Rhodri: Right, first things first: what a win for the Blues, we didn’t see that coming! What are your thoughts on the performance, and who was your man of the match?
Paddy: We certainly didn’t see that coming, you’re right! Think most of us were pretty down after the poor showing against Watford, and expected our woeful record at St Mary’s to continue as a result, but credit where it’s due; the players and the manager really pulled something out of the hat.
First thing I’d say is that this time around Martinez got his tactics spot on. Our best performances in recent seasons have always been on the counter-attack (think Man United, Arsenal & Wolfsburg), as we sit deeper, soak up opposition pressure and then use the likes of Barkley and Lukaku to break with pace. Against Watford we failed to play to their strengths, which is criminal if you think about it.
This performance showed the way forward for Everton, and the 4-1-4-1 system is something I’d like to see used with increasing regularity. Quite simply, it gets the best out most of the key players in the squad.
Rhodri: Very true, it was a world away from the first half against Watford, there was confidence in possession, a direct attitude, creativity and endeavour. It was a very complete team performance and a little bit of faith was restored.
Romelu Lukaku looked much better on Saturday, what do you think is the key to making him perform? Is it as simple as giving him a strike partner?
Paddy: Lukaku is clearly benefiting from Koné’s presence in the starting line-up. Importantly, it seems like he enjoys a bit of extra help up there, and his performances very much support this theory. The Ivorian occupies defenders and allows Rom the space in which to do some serious damage.
It’s great to see the team play in that manner – we’ve got some very dangerous attacking players whose influence is massively negated if you play a patient, possession-based game.
On Saturday we finally played to their strengths and were rewarded with a spectacular away performance. Barkley really is flourishing at the moment, and it’s no coincidence that the upturn in his fortunes has largely come after the change in system/shape.
Rhodri: I agree, Roberto has to take credit for the way he set up the team, he may not be a fan of counter-attacking football, but it’s a vital part of every successful team. How exciting is it to see your side win the ball around their penalty area and bare down on the opposition’s goal with pace and numbers?
The system implemented on the weekend gave Lukaku and Barkley exactly they need; space.
Lukaku’s not got the greatest touch, but when he turns and runs at the defenders, he’s terrifying. Same can be said for Barkley, but his technique is even better. When you have such direct, strong and quick attackers, you have to find a system that allows them to use their qualities time and again, which is what we did against Southampton.
You touched on Kone just then. Another game, another impressive outing from him. How pleased are you with the Ivorian, and would you start him against Manchester City?
Paddy: Koné is doing well. As I’ve said previously, I’m not a massive fan of his, and he’s never likely to regularly hit double figures for the Blues. However, he is a useful foil for Lukaku and should, all things considered, start against City this weekend.
I’d go with the same team again – the players that started at Southampton deserve to be rewarded for a thoroughly decent showing and Everton may have to play a similarly patient game against a strong Manchester City side.
I understand some will suggest that the counter-attacking style lends itself better to away games against the stronger teams in the league, and this most certainly is the case- we will need to find a way of breaking down the likes of West Brom at home- but for now Roberto would be best served keeping faith with the team that comfortably disposed of Southampton during this tricky run of fixtures.
Rhodri: While I understand your premise, I think we should use different horses for different courses. We were slightly exposed with Kone on the right flank in the first-half, Coleman was a little exposed at times and I think with the likes of Kolarov, Silva and Sterling, the Blues will have to tighten up in that area.
The Manchester City game would be a perfect opportunity for Aaron Lennon, he does his defensive duties excellently but still has the pace and direct attitude to be a threat on the counter. I’d love to go with an unchanged team, but Manchester City are a different beast to Southampton, and they have players that need to be catered for.
Paddy: Aaron Lennon would have been perfect for the City game, admittedly, but is he top of Martinez’s agenda at the moment? I’d be surprised if he’s signed in time to feature.
Rhodri: No I imagine he won’t be, but it was just on the basis of his contribution when he was an Everton player and specifically his performance against Manchester United in April.
Paddy: The thing that stands out about the team that played against Southampton is how versatile it can be. Before the game I tried to figure out how we’d set up and although the system changed as the game progressed, the 4-1-4-1 formation used in the first half could also become a 4-4-2 diamond or, equally, a more defensive 3-5-2.
If Koné and Lukaku do start together again, City will have a decison to make about their full backs, usually they bomb on in tandem, but that wouldn’t be a wise move against the pace of Barkley, Koné, Lukaku and maybe Mirallas.
Rhodri: Interesting, having players that can slot into different roles and system during a game is a huge advantage, not every club has the players at their disposal who can simply vacate and take up a new position so quickly.
Thinking about the City game, I wouldn’t be surprised if Leon Osman was brought in ahead of Kone, it wouldn’t help the pace of the attack, but it could add needed cover for Coleman. Although as the home side, we should be making problems for the visitors. Starting Kone and Lukaku would do just that.
Obviously, the win wasn’t the only talking point from the weekend’s proceedings. A plane with the message ‘Kenwright and co #Time to go NSNO’ flew around the St Mary’s before kick-off. Is that the right way to go about things?
Paddy: Regarding the plane banner, I’ve seen a lot of negative stuff in both the media and from some sections of the fanbase on Twitter in the last few days that perhaps fails to get to the crux of the issue. People are allowed to protest as they see fit, and this generated extensive media coverage.
Sometimes people will question their methods, and maybe even their loyalty to the club, but they’re Evertonians like the rest of us and most of the bickering is unnecessary.
Paddy: The increased debate that has stemmed from this will, in the long-term, no doubt be a good thing for the club. I’d like to see more transparency and a clear plan implemented by the board to move Everton forward.
Rhodri: With all the hype and opinion that has swirled around the subject, I’ll keep it brief. Everton need change at the very top, fans want questions answered as they are concerned about the future and well-being of their club. Planes might not be the best way to go about it but it’s got people talking, so it’s done it’s job by gaining publicity.
Kenwright, Elstone et al need to answer the queries of concerned Evertonians. Can Bill really claim to be the biggest Blue he said he is by being completely silent over legitimate questions about the failings of the board from worried Everton fans, the lifeblood of this great club?
Anyway, let’s move on. Everton have rejected a £30million bid from Chelsea for John Stones. Is there a price that would tempt you to sell and who do you think Stonesy will be playing for on September 12th, when Everton host Chelsea?
Paddy: No deal for £30 million, as far as I’m concerned. Stones’ value is only going to rise in the coming years and we’re late into the window as it is. Everyone associated with the club accepts that we need a new centre-back regardless, so if he does leave we’d need to bring two on board in just under two weeks.
It’s time to make a stand. Some of the stories emanating from the media are complete tosh and are just designed to put pressure on Everton as “the selling club,” while Chelsea’s stance on this has also been totally unacceptable. We shouldn’t be browbeaten by the likes of Mourinho and must hold firm over the next week or so if we’re to maintain our dignity as a club. Stones is destined for the very top, in my opinion, and could end up at Barca or Real for £50+ million in a few years’ time, if he continues to play regularly and progress at Everton.
Rhodri: I agree, Roberto Martínez has been harping on about the need for a new centre-back, so to lose one of the best in the Premier League with just two weeks left of the transfer market would cause even bigger problems in that area.
Everton don’t want to sell and have repeatedly told Chelsea and the media this, but it’s not stopped the champions from making approach after approach and the papers making nonsensical story after nonsensical story.
Shouldn’t the FA investigate Chelsea’s presumably illegal pursuit? When does it become “tapping up”?
John Stones has the world at his feet. He’s the epitome of a modern centre-back and in a couple of years I’m sure the likes of Barcelona and Bayern will be sniffing around him.
Right now though, he’s an Everton player and it needs to stay that way. If he does go this summer there’s no way Everton would come out stronger for it, there isn’t enough time to strengthen sufficiently and it would send a detrimental message to the rest of the squad.
Finally, your prediction for Sunday? I’m going for 3-2 Everton. Why not?
Paddy: Ordinarily I’d be extremely confident going into Sunday’s match, but City are on a good run and look dangerous at the moment. I’ll sit on the fence and go for an entertaining 2-2 draw.
