Rampant Reds prove too hot for valiant Blues to contain

Tough ask for Simms – Liverpool, then this to start, but wishing him all the best. Confidence will be up after that strike against Chelsea, but a tough game all the same. Maybe 2-2, and another valuable point.

It's an attacking move. I'm quite surprised.

It's a positive move bringing Simms in. He looked a bit leaner and fitter than I've ever seen him in the training vid so he will hopefully cause Man Utd's defence a few problems today.

COYBLUES!

cannot see Iwobi moving inside.

Those in the stadium, those watching at home, those following at some ridiculous hour overseas.

A unified blue wall. Here we go.

Speak to you on my way home.

Enjoy the ride!

I reckon he may get dragged.

But Simms could/should have scored, and I fail to see how Maguire not making any attempt to get the ball and merely barging Grey to the ground is not a penalty? it's a foul anywhere else on the pitch, it's a clear penalty.

Godfrey has been woeful. Not sure how we go about this. Really think we need another midfielder on the pitch, but can't be hooking Simms as he is a goal threat.

Dyche had better come up with something because the ball over the top is killing us. Godfrey is 10 yards off his man all the time, once again it is the long diagonals, drop it over the full back, it's painful.

Hanging by a thread.

Again for the goal we have defenders just dropping back all the time otherwise the scorer should have been played offside.

And when we get forward and wide there seems to be no thought of at least putting a cross over, just fiddle before giving the ball away. I thought we could have had a penalty about 20 or 25th minute when Gray was held back but forgot we are up against one of the never happened sides.

The one sad point is that Simms could have given us the lead but now seems to have developed the Finch Farm speciality of being frightened to put his boot through the ball.

Can't see us getting anything out of this other than keeping our goal difference almost respectable.

Sorry guys and lasses.

Gana our best player?

Remember Jordon Pickford?

So many mistakes, he is almost always scared to put a foot in. Not the only one making mistakes agreed but fuck off, Iwobi!!!

Iwobi is fucking useless. How the fuck can the manager keep picking him. Can' t pass, shoot or tackle. How much? Arsenal were pissing themselves when they got rid.

Crack on next week.

This squad ain't quitting on the back of a bad day...

passing was way below standard, Utd played well, but every time we had the ball we gifted it back to them, got to be better than this.

In truth we could have taken a morale sapping hiding today.

Oh well, the big games for us are still coming.

It was a step too far replacing the mainly midfielder Doucoure with the mainly attacker Gray. I thought we were on the back foot throughout and possibly a better call would have been to have a more solid midfield and play Gray up top on his own. Maybe the same formation as has been decent recently, but simply with Garner for Doucoure.

Man Utd have so many quality attacking players it probably wouldn't have made much difference, especially on their wide open pitch. Ten Haag's tactics of switching play and exposing our full-backs worked well.

Need to forget this now and move on, get a win next week.

Why you would bother bringing on Maupay is beyond me and if you thought Simms did little then you would have had difficulty knowing Maupay was on other than his number was on the subs board. We seemed to miss Doucouré getting forward as we got few if any players into their penalty area and nobody that gave them anything to worry about.

As for the second goal, again, Coleman made an error that let the Man Utd player in but had he been holding the line then he was offside. When will we wake up to it!
I thought this was one of
the better refereeing displays of our season but similar to Kane last week why was McTominay not booked for twice kneeing a player?

All-in-all, we deserved everything we got from this game and the best I can say is that our goal difference could, perhaps should, be a lot worse. The almost bubble has burst.

Better chances to win coming up.

Fulham, Palace, Newcastle, Leicester, Brighton, Man City, Wolves, Bournemouth.

9 points from Fulham, Palace and Leicester would be lovely.

Today, I had very little confidence – tough game on the road, coming off a great effort with one less day of rest.

I have a lot of confidence we can beat Fulham at home. Hopefully that gets a ball rolling and we actually drag Palace down officially into the Relegation Battle Royale.

It's all getting a bit ass-pucker for me now.

Seamus played really well apart from that terrible mistake.

But it highlights the gap between the two sides; how many of our players would get in the Man Utd squad and how many of theirs would get into ours.

Answer none and all of them.

We're just a poor team relying on spirit when faced with decent teams. I'm not despondent – I expected to lose today – but we are where we are on merit, not by bad luck. It's a poor squad.

I'll say it again: we should have stabalised with Big Sam being here longer.

Ten Hag has Man Utd playing as well as they have in the past decade since Ferguson retired. We couldn't cope with it. I don't think there's a huge inquest into what we could / should have done. Points were available through either luck or Man Utd having an off day. We got neither. As it is, we've lost without unduly harming our goal difference.

Some of today's poor performers still have much to contribute to us staying up. We move on.

The positives we can take from the game is the Goal Difference is going to count in staying up or going down, and we kept the score respectable, plus another strong display from Pickford.

Also not surprised that McTominay did not get even a yellow card.

You've got to be joking – he was as bad as Onana and Godfrey. James Garner done more in 10 minutes than the other two.

MotM has got to be Pickford.

This was a write-off from the get-go unless Man Utd didn't bother showing but of course the sneaky petunias did. On the plus side, we avoided a hammering meaning goal difference is still retrievable and confidence not unduly affected.

Only two more write-offs remain – Man City and Newcastle Utd – so the league we start in next season is very much in our hands (points deduction notwithstanding). Not good but not disastrous.

We will go down because we drop points to Fulham, Bournemouth and Newcastle. Win those three and we should be okay with maybe an away win or couple of away draws to be sure.

We are a poor squad which is why we are in trouble. Onana is not giving enough, Ben Godfrey is struggling and we need of course a fit Calvert-Lewin. We will only pick up points if everyone is playing well and we had too many today who weren't allowed to by a top side.

Let's move on!!

I wish you could blame Ramadan for Onana's very poor performance but he has been producing these displays all season to be honest; the lad simply hasn't shown anything to demonstrate why we paid such an extravagant price for this player, he offers next to nothing going forward or defending, but apart from Pickford the whole team played a lot worse than they have been recently.

We can play better than this and will do to get the points needed to stay up.

Simms shot aside, too timid, and Jordan Pickford saved us from a very heavy defeat.

We go again v Fulham which is a must-win, and hopefully results go Everton's way today.

Disappointing day to say the least but there's a big battle ahead which Everton can winto stay in the League.

Definitely missed Doucouré in midfield, maybe Garner or Davies would have been a better option in midfield, as Iwobi and Gray offer no physicality with Onana offering little.

We badly need Calvert-Lewin available.

I think we've missed two opportunities to win games under Dyche, the game at Forest and last Monday's draw with Spurs. We understand that we are down where we are for a reason, but that doesn't excuse non-performance in any game anywhere.

If we are to win away again this season, it's better to do it at the teams around us, like Wolves, Palace and Leicester, but the Fulham game on Saturday has become all important and we simply must win it.

It could go down to the final two games of the season, but we have to win a game or two to make that happen. It's tough being a blue at the best of times, but this next few weeks will truly test our resolve.

I think we now have a good run of games to take points through to end of the season and that includes Man City at home who may have one eye on the semi-final of the Champions League.

Now that's not as big a problem as it first appears footballers who can play have virtually vanished from the game most can't trap a bag of cement these days and wrestle with rather than control a ball. The unopposed inheritor of the Messi/Ronaldo crown, Mbappe, is an athlete first and foremost his sprinting prowess being what sets him aside

So, in the land of the blind where the one-eyed man is king, Onana is effectively a prince and therefore valuable as a saleable asset which, in all honesty, is all we are interested in this summer. Might be best to keep the truth of his performances on the down low whilst other clubs seem to be buying the hype – we need the cash pronto.

Garner in for Doucouré and Onana given the Doucouré role was the simple change to make.

If we had kept to the tried and trusted we might have won the midfield battle and kept things even or nicked a goal.

Maybe Dyche underestimated Man Utd but Old Trafford is not the place to tinker with the proven formation. He better have it sorted for next week. And a strong midfield is essential.

I was flummoxed when I saw Dyche had changed the system. We find one that works and then change it because of one missing cog?

On saying that, how many more games will Iwobi get based on that graphic of him running all over the pitch last season? He can't tackle, his decision-making is shocking, and he runs into blind alleys. I get that he's skilful but he's five-a-side skilful!

But it's not just individuals – our squad is Bottom 6. I'm 100% for giving Sean Dyche the chance that, in hindsight, Allardyce should indeed have been given. There, I've said it!
UTFT!

The midfield all season is where our problems have cost us, the lack of goals we have known about for a good few years but there's no creativity or nous in that midfield whatsoever.

Garner for me, if he's fit, should finish the season now, at least he looks half calm and capable on the ball which is not something you can say of Gana, Iwobi or Onana.

Desperate times and we can only hope that next Saturday our need is greater than Fulham's and we eradicate anymore self-destruct errors which have plagued the season for us.

Gueye was the bigger disappointment for me today because he's our most experienced outfield player and his use of the ball during the first half was very poor. He did improve after the break and was playing as well as anyone when he got hooked but I think the game was already away from us even at this stage.

The gulf in class was huge and this was amplified when you realize Iwobi is meant to be our biggest creative player according to the stats.

A free-hit but you don't get nothing away from home without being horrible and hard to play against –especially when we have got such little creativity in the team. I agree the well coached Man Utd were at it today and, even though I thought we played right into their hands, they did show teams how to play against a very narrow defence and could have been four or five up by half-time.

We need Calvert-Lewin — I believe this team could even become a mid-table side if he was fit but without him it's going to be a real struggle until the end.

Agreed. We need the extra man in midfield. Today was like watching a Lampard team. Wide open without the ball and too slow and predictable with the ball.

I'd forget Calvert-Lewin now, mate, as bad as it sounds, I know he's had loads of stick for his life choice etc etc and I'm not going down that road.

I mean, for 2 years now he's not featured hardly and I doubt if we are all honest with ourselves that next season will greatly differ because the problems just seem so ongoing that any physical exertion is killing his body and preventing any competitive nature.

We should have been ruthless last summer and looked at Calvert-Lewin as a squad player and signed two first-choice strikers and had Calvert-Lewin as a third choice, if he's fit then fine but don't expect anything.

We've brought it on ourselves sadly.

Think about this: who in that dreadful squad would you have in any selection of players that you'd be happy with in our team for the start of next season? The same two for me and that is all. What has happened to what were some seemingly good buys?

Pickford is the best goalie in the world — we'd be in the Championship already without him.

And once it became clear Onana was having another stinker, I was desperate to see Garner. I was also desperate for us to stop playing such a high line – they created so many chances from long balls.

We didn't deserve anything, but we were still in it until the Coleman mistake. Not a match to get too down about – there are more key games ahead.

Iwobi doing well, then give it straight back to them. As I've said, he is limited because of his 10 to 2 feet. That might sound daft but he constantly gives the ball away.

I said when Dyche came in, we have a manager to get us out of the Championship. Staying up would be a title win. Going down will not be a shock. Still have a chance!!!

Looks like Frank has put another nail in our coffin! Cheers, Frank, for everything!

No matter what we think of Calvert-Lewin, we simply have to risk him for the Fulham game and beyond. Once the season ends, all being well still in top-flight football, go all out to bring two top-class strikers in.

Calvert-Lewin will be the messiah in a couple of weeks, and all the name-callers will be kissing his backside, watch this space.

Spurs should have had Perisic and Romero sent off, and 2 goals ruled out by the VAR, and Kane rolling around again twice, unbelievable.

On the bright side, after that tough run of games, we are above the Bottom 3 and we got away with an absolute battering to our goal difference today.

We have to beat Fulham next week.

I agree. Cannon could even link up with Simms. The may have had an understanding. Something that Maupay lacks in abundance.

Cheers, Villa.

Gray
McNeil Garner Gueye Davies Iwobi
Mykolenko Tarkowski Keane Coleman
Pickford

This is a solid enough team until Doucoure and hopefully, Dominic are back.

And as expected, Lampard loses at Wolves - one of the worst managers at Everton in the long list of poor managers.

Simms looks better coming off the bench for the last 15 - 20 minutes.

Nottm Forest have a horrific run of games coming up, looks like it could be between us and Leicester who survives.

Fulham next week is a must-win.

Whilst the team overall were poor today, in part I think that was due to the manager's initial game plan which made us short in midfield.

However, there were also a number of players who performed poorly, notably Godfrey, Onana, Iwobi, McNeil and Maupay. The rest I thought were okay, given their various limitations.

We will need to play a lot better than this if we are to stay in the Premier League.

For his part, I hope Doucouré was fined for his silly sending off, and Calvert-Lewin is on the team sheet for the remainder of the season, and Garner starts next week.

I hate the fact that Calvert-Lewin might come back as a hero but, if he had played at all, we wouldn't be in the position of needing a hero.

If he is willing – I am not convinced – we need to risk him against Fulham. If we don't win that, it is over.

Spurs, Chelsea, Arsenal (x2), Villa, Liverpool, Brentford, Forest and Leeds, yup! that is a whole raft of relegation rivals isn't it?

I don't know if Dyche wanted to force them wide and hope we could deal with the crosses, but the tactics didn't work today. Simms was too isolated, no one really ran in front of him the way Doucouré has been getting forward.

Gray needs to deliver the ball without all the stepovers, he's definitely better through the middle with the goal to run at instead of the byline.

It could have been embarrassing if not for Pickford. I think the Gana & Onana were took off to give them a rest as it didn't look like we were getting anything .
This game's gone, next 2 are huge now. No one seems to want to drag themselves out of this relegation battle but 6 points from the next 2 would go a long way for us.

Win lose or draw against Fulham, I won't be giving up till that fat lady is singing... why would we give up when there's even a small chance? And the chance isn't even that small – we are well capable of staying up!!

We'd have gone down last season with that attitude!! And in '98 and '94!!

We don't give up, lad!!!

It's 3 out of the Bottom 4. The others will pull away. I don't want to come back and haunt us – Wolves injury time winner and surrendering the lead twice at Forest.

I don't want to dwell on Bournemouth results as they are a better team.

Grimm, isn't it.

Horrible journey up because of engineering works.

London to Leicester. Leicester to Nuneaton. Then Nuneaton to Manchester.

Same deal on the way back only delayed an hour at least due to an emergency ahead. I hope the person is okay.

Sat amongst the home supporters and with a few Man Utd friends in United pubs after the match.

Tough day.

But we go to Goodison on Saturday.

Rashford also looked like he put an intentional elbow into the face of McNeil. I only watched it as it happened because there wasn't a replay, but I'm sure Rashford meant it.

McNeil toughed it out, someone like, Harry Kane would have been down and writhing getting the VAR to have a look.

I won't just forget about Calvert-Lewin because I think we badly need him mate. He's been injured a very long time, but not for as long as the club has been totally mismanaged into the ground.

I believe if Dominic doesn't get fit, then this total mismanagement could possibly lead us into the Championship.

I don't think Dyche or the squad will feel demoralised by the result today. It's just one of those things.

Contrast that with how Leicester must be feeling right now...

I fucking hate Spuds nearly as much as the shite. They're an absolutely diabolical club. Haven't won a league title since 1961 and the media go on and on about them like they're laden with trophies.

Last major honour – FA Cup in 91. Must be the only team in the Champions League who've never won the domestic competition. Embarrassing.

But what that snide Levy has done is keep them relevant by hook or by crook – usually with the help of the PL and dire decisions – unlike uncle Bill who's managed us the opposite way. Anyway, rant over.

I didn't see the game today as was travelling. Sounds like we never turned up and they did as the Sky 6 always do with us. And that bag of shite Martial got his obligatory goal against us. Incredible.

We need points and we need the likes of Bournemouth to start running out of luck. Anyway, it's all by the by cos unless something drastic changes, we'll be here again next year.

Fuck off, Kenwright.

UTFT

Brian 74, agree about Cannon, he would be an option right now.

Whilst we are certainly an improved outfit since Dyche took over, our form isn't exactly pulling up trees. We will need to significantly improve and get at least 3 wins, possibly 4 to stay up. Are they possible or likely from 8 games?

Ian 96, Rob 98 exactly!! We all knew there would be setbacks. How we deal with the setbacks is vital now. The two coming games will tell us a lot.

John 92, yeah we've lost. It's hard another weekend looking at other teams, coming fixtures others fixtures. But I belive we wouldn't have had a chance if we'd kept Frank so we have more than a chance now.

People saying Cannon shouldn't be on loan we need him, no it's Calvert-Lewin we need. We have Simms and he's shown the step up is not an easy one to make.

The yards the team have run lately, we were bound to have a setback when the sqaud is so thin!

Keep believing, lads!! What's the alternative??

Okay, it's changed now, no more of Kenwright's jobs for the boys.

I know I'm digressing but I'm angry that we haven't got a better squad because of 8 wasted years because of Kenwright.

We have just sold an academy graduate for 㿙M, so not all bad, mate.

Simms, Mills, Cannon and few others on the fringe of things too.

Didn't see that one, but normal form for Oliver to turn a blind eye.

I think Dyche will change it back to his more orthodox 4-5-1 that grinds out wins and is a much meaner team. But even then we will need to pass it better, we were sloppy today and there's no excuse for that.

Also we can't afford any more giveaway mistakes as we don't score freely to compensate.

Eight points from those four games will go a long way to securing safety. If we stick to our system that works, we can do it.

Tony A, I kind of thought, or rather hoped we may have got a penalty from Carthorse Maguire's antics inside the box, but the chances of that were slimmer than a Rizzla Paper. Almost makes Fulham a must-win game now, just to keep pace with others at the bottom.

The paucity of quality in the squad must be concerning Dyche. The bench is hardly inspiring. Let's hope we can get 3 points versus Fulham. It's a must now.

But we need a win. Fulham will be no pushovers for certain and we will miss Doucouré as we did today. But I have a feeling we might see Calvert-Lewin back soon. Whether he'll be fit enough to make a positive impact, I've no idea… but hopefully so.

Dyche has improved us but we've had a really tough run of games. Fulham, Palace and Leicester are the next 3. I'd say we need an absolute minimum of 4 points from those but ideally 6 or 7 (though I wouldn't say no to 9!). It's gonna be a nail-biter.

To get a result today, we would have had to be playing a Man Utd team with little to play for, which was the complete opposite, they are chasing a Champions League place so they were always going to put in a massive shift today in their own stadium.

The relegation battle is obviously still finely balanced. I think that Wolves and West Ham will be involved despite their victories today. There is still a way to go and it could go right to the last matches of the season for us unfortunately.

We just have to grin and bear it until it's over and hope we survive. Surely then some drastic changes will be made at boardroom level, otherwise we will be back here again next season, god forbid.

Garner's Distinctly Average' is, at the moment, better than that big galoot Onana.

Talking of big galoots, Godfrey had another less than 'Distincly Average' day... not for the first time either.

Simms didn't have much to work with and looks what he might turn out to be, a bit... in the style of a Lukaku-lite... one dimensional — Okay when it comes off, like Chelsea.

I think Dyche pushed the back line up a bit too far to compress the midfield a bit — compensating for the missing Doucouré?

If it all goes down to Goal Difference, then thank Pickford — MotM.

He's been here 3 or 4 seasons now and nobody knows his best position. I think we bought him as a right-side centre-back but he's probably only played there 5 times.

I think he's going to be one of those utility players who is not considered to be great anywhere, but he'll have a career in and around the Premier League and Championship as per his last few years but will never be considered as a really good player.

Onana has been really disappointing., I believe Dyche is getting a bit fed up with him now and we will see him benched when Doucouré is back.

So you think it's a success over 8 years?

Simms — Cannot control a ball.
Gordon — hit and run merchant. No close control whatsoever.

Typical Unsworth players. As the saying goes, in the Godfather, "It's not personal, just strictly business."

What I'm saying is, under Bill Kenwright, it was who was up Kenwright's arse. I really believe that.

In the same week that Tiger Woods hits the flag on the green, three Everton players fail to hit the target in two games, they are Doucouré, Gana and Simms.

As for Calvert-Lewin, he will suddenly be fit for at least the last three games; otherwise, Arsenal or Man Utd will not make a bid for him. His fitness battles remind me of the Man Utd player we bought; Sir Alex Ferguson was convinced his 'injuries' were in his mind.

Simms needs to realise he needs to be proactive; otherwise, he is showing the same meaningless movement as Rondon. With that kind of performance, he will undoubtedly follow Rondon out of the club. I hope, regardless of our situation, that Dyce remains in charge next season; he will be very careful with his spending and will get rid of players if he feels they are not trying.

What does Dyche say? "The minimum requirement is maximum effort." Clearly Simms did not do that today.

Simms has 8 games to impress before Calvert-Lewin, Cannon and Dobbin return.

To quote another great manager: "Defence starts with the striker".

Definitely this Everton squad can't stay up but they must not forget their club identity and what it means. Today was as good as a no-show. Next week, show no mercy and beat Fulham. Beating Fulham is what counts.

UTFTs!

My humble apologies.

Left back is in my opinion a specialist position requiring a left-footed player. All the best Everton left-backs have been left-footed. That is why Mykolenko should start there every time.

I am a Ben Godfrey fan, he has some qualities that I really like but playing him at left-back is setting him up for failure. Personally, I think he could be turned into a box-to-box midfielder.

I thought Dave Abrahams was a bit premature in his assessment of Onana but it looks like you were right, Dave. He is looking more and more like a show pony to me. At this stage, I would swap him out for Davies without hesitation. If we can sell him for a profit in the summer, I would (and buy Richarlison back off Spurs).

I noticed that Dyche finally decided it would be a good idea to switch Gray to the right and McNeil to the left. They both can cut in and shoot with their preferred foot. For that reason, I think Dyche will have to persist with Simms in the centre.

Last but not least – drop Iwobi and replace him with Garner.

Pickford,
Coleman, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko
McNeill, Gana, Garner, Davies, Gray
Simms

ps: McTominay knees Coleman twice while he was on the deck and Rashford elbows McNeil in the mouth – not even a yellow card in sight! Say no more…

Give me strength, Lawd.

Also, Cannon wouldn't be an option if he had stayed with us. Lampard wouldn't have used him. Dyche wouldn't have used him. He has slowly developed over 1200 tough minutes at Preston -- remember, he didn't score in his first seven games there, even briefly lost his starting job. He survived that long dry spell and grew into the game.

Never would have had that chance with us.

He looks the part, like Grealish, socks half down etc, but that's about as far as it goes… He's been a wage thief, and gravy train stowaway since that goal against Man City 6 years ago. Yes, that long. Another who has had a few (equivalent) Lottery Wins without even buying a Ticket.

Strewth, Bruce! He's not called Dogshit Davies or Harpo Marx (brother of Skid) or Bette Davies for nothing. :-)

But seriously, I don't get the abuse that he gets from some posters here. I get it that some players trigger a very negative reaction among some fans for irrational reasons (for me, it is Mina and to an extent, Godfrey and Onana) but I cannot get why Tom sparks such rage.

In my eyes, he has performed quite decently whenever called upon. I believe he is capable of more, but he has never been played consistently by any manager – mainly because (again my opinion) there have been more sexy name options – Schneiderlin, Gomes, Delph, Gbamin, Allan, Doucouré, Onana, etc – most of whom have let down the club more spectacularly than Tom Davies.

I haven't seen that Everton have offered him a new contract as his current one, I think, expires at this season's end but it won't be him that breaks the bank but somebody will blame him for our position this season.

He 's not even Welsh, hence not scoring for them ! Despite his surname sounding eligible, although he would be better suited to work on a sheep farm than than kick a sheep's inflated bladder on a football pitch. :-)

So if he wants a career at Everton after this season the answer is simple, pull your socks up, stop the silly fouls and concentrate on winning the ball and passing it to someone in a blue shirt. It's got to be largely in his own hands, but the Manager can play his part too. We desperately the Tom Davies who showed great promise to rediscover those skills by next week if not he doesn't deserve to be on the team sheet.

Let's be honest the central midfield players are not full of brilliant or even competent performers and I think most of thought Doucoure would be a big miss, his energy and Gueye's are vital to this team and Gueye was fighting a losing battle on his own yesterday, the invisible man really was invisible yesterday, but they all had a bad day along with Dyche, hopefully we will be a team again versus Fulham.

Doucoure may be out, but Onana and Godfrey need to improve or be dropped for the next game.

Fulham on a poor run of form and looking toothless following Mitrovic's ban coming to Goodison next week...storyline almost writes itself.

All of the other relegation candidates have very difficult matches next week so a real opportunity for Everton.

What's that got to do with Tom Davies? A kid who has been pushed from pillar to post and back again, and hasn't been allowed to develop because he's been playing for the most dysfunctional club in the country for years.

Davies might not be good enough for where we want to be, but I believe once he finds stability, he will prove to be a very good player for some team, because he's not scared of hard work. He lacks a yard of pace, he doesn't lack much else, except he's playing for a fan base that have also been kicked from pillar to post, watching this kid struggling for the same reason. Just my opinion, I might be wrong.

Now some may say you cant blackmail a player like that, but I would remind everyone that the club is paying Dom in excess of £100,000 per week. The club need him to play even if it gives him a few niggles.

Other results were a mixed bag but we're still 17th amazingly.

The first half was ridiculous, and Godfrey was well out of his depth. We played way too high a line and it could easily have been about 5-0 at half time had it not been for Pickford.

Losing away to Utd won't relegate us, and all the teams around us have to play each other which could be good for us too. There'll be upcoming weeks where we win and the other relegation candidates lose so I'm not too fussed about yesterday.

Utd are better than us. A lot better than us, in fact so it was no disgrace to lose 2-0 and our players were still full of running towards the end.

Onana flatters to deceive and basically switches off defensively when the oppo has the ball. He's headless and has very little defensive nouse. I'm actually starting to wonder what he does for the team other than a bit of cheerleading, lots of lying on the floor waving his arms about like he's taken sniper-fire, and occasionally making a last ditch tackle.

What does he offer with the ball? The system Dyche plays seems to suit Doucoure and his idiocy could go so far as to cost us our place in the league if our midfield performance yesterday was anything to go by. Lets hope it was a one-off and the next 2 games without him don't go the same way.

I was very surprised how we set up, a bit like Lampard's set up away to Spurs last season, playing such a high line was folly and that's not something I associate with our manager.

I am sure Sean will have learnt from the experience, Michael Keane cannot survive in a team that plays a high line. Ben Godfrey was similarly exposed and we have to accept at this stage that as a defender he is very limited. His judgement is truly suspect.

The Fulham game is an ideal opportunity to put three points on the board and move a little closer to safety.

I have to hold my hand up re Bournemouth, as of now they are the team at the foot of the table that shows most attacking intent and penatration.

One positive from yesterday, Pickford was fantastic!

One final, final thing, The Duke was a loss yesterday!

Everyone has their own opinions, and mine has always been that DCL, has always worked very hard for his team, so trying to get back up to speed after a very serious injury, and constantly trying to play with the little niggles that anyone would suffer from, after so long out of the game, might have been taking its toll on him? (THIS WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM IF WE HAD MORE FORWARDS, LIKE A TOP CLUB SHOULD)

All guesswork, but when Dyche said that they were trying to get Dominic close to the physical stats he was producing before he got injured, then hopefully he's getting very close to these now, especially when you consider that our manager said he wasn't far away, when he arrived at the club.

My hope is that Dyche's approach has earned him the total respect of Dominic, and he will now go and repay his manager in the best way possible!!

I don't think some understand the level of physical fitness premier league footballers have to attain and maintain.

It's not like Sunday league where we all played with knocks etc.

In particular the players that rely on speed and twisting and turning need to be fully fit.

They're like Formula 1 cars, if they're a couple of percent off they're useless.

Now maybe with some "niggles" some players can still perform to an acceptable level but depending on the type of injury/s that might just NOT be possible.

I've seen on here for years that some just need to blame somebody and need to take out their frustrations and disappointment on somebody, a lot of the time very unfairly.

Tony, you know more than most on here that if you're a player you WANT to play, you're desperate to play, unless there's something actually preventing you from doing so.

The fact that nobody on here knows the full story of why DCL can't play leads to all sorts of weird and wonderful theories, a lot of them downright nasty.

That side of ToffeeWeb is one that's led to a good few either leaving the site for good or taking a leave/s of absence.

I refuse to pile on to DCL simply because I don't know the facts. I'm not going to take out our predicament on a single player because it makes me feel better, and also because if/when the facts come out I may well look like a right c**t for some of the shite I may have come out with.........and some have come out with some shite that's for sure.

With regards the mental side I would say that the long road of recovery has been a difficult one to take. All that work to get healthy then back to square one again on numerous occasions. The sheer frustration it all would leave anyone scraping the barrel for some more energy and motivation to keep on trying.

I'm not biased at all, but the best thing in the world that I can ever imagine, is being Everton's centre forward and scoring goals that help win games. It's the ultimate dream and life long fantasy. I'm sure Dominic can't wait to get back into that role permanently.

Nobody would be able to convince me that he doesn't love playing for Everton either, but imagine being the only decent centre forward, at a club, that doesn't have any other decent centre forwards, (no disrespect to Simms or Maupay, but they are either not ready or will never be able to lead the line single handedly, the way Dominic can) and are having to constantly try and play when you just don't feel right?

Not on top of your game, and you will hear things about our centre forward (yourself) wearing nickers & bra's, and getting slaughtered by all and sundry, simply because the football club you play for has been desperately mismanaged for years, and they haven't even got one other player who can take your place adequately. (Something that has gone on for years)

I love Everton, I think I'd die for Everton, but if I was getting slaughtered for playing, when I was struggling and wasn't quite right, then it would break my heart, and the only way it could be rectified is by getting one hundred percent fit.

That would be my feelings, and until/unless you get a manager who is prepared to stop you from hiding from nothing, by taking you out the firing line, and allowing you to concentrate on getting yourself totally right, then I don't know any other way, how a player could totally recover?

I keep saying it Brian, but hopefully Dyche is going to reep the rewards, even if I'm also just guessing, mate!

Davies needs to come in and protect the Defence. Iwobi is frustrating. He continually loses possession either trying to dribble or a loose pass.

One win in the last 7 is a concern and if we don't beat Fulham then Palace away is absolutely huge.

Totally agree, and I suspect many on here, hope you will follow him too ! :-)

Very good post and very true. Some of the abuse players get based on nothing but biased opinion is ridiculous.

Calvert-Lewin has put the hard work in for this club over the years and has earnt his paypacket.

Some of the asinine comments about what he wears just shows a lack of maturity. Society moaned about Teddy Boys, Punk Rockers, New Romantics beacuse it was a change from the norm. Calvert-Lewin is doing nothing wrong he is just dressing different from the norm and some can't handle it.

Yesterday wasn't because Simms started, it was because the shape of the team was wrong. We should have played a 3rd central midfielder to replace Doucouré and compressed the space that way.

Instead, we pushed the defence up to try to close the space and this just invited balls over the top for the likes of Rashford and their other speedy players to thrive as our slow central defence were forced to turn backwards and chase quicker players.

Godfrey is the quick one but playing a right-footed centre-back at left-back in that system was madness too. Hopefully Dyche has learnt from his mistake yesterday and plays a more compact side for the rest of the season.

Although we're struggling for wins, we're picking up points at a much better rate than most others around us.

I have been at a low ebb most of the day because we weren't at the races – never mind Old Trafford. We were just not there mentally, and never first to a ball or even second to it.

It was painful to watch: no high energy and some dreadful marking especially in the first half. How it stayed at 1-0l was down to Pickford.

The back four to a man were poor, very poor, we sorely missed Doucouré, Garner when he came on was up for it, but by then it was far too late.

I worry that the ineptitude of this display is our baseline and not just a bad day at the office. The motivation, energy and drive were non-existent, it was a team of dead men walking. I hope Dyche tares a few strips of them.

That's not to say we were anywhere near Man Utd in terms of individual ability, but endeavour can compensate to a point.

We need a moral boost and I think, hope, that bringing Calvert-Lewin back into the team will be a huge lift – God knows we need it. Each game has to have a plan to win it, not just parking the bus and hoping for a breakaway.

If we had taken the couple of chances we had, it would have been a different headline, but for that to happen we need a dedicated striker.

If we succumb to it all and go down, the responsibility is solely on the club. (Sorry, Darren H if your listening in.) We need to operate at our players' peak every game to stand a chance. We didn't yesterday... winning is now everything.

That's a good explanation of what actually happened and the reasons why.

When you think of millions and millions we've spent on midfield players while Tom's been here at the club, I'd say not many have been much better than him. Sigurdsson, Gana, James… maybe Doucouré but only recently has he been playing well.

We've spunked 𧴜s of millions on midfielders that have come and gone and Tom's still there trying his hardest.
Yes, he's not world-class and lacks pace but, as a sqaud member, he's done a job.

Some will write off Onana and Garner too, when these are still young developing players that need patience.

I didn't think Simms was isolated yesterday. I thought he kept getting the wrong side of their defenders, and didn't do enough to get to the ball first.

I thought he kept allowing Man Utd's defenders to keep picking up our clearances, because he was always too far ahead of the ball, and should have been dropping deeper and competing, instead of just allowing this to happen.

We all see a different game.

Agree 100%, mate.

49% of Man Utd attacks were on the right wing, suggesting they identified the weakness you pointed out. In previous games, opposition attacks were predominately down the left wing.

Dyche ould have been well within his rights to change it after the first 20 minutes, and probably should have and admitted his original fuck-up. Martinez is slow but skilful and strong and Godfrey pushed up, making up the ground when needed; again, madness and I take it he was not following instructions; otherwise, he wouldn't have been hooked, surely?

We never get anything at Old Trafford so forget it and move on. Next week will be a real test of where we are under Dyche.

He could make all the difference if gets a few games. Wouldn't it be demoralising to the player, fans and team if like Lampard did he kept saying he might be fit for the next game, or 1 week, 2 weeks, putting more pressure on and then having to say no he's not ready or "It's going to take longer". That would feel like setbacks when it's not if he was never fit!

A few games with a fully fit Calvert-Lewin will be better for us than a handful of half-arsed performances from the lad because he's not fully fit!!

Now I hate the Red shite as much as the next person, but with being of the older generation, It still never fails to bring back that awful event and unhappy memories.

I have no doubt whatsoever that Evertonians will stand strong alongside the enemy for that Day, we always do it with class, show our respect, then hopefully pick up three points on Saturday.

Anyway back to the main topic, yesterdays game has gone, three points a must Saturday.

Agreed that it is a result we can look past given the recent form on defence. Carry on.

That's right, he isn't and I'll bet you're not a careers adviser either.

The only professional part is picking up money on false pretences on a regular basis, in all fairness to Tom, the would be ' Sheep Hand ', he is not alone !

Silence of the Shams !

I agree.

The advantage Davies has over Onana is that he is more experienced and hopefully has improved in keeping possession under Dyche. Onana still needs more training in marking up and awareness but, like all Everton players, is under the pressure of time in a relegation battle.

Simms is in the same situation. His first two starts have been in a Merseyside derby at Anfield and at Old Trafford an hour away. Well that is what it seems like when you travel there, which would be a derby game anywhere else.

This game has been the first statistical setback for Dyche. He will have learn't a lot about it. He himself said there was a fall down on basics and other analysis done has confirmed him as right.

On MotD, on hearing Dyche's analysis, the pundits said they could not add to his correct analysis and showed clips as examples of what he was talking about. So that is a good start going into the next game – the manager knows where the problem lies and where he got it wrong himself.

I reckon we'll see Davies in the Doucouré role against Fulham, with Gray back up top.

They don't make them like they used to, especially when you realize that these academies are actually taking natural aggression out of these young children.

I hope you get to meet your old mate Phil, because knowing the type of person Mike Lyons is, I'm sure it would make his day. He's a very genuine nice man, but you don't need me to tell you that.

Seems the same incident happened in the Spurs game against Brighton, almost identical and yes you guessed it, no penalty awarded to Brighton.

So on that basis, the official has got it wrong on one of those decisions, it is either two penalties or none.

In my opinion, both players played to get a penalty, if you are about to kick a ball, and some player puts his foot there, what else can a player do but kick the other player's foot?

The officials seem to just give the least controversial decisions lately. The VARs or the on-field refs just want the least controversy.

Take Maguire's rugby tackle on gray on Saturday, he has 2 hands round him holding him back, he even grabs his shorts. If that was Rashford at the other end, it would be a nailed-on penalty and probably a red card for stopping a goal scoring opportunity. The VAR didn't even look at it!!!

But it's less controversial to not give Everton a penalty because the media won't blow it up like if it was Man Utd, Arsenal, Man City or Liverpool. It's just a joke how they favour the big clubs.

The club does not kick up enough fuss about this. Decisions change matches. We would have beaten Spurs if not for the Doucoure sending-off. And if Doucoure had a red shirt on, like Mane in last season's derby no action would have been taken.

One of the reasons Anfield and Old Trafford are graveyard grounds for us is because we are given nothing while they get everything.

The guy he was talking to said we are advised to give them some weeks but not the following week, now I am not sure what he meant because the subject got quickly changed, but from what I could read into it, was saying the VAR can only get involved some of the time and other times keep out of it.

Surely that is the whole point of the VAR, not to pick and choose, but step in every time they feel they need to.

The Lobster had another well-known player who played for them J O'Leary, I think that is how you spell his name. We had a young player who was on Everton's books around that time N Whitehead. My Wife and her family lived in Portlemouth Road.

Not the first time I've heard something along those lines, different teams, different 'Rules of Engagement'
Or in some teams' cases, 'Rules of Disengagement'.

Danny O'Neill is coming up from London too, so hoping to see everyone pre-match in the Harlech Castle (County Road opp KFC), handy for most including Jim Lloyd, think Stephen Vincent may come also, and anyone else who wants to put in an appearance for an impromptu ' Get Together ' will be more than welcome, but don't expect me to get the Ale in, well I might if I get a win on the Donkeys. :-)

It didn't clash with any other event as far as I know, John Hall had come over all the way from the Philippines, hence the reason that date was chosen, as he had previously expressed a desire to meet as many Evertonians as possible. (?)

I appreciate that at present, it is not the easiest place to get to to, as there are no buses on that route yet. The nearest Train Station is Sandhills which requires about a 15 minute walk to Bramley Moore. There was little or no excuse last time either, as Tony Abrahams had kindly offered along with Neil Copeland to ferry anyone who wanted to go down from Goodison Park.

They even offered to make two trips if there were too many wanting to go down. So, there was no excuse at all last time, for anyone not being able to get there. The Bar Staff at the Bramley, are only too willing to phone a Taxi for anyone wanting to leave, to catch a Train or other Transport at the end of the evening, so come on folks ' heads up for the next one ' !

Looking forward to meeting up again for the Fulham game. Not seen Andy since the TW meeting at The Excelsior a couple of seasons ago. Sounds like there will be a few at The Harlech and looking forward to seeing everyone.

Back to the game against Manure, I can't really criticise the team selection because that is line up I wanted to see. It shows how much work Doucoure does by the way we were torn to pieces. Both goals were disappointing ones to concede but overall I would say we got away with 2-0, it could have been seriously embarrassing.

I think Dyche will have learned from the game and fully expect to see Davies or Garner come in in place of Simms who, I agree with others, looks better as an impact sub for now.

Hopefully Seamus will be fit, I know he made an error for the second goal (very unfortunate slip IMO) but he has been brilliant. Also, Patterson doesn't look ready yet which is no surprise given his lack of game time.

The other issue is Godfrey, how many times is he going to be caught out of position before the penny drops? His pace seems to be returning as exemplified by his cracking recovery tackle on Antony (I think). He makes me so nervous though. Problem is that Mykolenko appears to have lost form and confidence (looked better on Saturday than of late though).

So, a few dilemmas to sort out. Maybe DCL will be fit and give us s bit more bite up front…..

My comment regarding DCL was intended as being more than a little sarcastic, I too think it may be forlorn.

Agree also in respect of the lad from Coventry I thought that would have been straight forward really. But, I think the financial situation tells us the real reason why we didn't sign him.

I think Dyche is doing and has done as well as could have reasonably been expected. Despite that, given the remaining fixtures and the state we are in, its proper touch and go whether we can hang on by our finger nails to our top flight status.

How much easier would that make it, if your in a random pub, and spot the badge on another person, even on none match Day.

Badgecompany.co.uk
11 Cannon Grove
Fetcham
Leatherhead
Surrey
KT22 9LG
United Kingdom

Design Your own Pin Badges

Any chance of a poll Ed's to see how many would have a badge.

Anyway on to Saturday, my train gets in lime street around 12.10, so if any others fancy a swift drink in the North western Wetherspoons whatever it's called who are catching the train in to Liverpool see you in there, before I head off for the bus and the Harlech pub, for around 1

Hi Brian [231] your idea of badges is excellent, I feel sure that there will be someone who ''knows someone'' and I think that we can rustle up the money to make the idea become reality.

I hope that you can forgive me if I 'Blow my own trumpet', by saying that the first get-together was a result of my seven week stay in Southport Hospital [ five nil by mouth] which led to the invitation in July 2018, to express my appreciation to all who posted their kind regards, relayed to me by my daughter Nicki.

The get-together took place in the Central Hotel on the day of the World Cup Final, my [80th birthday], and it's true to say that from 12-noon to 7-pm friendships were cemented and have lasted. At the gathering were, Dave Abrahams, Tony Abrahams, Steve Fearns, Bill Griffiths, George McKane, Gerard McKean, Peter Mills, and Myself. One final 'Blow on the trumpet', I'm the only ever-present.

Hi Bill, [232] I believe you traveled from North Wales to attend the get-together that day, something that was much appreciated. I hope to see you in the Harlech on Saturday.

Joking aside though John, I was unaware of the earlier meet ups and only cottoned onto them last season, after meeting Steve, Jim, Derek, Bill, Jim and Danny in the crown.

It was a great idea by yourself John and certainly worthy of a big Pat on the back.

It's always good when we have a meet up and always a pleasure to bump into you John.

Looking forward to the Harlech on Saturday and after tipping Keane to score against Spurs, McNeil against Brentford, I am going for the hatrick and going for Calvert-Lewin to make a suprise return and score.

It will be better to see you and the others you mention, who have become friends through the life and soul that connects us regardless of who we are or where we come from.

Looking at his stats out on loan, he has played 12 games, scored 4 goals and 7 assists so far, with a 40 yarder goal in his last game.

Whether we keep the player or not I still think Nkounkou will make an excellent left sided midfielder rather than a left back.

One of our players Dad, with a reporter from the Express got Norman's release from Everton as they would only play him and not often in the (B) Team.

Norman was his own worst enemy, he played a trial game at Nottingham and they wanted to sign him but when they found out he was on Everton;s books they got him out of Nottingham a hell of a lot quicker than they did Robin Hood.

I am not sure how Rochdale heard about him but apparently 1 of their coaches Lived in Liverpool someone said Scarisbrick road but I am not sure about that, and I took him up to Rochdale where he played for their reserves that night, and after that they signed him.

The replay at Maine road for Skemersdale, I was amazed that he played as on the TUES or WED before it he showed us his foot, and it had cuts and bruises over it and he had someone else's shoe on as he couldn't get his on.

Gareth Bale
Andy Hinchcliffe

Norman was a good mate of my cousin and my cousin went to PNE with him for a trial game when Alan Ball's dad was manager there, my cousin done some laughing over Ball's dad, said he was a real character.

Good Stuff, man. Write something up about those times. I'm sure more than a few would enjoy the read.

We've had a few like this over the years who we don't really know what their best position is before we've shoehorned them.

More recent examples: Godfrey and Holgate. I don't know where they fit. Mykolenko could be a left-sided centre-back in a back 3.

Going back, didn't we have concerns over Baines's defensive qualities initially and tried Seamus out as a right-sided midfielder?

Back further, if the ageing memory still serves me, didn't Ratcliffe start as a left-back before moving central?

I know most players eventually settle on a position, but let them develop and feel where they are best placed.

Only rarely do you get a Milner. I feel sick for saying that, so I will redeem myself with Alan Harper. It's rare to get players who can practically play in most positions.

I was very surprised to see Sean Dyche choose only 2 centre midfielders, against Utd, in the absence of Doucoure. Leaving Gueye and Onana on their own to win the midfield battle at a place like Old Trafford was a mistake.

I think most people thought bringing in Garner for Doucoure was the obvious thing to do and I hope Dyche now realises this error and plays Garner against Fulham.

Yes, having Gray and Simms in the team together gives us more attacking options but if you don't have an effective midfield they will not see enough of the ball to cause problems.

If Dyche is going to revert to 4-4-2 from 4-5-1 Gueye needs a reliable passer with him and Onana is not that, he is too unreliable. Better to have Gueye with Garner and then decide whether to give Onana or Davies the Doucoure role or go with Gray.

I don't like making too many changes to a team but one thing I would like Sean Dyche to consider is bringing in Patterson at right back and moving Seamus to the right flank of the midfield.

I think this would make the right side defensively stronger and I actually think it would give us a greater attacking threat down the right too. Both Patterson and Coleman are dangerous going forward and Seamus wouldn't have the problem of getting up and down the pitch as much. But his influence would still be there in a better position.

It would also release Iwobi to play in his best position, where Doucoure has been playing.

It is getting very worrying now, we need a few wins, and anything we can do to give us more attacking options should be considered without, weakening our midfield too much.

If DCL is fit or close it is time to play him. It is time to ask him to fight for the club. Play him for 60 minutes and then bring on Simms or Gray or both, but keep Gueye and Garner together in midfield.

There are nearly 40,000 Evertonians who pay good money to support the team and thousands more who would like to. If DCL can't see this and think he now has to do everything he can to help the team there is something very wrong.

If we could beat Fulham it will be massive, if we don't the trap door starts to open.

And if we can beat Fulham I would consider a formation of 460 against Palace with Gray Davies and/or Onana making runs into the box. Palace will not be easy as no game is now. But I'd like to think we could pinch a 1.0.

I'm tempted to say I would take 6 points from the next 4 games, and 6 from the 4 after that but I have no idea if that would be enough.

We have to aim to get at least above Leeds. I can see Leicester suddenly coming up with a good run of form but Southampton and Forest are definitely going to fight on. Bournemouth keep picking up wins as do Wolves.

So we must fight on no matter what and hope it's the other teams that pick up the injuries, suspensions, bad refereeing and bad luck.

The madness of this club is obvious. First we send Simms on loan when we could have done with him, then we bring him back only to send Tom Cannon on loan. Unbelievable.

In view of this I think Dyche should have players like Sherif, Okoronkwo, Mills on the bench. I cannot see how it would do any harm to give them 10 minutes or so in a game. James Vaughan did it why not some of the youngsters we have now.

They would be itching to play and would give their all. It's desperate times and we should try anything we can that might just change a game.

All I can say to the supporters is:

Keep up your fantastic support

Keep off the pitch no matter what happens

Keep the faith and no matter how the dice fall this season and next season one day it will all come good.

COYB!

I keep saying and will say, no matter how many people shout at me, 4-4-2 is going to hurt you in the modern game.

The midfield will get overrun.

No point having two forwards if you aren't controlling the ball in midfield to supply them.

I know we all have different views on the game. I watched Everton win titles and trophies playing 4-4-2. But that was then, not now.

Just a little off subject, there was talk of a meet up on the 14th May, I cannot see the date being changed again but if City advance in the champs league, I am pretty sure the Champs league game is scheduled for the following midweek.

It could work in our favour, if City advance and have one eye on the following midweek game.

Do not book your train ticket just yet Danny. :-)

If City reach the semi final, then the second leg will be the following Tuesday, now the plot thickens as it is the Eurovision contest in Liverpool Sat 13th May.

I would not be suprised if our game gets moved again to Saturday 13th.

The Future's Bright, The Future's Blue ! 💙💙👍

So it's quite possible if Michael and Lyndon get their commercial act together that they could do a deal with a company and make some money into the bargain. I wouldn't begrudge them making a few Bob from "merch" and they could expand into caps and T-shirts if there's demand.

I would be very suprised if City play Sunday, then only have 1 day to recover and train for a semi-final.

Has no one asked the question, while he and the board are staying away, why have they not donated their seats to Everton in the Community for supporters who may be struggling financially?

Or donate them to their fan club?

There you go, Martin… email Bill and see if he will sort you a couple of seats out, for the Fulham game. You may have to go in a ballot of 4 though to be drawn out.

I always said, we should never have been made to play Man Utd in the FA Cup Final only 3 days after the European Cup Winner's Cup Final in Rotterdam.

The FA should have rescheduled once they knew we were going to Rotterdam.

Regarding the vacant board seats. I've been calling that since their self-decided absence. There are enough Everton supporters out there that either can't get or can't afford to get tickets.

Sold out as usual for Saturday, apart from empty seats in the Directors Box and those no doubt in the away section.

I could not agree more, Danny, had we got an extra day or so, I have no doubt we would have landed the treble. Man Utd did not play us off the pitch, fatigue beat us in the end.

I was at an Everton dinner the following week and Sharp was one of the guests so I went over to his table and asked him about that Man Utd cup final.

“Why do you think we lost against a team we had beat twice that season and they only had 10men, Graeme?” I asked…

"We were absolutely knackered," he replied.

“I know” I said, “So why didn't you tell that horrible red bastard that on the radio last week?”

He shook his head and laughed but I was fuming because I knew the Liverpudlian and he's another one of that crowd – the crowd that are never wrong!

Then Psycho Pat for whatever reason not making Whiteside go on the outside of him with his weaker foot.

We had 2 that hit the woodwork and went to safety, they had one that hit the woodwork but went in.

But it was as clear as Day you could see the players were shattered even against ten.