Cronky

There's a big change in mindset. We don't just hope we can win, we believe we can win. And Dan Burn was a bit of a revelation. He looked like the CB we've been searching for.

I know what's coming, but I've got to respond to that. I've seen particular individuals - Keegan, Shearer and Rafa - raised to a status where any comment that is in the least bit negative is treated as blasphemy. They are human beings with faults like the rest of us, regardless of the strength of their achievements, and declaring that any sort of criticism, however minor, means you're not a supporter, is wrong and ultimately unhealthy.

Many on this board seem to get obsessed with this idea of players being 'out of position'. A manager can't pick all 11 players in their best positions. There are always compromises to be made, all over the pitch. Picking one player will nearly always have a knock on effect on how you use other players. It's just a matter of getting the best possible blend. We can see that with all these debates about how to blend Bruno into the side. The thing I like about Murphy is he always looks eager to get on the ball and make things happen. I don't get that feeling at all with Manquillo, even though defensively he's the safer bet. I think we need to keep that positive momentum. And come on. He's not that far 'out of position' at RB.

Yep. I don't rate Manquillo that much.

If Trippier doesn't play, I'd be inclined to give Murphy and his attacking threat a run out.

It was a conservative approach in general, yes. I was a bit disappointed that Bruno and Burn didn't start, but on reflection, do you really want to try out a new CB partnership and change the starting midfield in an important game, with players who have only just arrived? Similarly, at 2-1 in such a game, it would take a very brave manager to make a change at that point. The game wasn't as one-sided as some are saying, but in the end we looked comfortable. Risks are easier to take when you're not the guy with the responsibility for results, and in the end Howe's professionalism was justified.

I'm optimistic our possession stat will improve once Bruno is in the side. He seems to actually like receiving the ball under pressure, and using that situation to find gaps in the opposition. We're still not great at playing the ball through the midfield, and losing the ball at throw-ins is still a problem. In that respect, Everton looked the better side for a period, but they seemed to lose their way after our equaliser. There seemed to be a lack of leadership on the pitch. And a lack of a striker to really lead the line for them.

A perfect summary.

It seems like a long time since we had a win like that. I'm one happy bunny. The back four looked a lot more solid. In the first half, we lost control of the midfield and it was fortunate that Everton lost their momentum with those injuries. Villa are a better side than Everton and we'll need to step things up. Bruno in for Willock is the call I'd make.

He looked completely at home from the get go. What's not to like.

The equaliser has changed the game a bit. We've looked more confident. But until then, Everton were getting a real grip on the midfield. It was a perfect illustration of why we need Bruno. Hopefully, he'll be ready soon.

We've surely learned by now that Joelinton isn't best used as a striker. His finishing (including his heading for some reason) is a real weakness. When he plays in midfield, he's able to use his strength to hold opponents off and retain the ball. Defenders are usually bigger and stronger, and when he's up against them he struggles. Just done a little Dennis-style scouting on Ndiweni. Looks very promising indeed. And doesn't look like the type who would be nervous about stepping up.

It's his own fault that he's not still playing for them.

Keepers trying to put a penalty taker off by chatting them up, walking up to the penalty spot for no reason, sauntering back to their line etc. Give them a warning, then a yellow, then a red if they persist.

He looks a talent, but on reflection it would have been asking a lot of an inexperienced 19 year old from the French League to have an impact in a relegation fight.

I've always liked Ward-Prowse. He's a good all-rounder who I think would solve the problem of who should sit alongside Bruno. Rice would be out of our reach, but I suspect he's already reached his level at West Ham, as a midfield player at least. He looks like one of those hybrid CB / DMs, albeit a very good one of that kind. He hasn't impressed me at international level, and I'm not sure that it would work out for him that well at top four level. I think he's over-priced, basically.

He looks like a great signing, of course, but it will be a challenge for Howe in trying to work out the best combination around him. I'd put in ASM and Fraser, because I think we need their pace. Almiron in reserve. Then it's two from Joelinton, Shelvey, Longstaff and Willock, and that's tricky. I'd pick Joelinton, because despite his clumsiness, he makes things happen. Finally, I'd go for Longstaff. I think it's time for him to step up and show what he's got.

RE Wilson - It seemed like a serious injury. If anyone has more positive news about a return, do tell.

It's a shame we couldn't bring in another out and out striker. If Wood gets injured, we only have Gayle, because I think Wilson is probably out for the season. Good strikers are a precious commodity and clubs are reluctant to part with them. It's significant that the only one we landed was down to meeting his release fee.

We've done better than I was expecting. Being in the relegation zone was going to make it difficult to attract players, other clubs were going to take advantage of our desperation by adding a premium, and at least some Premiership clubs would have wanted us to go down. I think we've overcome those obstacles pretty well, and it's been demonstrated that our new owners are prepared to spend. Lets just hope that Eddie gets the new team to gel pretty quickly.

Ramsey and Guimaraes in Centre mid would be dreamy.

I've missed you

If I have a worry, it's that. Premiership players are generally stronger and referees are more lenient with challenges. He might end up losing the ball in dangerous situations. I'm sure Our Eddie will have a word with him about that.

He's been a very important player for us this last two seasons. Our passing game has been really poor and we've relied on his individual ability to beat opponents. However, his passing isn't that great, and I honestly wonder how he'll adjust if the team develops a more modern style, like all the better teams. That's surely what Howe is aiming for. He's the sort of player who thrives on a free role, with the team built around him. I think that's the reason why bigger clubs haven't been in for him. That's not the way they think. The interview was a bit unwise, I felt. Alongside his statement of love for the club, he was also talking about the possibility of leaving. It sounded like, I'd like to stay, but if we go down, I'm off. It's okay to think like that, but some thoughts are better kept to oneself.

He's not going to win the Ballon D'Or anywhere. That's a rather unwise tweet on his part.