Cornish Steve

Great news, but we shouldn't take undue risks. If more rest will help, then rest them.

Almost always, when there's a whiff of corruption, follow the money. There's plenty of it about in a very relevant corner... https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/10/sport/denise-coates-bet365-salary-spt-intl/index.html

We've set expectations of no significant deals in this window, which is just fine. We'd be fools to change this strategy at a moment's notice by selling key players. We need stability right now, not a dash for cash.

He's scored no goals at previous clubs. Rumour has it that his Italian coach declared "There must-a be-a no hann-a ball in-a the penalty box-a" and he took it too literally. Well, meybri it's true.

In a Sky News article: "But after Craig Pawson, the VAR, reviewed the images which showed Calvert-Lewin clipping Clyne's shin with his studs, Kavanagh was summoned to the monitor. After re-watching the incident multiple times, including in slow motion, a red card was issued. Everton have since appealed the decision." Yahoo Sports claims Salisbury was the VAR referee. Shields Gazette: "Referee Craig Pawson was involved in a controversial VAR decision during Everton's FA Cup match against Crystal Palace - just two days before he'll officiate Sunderland's huge fixture against Newcastle. Pawson was the VAR official who recommended that on-field referee Chris Kavanagh visited the pitchside monitor after a tackle from Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, before the player was shown a straight red card in the 79th minute." The Sportsmole: "Everton have lodged an appeal against the red card received by Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the club's FA Cup third round tie with Crystal Palace on Thursday. The striker was sent off with just over 10 minutes remaining of the 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park, following a VAR review recommended by Craig Pawson." Total confusion reigns. Is this genuine misinformation or deliberate obfuscation? PS - Just to add to the confusion, it seems that Yahoo Sports has now edited out the name 'Michael Salisbury' from the article I read not 30 minutes ago.

On one sports show, Neil Warnock quoted other examples and made the explicit claim that Pawson has it in for Everton. But what would the motive be? Did we not send him a Christmas card?

Here's what was written on BBC live text when DC-L made that tackle...

The BBC live text at the time stated "really good tackle from Calvert-Lewin".

One day, it's all going to come out. There's no doubt VAR is being used to rig results, no doubt at all. The league's defence will be that football is no different from wrestling - it's entertainment, and they can rig it however they like - but that's not how fans see it. We demand honesty, fairness, and a single standard that's applied to all. The FA has it in for Everton, no doubt, and we've almost reached the point where an independent inquiry should be convened. And if the FA wants to show me a red card for writing that, then "go ahead - make my day!"

The owners thought they could make big money by appointing a legendary name as manager, believing that would be a draw. Results are far more important, and they must currently be ruing their stupidity. Meanwhile, Wayne walks away with millions in his pocket, so I don't have too much sympathy.

When you have a rather thin squad, you have no option but to build a strategy around specific players. There's no doubt that Doucoure is central to our approach right now, so it's not so surprising that we've struggled a little. Still, there were always going to be bumps in the road. What matters is the long haul.

Possible commentary today: Gomes passes to Gomes, who’s intercepted by Gomes aided by Gomes.

This is a difficult game to predict since both teams have been playing well of late. We're really missing Doucoure, but we're not playing poorly. It really could go either way.

Wolves 2-3 Everton Tarkowski

We're halfway through the season. Congratulations to Boston Toffee and Matt Tiger for predicting the correct score against City. Romey and Sibdane are joint leaders for the month of December. Boston Toffee has extended his lead for the season, while Bill remains ahead by a whisker per prediction.

Changing my goal-scorer to be Beto.

More importantly, will Doucoure be back?

Our problem is depth of squad. This season, we've been more fortunate than in previous years with comparatively few injuries. Recent games have revealed we can survive with one or two starters missing in defence or midfield, and probably up front, but we would likely be up a creek without Pickford. Still, I agree with the comment that we have a much more balanced squad at this point. Plus, we've moved out past prima donnas and most of those who are overpaid. Thelwell deserves credit for a job well done and for setting the right expectations.

Are you feeling left out? I can add you in the commentary if you wish! "Palfy's predictions may not have reached the heights of success in recent games but could possibly warrant the 'Highly Commended' commiseratory designation. His strength this season is consistency: bang average for the month, bang average for the season, and bang average per prediction."

Everton 1-1 City DC-L

For round 18, congrats to Boston Toffee and Sibdane for predicting the correct score against Spurs. For the month of December, Wiggytop leads by two points. For the season, Boston Toffee leads Romey by 7 points. Per prediction, despite being MIA for a few rounds, Bill retains the lead.

It would never happen unless an exchange: Branthwaite for Richarlison and Pedro Porro, for example. The fact is, though, that we invested in our forward line by bringing in Beto, Chermiti, and others. Would you swap DC-L for Richarlison, for example?

Red?

It is good, but I’m still concerned about missing Doucoure. This is going to be a real test of Dyche’s tactical nous. I’ll be very impressed if we win this one.

Another way to put it is that we deserved to win those early games.