Cornish Steve

Ten plus ten means you must have scored (think about it!). Congrats. Life will never be the same, but it's very much worth it.

And don't forget Robles.

I would simply repeat what I've written before: At this point, it's all about him regaining confidence.

Snot as good as blue. But who cares if we win?

Lukaku - but both Barkley and Kone deserve a mention. And let's not forget the great job done by the defence, with Galloway growing in confidence.

Well, not many expected that. Congratulations to Droobie and Shukes for having the guts and optimism to predict that Everton would score three, with Lukaku netting the first. Only one person predicted a clean sheet, however, and that was pete0. Blue250 leads for the month (and the season) and for points per prediction. Well done.

Take a screenshot. We're currently second in the table!

Did you? And, if not, are you saying you're smarter than everyone else?

Southampton 2-2 Everton Lukaku

Me too.

RIP Blakey. Amazing to think this was mainstream humour and one of the most popular shows on TV about 45 years ago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrBQ6i45l7o

Add Galloway and Browning, and it would make for an interesting experiment.

I'm beginning to think you're just kinky.

But how do you know without ever having seen him play? Give the lad a chance!

Let the chips fall where they may.

I think it will be Evans, Lennon, and Patto.

We sometimes forget the pressure put on younger players. Latin American culture is very family-oriented, so it would be a lot of pressure on the lad. If we're listening to his concerns, all credit to us for being decent about it.

I get the argument about the value of experience but have no problem at all bringing in youngsters. Galloway is almost there. He'll make mistakes, and we'll groan from time to time, but I'd rather invest in him than waste money on an aging player. Browing isn't far off either, and of course we have Garbutt. Defence is not so bad, quite honestly. Put all the money in creativity, providing the missing link in our ability to score more goals.

First scorer?

I've mentioned it a few times, but I don't understand how people can't see that Everton are pursuing a strategy that is out-and-out different from others. If we do the same as everyone, just buying the latest name that supporters happen to like based on our financial means, we'll be mid to low table forever. When everyone does the same, there's a clear correlation with financial means. That's a basic rule of life. Why does anyone think that Everton are immune? Spend 10th in a league where everyone follows the same approach and we finish 10th or thereabouts. Simple as. So, to break that mould, we have to play to a different set of rules. And that, right now, is investing much more in youth. Just look at the calibre of some of the youngsters brought in, players that the biggest football powers were unable to attract. Our future is very bright! But, of course, it's not an instant panacea, taking a few years, and the risk is that too many supporters will continue to do what happens elsewhere, and that's blame the manager for doing no more than what financial constraints allow. Just look at the managerial turnover in recent years; it's plain ridiculous. Understandable, given the fast-food mentality that dominates today's society, but still ridiculous. So what do people want? Finish 8th while our spending justifies 10th? Is that success? Playing to the same set of rules, we'll never finish in the top four. Or we can play to different rules and build a lasting legacy, which takes time. Do supporters have the guts to see that through? Based on recent messages and polls, it doesn't look like it. We're as short-sighted as everyone else and demand instant gratification.

Frankly several teams played woefully this weekend including some that won. Liverpool by all accounts were dreadful. Arsenal too.

Well, the Echo gives Lukaku, Kone, Barkley, and Galloway a 7, so clearly not everyone agrees Rom played crap. Mirallas, on the other hand... http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-fc-2-2-watford-9818460

I did in my very post after the game. He was excellent.

May I point out to all the nay-sayers that Kone is currently our player of the season?

The board for, understandably, letting things drag out a bit to get the best financial deal?