Match Thread Arsenal v Everton - Friday 23rd, Preview, Match Report and MotM Poll

[Death]

0-0 was the deserved result cos both teams were woeful, so that's a great 3 points. We won't spawn ourselves into a top 4 finish though, need to play much better.

Alright mate.

 

[Blue_in_london]

Have to be honest, looking back at the match, the way we won was quite hilarious really.

A penalty given to Arsenal that didn't look to be a penalty, only to be overruled by an offside decision that didn't appear to be offside. Delph wearing the wrong socks for the whole time he was on the field and playing a pass to the invisible man on the left-wing; when there was a player on the left-wing, Delph goes and splices his pass backwards to Holgate. Then Richarlison scoring the winner with a miss-hit pass to DCL that Leno managed to fumble into his own net. The second half really was complete madhouse material.

Giving my MotM to Jordan Pickford for his save near the end that ensured we won the game.

That save was unbelievable.

The more I watch it the better it gets. Super fast reactions to get down, strong hand to not only save, but bat the ball away from danger. I've been showing this to my 8 year old who is goalkeeping for his U9s team!

 

[Terrarian]

I never watched, all I know is we won, it's great haha

 

[APN_EFC]

I invested in a NOW TV pass for this match, which obviously met it was a dull, boring game, or shall we say a tactical Champions League style match haha

What do you think of this?

- Pickford was excellent - particularly as he did the thing we all want Top GKs to do - nothing much for 90 mins but then save a certain goal at the end. Really proud of how he has responded, especially after that 'campaign'
- I thought Richy was MOTM just by default until JP's save, for at least running and pushing and trying, but he needs a spark or some coordination with James. He's still running into corners, missing passes. His goal also could have been a pass to DCL, who also may have missed a tight angle,Somehow if they can get him to work better with his team mates it would help us in the long-run and also to find a a place ahead of Firminho for Brazil.
- I have had mixed feelings about Siggy all season. Again he was anonymous, in the wrong place, or not running as hard as he could in certain attacking or defensive moves. But he's cool, great at certain things that nobody else can do, and dependable. I really thought he should always be an alternative to James, and even on Friday he seemed to be in the same places where James should be.
- Gomes + Siggy + James on the same team is just not working
- Gomes - feel sorry for him, but i dont see what he has any more? He very often just has a neat pass sideways or backwards, but he's not a defensive midfielder or a sweeper. Doesnt give anything at the moment. Also makes Allan less effective I think.

James struggled and I really thought he just had nowhere to pass whenever he got the ball. He was surrounded, closed down fast, but had nobody supporting him physically or even available for a pass, and also when people passed to him they just stood still. DCL is running around ahead of him, but around him the only OUT ball is Digne, but that's often cut out. He really need 3 players who know how to run off the ball better - 2 wing backs or wingers and 1 midfielder who can make late runs, AS Well as a striker. those 4 players would help a lot.

The best thing about this match is that we finally got lucky ! We hardly get help like this, with the VAR decision and the goal it went our way!

 

[Jeff Jones]

If he plays like he played against Arsenal he’ll know what 30,000 odd groans sound like!!

I've got a feeling that he would lift a gear in front of a big, loud Everton crowd on a sunny August day. Fingers crossed. Can't wait.

 

[APN_EFC]

If he plays like he played against Arsenal he’ll know what 30,000 odd groans sound like!!

it will be just typical Everton if we groan and send him packing just cos he doesn't boot long balls up the field.

 

[Cameron Manning]

it will be just typical Everton if we groan and send him packing just cos he doesn't boot long balls up the field.

No they will be groaning because he was very poor, on the other hand if it is one of his good days he will remember the fans for a very long time. You can trust Everton fans to know the difference between very poor and very good performances.

 

[Cameron Manning]

I've got a feeling that he would lift a gear in front of a big, loud Everton crowd on a sunny August day. Fingers crossed. Can't wait.

Read my reply just a minute ago.

 

[APN_EFC]

No they will be groaning because he was very poor, on the other hand if it is one of his good days he will remember the fans for a very long time. You can trust Everton fans to know the difference between very poor and very good performances.

Ok let me be fairer

I hope we are patient if he's not always very very good
if he has an average game, or 3 poor games and 3 outstanding games, but ends up with 10 goals and 15 assists..i hope we are ok with that!

 

[Cameron Manning]

Ok let me be fairer

I hope we are patient if he's not always very very good
if he has an average game, or 3 poor games and 3 outstanding games, but ends up with 10 goals and 15 assists..i hope we are ok with that!

Yes over a full season even, I wouldn’t argue too much with that.

 

[little elfin]

 

[Nymzee]

 

[andy4efc]

Have to be honest, dont know why anyone would want to watch EXTENDED highlights of that game.

 

[chippy1722]

Have to be honest, dont know why anyone would want to watch EXTENDED highlights of that game.

No doubt a couple extra replays of each chance to pad it out a bit.

 

[Ring master]