Match Thread Everton 2-0 Mansfield Town. Wed, 27 Aug 19:45

[Ron Burgundy]

We actually have players playing football.

Players with a good first touch. Individuals with patience and guile.

The more these lot play and train together, the more effective they will be.

Trying not to get to ahead of myself but the bar has been so low for the last few years.

We genuinely have a set of players here that can entertain. Enjoy it. Stop moaning.

 

[IllinoisBlue]

Voted for Armstrong. He played a couple of very intelligent passes, something we’ve struggled with in the last few years.

Good result. Looked solid and adventurous against a Mansfield side that is used to winning and played well.

 

[Hellerad]

The Barry comments are weird. I thought he looked fine. He would have had a goal if an obvious pass was made. And he’s been a good link with movement and flick ons.

I think he already offers more than Beto and could grow into something even better.

I’d prefer we had another Lukaku, but that isn’t in the cards this year.

 

[buskwhi2]

I think the 2 in the middle will work well together

Both excellent

 

[TimHowardsBeardJuice]

Amazing how having players in their natural positions just makes the whole thing cohere, even if a half-speed Myko and an aging Seamus might have been exposed by better Premier League competition.

 

[TheBlueBlitzer]

Don't wanna be negative after a win but there's such a clear disparity now between players who can and can't receive the ball quickly (and actually get it under control).

Maybe a bit less of a concern with Barry as he's still so young and had a few nice touches, but the lack of agility up front is a bit of a concern for me.

Grealish, McNeil and Alcaraz is a slow attacking trio tbf

 

[TheBlueBlitzer]

Was wondering if there might be a comment like this. I was surprised they didn’t have more of a go with that little piece of history available to them. 3 shots, none on target.

Now they are part of the no goals for opponents in the hill Dickinson stadium club

 

[carolinablue232]

The Barry comments are weird. I thought he looked fine. He would have had a goal if an obvious pass was made. And he’s been a good link with movement and flick ons.

I think he already offers more than Beto and could grow into something even better.

I’d prefer we had another Lukaku, but that isn’t in the cards this year.

Fine is accurate...I think it's more when you look at him, you can see he's not currently at the same level as the likes of some of the players behind him now. If you look at KDH, Gana, Grealish, Ndiaye, and Dibling as the likely 5 behind him, he's the one that sticks out as not on the same level just yet. I think he can get there, but if we're really pushing on this season, he'll need to elevate his game quickly.

 

[MrGrumpy]

Thought we did enough and that was enough, Mansfield played well and defended well

 

[If You Know Your History]

Atmosphere was flat. At times, it was like a Mansfield home match.

They did well and caused us plenty of problems. A professional performance by the Blues. Grealish's work rate is astonishing.

 

[smileychap]

Best I've seen of Harrison.

Was very critical of the team's Leeds no-show, and 'tactics', but this was a cup game that was well used.

Good rotation, goals from players that need them, result. Better, blues.

Need to take that into the Wolves game and edge a result.

 

[blue1948]

Gave it to Jack ,I just had to but to be fair the whole side turned up ,we now have players who are comfortable on the ball and don't feel compelled to get rid like a hot potato .Thinking KDH and Illi not starting I am delighted with the way it is going ,the Leeds match was a kick up the rear and they seem to want to do it for the fans as much as themselves .COYB
I thought Tyler did well no fancy stuff and held the ball well ,a good start from a real talent .

 

[Jeff Jones]

for us you mean

No. In the League Cup.

 

[Armaghtoffee]

We aren’t used to seeing players actually want the ball and to be positive with it. It will take time but already we see flashes of what we can do this year.

 

[Nymzee]