ToffeeWeb - Season 2007-08

The Mail Bag

Why did we seek to change him?

About two years ago, I wrote, in common with many Evertonians, that I was sick to death of watching Moyes`s tactic of playing only one up front. Granted then his options were strictly limited but it seemed to us all to be a negative tactic that would never see Everton thrive long term. ince then, he Moyestro has virtually abandoned the idea and played around with all manner of duos up front although no pairing seems to have looked totally convincing.

This season, he manager`s main strength ? his defence ? has leaked like a sieve and, in total frustration, he has reverted to the style he knows best: 4-1-4-1. And, surprise, surprise, it`s caused hardly a murmour! Yes, I know it has happened to allow for the effective re-introduction of Cahill whom we are all delighted to see back in the fray but don`t we all agree that, for the first time in ages, Everton are looking like a real team again?

I now accept that this is the way the man really likes to play it and, given the right personnel, it can be both effective and attractive. The trouble with us Evertonians is that we are too keen to lean on the manager to `do it our way` and when it doesn`t work, it`s his fault! So, from now on, I shall bow to the man`s superior knowledge and if he thinks that`s the way we can get results, so be it!

ps: Or he could sell AJ, buy a playmaker, and make me really happy!
Alan Whelan, Thornton le-Moors Posted 29/10/2007 at 18:36:37

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Comments

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Stan Sheppard
1 Posted 30/10/2007 at 08:59:21

We must play a lot of derbies...

Rob Thomas
2 Posted 30/10/2007 at 09:16:24

A hell of a lot of derbies!

We cannot sell Cahill - he is pivotal to our team and epitomises what we are all about - hard work. Any midfielder that gets you 10+ goals a season is a gem, just ask Liverpool, Chelsea and the mancs.

It is no coincidence that we have struggled this season whilst Cahill was out and that now he is back, we look like a different team. His graft and determination will even rub off on other players such is his presence - Yak had a very good game against Derby because he worked harder, as did Jagielka.

Thankfully, the days of Neville and Jagielka as a centre mid pairing are over with the re-introduction of Cahill and of course Gravesen, either of whom have shown to form a solid midfield pairing with Carsley. Osman is doing well in that position also, such is his first touch in a busy part of the field.

Things are all of a sudden looking very encouraging. We are in a stable position in the premiership with some very winable games coming up, doing well in europe, playing effective football and one of our most consistent and important players has said that he would love to finish his career at Everton.

Hail the return of King Tim!

George Tranter
3 Posted 30/10/2007 at 09:49:42

I totally agree.If someone has to go to fund the midfielder we need then it has to be Johnson over Cahill.If Moyes is to stick with the ’one up front’ tactic then AJ is just not assured enough in front of goal to be the lone striker.With him running all over the place it would be like playing with noone up front!
Just remenber, Moyes plays 4-1-4-1 purely to accomodate the Aussie!

Ben Masters
4 Posted 30/10/2007 at 10:35:23

Amazing init! Two wins against poxy opposition and Everton are world beaters and Moyes a bloody genius!Let’s all get real-we’re a hundred miles away from being a really good side and still favour hoof-ball as the princial tactic.Just watch what they do from the kick-off!

Hoofmeister
5 Posted 30/10/2007 at 11:25:20

Hoofball alert! Sticking a hyphen in doesn’t allow it to slip through. Overworked to the nth degree.Change the fn tune

Michael Tracey
6 Posted 30/10/2007 at 11:35:27

Sell Cahill you have got be joking! Why dont we sell Lescott and Baines too. If someone wants to pay 9 mill for Johnson then let him go, the bloke couldnt hit a barn door from 2 foot away.

Paul Simo
7 Posted 30/10/2007 at 12:24:55

Look we not coaches, we are in a league were the ’ the so called big four’ who have dominated domestic football for the last 15 years. People need to be realistic and look at the factors that have lead to some poor displays. 1. We was missing important players through injury 2. Moyes missed out out on Fernades who was part of his plans (dont bore me with moyes dithered shit) 3. New striker comming in takes time to settle and finding your best eleven is not that easy, sometimes you find it by accident like injuries etc. 4. Expectations rise therefore people demand unrelistic success. I now live outside of Liverpool and talk to any other fan and most of them would tell you give them moyes anyday. I am going to Europe to watch Everton again 4th time in 22 years, say no more.

Archie Alehouse
8 Posted 30/10/2007 at 12:35:45

Michael Tracey

You are totally out of order!

I think AJ could hit a barn door from 2 foot away, and I bet he could hit a cows arse with a banjo, he just can’t score goals!

Walter Peck
9 Posted 30/10/2007 at 12:27:21

Unless you are a corner flag, Cahill must stay. Along with arteta, he is our most attacking midfielder and is pivotal in certain games, as has been shown both last week and the past few seasons. Can I say that although its important for him to get more games under his belt after returning from injury, he should be ommited from the squad for luton. We have an array of young talent and other team players that dont start regularly that should be enough to get past the league one side. I dont know when johnson is due to return but if he was fit, i would have choosen him to feature, along with anichebe and vaughan (yes hes unavailable too) but that would have been my attacking preferences. I hope moyes does not play 4-5-1 on wednesday, an attacking formation is the best option. Luton may well put 10 men behind the ball and play for the draw and resulting penalty shoot out. With a place in the last eight at stake, any formation by the opposing manager if it pays off is justified.

Neil Scrivens
10 Posted 30/10/2007 at 13:06:42

If Vaughan is fully back to fitness by Christmas,Everton would be crackers not to cash in on AJ if a £10M offer comes in.On his scoring record in 2007,I’d place him ahead of only McFadden in our list of five strikers.All in all,I don’t think his tearing around leads to very much and he’s certainly not suited to 4-5-1 if that’s what in store for the rest of the season.

david jones
11 Posted 30/10/2007 at 13:40:32

Ben Masters, well said sir. It’s embarrassing how naive some people are nowadays, how far OTT they go. As you rightly point out we have just won two games against very weak opposition, this proves absolutely nothing. I remember last season every man and his dog was crying out for a switch to 4-4-2, there was a reason for this. Such short memories some people have.

Mal Atkins
12 Posted 30/10/2007 at 13:44:12

I love AJ because he tries his heart.But he’s scored but once in his last 18 games and has become a luxury.Also,I think his presence encourages defenders to bang long balls over the midfield to him as he takes up wide positions.
I understand he’s looking for a revised contract because Arteta and Yakubu have overtaken him in the wage stakes.If there’s a better offer from another club,I think he’d be advised to take it.
Sorry he didn’t make it here,though.

Winston Zeddmore
13 Posted 30/10/2007 at 14:44:07

If the time comes when johnson is surplus to requirements at goodison its going to be difficult methinks to get a side to take him off us. Its been a poor return for 9 million pounds so far, and i think we can only hope to get back half the fee we paid for him. Also johnson would desire to go to someone with similar ambitions as ourselves and as a club of similar size. He left palace to join a bigger team (thats us), and turned down spurs i think, but there is no way we can hope to recoup the 9 million we paid to get him back. Whats the betting he ends up at aston villa or birmingham? (providing they stay up of course)