6 Feb 2014 11:17
Blues fans have their say on the issues of the day
Everton’s Kevin Mirallas (left) scores a brilliant free kick
Paul McAllister, Fazakerley
SATURDAY was the toughest test of our entire season so far. I really feared that the annihilation we suffered at Anfield could have completely killed off our season.
Thankfully, Mirallas’ world class free-kick gave us the three points we desperately needed. That, along with our rivals slipping up, means that we’re still firmly involved in the race for fourth.
Before his goal Kevin had a quiet game against Villa playing up top but nevertheless, I would stick with starting him as our lone striker for the trip to Spurs, assuming Traore won’t be fit.
It may seem harsh on the in-form Naismith but the Belgian always has a trick up his sleeve and is a born match-winner.
John Stones, as talented a young man he is, is clearly not a full-back. He has looked very uncomfortable playing out wide since filling in for Coleman. Coleman’s return can’t come quick enough.
Matthew Jones, Prenton
YOU could sense the trepidation around Goodison Park as Everton trudged off at half-time 1-0 down. against Aston Villa. It was the kind of uninspired 45 minutes those of a blue persuasion would have feared after that defeat in the derby, and with a squad riddled by injuries, Three points looked a long way off.
But some shrewd managerial changes, spades of character and a sprinkling of Kevin Mirallas stardust saw the Toffees secure a vital win. in their pursuit of Champions League football. And with Liverpool, Spurs and Manchester United all dropping points, all of a sudden things are looking a little brighter – especially with a host of players returning after that mini injury crisis.
That should buoy the players ahead of a huge game at Tottenham on Sunday. It’s a great chance to leave a mark on an immediate rival for one of those top four spots. and hopefully make some ground up on Liverpool, who will have their work cut out against leaders Arsenal.
Spurs have been a little inconsistent and occasionally unsure under Tim Sherwood and whilst they have played some bright attacking stuff, they seem to be creaking defensively. Everton can take advantage of that. and with Seamus Coleman set to return and Gerard Deulofeu ready to play some part, the squad looks a whole lot stronger heading into this one.
Martin Shaughnessy, Prenton
THE shock and disappointment from that derby nightmare seemed to still be lingering around the whole of Goodison on Saturday.
With feelings of déjà vu, one mistake and one breakaway – we were 1-0 down and nerves and tension multiplied.
Credit to Martinez for making the positive changes and making them with sufficient time to have an impact. Likewise the players – they could easily have panicked and lost all confidence but they stuck to it and put in a much-improved second-half performance.
One of the few to come out of the derby with any credit, Mirallas seems to have found his self belief and looks to be up for the challenge of pushing the big boys all the way.
Hopefully our injuries have peaked – the bench is starting to look strong again with players who can make an impact.
Lee Molton, St Helens
THE Blues left it late, but a fantastic free-kick from Kevin Mirallas got the three points to send the Evertonians home happy on Saturday.
Everton kept up their great home record to beat Aston Villa 2-1 and keep them in the hunt for Europe.
Steven Pienaar came off the bench at half-time and helped change the game along with Steven Naismith.
He took his goal really well.
We seem to have got through our injury crisis now and are getting players back.
It will be good to welcome back Gerard Deulofeu at the weekend.
The game at Spurs on Sunday is a big game for us and if we could win, we would really put the pressure on Liverpool for fourth spot.
Tottenham are certainly beatable and a draw would also be good.
Fourteen games to go – and we still have a lot to play for in the League and the Cup.