Everton (a) post-match thread

ChicagoBlue said:
Mark Twain.

While KDB was not his best, I’d say that went for at least 8 others, too.

It must be an awfully high bar that says KDB is not an automatic on the team sheet when fit…a bar numerous others could never rise above.
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its that bit of magic he can produce at any given moment that demands a starting place
yes his form has been patchy of late but so has many others.

the biggest thing is KDB wins us many games even if he does not score or finds a pass ? just having him in the team scares the others and they have to try and keep him out of the game by doubling up on him leaving spaces for others
 
Marvin said:
The offside was after. VAR imo decided that the ref had not made a clear and obvious error. Had Rodri handled the ball in that manner with his forearm then they would deem that a handball but with the upper arm it's not an offence (see picture of FA rules website).

This could all have been cleared up had MOTD showed the graphic but instead Shearer chose to play to the Liverpool, Man Utd and Everton fan gallery. Normally MOTD are really good on such things.
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The question for me is What should the decision be if the ball strikes 50% red and 50% green in the handball figure silhouette?
 
My usual morning after thoughts. Firstly, that really is a massive three points. A draw there would have been hugely deflating.

Secondly, it's another game where we were nowhere near fluent and we seemed slow in mind and movement, but maybe we now have to get used to the fact that grinding out a result is required against a lot of teams. We'll still steam-roller some odd teams I'm sure, but right now it's result over performance.

Thirdly, if that's the case then you need to keep calm and keep going....and we certainly kept going and kept going. Everton tired and eventually the mistake happens - and when it does you have to be ready to capitalise. Fair fucks then to Phil Foden! Mind and feet very much alive.

Fourthly, poor old Kev seemed so off his normal game yesterday. Can't remember the number of times he was caught in possession, which is very unusual.

Lastly....was it handball? In my humble opinion it was, but it was reviewed and wasn't given. So that's that, debate closed. And I didn't see the same level of discussion about Alexander-Arnold against us at Anfield a couple of seasons ago and his handball, which to be honest was even more blatant than Rodri's.....and they immediatey ran up the other end and scored, just to rub salt into the wound.

Anyway....3 points. Not brilliant but very, very crucial. Well done.
 
The perfect fumble said:
The club has issued an official statement...

rodri-rodrigo.gif


We win, they lose.

200w.webp
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Pep made his own statement too

 
Kevin was quite poor last night, turning into traffic and needlessly giving the ball away. I love Gundo and i think he adds a nice pace to the game, but Kevin and KDB are a bit too similar and it causes an imbalance. Echoing what everyone else has been saying, Bernardo is wasted out wide or in the 9, i'd swap him with Kevin. Otherwise put Jesus or Mahrez on the right and Foden in the 9, go with KDB & Bernardo. It's just more balanced and proven.
 
Can't stress what a huge 3 points that was.

Huge pressure on the guys. Not just to respond after the spurs loss, which in itself had weight. But also the build-up of the talk around Liverpool, their form, in their hands again, etc etc. Add to that the sudden distraction of the world.going to shit, and the whole game has a whole new tone.

Particularly second half when despite nest efforts and quality, it looked nothing would go in.

Huge game to win, at the perfect time.
 
bellbuzzer said:
most accurate assessment so far. Is "deliberate" a crucial factor? There have been incidents which conflict with each other. His arms were in a natural position for someone maintaining balance and readiness to react; without a doubt the spin on the ball caused it to hit his upper arm instead of his chest. Was there two off-sides, one before and one after?
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No, deliberate is not a factor. No such thing now as "accidental" handball, only technical questions about position of the arm and proximity (too close to avoid the ball).

The red pundits said that about the TAA handball at Anfield!
 
Keeper! said:
There are grey area of ever rule in the game and there has to be some consideration of the actual incident, did one player gain an advantage unfairly over another? If so it's a foul
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Again, that's not in the laws.
 
Huge decision for us and could end up being pivotal. We could win the title and Everton could be relegated because of it.
 
shevtheblue said:
Kevin was quite poor last night, turning into traffic and needlessly giving the ball away. I love Gundo and i think he adds a nice pace to the game, but Kevin and KDB are a bit too similar and it causes an imbalance. Echoing what everyone else has been saying, Bernardo is wasted out wide or in the 9, i'd swap him with Kevin. Otherwise put Jesus or Mahrez on the right and Foden in the 9, go with KDB & Bernardo. It's just more balanced and proven.
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I'd have Kevin over KDB anyday. KDB’s lost his touch, whereas Kevin will still run 50yrds back to defend. KDB can still pull the odd wonder goal though so maybe its worth having both of them
 
tolmie's hairdoo said:
I don't think Kev warrants a starting place?

He will always come up with a moment of class to remind us, goal against Chelsea, case in point.

But he's more liability than threat for a while now.

He doesn't have the type of fitness which allows him to get about the midfield and recover transitions, usually when he has lost the ball

I do think we have taken a backwards steps in terms of cohesion in the midfield not having Bernie and Foden playing in the engine room.

It becomes even more pronounced when them and Gundo are also being asked to play high, or at least naturally gravitating towards the attack end.

Kev is a big game player but I have felt for a while we may have already seen his peak, whilst all the time he will always give world class reminders.

He is the solution and also the cause at times, similar to how Toure was after his peak, teams know he won't/can't get back in.
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We seem to have better balance and play more cohesive football when we have a midfield three of Bernie, Rodri and Gundogan.

When Kev plays, Bernie is asked to play a different role which makes him less effective.

I think Kev is regaining his fitness but his passing seems way off, the little through balls he is so good at are not coming off this season.

The good thing is that on his day he is the best midfielder in the world and that at any time he can produce a bit of magic resulting in a goal or cross that can win us any game. As long as he carries that threat and is fit, then Pep has shown that he will play him and the others have to adapt.
 
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