Changes for the good earn reprieve for Silva
Everton 2 - 0 West Ham
As the match preview on these pages indicated, it was difficult to overstate how important this match was for Marco Silva. Five straight defeats, six in the last seven Premier League games, and a further week at least in the relegation zone heading into a difficult trip to Brighton would have surely placed his job in dire jeopardy.
The clamour from the supporters has been for change and Silva delivered it today with five alterations to his starting XI (admittedly, some of them enforced by injury) while his team responded with an energy and determination that has been lacking for so much of the season so far.
That the Blues were still not guaranteed the points as the match moved into stoppage time at the end of the second half and needed Jordan Pickford to make a vital save late on was down to wasteful finishing and questionable decision-making in the final third; the issue that plagued them at times last term and a better kind of problem to have than dysfunctional systems and an apparent lack of the requisite spirit from the players.
The upshot was a 2-0 victory that should have been far greater. Manuel Pellegrini said after the match that had he been able to change 11 players at the half-way stage, he would have done; for all their talent and some impressive recent results, West Ham were dreadful but largely because Everton wouldn’t allow them to play their game. From the first whistle, there was a fire about Silva’s charges and while some of it was a little over-exuberant in the first couple of minutes, exemplified by Richarlison’s late slide tackle on Felipe Anderson that set up a free-kick that Manuel Lanzini despatched well wide, it was at least a sign that Everton were hell-bent on providing a response to their poor form.
Indeed, apart from a header by Pablo Fornals later in the first period, West Ham barely troubled the home side, who dominated the proceedings and could have been two or three up by the interval. Tom Davies, recalled to the side after Morgan Schneiderlin picked up a minor injury (we might never know if the England U21 man would have started anyway), will wonder how he didn’t open the scoring after seven minutes when Anderson inadvertently flicked Bernard’s corner into his path in the six yard box. No doubt focused on ensuring he put his first-time side-foot shot on target, he fired straight at goalkeeper Roberto Jiménez when it seemed easier to score.
In the 21st minute, Richarlison was released down the channel by Alex Iwobi and he cracked a shot off the outside of the post as the Nigerian revelled in his new central role playing instead of Gylfi Sigurdsson and the Brazilian ran the Hammers ragged in a fluid striking role that seemed to alternate between false nine, winger and centre-forward depending on the situation.
In between, Bernard had put Everton 1-0 up with a sublimely unorthodox goal in the 17th minute, ending a move that had started outside the Blues’ penalty area before slicing through the visitors’ left flank as Iwobi fed Theo Walcott and the latter threaded the diminutive Brazilian in. Not usually one to shoot early at the best of times, Bernard eschewed a first time shot from the angle, but instead cut back to his right, dragged the ball back away from Declan Rice, turned inside Arthur Masuaku with a drop of the shoulder and then just when it looked like he had overrun it and done too much, he prodded it under Roberto and into the net.
Goodison erupted as the No 20 celebrated with an unbridled passion and Everton were seemingly on their way to a comfortable victory. The second goal took an age to arrive, though it wasn’t for the want of trying. Everton have needed to put in a consistent display across 90 minutes and today they did, with Walcott a revelation in the wide-right role and Richarlison a constant menace across the front line.
Iwobi and Walcott both tried their luck from distance but weren’t able to unduly trouble the keeper, while Richarlison had a shot charged down just before half-time when Djibril Sidibé, another impressive performer on his first Premier League start, was probably the better option on the overlap to his right.
While Everton continued to assert their control over the contest into the second half, it wasn’t all plain sailing and while Everton’s aggressive pressing was hugely successful in harrying West Ham into mistakes and aiming balls forward towards Sebastian Haller, on the occasions that Pellegrini’s men were able to break the press, it opened up gaps in front of the Blues’ defence.
Fornals should have done better six minutes into the second half when he was picked out in a central position by a cross from the right but he bobbled his shot wide and when a poor kick by Pickford was headed forward to Fornals four minutes later, he failed to hit the target again, skying a half-volley into the Park End.
For the next 25 minutes it was all Everton, even after Andriy Yarmolenko, historical tormentor of the Toffees, was introduced by Pellegrini. Lucas Digne raked a direct free-kick inches wide of Roberto’s left-had post, Mina had two headers caught by the keeper and Walcott almost capped what would have been his best display under Silva when he blammed a rocket of a shot off the crossbar from 30 yards.
The best chance to put the game to bed before Sigurdsson eventually did in stoppage time fell to Iwobi, though, and, unfortunately, he failed to convert, instead toe-poking the ball at the keeper when, with a bit more composure, he could have tucked it either side of him.
Mina did have the ball in the back of the net from the resulting corner but, in a Collina-esque moment, referee Paul Tierney chalked it off for reasons best known to himself. The Colombian actually had to free himself of a shirt-pull to meet the dead-ball delivery and steer his header home and the only other remotely plausible situation was Gomes blocking off his marker. Either way, there was no deferral to VAR and a terrible decision stood.
Then, after Issa Diop had almost turned Walcott’s ball across the face into his own goal, Tierney doubled up on his incompetence with another mystifying decision, awarding a corner to the Hammers when Masuaku clearly took Sidibé’s legs challenging for the ball near the byline with seven minutes to go.
The result was the first set-piece of its kind that Everton had faced all afternoon and, in what was one of the few negatives from the day, they almost conceded in depressingly familiar fashion. Haller was unmarked to win the initial header that dropped to the feet of Angelo Ogbonna and he looked odds-on to score until his shot from close range deflected off Mina and Pickford reacted reflexively to kept out. It would prove to be a turning point in the match and Tierney was spared an angry inquest after the final whistle.
Thankfully, Sigurdsson would have the final word in a manner that will give Silva a greater dilemma moving forward than when the Icelandic international was sitting with zero goals to his name for the season. He had already forced Roberto into a one-handed save with his first involvement in the game a minute after replacing the exhausted Iwobi shortly after Moise Kean had come on for Walcott when he collected the ball outside the box in the second minute of stoppage time.
Feigning a shot with his left foot, he suckered Jack Wilshere into a lunging block before cutting the ball onto his right and sizing up an unstoppable shot that flew past the keeper and high into the net.
It was crowning moment of what was a well-deserved victory, one that vindicates the angst-ridden pleas for the manager to try something different. It was a day where the praise has rightly been spread throughout the team and a strong case was made for retaining that starting XI and formation for the next few matches.
Seamus Coleman will be eyeing an immediate return to the side after serving his one-match ban but Sidibé gave a very good account of himself in both a defensive and attacking capacity and there is no guarantee the Irishman will walk back into the line-up next weekend. Davies relished his first League start, offering a consistent route forward together with a tenacity in the middle of the park that was matched by Gomes. The Portuguese looked rusty in the early going, was a liability at times in front of his own box given his propensity to give away silly fouls and the heartbeat of the team, and yet had emerged by the end as one of the standout performers simply because of his calmness on the ball and ability to pick a pass.
Richarlison was a constant handful up front — the day he learns to stop throwing himself about might be the day he starts winning more free-kicks and penalties — his compatriot Bernard was his usual mix of inventiveness and profligacy but delivered what proved to be the winner, while Yerry Mina was again almost imperious at the back, the only nit being his inability to beat Haller in aerial duels.
.@alexiwobi vs. West Ham (H) pic.twitter.com/SA2dVVX5IG
— Billy (@TheWeiglRole) October 19, 2019
It was the decision to move Iwobi into the No 10 role that made the most visible difference, however. The former Gunner was always showing for the ball in attacking areas and his movement, anticipation and forward thrusts really underscored what has been lacking with the more pedestrian Sigurdsson in the side. Silva cannot buckle to player stature on this one; Iwobi belongs in that position unless or until it becomes clear it isn’t working.
Of course, for all the positives, this was just one result and one performance on what needs to be a long road to redemption for the manager and his players. They set a benchmark today for the minimum effort, tempo and drive that his required in every game and they have to meet it now on a consistent basis because they proved how much better they are than recent form has suggested.
The big question mark over zonal marking and defending set-pieces remains out there — Everton faced just two corners on the day and came very close to conceding from the first so defeat at Brighton next weekend, particularly if it comes by way of a soft centre defending dead-ball situations, would surely put Silva back under the microscope.
In the meantime, there will be a sense of relief and some creeping optimism that things could steadily improve now as fans, players and coaches alike spend the week reflecting on a job well done. Let’s see what transpires at the Amex Stadium and then against Watford in the Carabao Cup before we get too carried away.
Reader Comments (103)
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2 Posted 20/10/2019 at 06:09:04
Gomes, Sidibe, Walcott, Iwobi, Walcott, Mina, all could make a claim for MotM (I personally voted for Gomes narrowly over Sidibe and Mina myself), and yet I've seen some say most of them weren't even good! I don't think anyone said Mina wasn't great though. If he rightfully scored that goal he would easily have been MotM and earned a 10/10.
Great team performance and I wouldn't change one thing for next week, unless it proves early on that they're ineffective against what will surely be a deep laying Brighton side. A convincing win and performance in an away match will go a long way toward even some of the most skeptical I should think.
COYB
3 Posted 20/10/2019 at 07:14:41
Noble, West Hams main threat was substituted, which says it all, about Evertons midfield dominance. It was a similar performance to West Hams trio on there last visit to Goodison, but Everton have better players and it showed in this game.
4 Posted 20/10/2019 at 07:31:19
Special mentions for Mina and Sidibé. Mina is beginning to settle and although he still switches off on occasion, he’s beginning to look more like the colossus who we saw score against England for Columbia. He deserved that goal today and Tierney (one of the poorer refs in the Prem it must be said) totally ballsed up.
As for Sidibé, it is only his first league start and he will need to work on his fitness but if he maintains this level of performance he should start ahead of Coleman. He was fast, physical, a constant threat and his defensive work was also solid (and that’s apparently the weaker side of his game). It certainly gives us more balance going forward, compared to shuttling the ball to Digne at every opportunity.
Now let’s build on this and get moving up the table. COYB.
5 Posted 20/10/2019 at 07:31:24
Silva looked a stone wall bet to be the latest.
For the first time in my life I was glad to hear an Everton player would be unavailable for selection. This was "must win" and chances of achieving that win where (IMO) greatly enhanced when Schneiderlin's absence was announced.
Same goes for Sigurdsson. despite all that talent. He has been worse than a passenger for much of this season. Why silva insisted on trusting him every week was a complete mystery to me.
Sigurdssons goal will be talked about for some time, but he had two other attempts in the short period he was on the pitch. One was blocked and another forced the goalkeeper into making a decent save.
The arm around the shoulder hasnt worked with Siggy, but the boot up the arse most definitely had the desired effect.
He'd be dropped and somebody was going to pay.
Good to see over complicated tactics replaced by high octane drama. No fuck witted isolation of the forward here, we had players buzzing around West Hams area all afternoon.
Special word for Yerry Mina. He has certainly had his moments, but what a character he is turning out to be. The crowd love him. Those little Glances and nods to the crowd when he comes up for a corner full of aggression and determination, don't half get the volume turned up.
The only downside to yesterday was seeing the big fella limp off at the end. It didnt look good.
If it was just a twinge and "Yerry lad" is ok. Then Silva's first message to the team after yesterdays game should have been to inform them that those who started and delivered this week, will be rewarded by getting the same opportunity next week.
Basic stuff. Reward success, penalise failure
6 Posted 20/10/2019 at 07:39:22
Loads of energy, desire, movement and no little skill resulted in three points. Not rocket science, is it?
As you say, same again is the shout for next week.
7 Posted 20/10/2019 at 07:56:25
The whole dynamic of the team was changed with these players slotting in. Iwobi looks far more natural and effective there than Sigg. He has a better ability to show, and be involved in the game.
Tom Davies is maturing as a player, whislt Gomes yesterday showed just what a class act he is, Tom gives a fluidity to the team. When MS plays there the midfield is far more static, sideways ,ponderous and defensive.
Tom's foward thinking puts team onto the back foot and with the pacy players we have at our disposal that quality is absolutely essential to get the best out of our resources.
The signs are good that the changes made should set a benchmark on how this team should be configured.
I have watched the quality level of other teams. With this set up and more clinical finishing I would fancy our chances against any Premier League team, bar none.
8 Posted 20/10/2019 at 07:56:25
The whole dynamic of the team was changed with these players slotting in. Iwobi looks far more natural there than Sigg.
Tom Davies is maturing as a player, whislt Gomes yesterday showed just what a class act he is, Tom gives a fluidity to the team. When MS plays there the midfield is far more static, sideways ponderous and defensive.
Tom's foward thinking puts team onto the back foot and with the pacy players we have at our disposal that quality is absolutely essential to get the best out of our resources.
The signs are good that the changes made should set a benchmark on how this team should be configured.
I have watched the quality level of other teams. With this set up and more clinical finishing I would fancy our chances against any Premier League team, bar none.
9 Posted 20/10/2019 at 08:11:08
While notable mentions have been directed to Gomes, Davies and Mina, I thought Walcott was outstanding and fully justified selection. I have considered him as only an expensive misfit, an impact sub in the league cup at best: he was brilliant yesterday and the energy and movement from the front three was superb and must now be the benchmark.
10 Posted 20/10/2019 at 08:18:42
I watched the highlights of the Brighton game this morning and even after going down to 10 men they went for the win.
I would imagine next week at home nothing will change for them and there will be space to exploit.
I can't believe, even Silva, would consider changing yesterday's team for next week, apart from injuries.
Yesterday's performance, as Lyndon says, should be the absolute minimum we should expect and with a full week at Finch Farm Silva should concentrate - again- on set prices defence as Brighton will give us far more problems than an abysmal West Ham.
Next weeks team will really let us know if Silva has learned anything from his piss poor management since joining. If his undroppables return or he reverts to type then there really is no hope for him
11 Posted 20/10/2019 at 08:35:49
Surprise surprise,,, they didnt show it.
12 Posted 20/10/2019 at 08:38:19
13 Posted 20/10/2019 at 08:41:15
I was very surprised too they didnt allocate a few seconds to show Mina's disallowed goal.
I thought it would have been one of the big VAR talking points on MOTD, as it seemed such a flaring error by the referee and also why VAR failed to rectify such a clear mistake.
14 Posted 20/10/2019 at 08:44:01
15 Posted 20/10/2019 at 09:12:34
The Mina goal and the foul on Sidibe were joke decisions by the ref
The only thing I can say about the Mina goal is that immediately after the corner was taken the idiot blew his whistle, possibly, and I don't really know, who does? an argument might be that players stopped, though I don't think they did.
The ref should in my opinion, let the play take it's full course then revisited the play using VAR.
Regardless both decisions should be looked at by the refs panel tomorrow.
16 Posted 20/10/2019 at 09:16:05
There were a couple of incidents I wanted to see again. The Mina goal and the one where Walcott was pulled back after Richarlison back heeled in.
As you say, we shouldnt be surprised the BBC didnt show either.
I've got it taped but the Mrs (a rugby fanatic) is hogging the box at the moment screaming on the Welsh.
17 Posted 20/10/2019 at 09:28:06
The big test will come when we conceed a goal, especially away from home, that's when the heads go down and the intensity dies away. Silva has to work out a way of reversing this if he is to seriously be considered of having any chance of keeping his job. His body language on the touchline must improve to show he's up for the fight when we go behind.
Players look to the manager for inspiration he has to provide it.
18 Posted 20/10/2019 at 09:36:51
just noticed that a few of the regular negative posters haven't said anything yet, . they must be busy eh?
19 Posted 20/10/2019 at 09:48:06
However, I take nothing for granted with Silva anymore. Dropping Schneiderlin was apparently an enforced move. He should continue to sit out of first XI. Davies and Gomes did fine. Meanwhile
Delph should be given a proper chance to recover. This means Silva will have to trust Davies to start two consecutive games- something he rarely does.
Coleman should not be back. Sidibe has done all that has been asked of him. We have won 3 out of 3 with him in the side.
Iwobi was head and shoulders above Gylfi in the 10 role and should stay there. It's clear that he can improve, but it is also clear he has the talent. He can go left or right, has speed and a good range of passing. Give him a consistent run and he will produce better.
My last word is for Marcel Brands. He has been accused of executing a poor transfer strategy. Well, a reminder to people that Gana and Zouma were part of a disastrous run last season in which we lost 8 out of 12 or something similar. Then with Silva facing the chop, we go on a miraculous run as the side addressed its Achilles heel I.e. set pieces.
In other words, different personnel, same failings, same outcome.
Our transfers were fine. It is the bizarre random selections and tactics that were not.
If we take a step back, our best player last season was Digne. This season it has been Mina. Both brought in by Brands.
Sidibe for me is a good upgrade on Coleman. Kean simply has not been given a chance.
Iwobi has shown enough to warrant a place in the first XI.
I suspect Gomes & Richarlison were Silva's picks so he deserves credit there.
Brands has done fine. We will not know why he spent so long trying to land Zouma - a Guardian article suggested Silva was fixated on landing him.
Delph has been a carrying an injury but he did put a MoM showing against Wolves. Get him fit and he will bring much needed grit in the middle of the park.
If Brands signings all make the starting XI each week, I will wager we will win more than we will lose.
We also have in Davies, Holgate and DCL very good back up players who are used in a dis-jointed confidence sapping manner by this manager.
Yesterday was a reminder Silva has the players at his disposal and just needs to get his head out of his arse and pick the right team.
20 Posted 20/10/2019 at 10:06:44
21 Posted 20/10/2019 at 10:15:31
It should not be okay to turn it on for this game or that one. We deserve at the very least the same level of commitment and enthusiasm shown yesterday, week-in & week-out, then a loss can be tolerated because we gave the 100% effort – not the drab lacklustre, "can't be arsed" effort of previous weeks .
22 Posted 20/10/2019 at 10:24:04
Sidibé certainly gave notice to Seamus that he now has a fight on his hands which based on yesterday he will not win. Gomes makes a huge difference and his link with Tom and Alex was the platform for a smashing performance by the team. I have never seen Walcott play as well as that and it will be interesting to see if he can continue. Mina was immense and is emerging as a leader in the defence.
The whole approach was so refreshing with an end to the possession game and constantly moving forwards which gave them no end of problems having to mark players who were quick and mobile rather than static.
I appreciate that Iwobi does appear to pull out of anything that looks like a 50:50 blockbuster tackle but so did other flair players like Dave Thomas,Kevin Sheedy to name two off the top of my head. This can often be the case with this type of player but his creative attacking play made such a difference yesterday and for me he must be given a run of games in this position. Some passes went astray yesterday but this will surely improve if this selection is given time to gel properly.
Much better- I d love to know what team he would have picked had they all been available!!
23 Posted 20/10/2019 at 10:28:41
24 Posted 20/10/2019 at 10:55:19
25 Posted 20/10/2019 at 11:18:24
Bullshit decision!
26 Posted 20/10/2019 at 11:18:49
Otherwise I haven’t a clue and VAR needs reevaluating as no one seems sure of when to use it.
27 Posted 20/10/2019 at 11:25:38
But the main difference was the mind set of Davies and Gomes, no second or third touches as Schneiderlin and Delph do, they moved the ball quickly and precisely and usually forward. They also played 10/15 yards further up the pitch which made linking with the forwards so much easier. Gomes was immense he ran the game from start to finish very ably assisted by the brilliant Tom Davies. I think it just highlights you can play 4-2-3-1 very effectively if you have attack minded players in the 2 role. I also thought Mina had his best game since joining the club, he looked solid and assured.
Finally just a word on Sigurdsson, I know he hasnt hit the heights so far this season, and I largely blame our very slow build up as to why he has struggled. But when he came on with the team playing much quicker he scored a sublime goal that nobody else in our squad could have scored. So I wouldnt be as quick to dismiss Sigurdsson as some on here have done, and if we continue to play the way we did yesterday moving the ball forward quickly he will be the goal threat he was last year. How quick fans forget his goal contribution from last season.
28 Posted 20/10/2019 at 11:28:26
Shocking football eductation we get in this country. I suppose Silva got his tactics, subs and team selection absolute spot on for a change. His decision to bring Subs on at the exact second we needed them must be pure genius?
Now we know he wanted us to lose 4 on the spin and he made players run less in tactics they couldn't work out, he held Davies back, he must have fell out with Sigurdsson (who everyone said must have been his best mate) and he gave Gomes his rib back.
Fantastic decisions.
29 Posted 20/10/2019 at 11:31:17
30 Posted 20/10/2019 at 11:32:42
31 Posted 20/10/2019 at 12:01:23
32 Posted 20/10/2019 at 12:24:21
I do not want to detract from the service which Coleman has given the club over the year's, but now may be the time for him to assume a similar role to that of Leighton Baines. Sidibe was immense yesterday. He is a very good footballer. His reading of the game, positional sense and distribution was first rate. I believe it was no coincidence that his inclusion down that right flank contributed to Walcott's renaissance. Sidibe's competence gave Walcott the confidence to express himself. Long may this particular partnership flourish.
33 Posted 20/10/2019 at 12:34:20
They played on the front foot yesterday. They played for their places and for the manager. That’s Silva’s biggest strength, his players like him. He doesn’t like to change a winning team so l expect the same next weekend. They deserve it.
However if an injury crops up l still expect the same level of performance. That’s the benchmark in attitude and confidence. Silva has a lot to do especially being able to change mid game tactics and subs. We should be able to make 4 or 5 changes to that team and get a similar result given how strong our squad is... and it is.
Point your fingers to the manager who selects the team and tactics and not to the players! Their performance comes from the manager. Just like Dyche plays 442 and gets the best our of his players, it’s the reason Silva is paid millions!! This is his job... and I’m still not fucjjgng happy that this performance took 9 GAMES FFS. It took a quarter of the season for him to get us going. 90 points still to play for, so let’s go for it. BUT NO more slip ups that take a month or two to sort out. And also Jordon Pickford, command your box!
That’s all..
34 Posted 20/10/2019 at 12:34:47
Similarly, Sigurrdson has had a dip in form this season, not helped by the overall setup of the team and the team's general slump. But last season he was very good.
Let's hope yesterday marked a turnaround towards better form and consistency for the whole team.
35 Posted 20/10/2019 at 12:38:47
36 Posted 20/10/2019 at 12:52:16
It was heartwarming and to the fans credit that they gave Walcott a rousing ovation as he left the field. That will do his confidence a power of good and hopefully kick start his Everton career again. I have never doubted his ability even when he's been written off by many. He's no youngster, but at 30 he should have at least 2-3 top flight seasons left in him. All of that experience is invaluable to us if he plays to his ability.
The fans pay their money and have every right to make vocal criticism where it is justified. What I don't like is when it becomes almost fashionable to give a player stick and the crowd are like sheep, collectively on their back, regardless of performance. It can also work the other way of course, some players can seemingly do no wrong, when they are repeatedly below par.
Generally I'm happy to say that anyone who gives their all is usually appreciated, but sadly, not always.
37 Posted 20/10/2019 at 13:07:41
I'll defend Sigurdsson slightly. It would have been interesting to see whether he too would have been a different player with Gomez & Davies behind him and that type of movement in front of him. Has he been hamstrung with Delph & Schneiderlin plus a somewhat static DCL ahead of him?
Great goal though; sometimes through all the frustration, you have players like that on the pitch for one moment of brilliance that changes a game, or in this case, confirmed one that should have already been out of sight. I still don't know how Iwobi missed, and Mina's "goal" was a goal. If they're going to have VAR, stop bottling it & use it for the big decisions, not just to confirm an offside.
Results are of course what matter, but I said on 75 minutes yesterday (anticipating an inevitable West Ham equaliser!!), I was pleased with the response, attitude & performance above all.
38 Posted 20/10/2019 at 13:37:50
Is all of that bad luck? Is all of that players not trying? Is all of that on Brands?
He also has a terrible overall record on set pieces in his entire stint in English football.
I guess that is Brands fault too?
Gana is ripping it up with PSG. Yet he was part of a side last season that lost 8 in 12, before Silva and his coaches realised giving away soft goals from set pieces would lead to defeats (especially as he has not figured out how to get a team to win from behind).
Go ahead and blame the tools, the supplier of the tools and the person who bought the tools rather than the workman.
39 Posted 20/10/2019 at 13:41:57
Playing with a midfield helps significantly.
When we played with Schneiderlin and Sigurdsson meant we were playing almost with two players less.
When I alluded to Gunter Netzer a few weeks ago, I forgot to mention that Tom Davies could become our Gunter Netzer.
Only forward thinking!
We're sick to death of the ponderous sideways & backwards passing.
40 Posted 20/10/2019 at 13:46:37
41 Posted 20/10/2019 at 13:51:10
you ask if how would various players been had they played alongside others.
We will never know because Silva has been so dogmatic in his tactics and team selection.
He has never even tried mixing it up preferring to continue playing failed players with failed tactics.
He had the ideal excuses yesterday in Schneiderlins injury and Sigi playing 2 internationals on the bounce. Let's be honest both fully deserved dropping ages ago.
He apparently had a chat with the players midweek. I have no doubt the players were well aware of the situation as was Silva. I have no doubt that contributed to the improved performance.
Finally just a comment on DCL. I know we all see games and players differently but in my opinion the last thing you can accuse DCL of being is "static"
The lad runs his bollocks off with little if any support.
43 Posted 20/10/2019 at 13:56:56
However, I wish that someone could get through to him that his overly dramatic responses to a tackle need to be eliminated from his game. He must spend more time on the ground than any player in the Premier League.
Opponents do appear to watch him very closely and he is fouled more often than most. He needs to take that as a compliment as they must see him as a threat.
44 Posted 20/10/2019 at 13:57:42
Like you say, we all see it different and that wasn't a dig at Calvert-Lewin's attitude or commitment.
I'm liking Mina more and more. He's going to get us goals and should no way have been denied one yesterday.
45 Posted 20/10/2019 at 14:07:20
Like JK earlier tho I'm bemused re the comment on “static” Calvert-Lewin? I'm not sure he'll make the grade yet but "static" he is certainly not!
46 Posted 20/10/2019 at 14:10:40
The Mina “goal” could and should have been referred to VAR, when as we didn't see on MotD, there was no clear and obvious reason not to award it. The fact that it wasn't referred to VAR is down to the incompetence of the official who did not follow the guidelines of his association and instead of letting play flow for another second or two blew his beloved whistle. VAR would have allowed him to reverse a decision to award a goal if there was sufficient evidence to do so but once he'd blown that option was closed off.
When I lived in Germany some years ago I enjoyed watching their superior equivalent of MotD and in particular the interviews with referees after the game, which were far more enlightening than the dead batting of players and managers. I think it was discontinued but I've long wondered why in this country, especially now that referees are highly paid full time “professionals”, they cannot go before the camera to explain decisions. I think a bit of humility in admitting to human error would go down very well and in many cases we fans might also learn something we'd missed. The current lack of transparency and accountability is unacceptable.
47 Posted 20/10/2019 at 14:19:59
If you have a friendly interviewer allow the referee to answer a few questions about his performance, then I think it would be a good thing. I say friendly, as I would not want to see someone like Garth Crooks who thinks he's Jeremy Paxman on Newsnight, as cross-examining the referee would not help anything. The simple opportunity to say why he did what he did, and if he's changed his mind would be beneficial to the fans as a whole.
48 Posted 20/10/2019 at 14:20:36
Not only do they know how to properly use video technology to resolve ambiguous decisions or resolve doubt, they add transparency by their discussion & decision making thought process being audible. It helps both players and supporters understand how & why a decision is being made and the reasoning behind it.
Also, it seems their referees command deep technical understanding of the laws of their game, which I would question their footballing conterparts' ability to demonstrate likewise.
49 Posted 20/10/2019 at 14:43:52
50 Posted 20/10/2019 at 15:08:09
51 Posted 20/10/2019 at 15:13:05
52 Posted 20/10/2019 at 15:24:59
53 Posted 20/10/2019 at 15:29:07
VAR cannot be used the moment a ref blows his/her whistle. Once they do, ball is dead and that's that. That said, all the refs are supposed to (operative word here) swallow the whistle, let play continue, and THEN let VAR sort it. Think of it as the same idea behind allowing an attacking team to play the advantage. Our ref yesterday must have missed those meetings.
54 Posted 20/10/2019 at 15:31:15
55 Posted 20/10/2019 at 15:32:25
57 Posted 20/10/2019 at 15:36:51
"If Brands signings all make the starting XI each week, I will wager we will win more than we will lose."
One of the first things I noticed was that 7 of the 10 starters were acquired under Brands (Silva definitely urged him re: Richarlison, not so sure about Gomes). It was a glimpse of the vision he has for the team. 100% agreed, when say, 16 of the 18 dressed week-in & week-out, are built by Brands, we'll then be an extremely difficult side that no-one – Man City and Liverpool included – will consider an easy 3 points, or want to play.
58 Posted 20/10/2019 at 15:51:13
The umbrage I take re: Gylfi is that he gives us 5-10 mins of brilliance and 85-90 of Where's Waldo?
Now it remains to be seen whether that would change if he had a team around him playing as it did yesterday, but we're going to have to wait to find out as there's no way Iwobi comes out of the line-up until (if or when) his form drops.
As far as last season goes, 3 of his 13 league goals were penalties, and (I think) 2 more were from set-pieces, where he's admittedly pure class. Yes, all the goals count but they need to be evaluated in context.
Personally, I think he's very well-suited to the super-sub role, especially against tired legs.
59 Posted 20/10/2019 at 15:51:35
60 Posted 20/10/2019 at 16:17:45
Sigurdsson has been so invisible this season, yet I've seen him do that move in so many games, it seems, edge-of the-seat stuff, but it gets blocked or flies wide.
However, more often, he just never tried. Glad for him it came off to kind of make a point and hopefully re-energize him for the season (big hope).
Incidentally, I was curious how many of our non-US readers would know of Where's Waldo? — me thinking it was a uniquely American thing. [This shows how much you can miss when not living in the UK for many years...]
So shows up my ignorance when it turns out this is yet another facet of the 'British Invasion': (cf: The Office, Dancing with the Stars, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? etc), the original in this case obviously being the Where's Wally? books by English illustrator Martin Handford.
I did not know that!
61 Posted 20/10/2019 at 16:18:54
I watch a lot of Bundesliga & La Liga where VAR has been the norm for a bit now. Last year during the CL for the first time too. So from them and then I read up on it a bit. Our ref missed that badly yesterday (forgetting about the part where it was actually Mina who was fouled and not the other way around)!
I'd love to see an adjustment where VAR can also override a poor on-field whistle. As it stands and we saw yesterday, it still allows for the on-field ref to make a horrible judgment call. It's like having a Ferrari in the garage but someone else has the keys haha.
62 Posted 20/10/2019 at 16:26:09
I used to stand around people who groaned at Kevin Sheedy's seeming laziness and unwillingness to put a tackle in only for him to double take a free kick or score spectacularly. John Barnes was similar when he played for England. In the main frustrating onlybto go and dribble past the entire Brazil team and score!!
63 Posted 20/10/2019 at 16:30:42
While I don't think that should be the case for anyone – football is a 90-minute game after all – let's assume for a moment that you're right about him. Don't you think that getting him on the pitch for the final 10-20 actually puts him in a position to make those 10-20 count the most? All that's being asked of him on that situation is to use his skills to the fullest.
Would you make any changes to the lineup vs Brighton this Saturday?
64 Posted 20/10/2019 at 16:33:41
I heard people saying Theo had a good game, but once again mixed for me. Started well, but then finds himself offside twice in quick succession when he's looking all the way along the line. That's just lazy. Great attempt in the second half off the bar, then straight after he goes and balloons a cross to no one. Just about sums him up.
Next week is the bigger test though, it was a much better performance but it's away from home we need to impress.
65 Posted 20/10/2019 at 16:47:43
His pace is vital to us to be fair and if he and Richarlison continue to run off the ball like they did yesterday we will do much better.
I couldn't care to pretend to know the manager's tactics or why he never picked either of the forwards to start but I saw a more urgent approach to winning than I have seen all season.
Richarlison never sulked all game, Gomes looked injury-free, Mina looked switched on from the 1st minute, Sidibe looked to pass inside more often than Coleman would, Bernard's movement actually found him on the right side to score a goal.
A lot went well for us yesterday but we looked like the side that finished last season when missed opportunities didn't affect us.
The squad and condition of players Silva started with at Palace was way short of what was needed and hopefully now the players are in better condition to continue like yesterday.
66 Posted 20/10/2019 at 16:58:26
I think my main point is that maybe Sigurdsson would have been a different player with Gomes and Davies behind him in addition to the type of movement that would have been ahead of him.
67 Posted 20/10/2019 at 17:11:41
68 Posted 20/10/2019 at 18:29:24
Fine show by players and coach. For me, though it only demonstrates how bad it has been. This performance could have happened weeks ago if our coach was not so determined to shoehorn his favourites into the team.
It will take a lot more than this to make up for the utter ineptitude that Silva has shown this season. If Schneiderlin and Coleman had been available, I fear they would have started... Next week will be enlightening.
69 Posted 20/10/2019 at 18:49:25
Iwobi makes a difference as does a fit Gomes. Hopefully, we will see more of Kean from now on also. Impressed also with Sidibe, I hope he now doesn't get dropped.
70 Posted 20/10/2019 at 18:57:36
Anyhow, if Silva goes back to Coleman, Morgan, Gylfi we riot.
71 Posted 20/10/2019 at 19:04:42
72 Posted 20/10/2019 at 19:08:43
Cheers and enjoy your Sundays.
73 Posted 20/10/2019 at 19:27:43
74 Posted 20/10/2019 at 19:33:14
if Walcott was unavailable and we won would you be saying we riot if he picked him, Morgan etc etc?
Silva has a squad and he needs to use them. I want to see Baines and Holgate playing too and not wasting away. Especially with Holgate, give him some minutes. I think he needs to show the squad that he has confidence in them and not just be forced into changes.
75 Posted 20/10/2019 at 20:15:12
My point is that not one single thing should change until on-field play indicates that it should.
So yes, if he goes back to the roster that saw us gather 7 points in 8 games, we riot. Or maybe just I do (but I don't think so based on the countless EFC forums, YouTube video channels, and the like that I follow all being in 100% agreement). I do base this on the assumption that our first 8 matches weren't acceptable to you either though.
76 Posted 20/10/2019 at 20:33:27
Even in the losing streak there have been signs of good attacking play.
Example, Against City at home we had 8 shots on target, the most Pep has conceded since he was at City.
Silva has a philosophy and style of play that can be successful at the highest level. It is attacking and has a intense press and counter in transition. It has the potential to win the league.
It is the first time since Kendal that I have seen even the possibility. Yes it may be three years away and probably six or eight different players by then but it is the only feasible way we can do it, with him and Brands.
Always half full for me, as that is the only glimmer of NSNO 😉
77 Posted 20/10/2019 at 21:05:22
Bernard made such a difference to our team last season in partnership with Digne, it's been a shame to see him dropped so much. Even worse has been the re-emergence of Schneiderlin in midfield - we really need to move on from that.
Glad to see Gomes and Iwobi playing a key role as I'm a fan of both.
Also glad that Mina has found some form, even during this bad run.
78 Posted 20/10/2019 at 21:31:16
79 Posted 20/10/2019 at 22:30:37
A corner in the first half (I think the one Davies should have converted), the replays showed Gomes blocking for Mina. Diop was well in the referee’s ear about it.
The subsequent corner Tierney blew against Gomes. He spent the rest of the game looking for it. Gomes did turn into the player to set Mina free for the goal.
I didn’t like it anyone more than the next man, but West ham ‘gamed’ the referee. Perhaps we should be more savvy and not repeatedly try the same ploy or at best change up the blocker?
As for the interpretation of referee. It was right, if obvious to him he’s well within his rights to call it, otherwise why blow for anything?
80 Posted 21/10/2019 at 09:17:09
Regarding Sigurdsson, he has yet to score from a set-piece free-kick since joining us. He has scored several fantastic goals but the team cannot survive on those isolated contributions. His presence in the team has slowed the tempo of our play, making us easy to defend against.
The question for Gomes is whether or not he can maintain this level of performance game after game. So far, his form with us has seen him play well one game and be anonymous in the next. His form away from home has generally been poor, with the notable exception of the derby game last December. Our progress up the league table may well be dependent on his fitness and consistency.
81 Posted 21/10/2019 at 09:28:22
Why didn't the Everton players appeal more vigorously to the referee after the Burnley goal the other week and ask for VAR to be used when Schneiderlin was blocked from trying to stop the Burnley goal?
82 Posted 21/10/2019 at 09:46:01
The only thing is, they got away with it because there was no VAR. If there was, then I doubt the goal would have stood.
For anyone interested, here's the you tube link to the shortened highlights:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_X4mZyOHrqg
83 Posted 21/10/2019 at 10:11:56
Moshiri brought Silva in because of how he approaches games. He liked his so-called "philosophy".
I think, even in last season's poor run, we still showed signs of what quality players can do in this system.
Arsenal away, Man City away. Bad results but we hurt them in attack until the finish was needed. Anfield we should have took the lead, remember Bernard's chance at Old Trafford?
This season, we have been awful because there has been no creativity whatsoever, Sigurdsson slows us down and the strikers haven't got a lethal finish.
Onwards and upwards for me, I am not interested in wasting energy and hopes on winning anything with these players. We will get enough good results to keep us top half but why expect anything else when we haven't spent on quality?
If you believe we can't just go out and buy top players and the idea of us enticing real quality is ludicrous, then get off players' backs, get off the manager's back and erase the pre-concieved opinions that waste our time.
84 Posted 21/10/2019 at 10:41:44
I was watching 5 Liverpool players haranguing the Ref yesterday to force their VAR decision. On another day at a smaller club, they would have won it.
Other teams protest massively for it too and get it.
We need to educate our players now, this week, to be the same, surround the Ref and influence him. It is proven to work. If we don't, it could cost us a good few points.
We need to be a bit more streetwise, West Ham were talking and influencing the ref and his attention and subsequent decisions on Saturday too. 9 times out of ten, Gomes's alleged blocking would go unpenalised.
85 Posted 21/10/2019 at 11:36:57
I'd agree that the defensive marking issue, particularly from set-pieces has not really been solved and I'd love to see us sweeping the ball into the net – not because of a great shot or one individual's skill, but because of collective teamwork.
86 Posted 21/10/2019 at 11:59:17
Btw, how strange without the French Snail in our midfield we seemed much more pacier and direct. Same again next week, Blues, and none of us will complain.
87 Posted 21/10/2019 at 12:02:39
88 Posted 21/10/2019 at 16:10:33
It could be argued that Bernard being in that position was thanks to Walcott's brilliant through pass, and Gylfi's belter was thanks to Kean tying up 2 defenders thus allowing him the space, but I did get your point.
What infuriates me about the set-piece troubles is that most (if not all) of the best sides in the world also employ zonal marking to start, but the difference is that they switch to man-marking when called upon. Unlike our statues that seem to forget there's a back post, lol. Hate to say it but it does seem to these eyes that more often than not, it's a failure of Keane, not Mina, though they do both share some blame.
Matt @86,
Total agreement on the acid test nature of winning away, and I would add to that there's a second acid test re: whether or not we can break down a side that will sit back all day long and look to counter (unlike the Hammers, who played an open style and right into our strengths).
89 Posted 21/10/2019 at 18:44:05
I know what you are saying, but be careful You don't do Sidibe an injustice. Take another look at Iwobi's chance. It is created by a piece of individual brilliance.
Sidibe carries the ball at pace to the West Ham defence, gives them the eyes as if he is going to play it wide to Walcott then splits them wide open by sliding a superbly weighted pass straight into the path of Iwobi. It's a long time since I saw an Everton player do that. I suspect it has largely been overlooked because he made it look so easy.
You'll already be aware that this guy has been a real class act. If he can rediscover anything like the form he has shown in the past, we are all in for a real treat.
90 Posted 21/10/2019 at 19:14:26
Mark #78, amen. I've been predicting for months that Mina would become one of the top young CBs in the Premier League, but I didn't expect him to be this good this quickly. But Mark #88, I think we're way past the point where we can blame any individual player for our failures defending corners. There's only one person responsible for that, and he's not on the pitch.
Darren #89, an amen to you too. Sidibe dazzled me at times on Saturday. And so did Kean, without doing anything creative -- just by powering in to win every contested ball he went for. That young man is STRONG.
Matthew #86, a French snail is an escargot, but Schneiderlin is an escar-slow.
91 Posted 21/10/2019 at 19:26:54
92 Posted 21/10/2019 at 19:30:29
93 Posted 21/10/2019 at 19:47:06
Yes, l agree completely. We were shit. It shouldn't take 9 games to correct it either. The players deserve to keep their places for the next game but regardless Silva should be able to show confidence in whomever he picks because we have a good squad. I wish l had confidence in him using the players and tactics required for each game instead of beating the same drum.
That performance on the weekend was close to if not the best we've been under Silva and far and away the best we've been this season. I'm looking forward to the season again.
94 Posted 21/10/2019 at 20:12:49
I know you are keen for Mina to do well but steady on Mate. He has been shocking for much of this season. His partnership with Keane has been very poor.
Mina is becoming a crowd favourite, but that has more to do with the way he has attacked the opposition goal than the way he has defended ours. He may be physically strong in duels but his defending at set-pieces has been right up there with Keane's.
The central defenders are the manager's voice and ears on the pitch when zonally marking. They see everything. Mina and Keane have been just about the worst pairing in the Premier League.
95 Posted 21/10/2019 at 21:55:02
I also stand by my belief that the manager has utterly failed to either communicate his defensive system or put his players in a position to succeed in defending set pieces. This is 100% Silva's responsibility in my view. I won't blame any of the players, even Keane (who is having a rough season), until I see one of them clearly blow an assignment on a corner. When one does, you'll see Pickford right up his ass. Hasn't happened yet.
96 Posted 22/10/2019 at 00:35:27
And I'm devouring web content/video channels because - in the words of Depeche Mode - I just can't get enough :-)
At least for 1 week, we're happy, now let's do this again (and again, and again)! The points are there for the taking, and we can go a long ways toward erasing our plain awful start. The next 4 are away Brighton, home Spurs, away Southampton, home Norwich.
Please lads, solve the away form, and there are 12 - yes 12! - points for the taking. Spurs have been awful for anyone's that watching. But we really should come away with 10 of the 12 pts, and bam, right back in the top half where we can go about getting down to business.
COYB!
97 Posted 22/10/2019 at 01:21:29
Why even go there? Have you learnt nothing, nada, zilch, zero from the first quarter of the season?
It's...
One
Game
At
A
Time
FFS!!!
98 Posted 22/10/2019 at 01:35:09
Sorry guys & gals
*ducks*
Someone ban me (no please don't)
99 Posted 22/10/2019 at 02:49:46
For me, the biggest difference was Iwobi in for Sigurdsson. A Number 10 is supposed to be able to take the game by the scruff of the neck and control it. How often have we seen Sigurdsson do that? He lacks the pace, energy and strength to impose himself. He does have an abundance of skill for sure, but seeing it in glimpses is not enough in this league.
Iwobi delivered the pace and energy that we have not seen all season, down the middle in the playmaker spot. Someone said that Sigurdsson often marks himself out of the game. This is true. He will not hunt for the ball where he doesn't like it. In contrast, Iwobi made himself available for everything. His movement made it possible to link up with the forwards at pace.
Even if Iwobi is not the long-term answer, he clearly exposed Sigurdsonns weaknesses. I love Gylfi as a talent, but its not enough, especially in that position. We need much more than he offers.
100 Posted 22/10/2019 at 05:48:45
I hate the way zonal Marking is being so poorly coached and executed here. I hated it so much I penned an article (on this site) about it over a year ago. If memory serves me right I even predicted it would cost Silva his job. but that doesnt mean the players should be exonerated of all blame.
The only thing Mina has done consistently since he got here, is to get murdered in his bed.
You are looking at this from the wrong direction. Its not about how many mistakes he has made (btw you are having a laugh if you think there is only two) You should judge a defender on what he doesnt do.
Its all very well slagging the manager off for the tactics he uses, but somewhere down the line the players need to hold their hands up and take ownership too and they need to be called when they are not doing the job, not told they are shockingly good.
its not just Keane who has been poor this season, the pair of them have been. We could have put a pair of lighthouses on the edge of our six yard box when we have defended dead ball situations and nobody would have known the difference. They have been less than useless.
Mina caused a few issues in the opposition box on Saturday, but what good is that, if he nearly cost us the match ?
Goodison held its breath as a WH corner dropped five yards in front of our post in the dying minutes.. . Mina doesnt have any other responsibilities in these situations except to attack the ball. Any center half worth his salt, see's the flight of the ball, adjusts his feet and clears the ball. A center half of Mina's size shouldnt be worried about winning it. He should be thinking about how much distance he can get on his clearance.. . He allowed the ball to drop.
By letting it drop Mina committed the CH cardinal sin. . Was it a mistake ? not the obvious type you speak about, but it was yet another example of him failing to do the job he's there to do.
We do have some common ground here Mike. We both see lots of potential in the big fella, but so far this season all I've seen is a guy who acts like a warrior when in the opposition box and a complete fanny when in his own
101 Posted 22/10/2019 at 06:18:38
102 Posted 22/10/2019 at 06:28:42
He is playing his own game while having to bear in mind that Keane gets caught out with simple balls over the top of him on a regular basis. Sometimes this looks as if he had made a positional error. Reality is the opposite.
He is adapting to the Premier League, which takes time… as we have seen with some world-class players.
Darren, why the change of heart, mate? You sang his praises on Saturday and Sunday...
103 Posted 22/10/2019 at 10:14:25
I was really impressed with Sidibie too, intelligent play, good positioning and composure. He has a touch of class about him. I think he will get a run in the team now.
Regarding Moise Kean, wow, to have that strength at 19 is unreal. It's rare us having a player with such immense potential. It's easy to want it all and want it now, but with Kean I think we will have to have just a sprinkling of patience.
When he plays where he can find a tiny bit of space he is already looking like a handful for defenders. Strong and with the necessary ball skill to go past any defender. It's really only a matter of time before he's banging in the goals. We've got a future world-class player on our hands here.
104 Posted 22/10/2019 at 18:31:02
I have no problem whatsoever giving credit where it is due. He had some very good moments on Saturday and I am happy to give due credit, but that, (for me at least) cannot cancel out the things that have gone before. We simply cant pretend he has had a good season. His failure to dominate his area when the corner came in on Saturday has been a reoccurring theme.
I'm ready to accept I may have been a tad harsh on him in my earlier post.
I'm ready to accept he has shown signs that there is a lot more to come from him.
But I'm not ready to accept he has had a good season. That would mean I was in total agreement with Mike G and I don't think either of us are ready for that
105 Posted 23/10/2019 at 15:15:13
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1 Posted 20/10/2019 at 05:31:56