Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur

Another home defeat, I feel, and a crisis looming.

TICKET for main stand still going at £30 if anyone interested 07368456214

2-0 Everton.

This will be their first league game under a new manager who is one of the greatest motivators on the planet. Outside of Simeone, nobody gets a team revved up better than Conte.

I'll be delighted with a point. And, frankly, surprised.

That's an abysmal return, and once again if they dished out trophies for bad records, we'd be swimming up to our earlobes in gold.

Anyway on to tomorrow, unless the three goonies in our defence tomorrow pull their socks up, it's gonna be another f#cked up performance and result.

Whenever Keane and Holgate set foot on the same pitch together it's like a pure act of self destruction.

It's time for this group of players to stand up now and not shaft yet another manager while this group remains at the club stealing a wage.

After Spurs we have Manchester City and Brentford away, then the derbyat Goodison, huge games in the context of the season and probably many futures of our playing and managerial staff.

Hoping for a win, as usual, but it depends which Everton turn up, and which Spurs too!

COYB

That's what I'd like to see too. I think he can break forward and get in behind the front 3 for one of those rockets, with Allan and Delph holding the fort and covering wing-backs to bomb forward and give width.

What I find most shocking is the total lack of reaction by the team after the Watford debacle. Benitez needs to up his game, as well as the players, as some of his decision-making has been amateur-ish.

Allan, Gbamin, and Delph in centre-midfield please; none of this two in the centre as we will be overrun – and please, no Iwobi.

He's driving me nuts with his "I've arrived" attitude, but someone needs to point out to him that the clock is ticking. If he doesn't hurry up and start having the career we thought he would have, it will be over before he knows it. That person needs to be Rafa.

Allan is only really happy when he is hunting. Push him up 5 yards where he can harass the fuck out of them. Let Holgate be his insurance policy.

We have to make them worry about us and I think Spurs would be very happy to see Townsend brought central... their full-back definitely would.

Woohoo, on the Redbreast early...

I think Benitez should play young Branthwaite with Kean as the centre back pairing.

Pickford
Coleman, Keane, Branthwaite, Digne
Townsend, Allan, Delph
Gordon, Richarlison, Gray.

Also, if he is going to push a centre half in as a defensive midfielder for me it would be Godfrey all day long before Holgate.

It has been a dreadful few weeks but here we are yet again with an opportunity to jump into 5th spot on the table. If we run true to past form we will miss it because that is what we have been doing for years now isn't it?

For once, just once Everton, seize the opportunity.

I wouldn't consider Godfrey – the lad's obviously still suffering the after-effects of Covid-19.

COYB – let's get after them!! Especially that little rat, Son!

While we have Iwobi and Rondon getting onto the pitch, I cannot see much hope of us getting a point between now and Christmas. I venture to disagree with Lyndon's assessment that Iwobi is inconsistent. For me, he has been a model of consistency – absolutely crap in every match, barring a couple where he was average.

He shouldn't have a locker, never mind a shirt.

Call me delusional because there is no rationality to it but I just reckon we will get 3 points here.

Kane is not himself this season and their defence is Dier (pardon the pun) so, as long as we dominate the midfield and keep the full-backs pinned back, we should be okay.

I reckon we're noticeably shorter in midfield and up front, as while we supposedly have 3 of our first choice starting back four available to start (with Mina our only missing defender), we are without Doucouré, Gomes, the Icelander, Calvert-Lewin and Tosun further up the pitch.

I know Holgate and Godfrey have struggled of late but to bring in Branthwaite, who has hardly played any senior football in the last 9 months, is a huge risk. Add in the fact that he'd be facing Kane and Son… it's a complete non-starter.

Oh, and I'd plump for Holgate over Godfrey as a defensive midfielder too.

Riders of the Storm needed, but a win is a win.

The team that starts and its shape, the game policy, owners etc, is all up to Rafa. He has to get a synch, tune, method and means of his available squad.

Get into Spurs, they're no better than Everton, and take them the cleaners. Easier, said than done. But play for the shirt, and no shirking, and feeling sorry.

The storm season is on song, the Mersey will be blowing a hoolie, again, these next few days.

Unleash hell, Everton, no more feeling sorry, and being nice.

Get into them, and beat them.

“What's Our Name?”

It will be all down to the motivation of the players. Whether enough of them are prepared to put in the necessary shift. Coleman, Holgate, Keane and Digne would all need to up their game on their performances.

I expect Benitez to have a more defensive formation, he won't want the risk of depending on midfield pushing forward with the defensive line miles back. I expect Rondon to lead the attack to keep the Spurs defensive line deep and give space for Gray and Richarlison to attack. I have my doubts about Delph starting.

I agree that Godfrey will be rested and hopefully Gordon will get a well-deserved start.

I've never been a fan in the past, but I have to agree with considering putting Holgate in as the sweeper in front of the back 4, allowing Allan and possibly Townsend to press?

Gray, Richarlison and Gordon as the front 3. Take Delph out of Lydon's prediction but then we need another centre-back. Is Mina fit?

Sadly, as someone who has been very critical of Delph, he actually brought some leadership, composure and organisation to the middle when he came on Monday night. Mind you, it wasn't going to take much to improve on that first-half performance.

Regardless of how Iwobi may look in training, we must select players who will graft, fight like hell and refuse to be beaten. Burnley showed us the way v Chelsea – why can't we do the same?

The Under-23 team selection tells us that Dobbin and Onyango won't play but maybe Simms will warrant 20 minutes or so if we need him?

Central midfield looks very weak. Part of me says try Gbamin and Davies with Allan ahead of them as Gbamin should be better in a three. That said, if we only have two effective central midfielders, then we will be overrun, so maybe Holgate should start.

I can't see anything here other than a Spurs win by a couple of goals or more but I would try:

Pickford
Coleman Keane Branthwaite Digne
Davies Allan Delph
Gordon Gray Richarlison

If we are losing after an hour, bring on Townsend and Simss.

Like Danny, I have been very critical of Delph and it is indicative of how bad we have been that he is now regarded to be the good professional that we hope can give us some salvation.

So Rafa, it's over to you.

Is there something here we could learn for Everton? Tie a sack containing live rats around our defenders' heads whilst hanging them upside down? Water-boarding? Sensory deprivation?

What goes on at Finch Farm? These jokers are on easy street.

Last report I seen was that Mina was overseas doing his rehabilitation from his hamstring injury alone.

Allan, Delph, Gbamin or Holgate in midfield sounds all well and good but which of them is supposed to be creative, play box-to-box, or supply the probable three wide players?

Can we afford Gray, Gordon and Townsend all on the pitch together? If Gray plays upfront with Richarlison then midfield has to be Allan, Gordon, Townsend and Davies.

And we should all know who takes responsibility for sorting that out, or not.

Pickford
Coleman Holgate Keane Digne
Delph
Townsend Allan Davies Gray
Richarlison

Providing they have the running options in front of them. With a 3 of Townsend, Richarlison and Gray, they will have.

Don't sit deep. If we sit deep against the likes of Kane and Son, we'll be inviting the inevitable. Kane especially. One of the big differences between him and Calvert-Lewin is that Kane is not shy from taking a pop, and scoring, from range.

I'd like to see some sort of attacking spirit. Start the match on the front foot. Give our defence a chance to catch their breath a bit.

The catch in this is the play of the midfield. It is the weak link; if they don't step it up, it won't matter what the front three or the back four do.

The turning point.

I'll be honest, at the time, I didn't even realise it was him who scored on Monday. But then I was being told to shut up and sit down by the home supporters and suspicious-looking stewards!

In reality, I think this will be another horrible game with a new manager “bounce” for the opposition exacerbated by our dire injury situation. We really need some luck to get through all this.

Modern football is about energy, and just like football 100 years ago, it's also really got to be all about playing as a team.

I just watched Roy Keane describing Man Utd before yesterday's game, and it could have easily been most of us describing Everton, so I think we need to get behind this manager, because he's got a very hard job right now.

I was thinking how this controlled aggression differs from having blinding intensity. The intensity is a must and a mechanical thing, but the controlled aggression is a mindset issue. There has to be a perception of intent when we are challenging an opposition player, a total belief that we will come away with the ball. It may not always happen but that intent and belief has to be the default mindset.

With Doucouré injured, I think it has to be a midfield 3 to gain some sort of control over the game. Then rely on Gray Richarlison Townsend & Gordon to cause problems their pace.

I am weary without our first choice spine of Calvert-Lewin, Doucouré and Mina. But, with Richarlison back, Gordon improving all the time, a midfield three to add stability. Not needing to play Rondon, Iwobi or Gbamin from the start is a big boost for us too.

If the lads show up with controlled agression and intensity, the crowd can become a twelfth man today and help get us a hard-fought victory. COYBlueboys!

Everton 2 Tottenham 1

Getting something from this game has become incredibly important. We are at home, and have to pick up points or we will definitely find ourselves in the dogfight and Xmas will be even more of an anti-climax. I really don't want to be fucking miserable over the festive period.

We need to defend from the front. I would throw Holgate into midfield and get Allan further forward, as Tony and Darren suggest. It can't be any worse than Gbamin.

Christ! This group owe us a performance.

Everton are a disgrace. There's probably enough points on the board to avoid relegation but the club has been run into the ground by Kenwright.

No desire, no character, or leadership. Players that are happy to see their manager sacked and laugh n joke with the opposition before, during and after the match.

I think if you look at it on that basis, you have to buy into a manager being with you for the next 5 years. He must be in control, not the players or the board, who are prepared to push the panic button.

The recruitment needs to look at the character of the players, more than the technical skills. If someone had of done that, we wouldn't've bought Iwobi and Co.

Tim Cahill was technically not great. His passing was limited, his pace not great. But he fought like a gladiator in every game. He knew the dark arts, and he was a winner. It might not be glamorous, but we need some rough gems to give this side a backbone through the team.

A tough centre-forward, central midfielder, centre-back and right-back. Players that are going to fight for everything. I don't care about left-footed players that play in the right. I want players who will run and run for 90 minutes, putting their bodies on the line.

They will no doubt be buzzing and on the new manager bounce I just hope Rafa has come up with a game plan or this has Harry Kane returning to form all over it!

By the way lads what's going on with Gomes? I've known about the other injuries but he seems to have missed most of the season do we know what injury he's got?

Have Allan and Delph hold, marshall, and protect the full-backs, who need to get forward one at a time and provide width, as the front 3 get in and around Spurs' weak centre-backs and flood the box.

Let Andros come into the ‘hole' and provide a threat from outside the box, and roam a little to the wings to increase balls into the box and make the Spurs full-backs scared to leave room.

Above all, try and WIN from the start. Don't sit back until the game is lost. If we have to lose, lose having a go instead of trying not to lose.

COYBs

Our record against them is patchy at best and, with all our injuries and lack of form, I don't see much other than a loss or a draw at best. Happily I think I'll be out so I won't have to sit through it.

Cheery huh.

Three in midfield is essential Tony, as you say, but for those fans asking for Onyango to be part of that trio, please leave him out of it for now, he doesn't even boss the U18 or U23 games, he is nowhere being ready to play in a struggling first-team game, and that is not being pessimistic but 100% being realistic.

Come on, you Blues – up and at those Spurs today... you can get those 3 precious points in the bank.

Sorry but those two are not Premier League standard players; stop judging by potential as it blinds us from that simple, obvious truth.

Last week's performance was the latest in a long line of poor performances from them both.

We will not win with Holgate; Godfrey needs a little more time but I remain unconvinced.

Lose and that period will become even more difficult... optimism wiped away and firmly rooted in the bottom half by Xmas.

Different opinions are good - I welcome them because they are becoming a luxury where I live. However, I am sure you will join me when I shout

Up The Blues!!!

;)

I didn't know Gomes was a dairy farmer... explains a bit though!

As several of my best mates are Spurs fans, I'm dreading this. New manager bounce and Kane needing goals makes me cringe. Doucouré is a massive miss still and I can only see our bad run getting worse. Praying I'm wrong and we get a much-needed win today though.

If Rondon and / or Iwobi start today, I will have a proper temper tantrum; they're a real pair of misfits.

I think just having 2 central midfield players leaves us woefully short in midfield, and when Iwobi is one of the wide players, it leaves us even more exposed. I really hope that we play 3 in central midfield, which will allow Allan (in the absence of Doucouré) to push forward a bit knowing he has some protection. Whether the 3 in midfield are Allan, Davies and Delph or Allan and Delph with either Godfrey or Holgate. Seeing that Mina will be missing again, then it will be either Holgate or Godfrey to partner Keane.

I would imagine that Richarlison will be asked to play in the middle of Gray and Townsend as I don't think Benitez will start Gordon but he has the option of bringing him on later in the game.

Let's hope Demarai Gray is back to his best as he has been a little quiet in his last 2 games. Also, with playing with a 3 in midfield, then maybe Gray and Townsend won't have to do as much defensive work.

Come on you Blues, make me cheer please!!

Stick with this coach and let him clear the tossers out. However, you will be waiting for a couple of years or so until the last one is bombed out, and a little longer to get rid of the crap coaches at Finch Farm.

If he can survive the politics of Kenwright, who will try to stir the shit, then Benitez will do okay.

Hope for a win; these are shite, and a bunch of turncoats. Roy Keane could indeed have been talking about football in general in fact, and he is 100% correct.

A seasoned and experienced professional who has played Champions League standard or an overrated defender and a gobby upstart who hasn't quite made it yet not liking being told.

Which one do you listen to?

The problem with this Everton squad is that to many of them have played without leaders. So they don't like being told or being given a rocket.

Ancelotti kept having to adjust and so will Benitez. But there is a unlying motivation issue and feeling that what goes on at Finch Farm could be the source.

Benitez has like Ancelotti called out for improvement but alot earlier than Ancelotti. That is where the real battle is.

A win today would put Benitez in a stronger position and maybe there lies the problem.

When you are going into games with no confidence in anything but yet another capitulation then the club is in a really perilous position. I don't think the famous Wimbledon game had people feeling so bereft of enthusiasm or so resigned to yet another abysmal surrender devoid of any effort or skill. I suppose season after season of the SAME problems resulting in the SAME outcomes is akin to the Hostage situation where Hostages actually after a length of time in captivity become more on the side of their captors.

The fact that one cup final win is all to celebrate in over 30 years has similarly made supporters more accepting to the year on year dross with the eternal "it will be ok next season". At 71 years of age I honestly cannot see me being able to celebrate any success before my time comes to shuffle off this mortal coil and the worst part is I accept it, when the Supporters should be outside the ground every opportunity demonstrating and showing the status quo is unacceptable. How can anyone with any sense pay out half a £billion to assemble the worst squad in the history of Everton FC Ltd.
There should be a sign outside every turnstile at GP proclaiming "Abandon all hope ye who enter here" that is how rotten the fabric of the club has fallen to.

I hope Goodison backs Benitez whatever happens - he is simply stating facts when he says all the money could have been better spent - maybe he reads TW?

We need points on the board and some signs of direction to attract the better calibre of player (and character) to progress and for a ruthless cull of the hangers-on - I take your previous point about our DoF not being allowed to be but he must be a gutless, characterless individual to get himself a seat on the management committee and then put Elastoplast over his mouth - he needs to man up.

I honestly think this is the worst Everton first team squad I've seen since the early 70's. This squad has none of the above mentioned attributions. It's a team of ghostly shadows, spectres if you like. There is no effort, no game plan, no strategy, no tactics. The players seem to do whatever comes into their minds, it's all off-the-cuff, hope for the best stuff.

Our players fear no one, but in the worst possible way. They don't fear our managers, they don't fear our fans, they don't fear the media coverage and they certainly don't fear the owner and his clueless board.

I didn't/don't want Benitez but while this attitude persists from top to bottom at Goodison no manager will ever succeed with this bunch. They don't feel any pressure to leave everything on the pitch and they certainly don't respect the shirt they wear or the legacy they are supposed to honour.

0-4 Spurs win today. The Conte effect.

The injury situation is really hurting and the appetite seems to have gone
from those who are left.

Spurs have a new manager and they have the impetus to want to impress him.

Kane and Son are very dangerous and Moura is playing well.

However the team they beat during the week was crap and I am sure Everton will be tougher for Spurs.

After three poor games who knows what Rafa can do with what he has but certainly the rot has to be stopped now or he may be the next manager to face the axe.

“Best way to get rid of the present regime is to boycott the club and simply stop going.”

I think a better way is to go to the games, although I am unable to at the moment, and show your support for the manager who is fighting the present regime, virtually on his own, he needs our backing visually and verbally at the moment with the squad threadbare with injuries, he will get it right eventually if he is allowed to stay and do things his own way.

Show the old regime we are on to them; show Benitez we understand the problems he faces from people who should be backing him and the team but are making it harder for him than is necessary and we are backing him. We've had more than enough of them.

But Conte's arrival will give them a real boost unfortunately.

Add to that our injury crisis and woeful options, this isn't a game I'm looking forward to. But hopefully a hard-fought draw is possible.

Unfortunately, I can't see many who will have it in them to do this... which is a terrible indictment of our club. Rafa will sort it if he is given time as he is missing our three best players in defence, midfield and attack – and all three are lads who will fight for the cause.

Brands should feel embarrassed at his role in the accumulation of these largely gutless players.

The run of games coming up is not looking good and, if we don't pick up the pace soon, we are in big trouble. Back to bed for me and keep a eye on ToffeeWeb for match updates.

Moyes was probably the nearest when we got to the FA Cup Final in 2009 and got whacked after scoring a dead early goal. Other cup matches spring to mind over the years: finals, semi-finals, European Cups, Uefa Cups, Heysel! Never mind the hundreds of examples in the league. (Maybe a touch of poetic license there, but you know what I mean.)

Someone mentioned the comment by Shearer regarding working harder when you haven't got the ball, than when you have it. I think some of our players get their sleeping bags out! More to the point, I think some players think they can breathe easy once they get rid of the ball to anyone else.
And that has become worse since, after Martinez, we started getting the manager of the season before he's binned and we even managed to accomplish 3 feats of managers of half a season! Put that together with very poor transfers in and and, even now, we have half a squad who aren't up to the level to get us anywhere better than we are now.

Rafa Benitez, according to some, is either a secret bloody agent for the forces of darkness, or inept, or both, so they hate him. And lump the blame on a manager who's had the fantastically long period of 10 games or so, to propel us up to challenge for Europe. Not much to ask when he's been handed a shit squad and the princely sum of £2 and bloody 50p to go and swoop on the best players in Europe, who would be queuing up in droves to come rushing to Goodison Park!

Today (and it has been so for weeks and will be for more) we have certain areas in the team which are weak, or very weak. Is Gbamin ever going to show what we hoped for? Are the centre-halves willing to stop auditioning for the Panto season? And is the real Digne ever going to come back to us?!

With this hotch-potch of a squad and some of the best injured, all I would hope for today is that the players take that quote from that Geordie twerp, and work harder off the ball.

I think we've got some really decent players, but not enough and it's easy for the opposition to mark them out the game.

Funnily enough, I think our very own Scarlet Pimpernel, Delph, will make a beneficial difference to our midfield and I really hope he uses Gordon and Townsend, Gray and Richarlison to attack the Chickens... and I will be booing – but it will be at that little shit, Son!

I know what you mean though. Never walk off a pitch thinking you could have given more.

Come on, Everton.

We are going to plummet down this league if we don't get our best players back quick, its not looking good is it.

Benitez has jumped right back into the frying pan but I think he's the right man for the job; our crap recruitment over the last 5 years has got us into this position.

Just to try and cheer up. All the negativity I'm getting reading the current posts. An old friend visited me this morning (he's a Red by the way) and the conversation obviously on matchday turned into a bit of banter.

After listening to his crap about past derbies and our empty trophy cabinet, I said this…

“Bert, irrespective of past results, 0-0, 2-2, 3-1, 0-4 etc etc etc, the facts are, in the cold hard light of day, Kopites are still Gobshites.” He was silent for a few minutes with a sickly grin on his face, made his excuses and left. COYB.