Mole

It wasn't really whether it was true or not, I just felt it was unnecessarily negative. Especially when you consider we have not been good away from home this year, being honest is one thing but acting defeatist as he very often does is why I've never liked him as a manager. The way he talks it comes across he never believed before a ball was kicked, which is a much bigger issue than being honest or not.

I don't think you would feel that way if you were an Everton fan mind

I mean yes,I was really saying that stumbling upon the correct back 4 won't be as big if the midfield and wingers didn't do their job. It's obviously made things easier but I think the choices Howe has made in the midfield (including the wingers) both games were also very impactful.

The defence hasn't really been the problem this year though, sure it's sucked that both Hall and Livramento has been out. But the main issue all year has been the abject performances of the wingers and midfield 3. Tonali and Bruno have performed well individually at different times but as a team it hasn't worked. I said this yesterday but I don't particularly care who Thiaw's partner is, they're all good players but it's a small thing compared to getting the midfield right. That's been the biggest change in last two PL games to me, obviously snowballed from having both fullbacks fit.

I find it interesting that he's been considered a CM all season and his latest performances have both been from the right wing. Would honestly keep him there assuming he is still here past January.

The commentators for me keep talking about did Barnes handball on the line Like even if he did and I can't really tell, we're 4-0 up you absolute gigantic bags of piss.

Not even about shutting people up, I hope he just gets to the level he can for himself. Genuinely must suck to come for a big price tag and nothing you do is coming off. If it was me my mental would go to pieces

I've been wanting him to play more season, it's been obvious in every game he plays how much we just need another footballer in that midfield. Long term I think Miley, Bruno and Tonali is the way and it can't happen fast enough.

When Miley has played this season he's played in that role except for coming on for subs. I think it's where Howe prefers him actually, but obviously with Tonali he's not going to see time there that often.

He's been good this season defensively even if he shouldn't have to play there. The in posession and attacking threat was the issue and that's not his fault, honestly if you're pinning anything at all on any of the defenders you're looking at the wrong things.

Tbh with you I genuinely don't care about 4th defender, Burn, Botman and Schar are all class in different ways ( I personally don't get the recent Botman criticism) Whoever the choice, we're good there. The concern I have as is the case almost every week, the midfield and the wide players. Barnes and Murphy looked good against City so I hope they are picked and they keep it up.

I don't think anyone is complaining about rotation. It's literally just the Willock choice if it was Ramsey or Miley instead I'm very sure the reaction would be exceptionally more positive. I haven't seen one person complain that Woltemade is resting, I think everyone understands that it's a necessary thing.

I could make the same argument about Willock tbf. But it is just one choice, so it's not a big deal. The rest of the team is fine.

Aye I just think that Barnes while obviously would be way better at finishing chances off I just think Howe really questions how many chances he would get while being the guy being marked. I'm assuming that he thinks Barnes is much more effective floating into those positions from the wing and to be fair if that's the case I think he's right. Like I said both options are bad.

Aye but that's not the only job of a striker, Barnes positionally doesn't understand the role at all. I think with how much practice Gordon has got at this point that he does a lot more. The issue is once he gets himself into those positions he does nothing with it neither option is good mind, but I'm assuming that Gordon does the off the ball stuff Howe is looking for a lot more.

I might honestly be harsh because when I've watched him this season he looks off the pace (probably due to all the injuries) That's the only reason I question it, he clearly has talent.

Resting Thiaw and Woltemade considering the upcoming schedule and we have a level of breathing room in the CL makes sense. Willock is really the decision I find questionable but I guess we'll see.

He started the season great, I'm pretty sure part of it is messing him about in different positions or just on the bench. Very convinced he would have kept scoring if Isak wasn't there.

I can’t remember who but someone from City did a really great job on that chance to force him to only go on that side. Granted you’re right about getting some air on it.

After what I saw yesterday the fullback depth is absolutely paramount, they're class but the drop off shouldn't be as big as it is. They allow us to maintain pressure much more consistently, create more chances and the much maligned wingers look much better. It was actually crazy how much difference they made in those areas.

On any other day I wouldn’t approve of you enjoying both Newcastle and Raptors success but hope you had a delightful day

I think it was about even in the first half (you could argue either way I think) and we were slightly better in the second half I feel. 1 goal win seems like an accurate portrayal of proceedings.

I can see why you were all desperate to have him back Was extremely class.

I'm sure he'll wish his attempts weren't as central but at the same time he's probably happy that he had chances to miss

Goals don't magically happen no matter what someone's record says. We have severe issues with not only creating chances but simply maintaining possession and pressure. If that doesn't change you can sign a dozen guys with good goalscoring records and you still won't score goals because the team is never in the position to do it.