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Well hopefully things will now settle down a bit after our first win, titles and final league positions are never decided after 3 league games. The level of criticism over the last few weeks shows how far we have come as a club and hopefully now order has been restored with plenty of positives for the future.
Away win, clean sheet, Rom scores and John Stones plays, not a bad afternoons work for Martinez, pleased Stones was playing at centre back, if I’m honest not a fan of him playing right back for England. Would really hate for him to be known as a jack of all trades type of player, moving position to accommodate others, he’s a centre back and should be playing in that position week in week out and mastering his trade.
It was a decent performance against WBA, not perfect but at least we showed some desire and increased stamina. Was good seeing Barry showing last seasons form, hopefully now his partnership with McCarthy can start to flourish again. Also pleasing our defence didn’t crumble this time round with John Stones in particular catching the eye.
My only concern at the moment is still how uncomfortable and clumsy we look in possession at the back, against better teams we will get punished if we continually give the ball away cheaply. Watching Swansea’s back-line playing and you can see a real difference, maybe its because they have been at it a lot longer than us, but it does look natural particularly centre back position, they play with a real purpose and it doesn’t look forced. Hopefully in time our back-line will in the future play with same confidence and a real purpose.
League table doesn’t look too bad at the moment, sitting nicely amongst the so called big clubs. I really can’t see anyone stopping Chelsea lifting the title with Man City settling for 2nd place. The rest is up for grabs with us hopefully battling it out with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs for 3rd and 4th spot. If we can manage 4 wins against Vfl Wolfsburg, Crystal Palace, Swansea and Liverpool, expectations will enter uncharted territory for all Evertonians.
Speaking of Liverpool, really looking forward to the 27th September at Anfield, their defence looks vulnerable dealing with crosses. Hopefully Martinez has observed this and tactically alters the approach from our wide players, instead of Mirallas and McGeady running with the ball and holding possession far too long, they need to supply the front men with early crosses at every opportunity. I suppose I’m getting ahead of myself, but it would be nice to come away with something and show a real statement of intent for all to see.
#COYB
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