Blues grind out another low-key away win

COYB!

Solid back line. A lot resting on Iwobi and Bernard to provide the bullets for Richy and DCL it appears to me.

Just win. That is the priority tonight.

Allan rested was expected, so Gomes and Doucoure in the middle. Not ideal, but I hope West Brom are likely to play 'long' and not play like Fulham through the middle anyway.

4-4-2 - not my favourite, very limiting set up, but maybe can do a job for one game. If needed, Bernard can play more forward with Iwobi moving more central.

Guessing Siggy has been rested with an eye on Chelsea. Will DCL play a full/near full 90 again? Hopefully he'll be able to get some rest. Same for Doucoure.

Bench doesn't leave many options. Are Onyango and Broadhead and Knounkou here just for the day out, or can they really be trusted to be called upon?

I expect we'll win this, 2-0 or 2-1, but I don't expect it to be pretty.

Hello Nicolas,

That thing we lack in midfield is a ball carrying player who can hang on to the ball or win free kicks and throwins (I'm dreaming here: Iniesta?).

We have bite with Davies and Alan, but I agree another of that type would also help. For me though, the player described above is vital for next season.

Lets hope that quality and technique prevail.

Im annoyed at Ancelotti always saying the absent players have "light problems". They simply don't play because of those "light problems", so what would "big problems" be then?

Batting that would have got you dropped from a club 3rd team in my day!!

I think Doucoure did excellently when asked to play deeper in previous games this season, and he'll be fine. He has the energy to ein it back, and he can give to Gomes for better passing.

I don't think it's our best midfield partnership, but it's certainly decent and better than West Brom's

COYB

Against an organized team of bang-average players we look devoid of ideas as to how to open them up. So sluggish and sloppy in possession, second to every loose ball, just an awful 35m. Showed some signs of life the last 10m or so but my word, a decent team would've had the game won by the time we woke from our slumber. Thankfully, we are playing West Brom, so amazingly we still have a chance to grab 3 points here.

But as the half went on, we started making chances and Pickford has largely been a spectator beyond one spectacular save in the first minute.

DCL should have scored. Richi could have. We attacked in flutters, but each time we did, we got into their box. I'm sure as the game goes on, we'll create more.

Bernard has been largely anonymous and I'd bring on Siggy for him and stick to a 3-5-2 set up.

When we have the ball in the middle third of the pitch it inevitably goes backwards as nobody seems prepared to risk carrying it and trying to find a forward pass.

And once again a team languishing near the bottom are actually playing better football than us most of the time. They appear to be able to pass the ball around confidently in midfield and get it to the edge of our box with ease.

Every time we go sideways or backwards, it's a wasted opportunity to mount an attack. You can guarantee we won't be doing that if the score remains the same, or we're getting beat with 10 minutes to go. So why are we doing now, it early in the game?

As Mike (#43) says, need to be braver.

Look at Man Utd yesterday, that game was played at a snail's pace. And many other games recently, especially among the top 6 challengers.

A lot of energy conservation going on.

Diagne is a handful. That 'adjustment' save by Jordan on the slow looping header was excellent.

The problem for me is when the defenders get the ball and time to play too often there is not a midfielder in view to take the ball from them to make the transition further forward.

Bernard is the pick of them. At least there has been a modicum of creativity from him. Gomes has hit a nice couple of passes, but in the main he is the chief culprit in coughing up the ball cheaply. Doucouré not much better.

In fact, it's hard to determine exactly what role Doucouré is playing as he seems to be in no-man's land between wherever Gomes is and Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison. Iwobi having one of those games. And it's not one of his good ones.

Offered a gilt-edged chance to take the lead before half-time. Love yer Dom, but you have to finish those.

Interesting to see how the shape is a clear 3 at the back when restarting with the ball in our own half, with Digne pushing up beyond Bernard on the left.

West Brom themselves playing well, but with just a bit more compactness between midfield and defence, together with being tidier on and with the ball, we could be creating a lot more pressure and opportunities in and around their box.

Please Everton. Just get the job – and 3 points – done.

I'll take an ugly bastard 1-0 win at West Brom.

* And key point, is wasn't VAR. The linesman called it.

4 starters out injured, another on the bench coming back to fitness.

Next on the list: Chelsea away. That's been our bread and butter this season. COY fuckin Blues

We simply have to improve on our quality of play if we're going to stand a chance against better sides.

I should feel so happy we've reached the top four but tonight's performance, and the one against Southampton, just leave nagging doubts... can't help it.

Performance. Not so brill and had their goal been allowed, it would have served us right for being casual and not putting it to bed.

Fat Sam. Arrogant, conceited, ignorant gobshite heading in the correct direction. Bye Sam.

We are having all the luck though this season. Can't remember when we last played really well and dominated a team since early season.

Desperately poor first 35 minutes, improved a bit after that but only established control with the introduction of Allan for the ineffective Iwobi and a change to 4-2-3-1. A little bit of extra technical quality by Sigurdsson and a cracking header by Richy decides the game. After that we never really looked likely to lose the 3 points but a 1-goal lead is mightily slender and we almost blew it at the death. A whisker offside but the right call.

We struggle to create chances from open-play. Obviously, WBA are a bang average team, but they are fighting hard and we needed to show up. Unfortunately we played much of the first half as if the win was in the bag. I have no idea why, as we've stunk a number of times this season against "weak" opposition.

Individual performances? Iwobi, after a decent run of form prior to his latest absence from the team was back to his enigmatic worst. Just awful. Gomes was really poor first half but improved a lot after Allan came on. Doucoure kept giving the ball away, Ancelotti right to sub him. Bernard had a couple nice touches but forced off the ball too easily. Digne and Holgate played well. Godfrey was OK but looked a little tired. Keane was calm and is the best passer we have at centre-half, by a mile. Richarlison continued his excellent form, vital as DCL was off it all night.

So, somehow we are 4th (I'm predicting a draw tonight between Chelsea and Liverpool). We are not playing good football, at all but are winning games. No doubt we'll raise our game again on Monday, for a "big" team in an away game.

Fumed like a nutter throughout most of the first half. I imagine Carlo is equally exasperated. How this season is going to end up I honestly have no clue.

Don't want to be picky but DCL needs to up his game, he's not Ronaldo. But Godfrey fills me with confidence as Tony @57 states buy of the season.

We have a very good first XI (assuming the midfield 3 are Davies, Doucoure and Allan) We have a couple of decent reserves in defence and Sigurdsson can do a job off the bench. After that we don't have enough.

Tonight, Iwobi once again demonstrated that he is potentially the worst ever Everton signing. Gomes, if it wasn't for a few decent games at the start of his Everton career, would be running him close. Bernard looks good in fits, but disappears for most of the game.

The 71 and 77 semi finals. Big Nev's injury playing for Wales Linekers miss against Oxford Whiteside's cross that went in need I go on ? No, I thought not.

Whiteside's cross? You are joking right?

What is it that is different this season? Despite our last minute wobbles tonight and last Monday, it's the defence isn't it? There's steel in it.

There's no possible disappointment when we've just moved into 4th.

Heart to mouth at times, but you make your luck.

Regardless of the RS result, later, if Everton, can beat Chelsea next up, then, that can set Everton, up for a good finish from a decent position.

A few more goals is needed, but a decent cross and guile, and that took Everton, over the line.

He can't play like that, though, and expect to be taken seriously.

Graham @ 75 - Whiteside's cross? Frustrating I know but it was a superb goal.

Iwobi is decent meandering across the field with the ball at his feet but seems to lose it mentally as soon as he has a decision to make in the penalty box. Bernard is too lightweight for the PL. I'll bet he's a great 5 a-side player though.

DCL worked hard again but emphasises that he is not a clinical striker. He'll do for me but we desperately need more goals from midfield.

What a player Godfrey is turning out to be!

Colin #68, is your heart really still humping?

Onwards and upwards

He said since, he used Neville's towel, as his target, a lesson for keepers, all in all it was one game too many that week, for Everton, but they were good times.

4th.

We are struggling at the moment with injuries and I don't think it will be any better on Monday on that front.

For me Allan. When he came on, everything changed. He was all over the place breaking up play. Godfrey and Keane were also great. Siggy did really well in my opinion.

Genuinely curious who people thought was MOTM?

That we get the result with that midfield baggage is by design, we didn't get lucky and they at least held their defensive duties so we stayed in it. We were always looking for that goal after WBA had run them selves out a bit and got it. Somewhat fortunate but that was what the setup was targeting. The assignments at the back are staying in form and building some confidence even when we can't clear our half for extended periods.

Overall, this looked to be a close outcome but Carlo insisted on showing some faith in some that are still struggling for form. That we got the goal without a lot of huffing and puffing will disappoint those looking for the Rolls-Royce version but we're still rolling with the VW bus.

I agree with your summation: "vital if uninspiring". Winning the next 12 games 1-0 would be brilliant but I think we'd be hospitalised before the last game!

I thought that we were absolutely dire, yet again, we get the 3 points. The way we start seems to be how we continue the game. I cannot believe how poor we are passing to each other not just under pressure but with no pressure. If our defence wasn't so good this season, I'm sure we would be well punished.

Today I think it shows how critical it is to play either Allan or Davies in front of the defence to protect and to receive the ball. Hopefully Coleman, Davies and James are available for Chelsea – we'll need them!

A few more of these performances to come this season.
Four or five starters tonight who will not start first game of next season.
Plenty of room for the improvement that will undoubtedly come

Are we great because we grind out wins, and when we eventually kick into gear we'll appreciate that we made it work while we were struggling for form?

Or are we in a false position and the table will revert to the norm at some point?

Either way, I'm just going to enjoy the league position.

As for the game, there's not much to say. For 30 minutes we were absolutely dreadful. The rest of the time we were just poor, which was enough to beat WBA.

I'd like to think I can spot a decent footballer out, and I'd like to think I've seen a few over the years as well, I really think that this lad can be truly something special.

The best centre-half prospect I've seen since Rio. (and I'm no Man Utd fan - far from it).

He hasn't got the mobility to play in a central two. You get the best out of him in a three or a diamond with either Allan or Davies holding.

Don't get me wrong we need much more adaptable midfield players than that but I thought it was a poor formation Carlo went with to start but injuries probably forced his hand.

But hey, Carlo the magician has somehow pulled a rabbit out of his hat and a string of flags from the arm of his suit, and who am I to complain? Carry on like this and we'll all be entitled to wear clown feet and spinning bow ties on last day of the season as we somehow trick our way into the Champs League.

It wasn't the best team selection, I would have had Allan starting, but hey ho, we won.

We got a little insight there into the mind of someone returning from a bad injury. I'm sure it affects him.

1. Carlo Ancelotti as manager
2. The best back 4 in the league
3. Two great forwards

Forget the rest, they are accessories.

There are lots of things he's not, but he is having an impact doing the things he's good at.

Pickford looking better (albeit coming off his like at the end nearly cost us)

Keane is reborn - now looking like a snip at £30M rather than an expensive flop

Godfrey - overall excellent but still a bit raw

Sigurdsson - he's actually getting a tune out of him!!! Some assists nice!

Bernard - his best game for us in a while. Actually looked a player

Calvert-Lewin - a man transformed from average premiership striker to an excellent forward

I don't know how Carlo is fashioning a team from our squad but by gosh he is. And I'm enjoying the ride!!

They would pass you to death and stick a shiv in your back with a smile.

Now we move on to the next game, only this time we won't be getting the train to Euston and the dreaded tube to Fulham shitty Broadway. We will be watching on Sky and swigging Stella, shouting at the dog, begging the wife or kids to find the TV controller and texting anyone who wants to know that Everton are the greatest.

I love it.

Let's hope Davies, James and Coleman come back soon, and that they are fresh and properly fit when they do. Doucoure looked done in when he came off.

If we are starting with Iwobi, l can't understand why we don't play 3 at the back so Holgate is in his best position; we can push up the wing-backs and keep the 2 up front.

Anyway, 3 hard points. If we can get a draw against Chelsea l can start to believe... ish

Like headless chickens in midfield until Allan came on for the impotent and totally ineffective Iwobi. He calmed things down and wrestled a bit of controlled play back. Other players around him looked happy he was there to pass to.

We won't be able to get away with Iwobi, Bernard and Gomes together in the midfield.

Iwobi was totally ineffective, I've supported him in the past but enough is enough. No more.

Bernard too lightweight for this league, a really gifted player but needs to move to a less physical league to really shine and to enjoy his football.

Gomes out the three is the one I think is the best player to keep for the squad.

The only way into the top four is to have a stable midfield with Doucoure Allan and Tom Davies manning the engine room.

Nothing has changed my mind that we need a Fernandes ,Pusilic or Buendia type in the summer as no1 priority, to add dynamism, tenacity and goals from our midfield.

A tired performance, Godfrey's speed of recovery is very important, and so is getting Coleman, Davies, Mina and Rodriguez fit. I can't wait to get the Chelsea game out of the way now, although at least we have got four days to recover, as we approach “The Canal Turn”.

But it's getting the tune out of this squad and so I'll take the temperance and the results as part of the long term plan.

But Everton are becoming tough to beat, and Monday is a six pointer, and I still believe Everton can beat Chelsea, but the midfield selection is key.

I don't see how Gomes can be considered for this game, as he's alertness and speed of thought unless he's got no opposition player within 10 yards, makes him high risk.

Tom Davies, hopefully will be fit to get stuck in and transition to attack quickly as he's been doing. The neat turn touch and pass is key and speed of though, is what DCL, and Richarlison need.

But I wish Everton would shoot more from outside the box. Godfrey is growing in statur every game, and tonight his first half run shows what he can do.

He scored a decent shot from outside the box for Norwich, he has the potential to be an Everton great..

A long way to go but it's there, in abundance.

Now to see what happens tonight at our old ground, but all stay safe, and have a Ball, this weekend.

MotM - who knows. Who even cares.

Solid point.

I do concur with you, Brent Stephens (Fn1), and all the pro-Godfrey posts. The kid really is something else.

It's funny you say the best since Rio. I just said that to one of my boys the other day. Rio was just a super CB. I see Godfrey being just as good as he was. In fact, due to Ben's speed, which is just ridiculous, he can recover from mistakes easier. I see every sign that he can honestly be one of the best.

I didn't know that. Very telling. Love that he chose Ferdinand as his favorite. Yes, he played for another, but man was he fantastic.

Ben does well to idolize and look up to that level of defender.

This kid's gonna be something else.

At this stage of the season, it's win by all and any means.

There nothing wrong with ugly if it feels good!

So all have had a bit of rest - no game for 7 days. Chance for niggles to clear up. Carlo Magnifico.

We play on Monday.

I think he means the absentees will have had 7 days rest come Monday.

Iwobi is in a bit of a no-man's land. We are too static up front, and in fact the team is playing at a slow pace even when not necessary. At Arsenal, Iwobi had more options and a changing picture but he nonetheless did used to run at and beat players, which is what I hoped for when he arrived here. He was doing it til recently but looked lost tonight.

He took Digne off the corner and it worked for us straight away. Is he a lucky manager? I certainly hope so.

Godfrey was almost flawless tonight and I sort of agreed with Ashley Cole saying we need to show more intense attitude to achieve a dream.

It was something I focused on a lot (who wanted that top four place in our side etc).

Godfrey showed it well, he was starving throughout, Holgate to a point too.

Gomes and Iwobi were dreadful I am afraid to say. They stunk and they should both be lucky to come off our bench next season.

Lets keep this going blues. A positive result Monday is vital and could put us in a mindset that goes to that next level.

Up The Fucking Toffees.

Well, that was good while it lasted.

Carlo said he wanted us to "taste" fourth place, not gobble it up. We are saving our appetite for second place.

The change in shape and Allan and Sigi coming on changed this. Allan does the simple stuff really well. His passes usually go to the space in front of our player, causing the receiver to create more movement.

Gomes on the other hand passes to feet. It slows play down, when our player actually receives the ball.

Richarlison took his goal well too and is anyone else feeling more confident in Pickford?

Now to beat Chelsea, and it can be done by Everton.

Well, I have to ashamedly admit, I finished work late and then got my timings all wrong. Switched on just before 6:30pm for kick of only to see with were 24 minutes in!

From what I did see, I enjoyed that more than the Southampton game. To West Brom's credit, I felt more nervous and not just because of what you would expect; they actually played some decent stuff at times. I didn't think it was a particularly bad game, not the second half anyway.

From our perspective, mostly never in danger and I felt much more comfortable when Allan came on. He seemed to settle us, control things and "captain" us. And as much as I bemoaned it and don't like it, that coincided with adopting the diamond and it worked to good effect.

I used to defend Sigurdsson to the hilt, often as a lone voice. I had given up and joined the crowd. Tonight he showed what he can do. Sometimes you have that type of player on the pitch just for that one moment that changes a game. He done that with his second touch.

Mention for Pickford; his distribution was good tonight and he looks much more confident. Coaching and competition taking effect?

Richarlison again showing what he can be. The lad can have it all. Speed, aggression, skill, strength and good in the air.

Just watched the end of the Liverpool-Chelsea fixture. Win Monday and we are in a very strong position with a game in hand.

The manager is managing the players at his disposal. He is managing individual games and managing the season.

4th place is there for the taking. We just need luck with injuries...

Can't help feeling that it's still an opportunity lost though.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ChdBubd6s2o&t=3671s

I must confess to watching the shite to equalise. Please forgive me. A point is needed. I wont mind Carlo going all italian for this one

There's a long way to go this season, so let's savour every win and the progress the team is making.

VVD is a snidey fecker but you can't deny his importance to the orcs next door. Godfrey is obviously our lad so him repeatedly telling Man U to 'go forth and multiply' after DCL's late equaliser was a breath of fresh air.

Bizarre to think that in a transfer window where we signed a completely new midfield including Allan and Colombian superstar James that this kid from Norwich would be the one to get most excited about.

Man U don't scare me, and I don't think they're all that.

Chelsea do scare me. They're "prettier" than we are. But we are very solid at the back. Pretty counts for nothing. Ask Bobby Brown Shoes and the artist formerly known as Jamie Crowley.

I think the game will come down to can we hold them? And can we manufacture one of those James / Richarlison / DCL moments to snatch the points?

Of course we can.

How often have we had the chance to go somewhere better and topple the enemy only to bottle it or forget to manage the game.

Tonight wasn't classy or pacey but the game was won because of our overall game management which is a great education for players that lack the elite qualities.

Fantastic for us and I am not having this Zombie football, turgid football bollocks anymore. There is a bigger picture, would you swap seasons with Brighton?

Work what you have to its potential and the odds are better for us. Look what we had tonight. Dead legs, comebacks, kids on the bench, Iwobi.

And we won again.

The midfield as usual was not up to par and allowed too much room for even average players that Albion have. That put's the onus on the back four and Pickford to be on their toes which they were for the most part thank God.

Carlo changed things around which was inevitable. He made a big mistake starting Bernard and Iwobi and I think it's about time he realized neither is good enough to be in the starting eleven.

With the help of a good VAR decision we gt away with all 3 points which didn't look on the cards in that first half.

It's a good run of results that surely should have them up for the Chelski game.

We play Man City on the last day of the season, at which point most, or at least their, business will be done.

Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal. All unpredictable so winnable or at least something we can take points from. That aside, we have a favourable run in.

Scratched record / boring Danny as I've been saying it since October. Stay in touch with the pack, stay in touch with your target and be ready for the final straight.

That's what we've done.

There's nothing to apologize as far as I'm concerned. VVD is a ridiculously talented footballer. Whether he plays for them of not is irrelevant. He's amazing in my opinion.

If Godfrey ended up as good as VVD has been for them the last 2-3 years or so? I'm totally fine with that. And in an honest moment, can anyone argue that statement?

Also, in regards to the "F-O Godfrey moment" I was thinking just the other day - was that the moment of the season?

Sometimes these weird, non-footballing moments of raw energy and aggression change a team's approach and mentality. I honestly think Ben's "FUCK OFF" got a ton of play - outside and inside the locker room.

Here's a guy barking at a "gigantic" club, who arrogantly believe they have some right deigned by the Almighty to beat clubs like Everton, to flat out fuck off. I loved it, and I wonder if the players saw that, started sticking their chests out a bit, and were like, "Damn right, fuck off!" Attitude changing moment, possibly bigger in many ways than people consider.

I know this is a really shitty parallel on TW. But in July 2004, Jason Varitek of the Red Sox stood up from his catchers position and smacked that fuck ARod straight in the gob. The benches emptied, a lovely brawl ensued, and the rest is history. Varitek stood up to the main guy on the Yankees - a team who made the Red Sox their whipping boys for 86 years.

It changed the entire season and the mentality of the team. They went on to win the World Series for the first time in 86 years, breaking the curse of the Bambino.

American sports story I'm sure very few will remember or even care about. But when Ben Godfrey looked at those Man U players and told them - with verve and a degree of vitriol - to fuck off, I immediately said that was our Jason Varitek moment.

Sometimes it takes one brave, brazen motherfucker to stand up to a bully. Usually good things ensue.

Link

And who knows, in two years it might be Nkounkou or Branthwaite. Or Thierry Small. Or that new kid we're gonna sign in the summer 2021 window. The one we've never heard of... but Marcel has.

Every game is a Cup Final, until the end of the season, and massive games in the league and FA Cup, but there's a growing steel, tensile strength, nark, and belief in this squad.

“What's Our Name?”

Ancelotti is getting the most out of this squad at the moment. If we can avoid a defeat against Chelsea we will have done well.
Giving Chelsea players the same time and space as we did West Brom will result in a defeat.

Tonight's game wasn't pretty as I expected West Brom to do what Big Sam is best at and only for VAR they would have got something out of the game.

Keane again very good, Holdgate and Godfrey need to distribute the ball better.

Iwobi total spectator, Gomes isn't an old school centre-midfielder. Bernard at least linked up with Digne and Doucouré runs all day but lacks quality.

Quality came from Sigurdsson's cross and Richarlison's finish.

Motm Richarlison, our best player by a mile.

Never felt more like Signing the Blues!!

If you ever feel like getting punched, slip on your ARod Yankee jersey and prance around Southie.

As sure as death and taxes, you'll get cold-clocked in the back of the head.

And whomever does it wouldn't dream of showing you the decency of a fair fight. They'll hit, hit hard, and be off in the darkness never to be seen again. And you'd be out cold.

That's what New England thinks of Alex Rodriguez.

If Ben Godfrey met Alex Rodriguez, he'd just clock him. He'd not be able to explain why, other than that face needed hitting. 😂

Our general lack of forward passing and movement is poor and our wins don't gloss over the poor play but it will certainly do for now.

I don't wan't to be negative so well done Richarlison, been waiting for a few goals from him. Godfrey defending really well. He gives me confidence at the back, no matter where he plays.

Richarlison was Man of the Match, again.

I would love a bit more passion and endeavour from the likes of Iwobi and Bernard.

The Rolls-Royce that was Gomes when we had him on loan compared to the player he is now is stark. I don't think I have ever seen a player drop in performance so much. Maybe Terry Curren in the '80s.

I find it incredible he starts any game as he has no energy, no aggression,, and can't tackle, though he has a decent pass with no opposing players, close by, 10 yards.

I think this Everton squad has a good tempo, long may it last and grow!

“Whats Our Name?”

I am always delighted when we win. I thought we fully deserved to win a game of far too little style, but lots of fight. I still miss the time when goals were plentiful. We recently had such a game in the 5-4 win over Spurs. Today teams try not to lose, and I guess the old saying, ÃŒf you can't beat them then join them.

Considering the size of our squad, and even the relatively limited football skills of some of our present team, then Ancelotti is really doing a great job. As a team, we have to work hard to maintain our position in the league. COYB – keep grinding if it works.

I don't think VAR is shit at all. Used correctly it will get more decisions correct that wrong. I have long called for video technology to be used in football as it has been successfully utilised in sports such as Rugby for decades. Football shouldn't fear it, it should embrace it.

Will it be 100%? No. Whatever is?

Will it be closer to that than the poor decisions from poor officials over the years? Absolutely. You need look no further than the catalogue of derby decision fiascos that have gone against us over the years in my opinion.

Don't blame VAR, blame the current laws of the game. VAR is just affirming what the current rules are.

Colin Chapman, talking about engineers, said that anyone can build a bridge that will not fall down but it takes a good engineer to build a bridge that just won't fall down. Carlo is the analog of the good engineer.

Once I realised the side, it made me smile. We may as well give up with our team predictions, even Lyndon. You simply won't predict this manager. 'Poker-face Carlo' as a high-profile neighbour recently labelled him.

And this is with a thin squad. Wait until he adds in the summer. Best get used to it, Blues!

If we needed another candidate for the 'Worst Performance, but Best Result' game after the last one - that was it.

Then I see the other result(s) and...

*Fades in Louis Armstrong "I think to myself, what a wonderful world...oh yeah."

Allan was excellent. More organised and full authority. André Gomes can't play in a midfield two. Iwobi's work rate has improved but needs to work on his final ball. And Sigurdsson, I give him a lot of shit and I do, but the last few games I cannot argue with hiis goal contributions. Delicious ball for the goal. Richarlison is back to the dangerous player we know.

Massive win tonight. But, as much as I would take 3 points regardless, it would be nice if we finished teams off more often and killed the game. It's clear we have to score first in games. We need to start being more positive and efficient in the final third and have a lot of killer instincts. But three wins on the bounce, we can't complain.

We're in a strong position right now. Hopefully we have players fit and ready for Monday night against a very good Chelsea side who were dangerous at Anfield. I'd take a draw now, I'm not gonna lie. But hopefully it's another duck we can break. But another vital three points tonight.

When we have a what looks like (but it isn't actually, except for the neutral and less said about them the better) a poor performance, do we have to ask ourselves, were the last two – on the face of it – very poor performances? Actually not, but more of a hard job well done. (And who wouldn't take more vs Chelsea on Monday??)

'Everton That' is thus transformed by the wonders of 'Ancelotti Vision' to...

Everton This!

I was disappointed that having a man wide on each side (Iwobi & Bernard) that when we attacked down one side the player on the other didn't attempt to get into the penalty area but my biggest disappointment was that every third pass, at least, went backwards.

Is it me or is a ground out 1-0 win becoming customary and is there no benefit in naming a youngster on the bench just for the experience?

What I will say is that our defence is looking strong, as is Pickford. Holgate doesn't offer much going forward but, if we get in front, not much gets past him. He did well towards the end when West were launching it up front.

The whole midfield and attack were very poor today. Don't be fooled by Sigurdsson's resurgence either. A good delivery from a corner (at the second attempt) is not enough to convince me. Yes, he can take a good set-piece – so could a 36-year-old David Beckham when Sven persisted in picking him for England! He has had several good moments recently, but I still don't see him taking responsibility on the ball like Rodriguez does. He needs to do far more in open play if he wants to be a part of a top 6 side next season.

I honestly care more about the result than the performance now as we approach the final third of the season. Beat Chelsea and it is game on for the Champions League spots.

I totally get everyone's previous criticisms of Sigurdsson just as those who slated Tom Davies (Guilty m'Lord). But he's improved and playing better in a better performing group of players who are getting results.

Will we improve on them? I hope so, but whilst they are in the squad they can and are contributing.

I think Tom may save us a bob or two by the way if he can hit consistency, which in recent games he has. That's all I and anyone else wants from him. Consistency is the hallmark of differentiating between a good and an okay player. Between a good and an okay team.

Someone recently said that all Sigurdsson done in a match was take a corner and score a tap in. That failed to appreciate the off the ball work that went in to making sure that was an easy tap in. And his delivery is better than most.

Now looks like they are doomed barring a miracle, feel for the players and supporters and fans of WBA but not for their Manager. I have never liked 1-0 games even when it is us in the driving seat, and last night proved how easily 3 points could have vanished in the last couple of minutes in injury, but for VAR rescuing us.

I didn't like the midfield set-up from the start yesterday, but injuries obviously dictated and limited the possibilities. I know the game is about opinions but I felt Gomes was a disaster waiting to happen out there. Considering he is supposed to be a key midfielder he gave possession away too often, received a pass only to return it, as if he was allergic to it, or play it back to no-man's land.

I sincerely hope that we have a better selection on Monday against Chelsea or we will be mincemeat. Although our defence is looking more solid each game. Again Godfrey and Keane look a solid pairing, and Digne is as usual Mr Dependable. Pickford seems to have overcome his brain-farting and again saved a certain goal 2 minutes in.

Holgate was very erratic too so it emphasises again without Seamus, how thin on the ground we are at Right Back. Surely the first point of address in the Summer, plus a couple of dynamic midfielders to compliment Allan, Doucoure and Davies.

Be interesting to see the team selection and how we fare against Chelsea in their own yard. Even a draw would be welcomed, but I hope we go there with a win in mind.

Gomes frightens the life out of me when he has possession on the edge of our box. Iwobi had a stinker but thankfully it didn't prevent the win.

Second, according to BBC Breakfast this morning, our win over the Baggies never happened and the only Everton related comments in their sports bulletin was that little prick Mike Bushell harking on about St Virgil getting maimed.

For fuck's sake... if you really MUST MUST MIUST post about fucking Liverpool and their fucking fans – as if we didn't hear enough about them – please do not do it on an Everton thread.

We created the Premier League thread so you could talk about other teams and their games. You seem obsessed with them to the point of utter madness (in my humble opinion)...

Please stop contaminating Everton threads with this Red Shite!

Spot on. The linesman flagged. The one thing VAR has been consistent with is offside. The pundits make a big deal out of it but I see it like Hawkeye in tennis. You're onside or off. No grey area.

Pickford is my MOTM. Absolutely stunning save for that header. Ball is slow but when you're already flying in the air, he shows his quality of what he can do.

Gomes is disappointing. He shields the ball well. But at times lose the ball in key area which is fatal. Also he doesn't seem to have long shot in him. With his lack of defensive qualities and mobility, I'll move him on in the summer if there's a buyer.

Iwobi on the other hand shows he has skills to dribble and creates space. But he has no final ball. Move him on and keep Gordon.

Big game next against Chelsea. It's the kind of game that I am not worried about at the moment. Players will be motivated. Defence will be tight. It's a matter whether we can nick one in and see it out.

Ferdinand, Holgate & Godfrey

I will finish it off over the weekend.

Jamie Crowley # 183 - I think you have a scouse gene in your DNA

Tony Abrahams - keep singing the song.

After the derby game my mindset changed - I started believing we could beat anyone. Two potential banana skins later I am even more convinced.

Quite irrational I know but that is how it is with me.

I think that's a good analogy, Ed. Because we have a relatively thin squad, with some players just back from injury, Carlo has to gauge how strong a team to put out against the likes of WBA (a somewhat improving side of late?) when there's a stiffer task coming up fast against Chelsea. He started with a team selection which was as 'minimalist' as possible, as strong as necessary; realised it wasn't quite as strong as necessary and so tweaked it.

Astute.

Calvert-Lewin once again shows he needs to work on his finishing.

Calamity Pickford made a huge error at the end of the game when he didn't come and clear everything in front of him, we wouldn't have been sweating on VAR if he had made the right call.

We are in the mix, but need to play better, Chelsea will be tough.

Who else thinks Allan should now be captain? He's a natural leader who leads by example.

On a serious note, the Premier League Thread Michael refers to generates good healthy debate about other teams and fixtures on match days and keeps the Everton ones largely on topic.

Some players don't need an armband, they lead regardless. Allan is one of them.

To coin a phrase from a classic western comedy "we don't need your steeenkin' badges".

I had Bernard as my motm last night. Despite his tiny frame he ran his cotton socks off and used the ball well. I cannot say the same for Doucoure (knackered), Gomes (slow of mind and feet) and Iwobi (just fucking useless and one of the worst Everton players of all time!!). To quote an old king, “who will rid me of this useless fucker”?

Also Carlo for man- management of match winners with other runners and bringing on Allan to shut up shop around them.

Champions League music still on.

Finally... You'll Never Win At-home!

I have heard Allan never shuts up on the training pitch, barking and bitching at everyone!

On my browser home page, MSN News there was an item by that icon of British Football, Darren Bent, about Iwobi. I can't remember his words 100% but he said something like:

"Iwobi is a puzzling player, he tries his hardest, he can beat people with his skill, he tracks back and never gives up... but what is the result? — Nothing! He gives the ball away, he overhits or underhits crosses into the box, he is inclined to try and pass instead of taking an opportunity to take a shot. He actually gives next to nothing to the team."

And after last night, I quite honestly agree with him,

I've also noticed as games progress his teammates stop giving him the ball as they know it's a waste of time and nine times out of ten he will lose it. My only hope is Carlo sees this as well and shuffles him out of the door as soon as the transfer window opens!

I thought I was being my usual over-critical self in slamming Iwobi last night but that quote from Darren Bent is sadly right on the money. Thanks for posting it.

Colin,

Your summary is more succinct and at least as accurate... although there are a multitude of names in the hat for that "Worst Everton player of all time" award.

My 11 yr old daughter was having a Zoom ballet class in the next room and I came very, very close to swearing loudly like a madman watching Iwobi last night. I got reprimanded .

Darren Bent has it in a nutshell there. Carlo must be tearing his hair out with the player.

Gomes was receiving the ball, looking for the runners but had to pass it back, because we where playing the long ball, in which he got caught out a few times.

Sigurdsson or Gomes. Gomes all day long.

Sigurdsson, whether some like it or not, has been influencing games throughout our recent run.

Assist last night - quality delivery. Assist against Southampton. Four assists against Tottenham, instrumental in crafting and then finishing a well worked goal against Leeds as well as another brilliant delivery for Godfrey to provide the flick on for Calvert-Lewin's goal.

We can knock him all we want (self included), but he, like others, is responding to having better players around him and the manager's ways.

None of this squad, the keepers included know if they are in the next starting line up. That appears to be keeping them on their toes and mainly ensuring they put in a performance when they are afforded time on the pitch. Afforded, not guaranteed.

For a player who has possibly been the most universally criticised by all the fanbase, mainly because of the inflated fee, he has managed to come through it and keep at it.

He's a no10, no doubt and not a deep lying midfielder like he's been asked many times to not great result. I don't see us playing with both him and James, but to have both as options is wonderful. As the season drags, teams are tiring and space opens up, and having 2 options of players who can expose that space is a great boost.

I saw an interview of Godfrey and Holgate with Rio Ferdinand, and they were asked 'who is the hardest worker' and they both went 'Gylfi, no doubt'. They talked how he is always doing extra work, before and after training, they then commented on how he is far and wide the best finisher at the club. Which considering how he has been lambasted, is a credit to the guy.

Having an inform Siggy, be it from the bench or from the start, can really push us into the top4.

6 goals and 9 assists this season. (32 games)

Added that to James 5 goals and 8 assists (21 games)

and we are a team that finally has a creative edge, even when playing defensively.

I actually think Gomez has been better since his injury but that's not saying much. He's just too slow and cumbersome for the EPL

I wonder if the arrival of James has inspired Siggi to up his game?

My little nephew is convinced the Spurs goal will be the turning point for Bernard. That being said he's biased because last year he met big Dunc who said he looked like a “wee Bernard.” To me, Bernards one of those quiet blokes who randomly shows up for informal five-a-sides dazzles everyone with his skills. No one knows who he is or why he gate crashed your mates kick about but is he made for the Prem? No

Lots of trophies were won off the back of multiple dreary wins and the odd very special performance.

Ancelotti (and quite possibly Ferguson) seems to have got the team spirit and attitude right for the first time since Moyes. Fitness too, possibly.

It means we have a chance in every game we play - including Chelsea and City in the cup.

Chelsea Move Into 4th Place With Impressive Win Over the Reds

Fuck off.

There's been a few comments about how Everton is getting very little press, and it's accurate.

I want this more than anything because the powers that be (whomever the fuck those people are) quite obviously don't want Everton amongst the chosen.

Any time you can make someone in power who views the world hierarchically squirm, that's a sweet thing. C'mon Everton, bust this glass ceiling and storm the EPL castle please. Force them to print headlines about Everton through gritted teeth.

In fact, he has a good eye for a pass when he's playing well and he can dribble. His crossing is terrible.

His main problem, as with so many players, is in his head. He can't apply himself consistently or work to improve himself it seems. He is though still young.

I understand why some want him gone after last night and other recent efforts, but I would stick with him. He was forced out of the team when he was doing well. We have been patient with other players to their and our benefit.

Neutrals, pundits, all the media reckon we are no threat to the big four, in the meantime we go quietly about our buisness, getting results, too right none of them want Everton gatecrashing the top 4.

From blaming Everton for inflating the transfer window, when we signed Richarlison, by witch hunting Pickford since October, to even ridiculing Richarlison for going down after a tackle, there is never a match goes by, without former players and pundits, having a pop at Everton.

If we win, then it is a case of not playing well and on that form will not get top 4, while others are praised on being a very good side if they can win, without playing well.

Make no mistake, Everton gatecrashing the top 4 is their worst nightmare.

We as fans need to reunite and get behind this squad of players, get us over the finishing line, Pickford, Richarlison, Davies, Siggy have upped their game and sticking two fingers up to those who doubted them, Calvert-Lewin has been transformed into an almost unplayable striker, hard to challange him, or win the ball against him, while at the same time his heading and finishing has improved no end, this season.

Let us leave all the name calling and slagging players and the team off to none Evertonians.

Let us stick two fingers back up to those out there, who do not see Everton as a threat.

Let us all stick together, and do whatever we can, to get Everton over the finishing line, then all be sat with smug faces, for those out there who dared to blame and write this great football club off.

Kieran, the management of the players and the team has helped, but yes, so has having competition for places. And not just that there is competition, but these players are training with each other on a daily basis. Only now, they are training with better players. We still need to replicate that cover and competition in other areas of the pitch, but incremental steps; Rome wasn't built in a day as they say.

I'm not going over the top, we only really added 4 main first team / squad players plus a keeper who we thought was back up. But it's the quality we've added that is important. Allan, Doucoure, James, Godfrey. Intelligent squad investment that improved us, not just scattergun buying for the sake of the Sky Sports deadline day headline. Do that again in the summer and we make progress again. Only this time the starting point is higher up the ladder.

I have said until I have no breath that we have never been fashionable with the media. Not in my lifetime and even in the 80s. I kind of like it that way. I hope they do keep ignoring us only to wake up in May and realise that we actually have spoiled their party and gatecrashed the so called club.

Too many times this season, we have written off the likes of Pickford, Kean, Mina, Davies, Siggy, all have brought their a game in the last few games.

We know Gomes has it in him, I would not be too hasty writing Gomes off just yet.

We don't want too many players with such a generous nature!

A word about West Brom - I think Sam has them playing good football. Their forward Diagne that troubled our CBs all game and almost got them a point in the end. If WBA do get relegated, I hope Brands is sniffing around this guy. I also like Pereira and their Turkish holding midfielder Yokuslu. In fact, they have more than a few decent players - Sam Johnstone is a pretty solid keeper, Gallagher and Maitland-Niles are very shrewd loan signings. I have a sneaky feeling that Sam will manage to keep them up.

Gomes can hit a Hollywood pass all day long and has good quality but unfortunately he is too slow paced and thinking for the Prem. He does not score goals, gets dispossessed easily and makes poor judgement on tackling regularly giving dangerous free kicks away.

Iwobi has pace and can beat a player but then cant cross or penetrate the penalty area.

Siggy has goal threat and creativity in him and covers an enormous amount of ground every game but is too slow these days.

Tom Davies of late is a revelation and is also lacking the bags under his eyes which were evident when he wasnt playing well (form your own conclusions on that one).

The problem is we need goals from MF. CArlo has mainly resolved the lack of aggression in MF but we are still short of a Fernandes, Scholes, De Bruyne, Mount, Maddison, Grealish type of player.

Sigurdsson's game has never been about pace. I love James but his game is not about pace either, more speed of mind and decision making.

Sigurdsson has been directly or indirectly involved in a high percentage of our goals recently. He didn't need pace to do that. As pointed out above, Iwobi has pace, however without quality, ability and decision making on the end of it, you end up with a player who runs around a lot not achieving much.

He left the pitch last night and didn't need a shower. I really want him to challenge for a starting position but every time he gets a game he doesn't take his chance. He also doesn't look arsed when subbed off.

I can only see occasional guest appearances from the bench as a squad player and instagram contributions until his contract runs out.

It's worthwhile pausing to reflect on what Carlo has achieved in a year:

Players already at the club have improved enormously, especially Tom Davies, Dominic, Keane and Holgate. Siggy, Mina and Pickford are a lot more effective recently.

Recruitment so far has been excellent, with the creativity of James, the athleticism of Godfrey, the energy of Doucoure and the grittiness of Allan, all at a reasonable cost.

The atmosphere in the dressing room, as far as I know, is a lot better, with more strong characters who seem to get on with each other.

We may not be the most skilful side in the league but we are a lot harder to beat and we can take on almost everyone with a reasonable hope of a result.

I agree we have players like Iwobi, Gomez and Bernard who do not seem to be cut out for the EPL, but I reckon Carlo will either sort them out or get rid. I think the summer window will be interesting. I know football fans and TWers especially like to moan, but I have friends who watch the likes of Rotherham and Doncaster, so let's count our blessings!

Some players have raised their game and yes some look like world beaters one game, and terrible the next, but overall, with what Carlo was left with, he has done well to get a tune out of the squad.

I myself realistically think we need another season or so to rebuild, whatever we achieve this season, is a bonus.

Will get battered from pillar to post on this one, but with the mess Barca are in, one player I think who could speed up our midfield is Coutinho at the right price, might not be for everyone and some might look at age of 28, but I think he could link up well with the forwards, with Doucoure and Allan being the two behind him.

Really good points in this TW thread analysing Siggy.

It looks to me that Carlo has been working out who can bring that magic quality in the Premier League to create or score goals. After that, attacking wise you want very good solid players surrounding, as they are also integral to the system, a bit like cogs in a watch.

For example, Gomes cannot score goals like Siggy - remember Siggy against Leicester when he turned Maddison and curled in the top corner. As the ball came he knew it was the moment if he got past his man and had a second to position the ball for a shot, which flew into the top left corner. A beauty only he can score at that time for us.

Looking at us now, those who can consistenly produce moments or quality or goals are: Richie, Siggy, Digne, DCL, James, Keane; and then Doucoure, and Coleman when 100% fit.

I think the reason we can hit top 3 or 4 in the league because our players who can decide games are spread around the team and in different match situations, eg. set-pieces we have Keane or DCL or Richie who can nod them in. Compared to Marco Silva's chance at the helm, his teams didn't have that variety of threat. I guess that's Carlo's superior knowledge in assessing players and then coaching them when to take advantage in matches in the right positions to win us games (for example DCL in the 6 yard box).

I also wonder if Iwobi is told not to go beyond the foward on runs too often, because he can't cross as well as Digne, and cannot finish well. So offers a wide-right midfield role to be an outlet for the ball and balance to stretch teams. If the opposing players come across to tackle him, then we can spring the other team if the ball gets across to Digne quick enough - noticably always higher up than Iwobi. Again, Iwobi plays an important part but his inability to produce consistent moments of quality means he has to pass the ball on and watch from the right as better players in the team are better at the business end of the pitch. If Digne doesn't get the ball to cross, then it's easier to manage defensively if Iwobi has the right side of the pitch covered already, so we only have to manage 1/4 of the pitch until Digne returns back into a defensive unit. My main credit to Iwobi is that he can hold the ball when a player closes him down, and this does create the space in the middle when he passes it back or sideways, so it works that way too.

Defensively, the praise goes to all the team as they put in the shifts, body, head and sprints in when it's near out box.

He's a remarkable man and carries himself accordingly. I would make him captain next season, he has the self-possession and the self-belief. Pure Blue steel, everything we've lacked for so long.

And yes, I know, he still has much to learn. Imagine what he's going to be like.

Now I know "he would say that wouldn't he?" would be a response from some of us (and me too when we've just lost) but maybe he's right. That said, I'm of the belief he gives more than some give him credit for but I would like him to regain the form he showed when we started playing him. Then, he was capable of dominant performance in every part of midfield as far as I was concerned, in a comparatively poor side.

I also think that the argument that a player is performing to a decent level or they “wouldn't be getting a look from Carlo” is bogus. We have struggled in midfield all season, with form and injury, to the extent that Carlo has often been limited in terms of options, including having only 16 senior players in our squad for the WBA game. Who else was Carlo going to play, especially considering Allan is just back from 2 months out and played 90 mins a few days previously? Sometimes managers have no real choice but to persevere with players, no doubt in the hope that they will suddenly rediscover some real form and effect. I think if we were able to make the requisite improvements to our squad this summer then Gomes will either be gone or be spending much more time off the pitch.

Unfortunately that was the only very good game I have seen from him, although he did score a cracker versus Woves at Goodison in. 1-3 home loss, the only goal he has scored for the Blues, he had decent games every so often before getting that bad injury, but I see little difference in his form pre injury and post injury.

It's very easy to see why the Barcelona fans never took to him, so maybe the Spanish league was a bit too tough for him,he'll have a little spell in certain games that will impress fans enough to convince them he is a talent, or he is on the way back, back from where?

Doubt he will have many clubs interested in buying him when his contract is up, his contract at Everton is the last big one he will get and he should thank his lucky stars he got that, he gets game time now because the midfield is short of players, I think he gives many fans palpitations every time he comes near our penalty area, defending, well trying to defend, I go sick when Insee his name on the team sheet, mind you he is due to score a goal, it's only two years since his last one, so play him in the last ten minutes at Chelsea, he might come up with the winner.

I remain hopeful that Zen Ancelotti might prevail with him. The player has the skills; release his mind. It's my biggest hope with Ancelotti generally: he can banish demons and, like Gomes at his very best, he operates in his own time zone.

No panic.

He really did have a hell of a game at Anfield, didn't he?

But other than that, I too was completely disappointed in him long before the injury.

My only disagreement with your post is that I think we will have no trouble selling him to a mid-table Spanish or Portuguese team when the time comes. Such an elegant player will always have an appeal to a certain level of club (Getafe, anyone)?

But he is slow when he does get it, is quite often dispossessed, and when he goes looking to retrieve the ball he usually manhandles the opponent to give away cheap free kicks in dangerous positions.

I suspect he is not good enough for the Premier League long term, but Carlo is getting what he can from him for now. He will have a role to play for the rest of the season. He would also be very useful in the early stages of European competition.

Hints that might be us, this time round.

Signed the contract, form dropped off... there's a surprise, got injured, struggled, recently showed the odd glimpse of loan-esque form...occasionally

Will basically do a Schneiderlin, Besic, Sandro, etc, etc a sit on his £80,000 for the next 3 yrs or whatever and kid many of his fanboys and girls by turning in the occasional bang average performance that, in its rarity, looks very good...until you take a hard look and really compare it to his previous 6,8,10, games of shite.

Oh and he's an absolute danger in the tackle anywhere near, or in his own box

You've got to separate the man from the player. I'm a big fan of Stephen Naismith. He has a big heart, did a lot for the community, gave 110 percent every game and had some great moments for Everton. But as his move to Norwich showed, he wasn't good enough to be a top prem striker. I'll always view him as a great Evertonian and respect him as a good man but in terms of ability, skill set, impact he's in the mix with the Mike Newell's and Tomasz Radsinski's. Likewise Gomez, good guy, I've no doubt he gives his all, but he's not at the level we need

Gomes form fundamentally dipped when his leg got snapped in two places by Son. Physically, he has not been the same player since his return. But, to compare him to Schneiderlin, Besic and Sandro as players who stole a wage from the club is a pathetic comment.

Apologies for the typos - up at 4 with the puppy!

But, it's very difficult to gauge individual talented players without looking at the overall team gelling, performance and results. To try to assess them in isolation seems a futile exercise. A player can look shite when the team is shite overall, and they can look brilliant when the team performs well.

The team is more than the sum of eleven individuals, and that's why managers are so important. It's why we've got Ancelotti.

In this respect, Gomes fits into Ancelotti's current tactical set-ups, and arguably so do the other players now that Ancelotti knows them better. That's why he chooses the ones he chooses, game by game.

Whether Gomes will fit in this way as time goes on and we recruit other players, nobody knows. But he fits at the moment, and that's all that matters. Ancelotti is working with what players he has now, to get results now. It's results today, not jam tomorrow, that is the important thing. And we seem to be progressing.

Has anyone considered that Iwobi, stuck out on a wing as in so many games, might just be doing what he has been told to do? I don't recall that when we signed him that we were getting a right winger and I don't recall him playing as such for Arsenal albeit that is with minimal sighting of him at that club.

Similarly, would any of our midfield improve if there were more options both alongside and in front of them?

Let's be kind and think of it all as a work in progress.

I feel there is something there for us and we have rode some luck for a change, to be fair to the players they have stuck with it.

All I can say is we have to Cease the Moment Tony and hopefully keep making our own luck.

There is great incentive to try harder now.

In the summer when the (unfortunately technically very good but) weak and slow Bernard goes etc., and we get in someone who can stretch and cross down the right, and even the left like the fantastic left foot and engine of Dwight McNeil from Burnley, I think we'll see Gomes hopefully in the Paul Scholes role as the sprayer of passes like a quarter back. Right now, he's got nothing on left and right in terms of hitting a space where players run into.

He might be an angel off the pitch and seems a nice fella but we are here to judge his football. It has been dreadful in comparison to what people rate him as.

God knows how hes got support here and its took certain players 3 years to gain support having given us more product in those 3 years.

The injury was horrible of course and I feel for his development in that respect but he's had long enough to be consistant now.

Iwobi too. I'm not having what position they start in. Both players have seen the ball often enough to have a tiny effect but even that hasn't come.

Iwobi's so called resurgence 3 months ago was inevitable as he couldn't really have been much worse.

These 2 are places we can improve and that is all I care about. While they play I want them to do well and there has been little choice but to start them recently.

On my non-football remark, when one goes with fanboy or happy clapper you get a likewise response. Asking what the hell was meant by fanboy is fair game. I adequately made a football defense of Gomes's deserved place in this squad in other posts above as you know.

Let's keep it cool and not get weird, we've got different perspectives and a nice place here to exchange views.

I don't have any issue with any of your comments about Gomes as a footballer - and (as I said back at #274) I'm not looking to change your mind about things. I hope you can understand the distinction I was making between your analysis of Gomes the footballer (which I find constructive to the discussion) and your reference to his EitC work (which did not feel constructive).

You ask me why I am not defending my initial point about wanting Gomes out of the club, but I did not think that I had to bang that drum on every subsequent post. I don't see Gomes – or his performances – as being good enough. Yes, other players are also flattering to deceive, but I cannot see a world in which André Gomes is making consistent positive contributions to a successful Everton side. I hope I am wrong though.

It hasn't always panned out, but that's gardening.

But Everton, is in context a driving force and as I've said a 100 times, its the hope that kills you, but some good signs and plenty of hope on the horizon, for
Evertonians.

On Monday it will need in view of this season, our finest 95 minutes so far, but the squad and spirit, looks galvanised and there's fight and guts.

All needed but I can see an ambush at The Bridge, ( on the pitch) on Monday, and I hope Everton, can stop the feeds to Chelsea's front l8ne, and get the basics right, stop the crosses, no standing off and put them on their bad side.

Carlo and his team will have a plan and I think, and I could be miles off the line, it will be a sting raid, in context of getting the killer moves and finish in when it's made.

Loads to be positive about and our forward line overall can do more with little than all the rest of the so called EPL top 6.

Now to see, who starts on Monday.

Looking forward and all stay safe, well and have a good weekend.