Consummate predation steals the Seagulls' chips

At least Richarlison is playing.

Other than that, should be plain sailing.

It'd be nice...

I think it's apprehension, rather than doom and gloom, based on experience.

We've had the James stuff where we knew they were telling porkies. Now what the hell is going on with Godfrey? Everything this club does seems suspicious to me at the moment.

Bodes well...

Well done

I'd hook Allan for Gomes.

Surely Everton won't give us one of those comfortable, professional, uneventful 2-0 wins that other teams seem to get?

Brighton, no shots on goal. The nearest they've come is a long distance effort a foot over the bar. Barely got into our penalty area.

Everton by contrast are constantly playing in Brighton's half and creating chances in and around their penalty area.

A little bit more composure and we could be out of sight already.

Excellent angle and pace on Allan's pass to Gray which demanded of him to attack the defender at pace, which he comfortably did. 1-0.

Great swarming of the Brighton players when they get the ball choking off their passing lines. Swift turnover and pace through midfield and the foward line which carries a constant threat.

We're doing just fine.

Holgate has also looked aggressive playing on the front foot, so I just hope we can keep it going.

Good stuff.. the manager hasn't made a single mistake yet (despite the ongoing zonal marking debate).

The input from Rafa is good to see. Players know what their job is and he micro-manages them during the 90 minutes to keep them flowing.

Looking good.

Pace makes a hell of a difference too. Nice to be trying to win, not defending on the edge of our own area.

MotM, overall Allan or Gray although Doucoure had a much improved second half but not to forget Pickford who didn't put a foot wrong.

2-0 and last season we might have been wondering about it. While you can only beat what is in front of you, the real tests are to come but so far, so good.

Well played Blue Boys. ♥

Hard to call a MoTM, but Allan probably shades it. Set up the opener with a gem of a pass to Gray. Put Coleman through with another beaut of a ball for the penalty. A couple of other really probing passes around their penalty area, including the clever back heel into DCL just before half-time. And that's before taking into consideration his covering work and break up play.

Today was possibly the most dominant I've seen Holgate in aerial challenges. He really attacked the ball well today. Playing like that, he is an asset.

We have a potent mix with that front four of Gray-Townsend (he put in a great defensive shift too, helping out Seamus)-Dom-Richy. Attacking in numbers and at speed.

I'm sure words will be said by Rafa about Richy's twattishness on the pen.

Other than that, good day all round.

Special mention for the thread heading! Very droll Michael.

Holgate, looked a different player today, front foot, aggressive and no complacency whatsoever, and Townsend, was brilliant with regards to keeping that defensive shape that is so important, as Everton began to look like a real football team!

Very early days but so much to like about that display, with the name of the game today, being isn’t it great watching a very professionalEverton team!

Though of course there was bad news with what looked like a thigh issue for Dominic. That's a problem for us.

Hard to pick a MOM. I didn't think anyone was exceptional. Just a fairly even performance. I'll edge it to Seamus. The guy just doesn't know when he's finished does he?

Great win and performance, keep it going lads, Raffa has them playing at a different level already.

Allan was my MotM, but Doucouré wasn't far behind. Talk about getting the most out of the players you have.

Great win, I didn't see the game but Rafa has not ruined a weekend yet. Looking forward to MotD.

It really is extra special to have Boyle Sport pay for a trip to meet the Blues at the Bramley-Moore. What a day in every way!!

I think we are now seeing what they can do when they set out to win a game instead of spoiling it.

As Allans biggest critic. I am very pleased to say he was immense today. If he can keep this up I can deffo keep eating the humble pie. Happy to eat any Doucoure feels like serving up too.

I just think the players have had the straight jackets removed and now we are beginning to see what they can do.

Gray continues to look like an early candidate for signing of the season. while the much moaned about Holgate/Keane partnership made it 3 wins out of 3.

Taking the missus dancin tonight..Not sure she'll cope

Word of advice: Buy some Vaseline. ;-)

Darren: Takin' the missus dancin' is something from the 40's innit?

Obviously you sit on your own!

We dominated the 2nd half with a very energetic and skilful display. Moss was not fooled for the penalty, it was a cert. and I was really pleased to see Townsend and Seamus telling Richarlison to go away.

Some really good stuff was played today.

It's a 60th birthday party. More arthritic hip than torn Hammy

At least he seems to give a fuck unlike our other South American ‘superstar’

Enjoy mate. Just don't let the missus suspect that the main reason for yer good mood is the result today. ;-)

Allan was fantastic.

Don't know what was on with Richarlison for that penalty. Kept right on working hard, though. Moody fucker. Petulant too. Still love him.

Really notice the difference when the team is run by a professional manager.

Burnley at Goodison in 15 days. Can't wait.

We need additions but some of our players just needed coaching right. Sell Holgate? Nah.

Very happy to be completely wrong, but at least I've been pro Benitez from the start.

Even at 0-0, the performance was excellent against a very good team.

It is not just that we have earned seven points in the first three matches, it is the fact that we play well. It seems that Benitez still has got his good touch.

I just hope that the last season won`t repeat, i.e. that after a good start to the season the finish won`t be very bad.

So far so good, let`s keep it that way, boys, Burnley is next and I firmly believe that we will win that game.

That's me told.

Hopefully big Dunc got a grip of dopey arse Richarlison before they got on the bus and slapped him about, the fella is an absolute tool.

Personally I hope the PSG rumours are true (hard to believe they're interested in the fall-over merchant) so the monies can be put toward players tuned in to the team ethic, like Gray and Townsend.

Dopey arse aside, well done, Beni and the Blues

Well done to Rafa for getting a very good tune out of this squad. Courage, belief and determination, and team spirit, and some excellent football today by Everton.

Long may it last.

Struggling to see how Richarlison is compared to James and Kean. He has been one of our best players for three seasons, hardly missed a game.

Didn’t catch the game today, but am really looking forward to the highlights. Great start from Rafa and the players.

To be fair, your post wasn't one of the hottest takes.

Given the dross of our last 3 seasons, mainly due to playing like a gang of individual misfits rather than a "team", Richarlison as "the best" is damning him with faint praise.

Quite happy to get shut and get players interested in the team, as I've mentioned.

Seriously, I don't get it. Sure he's a nark and he does go down like a cheap whore, but the lad has genuine quality and always tries his nuts off.

(1)"Up to that point, it was a poor game between two poor sides" – Your description and the reason I consider it a negative comment.

(2) If you want me to comment on the whole game, please try to read. I said it was a well-managed game. Also, I did not think we played badly in the first half.

(3) "With this Manager" – your quote. I personally think we are doing quite well with "this manager".

(4) I watched the game with six Evertonians – none of whom would have had the time or inclination to make negative comments after 15 minutes. There was much to be positive about.

After all, at least half of today's team were here and turned into dogshit by season's end. Can the Spaniard keep up the motivation? We can only hope... but don't get too carried away. Again.

Richarlison is the biggest asset we have had since Rooney and Lineker. We have a £100M player who is not, at least I don't think so, moaning for a move. He works hard enough not to be considered a luxury player. This is as close to gold as we have. So, he annoys us by some of his antics. But he is our annoying fucker.

Consider our opponent's team talks for the last while: "Watch Gylfi, he's dynamite; Gomes can hurt us today; Thank fuck Delph is injured."

He is the only player we have who matters. We should enjoy him.

School of Science? Not!

Plus with Calvert-Lewin out and Kean gone, who do we have that can lead the line.

Have a look at the time it was posted. Idiot, half time or do you think they play 15 minute halves? And you think that was good football in the first half or did you and your six mates sit there in silence waiting for the end of the game before saying anything?

Of course there was something to be positive about read the last line of my half time not 1/6th time comment and then go on to my overall view of the game posted after the game was over, not after 15 minutes.

And why do you think "this manager" doesn't play James, because he is "world class" or doesn't run around like a headless chicken or did you think the same about Alex Young?

Don't try to justify yourself by taking things out of context, if you think that was a great display of football in the first half, then you are probably in a small group of seven who kept it to themselves until the game was over.

Everyone played well, including Richarlison! Did anyone notice that he got mugged a couple of times by the superb Bissouma early in the game, and then Richarlison put a sly foot in, and Bissouma was not the same for the rest of the game! Not that I condone that sort of stuff, and I do hope that Bissouma is fine, but we have had those kind of snarky things done to us and we have suffered.

Player ratings (everyone gets a 8, BTW):

Calvert-Lewin – was quiet and missed a gilt-edged opportunity, but put away the penalty emphatically, in spite of the distraction around him. His injury may actually be a blessing in disguise as it probably means that he won't be able to play for England and will get the 2 weeks to recover.

Richarlison – what was he thinking? Like a petulant child on the playground... silly boy.

Townsend – my MotM, he works so tirelessly, and you can see the protection he offers to Coleman, allowing Seamus to bomb forward like the days of old. He produced a world class save from their goalkeeper, it was a superb strike.

Gray – enough has been said about him. Keep it going, lad!
Allan – Darren, respect to you for admitting you were wrong about Allan. He was terrific today and he grew into the game.

Doucouré – some poor decisions to shoot when he would have been better advised to pass it to a better-placed team mate, but the guy is an absolute beast! Fantastic athlete and gets us on the front foot.

Digne – nothing spectacular, he did not find his crossing range today. But he marshalled that left side pretty well.

Coleman – I have been calling for his replacement, but that was a performance that rolled back the years.

Holgate and Keane – proved their critics wrong with a very solid and composed performance. I don't think their forwards had a single shot on goal all game and they had 3 strikers for most of the 2nd half. Hope the two of them can settle down and cut out the mistakes. Really pleased for them to get a clean sheet.

Pickford – his kicking was pretty good today and he did his work calmly, which radiated out to the rest of the team.

Iwobi – he is turning out to be a great impact substitute for Everton, hope he can hit his stride and make me (and many others) eat humble pie.

Gomes – pretty decent performance. He is a big athletic fellow. Hopefully, Rafa can get the best out of him; I would certainly keep him at the club.

Slightly concerned about the absence of Davies and Godfrey. Godfrey – I can believe he is still recovering from Covid. But Davies, I worry that Rafa is trying to offload him, which would be a huge mistake, IMO.

Sorry for the long post, but I just feel so satisfied today. Looking forward to the end of the transfer window and what that might throw up for us.

He doesn't play him because he is neither world class and also doesn't run around a lot.

You miss the point if (and it's a big "if" considering last season's displays) he is trying his nuts off, it looks to be more for himself than Everton. Today's antics coupled to his insistence of playing in the Olympics being prima facie evidence.

Andy Crooks @99,

Richarlison being our best asset is just another way of saying we really are and were shite. Man City fans used to eulogise about Shaun Goater till they got real footballers in. I'd happily bin him tomorrow; he's in the same bracket as James and Kean.

He's trying his nuts off for himself? Well, that's an interesting view on a fella playing in a team game.

Even with what Ajay accurately describes as his childishness, the guy is in some ways the heart and soul of the club at this point. You can't help but admire his passion, his relentless effort, his knack for big goals.

That doesn't mean he can't, as you say, aggravate the living shit out of us once in awhile.

But he's worth putting up with. Without him, we'd be a colorless, anonymous team.

You might be right about how this manager sees James's abilities but there does seem to be quite a lot around who would disagree with him, including this non-manager, albeit one with some timekeeping abilities.

Your logic dictates he was causing upset today and popping off to the Olympics for the good of Everton.

For "interesting" substitute "barely rational".

The first 15 mins had 0-0 written all over it. Every time Brighton managed to come forward, they either went sideways or backwards (reminded me of the Martinez era).

People around me cursing and swearing, Potter doesn't have a Plan B. I kept quiet. Everton took a grip of the game and Brighton were like rabbits in headlights. We could have had at least 4 but for MotM; Sanchez their goalkeeper.

Richarlison needs to grow up, he's like a spoilt child, and IMO contributed very little. His spat over the penalty made him look a total prat. I think but not sure, that Calvert-Lewin aggravated his toe injury when he blasted the penalty into the net, despite the keeper going the right way.

Iwobi was a revelation when he came on, several telling runs. Allan solid as ever. Seamus another captain's performance.

Keane surprised me, solid performance. Gray my MotM. Townsend solid performance.

I think we could do without Richarlison and cash in on his current valuation. He was a bit of a misnomer again today.

Good win, several disgruntled Brighton fans around me still cursing and swearing, and at the same time acknowledging several Everton players' contributions.

Stats from today:

94% pass accuracy
49 total touches
9 attempted tackles
7 ball recoveries
6 passes into the final third
5 successful tackles
3 chances created
2 clearances
1 assist

I'd love to know the distance covered stats in every game as well. I absolutely love him.

Gray at the moment is proving me wrong. What a signing that is proving to be.

Still needs to be plenty of business done before Tuesday closes. Rafa got us playing exactly how we should be at the moment, to be fair to him.

Richarlison worked his socks off. again. Good to see Seamus and Andros sorting him out over that penalty nonsense. Hope he gets proper stick off coaches and players for that. And credit to Calvert-Lewin for burying the pen after the distraction.

James and Kean will be gone by Tuesday. Neither want to be here. There'll be more comings and goings, I think. Should be interesting.

Newcastle, Watford and Burnley are all sniffing, I hear.

Fair play to Allan though.. played further forward than usual and was faultless in the second half.

The cautionary note on Gray is that he has a history of not living up to his talent in the long run. Both Leicester and Leverkusen gave up on him for a reason. Let's hope he's able to remain fully committed to performing at this level. He'll be the steal deal of the year.

He plays a specialist role and is a yellow card waiting to happen most games.

I think he is good at what he does but he's also quite limited within this. He does need good players around him to enhance the quality of his own distribution.

I expect a defensive specialist to be able to perform. Otherwise, what is the point in them playing?

For me, it's very much like a striker who offers little else but the specialism of putting it in the onion bag. When they do it well, they are worth their place.

He is good, but no more than that. Put it this way: he is not anywhere near as good as Gareth Barry was in the role for us. And we signed Barry aged 32.

He is an international athlete who has a chance of competing at the Olympics. Proper knobhead.

Pickford kept his concentration to deal with the few moments of anxiety; Seamus and his defenders were focused and decisive; the midfield duo dictated the ebb and flow of our play; and the forwards offered a constant threat to increasingly desperate opponents.

Having not one or two but four attackers with pace to create problems for the opposition is a new and exciting development for those of us accustomed to watching slow, pedestrian play over the last 5 years.

My Man of the Match was Townsend, who led Veltman a merry dance, provided excellent cover in front of Seamus, and worked his socks off.

Malarkey.

For his career, Allan has 65 yellows in 420 games. For us, 7 in 29. One every four games. For a defensive midfielder who makes as many tackles as he does, that's an exemplary record.

And as for him being limited, I guess you didn't see those three superb passes today. He set up both goals and a great chance for Calvert-Lewin. And he didn't miss a pass all day.

A sure way of confirming you have no rational argument against points raised is to resort to personal insults – which is a real puzzle as you wouldn't do it face to face because I'd pop your nose!

I believe most defensive midfielders are a yellow card waiting to happen; it's the nature of the position. Good defensive players can avoid yellow cards with positional sense and timing, and Allan had the reputation of being a good defensive player.

This is his second season in the Premier League with a new manager who seems to be changing his role in the team to bring the ball out of defense quicker, where the last manager wanted him to just defend.

This was a good win away from home at a ground we have not won at for years. Congratulations to the players and manager for playing to the tactics they must have practiced at. Not often you see Everton defending in a high line and forcing Brighton back.

With Townsend on one side and Richarlison (our best tackler at times during the past two seasons) on the other, we're getting tremendous defensive contributions from our attackers.

Now if only those two can start making better decisions on the ball....

I wasn't calling you a knobhead. If you reread it, you will probably work out it was a sarcastic comment about Richarlison being a knobhead for wanting to represent his country at the Olympics.

But hey ho and all that...

I have to say, it just amazes me the difference in our play this season from the last recent seasons. You can see the players are really at a different level of fitness.

Just look at the closing 10 minutes or so, Andre Gomes – who looks a lot leaner now – was silky and confident for the first time since that dreadful injury. Alex Iwobi is finding little pockets and then turning defenders inside-out. Gray and Townsend are beyond expectations.

ToffeeWeb is trending positive again… In the land of the Blues, Raffa Rules!

That's new information for me, thanks. I have always liked his party piece, cutting in from the right flank and unleashing a shot with his left peg.

I had not fully appreciated the contribution he makes around the rest of the pitch. Let's hope he continues in this vein. If he does, he will be one of our best ever ‘free' transfers. Certainly the away fans today were fully appreciative of his effort, singing his name after the final whistle.

Sarcasm needs grammatical excellence to stand even a chance of working in text so let's just say you missed the target on that one – "Hey ho", indeed.

To your attempted point: You have to ask why every other international athlete who is a pro footballer didn't play in the Olympics. Reports I've read, it was a bone of contention with other clubs as it was here, yet Richarlison went and they didn't!!

Your attempt at sarcastic humour via he's a "proper knobhead" invites the old adage "many a true word said in jest".

Get shut of the overrated self-centred prick, I say.

Rafa was constantly shouting messages and signalling to individuals as he has done in every game so far. If any player had been tempted to drift into complacency, especially in respect of their positional play, they would very quickly have found the manager on their case.

As one of a small minority who thought he was the best qualified of all the realistic candidates, I am relieved, pleased even, that the season has started so well.

The manager will recognise that progress is dependent on key players remaining fit and in form. He will face the same issues as his predecessors if key players become unavailable.

Maybe you should be criticising Calvert-Lewin or Jordan for playing at the Euros – all about them, I reckon.

Obviously you don't like him, but I suspect you are in a minority.

As for grammatical excellence, if the cap fits ...

I would say every word of that to your face, as there is nothing for you to take personal umbrage about.

As for being in a minority, that is pure supposition but, even if true, is not always a bad thing.

He went to the Olympics with the blessing of the club; he wouldn't have been able to go otherwise. Btw, Brazil had 10 other overseas players including two other Premier League players.

He was the tournament top scorer, won a gold medal, and came straight back and has played every game with his normal work rate.

But you don't like him so there's always that.

The club had every right to say No. They chose to say Yes.

Your issue is with the club's decision, not with the player "popping off to the Olympics" as any player with national pride would want to do.

And for your enlightenment, "every other international athlete who is a pro footballer didn't play in the Olympics" because most of them weren't eligible or invited. The Olympics is a U-23 competition (this year U-24 because of the delay) with only three additional overage players permitted on each team.

Early days but the work rate and play is very promising! Rafa wants players with commitment to the club and team. All the best to those leaving. Not spending hundreds of millions as previous years, just may be work rate and organisation will win the day.

Also looking at Rafa on the touchline, no player escapes his gaze or voice! It's refreshing and a real shame an international break has arrived!

Amen to that. The lad is outstanding. He may not conform to the "norm" or be the well-behaved automaton some would have. If you can't see the skills this lad possesses, then that's down to you.

If you can't see past the penalty to-do, then that's down to you too. He did behave like a tool but hands up on here who hasn't?

Now hands up anyone with the talent, past or present, talent that's regularly shown and used to help us.

The lads a gem... knobhead or not, an absolute gem.

I imagine the club caved in to his request because of not wanting further uproar by upsetting our most valuable asset (h/t Andy Crooks) amidst the managerial change. I don't know that as fact but, given these very pages and those of other forums were aghast at the idea of no rest before a coming season, it doesn't seem too much of a stretch. What he achieved at the Olympic Games were personal objectives of some interest to Brazilians but of no real consequence to Everton.

Mike Gaynes @136

For your enlightenment - no-one is disputing his right to ask; the issue is whether going to the Olympic Games suited himself rather than Everton.

Nope, Rafa is on record as supporting the decision. But I'm glad you admit he's our most valuable asset.

And again, who did it suit when Calvert-Lewin and Pickford went to the Euros? Themselves or Everton?

That's possible. However, I'm inclined to give the club credit for a good piece of man management. I'd have thought that the recent announcement that no players would be released for International matches in Red List countries will have come as no surprise to the club. Therefore, I suspect that they felt it was worth releasing Richarlison for his International jaunts over the Summer in anticipation of him not being able to take part in those activities once the season had started.

Alternatively, perhaps the Board have plans to sell him this window and so he'll no longer be of concern to the club.

Like you, I also don't know any of this as fact, but there are a number of plausible scenarios that could apply to the situation.

To all at my beloved club, take a bow and thank you!

Rapid pace, quick feet, finish with both left and right and through the laces too. Well done whoever at the club recruited him.

Best Moneyball signing of the window.

Don't know what Richarlison was at regarding the penalty and it was reported he had a bit of an attitude at the end of the game.

As explained earlier, the "asset" thing is just a commentary on how shit we were (are?) and not a badge of honour. But it helps explain the desperation to excuse his inconsistent form and self-centred antics rather than dig him out as per lesser players putting themselves above the club. Did you really think when the decision was made, Benitez was going to say "What a heap of shit"?

The Euros are part of pro footballs international calendar; Richarlison was in the recent South America equivalent without issue. Not sure you quite understand the difference.

I am not suggesting Allan Marques is a poor player. Far from it. But I don't think a defensive specialist should have too much of a problem against Brighton.

His influence for us in the bigger games remains a question mark for me. I've seen him be good. But I've never seen him be outstanding. Like Gana Gueye and Gareth Barry in the last 10 years. Or even Lee Carsley before that. Outstanding for a dozen games stretch or longer.

He's decent. But, if we could recoup the fee we paid for him before the end of August, I'd be quite content with that.

Great result today because, when I saw Keane and Holgate together, I feared the worst but they more than played their part in a comparatively comfortable win and performance.

Our most valuable player – but that doesn't count because we are shit. Must be fun round your place.

I hated him signing.

Probably the best interview I've heard from a manager post-match since Moyes was in charge.

Not hoping for anything.

🤫

"but that doesn't count"

Not what I said.

Explaining context does not mean the above unless you think everything has been peaches and cream these last years and are about to claim we have not been shite.

Can't wait for this one.

I think I voted for the second-worst reaction to his appointment on TW! I've slowly come around to thinking Benitez is a professional football-addict, and not a fan of past glories or failures. So I now think the future is looking not-gloomy (...)! Hey, I see that as a positive! ;D

Again nope, the last 30 years have been pretty shite on the whole. But we've still had some decent players and Richarlison is one of them.

And there is a reason that, alongside Dom, he's our most valuable asset. He's a good player with years ahead of him.

In another blow to the RS I'm astonished their game v Chelsea isn't first on MotD!!

"Again nope, the last 30 years have been pretty shite on the whole"

How intriguing.

You say "nope" (as in disagree) then agree we've been shite.

Shall we leave this unusual accord there?

After my initial Benitez reservations, I am fast becoming a fan; it is clear he is still very passionate and has not lost any desire to improve and do his job well. Feels like it has been a while since we had a manager like him and I hope it all works out well but who knows!

Still, incomers performing well so far and everyone who plays appears up for it.

Godfrey recuperating from Covid-19 and Gbamin with a dental abscess (seems bizarre for someone who must get top-notch medical monitoring / advice)? Be much happier when both are getting regular game time.

Think it would be ludicrous to let Richarlison go now but can see something being lined up for January if Mbappé's move is finalised.

Just saying we've not been any good is not an argument that a player is no good. We've won one trophy in 34 years. Still had plenty of decent players in that time. Richarlison is one of them.

Tonight, he is at home, in his adopted city, ahead of his previous employer, gaining Kudos among his current fan base; he is revitalised... long may it continue, for him, and for us.

I wasn't impressed by his appointment but I'm impressed by his enthusiasm on the line – so much more than the eyebrow-raising statue from last season.

Maybe my comment was misconstrued. He makes a lot of tackles. Yes, on this basis, I always feel that he is trying to tackle and react rather than read and intercept the play. I actually feel the latter is the requisite and desired skill set of an elite defensive midfielder.

Maybe the fact 4 of his bookings came in his first 9 games clouded my judgement.

Barry and Gana were better though. Massively so.

Things are going as well as can be expected. A good solid team. A good solid foundation. The foundation is Allan and Doucouré. We'd better make sure that whoever comes in before the window shuts is a special player.

Perhaps Benitez is intelligent enough to actually listen to what Duncan has to say and, where possible, implements those thoughts in his team. I don't think we'll ever see Duncan in the hot-seat, mainly because he's not really one to court public opinion and he may not want the media attention that comes with the territory.

We've started off better than I expected or indeed hoped, but it is early days and we'll know a lot more about the team in the weeks and months following the transfer deadline and the international break, but for now, I'm enjoying what I'm seeing and looking forward to the next match at Goodison.

As for Richarlison, I can't believe anyone is defending his 'passion'. That silly, selfish act could have cost us the game. You might have had to have been a penalty taker to understand the extra pressure he put on Calvert-Lewin – who, to be fair, dealt with it brilliantly.

Ernie, yes Calvert-Lewin kept calm and did his job... and he isn't even fit!

Richarlison is Richarlison, as petulant as ever but always works hard. Hopefully it doesn't bite him back.

Coyb

Anyone more than a self-serving yes-man would, as a professional coach, have surely noted the blatant absence of top-notch physical fitness for years and, as a professional coach, reported it to his employee and, when it wasn't righted, he'd surely have had respect for his own professional standing as a top-notch coach and have chosen to find an ambitiously professional club in which to prosper.

Our previously bankrupt millionaire guy's main concern is only to find muppets who allow him to keep his cherished pigeons in feed, protected as he is by the muppet-chairman who looks after him.

Moving on, having watched MotD, Richarlison deserves a mega-slap for his world-wide televised totally unprofessional antics re the penalty. It shows us to the world as a club to have real weakness at its heart off the pitch – and that's wholly unprofessional too.

I often go out of my way to defend Richarlison, but not for today's antics. He knew the score before the game, or at least he should have done – unless he believed that today's penalty was Everton's second of the season and therefore he was next in line, when Benitez had said that if Everton is awarded two penalties in a game, Calvert-Lewin is first up and Richarlison is next.

Apparently, Richarlison has commented on social media that Baines was the senior penalty taker at Goodison when he arrived and he himself believes that he is now the senior penalty taker. I don't buy that and Richarlison should have just apologised to his fellow teammates and manager and allowed the act of petulance to be lost in the ether.

Thankfully, as you say, Dominic was calmness personified and slotted the penalty to give the team a 2-goal cushion; the ramifications if he had missed and Brighton had snatched a draw would have lasted for the whole of the international break.

It is early days but Rafa seems to not only be getting the best out of each of the players but also getting them to play to a system they believe in.

As to whether it suited Everton or the club "caved", I certainly wouldn't expect Rafa to "cave" if he genuinely didn't want Rich to go, and there's absolutely no reason to believe Richarlison would have caused disruption if denied. That's pure invention on your part.

As to the ultimate impact, that will be determined over time. To my eyes, Richarlison has returned from his international success a more confident and assertive player at the top of his game. Whether that will be overcome by exhaustion remains to be seen.

Tommy #146, if you've never seen Allan "outstanding", it's only because you had your eyes closed for 90 minutes today and you missed the "bigger games" last season, like the Goodison derby and the 1-0 win over Chelsea, because that's exactly what he was. And if you'd really sell him on Monday for what we bought him for, I think you're pretty much alone in your sentiment.

Interestingly, at the ground itself, none of the ID checks we were told would be made, were made. You just scanned your ticket and you were in. Nobody was asked for photo ID or Covid Passes.

The away end was sold out very early to fans with the highest previous away-match history. Very odd that, in the 12 rows in front of me, I counted over 100 empty seats. The rows in our section were only 10 seats wide and there were many more empty seats elsewhere.

I've long suspected many buy tickets with no intention of actually going to the game but every intention of selling them on to maintain their position in the qualifying pecking order and maybe making a few bob while they're at it.

Maybe the sell-on market was affected by Brighton stating photo ID would be required and must match the name on the ticket. Whatever the reason, I really do think Everton should look at the qualifying system because the current system is effectively preventing fans ever getting up the points ladder.

To me, the vital difference this season is that Allan and Doucouré are now playing up to the standard we expected when they were signed.

Some people on this thread lambasting Duncan Ferguson. Benitez has a reputation for being ruthless... don't you think that, if Duncan contributed nothing, he would be out of the door by now?

There was a brief 2nd-half flurry but the penalty put paid to that; we didn't coast but we kept going forward enough to run down the clock mostly in their half, which is how it should be.

My first reaction to Richarlson stealing the ball was – he wants to sign off on a goal. Immediate impressions are often right... it may not happen for various reasons... But it's firmly in the... very well might... and Richarlson knew it – hence the silliness.

Like most, I wasn't particularly over the moon re: Benitez's appointment, but he does feel well-suited to this particular task, and this particular squad. I still think we might have progressed under Ancelotti with a good summer of investment but, since it appears that wasn't on the table, things probably worked out for the best.

Barry, I respectfully disagree re: Richarlison. If he only cared about himself, I don't think we'd see him putting in the defensive effort that he does, week-in & week-out. He'd only care about scoring goals, lose interest when he doesn't have the ball, track back haphazardly, and check out when the match isn't going his way. Instead, he runs through brick walls for 90 minutes. Isn't that what we want in a player? Maximum effort?

(That isn't to excuse his petulant antics re: the penalty, which I think we all agree were unacceptable, but I'm willing to move past it.)

On a side-note, Calvert-Lewin may not have a great shooting touch, but he's a superb penalty taker. Nothing cute, clever, or fancy – just step up and smash it home with confidence and authority.

Great post. I was a little anxious at 2-0 out of habit but honestly I felt we had it won.

I was not in favor of Rafa. Early days but so far he seems like a man who's getting on with his job, mindful of expectations, and he's got us playing well and winning.

Couldn't ask for more... But, having been burned with last season's false dawn, I'm still nervous to totally buy in to Rafa yet. But he's moving in the right direction.

Stop perpetuating the myth that Lineker snubs Everton. He's publicly dismissed this notion several times. The fact is we are probably his sixth best team of the six he played for: England obviously one; Leicester, his home team; Spurs, where he won his English trophy; Barcelona, the biggest club and two trophies; then Grampus8 because, while on the field was disastrous, off the field they spent a fortune to get his young son urgent medical treatment he couldn't get on the NHS.

Then there's Everton. As a host, MotD would be pretty fucking boring if he had to pay homage to all these teams in every episode. I'm sure he talks about Man City and Chelsea more than he'd like but that's his job and they're the best. Today, West Ham Utd are top so they get a mention: big deal. Lay off the fellow.

Depending on what happens when the Transfer Window closes, we hopefully will have seen a few out, and have some more useful complimentary additions. I have to take my hat off to Rafa (even though I never wear one) as I was one of his sceptics, but thankfully he is proving me wrong, and I suspect a few others too.

There is a visibly better showing from basically the same personnel, bar Townsend and Gray, and yet we seem to have a definite game plan, and a zest and desire to win, which was sadly lacking under previous suspects. Long may it continue!

1) – and I mentioned it on a post after the Southampton game –How refreshing it is that when we are leading we don't turn into a '10 men behind the ball' team and hope for the best; we continue to play to our strengths and commit players forward, putting the opposition on the defensive and not allowing them to throw the kitchen sink.

I appreciate it may be a different story against the big boys but right tactics for the right games, I feel. So far so good.

2) It would have been an easier option I think for Rafa to say James is our most gifted player, therefore he plays and we try and build around him, a little like Carlo did, or tried to...

But he's come in confident of what he's doing, knowing that a wrong foot forward and we were all there to chop it off. However, he's stuck to his guns and it's working; got to respect that, I think.

I think, with the exception of Trossard, Brighton were terrible today and hence put Holgate under no pressure at all. And as for our supposed target, Maupay!!

He is our biggest asset because he is valued at £85M-£100M, based on his performances for club and country. He works incredibly hard for the team and has been excellent since he returned from the Olympics.

He gets pissed off when he doesn't score? Good. He was petulant yesterday, but that is down to his hunger for goals which will only benefit the team. He was born with a sulky face, so let's all get over it!

The centre-backs and central midfielders have rightly got praise for their performances yesterday – Allan was excellent – but Townsend should not be ignored; he worked incredibly hard up and down the wing. What a shift he put in.

Matt @180, you are spot on. Benitez has genuinely surprised me in the last two away games by pushing the team right through the 90 minutes to push forward and remain an offensive threat.

As for "Consummate predation steals the Seagulls' chips" – that headline should be framed and put up on the wall. An absolute cracker.

Great performance and great result.

Pointless to try and criticise a player for a decent performance by claiming the opposition were so poor!

I'm with you. I couldn't give a shit if Richarlison went tomorrow. The way he carried on over the penalty put Calvert-Lewin under unnecessary pressure. If we get offered £85 million for him, I'd snap their hands off.

Good performance today from the boys and Rafa... COYBS!

The manager we have is of the highest quality.

If it put Calvert-Lewin under pressure, he certainly didn't show it. He just waited for the captain and his teammates to sort it out while he had a wander round the penalty area. He is bulletproof that lad.

As for Richarlison, he never stopped trying all game and it's good to see a player “wanting it.” He will be smiling when he scores against Burnley. I am tipping him for a hat-trick soon. Okay, I am biased and one-eyed... 😉

Loads of positives today but I thought Doucouré and specifically Allan, we're immense. Set the tone for us and everything went through them.

This is the proper Allan. I couldn't understand why he was getting played in Gueye's role when we signed him; he was nothing like that for Napoli. This is what he was like. He has an eye for a pass and was always further up the field. He's an absolute beast in this position. Doucouré was unreal as well. His energy levels are a joke.

Demarai Gray is the bargain of the summer. £1.7M??? It's shoplifting!!! What a player and exactly what we needed. His pace and directness is exactly what we were missing. He gets us up the pitch in a flash and gives the opposition something to think about.

Special mention to Andros Townsend as well. His effort levels are the absolute minimum that is required to play for Everton. Never stops running and pressing and you can tell he's loving the fact he's playing for Everton.

Also, credit where credit is due, Keane and Holgate were very good today. Didn't over-complicate things for once and just done the simple things correctly. I thinks it's well known that I don't rate either of them and I feel they're the weaker of the 4 centre-backs but today I can have no complaints. They played well as did the entire team.

Lastly, Rafa! A proper manager and a proper coach. He's like a conductor on the sidelines. His system suits the players to the ground and they're well drilled and very fit! Attacking at will and scoring plenty. Long may it continue.

I'm licking my lips at the prospect of Diaz being on the opposite side to Gray. That's a delicious pair of wingers. Fingers crossed for a forward and a right-back and I think we can say it's been a very good window.

UTFT!!

I'm not complaining, btw, it's just I hope he varies the execution, should we get future awards. His confidence must also be boosted, after 3 goals in 3 Premier League games. A pity about the 'confusion' with Richarlison wanting to take it, but it did have a comedy aspect to it too.

I thought Richarlison was going to either stamp his feet, or lie down in a tantrum and scream like a kid in the Supermarket, when told he wasn't getting any of the sweets that were on display by the checkouts.

I wonder how they get on off the pitch? Probably a good thing Allan was on the pitch to explain in Portuguese not to be a tit.

Re Richarlison, he's a fantastic player, including his attitude, and the occasional expression of frustration has to be placed in that wider context. Some folks talk as if he'd be easy to replace if he were sold at the moment, which of course is ridiculous.

I for one wouldn't mind seeing the back of you, you're a spoilt brat who can't stay on his feet.

Let's buy a striker who wants to play for us and not just take the money.

Also, anyone hear from the Rafa bashers???

Bueller?

Well played, that man.

One swallow doesn't make a summer, of course, but well played.

Rafa out!

Like everyone, I can only call it as I saw it. And when I'm in the stadium I'm worse as I tend to get wrapped up in the emotion so don't always see it like I do when I watch it on the screen.

Probably the most comfortable I've felt watching Everton in a long time. We controlled it and I never felt threatened. Good tactics or poor opposition? Probably a combination of both. Despite the plaudits, they flirted with relegation last year whereas we almost qualified for Europe. We were superior.

I thought Allan and Doucouré were great. Allan was my man of the match. The move for the first was a joy to watch. Coleman to Allan; sublime pass onto Gray and classic across the goal shot into the corner. Two passes forward; goal. Simple isn't it? Was it Allan who put the ball through to Coleman that led to the penalty?

I personally didn't have an issue with Richarlison's petulance on the penalty. A striker wanting to score a goal? Happy with that, but great captain's intervention by Seamus. And Richarlison was straight over to celebrate in the corner with his team. I was born with a frown and people always tell me to cheer up. I don't have a problem with desire and that kid has lots of it.

I wouldn't confuse his face with his commitment to play football and win. Or shall we invent another phrase to replace happy clappers? The "happy smilers"? Whether he is at Everton next week or not remains to be seen. But he is a quality and committed footballer who will be an asset to any team he plays in.

All in, a great day out. A great result and a very good performance.

Kieran; agree on Lineker. We also have to remember he only played for us for one season. He's not an Evertonian and he's also doing a job for the BBC. My only grate with him, as with many contemporary sports professionals, is when they cringingly attempt to dabble in politics via their Twitter feeds. But that's just me.

Call out for Iwobi again. He done okay. But on a light note, there was a moment in the second half when he had an Iwobi moment on the edge of the Brighton box. He seemed to be going in circles. I don't think he knew what to do. I don't think we knew what he was going to do. But fortunately neither did Brighton!!!

I too noticed a lot of empty seats around me, but then where I was, everyone stood up for the entire game.

Final note, 3 or 4 of the players came over to give their shirts to the fans at the end, led by Richarlison. The team were justifiably taking plaudits from the amazing away support who were loving their new Demarai Gray song. Benitez came as far as the half-way line. I obviously don't know, but I think he thought about it and changed his mind before walking back to the tunnel. Small steps and time will heal, I guess.

I had a seat in the west stand near the away end. Before getting in my Covid pass was scanned and photo ID checked. Then e-ticket scanned to get through the turnstile. Strange that you didn't have too!

I agree with you about the empty seats, and your conclusions as to why they were empty.

In respect of the attendance yesterday, B&HA said there were 30,500-odd people there. Didn't look like that to me. My son-in-law Brighton season ticket holder said that they include the season tickets in the number, even if that person isn't there!

Must be based on tickets sold versus seats occupied.

No checks in the away end. Just scan your ticket and you're in.

In honesty, same at Goodison against Southampton for me. As always with these things, stating a policy and actually policing it or enforcing it are 2 different things.

Try the London Underground right now. Despite the Mayor of London's bold claims, mask wearing is by choice, not enforced, and take-up is about 50-50.

Gloating never reflects well. Especially in August. Even more so after a pretty tame first three games.

Give it time before you come out and say how right you are.

And to the Richarlison critics – you certainly don't have to love the guy, but I wouldn't be so cavalier about the prospect of losing him. Be careful what you wish for.

And credit to the Brighton keeper. Stood out for me. Very, very good in claiming corners and set pieces in particular.

He is a constant threat going forward and has been since he arrived at the club, for those who chide him for being only interested in himself cannot be wider of the mark. Yes, he probably thinks he hasn't done his job if he hasn't scored and what a great attitude to have.

Another great display from Allan both defensively and offensively – surely our next captain when Seamus hands over the armband. He was responsible in no small way to both goals his pass to Seamus was inch-perfect and made it impossible for the defender.

A word for Holgate and Keane who have both come under fire of late because of their mistakes, but hats off to both they were solid in everything they had to do.

Doucouré is settling in to his new role in breaking forward more, both he and Allan look a decent pairing in midfield – something we haven't had for years.

I very much doubt anyone would pay £30 for a ticket they had no use for! As for selling them on, I personally do this on occasion if for some reason I cannot make a particular match – never for profit though!

Having built up maximum away credits over the years, and at significant expense, I have no intention of giving up my position now, much as that may annoy some. Similarly, I would not surrender my season ticket.

For those who are looking to get on the ladder, it is a tedious process but can be done. Just 7 years ago, I had no away credits and saw no way of getting on the ladder, so went to a meeting with an official at Goodison Park to voice my concerns.

Prior to that meeting, he had produced a list of all our away games for the previous season, highlighting those that had not sold out. Amongst these were both Old Trafford and The Etihad (large grounds that we get significant numbers for). Those type of games (and home FA Cup and Carabao Cup games) are the first rungs on the ladder – they enable you to eventually reach the top.

Always remember that those with maximum away credits achieved that position by attending games that others had no interest in!

In the pub pre-match, all was positivity and good cheer. At the match, the Blues fans were happy and confident and we knew we would win. There was no animosity to any of the players and the performance on the pitch was much much better than last season – we pass forward now, not sideways and back. The running on and off the ball is sharper and fitness has noticeably improved.

The party at the bar at half-time was joyous and there was no talk of "a poor half that" nature. In the second half, we looked so comfortable we just knew we would win and the home crowd knew it too.

The only negativity from the away end was to show disapproval to Richarlison for his antics at the penalty but that was soon forgiven. In conclusion, a great day out and lovely to see Everton in control of what could have been a stumbling block.

Much more preferable to following the game on here where the negativity even before a ball has been kicked would be laughable if it wasn't so predictable. UTFT

As far as I can tell, your criticism and that of others is mainly based on the look on his face! So if he smiled and played shite you'd like him more?

He's played 122 games for us and scored 43 goals. There has been no indication from the player that he doesn't want to play for us and he always works his arse off when he does.

He gives a crap, and he never stopped running, pulling defenders out of position, and being a general nuisance all game.

He's the only player I've seen who wears an Everton shirt when he's just playing some pagode (Brazilian music) in his back garden. He's a player who, when he visited his family, all the little kids were running about in Everton shirts.

He genuinely seems to care, and long may he continue an Everton player.

If we get Diaz, then in him, Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin and Gray we have pace, skill, and goals. In no way do I want us to remove Richarlison from that.

And he goes down easily, like everyone does... Grealish, Salah, Mané, Sterling – it's what you do because, most of the time, it means getting free-kicks. Football is a tactical game.

Hopefully Rafa can help take Richarlsion to the next level, like he has done before.

I'd still like backup so we can rest him and use him accordingly.

I'm not suggesting Ferguson does nothing, but I think Benitez would have been an absolute idiot to get rid of Duncan, even if this was the case. Hopefully they are working together and learning little bits from each other, which is the most important thing for Everton.

Fair enough about Brighton not being that good yesterday, and if you don't like or don't rate Holgate, I'd also say that's fair enough, especially because of the casual or cocky nature that he's shown whilst not playing that well.

Yesterday, I thought his demeanor was different. He looked more focused, more disciplined, and was full of concentration, which allowed us to go and play on the front foot that little bit more. Hopefully that is a sign that things are changing and are becoming more professional behind the scenes.

The worst thing about Mirallas taking the ball of Leighton Baines wasn't that he missed his penalty, but the good thing about Richarlison's actions yesterday, was that he was shot down and put in his place, and wasn't allowed the chance to miss!

Digne was a strange one. Whether it's tactical I don't know but he completely abandoned his position. He got caught a few times chasing down balls he was no hope to get to. Even in the last few minutes he was up alongside the attack. All's well that ends well but he put himself in scapegoat territory if Brighton had been able to muster a swift counter-attack.

Which brings us to Seamus. The guy is a marvel. Never gives less than everything he's got. And he impacted the game at both ends. You can't write off a guy with that kind of heart. And he dragged himself off the floor receiving treatment to resolve the penalty stuff. You could say "so he should" but that would be forgetting that our captains haven't always done that.

Sometimes, you've got to look past a person's perceived bad points, especially in sport, especially when they are talented, and especially because he's playing for a football club that have won absolutely zilch in 26 bloody years.

Richarlison can be a self-centered greedy little fucker at times, but he works his socks off, and also appears to be developing a real winner's attitude, so I for one hope it rubs off on a few others!

Very refreshing to see us put in a very good team performance and professional display. Brighton were never in the game, their support was (other than the odd chant) very quiet throughout which to me is very telling. The away support was fantastic as always.

Perhaps it’s the south coast air but I always enjoy an away game there, mind you I enjoy them anywhere!

Stating the obvious but I think this is a big deal. If he has got them fitter - they are most certainly lighter - then that augers well for the rest of the season.

I was a bit concerned before the Leeds game that they would run us into the ground but they never looked like it.

I had the same thought about Leeds too, we matched them for energy throughout. Maybe this managerial tenure has finally got the boys fit and up for it, been years since its seemed that way.

Richy tracked back all the way down the left hand side to our final third to defend a break. Just think about it. He hasn't got a decent break. He's a machine. In terms of determination and ambition, he's right up at the top. Unfortunately, he'll be gone soon when a big offer come in. So enjoy him while we can.

The squad does look fitter and quicker than last season and even though Carlo got 4 wins at the beginning we didn't look that good and so it proved for the rest of the season despite getting quite a few wins away from home.

Yesterday, I was very impressed with Allan and Doucouré who really looked the part not to mention the work rate of Gray and Townsend. Brighton are a workmanlike team with some really skilled players and to contain them on their own patch was really heartening.

Richarlison is very immature and it shows with his face pulling when he gets tackled or doesn't get a pass.

Everton have a weakness when Richarlison is having an off day and they really don't have a quality replacement unless there is a new addition I the next 2 days.

Seriously though, was well worth the journey. A great performance all round, with good direct forward running from the likes of Doucoure and Allan, who was my MotM. Good to see Benitez has ditched this fannying around with goal kicks, playing it short in the 6-yard box between goalkeeper and centre-backs, and giving us all palpitations. The ball invariably ends up getting booted up the pitch anyway, so just let Pickford take a good old-fashioned goal kick.

Regarding the penalty incident. Of course, every forward wants to score. Richarlison was out of order for what he did, and had he took it and missed… well god knows the reaction towards him from behind the goal? Was good to see Seamus take command of the situation and tell Richarlison to let Calvert-Lewin have it, even if it did take a tap by Townsend to knock the ball off him. Benitez has said that Calvert-Lewin is the “first penalty taker in a game", and Richarlison “The second”, should we be lucky enough to get awarded another penalty in the same game. Calvert-Lewin put it away brilliantly, and from then on in, we coasted it, and maybe could have had a couple more.

Final word on Richarlison. Despite him looking like a dog chewing a wasp, and forever looking miserable, I think his heart is still in it when he pulls on the blue shirt, until such a time if and when he does move on. Did anyone see him in the Olympic final for Brazil? He was substituted with about two or three minutes of extra time left, and he walked off with a real gob on him. It's just the way he is. I just don't think he looks miserable like he wants out of Everton. Just my opinion though.

I was one who was not sure about Benitez when he was hired, not because of his association with the other lot, but what was written about his style of play.

It is early days yet but he seems to have made a good start with the same group of players plus a couple of decent cheap signings that prove to me that there are players out there that you don't have to break the bank to buy, and spent a lot of time watching videos of the players from previous seasons.

The players to me at this time early in the season may look fitter but I think it is more with the desire to impress, tactics and teamwork, that is being encouraged at Finch Farm.

We are still short on a couple of positions to improve the squad, and here's hoping the manager can get in the type of player he wants and not buying someone just to bring in a player that may not be much better than what we have.

He's done Everton proud in the time he has been here, I can't think of another player who has given more to the cause of getting this club up the table. Like is mentioned above, my god, we will miss him when he is gone.

Very significant events at Burnley though. The most likely issue to mess up a Mbappé mega move, is if one of the tiddlers further down the chain can't get their replacement in on time. And there's no way in hell Burnley are spending £15M to have two left wingers.

I'm really looking forward to the Burnley game now, if we can keep McNeil quiet we'll have a very good chance of bagging all three points in front of not only the faithful, but an international audience too,seeing as we're the live Monday night match... COYB

The statos will give the assist to Allan (who himself had a very good game) but I think Gray is entitled to file that under "all my own work".

The run into acres of space from 70 yards out made the pass an easy one to make, but he was still 50 yards from goal with defenders goal-side of him. He went straight for the jugular.

I thought he played the pass of the match too. The way he waited for the precise moment to release Doucouré was a sign of a man on top of his game. Doucouré (who also had an excellent game) should have buried it, btw.

All season I heard people talk about the manager improving players, but I didn't see any evidence of it. Benitez for me, has already had more success on that front and he has done it simply by improving off the ball movement. It's a long time since I have seen and Everton side making the game so much easier for each other.

For me, Gray has definitely been the catalyst, but by simply tweaking a couple of things Rafa has been the enabler. We are still quite compact, but the rigidity seems to have gone. The centre-halves are playing 5 yards further up the pitch, this has in turn pushed the midfield further towards enemy territory were they can dare express themselves. The wide men playing slightly wider. Our players are daring to break ranks offer each other options, he even seems to have got rid of those stupid goal kicks.

I don't dare make any predictions. I don't want to tempt fate, but I am really loving the moment and I cant wait for the next game.

Oh... the Richarlison incident. In hindsight, it was funny, but it could have gone the other way. Liked the way Allan took him to one side and put him straight... and I have to disagree with the poster who says he didnt join in with the celebrations. He did.

I think you are spot on re Gray. I reckon there aren't many players even at this top level who are capable of doing what he did yesterday, it was an Arsenal style goal, where you are just blown away by sheer athleticism.

It happened last week too, he got the ball in our half with nothing on, and just went for the jugular again through his skill and pace, this time Calvert-Lewin just missing a ball played across the 6-yard box. In the way that Rafa has got him playing he's dynamite.

I take on board your view on Coleman but would just add that, after 12 years he still can't centre a ball!

A couple of points about our new signings: the one I put my head in hands and said WTF has this club stooped to was Andros Townsend. How wrong can you be; he has brought a consistency and energy to the right and has revitalised Seamus, and is a leader on the field, look at his pivotal role in Richarlisongate. Although it hasn’t been tested yet, he looks like a player who won’t roll over or feel sorry for himself when we go a goal down, which has dogged this team since Moyes left.

A few people have described Allan’s pass to Gray as ‘sublime’ personally, I though it was slightly overhit and if one of our No 10s would been on the end of (you know the ones I’m talking about, one is a superstar and the other one has disappeared in a cloud of innuendo) they probably would have been closed down. But if you get the chance to watch it again, Gray sees the ball and the acceleration onto the ball, talk about Demari the Ferrari, was blistering pace.

Additionally, unlike a lot of speed merchants (Maxim, Traore to name two), he’s got end product if he can keep the consistency, he will give any defence a torrid afternoon.

All in all, great start and I’m actually enjoying what I’m seeing, who knows I might even get to like this football lark.

I hope that all you Iwobi, Gomes and Holgate critics can throttle it back a few notches now and just let them get on with their work under our new boss.

I'm also going to give credit to Coleman for his first time pass, and Townsend for quickly knocking it inside, and then Allan, for knowing his teammates strength, although your mate obviously deserves the most credit!

Nothing better than a great team goal, early days but we even began to look like a good team yesterday?

There was so much space for Allan to knock that ball into. Gray found that space.

Let me put it another way. Most players would have been able to make the pass; very, very few would have been able to convert it into a goal.

I didn't even think it was Allan's best pass of the match.

How nice is it to be debating the merits of a brilliant goal though.

Looking at that goal again, I think Allan ignored Gray's request for the ball to be played into his feet, because he knows his teammate is better running forwards towards the opposition goal.

David said it wasn't a great pass because our number 10s wouldn't have caught the ball, and this is exactly why I thought it was a great pass!

Funny, and it just shows what Everton players can do for these very loyal supporters, especially the ones who’ve got real talent, the talent to produce so much joy🙏

Tony and Darren (#241 and #242), I agree with Tony, the quality of Allan's pass to Gray was that it was NOT overhit. It was placed ahead of Gray for him to reach it already at speed and so he was able to run at pace at the sole defender. Much better than placing it to his feet where he would have to move from a standing position.

And correct that it wasn't Allan's best pass of the day -- his backheel to Dom was even better, and the perfect through-ball release to Coleman for the penalty was the best of all.

Rob #227, glad you had such a great day out. I spotted you in the crowd -- the only supporter with a six-foot flyswatter.

Allan has been such a disappointment for me since he got here, I expected so much more... But I now think there is a possibility that the fella who brought him here may have actually done him no favors by stifling his game.

Here's hoping there will be a lot more to come from him.

I know some people hate nick names, but I think that one is here to stay.

I think he was just showing us how to say it<./p>

The longer the season went on, I thought Allan was finished because he didn't look to have the pace or the physicality to play in this very demanding league. But I also thought the system was killing him, and he had also been rushed back from injury, so I wanted to wait and give him the benefit of the doubt.

Yesterday, I thought he was more effective, because that higher line you talked about reduces the space when we are out of possession. I'm still not totally convinced by the Brazilian, which has got more to do with his physicality, than anything to do with his football brain.

Benitez has a habit of taking players out of the firing line, which is designed to help with rest and recuperation. If he can do this with Allan, I think both the player, and therefore the team, will benefit.

He looks sulky, but just has a desire to win. His work rate is phenomenal and he is one of the reasons we can turn defence into attack so quickly.

He shouldn't have done the penalty thing, but at least we now know that we have leaders in the team and it takes a lot to phase Calvert-Lewin who could easily have folded.

It's no coincidence he's linked with big teams for big money. He's not the most skilful player in the world, but his heart and desire makes up for that in bundles. Compare him to Rodriguez and there's no comparison. Rodriguez is far more skilful, but I'd take Richarlison over him any day.

See if you can find the Cazoo unseen footage and watch the players "concern" (for want of a better word) towards him after Calvert-Lewin scored the penalty.

They know him better than any of us ever will and several of them (again including Calvert-Lewin) reassured him immediately following the penalty.

He's obviously a very popular player amongst the squad, and it looks like they have no problem with the odd example of South American hot-headedness.

Anyway, it's a new day. A new dawn. A new manager, different tactics, a couple of new signings.

As far as I'm concerned, it's a blank canvas for all the players.

Last night on Match of the Day, you would strongly get the impression Richarlison had a complete sulk on after the penalty incident walking away with a titty lip.

I just watched the Everton YouTube ‘Behind the Scenes' video and what was clear was he definitely joins in the celebrations but also several of the players, including Dominic and Seamus were talking to him after this to get his head back in the game and it was obviously not as bad as the BBC made it appear.

I watched that “On the Road” video and was going to comment exactly what you two have said. Richarlison is right in the middle of the celebration group and him and Calvert-Lewin shake hands before a quick hug.

Seamus has another word with him before Lucas Digne puts an arm around him and has a quick word. I think Richarlison knows he done wrong, but all's well it seems.

I don't think Allan is less strong than Gana... he just uses his strength differently. The contrast is fascinating.

If some supporters need to make something out of such an incident, they need to get a grip and man-up. If some had their way, they'd get rid of anyone who doesn't fit with their own naive mental model of what footballers should be doing.

Thank god they're not in charge, otherwise Everton would be well and truly buggered.

Suppose it had to happen some time or other, mate. 🤣

I would have always imagined that Gana would suit Rafa and Allan, Carlo. As it turns out, I think that Allan and Rafa will be a dream team.

Allan I'd say is physically stronger, but the games come thick and fast in England, and especially last season. That is why I think he will have to be managed better, because there is a lot to like about him, especially when our shape doesn't make the middle of the park a place that's to big to patrol.

If Calvert-Lewin had missed, no, I wouldn't have a different viewpoint. It was an incident, with no significance, and people need to have perspective, which is a fancy way of saying "Get a grip".

Brian #255, I also thought that was a great post but I wouldn't want you to get all cocky with too many positive reviews.

The game has changed. Talking earlier with Darren, I was going to ask him if Peter Reid would have been half the player for Everton if Kendall's tactics had been different.

We played a high line, it enabled us to hunt in packs, shorten the pitch and close off the spaces. If our current squad can begin to do this on a regular basis, then I think our team would improve massively. But have we got the personnel to currently play like this? I'm not sure, but it's why Holgate impressed me yesterday.

Thanks, Mike, but you know me well enough to know I'm too thick to get cocky. 🤪

It's all opinions, of course, but we do look disciplined and we do look fitter. If we can sort this area of the pitch out, I don't see any reason why we can't begin to become a better team; it's not as if we don't look good going forward with pace right now.

But it's a long season and, as always, injuries to our better players has got to be the biggest concern... but, if the team becomes confident, then who knows? And this is something I could see starting to develop, the longer yesterday's game went on.

Going back to Howard Kendall Mk 1, once we started that run and the confidence built, there was no stopping us. Let's hope for a repeat and a bulge in the trophy cabinet.

IMO, Mina is not that slow and paired well with Holgate a few years ago but, for me, Michael Keane will always be a risk because of his poor concentration.

I agree though we need if possible to also reinforce the Central Defence, but whether the FFP restrictions allow that with other priorities too, is a moot point. Going over old ground, or crying over water that will never come back under that bridge again, but you just rue the profligacy of Koeman and Walsh, Allardyce and Silva to a degree too, in being so wasteful in the past ........ if only!

What was the title of that Gloria Gaynor classic, "I Will Survive"? No Priscilla, Queen of the Deserts please! Though Terence Stamp played a magnificent, if unusual role.

Yes, they were good passes, enabled by good running from their recipients, but that's surely what proper, fit, professional footballers should be doing, isn't it?

And on another point, I'm encouraged this season to see various players shooting accurately from outside the area – a tactic that for years has been evidently foreign to the coaches at Finch Farm.

If it goes on like this for a year or two, I might just have to address my deep disdain for our very own Manuel!

Allan was great yesterday. It was his passes that led to both goals. But he had forward runners and options.

The comparisons with Reid by the way. From my perspective, it's his style of play. And as I've said previously, they are comparisons. The Brazilian Peter Reid is a tongue in cheek term. He reminds me of Reid, but clearly they are different players and we have Allan in the twilight of his career.

I enjoyed that yesterday. I love Goodison, but away days are sometimes the best. The half time party was indeed a joy to watch. As I said earlier, I haven't felt that comfortable watching Everton in a while. And Benitez thought about coming over but left it! In the pub we found in Brighton afterwards, my brother called him by his first name. That says a lot!!

He was the first player over to the fans at the end to give his shirt.

Read into that as you may, but no issues with his attitude and commitment yesterday from me.

James has offered a sprinkling of stardust, but he's been largely anonymous; Doucouré has often flattered to deceive; and Allan has spent most matches disappearing up his own arse.

Doucouré and Allan have failed so miserably as an attacking entity, even the statos have dived for cover. They were so AWOL that even their staunchest supporters began exonerating them of all attacking responsibility "They're defensive midfield players".

The start to this season has come as a very stark reality check for those who said these players couldn't come out and play. Those who claimed Carlo "I'm not a Magician"io had an impossible task on his hands, have had their judgement laid as bare as his.

Doucoure and Allan both had a very impressive game on Saturday, but there is a desperation about a claim that Allan has been our player of the season so far. Anyone making that claim must have missed all the other games.

The Brazilian Peter Reid comparison (even though it's now being claimed as tongue-in-cheek) is also deeply embarrassing.

I sincerely believe all players should be given a fresh start when beginning a new season and I thought Allan and Doucouré both gave hugely encouraging performances... but it was one game.

Let's leave the diving-in to those who can swim. Let's see if they can do it over at least a couple dozen games before we mention them in the same breath as all-time greats.

Tony #273, yeah, we've been debating the need for a fifth center back for a while. I still consider a creative midfielder and a pacy forward to be higher priorities, with the four CBs we have being adequate for now -- even the clueless Holgate. The reason he played so well Saturday is because he never took a second touch -- he just hammered the ball up the pitch or golfed it into the stands, presumably under orders from Rafa to not think, just clear it.

Question, though... if we have speedy center backs who can play a high line, isn't their physical strength irrelevant? The combination of pace and power is pretty rare in one player, so we need to choose.

I would also point out that our most effective, consistent pairing over the last couple of seasons (when healthy) has been Mina/Keane. Personally I think Mina is comfortable with a high line -- he plays it for Colombia -- and that he and Godfrey MAY be the best pairing in the long term. We haven't seen much of them together.

Mike. I'm with you. I'm 49 (I can still claim that for now!), and I'm convinced I've still got it. 30 is by no means past it in my opinion. It depends on the player – look at Gundogan. I guess it depends on the player and their style. I think given Allan's style of play, which is similar – not identical – to Peter Reid, we have a player who still has a lot to offer, but is probably past his best years.

I'm 65. I played footy Friday night with a local over-50 team as a guest player. It was my first game back after 26 months out with a torn Achilles and a leftover complication from my past cancer treatment. I just wanted to prove to myself I could come back.

I played 25 minutes off the bench, made a couple decent passes, won a header on the goal line, and walked off incredibly happy. Might be the last game of my life after 50+ years of competition. I can live with that.

Because I know, for absolute certain, that I've still got it.

Allan was rushed back last season and both him and Doucouré looked like shadows of themselves when they returned.

It just shows how important fitness is in this elite League. Even Calvert-Lewin has been playing with a sore toe. We have all played with niggles and we all know how they impede what we'd like to do.

Allan is looking great and I agree with Mike about those three super passes. Darren is right though – let's wait until he has racked up 50 games before we compare him to Reid!

It's been a few years since I was able to watch Everton away. I think the last one was Arsenal under Allardyce. Very disturbing experience.

One thing I loved on Saturday aside from the performance and apart from the Demarai Gray chant was the crowd belting out Spirit of the Blues. Complete with the high pitched "ooooooohhhhh" before the lead into the main part. Several thousand Everton fans reaching a tone I would struggle to get to, even with tight unterhosen!

Along with "here we go" good to see those 80s cup final songs are being put to good use. Next up "Everybody's Singing the Blues"? Possibly the worst of them all!!

Lyndon's gone a step further on his report and called him a mix of Reid and Pirlo.

No two players are identical, but some of us just see similarities. And that's all they are. Observations of similarities in style of play.

Someone rightfully called out Townsend earlier. Many, myself included, were underwhelmed by his signing, however on Saturday (and we're commenting on Saturday), he seems to have established himself early as a leader. First on the scene for the penalty handbags and his tackle late on endeared him to the travelling support.

I've obviously fallen into the trap of comparisons, so I won't call it a Phil Neville moment, but his was one name being called out by the supporters at the end.

The comment was made in post 116 by the poster who blew the trumpets the loudest concerning Carlo's ability to bring in superstars – or players nobody else was prepared to pay for.

You may debating one game, but he isn't. It's the way myths develop. Rewrite history before the ink is dry and you can paint your favourites in a more favourabe light than they have earned, then constantly refer back to the "fact" you have created. The fact that he then issues a precautionary warning to the guy who has been a revelation...

I don't debate with people who let their like or dislike for a player cloud their judgement. I would rather try to explain the offside law to the missus.

Attacks on "clueless" Holgate look pathetic in light of the fact that he has barely put a foot wrong this season (despite efforts to blame him for somebody else's error against Southampton). We have won 100% of our games on his watch. The only time we haven't won is when he didn't play and the guy who played instead of him cost us the wim... not the wisest time to be criticisng old Mason.

I'm not here to give Holgate, or anybody else, more credit than they deserve, but he and Keane looked quite solid on Saturday and people who understand football will generally agree on that. Those who allow favouritism to cloud their judgement won't. Those who make excuses for an Everton player having a good game simply make fools of themselves.

I believe you should call it as you see it, or not call it at all. Just because I have criticised Alex Iwobi in 90% of the games he has played for us doesn't mean I won't warmly congratulate him when he plays well. He has started to prove me wrong lately. Long may it continue.

Let's hope the likes of Allan, Gomes, Doucouré and Mina can all do the same under new instructions. There's no way I will be making churlish excuses for their good performances. I'll be far too busy applauding them.

BTW; Lyndon was clearly delighted with Allan on Saturday, but I think any comparison made to Pirlo and Reid really was tongue-in-cheek...

I would be more than happy with Mina and Godfrey, Mike, and I think they could become a really good pairing, except for the fact that our big Colombian is constantly picks up little niggles that force him to miss too many games; otherwise, I'd be more than happy to see if this partnership could develop.

I also think you are being very unfair on Holgate for his performance on Saturday; where you saw our clueless centre back playing with instructions to not really think, I saw a player who's main instruction had been to concentrate.

I am unsure about Godfrey as an alternative, largely because I haven't seen enough of him in that role. Perhaps somebody knows how many games he has played for us at centre half, as he deputised so often at rightback that I have forgotten how he compares to Holgate, Keane or Mina.

There is certainly a tendency on here to slag off the incumbent and big-up the lad on the bench. If Godfrey gets the nod, he can expect a roasting on here, as soon as he makes a mistake!

What I like about Holgate and Keane is that they try to stay on thier feet. Mina might well have the height advantage but once you are on your arse, you tend to be out of the action.

Some players can do it, but most who have played will know it is often difficult to adjust. Especially in a country where we tend to fix players in a certain position so early in their development, so they haven't been coached to play in different positions. That's a different debate.

Some are naturally versatile. Phil Neville for example. I think Godfrey deputises well in the full back position, but you don't want to have to rely on that in my opinion. When you play a centre back as a full back, you lose a dimension to the play. Especially given the nature of modern full backs. It's okay to plug injury gaps temporarily, but it's all a bit Tony Pulis.

Mina and Godfrey for me with what we have now. But, let's give the 2 centre backs credit for Saturday. I'd left them out but they didn't really put a foot wrong. The more I think about it, I can't think of a player that did.

If I had my way, I'd like to see a better centre back come in to pair with Godfrey. That would mean losing one and I know who I'd prefer that to be.

They both played okay on Saturday, that's the best accolade I can give. It came about as a result of instruction to play deep. The fact that the manager has already seen that sees the cards marked.

I'm still worried that the Doucouré & Allan combination has an awful lot to prove and would concentrate more on strengthening that area than central defence. I often think central defenders have been unfairly criticised for not being able to cope when opponents have been able to walk through our midfield, or our midfield players have simply isolated them by failing to show for them.

It's all about opinion.

I often regard ToffeeWeb as some sort of 'Twilight Zone' depending on who posts... some more than others! Do De Do De Do De Do De! :-)

I was fuming at halftime against Southampton, because I thought Keane and Holgate, didn’t even look like they were talking to each other, never mind playing next to each other, but I was a lot more critical in my thoughts with Holgate, because I didn’t think his positioning was taking into consideration how susceptible his partner is to a ball over the top?

Benitez changed it at half time and we improved as a team, and with central defence being one of those positions, that what your partner does, being just as important as your own game, (ie positional sense, talking, organization, knowing when to push, knowing when to drop) this was why I was impressed with Holgate on Saturday, because I personally think Michael Keane needs to take his lead from his partner, otherwise he loses concentration and does what comes natural, which is to begin to drop to deep?

This sounds critical and I might not even be right, but that’s how I see it, and I also believe that if Michael Keane, can be turned into the player that doesn’t need “to think” as much, because he’s got cover in behind, then maybe him and Godfrey, could also become a very good partnership?

Sorry for name dropping, but it goes back to my younger days, and listening to Brian Clough. He would have either got rid of Michael Keane pronto, or turned him into a very good player imo, and his words would have been very simple, they would have been - go and play on the front foot and attack the fucking ball - otherwise fuck off!

Interesting that you quote Brian Clough, as Clough had 2 of the slowest centre halfs ever to play together in Larry Lloyd and Kenny Burns and I have seen ships turn quicker than Lloyd but he made it work. Also more recently Huth and Morgan again a pair not blessed with pace who went on to win the league with Leicester. I don't know if the stats have changed in the last few seasons but dead ball situations led to more goals than any other, so having players who are good in the air can be just as if not more important than pacy defenders. I think Godfrey is a very good player but he isn't very big and against the likes of Burnley I think he would struggle.

You say Burnley, I saw it against a few different teams, but that’s why Clough had success imo, because he knew how to set his team up to mostly play to his players strengths?

I remember one senior player who didn’t always agree with this Brian, and after you mentioning that you think Godfrey would struggle against Burnley, I remember a conversation with this centre half, who was fuming because he thought that they needed more height in the team against the likes of Wimbledon, and sometimes felt that the gaffer played the game to suit his son!

Posing an attacking threat and retaining possession is the best way to defend against Burnley.

I’ve turned into a geek, nothing better to do whilst having to isolate, whilst remembering how Burnley footballed us off the park at Goodison last season, because the space between the lines was incredible!

Tony: smart lad that Andros Townsend! Actually, I say that in all sincerity. Been very impressed with his character since he turned up.

Too much last season he seemed interested in leaving his mark on players although to be fair he was frequently playing right back. People need to remember he’s still v young and raw. If he played with a leader at centre back I think he would excel. Both Mina and Keane are too error prone but they have physical presence only Bainthwaite has is respect of our other centre backs

Some really good points on the defence. Don't get me wrong, as an ex Central Defender who did occasionally get asked to play full back or even wing back, I'm firmly in the Defender's Union!! I agree with the midfield better protecting the defence, but also with the defence playing higher to push the midfield closer to our attacking options.

Not your standard Tony, I played Army level and Corps underneath that, which for those who know, isn't too bad. I agree with your observations on Holgate and Keane against Southampton. And for that matter, any central defender who partners Keane. If we can see his weakness, the players who train daily and play weekly with him must know it, so should be ready to help him out and compensate for it.

The worrying thing is that he is the oldest of the 4 and theoretically the most experienced at 28.

Again, am I over-simplifying or just relating to my own level? But surely, set pieces aside, you hold your line, but once you see the opposition player's "leg cocked" (so to speak), you communicate. One goes to win the ball, the other drops 5 or 10 yards to mark the space in behind in the event of not winning the ball? And you make sure you're marking on the right side of the player (the inside).

I’d like to thank a good majority of fans for getting behind Benitez and giving him a chance to prove himself as a manager, early days yet, let’s hope he continues to get the best out of the players, particularly as his hands are tied, at the moment, in the transfer market.

Rafa has started well. I wouldn't judge a manager until he's had a couple of meaningful (i.e. summer) transfer windows with us; so if things go a bit breasts up in the next month or so, I wouldn't immediately be on Rafa's back.

I think we've done well so far in strengthening the team with Townsend and Gray. Like others, I'd expect to see further strengthening of the team with either signings in central defence, or alternatively, Godfrey (sooner) and Branthwaite (a bit later) slotting in.
Injuries stalled our progress last season and more recently (Doucoure, Allan, Godfrey, Branthwaite etc). Fingers crossed for a bit more luck this season in that respect.

And who knows, in a year's time we might be looking at current U23s getting serious game time - Dobbin, Whitaker, Onyango after his injury, etc??

The glass is always half full!

Where is Paul Traill? I don't want to duplicated his excellent away trip reports, so I'm waiting to dump my eventful day into a comment on his!!

My opinion is that those two passes were as good as you will see from any player anywhere in the world and here are my reasons why:

The first one for Gray - over the last I don’t know how long one of the things that has driven me mad about Everton is that the midfielders always pass to the wingers feet even when there is space in front of them - safety first. I reckon Allan put that ball 10 yards in front of Gray to run on to and take perfectly in his stride. I think it put the defender in two minds and on the back foot - Gray did the pass justice by putting it away.

The second one for Coleman - was maybe even better. It was inch perfect, and turned the defender inside out. A yard or two to the right and Duffy could have come for it. He took two defenders out with one pass.

The other one - the back heel to DCL in the first half was pretty good also.

The other thing I like about him is he is always looking around to see what going on on the rest of the pitch.

He also quietened Richy down after Townsend had dispossessed him of the ball.
(That’s a first on here).

Allan is 30 I think - Gareth Barry was 32 when he joined us. If we can get 152 games of this quality out of Allan I will be very happy.