Johnson got forward well, but he had nobody there to give him service. Almost every time the ball went out to the right and Kuyt got it, his first touch was 5 yards in-field, his second was to pass it back to Mascha. It just doesn't allow us to build pressure when every winger cuts in and has no invention. Benayoun is so much better on the right, at the back end of last year he was one of our best players, all because Rafa woke up and decided Benny would be better there than Kuyt.

I'm really annoyed Nemeth's out on loan, although he's not played for the first team yet, I already believe he'd be a better partner to Torres than Kuyt or Voronin, if he drops Gerrard deeper, that is.

It's useless playing Gerrard in the hole if neither midfielder is going to give it to him with time and space. That was what Alonso done so well, it really doesn't seem that hard but Lucas' inability to play at a high tempo is worrying.

Wouldn't be suprised if we smack bolton for 6 on saturday.

Dont think theres any chance of that more than likely the other way round. You cqan have Benjani off us if you want??

They were superb at achieveing a result no other team has managed in a Premier League game since 2007.

He does need to play deeper at the moment as there is nothing coming from the middle of the park. I don't think the OP was advocating him playing in the same role as Mascherano, even though his formation looks that way.

---------------Reina--------------------

Johnson Carragher Skrtel Insua (Absolutely no way Dossena should play)

--------------Mascherano-------------

Kuyt ----------Gerrard-------------Riera

---------------Benayoun----------------

-----------------Torres--------------

Would be my prefered line up

No, you've mistaken my point. I wouldn't deploy him right in front of Carra and Skrtel.

He'd be in centre midfield, as the box to box midfielder he built his reputation on.

Basically, Benayoun or Kuyt up front, with the other on the right.

SSN reporting that Sol Campbell has turned down a late approach from Villa to complete his move to Notts County.

How ridiculous must the wages be that they are offering there in League 2?

He's turned down Newcastle, Villa and Hull to join Notts County. Like Lescott it says it all for his integrity.

£££££££££££££££££££££££££££$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$£££££££££££££££

To be fair it is the best league in the world, sexy football all the way.

Bolton allowed Hull to achieve a first in 2009.

Nice to see Rafa still losing it on the touchline, that second goal any complaints? I don't see how there could be, Reina kicked it away so they ref has to allow time.

Going back to your point on the last football thread about Everton. Arteta, we havn't heard much about to be honest, it's all been a bit quiet but initial hopes are still for September-october return. Jags is November and Yakubu is playing for the reserves tonight so hopefully he isn't far off getting back in.

It would be a shame to split the Pienaar/Baines partnership up and I'd be very suprised if Moyes did, it's a cracking left side and works so well together. Seems like he can offer a couple of positions though does our new Russian superstar



The right side of our side tho



shiiite!!!!

Still think you need a right back, I think Moyes obviously does to as you nearly signed Naughton.

This Russian is a good player, I wonder where Moyes wants to play him, though. If he plays him centrally, he'll certainly add some much needed quality in the middle.

When everybody's fit, which is a rarity at Everton, what would be the first choice XI?