Holmes_and_Watson

As Saint_clark said, he's not really seen enough game time, regularly, to get match sharp, let alone put a run of form together. Young, and not realistic to have expected him to hit the ground running. He did show some nice moments, but they seem a while ago now. Playing him wider didn't work. But again, he's not exactly played there much either. With Stewart now fit, Mara drops down the pecking order. But Adams may go in January, and we could be leaving ourselves too light should both go, without a replacement. "flop" is very harsh, considering the circumstances of our last couple of seasons. He'll have been working away to fit somewhere into Martin's system. If it doesn't work, then a loan or a move away. He's plenty of time to push on elsewhere, where he'll get that game time and perhaps a system that works for him.

Agree with this. On the tackling, while it's still one of his weaker areas, it has been getting better. I'd also add that he's been getting better in a lot of areas, not least because he's asked to fill a number of roles in the team at any given time. It might be gradual in specific areas, but overall he's coming on really impressively in Martin's system. Martin must have been delighted with what he saw in Smallbone, along with Baz. Both of whom have been improving under him.

I find that it's the smart people who agree with any of my opinions. 🙂

Hired

Exposed

Sad news. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

Fang

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67477429 MP and mayor take time out from solving pressing issues for a populist quick hit of "Waaah! Club punishment is bad." Not much substance as to why they think it's bad. Or why the club, who all sign up to this, should not face punishment under current rules. Just toys being thrown about to impress Everton supporters. One uses the incoming regulator as a stick to try and pressurise the premier League commission (Everton appeal pending, so a pathetic tactic). A regulator, that truly represented the spirit of football for the support of the game as a whole in communities, would consider relegating them for their blatant attempts to use covid to evade profitability and sustainability. That would really give them something to moan about.

Cry

Oompah bands are the new light shows. 🙂

Another mismatched side, gets a mixed result. No surprise. Guehi and Lewis weak links in defence. And that's in a side with Maguire Lewis talented, but not experienced enough to help in key moments/ positions yet. Maguire did some things well, but slows the game down even as he goes forward with it. Southgate more concerned at bad press leaving TAA out than having an effective midfield. Phillips and Henderson's game time makes them laughable replacements. With Sakho, Grealish and Foden, it was a forward line all trying to do the same sort of thing, with no real penetration. 2 of the 3 a better fit. Not starting Kane didn't help in the end. for all the talent, England were reduced to thumping it up to him. The final passes were well below standard. Rashford wasn't on for long, but managed to stand out by not doing anything well. England were already through. Southgate no doubt wanted to take the opportunity to change things around against wekaer opposition. But both games have shown, just how ineffective his team can be, when not playing with strength throughout, and a bit of purpose.

I really hate them, as FIFA/UEFA look to suck tuphe momentum and life out of proper football, as often as their money laundering, crooked claws can manage. But something would be wrong if life had no meaning. There's local football teams everywhere well worth going to, for a start.

We finished very strongly. Clever subs really helped, but we looked to have more in the tank towards the end, and that could have been more. The worked hard, had to come back from losing a lead twice away from home at a decent team towards the top.

Some game. Good ball in for our fourth. Entertaining third, and we've made excellent subs.

2-2 at the break. We had chances, but look a little tired against Palace. They are a little sharper, get forward in numbers and we're struggling to get a spell of control. We're just about getting it clear. But it's more where it goes that determines if we're doing anything with it. It didn't lead to a goal, or even a chance but Palace's Hopcroft nearly made a lovely through ball for a great chance.

Dennis is a danger for them. But we do rather hack it clear, giving up control.

Palace Equalise. That was coming. Palace had been able to get through our defence quite easily. That was worked across the box, then back for the finish.

And Palace were gifted a couple of chances after a miscommunication. Mott got over to cover their follow up chance.

2-1 to us but lots of Palace posession since our last goal.

Yes, but that doesn't help me decide whether to go with my current suit size or go with one that reflect my waist size for the year after's Ballon d'Or celebration for THB 🙂

Hand

Dolly

Shopping

I'd guess they and/or we would be waiting to see where we sit, and the pennies available, at the end of the season. If we've an option for THB that sorts that one out, one way or another. Fraser wants to stay. But wages might be an issue, if we stay down. With Downes, he's on a long contract with the club he loves. He's already showing he can play in that team. You never know, but that one seems less likely. In January, it might be worth keeping Adams for the contributions he does make. He's getting game time with us, so unless we're replacing him in January might be worth keeping. Even if a fair bit of that game time is due lost to Stewart, it's depth to someone coming back from injury. Likewise with McCarthy and Baz. We've been trying to move him on for ages, but might regret that should Baz get injured. I can't imagine Onuacho wanting to come back. It's been a bad match and Martin has had a look. I think all parties would be happy if he moves on for as much as we can get. If we can't then another loan. Like Adams, Aribo is getting first team minutes. He's done a good job in a certain role late in games. Something we don't have elsewhere. Mara would really have had to have shown Martin he can develop into Martin's system. He doesn't offer the things AA, Stewart, Adams or even Aribo offer. He hasn't shown goal scoring either. But it's not been in the best of circumstances. He's probably the one whose departure would have the least impact.

Dyche: It's backs against the wall. We'll fight together to get out of this crisis. It will take a massive effort to achieve... oh 3 points for our next win gets us clear of relegation...