Liverpool vs Everton

I've been waiting for Garner to return, my Man Utd work colleagues praised him and couldn't understand why he didn't return to his parent club from Nott. Forest. Let's see if he is of some stronger fabrics than Gbamin and the likes, we're due to get some luck, I say it again COYB.

I simply don't understand how anyone would want to be a footballer and “not want to play” in these big games? This is genuinely incomprehensible to me.

I must admit when Dyche came in. I thought the Arse and RS would see us with nothing and our games against Leeds and Villa was our points chance.

Given our performance against Arsenal, with the same personnel and game plan, it would be great to get a point at Mordor. To get that, we have to have Calvert-Lewin. Simms and Maupay won't cut it.

As much as I would love Dom to start on Monday, the fact is the Leeds game is more important in the context of our season.

As for Calvert-Lewin, maybe the Premier League is beyond him now. We do seem to get some players that are injured more than they play, the same story for many years.

And I'd be surprised to see Simms start, but it depends on what Dyche has seen in training and what he thinks of him. He obviously wanted to keep him, so why not use him?

Does anyone have an opinion on how hard Simms would work and whether he can hold the ball up or not? Not sure I fancy Maupay for this tbh, he could see red.

Pundits saying we have a chance of beating them after defeating Arsenal is not doing the team any favours. Yes, we know they should be able to play to the same level, but let's have it right, if the RS are up for it and play to their highest level, we will struggle.

They always seem to be coming off a defeat when we play them. I have a feeling they will be like a wounded animal because of all the grief they have had about their form.

Let's just remember it won't define our season but a win would be unimaginable for our fans! I'd love a 1-0 win. Onana towering header... COYB

Players moving just that lit bit further off the ball and into space, is absolutely soul-destroying, when you're trying to put pressure on them, and Saturday was the first time I've seen Everton players relishing playing like this for a long time, so I just hope it continues🤞

One thing I feel confident about with Dyche is that he'll have a plan.

These are the matches any player should be up for and relish, not fear. I don't fear those lot. Never.

Thousands of Evertonians will march on that place on Monday and show strength in unity.

All we ask is that the players do the same. Stand up, be counted and take the fight to them.

We can do this. We will.

I'll keep it clean, but every single one of them.

A lot of it is to do with mentality. A 3cm hamstring tear didn't stop Novak Djokovic winning the Australian Tennis Open.

How about sticking to your first paragraph “ We should approach the Derby game like the Arsenal. Nobody gave a chance, so the pressure was off a little, that's how Dyche should motivate them!, maybe that's what Dyche will do, possibly Dominic will play and Dyche playing games with Liverpool. I think he will have the players up for this game and doubt if we will fold, I liked your attitude in that first paragraph thinking positive, I think Liverpool's midfield is where they have been lacking and Everton can win the midfield battle and consequently the match, with or without Dominic.

I don't care if they are up for it. I want Everton to be up for it.

I''m getting dramatic now, but I didn't fear the Russians on the inner German border. I wasn't scared of the Serbians in Bosnia and the Taliban try as hard a they wanted. You stand up and be counted, look the enemy in the eye and win your battles.

Please excuse me. I'm going into this one highly emotionally charged, even by my standards!!

Why can't we beat the RS? They will probably fear us more we them anyway and will at the very least be wary of a team capable of beating the league leaders.

I say it repeatedly on here, we can beat anyone on the day including that lot at Mordor. I expect nothing less than a full blooded performance, the rest will follow.

COYB you can do this.

UTFT!

Like it or not, Dom's likely going to be touch-and-go for the rest of the season, so the sooner Dyche sorts out his alternatives the better. Not sure the best approach - sacrifice the fullbacks, pair Mina (or Godfrey) with Tarkowski and Coady in a back three, keep the midfield three of Gueye/Onana/Doucoure that was so effective against Arsenal, play McNeil and Iwobi out wide and have them pick up the defensive slack, then pick two out of Maupay/Gray/Simms to play up-top... and pray? I don't think any of those three can do much as a lone striker, so you almost have to go with two and have them play off each other.

I'd be surprised if Dyche threw him straight into starting at Anfield. I think Gray or even Maupay are likely to get the nod, unless DCL is able to give 50/60 minutes. He will be missed but hopefully Dych is capable of altering the game plan.

But knowing Dyche he will have an alternative to the strategy he employed against Arsenal. I suppose the worry for him is if he is forced to play Maupay up top then we wont have an out ball and when Maupay came on against Arsenal our attacking options practically dried up.

I belive ! I belive we can do them in front of the sightseers and daytrippers.
It's one of them where they are going to be better than there last game or we are gonna do them.
As I said no one will give us a chance realistically. Use that to take the pressure off the players. It's a derby that we all want to win, however before Frank was sacked people were looking at these 2 fixtures against the shite and arsenal and saying write them points off. go to win go at them if we fight for the Jersey, run our hearts out give them a game instead of some of the weak surrenders we have seen then it just reinforces what dyche is trying to get across to the players.
As I said previously it won't define our season but puts down a marker.
The Leeds game will mean alot more to the outcome of our season. Imo

I expect this one to be a nasty affair, but if we can stay disciplined keep our shape we can do what we did to Arsenal, who are are a better team than the RS at the moment. DCL's absence will not help us replicate that though.

it's a tough one. on the one hand, they might look to the the game as a chance to kick start their season. what better than a derby win before heading to Madrid in the CL? on the other, their decline could well be terminal and a defeat, then a defeat to Madrid and they really are up against it and the Klopp era could end in tears.

but for us, the focus on survival, any draw away from home is a good result and hopefully wins at home will see us safe before may comes along.

considering the long break, I'd expect the same team - the only caveat being the fitness of our no9.

if he's not fit then maybe another system, maybe Grey as a central striker with the idea of using his pace. I'd prefer that to Maupay, whose lack of pace and physical presence would leave us very weak.

interesting to see if Godfrey is deployed in later games as a right back, think that's where he could do best for us in a Dyche system.

Good to have Garner back, his career here hasn't really got started, but if he can provide competition with Doucoure and Gana, then that's a bonus.

If we lose I'd be pissed but not surprised. a point I'd be delighted. the win I'd streak down Church Street.

I'm looking for a performance, even if the spawney bastards do win, to take us into the Leeds & Villa games.

You mean Gylfi, I presume. I wasn't aware that he had been charged with any offences let alone found guilty, but maybe I have missed the news.

The club has taken the stance he never existed but you would expect that. I think he deserves a bit more from the supporters.

I'm pleased Garner and Godfrey are getting fit. Exactly the sorts of players Dyche can improve.

That's the key to our club turning itself around. Nothing is written, everything is to be written.

I want us to win on Monday but, if we don't, it won't matter in the end. I can already see things forming - they've been forming for a while under Frank - the shape of a serious team.

This manager will have none of the history bollocks. Be confident.

We go there with pride and passion that they can't match and we roar the team on.

Onward Evertonians.

Spirit. Forever Everton.

Absolutely Forever.

Let's get up for this and take the city.

I know, I'm getting carried away but I can't help myself.

Danny #50, love it mate.

We are Everton, we can do this.

Dycheball act 2. COYB, get into ‘em!

UTFT!

Hopefully the shock waves following our win have made all future opponents more wary, that we may just be a different proposition now. Starting with another win at Mordor will only increase that understanding, elevate confidence in our own ranks, and make us a serious contender for The Great Escape.

There has been something wrong for years with Everton's rehabilitation programmes, because hamstring injuries are a regular occurrence in rehabilitated players..Mina is a disaster area in regard to them or similar injuries and Calvert Lewin is becoming increasingly like him.It could be that players are being allowed to shy away from training.

As you might have guessed I am a bit annoyed with reports of Calvert Lewin being potentially injured again.

Martin#52

Good point.

“He'll be like a new signing!”

Be interesting to see if Dyche can get the players fired up for this again like the Arsenal match it. If so it's a bit like when Moyes came in and hit the ground running.

No, I am being unfair, Dom's fitness has been really reliable for a sustained period, oh. No, it's okay because we have Richarlison for those few games when Dom isn't playing, ah, erm.....Thankfully we have the young and dynamic forward player, Anthony Gordon... oh yes, we sold him for a king's ransom. That's okay, I'm sure we plugged the necessary holes during the transfer window… doh!!

For fuck's sake, it's so predictable and amateurish – how long has it been that we have pinned everything on Dom's fitness? I think that has brought unnecessary pressure on him and probably not helped his recovery or mental health. Say what you like about Dom, I see no reason to blame him for his injury problems. That is on the club, piss-poor planning, it beggars belief really.

Sorry... rant over, onto the game. I am pleased to see some positivity and excitement about this. If Dom were fit, I'd have us down for a win; as it is, I think we will get a point and it will be a good game.

I see no point, however, playing Maupay in this system unless Simms is playing up top with him; as others have pointed out, though, Ellis is not much of a target man.

I think, because of their different limitations, we should go for it, 4-4-2 with a very hard-working midfield and try to get Simms and Maupay to get in their faces and at least be a nuisance. We will be vulnerable to being countered but their confidence must be low currently and we might just be the very last people they want to play right now with a new manager bounce.

Keep the focus, play to the whistle, and try not to get rattled by their shit tricks, on the touch line by Mr Ed, and their midfield and forwards falling over.

Shoot on site and hopefully be clinical on the free kicks and corners.

I was on a H&S course this week, and they were remarkably quiet.

Form goes out the window. Hearts and Minds and professionalism needed on Monday night.

Let's be clinical, Everton.

“What's Our Name?”

UTFTs!

My worry is that, if Dom is not fit and Maupay plays, I fear he will be sent off given his petulance against Arsenal. I have no problem with a committed player, but we need all of the players on the pitch to have any chance in this game.

Having said all of that, if Dom plays, I have us down for a narrow win. Good luck.

I personally think it's more a case of over-training and over-use.

I think Dominic's natural combative style and the fact he has been the sole leader of the line from a relatively young age has already taken its toll.

There is also the factor that each individual body is different that needs to be taken into account.

I agree with you on recovery and rehabilitation; something doesn't seem right and hasn't done for years.

I hope I'm wrong here, but a player who suffered with constant hamstring problems and was overused (in my opinion) as a young player and ended up running out of steam and retiring young: Michael Owen.

It's been a very quiet week, not having to listen to the superior race shite, that comes out of many of their mouths. I get it constantly off one of the gobshites, but he threw his toys out the pram last Monday, and it's been bliss, so don't spoil it please, Everton.

Moyes went 44 games without a win at any of the top clubs, and although Liverpool are fucking shite right now, I'm praying that Dyche gets his team to do it at the first time of asking. Now wouldn't that be nice!

I've just watched the highlights and I'm certain if any Everton player knocks it over the Liverpool keeper, and then goes to ground like Ashley Barnes did, they will definitely be booked for diving.

One of the problems with Maupay, IMO, and a that he doesn't make up for his lack of physicality with any pace or skill - so he just offers a bit of bark which is not enough when you need a goal. A few times we have had a chance to break with him in the team but he has been easily caught by the big grocks keeping tabs on him. I think Simms has pace? We will need some of that to hit them on the break.

Wish kick off were sooner, but then again these couple of days may give some of our lads a chance to prove their fitness- unfortunately this also applies to RS players.

I thought it was interesting that he invited Peter Reid to Finch Farm this week just for a general chat with the players. Dyche said he knows Peter well and he would tell it as it is. He also plans to bring in Joe Royle and Eddie Jones to speak to the players. I think it can only help getting people in who have won things with this club, as most of the ex players that have been on the payroll haven't won a thing.

Question is who do we play up front, we need somebody in that position because we need an out ball or we will be pinned in our half under pressure most of the game.
I think we need to play Simms, its a baptism of fire for the lad but why not, it might be the makings of him.
It just shows how threadbare we are though, its a bloody disgrace.

Dyche will deserve more than £3.5m if he can keep us up from here.

He'll try to manipulate the officials as he always does. He knows if we beat them then CL qualification is all but over.

As good as reasoning as any.

Where I come from is my father when I got a pulled muscle use to say that there was a lack of pre training to build up fitness.A hamstring is a pulled muscle at the back of the thigh.Of course this could be a simple approach to a more complex subject,of which your ideas could be part of.

Everton Medical Services have a Rest and Recovery regime as opposed to a High Performance regime which has a big emphasis on building up resilience to prevent injury.Advocates of the latter think that the former can be exploited by some players and they can have a influence on other players.Managers have had issues with this in the past.

But such is the pressure at Everton players can come on the field with a bat out of hell attitude after a week of pumped up volume,which not conducive to long term fitness and a younger player as you say can be influenced by it.Even older players like Townsend can get caught up on this, resulting in the injury he now has.

If we are in the fortunate position of Liverpool chasing the game, then Simms is a good player to bring on an exploit the extra space. Gray, too.

I would also like to see some controlled violence from our lot - and sneaky wind up tactics. Two can play at that game.

COYB

Some of the comments are saying he's definitely out, have some got inside information?

We don't have to spend millions, in fact we can't, but it reflects poorly on our scouting team, when Brighton, Crystal Palace etc, can pick up players for a song from obscure leagues, and we can't.

It wasn't always this way, the Moyes era saw, Pienaar, Arteta Coleman, Cahill, but gems like these are conspicuously absent in the Moshiri era.

As for Monday, not expecting anything and, without Calvert-Lewin, expecting even less, so anything at all; a boring 0-0 to an even more tedious 1-0 I'll greet like a league win.

The last time I checked, the goal is the same size in the Premier League as anywhere else. Come on, Ellis lad, and give us a lift.

COYB 💙💙 UTFT

They are not more than an average side, we know they can click anytime but our job is to squeeze the life out of them and make sure they click against someone else.

That's a concern I have also. Klopp, the prancing clown, is pretty desperate. At the FA Cup game against Brighton, there was one definite red card and two others close but not given. Three Brighton players had to come off with injury and Evans Ferguson is recently still not back.

I heard recently that a phisyo at Sheffield United said Calvert-Lewin would always be injury prone due to his body make up, something to do with his frame structure and muscles.

We are going face them on the train.

We will stand up to them in the pubs in our city. Our city.

We will hold our ground with them in that place.

But we won't surrender or be submissive. Never.

We can do this Everton.

Liverpool don't know what to look for and we may benefit from some unexpected innovation from Dyche. The longer it stays at 0-0 is to Dyche's advantage.

Paul #93 "Handbags at dawn would suit Dominic though, wouldn't it." Depends on whether the colour of his handbag matched that of his dress.

Methinks a draw, but I wouldn't be surprised if we nicked it with a late goal!... Just believe, Blues, and be positive!

I've been thinking the same thing. The system against Arsenal needed the outball DCL gives us that we lost when Maupay came on.

If Dyche doesn't rate Simms for the job, I don't fancy us with Maupay up front on his own. As you say though, Mina would only likely last 20 minutes at best.

Wasn't Keane described by Lampard as the best finisher in training at the club after his well struck goal against Palace which started the big revival last season?

To stop self-doubt you give people a task, a reason to achieve that task and build comradeship.

McNeil and Tarkowski played some of their best football for us against Arsenal. Why? Because they complete theirs tasks exactly like they did for Dyche at Burnley only this time they believed and also knew that they had better players supporting them.

I did not know that Dyche had actually gained promotion from the 2nd Division — something that Moyes did not do before joining us. This experience increases a manager's motivational skills and their tactical awareness as we saw when Burnley beat Liverpool at Anfield. I believe this team will get better, stronger and closer under Dyche. I also think he will not waste money by 'punting' on players to fix a short-term problem.

As a team I hope someone has a little word in the ref's ear before the start of the game about attempts to nobble Onana before the game starts.

Liverpool have a lot of weaknesses and I am sure Sean will have spotted them and will select the team accordingly. We cannot continue to 'wish' that Calvert-Lewin will be back to form. Only when Calvert-Lewin's place is really 'challenged' will we see a fitter Calvert-Lewin return or the unfit Calvert-Lewin sold. Both Calvert-Lewin and Davies have an amazing last opportunity under Dyche but they must clear their heads: fashion world or football world — you can do both poorly or either one really well.

Mr Dyche has already started by making players wear only matchday equipment, hats coats and jackets all gone now — even the ones seen in GQ.

Frank @ 109, good point there about Sean Dyche, gaining promotion from the lower echelons to the Premiership, a feat not many have achieved, but Eddie Howe did it too with Bournemouth, another Manager many on here said wasn't good enough, as was Dyche to Manage us.

I remember reading an article too, some time back, about Troy Deeney, who said he was almost off the rails and swapping a life of a Footballer for that of a ne'er do well, and it was Sean Dyche who was then either Assistant Manager or Manager of Watford that had a serious talk with him and put him on the straight and narrow. Something Deeney said he will never forget and will always be eternally grateful to him for ' saving his life ' !

So, I don't think we have a bad Manager, or the best we can hope for just now, until something better comes along, in Sean Dyche, I know it's early days but I believe we have a very good one, as we could have had with Eddy Howe too. What the hell do I know though ?

Give me a break! They've spent 𧴺 million on two strikers whilst we nabbed Maupay and recalled Simms. Yes, of course I hope we win and think we may… but don't pathetically try and put all the pressure on us.

Interesting, but you must have forgotten the Golden Rule with us Blues when it comes to 'them': Kopites are Gobshites!

Tut, tut, Sir! :-)

In fairness none of them are scousers. So to me they're not real RS — they're just RS lite!

All of us were shite except him. But we spent a lot of time mastering time-wasting and dirty fouls while acting the innocent but had a corner routine down pat where he'd score every game.

Lots of controversial anti-football 1-0 wins but we made the semi of a Manchester City invitational and beat a team from Royal Antwerp's under-19s in the quarter-final.

They were night and day better than us obviously but the RS lad got his goal and the rest of us managed to run down the clock and hack our way to victory. The kind of performance that would have Dazza ripping his thinning grey hair out.

Let's hope the Bolton lad isn't playing for them on Monday, and they don't get a corner. :-)

Getting a bit worried about Dazza now you mention, haven't seen many posts recently, hope he isn't suffering from T Daviesitis, a terrible affliction, and not easy to get shut of!

Dyche could finally bin 㿅k-p/w Everton liability

Sorry, Dazza, had to be done.

“Everton dud” flatters Tom.

You know such comments will awake Dazza The Sleeping Dragon! Don't say you haven't been warned! :-)

No matter what, he's going to have to change things!

I think after last week certain players have to be included, McNeil being one of them, Onana Tarks, Coady, Seamus and Myko and Iwobi all did well. Even Gana who has been poor for a while was like a new man.

Really looking forward to a Derby Match at Anfield, something I haven't said for a long time, but not taking anything for granted.

Me but cleverly didn't rule him out completely. Klopp will have to prepare his defence and have a contingency in case Dom does make it. Of course the five subs makes it easier to do that but I would expect Carlvert-Lewin to at least make the bench.

Klopp will be peeping out of the window as our coach arrives to see if he is in the match day squad, before naming his team.

It will be interesting to see who gets the nod if our Number 9 can't start. Maupay did well in his half-hour but needs help. Simms is bigger but Gray has pace.

I wonder what the gaffer will do?

We don't know – so Klopp will be equally in the dark.

Indeed it was Sean Dyche who at the time was managing Watford. The football with Sean at Burnley wasn't pretty but he had a tiny budget, but he did sign Maxwell Cornet and Stephen Defour. Defour's injuries took over though.

But Sean Dyche with Burnley has won at Anfield and Old Trafford. This is something that a certain Everton manager didn't accomplish in 11 years. So, for the fans of that past manager, can we please once finally bury his 11 years of "Good Times"?

I don't think Simms or Maupay will start – if no Calvert-Lewin he'll probably bring in Gray – drop Iwobi into a central role and ask Onana to push up at times.

Whoever has the privilege to step on that pitch, just fight and take it to them horrible bastards. Swear box.

We will be right behind you and facing the often ignored torrent of abuse, before, during and after. A vile support base painted as saints yet put the biggest stain on English football ever known and will never be surpassed.

I've no doubt there will be some invevtialbe claim that we were abusive and offended them after the match.

Here we go. Lets go Blues. Marching.

Silva doing a great job,as he did with Everton prior to the Saha Summer where Brands proved to be a mouth piece and walked over by serial interference.Potter being human, and Moyes being dour as usual.There was 67000 plus fans in the London Stadium can could hear a pin drop.Ed Howe a honest man with a team where half the players did not turn up.They are likely to drop out of top four, when Summer holidays are on the horizon.West Ham,Newcastle and Everton Fans have always deserved better.

What did occur to me was how lucky we were to get Sean Dyche who appears to have a more positive vocabulary, and make no excuses for the need for continuous hard work and committment and believes it is possible to achieve doing so.

Also add he's a ‘wandering Angus' as Jerome called him. Against Arsenal that wide berth in the midfield five is where he can do some defensive work closing the space for the wide men and get forward too along with sending in wicked cross from deeper. It's a simpler remit that keeps his wandering and positional indiscipline in check.

Dyche had him more disciplined than I've ever seen him , imploring him to get back in line during the game. Alex responded to it and and I want to see more of it. He has a great engine and it needs using to best effect.

Dave @128, we have to use what is available and Iwobi seems less confused than he was 12 to 18 months ago.

With what we've got, play him in what we now call a number 10 position supporting the striker (if we've got one) and have a more compact midfield between them and the defence.

"Alex responded to it and I want to see more of it. He has a great engine and it needs using to best effect."

Tony, given Dyche's self-confessed emphasis on what he calls "crunching the play" (great YouTube explanation by Dyche of how he deployed this to beat the rs) and the great demands that places on his midfield players, then Iwobi's engine is a great asset in that setup.

Iwobi's engine is not the problem, it's his heart, always has been and always will be – unless Dyche can sort that problem out, which I doubt, watching Iwobi since he first came here.

Liverpool really are in big trouble, 1-0 to the Blues!

Quite simple: bottle or guts, take your pick, he lacks both.

I see bottle and guts as important in tackling and Iwobi doesn't seem to have that. But Dyche's tactics are based as much on "crunching the play", as he himself calls it and explains it.

That calls for 100% effort in closing down space. That in turn calls for stamina. And Iwobi has that in bundles.

Our best hope is play him on the wing, and see can he take advantage of Robertson's limited defensive abilities – probably one of the dirtiest and sneakiest players in the Premier League.

Stamina is important of course but stamina is wasted if you're running with no purpose at the end of those runs.

Now Brent, you go to more Everton games than me so surely you see him making 30- and 40-yard runs after a player then stop a couple of feet just before he gets up to the player and doesn't make any sort of genuine attempt to tackle that player.

Then he makes a longer run back to the opposing ‘keeper when the ball is played back to the ‘keeper with no chance at all of Iwobi getting near the ball. It's all bluff like Marcus(?) Bent used to do, but a lot of the crowd loved him for it.

Wasted energy and stamina has never kidded me and Iwobi is full of it. He should be making better use of that stamina and energy in other parts of his game, like getting into the penalty area a lot more and having a few shots at the opposing goal.

He surprised everyone with that very good goal versus Man Utd only recently… possibly himself even!!

My comment was purely on the defensive part of his game. Given how important a defensive set-up is to Dyche, and what he demands of the likes of wide players like Iwobi and McNeil in that set-up (and see what he demanded of his wide players at Burnley), then Iwobi has the running to close down the opposition play.

Christy, exactly, play him wide, which is what Dyche did against Arsenal. You just have to watch that video of Dyche himself explaining the sort of role demanded of the likes of Iwobi in what Dyche calls "crunching the play" (he explains this with reference to the roles of Brady and McNeil as wide men at Burnley). This is Dyche saying this.

Has anyone got any stats on wins, draws, losses etc on Iwobi when playing or not playing?

We know that Klopp will be motivating his team with the words "You will be regarded as being a crap Liverpool squad if you lose to Everton on Monday". This could backfire badly on him if we win. So they will be going for a draw or a breakaway win.

Iowbi has always been selected by numerous managers for this reason. But he has always been a free spirit who can look caught out in play.

In an interview, Ancelotti was asked about Iowbi complaining that he was not being played in his best position. Ancelotti seemed taken aback by this, saying: "His best position? I play him in his best position."

The truth is that Iowbi's best position is all over the place. Lampard, a midfield fielder himself, with little idea of defence, recognised himself in Iowbi, though a bit more disciplined.

Iowbi had found a manager who believed in him, which did his confidence no end of good. Frank had restricted Iowbi in the end when under pressure; he was less effective and the gaps appeared – not helped by Frank's sieve formation.

I agree with Tony @128 to a large extent regarding Iowbi and I do like the player, but was concerned with a change of manager. But I do think that Dyche is a manager that Iowbi will respond to.

I am encouraged that Tony @129 has identified him as more disciplined in his role under Dyche during the Arsenal game. He is one of the posters I watch out for, knowing he actually attends games and post's on his first-hand observations, which I find very valuable, not being able to attend many games.

The reason Coleman seeks out Iwobi is that Coleman recognizes that Iwobi's confidence is fragile and the lad needs constant pats on the back.

I thought he did well last week, not great but effective, and he works well with Coleman (they seem to like each other).

Let's see what Dyche can do with him.

I don't want to be argumentative with you but I don't think Iwobi is great at closing down, he goes and has a look at what is going on and might sneak the ball away for a throw-in but doesn't do enough for me.

He treats the ball like a hot potato a lot of the time, panics and can't get rid of the ball quick enough but, if you like him, fair enough; he will never be my cup of tea.

Against Arsenal, the Onana, Doucoure, Gueye set-up looked powerful: not something you could have said about us for a long time before that.

You constantly see him running to close down players but never gets near enough to put in a challenge. Not being disrespectful but he has no physicality in his game.

Energy and stamina are not much use if you don't know how to use it and I don't think Iwobi has this knowledge.

You are really on to something there, confidence-building and encouragement build spirit.

May I add, that your post was one of the finest I have ever read.

He shuffles around the pitch, especially when chasing back, which is infuriating. He rarely scores, assists, beats a man, tackles… he's like the cowardly lion of midfielders.

He has 5 assists this season. So, he has had a hand in almost 1/3rd of the Everton league goals. Often playing with no target man too!

He was a 5-6 game wonder last season but normal service has now been resumed. Sell, sell, sell!!!!

Serious question, because I thought he often went running forward with no discipline whilst playing under Lampard and he was definitely part of the reason why Everton became very, very easy to play against.

It was only one game but, if Everton are to survive this relegation battle, then the discipline that we showed against Arsenal is going to be absolutely crucial over the next 3 months and this must be replicated on a regular basis; otherwise, I don't think we will survive.

Dyche, in his video, talks about crunching the space, Brent, so I just hope Pickford is on his toes sweeping tomorrow night.

Hadn't thought of that. Probably the reason.

No idea how many goals he has given away, though I would agree with you – at times he seemed like he was all over the place… instructed to do so?

Gana was the same, though – and you could ask the same question of him on a few occasions! The worst culprit for that for me was Gomez – maybe it is an Everton thing.

One thing I will say about Iwobi : his attacking stats could be better but, compared to his teammates, he is doing quite well. Plus, he is an attacking player, not a defensive player, and has played on both wings, as both a right- and left-wingback, and as a conventional right-back too, I think (happy to be corrected), an attacking midfielder, a defensive midfielder and a Number 8 – unless I am recalling things incorrectly!

May I add, that your post was one of the finest I have ever read.

Errrr are you after money mate? I'm skint y'know! ;-))

Some might be family but tomorrow I look them in the eye and owe them fuck all.

Let's get up for this Blues.

Apologies for my language. I'm Catholic. I will go to Confession.

Lampard was definitely not setting us up right and it was exasperating watching the indiscipline in our midfielders. In his first game, Dyche had us defending from the front and defending as a team; this is something that never really occurred under Lampard.

So let's see how it pans out – it will suit some players more than others, I guess. I think the problem with Lampard was he was transitioning styles too quickly for a squad assembled by Moyes, Martinez, Koeman, Silva, Allardyce, Ancelotti and Benitez – a hard task for anyone, but I guess (being an expert), the best way to approach this scenario is fitness, fight and discipline initially!

I still think Iwobi is one of the better players in the squad; better than he is given credit.

I was brought up a Catholic too (St Oswald's parish, Old Swan). We were assured that, if you attended mass on 9 consecutive first Fridays of the month, you are guaranteed a place in Heaven (irrespective of what happens in the rest of your life). I did, so I reckon I'm covered.

Not sure if any TW regulars are members of the clergy but, if they are, I'd be grateful if they could post a confirmation.

We don't have Lampard leading us and so we have a chance, c'mon boys!!

Nevertheless I went to St. Mary of the Angels ( The Friary) the best parish in the whole world and I did those nine consecutive masses, sadly the person I made the intention for passed away not long after the ninth mass. I also made those nine masses later in life for a private intention but that was a failure too but that person grew up to be a lovely genuine honest person so maybe that was a consolation prize, or maybe I'm not very good at praying!!

I hate seeing players running just for running's sake, and this is something I often think Iwobi does, but he's definitely got ability, and if he can be taught to become a more disciplined footballer, then I think he will be deserving of a lot more praise.

Football is easy, and we are all experts whilst sitting there with our feet up, but the reality is, it's a very difficult and brutal sport, and I can't believe our manager has been stupid enough to make videos, that highlight his defensive set-up, because it's not as if he his skint!

Bizarre why we signed the lad for so much money but I read today that Reidy was invited to talk to the players at FF very recently. I hope he was able to explain to our Alex what being a proper midfielder is all about, despite having had a broken leg or two.

As an aside Reidy was voted as the PFA Players' Player of the Year in 1985 and came fourth in the World Soccer Player of the Year award, behind Michel Platini, Preben Elkjær and Diego Maradona.

That's where tackling can get you Alex.

Win, lose, or draw - if we look comparable to the way we did against Arsenal, it bodes well for the reason of the season.

And Dave, I hope that the sponge that is Sharp, if such a thing has to exist, doesn't go into public use!

I think it is a modern-day-phenomenon to praise players far too quickly after just a few games to be fair. Ridiculous, and at Everton we seem as guilty as anyone heralding the next big star - only to be disappointed time and time again.

Sharp returns to the Masters quarters later same afternoon:

“Master, I did as you asked, I have used your burner phone and messaged all press that Pickford wants 𧶀k a week! What cheek! Not one of them are worth it! He will soon be gone and we can get at least 㿼M from Man Utd for him."

The master smiles, "Well done Grasshopper, now we let the outrage fester…"

"It's a disgrace, Master! 𧶀k a week!" I wasn't being paid that much a year!" he pauses, "Master, I am still not being paid that much a year"

"Correct Grasshopper, but do not worry, once our esteemed leader has finished the stadium and sells, I will ensure you are paid that amount on our triumphant entrance to the new stadium where I will be crowned king!"

"Crowned Master?" But our leader has asked for a new room next to the boardroom with a high headroom!"

"What are you talking about Grasshopper? What is a high headroom for?"

"I do not know master, he said it was coming especially from France, said it cuts through paper and will put an end to the misery you have cost him."

"What are you talking about, Grasshopper? What is this device?"

"I do not know master, I think he said it was called a National Razor in France... he wants you to attend a demonstration next week..."

Door slams, patter of tiny feet running down stairs..
"Master?" What is wrong?"

I'm not suggesting he's.amongst the best, but because it's relevant to this team right now, I don't think I've seen Tarkowski make many tackles. He tends more to anticipate, put his body in the way and make a block. Jagielka was good at recovery. Ratcliffe was just too quick for everyone. He must have worn jet-powered boots.

Onana frightens me. Thank goodness his timing seems to be spot on. Although lets see how that goes this evening. I could see it giving the starstruck Ref who will probably hum along to that song a perfect opportunity.

That gave me an early morning laugh Dave Abrahams. I obviously don't know and have never met Sharp, my 3rd in line boyhood idol. But when I think back to the footage on Howard's Way and how he seems to be playing out his current role, he seems pretty submissive. Great on the pitch though and gave me some of best moments of my life following Everton. Just a hunch, no facts or actuals to back up that opinion.

On a day of what is going to be emotional, the comment about Peter Reid is valid. Definitely one of the best of the post war era. I can only go off what those who watched the ‘60s told me and then my own experiences in the ‘70s and since.

No particular order and I'll leave my obvious out of it!!

Young
The Angel
West (have you watched the limited footage? He could throw a ball out rather than kick it).
Ball
Kendall
Harvey
Latchford
Reid
Steven
Southall
And yes, Sharp.

I would throw Seamus in there for sheer dedication and commitment to the cause in difficult times and he works incredibly hard having had to to get there.

I'm sure there are more that others could think of. Oh to have players of that quality at that place tonight, but we go with what we have and fight.

Of an older vintage but one who adored both the late ‘60s and mid ‘80s teams, I would certainly try and fit Ratcliffe and Labone into your selection. Royle at peak was a great centre-forward.

Labone is a good shout. And yes Cahill is in the club,Joe.

Okay, I will say it, let's get Sheedy, the one and only, on the pitch to slot one in right in front of that cesspit of a stand and their self-appreciating horrible fans.

Don't trust em to put in two good consecutive performances, so it's a loss for me.

So many times we have gone to Anfield and matched them only to find a way to not win or worse lose.

For the theologians out there, surely we've got a decent chance of getting through the pearly gates, given the amount of purgatory we've endured over the years?

Danny, I thought of you yesterday. My 6-year-old grandson made his outfield debut, having been playing in goal to help out the team. He was peripheral at times, didn't tackle very much, but moved into good positions, played some incisive passes and scored a screamer from the edge of the box (all left peg). Reminded me of someone from the 80s.

Give our loveable neighbours a salute from me tonight, please.

I'm not beaten before we've started or a ball has been kicked. Far from it.

The team and the manager won't be either.

Let's go and take it to them. All 3,000 or so dedicated Evertonians plus those watching around the country and the globe and obviously the 11 on the pitch.

I don't care about them. I'll probably get the usual abuse and condasecndent behaviour. But we are going in. Let's do our thing and push them over the line as well as looking that lot in the eye with blue pride.

Never a truer word said.

Don#186

I would not count on it , though it is endearing you are attempting to think so.

Like anything in life. Think ahead and spot the danger early. Then you sort it out before it becomes a problem.

Let's go and see the cousins.

Just to distract me from my heart flutters, for those who saw him, what is the opinion on him?

And he's not allowed to be better than Kevin Sheedy!!

I am happy to distract you, Tony Kay was in my opinion the best Everton midfield player I have ever seen. He would not only get into any Everton team as I have commented before Tony Kay was the best midfield player in Britain and had he not been banned he would have been in Englands World Cup winning side. Tony was ferocious in the tackle he would win most 40-60 tackles never mind 50-50 tackles. He was an excellent passer of the ball and a great reader of the game. I know you are too young to remember him so just to give you an example of how good he was Kay was like Peter Reid on steroids and I loved Reidy, but like your idol Sheedy nowhere near the quality of Tony Kay. I also used to love watching Bobby Collins another terrific midfield general but Danny take my word Kay was the best.

It looks like your your six year old grandson has got a good football brain, I hope that goal he scored helped his team to win, best wishes Peter and I hope all us Evertonians have a big smile on our faces tonight around 10-00pm.

As for prayers for an Everton win, I have prayed at times for that to happen while conscious that the opposition supporters pray as well, although I must admit that I blessed myself with the sign of the cross immediately the ref. blew the whistle for full time at the end of the Arsenal game and silently thanked him.

A win for us tonight 2-0 COYB

RS are having a rough season by their standards and our attack will be struggling yet.

We dare not expect anything in our favor from the officials given the recent VAR mistakes so let's just hope for a solid defensive showing to get us ready for the Leeds game.

Leeds showed they can still play a bit and dominated Manure early on yesterday.

I have probably experienced more Derby matches than I care to remember and have many great memories especially Sharpie's goal of the season at Analfield back in the Eighties.

Any kind of Everton winning goal would satisfy me today.

I think its dangerous to underestimate Liverpool, they still have plenty of world class players, they might be out of form at the moment but they are not going to be a pushover.
I've not a clue what sort of score its going to finish at, you cant make a prediction without knowing whos playing.

Yes i did see T.Kay play and he did get MOTM in the game that he got the suspension from .

I think tge big difference regarding betting and fixing a match was that he bet on his then team, wednesday, to lose against Ipswich which they did

Such a waste of a fantastic talent for a few quid

60k I think we bought him for. Couldn't buy him nowadays

On my way up on a train surprisingly sparse of Kopites. Maybe I'm in the wrong carriage but at least that means I can stay on past Stafford.

All the windows open wide.

Put the candle out.

We are respected wherever we may go.

Be loud and proud tonight Blues. Lets take it to them.

Then Dychy takes out Klipperty in the tunnel at half time.

The lads come back invigorated with a spirit unseen ( except for the tunnel K.O. incident inbetween)
Synching in to our sour seasons saved spirit, we bash in two past Carras love, Alison.
One a throw out he badly timed. Iwobi chips him whilst the genial goalkeeper is miles off his line.
To give these red devils the extra time, PL refs tow the anfield team must win at all costs line and adding a mysterious 9.
But they cant break through. Our solid defence and midfield fighters putting on the frighteners
And then a breakaway. The ref wants to call foul but no rule broken his whistle remains a necklace token.
Supersub Simms nails the coffin shut. Bang on 99. Our wondrous fans full of rapturous cheer. The shamed kopites disappear.
A dream true ?
You betcha.
COYB

I think Tony stayed in Liverpool after the banning, he had a cardboard collecting business in Shaw Street over the road where I lived, he later served a short sentence over business concerning a diamond ring and was well looked after by people I knew while he was inside and afterwards when he had served the sentence, he played some amateur football in Liverpool, playing under an alias.

A wonderful career wasted over a bit of foolishness and a long time to regret it.

Link

It was a travesrsty to ban them for life. They figured they were favourites to llose that game and bet on it but as someone else pointed out Kay put up a MotM performance.

On the subject of the VAR I would like to see this "clear and obvious error" nonsense removed. It is either the correct decision or it isn't. If it isn't then correct it; otherwise, what's the point of the VAR.

Onto today and our chance for another 3 points. I would hope Calvert-Lewin makes it as he would definitely unsettle their backline in a way that neither Maupay nor Simms can.

I've got some adult things to do today but that is really a mirage i'm fucking all that off and going all in on this experience which is truly living We have a fantastic chance to get over on these creeps. UTFT!!!!! I would love to see Dyche get the winner's handshake from the Klown.

Tackles flying everywhere with that lot getting the big decisions, as always.

Klopp gurning and jumping around on the touchline berating the 4th official and whipping his players into a frenzy.

If we keep our heads though and get in behind them we can win this comfortably with the same level of performance we put in against Arsenal.

Defend solidly and attack with purpose.
COYB

What are the adult things you were going to do today before you changed your mind, if you don't mind me asking.

Right now I'm approaching Runcorn and have managed to bump into several London reds on the train for my sins. Says me the London living blue. But they are proper London reds. No roots or connections, just support them.

I always get sentimental when the train crosses the Mersey. Don't worry, I'm not going all Bill!

Tony Kay played amateur football for Crawford's, I don't no how many games he played but at that time I was running an amateur Sunday league team and we played a friendly against them, Kay played and our winger can testify to that as he has still got the bruises.

I expect us to pressure and contain them as against Arsenal, and as they themselves used to do. Difference is, two thirds of our team don't "have asthma" and the RS seem short of inhalers this season.

Bet he earned a damned sight more with Yes than he would have playing football back then.

Daniel, that lot can throw what they want at me. I've had worse.

Come on blue boys. More than life.

Show us last week wasn't a 1 off !

Show us that they won't crumble under the first bit of pressure!

Show us that application, determination & desire can make up for any shortcomings in ability!

Show us why we still live & breath this club despite all we have to endure!

Show us the SPIRIT OF THE BLUES !

UTFT !!!!!!!!!

They come from Scandinavia
Dressed all in red and white
They all think that they're Scousers
They're just a gang of shite
And when they go to Anfield
All they wanna do
Is go down to the club shop
It's what the Tourists do.

Ole ole ole, ole ole ole.

See ya all later!

Cheers pal, I'll give that a whirl.

Feeling positive for tonight, wallop them from minute one just to let these cnt's know they are in a scrap :D

Every single one of them.

He's a kiwi but got the point

I knew they werent going the match because they never fucking do. I've been to Anfield more than any of them. They were all dressed up to go and watch it in town with thousands of other like-minded kopites who don't know where Mordor is.

I have just very nearly pissed myself. Their taxi turned up about ten minutes ago. The driver took one look, did a three point turn and fucked off down boundary street. You should have seen the gormless looks on their faces.

Yes, like everyone else I would like to believe that Dyche will get a lot more from the team for the rest of the season but quality defense is what we need now.

Good to see Garner is getting fit again with one or two others but the limitations up front are obvious still.

C.O.Y.B.

Thought not.

I get their perspective as the chant is disrespectful, is offensive and especially when done in relation to Hillsborough and should rightly be condemned. But in its broader context, non-event specific, it's also accurate. Twisting the context so it's seen "solely" relating to the Hillsborough disaster is spin, but it's effective spin because that's how it will be perceived.

So any Blues considering using it, don't. Find a different way of making our voices heard. Let the team humble them, don't give the cause to blame our support. Ever.

When they backed Suarez, this song became very popular, but it wasn't long before they switched the gear, because it's never their fault.

A shame the the Police are treating it like a riot.

Let them know your here to win

Whatever happens, how often did we last have any cause for optimism before this game in recent times? I'm sure more feel the same way.