A bit critical on Big Sam, he is a greenhorn 18 year old, with virtually no experience of leading a Premiership forward line, a long way from being the finished article and will have a lot to learn from Rickie, who probably won't be in a hurry to teach him everything just yet. He was quick to realise he had the wrong footwear on for a slippery pitch, which even had Rickie floundering a couple of times. They must have a theory about watering it so much, but after an inch of rain Thursday/Friday I think it was a bit excessive.
9.5 for Clyne...what a 1st half especially. Deulofeu never got the better of him. Wanyama, Davis & Cork all excellent. One of the best games from Davis. I thought the introduction of Osman would make the midfield more competitive, but they all stepped up and rarely coughed up possession.
Boruc - 8 - Not a lot to do. Shaw - 8.5 - Not one of his best games but played well and pushed forward more than usual and defended well Lovren - 7 - Did a good job on Lukaku but had one or two rash moments that could have cost us dear on another day. Fonte - 6 - A routine day at the office. Clyne - 9.9 - Great all round performance and should be on the plane to Brazil. Cork - 9.9 - One of his best games in a long time. Wanyama - 9 - Rock solid and getting back to his early season form. His passing was excellent. Lallana - 9.8 - Just wonderful to watch. The Toffees were green with envy watching him. Davis - 11 - Just the best player on the field by a mile for shear industry and hard work. My man of the match. Gallagher - 7 - A young lad with a lot to learn but he'll get there. Lambert - 9-9 - For doing his utmost to bring the World Cup hopefuls into play and to help them look good in front of the England manager.. JWP - 8 - Lots of energy and had a superb shot saved late on. Guly - 8 - I should give him 10 just to annoy his detractors who should know better. The fans - 10 - For some great chants and enjoying a day in the sunshine. Stopping Everton getting into Europe went a little way towards easing the pain of that semi-final defeat and helped gain some revenge against that thug Bailey. Football fans have long memories and know how to hold a grudge.
Davis was simply sensational yesterday. Absolutely sensational. Such a shame he didn't bury his chance.
Thought Wanyama and Cork absolutely bossed the midfield, in fact our whole midfield played considerably well, Everton couldn't get it going against the high pressing of Cork and behind him the beast. Clyne was by far the best full-back and indeed player on the day.
