5 positives and a few negatives for me.
1. Pearson tactically outdid Martinez across the 90 minutes. Us playing 4-4-2 caused problems in the first half but Pearson managed to get the right balance eventually. Our subs made a greater impact. Martinez was too cautious. NP proved his new vantage point to be a major benefit.
2. Kingy. The PL is more physical and first thirty minutes quickly put to bed the notion that PL football allows more time on the ball. However, it's often forgotten how much experience King has playing internationally and suspect he has more experience playing PL players then anyone else in our squad.
3. Ulloa. I'm going to call it and say he's a brilliantly observed signing. PL defenders don't like tall, physical players. See Andy Carroll. See how Oldham and Bradford went on cup runs thanks to respective target men. See how Benteke and Lukaku were hits upon arrival.
4. The performances of Morgan and Moore. Morgan's confidence developed after a great block from a Naismith shot in the first half. He sensed Lukaku was half-fit and began to push him around more. Moore looked more commanding and was good at communicating.
5. Finally, the fans. For first time in living memory, there was minimal moaning. We got behind them from different areas of the ground. It was pure roaring them on towards the end. We need 18 more of those atmospheres. I sounded like Sean Dyche by the final whistle. Every game must be an event. I suspect it will sustain over the visits from Arsenal and Manchester United. However, it needs to be there against Burnley and the rest.
Negatives
1. We've got find a way to play three in midfield. Everton were playing 3-6-1 at times and we were outnumbered on various occasions during the first half. Something tactically that needs working on.
2. The full-backs. Part belief, part a lack of real quality and part a lack of protection given to the wingers. De Laet was left exposed time and time again but he looked to me unsure when faced with an 1 on 1. Eventually in the final period of the game, he was helped by Mahrez when facing Miralles. Konchesky had a fairly easy job with McGeady constantly drifting inside.
3. Being more 'streetwise' to the ref. At every interval of play, an Everton player was speaking to the ref. Referee's are human when asked to re-consider, they began to think decisions over and they bare it all in mind. I suspect Barry spoke to the ref after his yellow and when the second foul came (which was his third of that nature), the ref thought maybe the yellow card for Ulloa was soft. Everton were also very clever in slowing the game on goal kicks and at injury intervals. The referee never even bothered with Howard.
4. The Poznan. Get rid please.
5. More composure on the ball. That applies across the team. We have to keep the ball better. The vast majority of goals are conceded when possession is lose in your half of the pitch. At times, our hoofs were aimless.
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