JoeQuince

He went down from the shirt pull. Try to turn a corner when somebody is pulling you down like that and you'll lose your footing, too.

DCL needs to bury that ?

BARKLEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is Barry even playing anymore? Fuck off, Snodgrass.

Well, at least the crossbar stopped them now, too.

Mirallas had the pass on to Rom there, but went for his usual tame effort at goal. Unlucky for Barkley. Shouldn't have tried to power it through like that.

Goddamn woodwork strikes again!

Ross using his strength and showing some determination helped to cause the congestion that led to Marshall/Mbokani colliding for the own goal. So, I'll give him that. Barry needs to come off for the much more mobile Davies. That'll help our midfield to actually look like it exists. And, it'll open up space for Ross to actually play.

WOOOSH! Get in! COYB!

Goddammit, Ross. Make the fucking run

Bigger issue is Barry's lack of movement in midfield. When he gets the ball, he's excellent. But, he's not showing for it when he needs to, which leaves the player with the ball isolated and hopelessly lumping it up or passing it back.

Couldn't agree more. We look best with legs in midfield. Keeps us from dropping too deep and creating massive gaps between defense and attack. And, Barry mostly plays it backwards and looks like he'd rather be part of the backline than in midfield.

Well, here's Everton to come along and disappoint you. ?

The club owns the contract, but not the human being. And, I agree that players shouldn't be fucking around. But, unless the player is violating the club's policy, the manager's policy or a law, there isn't any problem until it affects their on-field product. And, in that event, this is a problem that (at least I feel) should be handled by the player, manager and club. The media doesn't have a stake in the player. The fans aren't there day-in-day-out at training or in the dressing room, and thus they don't know what's going on. This only becomes an issue for fans when people make a deal out of it publicly AND a player's form drops. Suddenly, it's all about their vices. We don't know for sure though. And, we can't. If a player wants to be in top shape, then of course they shouldn't be fucking around. They should be keeping their nose clean. The club should have infrastructure and policies in place to ensure that their players don't fuck around and should apply sanctions when necessary. It needs to be codified and standardized in each club or perhaps even league-wide. Unless that's the case, players can do whatever they want, so long as they can still perform and get results.

They're paid to be productive on the field. If they can play at a high level and still smoke and drink, then that's their call. Or, if the manager likes to control that, then he can set up expectations. But, the players aren't slaves who must be monitored and regulated at all times, least of all by the media and fans. Their careers are primarily in their hands.

Berahino is a solid finisher, and he could (COULD) be someone to pair with Rom. I have my worries with him though. He's not a player the ball really sticks to, and he's played best alongside a striker who can hold it up. He's not the strongest or most technical player, which could see him found out easily. He isn't the hardest working player. And, I think he bought into the hype generated around him (something done for all young, exciting English prospects, most of which eventually disappoint), which has given him a big head. I don't know how he fits into our squad as anything more than a Plan B option at the 70th minute.

Right. It's all so authoritarian. I'd go mad living in that fucking panopticon.

Who gets into your all-time chain smoker's five-a-side? Cruyff, Maradona, Zidane, Ozil and Barthez for me.

That's fine with me! I hate stories like this. The way athletes and their bodies are policed at all times these days is frightening.

I'd love to see it happen. I'd shit my pants. But, I wouldn't count on this happening. Exactly the type of player we need, though. He can play the 10 or either wing. He's quick, skillful, strong, intelligent and direct. He can pass and he can finish. All-around solid footballer.

I went with Robles because of how well he commanded his area and positioned himself, and because he got that fluke of an assist.

Yup. Davies working hard and playing hard while staying in control. Barkley with two balls that have created big chances.

LUKAKU!!!!!!! COYB!

Ross playing really well since he came on (Davies too). Gana should've buried that. Please let us get a second.

How were neither of those counted as fouls???