ToffeeWeb - Season 2007-08

The Mail Bag

Metalist Kharkiv ? True Test of Progress?

Despite the Ukranians not ranking amongst the elite of Europe, I believe that Thursday's home leg will be a better measure of progress than the Man Utd game yesterday. We know that, although we can't consistently compete just yet with the "top four", we can certainly give them all a game.

What Moyes hasn't proved yet is that he can play a European tie over two legs. Metalist are probably going to be quick on the break ? all Russian / Ukranian teams seem to be strong in that area. However, to win over two legs, you normally have to build up a commanding lead in the home leg and play tight in the away one. No problem on the second count, hopefully, as that is one of Moyes's stronger points. However, when do we win commandingly at home?

I remember playing the Bucharest side at Goodison two years ago, when, admittedly, we were already 5-1 down from the first leg but after a whirlwind battering of high crosses during the first half hour during which we went 1-0 up, we then petered out as the Rumanians sussed our tactics.

Versatility, creativity, and pace is how to beat European teams. Not quite sure that we've got these talents in enough abundance just yet. However, I think we'll get through but not before a few well bitten fingernails no doubt. Here's to a big crowd, a great atmosphere and a 3-0 win on Thursday?
Ray Robinson, Warrington Posted 16/09/2007 at 12:44:47

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

Paul Cook
1 Posted 16/09/2007 at 16:00:58

Lets try and get as far a spossible in this year’s UEFA Cup. Our record in Europe for a club of our size is shit to say the least. One Cup Winner’s Cup 22 years ago isn’t good enough for a club of our size. Sometimes I wish people would forget about that night against Bayern Munich in ’85. It was our "only" great European night. Well, obviously the final also against Vienna. Compare that to United’s and the Shite’s or even Arsehole’s. It’s as shit as Jimmy "Twat" Tarbrushes jokes.

Danny Mullally
2 Posted 16/09/2007 at 16:46:21

I remeber that grim night two years ago hoping beyond hope for an amazing comeback, or at least giving a good account of ourselves. This time round I am a Little more optimistic. I think it’s time AJ broke his scoring duck, and I reckon he will scare the life out of these Ukraine chaps. He needs something to kick his season off, and I am quietly confident he will deliver.
My biggest gripe is defending at the moment. We cant buy a clean sheet at the moment, and If we stop them from scoring I cant see how we wont go through.

Karl Masters
3 Posted 16/09/2007 at 17:36:39

We need at least a couple of goals and, just as importantly, A CLEAN SHEET. No more going to sleep at set pieces like yesterday or at Reading.

Gavin Ramejkis
4 Posted 16/09/2007 at 18:49:03

Can anyone shed any light on whether or not we might have Graveson or Cahill back for the home leg? We desperately need some alternatives in midfield and a home leg victory is a must.

Scott Jenner
5 Posted 16/09/2007 at 19:27:05

Does anyone know if this game will be televised live in Germany on any German channels?