6-1 win, Real or Fake?

6-1, what can I say? I never thought we'd score so many goals, well done to the team and to the trainer for a good start to the season. We scored two goals off set pieces (Gallas and Vermaelen), two from the skipper Fabregas, a curling effort by Denilson, and a poachers goal by Eduardo after Arshavins shot hit the post. We took all the opportunities that came our way, that is very positive.

However, I find it hard how to view this result, it is a one off for sure, but Everton were so bad than we were so good, they plain and simple looked off colour, even the trainer alluded to them 'not having the high physical energy' they usually do. Defensively, Vermaelen and Gallas look a good fit, they seem to take their defensive work very seriously, which is good to see, they held a good and consistent defensive line. The full backs still need to improve their attacking play, Clichy is not yet at top rhythm.

The midfield was our most dominant feature, as a collective they played very well, Song-Billong, Denilson and Fabregas were really on their bit, and played a good game as a unit. The attacking trio up front were okay, but were not 'killers', we will need them to fire soon in a big way if this new formation is to make the difference.

The negatives, call me a cynic, but still no clean sheet, we need to be switched on for 95mins, 1 goal given up breeds bad habits, especially a goal that Everton did not deserve, also the reaction of the players to it shows they never took the task of keeping a clean sheet seriously enough. We let up too many easy goals last campaign, we must not accept this.

We also need to be more compact in midfield, strangle the opposition of possession, Everton created chances they did not deserve. Finally, why chase 6 goals and play full tempo for 95mins? We don't have a winter break, the game was dead at 3-0, why not keep the ball and conserve energy? If we do this in every game, we will be worn out by January, we all saw Barcelona were jaded in January/February, and they had a winter break in a less combative league, we need to play with our heads, 3 points is all we need, not goals galore, when Rosicky returns, he will tell the players to calm down, conserve energy.

Next up Celtic Park, lets hope for a favourable result.