13 Aug 2016 23:00:16
Very satisfied with today's result and performance. Geuye is our Kante and think he will become a cult hero in time. My main point is transfers. I know its only one game but I really don't think we need a new GK. Imagine a new £30 m keeper had put in the same performance as Martin Stekelenburg today, we would all be raving. So by the same token, I think Stekelenburg therefore deserves huge credit for his showing today. I'm also not sure we need Lamina Kone either given Williams is still to come in. I really believe adding Bolasie and Lukaku to the team means we only need another top striker and an attacking/ creative midfielder and I really do believe that the more the team gels under Koeman's guidance we can go further than we all originally thought. I'm actually putting £20 on us for the title before the bookies slash our odds by Xmas! My last comment is that I love being a blue
NSNO.
Everton Banter Archive August 13 2016
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13 Aug 2016 22:19:56
I understand some people may just take today at face value and maybe not look deeper into result and performance.
Before the game kicked off I was trying to guess what the team was going to be. I could of given you 5 different ones and none would have been the one put out.
Then the formation. Again I couldn't of guessed after seeing the line up.
The performance on the pitch in the first half especially showed glimpses of what Koeman wants. Pressing all over the pitch including up front. Organised with jobs to do when we don't have the ball. Closing out the areas between the lines and pushing out to close down crosses. Such a transformation from not just Martines but also Moyes. Even Moyes used to like defending the cross rather than trying to stop it.
The R/ LB were told to chase the ball down as close to the half way line that I think I saw Baines tackle more there than back in the defensive line. Also any time the spurs attack got the ball between the midfield and defensr the defense were told not to hold the line but push up and close down.
Oh and Barkley done a sliding tackle and won it! The raw from the crowd was deafening.
Its nowhere near perfect and there are positions that need filling and a lot of work on fitness and philosophy but, and the but is not so big anymore, It will take time.
I'm happy today not because of the result but because there is genuine positives and bright green shoots of recovery.
If you can't get a little bit excited over that then you're going to have a depressing rest of the season.
Come blues. Moan when there is something to moan about but give a bit of credit when it's due.
COYB NSNO IRKWT.
13 Aug 2016 23:42:21
Good honest assessment BJU, kind of echoes my thoughts but more eloquently put. Good post.
13 Aug 2016 23:47:55
Fantastic post mate. I myself was impressed with the pressing from the front, the clearances by the defence when needed, no trying to pass it out. Bad habits were trained into these players and will take time to be trained out of them again. Barkley to me looks like he has shed a few pounds and done well today. Gareth Barry and Gueye in the centre will offer extra protection for the defense. Feel we need 2 strikers and a central midfielder and we can have some optimism.
13 Aug 2016 23:55:26
Couldn't have put it better myself, especially as I have been in the pub all day and night save 90 mins at Goodison :)
13 Aug 2016 21:08:46
I thought stekelenburg played well today, really good saves. I'm just wondering do we need a keeper.
13 Aug 2016 21:24:02
I keep seeing we need another keeper but surly we would have gone for a top keep first, I think he trust him and don't think we will be after another keeper.
13 Aug 2016 21:40:40
My view since we've signed him, and I out in here, is that I think we do need one, but Koeman trusts Stekelenberg a lot so I think his need/ rush for a keeper isn't so urgent anymore.
13 Aug 2016 18:09:56
What a performance by Gueye, great player and 2 world class saves from Stekelenburg.
13 Aug 2016 18:33:27
Thought he was absolutely top draw OllBlue. Will hold judgement for another few games because anyone can have a blinding debut but the touch, energy, reading of the game and general technique was really really impressive, especially up against a very strong midfield.
The keeper was great as well to be fair.
Biggest positive was the fact the Koeman has made an impact clearly. Ross was very very good today as well.
Negative we tired after 55 minutes which is not really acceptable but obviously will improve as the season goes on.
Final note, Jansen will score no more than 10 league goals this season the game is too quick for him. He took up great positions dragged defenders out but he does not look like a top quality prem striker to me. So we don't need to be too upset about apprently missing out on that one.
13 Aug 2016 19:20:53
Gana was good today. Seems to understand danger abd reads it very quickly. Add the GK in the mix who was also outstanding today and the quality of signings already look a step up.
13 Aug 2016 20:51:47
If a great keeper comes along ( not hart ) then go for it, but on todays performance, the present one will do niceley.
13 Aug 2016 21:02:28
Seem to remember some people writing here that Spuds were going to demolish us. Don't see any of them posting saying well done today. Not getting carried away with a draw on the first game. All things considered I'm very happy how our new managers first day went. Let's hope he continues to improve things.
13 Aug 2016 21:12:02
Berkley has to be the most frustrating player. A minute of genius then I feel that's it. I personally feel Berkley has reached his limit. I hope I wrong I just don't see any improvement with him. I hope we go in for Mata. Not because I want to spend money. Because I think he is a genius. I don't like Chelsea but I thought he was a class act.
13 Aug 2016 21:56:37
We need a creative midfielder who can split a defence with a pass and Mata fits the bill let's get him and Slimani and maybe Bolasie.
13 Aug 2016 21:58:24
Mowfee if you are going to lob him on the scrapheap after one game then at least get his name right
Barkley.
13 Aug 2016 22:22:55
Mowfee, what were you expecting of him today?
I'm not having a go I just want to know your expectation of him.
14 Aug 2016 07:13:27
I don't get some fans obsession with pulling Barkley down. He is not in the side to play box to box and be a tough tackler, that's what Gueye and Barry are for. He is in the side to create and chip in with goals, which today he did. I wish that some fans would just actually get behind the lad and maybe then he can play without pressure. Did Dele Alli outshine him today? No. Was Dele Alli tracking back and tackling? No. Do these fans no why? No. It's because he is not in the spurs side to do that the same way Ross is not in ours. Get the Moyes mentality of all players should run around like headless chickens and chase the ball around the field like 6 year olds in a playground do, out of your head and actually understand modern day football in a way that some players aren't 'lazy' they are in the team to do their job and roll set by the manager, notice you didn't give Gerry the same sort of pulling down? Rant over.
14 Aug 2016 07:41:22
Totally agree with that rant bluegray87. No doubt he chipped in with plenty of goals and assists last season in a bad season for us. Expect him to do at least that again this season with the team overall improving. Some supporters will just find something or some player to give out about no matter what.
13 Aug 2016 18:05:26
Not impressed with the game today, we lacked something and went to pieces under pressure, del boy greedy, need a top class striker, maybe now RK seen our first combative game, we may see transfer action COYB.
13 Aug 2016 18:23:02
I think there was some really position vets to take managerialy and performance wise. Managerialy koeman, played 3 players up front, together than RM would never had done, he blooded holgate and his timings of the substitutions and the type I thought were really good. Kone to try and hold ball up, fresh legs for mirrallas and cleverly on just to see out the game. Performance wise. holgate impressive despite couple of mistakes. skelenburg (spelling) commanded his area well, pulled off some great saves, Gareth Barry played really well, mirrallas got back and defended, and Gana. well he thinks he s 6 foot 4.the chap is immense. with a few more additions and greater fitness I think we will be more than fine. if anything I just think we lack a bit of physical presence and creativity.
13 Aug 2016 18:27:27
Hey
. you watchin a different game or just anotherpessimistic punter. no Lukaku, Coleman or Williams for starters. against a side who finished 3rd but should of finished second n who have strenghtened. first half an assured display and a breath of fresh air. yes second half we tired and lack of squad strength took its toll. but RK has recognised this n has publicly admitted it n is addressing it. so let's chill n let RK do what he does best.
Mart.
13 Aug 2016 18:35:22
We were playing a team that is better than us.
You need to be real.
We were great for 55-60 minutes today and we should be trying to catch up with teams like Spurs and what I saw was we are not far off.
13 Aug 2016 19:18:20
Utter craziness. I think you had a few too many before the match howard!
13 Aug 2016 17:52:08
What a refreshing change. The goodison crowd is back and with a vegence.
I'm really impressed with Koeman and he was the difference in those last 20 minutes when the team looked tired. He was up on that sideline screaming and shouting. Orchestrating his team and it really helped in closing the game out.
He was also bang on about our fitness but what was great to see and something not seen in a few years was the players taking responsibility and upping them levels.
Wasnt a pretty second half but the first was the best I've seen for a while. The high pressing and tough tackiling was a joy to see.
We'll get better though and with new additions it really could be a very good year.
Anyone still want to go on about relegation or how Koeman is no better than Martinez? Didn't think so.
COYB NSNO IRKWT.
13 Aug 2016 18:00:17
Can only agree mate. No nonsense defending and not afraid to get in the faces of the opposition. Happy with that, as you say a few additions and we can finally have some optimism going forward.
13 Aug 2016 18:02:23
One word. organised.
13 Aug 2016 20:35:24
Great post. I thought that there were a lot of positives today. We were playing against a much better team and until they scored we were comfortable. Stekelenburg looked fantastic, definitely staked his claim for the no.1 spot. Gueye was great and broke up play a lot. The tactics were good considering the opposition. Happy today. Would have taken a draw before the start.
13 Aug 2016 21:31:57
Might I add that, considering the situation, Holgate was fantastic. Okay he made mistakes but he was overall really good. Also the fans were fantastic. I'm not made up with the result but the performance considering the lack of Coleman and Lukaku was good. A million miles from the dross we were served last season.
13 Aug 2016 17:25:57
Funny i sort of get people being happy with a draw considering the 70% fitness and waiting on new players. But have to say they are awful excuses to be happy with a draw. We should never be 70% fit for a start of a Season, 90% yes because of match fitness intensity, but 70% is not on for Pro footballers on astronomical money. Was pleased to see as i said in the week that why did we need to buy a keeper when I've seen nothing wrong with Stek or Robles, what a game he had today, outstanding saves. So i'm one that is gutted to draw 1st game at Home, n i won't apologise for it. Nil Satis Nisi Optimum.
13 Aug 2016 17:37:46
People who are happy don't need an excuse for them being happy. On the other hand, negative and unhappy people constantly have to justify their feelings of unhappiness by generally moaning.
13 Aug 2016 17:37:46
People who are happy don't need an excuse for them being happy. On the other hand, negative and unhappy people constantly have to justify their feelings of unhappiness by generally moaning.
13 Aug 2016 17:47:37
Don't think everyone is "happy" with a draw but pleased with the performance, it was a lot better than some of the dross we watched last season and with some new signings we could do quire well this season.
13 Aug 2016 17:48:56
We are 70% fit for the way Koeman wants us to play. He wants his teams to play with a high octane pressing game. Unfortunately under Martinez for the last 3 seasons players were conditioned to be fit for a less energetic style of football.
So although Koeman has had a preseason training the lads it is not long enough to re-condition them into the superior levels of fitness required. It will take a bit longer
This is why we were probably so good in Bobby's first season because we were probably still conditioned to Moyes' level of fitness. Over that season and the next we lost that and it will take time to get that back.
13 Aug 2016 17:54:12
Hahahahahaha fair do's, it just called looking at reality. Sometimes we can be blind through faith. I have every faith RK will get us right, but there are no excuses for the fitness levels at that level of Sport. I've got 2 things right though in my comments this week, Gueye is what we've been looking for for a long time, going to be outstanding player, n nothing wrong with the Keepers. Though its being reported that Jimmy Martin the KitMan has let it out the bag there is a World Record £32mil for a Keeper this week at Everton! Well we all know who, and he's on the Bench tonight.
13 Aug 2016 18:15:43
More happy with the performance than the result tbh Howie. With a bit more luck, as well as being more clinical, the result could have been different but, overall, the draw was a fair result. It shouldn't take too long for the fitness levels to improve, minutes on the pitch are vital for the players. Not an excuse as such but the international competitions have played a part in us not getting to the required standard, players coming back late etc. Same for us and the rest though.
Gana looks a bargain, totally agree with you. But we certainly need a new keeper. MS played well today but I'm not sure he is the answer and, for me, Robles is an average keeper. I'm in the minority who would take Hart from City so I'd be happy if we get him through the door, I know there are a few out there who don't want to see him sign! All in all, I'm happy that we can see the early signs of improvement from the last regime and I'm excited to see what additions RK and SW can bring to further strengthen the squad.
13 Aug 2016 18:39:45
Can we also take our blue tinted glasses off and recognise we were playing a team who man for man, especially without Coleman and Lukaku are far superior to us in our current state.
Only positive things from today's game for me.
I had us for 11th again but stepping in the right direction, based on that 90 mins and the other games I saw, we should be looking for top 7, depending on transfers top 5.
13 Aug 2016 16:57:11
Happy with that. Would have taken a draw at the outset given we were playing a very good team that have strengthened since finishing 3rd last year. Lots of positives to take too - Gueye was brilliant, deleofeou much better and the keeper made two excellent saves. Once the fitness levels get to where they need to be, a much better team who can actually tackle, press and defend! A long way to go, but things look promising.
13 Aug 2016 16:56:33
Quick thoughts on the game today:
First half was the best I've seen in 2 years but Koeman was proven right when he said we're only at 70%. Clearly struggled late on
I've seen misleading debuts in the past, but I'll hold my hands up and say that Stekelenburg was superb today. Made 3 world class saves.
5-2-3 seems promising, especially when Coleman is back.
WE NEED A NEW STRIKER. Kone is still, shockingly, no where near Prem quality.
13 Aug 2016 17:03:58
Agree on Kone. He's nowhere near good enough.
13 Aug 2016 16:55:42
I come in peace.
What do you guys reckon on making a bid for joe hart. Think he could be available and i reckon he would be a great signing for you.
Blue respect 👍.
13 Aug 2016 18:26:54
I am happy with the goalies we have tbh. many will disagree. I'd rather we invested in two forwards, another cb and another winger.
13 Aug 2016 16:53:26
Not bad. a draw against the should've been 2nd place team.
70% Fit.70% of a game played.
Run with Stek. He made great saves.
Missing the lead striker and two of the starting back line (Coleman and AW) .
Exciting, tough, forward passing, and composed for the most part.
Great start, Blues.
13 Aug 2016 15:48:26
Gana is the man.
Stek can actually kick the ball downfield to a target.
McCarthy. he's playing a right back position? Coleman's back up solved.
1/ 2 way home folks.
13 Aug 2016 15:58:04
What a difference a guaye makes :)
13 Aug 2016 16:01:11
Gueye was brilliant first half!
13 Aug 2016 14:19:48
It would appear Lukaku might be throwing a hissy fit at Everton's refusal to do a deal.
He'd throw a bigger one if we docked him a week's wages for refusing to play when he's fit.
13 Aug 2016 15:25:03
Has he refused or is it the cut what's kept him out.
13 Aug 2016 15:39:26
I did think it was strange why his heel hadn't healed (excuse pun) .
If true then he should be ashamed, the money he earns and a hero to many many kids.
Bad skills Romelu if I done that in my work is would be dragged outside by my nostrils and re-educated.
13 Aug 2016 16:58:28
He had stitches in a wound on his heel a week ago. Surely that would be the reason he has not played.
13 Aug 2016 17:49:43
three stitches is not bad but I depends where they were!
I'm sure Dunc would have been pulling the boots on if he had double that!
13 Aug 2016 14:09:17
Great season ahead.
New attitude.
Coach K unlikely to favor slackers.
Hard work.
Grit.
The new Black and Blues.
May the Spurs, whatever the outcome, wake up knowing they had a match today, thanking the powers that be that that would be the only tripped to Goodison this season.
The Everton flag again flies proudly here in Georgia.
COYB.
13 Aug 2016 14:02:43
Hull are wining which has dropped us down to 7th. Can't cope with this stress already!
13 Aug 2016 14:11:35
Just sipping a little sharpener and standing looking at the Team, have a feeling we are going to get slaughtered. 3 DM's, no spearhead and where is the width coming from down both flanks.
13 Aug 2016 17:00:56
Worked out well for you that didn't it Bill?!?!
13 Aug 2016
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13 Aug 2016 13:25:25
If we need a keeper, what about Henessey?
Knows Williams well, had a decent Euros with Wales and has premiership experience, although with teams at he lower end of the division.
13 Aug 2016 11:50:00
Hi ed any names for striker we are after? Salami at sporting luisbon, dost at Wolfsburg?
{Ed002's Note - Much depends on what happens with Lukaku.}
13 Aug 2016 12:24:36
If we let Lukaku go between now and the close of the window it will be up there with the maddest decisions ever to come out of Goodison. And it doesn't matter who we get in in his place, they would be coming late to the party and without a pre-season with their new team mates. I would hope Koeman has more sense than to even consider letting him go.
{Ed002's Note - It is a trade off with (a) do you want a disgruntled player at the club, and (b) what another side would be willing to pay.}
13 Aug 2016 12:34:58
I think Lukaku will be resolved next week, in RK's interviews it sounds as if he is resigned to seeing him go, plus he refers to the job as a project so in his mind there is much work to do.
13 Aug 2016 11:29:10
4-2 the blues for me today boys come on.
13 Aug 2016 10:09:28
Match day 😀 new season coyb''s see you at goodison later fellow blues.
13 Aug 2016 10:00:46
Normally I don't think the first game of the season is very important but this year I think it is. If we manage to win and get some good signings in before the next game I can see us winning a lot of points in the first 6 or 7 games whilst playing some very beatable teams. If we lose badly it could take a long time to recover. Either way it feels good to be getting up and ready to go and see the old lady again. Up the toffees!
13 Aug 2016 07:28:37
Goooooooooooooooooooood mooooooooooorning blues!
I've been awake since 6am and can't get back to sleep. Why? Footy is back!
Forget everything that's happened over the summer. Stop thinking about buying or selling players and get ready to get back to the battleground.
I can't wait to sit down at the old lady and feel that intoxicating buzz of excitement and get ready to shout and sing my lungs out.
I know some of you are not happy and feel worried but if there is anything I've learnt about our great club is when those fans are needed to inspire we bloody well deliver.
Knives at a gun fight? With 40,000 Evertonians its more like a bloody cannon!
COYB NSNO IRKWT.
13 Aug 2016 08:58:16
Does the hair stand up at the back of your neck when you first see the pitch then again when they play zed cars and the team come out mine does.
13 Aug 2016 09:18:15
3 points today will do wonders for our season be great for confidence especially against a very good Spurs team. I'm going for a 2.1 win for the mighty toffees COYB.