can finish at the top here or there.

I don't think you have to be a professional to ask if a goalkeeper can do better than he has shown over his time here.

I have said a number of times that Jordan was one of our stand-out players on Saturday. I've said many times this season that he has rescued us in games with outstanding saves, something he is very very good at.

All I am saying is that with more work on the concentration, composure and commanding of his box and defence, he will be an even better keeper than he is now. And that he is still young enough to learn and develop in the context of how and when keeper's peak.

In terms of myself, afraid my dreams and aspirations peaked at trials level, including a day at Bellefield, which I'll never forget. I'll be honest though, it knocked me for six realising the difference. I thought I was good but as much as I'll never forget the experience, I was put off playing for several years at the age of 13. I went on to play a decent standard within Army football and did get paid to play outside of that, but nothing particularly spectacular.

Dave, as you can probably gather, that is one of the factors in my passion about the English game's recent obsession with pace and power, although it is getting better in recent years. I was nowhere near physically able to compete on that pitch aged 13, but fast forward 5 or 6 years and I was developing into a 6ft tall 12 and a half stone centre mid / centre back who could more than hold his own as well as play a bit obviously!!

That alongside coaching one of the youth teams at Hayes & Yeading as well as my experience of the German youth system has forged my quite strong opinions on youth development. I won't beat my worn out drum again, but you probably know my thoughts on discarding talent at a young age because of a lack of physicality.

Just the year (1971) and location (St Christopher's, Speke) that were different, but you sparked a memory there!