A perfect Ten for Fellaini

, 20 August, 262comments  |  Jump to most recent
Everton 1 - 0 Manchester United

Everton were back in action for real tonight with a high-profile season opener under the Goodison lights against Manchester United. No injury concerns for David Moyes, but new signing Kevin Mirallas, paraded to the crowd before kick-off, was ineligible to play, while Steven Naismith's expected debut didn't come until almost the end of the game.

No changes in attacking formation from David Moyes, despite the purchase of more attack-minded players: Steven Naismith started on the bench so that Moyes could stick with his tried and trusted 4-5-1 formation.

Marouane Fellaini had shaken off a slight groin problem and the thigh strain that kept Darron Gibson out of Ireland's friendly with Serbia had also cleared up. The only real question mark was the central-defensive partnership, with Heitinga this time on the bench

But all the media hype was focussed on the debut of Robin van Persie for Manchester United, who also started on the bench; perhaps deflecting any pressure away from the Blues, who came out and played some good football to show up the Mancs and above all did not allow them to gain revenge for key points lost last season.

An early free-kick for a foul on Pienaar was swung in by Baines and bullet-headed wide by a diving Osman. Nani then broke past Baines but Distin had the catching of him and knocked the interception behind for a clear goal kick that Nani vehemently protested. Nani then fouled and got the yellow card his petulance fully deserved.

Jelavic won the first corner with a good run down the right, and Baines swung it in but Fellaini was blocked as Jelavic was grappled illegally by Vidic.

United got some decent possession and sailed past Gibson, letting Rooney be the next Manc tracked down and blocked by the impressive Distin.

Fellaini was playing as the target man for hoofballs lofted from the back. Whem Everton tried to play it forward on the ground, a dreadful first touch by Pienaar sent the ball careening out of play. A disgustingl foul from behind on Gibson by Scholes saw him earn yellow.

Fellaini did brilliantly to dribble in on goal but selfishly tried to score himself from an impossibly narrow angle and hit the post instead of centering for Jelavic. Jelavic was then fouled by an increasingly dirty United side who thought nothing of cheating and fouling at every opportunity.

Fellaini cleverly won another free-kick wide right that was superbly delivered right on De Ghea who punched under massive pressure from Fellaini but then collapsed in a heap for no good reason, with no whistle: more shameless cheating.

Everton were sitting back a little with 10 behind the ball on the rollover, soaking up the inevitable United pressure. Distin and Jagielka had to be alert when Welbeck tried an audacious flick. Osman was easily dispossessed to allow another Utd attack and Nani fired one that curled away from Howard and wide.

Some absolutely fantastic passing got Jelavic in behind but De Gea came out effectively to stop him. De Gea punched the corner out but then had to palm over at a stretch as Pienaar headed it back in just under the bar. From the ensuing corner, Fellaini pivoted again, looking for glory, but smashed it wide across goal.

Pienaar got called for barely clipping Scholes and Rooney curled a free-kick brilliantly but it looked like going wide, and may have needed Hoaward's equally brilliant fingertip save.

Nervy moments in the Everton area as some pinball thankfully ended with an offside call. At the other end, a hoofball nicely chested down by Fellaini was fired wide by Pienaar.

Then an incredible sequence of play on 32 minutes that was well worth an Everton goal, Jelavic having his cross deflected behind for a corner that came to nothing.

Fellaini was being absolutely masterful, wining another free-kick that led to intricate play blocked in the United area. Baines waited for the ball and allowed Scholes to brush past him: no penalty.

Evra did create a worrying chance for Rooney that he fired straight at Howard. For United, who were dominating possession, another chance saw Welbeck drive just wide.

Another fantastic headed layoff by Fellaini saw Osman lash a fierce shot straight in over De Gea's head but somehow the heroic United keeper got his hand up to it and batted it away, an incredible reaction save.

Vidic finally got called for one of his many fouls on Jelavic, setting up a great free-lkik opportunity for Baines, that forced an incredible save from De Gea after it clipped off Welbeck's shoulder in the wall. The corner was defended away and United set to break quiclkly but were thankfully called back for a free-kick.

A simple ball in was headed on by Rooney and threatened Howard but he saved solidly to bring a tremendous half of football by Everton, in attack, midfield and defence, to an end.

After the break and it was right back into it, Osman incredibly lashing one off the base of the crossbar with De Gea beaten, and Welbeck at the other end denied buy a late interception. Jageilka had to be alert as the pendulum switched back to United who were attacking in waves, pushing Everton further back.

As the hour-mark neared, Rooney had a wild shot that flew wide, with both sides trying to penetrate obdurate defences determined not to concede.... But concede they did, a superb Gibson corner and there was Marounne Fellani, Man of the Match, to position himself in the melee and rise superbly to power in a fantastic downward header that was miles away from a stranded De Gea, and bounced brilliantly on the goal-line as it flew in, just inside the post.

Absolutely fantastic atmosphere at Goodison Park under the lights. It doesn't get any better than this. A brilliant reward for some great determination against the horrible Mancs.

Fellaini won another header off a Baines free-kick but this one was straight at De Gea. But Everton were looking tired as Phil Jagielka had to clear off the line from Scholes, the goal gapping... could they hold out for 25 minutes as Robin van Persie finally came on for Man Utd???

Everton were now totally penned into their area, as Jelavic had to go off with a cut on his face, the ball finally going out for an Everton goal kick to give some brief respite, while Moyes resisted any temptation to break the rhythm of the starting XI he had chosen to go up against his idol's expensive charges.

But on the field, Everton had abrogated any attacking initiative or coherent attempt at possession football, lumped clearances just coming straight back at them again and again with 15 minutes left.

Pienaar almost put Jelavic through as they finally got a brief spell of advanced possession as Ferguson switched out Nani for Young, while the defensive wall still held firm.

Van Persie was starting to get involved and Kagawa came close but Howard was there to block it off the attacker for a goalkick. Finally a change for Everton, Coleman on for Osman, to a great round of applause. Hibbert gave a masterclass on the sliding block as the minutes ticked away and thoughts that the Blues may have weathered the worst of it. But... vigilance required at all times!!!

Baines and Coleman conspired to make for a breakaway but it lacked self-belief as Jelavic went down with cramp and eventually went off, Naismith having to wait and wait for a break in play which would not come.

Coleman broke from the area with the ball at his feet and ran with the ball the full length of the field, losing and then regaining possession into the last minute of normal time, and then being fouled to great applause, as Nasimsith finally got on the pitch with 4 minutes of added time.

Marounane Fellaini went off to a fantastic reception. Hibbert gave the ball away for a corner in the 94th minute, headed away brilliantly by Distin who collapsed at the end as Goodison erupted.

A tremendous start to the season where in true Olympic spirit, every Everton player gave their all.

Everton: Howard; Hibbert, Distin, Jagielka, Baines; Osman, Neville, Gibson, Pienaar, Fellaini; Jelavic.

Michael Kenrick

 

Reader Comments (262)

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Bobby Mallon
1 Posted 20/08/2012 at 16:59:37
I can't beleive the game still ain't a sell-out! First game against the Mancs... night match... there must be 40,000 Evertonians that live in Liverpool, never mind the ones that travel.

COYB
Paul Johnson
2 Posted 20/08/2012 at 17:59:52
Al, think you have it right except I think Heitinga will be in for either Distin or Neville. Naismith will only come on if we are behind with 30 mins to go, or if we are 3 nil up. I think Heitinga and Jags will will suit playing against Rooney and V Persie.

2 - 1 to the mighty blues (he says with hope in his heart).

I am so excited for my youngest lad tonight (he is 14) it is not his first game but it his first game with his own season ticket, let's hope the boys can put on a performance for him. I will be cheering from my local in Nairobi.

COYB.

Si Cooper
3 Posted 20/08/2012 at 17:52:37
Looking at your prediction Al, I've decided not to bother watching the game tonight!

"Neville will hold with Gibson to stop United for 70 mins" - heaven help us, might as well give it up right now if that is the limit of our ambition.

Ossie on the right wing - that will really test Evra's ability to get back into position quickly (not).

If Naismith is fit (which he appears to be) then he should start and I would have him on the right, with Ossie in the middle behind the striker where he can use his trickery and creativity without being exposed for his lack of pace. When Naismith is done, bring on someone with pace and just tell them to buzz up and down that flank to keep Evra's head spinning.

If Fellaini and Gibson are both fit then pair them down the centre of the park to protect the back four and link with the attackers when we get it forward. If either or both are absent then Pip and Heits will do as back-ups.

This is the opening game of the season, at home and against a side weaker than normal in midfield and defence. Have to get at them, keep the pressure on and isolate their potent strikeforce as much as possible.

We can crack them if we get at them; play the waiting game and they will be overjoyed to seize control of the game.

Eugene Ruane
4 Posted 20/08/2012 at 18:09:14
I want to see us start the season the way we finished, playing football without fear.

Not only is it better to watch but we proved last season it's more successful in terms of results.

I think 'going for it' we have a real chance of a win tonight, BUT...any of that 'knife to a gunfight' attitude and they'll whup us.

We're at home, it's Goodison under lights, go for their throats, let them do the worrying.

Up the Toffees!

Denis Richardson
5 Posted 20/08/2012 at 18:35:37
Well said Eugene, this is a big game for us and Moyes. I know its only the season opener but if we cant have a go at home, opening day, full house, live on TV against man u who have no less than 4 central defenders out injured and will lilley play Carrick at CB, then for fuck sake, when will we ever?

Praying that fella and gibbo are both fit, but we have to start with Jella and Naismith from the off. Naismith has had a bit of a pre season with us and no side is fully 100% on the opening day, so come on Moyes - HAVE A GO!

AHHH just over an hour to go COYB!!!!!!

Ged Simpson
6 Posted 20/08/2012 at 18:51:41
Live Forum is up lads
Chris Cook
7 Posted 20/08/2012 at 18:49:58
i know we don't play until december, and our opening day record against the top 4 is **** but still, everyone is fit, some new blood, and the messiah on the left wing has returned

COYB!

Danny Kewley
8 Posted 20/08/2012 at 18:52:44
Eugene you have hit the nail on the head : let's go for it, we are a fucking good side on the cusp of being fucking brilliant with the inclusion of a football playing CH ;
In the meantime we can get 3 points tonight with what we already have.
Peter Thistle
9 Posted 20/08/2012 at 19:06:39
FFS, Neville in midfield. Why Moyes, why !
Gary Creaney
10 Posted 20/08/2012 at 19:11:03
Peter Thistle.... Jesus wept. I get a sick feeling in my stomach when I see him named midfield.
If Moyes wonders why we start slow he should look no further than his pathetic team selections when faced with a full squad after the summer break. Why no Heitinga?
Fuck sake that's my optimism shot to shite already.
Paul Foster
12 Posted 20/08/2012 at 19:13:28
Toffeeweb, what's with the derisive "of course" in your observation that Naismith starts on the bench?! He hasn't played competitive football for 10 months! Difficult to pin the usual negativity charge on Moyes for that decision.

COYB

Al Reddish
13 Posted 20/08/2012 at 19:16:54
Do I get a prize for guessing the team correctly!
Kev Johnson
14 Posted 20/08/2012 at 19:18:30
Al - yes, your booby is in the post...
Pat Finegan
15 Posted 20/08/2012 at 19:15:40
Neville always plays better than usual against Utd. Would have rather seen Ossie in the middle with Nasmith down the right but I think this is a solid line up with the exception of Heitinga's omission.
Gareth Fieldstead
16 Posted 20/08/2012 at 19:10:24
Disappointing line up. I can understand to an extent with Carrick playing at centre back that he will want Fellaini just off Jelavic but two defensive midfielders at home? Moyes still insists on safety first doesn't he? Its like the Liver pool factor, we are a better team but it just seems that Moyes doesn't quite believe it. With the exception of Rooney does anybody else really qualify as "top class" in that side? Would happily take a point now. Fingers crossed.
Kev Johnson
17 Posted 20/08/2012 at 19:28:47
Gareth - playing two defensive mids may mean a 4-2-3-1, which is actually fairly attacking if Fellaini joins Jelavic in the middle and Pienaar/Osman get forward down the flanks. We shall see very soon...
Al Reddish
18 Posted 20/08/2012 at 19:29:22
I reckon Heitinga might be off. There was meant to be a lot of interest in him and when He scored on the last game of the season I thought he 'over' celebrated. He was the one player that I thought his body language was seeming to say goodbye on the lap of honour. I remember Moyes walking with him past the Street end near us and pointing to the most vocal of us and my son said 'that's Moyes telling Johnny what he is gonna be missing!'
Al Reddish
19 Posted 20/08/2012 at 19:36:10
Kev I think you hit the nail on the head with them tactics and it gives us protection when we haven't got the ball.
Dick Fearon
20 Posted 20/08/2012 at 19:28:42
Osman and Hibbert on our right that is my biggest worry. In important games that pairing has let us down far too often.

I bet SAF had a quiet chuckle into his sherry when he heard that news.
Al Reddish
21 Posted 20/08/2012 at 19:42:36
At least Baines is lining up on our left and not theirs.
Roman Sidey
22 Posted 20/08/2012 at 20:22:20
So the summer break is on and Moyes forgets who our best centre half is? Far out this man knows how to rile people up.

Also, there is nothing sadder than looking at a 31 year old "profesional" with very unimpressive physical attributes trying to do street tricks and failing miserably. Why is Osman not dragged over the coals for this tripe?

Paul Olsen
23 Posted 20/08/2012 at 20:53:40
Seriously guys, we´ve played like contenders this first-half. Spot on tactics for the first half

Fellaini... Out of this world so far. Looks to have made some progress in his offensive play

Tom Bowers
24 Posted 20/08/2012 at 20:52:45
A fine game and Everton have created several good chances. Pienaar could have had 3 but went wide twice and De Gea saved a good header.

Problem is Manure are playing well too and Everton are allowing too much time and space in there own half. They could well be punished for that unless Neville & Co start closing down quicker. Could go either way in the second half.
Anto Byrne
25 Posted 20/08/2012 at 20:59:30
Osman a bit quiet but is playing deep so lets see if he can get forward in the 2nd
Roman Sidey
26 Posted 20/08/2012 at 21:28:58
True, Paul. And I haven't seen a more deserved goal than Fellaini's in a long time.

Gonna give Moyes the benefit of the doubt that he didn't want to dangle Johnny in SAF's face what with their CB woes.

Simon Jones
27 Posted 20/08/2012 at 21:51:13
Time added on. I feel sick
Peter Warren
28 Posted 20/08/2012 at 21:53:32
We're going to win the league !!!!!!
Simon Jones
29 Posted 20/08/2012 at 21:52:18
Yes! 3 points against that lot.

I predicated a good season for us, full of optomism for the first time in years at the start of the season, Am I being foolish or carried away?
Frank Eardley
30 Posted 20/08/2012 at 21:57:09
Champions League here we come!
Also everyone needs to listen to this Liverpool fan on five live: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00xlf59
Kev Johnson
31 Posted 20/08/2012 at 21:57:39
We're top of the league!

(Who cares about goal difference?)

Paul Mackie
33 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:00:30
What a game. It was backs to the wall stuff after going 1-0 up AGAIN but honestly, who gives a shit when we've just beaten Man U?!
Mark Riding
34 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:01:16
Keep it tight.. and play them off the park !!!

You are the love of my life !! COYB.

John Audsley
35 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:03:42
UNFUCKING BELIEVABLE!!!!!! Goodison under lights........ incredible
Anto Byrne
36 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:03:37
Very Happy!!!
Brendan McLaughlin
37 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:08:06
How good was Fellaini? Brilliant!
Paul Mackie
38 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:10:53
Can it be September 1st yet please? I can honestly see Man U lodging a £40m bid for Fellaini first thing tomorrow morning after that performance.
Mike Hughes
39 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:06:50
"...exhausting but exhilarating..." says it all.

The team spirit is the best in the league.
To see Gibson singing "Grand Old Team" at the end demonstrated that.

Fellaini, Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin were outstanding.
Everyone else were great.

Well done Everton.
Well done David Moyes.
Let's make Goodison a fortress again.

COME ON YOU BLUES!

Michael Jones
40 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:05:29
Great result — have had to telephone my son with the news. He is in Cuba on holiday. First visit to Goodison Park on 12 November 1949 as a nine-year-old against Man Utd. And that new kit with the blue stripes... very nostalgic for a 72-year-old.

Looking to win the next 37 now and create some record!!!
Mike Hughes
41 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:12:58
Henry Winter (Daily Telegraph) on Twitter:

"...people talk about the power shift in Manchester. What about the power shift in Liverpool?"


Chris Leyland
42 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:11:34
It really is amusing in retrospect to read all the know it alls on this thread before kick off slagging Moyes for his team selection and telling him what style he needs to play. We won and Moyes got the tactics spot on lads. Two holding midfielders allowing Felli to get further up the pitch and guess what? He fucking scores. Still was does our clueless PE coach know hey.
Mike Hughes
43 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:17:41
Pat Nevin, BBC Radio 5 live
"I think this is the season when if anyone's going to get close to the top four, it's Everton."
Suresh Gill
44 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:16:10
Good start to the season and we played like champions.
Can't wait to see Fellaini & Mirallas partnership.
Keep playing our good luck charm "Gibson".
COYB!!!
Mike Hughes
45 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:21:50
Chris - @742
There are a few wind-up merchants on here as on every other blog, particularly on the match day forum.
They could start arguments in an empty room.
Paul Johnson
46 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:20:57
Get a life Chris. Serious great result and I am buzzing but smartarses like yourself need to comment more when we get beat.
Let's just all enjoy the moment.........
Brendan McLaughlin
47 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:20:31
Chris #742
Just wait for the avalanche of "Moyes has seen the light & changed it" posts
Pat Finegan
48 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:19:10
That was the best performance of Fellaini's career by a long way. He did whatever he wanted the whole game. He beat the snot out of Man U, laid them down and took a crap on their chest. Absolutely unplayable.
Ben Jones
49 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:23:35
Not even the Moyes haters can question Moyes' tactics in this game after that performance.

His tactics were spot on - dropping Heitinga, playing Neville, not playing Naismith, all of that work was spot on. Wasn't pretty but got such a good win. Only thing is we dropped deep after we score, but thats such a small criticism from such a good performance

We'll obviously see the criticism slagging Moyes from somewhere though.

Jim Knightley
50 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:14:01
Fellaini's performance was out of this world. Absolutely amazing. Now we have signed people this summer, and have controlled our own transfer activity, we can really attack this first half of the season. Tactics were great today, and everyone did well, especially our defence. Great to see Jags back and playing superbly.
Si Cooper
51 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:24:46
Yeah - cos we were bound to have lost if Naismith had started and if Felli had played slightly further back. Er, or we might have won buy more. No one really knows so leave it and enjoy the win.
Barry Stevens
53 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:18:02
Great start to the season. Tactics worked a treat. For all the stick Neville took pre-game, I thought he was excellent. Interesting to see what the Fifa and Champ Manager ToffeeWebbers have to say this evening....
Ben Jones
54 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:30:17
Si, did you watch the game?

Playing Fellaini further forward was the key to it. He won everything in the final third.

Danny Kewley
55 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:27:25
We deserved it ......full stop
Chris Leyland
56 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:25:27
Paul - no mate I support the team and actually enjoy them winning rather than whining about everything that's wrong at the club and how shite the manager is. Read the earlier moaners on this forum saying we were beaten before the game even started. Ridiculous comments before kick off about Naismith only coming on if we are 3 up etc do little to contribute to things other than to degenerate the team to what end? So, it ain't me that needs to "get a life" cos I've ready got one mate.
Danny Kewley
57 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:31:41
We deserved it................ semi colon
Paul David
58 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:30:41
Fellaini was awesome, Hibbert was great and Jag played really well. I love night games at Goodison when we win, the old lady was rocking.
Tom Bowers
59 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:31:38
Finally a good start to a season and against Manure. Everton have shown a lot more attacking flair than I have seen in a long time. Fellaini was just superb!!

Pienaar could have had 4 in the first half. Only De Gea kept out Bainesy and Osman but Tim made some good stops too. Great stuff, Blues!!!
Sam Hoare
60 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:31:57
Awesome stuff!! Watched it in the pub with a couple of mates who are Man u fans and was convinced they would equalise and then win but happily it never happened.

After Fella's performances at the end of last season I have been advocating playing him behind Jelly and he was unplayable tonight. Question is, if he continues to play there then who is going take that central midfield spot alongside Gibson. As well as he played tonight i'm not sure that p Neville is the answer...

Maybe another dip into that transfer pot

Steve Foster
61 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:37:08
Just got back from the Pub, and had to come back to work, but I cant work, nerves are still jangling!

Immense, totally amazing!

I love this fuckin' football club!

Did someone throw the Christmas Party last week?

Slow starters.........

Come to Goodison, THEY have to beat US!!!!!*

* Slightly drunk as I wrote this, hope my Boss don't read it.....

Kev Johnson
62 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:31:05
Great performance. Only thing that baffled me was the substitutions.

We were obviously knackered after 75 mins, but waited until 80 mins to bring Coleman on and then the last couple of mins to bring Naismith and Heitinga on. Fresh legs were needed to carry the ball and close people down. Don't understand it.

Honourary mention to Hibbo for some beautifully timed crunching tackles. I tell you what, Mirallas isn't going to get in the team if we carry on playing like this!

Lee Hind
63 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:38:20
Si Cooper at #694... I really hope those words were tender as you'll be eating most of them ;)

Classic anti-Moyes, blown away by the actual game.

Nick Armitage
64 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:36:27
I don't like Neville or Jags but they were both brilliant today. Osman and Hibbert both played well as well. We will be home and dry when the big guns start firing as well. This season could be a good one.
Kjetil Moen
65 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:36:01
Made so much noise in a pub full of Mancs tonight. So proud of this team and of Fellaini! But all of them really. Lets keep it up Blues!!
Paul Ferry
66 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:30:08
Silly silly comments from Chris Leyland, unnecessary, unwanted, ungenerous, unwarranted, petty little pot-shot showing a lack of class. When will smaller minds on here take it on board: Everton/Moyes do well we applaud; Everton/Moyes screw up, we criticize, hopefully with good readings of events.

We support and comment on a spectrum where there is middle ground, peeps are allowed to be cold one day and warm another depending on the 90 mins we just saw. But you stick to silly polarities, Chris mate. Jeez, EFC win fantastically and he comes on here to laud it over the other side of his polarity, Moyes-bashers, blah, blah, blah, blah.
Jamie Barlow
67 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:39:10
Fantastic result and a fantastic performance from every single player.

Paul@746, Chris is spot on and it's the people who slag off the manager and players half an hour before we've even kicked a ball that need to give it a rest.

Steve Smith
68 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:28:54
Mike Hughes,
Just got back, I spotted Gibson singing Grand Old Team too, brilliant night, although I wasn't too happy with us dropping back so far in the last 20, thought they were all trying to get to the bar in the Parlk End!

THOUGHT FELLAINI WAS OK BUT IS USUALLY SHIT {feel free to tweet this bit to all those agents that everyone knows on here} roll on Sept 1st !

Actually he was fucking awesome! and if this performance tonight is an indication of what we can achieve this season, then maybe, just maybe....the good times might be back.

Fantastic atmosphere at the ground and the players responded fantastically, now who was it that was going on about pre season prep being shite?

Eugene Ruane
69 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:20:13
A great result, bags of effort, some great stuff to watch, sweating a bit last 30 mins but to be expected.

Made up!

Michael Kenrick
70 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:33:48
Thanks for bringing me back down to earth, Ben (#749). Just what I needed after such a great game... not!

Tactics are of course spot on if we win. But one shot goes in instead of getting cleared off the line and we lose two points. Another and we lose the game. Never mind, Moyes's tactics are unquestionable?

No; Moyes's Keep It Tight And Nick One worked to a Tee tonight. But it doesn't work in anywhere near enough games to convince me Moyes is worthy of the praise and adulation his supporters insist we must all give him.

Sadly there are far too many occasions when it doesn't work, meaning that it is basically a lottery. Hopefully he has the tools to make a better fist of it this season but no doubt you'll be right there spouting the usual shite excuses if he fails yet again.

David Barks
71 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:40:15
Dour, negative, just horrible. Playing Fellaini behind the striker, what is Moyes thinking. He's a defensive midfielder, stop playing players out of position. Osman out right? We'll be torn apart. And why is Jagielka starting instead of Heitinga? Jagielka is nowhere near good enough and will probably cost us a goal, if Hibbert doesn't do so first. And Neville in midfield, we've given the game away before it even kicked off.

That's basically what this forum was flooded with before the match kicked off. Well done to all of you.

Frank Knight
72 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:31:34
Si, turn it in! It was a blueprint on how to take Man Utd apart. With all the CBs out and a boy and grandad in the middle, Moyes did get it bang on. It's just a game, but hopefully we can push on.

You can knock Moyes all you like, but those tactics had no response, Fellaini did it last year in the 4-4 and he's just done it again. Simply awesome show from him and the only thing we lacked was creativity on both wings which I hope Mirallas can help sort.

Hibbo was great at the back but needs a creative outlet cos he is so willing but not really the guy you want to see getting the ball in space on the right after the left side pull the middle over.

Great start to the season! Let's build on it, although for the naysayer, yes, that was a weak Man Utd side tonight.

Gaute Lie
73 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:47:41
Awesome!!!
David Barks
74 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:46:34
Michael,

I notice how you point out the goals United could have gotten, basically saying we got lucky and could have lost. No mention of Ossie's shot coming off the crossbar, or Fellaini hitting the post, or De Gea making quite a few immense saves to keep them in the game. Could have just as easily been 3 or 4-0 for us. But keep doing what you're doing, you definitely don't have a bias, fair and balanced and all that.

Si Cooper
75 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:38:10
I agree with you Sam.

However, awesome though Felli was in that position tonight it doesn't automatically mean that it suits every player in the team.

Maybe Pienaar and Jelavic just weren't quite on their games tonight, but they looked as though they were taking up positions where they weren't at their best.

Overall, it worked and that is the most important thing for now, but I still believe the team will operate better overall with a little tweaking.

Ciarán McGlone
76 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:45:04
Anybody got a load of hats I can dine on?

Absolutely outstanding performance from Fellaini... it's been a long time since I've seen a display like that. Ten from ten is spot on.

Not too many brickbats for anybody else either... I'd rather not have seen Neville in the middle.. but he did ok.

Good work from The boys... and Moyes requires a bit of credit too.

Ken Crowther
77 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:32:21
Yes, I know Felli was magnificent. His best game for the Blues. However, anybody remember him playing for Standard Liege against the RS? He ran the game, so we always knew he was capable of a performance like that.

What about Jags? How good can you be and not be Man of the Match?
Frank Duffy
78 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:40:12
What a game and thought the second half would last for ever but it went so quick. Watched it is a pub with family just outside Toronto. A good number of Everton fans and a couple of United fans and Wesy Ham fan. We hit the roof when we scored. The whole team was bril. Roll on the Villa.
Steve Lowe
79 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:51:15
Mag-fucking-nificent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ben Jones
80 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:48:31
Right Michael, and flip the coin...

Moyes would have been treated like an absolute god, if parts of the goal didnt get in the way of Fellaini and Osman, and David de Gea had the game of his life.

But both typed are irrelevant. Moyes' decisions were spot on, and you cannot question that. And we did have more shots than Utd btw.

Stephen Grady
81 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:49:36
Watched it in the classroom! 7am start here in NZ... Manc-supporting 10-year-olds rolling in... even had some rugby-loving kiwis shouting for us at the end!

Great, great performance... hope Fellani's performance doesn't interest Mancini or Di Matteo!

So proud to be a blue right now!

David Barks
82 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:48:43
Michael,

Why can't you see that nobody says his tactics are unquestionable. It's the pathetic way in which they are questioned. Not saying, I'd really prefer to see Naismith in there, or I would prefer Heitinga instead of Jagielka. That's not what is said. Instead it is an onslaught of abuse, calling Neville some pretty colorful names. Moyes is lambasted with abuse about how wrong he is before a ball has been kicked, and how horrible Osman is, etc. They all speak with such certainty about how horrible his decisions are. When in fact, he gets it right more than he gets it wrong.

Mike Green
83 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:45:48
Fantastic team performance, Fellaini was absolutely world class and the crowd did more than their bit. Thought we were going to pay in the last 20 but defended brilliantly and EASILY deserved the win for what we did throughout the 90 mins. If we perform like hat against Villa on Saturday we'll tear them a new one, and yes Mike and Steve, seeing Gibson singing Grand Old Team said it all - awesome.

COYB!

Kevin Hudson
84 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:43:38
To echo Chris Leyland (742)

Moyes ONE, ToffeeWeb's cynical, 'expert,' guesswork merchants, NIL..!!!

(Goodison bouncing tonight folks..)

Ps: Dreading a bid for Fellaini...

Eugene McLoughlin
85 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:46:36
FFS... we pretty much dominated that game.. most shots and most shots on target. Granted they had most possession but its about putting the ball in the net and for the first time in years we actually outplayed them when it came to chances created.... Fuck this negative shit from Michael K... I'm sorry Mike but you are sounding a tad boring this win was not a flukey 1-0 scrappy win but genuinely playing good football!! COYB
Kev Johnson
86 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:48:04
Michael @770: we didn't "keep it tight and nick one" tonight, did we? We fully deserved to be ahead after 60 mins, and should have been further ahead by then. What happened after we scored is another matter.

Gareth Ashman
87 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:43:13
Listened to the match on 5 live with my 8 year old daughter....but mum... It's the school holidays!!

Brilliant result, both over the moon. Bring on Villa Saturday.

Looking at the fixture list, and this is a classic case of 'getting massively carried away', but with a prevailing wind we could be going into Christmas dreaming of Champions League football in 2013.

We live in hope... but as I tell my kids... it's the only way, we're Evertonians.
David Barks
88 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:53:08
Si,

That is an example of the type of opinion that I think is lacking. Reasoned, your opinion, not stating as fact. You disagree with some, others disagree with you. But you're not stating as fact that this player or that is horrible. One opinion versus another, without the word c**t or twat thrown in every sentence. I know football is passionate, but we're sitting in front of a computer. Is it really that hard to have a bit more "civilized" conversation about this game, with just a little understanding that our opinion might not always be correct.

Graham Mockford
89 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:50:38
Michael #770

Surely tonight is not the time for such a mean spirited post....... Just enjoy for gods sake

Paul David
90 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:54:07
We did play good football tonight but, once we went one-nil up, who honestly thought it was a great idea to retreat onto our own 18-yard line for the rest of the game???
Douglas Turner
91 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:56:15
Just listening to Moyes after the game (on talksport) when asked about Felli's position and if he'll stay in that position, it sounded like DM wants to use Kev Mirallas there and use Felli further back! Just wondering if he's lining up M'baye Niang for Right Midfield! OK, "Hoping" would be more accurate! For The Love Of God, does anyone have an update on him signing?
Aidan Wade
92 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:43:03
COYB, Hibbo, Ossie and Neville justified themselves (again), Felly immense, I'll be nervous now until the 1st of September
Eugene McLoughlin
93 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:56:54
Everton Team Statistics Manchester United
1 Goals 0
0 1st Half Goals 0
7 Shots on Target 4
9 Shots off Target 6
2 Blocked Shots 4
6 Corners 8
13 Fouls 11
0 Offsides 1
0 Yellow Cards 2
0 Red Cards 0
71 Passing Success 88.4
19 Tackles 15
84.2 Tackles Success 86.7
30.8 Possession 69.2
47.2 Territorial Advantage 52.8
276 Total Passes 646
18 Total Crosses 34
139 Lost Balls 149
61 Recoveries 50
35.1 1st Half Poss. 64.9
24.7 2nd Half Poss. 75.3
Matt Traynor
94 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:55:58
Kev #786 - purely mentioning you cos you are the last to post.
I think we saw an architipal Moyes game, to a point.

I don't blame him for not putting Nais in the start, I think it was The Grauniad (of all papers!) to pick our XI spot on.

I knew their defence was weak, it was last season, and they haven't strengthened.

McNulty reckons Fellaini doesn't do it enough (I kind of agree, to a point). But he was massive tonight. Huge.

Roger Sunde
95 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:01:55
I love you Fellaini and I want to have your babies.
Frank Knight
96 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:49:53
Michael Kenrick 770: While pushing forward and Not getting it in the net, Man Ure found their way in behind us with about 3 last-second tackles. After going one up, it did not happen once, it's just uncomfortable inviting the opportunity so deep...

Now if Everton start taking the hatful of chances they create, first time instead of eighth, I might agree with you about negative standards. Until then, when you do score, why do you not sit back, given we look so open to the break when pressing?
Julian Batti
98 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:58:29
How good are Manchester United really? Once we went 1-0 up, it was back to following the well-known script. Prudence is one thing, whereas to track back to your own penalty area is sheer foolery. United did not deserve the respect we accorded them the last 25 minutes.
Peter Webster
99 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:53:11
What a great team performance. What looked liked Moyes' usual defensive line up before the game played a blinder. There was a real sense of confidence right from the start.

I thought we were the better team overal, Ossie very unlucky. Until we scored we pretty much dominated. Even when we sat back I didn't have that sense of panic I usually feel when we go in front

I liked Gary Neville's comment at half time. Something to the effect of "Screech can do what he likes, at will, all over the pitch".... Don't know what he's got against Will, though, like.

Peter Warren
100 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:55:38
We were brilliant bossed the game for 60 mins then tired. I haven't seen Jags play like that since 2009. He was immense. Tony hibbert who I've never really like had a good season last year. His performance tonight was 10 / 10. Fellaini pls pls can he play further up the pitch every game - lets just pray we keep hold of him - what a partnership he makes with piennar and jelavic and there's Kevin to come.

I get what Michael says but I didn't think that was a typical everton backs to the wall performance at all - simply a terrific professional dominant display

Mike Hughes
101 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:53:14
Steve @ 768

Yeah...last 30 minutes I was nervous. But that's just about the best performance I've seen our defense play.

You're right about Fellaini too. Spread it round....he couldn't hit his own arse with a banjo normally (for all those parasites, I mean agents, out there.)

Ian Edwards
102 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:04:31
Great battling performance tonight and deserving of the three points. I don't like the way we soak up pressure and defend.

Michael Barks — Moyes may have got the tactics right in the first half but he doesn't always get it right and he definitely doesn't get it right when it matters — in semi-finals and a final. I also think you should revert to your previous name of Richard Dodd!!

Shane Corcoran
103 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:05:37
Douglas, word is that interest in Niang is over. When I say word, I mean that agent 49 or whatever his name is on Twitter said so.
Peter Henry
104 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:02:09
Every single one of them played as if it meant as much to them as it does to us! I'm so proud of them...
Paul Foster
105 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:56:51
Fantastic performance, great tactics, unbelievable individual effort from Fellaini. Atmosphere was superb and the team spirit appears better than ever.

Michael K: "But one shot goes in instead of getting cleared off the line and we lose two points. Another and we lose the game. Never mind, Moyes's tactics are unquestionable?"

That's a new low.

We had many more shots on targets than Man Utd, we hit the post, we hit the bar, their keeper made 2 astonishing saves (from Osman and Baines). Gary Neville, in the Sky Studio, raved about Everton's dominance and deserved victory. After that performance, your "if my auntie had bollocks" point is ludicrous and I'm hoping it was just a hotheaded reaction to somebody winding you up about the pre-match negativity - and something you now regret.

Oh, and saying "no doubt you'll be right there spouting the usual shite excuses if he fails yet again" is just plain disrespectful to your fellow fans. Have a word with yourself.

I'm not going to let that negativity spoil it anyway. Tremendous performance from 11 players (well, Howard didn't actually have a great deal to do) and evidently superb preparation from Moyes.

Eugene McLoughlin
107 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:13:42
Well said Paul Foster... well said!!! I'm not a so called Moyes apologist but this win tonight was much more than just a scrappy 1-0 lets keep it tight and nick one approach!!!! IF we can continue like this who knows lets enjoy the moment!!
Roman Sidey
109 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:09:06
Wonderful result, and to be honest, after the first 15 minutes I didn't think we would lose. We played outstanding and they were absolute cack, except for de Gea. The goalkeeper is the only reason we didn't win 4-0.

Still not a fan of Jags as much as Heitinga, but the job got done and Jags did save our skin there with the clearance. Hibbo owned Evra, which is another telling sign of just how mediocre this United team has become in comparison to how they were.

I also think Fellaini has added to his game as that run he made to hit the post in the first half is something I've not seen from him before.

Good win, but now the pressure will be on to dispose of the lesser teams even more.

Nick Entwistle
110 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:15:13
4 minutes of injury time had the pub in uproar. Mariner added a good 30 seconds on to that as well, cheeky git.

Was questioning Fallaini up-front as it reduces the quality of football but we seemed good until sitting back for the last 30. The team were shattered and really did give their all. Not sure what happened to Distin and hope Jely was just cramped up.

Utd had no height which did us favours and the Greeks I was with were raving about Mirallas.

Bloody hell, football.

Si Cooper
111 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:03:08
David - fair enough, point taken and I wholeheartedly agree with that view.

Douglas - DM said he wanted to bring in striking support and pace on the wide right.

My opinion is that Felli can do an awesome job for us just a little bit more withdrawn, with Gibson being a little behind that, though of course all midfielders can get forward if the opportunity arises. I still think Felli will get into the box whenever he can but can also patrol the no mans land in midfield. This should release the wide men a bit more for attacking duties and allow Jelavic to stay moere central to convert chances that come his way.

Ossie's basic problem when playing out wide is that he doesn't cover the ground quickly enough. If he has been defending he is not going to get into an attacking position quickly enough to help out. Keep him more central and he can link-up play and support the striker. I think he is most at threat from the likes of Naismith, Mirallas and Niang (if he is signed).

Jamie Crowley
112 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:57:07
Best thing about tonight's game was the team spirit. We seemed completely up to the task. The boys just played their socks off.

Yes, I moaned out loud when I saw Osman out wide, Naismith on the bench, NEVILLE IN MIDFIELD (!), and Hibbo at RB (that one didn't get me riled too much but still...).

But...

Osman played fantastically, Nev did a job. Hibbo was fantastic.

Superb win!

I joked to my Blue M8 - Felli's off for 40 million tomorrow morning. My GOD what a game that kid had!

Games like this I realize I know fuck all about tactics cause I'da been the first one on here ripping Moyes a new one had we lost.

There, I got it out. Phew.

What a freaking game! What an effort! What spirit!!!

YES!

Damian Braithwaite
113 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:14:46
The new holy trinity Fellaini, Osman and Gibson lol.
James Martin
114 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:11:59
Harsh Michael, its the same game plan that worked against city last season. You can't throw the kitchen sink against teams like United for 90 mintues, they have billions of pounds worth of talent. We could have been 3 up by half time and no one would have complained.

I've been probably the biggest critic of Fellaini on this site but the change of position worked wonders for him. If he performs like this in that advanced position every game, then I'll have nothing but praise for him, he was exceptional tonight.

Yes, Jelavic didn't get much but you're never going to against United, if Fellaini had squared it or Osman's pass hadn't just been too long he could have had his goal.

The back 4 were exceptional, Gibson keeps up his record, Neville deserves a few retractions off some people for undue criticism, Osman was defensively sound against a whole array of United wide talent, Pienaar was his usual tidy combativee self, always willing to take the ball, whilst Jelavic and Fellaini seemed to occupy 6 men.

I don't blame Moyes for starting with the team that finished last season, everyone looked like they were on the same hymn sheet. Let's roll Villa over and get on the charge.
Steve Smith
115 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:57:54
MK #770.
Generally, I think I've got the same opinion as you have about Moyes, and if this was going 1-0 up against say, Wigan, and then doing what we did tonight, I'd have to agree with you, but this is Man U we're playing here and, although I hated us dropping back so deep in the last 20, we got away with it, and as others have already pointed out, Fellaini's goal could have been the third or fourth on another night, so a little bit of credit where it's due I think.

On another point, I was sat chatting with my mates before the game and slagging Moyes off for not starting with Heitinga, they were all taking the piss at the end (justifiably so of course) but it does make you wonder whether JH might consider his options now, doesn't it?

David Barks
116 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:23:12
Ian Edwards,

At least get my name right, David not Michael. And don't ever compare what I'm saying to Richard Dodd.

Ross Kerry
117 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:15:57
A fantastic team performance but the difference was one man playing at world class level, and (tonight) in the right place.

Ignore the posession stats, anyone watching that game knows who was bossing it.

What I don't get is why we sat back and hoped we could scrape by when we were so clearly in charge, and when our arses have been bitten so badly for doing the very same thing in the past (FA cup semi final anyone?)

I'm chuffed with the result but I'm afraid it only confirms to me that this manager is far too cautious to ever be a winner. Yes it worked tonight, but it won't at least as often.

Sorry for the moan on a night like this, well done Blues.

Kev Johnson
118 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:25:34
Oh, and another thing: Man Utd's shirts were crap. Like one of your grannie's old tea towels that she got down the pound shop. We beat them at football AND we beat them in the style stakes. Double whammy!
Dave White
119 Posted 20/08/2012 at 22:56:47
Can't believe I'm going to say this but I think there is some merit to what Mister Michael is spouting....were you not bricking it somewhat for the last 20 mins?

I'm all for protecting a lead but I can't help but think our 'sit back switch' is turned on about ten minutes too early? I guess what I'm saying is after dominating the game I'd like to see us have the belief in ourselves to hold the line a little higher and improve our chances of retaining possession.

BUT, and this is a big BUT, tonight was fucking awesome and I don't want to sound like I'm anything other than delighted with the result. I think a lot of us would've taken a draw too. Obs Felli was awesome but Hibbert...his best performance ever?!

Mike Andrews
120 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:01:06
OK this is one win. We have beaten the team quoted as favourites, but it is just one win.

However, think American Football, think chess;.we set up one way tonight but now we have so many other ways to set up.

The future is is bright, the future is BLUE!!!
Alan Humphreys
121 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:20:41
Fellaini put in a September 1st performance. He was everywhere and the Everton togetherness was everywhere too, they all played for each other. Don't think Pienaar and Jelavic had brilliant games but they worked their socks for the team. Immense.
David Barks
122 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:30:53
Who says Moyes demanded his players sit back and defend after the goal? Is it not entirely possible that United turned up the pressure knowing they were now a goal behind, and threw everything forward, making our defending necessary? It's usually the case, when a team goes behind they go on the attack to get back in it. Then the team with the lead goes on the counter attack. We tried to counter them a couple of times, and did get forward a few times after that. But our defending was out of necessity. They threw everything forward and we were forced to defend it.
Christine Foster
123 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:24:08
It's nights like this that reminds me why Everton are more than just another club, proud to be there on my annual trip to see a few games. Nothing compares to the atmosphere and a well supported performance and a win of quality. This is the reason so many believe the way forward is redevelopment of Goodison,just where else would you get that??

Excellent performance and although l was surprised and disappointed with the team selection it faded with the performance.

Well done to the players, and Moyes, but a special thanks to the supporters for making it great.

James Martin
124 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:32:24
We bossed the first half, they bossed the second, I don't think we sat back intentionally, their quality just told in the second half when they were motivated to raise it. We don't have much pace anywhere in the team so we rely on our skill on the ball to move forward, obviously when hemmed in, it's difficult to get out.

This wasn't a KITAP1 performance at all, or Moyes's negative tactics; this was players doing what they had to to win. No-one dominates United for 90 minutes... we pummeled them for 45, got the goal, and defended for a win — that's how you beat the top teams. People expecting some sort of exhibition are living in fantasy land. The 4-0 wins are for the Fulhams of this world like last season; you don't have them against United.
Nick Entwistle
125 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:30:40
You can argue about the tactics being right or wrong but results will largely depend on how a ball bounces off someone's arse. That's what MK was alluring to.

Fellaini up front and Neville in the middle, people look at that as dodgy tactics when in reality it was a sacrifice of football to allow solid defence and an easy outlet.

It's against the lesser teams when people should demand more for their ticket. But against Utd, Rooney and VP — Just take it.

Eugene McLoughlin
126 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:37:16
The fact is we dominated 1st half and created far better and clearer chances than they did in the 2nd half.... Credit to Moyes as I did question Ossie playing wide right but ALL players put in a great shift!!
Jamie Sweet
127 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:33:48
Dear Sky Sports. Please make our first game of the season a night time kick-off at Goodison every season. That should fix our poor starts. Thanks.
Paul David
128 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:34:15
David, Man Utd did wake up after the goal but when we cleared the ball all the players held their position inviting more pressure. If you defend that deep and make no effort to attack for that length of time, you won't always get away with it.
Dan Brierley
129 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:22:57
Great performance, great result. And more pleasing to me, was to get rid of this 'notorious slow start' tag. We have looked tired and jaded in first matches before, but tonight the lads were all over the park. At the end of the match, Distin, Jely and Peanuts were practically carried off. What more could you possibly ask for? So proud to see those lads fighting so hard for the blue shirt. For me that is what won it today, the desire and the passion on show. Not only to win the ball back, but to get into space, and show for the ball and give options.

To be fair, Vidic kept Jelavic in his pocket for most of the game. But that's what allowed Fellaini the space to wreak havoc, Carrick was chasing shadows. A good result, and a good performance. I couldn't ask for more against United on the opening day, considering how poorly we have started seasons before. A really confidence boost to everyone, and a shot in the arm for the fans. Goodison was rocking, I wonder how Mirallas felt watching that tonight? If that lad can play decently on the right, our first eleven is capable of challenging for europe without a doubt. Ossie did his best, and played some decent football. But unfortunately the right side was the weaker link.

Let's hope we can keep up the momentum, and at least have a good go in the tough matches coming up. Hats off to all the boys today, and to Moyes for getting his tactics spot on.

Nick Entwistle
130 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:38:05
Kev 818, sorry but our big white sleeves make us look like Birmingham City. Arsenal have them too and all the other Nike kits... only for Utd to get away with it... and with a lovely picnic blanket check print.
Gerry Quinn
131 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:40:21
"He (Fellaini) is a handful: he is a big, tall, gangly lad and they just lumped the ball forward to him, that's all they did," added Ferguson.

"They worked from that base all the time and they got a goal from him, so it's justified. Centre-back is a problem but we coped quite well, I don't think you can criticise their performance in that respect. It was just difficult to handle him when they were knocking these balls up to him.

"We were the better football team, they had eight shots on target and De Gea did very well for us in that way," he told MUTV.

"But we had the possession and made some great openings without actually finishing it. That was the only difference. These shots on targets the goalkeeper did really well. Other than that we played good football, good combination play, on another day we would have won the match."

Would you expect anything else from that grumpy old twat? Possession, yes, but we certainly had more clear cut openings than them.

Ross Kerry
132 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:39:02
Alan#821
I agree Jelavic had little impact, but I think he drew their fire. Vidic kicked him from pllar to post tonight, and all the time Fellaini was doing the very same thing to the rest of their defence!
Jay Harris
133 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:27:49
Jags, Felli, Distin and Ossie immense and Rooney hardly had a touch for long periods of the game.

Now let's take that spirit into the derby games and see what happens.

Little bit worried about Distin who collapsed on the pitch at the end.

Si Cooper
134 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:28:18
Steve (#815) - what I don't get is the assumption by your mates that JH couldn't have done just as well or even better - unless you stated his exclusion meant we couldn't possibly win. That is why we want strength in depth in our squad.

Moyesy put out a team that did the job well tonight, but that doesn't mean he couldn't possibly have put out a team that may have done even better. I wasn't tearing my hair out when I saw the starting eleven, but I did think that there were a few players on the bench that could conceivably improve it. What I saw hasn't changed that opinion.

I support all who play (and perform creditably) for Everton, so I am not having a go at any of them, but JH and others will be important for us this season so I hope he is understanding that he didn't get the shout tonight.

Jim Knightley
135 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:38:13
Can't believe some are still criticising Moyes...the performance was fantastic...we bossed the game till the 65th man, and Man United came, as we knew they would because our players were dead on their feet, and they had to. But we created more chances, had the outstanding player, and could have won by more.

Roman... ever thought Heitinga might have been put on the bench because he has had less of a pre-season than the other two? and as it turned out, the centre halves were fantastic. Osman was also, and I can't understand why you want him shelved... Mirallas wasn't available, who else is going to play on the right? Coleman? or a less than fit Naismith out of position?

Very few teams will stop Manchester United scoring this season. Great to see Rooney kept so quiet, and RVP's cameo reduced to a corner and a poor cross. Mirallas is in, hopefully we can get a couple of more as well, either on loan or permanently.

An exciting signing, a Liverpool humiliation, and a win over Manchester United in one week? I am worried this is all a dream.

Ross Kerry
136 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:43:33
Kevin#818
Their shirts are a blast from the past, a bit East European/1988.
I think Nike have declared ther preference.
Kase Chow
137 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:43:40
Woo Hoo!!!

Fabulous performance & result! So this is how it feels to win ur first game of the season?! Get in!!

Gents, tonight was NOT Keep it tight & nick one, tonight was guts, skill and class!!

Mike Andrews
138 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:31:37
I've just seen the Moyes interview on the club site. I am sure the people on here that seek all the D words will see him as having been very downbeat but 3 points tonight mean little if we do not go to Villa Park and deal with them as well as we dealt with United tonight.
Matt Traynor
139 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:50:10
Jim #835, I think that actually what we saw was our post-January backs-to-the-wall game in the second half, post-goal. But the 1st half I thought we twatted them!

I don't think we can blame fans for cynicism, based on previous, but I do think all credit goes to DM and his team modification in the summer, and selection tonight. His selection WAS predictable, but with the addition of Kevin Mirallas, he's got another option.

Jelavic looked isolated at times, but bloody hungry at times, and we won't be playing Man U every game. And for pushing Felli up from the off, DM deserves all the credit. Ask Phil McNulty...

Richard Harris
140 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:51:52
At long last – we didn't fear Man Utd, didn't give them too much respect, didn't hold back and exuded confidence that we could take them on. And yet even the usually sensible Pat Nevin said "Manchester United were the better side in the second half by a long way. But Everton for their first-half display, and for the way they defended in the second half, just about deserved it".

We had more shots on target, hit the post and the crossbar, were the better side in the first half and yet still pundits seem to have a problem saying that we were better than Man Utd where it mattered – in attack and in defence. So what if they had more possession? Everton just about deserved it? Total bollocks!!
David Barks
141 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:54:57
I just give up. The likes of Michael and those like minded used to come on here and say Moyes' biggest problem, and their biggest gripe, was that he showed the big four too much respect. Well we went out there tonight and took the game to them from the start, showed complete confidence, a ton of fight, and peppered their keeper and posts for most of the match tonight.

It's getting to the point where it's like arguing with a brick wall sometime. It doesn't matter what you say, what everyone saw take place on the pitch. The opinion has already been implanted and everything is viewed with that bias. It will be a focus on the negative despite the overwhelming positive, that we dominated them. It will focus on Jags clearing a ball off the line and how that could have cost us the win, while disregarding the numerous point blank saves their keeper made and the number of times we cracked the post. It's pretty much become a political debate, with one side unwilling to budge from their view. I guess that's just the way it's gonna be.

Ross Kerry
142 Posted 21/08/2012 at 00:02:24
Richard#841
I think you have to look at where the BBC/media are based.
Don't expect this to get better any time soon/ever.
Ross Kerry
143 Posted 21/08/2012 at 00:06:11
David#842
It's about what happens when we score.
Paul Smith
144 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:57:10
Blinding performance tonight by all concerned, Felli was tremendous as were all the team.

It could be Moyes's last season with us, he knows he needs to pull something special out the bag if he wants to hold all the cards going in to talks. I know it's early days, boys, but I think he's really gonna go for it this season and maybe, just maybe, that's what we have seen tonight.

I live in hope of more of the same. COME ON YOU BLUES!!!!

Kev Johnson
145 Posted 21/08/2012 at 00:05:42
"It's pretty much become a political debate, with one side unwilling to budge from their view. I guess that's just the way it's gonna be." (David @ 842).

Gentlemen and ladies, as we raise our glasses tonight to toast a superb win by the mighty blues, let us at least entertain the possibility that there might - just might - be a third way...

I'm off to bed now, before I get called a LibDem!

Peter Mills
146 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:45:48
So, Everton sat back on a one goal lead. Or possibly the opposition, finding themselves a goal down, committed themselves forward rather more than they needed to when they were on level terms. And to assist them in doing so, brought on £60m worth of substitutes. Maybe that was why we defended deeper.

I can be as critical of David Moyes as anybody, but tonight he got just about everything spot on, and the players could not have done more. It was a hell of a performance.
Steve Smith
147 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:49:41
Si #884,
I was making the point before the game that, in my opinion, JH is a better footballer than Jags (and I stand by that). Obviously at the end of the game, it turned out that Jags had made a goal-saving last-ditch tackle and a goal-line clearance and on another night, probably an MotM performance, so it made me look a bit of a knob I suppose...

But I always think that Johnny never has to make those sort of challenges because he can read the game better than Jags; he can also pass the ball out of defence rather than hoof it. Having been voted our Player of the Season and then seen Jags walk back into the side as soon as he's fit must ring alarm bells for Johnny, I think.

Hope that made sense... I've had a few.
Simon Watts
148 Posted 21/08/2012 at 00:15:55
Alex Fergusons comments:

Ferguson suggested his side’s downfall had been succumbing to Everton’s direct approach.

“Fellaini is a handful, he is a big, tall, gangly lad and they just lumped the ball forward to him, that’s all they did,” Ferguson said.

“They worked from that base all the time and they got a goal from him, so it’s justified. It was just difficult to handle him when they were knocking these balls up to him.

“It’s difficult here, you have the crowd influencing the referee all the time and it makes it difficult for you. Other than that we played good football, good combination play, on another day we would have won the match.”
Ross Kerry
149 Posted 21/08/2012 at 00:12:56
Peter#847
Yes you are right, there are many possible explanations for the instantaneous change from domination to defence that was brought upon by our goal, but given how often we have seen it before isn't it fair to assume that it comes from the manager?
Barry Rathbone
151 Posted 21/08/2012 at 00:14:52
Obviously not awaiting the fabled 10 game period this year to pass judgement - wonder why!!

Steve Smith
152 Posted 21/08/2012 at 00:13:54
Oh, and forgot to add... isn't it fucking brilliant to be nitpicking our performance after beating United?

Dare I say it?... Everton are back!
Ian Smitham
154 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:55:28
Hiya, just got back, Fellaini is my favourite player, tonight he was on a different level. Many positives from the game, for all their possession later in the second half, and aside from the comedy chaos of one attack they had, from where I sat, they did not really create too much and if anything over 90 mins we had better clear cut chances to win by a bigger margin, so much so that I think their best player was the goalie. Thought that Cleverly and the new guy with the name beginning with K was good also.

But at least equally, were Hibbo, Jags, Gibson, and plenty more from our side.

Great game and atmosphere, but it is 3 points and only the same as what is on offer at Villa on Saturday, let's hope we can pick those up too.

Alan Humphreys
155 Posted 21/08/2012 at 00:20:27
What game was Ferguson watching? To those that went, well done for "influencing the referee" but you must try harder... where was Vidic's yellow card for hauling back Coleman btw?
Ross Kerry
156 Posted 21/08/2012 at 00:24:05
Mockford#789
Isn't the point of a messageboard to allow everyone to express their opinion?
I might think your contribution pointless but go ahead and carry on making them anyway.
John Nugent
157 Posted 21/08/2012 at 00:29:10
http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/everton-1-manchester-united-0/

Highlights ! ! !

Ian Smitham
158 Posted 21/08/2012 at 00:30:49
Sorry about this, just read the Daily Mail for tomorrow, I know , Daily Mail, read it, SAF and his comments about Fella, ha.

I have often heard it said he is only nice to people he does not see as a threat.

Steve Barr
159 Posted 21/08/2012 at 00:20:16
Fergy's comments sum it up for me. A graceless so and so afforded unjustified accolades.

I you listen to SAF, and other so called "great managers" they never lose because the opposition played well, rather they had an off day!

Everton were excellent tonight, took the game to Man U and stopped them from playing, other than the last 15-20 minutes, when we sat back and let them come at us. Nerve racking end which we need to eliminate. Don't tell me we were tired. First game of the season!

This is what Everton is capable of and Moyes has to see this and build on this obvious strategy.

None of these so called top teams are that much better than us. Media hype. Get out there and compete. COYBs

Peter Mills
160 Posted 21/08/2012 at 00:26:00
One thing, just before I take to my bed. Would all Evertonians in future please refrain from making it difficult for Sir Alex's boys, it's so unsporting. I was particularly appalled when that nice Mr Evra kicked the ball into the Bullens Road paddock and it came back out at him at twice the force!


Ryan Rosenberg
161 Posted 21/08/2012 at 00:29:12
Woke up at 5 here in Melbourne, what a game. Fellaini was sensational, although I don't think that should be his permanent position. Was extremely nervous when we parked the bus for the last 15, we were dominating and we could have played properly when we were up as well. At school now, tired, but excited.
Ross Kerry
162 Posted 21/08/2012 at 00:34:12
Unffortunately Ian (#860) when he attacks a player the result is often to his advantage.
Mike Green
163 Posted 21/08/2012 at 00:29:14
Howard - getting a bit nervy about him if I'm honest.
Hibbert - decent right back
JH / Jags / Distin - I'll take that as a choice of CH's
Baines - say no more
Pienaar - once settled in again will be great
Gibson - lucky charm, and a brute at that
Fellaini - world class on his day
Mirallas - fingers crossed
One of Ossie / Neville / Naismith - hhmmmm.....
Jelavic - a proper goalscorer

Ladies and gentlemen, we could have a team on our hands!

Steve Smith
164 Posted 21/08/2012 at 00:38:31
I am prepared to take Ferguson's comments as a back handed compliment... it has to be — he's not that fucking stupid, is he?
Ross Kerry
165 Posted 21/08/2012 at 00:40:34
Mike (#865)
Agree totally on Howard, he is a mediocre keepre that has no competition. we need to replace him.
Steve Smith
166 Posted 21/08/2012 at 00:59:12
I think Vidic is a bit more honest than his Manager.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19326974

Chad Schofield
167 Posted 21/08/2012 at 00:59:47
I haven't read the other 151 comments... but wow, just wow!!

Has training been "pin it at Fellaini's chest, and get him to to control and be awesome"?

Hated to see him in that position pre-ko... but brilliant. Brilliant night. What a start to the season!!!!!

David Barks
168 Posted 21/08/2012 at 01:01:21
Howard is a mediocre keeper? Yep, that's enough for me. The guy just played an absolute blinder for the US in Mexico City to save the game for his team, gets a clean sheet against MUFC tonight, and he needs to be replaced. Some people, I just don't know anymore...
Ross Kerry
169 Posted 21/08/2012 at 01:07:37
Sorry Dave, I meant by proper (Premier League) standards.
David Price
170 Posted 21/08/2012 at 01:00:11
Can you imagine in another reality if we had played like Utd and lost one-nil what the analysis would read from our glass half empty brigade?

Something like, "Everton yet again gave the top four club too much respect, standing off the opposition and relying on breakaways in a first half of mediocre football. In fact, if not for the keeper and woodwork it would have be five-nil before our only attempt was a pathetic mis-kick that was cleared off the line. As an equaliser was sought-after in the last 25 minutes, we managed to pass the ball around the edge of the box with no penetration or will to win and got exactly what we deserved — nothing"

But in the real world we were awesome and deserve every bit of praise that comes our way. Brilliant Everton, just brilliant.
David Barks
171 Posted 21/08/2012 at 01:17:25
Okay, Ross, if he is mediocre, then name me 8 better keepers in the Prem. If he is average, then I suppose he should come somewhere between 9th or 11th best.
Richie Whyte
172 Posted 21/08/2012 at 01:15:23
Fellaini was just outstanding tonight. I'd go so far as to say best performance since his arrival. We were tremendous tonight.

I can't wait to head in to work tomorrow. I kept quiet all week while I was continuously told how much they were going to put past us.

My only concern from tonight would be Neville in midfield... just one more foray in to the market for a quality midfielder and I think we could be the surprise package this year!!!
Ross Kerry
173 Posted 21/08/2012 at 01:13:37
David#876
The benefit of reality is no imagination is required. Just go to thier message boards and find out (if you care) how they feel about it,
Ross Kerry
174 Posted 21/08/2012 at 01:22:38
No David, that would make him the median.
Shaun Lyon
175 Posted 21/08/2012 at 01:20:02
Richie - I so agree. I have had so many texts about how battered we were going to be, plus derision aimed at any idea that we might, actually be capable of beating them.

I thought we were magnificent tonight – obviously Fellaini motm but really Jags was close behind... As always, truly, am just glad to be an Evertonian.

Not a bandwagon-jumper (unlikely with EFC!), just carrying on supporting the team I loved from the age of 6 or 7 years old, when I was taken to Goodison and spared from the dark side. What a great night! Everton forever!!!
David Barks
176 Posted 21/08/2012 at 01:33:48
Ross,

Do you want to get into a mathematical debate about the correct usage of terms. I thought I would be nice and let you only name 8 better, placing him. You said he's mediocre, "of only ordinary or moderate quality", or "not satisfactory; poor; inferior". So, given that, I guess that would place him below 10th. Can you name me 10 keepers in the Prem better than Howard?

Ross Kerry
177 Posted 21/08/2012 at 01:40:16
David, yeahh lets have a maths debate!!!
David Barks
178 Posted 21/08/2012 at 01:45:02
Ross,

I got it, you're just a wind up merchant. Make a statement, refuse to back it up. Got it, have fun, I'll remember that the next time I read a comment of yours.

Ross Kerry
179 Posted 21/08/2012 at 01:55:55
No Dave, I want a mathsdebate.
Ross Kerry
181 Posted 21/08/2012 at 02:12:35
Dave, just watched the game, it did it for me despite the odd shot of Rooney.
Si Cooper
182 Posted 21/08/2012 at 01:59:30
Replace Tim Howard? With who?

I can't think of any who I wouldn't be nervy about who are likely to be available.

All goalies have the potential to mess something up and Tim Howard is no worse than most, and a lot better than many. In my opinion he has probably kept us in many more games than he has lost for us.

Keith Glazzard
183 Posted 21/08/2012 at 02:22:36
I can only feel sorry for anyone that wasn't at Goodison tonight. I'll leave it at that for the moment.
Ross Kerry
184 Posted 21/08/2012 at 02:33:25
Si, I agree that he has been a good keeper of his time.
Time moves on.
Si Cooper
185 Posted 21/08/2012 at 02:42:25
Still more concerned about other areas of the squad.

What news on Distin and any potential transfer targets / loanees?

Ian Campbell
186 Posted 21/08/2012 at 02:41:53
"Jelavic was then fouled by an increasingly dirty United side who thought nothing of cheating and fouling at every opportunity."

"De Ghea who punched under massive pressure from Fellaini but then collapsed in a heap for no good reason, with no whistle: more shameless cheating."

Gotta love the complete bias – Not sure United cheated and fouled at every opportunity, I thought it was just a really good, tight game that ended with exactly the fair scoreline – well done, Blues!

Ean Palese
187 Posted 21/08/2012 at 02:46:32
EFC were brilliant tonight. Fellaini was great (except for that loose one he played in the second half that started a dangerous counter). He seemed to have glue on his chest all night and his touch was deft as I've seen from him. Nobody could stop him in the air, made Vidic look like a Sunday Leaguer.

Happy to see Utd go down on Day 1, the cunts. Thought our backs played their nuts off – sliding, blocking, challenging, getting stuck in all night long. Proud to be a blue as usual but all the more sweeter when you get all 3 points to start off a season. Let's build on this and keep the train rolling...

The chat about Howard needing to be replaced? He has been massive for us. Can't think of many I would have instead of him. Perhaps Big Nev, that's about it! COYB!!

David Ellis
188 Posted 21/08/2012 at 03:08:24
Median is an average. So is mean. Hard to apply a mean in the context of goalkeeper performance as it requires giving them a numerical value. So using the median would be the appropriate way of finding out whether a goalkeeper is above or below average amongst first team Premier League keepers because this can be done by a subjective ranking.

Clearly Howard is above average within this group (i.e. higher than the median).

Why is this being discussed ???

Ross Kerry
189 Posted 21/08/2012 at 03:15:28
Yes, why is it?
Gaute Lie
190 Posted 21/08/2012 at 03:20:45
Michael Kenrick,

On Fellaini's profile it says he's weakness is clumsiness and too many yellow cards. I believe you can erase the word "clumsy" now.

Michael Kenrick
191 Posted 21/08/2012 at 03:26:24
Yea, Gaute, I think that needs updating; he seems to have improved since that bizarre first season of yellow cards and great goals...

What a minute!

Although I do recall a couple of fouls tonite where he kinda walks into the opponent — not exactly the slick calculated sliding precision of say... Tony Hibbert!!!

Amazing that Paul Traill marked him down on that score, and denied him MotM... I thought he was imperious.... whatever that means!!

John Maxwell
192 Posted 21/08/2012 at 03:50:10
Picnic at Goodison !

Did you see Man U's kit ? Terrible, haha.

What a great night (5am start for me), just what we needed.

Andrew Bone
193 Posted 21/08/2012 at 06:04:28
Amazing team effort with everyone doing their bit. No one went hiding, and although we found it hard to get Jelavic into the game, he put himself about well.

Ferguson may say that all we did was lump it to Fellaini (BBC), but surely when you are up against it as we were for the last 1/2 hour, you play to your strengths to bring others in. On the whole, I think the midfield contained them. Just hope we have a more attack minded approach against Villa on Saturday.

Distin was immense and I only hope the end of the game was a result of him running himself into the ground. Jags seemed to be carrying a knock as well, hopefully only cramp.

Nice one tonight.

Peter Thistle
194 Posted 21/08/2012 at 07:53:22
We won over a lot of neutrals with that performance. Showed what a great club we are and what we could achieve if we had a few quid.

A quote from another forum :

"Everton don't half love playing United do they? They were bloody outstanding. Keep that up and they'll be heading for the dizzying heights of Europe next season. If one club deserves that, then it has to be Everton."

Amen.

Paul Gladwell
195 Posted 21/08/2012 at 08:14:41
Michael, just read your keep and tight and nick one!!!!!!!!! we could have been four up at half time if it was not for their keeper and the post.
Jonathan Tasker
196 Posted 21/08/2012 at 08:24:45
It was a great performance- Fellaini's chest control was incredible.


Great defensive performance as well.


Squad is still a bit thin so I hope he can get another couple in before the deadline.


Well done Davie Moyes- very eloquent in his Sky Interviews- I thought Phil did well in that regard too.

Paul Andrews
197 Posted 21/08/2012 at 08:28:52
Great 3 points Fellaini and 2 centre backs outstanding.
If we could get Neville out of the midfield and replace him with a creative player that would be a bonus.
Mirallas wide right and bring Ossie central would do for me.
Terry Riley
198 Posted 21/08/2012 at 08:44:11
I see the United Mirror gave only the negative remarks from SAF precedence, not too much credit to the BLUES as usual.
Shaun Dixon
199 Posted 21/08/2012 at 08:26:35
Can't believe the negativity from some quarters tonight.
Tim Howard only made one save all match
Evertons passing in the first half was a lot more effective than man u.
Rooney wasn't given any room to do anything (I think most the time he was wishing he was playing for the other side)
Best performance for a long time
Charley Adam in the CM would be a cracking addition.
Greg Kelly
200 Posted 21/08/2012 at 08:59:27
Yes Paul has got it spot on. Far from 'keep it tight and nick one' we were the most effective attacking force for the first hour and could have easily been three ahead. The Moyes detractors need to take a look at themselves and not keep repeating the same old .. same old. The one concern was not being able to keep the ball at all after we went one up, this is partly inexperience, we have become unused to beating the 'top four' (we lost 14 of the previous 20 home games against manu). But we do need a central midfielder who is comfortable on the ball and can pick a pass. We still miss Arteta but lets hope Barkley makes the step up this year.

Fabulous night, just sorry I was not able to be there.

Ross Kerry
201 Posted 21/08/2012 at 09:17:59
"could have been three ahead"

No chance. We would have sat on 1-0 from 20 minutes if we'd had the chance, despite being quite capable of putting more past them.

Christine Foster
202 Posted 20/08/2012 at 23:24:08
It's nights like this that reminds me why Everton are more than just another club, proud to be there on my annual trip to see a few games. Nothing compares to the atmosphere and a well supported performance and a win of quality. This is the reason so many believe the way forward is redevelopment of Goodison,just where else would you get that??

Excellent performance and although l was surprised and disappointed with the team selection it faded with the performance.

Well done to the players, and Moyes, but a special thanks to the supporters for making it great.

Richard Styles
203 Posted 21/08/2012 at 08:48:12
I was reading what was written at the top of this forum, and I guess A few people need to eat some humble pie on here... OK we have Won 1 game...now lets be positive here and see if we can carry the momentum over to the Villa game...

Remember we have our new Players we can now switch formation and God only knows if the new Ronaldo Kevin M gets a game I would pay the £500 or so it will cost me to get to the game just to see him lace some of the villa defenders....

I have never been so excited as I am right now (actually I have) but that was back in the 80`s... I think the scare factor plays its part in how well you do in a season and I think if Everton do well the first 4 games, people will be wondering whats going on and they will know we have found that magic formular we have been missing to get off to a good start... They may back off or just change their tactics to suit us....

That could make the difference in us qualifying for the Champions league instead of the Europa League... either way we could do very well out of a long run without defeat... We did it at the end of the season and right now it looks like it going to continue into the new season... I just hope Everton don't drop their game after such a big game against Utd....

O`h by the way listen to what Redknapp had to say before the game... More Humble pie Please!

http://www.skysports.com/video/inline/0,,16460_7999602,00.html

PS. I am over in Norway today, Bergen, remember them Brann Fc... Well its kinda depressing as The Man Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal supporters are walking around today with their heads held low, so much it looks like they have lost some money and they are moping around looking for it....

I just asked the Man Utd supporter at the hotel if they sell Humble pie! He said he didnt know what type of pie that was! I said What? Liverpool supporters eat it all the time, I told him its a kinda Chocolate cake with crumble on the outside and words in the middle and you usually eat it after the football game... He said " ooh that sound really nice, did you hear Utd lost to Everton Last night? I could have done with some of that cake after that game" ha ha ha

Well done Everton, This just might be our year!

Jim Knightley
204 Posted 21/08/2012 at 09:34:29
I don't believe im saying it...but I was glad we had Neville in midfield, because he is disciplined. I think in the 4-2-3-1 formation, you have to have one disciplined player, aka the Busquets, Diarra/Alonso, Mikel etc etc, and I'm not 100% we have anyone else as disciplined as neville, even though he is limited. If you don't, then you have the Arsenal issue, where the supposed dm (Song) goes running off and leaves the defence exposed.

Fantastic performance...(I know I'm saying it again...but I'm allowed).

In 2012 we've beaten Man City, Spurs, Chelski, Newcastle and Manchester United at home.... so everyone but Arsenal from the top six. Has anyone in the league a better record in the calender year against the top teams?

Also, we had 16 shots last season, not including those blocked...pretty amazing going against Manchester United.

Kevin Jones
205 Posted 21/08/2012 at 09:44:39
Oh What a Beautiful Evening
Oh What a wonderful Night
We know it's early in the season<
But we're looking down on the shiiiite
Yes We're looking down on the shite
James Morgan
206 Posted 21/08/2012 at 09:35:15
What a fantastic result and performance, could have been 4 or 5 easy. They had one clear cut chance which Jagielka cleared, other than that they never really troubled us.
Old whiskey nose can't hack it, we may have gone long few times to the big man but we also played neat football too.
I think top 6 is possible but top 4 may be a bridge too far, although Spurs and Arsenal don't frighten me, Newcastle could make another assault.
We need another wide man a la Johnson and creative mid to have a real chance.
Richard Styles
207 Posted 21/08/2012 at 09:48:31
What a fantastic Weekend, Liverpool Lost! Everton Won against Utd! Tim Cahill scored his first goal in their amazing comeback for the New York Red Bulls 2-0 down and won 3-2... I am In Beautiful Norway Bergen for a few days...Back down to earth on Wednesday and home again...
Ciarán McGlone
208 Posted 21/08/2012 at 09:20:36
David Barks,

Give it a bloody rest and have some grace will you..

Whenever we play crap you're in with the excuses about us not having money, Moyes hands tied...blah, blah, blah..

But whenever we produce a display like this you're in with the big "I told you so, I'm so clever"...

Desist.

Brian Harrison
209 Posted 21/08/2012 at 10:04:46
Michael Kenrick

I don't know if you were at Goodison last night but you must have been watching a different game to the one I watched. Moyes tactics were spot on and all this nonsense you spout about keep it tight and nick a goal is quite frankly bollocks. We completely dominated the game from start to finish, with good open attacking foootball, I believe even Gary Neville said Everton were far the better side and deserved to win. So for you to post such churlish comments about Moyes tactics maybe says more about your lack of knowledge of the game.

Thankfully most of the posters on here think your ideas on last nights game were simply wrong, maybe you need to watch the game rather than let your bias against Moyes colour the real picture

Ross Kerry
210 Posted 21/08/2012 at 10:13:08
Brian,

The point that you won't acknowledge is that his team immediately retreated from a dominant position after scoring the first goal.

His tactics were spot on because we won and there is no dispute about who deserved to win this game. On another night it doesn't work out that way and a team that we totally own escapes with a point or more.

Chez Hutton
211 Posted 21/08/2012 at 10:34:47
So let me get this right.......Keep it tight and nicking one is the wrong tactic in the following circs:

1. When we don't win
2. When we do win
3. Even when we're not 'keeping it tight and nicking one'

We won, be happy, sooner or later we'll lose and if your wont is to moan & criticise, do it then.

Kev Johnson
212 Posted 21/08/2012 at 10:34:37
Ross - I agree Moyes is cautious (too cautious) by nature, but I'm not entirely convinced that he instructed the players to retreat and dig defensive trenches as soon as we scored.

I think it's partly a psychological thing with the players, to do with confidence. Maybe we need a bit of brain training for the lads!

Apart from which, don't rule out the fact that when Man U go behind they redouble their efforts to score and get back on level terms. It's what any team does, isn't it, but it's more obvious if it's one of the top sides. We do it - iour opponents score then we think: "Hold on, we're not having that, let's up our game and grab an equaliser".

Ross Kerry
213 Posted 21/08/2012 at 10:40:15
Chez yes to 1 and 2. As for 3, let me know when it happens in a game that matters.
I'm happy with the result but would also like to discuss the performance over the whole 90 minutes. Fine by me if you want to ignore it.
Chez Hutton
214 Posted 21/08/2012 at 10:52:55
Ross, will you only be happy with a full 90? Complete dominence, 100% possession?

Why didn't last night matter?

Nick Entwistle
215 Posted 21/08/2012 at 10:47:42
I don't understand all this in-fighting. Tactics either help or hinder, opposing another set of tactics doing the same. Moyes gets the thumbs up for last night, though had little answer to Utd's onslaught which they were their own worst enemy.

No we didn't run away with it, but since when did we have that guaranteed? We played the best, but Utd had the game on a knife-edge for the large part. If Suarez could hit a barn door, Liverpool wouldn't have lost... that's how football goes.

There is no tactic that will guarantee a victory against a disorganised yet committed band of cloggers. I'm not sure what point I'm making here, but then again I'm not sure many arguing on this page do either.
We won, but MK is right, those tactics don't always work and were our downfall many times last season. As for Moyes adulation, I'm in his camp but the question marks rise when he seems unable to deliver his own potential. Tight at the back worked last night, and the mainstay of the Moyes philosophy but doesn't represent Everton at their best under his guidance.

I like to think as it was Utd, it was horses for courses. He brought on Naismith and Coleman, bought Mirallas, adopted a 4-2-3-1. The football will follow.
John Ford
216 Posted 21/08/2012 at 10:48:18
Really great win and Moyes tactics were the same as they ever were, Were always strong in defence but Moyes has had to struggle to buy (and keep) good attacking players. Since January we've had those players hence we've looked better for it. Nothings changed, we just needed to spend a few bob.....and a few more would be good too. Well done boys

Denis Richardson
217 Posted 21/08/2012 at 10:54:23
Great result and glad there were so many good performances this early in the season, obviously Fellaini was MOTM. Lets enjoy the result but lets also not get carried away with champions league talk, jeez. At the end of the day, beating manu is great anytime but it s not like they were full strength, having to play a winger at RB, a centre mid at CB and Scholes and Cleverly in the middle. Made up with the result and that RvP started on the bench, but also know we caught man u on a good day (good for us, bad for them).

Surprised Jonny started on the bench, hope this doesn't mean he's off as I can't see him accepting being on the bench again for any length of time. Also surprised Naismith only came on at the death and subs were not done earlier when we were running out of steam. Only minor gripes, main thing is the win and the confidence this will generate in the team.

We now don't play another top side until the end of November so this is a great chance to push on and build a platform for the whole season. Villa next up and they look in transition at the moment so hopefully we will get a result there - not a happy hunting ground for us though.

So nice to finally open the season with a win having lost the first game in each of the last 4!

Ross Kerry
218 Posted 21/08/2012 at 11:14:26
Chez, last night did matter but we reverted to all out defence as soon as we went ahead. Fair enough, in no way did we keep it tight and hope to nick one, instead we battered them to get the lead we totally deserved but then nothing.

Nothing as unrealistic as total dominance/posession, it's about the attitude for the whole 90. At 1-0 the game is not necessarily won, yes that is how it worked out last night but what about the next time?

Jim Knightley
219 Posted 21/08/2012 at 11:31:18
I think though Ross, in this regard, there were are other factors concerning our dropping deep. Our players were dead on their feet, and it showed, and I think we stopped getting up the pitch because of tiredness. I also think we have to consider the opposition. It's easy to suggest that going 1-0 up altered the game plan for us, but didn't it for Manchester United as well? They wanted something from the match, and had to go for it.

We do need to work on that part of the game though, and performances against Sunderland, Fulham and Newcastle at the end of last season suggested that we were. I think tiredness played a part last night, and as I keep going on about, the lack of depth on the bench. We were playing a team last night who brought on Ashley Young and RVP, and City can do similar things. Chelski will typically beable to bring the likes of Sturridge, Oscar and Moses on soon enough, and Arsenal will be able to call on Gervinho, Oxlade, Rosicky etc etc. And Liverpool, who are tbf pretty shit, still can bring in players costing tens of millions off the bench. If we have any hope of getting into the top six, or perhaps even better, we have to improve our squad with a couple of talented players. Because Pienarr will get injured, and Jelavic will get injured for parts of the season, and when they do, we need to be-able to bring people in who can adaquately replace them.

The next 10 days will be crucial. We have a very good starting eleven, and if we can bring in a couple of good players, we are going to be in a very decent position heading into September. There are a few bloated squads in this league, and I think there's an opportunity to maybe put in a loan bid for a Manchester United, Arsenal or Chelski player, and pick up someone else from the Championship.

Anthony Lamb
220 Posted 21/08/2012 at 11:40:20
While Fellaini rightly dominates the praise for an outstanding performance, I would simply like to add that one player who remains THE example of a truly outstanding professional footballer is Sylvan Distin. What an acquisition he has been, and together with Jagielka last night, he put in one of THE most accomplished centre-back performances I have seen in a long time. Considering his age etc, he is immense.

Like many others, I too lived nervously through the last 20 minutes or so but with hindsight is it not the case that this blanket defensive covering so reminiscent of the Inter/Italian teams of the 1960s is proving rather effective today, even against the magnificent recent Barcelona teams? Admittedly I would like to see a little more effective outlets (pace/ball retention etc) to relieve some of the pressure but on this occasion it came out well in the end.

In addition I despair yet again at the referee's failure to see blatant dragging/wrestling to the ground such as the foul on Jelavic in the first half going unpunished and what is more, seemingly going unnoticed in any analysis of the game. Certainly Mr Ferguson did not see it, did he, otherwise his fatuous comments about the referee may have been different????

But back to the original point: Fellaini was immense – Distan remains a credit to himself, his profession and the club's foresight in signing him in the first place.
Brent Stephens
221 Posted 21/08/2012 at 11:52:11
Jim #006, I completely agree that what might have looked like a strategic falling back into purely defending after the goal can be seen another way. As you and others have said, we were up against one of the very best teams in the Prem, so were never going to be able to go forward for 90 minutes; of course the opposition will raise their game having gone a goal down; we were starting to just look a little bit knackered in places; and they used fresh legs before we did.

Why don't we put aside the analysis until another day (says he having just done some analysis) and take the opportunity for today to revel in the sheer delight of it all!

GJ Butler
222 Posted 21/08/2012 at 11:27:16
It amazes me how two people can see a game so differently.

Personally, I didn’t see the ‘Keep-it-tight-and-try-nick-one’ mentality. We were at them from the start. I would’ve thought anyone watching would’ve seen De Gea had kept United in it by half-time with saves from Osman and Baines, not to mention Felli hitting the bar and then shooting when he should’ve squared it to Pienaar, Jelavic just being forced too wide by an Osman pass after a free-flowing one touch move, Pienaar lashing one high and wide when a ball dropped nicely to him in the box, and countless dangerous crosses and corners.

My fear at half-time was we never got the goal our play deserved, and we wouldn’t be able to create as many chances in the second half. Surely United would come on stronger. But no, we started the same. Ossie crashing one against the bar moments before Felli gave us the lead. I think the commentator at the time exclaimed "No-one can say it hasn’t been coming", or words to that effect. Yet, some on here will have you believe Moyes sent us out to keep it tight and try nick one.

Then came the last 20 minutes, Yes, we tired. Yes, we became poor in possession. Yes, we sat back... and yes, we hung on. But there were mitigating circumstances – it is the opening match and we played with an intensity that was always going to see us tire, we were playing the Champions elect, a team that were 10 seconds away from coming to Goodison as defending champions, a team that will have more possession than their opposition in the vast vast majority of their games this season, and a team that had the luxury of bringing on last year's Footballer of the Year.

But I guess had we have not tried to keep it tight we might just have beaten them 6-1 á la City. Then all we would have to complain about would be the goal we conceded and ask ourselves what all those defensive coaches do in training.

Ross Kerry
223 Posted 21/08/2012 at 12:04:21
GJ, I'm not sure anybody, certainly not me, has disputed your account of the game up to the goal.

Put it down to tired legs, first game of the season, the quality of the opposition (ignoring how we battered this fantastic collection of players for an hour) if you like but David Moyes has previous.

DId they really raise their game? They brought on RVP, who was patently not match ready and continued to look toothless.

It's irrelevant whether we would have won 6-1 or 1-0 if we had continued to attack them, it is not about last night it's about the season ahead and the points we will lose by trying to defend a one goal lead.

Paul David
224 Posted 21/08/2012 at 12:04:25
GJ

I was impressed with the players attitude (for a hour), they had a go at Utd from the off which is all I've been asking for. The problem for me was the formation: Neville and Gibson were never going to venture too far forward which meant we weren't able to capitalise on our dominance, at times we didn't have enough bodies in their box.

That said, it was only one match and it was Utd so I can forgive Moyes for not playing an attacking formation and for the last half a hour. The real test for me is when the lesser teams come to Goodison, we need to be set up to score goals against the likes of Norwich, Fulham etc.

Brian Harrison
225 Posted 21/08/2012 at 12:06:01
GJ Butler

Absolutely agree with what you say, I think sometimes the fans forget how much effort the players put into that game and yes they deservedly tired towards the end. Yes United came on strong in the last 20 minutes but you would expect a team with their resources to do that.

Defending is just as important as attacking, and when you don't have the ball especially against the very best you have to defend well otherwise all your good attacking work goes down the drain. So while Fellaini was the outstanding player on the park Jagielka, Distin and Hibbert were not far behind.

Chez Hutton
226 Posted 21/08/2012 at 12:11:16
Ross think you give a good summary of last night - we didnt sit behind the ball for 90mins, but we did fall back after we went ahead. I thought we played much better last night than the night we beat City 1-0 last season - our football in the 1st half was good and as noted previously we could have scored a few more.....all in all I think since we brought back Pienaar and brought in Jelavic, we've played better football. I'm not one eyed to how poor we have performed previously, but I'm also not one eyed to why (ie lack of creativity, money issues etc).............let's hope we can kick on and Mirallas brings an extra piece of creativity/pace.......
Ross Kerry
227 Posted 21/08/2012 at 12:26:18
Jez, completely agree that we have a much better team than this time last year and I hope Mirallas will give us another dimension, particularly on the break when we do have to defend against an onslaught.

Fantastic result and a great start to the season, there were very promising signs in that display last night.

Mike Hughes
228 Posted 21/08/2012 at 12:23:38
Jim #006

I agree almost completely with your post but the only reason the RS can bring on players off the bench costing tens of millions is because the scumbags overpaid for crap in the first place.

I'm sure we'd all take our pride, passion and spirit over their "star"-studded, pony-tailed, con-the-ref, flash-the-cash approach any day of the week.

Regarding last night, I can't see how anybody can criticize the strategy or tactics. As Jim highlights, we were tired after a brilliant effort and hung on. And Man Utd had to press and go for it. The only stat that matters is 1-0 to the Mighty Blues.

Team spirit - priceless.


Jamie Barlow
229 Posted 21/08/2012 at 12:19:41
Exactly Brian.

Fellaini produced a masterclass of football to give us the lead and then the defence took over to produce a masterclass of defending which is very much part of football.

Fellaini got Man of the match but Hibbo, Jags and Distin on another day could have walked it.

I think a mention should go to Gibson also. The bloke is a beast and could become a fantastic player for us. Loved him singing 'Grand old team' at the end.

A great performance from every player.

Tony J Williams
230 Posted 21/08/2012 at 12:36:37
What's with all the oneupmanship on here?

Just enjoy the victory, there will no doubt be plenty of other games for the moaners to slag off Moyes , Ossie and Hibbertt.

Great game, great atmosphere and managed to get a fresh, cold pint of Chang at half time too. Just need the chilli chicken pies to come back now.

GJ Butler
231 Posted 21/08/2012 at 12:28:25
Ross @ 015, "It is not about last night it's about the season ahead and the points we will lose by trying to defend a one goal lead." — I'm not Moyes' biggest fan, I'm not a Moyes-Out campaigner either, but are you seriously having a go about his tactics in games that haven't yet been played?

Paul @ 016, if our formation was as defensive as you suggest, we wouldn't have managed to create as many chances as we did. Also, in your view what did you take from Man United's formation? Offensive? Defensive? Because they created very little in my eyes.

If it's a bad morning to be an Everton fan I can't imagine how the Mancs feel. I do agree our test will be when lesser teams come and defend and we are expected to break them down. (Although your Fulham example isn't the best — don't we slaughter them every year?!)

Kev Johnson
232 Posted 21/08/2012 at 12:47:49
Tony - the chilli chicken pies have gone, mate. They were on a Bosman.

I think you'll find them at QPR now - although obviously they mainly be on the reserve menu. West Ham have put their eel pies on the market, and the word is that we're interested. Don't fancy them myself.

Mike Hughes
233 Posted 21/08/2012 at 12:54:51
GJ Butler #029

Good point, well made.
I love Toffeeweb but we definitely have our fair share of Dad's Army Frasers on here: "We're doomed!"

For crying out loud, we just stuffed the Man Utd, a team who have gained more Premier League points from us than any other.

Enjoy.

Ross Kerry
234 Posted 21/08/2012 at 13:08:00
GJ#029
Just a point, were you not complaining about complaints that had not been made?

"But I guess had we have not tried to keep it tight we might just have beaten them 6-1 á la City. Then all we would have to complain about would be the goal we conceded and ask ourselves what all those defensive coaches do in training."

Yes, I am criticizing a default park the bus mode when we take the lead. So what?

Ross Kerry
235 Posted 21/08/2012 at 13:19:45
Mike Hughes#031

Rubbish.

Tom Bowers
236 Posted 21/08/2012 at 13:21:26
Let's all savour the moment. Who know's what the next game will bring.

Sure, it was a great start and against Man Utd it has to stand way up there. We can analyze the game and say what if this and what if that but that applies to most games. Many games last season that we won we were far less deserving of the 3 points but yesterday I believe we deserved them.

We can all criticise Moyes for his team selection and tactics and sometimes it doesn't work out. Pip is not getting any better but he like Osman did a good job yesterday. There will be changes in due course but experience counts for a lot in certain games and yesterday was one of them.

Well done, Moyes and the Blues.
Brent Stephens
238 Posted 21/08/2012 at 13:35:37
Ross Kerry, #various posts including this one: "Put it down to tired legs, first game of the season, the quality of the opposition (ignoring how we battered this fantastic collection of players for an hour) if you like but David Moyes has previous".

One, I don't think we're ignoring how we battered them, as you say, for the first hour - that's the very point being made about tired legs - because we put so much into that first hour.

Two, any DM "previous" is, well, previous. What happened last night was, well, what happened last night.

Let's face it , mate, you're almost on your own on this one - just look at all the posts against you. And you know you've lost the argument when all you can finish on is saying "Mike Hughes, Rubbish".

I would finish there if I were you mate - when in a hole, stop digging.

Paul Gladwell
239 Posted 21/08/2012 at 13:45:30
Cannot believe some of the bollocks wrote on here, I am a big critic of Moyes at times and fair enough we did sit back a bit but that generally happens when a top team goes one down they up the pressure and you are forced back.
I never saw anyone moaning as I tried to get out of a squashed Park End, just fans as happy as I had seen in the old ground for years, but then maybe the moaners on here were not there last night.
GJ Butler
240 Posted 21/08/2012 at 13:49:43
Ross, mine was a tongue-and-cheek remark about a game that happened last night, implying it doesn't matter how well we win, there will always be someone complaining. You can't please all the people all the time, and all that. Your remark is actually criticising future tactics, which I find baffling.
Paul Andrews
241 Posted 21/08/2012 at 14:22:37
Brian Harrison @978.

Dont want to get into "i don't know what game you were watching"
But if you believe we totally dominated the game from start to finish you may want to look at tapes of the game.

David Barks
242 Posted 21/08/2012 at 14:27:18
Ciarán,

Please tell me where I said "I told you so, I'm so clever". I said nothing of the sort. I did call out the outrageous venom that was being spewed before kickoff at Moyes, Hibbert, Osman, Neville and Jagielka. It was pathetic, regardless of the result, and I said so while it was going on. And you must be confusing me with somebody else because I've never held Moyes in some infallible light. I just don't hate him the way many on this site do.

Brendan McLaughlin
243 Posted 21/08/2012 at 14:29:13
Brent #039
I'm guessing...not a "Dads Army" fan?
Steve Brown
244 Posted 21/08/2012 at 14:44:48
"Moyes's Keep It Tight And Nick One worked to a Tee tonight" Goal attempts 18 of which 7 were on target, not bad for a defensive rear guard action.

Steve Brown
245 Posted 21/08/2012 at 14:53:59
By the way, Everton have had a blinding 8 months in the transfer market. Gibson, Jelavic, Francisco Jnr, Pienaar, Naismith and Miralles all in and Saha, Cahill, Bily, Jobo and Rodwell out.

Plus maybe 1-2 more to come in. What a turnaround from our traditional close season activity! Roll on the rest of the season.

Lenny Kingman
246 Posted 21/08/2012 at 14:28:49
Sam @760

"Question is, if he continues to play there then who is going take that central midfield spot alongside Gibson".

Answer is Charlie Adam.

Watched a pretty good stream online and the old place did come across well and the filming of the exuberant fans well, it was great. There appeared to be a spirit of yesteryear about it The Bayern night in 85 for example.

One small criticism about the kit though. The long sleeve jobbees are ok but the short sleeved ones look daft. They look like the Tommys in the war wearing two oversized injury bandages on their arms.

To finish on a positive note I like the blue stripe on the shorts as one of the fellows mentioned above. Anyways they'll all be in long sleeves soon enough. Well done Everton a solid, never say die performance

Ross Kerry
247 Posted 21/08/2012 at 15:08:48
Brent#039, permission to speak Sir.
Not interested in how many are with me, this isn't the playground.

My criticism is of the tactics for the last half hour last night, which we have seen before. My point, which GJ is having difficulty grasping, is that those tactics do a disservice to a team who have shown that have enough quality not to park the bus and if those tactics are unnecessarily applied in the future (not an unreasonable assumption when based on past evidence, what else do we have?) it will cost us.

Brent Stephens
248 Posted 21/08/2012 at 16:04:23
Brendan #055. Dad used to watch it. Always ended up grumbling.

Ross #063. Sorry, mate, went off on a bad one there. Permission granted!

GJ Butler
249 Posted 21/08/2012 at 15:49:14
Ross, I have no trouble grasping what you're saying, I just don't agree. You obviously glanced over my view on the last twenty minutes, put in an earlier post:

Then came the last 20 minutes, Yes, we tired. Yes, we became poor in possession. Yes, we sat back... and yes, we hung on. But there were mitigating circumstances – it is the opening match and we played with an intensity that was always going to see us tire, we were playing the Champions elect, a team that were 10 seconds away from coming to Goodison as defending champions, a team that will have more possession than their opposition in the vast vast majority of their games this season, and a team that had the luxury of bringing on last year's Footballer of the Year.

Where we also differ is you wish to argue on lost points from future games due to future tactical failures. There is a distinct possibilty you may be right, but lets not lambast Moyes on a probability, and wait and see what happens instead.

Ross Kerry
250 Posted 21/08/2012 at 16:14:21
Fair comment all round. We can all agree this is a fantastic result, and enjoy the bitterness of SAF's post match review, priceless!
Brent Stephens
251 Posted 21/08/2012 at 16:49:52
Ross, That's what gives me as much pleasure as beating the Mancs - seeing SAF getting even redder!
Brian Harrison
252 Posted 21/08/2012 at 17:15:47
Paul Andrews@050

Yes I probably did get a little carried away saying we dominated for the whole game. I have watched it again and United really had a good 23 minutes at the end. But I am just a little disappointed to hear some fans having a go at Moyes tactics, this was far from a team nicking a goal and hanging on.

Tony Cheek
253 Posted 21/08/2012 at 17:56:31
Just wondered did anyone see Jelavic playing without a number on his shirt last night, is it legal?
David Denby
254 Posted 21/08/2012 at 18:22:08
Tony, he had to change after getting blood on it. Guess we don't have duplicate shirts for everyone. Seen it a few times and so should be no problem. First game after becoming a season ticket holder, so proud of us all. Cracking atmosphere. Don't want to get too carried away but look at it that we're already three points up on last year. Just dissappointed I didn't put more than £3 on Felli anytime scorer and us winning!
Sergio Pedregal
255 Posted 21/08/2012 at 18:32:22
Awesome performance! Watched the game on TV (in SA) and had goose bumps from the noise the supporters were making!!! Well done EVERTON!
Ian Bennett
256 Posted 21/08/2012 at 19:03:20
How the hell can you have ago at Everton shutting up shop? We had nealy all the chances for 70 mins with Fellaini pretty much unplayable. Ferguson – get down to spec savers, I hear you can get a senior discount.

They had an awesome attacking staff – 11 quality attacking players were on show, with only 2 real defenders on the pitch for them. what tactic did people expect? For us to carry on attacking and leave gaps to be picked off? It was the right tactic, and I think we looked pretty solid given what they threw at us with limited success.

Moyes 1, Ferguson 0

Moyes was bang on the money playing Fellaini up front. They were lucky to have had Vidic back as I suspect Ferdinand would have been humiliated based on that performance. For those overseas fans, the place was absolutely rocking, a bear pit, a real 12th man. I just hope the TV picked that up.

Roman Sidey
257 Posted 21/08/2012 at 11:50:31
Still buzzing about the win, and yes, the result vindicates the team set up. As mentioned above, that does not mean we can't say we think Heintinga should have started in place of Jags - if Distin's condition after the match is anything to go by, Johnny will play against Villa.

What boggles my mind is the argument that "we weren't playing kitap1" because we could have been up 3-0 at half time". Now, I appreciate that we did attack, and I think with the few new faces and Maro's improvement, we can contue to do so. But the fact that we didn't nick one in the first half means you can't argue either side of the kitap1 debate. IF we'd scored early we may half shut up shop like we did at City 18 months ago, we may not have as well.

The weekend's game will give a good indicator. Full house againt a Villa side that is truly aweful. We need to carry it over.

Finally, to those getting up in arms against the minority of the MoB on this thread I have this to say - in as much as a loss doesn't change your opinion of him, nor does a win change ours. Accept it, and maybe we can all get along.

Graham Mockford
258 Posted 21/08/2012 at 21:10:43
Roman #140
Whilst I accept the olive branch I suspect that ultimately we will always be in two camps. The realists who see our 'achievements' as a creditable performance in light of an unlevel economic playing field or the romantics who remember the glory days and refuse to believe we could not achieve the greatness our club should always aspire to.
I have to admit it depresses me to admit I'm one of the former but that just might be because I'm a miserable t***
Brendan McLaughlin
259 Posted 21/08/2012 at 21:30:20
Romam #140
We didn't play KITAP1. We went for it from the off with all guns blazing. OK we, for whatever reason, shut up shop after we scored but that still doesn't mean we approached the game with a KITAP1 mentality.
Ian Bennett
260 Posted 21/08/2012 at 21:26:59
Heres a stat . Of the hour long game highlights - how much time did the editor give from the 67th minute to the final whistle (van persie came on and we parked the bus)?

2.5 minutes. 4 crosses. 2 corners, 1 good chance and a repeat of our goal.

Keith Glazzard
261 Posted 21/08/2012 at 23:57:46
Ross Kerry - I have read your contributions with interest.

Were you at the match last night? The body sweat from both sets of players could be clearly sensed fom my seat, and I could see legs sagging on both sides. Fellaini and Pienaar left nothing on the pitch, they went off drained as you and I possibly never will be.

Yes, we knew that Moyes would defend a one goal lead. But they were as knackered as we were, having had people like Fellaini and Gibson dictating the play.

If we surrender to the Boltons of this world, I'll agree with you. But the end of last night looked more like two heavyweights, dead on their feet, trying to take a swing at each other. Totally commited, nothing left.

I put that one down in a concise list of Goodison nights to remember - games actually, despite my many decades.

Pat Finegan
262 Posted 22/08/2012 at 03:57:20
Screw tactics. We beat Manchester United. We beat them fair and square as well, no dodgy calls our way or anything of the sort. We got a quality goal after dominating until that point. We won and right now it doesn't matter the least bit how. Freaking enjoy it!
Jim Harrison
263 Posted 22/08/2012 at 04:39:02
Great result, great performance. Cant condone the sitting back at the end but I can understand it given the shift put in by all, and the change in Utd's play.

Just have to say, Tim Howard has been one of the most consistant keepers in the Prem for the last 5 years. Stats pretty much back this up.

Simon Williams
264 Posted 22/08/2012 at 07:06:30
Enjoyed reading this tactical review of the match, which frames Everton's deep defending as a intentional choice, and a perfect response to MU's choice of formation.

Also has some nice statistical analysis of Fellaini's performance, and his linking up with Baines & Pienaar.

Fuel for the debate!

http://www.zonalmarking.net/2012/08/21/everton-1-0-manchester-united-fellaini/#more-9008

(apologies if this has been posted before)

Kev Johnson
265 Posted 22/08/2012 at 07:49:09
Talking tactics... SAF's decision to put Valencia at RB (instead of Rafael) really didn't work, did it? Presumably the idea was to stop Baines running the show on that side of the pitch. As the youth of the nation say: "Epic fail".

I sometimes wonder how it works with handing in the team sheet at 2.30. DM must be guessing how the other team will line up. What happens if he guesses wrong? For example, most people thought RVP would start, and maybe that would have changed how we set ourselves out - even who was in our team. Likewise, SAF probably guessed (as most of us did) that Naismith would start. Odd to think that the course of the game can hang on this type of managerial second guessing in terms of team selection!

GJ Butler
266 Posted 22/08/2012 at 08:08:14
Kev, I'd say the decision to play Valencia was more based on Rafaels last performance against Everton in the 4-4 draw, where he was at fault for Evertons last two goals, dropping too far off Jelavic and then completely losing Pienaar.
Ross Kerry
267 Posted 22/08/2012 at 08:21:58
Keith, I wasn't at the match, I'm not sure that I envy you the sense of body sweat from your seat. We aren't going to agree on the reason for the immediate change to the pattern of the game after we scored and only the manager/players could settle the matter, and why should they?
I am interested that you knew that DM would defend a goal lead, does that mean that despite our clear superiority you expect we would have stopped looking for a second goal had any of the good chances that we created in the first half ended up in the net ?
Jason Chew
268 Posted 22/08/2012 at 08:37:07
Kev #207 and GJ #210, did you see Rafael's performance for Brazil in the finals at the Olympics? He makes Hibbo look world class! Now that Sir Alex has got his left-back settled, he will start looking for a new right-back.
Kev Johnson
269 Posted 22/08/2012 at 08:37:07
GJ - maybe you're right. Also, come to think of it (and contradicting my own point), Baines was in fact fairly quiet so you could say they cancelled each other out. But the good news is that we adapted our play to overcome this obstacle.

Still intrigued by the team sheet scenario I outlined. I'd love to be a fly on the dressing room wall when our opponents team sheet reaches us! Who knows, maybe Neville was picked precisely to man-mark RVP?

Chris Morris
270 Posted 22/08/2012 at 09:08:12
What a player. MOM by a country mile. I'm so glad we got him to sign a deal, so if anyone wants him they will have to pay for him big time............ Hopefully around £40m+. Even though I'd prefer it if he stayed. But my word what a player. Well done Kevin Johnson
Roy Midd
271 Posted 22/08/2012 at 21:35:03
What agreat night, not only for us Blues but for footy in general — it lived up to its billing fantastic. Tactics spot on by Moyesie — maybe now we'll get credit and air-time from Sky and the rest of the media.


Then we get an alchey red-faced Scot who decided in his wisdom to say we just booted the ball up front –– was he watching the match or too busy shouting at the official on the line or seein if is watch was still working?

Well, call your self Sir... my arse — you're not worth your title, you piece of shit. How can people say they're scared of you? You're laughable... and not man enough to accept in this game you were second best. Retire, ya old fart, yer now making yerself look stupid... a bit like another Scot, Ming Jenny from over the road.

Maybe we're the only ones with an honest Scot who doesn't talk shit. Anyway enough of the rant...

COME ON YOU BLUE BOYS!!!
Eric Myles
272 Posted 23/08/2012 at 10:13:16
Jason #213, are you suggesting United will now forget about Baines and look to poach Hibbo from us? Especially now he's shown he's a free kick specialist?

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