c1982

He's a few months into a big project. Let's not forget this is a team that has finished 11th the last 2 seasons. Koeman's got a whole mentality/fitness/tactical overhaul to deal with. There's no quick fix. It's clear we're 6-7 players short. I think Baines, Jags and Barry need replacing with younger and fresher players but am sure the wing/ attacking options will be his priority in January as it's clear Mirallas, Deulofeu and Lennon just won't work in the way he wants us to play. Think Depay will be one of at least three first team signings in Jan - it wouldn't surprise me if Moyes came calling for Jags and maybe even Baines (although doubt Baines would leave). The whole mentality of our club needs changing. I think strides are happening off the pitch but will need a bit of patience to see the results on the pitch.

I think he was very poor on their goal and his defending in general was shaky at best.

Only Bolasie, Gana and Stekelenburg can hold their heads up in my opinion. Bolasie annoys and frustrates me but he keeps creating chances. Gana is just out best player by a country mile. Stekelenburg kept us in the game and that's why he just pips it for me.

I don't think Gueye got the memo about everyone doing the mannequin challenge! I feel sorry for him - the only player pressing in blue.

I had just come on to post that. Decent read.

They're in Prague on Thursday so hopefully that will be a factor that benefits us.

Sounds like a no-brainer - surely others will be in for him so we'll need to move fast and smart on this.

This 100%

Gueye. Our attacking play was so poor today. We're desperate for a natural left winger so Bolassie can stick to the right and a creative central player. Needs addressing in January if we have any aspirations of Europe this season. I think Mirallas, Deulofeu and Lennon's days are numbered as are many other players e.g McCarthy, Kone.

Pretty much my thoughts too...

Pop festival... sounds shite! Anyway, back on topic, I like Koeman's straight talking - he's justified his comments on Lukaku in Dunc's link and came across very well on BBC2 last night also saw some very encouraging quotes from the corporate event. Many people like bullshitters and smoke being blown up their arses as long as it's what they want to hear... personally I don't.

I think the penknives comparison is a bit harsh on Koeman to be honest. He's saying we're not in a position to compete at the moment - which we're not, but in the next 3 years he expects us to be title contenders. This is realistic in my opinion - he's made no secret that the money is there but Man C, United, The Shite, et al have been spending £100m year on year - realistically we're not going to be able to stake a claim to the title when their squads are brimming full of so much more depth in quality. It's not all about money and Leicester found a way but Koeman's a straight talking bloke and I think he's spot on regarding where we are/where he sees our progression.

You're reading into a forum's voting system too much which really doesn't reflect whole contribution of every player in each match. As it is we vote for the best player on the pitch - if we win this is usually Rom or Barkley or Bolassie. Gueye has gained loads of votes as we've been awestruck by his workrate. The flaw in our voting system is that we're only choosing the BEST player in any single match. Stek had a worldly vs Man C so got however-many votes - that doesn't reflect consistency it shows he had one very good game which was better than any other player. Williams is just consistent and has been and still is one of the best in our league which more detailed stats will show. I'm not knocking Mike's MOTM system (which he does a great job at btw) but if you want to use it in the way you're trying to, the evidence would come from an average score based on every player getting a mark out of ten every game.

Exactly!

Seems an odd one... http://www.nsno.co.uk/everton-news/2016/11/blues-set-sign-odd-forward/

I'm going to answer this myself after reading up on him... no chance!!! Signed a contract in the summer with huge release clause and still captains the side despite his controversial comments regarding fans.

Massive long shot but could we attract Icardi from Inter? Seems a live wire and has alienated himself with the ultras there but his talent is unquestionable. I'm sure money will be no problem as it has been in the past.

I think he'll be at Man U next season with his bezzie Pogba and we'll get silly money. I think they'll play ball with us over Schneiderlin in January to pave the way for this next summer regardless of each club's performance this season.

We had a £50m player who had actively asked to leave so we sold him at a fair price. We don't particularly need the money (although every player has their price) and Barkley doesn't want to leave so why on earth would we want to sell one of the brightest prospects in the league just because he's had a bad few months? This time last season he was being hailed as being in the form of his life and was a shoe for England. Sterling was seen as shite a few months ago after a stale few months... young players will have patches of bad form - it's all part of the development; it's important we as fans stick by him as Koeman has.

Rom - the match winner with a goal and assist. Ross was back to his best and was very impressed with Oviedo today - who I don't rate too highly in general. Gueye's worst game in my opinion thought he was very sloppy.

Tomorrow could be very telling for Niasse too then!

His decision making has been awful today so far. He looks a decent keeper but has a lot to learn.

Does anybody know if he's in the squad tomorrow with Kone injured, Valencia ineligible and Niasse maybe not even registered? He or Duffus are probably our next out and out striking options.

Agree - the only reason I can think that he's not had more time is due to his height/ set piece ariel ability. Koeman clearly pins a lot of importance (rightfully so) on defending from set plays and think having Baines/Oviedo, Gana and Lennon leaves us quite short.

Agree - January could be very important for this reason. Now money seems to be less of a problem there's no reason that we can't build longer term in this way. He's on the bench tonight.