Elston Gunnn

Expect to see Mirallas in the 89th minute.

The difference between our "energy-rate" and that of so many of our opponents is troubling. I suppose we could put this down to Martinez's philosophy or tactics, or to Jagielka's weak leadership. But a few players, and Barkley most obviously, appear to be coasting too often. Barkley is immensely talented, but watching the match a second time yesterday (......), wow, he looked lost quite often, sometimes ran (well, jogged) without any clear purpose, didn't follow opposing players moving to attack. But it can't be just Barkley. Yes, Lukaku is wildly inconsistent. Lennon, Cleverley, and McCarthy show energy, but even their exertions are often ineffective, I guess because not coordinated with teammates -- which gets back to Martinez, presumably. Anyhow, I certainly could not claim Everton are a team that "never stop working."

Out of contract -- 2016 -- Hibbert, Gibson, Osman, Pienaar 2017 -- Jagielka, Browning, Barry, Kone 2018 -- Robles,,Baines, Stones, McGeady, Lennon, Barkley, Mirallas, Deulofeu 2019 -- Coleman, Galloway, Oviedo, Lukaku 2020 -- Funes Mori, Garbutt, Cleverley, McCarthy, Niasse

I think this is it. Just assuming this is the scenario, however, the interesting question is, what happens if the performances in the last 4 are not consistently like the Wembley second half? That is, what's his future here if there's some really good football, but mixed with conceding from corners, stretches of disorganization, strange substitutions, no plan B or C for RB? And probably most difficult, what if the fans at Goodison boo him even if the performances against Bournemouth and Norwich are dominant?

[i posted this in today's MOTM thread, but it belongs here.] I keep describing Stones as an "elegant" player. Maybe I copied that from someone else, but it's seems apt. But I also see a very flawed defender, too often out of position, ball watching, unwilling or unable to nudge strikers just enough to throw them off, unaware of opponents moving into his space and past him. So his "elegance" must refer to his forward movement, deft dribbling touch, good pick-passing once past midfield. I suppose it's more likely that in a couple of years he'll have learned how to be a better defender. But putting him at DCM for some matches is worth a look.

I keep describing Stones as an "elegant" player. Maybe I copied that from someone else, but it's seems apt. But I also see a very flawed defender, too often out of position, ball watching, unwilling or unable to nudge strikers just enough to throw them off, unaware of opponents moving into his space and past him. So his "elegance" must refer to his forward movement, deft dribbling touch, good pick-passing once past midfield. I suppose it's more likely that in a couple of years he'll have learned how to be a better defender. But putting him at DCM for some matches is worth a look.

That's it.

I think a new manager would see in Mirallas a player who could score some goals if given plenty of time on the pitch. We all see different things. Mirallas is perhaps a hothead who will shoot the ball. Barkley is a slowhead who usually won't shoot the ball.

Mirallas has 2 more years on his contract. If Martinez goes, maybe new manager will be able to bring the best out of Mirallas.

Maybe Stones really should be a DCM.

The replay from above on final goal shows once again Stones failed to close down space. He realized too late what was happening. Stones is not right now a good defender.

Unfortunately, our 3 young potential stars have shown themselves, in the last 6-7 matches, to be just that -- potential. Lukaku had 4-5 good chances. Barkley is in love with dribbling. Yes, occasionally it leads to something, but only occasionally. Stones is an elegant-looking player, but so fundamentally flawed, especially in losing concentration, regularly. Other players have flaws, too. I assume Martinez will be gone soon. No idea which of our stars, plus Mirallas, maybe others, will be sold in summer. But I expect a major, major overhaul, and welcome it.

Stones loses concentration a whole lot.

Shoot it, Barkley.

Lukaku with 4 good chances, nothing.

Deulofeu, good. Where's Mirallas? 88th minute, probably.

Hand ball by Jagielka.

Lukaku blames Besic, but nope, Besic hit him after Lukaku blew the header.

Too much dribbling in box by Barkley.

Lukaku's touch.

No subs. Incredible.

No reason for Martinez to wait to get Besic off. Must get Mirallas or Deulofeu on now. And unless Barkley wakes up -- doubtful -- get him off, and the other of Mirallas/Deulofeu on. By 60 minutes, preferably 50.

Replay shows how utterly oblivious Stones was to Fellaini's clear path to the pass. Asleep, didn't move to obstruct Fellaini. Don't doubt he will someday become a good defender. He is not a good defender right now.

Lukaku's touch, Barkley's lack of awareness, Besic's inexperience, Stones's daft defending, Baines's inability to jump, lack of team speed. Lucky to be down only a goal. Deulofeu and Mirallas now. Besic and Barkley out. Need energy, pushing forward, threatening, not all this pulling back. Have to out score them. McCarthy Stones Jagielka Baines Cleverley Gibson Deulofeu Lennon Mirallas Lukaku

Shoot it, Barkley.