efc1111

Well, what a weird game to have to look back on. We won 6-2 but the scoreline really papers over a lot of cracks we displayed in this one. The game ending 6-6 wouldn't have been beyond the realms of possibility to be honest. For much of the game I alternated between apoplexy, happiness, despair and frustration. And, once again, we failed to put a full game together.
 
We started the game extremely slowly, as usual. We could have found ourselves a goal or two behind because of just how slow we were, and how badly we defended. It was criminal how easy we were bamboozled by simple balls over the top - there was no defensive cohesion, with full-backs and CB's finding themselves in each other's positions. And our slowness invariably ended up with us losing possession and then Sunderland showing us how to attack - with speed. Yes you read that right; shitty Sunderland showed us how to attack! It's a lesson we heeded though because completely against the run of play we upped our tempo and smashed them on the break and with just a couple of passes we were at their goal and Deulofeu finished a lovely pass from Kone off. It settled us down a bit but Sunderland were still right in it with our defence looking shambolic. Every time they came at us I was scared they'd score, and we have Tim Howard to thank that we were managing to keep them out. Again though we managed to put a nice bit of football together and some neat inter-play between Lukaku and Kone gave us our second goal. We really did settle down now and it looked to have knocked the stuffing out of Sunderland. We were passing it around for fun and they seemed to have given up. Maybe it worked to our detriment though and we switched off, because we failed to deal with a hopeful punt up the field right on half-time and they found themselves back in the game. Our poor defence was finally punished.
 
So, we were ahead at half-time but it was tinged with disappointment because we hadn't played well at all and then had thrown away our (undeserved?) advantage. I was still hopeful though because I was waiting for our good half now.
 
That hope was quickly extinguished though because we again started the half slowly, and 5 minutes after the restart our advantage was completely wiped out and it was 2-2. At that point I really did fear the worst and thought an embarrassing defeat was on the cards for us. I think a lot of the crowd did as well because things turned a bit angry. However, as we've witnessed many times this season, conceding sparked us into action and it only took us another 5 minutes to re-take the lead, so the crowd didn't get the chance to really turn on the team, which would have made things much harder. Deulofeu put in one of his impossible to deal with crosses and Coates put the ball in his own net. If he hadn't then Lukaku would have anyway. This led to Sunderland throwing caution to the wind and try to claw themselves back into the game, which in turn left spaces all over the pitch for us to exploit. And exploit them we did and we blitzed them with another two goals in 7 minutes. The first coming from Lukaku after a quite exquisite ball bent around the Sunderland defence by Deulofeu for Rom to race on to, coolly round the keeper and tap the ball into an empty net. The ball was absolute perfection. I do t think Lukaku could've dreamt of better. Two minutes later and Kone was doubling his tally for the afternoon. It was another breakaway goal and, for me, this goal was all about James McCarthy. He won the ball back just outside our penalty area with his usual terrier-like effort, gave the ball to Barkley and followed his run to receive the ball again on the edge of the Sunderland penalty area, kept his head and played Kone in with a deft pass for him to slot home. It took us a little longer to finish Sunderland off with our sixth goal but it was worth the wait for the ball Lukaku put in alone. I watched the ball all the way on to Kone's head and it really was beautiful, inch perfect. I could honestly just watch it on repeat. It was a fitting way for us to finish the scoring, and Kone got his much deserved hat-trick goal from it; he was brilliant. I wanted us to push for more goals to reality destroy them, and we could've, but it was still nice to just watch us take the piss out of them for the next 10 or so minutes.
 
The scoreline makes it seem like it was a coast for us, but against decent opposition if we'd played the same way there's a very good chance we'd have been on the end of a hammering ourselves. The defence was a huge worry.
 
 
Howard - Had rightly taken stick for his recent performances but he made many important stops yesterday. If not for him the score and result could have been a lot different.
 
 
Coleman - Definitely played like someone who hasn't been well and not remained for a few days. So credit to him for the effort he put in because he must have been running on less than fumes for most of the game. Not to mention that he was clearly targeted by Sunderland with a lot of their attacks coming on his side. He had a torrid time dealing with them as well.
 
Stones - A very poor afternoon from him. Very early on he almost gifted Sunderland the opening goal by playing a stupid pass across our penalty area when the only real option available to him was to clear the ball. He then proceeded to blame Seamus for his fuck up. That fuck up was a sign of things to come and he was liable for their first goal. Instead of going towards the ball he thought he had the time to wait for the ball to arrive. He didn't and the Sunderland attacker got their first and punished him and us.
 
Mori - I thought it was his most uncomfortable game for us. He didn't look as commanding as he had done previously and had a role to play in both goals we conceded. He could have mopped up Stones' brainfart, IMO, and he was made to look a bit of a weakling for their equaliser.
 
Oviedo - It was nice having an attacking outlet on the left for 25 minutes. That's about all I can say about Bryan yesterday.
 
Galloway - Shored us up defensively for sure, but Galloway is where attacks go to die. It's not a slight on the lad because it's not his game, but you really can see the reluctance to give him the ball in attacking positions. Three or four times I watched Barkley completely ignore him even though a ball to Galloway was on.
 
 
Deulofeu - So much for him not being a starter, this lad was pure dynamite and I loved watching him. Edge of the seat stuff. He is an assist machine and added another two yesterday, with one of them being a bit spectacular. Coupled with him getting the opening goal it wasn't a bad afternoon for him, was it? He does need to cut the diving out though. I almost exploded when he did it yesterday because he'd got himself into a great position and really didn't need to do it!
 
McCarthy - God it's good to have the real James McCarthy back! He was back to his best yesterday for me. He was everywhere on the pitch, he must've literally covered every blade of grass. Highlighted perfectly with Kone's second goal when he won the ball down our end, raced the length of the field and then assisted the goal. Long may his return to form continue.
 
Barry - I thought he was excellent and was a key factor in our ability to destroy Sunderland on the break. In the first half while others were losing their heads he was a calming influence. That calmness helped us in the second half too as he'd break up attacks and then pick the right ball to get us on the move.
 
Kone - Three goals and an assist alone would tell a story but it doesn't tell the whole story. His all-round play was brilliant; he bullied, he protected and used the ball expertly. All three goals were taken well; his first being my favourite. The ball he played for Deulofeu to score from wasn't too bad either! My MOTM.
 
 
Barkley - His performance yesterday seems to have completely split Evertonians. Some think he was brilliant and others think he was very poor. I'm in the latter camp. Particularly in the first half when I thought he stunk the place out worse than a steaming pile of cow dung. It was his use of the ball that really got to me. I don't mind when he gives possession away through trying things; I didn't grumble when he played a cross-field ball to Deulofeu only for it to be intercepted. He was taking a risk and it didn't pay off. Move on. But he was messing up really simple things. Literally little 5 yard balls weren't reaching their man. I was most furious when we had a free-kick on the edge of their area, Deulofeu is standing a couple of yards away waiting for the pass that was obviously pre-arranged and he over hits it and we lose out! Once we had more space in the second half as Sunderland pushed to get back in the game he was massively improved, but he needs to learn how to make space for himself when things are tight. It's something that just hasn't clicked or him yet, but it will.
 
 
Lukaku - Another fantastic performance from him I thought. He led the line brilliantly; putting himself about both on the ground and aerially. These are aspects of his game he's needed to improve and he has done. His first assist shows this - back to goal and holds his man off as he receives the ball, controls it and then lays it off to Kone to smash home. His second assist was just silky quality. For a supposedly totally selfish player he doesn't half set up a lot goals. Who knew?! He took his goal really well too - timed his run perfectly, showed great composure to round the keeper and tap the ball home.

If Kone hadn't got his hat-trick I'd have gone with Barry. Thought he controlled everything that happened.

Get in!!

He looked a more mature keeper and inspired more confidence last night. Certainly seized the opportunity and I loved his instant celebration with the fans after Redmond missed.
 
I would really like to see him given a chance and I think if Howard cocks up again at the weekend he'll get it.

mate you obviously do not work in finance. they are only looking at perceived value compared to actual value compared to potential value. this is driven by balance sheets. the scenario you list above would only be if Carlos Slim (richest man in the world) wanted an english football club and didn't give a shit about investment/asset management in which case we don't want them as an owner because we need someone who treats us as a business and its ran well. the players are most certainly assets because they along with the manager are how we stay up and get higher position, granted those assets are replaced/sold frequently but it doesn't change their value to the balance sheet.
 
not having a stadium is actually a positive selling point because the new owner can build it and pimp it however they want (sell naming rights, sell stand name rights, have a million billboards, etc.) to make themselves more money without upsetting the current trend (no naming rights anywhere). plus that is a great way to instantly create more value for the club in valuation perspective for when they sell.
 
transfermarkt feel free to negate but the echo report is from "That’s the conclusion of a new report on football finance from Dr Tom Markham, a lecturer and expert in financial profiling in football who has advised buyers and sellers of football clubs on valuation."
 
he knows what he's talking about and puts us at 216m.

Awful news :-( A true Everton legend.
 
I was so pleased that Roberto made him welcome at Finch Farm after his predecessor had never done so.
 
It seems sudden when his opinion pieces have been in the Echo quite recently. RIP Howard.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/martinez-i-couldnt-find-espresso-10231348
 
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/martinez-beers-coach-embracing-english-10237856

Just for the record I think Galloway makes a better fullback than John Stones, and he has played that position for England

Rom you tit!

Nope. The way it should be playing out is that Everton win a Champions League birth this season, John Stones has no reason to leave, and we sign players from Real Madrid. They must be young players, mind, because we're building a legacy, a team that will stay together for the best part of a decade.

I'll be honest; my heart sunk when the starting line-up was announced. It looked as if Martinez was playing for us to just nick a win if we could, a la Moyes. My heart sunk even further when Besic had to go off and Naismith came on. Not because I don't like Naismith, but because I thought it was an opportunity wasted to get a pacy, attacking player on that could have got at Chelsea. Happily I needn't have worried about the starting line-up or the early substitution, whether through luck or design both things worked out perfectly!
 
For the majority of the first half I thought we were brilliant and very well organised. Chelsea had a lot of the ball but we stood firm in front of them stopped them getting too close to our goal. We were happy to let them have time and space in front of us which I don't like because it's terrible on my nerves, but it was obviously part of the game plan and it worked brilliantly. As soon as they got too close for comfort they were swarmed and more often than not we won the ball back comfortably. Then we kept and used the ball well pretty much every time; we may not have had a shit load of the ball but when we did have it we were extremely economical with it. Just look at the second goal we scored - we won the ball back and then were devastating with it. Kone and Lukaku linked up well down the right, gave it to Barkley who shifted it on to Naismith and then bang. And our first goal was a perfect illustration of our patience - 19 passes in all were involved. It was beautifully worked but hasn't had the credit it deserves in the media. Man City do that and you'd have had people analysing it to death. The spell where we grabbed those two quick goals was brilliant to watch and we could and probably should have even extended our advantage. We had a couple of chances after our opener and then after the second also. We let ourselves down for their goal though. We failed to stop Matic when he got too close; Barkley was badly at fault there. It was a great shot though, Howard had no chance with it. We got very nervous after that (so do I!) and Chelsea were really on top of us and looking very dangerous. Fortunately half time saved us. So it was a half of joy and terror.
 
I don't think we were as good in terms of attacking in the second half or at keeping the ball well. I was tearing my hair out at how bad our ball retention was; we were very, very sloppy in possession. But what a defensive display it was. Barry was an outstanding shield in front of the defence. The discipline he showed was outstanding. He barely moved from his spot in front of the defence all half. He mopped up so much danger it was unbelievable. He just knew where to be every time. And while others were crap in the way they used the ball, he was exceptional. It was the perfect defensive midfield performance. While McCarthy wasn't quite as disciplined (he did go walkabout a bit) his energy and tenacity was vital for us. Then if Chelsea got past that wall they had Jagielka, Stones, Galloway and to a lesser extent Coleman throwing themselves in front of everything that Chelsea could muster. It all meant that while Chelsea dominated the ball and looked like they could get right back in the game, and possibly get a win, they actually barely got near testing Howard. Fortunately we soaked up all that pressure and managed to finish them off when we got away from our own penalty area, Barkley showed brilliant composure to play the disguised pass to slip Naismith in one on one with Begovic and... what a cool finish to complete his hat-trick. He could have quite easily bottled it but he made it look like he was on the training pitch.
 
That's another three points we're up on last season. Onwards and upwards, blues.
 
 
Howard - Nothing he could do about their goal and wasn't really tested at any point.
 
 
Coleman - A much better attacking display from him. He's still a bit too reluctant for my liking, but he showed more positivity when in possession and I loved seeing him skipping past Chelsea players and coming inside with a driving run. In a counter-attacking game plan he's a key cog because of doing those things. He wasn't as important or as involved in the defensive work we had to do yesterday but he was heavily involved when we needed to get the ball away from our box and put the pressure back on Chelsea.
 
Stones - What a mature performance he put in. Lesser player would've gone to bits to yesterday because of all the other shit came with the game. Not John though. He looked like he didn't have a care in the world and just went out there and played his normal game. At times he over played (but that's nothing new), but for the majority of the game he was absolutely sublime and unflustered. He had Pedro in his pocket, and dealt with the knob head Costa like he was swatting an annoying fly. I thought he also showed a lot more grit than he usually do; throwing his body in front of balls etc.
 
Jagielka - He dealt with Costa excellently as well. He looked like he had the attitude of "who the fuck are you?". Costa was made to be nothing more than a nuisance, any threat he could have brought was totally nullified and dealt with with a measure of disdain.
 
Galloway - I was a bit worried for him because it became apparent straight away he was going to get no help with defending from Kone, and I thought he'd be lucky to come out of the game unscathed. But, fair play to the lad, he just accepted his lot and got better and better as the game went on. You wouldn't have been able to tell he's only played a handful of games at PL level, and not in his natural position either. Hazard went at him one on one and Galloway came out the winner more often than not. He didn't panic whatsoever. No mean feat! And his attacking play looked a lot better too - the cross for Naismith's opener was lovely. We look like we've got quite the talent on our hands.
 
 
Naismith - What a game from the little man. Called upon right at the start of the game and could have been forgiven for looking a bit rusty and needing a bit of time to get up to speed, but nothing like that. He slotted in seamlessly and didn't take long to make an impact at all. He made space for himself in the middle of the park to receive the ball, quickly passed it off to Galloway and instead of admiring his good work he was off to make sure he was on the end of the ball into the box. It was a brave header too because Begovic came very close to taking the wee man out! There was very little time to breathe before the blonde bombshell was making it 2-0. We've been crying out for more shots from outside the area and he didn't hesitate when Barkley played the ball to him just outside the box for him to finish superbly. He does love scoring against the top sides doesn't he? While it was a long time between his second and third goals that's not to say he was any less important or influential. He was always pestering the Chelsea players when they were in possession, and I also thought his own possession work was probably as good as I've ever seen it for us. He was constantly finding little pockets of space to receive the ball and take the pressure off us, and he used the ball well when he did receive it. And his third goal was just ice cool and probably my favourite of his three. My MOTM.
 
McCarthy - I don't think he quite returned to the level we know he can get to, but it's got to have been his best game for us this season so far. He lacked discipline at times by leaving his spot but as I said earlier his energy and tenacity when we didn't have the ball (particularly in the second half) played a big role in us achieving the victory. It was also nice to see him shoot from range in the first half too, that would have been a great goal for him.
 
Barry - It's almost unfortunate that Naismith got a hat-trick because if we'd spread our goals around Barry would've, hands down, been my MOTM. He played like the Barry of his loan season yesterday. I can't fault him to be honest. The amount of times he positioned himself perfectly to stop Chelsea was unreal. Time after time the ball would just end up at his feet. He also played a bit of a Pienaar role for us by winning pressure-relieving free-kicks when we were under the cosh. It also didn't go unnoticed by me how many times he received the ball under pressure, turned neatly out of danger and played us away from our own penalty area. Quality showing from him.
 
Kone - While I thought he was extremely poor in his defensive showing from open play it cannot be underestimated just how important he was in defending from set-pieces. His head must have been aching due to the amount of clearing headers he made from Chelsea corners and free-kicks. He was a one man heading machine. His link-up play, as usual, was really good too. It was nice seeing this at work in the build up for our second goal. He tired during the second half but it was expected because he did put a good shift in.
 
 
Barkley - Another promising showing from him, with a smattering of frustrating things too. The good far outweighed the bad though; the good can be frightening while the bad that he displayed can most definitely be cut out quite easily. He grabbed two assists - the second being a thing of beauty; just perfection to be honest. His strength at times yesterday was unbelievable - players bigger and stronger than him could not push him off the ball. His driving runs had me on the edge of my seat. He was always looking to be involved in the play. But, and there's likely to be a but with him for a good few years yet, he frustrated me. Sometimes he wanted to take two extra touches that just weren't needed and would get caught in possession in a stupid area. Or he'd fail to get his head up and assess what his options were, or just choose the wrong option completely, and he'd often run into dead ends. But, like I said, the negatives of his game can easily be eradicated so I'm not going to dwell on them.
 
 
Lukaku - I thought he put in a good showing myself. He used his strength well yesterday and linked-up well with those around him. Just look at our second goal - he held off his man, turned him and then passed the ball on to Kone. He also won a fair few aerial balls, which isn't something to be sniffed at when winning those types of battles isn't a strong point of his and he was up against Terry and Zouma. The only negative aspect of his game for me was that I just thought he was too eager to try and prove a point to Mourinho and was trying too hard (much like Rooney does against us) and that worked against him. You give him those chances on goal against any other side and he puts at least one of them in the back of the net I reckon.

Leandro scored a header on his debut for the U21s I believe.

Delph should never have been starting in the first place. Sums the manager up though.

I genuinely hate Hodgson, he milked this likeable Roy bullshit when in charge of Fulham. I've seen a nasty side to him and it smacks of insecurity, he was kissing sterlings arse in the world cup... Why? Because he had involvement with him at Liverpool. He fuckin picked on Barkley last year after a good season and it impacted the lad.

I genuinely think Barkley is afraid to try things when he plays for England because of our oaf of manager. He knows that prick will be all over him if he makes a mistake.

He had help!
 

Annual post!!!
 
I don't think it's been the worst transfer window ever - 7.5 out of 10
 
Positives
- Signed two fringe England internationals in there prime at 26 & 28 years old for less than £5M - both very low risk signings and very good value for money, Cleverly could be one of the transfers of the season.
- Delboy (21) is here on a permanent contract for less than £5M, low risk as we have an idea of what he is all about and capable of - how much would you have to cough up for a similar British 21 year old talent?
- Mori - I have to assume that paying £9.5M for a centre half means we are getting a very decent player for this position (only time will tell though) . Hoping it's quality over quantity. Excellent age (24).
- three talented youngsters (Hanen - 19, Rodrigues -22 and Holgate -18), if only one of them comes off as a first team regular then a gamble worth taking.
- Not had to sell any of the family silver so to say - even though we appear to have had plenty offers and interest for a number of player.
- McCathy signed long term contract (talk of him wanting to leave and plenty of interest at beginning of transfer window)
- Mirallas signs new contract - how much to replace his talent and goal in a team, unplayable when on song. Again, strong talk of him being gone this summer or next for nothing.
- Luke Garrbut signed up on a new contract
- No 'older' Eto type make shift players signed up
- No short term cover 'Chelsea' (or any other team) reserve loans brought in
- Only player out are Distain and Alcaraz, both of which are no loss give last years performances, leaving a place for our talented young defenders to cover (some of which were blooded last year and start of this).
 
This transfer window has brought the average age down massively with the signings ranging (18-28 years old with an average age of 22.5) and all signings are permanent Everton players.
 
Negatives
- Didn't get the number 10 we need. It sound like we were reasonably close with a 25 year old Yarmarleko. but just failed to get is over the line, but these things happen during the window and dealing with the dodgy Russian is always difficult. Trouble is while you go for one target you really want you are likely to miss out on any alternatives. What do you do? go for that extra bit of quality signing you really really want or do you go for a guaranteed second or even third best option? Its a fine line.
 
Maybe missing out on a number 10 might just mean Barkley makes that set up this year or MIrallas or Delboy get a shot at it.
 
The progressions of the transfer windows under Martinez do seem be following a more longer term strategic plan of building a talented young team (still with limited resources compared to the top 6 spenders).
 
Over the past 5 to 10 years I have always moaned that every time players; and then subsequently the team do really well, we just end up having to sell the players when their heads are turned by a money bags club and thus we have to start again in key positions. i.e a viscous circle of player does well/team does well, player wants to leave. So what is the point of doing really well as your team is decimated.
 
But this trend appear to have been bucked a little since Martinez has been manager - this is new territory as an Everton fan over the past 10 years, a key player has now not been lost for a couple of years under Martinez reign, in fact young players are slowly being added. Could a young talented team actually be allowed to grow in to something special over three or four years project - maybe.
 
For me plenty of positives to get behind. However, we do need a good positive season (al la 13/14 season) to keep the players on board with this plan. Big season.

Keown on the BBC website: "Keeping John Stones is a victory for Everton. They won’t be bullied and pushed into a corner. Fair play to them. Hopefully everyone has his interests at heart, he’s still a young man. Everton fans will still sing his name, he will be a hero. I’d rather that than sitting on the bench at Chelsea with uncertainty. He put in a transfer request, his head was definitely turned. That gave Everton the chance to sell him but they didn’t want the money."

On his decence and I'm his biggest critic he went up massively in my estimation last noght. He was
Really positive in his changes he looked furious at half time barked at Barkley. and Geri to get ready he changed it round and won the game and I thought he stood out superbly in that interview, I was in work last night so only just had chance to watch it properly.
 
I'm quick enough giving him grief so it's time to give him credit where it's due. Well done Roberto, for standing up for us and for having the balls to change it at half time.

Remind anyone of the underhand tactics deployed by these fucking idiots when they where trying to get Rooney out of Liverpool for his own good!?
 
I HAVE UTTER CONTEMPT FOR THIS DAY & AGE FOOTBALL / PRESS / MONEY, Honestly it makes me sick to my stomach!!! I miss the eighties (& pre) style & integrity that was conducted back then for the most part, yes players left out of nowhere ala Alan Ball but for the best part there was a deep respect for teams who had been around the block and had actually earned their respect, NOT purchased it like todays shower of shite!
 
Truly I hated Moaninho before all of this but he has gone even further down he actually reminds me of the devil, if the devil was a football manager it would be him and his tactics but assuming we do still have JS on the 12th of September I really hope the atmosphere will be electric and we turn those CLASSLESS CUNTS right over!!! Rant over... Happy Friday Yall

As a slight side issue I think Roberto is getting more and more impressive and authoritative in his press interviews. The way he managed to convey his utter contempt for that 'other' premiership club without ever mentioning their name or sounding anything other than composed and in control of the situation was absolute class.
 
There is an inner belief in Roberto that is starting to shine brighter and brighter. And it is infectious.

Disgraceful how the media have handled this in particular Sky of late absolute wankers
 
You could tell the whole situation has Martinez riled and rightly so I just hope the board don't go against his media stance on it and put him in the firing line as he genuinely looks drained by it all
 
Keep Stones and back the man now in the market show you've got some balls and back it up and the manager by strengthening the side if we did that it would make a real statement

are Barnsley stupid? why sell a sell on clause??? clearly it would be done so that there is an advantage to the buyer.... get back under your sun lamp bob.
 
 
 
I think the word classless is very appropriate for your club. You have very little history other than the premier league era where the London millions and the russian rubles have turned you into some "chav like" lottery winners.
 
The way Chelsea behave smacks of some stella swigging yob who won £20m on the lotto and decided to buy a country estate. Whilst the longer established neighbours get on with their activities in a classy quiet manner, the Chelsea chav has a chip on his shoulder, he knows he doesn't truly belong among those who have an extended history, he knocks on their front door waving £50 notes asking if they want to sell their range rover to him - he doesn't know a good car he just sees people drive one so he wants it.
 
From Manager to players your club just smacks of arrogance and it has made you a very unpopular club, no wonder the fans have a chip on their shoulders. You could go and win back to back leagues but you will never be considered a grand club. Your fan base is pretty much made up of:-
 
15% - the old firm, a few headhunters who argue that the 80's were better when all the business men weren't eating prawn butties.
60% - the prawn butty bunch - drop into mid table and watch them go and follow rugby or something
25% - the fifa/football manager generation. Everything is about money and a players pace and skill ratings on a computer.
 
which one are you?

I hate football.
 
I honestly never believed for a second he'd hand in a transfer request (if he has). Not to mention how late he's left it too. We've been struggling to bring in a back-up CB all summer, how are we going to manage to bring in a starter that replaces the quality of Stones?
 
I said there was still a chance we'd come out of the window stronger, now we definitely won't. I'm sure we'll do some business when we get the money in for him (it'll be £40m max now) but we won't bring in adequate quality, and I'm embarrassed that this will be the only way we were able to spend money this summer.
 
Feel like fucking football off in all honesty.

And due to his experience Barry would've coped with that better than a pair of kids, one of which playing completely out of position.
 
Agree with you about Naismith though. Definitely the wrong substitution. As was Deulofeu. Mirallas was a must today.