COLUMNIST KEN BUCKLEY
From my seat: PSV (f)
Comments (16) : The starting line-up showed only nine top pros with Rodwell and Gosling making up the numbers. The formation put Arteta in the Cahill role behind the Yak and across midfield Gosling, Rodwell, Osman and Pienaar in front of a back four of Neville Yobo, Jagielka and Baines. Luckily PSV were treating this game as a training excercise as it appeared obvious to me we have no meaningful midfield to speak of.
Early doors the Yak had a chance that was saved by the keeper's legs and indeed we did start the more lively but the game soon descended into a training ground pass about with no tempo and no-one wanting to pick up knocks.
PSV took the lead in the first half without too much build-up but a superb right-foot shot arrowed past Howard courtesy of Osman being too lightweight to make anything of a tackle that would have ended the move ? in fact, he bounced off their player like a toddler would against his dad.
Second half subs were made, Lescott was given a run at centre back alongside Yobo with Jags pushed on alongside Rodwell in centre-mid with Gosling making way. Nothing much changed; we still looked totally unbalanced and lacking quality in the engine room.
As the game wore on chances were given to Baxter, Jutkiewicz and Wallace. Grommit didn't get a game but we did get a penalty in our first home game when Yobo was toppled in the box and Arteta struck it well with the keeper going the right way.
Overall, I thought that to start a season where we have qualified to play in the Prem, Uefa Cup, FA Cup and the Carling Cup, we are dreadfully short of manpower. As well as the youngsters did today, in my opinion they are nowhere near ready to take on the hurly-burly of top competitions with only Rodwell looking that he just might make it in a couple of years time.
I am all for giving youth its chance but in my mind what we need urgently is top class proven pros ? especially in the central midfield area.
Today I thought only Howard, Neville, Jags, Yobo, Lescott, Osman, Pienaar, Arteta and Yak looked the business and, with only Hibbert and Cahill to add, our position at this moment looks perilous. Baines, who I had hopes for, looked a poor man's Valente.
Perhaps panic would be the wrong word as we have until the last day of August to augment but, my god, if reinforcements are not found it will be a defining season in this club's history. Looking at that back page of today's programme made me realise how short we are of numbers and most importantly quality.
The manager's assessment of up to six players required is conservative and let's hope the Board can help but I can't help wondering whether transfer fees are not such a problem but wages are an acute stumbling block.
Still, a week is a long time in football and the end of August is a millennium away. Here's hoping. UP THE BLUES.
Reader Comments
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We all know the club is not flush with cash and many millions have been saved by keeping summer wages down to a minimum. That money will now be available for transfers. Keep the faith in BB and the Moyes!
I suspect, for the money available, Davey has set his sights too high this time and is about to catch a cold! But here?s hoping and trusting that the two of them know what they are doing.
COYB !!! Forever Everton
Ian, People are moaning for good reason. Ian Ross stated that the transfer fund would not be affected by Kirkby. This, presumably, means that we had money put aside for transfers. This also means that we either had none to start with or we have loads and Moyes may be dithering.
I suspect the former is nearer the truth as Moyes has STILL to sign his contract !
Regarding the youngsters, Rodwell looked keen, when he lost the ball he wanted to get back involved straight away, Baxter looked interesting as well.
We definitely need some pros in, none of the youngsters looked good enough to make the step up... yet
Or he could have his confidence totally smashed by playing in a weakened team and coming under too much pressure.
I’ve stuggled with what has been the most difficult summer for a while, so please help me out and tell me :
What hallucogenic reality bending drugs you use ?
or
Which brainwashing sect I should join to acheive this level of contentedness ?
Richard Dodd are you the great yogi of football serenity who can help me on this if so please take my confession :
Forgive me Doddy for I have had negative sinful thoughts. I keep thinking WHY can Fulham sign more players ( 10 ) than we can find senior pro’s for a game ?
Osman had a shocker, looked way off the pace and was playing in a position he can’t play in. He never looks comfortable as a second striker, much more suited to centre midfield.
Against Blackburn if we have only got one striker I’d like to see Osman on the wing and Pienaar playing off Yakubu. Pienaar’s more mobile that Osman and links well with Yak, he’d be better suited to the role.
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1 Posted 09/08/2008 at 20:43:07
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1. The squad was very weak (old news I know) today but I'm very worried about the lack of threat we carried going forward with the light weight Osman and Pienaar, looking to the bench there was nobody apart from the promising kids......
2. I didn't hear any rumbles from anyone at the game, no protest, no Kenwright out bla bla, well there wasn't a great number of fans at the game (or was THAT the protest and i missed it).
3. By the way, why was it all ticket and not pay at the gate?? Can anyone tell me???
4. I could go on and on but you get my point, I didn't leave the ground with any cheer for the new season....