Chez

thought it was more to do with Reading increasing the `agreed' price and Nik Nak unwilling to pay more.

He's been great at right back, no, better than that, he's had three tremendous games at right back (while also sliding into CB when we have changed shape) doing a great job of keeping Zaha relatively quiet. The reckless diving in is still there for all to see though, and it could have cost us against City, but it didn't. There is still time for him to cut that out of his game. Fonte used to do the same (maybe not quite to the extreme) and eventually he learned when and when not to nip in to steal the ball. At right back we have also been able to see those ball skills and touch he has. Really enjoyed that. I'm not sure he's a long term option at fullback, but its worked well in this `fluid' system we have used.

As you rightly say, Leeds were by far the better side, and on anther day they could have won at a canter, but they didn't take their chances and Villa do have players that are dangerous up front. We've lost the last three against them, playing very poorly in a couple of those.

He didn't have the greatest game, so I don't think there was any reason he shouldn't have been subbed. Keeping him fit is going to be important, as he can really play that position.

Yeah, he did clear those chances, but to be fair he was already there and could little else but, it didn't require him to chase back. You are spot on about him following in that long range shot. I noticed that too. As I say, I have a feeling he will use more energy going forward than back. Lots of players are like that, we just need to be careful about playing him in positions that the rely on his defensive diligence. I'm really excited by this signing, but it wasn't a great debut.

€15m according to the French press, which you would guess would be most clued up. I think someone on here said Sky reported a £20m figure, but do they have clue? I doubt it, especially as the French press reported yesterday that Nice had bid €18m.

£100k+ a week wages are scary for a player that seems to always be half injured. West Ham don't seem to want to sell him to Wolves. Is he really available?

You could be right, but agent rumours usually are along the lines of "Southampton are interested...". When I read "Southampton have bid €15m...", it starts to feel a bit more real". Not sure if that is accurate. We will find out next week, probably.

Not sure what makes you think ABK isn't as physically imposing as DCC. ABK is a unit. He's also mobile. Salisu had a very poor first half. ABK could replace him and DCC playa alongside him. If we need a left back, lets get one.

Glad it wasn't just me. Let's hope it was just nerves and not quite being up to speed of the game and coping with the conditions. I'm a firm believer in playing new signings immediately, especially if they play in positions that don't require a whole lot of `drilling' to understand what's required. I do think there was a period near the end where our shape was all over the place, not helped by Alcaraz. But I think, having settled on this 4-2-3-1 formation that shifts to a 5-3-1 (is that right?) all the players might need a refresher as to what their role is.

He had a shocker. His touch is going to have to be a lot better. And maybe his choice of studs too. One concern for me is that he made no effort to track his man on one occasion, allowing him to get to the byeline and cross unopposed which could have cost us on another day. Maybe he's one of those that is good going forward but not running back. Something to keep our eye on.

blimey. Alcaraz was terrible and gets the second highest mark.

Buy Alcaraz to play in the attacking central midfield role and then discover JWP is perfect to play there. I guess we now have depth?

not sure I want to get involved in the GK argument, but percentage of stops seems pretty meaningless. Is there not a xS stat? Don't answer that.

I don't think we played brilliantly today, but we did look like we were all pulling in the right direction. The confidence a win or three brings can not be underestimated too and hopefully performances will continue to improve. We will need to be better next week, as there won't be many worse sides than Everton.

No more league games for you CC, until we lose.

What, allow Gordon to run straight past him, cos he's almost as slow as Danny Fox?

There has been one solitary story that said he was a target. It was a while ago. However, that one story, was mostly about us trying to sign Alcaraz - it was basically a footnote to that story. Obviously that one happened, so maybe the journalist has some insight.

the only thing I can think of was that he needed to use the other subs.

No. I was at SMS. City had three corners in the entire game. Did DCC win all of those?

So happy withe result. We will need to play better than that going forward though. I guess it was tough conditions and Everton didn't make it easy first half, getting very tight. Part from the result, some real positives to take away. JWP playing further forward is looking like a smart move from Jones. DCC looks sold. Lyanco had another very good game, especially at right back. Strange decision to move KWP there and Salisu to left back, but Salisu had a good second half (terrible first) so something worked. Jones to be praised for that decision? Some negatives. Diallo didn't effect the game. Nor did Ely. Thought AA was what was needed from the start. A Shane Long pest. Lavia mis-controlled a few times and gave the ball away in dangerous areas putting us under pressure. He's a good player, but he needs to be right on it as teams are not going to give him time. Gordon showed just how slow Perraud is. Got too tight and then got done like a kipper. Could have cost us. Have to say Alcaraz had a mare when he came on. Did he have the wrong boots? He was like a rabbit stuck in headlines, mis-controlling, falling over, stuttering...

we'd be a point better off, I guess.

He had a great game. He always seems to get his feet set right, so his clearances from whipped in crosses are never sliced. My one gripe is he doesn't seem to dominate defensive set pieces. I guess he cant be everywhere, but I don't see him winning many headers at corners.

you are welcome. Everton are shite. If you want to see hoof ball, that's the place to watch your football.

phew... absolutely brilliant. Not the performance perhaps, but the result is beautiful. I need a beer.