There was I thinking that the atmosphere at St James's was good. However, the atmosphere at the WCFG eclipsed anything that the Geordies could offer.
In our first home EPL game in 23 years we took the W thanks to the fortunate shin of Awoniyi. I won a small amount on him being first goalscorer, as it was his birthday. That money has since been invested in us beating Everton this weekend.
Everton looked very poor against Villa and other than Gordon and later Onana I thought they offered very little. Let's hope Chelsea continuing upping their offer for Gordon, as he looks a rare ray of sunshine for the scousers.
Game Overview:
Lingard continues to look unfit and Johnson was isolated, but a vast improvement elsewhere. Surely Mangala and Awoniyi 's performance will mean they start again.
We were lucky of course, but a combination of our fitness and tenacity saw us through.
Signings:
Dennis, Freuler and Kouyate are in, although it is hard to see any changes to the starting XI this weekend. Cook or Kouyate may need to stand in for Niakhate.
LWB and AM remain the priority, with those two positions remaining our weak spots, although Toffolo eased those concerns at LWB.
Aouar, Malinovskyi, MGW and now even Garner could come in, but again, unlikely to make the starting XI (and probably the squad).
Your Opposition Story:
I have had a few Everton mates over the years, none of which were as annoying as the Liverpool ones. I will of course reach out if we win.
Form:
Everton have lost both their opening games whilst looking poor in the process. They picked up some big wins to ensure survival last season, but the loss of Lewin and Richarlison has limited their attacking threat.
Their Home form was pretty decent: W9 D2 L8 and GF 27 GA 25
Overall Record:
Currently we stand at W28 D15 L29, so a chance to tie this record.
Team:
Hennessey and Richards remain sidelined. Yates might feature and Niakhate might miss out. Other than that, the same XI would be great.
Prediction:
I've predicted both scores this season...and had Lingard put the ball in, instead of Awoniyi, I'd have won $560 of a $10 bet.
I'm going for another 1-0 win to Forest.
COYRs!!!!!
Everton v Forest - Match Thread
posted on 20/8/22
Worrell was very poor today, almost cost us the game
posted on 20/8/22
Mgw looked lively, impressed me in his short time on the field, johnson cool finish, worrall a little slow unfortunately and awominyi a little awkward. Happier now about our chances this season though, early days with the new players
posted on 20/8/22
Ryan Yates impressed me for the short time he was on the pitch. Not sure if it counts as an assist, but it was his shot that Pickford parried into the path of Brennan for our goal. He almost scored himself at the death, but it was a difficult chance.
posted on 21/8/22
Overall, a decent away performance and always good to get a point in the travels - just a pity we couldn’t hold on for all 3 - but I suppose that’s the step up to the Big League
Cooper needs to make a decision about Awoniyi as he was awful - and looked totally lost at times hopefully Dennis of Surridge can step up and have more impact
4 points from our opening 3 games is a good start and gives us the foundations to build upon
posted on 21/8/22
Awful is a bit harsh. It’s only his 3rd game!
posted on 21/8/22
Chile I know it sounds harsh… but he really was, he offered nothing and lost possession so many times - having seen him in about 10 games now I’m getting the feeling he’s going to struggle
I really hope I’m wrong, but I haven’t seen much from him that fills me with much positivity
We can afford to carry extra baggage, if he can’t step up, then get the next man in
posted on 21/8/22
We can’t *
posted on 22/8/22
Che Adams…someone we have been linked with, scored 22 in 45 in the 18/19 season. The following season he joined Southampton for £15m…and didn’t score in his first 25 odd games, ending the season with just 4 Premier League goals.
Awoniyi has played three senior games in the league and scored once, with players from seven different clubs.
He hasn’t been brilliant, but in my opinion the criticism you lay on him is unfounded and unfair. It’s your opinion though, so I respect it, even if I don’t get it.
posted on 22/8/22
We have a game tomorrow against Grimsby!
A chance for Coops to start either Lyle Taylor or Dennis or perhaps both?
A lot of the bench warmers can expect a run out against a Div' 2 side?
posted on 24/8/22
comment by Morninchile (U18154)
posted 2 days, 7 hours ago
Che Adams…someone we have been linked with, scored 22 in 45 in the 18/19 season. The following season he joined Southampton for £15m…and didn’t score in his first 25 odd games, ending the season with just 4 Premier League goals.
Awoniyi has played three senior games in the league and scored once, with players from seven different clubs.
He hasn’t been brilliant, but in my opinion the criticism you lay on him is unfounded and unfair. It’s your opinion though, so I respect it, even if I don’t get it.
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Chile - my only criticism of him has been just like yours - that he hasn’t been brilliant
I have said anything derogatory or rude about him, just that I feel he’s been disappointing
I hope I’m proved wrong, I really do, but I haven’t seen from from him yet that fills me with much hope
Let’s give it another 3 or 4 months and see where he’s at then