Everton v Sunderland. Boxing Day @ 15.00.

[paulbefc]

What's annoying me about how we play atm and what seems to be half the problem behind the lack of service to Lukaku, is that we take so long building our attacks that by the time we can get a cross in, the defenders and Lukaku are just standing there, waiting for it. The box is completely static. There's no run being made that causes problems and creates space. This makes defending the cross so easy. We need to try and deliver it earlier more imo. That way, Lukaku can use his momentum in getting to the box to evade his marker.

We made that Diakite look like a world beater at times.

 

[Big Fat Sam]

Lol at Osman will be starting against Southampton as Barry isn't available.

Terrible. No strength in depth whatsoever.

 

[PhilBr]

As poor as Ossie's mistake was he's still a decent player. The reaction to him here is a bit over the top. It was only two games ago were he opened the scoring and played well against Fulham. I think Martinez called it spot on despite how badly it backfired. You just can't account for those sort of freak mistakes. It's especially ironic considering its normally Osman's close control that is his biggest asset. Hopefully the rest of the team will be hungry to put this right on Sunday.

Nonetheless, I agree it's a devastating three points to lose out on..

But what was he doing there? - He was meant to be the ACM where his quick brain and feet are major benefits to the team. Barry or McCarthy - who were both very ordinary today (watched on the internet, not at the ground) should have been the players offering options on the edge of the box.

 

[Winci]

A win against Southampton coupled with a Chelsea victory against the Red Sh*** and we'll be top 4, it's not the end of the world after all.

 

[BlueToff]

But what was he doing there? - He was meant to be the ACM where his quick brain and feet are major benefits to the team. Barry or McCarthy - who were both very ordinary today (watched on the internet, not at the ground) should have been the players offering options on the edge of the box.

This. No idea why after only 20 minutes he'd drifted back there. Totally to blame today but s**t happens. Personally wouldn't start him against Sotton if Baines is fit. If he has to play, then i'd actually stick him out wide and push Mirallas off Lukaku. Osman can tuck in and allow Coleman to do the running, and he shouldn't have to go back to pick the ball up from Howard!

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

I'd rather we played Llundstram than Osman

 

[billycopper]

"Everton are the best team we have played against this season, even with 10 men," said Poyet.

That's some compliment!

 

[SteKelly]

I'd rather we played Llundstram than Osman

Not sure to be honest lad, who would be playing behind Lukaku then? I know what you mean though!

 

[milkshock]

I honestly think Soton are gong to suffer a backlash for this result and I see us banging them

 

[milkshock]

I'd rather we played Llundstram than Osman

I was actually thinking we could play Green he couldn't do any worse than Ossie.

 

[faddy the blue]

Wonder where the hell Gueye is and when will that George Green lad be coming of age?

 

[milkshock]

Wonder where the hell Gueye is and when will that George Green lad be coming of age?

Green scored against Brighton the other day looks like he has something about him

If Stones can get on the bench I don't see why he cant when we have a midfield injury/suspension crisis.

 

[Dharma]

Why oh why do you always do it to me Everton.
Build up my hopes then crush them.
Pivotal game that, very bad result.

 

[Jeff Jones]

I haven't seen the match yet, but I know what to expect when I do after reading most of this thread.

There's been a lot of opposition to resting players on here and there's no doubt that goal and red card incident wouldn't have occurred if Osman had been on the bench - stating the bleeding obvious, I know.

On the subject of resting players, I heard Craig Burley say the other night that players love Christmas and New Year because
they just play and don't train.

I suppose he'd know.

 

[snipellis11]

Obviously it was a poor result and a poor first half but can't fault the effort in the second half, thought we played great second half and should have at least got a point.