Everton FC supporting fan initiative to honour Howard Kendall
1 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Chris Beesley
Blues will applaud club legend throughout fourth minute of game
Everton are supporting a fans' initiative to honour the memory of Howard Kendall with a period of singing and applause in the fourth minute of Sunday's home game against Sunderland.
The former Blues midfielder – who was also the club's most successful manager – was laid to rest on Thursday after a hugely-attended funeral at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral.
Everton manager Howard Kendall funeral as Goodison Park and fans pays its respects. Photo by Colin Lane Evertonians suggested the idea as a mark of respect, inspired by the number four jersey that 1970 title winner Kendall wore when part of the club's legendary 'Holy Trinity' midfield alongside Colin Harvey and Alan Ball. After initially joining the Blues from Preston North End in March 1967, County Durham-born Kendall made 277 appearances for the club before steering them to two League Championships, an FA Cup and European Cup-Winners' Cup as manager. An image of Kendall will appear on Goodison Park's big screens during the fourth minute of the match against the Black Cats.

Six great Sunderland wins at Everton
Sunday 01 November 2015 Sunderland Echo
Sunderland chase a third successive victory at Goodison Park on Sunday - on a ground where there has been little to cheer down the years.
Though Danny Graham and Jermain Defoe grabbed the fortunate goals which earned all three points last season, and a Ki Sung-Yueng penalty won the day against Everton at Goodison the year before, Sunderland have a poor record on the famous old ground, with only four other league victories there since the war.
In all, 36 league visits have produced six wins and just four draws, with 26 defeats, including a run of six straight losses prior to the last two Sunderland triumphs.
Here we look back at Sunderland’s post-war Goodison successes.
Everton 0 Sunderland 2: May 9, 2015
Three massive points in the fight for survival.
Following a dreadfully dull first half, when Sunderland were indebted to three superb saves from Costel Pantilimon, the Black Cats went ahead against the run of play early in the second half when Jordi Gomez’s shot deflected off Graham and left Tim Howard stranded.
Sunderland doubled their advantage with five minutes to go - again with a slice of luck - when Adam Johnson’s cross deflected off Seamus Coleman and then Jermain Defoe before bobbling into the net.
Everton 0 Sunderland 1: December 26, 2013
Sunderland grabbed all three points thanks to a monumental mix up between Everton keeper Tim Howard and midfielder Leon Osman midway through the first half, with the former sent off for a foul on loan star Ki Sung-Yeung, who converted the resulting penalty for what proved to be the only goal.
Gus Poyet, celebrating only Sunderland’s third win of the league season, said: “Three points is something incredible.”
Everton 1 Sunderland 3: November 30, 1996
Arguably Michael Bridges’ best day in red and white. Sunderland rocked Everton with a barnstorming performance which earned Peter Reid’s men only their fourth win of the campaign.
Sunderland were outstanding throughout and went ahead with a Craig Russell goal in the 55th minute, though Duncan Ferguson levelled nine minutes later. The visitors deservedly regained the lead with a goal from youngster Bridges on 75 minutes, and he made sure of three precious points with a third goal three minutes from time.
Everton 1 Sunderland 2: November 21, 1981
Alan Durban’s men bagged only a third win in Division One, but stayed bottom of the table.
Peter Eastoe fired Howard Kendall’s Toffees into an ominous lead on the hour mark, but Sunderland showed their resilience to equalise with a Tom Ritchie penalty on 75 minutes, before Shaun Elliott got up to bag a welcome winner six minutes from time.
Everton 1 Sunderland 2: March 10, 1956
The Rokermen hit back from the loss of an early goal to climb to fifth place in Division One.
centre-forward Jimmy Harris gave Everton the perfect start, netting after just five minutes, but Bill Holden - the two-goal hero of a 2-0 FA Cup sixth round win at Newcastle the previous weekend - came up trumps again for the Red and Whites, levelling on 29 minutes before bagging a dramatic winner 12 minutes from time.
Everton 0 Sunderland 2: December 10, 1949
Sunderland picked up only their second away win of the season to stay eighth in Division One.
Tommy Wright made the breakthrough after 18 minutes, with centre-forward Dickie Davis adding a killer second goal three minutes before half-time.
It was the season Sunderland last challenged for the title, finishing third.

Ian Doyle: Why Romelu Lukaku needs to feel at home at Goodison again
1 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
by IanDoyle
Everton goals need to start flowing again from Belgian... and why it's time to stop League Cup rotation
Romelu Lukaku has found home form a headache this season
Now for a little fun with statistics (wait... come back!).
Since becoming a permanent Everton player in the summer of 2014, Romelu Lukaku has notched 27 goals. Only 10, though, have come at Goodison. During his loan spell in 2013-14, he netted 16 times for the Blues. The majority, 10, were on his home patch. In that same season, which was the first of Roberto Martinez's tenure, Everton won 13 of their 19 home games, the catalyst for their highest-ever points tally of the Premier League era. You can see where this is going. Last season, though, Everton won only seven home league games. They finished 11. The Blues are languishing in the same no man's land at present after winning only one of their first five home games. Okay, the run hasn't been easy, with Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool having already visited.
But neither Watford nor, in the Capital One Cup, Norwich City were beaten inside 90 minutes, continuing a trend which saw just three home league wins until March that year – a spell during which Lukaku scored only four times at Goodison in the top flight.
Romelu Lukaku scored twice at Southampton in August
The Belgian's only home goal this season was the strike that earned a point in the derby.
This column isn't about to pin Everton's indifferent home form of the last 18 months on one player.
And given the fact Lukaku has been knocking the goals in fairly regularly on his travels – and, in the case of braces at Barnsley in the Capital One Cup and West Bromwich Albion in the league, match-turning contributions – the talent is no doubt there. Yet having unwittingly found his name back in the headlines thanks to comments from his agent Mino Raiola, the focus will again turn on the striker's application. And also on how Martinez can set up a team to get the best out of the club's record signing when teams come to sit back, defend and nullify Lukaku's ability to break with pace and power.
Given the huge steps he has already taken during his career, it's easy to forget Lukaku is still only 22.
But liberties over age only go so far when you've been a regular in the Premier League for more than three years. If Raiola really does think his client is capable of making the grade at Champions League hopefuls Paris Saint-Germain, it's time Lukaku began delivering more consistently again at Goodison.
Sunderland at home this afternoon would be a good time to start.
Capital gains require a full-strength team now
The quarter-final draw may have prompted mumbles from both sides of Stanley Park.
But the Capital One Cup is very much there for Everton and Liverpool.
With Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United having fallen by the wayside, only Manchester City should hold any great fear to the Merseyside duo.
However, the time for much-rotated teams should come to an end.
Ramiro Funes Mori celebrates Leon Osman's goal against Norwich in the Capital One Cup last week
Neither of our sides has been handed a straightforward – or indeed particularly inviting – task on their travels. Yet it is in coastal outposts such as Middlesbrough and Southampton on a dark December evening that silverware is, if not won, then certainly lost. And with Wembley now almost within touching distance, it would be foolish not to grasp the initiative. For differing reasons, Everton and Liverpool need to win a trophy. And soon.
Hamilton just too good
Good old Englanders.
We love to stick up for a plucky loser. And we simply have no time for resounding successes.
Especially when they're English.
Such is the case with Lewis Hamilton, who is revelling in becoming a three-time Formula One world champion. “He's got the best car, he's bound to win” say people, not realising Mercedes could pick any driver for their cars.
They pick Hamilton.
But inevitably, dislike for Hamilton has nothing to do with his ability at the wheel.
His detractors seem split into two camps – each utterly opposing the other.
One group simply regard him as boring. The others believe Hamilton, with a pop star ex-girlfriend and embracing of fashion and endorsements, is more crass than class.
Then there's the small matter he doesn't live in Blighty any more.
But come on. He represents the ultimate in living a childhood dream, demonstrating what can be achieved through hard work and a strong upbringing. We should be lauding Hamilton, not belittling him. His is a true success story. And the real reason so many of his compatriots don't like him is simple.
They're jealous.

Everton FC: Tim Howard says criticism of him comes from a "blame culture"
1 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Chris Beesley
Blues keeper hits back at detractors
Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard insists that he is not playing badly and says the criticism of him comes from a "blame culture." The American plays his 400th game for the Blues against Sunderland when asked if he thought he was enduring a tough period of form, said: "Not particularly, no. In the media there is a blame culture. "We've had a really good stretch of games. We knew the first 10 games were going to be hellacious. Form ebbs and flows but for me, my confidence is always there. It takes a lot to shake my confidence. "I've had critics and I've always accepted that if they want to sit down and have a coffee and pick through the bones of goals that I've conceded then I'd happily do that. "At the end of the day they'd probably be wrong. Most of the people who are criticising me have never been a manager, they've never been a goalkeeper. I think you have to keep that in very close perspective."
Howard came under fire for the two goals he conceded at Arsenal last weekend but believed there was nothing he could do. He said: "There are moments in the game, especially at this level, that the delivery is perfect and the attacker's run is perfect and you're dead to rights. "If I hold my line it's a goal and if I try and come I don't get there. "I think if you look back at how many games? 400 games? I'd like to know how many goals because in all of those games I probably could do better on every goal. "In hindsight you know where it's going and the result. I don't have that luxury in a game. "If you don't have experience you have nothing to draw from. When you have experience you use that to stay positive and to move forward. As I've said all along, I don't mind the criticism because I think my body of work speaks for itself. I don't have to say a word."

Everton FC: Bryan Oviedo suffers more injury woe
1 Nov 2015
Updated 14:31, 1 Nov 2015
By Chris Beesley
Blues left-back's jinx strikes again
Everton's Bryan Oviedo lies injured before being substituted during the Barclays Premier League match at Goodison Park, Liverpool. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday November 1, 2015. See PA story SOCCER Everton.Bryan Oviedo's cruel injury jinx struck again after the left-back limped out of Everton's game with Sunderland with a hamstring problem.The Costa Rican started his first match since August on Tuesday and played the entire 120 minutes against Norwich City in a Capital Cup fourth round tie which the Blues won on penalties.However, after retaining his place in the side for the Premier League visit of Sunderland, the 25-year-old lasted just 24 minutes before pulling up.With Everton leading 1-0, Oviedo was replaced by youngster Brendan Galloway who he had surprisingly displaced in the starting line-up. It was the latest in a long line of injury problems the former FC Copenhagen man has suffered during Roberto Martinez's reign.After becoming a cult hero with Evertonians after netting the winning goal in their first victory at Old Trafford in over 21 years, Oviedo was the victim of a double leg break in an FA Cup fourth round success at Stevenage in January 2014 which cost him the chance of representing his country in the World Cup finals.After battling back to fitness, he sustained a hamstring injury during an Under-21s derby against Liverpool in February this year before his season was ended in April with a broken metatarsal while playing for Costa Rica in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.Oviedo returned to the Blues side in August but then spent another couple of months on the sidelines with a knee injury.

Everton 6 Sunderland 2: Kone runs riot as rampant Toffees dispatch Black Cats
ARUNA KONE bagged his first hat-trick for Everton as they recorded an emphatic win over Premier League strugglers Sunderland.
By Chisanga Malata / Published 1st November 2015
The Toffees ran out 6-2 winners at Goodison Park and finally end their winless ru.Sam Allardyce's men, who went into the contest on the back of a 3-0 victory over their bitter rivals Newcastle, dominated the opening stages of the game and hit the post twice in the first 15 minutes.The visitors continued to control the tie but failed to find a way past an inspired Tim Howard - who was making his 400th appearance for the Merseysiders.And they were punished for their poor finishing in the 18th minute when Gerard Deulofeu latched on to a neat through ball from Kone and tapped the ball past the onrushing Costel Pantillimon.Deulofeu's strike, which was his of second the season, completely turned the tide of the game and the Toffees began to dictate affairs.And they took full advantage of their dominance just after the half-hour mark when Kone bagged his first goal of the afternoon with a rasping shot from the edge of the area.Everton continued to dominate the half but let their concentration slip on the stroke of half-time, which allowed veteran striker Jermaine Defoe to pull a goal back for the Black Cats.The visitors started the second-half with a renewed sense of optimism and were rewarded for their efforts five minutes after the restart when Steven Fletcher headed home from just inside the six-yard box.But their joy was short-lived as five minutes Fletcher's strike, Sebastian Coates inadvertently put through his own net after trying to clear a cross from Deulofeu.And things went from bad to worse for the visitors in the 60th minute when Romelu Lukaku rounded off a swift counterattack to grab the Merseysiders' fourth goal of the afternoon.Kone bagged a fifth goal for home-side two minutes after Lukaku's strike, much to the annoyance of Allardyce.And the Ivorian completed his hat-trick in 75th minute with a thumping header from inside the 18-yard-box.The victory for Everton sees them leapfrog West Brom, Southampton, Watford and Crystal Palace into eighth place in the table.

Everton 6-2 Sunderland: Black Cats come unstuck against Toffees as Arouna Kone grabs impressive hat-trick in emphatic victory
By Dominic King for MailOnline
Published: 15:24, 1 November 2015 | Updated: 16:46, 1 November 2015
Arouna Kone lit up Goodison Park with a wonderful hat-trick to inspire the biggest win of Roberto Martinez’s three-year reign in charge of Everton.It is not long since Kone was being booed by his own fans, a figure of derision after he had suffered wretched luck with injuries and a barren run in front of goal, but those dark days are now a distant memory after he left with the match ball following this 6-2 demolition of Sunderland.He was the outstanding performer in an entertaining game but the contributions of Gerard Deulofeu and Romelu Lukaku should not be overlooked, as their flair and chemistry created a raft of chances. If Sam Allardyce was not aware of the task facing Sunderland, he knows now after this calamity. Arouna Kone is congratulated by Everton team-mates Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley after rounding off the scoring in MerseysideKone nods home to score his hat-trick in goal in what proved to be an emphatic victory for Roberto Martinez's Toffees side Midfielder Gerard Deulofeu celebrates after opening the scoring at Goodison Park in the 19th minute of the Premier League encounterEverton striker Kone put his side 2-0 up in the 31st minute by scoring past Sunderland goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon
EVERTON (4-2-3-1): Howard 6; Coleman 7, Stones 6.5, Funes Mori 6, Oviedo 6 (Galloway 25mins 7): McCarthy 7, Barry 7; Deulofeu 8 (Mirallas 65), Barkley 7.5, Kone 9; Lukaku 8.5 (Osman 78)
Subs not used: Joel, Gibson, Lennon, Naismith
Goals: Deulofeu 19, Kone 31, 62, 76, Coates OG 55, Lukaku 60
Booked: Stones, Deulofeu, Galloway
SUNDERLAND (3-5-2): Pantilimon 5; Coates 4, Brown 4, Jones 5; Yedlin 5 (Larsson 64), Cattermole 6 (Rodwell 38), M’Vila 6, Johnson 6, Van Aanholt 6; Fletcher 6.5 (Watmore 75), Defoe 6
Subs not used: Gomez, Lens, Graham, Mannone
Goals: Defoe 45, Fletcher 50
Booked: Defoe, Rodwell
Referee: Andre Marriner
Attendance: 36,617
Deulofeu and Lukaku both scored and were assisted by another from Sebastian Coates, on what was Everton’s most emphatic afternoon in the Barclays Premier League since they beat the same opponents 7-1 in November 2007. Ironically, though, Sunderland could have won this contest.Buoyed by their dismantling of Newcastle last weekend, Sunderland started brightly and only the frame of the goal prevented them taking a fourth-minute lead when Patrick van Aanholt cracked the post with a left-foot drive after a Steven Fletcher flicked the ball into his path.The woodwork was once again a bane for them in the 14th minute. Tim Howard did well to smother a shot from Jermain Defoe but the rebound fell to Adam Johnson, who was almost in the same position as Van Aanholt. Much to Allardyce’s frustration, Johnson’s shot thudded against the same part of the frame.It is debatable whether they would have survived a third assault on their goal but that theory was not put to the test; the scare jolted Everton into life and it wasn’t long before they capitalised for the first time on some atrocious defending.Kone was the instigator, flicking a ball forward to Deulofeu. With plenty of space to run in to, Deulofeu had time to cut back on to his left foot before skipping inside Billy Jones and thrashing his drive from 12 yards under Costel Pantilimon.Given how open the game had been, there was little chance that would be the only goal and quickly Everton doubled their lead, when Kone curled a left-foot effort beyond Pantilimon, having manoeuvred himself into position after exchanging passes with Lukaku.Everton should really have been on easy street at that point but their play became careless – typified by the hash Deulofeu and Barkley made of a free-kick – and on the stroke of half-time, Defoe gave Sunderland hope with a wonderfully taken volley.The impact of that goal was noticeable in the opening five minutes of the second period, as Everton struggled to get going and they were punished when Van Aanholt hoisted a cross into the six-yard area and Fletcher planted his header past the rooted Tim Howard.In allowing themselves to be dragged back from a position of complete dominance to vulnerability, Everton had been horridly careless but, as was the case in the first half, a scare was the trigger for them to go through the gears and they ended up routing Sunderland.Deulofeu – who can go from looking like a circus act one minute to a magician the next – had an extraordinary spell, getting booked for a preposterous dive before producing a cross Coates put through his own goal then a sublime pass for Lukaku to round Pantilimon.Those two strikes had taken the game away from Sunderland but Everton were not done and Kone got his second of the afternoon in the 62nd minute – again with his left foot – emphatically finishing a move that Deulofeu started and Barkley and James McCarthy continued.By this point Sunderland were in disarray and the only question remaining was who would score for Everton again and, happily, Kone provided the answer, guiding a header beyond Pantilimon after a magnificent cross from Lukaku.

Everton 6 Sunderland 2: Cats collapse after derby euphoria for fifth time in a row
Chris Young
christopher.young@jpress.co.uk
15:24Sunday 01 November 2015
On four successive previous occasions after derby euphoria, Sunderland's bubble was burst by a subsequent defeat.
But Sunderland's fifth loss in-a-row following a win over Newcastle was the most spectacular yet after a defensive horror show saw Sam Allardyce's side butchered 6-2 at Everton.In a new 3-5-2 system to cope with the absence of injured centre-halves Younes Kaboul and John O'Shea, Sunderland were torn apart with frightening ease at Goodison Park, to undo any good work in the opposite direction.Sunderland fell two behind against the run of play, yet managed to get themselves level with a pair of quick-fire goals either side of half-time through Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher.But in a spectacular 21-minute collapse, Sunderland conceded four times - including the completion of Arouna Kone's hat-trick - to fall to their heaviest defeat since last season's 8-0 drubbing at Southampton.Despite the second half collapse, Sunderland's formation almost produced instant dividends in the fourth minute when Patrick van Aanholt picked out Fletcher down the left-hand side of the area.Fletcher returned the ball to the Dutchman, whose left-foot shot from just inside the area crashed against the near post.Sunderland were denied by the woodwork again in the 15th minute after an excellent break forwards from van Aanholt, who picked out Jermain Defoe on the far right-hand side of the area.
Defoe's right-foot shot was well-saved by the legs of Tim Howard, before Adam Johnson's scuffed effort on the rebound hit the post.But against the run of play, Everton broke the deadlock four minutes later when Kone's pass sent Gerard Deulofeu clean through on goal after van Aanholt had failed to track the ex-Barcelona man, while Jones had failed to spot the run.Deulofeu checked back on the back-tracking Sunderland defenders before calmly slotting it under Costel Pantilimon.Moments later, Pantilimon had to be alert to turn away Seamus Coleman's shot at the near post.Everton did double their advantage in the 32nd minute when Kone played a one-two with Romelu Lukaku just inside the area, and was allowed too much room to get a shot away.There was too much venom behind Kone's left-foot shot for Pantilimon, albeit the Romanian's positioning was poor.Sunderland were forced into a change before the interval when captain Lee Cattermole limped off with what appeared to be a knee injury, with ex-Everton man Jack Rodwell taking his place.On the stroke of half-time, Sunderland were given a lifeline when Defoe controlled Coates' ball forward, lifted it over the tackle of Ramiro Funes and hit a fierce shot which took a slight deflection off John Stones and nestled in the far corner.Five minutes into the second half, Sunderland drew level when van Aanholt crossed right-footed from the left and Fletcher was able to guide a header into the bottom corner.But Everton regained the advantage just five minutes later when Deulofeu crossed from the right and it bounced towards Lukaku, loitering between Coates and Brown.Coates took it off the head of Lukaku with his outstretched right boot, and that was enough to deflect it past the helpless Pantilimon.Everton then restored their two-goal cushion on the hour mark after more awful Sunderland defending when Deulofeu's through-ball completely scythed open the Black Cats backline.It left Lukaku with a clear run on goal and the Belgian rounded Pantilimon, before placing it into the empty net.Three minutes later, Everton scored again after Sunderland were ripped apart with frightening ease on the counter-attack.Ross Barkley strode forwards, squared it to James McCarthy, who picked out the overlapping Kone down the left-hand side of the area and he had an age to lift the ball over Pantilimon.Kone completed his hat-trick in the 77th minute when he headed unmarked beyond Pantilimon after Coates had nodded off to Lukaku's cross.The only bright spot in the finale was the attitude shown by substitute Duncan Watmore, who almost grabbed a consolation when his attempted chip was parried by the finger-tips of Tim Howard.Everton: Howard, Coleman, Oviedo (Galloway 25), Stones, Funes Mori, McCarthy, Barry, Kone, Barkley, Deulofeu (Mirallas 65), Lukaku (Osman 78). Subs not used: Robles, Gibson, Lennon, Naismith. Booked: Stones (53), Deulofeu (54)
Sunderland: Pantilimon, Yedlin (Larsson 63), Jones, Brown, Coates, Cattermole (Rodwell 38), M'Vila, van Aanholt, Johnson, Fletcher (Watmore 75), Defoe. Subs not used: Gomez, Lens, Graham, Mannone. Booked: Defoe (18)
Attendance: 36,617

Everton FC 6 Sunderland 2: Kone the hat-trick hero as Blues demolish Black Cats
15:41, 1 Nov 2015
Updated 15:43, 1 Nov 2015
By Phil Kirkbride
Arouna Kone was the hat-trick hero as Everton hit Sunderland for six in a thrilling game at Goodison. The Blues scored six goals in a league game for the first time since November 2007 when the Black Cats were on the end of a 7-1 thumping on Merseyside.Kone helped set the ball rolling when his pass sent Gerard Deulofeu charging through on goal and the Catalan squeezed the ball past Costel Pantilimon after 19 minutes.Everton had survived a major scare before taking the lead after the visitors had hit the post twice and had strong appeals for a penalty waved away.But the Blues ran with their luck and doubled the lead just past the half hour mark when Romelu Lukaku laid the ball off for Kone to score the first of his three, when he fired a left-footed shot beyond Pantilimon.Everton were cruising but poor judgement from John Stones allowed Jermain Defoe to steal a march and cut the deficit with the last kick of the first-half.
Sunderland then capitalised on the tension around Goodison when Steven Fletcher beat Ramiro Funes Mori to Patrick Van Aanholt's cross to head in the equaliser five minutes after the re-start.But Roberto Martinez's side were back in front six minutes later when Deulofeu's dangerous cross was turned into his own net by Sebastian Coates.Four minutes after the own goal and Everton were 4-2 up when Lukaku raced onto Deulofeu's through-ball, rounded Pantilimon and slotted into the empty net.Everton's fifth saw Kone double his tally for the day, as he lashed another left-footed strike past the Black Cats' keeper following James McCarthy pass.And with 14 minutes remaining, the Blues had a sixth goal in a Premier League game for the first time in almost eight years when Kone headed home Lukaku's cross into the box.The win takes Everton up to eighth in the Premier League table.

Everton 6 Sunderland 2: Arouna Kone scores a hat-trick in punishing defeat for Sam Allardyce’ side
November 1 2015 London Evening Standard
CARL MARKHAM
Striker Arouna Kone's hat-trick saw a Gerard Deulofeu-inspired Everton rack up their biggest Premier League win in eight years against a shell-shocked Sunderland.
Kone, whose partnership with fellow goalscorer Romelu Lukaku continues to flourish, will claim the headlines but the influence of the Toffees' 21-year-old livewire winger was a key component in only their second home league win of the season. It was somewhat fitting the 21-year-old, signed from Barcelona in the summer after a previous loan spell at the club, was the focal point as Everton recorded their highest win under manager Roberto Martinez, a fellow Catalan, and their best since beating the Black Cats 7-1 in November 2007. Deulofeu opened the scoring and provided two assists before being withdrawn to a standing ovation just past the hour while Kone remained to take the plaudits and the match ball at the final whistle after taking his tally to five goals in six league starts. Everton were coasting at 2-0 thanks to Deulofeu and Kone but Sunderland, on the back of their first win of the campaign against arch-rivals Newcastle a week ago, appeared to have clawed their way back with goals from Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher. But they were lured in by the openness of the game and were ruthlessly taken apart in 16 second half minutes as a Sebastian Coates own goal was followed by strikes from Lukaku and two more from Kone to dump Sam Allardyce's side back down to earth after last weekend's derby day joy. In addition to their previous one home win Everton had managed just six goals in their previous five Premier League matches at Goodison but took full advantage of obliging and ill-disciplined opponents who actually began the brightest with Patrick Van Aanholt smashing a shot against the post in the fourth minute.In the same attack Defoe was denied by the legs of Tim Howard, Adam Johnson hit the post and Fletcher's rebound was blocked by Seamus Coleman and that provided the wake-up call the hosts needed.Kone's delightful flicked pass through Sunderland's newly-installed three centre-back formation allowed Deulofeu to fire through the legs of both backtracking defender Billy Jones and goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon for his first league goal since returning to the club.Kone, who turns 32 in less than a fortnight and is out of contract at the end of the season, scored his first with a fierce left-footed shot which took Pantilimon by surprise.Defoe's volley in first half added time was soon followed by Fletcher's close-range header to level things up before Deulofeu came to the fore again as his cross was turned in by former Liverpool defender Coates, under pressure from Lukaku who finally managed to get his goal six minutes later when another perfect pass from the Catalan.Two more completed Kone's hat-trick as Sunderland completely fell apart, underlining the extent of the task Allardyce has to save them this season.

Everton FC 6-2 Sunderland player ratings: Arouna Kone scores high, but he's not the only one!
15:37, 1 Nov 2015
Updated 15:49, 1 Nov 2015
By Greg O’Keeffe
Plenty of players impress as Roberto Martinez's men record biggest league win since November 2013
Tim Howard 7
An important save while the game was still in the balance and could have done little about Sunderland's goals which were down to errors from the men in front of him. Largely untroubled but denied Watmore at the end too.
Bryan Oviedo 7
Started brightly and looked good value for a rare start. His last act was a vital intervention but alas a tweaked hamstring ruled him out after only 25 minutes.
John Stones 6
Strolling through the game when he became too lackadaisical and allowed Jermaine Defoe to beat him to the ball for Sunderland's late first half goal. Needs to maintain his concentration better.
Ramiro Funes Mori 7
Being out-jumped by Steven Fletcher for Sunderland's second was definitely not his finest hour but otherwise it was a composed and vibrant performance. Impressive how quickly he has adjusted to the Premier League pace.
Seamus Coleman 7
Might have been still feeling the effects of that stomach bug but did well to soldier on and provide a solid if unspectacular display.
James McCarthy 8
Really seized his chance to shine given a remit to get forward more. Lovely pass to Kone for the fifth goal.
Gareth Barry 8
Full of savvy and influence in building the platform for Everton's dynamic attack while also trying to get a grip on a frazzled defence. Excellent
Gerard Deulofeu 8
Ross Barkley 8
A powerful and slick outing. Often at the heart of Everton's incisive passing and a shame he couldn't get on the score-sheet.
Arouna Kone 9
Romelu Lukaku 8
Subs:
Brendan Galloway 7
Never looked troubled. Staggering levels of composure given his tender years, and if he can hone his attacking play he'll be even better.
Kevin Mirallas 7
Lively run-out and probably should have had a penalty.
Leon Osman 6
Looked a bit off the pace and almost cost a goal by dawdling on the ball.

Everton FC 6-2 Sunderland: Arouna Kone delight at first hat-trick in England
1 Nov 2015
Updated 16:28, 1 Nov 2015
By Chris Beesley (Liverpool Echo)
Everton’s Arouna Kone has spoken of his joy to score his first hat-trick in English football after netting a treble in the 6-2 thrashing of Sunderland.The Ivorian striker scored just one goal in an injury-ravaged first two seasons with the Blues following his £6million move from Wigan Athletic.Kone said: “This is my first hat-trick in the Premier League. Before I scored one in the Netherlands. It’s good for the team and we need to continue like that.“The best goal was the first because it was on my left foot and I played a one-two with Rom.”Meanwhile, stand-in captain Gareth Barry admitted he didn’t expect such an open game.He said: “It was very end-to-end, not the plan we had before. Their goal just before half-time really changed the game as we were comfortable.“But during the second half some of our attacking play was really good.“The plan during the week in training was to get down the sides because we knew they were going to be tough to break down. They came with two strikers to play that attacking game.“It was one-twos around the box and take your chances when they come because generally Sunderland teams are hard to break down.”Barry, who was making his 573rd Premier League appearance to move ahead of David James into third place on the all-time list is now setting his sights on overhauling second-placed Frank Lampard who is 36 games ahead of him on 609.He said: “Days like this make it that much special. I’m sure at the end of my career I’ll look back, to play that many games in this fantastic league will be a great achievement.“It’s like anything, things can change quickly overnight and while I’m still playing I’ve got to enjoy days like this.”Asked if he could surpass former England midfield team-mate Lampard, Barry added: “I don’t see why not . I still feel really good, my body is good but I’ll take it a season at a time and see where it gets me.”

Arouna Kone earns new Everton contract after hat trick appearance against Sunderland
16:32, 1 Nov 2015
Updated 16:34, 1 Nov 2015
By Greg O’Keeffe
Liverpool Echo
Striker reached the appearance milestone to activate clause - and celebrated in style
Everton hat-trick hero Arouna Kone bagged himself the match ball and a 12-month contract extension with his display in the 6-2 win over Sunderland. The striker was in fine form on his 35th outing for the Blues since joining in summer 2013, and the milestone meant he activated an appearance-based one-year extension.Kone, 31, was set to be out of contract in the summer and with injuries taking a heavy toll he had looked to be on his way out of Goodison until this season.But the former Wigan forward has turned things around and now has six goals in 11 games this term.Speaking after the game, Roberto Martinez emphasised just how impressive Kone's revival has been given the severity of the knee injury he suffered in his debut season.
"First of all, you need to develop that self belief that you can be important for a team and a club and Arouna has always had that," he said. "But it has been as difficult as you can get. It was a career-threatening injury."His attitude, his focus never changed and he never chose to blame anyone and anything. Against Watford (on the opening day of the season), it was initially very difficult, but it became a real turning point. "From that point on, he has been very impressive. Today was the most complete 90 mins he has had and it was a phenomenal 90 minutes because it triggers an extension to his contract."That special feeling from the crowd towards him is because he can score a goal out of nothing. He is a sensational example to any young footballer facing adversity."Martinez said his faith never wavered in the former Sevilla striker because he knew his strength of character.He said: "I had the privilege of working with him previously so I was an in an advantageous position and knew exactly what he could do."It was a really tough injury and I have seen players retiring from that. He got fit but then had a period of getting back to match fitness but no one in the training ground ever lost faith in him. He is a v important player for us in every aspect of his performances."

Hat-trick hero Kone earns new Everton FC contract
16:52, 1 Nov 2015
Updated 16:54, 1 Nov 2015
By Greg O’Keeffe
Daily Post Liverpool
Everton hat-trick hero Arouna Kone bagged himself the match ball and a 12-month contract extension with his display in the 6-2 win over Sunderland.The striker was in fine form on his 35th outing for the Blues since joining in summer 2013, and the milestone meant he activated an appearance-based one-year extension.Kone, 31, was set to be out of contract in the summer and with injuries taking a heavy toll he had looked to be on his way out of Goodison until this season.But the former Wigan forward has turned things around and now has six goals in 11 games this term.Speaking after the game, Roberto Martinez emphasised just how impressive Kone's revival has been given the severity of the knee injury he suffered in his debut season."First of all, you need to develop that self belief that you can be important for a team and a club and Arouna has always had that," he said. "But it has been as difficult as you can get. It was a career-threatening injury."His attitude, his focus never changed and he never chose to blame anyone and anything. Against Watford (on the opening day of the season), it was initially very difficult, but it became a real turning point. "From that point on, he has been very impressive. Today was the most complete 90 mins he has had and it was a phenomenal 90 minutes because it triggers an extension to his contract."That special feeling from the crowd towards him is because he can score a goal out of nothing. He is a sensational example to any young footballer facing adversity."Martinez said his faith never wavered in the former Sevilla striker because he knew his strength of character.He said: "I had the privilege of working with him previously so I was an in an advantageous position and knew exactly what he could do."It was a really tough injury and I have seen players retiring from that. He got fit but then had a period of getting back to match fitness but no one in the training ground ever lost faith in him. He is a v important player for us in every aspect of his performances."

Everton 6 - 2 Sunderland: Six previous six of the best from the Blues
1 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Chris Beesley
Other occasions Goodison has witnessed a half dozen from their favourites
Everton thrashed Sunderland 6-2 in a thriller at Goodison Park and really should have scored even more.
Arouna Kone netted a hat-trick while Gerard Deulofeu and Romelu Lukaku also netted alongside an own goal from former Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates.
Here are the last six occasions that the Blues hit their opponents for six.
February 21, 2008 6-1 v Brann
Everton's Ayegbeni Yakubu celebrates scoring the third goal of the match with team mates

Aiygbeni Yakubu was the hat-trick hero as David Moyes’ men demolished the Norwegian champions in a last 32 clash in the UEFA Cup.
Andrew Johnson (2) and Mikel Arteta were also on target at the Blues cruised through 8-1 on aggregate in the tie.
May 8, 1999 6-0 v West Ham United
Everton's Kevin Campbell celebrates scoring his second goal of the game
Just a month earlier Walter Smith’s side looked destined for relegation but on-loan Kevin Campbell’s amazing goalscoring run ensured they avoided the drop.
He capped his run of nine goals in five games in his mauling as the Blues also found the net through Don Hutchison, Francis Jeffers and a Michael Ball penalty.
January 15, 1994 6-2 v Swindon Town
A spectacular home debut for new Blues boss Mike Walker proved to be something of a false dawn.
The hapless Wiltshire outfit playing in their only Premier League season would concede 100 goals throughout the campaign.
Tony Cottee hit a hat-trick – one of which came from a penalty; while John Ebbrell, Gary Ablett and Peter Beagrie were an eclectic mix joining him on the scoresheet.
October 9, 1990 6-0 v Wrexham
Back in the days when League Cup second round ties were two-legged affairs to guarantee the smaller a club a big night out at a top flight ground the Blues didn’t ease off after winning their first leg at the Racecourse Ground 5-0.
The 11-0 aggregate success was sealed thanks to a Graeme Sharp hat-trick plus efforts from Cottee, Ebbrell and Neil McDonald.
It counted for little though as three weeks later Colin Harvey was sacked after the Blues were knocked out in the next round with a 2-1 defeat at Sheffield United.
May 3, 1986 6-1 v Southampton
Unfortunately for Evertonians this was another fruitless big win as despite their Goodison goal-glut, Liverpool were on their way to winning 1-0 at Chelsea on the same day to wrestle the League Championship back away from their Blue neighbours.
Gary Lineker hit a hat-trick with Derek Mountfield, Trevor Steven and Sharp also scoring.
November 9, 1985 6-1 v Arsenal
John Wayne in Flying Leathernecks: Was watching this really better than seeing Everton put six past Arsenal in 1985?
Everton smashed the Gunners with Lineker and Adrian Heath both bagging braces before a Steven penalty and Sharp effort completed the rout.
After such a defensive shambles, no wonder the Londoners appointed George Graham as manager before the season was out.
Amazingly, there were only 28,000 watching the reigning League Champions that day. Was it because BBC2 were showing the John Wayne World War Two film The Flying Leathernecks that afternoon? – I checked the Radio Times archive – but crowds like that were somewhat par for the course back then.

Roberto Martínez hails Arouna Koné after hat-trick sinks Sunderland
• Everton thrash Sam Allardyce’s men 6-2 at Goodison Park
• Koné’s appearance also triggers 12-month contract extension
Andy Hunter at Goodison Park
Sunday 1 November 2015 Guardian
Arouna Koné earned the match ball plus a contract extension at Everton as his first hat-trick in English football helped condemn Sunderland to a 6-2 defeat at Goodison Park.
The Ivory Coast international was outstanding as Everton scored their highest tally in a Premier League match since beating Roy Keane’s Sunderland 7-1 in 2007. The striker’s treble came in his 35th game for the club, an appearance total that automatically triggered a 12-month extension to a contract due to expire at the end of the season.
Koné was booed on to the pitch in the campaign opener against Watford, having struggled to overcome a debilitating knee injury suffered shortly after his £5m move from Wigan Athletic in 2013. And Roberto Martínez said the hat-trick and the contract were just reward for the striker’s reaction to the career-threatening injury. “It has been as difficult as you can get for Arouna,” the Everton manager said. “It was a career-threatening injury. His attitude and his focus never changed and he always had the self-belief that he could be important for the team. He never blamed anyone or anything. Against Watford it was very difficult but also a real turning point in his Everton career (Koné scored a late equaliser). From that point on, he has been very impressive. “Today was the most complete 90 minutes he has had and it was a phenomenal day for him because it triggers an extension to his contract. The reaction of the crowd towards him was also special. He can score a goal out of nothing. He has been through a very difficult period and he is a sensational example to any young footballer facing adversity.”
Martínez insisted he never lost faith in Koné’s ability to vindicate the decision to bring him from Wigan.
The manager added: “It was a really tough injury and I have seen players retiring from that. He got fit but then had a period of getting back to match fitness but no one at the training ground ever lost faith in him. He is a very important player for us.”

Match Report: Everton 6 Sunderland 2
November 1 2015 Northern Echo
JUST a week after celebrating a record-busting sixth consecutive win over Newcastle United, Sunderland’s defensive weaknesses reared their ugly head again to make sure there was no danger of another impressive run continuing at Goodison Park.
Sam Allardyce, encouraged by the way his side had conceded just one in his opening two games in charge against West Brom and the Magpies, cut a frustrated figure on the touchline as his attempts to build some momentum after last week’s heroics were torn apart in front of him.
Everton, looking to avoid a third straight home defeat to Sunderland for the first time in more than 110 years, overcame an early second half scare when they surrendered a two-goal lead to smash six past goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon. Gerard Deulofeu got things rolling for Everton in the 19th minute when the first of many huge gaps in a new-look three-man defence sent out by Allardyce was exploited and Arouna Kone added a second just after half an hour. Even though Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher levelled with goals either side of half-time, Sunderland caved in and conceded four further goals, starting when Sebastian Coates found his own net ten minutes after the break.
That was the start of an eight minute spell when Romelu Lukaku was rewarded for bullying Sunderland’s backline on the hour before Kone added a second three minutes later.
The Ivorian striker then completed a deserved hat-trick by heading in the sixth and final goal 13 minutes before the end, bringing back memories to Sunderland fans of the 7-1 hammering under Roy Keane at Goodison in 2007.
Sunderland have conceded 25 goals in just 11 games and sit second bottom of the Premier League, and Allardyce’s attempts to make the defence a tighter unit by trying a few things in the absence of his first choice centre-backs backfired.
It was a complete change of system from what Sunderland’s players had been used to when Allardyce attempted to make up for the absence of John O’Shea and Younes Kaboul by playing three at the back.
Gus Poyet attempted to get Sunderland playing that way, but he was unable to make it work and it was soon apparent that Allardyce had things to work on. There were plenty of positives going forward, with Everton posed problems defensively because of the lively presence of Defoe, Fletcher and Adam Johnson as an attacking triumvirate. Had left wing-back Patrick van Aanholt’s effort found the net rather than the post inside four minutes then the game may have developed a lot differently. That wasn’t the only good chance for Sunderland to find the breakthrough either. When van Aanholt rolled a pass to Defoe, the former England striker’s shot was well saved by goalkeeper Tim Howard. Johnson reacted first to the rebound, but his effort hit the post and Fletcher saw another effort denied at the near post by a combination of keeper and defender. But Sunderland’s good work was undone by one quick incisive pass from Kone in the 19th minute. The former Wigan man spotted Deulofeu charging down the right wing. Van Aanholt, whose defensive deficiencies proved costly again, had switched off and the left of the three centre-backs, Billy Jones, was nowhere near. The £4.3m signing from Barcelona, a peripheral figure up to that point, had the composure and quality to round Jones before slotting a finish underneath Pantilimon to put Everton ahead. Seconds later there was a repeat of the situation, only this time Deulofeu got to the byline and sent in a delivery which had threatened to be turned in by a blue shirt. But Everton didn’t have to wait too much longer for a second. This time Kone played a clever one-two with Lukaku before making the most of the space he had created by firing an effort high into Pantilimon’s top right corner. For the remainder of the half, Sunderland’s players chased the ball as Everton passed confidently around them. Lee Cattermole had to hobble off through injury, while Allardyce stood arms folded in his technical area contemplating what he could do.
But when it seemed Sunderland had lost their way, Defoe struck out of the blue to give Sunderland a lifeline with the last kick of the first half.
Coates’ long ball looked harmless enough but Defoe beat John Stones to it before lifting the ball over and away from Ramiro Funes Mori and he dispatched a lovely dipping finish inside Howard’s far corner.
That, temporarily, breathed new life into Sunderland and within five minutes of the restart they were level when van Aanholt’s right-footed cross was nodded into the bottom corner by Fletcher, who had outmuscled Stones and Mori.
Any hopes of a complete turnaround in Sunderland’s favour were shortlived.
Everton found an extra gear to rip the visitors apart with three quickfire strikes, starting when Coates turned Deulofeu’s cross into his own net under the attention of Lukaku in the 55th minute.
Being faced with Lukaku could not have been Wes Brown’s idea of fun on his first start since May and from that moment on he was regularly exposed, probably through fatigue as much as anything else, although he was not the only one struggling.
The outstanding Deulofeu’s defence splitting through pass on the hour was perfect for Lukaku. The Belgian international was clinical in rounding Pantilimon and he found the empty net, leaving Brown and Co in his wake. Two minutes later Ross Barkley was allowed to drive towards the Sunderland penalty area. He rolled a pass to James McCarthy, whose clever reverse ball into the path of Kone saw the striker apply the deadly finish.
Sunderland had the look of a team defeated from that moment on and the only surprise was that there was only one more, which earned Kone his hat-trick 13 minutes before the end.
This time he worked his way free of Coates in the penalty area to glance Lukaku’s cross inside the top corner with a neat header, leaving Allardyce to contemplate how he can improve things before next Saturday’s visit of Southampton.

Everton 6 Sunderland 2: Cats collapse after derby euphoria for fifth time in a row
By Chris Young
Sunday 01 November 2015 Sunderland Echo
On four successive previous occasions after derby euphoria, Sunderland's bubble was burst by a subsequent defeat.
But Sunderland's fifth loss in-a-row following a win over Newcastle was the most spectacular yet after a defensive horror show saw Sam Allardyce's side butchered 6-2 at Everton. In a new 3-5-2 system to cope with the absence of injured centre-halves Younes Kaboul and John O'Shea, Sunderland were torn apart with frightening ease at Goodison Park, to undo any good work in the opposite direction. Sunderland fell two behind against the run of play, yet managed to get themselves level with a pair of quick-fire goals either side of half-time through Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher. But in a spectacular 21-minute collapse, Sunderland conceded four times - including the completion of Arouna Kone's hat-trick - to fall to their heaviest defeat since last season's 8-0 drubbing at Southampton. Despite the second half collapse, Sunderland's formation almost produced instant dividends in the fourth minute when Patrick van Aanholt picked out Fletcher down the left-hand side of the area. Fletcher returned the ball to the Dutchman, whose left-foot shot from just inside the area crashed against the near post.
Sunderland were denied by the woodwork again in the 15th minute after an excellent break forwards from van Aanholt, who picked out Jermain Defoe on the far right-hand side of the area. Defoe's right-foot shot was well-saved by the legs of Tim Howard, before Adam Johnson's scuffed effort on the rebound hit the post. But against the run of play, Everton broke the deadlock four minutes later when Kone's pass sent Gerard Deulofeu clean through on goal after van Aanholt had failed to track the ex-Barcelona man, while Jones had failed to spot the run. Deulofeu checked back on the back-tracking Sunderland defenders before calmly slotting it under Costel Pantilimon. Moments later, Pantilimon had to be alert to turn away Seamus Coleman's shot at the near post. Everton did double their advantage in the 32nd minute when Kone played a one-two with Romelu Lukaku just inside the area, and was allowed too much room to get a shot away. There was too much venom behind Kone's left-foot shot for Pantilimon, albeit the Romanian's positioning was poor. Sunderland were forced into a change before the interval when captain Lee Cattermole limped off with what appeared to be a knee injury, with ex-Everton man Jack Rodwell taking his place. On the stroke of half-time, Sunderland were given a lifeline when Defoe controlled Coates' ball forward, lifted it over the tackle of Ramiro Funes and hit a fierce shot which took a slight deflection off John Stones and nestled in the far corner. Five minutes into the second half, Sunderland drew level when van Aanholt crossed right-footed from the left and Fletcher was able to guide a header into the bottom corner. But Everton regained the advantage just five minutes later when Deulofeu crossed from the right and it bounced towards Lukaku, loitering between Coates and Brown. Coates took it off the head of Lukaku with his outstretched right boot, and that was enough to deflect it past the helpless Pantilimon. Everton then restored their two-goal cushion on the hour mark after more awful Sunderland defending when Deulofeu's through-ball completely scythed open the Black Cats backline. It left Lukaku with a clear run on goal and the Belgian rounded Pantilimon, before placing it into the empty net. Three minutes later, Everton scored again after Sunderland were ripped apart with frightening ease on the counter-attack. Ross Barkley strode forwards, squared it to James McCarthy, who picked out the overlapping Kone down the left-hand side of the area and he had an age to lift the ball over Pantilimon. Kone completed his hat-trick in the 77th minute when he headed unmarked beyond Pantilimon after Coates had nodded off to Lukaku's cross. The only bright spot in the finale was the attitude shown by substitute Duncan Watmore, who almost grabbed a consolation when his attempted chip was parried by the finger-tips of Tim Howard.
Everton: Howard, Coleman, Oviedo (Galloway 25), Stones, Funes Mori, McCarthy, Barry, Kone, Barkley, Deulofeu (Mirallas 65), Lukaku (Osman 78). Subs not used: Robles, Gibson, Lennon, Naismith. Booked: Stones (53), Deulofeu (54)
Sunderland: Pantilimon, Yedlin (Larsson 63), Jones, Brown, Coates, Cattermole (Rodwell 38), M'Vila, van Aanholt, Johnson, Fletcher (Watmore 75), Defoe. Subs not used: Gomez, Lens, Graham, Mannone. Booked: Defoe (18)
Attendance: 36,617

Arouna Koné treble leads Everton’s 6-2 romp against Sunderland
Everton 6 - 2 Sunderland
November 1 2015 Guardian
Andy Hunter at Goodison Park
No wonder Sunderland supporters dream of playing Newcastle United every week. They rejoiced loudly at Goodison Park in the “six in a row” of Tyne-Wear derby victories but recoiled at a six-goal performance from Everton that exposed the cause of their team’s latest fight for survival. Constructing a recognisable defence remains an urgent priority for Sam Allardyce. Arouna Koné scored his first hat-trick in English football, Romelu Lukaku led the Everton attack superbly and Gerard Deulofeu was a constant creative menace as Roberto Martínez’s team recorded the club’s highest goal tally in a Premier League fixture since a 7-1 win over Roy Keane’s Sunderland in 2007. Everton’s balanced, clinical attack pulverised the visitors with three goals in a seven-minute spell at the heart of the rout. Yet that does not explain the nature of Sunderland’s defeat. Allardyce’s side had 17 shots on goal, 12 on target in Tim Howard’s 400th appearance for Everton, and recovered from two goals down to equalise early in the second half. But Sunderland’s defensive unit was appalling, their game intelligence non-existent when they had the chance to capitalise on Goodison’s frustration. The hosts appeared to be scoring at will midway through the second half as the visitors stood back and admired devastating counterattack after counterattack. “I am concerned about the lack of understanding in certain periods of the game, particularly when we got back to 2-2,” the Sunderland manager said. “We decided to go and attack for the third and within seven minutes we tossed the game away and allowed Everton to score three silly, sloppy goals. That lack of discipline, understanding has really frustrated me. We should have been satisfied with the 2-2 and we might have got on the end of a counterattack and made it 3-2. That sums it up for me, lack of understanding. We made the wrong decisions.
“A 2-2 is like a win in the position we are in. We can score a goal and create chances but until we get into the habit of defending better out of possession, it is worthless how many goals we score. The lack of discipline and understanding is the biggest concern for me.” It added to Allardyce’s frustration that Sunderland made the better start. The plan to stifle Everton’s creativity by employing wing-backs, nullify the threat of Lukaku with three central defenders and hit Steven Fletcher early initially succeeded. Sunderland were unfortunate not to be two goals ahead as Patrick van Aanholt and Adam Johnson hit the post before Everton created a meaningful attack. Fletcher was dominant in the air against John Stones and Ramiro Funes Mori with Jermain Defoe alert to the flick-on but Sunderland’s defence disintegrated at the first sign of Everton ingenuity. The outstanding Koné exploited the space between Billy Jones and the left wing-back Van Aanholt with a delightful pass through to Deulofeu. The young Spaniard scored his first league goal of the season confidently, cutting inside Jones before converting through the legs of Costel Pantilimon. Everton seized control and Koné doubled the advantage with a fine finish after a slick one-two with Lukaku. Pantilimon was easily beaten despite being close to the shot but could also ask why six outfield players allowed the Everton forwards to pass at will on the edge of their area. The game appeared over as a contest and Everton believed so too. Their play became increasingly sloppy and Defoe gave Sunderland a superb lifeline with the final kick of the first half. Stones was guilty of ball-watching as Sebastián Coates drilled a long ball forward. Defoe nipped in as the defender backed off, lifted the ball over the covering Funes Mori and beat Howard with the aid of a slight deflection off the England defender.
Everton 6-2 Sunderland: Premier League – as it happened
Minute-by-minute report: Arouna Koné scored a hat-trick and Gerard Deulofeu also shone as Everton thrashed sorry Sunderland to leave Sam Allardyce’s side second from bottom
Sunderland levelled when Fletcher beat Funes Mori to Van Aanholt’s left- wing cross and headed inside Howard’s right-hand post. Everton’s response to throwing away a comfortable margin was emphatic. By the hour the visitors had been destroyed. Goodison thought Lukaku had restored Everton’s lead with a diving header from a Deulofeu cross but it was Coates who got the final touch. The Belgium international did score when Deulofeu delivered another touch of creative class, dissecting the Sunderland defence with a superb pass that allowed Lukaku to round Pantilimon and convert.
Koné claimed his second with a composed left-foot finish after Ross Barkley and James McCarthy had led another incisive break and his hat-trick arrived with a header at the near post from a Lukaku cross. Again, no Sunderland defender was alert or close enough as Koné headed beyond Pantilimon at close range. Howard saved well from the substitute Duncan Watmore, Van Aanholt and Defoe late on. But there was no consolation for Allardyce, only a reminder of the task ahead on the day Goodison delivered a tumultuous ovation to the late Howard Kendall and a display the club’s most successful manager would no doubt have approved of.

Arouna Kone earns new Everton contract after hat trick appearance against Sunderland
1 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Greg O’Keeffe
Striker reached the appearance milestone to activate clause - and celebrated in style
Everton hat-trick hero Arouna Kone bagged himself the match ball and a 12-month contract extension with his display in the 6-2 win over Sunderland. The striker was in fine form on his 35th outing for the Blues since joining in summer 2013, and the milestone meant he activated an appearance-based one-year extension. Kone, 31, was set to be out of contract in the summer and with injuries taking a heavy toll he had looked to be on his way out of Goodison until this season. But the former Wigan forward has turned things around and now has five goals in 11 league games this term. Speaking after the game, Roberto Martinez emphasised just how impressive Kone's revival has been given the severity of the knee injury he suffered in his debut season.
"First of all, you need to develop that self belief that you can be important for a team and a club and Arouna has always had that," he said. "But it has been as difficult as you can get. It was a career-threatening injury. "His attitude, his focus never changed and he never chose to blame anyone and anything. Against Watford (on the opening day of the season), it was initially very difficult, but it became a real turning point. "From that point on, he has been very impressive. Today was the most complete 90 mins he has had and it was a phenomenal 90 minutes because it triggers an extension to his contract.
"That special feeling from the crowd towards him is because he can score a goal out of nothing. He is a sensational example to any young footballer facing adversity." Martinez said his faith never wavered in the former Sevilla striker because he knew his strength of character. He said: "I had the privilege of working with him previously so I was an in an advantageous position and knew exactly what he could do. "It was a really tough injury and I have seen players retiring from that. He got fit but then had a period of getting back to match fitness but no one in the training ground ever lost faith in him. He is a v important player for us in every aspect of his performances."

Roberto Martínez hails Arouna Koné after hat-trick sinks Sunderland
• Everton crush Sam Allardyce’s men 6-2 at Goodison Park
• Koné’s appearance also triggers 12-month contract extension
Arouna Koné
Arouna Koné scores the sixth for Everton and his third as the striker bagged his first hat-trick in English football. Photograph: Alan Martin/ActionPlus/Corbis
Andy Hunter at Goodison Park
Sunday 1 November 2015 Guardian
Arouna Koné earned the match ball plus a contract extension at Everton as his first hat-trick in English football helped condemn Sunderland to a 6-2 defeat at Goodison Park.
The Ivory Coast international was outstanding as Everton scored their highest tally in a Premier League match since beating Roy Keane’s Sunderland 7-1 in 2007. The striker’s treble came in his 35th game for the club, an appearance total that automatically triggered a 12-month extension to a contract due to expire at the end of the season.
Koné was booed on to the pitch in the campaign opener against Watford, having struggled to overcome a debilitating knee injury suffered shortly after his £5m move from Wigan Athletic in 2013. And Roberto Martínez said the hat-trick and the contract were just reward for the striker’s reaction to the career-threatening injury. “It has been as difficult as you can get for Arouna,” the Everton manager said. “It was a career-threatening injury. His attitude and his focus never changed and he always had the self-belief that he could be important for the team. He never blamed anyone or anything. Against Watford it was very difficult but also a real turning point in his Everton career [Koné scored a late equaliser]. From that point on, he has been very impressive. Today was the most complete 90 minutes he has had and it was a phenomenal day for him because it triggers an extension to his contract. The reaction of the crowd towards him was also special. He can score a goal out of nothing. He has been through a very difficult period and he is a sensational example to any young footballer facing adversity.”
Martínez insisted he never lost faith in Koné’s ability to vindicate the decision to bring him from Wigan. The manager added: “It was a really tough injury and I have seen players retiring from that. He got fit but then had a period of getting back to match fitness but no one at the training ground ever lost faith in him. He is a very important player for us.”

Everton 6-2 Sunderland: The importance of continuity and other things learned at Goodison
1 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Greg O’Keeffe
Greg O'Keeffe on Kone, luckless Oviedo and roving James McCarthy
Martinez appears to have found his winning combination behind Lukaku
Know your best and stick with it.
There’s a lot to be said for having strength in depth. It’s something Everton arguably have more of now than at any other point in the Premier League era. But with bigger, better squads can come the temptation to rotate too much and the first victim is fluency. The line-up of the attacking trio Roberto Martinez deploys behind Romelu Lukaku has been regularly altered this term, dictated by form and fitness, and it hasn’t helped. This compelling display of attacking incision, as usual delivered best on the counter-attack, suggests that Gerard Deulofeu, Arouna Kone and Ross Barkley are the answer. Stick with that combination and let them build even further cohesion and understanding. Based on what we saw today the results could be explosive.
What a transformation.
From the ridiculous to the sublime.
Cast your mind back 12 months and imagine floating the prospect of Arouna Kone earning a new contract. You’d be cartered off the Gwladys Street in a straight-jacket, peels of laughter ringing in your ears. But as the Ivorian plundered his third goal to ensure he left L4 with the match-ball, he also cemented himself on the Goodison scene for another 12 months. Photo by James Maloney Everton's
This 35th appearance triggered the clause in his deal that extended it until June 2017.
And the remarkable thing is that not one Evertonian will dispute whether he’s worth it.
For so long the well-travelled forward appeared to have no miles left in his tank. The journeyman’s knee injury had been so bad during his first season that some would have hung up their boots.
But instead Kone has turned it all around. From being something of a walking joke who was booed onto the pitch when introduced during the first home game against Watford, he’s now a vital cog in Everton’s attacking machine. Five goals in 11 games so far this term, three assists and a burgeoning relationship with Lukaku that helps bring the best out of the £28m man. If his dive sparked derision from both sets of supporters, otherwise Gerard Deulofeu delighted those in Blue and tortured the denizens of the away end at Goodison Park. With his pace, vision and ability to produce the unpredictable, the Catalan was terrific against Sunderland. His brace of assists brought his tally for the campaign so far to eight and it’s clear that his ability to be consistent is on the up too. He’s an audacious talent, and although it will still take time for his rough edges and glitches in decision-making to be honed, the 21-year-old gets supporters out of their seats. He grafts too; getting back to help out the defence in a pin-ball first half and seems to be dedicating time in the gym to improve his strength. A greater willingness to whip balls into the box instead of trying to tie defender’s in knots smacks of more maturity. Most of all, more often than not, he’s the one who makes the difference. And that’s a quality which is always worth indulging.
Just no luck baby.
Bryan Oviedo was flying against the Canaries, and earned himself a start on Sunday.
But no sooner had he achieved lifted off, then he was back down to earth.
The Costa Rican has horrible luck with injury.
After 25 minutes against Sunderland he appeared to tweak his hamstring and had to be replaced by Brendan Galloway. In the complex struggle between Everton’s clutch of left-backs to become Leighton Baines’ permanent stand-in. fickle fortune may have handed Oviedo another blow.
Oviedo lies injured before being substituted
He just can’t seem to get going, and with his contract set to expire in the summer it’s debatable whether he warrants a new one.
That’s nothing to do with ability or popularity. He has both in abundance.
But the 25-year-old is too often let down by his body. He is merely the latest victim of the hamstring curse which haunts Everton with depressing regularity, and although his ability to walk off suggests it wasn’t a severe strain questions remain over whether he’ll ever stay fit long enough to stake his claim.
Two become one. Martinez has often been accused of stubbornness when it comes to his deployment of two midfielders in front of the back four. Are two defensive-minded operators really required against a side like Sunderland? Yet when the team-sheets dropped you could bet your bottom dollar that James McCarthy and Gareth Barry would be on it. Crucially though, there was a change. McCarthy has discovered an attacking zest McCarthy was given licence to roam forward, and doid so with impressive effect. He created a goal for Kone with a wonderful moment of composure and threaded a deft ball through to Galloway, who should have scored, too. With the Black Cats unusually open for an Allardyce side, Martinez showed his flexibility. McCarthy has sometimes appeared lacklustre in recent weeks, but a more broader role could well revive him.

Allardyce blasts ‘kamikaze’ thinking at 2-2 for Sunderland’s Everton collapse
Chris Young
Sunday 01 November 2015 Sunderland Echo
Sam Allardyce says Sunderland’s kamikaze defending was to blame for their 6-2 drubbing at Everton, rather than a new 3-5-2 formation.
With first-choice central defenders John O’Shea and Younes Kaboul both sidelined through injury, Allardyce made a surprise selection decision at Goodison Park by debuting a system which he had successfully used at former club West Ham. The set-up suited Sunderland going forward, with goalscorers Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher both a constant threat, yet all that positive offensive work was undone by the frightening ease with which Everton netted on six occasions – three of which came in a seven-minute second-half blitz. The central defensive trio of Sebastian Coates, Billy Jones and Wes Brown – making his first competitive appearance since May – all endured a miserable afternoon, albeit the protection in front of them was equally questionable. But Allardyce believes that any talk about formations or systems is redundant, when players make such a glut of mistakes both individually and collectively. The Sunderland manager said: “It didn’t matter what system we played at 2-2.
“If players decide to go and do what they want, and not do the right things, then the system doesn’t matter. “You’ve got to be in there doing your best, in and out of possession as a team.
“On a positive note – and I hate losing 6-2 – we’ve had 17 attempts on goal and 12 on target.
“It should have brought us more goals than it did. “At the top end, we can score a goal and create chances, but until we get in the habit out of possession of defending better, then it’s going to be worthless how many we score. “If we’re going to be as open at the other end, then I’d sooner have two shots on target, score two goals and draw 2-2 all day long.” Quick-fire goals either side of half-time from Defoe and Fletcher had seen Sunderland claw back a two-goal deficit to level proceedings after Everton had netted twice against the run of play. But rather than Sunderland consolidating at 2-2, they went gung-ho for a third and paid a heavy price, with Everton scoring four times in a devastating 21-minute spell. Allardyce said: “I look to the team to understand the position we’re in. Where are we? What have we done? “We’ve played okay, created chances, gone 2-0 down and got to 2-2. Come on lads, that’s enough. That’s like a win in our position. “We went up the other end and said we’re going to score the third. “When they scored, we wound ourselves up even more and then they got a fourth and it went from that point. “That lack of discipline and understanding as a team, was the biggest concern for me.
“I didn’t think we deserved to be 2-0 down, but having clawed our way back from that with two very good goals, we’ve really thrown it away.”

Everton 6-2 Sunderland The Verdict: Goals galore but what about the defence?
1 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Phil Kirkbride
Phil Kirkbride on a brilliant attacking display - but more signs for concern at the back
The irony will not have been lost on Arouna Kone.
After the Everton striker had hit a hat-trick, walked off the pitch with the match-ball tucked under his arm and to the sound of a standing ovation, he was called in for a random drugs test. But there was nothing other than renewed confidence and belief coursing through Kone’s veins today as he inspired Everton to their first Premier League win since the end of September. Kone, who also bagged an assist on a day he triggered a one year extension contract, was the poster-boy for the type of afternoon in front of goal that Goodison has not seen in almost eight years. The last time Everton scored as many in a Premier League game was November, 2007 when, coincidentally, Sunderland were thrashed 7-1.
Everton probably should have scored as many this afternoon, if not more, but few left the Old Lady grumbling as they plundered six goals for the first time under Roberto Martinez.
Arouna Kone of Everton celebrates as he scores their fifth goal during Everton's win over Sunderland
Kone grabbed three of them, Romelu Lukaku and Gerard Deulofeu got one apiece while Sebastian Coates chipped with an own goal as Everton allied patience and precise passing with pace, purpose and potency. Some of the Blues’ forward play was sensational and as they sliced through an increasingly ragged Sunderland side with ease. Kone, Lukaku, Deulofeu and Ross Barkley were as fluent and threatening as a quartet as they have ever been and, by the end, carried a menacing threat everytime they surged towards the visitors’ defence. Everton scored five times from their eight shots on target and but for Coates’ intervention, it would have been six from nine as Lukaku was denied by the Sunderland centre-back. It has not always been a quality this Everton side have shown, but today they had the killer instinct. In the previous two home games against Sunderland, Everton had fired off 47 shots but not troubled the scoresheet and lost both games. Not this time and, as Martinez says, their attacking play “exceptional”. But the Everton boss had no choice but to be less than complimentary about their defending. “Of course, we want to and we need to improve defensively,” he said.

“At times, we looked a little bit stretched and a bit reactive and that’s where we need to work.” Winning a game 6-2 at home in the Premier League is reason to celebrate and Everton’s attacking play was excellent but they gave away daft, daft goals. Yet again. We'll score more than them
Martinez has never been one to worry about clean sheets, he places more value in controlling games through possession and producing sides that score goals. And he had come into this game saying he “couldn’t care less” if Everton concede the opening goal of games, as long as they went on to win.
But he knows he cannot ignore the two goals that Everton shipped today.
At 2-0 up, and cruising, Everton became lax, they lost the ball too easily in midfield and when the ball was pumped up to Jermain Defoe, John Stones was too relaxed, Ramiro Funes Mori dived in and the Sunderland striker cut the deficit. It had become too easy for the Blues, after Deulofeu and Kone had put them ahead, but their lack of focus was punished. The equalising goal, just five minutes after the re-start, came about after Patrick Van Aanholt was given too much time to size up a cross into the box and Steven Fletcher out-jumped the otherwise excellent Funes Mori.
Defensive blips can't be ignored
Within six minutes, Everton were back in front as Deulofeu’s dangerous cross was diverted in by Coates, and they would go on to pick apart Sunderland, scoring three more times.
Gerard Deulofeu and Patrick van Aanholt of Sunderland battle for the ball
Lukaku rounded Costel Pantilimon after racing onto Deulofeu’s superb pass before Kone collected James McCarthy’s clever reverse ball to make it 5-2. The Ivorian completed the rout by heading home Lukaku’s expertly delivered cross, struck with the outside of his left foot. But Martinez knows that against better opposition, as we’ve seen in games with Manchester United and Arsenal, they cannot afford to concede two goals so easily and still expect to fight back and win.
Against Barnsley, Sunderland and West Brom, you can.
Even before the Blues had scored they survived the visitors twice hitting the post and having strong appeals for a penalty waved away. “But when you have that attacking power and quality in possession it makes it a very exciting win looking forward,” Martinez concluded. He’s right. But it also means that Everton will continue to live dangerously.

Gareth Barry says Everton were great going forward but have learned defensive lessons
2 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Phil Kirkbride
Everton midfielder Barry sound note of caution despite emphatic win over Sunderland
Gareth Barry was an influential presence against Sunderland
Gareth Barry says Everton should celebrate their six goal haul against Sunderland - but admits they will spend this week working on their defence. The Blues scored six goals in a Premier League game for the first time since 2007 as Arouna Kone bagged a hat-trick in a thrilling 6-2 win at Goodison. Everton rode their luck before establishing a 2-0 lead as half-time approached but with the last kick of the opening 45 minutes, Sunderland cut the deficit. And five minutes after the break, Steven Fletcher brought the visitors level. Everton would fight back to score four more times in the second-half and record a first League win since the end of September but Barry, captain for the day, says their victory was tinged regret. “It’s not often you play in a game where you score six goals, especially against a team like Sunderland and Sam Allardyce sets his teams up hard to beat,” Barry told the ECHO. “Some of our attacking play was really good - fast attacks, fast counter-attacks - and it could’ve been more than six.
“We always fancy that we are going to create chances so if we can keep it tight at the other end, then we fancy our chances of nicking games. “But defensively, throughout the week, I am sure we are going to have to look at a few things because they had chances but we are going to enjoy the win because it is not often to score six goals.” Jermain Defoe of Sunderland (18) celebrates with team mates as he scores their first goal Barry added: “Their first goal changed the game. “If we go in at half-time 2-0 up then we are really comfortable and the confidence is different and their whole out-look to the second-half is different. “So there are lessons to be learned there because with 30 seconds to go, we’ve got the ball in their half and all of a sudden it is in the back of the net. “We should be better than that and have enough experience on the pitch to stop that happening. “But fair play to the lads, we bounced back from conceding the second.” Kone was the hero, claiming his first ever hat-trick in English football and also providing the assist for Everton’s opening goal, scored by Gerard Deulofeu. And Barry says the Blues’ players always knew the Ivorian had the quality to be a success at Goodison, despite his first 18 months at the club ruined by a serious knee injury.
Sunderland's Steven Fletcher scores his side's second goal
“Arouna has had a couple of tough years with injury and people have questioned the transfer fee but we’ve seen glimpses, in training, over those two years so we knew that when he is fit and had a run of games then he would be able to do what he did on Sunday,” he added.
“Him and Rom are striking up a good relationship and understanding and are a partnership that are causing problems. “It is not too often you see teams play with two strikers now. “Fair play to Sunderland, they came here and surprised us with two strikers. “The manager has tried to get Arouna in the team with Rom because they are both goal-scoring threats and today showed that.”
Everton head to Upton Park on Saturday to face fifth placed West Ham and Barry has been impressed with the Hammers so far this season.
“I’ve been really impressed,” Barry said.
“Slaven Bilic has come in and done a really good job. Romelu Lukaku helped ensure Everton go to West Ham on the crest of a wave “They’ve made a couple of signings who have hit the ground running and that has helped their case. “They have been a strange team, though, and have probably played better away from home. “We’ve had some good performances away from home too so it’s set up for a good game but a tough one.” Everton faced last season’s top eight in their opening 10 League fixtures of the season but after marking their 11th match with a thumping win, Barry is hopeful the Blues can start climbing the table. “It was a conversation a few of us had this week, that the first 10 fixtures were set up really tough,” he said. “You look at the next 10 games, including Sunderland, and think that there’s a chance of clawing some ground back but in the Premier League you can’t look like that. It is one game at a time. “At the start of the season you are looking at West Ham and thinking they’ll be mid-table and Chelsea would be at the top - but they’ve switched position. “The League is unpredictable. So we have got to look at ourselves but there is no reason why we can’t go on a run.”

Big Sam looking for who is with him in Sunderland's fight
November 2 2015 Northern Echo
SAM ALLARDYCE will carefully monitor how Sunderland’s players react to a crushing defeat at Everton to help determine the members of his squad he will keep in his long-term plans.
Allardyce rued defensive mistakes and poor decision making at Goodison Park where the Toffees capitalised to smash six past the Black Cats. Sunderland showed plenty of attacking purpose – scoring through Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher - but were ultimately made to pay for leaving far too many gaps for a Premier League opponent to exploit. Allardyce learned plenty about the team during the performance and is keen to make further calls on individuals in the weeks ahead, before he will look to bring new players in during the January transfer window. He has already held a series of face-to-face meetings with every member of his first -team squad and the defeat to Everton has left him in an even greater rush to work out who he can rely on for the relegation fight. “I've seen some players more than others,” said Allardyce. “I'm still making my mind up and sooner or later I will, and decide what's good enough and what's not. “That's my job, to find out as quickly as I can and those who are going to fight and produce performances, I'll stick with. “Those who don't up their game to the level I expect are going to find it difficult to get a game.” He added: “What have I learned about the players today? How to cope with certain situations in the 90 minutes, and they've made the wrong decisions here. It's trying to coax them into making the right ones.” Sunderland started promisingly and hit the woodwork twice before Everton opened the scoring through Gerard Deulofeu in the 19th minute when he was left in space down the right by Billy Jones and Patrick van Aanholt. But Sunderland recovered from falling two-down to Arouna Kone’s drive just after half an hour by pulling level with goals from Defoe and Fletcher either side of half-time. But then when Sebastian Coates headed into his own net ten minutes after the break, Everton ripped Sunderland’s lethargic three-man central defensive line with ease. Romelu Lukaku and a further two from Kone completed the romp. Allardyce, who has won one and lost two of his three games in charge ahead of Saturday’s visit of Southampton, said: “Obviously I'm concerned about the lack of understanding in certain periods of the game by the team, particularly when it got back to 2-2.
“Nothing wrong with what we'd been doing up to then, apart from giving a very soft first goal away which could have easily been avoided. Obviously the second goal was a bit of a cracker from Kone.
“But the goal before half-time and the chances we created in the first half gave me some encouragement, to say that if we got a second we keep it tight then, lads. We play the game out and frustrate Everton. “But when we got the second, we decided to go and attack, attack, attack for the third. We didn't get it and within seven minutes, we tossed the game away allowing Everton to score three very silly, sloppy goals from counter-attack that they didn't have to work very hard for.
“That seven minutes, that lack of discipline and understanding has really concerned me when we should have been satisfied with the 2-2. We should have frustrated Everton and maybe we might have got on the end of another counter-attack and scored another, because they were on the back foot at 2-2.
“That sums it up for me, a lack of understanding at certain points in the game. What to do, when and how. We decided to do it the wrong way, and give Everton the opportunity to play on the counter-attack, breeze through and score three goals in seven in minutes.” Allardyce fielded a wing-back system with three centre-backs in the absence of Younes Kaboul and John O’Shea and he will consider his options again this week in the hope of keeping out Southampton. He does not, though, blame the formation for the defeat. “It doesn't look good when you've lost 6-2,” he said. “But I don't think it mattered what system we played at 2-2, if players decide to go and do what they want, not the right things, the system won't matter. You've got to be in there doing your best, in and out of possession, as a team. “On a positive note, I hate losing 6-2 but we've had 17 attempts on goal, 12 on target. That should have brought us more goals but if it's going to keep the other end open as it was today I'd sooner have two shots, score two goals and draw 2-2 all day long.” Sunderland are already without O’Shea, Kaboul, Fabio Borini and Ola Toivonen through injury and Lee Cattermole had to be replaced before half-time at Everton. Allardyce said: “It's a bit of an ongoing problem Cattermole's had, he hasn't been training too much. We're managing him through it, trying to find a cure. “Now it's coming up to the international break, after that I hope we've completely recovered from the injuries. It looked like we missed O'Shea and Kaboul.”
HOW TWITTER REACTED TO THE DEFEAT:
Tom ‏@DupeTweet
If someone told me at the start of the season that #SAFC would only be 4 places behind #CFC by 1st of November. I'd have accepted that...
Clattermole ‏@safc_pride
@JohnC2063 it will speak volumes how #safc act in January window. Will Ellis Short get the message or not
Jordan maloy ‏@MaloyJordan
We need to sign 2 or 3 quality defenders in January or we will be in trouble #SAFC
Stephen Milnes ‏@StephenMilnes
A massive lack of leadership and clear, pragmatic decision-making from #safc today. We've got goals in us, just got to keep calm heads.Share article

Jai Pushkin ‏@JaiP72
Football is a simple game complicated by idiots. What sort of formation is 3412? Big Sam? 6-2 loss that's what #safc #efc

Everton captain Phil Jagielka: I can't rush myself back
2 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Greg O’Keeffe
Everton skipper Jagielka galled by set-back
Phil Jagielka is itching to get back already
Phil Jagielka admits he will have to force himself not to rush back from injury but experience has taught him to bite his lip and focus on a full recovery. The Everton skipper is facing at least two months on the sidelines after injuring the medial ligament in his knee during the Premier League defeat at Arsenal last weekend. Jagielka, 33, suffered another serious knee injury in 2009 which ensured an even longer lay-off and caused him to miss the FA Cup final defeat by Wembley. But the defender is resigned once again to watching from the stands for the time being. He said: “It’s always disappointing to pick up a bad injury but for it to happen in such an innocuous incident makes it that bit more galling. “But these things happen and you have to take them on the chin and just work as hard as you can to get back to full fitness and help the team. “My rehabilitation started as soon as I returned to Finch Farm from London and I fully intend to be the proverbial pain in the you-know-what until I am back on the pitch. Phil Jagielka leaves the Emirates pitch after picking up injury which could prove to be serious “Seriously though, I am experienced enough to know that I can’t rush anything and that I need to completely take on board the instructions from people who know far more about sports injuries than I do.”
The England international conceded that it was particularly difficult to watch his side’s nerve-jangling League Cup tie last week, when they overcame Norwich City on penalties. “It was nerve-wracking having to sit through 120 minutes of football followed by the penalty kicks on Tuesday night but in the end we got there and that’s all that matters in cup football. “I didn’t envy the boys involved in the shoot-out! I’ve had mixed fortunes from the spot during my time at Everton but thankfully all four of our lads tucked away their penalties very well and we moved into the quarter finals. “Our fans have really embraced the Capital One Cup as we are determined to help you enjoy the ride for as long as possible.”

Sunderland supporter pens heartfelt letter praising Everton fans for incredible welcome
2 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Katie Strick
"If you should ever despair about the heart of Britain - take a trip to Everton"
A Sunderland fan said he felt “completely humbled” from the warm welcome given to him by Everton fans yesterday.
John Marshall, 59, penned a heartfelt letter praising Blues fans.
Despite watching his team lose 6-2, the Mackems fan described his outing as a “great day for the human race and football people everywhere”. Mr Marshall, who went to Goodison with his son and a friend, said he had rarely experienced such kindness from a rival team. He wrote: “If you should ever despair about the heart of Britain or the strength of human nature - take a trip to Everton. “Little can prepare you for the approach to Goodison Park with boarded up shops and run down pubs on every corner. It feels like Thatcher resigned last week. “As visiting Sunderland fans we know something about the lack of investment in our former centres of industry. “We headed to a run down pub called Bradley’s wine bar for a pre-game drink. A bigger misnomer you might struggle to find. “It looks more like a urinal from the outside. The surroundings were reminiscent of run down bars in the seventies - but that’s where the criticism stopped. “The staff made us feel like old friends and the choice of beers was fantastic, with a pint of mild coming in at £2.
“Pretty soon, even though we were wearing Sunderland tops, a guy bought us two pints and left before we could return the compliment. He had North East work mates and family. “We chatted with a few locals and shook hands, then a young man with his son offered us drinks. We politely declined but he bought them anyway. I did at least manage return that favour. “Rarely in my life have I encountered such kindness and from an apparent foe. We didn’t want to leave. “After the game we got hopelessly lost looking for our lift and a complete stranger put us in his car and drove us to the car park.”
Mr Marshall thanked the “fabulous people” of Liverpool and said he hoped to return the generosity when the reverse fixture comes around. He said: “We feel completely humbled by this kindness, from people who are far from wealthy. “I am certain the great people of Sunderland will repay this generosity of spirit, when next we host Everton or other visiting fans.” In an emotional message to football fans around the country, he said: “The future of our proud nation is safe in the hands of the vast majority of football fans who follow their teams up and down the country or simply welcome kindred spirits to their home turf. “Football is not about FIFA, huge salaries or ego; but rather the real people who give so much to their sport and expect so little. “Do not despair for a heart beats loud and proud in the darkest of places. The people of Liverpool can be sure that their enduring legacy is their fabulous people. “Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Where does Deulofeu figure in Everton's greatest pass masters?
2 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By David Prentice
Deulofeu joins Sheedy, Ball, Harvey and co - but what is your shout?
Deulofeu's defence-splitting pass was a thing of beauty
Goodison Pass Masters
As well as six clinically taken goals, Goodison Park on Sunday was the scene of splendid pass-mastery: Romelu Lukaku’s outside of the foot cross, Arouna Kone’s diagonal ball to release Gerard Deulofeu, a bewildering spell of second half keep ball, “is someone keeping count?” asked a Sky commentator, which eventually sent Kevin Mirallas sprinting into the penalty area …
But there was one stand-out pass.
It had weight, direction, vision – and it created a goal.
Gerard Deulofeu’s second half pass came under the category “defence splitting” and it allowed Romelu Lukaku to run onto the ball at top speed without checking his stride.
It was a pass of majesty. It was a pass of beauty.
And it joins a pantheon of other great Everton passes.
Deulofeu celebrates the opening goal.
We take a look back at some other glorious Everton passes.
Paul Bracewell v Sunderland 1985
Passes from the halfway line rarely create goals. Especially crossfield passes, met full blooded and on the volley. But Paul Bracewell’s did just that in the 1985 title run-in.
As Peter Reid nodded the ball down to his midfield partner Bracewell, a midfielder who combined polish and elegance with his industry and aggression, he was already glancing up.
He fired a first time volley 40-yards across the pitch for Trevor Steven to race onto. Steven still had to beat Pickering and finish superbly, but that pass by Bracewell was just one part of a classic Everton goal.
Scot Gemmill v Chelsea 2000
Scot Gemmill’s name rarely features on Everton rolls of honour, but Archie’s lad could certainly pass the ball. One such pass, threaded through the eye of a defensive needle, brought Everton level against Chelsea at Goodison Park in November 2000 and set the Blues on the way to victory.

Gemmill controlled the ball, waited, waited a fraction more, then threaded the most delicate of passes through for Danny Cadamarteri to finish. It was a goal which owed almost everything to the quality of the pass.
Kevin Sheedy v Norwich 1986
“You won’t see a better build up and finish in Europe anywhere this season,” opined the Echo’s Ken Rogers. “The fact we’re still talking about it Adrian Heath’s beautifully created and flamboyantly finished strike almost three decades later suggests he was spot on.”
There are actually two passes worthy of mention during the build up.
Neville Southall looked up and half-volleyed a pass, not a clearance, to Adrian Heath lurking on the halfway line. Norwich, trailing 3-0, were already stretched and Heath switched the pass inside to Kevin Sheedy – and kept running.
Kevin Sheedy, Everton FC
The list of glorious Kevin Sheedy passes could fill a volume, but this was arguably his best. He didn’t pass the ball to Heath, he flipped it nonchalantly over the head of the covering defender and Heath raced on without breaking stride to volley it past Bryan Gunn.
The Daily Post’s Ian Ross summed it up accurately and succinctly. “Magic.”
Steven Pienaar v Larissa 2007
Passes come in all shapes and forms, but rarely with your back to the player you’re passing to.
That was exactly what Steven Pienaar did against the Cypriot side Larissa, backheeling the ball into Leon Osman’s path.
It was voted Everton’s goal of the season – and Pienaar’s part in it was pivotal.
“Quite magnificent,” wrote the Echo’s Dominic King. “Had it been scored by Arsenal endless re-runs would now be on TV.”
You’ll have to make do with this one …
Jimmy Husband v Chelsea 1971
Several years ago we produced an Echo supplement documenting Everton’s 50 Greatest goals, and we asked our readers for suggestions. One goal kept coming back time and time again. It pre-dated even David Prentice, so we sought out the press cuttings. “One of the best goals I’ve ever seen,” declared Harry Catterick. So it was clearly something special.
The Daily Post’s Horace Yates described it as “poetry in motion” and it included two momentous passes.
“If Harvey’s pass out to Ball on the right was a demonstration in slide-rule accuracy,” added Yates “how then to describe Ball’s transfer to Husband?
“The ball, like a bullet homing to a bull’s eye, dropped on Husband’s chest. Breasting it down on the turn, Husband hit the ball as it fell and away it soared, unstoppably, into the roof of the net.”
Kevin Brock v Oxford 1984
It was a backpass, so it counts as a pass – even if it wasn’t made by an Everton player.

Is Romelu Lukaku now the complete centre-forward?
2 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By David Prentice
Belgian striker is outstanding with his back - and front - to play
He's got it all. Lukaku has got what it takes
IT happened so long ago that Bristol City were the visitors to Goodison Park. In the top flight.
But it’s an altercation which still sticks with me. It was between two Everton fans, on the Gwladys Street, just behind the last crush barrier before the ledge. And they were arguing the merits, or otherwise, of centre-forward play. More particularly they were discussing the qualities of Everton’s latest number nine. “Latchford needs a rocket up his backside,” argued the Bob-baiter.

“Rubbish. He comes alive when it matters in the box,” countered the centre-forward’s supporter.
“He’s bone idle,” hit back his pal.
“But he holds the ball up great,” came the retort.
“He’s too slow.”
“He’s lightning over two yards.”
And on it went, like a terrace tennis match.
Smash, return.
Volley, return.
Groundstroke, return.
To and fro until the Bob-baiter left 10 minutes from the end, leaving his pal in the donkey jacket with the plastic shoulder pads to see out the last few minutes on his own.
Then Latchford scored.
Big Bob’s backer turned in vain, but his pal was already out of sight.
Fast forward four decades and the arguments are still exactly the same.
He may wear number 10, but Romelu Lukaku is Everton’s latest centre-forward.
And in the early stages of this season fans were still split on his qualities.
“Needs to shift his backside.” “Too much time outside the box.” And most damningly “Can’t trap a bag of cement.”
Some of those comments might have held weight. But not any more.
Not since Lukaku started producing the form which makes him look like the complete centre-forward.
He always looked threatening running at defenders with the ball at his feet.
But with his back to play passes too often bounced back off him.
And £28m looked like an awful lot of money for a forward with only one weapon in his armoury.
Not any more.
Lukaku’s hold up play has improved enormously.
“At the start of the season he said it was an area of the game he wanted to improve,” said Roberto Martinez.
And boy has it improved.
Lukaku is strong with his back to goal
Against a three-man Liverpool defence recently he was outstanding.
He held the ball up time after time, often with three men at his back.
“It’s a big strength if you can play the ball forward and that ball sticks. It allows you to get really high up the pitch and allows you to confine space after that because players are going to drop off,” added the Blues boss.
Lukaku is now doing that consistently.
He always had goals to his game.
Saturday’s dribble around the Sunderland oalkeeper was his eighth of this season.
But he is creating more goals now, too.
And the delighted beneficiary has been Arouna Kone.
A dynamic duo
The Ivorian has scored four Premier League goals this season – every single one created by Lukaku.
That is the joint most productive partnership in the Premier League, along with Mesut Ozil’s service to Olivier Giroud.
But while Kone is benefiting from Lukaku’s link ups, Lukaku is relishing the service he is receiving from Gerard Deulofeu.
Deulofeu’s three Premier League assists for Lukaku is only one behind the Ozil/Giroud and Lukaku/Kone tally. And it could have been even more.

If Sebastian Coates hadn’t stuck out a big toe in desperation on Saturday, Lukaku would surely have been celebrating another double from another brace of Deulofeu crosses.
While a Deulofeu cross also created a goal for Lukaku in the Capital One Cup at Barnsley.
They are pairings which show Everton are creating goals from a variety of routes.
And they confirm that Romelu Lukaku really is the complete centre-forward.
He still has one lesson to learn, though.
Lukaku in action
Don’t give goals away cheaply!
Bob Latchford famously scored 30 league goals in 1977/78. But 40 years later he admitted that one of them might have been an own goal off QPR defender Dave Needham.
It took Latchford four decades to give that goal up. Grudgingly.
A split second afer the Gwladys Street saluted what they thought had been Lukaku’s opening goal on Saturday afternoon, though. the big striker held his hands up and refused to celebrate. The goal had actually been touched in by Coates.
Goals - with feet and head, assists, hold up play – and selflessness.
Romelu Lukaku now really does look like the complete package.
And he’s honest, too!

Great to see Arouna Kone finally blossoming for Everton FC
2 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
by MichaelBall
He looks like he’s enjoying his football again and you could see from the start he was up for it
Everton v Sunderland. Football action from the Barclays Premier League, Goodison Park, Liverpool.
The attitude from Arouna Kone was spot on from the start against Sunderland.
I know he got his hat-trick but playing on the left of that front three he had to track back.
For strikers, going back all that way is a long way for them but he was back there.
He was confident on the ball, never lost it and was doing nice little flicks and running to get up alongside the big man. I signed for PSV Eindhoven in the same week as Arouna. He bought them some flowers to say thank you - I didn’t. When he came to PSV he was very young and raw but he had this target in his mind and self-belief. He always aimed high but injuries have sometimes stopped him from doing that.
Getting minutes on the pitch this season has helped him and he’s got a spring in his step.
After he was injured he became something of a bit-part player and was frustrated because he didn’t have the opportunity to impress. Your body can only do certain things after you’ve been injured but from the first game of this season when he came on as a sub he’s made a difference and he hasn’t looked back. He looks like he’s enjoying his football again and you could see from the start he was up for it. There was also Rom linking up with Kone so there’s a lot of positives we can take out of the game.
Gareth Barry had a great game and took the captaincy on well while I thought that James McCarthy had his best game of the season. His level last season was really high but I don’t think he’s really had the enjoyment of the games so far this season.
The lads just seemed to enjoy the game and it seemed more like a training match or pre-season friendly.
Once we got control it was just a case of how many are we going to score?
Team left in no doubt over what it means to play for Everton
I know the team went to Howard Kendall’s funeral and saw the passion from the fans and the speeches about what it means to be a part of Everton Football Club.
If that didn’t give them a boost, nothing would. They had to answer a few questions because their form had dipped a little bit
The way the lads set up they were pretty positive with James McCarthy further forward as well.

Sunderland gave us so much space in midfield it allowed us to move James forward, enabling Gareth Barry to control the whole game and I don’t think I’ve ever seen Ross Barkley in so much space for a while.
Letting Ross drive at teams is going to cause them problems and he was only missing a goal from what was otherwise a perfect performance.
Defence has to learn to cut out all the crosses
It was nice to see the attacking side from us although we did have a few scares.
The fans aren’t daft and realise the scoreline does paper over the cracks that we’ve got to some extent.
You can’t really criticise a team that has scored six goals but for an away team to have so many chances – they had more shots than us – is something that needs to be ironed out.
Dealing with crosses is our downfall at the moment. We’re letting crosses into the box far too easily.
Yes our back four has been a jigsaw all season with the injuries but it’s a case of not letting the opposition succeed in what they’re trying to do.
Our lads on the wing have got to try harder to try and stop these crosses coming in.
Tim isn’t coming for them so we have to try and press further up.
The players will be bubbling but there's still work for the manager
The scoreline could have been different because they hit the post twice and Tim had to make some good saves.
It was exciting to watch but as a defensive-minded player I was thinking ‘I’d be going off my head here!’
Fortunately we had the extra quality in the final third. The lads will be bubbling now and won’t want to look back at the negatives but surely the manager will be wanting to sort out those problems.

So did Roberto Martinez do John Stones and England a favour by blocking Chelsea move?
3 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Chris Beesley
Chris Beesley says Everton boss Martinez deserves credit for preventing Stones joining Chelsea
Martinez did Stones, Everton and England a favour by clinging onto his young star
Are the rest of the country now going to thank Roberto Martinez over John Stones?
On New Year's Day 2014 the Catalan threw the then teenage defender into the Premier League deep end by handing him a first start in the top flight. Now two months on from the transfer window slamming shut, the Everton manager should get the credit for also potentially saving the fledgling career of England's best young centre-back. Stones remains a precocious talent but for all his spectacular talents he remains a young, relatively inexperienced performer at the elite level who is still learning his trade. Being on such a steep learning curve means the Yorkshireman isn't immune from making mistakes. On Sunday handed Sunderland a lifeline just before half-time by gifting the ball to Jermain Defore, enabling one of the game's most clinical finishers to score from an unexpected gift.
Fortunately for Stones and his Blues team-mates, the error didn't ultimately prove costly as Everton went on to romp home to an emphatic 6-2 win with a marauding second half display.
In sharp contrast, his summer suitors Chelsea continued the worst start to a season from a defending League Champion in living memory with a 3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge to Liverpool.
Until the visit of Crystal Palace in August, Jose Mourinho had only ever lost one home game in 99 outings as Chelsea manager. Yet his out-of-sorts side have now been vanquished in three of their last Premier League outings on home turf as speculation over dressing room rifts continue to grow.
Would Stones' occasional blips be so easily forgiven at Stamford Bridge?
Perhaps Stones, who Chelsea were eventually willing to splash out £37million on – a British record for a defender – might have made a crucial difference to their creaking defence. However, a more disturbing scenario for a ball-playing centre-back who likes to take risks is that he'd by now have become a handy scapegoat for the rapid demise of Roman's Empire on the pitch.
Romelu Lukaku felt the burden of the spotlight at times during his Chelsea career
Although Stones plies his trade in arguably England's most passionate and knowledgeable football city, the media spotlight in the capital burns much brighter and the weight of expectation that comes with playing for Chelsea where instant success is demanded is far heavier – just ask Romelu Lukaku.
Instead of playing his way into Roy Hodgson's squad for next summer's European Championship finals in France and the chance of becoming a future national team skipper, Stones could by now have been swallowed up and spat back out by an angry and baying crowd.
Back in those nervy days of late August that Martinez at the time described as highly “emotional”, nobody could quite believe that Everton were serious about resisting Chelsea's overtures for their most prised asset.
Under-fire Mourinho is to be the subject of an individual legal claim from former Chelsea team doctor Eva Carneiro. His side remain 15th in the table Both manager and club insisted all along that Stones wasn't for sale but many dismissed them as cranks or stubborn party poopers, denying a great player his big chance to supposedly grace a stage his talents deserved.
Perhaps given his ill-timed transfer request – the only foot he put wrong throughout the entire saga – Stones' thoughts himself were somewhat similar?
In the weeks ahead, Stones must now step up to embrace a new role as the senior partner at the heart of Everton's defence alongside Premier League rookie Ramiro Funes Mori after captain Phil Jagielka's injury.
Meanwhile, Mourinho's Chelsea continue to unravel with the desperate Portuguese coach's post-match comments becoming increasingly undignified and petulant.
A penny for Stones' thoughts now?
Maybe it's time to salute another manager from the Iberian peninsula who just happens to be one of football's true gentlemen.
It's now clear that Martinez was not just acting in his own self-interest but in Stones' best interests too and the sooner those outside of Goodison Park recognise that the better.

Everton's Bryan Oviedo to have scan on hamstring injury
3 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By David Prentice
More injury fears for Blues defender
Bryan Oviedo will have a scan on his hamstring later today.
The Everton full-back lasted just 25 minutes of Sunday’s game at home to Sunderland before having to be replaced. The 25-year-old, who has had rotten luck with injuries since joining the Blues, was making his first Premier League start since the end of August. Tom Cleverley, meanwhile, will train with the Everton squad today after being left out of the squad to face Sunderland at the weekend. Cleverley recently made his return from ankle ligament damage by playing for Everton under-21s and was named in the squad to face Arsenal last month. But Roberto Martinez says the England international requires more time on the training ground before he is fit enough to play in the Premier League again.
Leighton Baines, Mo Besic and Tony Hibbert were also ready to train with the first team squad today.

Everton FC new-boy Felipe Mattioni: From Real Madrid to Stalybridge Celtic in less than six months!
3 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Neil Jones
On-loan Blues full back set to make Doncaster debut in FA Cup this weekend
His last competitive game was against Real Madrid.
But Everton new-boy Felipe Mattioni’s next outing could see him take on rather less heralded opposition – Stalybridge Celtic! The Brazilian full-back joined the Blues on a free transfer last month, but was immediately loaned out to League One side Doncaster Rovers. The 27-year-old has not featured in a competitive game since a six-minute cameo for Espanyol against Real Madrid back in May, but is now in line to make his return to action for Doncaster. And his first assignment is set to be an FA Cup first round tie against Stalybridge this Saturday. The National League North outfit, managed by former Southport and Burscough boss Liam Watson, beat North Ferriby United on penalties to secure their place in the first round proper. “It’s a bit of a contrast!” said Doncaster boss Darren Ferguson. “Felipe’s a good player. “Roberto Martinez has highly recommended him so you have to go with that one because he’s a good experienced manager. “His CV’s quite outstanding really. He’s a good technician. He’s a full back but he can play as a wing back too. “He fits with how Roberto wants to get his full backs up and down, and that’s similar to what we want to do. “He’s obviously had his injury problems but he is very good technically.” Mattioni arrives in England with good pedigree, having enjoyed spells with both AC Milan and Real Mallorca prior to his five-year stint at Espanyol. He is not the only Everton player on loan at Doncaster currently, with young winger Conor Grant also due to stay at the Keepmoat Stadium for the next month. Grant marked his first appearance for Rovers with a goal in their 2-0 win over Colchester United. And to add a further twist to proceedings, Grant's father, Brendan, is a former teammate of Stalybridge boss Watson from their Marine days.

Everton FC star Seamus Coleman: We're all delighted for hat-trick hero Arouna Kone
3 Nov 2015
By Neil Jones
Liverpool Echo
Everton v Sunderland. Football action from the Barclays Premier League, Goodison Park, Liverpool. Pictured: Seamus Coleman in action. Photo by Ian Cooper.Seamus Coleman is hoping to kick on after his return to Everton FC action – and hopes Arouna Kone can do the same after his match-winning hat-trick.Having already missed the best part of a month due to a hamstring problem this season, Coleman was ruled out of last week’s Capital One Cup win over Norwich City through illness.But the Irish international was able to climb off his sick bed and play his part as Everton thrashed Sunderland 6-2 at Goodison Park on Sunday.And having got himself back on the pitch, the 27-year-old is now looking to recapture his best form.“I was fine out there,” he told Evertonfc.com. “I had a bit of a tough week but the manager looked after me and didn’t play me on the Tuesday night against Norwich. Slowly but surely I got back to feeling myself and I’m just glad to be back on the pitch.“I have had a few stops and starts so far this season but you get that every now and again. It’s all part of being a footballer but I am looking forward to kicking on now and looking forward to the next game.”Everton v Sunderland. Football action from the Barclays Premier League, Goodison Park, Liverpool. Pictured: Arouna Kone celebrates making it 5-2. Photo by Ian Cooper.Coleman was in no doubt as to who the star turn was in Sunday’s game – and believes Kone’s goals will give the Ivorian added confidence going forward.“We are all delighted for Arouna,” he added. “He has been working hard month by month since he has come back from his injury and he has been getting better and better. I’m sure his goals will give him the world of confidence. Hopefully he can kick on again.“All three were great finishes, although there were so many goals I can’t remember which are his! He took his really well. His first, with the one-two with Rom, was really good with the finish.

Everton drubbing will have been a ‘reality check’ for Sam Allardyce
Gary Rowell
Sunderland Echo
Sunderland were brought back down to earth as they suffered their usual derby hangover with a heavy defeat at Everton.
Going forward, Sunderland were as good as they’ve been all season – scoring two and hitting the woodwork twice – but unfortunately, they forgot how to defend and Everton punished us ruthlessly.Losing both first-choice centre-backs, John O’Shea and Younes Kaboul, to injury was a huge blow, but that can’t be used as an excuse for what was at times shambolic defending.Sunderland were the better team in the early stages, but couldn’t get their noses in front and it looked like Everton would go in at the interval with a two-goal cushion, until Jermain Defoe provided a lifeline on the stroke of half-time.Then when Steven Fletcher equalised, the game was in the balance, with all the momentum in Sunderland’s favour.But inexplicably from there, they lost the plot.It’s easy with hindsight, I suppose, but instead of shutting up shop and making life difficult for Everton, we played right into their hands by naively throwing men forwards and the Toffees picked us off on the counter-attack.No wonder Sam Allardyce was livid afterwards.Defensively, that was as far away from an Allardyce team as you can get and I’m sure he’ll get the message over to his players in training this week that a repeat won’t be tolerated.At the other end of the pitch, Fletcher and the recalled Defoe got on the scoresheet, while substitute Duncan Watmore should have scored when one-on-one with Tim Howard. In fact, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say Sunderland could easily have found the net four or five times.But it was the lack of discipline at the back which cost Sunderland dear.They got themselves back in the game, then threw it all away, and after conceding just one goal in his first two games, Sunderland’s new boss got a reality check on the magnitude of his job as the team capitulated.

Everton boss Martinez: Why 'special' Arouna Kone can be as good as Didier Drogba on his day
16:00, 3 Nov 2015
By Phil Kirkbride
Joining PSV Eindhoven was the next step on Arouna Kone’s journey towards the top.He even bought the Dutch club some flowers to say thanks for signing him - but the young striker didn’t plan on staying around.Full of confidence, Kone believed he was destined to end up at one of Europe’s elite and so PSV was, simply, a stop along the way.He was a fast-rising star, scoring goals wherever he went. And after leaving home-town club Rio Sport in Anyama, Ivory Coast, an 18-year-old Kone moved to Belgium.But his goals for Lierse soon saw him on the move again and after being picked up by Eredivise outfit Roda, Kone won admirers at PSV.His two seasons in Eindhoven brought 21 league goals and, as he had predicted, the attention of bigger clubs.This time it was Sevilla, and after they waved a cheque for 12m Euros in the Dutch club’s nose, Kone was playing for the third-best side in La Liga.But his form didn’t transfer to Spain with him.Kone made just 12 league starts, scored only one goal and reports of a training ground bust-up with his coaches added to his problems.It then went from bad to worse.On international duty, Kone suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury and was sidelined for over six months.Such misfortune set about a chain of events that would eventually lead him towards Wigan Athletic, and Roberto Martinez, in 2013.Six years after stopping off in Eindhoven, he was now taking the scenic route to the top.But in the days after his brilliant hat-trick against Sunderland, Martinez reflects on how he had no doubts about signing him. And he has never doubted he would come good at Everton either. “Many of the reports were special,” Martinez tells the ECHO.“At that time, Levante were staying in the league against the odds. For a club like Levante staying in the league, in the manner they did, you were interested.“It went down to having a really good defensive structure and then someone who could play up there on his own and hold the ball up, bring other players into it, go into two-against-one situations against him and still score goals because of that power, pace and finishing ability“That sort of quality does not come along too often and we knew exactly how well the British game would suit Arouna.“At Wigan, for a striker, it is always difficult and a challenge because you are not going to have a lot of good opportunities in the final third.“But the understanding he had of what to do was very impressive for a striker.“It is good to see him back to his normal self again and able to compete for a starting spot with the quality we have here.”
'He showed he was at Drogba's level'
After two years of injury hell at Goodison, Kone is doing more than compete for his place in the side.The 31-year-old, who also triggered a one-year contract extension on Sunday, has scored five times in the league this season and contributed three assists.Where once he was derided and ridiculed, Evertonians are now deadly serious about Kone and Martinez agrees the striker always had the potential to reach the very top.“The height of Arouna’s potential was in Holland. Everyone knew he was going to go to a big club and he made the right decision to go to Seville,” the Blues boss said.“Seville, at that time, paying 12m Euros showed that they were ready to make a prospect one of the most important strikers to arrive in Spain.“But one injury, a cruciate injury, set him back for a long, long time and from then on it was very difficult for him.“They had other good strikers such as Frederic Kanoute, Luis Fabiano and it became really, really tough and that can happen in football, when you get a bit of a wrong momentum.“But everywhere he has been given that understanding and support, he has always performed extremely, extremely well.“I have seen him play many times for Ivory Coast alongside top, top strikers such as Didier Drogba and other outstanding strikers, and he always showed he was at that level.“He went to Levante, he became the top scorer in their history in the top league so he has always been able to face big challenge and be successful.“But the signs he showed in Holland were of someone that could be achieving anything out of the game.”
No regrets
Everton fans are now hoping that he can fulfil what remains of his potential at Goodison.Romelu Lukaku calls it “heaven” to play alongside Kone and the pair have quickly struck up a rapport, now that the Ivorian is fully fit after a second serious knee injury of his career ruined his first 18 months with the Blues.But does Martinez think ‘what if’ had he been able to call upon Kone more than the 22 times he did, in that period?“When you have a period in the window to assemble a squad, one as strong as it can be, we all had exciting thoughts about Arouna Kone being fit from the start and enable to help the team,” Martinez said.“But we had to adapt and lost Arouna for a long, long period. But then the other players get an opportunity and you need to take advantage, and the players in our squad did that.“We finished with our biggest Premier League points tally in our history (in 2013-14) and that is because those players performed extremely well.“You want everyone fit to develop that competition for places and at the moment it is clear that it is very, very difficult to be a starter in this attacking line-up because we have very, very good quality.”

Middlesbrough v Everton tickets: Blues to take nearly 5,000 for Capital One Cup clash
18:34, 3 Nov 2015
Updated 18:40, 3 Nov 2015
By Phil Kirkbride
Everton are expected to take nearly 5,000 fans for their Capital One Cup quarter-final at Middlesbrough. The Blues have been given an allocation of 4,900 for their December 1 game at the Riverside.Everton booked their place in the last eight of the competition with a penalty shoot-out win over Norwich City last week and now face a trip to Championship side Boro next month.
Tickets will go on sale in the following order of priority:
2015/16 Season Ticket holders with 8+ away Premier League credits from the 2014/15 season on Friday, November 6 at 8.00am.
2015/16 Season Ticket holders with 6+ away Premier League credits from the 2014/15 season on Monday, November 9 at 8.00am.
2015/16 Season Ticket holders with 4+ away Premier League credits from the 2014/15 season on Wednesday, November 11 at 8.00am.
2015/16 Season Ticket holders with 2+ away Premier League credits from the 2014/15 season on Friday, November 13 at 8.00am.
2015/16 Season Ticket holders on Monday, November 16 at 8.00am.
Any remaining tickets will go on general sale on Wednesday, November 18 at 8.00am.

Roberto Martinez: Gareth Barry can play for Everton into his 40s
4 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Phil Kirkbride
Catalan boss backs his midfielder to join elite Premier League club
Gareth Barry was an influential presence against Sunderland
Gareth Barry belongs to a “special breed” of top flight midfielder who have the ability to keep playing into their 40s. The 34-year-old moved third on all-time list of Premier League appearance holders when he captained Everton against Sunderland on Sunday. Barry now has 573 games under his belt and produced a vintage performance at Goodison as he skippered the Blues to a 6-2 win in Phil Jagielka’s absence. Roberto Martinez says it is impossible to predict exactly how long Barry will be able to keep playing for but the Everton manager believes the former Manchester City man shares a dedication to the game with some of longest serving players in the modern era. Ryan Giggs played until he was 40, while Manchester United team-mate Paul Scholes was 38 when he retired for a second time and Martinez says there is no reason why Barry can’t match their levels of staying power. “I don’t think you can answer that,” Martinez said, when asked how long he feels Barry can keep playing for. “But those players (Scholes and Giggs) are a very special breed, not just because of the natural element but also the lifestyle and the way they live the game. Football is a passion and Gareth is that type. “Everything he does, he does for a purpose, the way he trains is as a leader, he is an inspiration to the other players and he could go on and on and on until the body has enough. “It is impossible to know when that will be but he is a very, very fit footballer, but he plays with his brain and his technical ability allows the others to be effective around him and for me he doesn’t get the credit he deserves from the outside. “But he is very much valued here and we know how important he is and clearly, he can play for a few more seasons at the level he is playing.”
'Players like Barry don't come along that often'
Barry is contracted until the summer of 2017 but, as Martinez says, could play beyond the end of his current deal. But when the former England international does decide to hang up his boots, Martinez admits Everton will have to rip up their plans and start again. “It is not that easy,” Martinez said, about finding a long-term successor to Barry. Can Gareth Barry continue to play for Everton into his 40s?
“Players like Gareth Barry don’t come along that often and you always need to keep an eye out because it is such an important player. And the only way you can replace a player like Gareth Barry is changing your way of playing and getting two or three players in to do certain jobs on the pitch to help you towards that. “His influence in our team is immense. We have seen that this season and if you look back to the Capital One Cup against Reading, we needed him to come off the bench and help change the complexion of the game. “Gareth is enjoying his football and is a very important football man and the way he lives his live and the way he trains is the secret of having such a long career.”

Everton transfer rumours: Blues move for Bilbao striker, Danish defender linked
4 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Joe Rimmer
A round-up of transfer rumours and speculation from around the web
Jesus Seba is said to be watching Athletic striker Inaki Williams
Everton scouts are keeping a close eye on Athletic Bilbao striker Inaki Williams, that's according to reports in Spain. AS report that Blues scout Jesus Seba has been keeping tabs on the 21-year-old forward, who has scored three goals in five La Liga appearances this season. It's reported that Athletic will now offer Williams a new deal in order to ward off interest in the Spain U21 international.
Williams has a buyout clause of around 20m euros, and Bilbao are said to be keen to at least double that clause. Elsewhere, the Toffees have been linked with a move for Danish centre-back Jannick Vestergaard. The Werder Bremen defender is reportedly on Roberto Martinez's radar and the Blues boss is said to be keen on a January move. The 23-year-old has played 10 league games for the club this season, scoring once. He's been capped four times by Denmark. The Blues may need back-up in the defensive department with Phil Jagielka ruled out through injury.

Howard Kendall's family thanks Evertonians for their support at tragic time
4 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By David Prentice
Lily Kendall says thank you for city's support
Funeral of Everton FC legend Howard Kendall at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. Cortege leaves the cathedral
THE family of Howard Kendall have delivered a heartfelt thank you to both fans of Everton and Liverpool fans for their support as they struggle to come to terms with the loss of the Everton Giant.
Everton’s most successful ever manager and one of the club’s most celebrated players passed away last week aged 69. His funeral was attended by 2,000 mourners while the streets around Goodison Park and the Anglican Cathedral were packed with people paying their respects. Kendall’s widow, Lily, said: “On behalf of myself and Howard’s family I want to say publicly a huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone who has expressed their sympathy and condolences on our tragic loss. “Apart from being a wonderful player and manager, Howard was my cherished husband and a wonderful father and grandad.
“The events surrounding Howard’s funeral on Thursday have overwhelmed us. To witness the outpouring of love and affection for Howard from all walks of life and from many parts of the world has been an experience we can’t really find words to describe. “Howard was a humble, sensitive man and if he could have witnessed the applause in the streets of Liverpool as the funeral cortege made its way from Goodison Park to the Anglican Cathedral and the tide of emotion inside he would have wept along with us. “It’s impossible for me to thank each and every one of you personally but I am deeply grateful to you all. “The shock of losing Howard so suddenly was accompanied by questions we struggled to answer. Knowing the affection in which he was held by people throughout the city, blue AND red, and far beyond, what funeral arrangements were we to make? “That is where Everton Football Club in general, and one man in particular, Darren Griffiths, took all the pressure off us and answered all the questions. The result was the incredibly, moving, emotional and superbly-organised farewell to Howard we saw last Thursday.” Lily and Howard’s family were special guests at Sunday’s game against Sunderland in which fans showed their appreciation to Howard with a period of prolonged applause as the clock hit four minutes - the number Howard wore so regularly for the Blues. The family were presented with bouquets at half-time by Howard’s close friends - and club Ambassadors - Graham Stuart, Graeme Sharp and Ian Snodin.

Revealed: How Everton star Arouna Kone is outperforming Suarez and Aguero this season
4 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Neil Jones
Stats-based research shows Ivorian is Europe's fourth most effective striker this season
It's been a good few days for Arouna Kone . A first Premier League hat-trick and a shiny new contract on Sunday, mountains of praise in the time since. On Tuesday, he was compared to the legendary Didier Drogba , and now it's official; he's better than Sergio Aguero and Luis Suarez.
Sort of.
According to research conducted by the the CIES Football Observatory, the Everton frontman is the fourth-best performing striker in Europe's 'big five' leagues this season, ahead of some of the continent's bigger names. CIES' research uses a data-driven and objective methodology, which uses six Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure players’ productivity in six areas of the game – rigour (tackling), recovery (intercepting), distribution, take on, chance creation and shooting.
And Kone, whose treble against Sunderland took him to five goals for the season, scores well in the striker section. In fact, only the prolific Robert Lewandowski, superstar Neymar and in-form Leicester forward Riyad Mahrez rank higher. Manchester City star Aguero is fifth on the list, while Suarez ranks joint-seventh, alongside Tottenham's Erik Lamela. Raffael (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Michy Batshuayi (Marseille) and Nolito (Celta Vigo) complete the top 10. Elsewhere, Arsenal duo Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil lead the way in the defensive midfielder and attacking midfielder stakes, while Manchester City's Nicolas Otamendi is the top-ranked central defender. Paris Saint-Germain's Serge Aurier is the top-ranked full back.

On This Day: How Everton beat the Germans in European Cup's first penalty shoot-out
4 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By David Prentice
And ended one of football's strangest penalty jinxes
November 4, 1970 saw history made on Merseyside.
The European Cup’s first penalty shoot-out was staged at Goodison Park - and for once the Germans lost. English champions Everton and German counterparts Borussia Moenchangladbach had drawn 1-1 at home and away. Previously in such circumstances a deciding tie had been staged on a neutral ground, followed by the “toss of a disc” if that still failed to find a winner. But with fixture congestion starting to cause problems in the 1970s UEFA sought a new solution. It’s still with us 45 years later.
Everton won that first shoot-out 4-3 - and won their last shoot out against Norwich City by the same scoreline last week.
But their record inbetween has been chequered.
But at least when the Canaries were shot down in the Capital One Cup Everton ended one of football’s longest - and strangest - jinxes. Prior to the visit of Norwich Everton had contested 13 penalty shoot-outs in first class competitions. And every single time they have scored first, they have lost.
Every single shoot-out they have won - a mediocre five - they had missed the first kick.
That all changed when Gerard Deulofeu slotted home after Graham Dorrans had successfully started the shoot-out sequence by beating Joel Robles. The jinx started back in 1970 when Joe Royle, who had enjoyed an excellent match against Borussia Moenchengladbach, saw the first shoot-out spot-kick ever taken in European competition saved by Wolfgang Kleff. But Andy Rankin put the smile back on his face when Herbert Laumen missed and he then decisively saved from Muller.
“I still say these penalties to decide a match are like a circus."

Afterwards Blues boss Harry Catterick moaned: “I still say these penalties to decide a match are like a circus, but I can’t think of a better answer apart from a third game.” We are still waiting for a better solution. Everton had to wait 32 years for their next shoot-out success - in the League Cup at Newcastle - and again missed their opening kick. This time the usually reliable David Unsworth saw his opening effort saved - after converting one in extra-time to take the tie to penalties - but after Michael Chopra missed and then Richard Wright saved Laurent Robert’s effort, Everton went through.
They progressed at Ashton Gate, too, in the same competition two years later against Bristol City - and again got off to a slow start when Steve Watson’s opening effort was saved.
The same thing happened at Wembley in 2009.
Tim Cahill was traumatised when he fired high and wide with the opening kick of a semi-final shoot-out against Manchester United, but if Cahill’s kick carried too much adrenalin Dimitar Berbatov’s didn’t have enough and when Rio Ferdinand also saw his kick saved by Tim Howard Everton were on their way to the Cup Final. Everton’s last shoot-out success prior to Norwich was in 2011, a fourth round replay at Stamford Bridge, and even the previously infallible Leighton Baines saw his opening effort saved this time. But the Blues still edged out Chelsea after Nicolas Anelka was denied by Howard and then Joe Cole fired over. Until last week, whenever Everton scored first, things weren’t so successful.
It’s not supposed to be like that.
A book devoted to the practice, The Art and Psychology of the Perfect Penalty by Ben Lyttleton, reckoned that it is better for a team to kick first, offering a 60% success rate.
Adrian Heath scored first against Charlton in the 1987 Full members Cup. Everton lost 6-5.
Thomas Gravesen scored first against Middlesbrough in the 2003 League Cup. Everton lost 5-4.
The ice cool Dane was introduced as a 119th minute substitute against Fiorentina in 2008 to take the opening penalty of a shoot-out.
Of course he scored. And of course Everton lost 4-2.
Leighton Baines scored first at Griffin Park, Brentford in 2011. You know what happened next.
And then last season against West Ham United in the FA Cup Kevin Mirallas clinically converted the first of 20 penalty kicks taken at Upton Park. Everton lost 9-8.
The pattern finally changed last week - on a night Everton enjoyed a 100 per cent success rate in a shoot-out for the first time too!
Records are made to be broken.
Everton v Borussia Moenchengladbach, November 4, 1970
1 Joe Royle (saved), Sieloff (scored)
2 Alan Ball (scored) Laumen (missed)
3 Johnny Morrisey (scored) Heynckes (scored)
4 Howard Kendall (scored) Koppel (scored)
5 Sandy Brown (scored) Muller (saved)
The Everton goalkeeper was Andy Rankin.

'I shot the Pope' - Everton bad boys to reveal all in special Goodison event
4 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Neil Jones
Winslow Hotel to host Mark Ward and Pat Van den Hauwe....look away Barry Horne!
Want to re-live the moment the Pope got shot at an Everton Christmas party?
How about the time a Blues title-winner turned to firearms in a bid to settle a £100 debt?
Sounds dramatic, but these are the events that are likely to be covered at The Winslow Hotel’s ‘Bad Boys’ evening later this month. The iconic Goodison Road pub will, on Saturday 14 November, play host to an evening with former Blues Pat Van den Hauwe and Mark Ward, and the stories (and the beers) are expected to flow.... 'I shot the Pope in the chest’ Ward, who had two spells at Goodison, revealed the ‘Pope’ story in his 2009 autobiography ‘Right wing to B-wing.’ And it’s one which is well worth repeating.
It was 1992, and Everton, as usual, were holding their festive shindig in the city centre’s Continental (‘Conti’) club in Wolstenhome Square.
As ever, it was a fancy dress occasion. And when Ward, who was dressed as Dennis The Menace, became irked by fellow midfielder John Ebbrell’s habit of punching him and running away, the inebriated Scouser decided to take matters into his own hands.
Here, he takes up the story...
“I’d been knocking back the booze for nearly 11 hours solid. As I turned to go after Ebbo, I crashed into this huge bloke, dressed as a cowboy, who was standing nearby. “He was enormous and his costume was accurate right down to the holster and gun – a replica, obviously, fitted up to work as a water pistol or cap-gun. “That’s what I assumed, anyway, as I yanked it out of the holster and staggered away looking for Popeye – aka John Ebbrell. “There were three different bar areas in the Conti and I assumed he’d be skulking in the corner of one of them. “But there was no sign of him in the first bar, nor the second. I walked into the third and still no Ebbo. But Neville Southall was propping up the bar and deep in conversation with Barry Horne, who was dressed as The Pope. His costume was the full works.
On fire: Horne had to be put out with a pint
‘Barry was knocked back, and he was on fire’
“You seen Ebbo?” I asked Barry. “No, why?” he responded. I waved the gun in front of him and Nev and said: “Because he’s going to get some of this...“ “We all fell about laughing. Barry must also have assumed it was going to fire only water. “Why don’t you shoot The Pope?” he then suggested
“At that moment I’d forgotten all about Ebbo. I raised the gun, aimed it straight at the centre of The Pope’s chest and pulled the trigger. “The noise was staggering, unbelievable. And as this bang reverberated around the bar, we were all stunned to see a massive flash of fire shoot from the barrel and Barry, who took a direct hit, was flung backwards. “It was a real gun! There’d been a bullet in the chamber. I’d shot one of my teammates at point-blank range in the chest. “The saving mercy – and thank God for it – was that the bullet was a blank, designed to crumple and ignite on impact rather than explode. “Still, Barry was knocked back, and he was on fire. His robes were burning and it was only the rapid intervention of one of our mates, Roy Wright, that stopped an even more serious situation unfolding. “He chucked a pint over Barry to put out the flames. The shock and amazement I felt as we watched Barry’s chest being extinguished is hard to describe! “I got into training early as usual the next morning. Needless to say, we were all badly hungover and all the talk among the players was about the shooting of the Pope!”
'Not a violent person'
'I pulled my gun out and pointed it at his head'
Van den Hauwe, of course, earned the nickname 'Psycho Pat' during his time at Goodison - and the colourful defender is likely to have few choice tales of his own throughout the evening.
Earlier this year, the former Welsh international told thesetpieces.com of the time he'd pointed a gun at someone - over a £100 debt. He said: "I used to wear an ankle strap and at night if I went out, I carried it. There was just one incident, some guy who owed me money. "He kept ducking me and ducking me and after I'd had a few drinks and god knows what, I bumped into him outside a pub. I said "Where's me money?" and because he was a black belt in karate I thought "I'm not gonna f*** around with this".
"He said to me "Well, what you gonna do about it?" and you know when I lose my temper, I lose my temper. "So I just turned around, put me leg up on the wall, pulled me gun out and pointed it at his head. Then I looked up to him and said, "What are you gonna f****** do now then?' 'I had a moment where it was touch and go, and, I really thought to myself "Before I do the ultimate wrong thing, it's time to give it back," you know? Because once it goes wrong there, you're banged up for life. I had to think seriously about it. I'm not a violent person anyway, you know what I mean?" Yes Pat, I think we do!

Can Gareth Barry be a Five Star forty-something? EFC Fans reaction
4 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By David Prentice
Evertonians respond to Roberto Martinez's comments that Barry can earn a new deal
Gareth Barry was an influential presence against Sunderland
He's most definitely a Marmite footballer.
At the end of the 2013/14 season, national radio station talkSport ran a poll asking which of Everton's three high profile loan stars had been the Blues' best signing? Gareth Barry won comfortably with 53 per cent of the poll, with Romelu Lukaku on 41% and Gerard Deulofeu polling just 6%. But in recent seasons some fans have been less convinced - with some claiming the 34-year-old must have a clause in his contract confirming he can never be dropped.
He hasn't.
But Roberto Martinez's assertion that he can play beyond his current deal which ends in 2017 - and maybe into his 40s - has met with a mixed reaction from Blues fans.
Roberto Martinez: Gareth Barry can play for Everton into his 40s
This is how some fans reacted on Twitter.
A Collection on Twitter
While visitors to the Echo's Everton FC Facebook page said:
"Makes McCarthy a far better better player and enables Barkley to express himself! Stick he gets is ridiculous. Been class for us 80% of the time he's been on the pitch." Stuart Ruddock
"Martinez is a nice guy and all but some of the stuff he comes out with is utter rubbish." Terry Cannon
"He could probably be a squad player. Maybe half a game every other. But not 90mins every game like his current contract says. I would like to see him beat the record for most premier league games while he's at Everton though. He's long past the bookings record." Steven Price
"Barry has been boss this season. Get off his back look how bad Macca plays when he's not next to him." Mike Donnan
"If he plays beyond his current contract I'll be horrified." Chris Chalmers
"I was for dumping him but now I would keep him another season (if he's out of contract) you cannot buy experience and he can play when called on, plus working with younger players I think it's win win for us." Reg Gates "He covers more ground than most of our players.. Check the stats they don't lie." Garry Brooks "Keep him as long as we need to bring Besic through, and ensure Gibson will not get injured again." Robbie Bryan "Ha 40s ,,jesus,, don't get me wrong I think he's done well this season but I'd be disappointed for he still starts for us in a few yrs time." Earl Dunne "And he said Kone can be as good as Drogba." Neil Bethell
"No...No he cant!" Matty Vicary
What do you think? Is Gareth Barry under-rated?

Tim Howard: I love playing for Martinez - but don't know how long I'll be at Everton
4 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Ian Doyle
Blues goalkeeper celebrates reaching 400 up and sights win over West Ham
Tim Howard celebrates the win over Sunderland on his 400th appearance for Everton
Tim Howard has revealed his “love” of playing under Roberto Martinez – but admits being unsure he’ll reach another significant landmark in his Everton career. Howard celebrated his 400th appearance for the Blues in the 6-2 win over Sunderland on Sunday. Now in this 10th season at Goodison, the United Stated international has missed only 40 games since arriving on an initial loan from Manchester United in 2006. And after spending much of his Everton career under David Moyes, Howard believes Martinez has now made this “his” team. “Roberto Martinez came in after such a long period under David Moyes and there were a lot of ‘what ifs’ and he put that to bed and stamped his authority and mark on the club,” said the 36-year-old. “It has been a breath of fresh air to work for Roberto. He’s someone I have the utmost respect for. I’ve come to love and enjoy the way he manages the team and the players.
“It has been a fantastic transition and this is now his club.” Howard added: “David Moyes brought me here. He promised me a lot of things, all of which came true.“He said this would be a great club, and the fanbase when we travel away from home is second to none in England, and they are. “It’s a really family-oriented, hard-working atmosphere here, one that I could get to grips with and enjoy.”
Howard has previously stated he intend on hanging his gloves up after the next World Cup in Russia in 2018. And when asked if he had set his sights on any further appearance landmarks, he said: “I don’t know where I go from here. “It’s fun to talk about landmarks when you pass them, but I’ve never really spoken ever about them when they are on the horizon. “They come with hard work and dedication to your craft, you just want to get out there and make your mark and eventually over the course of weeks and months and years, you pick your head up and there you are.
“It’s hard to put your finger on what’s next.”
And Howard is intent on maintaining the momentum of the Capital One Cup penalty shoot-out win over Norwich and the weekend romp against Sunderland. “The feeling we had in the dressing room on Sunday, you can’t beat that feeling,” said the keeper. “If you could bottle it and sell it, you’d be a quadruple billionaire because it’s the most special feeling in the world.
“We’re going to try and keep that going. We always seem to be very resilient at West Ham, always. We look forward to that challenge. “They’ve been playing well, credit to them. No doubt the manager will put a gameplan in place that if we implement and execute, we’ll get the right result.” Howard, meanwhile, has spoken of his pride at reaching 400 appearances for the club, a figure surpassed only by Leon Osman in the Premier League era. “It is amazing,” said the goalkeeper. “I remember my first game for Everton. The fact I’ve pulled that shirt on 400 times is hard to wrap my head around. “It’s an impressive target, and something that means a lot to me. I’ve enjoyed every minute of being an Evertonian and being here. Being a part of this famous club is special to me.”
Howard added: “I never envisaged how it would go. I came on loan (initially) and you hope for a lot of things, you wish you had the power to write the future but you don’t. “It was a day by day thing, and I think it’s testament to hard work and getting your head down and putting a shift in every day, and eventually you get your rewards. “I’ve been fortunate to play for two top managers and brilliant team-mates, thankfully I’ve stayed away from long-term injuries. I’m proud of that record.”

Everton FC: George Green released by Oldham
4 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Chris Beesley
League One club let former Blues 'wonder kid' go
Everton's George Green in action
Former Everton ‘wonder kid’ George Green has been released by Oldham Athletic by mutual consent.
The midfielder arrived at Goodison Park to great fanfare in 2011 as a 15-year-old with the Blues paying his local club Bradford City an initial £300,000 for his services in a deal that could have eventually been worth up to £2million. At the time Archie Christie, the head at football development at Bradford, believed that the sky was the limit for Green and declared: “This is one of the highest deals ever for a 15-year-old from a League Two club. But George is the best I’ve seen in his position at his age. He could become another Wayne Rooney or Paul Gascoigne.” Christie – a larger-than-life Scot who died in January 2014 – said to the ECHO after he joined: “I told him about my pals Duncan Ferguson and Neville Southall. I told him they’ve got a great manager who gives young players a chance. “Everton are not going to go out and spend £50m on a foreigner, they will spend two or three years developing you,’ I said. “Look at Wayne Rooney and Jack Rodwell. Even the boy now Ross Barkley. Everton won’t go and spend £18m on an English midfielder from another club like Jordan Henderson. “I told him that if he works hard and shows what he’s capable of he could be in their first team frame in two or three years.”
Everton's George Green (right) celebrates scoring his team's 3rd goal against Birmingham City in the FA Youth Cup Green showed a flash of brilliance last season when he scored his first senior goal on loan with Tranmere but arriving late in the day at Prenton Park he was unable to prevent Rovers from surrendering their Football League status 94 years after they became founder members of Division Three North. Green, still a teenager (he doesn’t turn 20 until January 2), made four appearances for Oldham but hasn’t featured since September 19. The League One club have issued a two-line statement on their website saying: “Midfielder George Green has been released from his contract by mutual consent. “We wish George all the best for the future.”

Everton FC analysis: How Leighton Baines' return can add consistency to an up and down Blues side
4 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Neil Jones
Galloway has filled in admirably, but England man provides key creative threat
Everton's Leighton Baines is close to a return
It was the eve of the new Premier League season, but for Everton the news was not good.
Leighton Baines, the Blues’ most consistent performer for many a year, had broken down in training, his ankle damaged as he attempted a routine block. The prognosis wasn’t good. The injury would require surgery, keeping the England man out for up to three months. With Bryan Oviedo battling his own fitness issues, and with Luke Garbutt having departed for Fulham on loan (and then got injured himself), it was, said Roberto Martinez, “a real disaster.” In Baines’ absence, it has been Brendan Galloway who has stepped up to the plate. The teenager’s performances – assured, confident, positive – have been one of the best things about Everton’s season so far. Now, though, Baines is closing in on his return. The 30-year-old is back training with the Blues’ first team, and should be ready for action later this month.
For Martinez, it is a timely boost. Especially given Oviedo’s latest woes, and the absence of Phil Jagielka, which has given Everton’s backline a rather callow look of late.
Creative fulcrum
It has long been accepted that Baines, although ostensibly in the side as a defender, has operated as Everton’s main creative outlet for many years now. Last season was, by his own high standards, something of a dip. And yet the numbers continue to prove his influence. In Premier League matches, he made almost twice as many key passes (62) as any other Everton player, recording nine assists. Defensively, he scored well for tackle success (58%), take ons (53%) and errors leading to goals (zero).
Without him, Everton have needed to adapt quickly. Galloway’s form has been good, and his potential is obvious, but he simply does not carry the same all-round game as his more senior colleague.
Brendan Galloway has been a revelation for Everton
It has meant the Blues have needed to utilise the talents of others – Ross Barkley and Gerard Deulofeu in particular – rather than relying on a steady stream of quality from their left flank.
Nothing wrong with that, of course. Variety is the spice of life. But ask Romelu Lukaku, for example, whether he misses Baines’ supply line, and you know what the answer would be. In many ways, it has been a surprise that more has not been made of his absence. Perhaps, indeed, that is the greatest compliment one could pay Galloway.
Galloway set to take centre stage
For Galloway, Baines’ recovery will mean a return to “squad” duties.

The 19-year-old has performed admirably during a challenging period, and is in line to be rewarded for his progress with a new contract. Though he was left out in favour of Oviedo for the win over Sunderland on Sunday – replacing the luckless Costa Rican in the first half – he should be proud of the way he has acquitted himself in this, his first ‘full’ season in the top flight.
The feeling at Everton is that Galloway’s future lies in the centre of defence – though his potential in a holding midfield role have also been noted – and it will be interesting to see if Jagielka’s absence offers him any opportunities in that position, perhaps in the League Cup trip to Middlesbrough for example.
Phil Jagielka of Everton leaves the pitch after picking up injury which could prove to be serious
There is no question that the England U20 international is one for the long-term, and having the likes of Baines alongside him day in, day out can only benefit him. For Everton, meanwhile, it will be good just to welcome back one of their star men. If their start to the season could be best described as “mixed”, then the return of their most consistent performer can only help matters.

Everton FC Q&A: Sunderland win papered over the cracks
4 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Neil Jones
Howard shouldn't be Blues keeper and Barry is a self-inflicted hindrance says David Downie
Firstly Dave, what did you make of Sunday's game? Delighted with the attacking, annoyed with the defending? Or does the fact that it was Sunderland mean conclusions are impossible?
I think we need to treat the merits of such a spectacular score line in moderation here, much the way you would when a Premier League team runs riot against a lower league side in a cup competition.
Above all else I must stress it was very enjoyable and Everton were great to watch going forward – that’s before I get to the cracks that have undoubtedly been papered over in the aftermath.
Deulofeu, Kone and Lukaku looked fantastic in attack and cut Sunderland apart like a hot knife through butter. Yes, it may well have been the poorest side we’ve played this season and by some margin, but the very least those lads should take from it is a great amount of confidence, particularly in their finishing. It was clinical. However, I can’t help but thinking even a slightly better opponent would’ve taken something from the game having come from two behind to level things up.
Remember Sunderland hit the woodwork twice in the first half and the goals we conceded were down to simple individual errors. Stones’ judgement of the first was uncharacteristically bad and it was equally as worrying to see Funes Mori being out-muscled by Steven Fletcher. With Jagielka sidelined for a substantial period, it’s crucial our two young centre halves prove they can form a solid partnership.
All in all it was lovely to see us put someone to the sword, but the lingering questions about our defence and slow starts to matches are still a big issue for the manager.
I know you'll like this one. Tim Howard was the subject of much debate in the week leading up to the game, and had some strong words in his pre-match interview; where do you stand on the goalkeeping situation?
I’ve been relentless in my stance on this issue for well over a year now.
Tim Howard shouldn’t be Everton’s goalkeeper and each time one of his mistakes costs us a goal it’s a constant reminder of one of the issues hindering the team’s progress.
Steadfast support and loyalty is usually such an admirable trait in a manager when a player is going through a bad spell, and I understand it must also be very difficult to go against the opinion of the majority.
But it’s been a long time since Roberto Martinez was able to justify his persistence with Howard given the sheer consistency of the mistakes he’s made. The double standards the manager has shown with his selection have been remarkable.Some players, such as Steven Naismith have been given game time this season based on form – notice his run in the side since his hat-trick at Chelsea and also Deulofeu’s latest run of games. That’s how football should be, unless tactics or obviously injuries dictate otherwise.

Why isn’t Martinez implementing the same policy with his choice of goalkeeper? Joel Robles never put a foot wrong against Norwich in the Capital One Cup, making good saves and having a big hand in winning the penalty shootout. Imagine how shattering it is to his confidence to then hear his manager declaring unwavering support for his colleague? What kind of example does it set to others? It’s become a ridiculous scenario and one that costs us points. You'll like this too. Roberto Martinez had some nice things to say about Gareth Barry this week. What do you make of the midfielder's influence at Goodison?
Gareth Barry. Another one of Martinez’s favourites. He has a huge influence at Goodison and to hear his manager claim he can be a force for the club beyond the age of forty beggars belief.
Along with the goalkeeper, I believe the lack of pragmatism or ability to rotate selection with Gareth Barry is another of the self-inflicted hindrances Martinez continues to burden the team with.
Gareth Barry was an influential presence against Sunderland
That being said, Barry has rediscovered some of the form which did make him a crucial figure in his inaugural season with the club.
But when those ageing legs do produce poor performances, Martinez refuses to recognise this and again persists with a player who hasn’t earned their place in the side. Infuriating.
Arouna Kone grabbed the headlines. What difference do you think it makes to Romelu Lukaku when he has another forward playing in support?
It makes all the difference when Lukaku has another forward near him. There’s been countless occasions over the last two seasons where we’ve struggled to get anybody near Lukaku and coupled with his youthful inconsistencies, it’s made the team look very blunt in attack.
Like many before him in a Blue shirt, the natural instinct for a player who isn’t seeing any of the ball up front, Lukaku tends to wander into a deeper role in order to get involved with play.
When there’s nobody breaking past him or a forward partner operating in the space he’s left, he just becomes and additional midfielder. But when Kone or another is in front of him when he picks the ball up in deeper positions, he has someone to link up with as he powers towards goal.
The best example of this was Kone’s third goal against Sunderland where Lukaku dropped deep and successfully linked up with the man in front of him.
West Ham next up - they've had a half-decent start to the season. What would you like to see from Everton?
The same free flowing football that put Sunderland to the sword last weekend. I know West Ham have had a great start to the season and will pose a greater threat to us, but there’s no reason our attacking play can’t put on a similar display.
Passes need to be short, counter attacks need to be quick and we need to continue with Lukaku and Kone.
Leighton Baines is back in training this week. How much have the Blues missed their left back this season? Does he go straight back in?
I think we’ve missed his assists, but it would it do a disservice to Brendan Galloway to say we are desperate to get Leighton Baines back into the first team. Galloway has been a revelation at left back and I don’t think it should necessarily be an automatic return to the bench for the youngster when Baines returns.
Any other business you wish to raise with us?
The Capital One Cup has been our best chance of winning a trophy for many years now.
We’re lucky in many ways to have scraped through to the quarter finals this season given the way we’ve played and how apparent it is the manager doesn’t value the competition.
We stand three games away from Wembley with lower league opposition in the next round. It’s time we all started taking this competition seriously and got that elusive piece of silverware in the bag.

Everton FC: Blues reach Lancashire Senior Cup semi-finals
4 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Chris Beesley
David Unsworth's men come from behind to beat Blackburn
Everton U21's David Henen
Blackburn Rovers U21s 1 Everton U21s 2
Everton Under-21s progressed to the Lancashire Senior Cup semi-finals after coming from behind to secure a 2-1 away win over Blackburn Rovers.
John O’Sullivan opened the scoring for the hosts as his strike from outside the box deflected off the head of Jonjoe Kenny and nestled into the back of the net.
But the young Blues found themselves level seconds later through substitute Courtney Duffus, before David Henen clinched victory with less than 10 minutes remaining.
With assistant manager Graeme Jones, Duncan Ferguson and first-team midfielder Ross Barkley watching on from the sidelines, Everton started the contest on the front foot and were nearly rewarded for their early pressure on 17 minutes.
A great passing move down the right flank created an opening for Harry Charsley, but Blackburn keeper David Raya was equal to the midfielder’s low drive.
Rovers, however, had chances of their own as the game went on and they were unlucky not to take the lead just before the half hour when the woodwork denied Ryan Nyambe.
Henen, who was impressive throughout, then squandered the best opportunity of the opening half as a flowing counter-attack resulted in the Blues forward being played through on goal but, with just the goalkeeper to beat, he fired over the bar and so it remained goalless at the half-time interval.
The second half began in the similar fashion as the first, with the visitors on top but, against the run of play, it was the hosts who took the lead on 65 minutes.
O’Sullivan took aim from 25-yards and his effort deflected off the head of Kenny and nestled into the back of the net.
That goal led to a double substitution from David Unsworth, with forwards Duffus and Calum Dyson replacing Leandro Rodriguez and Antony Evans.
Those changes paid off almost immediately.
Duffus, making only his second appearance for the Under-21s since returning from a long-term knee injury, received the ball with his back to goal before turning the defender and firing Everton level just seconds after falling behind.
With the cup tie heading for extra-time, the momentum was with the young Blues and the turnaround was complete with less than 10 minutes remaining.
Defender Kenny picked out Henen with a terrific diagonal pass and the Belgian controlled the ball impeccably before slotting past the keeper to take Everton through to the semi-finals of the Lancashire Senior Cup.
Blackburn Rovers: David Raya, Ryan Nyambe, Jack Doyle, Willem Tomlinson, Darragh Lenihan, Scott Wharton, Connor Thomson, Sacha Petshi, Anston Forrester, John O’Sullivan, Connor Mahoney.
Subs: Lewis Mansell, Ryan Crump (GK) Matthew Platt, Hyuga Tanner, David Carson.
Everton: Hewelt, Kenny, Connolly, Ledson, Browning, Holgate, Charsley, Williams, Rodrigues, Evans, Henen.
Subs: Duffus, Griffiths, Walsh, Dyson, Davies.

Revealed: Why former Everton goal-scoring prospect Chris Long felt he had to leave
5 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Greg O’Keeffe , Phil Kirkbride
Chris Long explains why a lack of opportunities with Everton's first team made him quit Goodison in the summer
Former Everton striker Chris Long has revealed why he had to leave the Blues in order to kick-start his career.
The 20-year-old Huyton-born forward signed for Championship club Burnley in the summer after being at Everton for 15 years throughout his schoolboy career.
And despite converting from an early allegiance to Liverpool to become a passionate Evertonian, he has explained why he felt so frustrated at his lack of opportunities with the Toffees.
Long, who has made seven appearances for the Clarets this term, admitted how disillusioned he felt after pre-season in 2014 when he impressed and scored a stunning volley against German club Paderborn, but failed to get the first-team chance he felt his displays had warranted.
Speaking in Burnley's programme, he said: "In pre-season I felt I did well and I even started the last game before the Premier League season kicked off.
"I scored what I thought was a very good goal and thought 'this is me'. I could be starting against Leicester. "Lukaku had just come back from the World Cup and he wasn't fully match fit, so I convinced myself even more. "I came in the next day, after we got back from Germany, and I was back with the under-21s. Chris Long in pre-season action for Everton against Leicester City the Supachalasai National Stadium in Bangkok in 2014 "I thought the manager must be testing me but I didn't train with the first-team again for another three weeks. "I tried to get myself out on loan but the club weren't for letting me out until January. "I finally made my debut three months after all that in the Europa League and it just didn't feel right. "I was out of contract the following summer so I sat down with my agent and that's why I left (on loan) in January." Long was out of contract this summer but turned down a new deal at Everton, who had a considered progression plan in place for him, in favour of regular first-team football with the Turf Moor side. The Blues were due compensation for losing him but an agreement was struck with Burnley before a tribunal was needed to determine a fee. Scottish Championship side Rangers were also interested in signing Long but the England under-20 international opted for the Clarets.
He added: "I was only five-years-old when I went there (to Everton).
"I remember turning up in my Liverpool kit and they wouldn't let me in until I'd thrown a blue bib on!
"It's strange but I was a boyhood Liverpool fan, but I'm a turncoat now! I think I was about 12 when I finally got my first Everton kit to be honest.
"But I was there from a very young age and that's why I turned to be honest, because all my mum's side of the family are Bluenoses and I'm very close to my mum.
"Later in my career I was getting then all tickets for every game so I was Mr Popular!"
Although he had to move on, he clearly still holds the club's youth coaches in high regard; especially after they supported him during some difficult times.
"It was a good grounding there though," he said. "The coaches stuck by me, especially through bad times because I didn't have the right attitude sometimes.
"In the under-16s I went through a really bad hormonal stage - well, that's what I like to put the blame on anyhow! "But when Big Duncan Ferguson and Kevin Sheedy came in as under-18 coaches , I could look up to them and it helped me focus. "Duncan, especially, took to me. I still speak to him now and he'll drop me the odd text. I owe them a lot."
Duncan Ferguson coaching on the touchline alongside Kevin Sheedy
Everton could eventually receive up to £1m for Long after Burnley paid £500,000 with another half a million due if Sean Dyche’s side get promoted back to the Premier League this season.
But he admits he had to play catch-up in fitness terms when he first went to Turf Moor.
"I'd done no pre-season training because I was discussing my contract with Everton and when I came here I was well behind," he said.
"I'd been playing five-a-side with my mates but that was it and I reckon I was probably at least a month or two behind the others, so I really needed to get myself fit.
Long says Sean Dyche's training methods differ from Martinez's at Everton
"That was tough. I was running hard and that's the most intense training I've ever done but it's so beneficial and probably the best thing I've ever done.
"After every training session you felt like you were getting somewhere whereas under Roberto Martinez at Everton there wasn't as much running.
"It was nothing at Everton compared to what we do here and I think that's why we bring what we do into the game, because we train as we play."

Everton to give Leighton Baines fitness boost with behind-closed-doors friendly
5 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Phil Kirkbride
Everton left-back Baines ready to step-up his injury return with private fixture
Everton will hold a behind-closed-doors friendly next week to help speed up the recovery of Leighton Baines. The Blues left-back has not played a competitive games since last season after twice undergoing surgery on his ankle. Baines, 30, is back in training with the Everton squad but will not be fit to face West Ham on Saturday. Manager Roberto Martinez has arranged for the Blues non-international players to feature in a friendly game and hopes to run-out will boost Baines' chances of a comeback.
"We have a got a game that will be behind closed doors in the international break and Leighton will be playing a part in that," Martinez told the Echo.
"He needs to have that confidence when making blocks and the contact you can get in a football game.
"You only get that by those sorts of exercises because training isn't good enough in order to test yourself, so we will do that behind closed doors.
"That's why I feel the international break is going to be a really important period to get that."

Everton FC: Slaven Bilic was ahead of his time at Blues
5 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Chris Beesley
Michael Ball says West Ham boss showed Goodison youngsters continental methods
Slaven Bilic of Everton celebrates
Everton never saw the best from Slaven Bilic because he was ahead of his time during his spell at Goodison reckons Michael Ball. Roberto Martinez’s men face a West Ham outfit this weekend managed by the Croatian and Ball, who played in the same Blues defence as Bilic believes his former team-mate is one of football’s greatest minds, even if his talents were somewhat wasted while on Merseyside.
Ball said: “He knows his football, and I imagine he’s a real man-manager the way he goes about things, he’s very clever.
“He’s a great man and I wasn’t shocked at all that he did well as Croatia coach. He can speak at least four languages and has a Law degree. “Slav was one of the senior pros at the club when I came through. We had a lot of kids in our team then but he took his time with them all and point them in the right direction and help us with our game. “He brought all of his experience in continental football with him having also played in Germany. “At the time there was the first real influx of foreign players in the Premier League and he knew what the strikers were trying to do.”
A new way of defending
Bilic arrived at Everton in the summer of 1997 when they were managerless in between the reigns of Joe Royle and Howard Kendall’s third spell having agreed a £4.5million transfer back in March that year only to delay his move until the end of the season to help West Ham avoid relegation.
Before coming to the Premier League, he started at home town club Hadjuk Split before a stint in the Bundesliga with Karlsruher.
Ball said: “Slav was right in what he was saying. It was the start in a new way of defending that he brought to us. “With the team that we had, the style of play probably didn’t help him too much but there were things that he was trying to get the youngsters to do to take on for their careers ahead and he certainly helped me. “We had to think slightly differently when we were coming up against strikers from overseas than your typical British player. “Whereas before you’d have got tight, now you might want to give them a bit of space because they’d often go down and while you might not have done anything, you could give away a free-kick in a dangerous area and lose the game.” He added: “If you’re coming up against Dennis Bergkamp or Ian Wright there was two totally different ways to mark them. Half the time you think you’re doing the right thing but when Slaven points you in the right direction you can see what he’s trying to get across. “You think ‘I’ll give it a little go’, it comes off and it sort of sticks with you for the rest of your career.”
May '98: Not good enough for 17th placed Blues; July '98: 3rd place at the World Cup
Although Bilic was a cultured, ball-playing defender, he suffered from indiscipline during his first season at Goodison and was sent off three times.
He was left on the bench as an unused substitute for Everton’s final game of the campaign when they avoided relegation on goal difference with a 1-1 draw against Coventry, unable to win a place in a back five that not only included Ball and club stalwart Dave Watson but Craig Short, Carl Tiler and John O’Kane.
Yet just over a month later, Bilic was strutting his stuff among the best footballers on the planet as he helped Croatia to finish third at France ‘98 – their World Cup debut.
Croatia's Slaven Bilic (centre) celebrates Croatia's first goal against the Netherlands in the 1998 World Cup third place play-off Ball said: “He was probably more of a futuristic kind of centre-half to what we were used to at the time in his style of play. “He didn’t have the pace but he controlled the game because he had the brains. “Whereas others would just kick it up the pitch, he’d get a nudge in the back and go down. “You’d never see that from a centre-half then, especially in England but we’d get a free-kick in our final third and it would calm the whole game down, we’d have possession and would start again.”
Elton John's neighbor
Despite an age gap of over 11 years, local lad Ball – who was still a teenager when Bilic came to the Blues – struck up a great rapport with his cosmopolitan neighbour but he recalls there was one particular incident that the Croatian’s worldliness became evident to him.
He said: “I got on pretty well with Slav. Living in the same area we used to take turns driving each other into training.
“I remember asking him once when we were on our way in, ‘what have you been up to today?’
“He puffed his cheeks, turned to look at me with those piercing eyes and said: ‘Michael, I used to live in London next door to Elton John and shop in Harrods...
“Now I live next door to you and I get asked for my ABC card in Sainsbury’s!”

Leighton Baines, Muhamed Besic and Tom Cleverley return as Everton train ahead of West Ham game
5 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Phil Kirkbride
Kone and Lukaku are all smiles as Roberto Martinez puts his side through their paces
Everton are putting the final touches to their preparations for Saturday's game at West Ham United.
The Blues head to Upton Park for their final game before the international break, looking to build on their 6-2 thrashing of Sunderland. Hat-trick hero Arouna Kone was all smiles as he trained at Finch Farm this morning alongside strike partner Romelu Lukaku, who also scored in the win.

Leighton Baines, Mo Besic and Tom Cleverley were all involved with the first-team after their recent injury problems.
Baines will take part in a behind-closed-doors friendly next week as the left-back steps up his return from ankle surgery that has seen him miss the first 11 games of the season.
The 30-year-old is not expected to be in the squad for the weekend's game against West Ham. however.
Besic is targeting a return to fitness in time to play for Bosnia and Herzegovina against Republic of Ireland on November 16, in the second leg of their Euro 2016 qualifier.
Everton academy player Liam Walsh, who scored from the halfway line for the under-18s last week, is also pictured training with the first team squad.

Everton's Tyias Browning called up to England under-21 squad alongside Brendan Galloway
5 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Phil Kirkbride
Ross Barkley and John Stones named in senior Three Lions set-up
Tyias Browning has been rewarded with a call-up to the England under-21 squad.
The Everton defender has never been capped at u-21 level but has today been named in Gareth Southgate’s squad for games with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Switzerland.
Blues teenager Brendan Galloway has also been named in the 21-man squad.
England face Bosnia a week today before returning home to take on Switzerland in Brighton, on November 16. Ross Barkley and John Stones, meanwhile, have been called up by Rod Hodgson to the England senior squad.
The Three Lions face friendlies with Spain on Friday, November 13 before returning to Wembley to take on France, on Tuesday, November 17. Academy pair Mason Holgate and Russell Griffiths will be part of the England’s under-20 squad for a double-header next Wednesday and Saturday.
Brendan Galloway has also been called back into the England u-21 squad
And a trio of Everton youngsters will be part of the England u-19s squad who play Holland and Japan.
Jonjoe Kenny, Ryan Ledson and Callum Connolly have been called up by Aidy Boothroyd.

Is Everton's Tim Howard better than Hugo Lloris & Adrian? EA Sports think so
5 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By David Prentice
Everton's Tim Howard is better than Hugo Lloris and Adrian according to EA statisticians
Tim Howard is Roberto Martinez’s number one.
He kept his place against Sunderland last weekend despite a much criticised performance against Arsenal a week earlier, and a solid display by his stand-in three days later in the Capital One Cup.
The Blues boss suggested it is Howard’s experience and his leadership which consistently gets him the vote in the Blues’ goal. “His role on the pitch is more important than his individual performance,” said Martinez. But have Howard’s individual performances been that bad?
Does he deserve the scrutiny he has come under in recent weeks?
He was rooted to his line against Liverpool, Arsenal and West Brom, and was beaten at his near post against Manchester City.
But he was sparkling at Spurs and kept a clean sheet at Southampton.
And according to the EA Sports Player Performance Index, he is the fifth best performing goalkeeper in the top flight, topped only by Petr Cech, Jack Butland, Kasper Schmeichel and Joe Hart.
Jack Butland has outperformed Tim Howard
That’s pretty stellar company he’s keeping - ahead of names like Hugo Lloris, Simon Mignolet and Asmier Begovic.
The official Premier League website produced a head to head this week comparing sixth placed West Ham keeper Adrian – the man whose athleticism, and penalty-taking - knocked Everton out of the FA Cup last season - with Howard.
And the American came out on top in every category.
He has made more saves – 42 to 28, has a better save percentage, 74% to 71% and has made more Premier League saves than all bar Stoke’s Jack Butland and Sunderland’s Costel Pantilimon.
Of course that may mean he is not receiving as much protection as a goalkeeper should.
Is Martinez an advocate of EA Sports?
Or simply that Roberto Martinez reads the EA Sports Player performance Index.
The PremierLeague.com reports: “The Hammers have proven tough opposition for some of the BPL stellar sides this season, recording victories over Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, but host an Everton side this weekend built on one of the most solid foundations in goalkeeper Tim Howard.”
Roberto Martinez clearly agrees.
Do you?

Romelu Lukaku in form of his life? Not just yet but he's had a special year
5 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Phil Kirkbride
Everton manager Martinez says too early to say this is best of Lukaku but his improvement has been remarkable
Lukaku has a smile on his face after a scintillating 2015 so far
Roberto Martinez says it’s too early to say if Romelu Lukaku is in the form of his life - but the Everton boss says he’s certainly had a year to remember. Lukaku has now plundered 21 goals in 2015 for Everton after scoring in the thrashing of Sunderland last weekend. The 22-year-old has double the number of goals he had at this stage last season and has won rave reviews for his performances.
Lukaku heads to West Ham this weekend looking for his seventh goal in as many games against the Hammers. The Belgian international has scored in all three of Everton’s games against West Ham since January and Martinez believes Lukaku’s return is “incredible”. “It is too early to assess if he has ever played as well,” Martinez told the ECHO.
“When you go into an assessment of a player and what they are showing, you need to wait until the end of the season. “But what we all know is that Rom is a striker that has absolutely everything.
Lukaku scores the fourth goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Sunderland “He is a very, very young man as well and because of the work he puts in on the training ground, he is becoming stronger. “He still has a long way to go but that is the potential he has and I look forward to seeing Rom being consistent throughout this campaign and doing what he has been doing in the last calendar year. “For an Everton player to score over 20 goals in 2015 – something that has only ever been done (in the Premier League era) by Tony Cottee in 1993 – is an incredible return.
“But Rom is now getting used to coping with that expectation and there is always an opinion around him. Tony Cottee was the last Everton player to score 20 goals in a calendar year
“What I like about him is that he is the most critical person around him, he pushes himself and wants to improve all the time. “He is always fit, always available and someone you can always rely on.
“He is an exciting player to work with.” Lukaku has never lacked pace, power or a goal-scoring threat.
But the former Chelsea’s man ability to hold the ball up was questioned in his first two seasons with Everton. But Lukaku has made major improvements with his back to goal. “I always felt that what we saw in Rom, in that first season he was on loan from Chelsea, was that uniqueness about his talent,” the Blues boss said. “It is very easy to highlight a No9 that is outstanding at something, it is normally the case. “It might be aerial threat, back to play or a scoring knack, pace or power.
He's strong in the air “But Rom, and we are seeing this more and more, anything that you work with him on, he masters it. “If we put all these attributes together then he can be someone quite unique and at the age we are talking about, he has played a lot of minutes and psychologically he is coping really, really well and he is a great character. “This is why we made the investment we made, we saw those signs and now it is a matter of him performing as he did at the weekend. “He is someone that can be at the end of a move, someone who can open defences up, someone who can see a pass and someone who can hold the ball up in order to allow bring others into the game, high up the pitch.
“And he is someone who has the understanding of what is needed for the team.
“All in all, he is an impressive footballer and why we invested so heavily in him.”
On Lukaku’s brilliant record against West Ham, Martinez added: “You get to grounds where you, if you want, feel confident as a player. “You get a good feeling going to a ground where you feel you are going to score.”

Listen: How Everton can solve their imminent left-back conundrum
5 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Greg O’Keeffe
Everton podcast: Three won't go into one - so who should start - Baines, Galloway or Oviedo?
How to solve Everton's left-back conundrum?
As anyone who ever struggled with simultaneous equations will tell you - maths is hard.
But one sum is pretty simple.
Three won't go into one.
That's the dilemma facing Everton boss Roberto Martinez when it comes to his left-back berth with Leighton Baines approaching full fitness again after a lengthy injury lay-off.
Does the Catalan instantly restore the England international to the starting XI at the expense of the impressive teenager Brendan Galloway?And what of the ever-popular (and ever injured) Bryan Oviedo?
Then there's Luke Garbutt still on the books too!
Don't forget about Luke Garbutt as well
This week the lads discuss how best to solve that dilemma in the coming months; and look back at the thrashing of Sunderland and what we can expect from our last ever trip to Upton Park.
Lend us your ears.

David Prentice: Vardy's eight is great - but Dixie's dozen can't be discounted
6 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By David Prentice
Prenno's latest column on why football records actually DID exist before the invention of the Premier League
Jamie Vardy is chasing a goalscoring record - but it's only a Premier League one
I’m loving Jamie Vardy’s recent run of scoring form.
Just four years after he was banging them in for then non-league Fleetwood Town, Vardy has now struck in eight successive Premier League matches. It is the kind of rags to riches story we thought had disappeared from ‘modern’ football for good. And we are told he is now closing in on Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record of scoring in 10 successive matches. The Manchester United marksman was undoubtedly a Dutch master of the goalscoring arts.
But is it really ‘Ruud’s’ record?
It’s that hoary old chestnut – a Premier League record. You know the script, the one that says football only began in 1992. As a result records set by legends like Jimmy Greaves, Bobby Charlton and Dixie Dean are dismissed.
Even more modern day scoring stars - but men who marginally pre-dated the Premier League era like John Aldridge - miss out. Aldridge scored in each of the first nine League matches in the 1987-88 season. He also scored in the last League game of the previous season to set a Liverpool club scoring record of ten consecutive League games.
But it’s not his record Vardy is chasing, it’s Ruud’s.
Dixie Dean scored in 12 matches in a row in 1930-31. Not top flight games in this instance, but he did score 23 times in those dozen outings. While in his startling 60-goal season of 1927-28 Dixie struck in the first nine matches of the campaign and the last seven.
But again it’s still Ruud’s record.
If we look abroad, the most staggering sequence of scoring was created in 2013, when Lionel Messi scored against Deportivo La Coruna - the 17th successive match he had struck.
That broke Teodor Peterek’s mark of scoring in 16 consecutive league matches between 1937 and 1938 for Polish side Ruch Chorzów, while the best Pele ever managed for Santos was 14 successive scoring appearances.
Jermain Defoe once managed to score in 10 successive matches, too, as a talented teenager for Bournemouth.
But it’s Ruud’s record don’t forget.
Unless Jamie Vardy scores in his next three matches ...
I’m kind of hoping he does.

Everton transfer rumours: Toffees slap £45m price-tag on Romelu Lukaku
6 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Ian Doyle
A round-up of Everton transfer rumours and speculation from around the web
He's got it all. Lukaku has got what it takes
We do love a good angry adjective in football.
And then there's that scarily-loud moment when someone has a price tag SLAPPED on them.
Given it happens to top players all the time, you'd like to think it doesn't hurt. Much.
Anyway, the latest Everton player to apparently be given the treatment is Romelu Lukaku.
According to the Daily Mail, the Blues won't even consider thinking about selling the Belgian for anything less than £45million. Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are both said to be eyeing the striker's services – well, if you believe Lukaku's agent – and that'll mean a fight to keep hold of the player.
The report also suggests Lukaku is keen on playing in the Champions League and will assess his future at the end of this season.
We love to talk about power struggles in football.
And the good news for Everton is that Dynamo Kiev boss Sergei Rebrov reckons he is powerless to prevent Blues target Andriy Yarmolenko from leaving.
Everton have been actively pursuing the 26-year-old for some time, and haven't been deterred with the 26-year-old recently signing a five-year deal with the club.
Not least because it appears Yarmolenko is super keen to depart.
Rebrov doesn't want that to happen, but accepts only the Kiev president can make the decision, what with him running the club and all that.
“He's a very high-level footballer but we do not build our game around him,” said the former Tottenham man. “I can see his progress and that other teams are interested in him but it all depends on his relationship with the president. “If you are asking me then I don't want to sell the player, I want to keep him in the team but, at the end of the day, it's all about the relationship with the president.”
Finally, would you believe Martinez is eager to sign Portugal under-21 winger Ricardo Horta?
Well, that's what talkSPORT are saying, with Valencia and Sampdoria also interested.
Everton have been monitoring the 21-year-old and are prepared to make a £3m offer in January.
Horta is a regular for Spanish outfit Malaga and has already earned his first senior cap for the Portuguese national team.

Everton under-18s' form 'exciting' says Roberto Martinez
6 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Phil Kirkbride
Blues boss keeping a close eye on the top-of-the-table teenagers currently outdoing moneybags Manchester City
Liam Walsh scored a wonder goal for Everton under-18s against Derby County
Roberto Martinez is “excited” by the potential of Everton ’s top-of-the-table under-18 side.
The young Blues leapfrogged Manchester City in the Premier League table last weekend with a 2-0 win over Derby County. City were held to a 1-1 draw with Liverpool which allowed Everton to take top spot.
The Blues welcome Manchester United to Finch Farm tomorrow (11am) looking to cement their lead at the summit. Martinez has invited a number of the U18s squad to train with the first team at various points this season and the Blues boss is thrilled by their progress.
“I am really excited,” Martinez told the ECHO.
“Not just because they are a group of players who are competing in their league but also because they are a group of players who have been moved up to the 21s and accelerated in their development.
Everton's Delial Brewster in action
“We keep a real focus on their individual programmes but when you see them performing as a team, against teams that work really well with their youngsters, it is really impressive what they are achieving at the moment. “It is very important to have good players in the squad but even more exciting to have youngsters of the quality we have, underneath growing and seeing where they can take us.”
Delial Brewster scored the second goal against Derby last weekend but it was the opener, from Liam Walsh, that had everyone talking. Walsh, who trained with Everton’s first team yesterday, scored from just inside the opposition half. “The technique of that action is not easy to execute,” Martinez said.
“The vision of Liam is quite special and he is a midfielder who has that type of vision, but it is executing it when you have the option and being arrogant enough to think you can score from that position.
“We always encourage the players to be free to enjoy themselves and be creative and, clearly, when you have players like Liam Walsh they can produce moments like that.”

Is West Ham v Everton on TV? plus everything else you need know
6 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Ian Doyle
Ian Doyle has bad news if you want live televised coverage... but good news if you are Romelu Lukaku
Everton's Romelu Lukaku celebrates with his shirt off.
A half naked Romelu Lukaku? It can only mean a win at West Ham. Again
What time is kick-off?
Good news for traditionalists. Everton's last-ever league visit to Upton Park takes place at 3pm on Saturday – only the Blues' fourth such starting time this season.
How can I watch it?
If you are still after a ticket for the game, then it's tough cheese – the game is a sell-out.

And with it a Saturday 3pm game, there's no live coverage... well, legal live coverage at any rate.
So please follow us here on the ECHO website with a live blog from Phil Kirkbride, myself and our Everton Editor, Greg 'G Man' O'Keeffe.
Highlights will be shown on Match of the Day on BBC1 at 11pm.
And if you can't wait that long, you can always see if it's the game of the day on Sky Sports 5 at 8pm, or then press the red button for extended highlights at 10pm, also on Sky Sports 5.
Who is the referee?
Paul Tierney is the man in the middle.
What do you mean, you haven't heard of him?
Well, there's a reason for that. This will be only the fourth Premier League game he has officiated, having become the top flight's newest referee last year.
Tierney, who has never taken charge of an Everton match, was branded “appalling” by Bolton boss Neil Lennon in August after he denied the Trotters two penalties in the derby draw with Blackburn Rovers.
But he would say that, wouldn't he?
Who should I look out for in the West Ham team?
The Hammers' main man this season has been Dimitri Payet.
The French playmaker, a summer arrival from Nantes, has racked up five goals and three assists in 11 Premier League appearances.
West Ham United's Dimitri Payet (centre) is on fire and Slaven Bilic's men are no mugs this term
Argentine attacking midfielder Manuel Lanzini is another summer signing to have caught the eye after joining on loan from Abu Dhabi outfit Al-Jazira.
Then there's Andy Carroll. He's got a bit of history against the Blues.
Who is the West Ham manager?
It's Slaven Bilic.
You may remember him from his two years as a centre-back at Everton between 1997 and 1999, when his efforts to nail down a permanent starting role were hampered by injuries and suspensions.
He had moved to Goodison following a successful 18-month spell at West Ham.
Having hung up his boots not long after leaving Everton, Bilic turned his hand to management, taking charge of Hajduk Split, Croatia U21s and then his country's full national team, Lokomotiv Moscow, Besiktas and, from this summer, the Hammers.
Fact: Bilic loves Metallica. Absolutely LOVES them.
Any injury news?
Bryan Oviedo joined Phil Jagielka in the treatment room having suffered a hamstring problem against Sunderland last Sunday.
Leighton Baines has returned training but won't be risked, Tony Hibbert is still working on his fitness while Steven Pienaar is being treated with kid gloves.
Tom Cleverley and Mo Besic are also back doing work but neither can be considered for anything other than possible bench duty.
For West Ham, striker Diafra Sakho is out with a thigh problem while James Collins is suspended.
Angelo Ogbonna could have played for Everton... but chose West Ham instead
Winston Reid and one-time Everton target Angelo Ogbonna (hamstring) are available but midfielder Alex Song will not be involved.
What happened the last time the sides met?
The teams met in the penultimate game of last season at Upton Park, with the Blues earning a 2-1 win thanks to Romelu Lukaku's last-minute winner.
Earlier, Leon Osman equalised Stewart Downing's opener.
Any other interesting stuff I should be aware of?
Nobody was surprised by that result. Nor the identity of the winning goalscorer.

Everton have lost only two of their last 13 Premier League games at West Ham, winning six of their last seven such visits.
Lukaku, meanwhile, has scored one goal in each of the six games he has played against the Hammers since arriving at Goodison.
They might want to try marking him.
What should I be betting on?
Given Everton's amazing record at West Ham, it would be foolish not to have a punt on the Blues winning, and a 2-1 away win is available at 10/1 (various).
And by the same token, you'd be beside yourself if you didn't have a dabble at Romelu Lukaku as last goalscorer at 11/2 (various).
In fact, combine the two and that's worth a pound of anybody's money. Well, yours at any rate.

West Ham v Everton team selector: ECHO writers say 'same again' - but do you?
6 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Ian Doyle
Not much reason for Roberto Martinez to change, say our boys... but what do you think?
Phil Kirkbride
Roberto Martinez has little reason to change much - if anything - from Sunday's thrashing of Sunderland.
Injury to Bryan Oviedo should mean Brendan Galloway comes back in to play at the ground where he made his Premier League debut in May.
The rest of the team picks itself.
Behind Romelu Lukaku, Martinez should select the same three players that terrorised the Black Cats but Kone and Deulofeu will have to make sure they do not neglect their defensive responsibilities.
Expect James McCarthy, who was pushed further forward in a 4-1-4-1 formation last weekend, to sit deeper at Upton Park as Everton will look to hit West Ham on the counter-attack.
My team (4-2-3-1): Howard, Coleman, Stones, Funes Mori, Galloway, Barry, McCarthy, Deulofeu, Barkley, Kone, Lukaku.
Ian Doyle
So, does Roberto Martinez stick or twist?
It would be a brave – and probably stupid – man who drops Arouna Kone after his impressive hat-trick in the 6-2 win over Sunderland last Sunday.
The injury to Bryan Oviedo means Brendan Galloway, benched last weekend, should come back in at left-back.
Otherwise, it's difficult to see where – and why – Martinez should alter the starting line-up with confidence on a high after back-to-back Goodison successes.
My team (4-2-3-1): Howard; Coleman, Stones, Funes Mori, Galloway; Barry, McCarthy; Deulofeu, Barkley, Kone; Lukaku.
Good news Brendan... our writers think you should be back in the team
Kristian Walsh
How do you drop anybody from a team that just demolished Sunderland 6-2?
You don't.
Unfortunately, Bryan Oviedo picked up an injury in that win, so there is a slot at left back available.
Given Leighton Baines is not match fit yet, Brendan Galloway is the obvious choice.
Anything else from Roberto would be a little bit mad, at this stage.
My team (4-2-3-1): Howard; Coleman, Stones, Funes Mori, Galloway; Barry, McCarthy; Mirallas, Barkley, Kone; Lukaku.
Joe Rimmer
If it ain't broke, you don't fix it.
And after scoring six goals, albeit against Sunderland, last weekend, Everton certainly ain't broke.
Therefore it's only the one change to the side that started against the Black Cats, and it's an enforced one at that. Brendan Galloway returns to the place where he enjoyed his first ever Premier League start, and he will start in place of the injured Bryan Oviedo.
Elsewhere it's simply a case of same again.
And with a bit of luck we can sit back, relax, and watch the Arouna and Rom show continue against the Hammers.
My team (4-2-3-1): Howard, Coleman, Stones, Funes Mori, Galloway, Barry, McCarthy, Deulofeu, Barkley, Kone, Lukaku.

West Ham v Everton: Roberto Martinez identifies Dimitri Payet as dangerman
6 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Phil Kirkbride
Blues head to Upton Park to face sixth-placed Hammers with boss wary of former Goodison target
Dimitri Payet has been in excellent form for West Ham this season
Roberto Martinez says Dimitri Payet has “hit the ground running” in English football - and says Everton must stop him in his tracks. The Blues head to West Ham on Saturday to play their final league game at Upton Park before the Hammers move into the Olympic Stadium next season.
But it is the new-look West Ham side that Everton must focus on first - and stopping summer signing Payet. The Blues were briefly linked with the French forward but the 28-year-old left Marseille for West Ham in a deal worth around £11m. And under new manager Slaven Bilic, Payet has helped West Ham to sixth in the table - and some notable scalps. “When you bring players form abroad it is a bit of a gamble in how they are going to fit in,” Martinez said. “Last season you saw that with Southampton, who had three or four players who came in and hit the ground running.
“West Ham have done that this season. They had a couple last year – with Ener Valencia and Sakho who had an incredible impact straight away – and you can say the same about Dimitri Payet – Angelo Ogbonna hasn’t started the way everyone thought – but Manuel Lanzini has been very impressive and then players who know the Premier League, like Victor Moses, they are going to give a level that everyone expects.
Manuel Lanzini is another player to have caught the eye for West Ham this season
“It is a very good mixture. A group of players that have been in the Premier League a long, long time and then players who come with a fresh mentality.”
Everton have won six and drawn one of their last seven Premier League games at Upton Park but Martinez says Bilic’s side present a totally new threat.
“They play in a different way and so the combination has been impressive,” the Everton boss added.
“West Ham will not give an easy game to anyone.
“Bilic, as an ex-Evertonian, is a competitive man and he gained invaluable experience in managing Croatia in big games and his teams are always ready to compete really well.
“And from a psychologically point of view, when you are able to beat teams like Arsenal and Manchester City, it shows you that the mentality is right.”
Martinez went on to say: “When you speak about a team that has a new manager, then sometimes it is up in the air.
“And I’m sure that was the assessment of this West Ham side in August when they were involved in the Europa League and had some mixed results.
“But, now, the perception of this West Ham team is very clear for everyone.
“This is a very strong team who have had impressive results on the road against all the top sides and there is nothing easy about playing this fixture.

“It is a really, really tough task and the points they already have on the board will prove that. In my eyes, Leicester and West Ham have been the two most impressive teams, in terms of their form and the way they have adapted to new managers.
“So it is going to be a terrific challenge for us and a great test.”

Everton transfers: Slaven Bilic confirms West Ham tried to sign Kevin Mirallas in summer
6 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Phil Kirkbride
Former Goodison player wanted raid for Belgian... and admits he never got a chance to repay Blues' faith during time at club
Slaven Bilic has confirmed that West Ham wanted to sign Kevin Mirallas in the summer.
The former Everton defender, now in charge of the Hammers, made an approach for the Belgian forward but the Blues rejected it. Mirallas signed a new three-year deal in August to commit his long-term future to the club. Everton head to Upton Park tomorrow and Bilic, in a column in the Evening Standard, has confirmed his West Ham side could face a player he coveted in the summer.
“This will be my first game as a manager against Everton but I was told during yesterday’s press conference that West Ham have only one win in 17 games against them," said Bilic.
"Is that important for the game tomorrow? I don’t think so.
“In the same way, it was not important that we had beaten Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea when we went to Watford. It is another game, another day.
“All that record tells me is that Everton are a big club and they have played well against us in the past.
“That is understandable because they are a good team.
“You have some teams that are more physical but less skilful. They have both.
“They are very strong physically but to be fair they are all good on the ball. They have pace, skill and a presence — Romelu Lukaku brings all that on his own but they have other top players.
“When I just moved there I just wanted to win trophies but I never got to show why they paid good money for me.”
He added: “They have shown they are a big club in other ways.
“Chelsea did everything they could do to try to sign John Stones in the summer but Everton refused to do business with them. "That takes guts.
"We also had an interest in Kevin Mirallas but we were not able to get him.
“Roberto Martinez is a good manager and maybe Everton are benefiting this season from not being in the Europa League. There are many examples of teams whose results have had that effect in the past.
“We need to get back on track and although I still have huge respect against Everton, we will do everything we can to get three points against them tomorrow.”
Slaven Bilic in action for Everton against West Ham's Ian Pearce in 1998
Bilic joined Everton in 1997 but only managed 32 appearances in three years.
The 47-year-old looks back on his time at Goodison with regret.
“Facing Everton this weekend brings back memories of how my own career at Goodison Park was unfulfilled,” said Bilic.
“I left West Ham to join Everton in the summer of 1997 with big aspirations. It was a club with huge plans to go right to the top of the English game. I wanted to win trophies.
“What happened there was basically very unlucky. I got injured during the first year and I never properly recovered. I tried to come back for one season but it was impossible. I tried everything: operations, different training plans and all sorts of treatments.
“Unfortunately, I had to quit. Everton is a great club but I couldn’t do what I wanted or ever really show why they paid good money for me — £4.5million. It wasn’t a lack of ambition or an unwillingness to try but at the same time I felt great loyalty to West Ham.
“That was why I turned down the chance to join Everton before the transfer deadline in March of that year.
"Instead, I agreed a deal but stayed at Upton Park for the rest of the season to help my team fight relegation. Harry Redknapp was our manager at the time.
“Everton had approached but I told him there was no way I would sign for them at that moment because we were struggling.
"There were about 10 games to go and going down was very possible. At the same time, Everton had a lot of injured players and they wanted to sign me before the deadline.
"I told them I respected their offer and we could sort out a transfer for the summer but there was no chance I was going to join them mid-season.
“They weren’t happy but I think they liked it at the same time. I think it showed good character because I didn’t want to leave when the club needed me.
"In one of Harry’s books, he said I did it because of a loyalty bonus I would get but that was not true, believe me. I would have got more money if I had decided to join Everton straight away.”

West Ham v Everton: Why Romelu Lukaku is aiming to become the new Dixie Dean
6 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Ian Doyle
Gavin Buckland with all the statistics that matter ahead of Everton's final-ever Premier League visit to Upton Park
Romelu Lukaku celebrates after scoring at West Ham in May
Upton Park is our favourite away ground in the Premier League, Everton have won 10 times in 19 games, three more than any other venue. The Blues have lost on four occasions.
Everton have beaten West Ham 22 times in all Premier League games, four more than any other side. Everton have lost just six times in 38 games.
The Blues have also scored more goals against the Hammers than any other team in Premier League matches – 70 in total. The current sequence of six successive league wins against West Ham is a club record against one side in the Premier League. Everton have not lost on their last nine visits to West Ham in all competitions. The Blues have won seven and drew two of those games.
Everton have not lost any of the last 17 meetings between the sides in all competitions – winning 11 and drawing six. Their last defeat was 1-0 at Upton Park in April 2007.
The two teams have met 118 times in league games, Everton winning 61 and losing 32 games.
If Romelu Lukaku nets on Saturday he will become only the second Everton player to score in seven successive games against the same opponent, Dixie Dean did so against three teams: Aston Villa, Bolton and Bury.
The striker has scored in all six of his competitive appearances against the Hammers for the Toffees, including two winners at Upton Park.
Lukaku has 21 goals so far in 2015, the first Everton player since Tony Cottee in 1993 to score 20 or more goals in all competitions in a calendar year.
Roberto Martinez has won seven of his last 10 meetings against West Ham as a manager.
His overall record against the Hammers is eight wins, two draws and three defeats in 13 games.
Everton have 32 points from the last 20 Premier League games, only four teams have a higher tally in that time.
The defeat at Arsenal was the first for Everton in seven away games this season.
The Toffees have gone seven games without keeping a clean sheet.
Five players have scored for Everton in the opening 11 Premier League games this season, against eight at the same stage in Roberto’s first two seasons.

Everton FC Q&A: Which hard-working Blue do West Ham fans appreciate?
6 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Chris Beesley
Irons supporter James Jones speaks as Slaven Bilic prepares to face his former club
Everton's Romelu Lukaku scores their second goal
The Echo speaks to James Jones (@jj2388), founder and editor of westhamworld.co.uk and assistant editor of footballfancast.com ahead of Everton's last ever league trip to Boleyn Ground.
There seemed to be a lot of excitement over Slaven Bilic's appointment in the summer, has he lived up to expectations so far and what were the fans thoughts over the early European exit?
I think at first the fans weren't too sure what to make of Bilic's appointment. Some were excited about having a young, promising manager at the club while others were still a bit worried he didn't have a great deal of experience as a a manager in England.
The Europa League exit was a strange one because we all knew it'd be special to have those European nights at back at Upton Park for the final season before moving to the Olympic Stadium, but we also knew the disadvantages of having to play a Thursday-Sunday schedule throughout the season.
Looking back, it's probably the best thing that couldn't happened to us.
Just how big an icon was Slav at West Ham? He wasn't there that long as a player.
He was a fans' favourite when he was at the club, but I did see some fans express their anger towards him when he came back in the summer for the way he left for Everton all those years ago.
He wasn't really an icon, as such, but still a player that most fans loved and respected at the time.
Which West Ham players should Everton be wary of?
Our attacking threat has obviously been well documented so far this season. The trio of Manuel Lanzini, Victor Moses and Dimitri Payet have caused problems for almost everyone we've faced and they'll create a lot of chances.
And then we've also got the likes of Mauro Zarate and Enner Valencia vying for a start, so there are so many players in the squad capable of making a huge difference.
But the man to watch for Everton fans is Dimitri Payet. He's an absolute joy to watch, even for the neutral!
Which players in the Everton team do you like (or dislike)? Romelu Lukaku has got a good scoring record against West Ham.
Don't dislike any of Everton's players, but there are certainly a few I'd have at West Ham.
West Ham United's Mark Noble (left) and Everton's Steven Naismith battle for the ball during the FA Cup Third Round replay match at Upton Park, London
Obviously Lukaku, who has been a thorn in our side for a few years now, but I also love Kevin Mirallas and Steven Naismith. Naismith especially as he just seems to work his socks off every game, West Ham fans appreciate players like that more than any other type of player.
Barring any potential cup meeting, this will be Everton's last ever visit to the Boleyn Ground. Just how much do you think Hammers fans are going to miss their long-time home?
We're going to miss it very much. With every weekend that passes it becomes more and more real that we'll soon by saying goodbye forever. However, most West Ham fans recognise the benefits the new stadium will bring to the club and how it has the potential to be a platform for us to make the step up to the proverbial next level.
Everton's Brendan Galloway in action with West Ham's Enner Valencia Credit: Action Images / Alex Morton
It'll never replace the Boleyn Ground, nothing ever will, but our future in the Olympic Stadium is an exciting prospect and one we would have been stupid to turn down.
Do you think the move to the former Olympic Stadium could move the club to another level when it comes to expectations? There are only so many Champions League places on offer.
As I said, it has the potential to move to us to another level. But it's easier said than done.
Lots of work will have to be done behind the scenes and it's going to take a long, long time. Unless we get bought out by another Sheikh Mansour - and there have been rumours of interest from people will similar wealth - then it'll never happen.
Personally I'd like to think the club is on the verge of something quite special. The stadium makes us a much more attractive option for major investors.
An historic club playing football in an iconic Olympic Stadium in the capital should be the dream investment for someone looking to buy a Premier League football club. That said, I wouldn't be disappointed if it never happened.

Everton FC: Hammers stadium move sticks in the throat for Blues fans
6 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By BarryHorne
West Ham will be looking to move on up at Olympic Stadium
Everton make their last ever league trip to the Boleyn Ground this weekend and it sticks in the throat somewhat with Blues fans that West Ham are moving to a fabulous, modern stadium at a minimal cost.
Evertonians are forever being told that we’re hamstrung by Goodison Park so seeing the Hammers get lucky is enough to make you angry in many respects.
It’s a lucky break but maybe that’s just how it goes.
For many years West Ham have been a popular club with other supporters and something of a ‘second team’ for some.
They tend to play attractive football but are never really a threat for major honours and they’ve even got a nice kit!
Maybe that will change now they’re on the brink of leaving their atmospheric Upton Park home for the former Olympic Stadium?
The bigger ground will enable them to increase their revenues and they’ll believe that they’ll have a better chance than ever before of achieving football’s Holy Grail by securing a Champions League spot.
And why not? It’s bad enough that many teams now compete in the belief that they’ll never win the league but if you can’t dream of breaking into the Premier League’s top four then what’s the point?
They’ve certainly got an intelligent manager in Everton old boy Slaven Bilic, a man I’ve always been impressed by.
Slav famously let himself down when his antics ensured Laurent Blanc, a real gentleman of the game, missed the 1998 World Cup final - an incident that still rankles with me somewhat to this day - but he’s gone on to become a highly-respected coach throughout Europe.
Two's company for Everton strikers
Hat-trick hero Arouna Kone was really clever in how he played his role against Sunderland.
Although he was playing on the left of a front three, he kept popping up in the middle where he did all his damage.
His combination with Romelu Lukaku was particularly effective and they seemed to possess a good understanding as a strike partnership.
Forward pairings used to be common in football but a shift to 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 formations has made them more scarce and Evertonians have often bemoaned the lack of support for Lukaku.
When you’ve got two big, strong lads like him and Kone then defences are not going to enjoy playing against them.

Roberto Martinez has long been an advocate of possession-based football but more and more teams are winning with less possession than the opposition.
Playing with two recognised strikers is bound to come back into fashion at some point, even if Barcelona have made it in vogue not to do so.
English teams used to play with two up top when they dominated Europe and it will return.

Revealed: The heart-warming inspiration behind Arouna Kone's great Everton revival
6 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Phil Kirkbride
Ivorian striker has fought back from injury to earn new contract - and further backing for his Foundation back in Ivory Coast
Arouna Kone scores his second against Sunderland last Sunday
Arouna Kone is used to fighting for his share. But it was the survival of others that provided his inspiration throughout his Everton injury hell. The 31-year-old is making up for lost time at Goodison after the first 18 months of his Blues career were wiped out by a knee injury that threatened to end his playing days. But throughout the dark times, as he went through his painstaking rehab programme alone, Kone kept a sense of perspective. His situation, as well-paid Premier League footballer, is a million miles away from where he was brought up in Ivory Coast and the people from his homeland were his driving force throughout his comeback. The Everton striker has set up the Arouna Kone Foundation and has plans to build a school and hospital in the district Abobo - but sat on the treatment table, nursing damage cruciate ligaments, Kone said he was no use to anyone.
But two years on from the injury, Kone is fit and firing.
Arouna Kone spent much of his first two seasons at Everton on the sidelines
He says he must perform daily exercises to help strengthen and stabilise the muscles around his knee but Kone, on the back of last weekend’s hat-trick, has always been a fighter.
“My Foundation was a kind of motivation for me,” says Kone.
“It was on my mind a lot through my injury. It spurred me on to get fit. I knew people less fortunate were relying on me back home. “It made me even more determined not to give up. I was a kid just like them. I was in their situation when I was growing up. “I want to be there for them. There were 16 of us in my family. I had myself and one older brother who were the only ones who went to school.
"If someone hadn’t helped me, then I wouldn’t have been a successful footballer.
'I'm happier now that things have changed'
"He was the president of a club called Rio Sports and he was also the mayor of the district. His name is Amadou Sylla. "He came to visit me. I was around 15. My father had died. He recognised that we weren’t the most well off family. He supported me and told my mum that he would get me to the academy. "He didn’t just put me in a room somewhere he gave me board and lodgings. He wanted to give me the chance and he did. "I think so much of this guy that I gave my first born son his name.”
So what were meal times like in a family of 18?
“Actually it was really well organised,” says Kone, smiling.
“My dad organised all the boys around one table. Mum would sort out the girls. We had one big plate and we all attacked the plate at the same time! “I was happy then, but I’m happier now that things have changed. Everything has changed for the better for me now, which is great.”
Kone recently paid a visit to Everton’s Free School and says the work of the club’s charity, Everton in the Community, has given him ideas for when he builds a school in Ivory Coast. He says: "It’s for local people. I was really impressed and I can really appreciate it and what the club is doing. “It’s actually given me some ideas to take back to my project back home. They have some really good ideas.

“They've got quite a lot in place. Buildings are under construction. I’ve got guys working on it.”
It is fair to say that Kone has had to work to win over much of the Everton support.
But after injury ruined the majority of his first two seasons, the former Wigan Athletic man has been transformed this term, scoring five times and providing three assists.
He says his treble against Sunderland felt like “confirmation” to the Blues fanbase that he can be an asset to the club.
'Watford was the real springboard'
But Kone reflects on his game-changing introduction against Watford, and then a performance against Southampton that won him a standing ovation, as the real springboard in his recovery.
“The hat-trick made up for all those really tough times and through the darkest days," he says.
"It was tough – everybody wanted to know when I would be better.
“I felt on Sunday as if that moment had arrived. It was like relief and satisfaction all together.
“Goals are the best remedy for a striker! It makes you forget everything.”
Kone adds: "I would agree the Watford game was the real springboard.
“That was even more important in a way. One, because it was the first match. Two, it was almost proof that I could produce something. Sunday was kind of confirmation of that. “Those first two games of the season, they were important for me. “I thought 'I’m almost there now’. Like I could achieve the form the fans have expected from me.
“That was like the switch. It switched on and there was light.”
Everton in the Community created history in September 2012 when it became the first Club/Community scheme in the country to be awarded funding by the Government to open a Free School, a groundbreaking initiative for young people across Merseyside.
Everton Free School caters for young people aged 14-16 and offers an alternative education pathway to those where traditional methods in mainstream schools have failed.
The Free School also offers an ‘open’ Sixth Form and attracts many 16-19 year old students who choose to study sport within the environment and surroundings of a Premier League Football Club.

Royal Blue: Why Everton need more Kones and less Eto'os
7 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Phil Kirkbride
Phil Kirkbride on why the unheralded are coming to the fore for Roberto Martinez's Blues this season
Arouna Kone has proven his worth this season
Through good times and bad Arouna Kone has not stopped smiling.
His positivity must be infectious for the rest of the Everton players and, this week in particular, he will have been bouncing down the corridors at Finch Farm. The delight with which his team-mates celebrated Sunday’s hat-trick showed you just how popular he is and the images of the players huddled around Kone after he headed his third goal of the game reinforced the belief there’s a strong bond in this Everton squad.
A unity, spirit and a definite one-for-all mentality.
It was a stylish 6-2 win over Sunderland but, in many ways, also a victory for some of Everton’s more ‘unfashionable’ players. Kone being one of them. Gareth Barry, who was excellent, another.
Players that don’t set the pulse racing, leave some fans feeling cold and are seen as effective, rather than exciting. Even Romelu Lukaku, a £28million striker with the potential to be truly special, has developed into a true team player. And as Roberto Martinez returns to Upton Park today, it may reinforce his belief there is no room for star names in this Everton side.
That the balance and harmony of his squad cannot be put at risk.
Again.
It was in the bowels of the Boleyn Ground in January where Martinez admitted for the first that Samuel Eto’o was to leave Everton after five months with the Blues.
It had started so well.
Eto’o, a world-class striker and one of the best of his generation, was past his best but still had something to offer when he joined Everton.
It created a buzz. It was exciting.
It started so well with Eto’o coming off the bench to score against Chelsea, before bagging a vital equaliser in Krasnodar and dazzling against Burnley.
But then it began to unravel.
Samuel Eto'o left after a short spell at Everton
Martinez was nothing other than complimentary about Eto’o’s time at Goodison, saying: “We thank Samuel for his efforts and for bringing his know-how to the team and to Finch Farm, where he passed on some of his terrific experience to all of the young players in particular.
“The memory of his performances in Europe stand out especially.
“On behalf of all Evertonians, we wish him well for the next chapter in his career.”
Eto’o also wanted to move back to Italy to be closer to his family, but you couldn’t avoid the rumours of unrest he had supposedly caused.
One tale, though never stood up, goes like this.
Eto’o was dropped to the bench for last December’s visit of QPR and was not best pleased about it.
When asked to go and warm up, he refused. He stayed in his seat in the dugout and bellowed: "I am Eto’o. I am Eto’o."
Team-mates and the coaching staff around him were in disbelief. Eventually, but under duress, he warmed up.
Or so the story goes.
Eto’o started the following game at Southampton but by the time Martinez spoke to the media after Everton’s FA Cup replay against West Ham, he hadn’t featured in three of the last four.
After looking a dead cert to trigger a 12-month contract extension, he was being allowed to leave.
This summer, with Everton’s pursuit of a number 10 ongoing, Martinez issued this telling statement: “It is not just a case of bringing in names and players for the sake of it.
“That is something that sounds great for 24 hours but it doesn’t help in the next 10 months.”
Maybe he said this with the experience of Eto’o in mind.
Less than two months from the opening of the January transfer window and the rumour mill is starting to move back into gear.
But as star names get linked with the Blues, maybe we need to stop and think about what is right for the team.
Maybe Everton need more Kones and less Eto’os.
Stars come out for Howard tribute
A tribute to the great Howard Kendall will be held at the anniversary dinner of a leading charity.
Health Through Sport are marking their 10th birthday with a special night later this month.
The evening’s guest speaker will be former Arsenal and Celtic striker John Hartson and also include the Brian Labone Corinthian and Alan Ball ‘Ball of Fire’ awards handed out.
Former Everton players Joe Royle, Barry Horne, Joe Parkinson and many others will be in attendance at the Devonshire House Hotel on Friday, November 27.
But the extra special guest on the night will be Howard’s wife Lil, who will be seated on table No4, the number Howard wore as a player.
Tickets are £500 for a table of 12 or £50 per person and include a three course meal.
A raffle and auction will also be held.
Good luck to Green
Evertonians will no doubt join Royal Blue in wishing George Green all the best for the future.
The 19-year-old was released by Everton in the summer but after only a few months at Boundary Park, he has this week left the League One club by mutual consent.
George Green in action for Everton
Green took to Twitter on Thursday to say he had left for “personal reasons”.
Good luck George and we hope to see you back at Goodison one day. Groundsman gong
An Everton groundsman has scooped a major industry award.
Ryan Powell, 24, has won the Rigby Taylor/Top Green Young Groundsman of the Year Award at the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) Industry Awards.
Powell was given the gong at prestigious ceremony at the Birmingham Metropole Hotel.
In front of around 640 of the UK’s and Europe’s leading groundscare experts, as well as figures from the governing bodies of sport and influential sports administrators, Ryan was honoured.
He is part of the Blues’ 11-strong grounds team and revealed his main duties at Everton revolve around the maintenance and development of the playing surfaces – including marking out - and the surrounding wildlife conservation areas at Finch Farm.
Ryan, who joined the club seven years ago, has also created and landscaped a World War I memorial garden at the entrance to Everton’s training ground in Halewood.

BIG INTERVIEW: Craig Salmon talks to former Everton, Blackpool, Fleetwood and current Bamber Bridge midfielder jamie Milligan
Lancashire Evening Post Saturday 07 November 2015
Ask any knowledgeable observer in the world of non-league football for a list of the best players to have graced the semi-pro game, then one name is likely to crop up time and time again.
Cultured midfielder and current Bamber Bridge star Jamie Milligan has been undeniably one of the stand-out performers outside of the four divisions of the Football League over the past decade or so.
There is not much Milligan has not accomplished in non-league football – mind you what did you expect from someone who was good enough to grace the Premier League with Everton as a youngster? A member of the prodigious Everton youth team which won the 1998 FA Youth Cup – beating Blackburn Rovers 5-3 on aggregate in the final – Milligan grew up at Goodison Park playing alongside players such as Leon Osman, Richard Dunne and Francis Jeffers. Like many of his team-mates, Milligan later went on to graduate to the Toffees first team – making his debut as a substitute against Premier League champions of the time Arsenal at Highbury in 1998. Unfortunately, the Lytham lad was unable to make more of a mark on Merseyside and was sold to Blackpool after making just four appearances. Although injuries affected his time at Bloomfield Road, he still enjoyed some good times and appeared at the Millennium Stadium in the 2001 Third Division play-off final as the Tangerines won promotion b
y beating Leyton Orient 4-2. Despite his spell in the professional game, Milligan is most remembered for being a stalwart of Fleetwood Town’s astonishing rise from non-league pretenders to Football League outfit. In seven years with the Cod Army, he won countless promotions and departed in 2013 having skippered the club from the NPL Premier Division to League Two. “It’s a really nice feeling when I hear people say that I’m one of the best players they have played with in non-league,” Milligan said. “I’ve always been one to try to help out my team-mates, especially the younger lads. “Non-league football is tough because a lot of young players come into it having been released from a professional club and they find themselves getting whacked about. “It is not something they have been used to because they have come from academy football, which is all nice and a little bit false really. “I kind of understand that coming from the professional game.” Despite b
eing able to call himself a former Premier League footballer and his glittering non-league career, are there any hints of regret that he did not make more of an impact in the professional game. “Looking back I probably should have made more appearances than what I did in the Football League but I can’t complain too much really. “I’m more than happy with what I’ve been able to do in my football career. I feel like, I’ve been dead lucky. A lot of people would probably love to have done what I have been able to achieve. “My debut at Arsenal was all a bit surreal if I’m being honest with you. “I had been in and around the first team squad because I had been doing really well in the youth team. “I managed to get on for the last five or 10 minutes at Highbury and I didn’t have chance to be nervous really. “Arsenal were at the time the Premier League champions – they had some great players in the team. “Mark Overmars, Tony Adams, Patrick Viera, Emmanuel P
etit, Dennis Bergkamp. “I remember getting a few touches and just enjoying the experience. “After the match, I managed to get Overmars shirt – one of the first team lads went and got it for me.” Although his appearance against theGunners ended in a 1-0 defeat, Milligan played in victories over Coventry and Newcastle, but was on the losing side against Middlesbrough “I made a handful of appearances for Everton and probably should have made more appearances for them. “As a group, we all should have played more games because I was part of a really good youth team at Everton. “We won the FA Youth Cup and also won the reserve division.
“The manager at the time Walter Smith did not see fit to put the young lads in more often. “There were some who played a lot of games and went on to have good careers, “Richard Dunne was one of my team-mates. “He’s gone on to have a great career as a centre half. “Michael Ball was the left-back. There was Danny Cadamarteri, Leon Osman, Tony Hibbert. “Francis Jeffers was up front and he went on to get a big move to Arsenal. “I think virtually every member of that youth team ended up going to have a career in the game. “Personally, I feel like there was at least five of us who could have made 100 appearances or more for Everton. “Walter Smith was a bit ruthless with the young lads I felt. “He did not give us much leeway and the first team was not doing too great at the time.
“I suppose it was hard for him to throw the young lads in when the first team was struggling.
“But I think you know the where young lads are, they don’t really worry too much about anything, but that’s the way it was.” Milligan left Goodison Park in March 2001 after being handed the opportunity of signing for boyhood club Blackpool. He played eight games towards the end of that season – injecting fresh impetus into the Tangerines’ promotion push which ultimately ended in glory with victory over Orient at the Millennium Stadium. “I probably left Everton a year too early, but I got the chance to go to Blackpool. “I actually work for Blackpool now in the youth set-up and I supported the club as a kid..it’s a shame what’s happening to the club now. “But we had a good team back then with some good players. “Brett Ormerod was there and we are playing together again now at Bamber Bridge. “I think I was at Blackpool for three years and in that time, we won a play-off final and the Leyland Daf Trophy twice. “I came on as substitute in the play-off f
inal when we beat Leyton Orient 4-2 at the Millennium Stadium. “But I missed out on both finals of the Leyland Daf. “I think the second one I was injured, but the first one I did not get picked and that was frustrating because I think I had played in every round of the competition. “So it was a bit gut-wrenching to miss out, but they were still great occasions and I certainly enjoyed the night out afterwards.” Injury ruined much of Milligan’s final season at Bloomfield Road and he was released by then Pool boss Steve McMahon in 2003. After initially signing for Macclesfield, the midfielder enjoyed a three seasons with Hyde before his long association with Fleetwood began in 2006.
“I got an injury at the worst possible time when I was at Blackpool,” he said.
“I broke my foot towards the end of my contract and it kept me out for five months.
“I had been doing okay but my contract never got renewed once it ran out. “At the time it was tough to get another club. “I ended up going to Hyde and we had a really good team there.
“I think we won promotion and then I left there and ended up moving to Fleetwood.”
For the next seven seasons, the only way was up for Milligan and the Cod Army.
Enticed to Highbury by the vision and ambition of chairman Andy Pilley, even Milligan admits he was taken aback by the speed of Fleetwood’s rise up the leagues. Since their former skipper left, the club has progressed further still, winning promotion to League One. “I never thought when I signed that the club would get to League One this early,” Milligan said. “When I signed for Fleetwood in 2006, there were a lot of other good clubs which I could have signed for. “But I met the chairman Andy Pilley and I just believed in him and what he was saying. “At the time the club had just come out of the NPL First Division North – the one which Bamber Bridge are in now. “But I believed in the chairman and everything he said to me that day – fair play to him he’s gone out and done everything he said he would do. “It was great for me to have been part of the rise to the Football League – I was there when we got to League Two. “I was there a long time and there
are so many highlights.
“I think winning the NPL Premier Division on the last day was a great memory.
“Getting to the Football League – playing Blackpool in the FA Cup third round was also a great occasion even though we lost 5-1. “Everything they seemed to hit that day went in the top corner.”
Since leaving Fleetwood, Milligan, who is a former England youth international, has had spells at old club Hyde, Southport, Stockport and Harrogate Town before signing for current club Bamber Bridge this summer. He was persuaded to join the club by former Blackpool player Simon Wiles, who is the first-team coach at Irongate. “At the beginning of the season I was umming and ahhing over what I should do,” he said. “Should I go back into the Conference or the Conference North.
“I just wasn’t too keen on the travelling side of things with those two divisions – there’s a lot of travelling involved with away games.
“Simon Wiles phoned me up – I have known Simon for years.
“He was actually my boot boy when I was a pro at Blackpool.
“Simon asked me how I felt about going to Bamber Bridge and so that started the ball rolling. I spoke to the manager Neil Crowe and he basically sold it to me really. “He said, ‘Listen, the money won’t be great, but I can guarantee that you will enjoy yourself at the club’. “So far, a few months into the season, I am enjoying it. “The last few weeks have been a little tough because I have been struggling with my hamstrings . “On the whole though I have really enjoyed it – the lads have been great.
“The staff and everybody behind the scenes have been great – it is a real family club.
“One thing I don’t like doing is going into a club and it’s not run professionally. “I would prefer to just stop playing, but I think Bamber Bridge have got the right mix. “They like to have a laugh but know when not to. “You have to remember the lads are part-time players and they work full-time.
“But on the other side of it, the club is very professional. “I think they have got the right blend and it’s good to be a part of at the moment.” Today, Brig travel to NPL First Division North high-flyers Warrington Town. The team has endured a frustrating start and are currently placed in 11th spot in the table. But Milligan – who runs a soccer school in partnership with former Premier League star Gavin McCann – believes the team is good enough to mount a promotion push. “It has been a bit up and down this season,” he said. “We have shown signs of producing some really good performances, but on the other hand we have put some performances which have been awful.
“I do think though that we are capable of going on a run of wins. “The lads I see in the changing room, on the subs’ bench, even the lads who get left out of the squad, there’s a lot of quality there and I see no reason why we can’t have a go at winning promotion.” Despite reaching his mid-30s, Milligan – who has two sons Jake and Jordan – has no plans to retire any time soon. “I want to keep playing for as long as I enjoy it,” said Milligan, who plans to marry his partner Mandy next year.
“The minute I stop enjoying it and not doing justice to myself and my team-mates is when I will finish. “If I’m letting my team-mates down in games then that is when it’s time to stop but until that day happens, I will carry on. “I’m 35 now but I still feel I have got something to offer. “I’d love to stay at Brig for a good few years, but that’s not down to me – it’s down to the management. “But from my point of view, I don’t see any reason why not because I am really enjoying myself.”

Brendan Galloway back in as Everton team has just once change for West Ham clash
7 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Phil Kirkbride
Everton boss Martinez only makes one change from side which thumped Sunderland
Brendan Galloway has been a revelation for Everton Everton boss Roberto Martinez has made just one change in his team selection for today's game with West Ham. Brendan Galloway wins back his place in the starting line-up in place of the injured Bryan Oviedo, who came off after just 25 minutes against Sunderland last weekend with a hamstring injury. Martinez has kept faith with the front four of Gerard Deulofeu, Ross Barkley, Arouna Kone and Romelu Lukaku who terrorised the Black Cats in the 6-2 win on Sunday. Gareth Barry and James McCarthy sit in behind that quartet and in front of a back four that includes Galloway, Ramiro Funes Mori, John Stones and Seamus Coleman.
Galloway returns to the place where he made his Everton debut, in May.
Bryan Oviedo lies injured before being substituted during the Sunderland game
The Blues won 2-1 that afternoon thanks to a last gasp goal from Lukaku who heads into today's game looking for his seventh goal in as many games against West Ham.

Pressure grows on former Everton and Man United chief after shock result
FORMER Manchester United and Everton boss David Moyes is feeling the heat at Real Sociedad after Las Palmas bagged a shock 2-0 victory against his struggling side.
By Alex Wood 7th November 2015 Daily Star
The experienced boss is having a tough time in Spain and is still waiting for a first home win of the season. And it seems unlikely that things will get easier for the under-fire chief. Sociedad face Europa League winners Sevilla and Champions League holders Barcelona in their next two La Liga games. Despite enjoying relative success with the Toffees, Moyes was sacked at Old Trafford before completing a full-season. He has been linked with a host of jobs in England since leaving.
Most recently Aston Villa were understood to be monitoring him after axing Tim Sherwood. But the Villans opted to appoint former Arsenal midfielder Remi Garde instead.

Under-18s: Everton 4 United 2
Barclays Under-18 Premier League | 7 November 2015, Finch Farm | Goals: Brewster 8, 32, 55, Broadhead 45; Rashford 39, Gribbin 49
Manchester United’s Under-18s slipped to a 4-2 away defeat on Saturday as Delial Brewster’s hat-trick helped Everton to victory. Paul McGuinness’s side started brightly at Finch Farm, with Callum Gribbin’s free-kick hitting the bar in the second minute, but Brewster put the hosts ahead soon after with a good strike. The Toffees’ no.9 doubled the lead just after the half-hour mark when he slotted home a loose ball inside the box after Ryan Harrington had headed a cross from the left against the bar. However, Marcus Rashford reduced the Reds’ arrears seven minutes before the break, poking past home goalkeeper Ciaran O’Loughlin after a good run and through-ball by midfielder Tosin Kehinde. The first half had produced several chances at both ends but Everton were the more clinical side and ensured a comfortable 3-1 lead at the interval when Michael Donohue’s low cross from the left found an unmarked Nathan Broadhead at the far post and the Toffees forward finished fro
m close range. United upped the ante after the break and pegged the hosts back again with an early goal by Gribbin, who found space on the edge of the box and passed the ball past a motionless O’Loughlin. But Everton made it 4-2 with a fortunate strike, as Brewster embarked on an individual run and fired a cross-shot from a narrow angle that deflected in off Reds goalkeeper George Dorrington. Still the Reds came forward, pressing for another way back into the game but, despite a few half-chances, Everton were content to sit back and close the game out.
United: Dorrington, Whelan, Warren, Reid, Williams, Dearnley, Kehinde (Diedrick-Roberts 73), Hamilton, Gribbin, Kenyon, Rashford. Subs not used: Dunne, Moutha-Sebtaoui, Boonen, Sang.

West Ham 1 Everton 1: Dimitri Payet and Enner Valencia taken off injured in Upton Park stalemate
November 6 2015 London Evening Standard
West Ham leapfrogged Tottenham into fifth place with a draw against Everton at Upton Park, in a match that saw Slaven Bilic llose both Dimitri Payet and Enner Valencia through injury.
The Ecuadorian, who has been recovering from a long-term injury, replaced Payet after 50 minutes and looked lively at Upton Park. But after less than 20 minutes on the pitch, he was stretchered off with an ankle injury. The Hammers made the breakthrough on the half-hour mark, following strong play down the right flank from Victor Moses. The on-loan Chelsea winger tormented the Toffees in the opening exchanges, and his shot - following a jinking run into the box – was only half cleared, and rolled straight into the path of Lanzini. The Argentine moved the ball out of his feet before executing an exquisite curling shot into the top right corner of the goal.
Slaven Bilic’s side continued to attack, with Dimitri Payet, Lanzini and Moses in fluid form, but their good work was undone by Everton’s in-form man. If a club can have a bogey striker, then West Ham’s is certainly Lukaku. The Belgian struck home his seventh goal in seven consecutive games against the Hammers minutes before the break, and sides went into half-time level-pegging at 1-1.
No changes were made during the interval, but injury forced Payet off in the 50th, with Enner Valencia replacing the Frenchman. Mauro Zarate, who going into the match had scored in both his previous meetings with Everton, was the man to replace Valencia on 69 minutes, but the Argentine was unable to extend his goalscoring run. Nikica Jelavic was brought on against his former club in the final moments, but the Croatian was unable to provide the match-winning touch for the Hammers. The point takes West Ham above Tottenham into fifth, but the losses of Valencia and Payet might make it feel like defeat.
West Ham starting XI: Adrian, Jenkinson, Reid, Tomkins, Cresswell, Noble, Kouyate, Moses, Payet, Lanzini, Carroll
Substitutes: Randolph, Zarate, Valencia, Ogbonna, Jelavic, Antonio, Cullen
Everton starting XI: Howard, Stones, Kone, Lukaku, McCarthy, Barry, Deulofeu, Barkley, Coleman, Funes Mori, Galloway
Substitutes: Joel, Gibson, Mirallas, Lennon, Naismith, Osman, Holgate

West Ham 1 Everton 1, match report: Romelu Lukaku again proves thorn in West Ham's side
West Ham vs Everton, Premier League - Belgian hit seventh in seven games against Everton to cancel out Manuel Lanzini's opener
By Gerry Cox, Upton Park
07 Nov 2015 Telegraph
Romelu Lukaku proved to be a thorn in West Ham's side once again and he has kept up his 100 per cent scoring record for Everton against them to deny Slaven Bilic's team victory.
Lukaku's 43rd minute equaliser was his seventh goals in seven games for Everton against the Hammers, who have only beaten the Merseysiders once in their past 18 meetings.
And despite a lot of huffing and puffing, Andy Carroll and co struggled to get past an Everton defence that was once again superbly marshalled by John Stones, the game's outstanding player.
Andy Carroll struggled up against John Stones
No wonder Chelsea are desperate to sign the former Barnsley defender, who is looking more assured with each game. And his performance was in keeping with a game in which defenders largely had the upper hand – with two notable exceptions.
An ordinary first-half on a grey afternoon was lit up by two moments of inspiration that led to a goal for each side.
Manuel Lanzini scores West Ham's opener
Little of consequence had passed in the opening half hour, before Lanzini put West Ham ahead with a goal that oozed class. Victor Moses started the move, cutting in from the right and firing in a shot that took a deflection before rebounding off Stones. It landed at the feet of Lanzini on the edge of the penalty area, but instead of hitting it straight towards goal, the Argentinian showed rare composure to control the ball and curl a beautifully-measured shot into the top corner of Tim Howard's goal.
Romelu Lukaku equalises for Everton
But Everton's equaliser was a result of similarly sublime skill, this time from the creator. Gerard Deulofeu had been a marginal figure on the right of midfield, but when he drifted into the centre circle and found the ball at his feet two minutes before half-time, the Spaniard threaded a perfectly weighted through-ball between defenders Winston Reid and James Tomkins into the path of Lukaku. The big striker needed no second invitation to extend his remarkable run of goals to seven in seven games against the Hammers, and duly took the ball around Adrian and passed it into the net.
Payet was forced off injured
The intensity picked up after half-time, but the fluency of both teams was disrupted by injuries. Dimitri Payet, West Ham's playmaker, was still struggling from the effects of a heavy first-half challenge that brought James McCarthy a booking, and limped off soon after the break. His replacement Enner Valencia lasted barely 15 minutes before a well-timed tackle from Seamus Coleman forced his own retirement. Everton were also forced to change shape, with the injured Arouna Kone replaced by Kevin Mirallas for the final quarter, leaving Lukaku as a lone striker.
Reid went close with a header at one end, Ramiro Funes Mori with one at the other, but in the end a draw was the right result.

Romelu Lukaku’s cool finish earns Everton a point at West Ham United
West Ham 1 - 1 Everton
Barney Ronay at Upton Park
Saturday 7 November 2015 Guardian
Romelu Lukaku continued to wage his personal crusade against West Ham, scoring on his seventh successive appearance against the Hammers on a muggy, dirty wet afternoon at a slightly subdued Upton Park. Otherwise this was a low-pressure meeting of two neat, quick-passing teams, illuminated by some nice touches but little in the way of unbound attacking play. When counter-attack meets counter-attack the result is often strangely lukewarm, and neither team here looked to have the will to commit to a more aggressive approach. By the end a 1-1 draw seemed fair enough in a game marked out by two fantastic first half goals, the first a dreamy finish by Manuel Lanzini, the
If there was little in the way sustained pressure, it wasn’t for the want of attacking talent on the pitch. Both teams had lined up in a sprightly-looking 4-2-3-1, with Andy Carroll starting his second Premier League game in a row for the first time since January for West Ham and Dimitri Payet and Deulofeu both in fine form of late. In the event Carroll was applauded from the pitch having done very little of note, having spent much of the previous 86 minutes chasing John Stones, who was hugely composed throughout. Payet suffered a heavy tackle in the first half from James McCarthy and never recovered. West Ham started brightly with Payet making an early thrust down the inside right channel and teeing up Victor Moses for a shot that crept wide. Deulofeu began wide on the right, marked when Everton attacked by the equally jinky Payet, who provided the moment of the first 15 minutes with a kind of drag-back nutmeg on Ross Barkley that had half the stadium breaking out in a kind of d
elighted giggle. Both teams had settled into a slightly cautious rhythm by the time Lanzini produced moment of genuine high class on the half hour mark to open the scoring. Moses again drove into the box, and shot hard and low. The ball was deflected and finally cleared by Stones to Lanzini 30 yards out, who tiptoed forward, shifted the ball between his feet and curled a sensational finish up and over Tim Howard and into the top corner. A 1-0 lead only rarely brings the kind of full team bundle West Ham’s players formed near the corner flag in celebration, but this was a genuinely outstanding piece of skill, imaginatively conceived and brilliantly executed, the ball seeming to hang, then dip, before finding the one spot Howard simply couldn’t reach. Everton’s equaliser two minutes before half-time came from a moment of instant off-the-cuff brilliance from Deulofeu as Payet lost the ball trying to slalom past McCarthy in Everton’s half. Deulofeu picked the ball up and slid
a gorgeous pass through the tiniest channel, perfectly weighted for Lukaku to run on, take the ball around and Adrián and finish. It would be hard to blame Payet. The pass was perfection, the West Ham defence filleted a little too easily. Plus, of course, Lukaku is the hammer of the Hammers. Payet didn’t last much longer, leaving the field four minutes into the second half still suffering the effects of McCarthy’s heavy challenge in the first half, for which he wad booked. Enner Valencia took the Frenchman’s place, but left the field again 20 minutes later on a stretcher after tumbling in the area, replaced in turn by Mauro Zárate. West Ham continued to press the harder, having more of the ball but not much in the way of clear chances, with Moses a driving force.
Otherwise a draw was fair enough in a match that only ever flickered, between two teams who never really seemed interested enough in committing players forward in search of a win.

West Ham 1 - Everton 1: Lukaku rescues a point to maintain scoring streak at Upton Park
ROMELU LUKAKU continued his remarkable scoring streak against West Ham to rescue a 1-1 draw for Everton at Upton Park.
By Liam Spence
Sat, Nov 7, 2015 Express
The Hammers must be getting utterly sick of the sight of the Belgium striker, who made it seven goals in his last seven appearances against them with a well-taken equaliser.
Lukaku's latest strike, shortly before half-time, cancelled out Manuel Lanzini's classy opener and meant more frustration for West Ham against the Toffees. The east London side have won just one of their last 18 encounters against Everton - and that victory came on penalties in the FA Cup third round last season. Yet West Ham, who won at Liverpool for the first time in 50 years earlier this term, looked on course to break another Merseyside hoodoo when Lanzini fired them into the lead.
They had already been the more threatening side, with Victor Moses hitting the side netting from Dimitri Payet's cross and then heading another delivery from the Frenchman over the crossbar.
Hammers left-back Aaron Cresswell also went close to opening the scoring when he let fly from the edge of the area, his curler with the outside of his left boot flying just wide. Everton were sluggish by comparison, with Aroune Kone's 20-yard drive which fizzed past the post all they had to show for the first half-hour. And Lanzini made the breakthrough for the hosts right on the 30-minute mark after Moses' low drive ricocheted to the edge of the area. The 22-year-old Argentinian shaped as if to blast the ball back towards goal but instead took a touch, looked up and curled a sublime effort over the Everton defence and into the top corner. However, Lukaku got his obligatory goal against the Hammers two minutes before half-time. The big frontman was having a quiet game up until then but when Gerard Deulofeu threaded the ball between defenders James Tomkins and Winston Reid, he burst into life. Lukaku easily took the ball around Hammers keeper Adrian and rolled it into the net fo
r his ninth goal of the campaign. West Ham lost their main creative source Payet to injury shortly after half-time but they still pushed for a winner. Lanzini forced a fingertip save from Tim Howard at his near post with a low, angled drive from the corner of the box before Reid headed Mark Noble's corner narrowly over the top. However, it was that man Lukaku who came closest to winning it when he prodded Brendan Galloway's low cross inches wide with four minutes remaining.
This result sees the Hammers rise one place to fifth while Everton go ninth.

West Ham 1-1 Everton ratings: Tough afternoon for Ross Barkley and Brendan Galloway
7 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Ian Doyle
Tim Howard 6
Didn't really have a great deal to do, with West Ham kept at arm's length by the visiting defence. Could convince more with his punching, however.
Seamus Coleman 8
Looked sharper than of late and worked hard down the right flank, and his speed and awareness ensured good cover for his fellow defenders.
John Stones 7
Wasn't intimidated by either the size of Carroll or the pace and trickery of Payet, and thought nothing of bringing the ball out of defence to initiate attacks. Classy.
Ramiro Funes Mori 7
Appeared to enjoy his tussle with Carroll and was steady in defence, although he blotted his copybook slightly with a booking after seemingly trying to cut Moses in half on the touchline.
Brendan Galloway 6
A difficult afternoon for the youngster up against the lively Moses, he was on the backfoot until a late run almost resulted in a winner for Lukaku.
James McCarthy 7
As ever, the Irishman toiled through a shedload of work alongside Barry in the engine room but wasn't able to influence the game much going forward.
Gareth Barry 7
He may not eventually be able to play into his forties, but he can certainly still play right now, this an effortless display of good positioning and reading of the game.
Gerard Deulofeu 8
From the first whistle, it was clear the Catalan fancied this one. His direct running frightened the Hammers witless and his pass for Lukaku's equaliser was simply sublime.
Ross Barkley 6
A frustrating afternoon for the England man who saw enough of the ball but never really got going. This was one of those nearly days.
Arouna Kone 6
Last week's hat-trick hero was more subdued here, working hard down the channels in the first half but wasting one decent chance with a wayward finish.
Romelu Lukaku 7
Romelu Lukaku scores during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and The Belgian just loves playing against West Ham. Took his goal well and always threatened danger and prompted a sense of panic among the home defence whenever in possession.
Kevin Mirallas (for Kone 64) 5
Struggled to make any sort of impact and, with his one opportunity, tickled a pea-roller through to West Ham goalkeeper Adrian.
Aaron Lennon (for Deulofeu 83) -
Once again jeered by London opponents. Seems harsh.
Subs: Robles, Gibson, Naismith, Osman, Holgate.

West Ham 1-1 Everton report: Lukaku equals a Dixie Dean record
7 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Phil Kirkbride
ROMELU LUKAKU became the first Everton player since Dixie Dean to score in seven consecutive games against the same opponent as his goal secured a point at West Ham. The Blues top scorer raced onto Gerard Deulofeu's defence-splitting pass before rounding Adrian to make it 1-1 just before half-time after Manuel Lanzini had opened the scoring. Everton move up to eighth in the table after fifth draw of the Premier League season and make it 10 games unbeaten at Upton Park.
West Ham took the lead on the half hour mark when Lanzini produced a sublime finish.
Victor Moses cut inside and his shot was deflected into the path of Lanzini who curled the ball beyond Tim Howard from the edge of the area.
Everton responded just before half-time, however, with a brilliant goal of their own.
Deulofeu picked up the ball just inside the Hammers' half and threaded a ball in between James Tomkins and Winston Reid for Lukaku to race onto. The £28m striker rounded Adrian and slide the ball into the net to level the game with his ninth goal of the season and his seventh in as many games against West Ham. Both sides pushed hard for a second goal after the break and combined to create an often frantic game. Ross Barkley fired a free-kick just wide while Winston Reid saw a header from Moses' corner fly just over the bar.
But the game ended all square.
EVERTON (4-2-3-1): Howard, Coleman, Stones, Funes Mori, Galloway, McCarthy, Barry (c), Deulofeu (Lennon 82), Barkley, Kone (Mirallas 64), Lukaku. Subs: Robles, Osman, Gibson, Holgate
Goals: Lukaku (43)
Yellow cards: McCarthy, Funes Mori
Attendance: 34, 977.

"It was like a war zone at Upton Park today, Everton kicked us to pieces." Really?
7 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By David Prentice
Hammers fans unhappy at Blues tactics
West Ham fans weren't a happy bunch today.
West Ham may have committed 11 fouls, only one fewer than Everton's 12, but according to some home supporters Everton "kicked West Ham off the park."
Here's a selection
Was at the game, Paul Tierney is not fit to referee. Everton dirty, dirty team. Valencia and Payet injuries down to hard tackles.
— West Ham Central (@WestHam_Central) November 7, 2015
It was like a war zone at Upton Park today as the ref allowed Everton to kick us to pieces. One point for #westham
— Jacqueline Gold (@Jacqueline_Gold) November 7, 2015
#WestHam were very good in the 1st half today, always going to struggle in 2nd half when Everton decided to play dirty! #COYI
— George Watts (@gmwatts93) November 7, 2015
West Ham had to sub off their second player after a dirty Everton challenge. Smh
— Landon Adams (@Landon_Adams) November 7, 2015
@Forever_WestHam was bound to happen at some point and as you know Everton are a dirty side
— Stephen Snell (@sgasnell) November 7, 2015
Positions in the Premier League fair play chart?
West Ham fifth with 17 yellow cards and four red, Everton seventh!

Tyias Browning may have to wait for his international bow
7 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Ian Doyle
Young defender a doubt for England duty
Roberto Martinez has revealed Everton youngster Tyias Browning may be made to wait again for his England under-21 bow. The 21-year-old didn’t travel for the 1-1 Premier League draw at West Ham United after suffering a knee problem during a practice match in midweek. Browning, who has yet to be capped at U21 level for his country, has been called up for Gareth Southgate’s squad for the forthcoming matches against Bosnia on Thursday and against Switzerland at Brighton three days later.
And Martinez said: “We had a warm-up game on Wednesday and he picked up an injury in his knee.
“It is nothing serious but we’ll have to speak with England and manage that situation.
“I don’t think he’ll be available for the next game, but he could be available for the game against Switzerland in Brighton.”

Everton boss Roberto Martinez salutes "immense" John Stones
7 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Ian Doyle
And Lukaku is in "a very good moment" too
Roberto Martinez saluted the leadership qualities of the “immense” John Stones after Everton dug in for a hard-earned point at West Ham United. Stones was among several impressive performers in the Blues rearguard as they recovered from going behind to secure a 1-1 draw in their last-ever league visit to Upton Park. Manuel Lanzini curled the Hammers in front on the half-hour only for Romelu Lukaku to race on to Gerard Deulofeu's throughball and equalise two minutes before the interval.
With Leighton Baines, Bryan Oviedo and Phil Jagielka all sidelined, the 21-year-old Stones assumed a senior role in defence. And it prompted plaudits from his boss Martinez, who said: “It was an interesting challenge for John. “It wasn't just about defending and doing his job, it was also about leading the back four. “We had five defenders out injured and he had to lead the back four. That was where I was most impressed. “Tim Howard and Gareth Barry sandwiched the back four, but neither Ramiro Funes Mori or Brendan Galloway have much experience in terms of Premier League appearances. “John Stones set the tone and was immense in the manner you have to defend an attacker like Andy Carroll. He took responsibility with the way he started our play.
“It was a magnificent performance.”
Lukaku's goal made him only the second Everton player after Dixie Dean to score in seven successive game against the same opposition. It moved him on to nine for the season, and Martinez said: “He's a positive player and thinks he is going to score against anyone. “The statistic that he always scores against West Ham is just a coincidence. “Rom is a positive man by nature, he is still a young boy but the way he is developing and growing, he is in a very good moment. “When he's on the pitch he is capable of scoring against anyone.” Reports this week suggested Juventus have joined Paris Saint-Germain in tracking the the striker. And Martinez said: “I hope clubs are linked with him. What I don't like is when teams look at our squad and nobody is interested and nobody wants any of our players.
“I've no worries about Romelu attracting attention because that's what you want.
“If nobody feels your players are doing well then as a manager you've got a big, big problem.”
Martinez was pleased with Everton's overall performance at Upton Park but expressed disappointment at the failure to kick on in the second half and find a winner.“Our performance against Sunderland was exciting to watch on the ball, but we had to have the mindset we were going to be tested defensively today,” said the Blues boss. “We conceded a disappointing goal from our point of view. It was a great finish from Lanzini but he had too much space on the edge of the box. “From that point on we came really strong. In the second half we kept West Ham really, really quiet, we nullified them.”
Martinez added: “The disappointment is that we couldn't really find the magic that Gerard Deulofeu showed with our goal. “I felt it was coming, and thought Brendan Galloway's ball into Romelu Lukaku was that moment. “I was delighted with the performance and the reaction to going behind, but I was disappointed we couldn't get that winner.” West Ham manager Slaven Bilic, a former Everton player, had no qualms with the outcome. “They deserved a point, they deserved something from the game definitely,” he said. “We were a little closer (to the win) but you can't say it's not a fair result.”

West Ham 1-1 Everton analysis: Geri's growing up fast, Everton's set-pieces stink & three other things we learned
7 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Ian Doyle
Deulofeu's assister act is getting better and better
There once was a time when Gerard Deulofeu was, well, greedy. Ever so slightly. During his first spell at Goodison two seasons ago, supporters lost count of the amount of times they were left frustrated by the Catalan ruining a good passage of play by holding on to the ball too long.
He was more potential then end product.
Now, though, the balance is swaying in the opposite direction.
Maturity, experience and the guidance of Everton's coaching staff has helped gradually transform Deulofeu into one of the Premier League's most creative forces. His pass forward for Romelu Lukaku's equaliser – dissecting West Ham centre-backs James Tomkins and Winston Reid – was simply begging to be finished by the Belgian, a carbon copy of the ball that cut through Sunderland's back line last Sunday.
That's now five assists in the Premier League this season for the 21-year-old. No youngster has a greater number in any of Europe's top five leagues. Throw in his brace of assists against Barnsley in the League Cup and the fact his crosses have forced two own goals from opponents, and it's clear Deulofeu is now growing up fast.
Some alarms but no surprises
There was an air of inevitability about almost everything at Upton Park.
Given their fantastic record at the old ground, there was no way Everton were going to wave goodbye – in the league at least – with a defeat. But that they once again had to come from behind to earn a result will be a source of enormous frustration for Roberto Martinez, even if he recently declared he “couldn't care less” if Everton conceded the first goal as long as they won. This was the 10th time in 15 games this season the Blues have conceded the first goal. Martinez, for all his bravado, will know his team simply cannot keep doing that if they want to drag themselves out of the mid-table mire and challenge for silverware. Mind you, we shouldn't have been surprised. Not counting penalty shoot-outs, Everton are now unbeaten in their last 10 away games against West Ham and haven't lost to the Londoners in their last 18 meetings. And, of course, it had to be Romelu Lukaku who netted the equaliser, the Belgian matching the achievement of Dixie Dean by netting in seven consecutive games against the same opposition.
Dead ball deadweights
Inevitable, too, was Everton's continued failure to capitalise on dead ball situations.
The groans from the away end when yet another corner struck the first defender could probably be heard at the Olympic Stadium, where West Ham will contentiously head at the end of the season.
Free-kicks weren't much better, Ross Barkley curling two efforts wide from dangerous positions.
The inability to make the most of set plays has been a recurring theme for as long as Evertonians care to remember. At least they were significantly better at defending them at Upton Park, helped by decent discipline that kept such danger to a minimum. Ramiro Funes Mori and the imperious John Stones both dealt well with the obvious aerial threat of Andy Carroll, who has a bit of history with Everton. Instead, the most notable incident involving the striker was the cheer he received from the home fans when successfully completing a clearance inside his own area. If you saw last week's highlights between West Ham and Watford, you'll know why.
Coleman does the dirty work
Stones may have been the recurring theme of the post-match briefings with both Martinez and West Ham counterpart Slaven Bilic, but his wasn't the most admirable defensive display from the visitors. That honour instead went to Seamus Coleman, who revelled in the donkey work down the right flank.
This wasn't a day for the Irishman to be bombing down the wing at every opportunity.
Instead, he was far more likely to be coming inside to help out his centre-backs and, at one point, even sprinting the width of the pitch to knock Victor Moses into touch ahead of left-back Brendan Galloway.
In the past, questions have been asked of the Republic of Ireland's capabilities as a defender.
Here, though, he revelled in them.
Coleman hadn't quite hit his stride before this match. However, the signs are he is returning to form – and be even better than before.
Gallow's not humoured
Matters were different in the other full-back position.
On Everton's last visit to Upton Park six months ago, Roberto Martinez chose the penultimate game of the season to hand a debut to Galloway. The left-back was tasked with keeping Stewart Downing in check, and found it difficult going against an experienced opponent. Since then, injuries to Leighton Baines and Bryan Oviedo have given the youngster an extended run in the side. He has responded with a succession of encouraging performances that have prompted an elevation to the England under-21 set-up and made him a favourite on the Gwladys Street. But back at West Ham, Galloway was once more given something of a lesson, this time by the lively Victor Moses.
The defender upended the Hammer for one first-half free-kick and had his hands full keeping the winger in check, limiting his normal eye-catching forward forays.
Galloway, though, didn't shirk his responsibilities. This was another journey along the learning curve.

West Ham 1-1 Everton the verdict: Blues comic book superheroes combine again
7 Nov 2015 Liverpool Echo
By Phil Kirkbride
Lukaku benefits from 'supplier' Deulofeu as Martinez's men fight back for hard-earned point
Romelu Lukaku celebrates his goal against West Ham
It sounds more like the name given to a comic book superhero.
But thankfully for Everton the latest chapter in the tale of The Supplier was not the stuff of fiction.
It was Romelu Lukaku who gave Gerard Deulofeu the moniker when he posted a picture of the pair on Twitter on Friday, captioning the shot: "The Supplier and me". And, true to type it was Deulofeu who came to the rescue against West Ham today, his brilliant defence splitting pass sending Lukaku charging through on goal to score the equaliser. Is was what Everton deserved, even West Ham boss Slaven Bilic conceded so, but the Blues didn't do enough to nick a fiercely contested, tough, entertaining and tight game at Upton Park.
Game lacked in quality - apart from one crucial moment
It was also a game that was too often lacking quality in the key areas at the key moments.
Lukaku's goal, two minutes before the break, was an exception to that rule, however, as Deulofeu's inch perfect throughball set his team-mate free. The towering Belgian did not have to break stride as he sprinted through the heart of West Ham's rearguard, rounded Adrian and then passed the ball into the empty net. Not for the first time this season, The Supplier and The Finisher attacked defences in tandem. And another shot of the goal creator being congratulated. Romelu Lukaku is congratulated on his goal Everton were value for their equaliser and worthy of a point at full-time but Roberto Martinez left the Boleyn Ground, probably for the final time ahead of the host's move to the Olympic Park next season, feeling disappointed that one point wasn't three. Lukaku, with four minutes left on the clock, looked poised to grab the winner as he had done here in May.
He met Brendan Galloway's low cross but couldn't find the target with the outside of his right foot, as he slid in ahead of James Tomkins. Bilic said he would have felt hard done by had his side not left the game with at least a point and the former Blues defender was pleased with his side's performance.
West Ham's play in the opening stages was menacing and pacey and Manuel Lanzini's goal, on the half hour mark, was a superb, curling shot past the despairing efforts of Tim Howard, after Victor Moses' shot had deflected fortuitously into his path.
Fortune favoured the brave
There was nothing lucky about the finish, of course, but fortune favoured the brave for Everton's equaliser. Deulofeu, picking the ball up just inside the West Ham half, created his fifth Premier League goal of an increasingly impressive first season back in English football for the Catalan, by piercing the defence with yet more dead-eye accuracy with a 30 yard pass. Lukaku made no mistake to score his ninth of the campaign.
Roberto Martinez gives instructions to Ross Barkley
Deulofeu was terrific again here and not only provided a threat going forward, until he was substituted with seven minutes left, but was also effective heading in the other direction.
The 21-year-old had run himself into the ground by the time Aaron Lennon replaced him after ensuring he was a dedicated in defending as he was attacking. But he didn't do it alone this afternoon and his developing partnership, understanding and relationship with Lukaku was strengthened further.
They are on the same wavelength and Lukaku now makes those surges forward, often dragging both centre-halves with him as he goes, in the knowledge that the chances of him being found are now increasing.
Slick combination
Tellingly, five of Lukaku's nine goals in all competitions this term have come from Deulofeu passes and today the latest assist allowed the £28m man to make a little bit of history.
Well, actually it was more significant than that because it's not everyday you match something Dixie Dean did. Lukaku's coolly dispatched goal was his seventh in as many games against the Hammers and means he is the only player in royal blue to to achieve that other than the great Dean.
Arouna Kone in action against Victor Moses
Everton's greatest ever player completed the feat against three teams, mind, but Lukaku should rightly be proud of his goals return against West Ham, and his form this season.
Roberto Martinez would reflect, with mixed emotions, on the games saying: “From that point on we became really strong. In the second half, we nullified their threat and I felt a winner was coming.”
Lukaku almost found it but against a West Ham team, riding high in the league and who at times played with vibrancy, a point felt like a satisfactory return but there would be no second act of heroics in this game for Everton.
EVERTON (4-2-3-1): Howard, Coleman, Stones, Funes Mori, Galloway, McCarthy, Barry, Deulofeu (Lennon 83), Barkley, Kone (Mirallas 64), Lukaku. Subs: Robles, Osman, Gibson, Holgate. BOOKINGS: McCarthy, Funes Mori. GOAL: Lukaku 43.
ATT: 34,977.