ToffeeWeb - Season 2007-08

Adam Bennett
1 Posted 27/04/2008 at 20:33:28

Naaaa... he will stay.

Gary Creaney
2 Posted 27/04/2008 at 20:45:54

My word, Ray ? that is some conclusion you have reached. Pure tripe as far as I?m concerned.

Connor Rohrer
3 Posted 27/04/2008 at 20:52:34

Perhaps maybe he?s injured? I?m no expert but he isn?t moving freely and he doesn?t look comfortable when in full stride. The groin and stomach injuries are effecting him in my opinion.

Mikel loves being here and he is one of the few Everton players who entertains. He?s not perfect and he has defieciencies in his game, yes, but he?s still a good player and one we cannot afford to lose.

I?m positive he will stay.

Marc Williams
4 Posted 27/04/2008 at 20:56:40

I hope he stays as my 10 year old daughter Megan will be inconsolable if he leaves but there?s something really wrong as he?s obviously NOT happy at the mo?. Maybe it?s these injuries & dip in form or maybe it?s deeper.

As me Ma? says "there?s no smoke without fire " and there are consistent stories that he misses his girlfriend (who?s moved back to Spain) & that he wants to get into the Spanish squad. Just listen to what his agent keeps leaking to the press. Couple that with the abuse he has had from some sections & maybe he?s reached the conclusion that Everton have gone as far as they can (the infamous glass ceiling) and it?s time to move on.

Duncan Mclachlan
5 Posted 27/04/2008 at 21:14:29

The word in the 100 Club was he spent so long in Spain setting up a deal for himself with ?????. He was late back and thus got bollocked by Moyes.

Rumour or what?

Tony Part
6 Posted 27/04/2008 at 21:34:31

Utter negative bollocks... It may do some people well to watch the actual progression of the maych rather than the body language of players warming up on the touch line..Its a bit weird actually... I am more concerned with the fact that it looks like we are now second favorites to get that fifth spot given the games we have left compared to Villa?s and they have a slight better goal difference which will probably improve more for them after our likely defeat at Arsenal.

Chris Cook
7 Posted 27/04/2008 at 21:48:15

If his free-kicks this season are anything to go by, I wouldn?t mind cashing in on him for Fernandes...

Jim Hourigan
8 Posted 27/04/2008 at 21:32:48

I think some of you see conspiracy and double dealing at the drop of a hat. Apparently just because he?s a ?johnny foreigner? he?s got no loyalty and can?t be trusted. I even heard some idiot on Radio City saying he doesn?t throw his head into tackles and block people like Carsley and somehow this shows his lack of interest in Everton. What a complete and utter load of bollocks, the lad is class but is having a poor run because he?s not 100% fit, and yes that does mean for a player like Arteta it can mean he looks disinterested but don?t mistake that for wanting to leave. I suppose despite him going on record and saying he?s staying and signing a new contract he can?t be trusted cos he?s a foreigner ? jingoistic claptrap!!!

If he goes, and I don?t think he has any intention of going, he will be no different from any other Premier League footballer ? offer them more money and the chance of winning trophies and they will leave ? British or Foreign. And, if you or I were playing, it would be exactly the same no matter how much we love Everton ? that?s the reality, these are players plying their trade ? not supporters living their dreams.

Robert Moore
9 Posted 27/04/2008 at 21:51:34

PLEASE dont be starting rumours ? they grow & then become true...

Andy Brittenden
10 Posted 27/04/2008 at 21:52:13

On a slightly different note I thought that Manny looked really gutted when he was subbed today as if he had resigned himself to the fact that we are not gonna try and sign him. Especially since YET AGAIN he got stuck out on the wing where he is less effective!!!

Johnny Conk
11 Posted 27/04/2008 at 21:56:03

Arteta was to blame for Villa's second goal... he didn't put the effort in to close down Barry... To be honest, he has been rubbish for months...

Villa will win their last two games, we will get nailed by Arsenal then beat the Barcodes, but finish 6th courtesy of a poorer goal difference...

However, by either the Intertoto or the Fair Play League, we will still be in the Uefa Cup next season...

No more chat.

Matty Dawkins
12 Posted 27/04/2008 at 21:55:42

Ray

Please stop this silly rumour mongering - the boy hasn?t played for nigh on 4 weeks, this silly speculation has been going on for far too long (Duncan had it for most of his Everton career). The papers and the media would love to think he was moving on but he?s going nowhere!!!!!

COYB!

Ray Robinson
13 Posted 27/04/2008 at 22:22:04

Not rumour-mongering. Maybe it is his injury but he simply looks less interested than he used to. That’s an observation.

Mark Pendleton
14 Posted 27/04/2008 at 22:33:37

Why did Andy Gray mention the fans being worried about Arteta not committing himself to Everton? The guy recently signed a long term deal and stated how happy he was at the club and how he hoped to be here for "many years".

Paul Flaherty
15 Posted 27/04/2008 at 22:31:34

Truthfully thought Arteta and Moyes cost us 3 points today. Watch him try to turn and close down Barry for the 2nd goal and see the grimace as his groin would not allow him. he should not be picked and should not play if his injury is that bad. I thought he looked scared to commit on a wet pitch in case it went again.

Love the little man, hope he stays, but needs to be 100% fit again.

Matty Dawkins
16 Posted 27/04/2008 at 22:38:59

Mark

The reason Andy Gray would say such a thing is because he is a fucking wooden headed ignorant prick... He never has anything positive to say about us and quite frankly I find him nausiating to listen to. He makes me sick!!!!!!!!!!!

Neil Pearse
17 Posted 27/04/2008 at 22:40:39

Thought the boys were a lot better all round today. Some passion again, and not before time. But a big Moyes error I agree sending on Arteta. Manny would have closed Barry down. Odd actually for Moyes to make in effect a very attacking substitution. Still a mistake.

As for Arteta, since he is so obviously not fit (with an old injury apparently), and no doubt unhappy that he is now almost certain to miss out on the Spanish squad for Euro 2008, I don’t think you can read too much into his body language.

Jay Harris
18 Posted 27/04/2008 at 22:43:27

Some of you guys must be the same ones who came on here slating Fernandes when it was patently obvious he was unfit but playing to help the team out in an injury crisis. Although I have to question why Moyes took Manny off for Arteta when we were playing so well at that point.

Steve Smith
19 Posted 27/04/2008 at 23:17:10

If we had of kept Fernandes on and drawn 2-2 people would be on here asking why Moyes didn?t make an attacking substitution like Arteta when we were 1-0 up and on top. With some people he (Moyes) just can?t win.

Gutted we havent won today and put the issue to bed, but we did just beat our highest ever points total in the PL and for 2/3 of the season we were battling hard and well on 3 fronts.

We are still improving and with a bit of activity in the summer, hopefully an couple of midfielders and a striker we will continue to next year.

Selling Arteta makes no sense at all.

Paul Maguire
20 Posted 27/04/2008 at 23:24:11

There was smoke coming from Manny's ears as he sat in the stand after being subbed. Even when we scored he stayed seated with a furious looking scowl.

really really hope that he is signed as he was wonderful on the ball today and certainly gave us some attacking options as well as closing down some of Villa' attacks from midfield. He really does look class.

Andy Hegan
21 Posted 27/04/2008 at 23:50:11

Derby County match actually

Connor Rohrer
22 Posted 27/04/2008 at 23:51:14

I’d have took AJ off and went 4-5-1 to be honest. Moved Fernandes centrally, Arteta on the right and Osman supporting Yakubu.

We needed someone to put there foot on the ball and Fernandes and Arteta couldn’t do that playing wide right, Osman was having a bit of an off day and it isn’t Carsley’s game.

Andy Hegan
23 Posted 27/04/2008 at 23:52:37

Can there be any deluded Arteta fans left after he somehow dragged the ball out for a goal kick down at the Street end when there was no Villa player anywhere near him? If so then how about his disappearance when Barry crossed for their second goal?

Paul Foster
24 Posted 28/04/2008 at 05:40:37

For such a talented player, why is he so rubbish at taking corners. Villa always threatened from a corner and scored from one and we had lofty balls going straight out or not clearing the 1st defender. His dead ball taking has been rubbish. Still a class act though.

EJ Smythe
25 Posted 28/04/2008 at 07:04:42

I rather thought Fernandes would be leaving instead. When Yobo scored the 2nd goal, and the cameras zoomed in on Moyes, Fernandes didn’t even bat an eyelid.

Dave Whitwell
26 Posted 28/04/2008 at 08:21:39

Isn’t Cahill back in Australia for treatment to his injury? does that mean he’s moving back there?

Add to that Vaughan had treatment by a US surgeon, could he be on his way to join beck’s.

Perhaps the lad just has a physio who he believes in over in Spain, I don’t know what more the guy needs to do to commit hes future, his signed a 5 year deal and denied every report that his agent has printed!

Andy Ellams
27 Posted 28/04/2008 at 08:55:50

I don’t want Arteta to leave, but I just have a funny feeling that it will be him out, Arshavin in. And if we end up in the intertoto cup I’m not 100% convinced he will be the only one. I’m not one of the fervent anti Moyes brigade, but maybe yesterday could well have been the beginning of the end for him too. He may not leave in the summer but wouldn’t be at all surprised if he has gone by the end of next season.

Dave Dawson
28 Posted 28/04/2008 at 09:00:36

I was disappointed with Arteta's defending for their second goal, he was in a position to close down Barry?s cross but made the wrong decision.

Tom Edwards
29 Posted 28/04/2008 at 09:02:11

Matty Dawkins above -- well said mate.

I am never surprised when the Art Garfunkel lookalike spouts shite about anything Everton.

Unless it’s Stevie G larr in full-on RS action, or Shrek kissing his Manure badge, he isn’t interested. For someone who performed so passionately for our club, he seems to enjoy sticking the knife in.

Matthew Salem
30 Posted 28/04/2008 at 09:01:06

I believe it would be foolish for Mikel to leave and I find it unlikely. He is injured and has been for a while so of course he is not happy. I don?t think he has been playing very well lately, but it does sadden me to read all the Arteta-bashing on some of the threads. One man cannot be responsible for everything. We need other players such as Neville, Osman or The Yak to rise to the occasion when Arteta is off his game.

Jay Robinson
31 Posted 28/04/2008 at 08:58:32

Cahill went with some Everton physios to Australia, because they have the best foot specialists, and he apparently is just waiting for surgery, and will be back in time for pre-season ? well, Intertoto since we fucked the Uefa Cup.

I seriously doubt Uefa will be awarding a fair play place to a Premier League team this year, my understanding is, they only offer a place once every 5 years to the best behaved teams.

Vaughan went to the US to have surgery, from the world specialist on knees.

Arteta went back to Spain to recoop and to see his specialist doctor over there.

You are seeing conspiracies everywhere, when in fact you're all jumping at shadows. It doesn?t help anyone when fans start speculating, because eventually the player in question hears about it, and think?s he isn't wanted here, and will jump boat at the first chance.

Football is a business, just because someone signs for 4 years, doesn?t mean he can?t be gone the following year... contracts are paid out full, from the buying team, though of course the team who have signed them can say fuck off, they rarely do, when there is a chance of good money.

Tony Waring
32 Posted 28/04/2008 at 10:08:55

Arteta is not fit and the close season break should do him a power of good. Fernandes likewise is class, never seems to panic when in possession and we should sign him. Osman should have been substituted not Manny.Carsley did a good job on Carew incidentally and even Neville played quite well. I do wonder about Jag?s distribution out of defence; would?nt it be better to put Lescott in middle with Yobo and play Baines left back? If we play two up front they should surely be more central and more threatening.

Graham Eaves
33 Posted 28/04/2008 at 10:31:13

He?s off to Villarreal or Atletico Madrid. Mate of mines been working in Spain and it?s been in papers over there. Mikey's been over there more times than an 18-30 club rep over the last few months ?having treatment?, combine that with the fact that his Mrs has dumped him and gone back to Spain and his desperation to play for the national team, I can see it happening. I wouldn?t be too dissapointed to be honest as long as we get at least £12/15m and we replace with Arshavin

Gavin Harris
34 Posted 28/04/2008 at 10:34:47

"Even when we scored he stayed seated with a furious looking scowl."

This bit about Manny has confirmed to me that he does not have the heart for the club. Not only did he humiliate the club when he buggered off to Spain but remained seated and showed no emotion when we scored. He is a money grabbing bastard who should follow Mr Anelka...

Sean Allinson
35 Posted 28/04/2008 at 10:17:36

Arteta was not responsible for their second yesterday. He was torn between cutting off the supply to the left wing and covering Barry. The entire defensive stratergy for the whole game had been to stop anyone, Young espiecially, getting to the goalline and getting a cross in. A stratergy that worked extremely well as they didn’t get one cross in from those areas all game. The closing down should have come from Carsley (who otherwise had a fantastic game). Arteta’s movement has been hindered since October which is why his free kicks have lost their potency. Once he reaches full fitnees again his dead ball skills will be back to their sublime best. He will not move on. He is happy here and knows that moving is a risk that may cost him his form and his quality of life. His spatt with the Park End was simply him saying ’ I’m playing through the pain barrier for you cunts and that is how you thank me’. He was right to be annoyed.

Colin Malone
36 Posted 28/04/2008 at 10:25:28

Looks as though Mikel's head is somewhere else. There could be a number of reasons why, his girlfriend giving him, "I want to go back home" or something.

Personally, I think the club should advise him to move out of his dockland apartment and get a house in Formby or the Wirral, then he can get away from it all and relax. A country retreat if you like.

Brian Lawlor
37 Posted 28/04/2008 at 10:53:31

I hate to be the bearer of bad news lads but the following is why the rumours have started:-

Arteta?s bird moved back to Spain after Xmas - fact.
Arteta has had more trips to Spain this year for ?rehabilative treatment? with injuries that could have and should have been treated here - fact
Arteta's form since Xmas has been poor - fact
Arteta's agent came out spouting stuff about playing elsewhere and getting in the Spanish squad several weeks ago - fact
Arteta snarled at the Park end after an overhit cross against Derby - fact
He was taken off minutes later and took an age to leave the pitch - fact
He hasn?t trained since that point and missed several games - fact

Arteta is leaving this summer - make your own mind up. I say he is.

Sorry

Mike Oliver
38 Posted 28/04/2008 at 10:46:00

Can anyone shed any light on Joey Yobo?s goal celebration? I thought he had a bit of a ?fuck you lot? attitude. Some of the other players seemed to join in too. It's the sort of thing you would normally do to the away fans but he was stood in front of the Gladwys Street.

Bit worrying. Anyone know anything about it? Am I just being a bit paranoid?

Patty Beesley
39 Posted 28/04/2008 at 11:00:38

Unfortunately I think it might be right that we are going to lose Arteta. I know these rumours have been about before but there?s something different this time ?feel that he is going to sunny shores.

Jason Lam
40 Posted 28/04/2008 at 11:05:47

First Rooney, then Gravesen and now(?) Arteta. No need to worry, we’ll get the replacement playmaker for Everton. It’s not like we have a team of fancy ball players, any half-decent playmaker should do. IMHO, players come and go, it’s part of change management. Big Dunc to Newcastle, Rooney to Man Utd - this is nothing in comparison.

Connor Rohrer
41 Posted 28/04/2008 at 11:28:26

Mike Oliver, nope I?m not worried at all. Yobo is a fantastic servant of this club and he nothing but nice things to say about Evertonians.

That's his celebration. His celebration against Portsmouth last season was exactly the same.

Mike Oliver
42 Posted 28/04/2008 at 12:42:22

Cheers Connor. If that’s what he normally does then probably nothing to worry about.

Robbie Kirkham
43 Posted 28/04/2008 at 15:15:26

On Arteta - I wish he would stop taking free kicks & corners his delivery is shite surely Moyes has got to tell someone else to take them & as for Yobo, I noticed his celebration & thought it a bit strange.

Richard Hales
44 Posted 28/04/2008 at 17:36:57

Do you think when Arteta got injured with his stomach he said "Oi yoi yoi, es my stomacho" like the bumblebee man from the simpsons?

Tom Edwards
45 Posted 30/04/2008 at 10:29:38

I am now beginning to think there is more to this than simply rumour. Too many variables are coming into play for it not to have legs. His frequent trips to Spain to have his various injuries treated, but never seeming to recover from them! His errant girlfriend, and his agent making noises as to his lack of international action being due to his playing for one of the 'small clubs'.

It will be interesting to see what he does if his best mate Shabby Alonso decides to quit LFC and head back to Spain. I feel that, more than the other things, this may make up his mind.