Newty82

Did anyone pick this up? After Eto'o scored that belter, the ball rolls out, Naismith follows it up, whacks it...hits the bar and off the back of the keepers head!!!

Bit over confident only playing 9 outfield players? !!

The enigma of Lukaku... I think we seen it all today vs Burnley. And we just have to get used to it. His touches are 50/50. But I think the 50% good ones are getting better. Some real good head ons, chest control, general control and little passes. Equally he can give it away horrendously, as we seen. I can cope with this so long as he bangs in 20 goals a season. And I think he will come close to this this season. What I find more frustrating is the lack of effort in closing down or holding off defenders. Several times today he didn't seem to be 100% convincing when closing down. The full scope of Lukaku could be seen today around 50 mins. Lays it off to Eto'o, makes a good run, Eto'o plays it just behind him. Lukaku does well to battle to win the ball back, lays it out wide to Baines, Baines has a choice to swing it in but Lukaku is on edge of box. Defender close by. Baines plays it to Lukaku who stands and waits for the ball. Meanwhile defender easily steps in, brushes aside Lukaku, ball bounces off ref...Lukaku made no attempt to chase or challenge for the ball. Compare that to Barkley when he gave the ball away...He sprinted the width of the pitch to try and win it back. I accept Lukaku is what he is.

Much better performance 2nd half. We passed it around more patiently. Made them chase and work. I think we looked real slick in the 2nd half and more solid at the back. Eto'o was at his best today. I doubt he could do that every game but he is a real asset. He seen the enigma of Lukaku today. But more of that in the Lukaku thread. Overall, got to be quite happy without being overly excited that we are back to our best.

Eto'o. Forget the 2 goals. This is about his movement on and off the ball. His touches are supreme. He see's defence splitting passes. Creates space for himself and his team mates. Draws defenders in and leaves them standing. Rocks centrally and works the flanks. You can see he's played at the highest level for most of his career. Both Lukaku and Barkley will learn loads from this guy. He stood out in the first 45 vs Lille to me (but not for a full game hence my no vote!). Shout to Naismith and Osman too. I don't like them both in the wide positions due to lack of pace and tendancey to drift in. But both did very well.

Eh??? I'm not an accountant? Honestly, what are you on about now???

You can tell he's played at the highest level most his career.

Was going to say except the Barkley bit but didn't think anyone would be picky enough to point it out. My bad.

Damn it I need to open up a betting account!!!

I think our play is quite deliberate??? Pass it round, make them chase, stay calm. BUT I do think we need another goal...to many sucker punches already this season.

You's don't have to respond you know!

Eto'o to bag another goal now he's up top. Barkley probably set it up!!!

Problem with both Naismith and Osman out wide...lack of pace. Cuts down the options a bit.

Exactly this.

Same. They don't seem to be bombing on quite as much. If they were, then Naismith and Osman moving more inside would make sense. But at the moment there is a slight void in both flanks.

Not overly impressed with this at half time. Expected a bit better. I'm liking Eto'o behind the striker. He is making some intelligent moves, nice link up play etc. Not keen on having both Naismith and Osman as the wider of the 3. Doesn't fit well as they both want to drift in centrally. Nothing against them but at least one needs to be a natural wide man. We started off real well but are again looking clumsy and panicked at the back. We have looked like we want to move it forward quicker than we have in the last few games. Maybe just settle it a bit and build up slightly slower from the back.

It's just what was said on sky sports. I don't know the actual number. But I wasn't surprised.

Haha...I wish I was a betting man!!!

Yeah. St at from sky sports pre game info. Not surprising really.

That's much better Lukaku. He and we needed that. Now get going you lot!

It's interesting that Everton lead the way this season for goals conceded from individual errors. You just can't really train for that.

Lukaku needs to sort his lay offs out, they are 50/50. That's fine(ish) up top but not when you drop back. He'll score to pay that one back. Looked gutted.

Yeah, have Lukaku through the middle. Probs will. Good point about Atsu. Forgot about him. Probably says it all actually!!!

It's good to see the strength we have on the bench. Still with Stones, Mirallas, Oviedo and Kone (?) to come back.

Haha! Trying to get away with one there Bobby!!!