Everton decide against Mirallas appeal

As a result he has been rewarded with a place in the Capital One Cup squad which travels to Reading on Tuesday and if he continues his progress he will provide another alternative up front.

It’s been a rare experience to walk out of the Madejski Stadium feeling good about the team in recent seasons and all but unheard of to feel optimistic after a loss, yet this was one defeat that Reading fans can feel pretty happy with all things considered.

But Everton’s escape was short-lived as Blackman bundled in at the far post for his seventh goal of the season to give Reading a deserved lead.

Reading boss Steve Clarke has resisted the temptation to make too many alterations to his lineup in the club’s previous two ties in the competition, against Colchester and Portsmouth.

While Ali Al-Habsi’s weak save attempt for Deulofeu’s victor will dominate the twitterverse and pub discussions throughout the week, it shouldn’t detract from a very encouraging performance from a Reading team that had eight changes and saw four full debuts.

A report in his native Belgium suggests that Kevin Mirallas’s relationship with Roberto Martinez is deteriorating as he struggles for regular playing time just weeks after signing a new contract. There could be a number of changes for that game.

Nick Blackman is revelling in the absence of Orlando Sa and whilst Matej Vydra is yet to score for the Royals, he has looked lively in both his starts.

Barkley’s goal was the third of his fine start to the season, and came shortly after the global break in which he again featured for the senior England team.

Martinez tells his club’s news site this week “I think he is ahead of his development in terms of what I expected”.

The Spaniard is desperate to force himself into Roberto Martinez’s starting line-up and believes he has improved significantly since his loan spell on Merseyside in 2013.

Ex-Huddersfield Town midfielder Oliver Norwood caught the eye with a stunning strike against Ipswich Town and whoever plays in goal for Everton will have to be alert whenever the ball is at his feet within shooting range of the goal.

Get him on the field.

“I have been very impressed with him not just in training but the games for the under-21s, where he has scored in both games”.

“Gerard Deulofeu was tremendous with his work-rate tonight and we know what he can achieve”.