Everton 1 United 0 - report

[Bergen Blade]

And Robbo let Doucoure run past him for the goal, despite Trusty shouting at him to cover.

Jogging back... looks quite strange.

 

[ShockingBadBuy]

I thought Souza did ok, considering he was out of position, and played really well after going into midfield.

Come on. You’re risking your hard-won, and deservedly-won, reputation now.

Defending Anel last week is one thing, but in what parallel universe did Souza, or any of our outfield players, play “really well” yesterday?

It was a grim, attritional, mediocre and error-strewn game, in which Souza (among others) took a lead role in demonstrating all of those ‘qualities’.

 

[Bergen Blade]

Come on. You’re risking your hard-won, and deservedly-won, reputation now.

Defending Anel last week is one thing, but in what parallel universe did Souza, or any of our outfield players, play “really well” yesterday?

It was a grim, attritional, mediocre and error-strewn game, in which Souza (among others) took a lead role in demonstrating all of those ‘qualities’.

Me and my "reputation" is unimportant and I encourage anyone to not let such a thing cloud their view if I'm talking rubbish.

But a few things support the view that we did better from the point Souza stepped into midfield and to around 90 minutes:


Not claiming that Souza's positional change was the only thing that made us improve.

In this period our pass completion was 85-81 in our favour. We had 6 shots, Everton 2. 3 corners, Everton none. Souza made more passes than anyone else on the pitch in this spell (22), including some that lead to those 6 efforts. He broke up their play a few times and stopped a dangerous break following one of our corners. He made a pass that looked silly in the 82nd minute, giving away a throw in.

If you, or anyone, has the chance to watch the match again I'd be interested to hear which of Souza's involvements were poor during this spell. The throw in error has been mentioned.

 

[Coolblade]

For the period just after Wilder returned, when Souza was played in his correct position (as DM), he was regularly one of our best players and demonstrated his abilities (and was regularly at the top of the fan's MOTM awards). He looked genuinely very emotional when we won our first game, in front of the kop, and appeared to care. However once he decided he wanted out, with his motivation taking a hit, and Arblaster playing in his role (in broad terms) his performances dipped to a very low level. He certainly played pretty well in the second half on Saturday - although I did wonder if this surge in effort was related to his desire to impress a new club (as I fear Ben BD is seeking to achieve too). We need to move on.....

 

[Barmyblade]

I know it doesn’t suit the current narrative or agenda, but the stand off between Souza and Robinson at Wolves, when Souza was playing well, was initiated by Souza berating Robinson for failing to pick up his man, and not making sufficient effort.