c1982

In flashes maybe but I’d sooner have Walcott starting week in, week out.

I’d see the wing spots as sorted for the next 18months (at least) with Bolasie and Walcott then Lookman and Vlasic waiting in the wings. We don’t have enough shots in games - a player like Walcott will see us create a lot more chances and get a lot more free kicks in the attacking 3rd in my opinion - this will bring more goals. I think he’ll surprise a few if or when it happens.

Old ‘homophobic’ tweets from Andrew Robertson have been dug up now. It’s all ridiculous but hopefully that’ll shut those ‘loveable’ (can’t think of the word - where’s Marco when you need him?) reds up!

He’s easily good enough but I’ll agree with the rest. Too old for what we’d have to pay.

Lonely? Need someone to talk to? Finally losing the plot altogether? We’re all here if you need someone to talk to MikeO.

Just to clarify - which leg?

Yes, that signing too many players who all play in the same position doesn’t work.

...and we’ll benefit from him wanting to make that World Cup squad.

I really like him - if we could shift Schneiderlin on and get this chap for about the same price then it would be good business in my opinion. I think a fully fit McCarthy could still be a real asset for us so would keep him and also sell Besic. I think selling (once we’ve got a left back!!!) is almost as important as bringing in new faces as, with only the league to focus on, this squad is far too big.

Walcott would be a big upgrade on Lennon and Mirallas. I know many won’t want him but his and Bolasie’s (and Lookman/DCL) pace on the counter could be a great asset, especially when Pickford gets the ball - very Schmeichel/Mahrez/Vardy.

It’s happening again...

Flashes of brilliance but far too few for a player of his ability. I think his EFC love affair lasted a couple of seasons too long but good luck to him.

https://twitter.com/lilleygazette/status/949265339023613952

Class player - whether the hunger/fitness is still there I don’t know but if it is then it’s a no-brainer. When at Atletico he was one of the best in the world.

I agree - wasn’t expecting much last night but actually felt quite optimistic post match. McCarthy’s tenacity was a big plus and Bolasie’s general quality. I think there were loads of positives last night. We need to build for next season now. Get momentum now! When Leicester won the league (and I’m not saying we’re going to emulate them) they went on a great run at the end of the season before and in Walsh and Shakespeare, we have 2 of the men behind that. Big Sam may not be long term but people like Shakespeare (and Walsh) can become part of the infrastructure of the club whoever the manager.

https://twitter.com/_pauljoyce/status/949598282682109952

I think both will go personally.

I think McCarthy forced his hand as sure I saw Allardyce lipping ‘he’s cramped up’ just before he came off. I expected Bolasie off for Vlasic to be the final sub. I think, as rumoured, Lennon will be off to Burnley for a longer contract offer and Vlasic, Lookman and Bolasie will get a lot more game time in a more positive system now we’ve hopefully got a more experienced and prolific striker.

This is brilliant! https://twitter.com/cpfc/status/948600278508503042

Defensively, yes but every attack down our left comes to a premature end as he has no left foot - in turn giving him more work to do defensively! It’s not his fault and he deserves credit for the good work he’s doing but it’s so frustrating watching what rare attacks we do have fizzle out instantly as he cuts back onto his right foot over and over again.

I’m pretty sure it’s the Everton forum which has called Ba an ‘Everton favourite’.

Or that he scored that famous goal when Slippy G had his moment to forget.

Including cup games, Unsworth’s Everton conceded 20 goals in 8 games whilst Allardyce’s have conceded 6 goals in 9. This is where the major change has occurred. On a side note, many believe Allardyce had a say in the West Ham line-up/ shape - something I believe too if you compare the back 4/midfield shape before and after that match but obviously that deservedly counts as an Unsworth win.

People were abusing Allardyce and calling for his head from the Gwladys and I’m sure elsewhere too. Stupid really - yes it’s ugly but he’s come in and taken us from 18th to 9th (with a few points cushion) in a very short period of time. I dread to think where we may have been without the upturn in form on the back of Sam’s appointment. I don’t think any Evertonian sees Allardyce as a long term appointment - he came because Fonseca or Silva or whoever wasn’t available - I, like many, think Sam will be gone by May having met the brief of steadying a sinking ship. I have not enjoyed the tactics of late but I’m a lot happier looking at the top half of the table and speculating about how/when we’ll catch/pass Burnley and Leicester rather than looking at how many points we are off bottom. Basically, 2017 was a year of many missed opportunities and some very poor management at all levels at EFC - if anything it reaffirms how far behind the ‘top 6’ we are in all areas on and off the pitch.

They stayed up on the last day of last season on goal difference. About 10 points clear of the bottom 3 and about the same off the play-offs is progress. They are a couple of defenders away from challenging the play-off places. Unless they can get someone like Monk, they’ve made a big mistake.