The Mail Bag
Must do Better
Comments (34)
Well, I know the Editor, Mr Kenrick, got royally slammed by the wise ones for daring to agree with one contributor that Everton could have done better in the second half against Spurs, but sadly it was all those failings he pointed out that came home to roost at the Madjeski and set up the Blues for today's dispiriting defeat.
Retaining possession has to be what Moyes works on next. A solid defence is all well and good... until it is penetrated. And then you have to go out and attack, you have to win the ball (which we did), you have to retain the ball (which we started to do in the last quarter), you have to use the ball intelligently and with guile (which we showed a few signs of doing, but too little too late), and you have to have the required degree of ruthlessness ? especially Johnson ? which he so clearly lacks.
Sorry, but it's gonna be a long hard season, I'm afraid.
Paul Hardcastle, Posted 18/08/2007 at 16:57:03
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Mike Hunt
2 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:03:22
2 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:03:22
Here’s hoping in the next game that the Yak will replace Vic, Baines for Valente and Manny for Hibbo (with Neville moving to right back with Manny centre mid with Cars).
Very dissapointing today but I’m thinking it is a blip and no more.
Very dissapointing today but I’m thinking it is a blip and no more.
Anthony Newell
3 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:07:45
3 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:07:45
Nothing will change unless Moyes starts going for it more
Alan Clarke
4 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:07:08
4 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:07:08
It is why it’s rubbish all these people saying Wyness and Moyes have played a blinder in the transfer market by waiting until now to buy players. I don’t blame Moyes, we know he likes players in as soon as possible but if manny had been signed during pre-season, we would not have lost today. We will have a much stronger team out for Blackburn.
Jason Broome
5 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:08:22
5 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:08:22
So we lost, one defeat in our first three games against a tough
away side is a pretty good start.
We knew what our problems were coming into the game so it is now time to stop focusing on transfer activity (after Yakubu), learn from our mistakes and start the real hard grafting on the training field.
In Moyes We Trust!!!
away side is a pretty good start.
We knew what our problems were coming into the game so it is now time to stop focusing on transfer activity (after Yakubu), learn from our mistakes and start the real hard grafting on the training field.
In Moyes We Trust!!!
Harry Black
6 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:13:42
6 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:13:42
Watched game on www.livefooty and almost wished I hadn’t wasted me seven quid.All the old faults were back and prospects of a brave new dawn receeded as the game wore on to its inevitable conclusion.For all the raving about Arteta, he was total crap today-as he often is away from home.Johnson will never be a natural finisher as he scuffs at the ball and has no poise.And Valente...thank God we’ve got Baines to come in.Forecast:Finish 6/7th ...just maybe.
Anthony Newell
7 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:18:41
7 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:18:41
Reading - a tough away side? If we have any aspirations to break into the top 4 then the likes of Reading away should be deemed very winnable fixtures providing the side is set up right and you go for it. A different tactical game was required today as opposed to the safety of just going with what worked last time
Dave Lynch
8 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:10:55
8 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:10:55
The bottom line is our midfield is not up to the job.
A solid defence is all well and good, but without a mid that can actually hold the ball and take the pressure off, the ball is constantly going to come back at them.
Again we sit deep in the middle and give teams the space to come at us, you cannot do that at this level.
When is he going to realise that Johnson is not a wide runner. He plays off the shoulder of the last defender, always has and this is his best attribute. He is hopeless at running at players, i feel for the lad i realy do.
Saying that though, i’d have taken 6 outa 9 before the season started.
A solid defence is all well and good, but without a mid that can actually hold the ball and take the pressure off, the ball is constantly going to come back at them.
Again we sit deep in the middle and give teams the space to come at us, you cannot do that at this level.
When is he going to realise that Johnson is not a wide runner. He plays off the shoulder of the last defender, always has and this is his best attribute. He is hopeless at running at players, i feel for the lad i realy do.
Saying that though, i’d have taken 6 outa 9 before the season started.
Anthony Newell
9 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:24:14
9 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:24:14
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
got it?
got it?
George
10 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:08:21
10 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:08:21
Victor, stop scapegoating. the team’s performance as a whole was sub-par. For your information Hunt’s goal came from a throw-in, which if i were to be critical could apportionate blame towards lescott(for falling asleep).
Arteta looked disinterested, Osman was frankly anonymous, Anichebe couldn’t hold the ball up, Johnson wasn’t sharp(is he still carrying an injury?)& quiet frankly our ball retention was pathetic. On the whole our defeat wasn’t undeserved.
But credit to Reading, they we’ll and truly beat us our own game(of about 3 seasons ago). Closing down well, nicking a goal and henceforth proving difficult to break down.
Mike Hunt I hope too that this will prove to be only a blip and no more.
Arteta looked disinterested, Osman was frankly anonymous, Anichebe couldn’t hold the ball up, Johnson wasn’t sharp(is he still carrying an injury?)& quiet frankly our ball retention was pathetic. On the whole our defeat wasn’t undeserved.
But credit to Reading, they we’ll and truly beat us our own game(of about 3 seasons ago). Closing down well, nicking a goal and henceforth proving difficult to break down.
Mike Hunt I hope too that this will prove to be only a blip and no more.
Andy N
11 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:22:41
11 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:22:41
Valente was an absolute joke and without Arteta firing on all cylinders the limitations of playing Neville and Carsley in the middle was all too apparent. Hopefully Moyes will put his best team out, dropping Hibbert (what’s the point of tackling someone if you’re just going to give the ball back to them), Valente, Anichebe and possibly Stubbs.
I totally agree with Anthony, we should be going out to beat teams like Reading if we’ve got any ambitions. Today was too much like the Everton of old and, as a final point, I wish someone would have a word in Johnson’s ear, ever since the diving allegations he’s become the most timid and apologetic player in the Premier League - stand up and be counted man!!
I totally agree with Anthony, we should be going out to beat teams like Reading if we’ve got any ambitions. Today was too much like the Everton of old and, as a final point, I wish someone would have a word in Johnson’s ear, ever since the diving allegations he’s become the most timid and apologetic player in the Premier League - stand up and be counted man!!
Chris Lawlor
12 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:24:44
12 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:24:44
We were caught short squadwise. We needed players with guile (Manny, Piennar) and a powerful finisher up front (yakubu). Vic is nowhere near as good as Vaughan and needs a outlet instead of always trying to hold off overbearing defenders. Reading went about their job today in a similar fashion to that of their Utd game. Their tactics were spot on and we struggled. Valente was woeful and will soon play second fiddle to Baines. This is a mere blip. Once we have our 1st choice squad available I am quite confident we can take anyone to the cleaners. We were never going to go through the season unbeaten, so lets just get on with the next game and learn from today.
Joey Brown
13 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:30:26
13 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:30:26
One bright spot was McFadden I thought he could have given us a draw had he gotten a touch or two more.
Nick Xenos
14 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:32:38
14 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:32:38
I thought Moyes could of made some changes from the start, just to freshen things up a little. 3 games in a week for players like Carsley and Neville is probably asking alot. Mcfadden for Anichebe may also of been wise...guess it’s easy in hindsight. Yobo’s loss proved to be very costly as Moyes was left with no choice but to reshuffle at the back. Key players in the match were Bikey and Arteta, for different reasons ofcoarse. Hopefully Manny and The Yak can have an immediate effect, starting against Blackburn.
Richie Murphy
15 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:48:51
15 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:48:51
We lose our first game of the season against Reading - who contrary to what some of you are saying are a good team especially at their place. As for being too negative we dominated the 2nd half but it just wouldnt go in. Thats the way it goes. Keep your heads up and keep supporting - not moaning.
Richard Dodd
16 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:53:28
16 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:53:28
No good trying to post a new letter as Editors will only relegate it to a subsiduary spot but just wanted to say that it was no disgrace to lose our first game of the season after two monster wins and Davey already has a couple of re-inforcements lined up.Just shows you that,as ever, he is ahead of the game!
Jason Broome
17 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:47:29
17 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:47:29
Some of you, if not one of you (Anthony) surprise me. Man Utd and Chelski had tough games against this side, yet you believe they should of been a walk over.
We are still a work in progress. We are evolving in the right direction. 6 points out of 9, 2 major signings and an improving manager are on our side... Give the guys a break!
In Moyes We Trust!
We are still a work in progress. We are evolving in the right direction. 6 points out of 9, 2 major signings and an improving manager are on our side... Give the guys a break!
In Moyes We Trust!
Leahcim Seyah
18 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:59:01
18 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:59:01
Gobby commentator on radio Merseyside
threw the jinx in before half time.
Good start, bit of a blip but we will bounce back, just look at last season. Top four here we come!
threw the jinx in before half time.
Good start, bit of a blip but we will bounce back, just look at last season. Top four here we come!
Brian Waring
19 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:51:08
19 Posted 18/08/2007 at 17:51:08
Just got in from the game.We were piss poor today.When Arteta has a quiet game,there is no-one else in the side who can take the game by the scruff of the neck and make things happen(roll on Manny).AJ, for all his huffing and puffing,is not an out and out goalscorer(hopefully,Yakubu can be brought in).Neville and Carsley,should never be played both togethor in centre mid.The only plus point you could take from the game(clutching at straws now!)was McFaddens short cameo role.Pienaar,he now needs to start a game.I just hope that if we do eventually get Manny,and maybe Yakubu,they go straight into the side.Drop Neville to right back,Manny in the middle with Carsley,and give Pienaar a start on the left instead of Osman,just to see what more he has to offer, than just neat and tidy.Oh,and Baines needs to replace Valente,ASAP.
tom morris
20 Posted 18/08/2007 at 18:10:35
20 Posted 18/08/2007 at 18:10:35
And so it begins.
"moan, moan, moan...."
Doesn’t take long, does it lads ? Shame we won the first two games, really. That’s six days worth of moaning opportunities you’ve missed out on.
And there was me thinking we were going to win every game this season. What a bloody disgrace !
"moan, moan, moan...."
Doesn’t take long, does it lads ? Shame we won the first two games, really. That’s six days worth of moaning opportunities you’ve missed out on.
And there was me thinking we were going to win every game this season. What a bloody disgrace !
George
21 Posted 18/08/2007 at 18:08:16
21 Posted 18/08/2007 at 18:08:16
Agreed, Reading are extremely well organised and we would have had to (and probably known) really perform to beat them. We didn’t. We’ll have to just look forward to the next game.
Brian Waring
22 Posted 18/08/2007 at 18:14:45
22 Posted 18/08/2007 at 18:14:45
Tom,everybody praised the lads for tuesdays result,rightly so.But,when we lose(and we were poor)why can’t fans post their opinions on the game(even if they are damning)?Do we only post when we win and everything is rosey?
Victor Wiseman
23 Posted 18/08/2007 at 18:24:04
23 Posted 18/08/2007 at 18:24:04
Where the fuck is Marshy when you need him?
I think it’s time for Moyes to go.After all,we haven’t had a win since Tuesday!
I think it’s time for Moyes to go.After all,we haven’t had a win since Tuesday!
tom morris
24 Posted 18/08/2007 at 18:36:22
24 Posted 18/08/2007 at 18:36:22
Brian,
Of course we’re entitled to post our opinions when we lose.
Yes, we were poor today and no-one is more disappointed than me, but to start trotting out the "all the faults are back, etc" after one game ? Give it a rest.
Things are changing. We’ve got Fernandes signed and sealed, Yakubu to follow and Baines, Jagielka and Pienaar to come in. Not to mention Cahill and Vaughan on the sidelines.
Things are more positive around the club than they have been for years. Let’s not get all wound up over one defeat (to a team who deservedly held Man Utd at Old Trafford and ran Chelsea very close).
A little perspective is all I’m asking for.
Of course we’re entitled to post our opinions when we lose.
Yes, we were poor today and no-one is more disappointed than me, but to start trotting out the "all the faults are back, etc" after one game ? Give it a rest.
Things are changing. We’ve got Fernandes signed and sealed, Yakubu to follow and Baines, Jagielka and Pienaar to come in. Not to mention Cahill and Vaughan on the sidelines.
Things are more positive around the club than they have been for years. Let’s not get all wound up over one defeat (to a team who deservedly held Man Utd at Old Trafford and ran Chelsea very close).
A little perspective is all I’m asking for.
Dutch Schaffaer
25 Posted 18/08/2007 at 19:00:22
25 Posted 18/08/2007 at 19:00:22
Arent Reading the side that Champions Man Utd failed to beat last week?
Reading away is a tricky tie and its a shame we lost but let's not overreact.
After three games we are where we wanted to be, in the Top 6. Add Fernandes, Jagielka, Baines, Pienaar and Yakubu to the starting team and watch us go.
Reading away is a tricky tie and its a shame we lost but let's not overreact.
After three games we are where we wanted to be, in the Top 6. Add Fernandes, Jagielka, Baines, Pienaar and Yakubu to the starting team and watch us go.
Dave Lynch
26 Posted 18/08/2007 at 18:52:42
26 Posted 18/08/2007 at 18:52:42
Tom.
When have football fans ever had perspective?
Football is an emotive subject, especially after you have just been mullered.
One minute we can’t be beaten, the next we’re relegation fodder.
It happens all over the world my mate.
Just be glad that you follow the game and a great team like the blues and let eveyone have their moan.
It beats kicking the dog and keeps us sane until the next match.
FUCK IT! SACK THE LOT OF EM!USELESS BASTARDS! RUINED MY WEEK THEY HAVE! OVERPAID PONCES. Etc. etc, etc.
There now i feel loads better.
Roll on Blackburn, we’ll batter them. WE’RE GONNA WIN THE LEAGUE.
Get the point.
NSNO.
When have football fans ever had perspective?
Football is an emotive subject, especially after you have just been mullered.
One minute we can’t be beaten, the next we’re relegation fodder.
It happens all over the world my mate.
Just be glad that you follow the game and a great team like the blues and let eveyone have their moan.
It beats kicking the dog and keeps us sane until the next match.
FUCK IT! SACK THE LOT OF EM!USELESS BASTARDS! RUINED MY WEEK THEY HAVE! OVERPAID PONCES. Etc. etc, etc.
There now i feel loads better.
Roll on Blackburn, we’ll batter them. WE’RE GONNA WIN THE LEAGUE.
Get the point.
NSNO.
mick wrende
27 Posted 18/08/2007 at 19:13:11
27 Posted 18/08/2007 at 19:13:11
Why do we have to lose a game before Moyes changes the team. Is that his idea of squad rotation!
D
28 Posted 18/08/2007 at 20:29:12
28 Posted 18/08/2007 at 20:29:12
Dave Lynch, now you my friend make alot of sense.
Brian Waring
29 Posted 18/08/2007 at 21:09:54
29 Posted 18/08/2007 at 21:09:54
Problem is Tom,even though we secured the 3pts against Wigan(I suppose thats all what should matter)we were poor in that game as well.Against a crap Wigan side we played some terrible football,and on numerous occasions reverted back to the hoofball side of our game,that I was hoping to have seen the back off.So,out of the 3 games so far,2 of the game against the un-fancied sides we have been dire(even though we got the 3pts against Wigan).I just don’t understand how we can go to Spurs and be superb.But,struggle to beat an half decent Reading side.Funny thing is,Moyes is so predictible,that you just know he will play the same side and formation for the next game.
Anthony Newell
30 Posted 18/08/2007 at 21:19:15
30 Posted 18/08/2007 at 21:19:15
Well said Mick Wrende, couldn’t have put it more succinctly
Allan Hounsgaard
31 Posted 18/08/2007 at 21:28:28
31 Posted 18/08/2007 at 21:28:28
As allways Everton flatters to deceive. Instead of our motto being "Nil Satis Nisi Optimum", I think it should be "When It’s There For The Taking, We Leave It Alone".
Ann Adlington
32 Posted 18/08/2007 at 22:15:24
32 Posted 18/08/2007 at 22:15:24
How many peoople will be watching that sort of football in the Tescodrome? Not me for sure. But by the time we get to kirkby bill and keith will be history
Victor Snodsby
33 Posted 18/08/2007 at 23:05:07
33 Posted 18/08/2007 at 23:05:07
I GOT IT WROING. Sorry Nuno, that goal was collectively rubbish, not just you... Also, nice pass up to Anichebe. This on the evidence of motd
However
it is interesting how different reports/perspective/commentators can shift the perception of the average fan (ie me).
All the reports I read and listened to (frantically during the match as I cannot get to many games these days) clearly suggested that Seol was everywhere and Nuno was rubbish.
It did however, seem on motd that lescott did feel the need to cover the left back position, thus leaving an empty penalty area for us to concede an amature goal.
I was harsh about Valente, but he is still yet to do anything to deserve praise and he SHOULD be dropped for Baines.
But yes, hands up, I did write in far too eagerly (before the final whistle probably) and started spreading the blame around. No excuses.
A ?kneejerk? reaction doesn?t help anyone, but it so high are my expectations this time around that it felt like losing the league. Which it was. (hear me out...!)
If we were going to actually win the league, we needed to beat Reading there. And then Blackburn. And then Bolton...etc.
We are 200-1 to win the leauge, and rightly so, but I was so pissed off earlier because for the first time in a long long long time, I thought about maybe dreaming about it!
I never thought it would happen, but simply by the fact that it crossed my (very optimistic) mind shows that actually we are doing phenomenally well.
Three weeks ago who could honestly say that with 4points on the board by now and maybe signing Manny, they wouldn?t have been a little tickled.
6 Points, (ok not top anymore, but still) Manny Probably, Yak Possible...
Gutted to lose, exstatic with the season so far.
Ps, im sure Im gonna take a few knocks for my u-turn in mood from my first post but I reckon by all means write your articles with passion, make the debate interesting, but make sure you fess up when you know you called it wrong!
COYB
However
it is interesting how different reports/perspective/commentators can shift the perception of the average fan (ie me).
All the reports I read and listened to (frantically during the match as I cannot get to many games these days) clearly suggested that Seol was everywhere and Nuno was rubbish.
It did however, seem on motd that lescott did feel the need to cover the left back position, thus leaving an empty penalty area for us to concede an amature goal.
I was harsh about Valente, but he is still yet to do anything to deserve praise and he SHOULD be dropped for Baines.
But yes, hands up, I did write in far too eagerly (before the final whistle probably) and started spreading the blame around. No excuses.
A ?kneejerk? reaction doesn?t help anyone, but it so high are my expectations this time around that it felt like losing the league. Which it was. (hear me out...!)
If we were going to actually win the league, we needed to beat Reading there. And then Blackburn. And then Bolton...etc.
We are 200-1 to win the leauge, and rightly so, but I was so pissed off earlier because for the first time in a long long long time, I thought about maybe dreaming about it!
I never thought it would happen, but simply by the fact that it crossed my (very optimistic) mind shows that actually we are doing phenomenally well.
Three weeks ago who could honestly say that with 4points on the board by now and maybe signing Manny, they wouldn?t have been a little tickled.
6 Points, (ok not top anymore, but still) Manny Probably, Yak Possible...
Gutted to lose, exstatic with the season so far.
Ps, im sure Im gonna take a few knocks for my u-turn in mood from my first post but I reckon by all means write your articles with passion, make the debate interesting, but make sure you fess up when you know you called it wrong!
COYB
Dave Lynch
34 Posted 19/08/2007 at 10:07:03
34 Posted 19/08/2007 at 10:07:03
Victor my friend. You are a football fan personified.
See my post above.
See my post above.
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1 Posted 18/08/2007 at 16:35:09