18 Sep 2016 11:34:37
It's always good to be an Evertonian, but especially so at the moment. Improvement from last season wouldn't have been difficult, however despite the relatively kind opening fixtures and that Koeman didn't really get Southampton motoring until well into last September, to be sitting second is well above my expectations.
I'm really impressed with Koeman. He doesn't suffer fools and keeps it simple. I'm loving the organisation, game management and improved fitness and the speed of play. Pace hurts teams and we have it.
Most feel we should have made more signings and may be a bit exposed should we pick up a few injuries. I'm hoping we're still in the mix in a few months time and can strengthen in Jan when we will be a more attractive proposition than we were in the summer. Could do without African Nations Cup though.
18 Sep 2016 12:57:19
Unused sub's yesterday Mori, Holgate, Robles and Lennon. Not bad at all. 3 of them were regulars last season and can't get into the team now. Shows how much stronger we are.
Koeman as I thought is making a big difference. Even without the players we signed he would of improved things a lot. His persona alone is a lot better and that rubs off on players.
Even though challenging games has yet to come we are in a very good position to take on the very best in the premiership. Not getting carried away. Enjoying the fantastic start and long may it continue.
18 Sep 2016 13:26:15
Don't understand why that post got posted twice. I definitely only pressed it once. It all disappears after I press reply so I'm confused how it actually happens. Not the first time it happened either. Any idea Ed?
18 Sep 2016 14:38:08
You Drinking again mate, lol,
Grate game and all I can say is WHAT A MANAGER.
18 Sep 2016 15:25:55
A stig, your hardly mocking someone there? That's a rhetorical question in case your wondering!
18 Sep 2016 16:19:35
NBTB, I guess you have a point. Especially with the form of the full backs and Barry in particular. but so far Gana has been the player for me. Its like having 2 James McCarthys. one who does all the tackling and chasing back. but another who presses in the middle and when he gets the ball wants to either take it to the forwards or look for a penetrating pass. I admired McCarthy when he first signed but his last 2 seasons were poor. Bolasi also adds much more strength than Lennon and Williams too compared with Stones (although I still feel he is a great player) . and the keeper seems good too. except for yesterdays goal. but that was a foul in reality.
18 Sep 2016 18:05:49
Yes Degsy, I just don't like this negativity towards McCarthy. The whole squad had a bad 2 years previously. Not just him. Imho McCarthy is being made out to be a scapegoat. He'll improve along with everyone else once he gets the chance. No doubt.
18 Sep 2016 18:28:30
I've never really been sold on McCarthy because he never really offers anything other than a tackle. He's almost like a centre half but with poor positional sense.
However, he's had Martinez as his manager for a long time and maybe what he needs is Koeman to show him his way. I don't want to judge him without giving him a chance. He seems like a clever lad and I'm sure he can improve under this management.
{Ed025's Note - i think hes a good squad player john, and we will need him when things like ACON and injuries kick in mate..
18 Sep 2016 21:08:20
You took the words out of my mouth there BlueJohnUns in your second paragraph. Very few players if any are sold to me under the age of 26-27. Any player under 25 is still developing in my eyes and can only get better. There are a few exceptions to this of course but I'm talking generally.
McCarthy would benefit enormously from a change of manager. He's what 25? Spent the last 4 years under Martinez. 3 with Everton and one or maybe more with Wigan if I'm not mistaken. The poor chap knows no better than the spuffer. Koeman is the real deal and could aid his development far better.
I tend to hold my judgement on players until they hit their mid to late 20's as this is generally their peak.
That's why I can't stand the abuse that is given to Barkley. He's still so young. He's learning and improving at every game. Don't get me wrong I get frustrated with him as much as anyone.
But imho patience is needed with these young players. One thing I agree with Degsy is Stones will be top class. Give him 5 or 6 years and we'll see the real John Stones. Same with Barkley imho.
{Ed025's Note - players like mustafi, dier, and pogba prove your point there NBTB..