Paul McParlan - A captain’s performance!
Seamus Coleman, once again, led by example in the game vs Crystal Palace on Saturday and showed that he still has something to offer this season.
He had received criticism in certain quarters for his recent performances and some considered that playing three games in seven days would prove too much for the 34-year-old.
Even worse he faced the tricky Wilfried Zaha, a winger who has made bamboozling defenders his trademark. Many wondered how Seamus would cope, fearing he would be exposed by the winger’s skill. They need not have worried.
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In a masterclass of the defensive arts, Coleman tamed Zaha from the first minute, nullifying his threat completely. His positional awareness was exceptional, consistently anticipating and blocking the winger’s moves and ensuring that the supply line to the Palace strikers was cut off.
By the end of the game, Zaha cut a bemused and frustrated figure which was testimony to Coleman’s efforts. He even found time to be involved in the passing movement that led to Everton’s second goal!
Coleman may be coming to the end of his Everton career, but this match showed that he still has a role to play in the side. It was exactly 13 years to the day that the Everton captain made his first-team debut and on Saturday, he turned back the clock in style. If Nathan Patterson has not recovered from his injury, Frank Lampard knows that he can rely on Seamus!
Ben Crawford - Spirit of the Blues
What a way to answer your critics Everton! After a run of three straight defeats, it was imperative that the Blues gave a good account of themselves against Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.
They did just that with a performance full of steel, determination and some excellent football. One of the most complete Everton performances in some time was matched by a team performance in which no Everton players gave a performance of less than eight out of 10.
Anthony Gordon was back to his mercurial best, Conor Coady and James Tarkowski were as solid as ever and that old Guy Mitchell song was blasting around L4 for the first time in what seems like a century.
The afternoon was perfectly capped when substitute Dwight McNeil combined with the reborn Alex Iwobi to score a sensational goal to cap off a memorable day. The return to form of Dominic Calvert-Lewin also deserves a special mention.
Our No.9 was back fit and firing again and his goal and performance on the day does again showcase Everton’s necessity to make sure he stays fit and available for the long-term. More of the same next week please, Everton. I’ve never felt more like singing the Blues…
Tony Scott - Saturday was simply 'School of Science' stuff
When the Everton team sheet dropped at 2pm, 99.9% of the Everton fanbase groaned. 'Why has Lampard kept the same 11 from Newcastle?' That was the general consensus from Evertonians - including me!
Two hours later it was as complete domination of a football match as you'll see at Goodison Park from Lampard's Everton. That's why Frank Lampard has been involved at the top level of football for over 20 years and why we're all sat in the stands observing.
The man knows football more than most. He knows what Evertonians crave for more than any manager we've appointed and more importantly, he trusts this set of players we don't see on a regular basis.
Saturday was simply 'School of Science' stuff which was a sheer joy to witness. As Lampard slowly implements his style of play on the side we as Evertonians have to expect there'll be many hurdles clattered along the way.
Everton have stumbled at Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Manchester United this season but leaped over Crystal Palace, West Ham and Southampton.
That is expected this season until Lampard and Thelwell have two or more transfer windows behind them to sort the sheer mess that was left in front of them. Until then, enjoy the ride, enjoy Goodison Park in her glory, enjoy Lampard's style of football and enjoy the away days - starting with a trip to the Cottage on Saturday.
READ MORE:
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- Everton chief delivers 'exciting' Bramley-Moore Dock update as club heads towards 'next big milestone'
- Everton maintain perfect record as first-team hopeful makes case to Frank Lampard again
- James Tarkowski shares two-word message from Seamus Coleman ahead of Everton transfer
