ToffeeWeb - Season 2007-08

The Mail Bag

Team Selection

Although I didn't see yesterday's game and had to rely on the highlights on Match of the Day, it seemed a somewhat strange team selection at first glance.

Hibbert ahead of Jagielka? Lescott still at left-back despite the return to fitness of Valente? With Vaughan and Cahill out injured and VDM confined to an observer's role, it was as though last season never finished. A closer look reveals some reason for Moyes's conservatism however.

Firstly, Valente, despite being a fit and natural left-back, has by all accounts been poor in pre-season. I don't think Lescott was played on the left because Moyes really wants to partner Yobo and Stubbs but more because he doesn't trust the Portuguese. He said unreservedly during the week that he wants to play Lescott in the centre and I have no doubt that will be the case once Baines is fit.

My concern comes against teams with better attacks who will expose Stubbs for pace forcing us to sink deep and return to the long-ball game that blighted our performances last season. However, Moyes will always gamble on snatching a goal ahead of playing a leaky defence and, with our current midfield, he's probably right to do so.

Jagielka's omission is more puzzling but there have been rumblings that Hibbert has looked a better crosser during pre-season. Without a doubt a top-quality tackler and committed performer, his failings have always been in the attacking side of the game expected of the modern full-back. Perhaps Moyes felt that at this time he is simply a better bet than the new-boy?

On the other hand, Moyes held back Lescott for a couple of games at the start of last season for reasons best known to himself. It did us no harm however and perhaps a similar 'easing-in' approach is being taken again. But on the other hand, against the fast and skilful Spurs attack on Tuesday, Moyes may withdraw Stubbs in favour of Jagielka in the centre and this could explain a 'start as you mean to go on' policy of having Hibbert on the right.

The rest of the team somewhat picked itself. VDM still looks someway short of the player we all want, and Pineaar hadn't played with his new team mates yet, leaving the midfield a no-brainer selection-wise.

From MotD's (last on as ever) highlights, Anichebe and Johnson seemed to link up well showing some promise the the loss of Vaughan won't be too painful for the time-being and as ever Arteta glitters. He looked a man on a mission to prove, like Moyes, that you don't need to be able to splash £50M to succeed.

Whether he will be able to accomodate the diminutive Pineaar, Osman and Arteta in the same midfield is dubious and Osman's scoring performance will leave him with a difficult choice. I suspect there will be few changes for the Spurs game.
John Holmea, York Posted 12/08/2007 at 11:33:08

back Return to the Mail Bag

Comments

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer

Tony Kerrigan
1 Posted 12/08/2007 at 13:53:47

"He doesnt trust the Portuguese"

Steady on there!

Although that could explain the problem he has in signing Fernandes...

Joey Brown
2 Posted 12/08/2007 at 14:04:42

I don’t think Moyes has ever had a problem signing Fernandes, he was overpriced and now Benfica won’t sell. But yeah John I’d say things will switch up a bit, Baines is expected to play and Pienaar looked good enough to start ahead of one of the poor passers(Casrley or Neville).

Brian Waring
3 Posted 12/08/2007 at 14:23:31

John,I was having a discussion on here about Jags after the Palace game.I thought he looked a little sluggish and slow.The lad I was talking to reckoned that he looked like he was carrying an injury.Maybe,thats the reason he was left out yesterday,he wasn’t 100% fit.

John Holmes
4 Posted 12/08/2007 at 14:39:50

Hehe, the joyous ambiguities of the English language eh Tony? I thought about changing it when I wrote it.. but no.

As for Jagielka and Pineaar i expect by November time our first choice line-up will include them. It’s going to take a while for things to settle down what with the late arrivals and injuries but I genuinely believe Moyes learned a lesson after last seasons Spurs debacle and, when the men are right, will adopt a more attacking and creative approach even if tempered with his cautious and solid mentality.

Mike Oates
5 Posted 12/08/2007 at 15:05:56

Moyes problem at the moment is that Valente has not played well in pre-season and actually cost us 2 goals (Salt lake & Werder Bremen). If you’re playing Stubbs then you cant play Valente as both can be short on pace - hence Lescott at full-back . But if you look at Wigan’s goal yesterday then again we lost a goal through that left back and left centre half gap - as Lescott had pushed up and Stubbs cant close the gap.

I was at Palace last Saturday in main stand on Jags side when he played right back in 2nd half and he was given the run around by Palace’s young winger (in fact nutmegged twice !!). He looked more comfortable in midfield holding role or as centre half against Werder - but he’s not going to get in in those positions this earler in season.

I bet Moyes would want him at right back but the lad is showing enough at the moment.

Dutch Schaffaer
6 Posted 12/08/2007 at 15:49:38

I would guess that Moyes didn’t start with Jagielka and Pienaar because he’s allowing them time to settle or he wants them to earn their places in the team.

Moyes did something similar last season when Lescott found himself starting his Everton career on the bench.

Personally I’m happy to see a bit of loyalty to home-grown Hibbert and Osman. Both could have been replaced by new signings but both Hibbert (assist) and Osman (goal) rewarded Moyes faith in them.

Connor Rohrer
7 Posted 12/08/2007 at 16:06:12

For me there where a few players who need to be replaced in our starting line up. I dont mind Neville are Carsley on there own in the middle supporting players like Cahill, Fernandes, Arteta or De silva but together it does not work. I would go 4-5-1 against Spurs and play Pienaar or Osman of Johnson. Carsley and Neville cannot pass a ball but whereas Cars keeps it simple Neville overdoes it and try’s to think he is Arteta. Osman still hasnt convinced me. Yes he scored and yes he did have a good pre-season but he just looks like he falls over all the time from where I sit. I always here Moyes praising Leon but I am still to see him recapture his form from two seasons ago. Steven Pienaar looked neat and tidy aswell as being quick. Tony Hibbert while being a very good defender needs to expand his game. A fullback is there to mix both defense with attack and he fails to do this. Arteta is quality. He was brilliant in the first half and some of his runs where amazing. Victor still needs a lot of work but you know what you are going to get with him. Sheer power and strength. His touch has definatly improved and his holding up of the ball but I believe he still needs time.

Tony Marsh
8 Posted 12/08/2007 at 16:50:02

Instead of worrying over formations why not sign Peter Crouch.He is perfect for the tactics Moyes favours.HOOFBALL.
On me head son.It wont make a blind bit of difference who plays against Spurs if we play the same way as we did yesterday.the midfield will be by passed and AJ will be left chasing shadows.How many more years of this will it take for you lot to realise this is all Moyes knows.

Dutch Schaffaer
9 Posted 12/08/2007 at 17:49:26

Grow up Tony, have Spurs ever finished 4th? Say what you like about Moyes tactics but they work.

Everton are well drilled, organised and hard working. And there are few players as exciting as Arteta.

Two Top 6 finishes in the last three seasons is an amazing achievement for a manager with no tactical knowlege.

You are starting to sound pathetic Tony, why don’t you keep quiet until Everton actually lose a game.

Brian Waring
10 Posted 12/08/2007 at 17:57:34

Dutch,hasn’t Marshy got every right to come on here and give his opinions,even though you may not like what he has to say?At the end of the day, we have to put up with your endless worshipping of Kenwright,Moyes,Wyness.You mention the 2 top 6 finishes,but never mention some of the un-wanted records Moyes has got us stuck with.The EUFA cup debacle.People like you are always telling the likes of Tony,these were all in the past,and Moyes has learnt fom his mistakes.But,in the same breath roll out the 2 top 6 finishes when it suits your arguement,remember they are also in the past.

John Cottee
11 Posted 12/08/2007 at 18:09:31

What Tony fails to grasp is that teams who have spent big during the summer like West Ham, Newcastle, Portsmouth, all have one dream to break into the Top 6.

Finisihing in the Top 6 is the stuff of dreams for these teams.

Everton meanwhile have enjoyed not one, but two Top 6 finishes in recent years. I for one would not bet against Moyes adding a third this season.

As for a bit of flair in the side, has Tony even noticed Arteta? Osman is a forward thinking player and new boy Pienaar looks like he can play a bit too. Add to that Fernandes and we start to see some verve in the Everton team.

We finished 6th last season and this season has got off to a decent start. Please give the moaning a rest.

Shaka
12 Posted 12/08/2007 at 19:06:15

Radio reports West ham have now entered the race for Yakubu and are set to offer him a massive contract. Everton are also struggling to persuade benfica to part with Fernandes. Don’t count your chickens just yet!!!

Will
13 Posted 12/08/2007 at 19:02:19

There is far too much negativity after an opening day win! Who ever expected a great footballing display with Nev and Cars in the middle? Moyes is acutely aware we need a centre mid who is good on the ball and can pass, hence enquires for gonzalez and Manny. Hopefully we will get a top quality centre mid, and with Baines, Cahill and Vaughan all to come back the football will improve. Until we get a couple of new signings (forward and midfielder i hope, and if the wage budget can stretch an experienced keeper for back up) and injured players back, we must play to the available players strengths to get a result, not expect Nev and Cars to play like world class footballers. This shows Moyes has got current tactics spot on! Lets hope Spurs confidence is down and we can repeat last seasons result!

Shaka
14 Posted 12/08/2007 at 19:20:44

Did any one watch the Birmingham game? Olivier Kapo he was linked with a move to Everton but Moyes didn’t go for him. He is skillful. Plays abit like Viera and scored today. It only cost Birmingham 3mill. Moyes had the chance to sign him and didn’t take it.

Tony Marsh
15 Posted 12/08/2007 at 21:25:32

John Cottee and Dutch what you fail to realise is that the chances of Everton ever winning a trophy ARE VERY VERY SLIM.look at the stats even the milk cup or what ever its called now is won by one of the big 4 so what do we fans want from the game? I will tell you what.All we can expect is a little entertainment and if you think we are getting that then you are dafter than I thought.Finishing in a European spot and then getting crushed to pieces means nothing.If we go about the job like we did yesterday then more misery awaits us.Why cant you see whats going on?To many Evertonians are prepared to take any old shite as success.Under Moyes we have done fuck all.Joe Royal won the last trophy and Moyes has come no where near winning a thing.Jesus I hate to think what you lot consider failuire if this is success.

Dutch Schaffaer
16 Posted 12/08/2007 at 21:55:04

Tony you hit the nail on the head, everything is won by the ’big 4’ now days but here’s the thing, Everton were the last club to win the FA Cup and Everton were the last club to break into the Top 4. So why are you always moaning? we have done better then Spurs and Newcastle etc..

I really don’t understand why you choose to constantly moan about our beloved club.

Two Top 6 finishes in recent years and your moaning like we are still fighting relegation. Sure there are problems but generally Everton are a very good side with many wonderful things going on.

Thats what annoys me most, I wouldn’t mind critism if you sometimes awknowledged that some things are pretty good. You always use every bit of news to attack Moyes and his team. You never offer any praise.

For example you always moan how the last Euro adventure ended in defeat but you never praise the fact that Everton finished 4th to get into Europe. I mean you must find it amazing, Everton in a Champions League place? Thats fucking awesome, I never thought I would ever see that. Sure we lost the game to the eventual semi-finalists but dont take anything away from getting there in the first place.

I never hear you awknowledge what a wonderful player Arteta is and how Moyes is a genius for finding him for peanuts.

I never hear you praise the fact that we have so many young British players like Lescott, Baines, Jagielka, Johnson, Osman, Hibbert and Vaughan in a league which is becoming increasingly more foreign.

I know I have a tendancy to only see the good things in Everton but that can be explained because I am in love with the club. Its hard to see the bad when you love something so much.

But how can you only see the bad things? How can you only make negative comments? Isn’t that the job of the Liverpool supporters?

Why cant you accept that generally speaking Everton are a very good side now, with two or three top quality players good enough to play for a Big 4 side?

If you offered some praise on the undeniable good things then people would take your critism more seriously. When you just run the club down 24/7 people stop listening because they can see you have some sort of Vendetta.

Tom Bowers
17 Posted 13/08/2007 at 00:16:39

Nothing much has changed. Game was scrappy and generally offensively Everton were poor except when Arteta gets the ball. Nevilel and Carsley are too defensive and cannot give much support to the front two and that leaves Osman who, despite his goal, was still mediocre. We will do well to get a draw at Spurs.

PATTY
18 Posted 13/08/2007 at 12:49:46

Well said Dutch - someone needs to put him straight.

Robin Byrne
19 Posted 13/08/2007 at 15:36:23

Moyes has said many times last season that he sees Neville as a central midfield player and was only used as cover for right back. I’ve said before I think he’s a good RB but a pretty shit CM, but Moyes is the manager so we can expect a lot more of Phil in the middle