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Another match, another positive performance.
After a weekend that left fans equal parts frustrated and encouraged (again), Everton took on Rotherham United in a Second Round Carabao Cup matchup.
After a tepid start, Gylfi Sigurdsson tucked away a now Spain-bound Sandro Ramirez misplaced shot and the Toffees never looked back.
The win was a nice way to rebound from an emotionally taxing weekend that saw Michael Keane both score his first League goal for Everton and then suffer a gruesome head injury that could see him out for a month with all things considered.
With just Huddersfield Town left before the international break, the Toffees will be hoping to stay undefeated in the league while finishing the opening stretch of the season on a high note.
The beginning of the season has been a mix of excitement and frustration, but I think my man Jeff sums it up pretty well.
I can't help but be encouraged. Maybe it's because despite dropping four points imo, they pass the eye test. This team is attacking, going forward, and our full squad with defensive answers is still weeks away.
— Jeff Wallner (@JeffWallner) August 27, 2018
With Kurt Zouma and Lucas Digne just getting integrated into the squad, Yerry Mina set to join the squad after the break and Andre Gomes still waiting in the wings, we have yet to see anything close to resembling a full strength Toffees side.
There are plenty of issues to address, but now almost a month into the Marco Silva era I think it is safe to say things are off to a good start with reason to be optimistic about the future.
Now, to your questions!!!!
↩️ | @sandroramirez9 has joined @RealSociedadEN on a season-long loan. #EFC pic.twitter.com/xwWj9axtoD
— Everton (@Everton) August 30, 2018
I’ll be honest, I thought Sandro was going to be a hit for the Toffees.
His mix of industrious running and lethal finishing made him a hit in Spain, and I thought for sure he was going to be a fox-in-the-box for Everton.
Unfortunately for Sandro while his impressive work rate was among the items he brought with him to Merseyside, his shooting boots were of the one-season-wonder kind and left back in Spain.
It’s fitting that his best performance in an Everton strip would come just hours before his loan was announced, as he’s always felt like a player JUST on the verge of fulfilling his potential.
Oh well, at least we get £80,000 off the wage bill.
Plus, we’ve still got this guy.
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@foleysthoughts Ole Richie has been fantastic, but we can we for a moment just give it up for Theo?! Has absolutely revitalized his career by moving to Everton....and actually stayed healthy which is even more surprising!!
— Miami Toffees (@USAEverton) August 28, 2018
If Everton end up piggy-backing off of Moshiri’s (and possibly Usmanov’s?) millions, Theo Walcott’s signing may be looked at as a seminal moment in the club’s history.
While his last year at Arsenal saw him suffer more than his fair share of injuries, Theo was only 12 months removed from one of the most successful stretches of his career when he signed with the Toffees.
Theo Walcott, Arsenal 16-17. @BBCMOTD: "Is he going to fulfil his potential?" pic.twitter.com/2xswOtbtsJ
— Ted Knutson (@mixedknuts) October 17, 2016
In fact, Walcott hadn’t been all that bad in the limited minutes leading up to his move to Goodison.
Theo Walcott, Arsenal 16-17.
— Ted Knutson (@mixedknuts) August 22, 2017
Don't you know that it's insane. Don't you want to get out of Cape Cod, out of Cape Cod tonight? pic.twitter.com/ugYcEUkSC5
When the England winger did step on the field for the Toffees, the expections were fairly low.
His performance, however, has been anything but.
In addition to being incredibly dangerous getting forward, Walcott has given Everton SPEED in the attack, the lack of which had been a major contributor to the Blues continued scoring issues.
Walcott has been a consummate professional and has set a wonderful example for the younger players.
He is a consistent presence at both end of the field, doing the dirty work as well as cashing in on some pretty good teamwork when he slotted away a perfect set piece routine against Bournemouth.
Seamus Coleman and he have created an industrious if not successful partnership and Walcott’s blazing speed has added an element of excitement to the Blues not seen since Romelu Lukaku last wore the beautiful color.
I can’t wait to see what Walcott does next, especially when Richarlison (when not suspended) forces team to respect both sides of the field, giving Theo even more room in which to operate and wreak havoc on opposing back lines.
But seriously...
What is an appropriate punishment for Marco Silva to enforce on Richarlison following his shenanigans against AFCB
— Adam Braun (@abraun_15) August 28, 2018
I figured the punishment should be memorable, not destructive, and help the Brazilian understand his new teammates.
With that in mind, I have narrowed it down to the following two punishments.
You can decide which one (or both?) a three-game suspension warrants.
So without further delay, my chosen punishments for Richarlison.
- Leighton Baines choose his haircut
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2. Tom Davies choose his clothes
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Wow.
Already some people are putting 50p in the dick head Machine, after hounding our three Managers, and into three games! Can’t believe people have started already
— Kevin Durcan (@kevin_durcan) August 27, 2018
50p in the dick head machine??????
TOFFEE TUNES
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