Cornish Steve

I'll bet you that RM has shown videos over and over that reveal where the problems lie. It doesn't really matter that we were exposed in preseason: The true test is whether we learn from it and do things differently the next time around.

Nice to learn that the youngsters had a good outing.

I'm not sure why everyone assumes there will be more goals against. When RM managed Wigan, they kept blank sheets against many teams,including some of the top teams. Playing a more attacking style does not mean we'll concede more goals. If we only let in 2 against Real Madrid, why think we'll let in 4 or 5 against EPL teams?

Very good!

Last night's officiating made it clear this is the business of sports entertainment, not a genuine competition. The organizers earn more money when Real Madrid is in the final. They also make more money if an American team plays for third place rather than fourth. The commentators will praise the progress of MLS and the LA Galaxy for making 4th place, even though behind the scenes they rigged the rules to help them. For Everton, it's pre-season preparation against some of the best teams in the world - and we're paid good money to participate. We win no matter what. Who cares what the headlines read.

Enjoyed the game. We're getting better with each game, which is a good sign. Yes, there are still too many sloppy passes, and I get nervous sometimes as we pas our way from the back, but the players are beginning to get the system and to gel. Against most of the teams in the EPL, tonight's performance, even with so many second-team players, would have won the game. Positives: Naismith, Howard (except for the mis-kick!), Coleman, Mirallas, Jelavic. Negatives: Heitinga (needs to leave), Osman (will be fighting for a first team place), Stones (showed his inexperience near the end) OK, but could improve: Fellaini (I wish he'd put his heart into it!), Baines Didn't see enough to comment: Deulofeu, Oviedo The neat thing is that we're coming out of the pre-season with a decent squad of players. The team line-up could vary from week to week without anyone wondering why the "first team" isn't playing. There are now multiple first teams and some useful options.

This is disgusting. They are officiating to get Madrid in the final. Two offside goals and fox sports not even showing replays to point it out. Great Everton goal disallowed. And penalty not given. It's sickening. We are matching one of the best teams in the world. Real test of character now. Naismith playing well. Impressed. Fellaini hot and cold.

$9 million. Which is a little over 5m pounds.

Same here - 8pm on the East Coast. We're planning to spend the evening at a sports bar.

I don't see the result as a foregone conclusion at all. I really think Real have an outside chance.

Drove today from Washington to Atlanta. At one point, two cars each going at the speed limit traveled side by side for about ten miles. It was so frustrating not to be able to pass them.

Sports bars here in Atlanta will be packed on Sunday evening for the games against Real Madrid. I'm surprised you saw nothing in Denver. My soccer fanatic son lives and plays there and the EPL has a big following.

Keep calm and ..... You can thank Dr Who for this. The series has achieved cult status among young people in the US. My daughter and her friends get together every Saturday evening to watch the latest episode. They all wear T shirts with this phrase. More and more I see it quoted around the place.

Since I travel to New York quite a bit, I shall keep my eyes open.

Love it or hate it, this is the free market at work. Put salary and transfer caps on place and all the good players will move to other leagues. If we want the EPL to be the best, we have to accept free market principles. If you don't like it, don't watch TV sports. That would stop the funding.

I hate to turn in, but I have a really important meeting tomorrow and have slides to finish early in the morning. I look forward to everyone's comments so I can imagine the second half. G'nite all.

Will we see Gerard in the second half?

Very evenly matched. They should have scored one, and we should have scored one. Let's see whether Martinez changes tactics in the second half because of the small pitch.

Off the post!

Geez. These Italians can be dirty players.

We're really pushing men forward right now - obviously been told to put on the pressure before half-time.

Great position for a free kick.

Time for a little Italian play-acting.

Fellaini is crap. He really doesn't seem to display any sense of urgency in friendlies.

Their forward was unmarked - should have scored. That was a let-off.