Match Thread Everton v Spurs. 3rd Jan at 1600.

[matty1878]

Spurs play like we want to. Pretty simples

They pressed us first half. Which makes our players give possession away but also we sat of them so there passing is easy to find.

 

[DualityNSNO]

Infinitely better second half, but I'm still baffled by the reluctance to play two wide players in the wide positions. I thought the subs were spot on, but it should have been Besic for Cleverly and Gerard for Kone. Baines looks rusty still, but as an attacking threat he's irrelevant at the moment because he has Kone or some other non wide player in front of him.

Hopefully Besic has played his way into the side though as he transformed us. We need someone not afraid to get stuck in with McCarthy out so hopefully he plays on Wednesday.

Most likely won't, or at least won't start. Just back injured, Martinez probably won't risk him after a boss showing like this.

 

[zirc]

Great showing 2nd half but like too many of our matches it's still points dropped. We're going to make tough work of even nicking a Europa spot.

 

[mkrudden]

Very good second half.
We aren't far away.
Big January.

 

[Blue Magic]

The substitutions really changed the game today. We went from looking uncertain in the first half and lucky to get the goal to playing some great, fast football. We were the better team for most of the second half.

 

[sageyefc]

Boss player that dele Ali

 

[Whistlin' Dixie]

....there's no doubt we have more threat when Deulofeu is on the pitch.

When he's blowing hot, Eggs, yes. He can be as bad as he is great.

That said, when you've got kone playing on the wing...Even I'd look good if I came on.

 

[Dithering Dougie]

You could just see Martinez starting on Wed with the 11 that started today.

Not sure about that Lou, think Deulofeu for Lennon and Jags for Mori (if fit) at least.

After today I'd also expect Besic for Kone with Cleverley pushed out wide.

 

[oldblue]

Are you simply wanting to be right? Or do you just enjoy bringing others down?

Was thinking about this when reading through here. That old question 'would you rather be right or happy?' It's great to have your opinions and favourites but if you can't just enjoy the entertainment and get behind them when they are working hard and entertaining then what is the point. Bit of grace and a lot of encouragement to anyone who is out there and this may all just come right.

 

[riddick]

They pressed us first half. Which makes our players give possession away but also we sat of them so there passing is easy to find.

Hence how we WANT to play. I have no idea what the tactics of 'don't mark or close down players' is trying to achieve.

 

[daz4matty]

Boss player that dele Ali

He will be

 

[Dithering Dougie]

Boss player that dele Ali

Looks quality and he's got a bit of bite about him, great buy for Spurs.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

Most likely won't, or at least won't start. Just back injured, Martinez probably won't risk him after a boss showing like this.

We'll need someone to do a number on David Silva or he'll run the game.

 

[Steve Wigan]

Great second half, but not sure why we have to boo Howard, he's one of us & been there in our highs.

Howard was fine today. His positional play was excellent, and turned what could have been difficult saves into quite comfortable saves.

 

[The Mighty Quint]

If he picked the right side to start with we could very well have bossed Spurs and won that, poor starting 11 cost us there today.

Kone broke down 9 attacks until he went off, and could have stood 3 yards onside and had a one on one with the keeper, instead he was offside.

Sitting him on the bench, moving Cleverly into his position and playing Besic with Barry would have made a hell of a difference to that 1st half.

It was all there to see, but I don't expect Martinez to learn anything from that today.