A better Blues performance sees Everton get a draw

I've gone early, but one day i'll be right.

Patterson picks up injuries like no-marks pick up used cigarette butts lol

There have been many like that over the years, because they hardly feature we build up this imaginary phenomena in our minds but it never comes to fruit.

He'll probably have the same season as he did last season and the season before that, smattering of games and then 20 games not seen nor heard.

The guy's a genius; each passing day, he gets better and better.

Ndiaye and Charly need forward balls to run on to.

And Pereira is pissed off about it.

Moyes is defo feeling the pressure.

I would be nice to see Iroegbunam and Alcaraz have a good game. I see nothing to fear from Man Utd.

There was a tailgate meet of Toffees outside the stadium and quite a few blue flares (security not impressed ha!).

Anyway, COYB!

What are you referring to?

Wishing you and all blues a performance from the lads befitting of your support. UTFT

Or is it Pickford with a scraggly beard?

Overall, much improved.

No complaints about the penalty. Tarkowski got caught playing catch-up.

Is that now a goal and assist by Gana in 2 games?!!

I was thinking, maybe cynicism, but I wonder how long before Ndiaye gets labelled by so-called big club managers for going down easy and refs start being influenced?

No, it's just his pace and box of tricks catching defenders out.

Just been refused alcohol because I have no ID. Should be flattered really but ridiculous and very annoying.

Not only did we have to show ID, we had to show all four and be present each time we went to the bar.

O'Brien's distribution is really poor.

We desperately need some quality to help Ndiaye.

But keeping possession and creating chances looks a difficult task. Nothing we didn'tt already know.

Playing teams like Port Vale and Man Utd, whilst you can't take anything from giving them the run around, it's good for fitness and takes us up a notch.

Obvious limitations. Tim Iregbunamo is an odd one – looks like he should be able to have an impact but fails on the most basic stuff.

Too early to judge Barry but he hasn't really got involved yet.

Oh well. Last test event and then we do it for real.

Off for a drink! 🤣

Even though an own goal, a very well worked move for the second equaliser.

We need a right-winger, nothing comes down our right. Shows that Barry will need time to settle I think.

I'd love Mason Mount from Man Utd. Highly unlikely, I know, but exactly the type we need.

Just playing 4 at the back makes us look solid, and we will be again this season; add some creativity and goals and it's easy to see us pushing up the league.

4 players in please before Leeds: right-winger, right-back, 2 x Midfielders.

Tonight will be Onyango's last appearance, so good luck to the lad at his next club. If we bring in Luiz or Dewsbury-Hall, I'd probably keep Armstrong in and around the team and sell Iroegbunam.

At this stage, I'd be happy to settle for 2 or 3 proper players signed in the next couple of weeks: a right-back, a right-winger and central-midfielder at a minimum. If they could manage to recruit the likes of Juanlu, Dibling & Grealish, then I'd look at the upcoming season with genuine expectation.

UTFT though!

Considering that should not have been a penalty for them, the lads put in a good shift against a bigger much more expensive squad.

It's hard playing against these relegation-battling teams… UTFT

A better performance tonight and we will get better when we sign those six players before the end of the window —- well, as they are better than some of the mediocre players still with us!

The youngsters looked well off the pace, Aznou and Onyango. Shows the Premier League is a real step up. But the former is supposedly a big talent and he's young. Right-wing is a big problem and, while O'Brien does a job at right-back, we really can't afford to waste him there.

Given the paucity of our squad, I'd suggest Patterson and Chermiti need to be looking for an exit strategy given their lack of minutes. It's pretty clear Moyes rates neither. Beto might be a blunderbuss but he will start; Barry hasn't done anything yet to change Moyes's mind on that. Or mine.

I still don't think he gets enough recognition for how much energy and aggression in the tackle he puts in. He does from me. As well as his ability to play forward when it's on.

As for the penalty, softer than the one Young got turned down against them after Fernandes got in the refs face at Goodison last season, one sly rat face Fernandes getting a sly one in on McNeil.

Like I said last week, forwards look raw, would still bring Vardy in for a season, send Chermiti out on loan.

Beto looks better and winning more challenges, laid the ball off better tonight as well.

All-in-all, we won a lot of the second lose balls and 50/50 challenges.

If we can get another 4 players in, it will make a big difference.

Yes, Garner gets a lot more stick than praise off a lot of fans but he is a very tidy player for me.

If they go into a nosedive from here, I'll never forgive myself.

The back four looked their reliable best… yes, even Keane, but with Branthwaite returning next Saturday, they will look even stronger. Jimmy Garner and Ndiaye probably MotM for me, but everyone played well.

Our starting eleven (with Branthwaite in for Keane) I reckon is more than a match for anyone, it's the depth in the squad that's a concern, but I'm sure this will be put right in the next couple of weeks.

I think he needs to play in the position Tim was occupying and a proper right-winger in his place. That would work better, especially if there is a player in Barry (none spotted so far, but early days)…

I don't think anyone should be playing the ‘Doucoure role'. It was an aberration caused by how light we have been in key attacking positions and hopefully a couple more recruits will banish that jerry-rigged system to history.

Which of the better, more successful, teams really play with a ‘Doucoure Role'?
I'll be much happier when we can ask our midfielders to simply play as such.

That is some offside trap.

Our two strikers may not be the most skilled but they are a pair of rough buggers; add that to the aggression of Alcaraz, there will be some defenders who will not fancy it!

Whilst our effort and playing to our strengths were excellent, the shortfalls in depth and quality of play are still of concern. Man Utd flattered to deceive, good quality but went nowhere; conversely, we battled and, on another day, deserved to win it on chances created. Lucky penalty, offset by a lucky equaliser, unlucky to hit a post and have one disallowed, never mind Beto getting in the way of Alcaraz.

Beto will cause chaos with some defenders but his finishing is just not good enough. Barry, frankly, did little to push his claim for a starting place ahead of Beto, looking decidedly lightweight as a replacement. We cannot play the same way, pumping balls up to him, he is not a like-for-like replacement.

All-in-all, a better performance all round.

You reminded me of my mate many years ago who was pretty artistic and wrote his club's weekly newsletter.

He called it 'late tackle' — the picture he drew for the front page was of a guy at a bus stop wearing a suit, bowler hat & carrying a brief case, with a guy in full kit, studs up, sliding in towards his ankles.

Our first goal and their second were pretty good but the rest was average bordering on garbage. For those who thought we played well or that it was a 'good' performance, well it just goes to show how our expectations have dropped over the years.

Fans pay a lot of money to be entertained by quality football and our team ain't displaying that at present.

It cracks me-up that people aren't engaged by a decent sporting competition. What are people expecting to see?

The commentators thought it was an entertaining first half and they will quite often say if they think it wasn't.

Then you have a second half massively disrupted by mass substitutions because, guess what, this is a largely meaningless pre-season fixture.

I was pleased that we stayed competitive for the whole 90 minutes and some players, Garner the stand-out, seemed happy to step-up and take on more of the workload.

I think it's harsh to say Barry's control was poor on the chance that Maguire snuffed out. Like a similar one against Bournemouth, sometimes you just have to credit the defender with doing their job well.

Same with Dalot being in just the right (wrong?) place at the right time to foil Beto in the act of converting what would otherwise have been credited as a neat bit of skill.

Nil-nil draws can be entertaining if the teams are evenly matched. If you don't feel the same, then there are some aspects of the game you must be incapable of appreciating.

We look okay with the core squad but we all know we need to add some quality signings. I think they will come. Keep the faith, brothers and sisters.

Jimmy Garner had one of his best games for us; I thought Ndiaye looked off the pace in the first half but what a cracking goal.

Beto and Barry look the weak links right now but hopefully with reinforcements their link-up play will improve.

So sad we didn't get Delap.

Onyango and Armstrong didn't look out of place but McNeil is still a major concern for me. His lack of pace means he gets closed down too quickly and we end up going backwards.

A fixture between two Sunday pub teams can be competitive and entertaining I guess, but most fans pay to see our players play a higher standard than that with passing and ball control that justifies their huge salaries.

The majority of posters and fans are recognising that we're well short of quality and our play over the last five or six fixtures reflects that.

I'm just stating it as it is.

A few players still needed, which Everton should be on the way to getting. Barry needs more Premier League game time.

Replace Iroegbunam with a better midfielder (or play Alcaraz there), put in a more dangerous right-winger and right-back and I think we'll be okay.

Beto and Barry will frustrate of course but they are a handful and Beto proved he can get goals last season.

Add Dibling, Fofana, Douglas Luiz and Juanlu Sanchez to this side and I think it's got a decent shot at Top 10, with a young core who could form the basis for a team challenging in Europe over the next 5 years.

Let's see who we get.

He did strike up a good understanding with Beto last season, so I'm hoping this will continue once we get down to real business.

As mentioned above, I wouldn't be rushing to judge Thierno Barry just yet after just about 90 minutes of accumulated time on the pitch in cameos. Give the kid time to settle.

I thought Aznou looked okay for his brief run out. Iroegbunam showed a few signs again, I'm just not sure he's ready to claim a starting berth in a fully fit and added to squad. Similarly with Onyango, although he looked bright. A shame that Armstrong didn't get longer than 10 minutes.

On the senior players.

We've already mentioned Garner. Pickford did his usual when called upon. He looked a bit more composed and commanding of his box.

Ndiaye; read what I put for Alcaraz, the difference he spent a lot of time being kicked, pulled and pushed, often surrounded by 2 or 3 opposition players. I think he's going to have to get used to that as he seems to be becoming a target out of respect.

As Rob mentions, the defence were mostly resolute. O'Brien, Tarkowski, Keane and Mykolenko looked more assured in a settled back 4. Is it me, or does our Ukrainian seem to perform better against better opposition? Our captain just needs to keep adding oil and deep heat to get rid of the rustiness. Maybe the more lethal Tiger Balm. Not pleasant if you leave your post match boxers exposed to mischievous team mates or forget to wash your hands before heading for a pre-match number one.

In all, and not bothered about the result, a much more positive performance to finish off the US venture. There was a lot more resilience than we've seen to date, coming back from a goal behind twice.

Onto the next one against I Giallorossi.

McNeil offered nothing when he came on.

Myko looked solid and beto was a handful.

Two right wingers
One right back
Another centre half
One defensive midfielder
One box to box midfielder
A striker
Some emerging talent to stick out on loan to support the squad going forward.

The squad is desperately thin of quality and quantity, and only allows park the bus tactics and then nicking the ball. A boisterous crowd will make it more difficul for the opposition, but last night highlighted technically how far off they are in retaining and releasing the ball with teal quality. That has ti be overcome to get ahead of the mid pack.

The effort was there. The penalty was soft, the 2nd was poor closing down, and there were moments where we should have punished more - obrien and beto.

A throwback really.

It opens up another debate. If I recall correctly, back in the day we used to distinguish between United and City as Mancunians and Mancastrians. I don't know if that is correct, just what we used to say.

Similarly, I resent being called a Liverpudlian and always correct people. Too close to being associated as a Kopite.

I prefer being labelled a Scouser or coming from the city of Liverpool.

If I am correct, and I stand to be corrected, I think there is an official term of Liverpolitan. I'd prefer that, just don't call me a Liverpudlian.

We need 4 or 5 in to allow some flexibility/ account for injuries and we can then have a reasonable season and finish 7th to 12th.

The right back situation scares me. I struggle to believe this hasnt been addressed for 5 years. O brien is a makeshift as he will be needed at centre back as Tarkowski isn't getting any younger.

Add in terrible pitches and you can expect the games to be unimpressive.

Realistically if we've got some minutes into the new boys and returning players then we've done alright.

We have only got two players, Pickford and Branthwaite, who are excellent. Below that there is a number of competent, decent footballers who could improve with more quality around them.

Manchester Utd showed last night what the addition of a couple of £60m players can do. It seems we cannot compete in that market, which makes me think that a £10m season from Jack Grealish might not be such a bad idea if it can be brought about.

Having said that, many predicted a mullering from Manure, I thought considering the immoral amount of money they have spent (Cunha, Mbuemo etc) they didn't look any better than us. With a bit of that rare commodity (luck) we could have come away as victors in this one.

I was hoping that had our luck been in, the ' mullering ' would have had our team defeating them, and West Ham picking up the meaningless trophy, by virtue of a narrow goal difference.

They have a very tricky opening 3 of 5 games, Arsenal, Man City and Chelsea, so it will be interesting to see how they fare, hoping we have significant space between us and them again.

Lord knows how they are still managing to spend the amounts they are given the debt they are in and claiming the need to cut costs by laying of non-playing staff.

If I was to put a bet on, Armoim could be first to go if it doesn't start well. He got a let off last season with hopes they would win the Europa League and gain Champions League qualification. With the player investment, I doubt he will be afforded the same patience this time around.

Behind him, I would suggest the Bournemouth manager, for different reasons. If someone else comes sniffing, he may decide to take his chance.

It can't be disputed however they can boast a much bigger (and global) fanbase, hence increased revenue, as opposed to ourselves and others like us ! Which brings me to a point, that I, and many others have raised about our commercial ineptitude. We don't even have Everton TV. (as such)

I would have thought being involved in this Summer Series, would have been an ideal opportunity to boost fan numbers, sales and the whole gamut of Everton F C. No nothing, de nada, whether the Friedkins have goofed or didn't think along those lines, is almost unthinkable in this day and age.

'It is understood referee Thomas Bramall apologised to Everton’s players, admitting he got it wrong in awarding Manchester United a penalty.'

Indeed, if the manager had a hand in replacing the generally successful DoF with the much vaunted 'flat structure', he may well come to regret his desire to be 'in control'.

But it's still early days and we never wake up before Christmas, do we ?

But it would be fun if we did!

Dibling, Dion Lopy (we’ve bid apparently), KDH and Grealish on loan is probably more likely.

But we looked sharper and more aggressive all over the park and while still short of quality up front we still created some good chances. Moyes interviewed after the game said he thought that was Garners best game so far. He also said he expected some signings this week but added I thought that a few weeks back, but we seem closer this time.

It's all very well these twats saying after the event, " they made an error of judgement " it never alters the outcome, and if an important match, points lost, or exit from a Cup is a bitter pill to swallow.

Beto looks like he might have found a pair of boots that fit him.. and improved his touch a little.
Charly has been a bit disappointing, although working hard his effect on games has been minimal. I hope it's not a case of downing tools now his loans permanent.
Mcneil needs to improve too.

With the numbers in squad we can't afford these players to underperform !

" Beto looks like he might have found a pair of boots that fit him.. and improved his touch a little."

Unfortunately they are roller boots ! :-)

Recruitment is pretty standard Everton going after players out of reach and being left with the scraps.

Why are we not looking at Arnau Martinez at right back?

Craig, I would hope the majority have been aware of the deficiencies in the squad for a much longer time than that.

You pay money to see a sporting contest, which can be adversely affected in many random ways. What you don’t pay for is some scripted and rehearsed performance that is guaranteed to satisfy high expectations.

We hope the necessary level of quality will come sooner rather than later but anyone expecting it right here and now hasn’t been paying attention.