EDITOR'S VIEWPOINT
Just like watching Brazil
By Michael Kenrick : 07/02/2009 : 
Comments (33) :
So I guess I'm just a little bit puzzled...
Comments (33) : Plenty of people are quick to spout the line "you know nothing about football" if you dare to wonder, as the season drags on through the depths of a rather chilly English winter, why it is that the team you support should be inherently incapable of playing fast, flowing game, with good movement off the ball, accurate passing to feet or for [players to run on to... joined-up football as Ken Buckley calls it... In a word: pass and move.
"Don't be so silly, we can't play like that... we don't have the resources... blah, blah blah".
So please forgive me if I'm just a little bit puzzled after watching Everton, shorn of the largest number of injured so far this season (EIGHT!), put on an absolutely marvelous display of football. As Jimmy Crack joked in the mailbag "It's just like watching Brazil."
Amazing what a bit of confidence can do for a team, combined with some more positive coaching that perhaps encouraged the players for once to use the ball constructively rather than fanny around with it.
Some wonderful stuff... with the exception that Osman was yet again, for all his so-called contribution, hugely frustrating as the breakdown point of far too many promising moves.
Hopefully this wasn't our zenith, because that final ball yet again was just lacking in the execution that could have deservedly brought us a shedload of goals today.
But what am I thinking? We can't play like that... we don't have the resources... do we?
Reader Comments
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Erik
You’re reading my mind. I can’t get rid of the what-ifs about that dreadful early season form, especially the home defeats. Add to that Villa’s gravity defying luck, and you’re right, we could, maybe on balance even should, be in or around a CL place.
Realistically it’s too much to ask. I mused some weeks ago about the prospect of Villa discovering some form that coincides with their luck running out. As for Chelsea, well all is clearly not well at the Bridge. Up front they look toothless as Anelka & Drogba seem to be engaged in a private mood contest, whilst the rest of their play has become tired & fragmented.
It’s maddening to think that we should (not could, but should) have beaten Chelsea, Arsenal & Villa. That is 7 more points, plus 3 less for Villa and 1 less for the other two. Assuming ManU don’t screw up (and even they are not playing THAT well) it should have been 5 teams going for 3 places. Nip & tuck and possible to finish anywhere from 2nd to 6th.
With our current form & confidence can you imagine how that might look!
Alas, the reality is that early season dross and Moyes’ own messing around through pre-season and up to October, will be enough to cancel out what might possibly end up as our best period for performances and football for 20 years.
Let’s just hope Villa’s guardian angel thinks job done and pisses off early, and Chelski’s turmoil continues. Then maybe, just maybe...
You’re reading my mind. I can’t get rid of the what-ifs about that dreadful early season form, especially the home defeats. Add to that Villa’s gravity defying luck, and you’re right, we could, maybe on balance even should, be in or around a CL place.
Realistically it’s too much to ask. I mused some weeks ago about the prospect of Villa discovering some form that coincides with their luck running out. As for Chelsea, well all is clearly not well at the Bridge. Up front they look toothless as Anelka & Drogba seem to be engaged in a private mood contest, whilst the rest of their play has become tired & fragmented.
It’s maddening to think that we should (not could, but should) have beaten Chelsea, Arsenal & Villa. That is 7 more points, plus 3 less for Villa and 1 less for the other two. Assuming ManU don’t screw up (and even they are not playing THAT well) it should have been 5 teams going for 3 places. Nip & tuck and possible to finish anywhere from 2nd to 6th.
With our current form & confidence can you imagine how that might look!
Alas, the reality is that early season dross and Moyes’ own messing around through pre-season and up to October, will be enough to cancel out what might possibly end up as our best period for performances and football for 20 years.
Let’s just hope Villa’s guardian angel thinks job done and pisses off early, and Chelski’s turmoil continues. Then maybe, just maybe...
I thought Osman played well today, unlucky not to score (thanks to an amasing block by the other Cahill).
Not saying he was a world beater today, but did a good shift, some good passes and overall can?t fault the lad.
Ossie is a good player, he gets us goals and looks to score, yes I would prefer he wasn?t a first choice and was the squad player he should be at the end of the day, but I think at the moment, he is getting some unfair stick.
Not saying he was a world beater today, but did a good shift, some good passes and overall can?t fault the lad.
Ossie is a good player, he gets us goals and looks to score, yes I would prefer he wasn?t a first choice and was the squad player he should be at the end of the day, but I think at the moment, he is getting some unfair stick.
You really are a superior know it all Michael. It isn?t an endearing quality... can?t you just say well played?
Ossie was playing out of position covering Peanut on the left. For all that I thought him one of our weaker players on the field today, I give him props for going out there for the team and for fighting for the royal blue. He loves this team as much as we do, IMO.
As for the original post, We can?t say "what if at the beginning of the season..." as frustrating as it was, we can?t change it. I?m thinking that another couple signings by Moyes this summer will put us in a prime contender spot next season - barring a run of injuries similar to this year. I was/am conflicted on wanting a Champs League spot in that it?s a lot of extra football at the highest level. That is a lot of stress on the players.
As for the original post, We can?t say "what if at the beginning of the season..." as frustrating as it was, we can?t change it. I?m thinking that another couple signings by Moyes this summer will put us in a prime contender spot next season - barring a run of injuries similar to this year. I was/am conflicted on wanting a Champs League spot in that it?s a lot of extra football at the highest level. That is a lot of stress on the players.
Right at this moment I?m hoping for a great run in the FA Cup, and catching a Uefa Cup spot from league play. Another good season in the Uefa Cup can 1) give our younger boys some needed experience, and 2) hopefully get us some money to buy the few extra players we would need to be contenders in CL (deeper bench and all that).
I enjoyed our game today and Jo, been with us less than a week, was well above expectations. In another couple of weeks, once the players get to know each other?s movements, it?s going to be really fun to watch!
Even when a team plays really well, its very rare that every player is on top of their game. Osman for the past few weeks has been a little off form, but has still done ok. Everyone though is quick to say how Tim Cahill is understandably tired, or that Arteta is injured or out of position, so why not Osman? He did a good job today working with Baines on the left (not his position) and he has played in practically every single game (so could be due a rest)! Give him a break.
Nice of you to be a tad on the positive side, MK. Next thing we know, Tony Marsh will be giving Moyes at least 3 out of 10.
How is it possible to focus on something negative after a match like this?!? Leon worked his socks off like he always does! Great player!!!
Yes, I think you’ve got it - positive coaching, DM finally realised the 7 year long error of his ways and told the lads to stop fannying around.
I?ve nothing but praise for all of them on the day we almost totally ouplayed the opposition. How many games in how many days against what kind of opposition? A bit of a lull in the second half gave them a spell, but even then we picked it up to make the substitutions from a position of strength.
Rodwell just gets better, and AvdM?s quick free kick was brilliant. I was happy to see Yobo come on, but I hope this doesn?t mean Moyes is thinking of dropping Baines to accommodate him.
Moyes was very unpredictable today. Was his talk about Jo?s match fitness last week for Bolton?s benefit? And is Gosling being battle-hardened for big games to come? I was surprised to see them both on for 90 minutes.
It's very early doors, but Jo looked to be the class player he ought to be today, and very happy doing what he did. So do we know, if things go well, whether we could afford him at the end of the season?
Rodwell just gets better, and AvdM?s quick free kick was brilliant. I was happy to see Yobo come on, but I hope this doesn?t mean Moyes is thinking of dropping Baines to accommodate him.
Moyes was very unpredictable today. Was his talk about Jo?s match fitness last week for Bolton?s benefit? And is Gosling being battle-hardened for big games to come? I was surprised to see them both on for 90 minutes.
It's very early doors, but Jo looked to be the class player he ought to be today, and very happy doing what he did. So do we know, if things go well, whether we could afford him at the end of the season?
The events of last autumn are still fresh in the mind. Shipping three goals at Goodison to Blackburn and Portsmouth, out of the league cup to the fomer, a lousy UEFA cup campaign, I was livid with the early season form.
The cup win over Liverpool has redeemed that to a degree, I just hope that was not to be the highlight of our season, Jo today against Bolton ? have not seen the game ? seems to be a good loan move, can?t wait to see MOTD tonight when we are featured. Will not go as far as to say it?s Brazil we are watching, more like a Colombia or Ecuador. Certainly not the artistry of 1970.
Erik and Alan posted a sentiment I myself posted a few weeks ago: how things might have been without our dreadful start. More pertinently, our defence is now looking unbeatable and playing out of its socks; yet by the end of October, we had conceded more goals than anyone else by a clear margin.
So I wonder ? because I don?t know the answer ? what has changed? Is it simply confidence?
So I wonder ? because I don?t know the answer ? what has changed? Is it simply confidence?
Ha Ha... well said Francis Freedman.
some people think Footballers are robots and will do whatever they are programmed to do.
This poster always claims to know what instructions are dished out before the game and what drills are given at training, and doesn’t take into account who were playing or events that unfold during a game.
As for the Leon bashing. I think it is totally unfair and yes i admit his final touch was off tonight he was everywhere and chased all day. Playing out of position and with injury.
some people think Footballers are robots and will do whatever they are programmed to do.
This poster always claims to know what instructions are dished out before the game and what drills are given at training, and doesn’t take into account who were playing or events that unfold during a game.
As for the Leon bashing. I think it is totally unfair and yes i admit his final touch was off tonight he was everywhere and chased all day. Playing out of position and with injury.
I have seen all but a handful of Everton home games since the inception of the Prem and many away via TV. This afternoon I came to believe that this was the best side any manager-including Moyes - had produced during that 17-season span.
OK, we could still do with a little more finesse in midfield and individually some players may lack real class BUT as a unit we are awesome. Long may it continue.
Roger ? you missed a treat and MotD tonight will only give the hint of a taste. Apart from anything else they will have to fit in the couple of times Bolton got anywhere near our goal compared to the 20 or so we threatened theirs (It really could have been 10-0).
I saw every home game, and a few away, in 69-70 and loved that team. Obviously direct comparisons can?t be made simply (it might make an interesting diversion on a slack news day) but Jag and Joleon could have played at the back, and Timmy and Mikel could have played in midfield (OK Mikel might have been kicked off the field, but I think he looks after himself pretty well). And Jo? We don?t know yet, but I?ll bet that Dixie Joe Royle was impressed today.
Enjoy the show.
I saw every home game, and a few away, in 69-70 and loved that team. Obviously direct comparisons can?t be made simply (it might make an interesting diversion on a slack news day) but Jag and Joleon could have played at the back, and Timmy and Mikel could have played in midfield (OK Mikel might have been kicked off the field, but I think he looks after himself pretty well). And Jo? We don?t know yet, but I?ll bet that Dixie Joe Royle was impressed today.
Enjoy the show.
It?s quite simple Michael.
Every week the team go out with the intention of playing good football. Sometimes we fall short. Sometimes it all comes together. Often when we fall short it is due to the quality of the opposition.
It?s nice to see that once again David Moyes is making a mockery of the criticism levelled at him by the likes of yourself and the absent Mr Marsh. Our manager remains our greatest asset.
Keep up the great work with the website. Leave the editorial comment to Lyndon. He understands the game a little better than you.
Every week the team go out with the intention of playing good football. Sometimes we fall short. Sometimes it all comes together. Often when we fall short it is due to the quality of the opposition.
It?s nice to see that once again David Moyes is making a mockery of the criticism levelled at him by the likes of yourself and the absent Mr Marsh. Our manager remains our greatest asset.
Keep up the great work with the website. Leave the editorial comment to Lyndon. He understands the game a little better than you.
Michael Kenrick is entitled to his opinion about Ossie. As long as he doesn?t mind us remembering his opinion about Cahill being at the sharp end of our 4-5-1 a few weeks ago when we lost all our strikers!
And look what TC did in that capacity!
Way off beam then Mike... and way off beam now. Ossie was playing out of his best position today in place of Peanut and while he didn?t have his best game, he did ok and didn?t let us down. To be fair, despite his heroics on Wednesday, I thought the weakest link today was Gosling. He was knocked off the ball too easily and misplaced more passes than anyone. Yet even in saying that we can still say he had a decent game.
We can say he had a decent game because the whole side played well and while we can take our choice about who to criticise it can only be on the basis of an individual player not quite meeting the very high standard that was set before us today.
The way the ball was fizzing about in midfield today, especially in the first half was not only a delight to see but left the Bolton lads chasing shadows, something the Holy Trinity used to do to most sides years ago! In fact the more I see of Arteta playing where he is now the more he reminds me of Colin Harvey (except Mikky can hit the target now and again!)
I thought it was a magnificent performance today against a team that used to be amongst our competition for a decent spot in the league. Now, we are streets ahead of them. I don?t think they will have been so comprehensively outplayed by anyone all season. I eagerly await Megson?s interiew on MOTD tonight when I hope he will be graceful enough to give the Blues the credit they deserve after today?s performance.
As for Jo... I knew I was going to like him after about 30 seconds when he controlled a ball on his chest and flicked it through a defenders legs to Cahill (I think?) in one sweet movement. It got better from then on.
Well done Blues. Today you gave us the sort of footy we Blues want to see and I was absolutely made up!
And look what TC did in that capacity!
Way off beam then Mike... and way off beam now. Ossie was playing out of his best position today in place of Peanut and while he didn?t have his best game, he did ok and didn?t let us down. To be fair, despite his heroics on Wednesday, I thought the weakest link today was Gosling. He was knocked off the ball too easily and misplaced more passes than anyone. Yet even in saying that we can still say he had a decent game.
We can say he had a decent game because the whole side played well and while we can take our choice about who to criticise it can only be on the basis of an individual player not quite meeting the very high standard that was set before us today.
The way the ball was fizzing about in midfield today, especially in the first half was not only a delight to see but left the Bolton lads chasing shadows, something the Holy Trinity used to do to most sides years ago! In fact the more I see of Arteta playing where he is now the more he reminds me of Colin Harvey (except Mikky can hit the target now and again!)
I thought it was a magnificent performance today against a team that used to be amongst our competition for a decent spot in the league. Now, we are streets ahead of them. I don?t think they will have been so comprehensively outplayed by anyone all season. I eagerly await Megson?s interiew on MOTD tonight when I hope he will be graceful enough to give the Blues the credit they deserve after today?s performance.
As for Jo... I knew I was going to like him after about 30 seconds when he controlled a ball on his chest and flicked it through a defenders legs to Cahill (I think?) in one sweet movement. It got better from then on.
Well done Blues. Today you gave us the sort of footy we Blues want to see and I was absolutely made up!
Osman would not get a start in any other team in the top six and probably not even in the top half ? stop defending him ?cos he?s a local lad. Look at his real contribution, and I don?t mean running about, he offers nothing but enthusiasm. No pace, no strength, no impact and precious little else.
No it?s not pure negativity for the sake of it, it?s a bit of reality. He?s a real weakness and I for one hope that if Peanuts and Screech are fit next week, he gets dropped and not Gosling.
Michael, you're like a tabloid journalist!! When we don't play every team off the park & score 3 or more goals, you are so negative, god forbid we lose a game. We get all the usual Moyes is that & that nonsense!! lol
Now we have played well & beaten a pile of shit Bolton team & all of your sudden your have become the High Priest of football & can't fathom in all your wisdom & professional football experience why we can't do this every week??
The tone of your piece is condescending & even though I am buzzing with the team in recent weeks & proud to be a blue (as always), I won't get carried away as easy as much as some of my friends, fellow Evertonians & yourself.
In answer to Keith, I read on Teletext that Manchester City wanted their money back for Jo and that it was unlikely to be a permanent deal for that reason. Judging on him scoring two goals today, apparently his first one was superb, I would love Everton to sign him permanently!
Jim Hourigan
I’m not sure if your post was directly in response to mine or the generality of the thread. But just in case it was in response to mine I am not suggesting Gosling should be dropped I am merely pointing out my opinion that he was the weakest link today. Not that he didn’t play well because he did, just as all the players did.
Furthermore, while I absolutely love Peanut, can you honestly say he is playing better than Osman at the moment? I don’t think he is. In the Derby, until he went off, he was guilty of exactly what MK is accusing Ossie of. Most moves broke down at his door because his little flicks weren’t coming off, his pass completion was poor and he was giving a lot of fouls away in dangerous areas.
This is not to say Peanuts is a bad player, he could come out next week and play a blinder as we know he can. But so can Osman. Just take a while to recall the games that Osman has done great for us and it is quite a few.
The best for me is Spurs, away, a couple of seasons ago when he was Man of the Match and ran the game. He had impact in that game and many others. Give the lad a break FFS.
I’m not sure if your post was directly in response to mine or the generality of the thread. But just in case it was in response to mine I am not suggesting Gosling should be dropped I am merely pointing out my opinion that he was the weakest link today. Not that he didn’t play well because he did, just as all the players did.
Furthermore, while I absolutely love Peanut, can you honestly say he is playing better than Osman at the moment? I don’t think he is. In the Derby, until he went off, he was guilty of exactly what MK is accusing Ossie of. Most moves broke down at his door because his little flicks weren’t coming off, his pass completion was poor and he was giving a lot of fouls away in dangerous areas.
This is not to say Peanuts is a bad player, he could come out next week and play a blinder as we know he can. But so can Osman. Just take a while to recall the games that Osman has done great for us and it is quite a few.
The best for me is Spurs, away, a couple of seasons ago when he was Man of the Match and ran the game. He had impact in that game and many others. Give the lad a break FFS.
Dave, funny you should say that, I was thinking of Colin Harvey myself for Arteta. I would have said that Tim Cahill is reminding me more and more of Alan Ball, but I really can?t say exactly how. His attitude obviously recommends itself, he puts himself into situations others might keep out of, he annoys the opposition like mad ? but there?s more than that. Perhaps with all that we haven?t appreciated what a good ball-player he is. And he knocks them in with his head.
Speaking of which, I noticed this week that we have scored most from headers in the PL so far. Not bad for a "little team".
Speaking of which, I noticed this week that we have scored most from headers in the PL so far. Not bad for a "little team".
Keith
You and I obviously have the advantage and the honour of being aquainted with one of the best midfields ever to grace a football pitch.
The comparison between Arteta and Harvey is pretty direct and I know what you mean about Bally and Cahill. They don’t share the same kind of ’game’ but their attitude is very similar and equally effective.
That’s two of ’em sorted. Any idea where we can find another Howard Kendall?!
You and I obviously have the advantage and the honour of being aquainted with one of the best midfields ever to grace a football pitch.
The comparison between Arteta and Harvey is pretty direct and I know what you mean about Bally and Cahill. They don’t share the same kind of ’game’ but their attitude is very similar and equally effective.
That’s two of ’em sorted. Any idea where we can find another Howard Kendall?!
"Amazing what a bit of confidence can do for a team" ? Exactly MK & that?s the one thing a manager can?t coach. Have a little FAITH & perhaps next time you won?t be so puzzled!
Dave, wish I could. It's so hard because he used to do so much ? jobs which are now shared around more players ? and everything with so much class.
Win the ball, bring in players, cut out opposition, support play, keep an attack going, have a go yourself. And all with an assured class.
OK ? someone out there ? for many millions of pounds ? might be able to do that, who knows? From what we have seen on our side so far this year, can anyone? Not really, but my candidate would be Jack Rodwell. Nothing like Kendall perhaps ? but can he do those at least some of those things? Hope so. And don?t forget that Howard was a very young player for Preston. It's possible.
Never mind that ? what a fabulous few days!
Win the ball, bring in players, cut out opposition, support play, keep an attack going, have a go yourself. And all with an assured class.
OK ? someone out there ? for many millions of pounds ? might be able to do that, who knows? From what we have seen on our side so far this year, can anyone? Not really, but my candidate would be Jack Rodwell. Nothing like Kendall perhaps ? but can he do those at least some of those things? Hope so. And don?t forget that Howard was a very young player for Preston. It's possible.
Never mind that ? what a fabulous few days!
Osman ? you can?t have it both ways. Play these guys in every match, all match, against top opposition (all right, not today), two games a week. Then whinge when they fade out.
I watched him carefully after his first few touches today ? he looked as stiff as a board. His legs wouldn?t go and the ball bounced off him. As the first half wore on, he loosened up and started to play (not brilliantly). Second half ? same again.
He?s played (I think) every minute of the recent games in a position where you can?t pace yourself ? if we had someone to replace him we would ? he needs a rest. He?s not the strongest. Plus he?s a marginal player (when we can play him when we need him we?ll really have a good squad) ? but a good one.
Al that said, he?s a guy you?d want in the trenches with you. He keeps getting up, dusting himself down, and getting on with it. I like him.
Apart from 20 knackered minutes after we went 2-0 up I thought we were class today, with good understandings all over the pitch. Bolton didn?t look like that last week against Spurs!
I watched him carefully after his first few touches today ? he looked as stiff as a board. His legs wouldn?t go and the ball bounced off him. As the first half wore on, he loosened up and started to play (not brilliantly). Second half ? same again.
He?s played (I think) every minute of the recent games in a position where you can?t pace yourself ? if we had someone to replace him we would ? he needs a rest. He?s not the strongest. Plus he?s a marginal player (when we can play him when we need him we?ll really have a good squad) ? but a good one.
Al that said, he?s a guy you?d want in the trenches with you. He keeps getting up, dusting himself down, and getting on with it. I like him.
Apart from 20 knackered minutes after we went 2-0 up I thought we were class today, with good understandings all over the pitch. Bolton didn?t look like that last week against Spurs!
I don?t think Kenrick was being negative (for once !) I think he was actually right about Osman. I like the idea of Osman being good but in reality he would be better at a 1st division club where he could shine. Here he is like a leper among Herculean men or a lame dog hunting with lions. His heart is strong but his body frail and weak.
Roger Osborne..... very sardonic.... funny!!
Yes, Michael, we can play joined up football from time to time, but this depends on the quality of the opposition we are up against and how many of our own best passing footballers we have on the pitch.
The reason it is only seen from time to time is because of ?resources?, if our best players are injured then we play players out of position or play lesser players in their place who are less comfortable on the ball.
The reason we played joined up football was because we played Bolton who are poor and had most of our best players on the field in their best positions with an actual striker on the field worth £19m that we wouldn't normaly have the resources to bring to the club only for special circumstances with Man City.
The reason it is only seen from time to time is because of ?resources?, if our best players are injured then we play players out of position or play lesser players in their place who are less comfortable on the ball.
The reason we played joined up football was because we played Bolton who are poor and had most of our best players on the field in their best positions with an actual striker on the field worth £19m that we wouldn't normaly have the resources to bring to the club only for special circumstances with Man City.
Kermit, nice to see you?re still around mate, and what a changearound it?s been already. From the ?oh god we?re getting relegated? (and I was one of them) earlier on in the season, to now. Man Utd begged the ref for three points instead of the draw the rest of them have got from us lately.
I see Ossie in an Alan Harper-like role ? nobody knows where he should play, because we all see him playing everywhere else. If he does something wrong, he gets it. But the lad does a Harper-like job week-in and week-out, and gets more goals to boot. Remember at the end of Harper?s career at our place his nickname had changed from ?shithouse? to Zico?
It?s a wonderful situation to be in at the moment, we?re not talking about relegation as if and when, which we were the last time I had any kinda meaningful dialogue with you lot, we?re talking about the bridge between Uefa Cup and Champions League.
The lads are doing ok, and we?re not really spending any money. I love Moyes as much as I dislike him sometimes, but the entire scope of things has turned in so short a space of time. I doubt we?ll ever win the league with Davey at the helm, but at the same time I would put my mortgage on the fact we?d never get relegated with him there.
It?s a weird scenario to be in. But it?s an exciting time as well. I honestly think the battle of the managers is on, and it?s not the fat spanish waiter v the wise old red wine drinker ? I think the most promising duel of all over the next few years is Moyes v O?Neill.
I see Ossie in an Alan Harper-like role ? nobody knows where he should play, because we all see him playing everywhere else. If he does something wrong, he gets it. But the lad does a Harper-like job week-in and week-out, and gets more goals to boot. Remember at the end of Harper?s career at our place his nickname had changed from ?shithouse? to Zico?
It?s a wonderful situation to be in at the moment, we?re not talking about relegation as if and when, which we were the last time I had any kinda meaningful dialogue with you lot, we?re talking about the bridge between Uefa Cup and Champions League.
The lads are doing ok, and we?re not really spending any money. I love Moyes as much as I dislike him sometimes, but the entire scope of things has turned in so short a space of time. I doubt we?ll ever win the league with Davey at the helm, but at the same time I would put my mortgage on the fact we?d never get relegated with him there.
It?s a weird scenario to be in. But it?s an exciting time as well. I honestly think the battle of the managers is on, and it?s not the fat spanish waiter v the wise old red wine drinker ? I think the most promising duel of all over the next few years is Moyes v O?Neill.
My first game at Goodison was our 4-0 pasting of West Ham back in '87 and if I?m to be honest, I think today was as proud as I?ve been in an Everton performance that I?ve seen since those great days. The chemistry between the lads was palpable... especially between Arteta & Cahill... and the way the whole team reacted to Jo. Lescott seems to be vital in that vibe.
Great stuff but really should have translated into more in the final third, but with a debut and multiple first teamers out, fantastic. Funny how Moyes seems to work best in these circumstances but give him a full squad and a few tactical choices to make and all the shit hits the fan.
As far as Ossie goes, he?s been a good squad player... let the linkage down today... but definitely a player to field against lower, less physical teams for at least 60 mins. Good job the lads and well proud today. Did anyone happen to witness how sickly lucky the shite were today?? COYB
PS... amazing how shit is thrown your way in your absence Tony.... bit of a TW legend... hope all?s well mate.
Took my 8-year-old lad to his first game today (v Bolton). Talk about spoilt!! The boys were awesome and he came away beaming. Incidentally, I told him that he may hear some fairly bad swearing, but in the family enclosure everyone was impeccable. Thanks to you all for helping to make his day.
As MK knows what goes on at all our training sessions, I presume he can confirm that, as suggested in this article, during the few days between the Liverpool game and the Bolton game - Moyes decided that for the very first time since he’s been at this club, to hold a training session on attacking football?
MK - you’re somehow managing to get even more annoying even now that we’re doing well. You still don’t have it in you to pay a proper compliment to the team and certainly not our manager. Your posts have been slightly more on the positive note of late (it’s hard not to be somewhat upbeat as a blue right now) but every time you giveth with one hand - you taketh away with the other! As you can see from other comments above - it’s kinda pissing everyone off! Stop it!
MK - you’re somehow managing to get even more annoying even now that we’re doing well. You still don’t have it in you to pay a proper compliment to the team and certainly not our manager. Your posts have been slightly more on the positive note of late (it’s hard not to be somewhat upbeat as a blue right now) but every time you giveth with one hand - you taketh away with the other! As you can see from other comments above - it’s kinda pissing everyone off! Stop it!
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1 Posted 07/02/2009 at 18:34:45
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On the other hand, in this form the cup run could become a very interesting one!