Match Thread Everton v Southampton - Preview, Match Report and MotM poll

[mceverton]

Doucoure motm for me, just great to get back to normal with fans back and get the 3 points

 

[brownmola]

We are good when we get it forward fast. Stop faffing and our strikers will score

Agreed, having some pace on the wings will help so much with this.

 

[BlueToff]

It gets the best out of almost everyone. The one it might not is Richarlison. Because he can't keep pretending to be a wide player.

Richarlison's best role imo is in a front three, in any of the positions.

Those are the pockets he finds. He's not a winger as you say and was completely wasted in the first half.

 

[NilSatisOptimum]

Banked win all day long at home to Southampton. Not watched this yet from all accounts terrible first half, turned up for the second.

 

[BiggyRat]

(Equal) Top of the table, undefeated! Nice….

 

[Librarian]

 

[gonetomorrow]

Its 'too bad', I have no ill feelings towards them. Seems an okay team with a decent manager, their struggle is kinda mysterious to me. Started last season on fire, ended up being a horror show. Hope they improve and stay up, as long as they stay behind us in every way.

They've done awfully well over the years considering. Survivors.

 

[captainvindaloo]

We woke up for the second half, and to be fair, their goal was a soft gift (thanks Kean). Our goals were hard fought for and in the case of the second two, Doucoure and DCL, actual class!

 

[blueblue]

What about the other 49 shades?

Did not get the responses it deserves

 

[KMC]

No matter else happens this afternoon we will be sitting in a Champions League position at the end of the day. Did not think that would be possible at ANY point this season.

 

[Noisy noise annoys]

I will never know why Benitez though playing Gray in the middle for the first half, but the team talk and changes in formation clearly made a difference. Good on him for correcting his mistake, but it was a weird mistake to make in the first place.

Good game management tho.

It was a choice between him and Richarlison, he went with Gray and then changed it. Fair play, really

 

[BainesontoastNEW]

The tactics were spot on in the second half. Essentially, we hit them from wide areas. Also, I still can't get over Doucoure's goal.

 

[ForeverEverton]

Much better second half, how long has it been since we saw a team react after half time.

Refreshing to see, here we go, tough one next but lets enjoy this one.

 

[MACCA75]

Very Moyes ish but without the bit of class that a Pienaar provided.

 

[Tipp blue]

Happy for our Blues and for the fans that were at Goodison today. Winning the first match at home was important and Benitez has passed his first test. Let’s hope this is the beginning of a good season.

You are becoming more of an Everton fan by the day... it's the hope that kills you.