Demarai Gray well on his way to proving himself the steal of the season

A change of pace which simply burns defenders alive.

He' been getting me up early on Matchdays

Yep. So far so good. Hopefully he can keep it up. Although l wouldn't mind another similar player added in January because we have needed his kind, as Darren says, with a change of pace. I don't think we could have asked for more from him and Andros. Plus others coming into form. All good but 1 game at a time.

Hi Daren [1] when it was announced that Everton had signed Gray and Townsend, a section of fans on this site expressed less than complimentary opinions. I know that their performances may not be as good in games to come, but their contribution on Monday night was excellent, and it's been a while since Goodison was so vibrant. I agree that there are inevitably bound to be disappointing performances, but I live for the 'enjoyment of the moment', and let the future take care of itself. I suppose that's a simplistic approach, but it gets me by, I have considered doing the honourable thing for the meeting of the 25th by wearing a name tag, enabling others to avoid me.

Hi again Darren [1] apologies for the misspelling of your name.

The lad has talent for sure, he’s been great in his first four games.

He has a chance to fulfil the potential that he showed at Birmingham and for a while at Leicester.

But he does have a history of false starts so let’s not pile expectation on him and hope he’s matured into the bargain of the century.

Lets hope he can do the Biz on Saturday too as Lawrenson has again tipped us to lose. According to Lawrenson so far this season we are bottom with zero points. How do they get away with it, on a website we all have to pay for!

RE Gray, he will need a rest against QPR, but who steps in god knows.

Thierry Henry was plop in Italy (Berkamp as well if I remember correctly) but it clicked big time at the Arse. Here's hoping for young Demarai

Joe, l noticed that too with Lawrenson.

And l would say Gordon, lwobi and James might get a go vs QPR

Its good to have players waiting for a chance, and we have plenty of them.

I don't know if it was intended to acquire Gray with Townsend but that was a beautiful move by Brands if so. This young man has some steel about him and working with Townsend's veteran wisdom and overall class could really make him into something special. He seems the type to keep his head down so I'm believing it will happen. Do the Villains and make your side of the hometown proud, Demarai!

John... I shall be sporting a blue carnation in lapel
and carrying a copy of WSAG mag😁 Should be able to spot me👍

off topic but watching Gray's previous team Leicester v Napoli. That Napoli look a good team.

The lads got such natural pace flair and instinct and is a joy to behold in full flight.

This makes this Everton team potentially the most potent in many years, as there’s goals potential across the front line from all positions.

But it’s early days but let’s see what happens v Villa away, a genuine test for any team.

But fekk Lawrencson and the RS pro biased media.

This Saturday Everton can turn and split Villas midfield and back line.

I’m going for a win, though Ive not checked odds yet with B365.

Belief and genuine belief and respect to the squad and the management team, for getting Everton playing again.

The last manager took Everton to dire straits and took the joy out of the game.

Well done Rafa and his staff and to continue on with resilience and fearless football.

Great to see players busting a gut to get forward and to get back to help the defence.

Karen Carney is always worth listening to, she knows her stuff.

The way he celebrated his goal v Burnley was significant for me. Three fingers in the air and more to come from this lad!

So far a significant signing. With Townsend, this change is helping to turn the ship.

I mentioned on another thread that even if his season turned to custard from now, as terrible as that would be, he's already paid back the fee we paid for him. A 25yr old, two footed, speedy winger in the Bundeslige who just scored 3 in 4 games. What would teams pay for him now? $30mil plus?

Brent, definitely.

Good dealing by Rafa, and his team In the last transfer window, and let’s hope after 10 games, the team is still in tune, and going for it.

It’s a relief to see flowing football in each game rather than stagnation chess, under the last manager.

Everton, avoided a brand and culture disaster, when the Spaghetti Western director decided to take the easy ride out, knowing he didn’t have the guts to slog it, and there was no money.

Yep, Pete, and a really good writer for a footballer.

From what I've read these two wingers are Rafa's choices.

Pity that Dom is out for a bit, but being away to an attacking side could be just right for us with our mobile and speedy counter attacking duo up front. Fancy Richie to cash in next.

Completely agree Peter #13

Has her own opinions, explains the game really well and certainly holds her own. Definitely not there to fulfil an outlets diversity/equality drive - she genuinely is a top quality pundit worthy of attention.

Her effortless winding up of Leeds fans... "People were saying they only came up cos of Covid" – was a thing of genuine beauty.

Oh, she was winding them up beautifully was she? I didn't realise, there was me thinking she was just another gobshite pundit.

Peter,

Her intentions may be in doubt, but that they were wound up is not.

And that'll do for me.

He and Townsend are a breath of fresh air and we can only hope that they continue with their good work especially with our other strikers missing.

Rondon so far hasn't shown anything and surely he can't stay in that starting role when there are one or two youngsters chomping at the bit.

Rafa, of course will stick to his guns until Calvert-Lewin comes back but Rondon looks laborious at the moment so Everton will find it hard over the next few games.

Seems many people on here forgot what happened this time last season when we were flying. Well, it didn't get any better after the first 7 games and gradually went downhill, so let's not get carried away just yet.

As for Townsend and Gray, one was released by Palace and the other sold because he couldn't make the grade at Leicester City, so let's just say they as a team have made a solid start but let's see how they're doing after 20 games.

Not one for enjoying the moment then, Colin?

Hmmmm... I'm not going to remember and relish Townsend's absolute stunner versus Burnley because he's just a player that was released by Palace.

And Gray's goals aren't worth enjoying because he didn't make the grade at Leicester...

What some will do to be a misery arse is unbelieeeeeevable! 🤔

Brian Williams,

That's why I completely dismiss the 80s. Southall was a dustman from Bury so how could we possibly enjoy his team's success?

Seriously, I'd say the difference between this season and last season so far is that we are doing what you'd expect, ie, beating teams that on paper are weaker. Last season, the team couldn't be assed with that so they relied on grinding out backs to the walls wins in games we were expected to lose. Hopefully we can keep being flat-track bullies and throw in the occasional upset/

Okay then, I owe Julian a pint. Gray went to Leicester City in 2016 before Brands arrived. Credit to Rafa indeed if he banged the table for these two.