The Mail Bag
The Moyes Instinct
Comments (33)
I am surprised that the selection of Stubbs over Lescott has prompted so little reaction.
Don;t get me wrong Lescott has his weaknesses, principally that he is prone to lapses in concentration, but against a good passing team like Blackburn, Stubbs cruel lack of pace was always going to be more of a liability.
As with last seasons game against Spurs, Moyes went with the safe easy choice. It was not the worst mistake in the world but demonstrates yet again that he is not a coach who can compete at the very top level.
His innate desire to cover his back in all circumstances will always be his undoing and goes a long way to explaining his appalling record in cup competitions. Nigel Martyn hinted as much in his recent echo column when he revealed that Moyes took 3 weeks to decide whether to sign him.
He is a safe pair of hands and has done a good job as a transitional coach to cover the period after Walter Smith. Those people waiting for him to make the next step up are however wasting their time - he cant change who he is.
The signing of Yakubu wil signal more of the long ball game. I think it will be a very bad signing and would not be in the least surprised if in the end it costs Moyes his job. In the long run this will be no bad thing if we can then find the right coach for the level we are at now.
John Doolan, Posted 28/08/2007 at 18:29:10
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Tony Marsh
2 Posted 28/08/2007 at 19:31:35
2 Posted 28/08/2007 at 19:31:35
Dont say that John you will upset the natives.They are 100% certain DM is the man to take us to the next level which at this moment in time is getting the players to pass to each other.I think Moyes has shown us all he has got.Apart from the odd out of character performances [spurs away]its same old same week after week regardless of who plays.Doesnt look like a forward thinking coach to me.Dinosaur Dave I think I will start calling him.
Peter Singer
3 Posted 28/08/2007 at 19:29:53
3 Posted 28/08/2007 at 19:29:53
Lescott had made serious mistakes over the previous two games, particularly painful was his non=positioning against Reading which resulted in only Stubbs and Hibbo in the box, we all know the consequences.
It was absolutely okay to drop him after his errors which Moyes surely perceived were caused by complacency. (As opposed to Stubbs’ errors, which are down to his lack of pace, a few matches or minutes on the bench can’t really imrpove it.)
It was absolutely okay to drop him after his errors which Moyes surely perceived were caused by complacency. (As opposed to Stubbs’ errors, which are down to his lack of pace, a few matches or minutes on the bench can’t really imrpove it.)
Peter Singer
4 Posted 28/08/2007 at 19:37:26
4 Posted 28/08/2007 at 19:37:26
Tony, you’re witty beyond imagination.
He won’t upset anyone as most people know that Yakubu’s heading is nowhere near what’s needed for the long ball game. He will run onto balls in much the same way as AJ does, only he’s much stronger. (Whether he’ll do it for us or for some Spanish outfit is another matter.)
He won’t upset anyone as most people know that Yakubu’s heading is nowhere near what’s needed for the long ball game. He will run onto balls in much the same way as AJ does, only he’s much stronger. (Whether he’ll do it for us or for some Spanish outfit is another matter.)
Allan
5 Posted 28/08/2007 at 19:53:34
5 Posted 28/08/2007 at 19:53:34
As far as the whole ’hoofball’ debate goes, which Im guessing is what Tony Marsh is alluding to; I would suggest that you look at the players we have and the comments made by DM lately before you start pointing the finger.
When questioned recently about Lescott, DM stated that he thought he wouldn’t let England down but could do with working on his distribution. He has also stated the same in the past about Hibbo. You look at the majority of centre halves and what they should do when they have the ball at their feet, and the answer is ’get rid’ You cant expect Stubbsy and Yobo to suddenly start pinging 60yd balls out to people ala Beckenbaur - be realistic.
When questioned recently about Lescott, DM stated that he thought he wouldn’t let England down but could do with working on his distribution. He has also stated the same in the past about Hibbo. You look at the majority of centre halves and what they should do when they have the ball at their feet, and the answer is ’get rid’ You cant expect Stubbsy and Yobo to suddenly start pinging 60yd balls out to people ala Beckenbaur - be realistic.
Danny Mullally
6 Posted 28/08/2007 at 19:46:21
6 Posted 28/08/2007 at 19:46:21
I doubt very much if the people who are constantly banging the drum for Moyes’s head will ever be happy. It is a re-occurring theme across these boards if it is not Kenwright its Moyes. You would think we are Leeds Utd.
I believe that some of the moaning is a direct result of the ballot coinciding with the ill advised Fernandes to Valencia thing. We are all a bit miffed to say the least but we are getting on with it some people more than others it seems.
I would just like to encourage everone to look at the bigger picture, we are a healthy team - yes with issues in some quarters - but a healthy team nontheless. We are competing in Europe soon, as well as the impending spate of Cup Competitions and League fixtures. We have not been turned over by anyone (Yet - I know the Man Ure Game’s looming). And to me the team is only going to get better once Cahill, Vaughan, Yakubu come in. Cuple this with the development of Baines and Jagielka I think we will soon have a lot more reasons to be positive for a change. Give Moyes and Kenwright a break, I certainly don’t agree with everything that they do but when I look at where we are and what we have, I would not swap it for the likes of Villa, West Ham, Man City, etc.
Banging my head against a brick wall - probably - but just have a little minute or two to think about what we are whinging about-You might find it aint that bad.
I believe that some of the moaning is a direct result of the ballot coinciding with the ill advised Fernandes to Valencia thing. We are all a bit miffed to say the least but we are getting on with it some people more than others it seems.
I would just like to encourage everone to look at the bigger picture, we are a healthy team - yes with issues in some quarters - but a healthy team nontheless. We are competing in Europe soon, as well as the impending spate of Cup Competitions and League fixtures. We have not been turned over by anyone (Yet - I know the Man Ure Game’s looming). And to me the team is only going to get better once Cahill, Vaughan, Yakubu come in. Cuple this with the development of Baines and Jagielka I think we will soon have a lot more reasons to be positive for a change. Give Moyes and Kenwright a break, I certainly don’t agree with everything that they do but when I look at where we are and what we have, I would not swap it for the likes of Villa, West Ham, Man City, etc.
Banging my head against a brick wall - probably - but just have a little minute or two to think about what we are whinging about-You might find it aint that bad.
Stan
7 Posted 28/08/2007 at 19:47:55
7 Posted 28/08/2007 at 19:47:55
Leaving Lescott out was one thing, but how then could Tony Hibberts place be justified? He’s been 2nd rate for a long time.
I think DM has done a great job to get us back competing at the right end of this league but I felt he was too late when he made his changes against Reading although coming of the back of the first two games I thought I was being a bit harsh.
However the football we played against Blackburn was horrendous. Having forwards that can run onto through balls is all well and good but if we continue to play this back to front long ball crap none of our attackers will be running on to anything.
I think DM has done a great job to get us back competing at the right end of this league but I felt he was too late when he made his changes against Reading although coming of the back of the first two games I thought I was being a bit harsh.
However the football we played against Blackburn was horrendous. Having forwards that can run onto through balls is all well and good but if we continue to play this back to front long ball crap none of our attackers will be running on to anything.
Matt Bowen
8 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:06:47
8 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:06:47
Lescott turned up late for training, and reportedly smelling of drink after "wetting his baby’s head", Moyes dropped him as a disciplinary measure, and I support that wholeheartedly.
Stan
9 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:06:00
9 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:06:00
Good call Danny.
Whinging is therapeutic though!
I don’t doubt that we have improved since the days of WS and that the increased level of expectation is due to the fact that DM has built a much better team from what he inherited.
It is easy for some to point the finger and be critical while others defend the manager and board regardless. I’ve seen the improvemtn and acknowledge it, maybe I’m just greedy because I want the upward trend to continue
Whinging is therapeutic though!
I don’t doubt that we have improved since the days of WS and that the increased level of expectation is due to the fact that DM has built a much better team from what he inherited.
It is easy for some to point the finger and be critical while others defend the manager and board regardless. I’ve seen the improvemtn and acknowledge it, maybe I’m just greedy because I want the upward trend to continue
Roy coyne
10 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:08:48
10 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:08:48
Danny I took your advice and thought about it for a few minutes and guess what,Kenwright still failed us with the dock,failed us with NTL,lied about the fortress fund,his 24/7 is another.I still think hes hiding somethings about Kirkby but until proven ill let that go.failed badly over Manny remember the buck stops at the top so hes got a share at least of the blame now advertising about the big four makes us look silly to say the least so Dan I will moan Dave Moyes has been a godsend to Bill but if we are being honest its been poor to witness more often than not,I like Tony Marsh want to watch football I’m not asking for trophies I admit we cant compete financially with the Cheleas of this world
Dutch Schaffaer
11 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:14:47
11 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:14:47
Dinosaur Dave, I have only just managed to stop laughing. Oscar Wilde himself would be proud of that one. His name is Dave and Dinosaur begins with a D, genius.br />
On a more serious note I imagine Moyes picked Stubbs over Lescott because of the following reasons:-
1) Stubbs is a fighter and Blackburn are arguably the most physical side you can play.
2) After all the talk of Lescott and England maybe Moyes wanted to bring him down a peg and remind him that he’s not above being dropped.
3) Stubbs and Yobo have played many times together in the centre of defence and have an understanding. Lescott has not yet had chance to build a partnership with Yobo.
4) Lescott had made a couple of mistakes recently. Remember his awful marking when he failed to pick up his man and allowed Anthony Gardner a free header for Spurs equaliser.
5) Maybe Lescott didn’t look at sharp as Stubbs in training that week?
They are just five reasons I can think of. Moyes had his reasons and made the decision.
Unfortunately it was probably a wrong decision because Lescott looked better in the second half when he replaced Stubbs. At least Moyes was big enough to admit he made a mistake and used an early substitute to put it right.
On a more serious note I imagine Moyes picked Stubbs over Lescott because of the following reasons:-
1) Stubbs is a fighter and Blackburn are arguably the most physical side you can play.
2) After all the talk of Lescott and England maybe Moyes wanted to bring him down a peg and remind him that he’s not above being dropped.
3) Stubbs and Yobo have played many times together in the centre of defence and have an understanding. Lescott has not yet had chance to build a partnership with Yobo.
4) Lescott had made a couple of mistakes recently. Remember his awful marking when he failed to pick up his man and allowed Anthony Gardner a free header for Spurs equaliser.
5) Maybe Lescott didn’t look at sharp as Stubbs in training that week?
They are just five reasons I can think of. Moyes had his reasons and made the decision.
Unfortunately it was probably a wrong decision because Lescott looked better in the second half when he replaced Stubbs. At least Moyes was big enough to admit he made a mistake and used an early substitute to put it right.
Tony Marsh
12 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:29:29
12 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:29:29
Dutch or maybe Moyes just fucked up his team selection again.How about that?Sounds like a winner to me
Peter Singer
13 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:35:40
13 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:35:40
Tony, am I mistaken or was that you who recently accused (rightly) other posters of voicing strong opinions on someone’s decision without knowing anything about the facts and the reasons of the decision?
Stan
14 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:30:28
14 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:30:28
Dutch I know what your getting at but come on....
1.Lescott is not a fighter?
2.Lescott was playing to well and had to be brought down a peg or two?
Point 3 is a possibility
4.He let Gardner go and he also scored one himself and played very well. Plus we won the match 3-1. Why was no one dropped for the one we let in against Wigan?
Another possibility on point 5
I think Matt Bowens post further up is more plausible. He probably had a run in with Moyes during the week.
1.Lescott is not a fighter?
2.Lescott was playing to well and had to be brought down a peg or two?
Point 3 is a possibility
4.He let Gardner go and he also scored one himself and played very well. Plus we won the match 3-1. Why was no one dropped for the one we let in against Wigan?
Another possibility on point 5
I think Matt Bowens post further up is more plausible. He probably had a run in with Moyes during the week.
Dutch Schaffaer
15 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:35:22
15 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:35:22
Tony didn’t my last paragraph clearly state that Moyes probably got that decision wrong?
Why are you sticking up for Lescott so much anyway? Didn’t you once call him the new Kroldrup?
Your always moaning at Tony Hibbert because of his poor distribution but you never say anything about Lescott’s aimless passing.
I love Lescott, he’s a very good defender but I also think Stubbs is still a superb player and an Everton legend so I won’t complain if Moyes continues to pick him.
Why are you sticking up for Lescott so much anyway? Didn’t you once call him the new Kroldrup?
Your always moaning at Tony Hibbert because of his poor distribution but you never say anything about Lescott’s aimless passing.
I love Lescott, he’s a very good defender but I also think Stubbs is still a superb player and an Everton legend so I won’t complain if Moyes continues to pick him.
Matt Willey
16 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:32:35
16 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:32:35
Moyes didn’t screw up the team selection...keep the faith... hoofball with midgets will take us to the next level !
Stan
17 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:39:19
17 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:39:19
Also, I’m pretty sure Stubbs was replaced only because he had picked up a groin strain, rather than because Davy thought he was having a nightmare.
Dutch Schaffaer
18 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:39:56
18 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:39:56
We should also remember that Lescott missed Wolves entire campaign in the Premiership after he was kneecapped by shady characters for shagging one of their wives.
Lescott’s attitude has been first-class since joining Everton but maybe behind the scenes Moyes felt like reminding him that he has to continue to toe the line and to work for his place in the starting 11.
Lescott’s attitude has been first-class since joining Everton but maybe behind the scenes Moyes felt like reminding him that he has to continue to toe the line and to work for his place in the starting 11.
Dave Wilson
19 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:33:59
19 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:33:59
John / Tony
careful what you wish for guys, if we were to replace Moysee, who would you get ?
more to the point you need to consider this
The guy who fails to sign a player - blaiming last minute red tape - when he’s been on the premises since chrimbo would be entrusted in finding his replacement
careful what you wish for guys, if we were to replace Moysee, who would you get ?
more to the point you need to consider this
The guy who fails to sign a player - blaiming last minute red tape - when he’s been on the premises since chrimbo would be entrusted in finding his replacement
Mike Squires
20 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:47:15
20 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:47:15
I heard that Lescott had refused to play at left back on Saturday.If thats true I’m disappointed in Lescott I thought he was a good pro.(needs of the team come first not personal preferences.) Stubbs & Yobo have done good job for us so I don’t think DM made such a bad decision.
I Tony Marsh is back with us again
bringing joy and goodwill as usual with his enlightened opinions.
I Tony Marsh is back with us again
bringing joy and goodwill as usual with his enlightened opinions.
Tony Marsh
21 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:57:54
21 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:57:54
Dutch from whatI have seen of Koldruop on he Italian footy
Brian Waring
22 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:58:16
22 Posted 28/08/2007 at 20:58:16
Problem for me is that for most of last season the football we played was dire to watch.I thought we might see a different approach this season.But no,out of the 4 games played,in 3 of the games,it has just been more of what we endured last season,hoofball and shite football.
Tony Marsh
23 Posted 28/08/2007 at 21:05:16
23 Posted 28/08/2007 at 21:05:16
he has been class.Moyes bought him and sold him within 5 weeks at a £1.5 million loss.Wasnt that a shrewd bit of bizo from your mate Moysee
Tony Marsh
24 Posted 28/08/2007 at 21:05:16
24 Posted 28/08/2007 at 21:05:16
Dutch from whatI have seen of Koldruop on he Italian footy
Dutch Schaffaer
25 Posted 28/08/2007 at 21:15:05
25 Posted 28/08/2007 at 21:15:05
Tony, I find it amazing that you have so much loyality to Ferrari, Kroldrup and Fernandes but absolutely none for anyone actually playing for Everton.
Brian Finnigan
26 Posted 28/08/2007 at 21:17:10
26 Posted 28/08/2007 at 21:17:10
Lescott has every right to prefer playing at centre half rather than full back because that is his position (historically) and he has filled in at left back for quite long enough. If Stubbs is such a fighter let him play out of position for half a season and see if he likes it.
Moyes just refuses to see that when Stubbs plays centrally, our defence needs to be 15 yards nearer our own goal than if Lescott plays there. As a result, the midfield finds it more difficult to break quickly and join the forward(s). Such a setup also invites the opposition on to us and we end up less offensive than we should be against inferior teams.
When is Moyes going to take us to the next level? To my mind, this higher level should include;
1. being more positive, and,
2. demanding more football on the deck?
I have to agree with Tony Marsh when he doubts if the present Manager can make that transition. He seems to me to be genetically programmed to be cautious and after 5 years + it is becoming very tedious.
Moyes just refuses to see that when Stubbs plays centrally, our defence needs to be 15 yards nearer our own goal than if Lescott plays there. As a result, the midfield finds it more difficult to break quickly and join the forward(s). Such a setup also invites the opposition on to us and we end up less offensive than we should be against inferior teams.
When is Moyes going to take us to the next level? To my mind, this higher level should include;
1. being more positive, and,
2. demanding more football on the deck?
I have to agree with Tony Marsh when he doubts if the present Manager can make that transition. He seems to me to be genetically programmed to be cautious and after 5 years + it is becoming very tedious.
Peter Singer
27 Posted 28/08/2007 at 21:50:32
27 Posted 28/08/2007 at 21:50:32
Brian, what do you mean by more positive? I mean, in practice. Shall we do it like Spurs? I’m seriously curious as to how you imagine it.
Tony Marsh
28 Posted 28/08/2007 at 21:51:41
28 Posted 28/08/2007 at 21:51:41
Dutch the problem I have with this
look at where we are now under Moyes scenario as oppossed to Walter Smith is wearing thin.Who knows what we may have achieved if Moyes had not been the manager.You see it gets silly.We have improved in the past 5 years
but is it because of increased revenue coming in to the club from Sky or is it Moyes?In real terms Walter Smith never had a crumb of what Moyes has had to spend when he was here.WS turned Scotlands national side around is doing the same at Rangers just now so who knows how good he might of been compared to DM given the funding.Moyes isnt all that Dutch.He is a very average coach who got lucky to be at a massive club whos fans have low expectations but provide him with enough tools to do a good job.Add to that a fanatical fan base that drives them on.Who couldnt make a go of Everton in this day and age?
look at where we are now under Moyes scenario as oppossed to Walter Smith is wearing thin.Who knows what we may have achieved if Moyes had not been the manager.You see it gets silly.We have improved in the past 5 years
but is it because of increased revenue coming in to the club from Sky or is it Moyes?In real terms Walter Smith never had a crumb of what Moyes has had to spend when he was here.WS turned Scotlands national side around is doing the same at Rangers just now so who knows how good he might of been compared to DM given the funding.Moyes isnt all that Dutch.He is a very average coach who got lucky to be at a massive club whos fans have low expectations but provide him with enough tools to do a good job.Add to that a fanatical fan base that drives them on.Who couldnt make a go of Everton in this day and age?
Brian Finnigan
29 Posted 28/08/2007 at 22:02:33
29 Posted 28/08/2007 at 22:02:33
Peter Singer.....my idea of being more positive would be to leave Stubbs on the bench and tell the defence of Neville,Yobo, Lescott and Baines to hold a higher line, especially at home. I would not have two holding midfielders in central midfield, especially at home. My midfield (for now) would be Arteta, Jagielka, Pienaar and Osman.
So short of forwards are we that Johnson must be made to play more centrally....he has little chance of scoring when he is running wide right and wide left. Until something better comes along, the support forward should be McFadden (who is capable of running the channels instead of Johnson).
All in all, despite the new arrivals, we are still woefully short of quality players and, as a result, a more positive approach is not likely to happen fully until the return of Vaughan and Cahill. That is no reason why we shouldn’t try to be more positive by selecting the best players available (in positions that suit) and telling them that keeping possession of the ball for longer than three seconds should not be beyond them. Sadly, this mini recipe of mine is not likely to see the light of day because my attitude to football is diametrically opposed to that of the present Manager.
So short of forwards are we that Johnson must be made to play more centrally....he has little chance of scoring when he is running wide right and wide left. Until something better comes along, the support forward should be McFadden (who is capable of running the channels instead of Johnson).
All in all, despite the new arrivals, we are still woefully short of quality players and, as a result, a more positive approach is not likely to happen fully until the return of Vaughan and Cahill. That is no reason why we shouldn’t try to be more positive by selecting the best players available (in positions that suit) and telling them that keeping possession of the ball for longer than three seconds should not be beyond them. Sadly, this mini recipe of mine is not likely to see the light of day because my attitude to football is diametrically opposed to that of the present Manager.
Keith Harrison
30 Posted 28/08/2007 at 22:33:27
30 Posted 28/08/2007 at 22:33:27
Welcome back Tone, (the new moderated Tony). I agrre with your points mostly too mate. I thought Kroldrup was class - saw him play when fit, and he could definitely head a ball. I also liked Ferrari who was superb until that very bad injury against Arsenal.
Stubbs is class, but getting too slow, and his inclusion means we have to play deep to accomodate him against fast teams. With two holding midfielders, this means we have no-one up front when we do eventually get the ball (hoofed) up the pitch.
Neville, Baines, Lescott and Yobo are my starting back four without a doubt. I also wouldnt mind Nolan here to be honest.
Stubbs is class, but getting too slow, and his inclusion means we have to play deep to accomodate him against fast teams. With two holding midfielders, this means we have no-one up front when we do eventually get the ball (hoofed) up the pitch.
Neville, Baines, Lescott and Yobo are my starting back four without a doubt. I also wouldnt mind Nolan here to be honest.
George, London
31 Posted 28/08/2007 at 22:39:31
31 Posted 28/08/2007 at 22:39:31
Thankyou Brian...finally some sense.
Peter Singer
32 Posted 28/08/2007 at 22:36:06
32 Posted 28/08/2007 at 22:36:06
Brian, your approach is okay but has three severe vulnerabilities:
1. Neville is a terrible tackler in one on one situations. We’d give away free kicks in six-packs just outside the box, if he were to face a pacey winger. (Not to mention penalties.) But he is by far better than Hibbo if the opponent plays narrow and we play for offside, as it is a must if we push our defensive line upfield.
2. Leaving only one holding midfielder restricts the passing opportunities of all defenders and what’s worse, the fullbacks cannot run forward too much. Result: leaky flanks and/or hoofball. I don’t really like the concept of two holding midfielders but many successful teams do it, so there must be something in it.
3. Johnson can be taken off the field by a single powerful and big defender, the likes of Bikey or Samba. His only chance is moving them out of position to create an opening in the middle or on the other flank which could be exploited by a short pass towards the middle or a good cross, respectively.
As I’ve already written in another thread, we need 3 more players:
1. One linking player to holding midfield. Jags could be one, Vogel could’ve been another, not to mention Fernandes. This would mean we can drop Neville to right back, because he can get more support and would be less exposed. Plus he and Baines can run forward relatively freely.
2. One good passer/crosser to partner Arteta. He doesn’t need to be a great dribbler, though. Pienaar could be our man but we should also bring someone else in and fast.
3. Since Vaughny and Tiny are both injured, we need someone quick and agressive, that could be Yakubu, provided he isn’t on a flight to Spain already.
That concludes that Moyes is not far off target with his squad. Sometimes he fucks it up completely, but in most matches he has his starting lineup and initial tactics just about right.
What’s preventing him of becoming a truly good manager is his total and utter inability to change the game. Now, I’m not a great fan of the bloke over the park with the ridiculous goatee but he certainly has this quality and Moaninho has it as well.
1. Neville is a terrible tackler in one on one situations. We’d give away free kicks in six-packs just outside the box, if he were to face a pacey winger. (Not to mention penalties.) But he is by far better than Hibbo if the opponent plays narrow and we play for offside, as it is a must if we push our defensive line upfield.
2. Leaving only one holding midfielder restricts the passing opportunities of all defenders and what’s worse, the fullbacks cannot run forward too much. Result: leaky flanks and/or hoofball. I don’t really like the concept of two holding midfielders but many successful teams do it, so there must be something in it.
3. Johnson can be taken off the field by a single powerful and big defender, the likes of Bikey or Samba. His only chance is moving them out of position to create an opening in the middle or on the other flank which could be exploited by a short pass towards the middle or a good cross, respectively.
As I’ve already written in another thread, we need 3 more players:
1. One linking player to holding midfield. Jags could be one, Vogel could’ve been another, not to mention Fernandes. This would mean we can drop Neville to right back, because he can get more support and would be less exposed. Plus he and Baines can run forward relatively freely.
2. One good passer/crosser to partner Arteta. He doesn’t need to be a great dribbler, though. Pienaar could be our man but we should also bring someone else in and fast.
3. Since Vaughny and Tiny are both injured, we need someone quick and agressive, that could be Yakubu, provided he isn’t on a flight to Spain already.
That concludes that Moyes is not far off target with his squad. Sometimes he fucks it up completely, but in most matches he has his starting lineup and initial tactics just about right.
What’s preventing him of becoming a truly good manager is his total and utter inability to change the game. Now, I’m not a great fan of the bloke over the park with the ridiculous goatee but he certainly has this quality and Moaninho has it as well.
Harry
33 Posted 29/08/2007 at 19:26:29
33 Posted 29/08/2007 at 19:26:29
Have to agree 100% with Brian Finnigan’s summary of Everton’s playing style.
This is a massive season for Moyes and if it results in the usual shocking European campaign, early elimination again from all cups and a bog-standard league position playing the mind numbing, long ball stuff we get too often then it has to be time to consider other options.
This is a massive season for Moyes and if it results in the usual shocking European campaign, early elimination again from all cups and a bog-standard league position playing the mind numbing, long ball stuff we get too often then it has to be time to consider other options.
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1 Posted 28/08/2007 at 19:27:05