Matthew Pennington

[Lanolin]

Give the young 'uns plenty of match time for the rest of the season. Top 6 is gone, so let's get into some squad development

But its only worth developing players with the quality to make it at the top, otherwise we're just eating everybody's time.

I've said before that I don't think Pennington is even close to being good enough for a side with our supposed ambitions. He doesn't look like a rough diamond who'll improve with games, he looks like a decent battler who will be exposed every time he comes up against pace, trickery and movement.

 

[PhilM]

The Mane goal: if Schneiderlin plays he doesn't carry the ball that far.

Exactly. He's a fine tackler but he also has the knack to be in the right position at the right time to challenge (not explicitly tackle) for the ball.

Gana sliding in and failing to win the ball exposed us, but when re-watching you could imagine Morgan intercepting Mane and shackling him.

His composure on the ball and reading the game also frees Barkley et al to do their job more effectively, without worrying that they'll be overrun.

You can rightly question our defence but out midfield was overwhelmed by the likes of Cane and Lucas - that would not have happened either.

 

[Simon baker]

I sense you are right. It's a bad goal to lose however with Pennington getting so close, would Williams, Jagielka, Mori, Lovren or Matip failed to have blocked the shot in that situation?

As for Barkley yes, he seems to lose his head in these games. That's how we payed the first half, having collectively lost our heads. There is a to of revisionism about the dogs of war teams. I'd advise anyone to rematch the games back when they play well, there is aggression but controlled aggression, and then calmness on the ball.

Agree whilst we are talking about aggression particularly in barkelys case it's clear he is not in control. He could barely control the ball & Was struggling to do the simplest of things which usually come natural to him.

He was like a golfer who has lost his rhythm and is swinging faster & faster slashing at the ball.

He is not alone baines couldn't hit a 5 yard pass in the second half.

 

[davek]

I sense you are right. It's a bad goal to lose however with Pennington getting so close, would Williams, Jagielka, Mori, Lovren or Matip failed to have blocked the shot in that situation?

As for Barkley yes, he seems to lose his head in these games. That's how we payed the first half, having collectively lost our heads. There is a to of revisionism about the dogs of war teams. I'd advise anyone to rematch the games back when they play well, there is aggression but controlled aggression, and then calmness on the ball.

I cant help thinking that the man on the spot today should be Robles not Pennington. A very good - never mind top - GK throws his hat on those last two goals.

 

[catcherintherye]

I cant help thinking that the man on the spot today should be Robles not Pennington. A very good - never mind top - GK throws his hat on those last two goals.

Yes. I really like Robles but thats two games now where he has not really performed (Spurs and Liverpool away). I remember reading Michael Atherton (the cricketer) say that stats on how many runs you score only tell you so much, when you score them, how you score them and against who you score them is a far more relevant stat that numbers can't measure.

Robles numbers are very good, and the "eye test" on performances also seem to be strong against most teams. However for over a decade we've had a team and players who perform well at Goodison and against poorer sides, but don't show against the top teams. That's what need to be recruited. In big moments and crucial games he's not helped us.

 

[bluestevon]

I cant help thinking that the man on the spot today should be Robles not Pennington. A very good - never mind top - GK throws his hat on those last two goals.

the third one especially was as bad as anything i saw Howard do

 

[catcherintherye]

the third one especially was as bad as anything i saw Howard do

I am u sure what he's doing there. It's hit hard but close to him. At our best point in the game a well, very saveable. A Goalkeepers job is not just making saves, but making them at key moments (or mistakes) that alter the course of a match.

 

[Billy Dean]

Yes. I really like Robles but thats two games now where he has not really performed (Spurs and Liverpool away). I remember reading Michael Atherton (the cricketer) say that stats on how many runs you score only tell you so much, when you score them, how you score them and against who you score them is a far more relevant stat that numbers can't measure.

Robles numbers are very good, and the "eye test" on performances also seem to be strong against most teams. However for over a decade we've had a team and players who perform well at Goodison and against poorer sides, but don't show against the top teams. That's what need to be recruited. In big moments and crucial games he's not helped us.

You could probably apply that to Lukaku too in all honesty

 

[ToffeeTim]

It's not even fair on the lad to throw him into big games when he looks so far out of his depth at this level.

 

[bluestevon]

I am u sure what he's doing there. It's hit hard but close to him. At our best point in the game a well, very saveable. A Goalkeepers job is not just making saves, but making them at key moments (or mistakes) that alter the course of a match.

Saw a few people saying it was like pressing the triangle button on your keeper on FIFA to make him rush out for no reason - havent played that game in 15 years but get the drift of what they meant.

 

[Deleted member 28206]

Well done Penno. Sure you'll wake up today feeling a bit crap like us, but that memory should be one to treasure, sadly it's a crap memory but one never the less to remember.

 

[Dario Terracotta]

Really tough game for him to come in for,goal apart he didn't have the best of games(just my opinion)however he's coming up to 23 now,really needs a run of games to stake his claim to see if he is up to it,I think he may start at Old Trafford although I'd prefer Holgate at CB if Williams is out,bring Kenny in at RB(square pegs and all that,he reminds me of Coleman when I've seen him for the u-23's)again I can't see the point wasting wages on these kids if they're not going to feature at this level,they need a run of games to try and establish any confidence,otherwise let them go.

 

[evertonarntwe]

I agree with this but did any of our players look premier league standard yesterday? Gana and Baines probably the only ones who were half credible

True but whereas some players didn't have a particular good game they weren't at fault for goals directly. Think he could have prevented a couple like.

 

[bluerobert]

Im not usually one to knee jerk over a young player but yesterday Mane and Coutihno made him look like a 35 year old was trying to mark them. His turn of pace and mobility are shocking for a young fella. Hopefully as he matures so does his reading of the game because physically he looks like he's about to retire

 

[bullybeef]

I wish Matthew all the very best for the future and congratulate him on a well taken goal and also for having the gonads to have a go yesterday.

It's no bad thing to drop down a division or two just ask Jags.

He will make a decent living out of football just not at the highest level.

I really hope he proves me wrong.