Everton U23s hold on for fine win over Spurs

So we spent 15 million for an Under 23 addition? This is like back in the glory days of Steve Walsh when Unsie had his "under 23 budget" for the likes of Bowler and Gibson.

Price, Warrington

Mills, Simms, Dobbin,

Hopefully he looks out of place and head and shoulders above the rest.

Everton U-23 v Spurs U-23

Michael , Yes cracking vision and pass from Price

As it happened, nice delivery to provide the striker the chance.

Cracking challenge in midfield by him too just after the goal.

Looks a good player based on the 45 mins so far and has really grown into the game.

Branthwaite sloopy on too many occassions. Price the pick in midfield. Warrington a tad off-colour.

Patterson did very well for the goal. Winning the ball well on the half way line and turning it on to Mills. Good overlap offered by Patterson begging Mills to play him in. Lovely first time cross by the Scot. All Dobbin had to do was get his head on the ball.

Enjoying this.

edit - sorry Dale, beat me to it!

That's assuming Dobbin signs a new contract, of course!

I hope Duncan can get the first team to the same for 96 minutes v Brentford.

Tightening up the middle of the pitch is imperative, and having two central midfielders who can hold their position, to help us play with a midfield three ahead of them, with Gordon, Gray and Richarlison, interchanging positions, with DCL playing centre-forward, and I’m sure we could be a match for most teams, on any given day?

Who knows, but energy is definitely one of the main ingredients needed for modern football, and Everton are definitely crying out for more energy in the middle of the park, right now?

Maybe he’s not ready physically just yet, but energy is such an effective commodity, when a team and it’s fans are struggling, and in need of a little lift.

I saw more of the second half than the first and agree on the point made; play 3 in the middle with the squad we have. Tony, we've been saying that for 2 years!

Warrington showed his usual composure and range of passing. Keeps it simple when he needs to, not afraid to spray them when he sees it. The glue as mentioned above. An orchestrator in the making? And tonight he showed me he's got a shot on him too! Very unlucky not to score with a shot from outside the box.

Mills impressed me again and I thought that Patterson grew into it. I hope his confidence isn't shattered and he grows into Everton and the Premier League. I only say that because a young lad leaving home on a big money move only to be thrown into the kids could potentially have had an impact. But he showed good attitude tonight. Hopefully he understands he's stepped up a level.

Final word for Anderson. I think it was him, but please correct if I'm wrong as I had no sound. That bit of play towards the end when he jinked and turned in our own box, very close to our own goal. No panic, total composure and brought the ball out under pressure from the opposition forwards without even thinking about hoofing it.

John Stones like. He'd have given the Park End panic attacks, but calm and cool as a cucumber. Well done son.

When I hear them say his full name, I just think laced collars and Billy's Boots!

Patterson got better as the game progressed. Good play in the early build and his cross from which Dobbin scored the goal.

Astley, John and Price were the standouts for me, but nobody had a bad game.

Enjoyable watch.

I was also impressed with the Spurs lad that looked like Nathan Ake's twin.

Just his actual defending that could be suspect. A mix of Coleman and Bale. Not a true defender but wing back yes.

Branthwaite always looks better in the first team. Maybe a mental / attitude thing?

What would be the point of that unless we're going for that in the first team?

Pickford
Patterson Mina Branthwaite Mykolenko
Gbamin Allan Onyango
Dobbin Richarlison Gordon

With Calvert-Lewin, Gray, Simms, Warrington, Godfrey, Gomes, Keane, etc on the bench.

Great to see Duncan at this game, let's hope that he too saw plenty of potential and one or two options for the first team.

I can never understand why players such as Gbamin are not given game time for the under 23s, surely he and others like him would prefer to play in a competitive match rather than a season sitting of on the bench.

However, last night the lads and their manager gave us something to cheer and a brief respite from gloom which encompasses the rest of the Club.

Yes, a back 5. It's always hard to know what's going into the thinking. We got hammered by Spurs U23s 4-0 in November so we knew their strengths and maybe changed to cope.

Big Dunc may have said play Branthwaite and Patterson, leaving Unsworth also wanting to play young Reece Welch and his captain Astley, hence a back five.

Either way, despite some horrible matches previously with a back 3/5 Unsworth has made it work with 3 solid centre backs and three busy midfielders ahead of them.

Perhaps he hasn't fully recovered yet?

I was looking forward to watching Branthwaite and although he started of slow improved as the match went on. Walsh next to him cough my eye with his pace, looked quicker than his partner.

Next I enjoyed Warrigton in the middle, apart from one poor pass he looked some player with skill and comitment but maybe needs a bit more growing.

I thought Dobbin was OK and liked the finish for the goal but maybe needs a bit more growing also.

Patterson started a little slow but also grew into the game and all round did very well. Made some good runs down the wing and blocked some important shots on goal.

My only negative was Simms. His passing was poor and although did well to make his chance and hit the target I don't think he will be a premier player (hope I am proved wrong).