The Mail Bag
On Reflection...
Comments (45)
Having endured a dull game tonight I have made some observations.
Jagielka was quality, future captain? Much better than Neville, in all areas. Ok, so his distribution is just as poor, but then centre backs are not known for there passing, and they don't really need to possess great passing skills.
Neville on the other hand is on the flanks, so he has to possess passing abilities, something that he lacks in great quantities.
Carsley to me seems to be getting slower and slower, once a great servant, but now he is starting to show his age, and against better opposition than this Norwegian lot, he would be exposed.
Cahill, can't play in a 4-man midfield. End of story.
Osman, needed to stand up and be counted as he had nobody else to shift the responsibility too, and I have to say that he impressed.
Fernandes, flitted in and out of the game in a position he is clearly not comfortable with. Must do better though.
Yakubu, he has to know what he is doing because there were times I saw him jogging, and then the next I saw him chasing back and winning the ball. Scores goals, willing to chase back. What else do we want?
AJ, summer bid wouldn't go a miss. I'm sorry but he offers very little up front, and the fact he has scored in the Derby means nothing to me, no immunity from me. Ok, so he runs the channels, but to what end? Throw-in? Why doesn't he use his pace to break free of the last man, he's a centre forward, he ain't going to score goals on the wing.
Cheebs, well its clear to me, he is only effective when coming on in the last 15mins. But to be fair, his goal was made by the pass, he had very little to do. Jury is out on him till he impresses from the start.
But, happy with the result. Would have liked to have seen Rodwell introduced for more experience, sounds like he is tearing up trees in the lower ranks.
On Reflection, it is looking good. Still winning, and still playing crap. Imagine when we start performing.
Nick Toye, Posted 13/02/2008 at 21:51:43
Comments
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Sean Condon
2 Posted 14/02/2008 at 04:10:57
2 Posted 14/02/2008 at 04:10:57
Not to rain on a parade... but does PN have the worst skill-set (and footy brain) in the league?
He must just be fucking magic in that room.
David Moore
3 Posted 14/02/2008 at 05:48:36
3 Posted 14/02/2008 at 05:48:36
Can anybody send a link to where i can watch the highlights. I couldn;t see it in Australia and doubt any of the news stations will have it on.
Cheers
Cheers
Jimmy Crack
4 Posted 14/02/2008 at 05:55:33
4 Posted 14/02/2008 at 05:55:33
http://efc1878.blogspot.com/
This chick does match reports pretty consistently and decent quality videos
This chick does match reports pretty consistently and decent quality videos
peter bourke
5 Posted 14/02/2008 at 07:41:56
5 Posted 14/02/2008 at 07:41:56
Nick, i wouldn’t read too much into the individual performances in this game. The pitch was crap and these are difficult games to dominate.
Cahill CAN play in a 4 man midfield end of story. I thought he did well all things considered.
Just relax and let history be written.
Cahill CAN play in a 4 man midfield end of story. I thought he did well all things considered.
Just relax and let history be written.
Ben Jackson
6 Posted 14/02/2008 at 08:24:10
6 Posted 14/02/2008 at 08:24:10
I agree with Peter, you can’t really look at this game to judge individual performances. It was a horrible game on a crap pitch but we got a great win. In regards to Cahill, I do think he can play in a 4 man midfield, but not the one we had out last night. There were a few occasions where he was able to make the sort of runs in to the box that made him famous. The final ball was just awful!
I agree he is very effective in a 5 man midfield but not when he’s adopted as a second striker like he has been this season. He is a midfielder and now we have at least 2 strikers that are going to start games I think with a good final ball he’ll prove effective again. I would go for a midfield four of Osman, Fernandes, Cahill, Arteta.
I agree he is very effective in a 5 man midfield but not when he’s adopted as a second striker like he has been this season. He is a midfielder and now we have at least 2 strikers that are going to start games I think with a good final ball he’ll prove effective again. I would go for a midfield four of Osman, Fernandes, Cahill, Arteta.
Ben Jackson
7 Posted 14/02/2008 at 08:36:47
7 Posted 14/02/2008 at 08:36:47
Sorry, Pienaar, Fernades, Cahill, Arteta.
Chris Keightley
8 Posted 14/02/2008 at 08:29:18
8 Posted 14/02/2008 at 08:29:18
2-0 away from home thank-you very much, have to say im shocked that neville can find a place in evertons 11, he was dire, crossing absymal, passing well did he make a pass to his own players?? fernandes looked lost, some of his passes across field were awful, setting up numerous counter attacks, cahill as i said in a previous thread lacked quality and went missing for most of the game.
Whatever is said about yak and johnson i thought they worked very hard upfront, and showed that they could form a nice partnership.
Osman was good tonight but can play better, great goal, but for me jagielka who took so much stick by many submitters on here after only a few games out of position, shame on you all-was outstanding again !!! on his current form engalnd honours?? anichebe was great when he came on i like him strong powerful forward, upsets defences and scores should start more games could be a legend i liken him to big dunc and thats saying something.
Yobo had a good game as did Roger although he dallied on the ball to often.
Carsley tired but will find his form again needed a rest.
Howard great shot stopper otherwise average only in goal because of reputation with manure there are better keepers out there.
Whatever is said about yak and johnson i thought they worked very hard upfront, and showed that they could form a nice partnership.
Osman was good tonight but can play better, great goal, but for me jagielka who took so much stick by many submitters on here after only a few games out of position, shame on you all-was outstanding again !!! on his current form engalnd honours?? anichebe was great when he came on i like him strong powerful forward, upsets defences and scores should start more games could be a legend i liken him to big dunc and thats saying something.
Yobo had a good game as did Roger although he dallied on the ball to often.
Carsley tired but will find his form again needed a rest.
Howard great shot stopper otherwise average only in goal because of reputation with manure there are better keepers out there.
David Nicholls
9 Posted 14/02/2008 at 08:24:25
9 Posted 14/02/2008 at 08:24:25
Jimmy, I think you are being overly harsh on Manuel Fernades. Ok, so he didn’t have the best of games but he was playing out of position and he’s still ,I feel, a little short on match fitness. You compare him to our other creative midfielders but he’s still so young. Osman (who is five years older) has struggled for consistency at times but is now looking the part. I’ve seen enough from him since he came back to convince me that we should pay anything up to £10m for him in the summer. I genuinely think he will become one of the top midfielders in the prem.
Brian Noble
10 Posted 14/02/2008 at 08:53:18
10 Posted 14/02/2008 at 08:53:18
All in all,a job well done.But is it not time the Club got Neville tested for colour-blindness?I’m not joking,it’s a serious affliction and i just cannot believe a player with his experience -56 Caps and all that- can constanly find opposition players with such unerring accuracy.He’s putting untold pressur on defender colleagues in every match he plays.It cannot go on!
Colin Malone
11 Posted 14/02/2008 at 09:10:07
11 Posted 14/02/2008 at 09:10:07
Ben Jackson, who,s going to win you the ball? Lee Carsley is so important to us.
Nick Yakubu had a cracking game.
Nick Yakubu had a cracking game.
Tony Part
12 Posted 14/02/2008 at 09:47:57
12 Posted 14/02/2008 at 09:47:57
First and foremost Yakubu and Jagielka had outstanding games..Only a goal was missing from Yaks game..If Rooney had put in a performance of leading the line like that and holding the ball the media would be on about him taking on the world.. Jags and Yobo were fantasic..Jagielka is the most inform centre half in the league right now and Yobo looked as though he had never been away.. Neville you know what you get with him..Cant pass a ball to a blue shirt but is Hibbert better at that either? Aside from that I think Neville is good defensively at right back..Lescott always looks immpressive no matter where he plays..Osman looked a bit uncomfortable wide left and I dont think he will play there much but he still produced a beauty..Carsley same as Neville..Good stopper and limited passing ability but very reliable..Fernandes..Not a wide player and looked uncomfortable..Doesnt look anywhere near match fit due to his lack of game sat Valencia so Im going to give hime the benefit of the doubt for a few more weeks though will be worried for his place once Pienaar is back..Cahill did a decent job without being outstanding,always plays better in five man midfield..AJ did lots of running but evidently we didnt give him much service, still look for the long ball to his head far too often..We need a genuine wide midfielder in the summer, somebody who looks comfortable getting to the by-line on both flanks..Anichebe as we have known for some time is our secret weapon form the bench preferrably with 20-25 minutes left when the opposition is tiring.. All in all it was a good nights work that looks to have put to bed a potential banana skin tie..Rest easy and you cant argue with that..
Nick Toye
13 Posted 14/02/2008 at 10:01:02
13 Posted 14/02/2008 at 10:01:02
Ok, I never said Yak had a bad game, I was actually saying that he played well and other than score a goal did everything we asked of him.
Cahill can’t play in a 4 man midfield and everyone knows it. Lets try not to sugar coat him. Other than that burst forward he did very little.
Also I can judge players on performances, how else are we to judge? Do we discount every game where the pitch was poor? That’s ridiculous.
It was a good result, and as for Yak and Jags - credit where its due, they were excellent tonight. But I won’t sugar coat other performances based on there previous exploits.
Cahill can’t play in a 4 man midfield and everyone knows it. Lets try not to sugar coat him. Other than that burst forward he did very little.
Also I can judge players on performances, how else are we to judge? Do we discount every game where the pitch was poor? That’s ridiculous.
It was a good result, and as for Yak and Jags - credit where its due, they were excellent tonight. But I won’t sugar coat other performances based on there previous exploits.
Chris Riley
14 Posted 14/02/2008 at 10:00:51
14 Posted 14/02/2008 at 10:00:51
Some people are never happy!
2-0 away from home in europe is a good result and a Job well done. Why is it you feel the need to question every players ability in your assessment of last nights game?
Even tha fact that Big Vic came off the bench and scored again, some how ends up in a dig at the lad!
Face facts we some times do not play as well as we can, and other times we over achieve! as long as the results keep coming surely that is all that matters!
2-0 away from home in europe is a good result and a Job well done. Why is it you feel the need to question every players ability in your assessment of last nights game?
Even tha fact that Big Vic came off the bench and scored again, some how ends up in a dig at the lad!
Face facts we some times do not play as well as we can, and other times we over achieve! as long as the results keep coming surely that is all that matters!
Zac Manning
15 Posted 14/02/2008 at 10:08:16
15 Posted 14/02/2008 at 10:08:16
Got to agree about Neville-his appalling distribution simply creates pressure rather than alleviating it.Whatever Moyes says about ’Captain Fantastic’ and however loudly the Echo sings to the same hymn sheet,Evertonians are not so easily fooled and have never taken the Manc to their hearts.Personally I prefer Hibbo but perhaps that’s just because he’s one of us!
Peter Bourke
16 Posted 14/02/2008 at 10:09:46
16 Posted 14/02/2008 at 10:09:46
you must be blind nick.
Didn?t Cahill smash that Brann guy and won the ball leading to the Osman goal. Just another example of a critical play being overlooked because either some people know nothing about football or some players will never be able to please some supporters. I?m sick of hearing people saying Cahill went missing or was annonymus when he does more work in 90 minutes than most of us do in a week.
Didn?t Cahill smash that Brann guy and won the ball leading to the Osman goal. Just another example of a critical play being overlooked because either some people know nothing about football or some players will never be able to please some supporters. I?m sick of hearing people saying Cahill went missing or was annonymus when he does more work in 90 minutes than most of us do in a week.
Nick Toye
17 Posted 14/02/2008 at 10:16:43
17 Posted 14/02/2008 at 10:16:43
I’ve got 20/20 vision Peter. One tackle and one shot isn’t enough for me to justify Cahill in a 4 man midfield. He is much much more effective in a 5 man midfield. I know it, Barry Horne and Pat Nevin agreed it on C5 last night.
Fact is if we had Arteta and Pienaar available, we would go with 5 in midfield and drop AJ.
Fact is if we had Arteta and Pienaar available, we would go with 5 in midfield and drop AJ.
Peter Bourke
18 Posted 14/02/2008 at 10:22:28
18 Posted 14/02/2008 at 10:22:28
No offence Nick as you are entitled to your opinion. But it must be your first name that seems to be the problem. Read the article by Nick Harris from The Independent in the news section of TW and you will understand what I mean.
Ben Jackson
19 Posted 14/02/2008 at 10:28:39
19 Posted 14/02/2008 at 10:28:39
Colin, fernandes has the potential to be a ball winner. I know Carsley is important to us but he isn’t going to be around much longer (to play at the top level anyway) and if we make the Champions League I guarantee Moyes will replace him. The midfield I mentioned would play as a nice tight unit when defending which would work well. I know Cahill hasn’t been the best of late but he’s definately still one of our most effective midfielders. There’s no doubting that. Don’t get me wrong, if we do buy clever in the summer he’s gunna find it tough because there are much better players we can get hold of, but for now I think he’s still a valuable player, whatever formation we play.
Michael Tracey
20 Posted 14/02/2008 at 10:09:19
20 Posted 14/02/2008 at 10:09:19
Nick Cahill can play in a four man midfield! He plays in that position for the Socceroos and seems to do very well there! The style of play is different! Also The Socceroos do actually have a holding midfielder who can pass the ball though!
Nick Toye
21 Posted 14/02/2008 at 10:33:50
21 Posted 14/02/2008 at 10:33:50
@Peter,
Well first names mean sweet fa. I have given constructive criticism, that Nick Harris has just lambasted the whole side and was very harsh.
Although he was right in his first paragraph, we were lucky as they could have scored two or three in the first half. But then he just talks crap and make’s up a quote - which for me clearly typifies journalism in this country. Fortunately I don’t read the Independent so have no reason to let it upset me.
Ok, Michael Tracey - if we had the players available would Moyes go with a 451 and Cahill supporting the striker? I suspect he would every time. I do agree about the holding midfielder issue. Carsley is a sunday league player who just boots it and has no panache. Although many kiss his arse too.
Must be Dogs of War still.
Well first names mean sweet fa. I have given constructive criticism, that Nick Harris has just lambasted the whole side and was very harsh.
Although he was right in his first paragraph, we were lucky as they could have scored two or three in the first half. But then he just talks crap and make’s up a quote - which for me clearly typifies journalism in this country. Fortunately I don’t read the Independent so have no reason to let it upset me.
Ok, Michael Tracey - if we had the players available would Moyes go with a 451 and Cahill supporting the striker? I suspect he would every time. I do agree about the holding midfielder issue. Carsley is a sunday league player who just boots it and has no panache. Although many kiss his arse too.
Must be Dogs of War still.
Paul Chisholm
22 Posted 14/02/2008 at 10:07:50
22 Posted 14/02/2008 at 10:07:50
Good result, average performance. Conclusions are that Neville should be replaced asap, as his distribution is worse than Hibbert’s (if that’s possible), i’d personally give Baines a try at RB. I also feel that AJ is at best a lower prem player, and nowhere near good enough for a team hoping to challenge the big 3. His second touch is usually a tackle and he’s as likely to score as I am with Angelina Jolie. I feel its now time to give Vaughney a run in the team, as his work rate is on par with AJ’s, however he’s more direct and therefore more likely to stick the ball in the net. On a positive note, Jagielka was once again outstanding, and the Yak put in a shift that a Welsh miner would be proud of.
Nick Toye
23 Posted 14/02/2008 at 10:40:48
23 Posted 14/02/2008 at 10:40:48
@Paul Chisholm,
Great post, spot on and fairly humorous too.
Great post, spot on and fairly humorous too.
Mark Pendleton
24 Posted 14/02/2008 at 10:33:49
24 Posted 14/02/2008 at 10:33:49
First of all, job done and job done well. In terms of assessing individual players i’d have to say the following:
Jagielka is looking fantastic at the moment. Fair play to him as he’s come in and must at the moment be one of the first names on the teamsheet. The only downside is that his distribution isn’t the best but in his position it’s not critical (Hibbo suffers as for full backs distribution is much more important).
Yakubu enjoyed one of him best performances for us last night. I thought he could have gone one of two ways - sulked like a schoolboy that’s been told off or put in a performance his manager, teammates and himself could be proud of. Fortunately he did the latter and was full of running, quality touches and generally looked different class.
AJ ran and ran as we expect and is doing a great job, especially benefitting from support up front but we see the best out of him when we play a five man midfield with support from Tim and especially then when Pienaar and Arteta are free to play him in with the right kind of service.
Cahill is simply not suited to being in a four man midfield. But he works hard and does it when he has to and doesn’t complain about it.
Carsley has not got the legs nor the ability to play in a four man midfield. Put him in that role between the defence and midfield and he excels, STILL. I don’t like to see him criticised after last night as he is simply not going to perform well when he has to cover the ground and pick out passes rather than his aforementioned role.
Fernandes is class. By all accounts he was playing with an injury last night and we know he’s woefully short of match fitness. We know how impressive he looked last time on loan when he had that and i think we’ll see it again.
IMHO we really miss Pienaar and when he and Arteta are central to a five man midfield all the pieces fall into place.
In summary, we’ve not done too badly getting the reuslts and winning a bit ugly while these players have been unavailable and we know Moyes is trying to play good football and has assembled quite a few players now who can do that.
Jagielka is looking fantastic at the moment. Fair play to him as he’s come in and must at the moment be one of the first names on the teamsheet. The only downside is that his distribution isn’t the best but in his position it’s not critical (Hibbo suffers as for full backs distribution is much more important).
Yakubu enjoyed one of him best performances for us last night. I thought he could have gone one of two ways - sulked like a schoolboy that’s been told off or put in a performance his manager, teammates and himself could be proud of. Fortunately he did the latter and was full of running, quality touches and generally looked different class.
AJ ran and ran as we expect and is doing a great job, especially benefitting from support up front but we see the best out of him when we play a five man midfield with support from Tim and especially then when Pienaar and Arteta are free to play him in with the right kind of service.
Cahill is simply not suited to being in a four man midfield. But he works hard and does it when he has to and doesn’t complain about it.
Carsley has not got the legs nor the ability to play in a four man midfield. Put him in that role between the defence and midfield and he excels, STILL. I don’t like to see him criticised after last night as he is simply not going to perform well when he has to cover the ground and pick out passes rather than his aforementioned role.
Fernandes is class. By all accounts he was playing with an injury last night and we know he’s woefully short of match fitness. We know how impressive he looked last time on loan when he had that and i think we’ll see it again.
IMHO we really miss Pienaar and when he and Arteta are central to a five man midfield all the pieces fall into place.
In summary, we’ve not done too badly getting the reuslts and winning a bit ugly while these players have been unavailable and we know Moyes is trying to play good football and has assembled quite a few players now who can do that.
Michael Tracey
25 Posted 14/02/2008 at 10:50:23
25 Posted 14/02/2008 at 10:50:23
Nick I never said that 451 wouldn’t of been played if all men were fit! I was just saying that you are wrong about Cahill in a 4 man midfield. People who say he can’t play in a 4 man mid obviously know nothing about the game! 451 is our best formation and our players are suited to that! We score alot of goals that way! Cahill at the moment is the Fall Guy of the team for whatever reason! People who say he can’t play in a 4 man mid obviously know nothing about the game!
Chris Briddon
26 Posted 14/02/2008 at 11:06:44
26 Posted 14/02/2008 at 11:06:44
People think Cahill can’t play in a 4 man midfield - not true. The fact is playing him in a 4 takes away one of his strengths, so he is not as effective to the team.
In a 5 he has a free role and can get forward a lot more, in a 4 he has to be more controlled. He still does a good job, just not the job he does in a 5 so isn’t as noticeably effective.
In a 5 he has a free role and can get forward a lot more, in a 4 he has to be more controlled. He still does a good job, just not the job he does in a 5 so isn’t as noticeably effective.
David Cornmell
27 Posted 14/02/2008 at 11:15:46
27 Posted 14/02/2008 at 11:15:46
David Moore - Ummm, I’m currently on my hollybags in your wonderful country right now, and watched the game live on Setanta sports through the Foxtel pay TV you’ve got out here.
Over a few breakfast ales also watched the highlights on Fox Sports News.
How long you lived out here mate?
Over a few breakfast ales also watched the highlights on Fox Sports News.
How long you lived out here mate?
David Torley
28 Posted 14/02/2008 at 11:31:47
28 Posted 14/02/2008 at 11:31:47
What a dismal 2-0 away win against a team that will be in the Champions League next season.
Six straight wins in Europe. Dreadful.
What would Tony Thomas and Mitch Ward make of it I wonder?
Six straight wins in Europe. Dreadful.
What would Tony Thomas and Mitch Ward make of it I wonder?
Nick Toye
29 Posted 14/02/2008 at 11:35:00
29 Posted 14/02/2008 at 11:35:00
Well people who say Cahill can’t play in a 442 know nothing about football. I would say there are a few who would disagree, those like Barry Horne.
Nick Toye
30 Posted 14/02/2008 at 11:36:12
30 Posted 14/02/2008 at 11:36:12
I just think Cahill is wasted in a 4 man midfield because he has to get involved in tackling, and not doing what he does best which is supporting the striker.
I would rather see Cahill supporting the striker rather than see him a 4 man midfield getting lost while AJ continues his fruitless runs down the wing.
That’s all I’m saying.
I would rather see Cahill supporting the striker rather than see him a 4 man midfield getting lost while AJ continues his fruitless runs down the wing.
That’s all I’m saying.
Patty Beesley
31 Posted 14/02/2008 at 12:05:12
31 Posted 14/02/2008 at 12:05:12
Why be so critical and/or pessimistic? We are getting there and if anyone had told me we would get this far in the UEFA cup at the start I probably wouldn?t have believed them after our jolly venture into football in Europe last time.
I would like to send a message to the boys in blue - Let?s hear it for the boys .... you are all my Valentines today. Well done - I am so pleased and thrilled with the way you are undertaking this Season.
Long may it continue.
I would like to send a message to the boys in blue - Let?s hear it for the boys .... you are all my Valentines today. Well done - I am so pleased and thrilled with the way you are undertaking this Season.
Long may it continue.
Tommy Nune
32 Posted 14/02/2008 at 12:16:06
32 Posted 14/02/2008 at 12:16:06
Is it me or does anyone else think Yakubu’s passing ability is tremendous? I know he shouldn’t be playing so deep but some of the cross field balls really open up the game for us, or they would if neville wasn’t so slow to get the ball out of his feet.
Yakubu future centre mid?
Yakubu future centre mid?
Tony Williams
33 Posted 14/02/2008 at 13:15:55
33 Posted 14/02/2008 at 13:15:55
Just once I would love a days grace before all the poster who have to continually pick faults in the team start their tirade of abusing players.
FFS we have just won 2-0 away to the reigning Norwegian Champions, lets have a day to enjoy it before start having a go at players.
Saying that I am with Brian Noble and his colour blind theory (whistle)
FFS we have just won 2-0 away to the reigning Norwegian Champions, lets have a day to enjoy it before start having a go at players.
Saying that I am with Brian Noble and his colour blind theory (whistle)
John Wells
34 Posted 14/02/2008 at 13:19:53
34 Posted 14/02/2008 at 13:19:53
Dave Moore, the match was televised live on Stentana Sports on foxtel as will the 2nd Leg I added to my options for 6 dollars a month.
Re Manny knockers he is obviously taking time to settle back after not playing for 6 months and is obviously carrying a couple injuries. Give him time and just look at how Yak and Jags have come on after a bit of time to settle in and get used toplaying for the Blues
Re Manny knockers he is obviously taking time to settle back after not playing for 6 months and is obviously carrying a couple injuries. Give him time and just look at how Yak and Jags have come on after a bit of time to settle in and get used toplaying for the Blues
Allan Hobbs
35 Posted 14/02/2008 at 13:33:03
35 Posted 14/02/2008 at 13:33:03
Rather than pick holes in a 2-0 away win in the last 32 that practically guarantees us passage into the last 16, try reading this (balanced/truthful) article on last nights game.
Tell it like it is.
Support your team no matter what.
Back them, don’t slate them.
http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,,2256270,00.html
Tell it like it is.
Support your team no matter what.
Back them, don’t slate them.
http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,,2256270,00.html
Nick Entwistle
36 Posted 14/02/2008 at 08:21:26
36 Posted 14/02/2008 at 08:21:26
Moyes Half Time Team Talk: "I had to tell the players at half-time that there's a set of posts up one end and you're supposed to put the ball between them"
Brilliant!
Allan Hobbs
37 Posted 14/02/2008 at 13:39:22
37 Posted 14/02/2008 at 13:39:22
Davey’s a genius!
Tony Williams
38 Posted 14/02/2008 at 13:46:23
38 Posted 14/02/2008 at 13:46:23
"Moyes Half Time Team Talk: "I had to tell the players at half-time that there’s a set of posts up one end and you’re supposed to put the ball between them"
Brilliant! "
Just let Keegan read that!!
Brilliant! "
Just let Keegan read that!!
David Barks
39 Posted 14/02/2008 at 13:31:25
39 Posted 14/02/2008 at 13:31:25
Cahill did a descent job in the 4 man midfield last night. His job wasn’t to be getting forward constantly. He was creating space to receive a pass, getting it to others, his tackle was what set up the first goal. He’s suppose to look like a different player in a 4 man midfield because he’s being asked to play a different position. It was a comfortable 2-0 win away from home, 6 straight wins in Europe, still unbeaten in 2008, and without Arteta and Pienaar. I’ll take it every day of the week.
Tony Waverleas
40 Posted 14/02/2008 at 13:41:05
40 Posted 14/02/2008 at 13:41:05
So now it’s Jagielka for captain is it? Jesus wept. Is this the same player that had all the sideline experts up in arms not so long ago?
All the usual suspects were crawling all over this place slagging both him for his displays and Moyes for his signing. But now? A bit different isn’t it?
But there always has to be a target doesn’t there? So, step into the void left by young Phil if you would please Tim. Or will it be Manuel?
And meanwhile David Moyes quietly gets on with an excellent job...
All the usual suspects were crawling all over this place slagging both him for his displays and Moyes for his signing. But now? A bit different isn’t it?
But there always has to be a target doesn’t there? So, step into the void left by young Phil if you would please Tim. Or will it be Manuel?
And meanwhile David Moyes quietly gets on with an excellent job...
Craig Taylor
41 Posted 14/02/2008 at 09:29:50
41 Posted 14/02/2008 at 09:29:50
When I say tough job, I appreciate Brann were not that good. But (as Liverpool have found before HA, HA!!!) its tough to break through a team who has 11 men behind the ball. I think we had to be patient, we were and it paid off.
Cahill looks knackered and could of done with an extra break after his Aussie game (Yakubu isn't too thick). Fernandes is no winger but to the few who are writing him off, 1. He isnt match fit and was playing with and injury. 2. He is a natural replacement for Carsley, but with skill and abilty to pick a pass.
Finally, with the space we were getting on the right wing in the first half it would have been nice to have seen Shandy given a run at some stage.
Adam Carey
42 Posted 14/02/2008 at 11:51:36
42 Posted 14/02/2008 at 11:51:36
Although it wasn't the greatest performance we now seem to be picking up that art of winning even when playing average/badly.
All in all, a professional job away in Europe against a team who have won their own league. That's 2 league champions we've beaton this season in the UEFA cup.
On a slightly different note, someone added a link to a site that shows all the Everton goals. My old pc crashed and it got lost. Can anyone remind me? Thanks.
James Martin
43 Posted 14/02/2008 at 15:28:08
43 Posted 14/02/2008 at 15:28:08
Didn’t see the game last night but against Reading I lost count of the times Neville gave pinpoint passes to Stephen Hunt. Given that, and the fact that this season we’ve seen the team CAN play attractive passing football on the deck, it’s understandable that there’s some frustration. however, we should take into account certain facts which, imo, have caused this dip in form. Our back four are not great passers. Most teams’ defences aren’t. The good footie we play comes through the midfield. In our 13 match unbeaten run we were playing with the 5 man midfield. Of those, 5 Cahill an Cars are obviously knackered, Stevie P has been out for weeks, Osman’s just coming back to form after his injury and Arteta is seen by everyone as our dangerman and marked more tightly as a consequence. If you throw in the fact that our top scorer has been out, I think a reasonable conclusion is that a combination of missing players, tiredness and individual dips in form are naturally going to take their toll on what is a small squad.
Kieran Fitzgerald
44 Posted 15/02/2008 at 17:04:14
44 Posted 15/02/2008 at 17:04:14
Fernandes with pre season training under his belt should be a much improved player. If he?s the type of player that is being hailed as Carsley?s replacement it?s a bit unfair to have a go when he hasn?t played all season.
I think Neville came with a quality reputation, having come from Utd. Also, because he?s a cracking pro, and has a very sensible head on him, he got alot more grace than other signings.I think he?s starting to get found out though at this stage of his Everton career.
In general, alot of players are starting to get very tired. We?ve played alot of games with a small squad. Between now and the end of March we have alot of games coming up because of the easter programme being early this year. I just hope that with Pienaar back it gives Moyes the opportunity to rotate the likes of Arteta and Cahill out of the team and give them the break they need. The problem is that we need all of them on the pitch to really give the team decent creativity.
I think Neville came with a quality reputation, having come from Utd. Also, because he?s a cracking pro, and has a very sensible head on him, he got alot more grace than other signings.I think he?s starting to get found out though at this stage of his Everton career.
In general, alot of players are starting to get very tired. We?ve played alot of games with a small squad. Between now and the end of March we have alot of games coming up because of the easter programme being early this year. I just hope that with Pienaar back it gives Moyes the opportunity to rotate the likes of Arteta and Cahill out of the team and give them the break they need. The problem is that we need all of them on the pitch to really give the team decent creativity.
Teddy Draper
45 Posted 15/02/2008 at 18:05:37
45 Posted 15/02/2008 at 18:05:37
Having been an Evertonian for 62 years, also having seen the best (and the worst) in that time, I think i am allowed to pass a small criticism on one of the so-called darlings of the present squad.
A lot of posts have said the jury's still out on Manuel Fernades. My verdict is he's too lightweight, in the tackle, on the ball, all-around play is just not quite good enough. I hope I'm proved wrong, but we still need a driving force (oh for another Tony Kay... ?ask your dads).
Still just another old guy dreaming of past glories, and possibly things to come, we just need that extra spark to add to a very good squad. COYB.
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1 Posted 13/02/2008 at 23:35:51
I feel there are more doubts than optimism. He seems to be so inconsistent and in this game against Brann seemed either disinterested or out of his comfort zone. Yes, he was supposed to have been injured but he was fit enough to play most of the game. Osman showed him what it is all about, playing anywhere you are asked yet still giving all and scoring a great goal.
Hope I am wrong about Manny but for me long term, he is a very questionable also ran and does not compare to Mikel, Steve Pienaar & Leon Osman for enthuesiasm or skill. He has a lot to prove before he is worth a full contract and on his form since his return I think we should be looking elsewhere in the summer to strenghten midfield.