Norwich v Everton. 17th Aug @ 15.00.

[andy4efc]

agree with all of that except the end bit mate regarding Naismith ( if your talking about the point blank effort ). That was just natural to take a swing at it at that range, though Jelavic could have dummied the keeper and slotted in the rebound a bit like the Betis goal.

Regarding bringing Kone on, just a chance to give him a few minutes on the pitch to get him up to speed I reckon. On another note Barkley was superb and in turn what that has done is make sure we haven't all demanded to see Delefeou too soon as he settles into life at the best club in Britain. All in all a good performance only let down by a shocking defending for the 1st and the greatest sliced cross even Ballesteros would have been proud of for their 2nd.

I guess it's personal opinion but IMO, any chance from within the 6 yard box should be scored, unless it's exceptionally difficult.

 

[KUEFC09U2]

I guess it's personal opinion but IMO, any chance from within the 6 yard box should be scored, unless it's exceptionally difficult.

Agreed if the position was central but it wasnt, it was to the right of the goal, carry putting it to the keepers right and it's probably going wide due to the angle

 

[Winci]

Like most of you im a little disapointed we didnt win the game but all in all there were plenty of positives to take from the game. We dominated possesion, created plenty of chances, we are getting better at this new style of play, Barkley... we played very well. We just conceded 2 crapy goals but we'll continue to improve and be boss.

Now we just need to take care of our home games and beat the clubs we are supposed to beat and a top 5 finish won't be out of our reach.

 

[deipnosophist]

huh?

We normally start the season loose at the back. Jags didn't look to have one of his better games today and had no idea where Wolfswinkel was for the goal. That being said they still only had 2 shots on target all game.

That goal was scored from a flukey miscued strike. How the hell was Jags to anticipate such a thing?

 

[deipnosophist]

Some good signs but a little bit too familiar with last year ie should have won. I actually predicted a 1-1 draw. My seasons predictions have us scoring 70 points which in years gone by would be a top 4 finish. Not this year though. I think 74 will be required, so the 2 points we 'lost' today, while it may not seem hugely significant, actually is. But swings and roundabouts. There will be games this season that we might be played off the park in, but fluke a win or salvage a draw.
But again, none of our strikers got on the score sheet...deja vu. Jela really should have put that late effort in rather than cannoning it into a defender right in front of whom who had no idea where the ball had ricocheted. And sad to say, the post-Ramadam Kone does look useless .

 

[sportbillyblue]

based on what I saw and the punditry I was subjected to, this was Barkley introducing himself to the World, I hope he keeps his head together, stays firmly focused and drives on from here, as he could very well be the 'answer'. Like many I've been waiting a long time for him to realize his talent and push on that I was beginning to doubt, I hope never to doubt again.

As for the rest of the game. Thought Osman was woeful, Mirallas seemed lost, like he didn't know what his role was and I still question if Jagielka should be captain as I don't think he has the strength of character or presence for the role and IMO it detracts from his game, possibly distracts him.

Barkley's performance aside, I thought Fellaini was near to his imperious best and his detractors should give him a break and appreciate him for the immense talent he is. He cannot be blamed for their first goal, Baines attempted clearance bounced off Osman luckily fell to Whittaker who's momentum took him past Fellaini who didn't have time to react, best he could have done was bring him down and possibly face a red card which would have left us with 9 (not counting Osman as he was that woeful). I'd love to see Fellaini's pass completion ratio (barely a stray ball) and positive yards made either passing or ball at feet, he must have been an easy second to Barkley all of which he achieved whilst playing beside Osman and still being an immense presence in their box. I don't understand the agenda of those who want him to leave or doubt that he is worth more than 20m, they are plain and simply wrong.

Oh .. thought our support was great. Well done lads.

 

[SheedyBracewellReidSteven]

Nice to see Barkley playing without fear. To me he always looked as if he was bricking himself under Moyes, anticipating a 8ollocking for some minor error. Great goal and great performance before he tired with 10-15 mins to go. Nice to see Roberto bigging him up in the press after the game for his positional sense and team play. Smart move that will give him confidence.

Nice also to see us keeping the ball on the ground a LOT more - very rare for the CBs to hoof it up.

Unless that game was an aberration, I think the time has come to send Ozzie off to the glue factory, or the MLS.

And I dream of the day when our first sub isn't always Naismith.

 

[TyphooToffee]

MotD gushing about how well Ross played. You'd never know it considering they hardly showed him in their highlights. I know it is only highlights but it pisses me off how do they manage to make it look like it was an even game, possession wise!

 

[slimspek]

Really interesting game from our perspective. Our style has changed incredibly, from Moyes territory game to Martinez's possession game, all in a couple of months. Although the CBs being so far apart does worry me!

Great to see Coleman and Barkley on the score sheet!

 

[Jamo Martinez]

That goal was scored from a flukey miscued strike. How the hell was Jags to anticipate such a thing?

Van Wlfswinkle seemed to anticipate it ok.

 

[Royal Blue Jersey]

Sidenote: The highlights were up on Everton TV within the hour after the game today - respect! Usually have to wait til the next day!

That is very impressive, sounds like we have secured a better deal vis-a-vis video rights, usually you have to wait till after Football First/MOTD. New setup or just a one-off?

 

[Aqui1a]

That is very impressive, sounds like we have secured a better deal vis-a-vis video rights, usually you have to wait till after Football First/MOTD. New setup or just a one-off?

Just.. had to post it :/

 

[Eggs]

....I have persistently been guarded in my opinion of Barklay. Indeed, on these pages I have doubted he has what it takes to be a first team regular. I heard the hype but seeing is believing and I saw nothing. For the first time yesterday I went wow. Come on down young man, you looked the part. Seeing is believing and I saw. I'm delighted to admit that I WAS WRONG AND BARKLAY LOOKS THE REAL DEAL.

 

[davek]

Agreed if the position was central but it wasnt, it was to the right of the goal, carry putting it to the keepers right and it's probably going wide due to the angle

Jelavic should have cut inside and slotted that. It was rush-of blood-to-the-head, ale house football finishing at its worst.

 

[sageyefc]

Osman was our downfall, he dwells on the ball, his passing is slow, he must have give it away about 8 times which led to them hitting us on the counter a few phases of play later. Lots of positives to be had though, barclay was different class, he should be a starter from now on with gibbo and felli in there and drop osman. We controlled the match, 68 percent possesion, 564 passes, 20 shots, this is all in robertos first competitive match away from home. jags defensive positioning was poor at time