MC11

Like Liverpool did against west brom? Like we turned a 1-0 deficit into a win???

Hmmm take it you think things should be better under Martinez??? Based on previous years showings I am very pleaded overall.

I think it could be better. If I didn't I'd be happy with the position we are in now. It's pretty similar to where we where under Moyes last year. It's the draws.

If we want to be genuine contenders we need to kick the habit. We need to turn draws into wins. Look at the teams above us. A couple less losses than those teams but they have more wins.

1 win and a loss is better than drawing 2!

However the quality of squad at Martinez disposal should be able to turn games in our favour. The injuries of late haven't helped, hopefully we can crack on and take 3 points rather than 1.

It's a must win at Spurs to keep breathing down Liverpools necks. Once the gap opens a little further it will be goodnight 4th.

.....but we've seen a Moyes side ship six at home to Arsenal and seven away.

Big difference IMO. A score reflecting that in any magnitude at a derby game would be disastourous. Plus the home tie was when a very popular and influential player had broken the dressing room. Sulking for a transfer away. Think the 7-0 I think was a cup game at highbury, against the invincibles.

We are going to finish 5th or 6th.

We proved who's the boss for that position at Anfield. Other than taking a hammering in that game we have an habitual habit of getting draws. Just look at the stats.

I think he's a decent centre half on his day. However he has more bad days than good.

Why Deulofeu? :shaking fist:

Because he a class above. Raw but an incredibly dangerous player.

I've got a massive feeling that the 6ft 8 traore will feature.

Before we all get too carried away with Martinez, I'm waiting to see when the defensive change happens.

This defence was built under Moyes, a defensive tactician who got at least one thing right - his back four. Built on solid foundations for Martinez to add his attacking players and knowledge.

The big question mark over Martinez will be his ability to replace Moyes back four. If he does this with success then we have a real talent on our hands. However, previously we have seen his sides ship goals. Put it this way you wouldn't see a Moyes side go to Anfield and lose 4-0. On another night it could have been 8-0. A scoreline, that we have seen Martinez sides get beat (or close to).

For me this is the major question mark. Let's see who he replaced Distin and Jags with. So far his only defensive signing has a red flag waved over his head. No pace and always injured.

This squad is as good as we've had in a couple of decades. So what's your best 11 based on everyone being fit!

Here's mine.

Howard

Coleman Jagielka Distin Baines

McCarthy Barry

Deulofeu Barkley Mirallas

Lukaku

I'm not fussed on Lukaku of late though. So here's a side without him in it.

Howard

Coleman Jagielka Distin Baines

McCarthy Barry

Deulofeu Barkley Pienaar

Mirallas

Anyone who has considered the departure of Mirallas needs to get the glue out of their eyes. Easily our most dangerous player along with Deulofeu. Mirallas is a better finisher though.

Mcgeady isn't the man to track back IMO. Yesterday he pretty much operated in an advanced role hugging the touchline.

I'm not saying he doesn't defend. But he's not someone I would rely on to chase back and make challenges.

it will be really nice to have coleman and gerry back. we've really missed them. here's what i'd prefer

 

Howard

Coleman Jags Distin Baines

McCarthy Barry

McGeady Barkley Pienaar

Mirallas

 

Subs - Naismith for Mcgeady (Mirallas drops back), Osman for Pienaar (like for like), Gerry for Barkley.

Naismith will start up front IMO.

Deulofeu and Mcgeady will be the super subs.

I'm not ya mate ya bellend and teams don't create atmosphere's is that why we were still singing at 4-0 down against the shite.... If yav got to pipe up about something at least make it constructive MATE

Lol if this is in response to me (which I think it is). Thanks for the abuse. Makes you look really cool.

4-0 down at Anfield. Was an away atmosphere massive fucking difference! I doubt you'd know that as you don't go the games.

Away atmosphere is consistent singing no matter who we play.

I would just like to add PATO!!!!! That I do not enter goodison as my wage packet restricts this and I would much rather, no matter how much I love my club, see shoes on my childs feet.... When I did have a season ticket for ten and a half years though u can clearly remember worse weather occasions than yesterday and the place was rocking.... I apologise, u didn't realise we had seasonal supporters...... You might wanna start making a bit if noise next time, it will warm the old cockles up!

Well I've been going for 15 years mate and the way the team is playing/tempo of the game has a massive affect on atmosphere. Unless it's a big game it's always down to the team to get the crowd going. That's how it works at Goodison, always has!

A lot more confident going into this one than I was with the same fixture last season.

They have their own problems at the moment and there is no reason why we shouldn't turn them over. Especially with Deulofeu and Coleman available.

Please don't let this become an argument about who's better because they go the game... That will just be pathetic.

I was offended yesterday when someone told me to "be a real fan". I have a season ticket and get to as many away games as I can. I'm sure that contributes to be a real fan more than sitting behind a TV screen.

The comment was from a guy in America. I found it ironic to be honest. I wouldn't go on an MLS forum from England and tell American supporters to be real fans. It didn't sit well with me at all.

I was there vs spurs...1st chant of 'everton' went off at 50minutes. Thats a big enough game...and thats poor. The away fans sing non stop.

Fans chanting etc straight off can influence how the home team performs....must be a real buzz being part of a team with all that noise...then the total opposite with pure silence.

Its a shame, because we have a rep for it now.

You must be a bad omen mate lol. We were shite against spurs too! And yes it was quite but that's because we were playing poorly. However Spurs is never a "big game" at Goodison. United, Chelsea, Liverpool, more recent City. I'd say Spurs are even below Newcastle in terms of a big game for us.

born and raised in Liverpool, not that being American should have anything to do with it. To be honest, that's out of order.I'm not saying he's at the same level as Coleman, he's nowhere near that. I saw him keeping possession rather than crossing to no one or taking people on.I honestly don't know how people can judge him on a couple of performances, when his only faults are not taking people on and not crossing the ball, but instead kept possession, offered himself for a pass, etc.Each to their own I guess!

The entire point is he's useless attacking. Our wing backs are very important. I'm sure you'll agree. He's like a broken link in our attack very obvious from both games.

I thought he looked brilliant at centre half though!

I agree that, from what I have seen of him, Stones aint done bad at RB....not mind blowingly good, but certainly hasnt done a Hettinga.

Fair play, he aint as dynamic as Coleman (who lets be honest has morphed into something exceptional this season, reaching a level no one expected!) BUT Coleman was also a very questionable RB a couple of seasons ago.

I like the look of Stones. Think he's going to be a very useful player and 'big up' the youngun for filling into the very tough boots of Coleman.

Oh, and earlier on, about the crowd etc. I wasnt quite slating it, well not intending to. But on the occasions I get to visit GP...I always look forward to a cracking atmosphere. And when it doesnt happen, regardless of the result, its a let down. Its no good....anyone got any insights into this???

If it's not a big game the way the team is playing is generally the vibe you'll get from the crowd.

isnt taking in the fullback McGeadys job though?

Think Marco said it, we're spoiled with out regular FBs and because of that our expectations are inflated.

Matt I honestly don't understand how you can't see he's not good enough for our system and really is a poor option. Not trying to sound like a nob but are you American?

He consistantly slowed down our attacks by playing it backwards from advanced positions. You watch the difference when Coleman come back.

hes 19, has played 2 games there, where he's hardly put a foot wrong. He gets up to support the attack, plays to feet, tracks back... No one sets into a role that quickly, especially filling the shoes of someone like Coleman.

So far as I can see, the only thing he didn't do that "deserves" the criticism is not putting crosses in. This is why I don't understand!

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to be an arse here, just perplexed!

Not at all. You're missing the point. He stops our attacks. Everyone pushes forward. He gets to the edge of the boss and hasn't got a clue what to do with it so passes it backwards. It's tedious and frustrating. He's not a RB.

dont deny that it was genuine, just don't understand.

See edit.

are you saying that because he should be doing what Coleman should be doing? Just curious, want to understand how I can be missing something!

It shouldn't need explaining. It's evident he is not a modern day full back. Something which this team thrives upon. He's not good enough to work in the system. Square peg round hole sums it up.

biggest win of the season..made it hard for ourselves but a stunner to win it

 

thought naismith did really well again down the middle...showing more that he isn't a winger

I'm so pleased for the lad. You know what you are getting from him, hard work, movement and finishing. He lacks in other departments but for the stick he's had because he's played out of position for 18months he deserves his goals.

I'm starting to think I'm watching a different player to some of the people on here! McGeady wasn't putting in crosses when he had the chance neither did Mirallas, something wingers should be doing that too, but they didn't. Im assuming it's down to the complete lack of aerial presence in the box and trying to play to feet, something he did over and over, which will be the instructions from the manager.

I agree, he will be a great CB sometime! but I don't think he's as bad as people are making out! the opposite in my opinion...

He offers nothing going forward in a team that produces the majority of its success from down the flanks. Square peg round hole.

He's a young kid. He's learning. He's done a good job thus far and will continue to improve.

It's not even a question of his age. I'm not expecting him to be a world beater. But it's evident from the last couple of games he is a useless attacking outlet on the Right side of defence. It's been a major part of our success this season.

I don't question the lads talent. He'll be a great CB. I will question the decision to play him there again. I really would rather have Hibbert there and that's saying something.