Clever Fox

Slimani I believe is definitely on the way out maybe Nacho too. So that only left Ulloa. Vardy was never going to find the space he needs. Funnily reading the game I thought was one of Shaky's strong points. It's his loyalty to people and failure to change how we played that got him sacked. I know he done well at Nice and Lyon and I've said I believe he's an excellent coach. I'm just puzzled at his decision on Saturday not to change anything until it was too late. I just wonder does he have the mean or tough streak that all great Managers have in chewing out players. But it is early days and he has to have a chance to bring in a few players to suit what he wants to do with the Team and squad.

No I wouldn't and I said so before the game. They were always going to sit tight and so Vardy was never going to get any space. It should have been Slimani but he's on the way out so then Ulloa as we were only likely to score with a Header or a knockdown. as for Shakespeare, I thought he got most of his Substitutions pretty right. But at least he made them. What was the logic in sending out the same 11 second half when clearly it wasn't working.

There's no doubt apathy played a big part in the defeat and Puel is responsible for that. He failed to motivate the players before the game. Anyone who knows the game knew that they were going to play deep to frustrate us and try and hit us on the break. Therefore, He never should have played Vardy, As there was never going to be the room he likes to operate in. The other worrying thing was the way he froze and failed to make any Substitutions at half time. This is one area Shakespere excelled at. I totally believe he's an excellent Coach which is something I believe we needed. I just hope hes has enough about him to inspire the players to bigger things like Pearson and Ranieri could.

That seems like the most likely outcome. My one worry would be if Iborra has the legs for it.

I hear what you're saying but I don't think that is the reason. We have Morgan who is Captain so not easy or likely to be dropped. then you have Maguire, a new signing, although not the greatest defender is still learning. but his all round game is perceived to offer more to the Team. I haven't seen much of Drago but I think he's an old style bustling CB. So unless he can play FB or we go 3 at the back his chances are going to be limited.

I thought the lads put in a lot of effort. Admittedly we were slow at the start and probably underestimated the Palace effort. But you can't say the lads didn't try. Especially the second half. But that's football, no too games are ever the same. Our first mistake was the line up. Mentally we were just tired which is a pity because there's a lot of games to go this Month. Lets just hope we get back to winning ways quickly.

Go on Roy, Kiss my Ass.

A new Day and a new game. Maybe today will be the wake up call we needed. I just hope today's efforts haven't taken to much out of the players. We need more energy in the middle which is why I hope we play Amartey there now that NDiddi is out. A tough challenge no matter who plays, But these are the games that create Hero's. Let's hope he plays for Leicester.

I can't really disagree with what you say except Management is like that. There was a bit of it isn't broke don't fix it approach to today's game. They wanted it a bit more than us and had a little more energy, But more importantly a plan that worked. I'm sure Puel will have learned something, but there's nothing he or anyone can do about it now. So we have to move on.

Excellent assessment of the game today. We were just off the pace both mentally and physically. Palace worked really hard for their victory. Puel got his tactics completely wrong whereas Roy got his spot on. We just have to move on to the next game.

They just hate to admit we:re a big club now.

With him not making the Bench lately I get the impression that we might be protecting him from injury with a view to selling him in January. I think the deal may already be done.

This might be the game to rest Vardy and go with Slimani. They will go 442 trying to keep us out, which will make it difficult for Vardy. I'm not sure we can afford to rest Ndiddi as who is going to win the Ball in midfield. I'm sorry but King isn't going to do it. I'd go with Amartey, He's similar in style to Ndiddi and has the legs to match Zaha. Alternatively he could play RB and rest Simpson. I'd also rest Albrighton. We need him at his best for the Cup Match. I'd go with Kasper Simpson Morgan Maguire Fuchs Amartey or Ndiddi Iborra Mahrez Slimani Okazaki Gray

The Mantra has to be one game at a time. Keep adding the results and the points will look after themselves. There's the togetherness within the squad that we had when winning the league so anything is possible. Another European place is possible but we must keep our best players in January.

He is a good player, however, the persistent injuries have become a worry. With the arrival of Silva and the progress of some of the under 23s, he may become surplus to requirements.

Like many others I'd take a Draw right now, but I do think its a game we can win because we now have momentum and some inside knowledge of Southampton. I like what Puel is doing with the Team. The plan seems to be to outscore the opposition even if we concede a few silly goals. Kasper needs to get back to controlling the 6-yard box. Teams are targeting us in set plays knowing our weakness. Vardy might be a few things but dirty isn't one of them. I suspect he might be wound up for this one. But the beauty now is while Teams are watching him, others are slipping in to score. things are looking good for the future.

You have to feel sorry for Silva. after all of the Transfer, Saga, He'll be coming in halfway through the season and hoping to play for a Manager who didn't sign him. I think a lot will depend on how Puel sees him playing. whether it's a holding midfielder and let Iborra and NDiddi do all the running in a MF 3. Or we continue with wing backs and use two from the above 3. In which case it will be harder for him to split Iborra and NDiddi up. One thing is sure whenever he does get a chance to play he'll have to be ready and deliver, otherwise, it will be a season to remember for all of the wrong reasons.

We really do need us to move a few on. The problem will be the money they're on unless they're prepared to take a substantial pay cut. I'd like to see Ulloa, Musa and Benny go along with King. If we could offload Slimani also, Although he has proved he has something to offer. Maybe to be replaced by Ben Arfa. I don't see the urgency with a RB, Unless Puel wants's to get in a more attacking FB. Simpson doesn't get injured and is one of best defensively. While Amartey has covered for him admirably when needed. As for incomings, I always liked Redmond and he's a real possibility if Mahrez is going. Another quality CB to partner Maguire for years to come is an option if Drago doesn't measure up. Maybe Ben Arfa also if Slimani leaves. I wouldn't rule out a left back to replace Fuchs but that will probably wait until the Summer, while Puel has a look at Chilwell playing Full Back.

I think Appleton deserves great credit for the performances over the past week also. And I'm delighted he's staying. He likes to play Football as does Puel, so I think they can work well together, instilling more confidence on the Ball in the Squad. Puel is clearly a very good Coach in his own right. Sunday's lineup was one I was begging for, for a long time. Although not necessarily the same lineup. We were Balanced for the first time in years, As well as slick and aggressive especially the first half. I loved the fact that we took the game to the opposition in a game we knew we could. That won't always be the case but we should against the opposition we know we can. He'll bring a fresh look at the squad which may mean some leaving in January, While introducing some new style and systems of play. I also expect him to blood a few of the Younger players coming through the under 23s. All in all, I think he'll be a good Manager for us. If the pressure of the Job doesn't overtake him. Good luck to him and his Staff for the future.

Last night will do his confidence a power of good. Really nice to see him start to fulfill his potential. He's a real athlete and looks another good one for the future.

Walsh hasn't been picking the players at Everton, Koeman has. Walsh was appointed over his head by the Owners and they don't get along. Koeman wanted to pick his own players. The Owners had to pull them together recently to sort it out and Koeman agreed to leave signings to Walsh in future. Walsh being the gentleman that he is kept his silence at all times. You only have to look at his demeanor in the Everton stands compared to him here.

Seen him play for the 23s looks like a good buy. Funnily he reminded me of Cottee in ways. But he looks like he definitely has a future with us.

Even in our darkest days of the great escape we always looked well in games with plenty of effort. Now we just look devoid of ideas.

Accurate assessment as always Col. We'd all like to see him play the way we know he can but he's clearly not doing it for whatever reason. I suspect Shakey was hopeful that after a few games he'd get the bug back and start performing again. This clearly hasn't happened and so it's time to leave him out, Especially that we have Gray hungry and willing to step in and seize his opportunity. While I can understand Shakeys approach with Mahrez it's time to move on and give Gray his head and opportunity. In a perverse way, it might be the kick up the backside Mahrez needs. As the longer he's out of the team the harder it will be for him to get the move he so desires. I've watched him closely this season and he's actually a much better player now than two years ago, just not performing for whatever reason. I have a theory that he's not happy as to how he's being used. But that's just my opinion. players are not stupid and Shakey will lose respect from the rest of the Squad if he doesn't address the situation, and soon.

yes, but he was in there with King. It's not just one thing it's the approach. We needed to keep them further from our Goal knowing the ski;; they have. To do that we needed to keep Drogo with Morgan and move Maguire into the middle to win more of the Ball. Then give it to Iborra to distribute.