It's not often I come away from a home defeat feeling pretty positive. For me, the 2nd half was one of the best so far and there's been some good ones thsi season. We ran a really impressive Everton team ragged and at times they just couldn't get out of their half. Their keeper did well and we fluffed a few half chances. The pitch for me was a worry in the first half but overall you have to say it was an improvement on the field that was dug up because it did allow us to play at tempo. The flip side of that was Everton were also allowed to play at tempo in the first half and they more than matched us. I didn't really rate them at Goodison but last night I thought they looked impressive in the first half and although I think 2-0 at half-time flattered them a bit, they showed that they had real pace and skill on the ball. The only real disapointement for me were the goals and the defending. We can say that we're happy with the squad but are we ? We've got a central defender effectively out for the season and another who is injury prone so we're reliant on League One Liam and the Ripper (God, he does look like Sutcliffe in his prime), who has played around 10 first team games in his life. I heard Luke Ayling manfully owning up for allowing the cross for the first goal. Yes Luke, but there were 4 white shirts stood stroking their cocks whilst Sigurrson strolled through unmarked to poke home. Philips lost him in midfield, Ripper stood ball watching and I've no idea what LO Liam was doing but Philips almost pushed him into position. A complete shambles. The 2nd was a corner - what a surprise. Bielsa said it's common when you get a near post flick on that someone has the opportunity to get onto it at the back post. Really !? Why not fucking do some thing about it then ? It's basic defending of set pieces and we've been failing most of the season. We get praised for our attacking play but we're defending like a League One team. I just don't see the logic behind trying to get someone in the door in Jan. Even someone like Kyle Bartlett or Pontus would be a vast improvement to what we have now. They're not for the future but we might just be able to defend games better. Anyway, on to the positives, and there were many. I think Raphinha is a revelation and I actually don't think he's in top gear yet. I think he's much more than a winger, maybe a no 10 or even a striker cos he's got a really eye for goal and his passing is generally v.good. The link up and hold play in and around the box was spectacular and Everton were chasing shadows in one 10 minute period. It was fantastic to watch. When our attack did break down everyone was chasing and winning it back. Ayling's contribution down the right wing was immense and it was good to see Bamford actually hold the ball up well and contribute at times. Unfortunately, the half chances he got he didn't look convincing. We deserved a draw overall but if we continue with this defence (we have no choice now) we will get beat in games where we have the play and the chances. It's that simple. Scores: Miesler - 7. Not much chance with the goals. Kept us in it 2nd half with a great save from one of their counters. Ayling - 7. Yes first half he did slip up for the goal but overall I'd say he's a dependable right back Allioski - 5. Good shot that hit the post, nice left foot and some good link up play 2nd half but he's not left back and when it comes to defending set pieces he doesn't contribute at all. LO Liam - 6. Some good defending as always but he nearly gave the ball away right in front of our box. I think a slip on the pitch saved us. I worry about his set piece defending also. He has a habit of pulling shirts and grabbing attackers. A few pens coming I feel. Ripper - 6. Ball watching for the goal but there were plenty of good things. I think he actually has the ball skills to take the ball further forward than he does. Is he the answer at centre back ? Not sure ? Dallas - 7. Lively performance as always. Loads of work, loads of good play. Is central midfield his position ? I don't think so. Philips - 5. Poor first half. The game was too quick for him and just passed him by. In games like this he stands out for me as being slow and pedestrian. Second half, when we were on top and in control, I thought he did well and he put some good challenges in to break up their play and get us going. Raphinha - 8. Good goal, good skill and always keen to chase back. Bamford - 6. Some decent play but not even close to a goal. Ok he plopped one on the top of the bar but he never looked close. Harrison - 6. Poor first half but he came strong 2nd half. Surprised he got taken off and replaced by the hapless Costa when we were searching for an equaliser. I can only assume he was fucked. Klich - 7. Lively, all over the place. I see some on Twitter think he's close to his shelf life but I think he made a real difference at times last night without getting to the heights we've seen in the last 2 seasons. Subs: Pablo - 4. Didn't happen for him but he needs match practice and I'm afraid it doesn't look like he's gonna get it. Roberts - 6. Surprised at a lot of fans including Noel Whelan slagging Roberts and saying he's nowhere near a PL player. I'd say we don't know that yet but what I see is a fit, young, hungry player who wants the ball and looks sharp. I think he's got a lot to offer and it's not a popular view but I'd give him a start up front. Costa - 0. Pants Palace on Monday. On, on on
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