English Premier League

[Alias47]

I edited my post above r.e Gray's injury but it's looking very, very bleak at the mo for Everton. 1 win in 9, injuries & suspensions up the wazoo (or should that be Cazoo? hehe *cries*) next 6 games:

Brentford (A)
L'Pool (H)
Arsenal (H)
Palace (A)
Chelsea (A)
Leicester (H)

Any of you neutrals reckon Everton will be in a relegation battle?

[Redknapp69]

Yeah - Cornet done damn well - seemed an odd move at the time

When's DCL back?

Any more decent youth can step in? Gordon has done ok but Jonjoe Kenny hasn't kicked on. I guess with DCL out and Gray now then style of play maybe has to change and that might be an issue. No SCL means little point in the wingers flying and crossing to nobody

No Gylfi news? Any idea when more will be said about all that?

5 points off 5th and not far away from where you would usually be (i.e just outside the Euro spots) - injuries have fooked you though but we had about 10 out recently as well (4 U18's on our bench at weekend)

Bet Rafa is gutted in 1 sense he didn't stick around at Newcastle a bit longer

Can't see you being in relegation battle

[Alias47]

Don't know about DCL return, think Doucoure is the one nearest a return. Perhaps I misspoke - I don't literally think that right now Everton are in a relegation scrap but I'm looking at the injury list (plus Richarlison suspended vs. Brentford, Holgate still got 2 games out after his straight red) and looking at those forthcoming fixtures and I don't see where the points are coming from. Will be interesting to see where we are come New Year.

Voldemort has almost certainly played his last game for the club as his contract is up at the end of the season anyway. I'm all for innocent until proven gylfi but I don't see a way back for him at Everton, or English football in general to be honest, he'll be off to USA or UAE or the like in the summer I'd imagine, assuming he's allowed to leave the country that is

There's a few youngsters in & around the first team: Simms, Onyango & Dobbin but the step up is steep and it's also pretty unfair to lump young lads into a struggling side and expect the best out of them. Our youth system is as shambolic as the rest of the club to be honest - typified this year by giving 23 year old Nathan Broadhead a new contract then loaning him out to League One Sunderland. At 23 you'd be expecting more than a loan to a Div 2 side, no? So why give him a new contract?! It's just a mess.

[riise]

Voldemort has almost certainly played his last game for the club as his contract is up at the end of the season anyway. I'm all for innocent until proven gylfi but I don't see a way back for him at Everton, or English football in general to be honest, he'll be off to USA or UAE or the like in the summer I'd imagine, assuming he's allowed to leave the country that is

Doesn't need to be dwelled on so I apologise if this derails the thread, but I find it mad how hush-hush that all is - still not even confirmed that it's him who was arrested (though it's obvious at this point)?!

[Alias47]

Doesn't need to be dwelled on so I apologise if this derails the thread, but I find it mad how hush-hush that all is - still not even confirmed that it's him who was arrested (though it's obvious at this point)?!

Yeah I think it's out of the hands of the club and even the press because of how it all works in the legal system. Not that I'm an expert.

[faz44]

Voldemort has almost certainly played his last game for the club as his contract is up at the end of the season anyway. I'm all for innocent until proven gylfi but I don't see a way back for him at Everton, or English football in general to be honest, he'll be off to USA or UAE or the like in the summer I'd imagine, assuming he's allowed to leave the country that is

Doesn't need to be dwelled on so I apologise if this derails the thread, but I find it mad how hush-hush that all is - still not even confirmed that it's him who was arrested (though it's obvious at this point)?!

I don't think they can report on it in this country. However, in Iceland, it was published in the newspapers.

[faz44]

As anybody knows, I am not a Manchester United fan. However, while wading into the discussion on Pochettino, somebody vaguely said something about the club structure. I did a Google, as one does, and found an article that talked about Man United's transfer structure. At no point did the manager come into it. Anybody who is a Man United fan heard anything similar?

[Redknapp69]

Voldemort has almost certainly played his last game for the club as his contract is up at the end of the season anyway. I'm all for innocent until proven gylfi but I don't see a way back for him at Everton, or English football in general to be honest, he'll be off to USA or UAE or the like in the summer I'd imagine, assuming he's allowed to leave the country that is

Doesn't need to be dwelled on so I apologise if this derails the thread, but I find it mad how hush-hush that all is - still not even confirmed that it's him who was arrested (though it's obvious at this point)?!

I don't think they can report on it in this country. However, in Iceland, it was published in the newspapers.

I'm sure that Adam Johnson was splashed all over the papers though at the time - maybe a rule change since then or something

[Redknapp69]

As anybody knows, I am not a Manchester United fan. However, while wading into the discussion on Pochettino, somebody vaguely said something about the club structure. I did a Google, as one does, and found an article that talked about Man United's transfer structure. At no point did the manager come into it. Anybody who is a Man United fan heard anything similar?

Is that under Ole (understandable) or has been the case since Fergie etc?

[faz44]

As anybody knows, I am not a Manchester United fan. However, while wading into the discussion on Pochettino, somebody vaguely said something about the club structure. I did a Google, as one does, and found an article that talked about Man United's transfer structure. At no point did the manager come into it. Anybody who is a Man United fan heard anything similar?

Is that under Ole (understandable) or has been the case since Fergie etc?

From what I gather, it was when Mourinho was at the club too. While he would pass them targets he fancied, they would mostly just get on with it.

[Redknapp69]

Some superb comments from Digne on his exit about 1 person breaking the love affair with Everton......................then he states his love for Gerrard - wahaahahahahahahaha

El Ghazi loan all seems a bit random - guess he can act as cover on the wings as that seems like how Rafa wants to play but it's an owner signing by the sounds of it

Geordies do what they can to sign players to keep them up. If they do then I think they'll be going crazy in the summer with some "bigger name/quality" signings

[SteveHarle]

Wood is a great signing for Newcastle - knows what it's like to get out of a relegation scrap and gets goals. I didn't realise until looking into him a bit more - he gets double figures every season for Burnley. His goals could be vital.

Just need them to take Dele, Doherty, Ndombele, Lo Celso and Bergwijn from us for £500 million billion then hopefully Levy will give Conte £20 and a packet of crisps out of that to buy someone....

[riise]

Wood is a great signing for Newcastle - knows what it's like to get out of a relegation scrap and gets goals. I didn't realise until looking into him a bit more - he gets double figures every season for Burnley. His goals could be vital.

Yeah I slagged the move off in the chat box the other day but was actually quite impressed when I saw his scoring record.

[Mark]

Thing is though, he'll need the service from the wings. Do Newcastle have that in their locker?

[Alias47]

Sooo...now that the January transfer window is shut. what are people's thoughts on the window overall? Any shouts for best signing? How about best club January window?

I've got to say, and of course I'm biased as an Evertonian, but I'm happy with the January overall that Everton have had. Two new young full-backs in, including the Irn Bru Cafu at right back - a position we've needed to reinforce for 3 or 4 years, two new midfielders in in the form of Van der Beek and Dele, and most important of all - Benitez out. Only downside is of course Digne leaving, which is a blow to be sure.

I'm not, or at least haven't been. super-keen on Dele Alli as a player over the years, he always seemed like a goal-hanger to me, but in a rare moment of competence from the Everton hierachy, the construction of the deal looks to be favourable. The press will run with the "£40 Million" line from here until eternity but the reality is it's free right now and most likely £10 million at the start of next season, then possible increments going into the future dependant on performances and the like.

For all the stick Everton & their (our!) fans get it seems that giving the board a kick up the backside has worked, at least to some extent.

Anyways...enough about Everton. Of course Newcastle will take the headlines for the January window overall. Interestingly, next Premier League fixtures has Newcastle hosting Everton at St. James'. I can only hope as a Blue their new players need time to gel. Whoops I said no more Everton, didn't I?!

OK, getting completely away from Everton I have to say I'm a little worried about the signing of Luis Diaz. I actually said this in the October Save Preview comments page:

Away from England, I would argue that Porto's Luis Diaz needs re-evaluating almost completely. He's a bit of a big breakthrough star over the past year or so, being heralded for his Copa America performances and starting this years Portugese league like a house on fire, scoring 5 in 7 at time of writing. Being linked with the continent's top clubs at £40mill+. Should certainly be a better player than the 130s/140s he is currently.

My only hope is that he's kept out of the side by Mane and Salah, although come to think of it - that's not much of a hope at all is it, because that would mean they were/are firing on all cylinders! Instead I'll go with - let's hope he's Minamino 2.0!

Best signing: Luis Diaz

Best club January: Newcastle pip Everton because of Digne sale. Although Darkhorses could be Burnley, selling Wood for £20m+ and getting in Weghorst in for ~£12m could be good business, remains to be seen. At least it's a good deal with my Champ Man head on if nothing else!

[Redknapp69]

Another transfer window you have "won" then

Nah - agree you have made some good signings.

Can you not flog Alli for a few quid next season without triggering any clauses?!

Be interesting where Lampard plays him and VDB

Suppose you got Rafa out which was always going to happen and some board members but Moshiri/Usmanov have been bankrolling for years so nothing new in what they have done now in Jan spending wise - but maybe the signings will work out better

Think it's about time the fans get behind the team now


Newcastle - I like the 3 defenders they brought in. Wood - should do ok but needed another attacker for me - no idea on the Brazilian guy

Bit of a balls up on Carvalho tonight but feels a decent window for us. I have never really seen DIaz play so cannot comment but good age, feels like he can play a couple of front 3 positions and contributed a helluva lot at Porto.

Good to see Neco get game time (for Wales a well!) and hopefully Nat plays as well and gets his move in the summer

Burnley needed to do a LOT more IMO

Villa did some decent bits - 2 first teamers and some backup defenders

[SteveHarle]

Be interesting to see how Lampard gets Dele and DvdB in the same team, they seem very similar players.

I guess if Dele can't learn from Lamps who can he? Gutted to see him leave, but its the right thing he needs a fresh start to kick start his career - he's loved by Spurs fans.

Don't know a great deal about our signings - bit worried Bentancur is a South American Winks... who'd have thought that Winks would have won the midfield battle out of Winks/Ndombele and Lo Celso?

Tanguy and Gio are two very expensive mistakes we made.

Newcastle have had a cracking window. Got their marquee Bruno, plus some tried and trusted PL players who will be right up for the challenge. They stay up this year and it'll be an interesting summer!

I really feel for Lingard, United have properly stitched him up. I guess though with Greenwood out of the picture and Martial gone, he should see some minutes back end of the season?

[riise]

OK, getting completely away from Everton I have to say I'm a little worried about the signing of Luis Diaz. I actually said this in the October Save Preview comments page:

Away from England, I would argue that Porto's Luis Diaz needs re-evaluating almost completely. He's a bit of a big breakthrough star over the past year or so, being heralded for his Copa America performances and starting this years Portugese league like a house on fire, scoring 5 in 7 at time of writing. Being linked with the continent's top clubs at £40mill+. Should certainly be a better player than the 130s/140s he is currently.

My only hope is that he's kept out of the side by Mane and Salah, although come to think of it - that's not much of a hope at all is it, because that would mean they were/are firing on all cylinders! Instead I'll go with - let's hope he's Minamino 2.0!

Best signing: Luis Diaz

I maintain that Minamino is a decent player! But I concede he's not exactly shown it for Liverpool (though not exactly given the best opportunity to do so). But yeah, I'm made up with the Diaz signing - only seen him when playing against Liverpool but he was so obviously a cut above his teammates, and the numbers appear to be backing that up. Seems exactly the kind of player we should be going after, when it was only Spurs linked I couldn't believe it!

Tanguy and Gio are two very expensive mistakes we made.

To this day I still don't know anything about Ndombele. He could walk past my house (admittedly seems unlikely) and I wouldn't even know who he is. The only solace you can take is that he didn't cost as much as Arsenal paid for Pepe.

Lo Celso never made sense to me, don't think he did much/anything while on loan, but then you bought him anyway?!

[ebfatz]

Newcastle, after being linked to literally every single player in world football over the course of the window, got 5 over the line and as mentioned, have gone for those who won't take as long to bed in. Trippier, Wood, Targett and Burn all have significant Premier League experience and that could be vital.
Bruno looks a great player so hopefully he can hit the ground running. Having Wor Joe Linton there to help him settle will be key.

Can't help but agree though that Wood for £25m and Weghorst for £12m could aid Burnley more than it aids us but it's been reported he was falling out with a load of teammates as he thought their performnces weren't good enough and they weren't playing to his strengths. Hopefully he does that again and is rubbish!

Again as mentioned, if we stay up, this summer could be VERY interesting. The amount of top quality players running down contracts as well is immense. Not to mention we could theoretically afford ANYONE!

[SteveHarle]

Ndombele - there is a player in there, he is, when he's at it like prime Pogba. However, he is at it once in every 35 games and not for a whole game either, just 40 minutes.

Very talented, very lazy, very, very disappointing.

Lo Celso is stealing a living. Not sure what he does, his best attribute I saw of him was giving the ball away, closely followed by moaning. He couldn't even shithouse people like Lamela because he's not strong enough. Terrible signing.

I saw somewhere that in double the amount of games, those two contributed less than Paulinho did in half as many games. That shows just how bad they were!

Winksiesta to the rescue eh?

looking at Kulu - players born in 1999 or after, only Vlahovic has a better output than him in Serie A, so he must be half decent, plus they are both players Conte/Paratici trust. Spurs' problem is culture and evidently some toxic players in the dressing room, Conte has got rid of them so hopefully a push for top 4 and a big summer where he can clear out the rest of the players he doesn't want and get some new ones in.

Being Spurs though, we all know that neither Villarreal or Lyon will buy GLC/Ndombele and we'll be trying to flog them to Newcastle on August 31st

[SteveHarle]

Again as mentioned, if we stay up, this summer could be VERY interesting. The amount of top quality players running down contracts as well is immense. Not to mention we could theoretically afford ANYONE!

Apparently Mbappe was listening to Fog on the Tyne on the coach back from PSG's loss against Nice last night.

[Redknapp69]

What's the score with how much Geordies can spend in summer with FFP?

Don't think they really spent much (net spend) in last few years so should be able to have a decent run at it (albeit a few quid already gone in Jan)

[ebfatz]

Yeah. Coz Ashley was such a tight arse, it's actually worked in our favour.

Don't know the exact figure after Jan's spending but it's pretty healthy.

[Mark]

Bit of a mixed one for Newcastle imo - They've certainly strengthened the defence so should be tougher to beat (Targett a great signing), but have they enough about them at the other end? Who's supplying Wood with balls in the box?

It shows how out the loop I've been for the last 4-5 days that I first found out about Alli and van de Beek signing for Everton, then found that Lampard is now the manager there

[Alias47]

Glad to finally be out of the relegation battle. Terrible season though as tesified by the fact that I was referring to being relegation candidates back in 2021 in this very thread.

Interesting final day on the horizon with plenty to play for. I know this type of talk belongs in the chatbox rather than the dedicated Premier League thread... ...but any predictions for the final day? Champions? 4th place? Can/will West Ham pip United to 6th? Leeds or Burnley to go down?