ToffeeWeb - Season 2007-08

The Mail Bag

After Watching The Blackburn Match

I watched the match yesterday and for me a few questions were answered.

First, Tony Hibbert needs to be replaced. He always tries and never gives less than 100%, and is a good squad player, but should not be our first choice right back. This should go to our captain Phil Neville.

Second, Leighton Baines. What a player!! I had only seen him in patches for Wigan, but he is probably our best left back for many many years. Great defender and superb going forward and a good crosser of the ball. How I wish Big Dunc or Beattie were still here!

Third, Alan Stubbs. Experience he does add to the side, but is let down by his lack of pace. He also seems to have lost a slight physical edge to his game. Cant understand why he was picked over Lescott yesterday? Fourth, Phil Jagielka showed enough for me to suggest that he can do the holding role in midfield better than both Neville and Carsley. He is young, energetic and good in the tackle. Osman, like Hibbert is a very good squad player but when all the players are available, how many of us would pick him over Piennar and Fernandes?

Also, with Yakubu hopefully coming in, the forward line looks sorted. The Yak and AJ, with Vic, McFadden and Vaughan as back up sounds good to me. This would be my starting 11 - Howard, Neville, Baines, Yobo, Lescott, Jagielka, Arteta, Fernandes, Piennar, Johnson, Yakubu. Good enough for a top four finish? Maybe???
Simon Gemine, Neath Abbey Posted 26/08/2007 at 08:46:23

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

David Dawson
1 Posted 26/08/2007 at 16:51:11

A good analysis. I was at the game and came to the same conclusions. It’s a pity that Moyes didn’t agree! He says only injury led to Lescott replacing Stubbs and pointedly only mentions Jagielka as making the difference in the second half. It was clear to all that once Lescott came on that as an attacking force Blackburn disappeared. I have respect for David Moyes but I would have more if he could accept that he got it wrong in the first half. Baines looks very good but our focus has got to be playing the ball ON THE GROUND with the size of our midfield and strikers. Blackburn showed us how to pass the ball - hopefully we will learn!!