Everton FC - The Club With Ambition

510 - Thanks man

Nice pre-season, 0-0 to Tranmere? and only 1-0 to a team I haven't heard of? youngsters out playing? apart from that looking fairly solid

Denzy-It was good to be beat PSV and Gladbach, they are tougher opponents that you usually see in pre season games It was most of my under 21's and under 18's against Tranmere. I wasn't looking for wins, fitness primarily

As the first game of the season came along we were still missing key players, whom were still away with their international teams. The likes of Tim Howard and Jese just some of the names still unavailable. We were very fortunate to grab a late equaliser at Leicester, however we were very unfortunate to go behind in the first place. We dominated the game, but a laps in concentration saw us go behind.

It was more of the same against Wigan, we played very good football early on and created a lovely taken team goal. However we could not hold on. The lads were poor and they knew this. They did excellent to grab a win at Hull.

Hull can be a tricky place to travel, we did very well to hold out for the victory on this one. Hopefully we can move on and use the momentum to face a tricky September. Due to the poor start and shortage of games I have not awarded anyone player of the month. Nobody has stood out for, I will be hoping for someone to claim the award next month.

The Champions’ League Group stage draw has been made today, Everton have been placed in Group C. Which looks set to be a very tricky group and will be a big ask for them to progress. Joining them in Group C are Bayern Munich (Germany), FC Porto (Portugal) and Shakter Donestk(Ukraine).

Everton will start the group by flying to Ukraine to face Shakter who they played and beat over two legs in a previous Europa League campaign. Following that they will welcome FC Porto to Goodison Park before playing a double header against the German giants that are Bayern Munich.

Here’s what manager Zinedine Zidane had to say about his team’s draw, ” Obviously the name that sticks out is Bayern. We know it will be tough, but we have to go approach every game the same and try to win. ”

Kind of a rocky start in the pre season. Managed to pull wins in the tougher matches and draws/losses in the easier ones. But they're more played for fitness so it's fine. It's a shame to see you lose to Man Utd 4-0 but got to let Rooney go out with a bang

I feel kind of sorry for you with tht group in the Champions League but it means i you can make it through this group you have a better shot later on as ou'll be better tested against stronger opposition early is the way i see it.

But you've got some great signings in and Jese on loan in somehow which is fantastic.

September was a much better month for us. The team was starting to grow together, when a team Is still starting to gel results will be slow. Everyone knows that. The result against City does not really reflect the true nature of the game. We played very well and created a number of great opportunities, however Joe Hart was playing out of his skin. Two controversial penalties took the game out of our reach.

Our first game back in the Champions League was always going to be tough. Shaktar away was always going to be a hostile environment. The lads did not take any notice of it. They were all excited to be in the Champions League and played some amazing football. We controlled the game from start to finish, very proud of them all.

Just days later we got another solid victory away at the Emirates. Another away game that was not going to be easy. The boys defended really well and kept us in the game. In the second half the game was there for the taking and McGeady did just that with a sublime curling shot from the edge of the area.

Because of the busy schedule I rotated the side, granted it was not our strongest eleven against Villa, but I expected a win never the less. The players were getting frustrated with Villa’s defensive approach and it got to them. We could not break down their two banks of four and they caught us. Villa boss Martin Jol spoke after the game on how we were the better side.

Winning the big games was a massive component of our success last season, it looks to be the same again this season. Despite the loss against City, Chelsea have been a “bogy” team for us if you will over the years. However we were excellent from the first to last whistle. Playing free flowing attacking football, Chelsea never got going.

Porto came to Goodison Park with a sole focus of stopping us attack. The caught us twice on the counter through the speed and flair of Quintero and Adrian. We still played some great stuff in the game and look like we belong at this level of football, very pleasing to see.



Over the summer I have been working closely with Leighton and the coaching staff. There are a few things we have tweaked this year tactically to try and get the best out of Leighton. It seems to be working and very effectively at that. He has been fantastic and instrumental in all of our games this month. Hoping for more of the same in the near future.

A very tough month with some mixed results, but I'd say your wins just about outweigh the defeats. Your CL group looks so nasty!

Noobie - its a tough group defiantly! Hopefully we can learn from it

P-Kiddy - thanks i think they outweigh them too!

This is your 100th reply! You have a very tough CL group, but it's great to see that you went to Donetsk and showed everyone why should be in the competition!

510 - thank you for that! It was great to start with a win!

Good job in a tough month!

Great update and a good month. Good luck for the rest of the season.

Jonte - thanks

Tonka Wolves - thanks, appreciate the support