The Mail Bag
Big Games Needed!
Comments (26)
Two massive games ahead of us that will ultimately shape the rest of our season.
Two defeats against the RS and Villa's lead in the Premiership will I believe, be beyond us, not because they are playing much better than us, simply because they seem to enjoy unlimited good fortune against their opponents of late, and that doesn't look as if it's going to change any time soon.
So, who are the Everton 'form' guys we can rely on to have good games?
Certainly, Howard, Lescott, Jagielka, Neville, Arteta, Cahill, are all playing at the top of their game as opposed to earlier in the season when Everton capitulated to the RS at Goodison.
Just as well, because I feel defensively, we will have to perform consistently as a unit over both games to come away with anything.
Liverpool know that anything but a win next week will allow United the opportunity of making Benitez look an even bigger tit than he has done recently.
My fears surround individual members of our team such as Hibbert who is still a liability in our own penalty area and is more than likely to give a penalty away when put under pressure.
As much as I love the silky skills of both Osman and Piennar, both tend to disappear when they are faced with a more physical presence in our opponents midfield.
I don't believe Moyes will start with Anichibe as he is starting to believe his own publicity and never looks up for a fight, and believe me Everton will have to fight all right.
Overall, the RS have a much stronger squad, but whether they have the bottle as well?
We need big games from our big players.
COYB
Steve Hogan, Posted 12/01/2009 at 14:54:50
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Lyndon Lloyd
I actually think with Fellaini banned, Moyes will play Anichebe up front, with Cahill sitting just behind him in a 4-1-4-1 and give Neville defensive midfield responsibilities instead of bringing in Castillo, who hasn't played much recently.
Nah, Lyndon ? Moyes will go 4-6-0 as it's been doing well lately. At Anfield though this won't work.
Line up: Howard; Hibbert, Lescott, Jagielka, Baines; Gosling, Neville, Arteta(free role), Pienaar, Osman; Cahill.
Based on this season, in hour & half Gosling has played, he has shown more than Anichebe has all season an well worth the risk!! He can handle the pressure! Anichebe thinks he is big time already.
Based on this season, in hour & half Gosling has played, he has shown more than Anichebe has all season an well worth the risk!! He can handle the pressure! Anichebe thinks he is big time already.
I hope we don’t play Anichebe because I reckon he has lost his passion and his big ego has been deflated at not getting a start. I would happily be proven wrong though. A VDM to start would suprise the shite. Give them the unknown factor!!
Up the blues
Up the blues
David; starting A VDM will only suprise the bar staff at the RS as they wouldn’t have ordered enough beer...
AVDM? Gosling?
Have you guys been under a rock the past six years? DM is hardly the most adventurous with his line-ups, particularly in a derby match. Expect to see Hibbert at RB, Neville in midfield, and Gosling on the bench.
Have you guys been under a rock the past six years? DM is hardly the most adventurous with his line-ups, particularly in a derby match. Expect to see Hibbert at RB, Neville in midfield, and Gosling on the bench.
I would like to see Anichebe given the chance on Monday.
Without the physical presence of Fellaini, I reckon that leaving Cahill up front with a mobile but lightweight midfield unit might play into the hands of Hyypia/Carracunt/Skrtel. Hyypia?s OG at Goodison last year came from a bit of penalty-box pinball ? and I think having Vic in there might be a good extra distraction.
I remember Vic winning a penalty against Chelsea a season back just from being a handful physically ? and I think that an academy boy, with a lot to prove, on the biggest of stages, could be the way forward. If nothing else it will tell us exactly where he is currently at ability/attitude-wise ? because if the lazy jibes surface again in seven days then we would really have to ask ourselves what the hell is going on with him.
Without the physical presence of Fellaini, I reckon that leaving Cahill up front with a mobile but lightweight midfield unit might play into the hands of Hyypia/Carracunt/Skrtel. Hyypia?s OG at Goodison last year came from a bit of penalty-box pinball ? and I think having Vic in there might be a good extra distraction.
I remember Vic winning a penalty against Chelsea a season back just from being a handful physically ? and I think that an academy boy, with a lot to prove, on the biggest of stages, could be the way forward. If nothing else it will tell us exactly where he is currently at ability/attitude-wise ? because if the lazy jibes surface again in seven days then we would really have to ask ourselves what the hell is going on with him.
Ditto Andrew Keatley. There’s no place to hide yet I can’t see the lazy fucker in ’Big’ Vic stand up to the plate. Or is it back injury again?
I may be off base here but I think that what we are doing at the moment is similar to what we did in the "Champions League Season". That is we are "four-five-oneing" our opponents to death. The difference is that we are doing it now with a much more talented midfield and a more solid and creative defense.
Fellaini's contribution is important. His influence is a bit like that of Viera perhaps when he was at Arsenal. I think we would be doing even better with a more creative right back.
I agree with Lyndon. I dont think Moyes has much choice. He either doesnt rate or has fallen out with Castillo who certainly hasnt had much match practive in recent weeks and probably feels Gosling is a little young and inexperienced for such a game. I dont think Moyes has any choice but to start with Anichebe.
Also, if Vic cant raise his game for the 4 up and coming matches then he never will. Hoepfully the boy will feel he has something to prove.
Also, if Vic cant raise his game for the 4 up and coming matches then he never will. Hoepfully the boy will feel he has something to prove.
It’s a pity that we are approaching such a crucial set of games and having to put all our hope in Anichebe.
He did look like he was coming out of his shell last year. Some good cameos & goals in the UEFA cup particularly. And he seemed to have benefitted from the Olympics. Now he looks as he did when we first caught sight of him; slow & clumsy.
I can’t see how Moyes won’t play him, as that would give us almost no physical presence at all at their end of the pitch. He obviously thinks Jutkiewic isn’t ready, likewise Baxter & Agard. So the only other option would appear to be AVDM.
To many that would be a joke. Personally, I would not be put off if he did give the boy the chance of a last hurrah. The sperm of Lucifer will clearl be expecting Anichebe & set out accordingly. Playing AVDM up front with Cahill gives us 2 players who are strong, fast and can control the ball.
I think our chances will be enhanced by the inclusion of some pace. Baines gives that on one side. I think AVDM would give us a better outlet than a clumsy Anichebe.
I am worried about Pienaar. He is not playing as well as he can and is getting caught with the ball a lot. I guess we don’t have to many alternatives, but he has to show up big time for these next few games.
He did look like he was coming out of his shell last year. Some good cameos & goals in the UEFA cup particularly. And he seemed to have benefitted from the Olympics. Now he looks as he did when we first caught sight of him; slow & clumsy.
I can’t see how Moyes won’t play him, as that would give us almost no physical presence at all at their end of the pitch. He obviously thinks Jutkiewic isn’t ready, likewise Baxter & Agard. So the only other option would appear to be AVDM.
To many that would be a joke. Personally, I would not be put off if he did give the boy the chance of a last hurrah. The sperm of Lucifer will clearl be expecting Anichebe & set out accordingly. Playing AVDM up front with Cahill gives us 2 players who are strong, fast and can control the ball.
I think our chances will be enhanced by the inclusion of some pace. Baines gives that on one side. I think AVDM would give us a better outlet than a clumsy Anichebe.
I am worried about Pienaar. He is not playing as well as he can and is getting caught with the ball a lot. I guess we don’t have to many alternatives, but he has to show up big time for these next few games.
If Vic plays I just hope he doesn’t revert to form, in that he will run for about 10 minutes and the stand with his hands on his hips for the following 80.
Just a quick note for the opening post, how many pens has Hibbert actually given away? Or are you just immediately drawn back to the non-penalty that Gerrard conned out of Twattenberg?
Just a quick note for the opening post, how many pens has Hibbert actually given away? Or are you just immediately drawn back to the non-penalty that Gerrard conned out of Twattenberg?
What has happened to Clattenberg??
Does anybody out there know?
Does anybody out there know?
Steve I think you make some good points but are rather unfair when it comes to Hibbo. We all know his shortcomings but I think the penalty against the red shite last time around was never a penalty and other than this I don't recall too many others. He?s had a great run recently and has rightly deserves his place in the back four. Not too many forwards get the better of him and I think he?ll surprise a few over the next few games.
I agree with Andrew Gaule we do seem to have reverted back to Moyseys prefered 4-5-1, but certainly offering a lot more under this group of players. I think a better comparison would be with Mourinho's Chelsea from a few years back.
I really think we can do something this time and I?d love to see Castillo come in and bang one in from 25 yards.
I agree with Andrew Gaule we do seem to have reverted back to Moyseys prefered 4-5-1, but certainly offering a lot more under this group of players. I think a better comparison would be with Mourinho's Chelsea from a few years back.
I really think we can do something this time and I?d love to see Castillo come in and bang one in from 25 yards.
I don?t agree that Neville and Arteta are playing well (as Steve Hogan wrote at the beginning). Against Hull, the game passed by Neville too often, and Arteta?s tackling and passing were poor ? good job he produced a superb free-kick.
As for Hibbert being a liability (as Steve Hogan also wrote), I think Lescott in the middle is a bigger risk than Hibbert, who is just a bit clumsy when hurried. Overall against Hull, Lescott did okay but a more observant referee could have also easily blown 3-4 times for intentional fouls by him, a couple of times in critical locations.
Against the Reds, I?d like to see Moyes take a chance on Jutkiewicz in the starting formation. He?s been doing well in the reserves and would be an unknown to the Liverpool defence. Or maybe Moyes could get Pantelic in time (there was a rumour in the papers about 4 weeks ago). The going-price is estimated at only £1.5 million because his contract with Hertha Berlin runs out in the summer, although it should also be possible to just loan Pantelic, because he?s constantly at odds with the Hertha management.
As for Hibbert being a liability (as Steve Hogan also wrote), I think Lescott in the middle is a bigger risk than Hibbert, who is just a bit clumsy when hurried. Overall against Hull, Lescott did okay but a more observant referee could have also easily blown 3-4 times for intentional fouls by him, a couple of times in critical locations.
Against the Reds, I?d like to see Moyes take a chance on Jutkiewicz in the starting formation. He?s been doing well in the reserves and would be an unknown to the Liverpool defence. Or maybe Moyes could get Pantelic in time (there was a rumour in the papers about 4 weeks ago). The going-price is estimated at only £1.5 million because his contract with Hertha Berlin runs out in the summer, although it should also be possible to just loan Pantelic, because he?s constantly at odds with the Hertha management.
It’s funny how you see a game completely differently, Willie. From my seat we completely bossed midfield against Hull and in order to do that Neville and Arteta must have played well. Arteta completely controlled that game.
Does anyone really think Jutkiewicz should be used on Monday? A complete novice thrown in at the deep end in one of our biggest games of the season against our local rivals? No chance. I fear for him if certain sections get on his back the way they get on Anichebe’s.
Does anyone really think Jutkiewicz should be used on Monday? A complete novice thrown in at the deep end in one of our biggest games of the season against our local rivals? No chance. I fear for him if certain sections get on his back the way they get on Anichebe’s.
Sorry, but I don?t see how losing twice against the RS will put us too far behind Villa in the Prem. It will only be 3 points dropped!
Some interesting comments on my post, nothing like a debate on team selection!
The only one I would strongly disagree with is Alan Kirwan advocating that we go with afront two of AVDM and Cahill because both are ?strong and quick?? Now correct me if I?m wrong but when has AVD demonstrated either quality? Perhaps only when he picks up his monthly pay cheque and realises he?s managed to con another club into lining his pension fund!
Twelve games in two years for Inter Milan, how on earth did Moyes get conned with that one? Cahill certainly posseses strength, but quick? Nah, that?s not his game.
The only one I would strongly disagree with is Alan Kirwan advocating that we go with afront two of AVDM and Cahill because both are ?strong and quick?? Now correct me if I?m wrong but when has AVD demonstrated either quality? Perhaps only when he picks up his monthly pay cheque and realises he?s managed to con another club into lining his pension fund!
Twelve games in two years for Inter Milan, how on earth did Moyes get conned with that one? Cahill certainly posseses strength, but quick? Nah, that?s not his game.
DEFO GO WITH GOSLING
Osman supporting Cahill, Gosling taking Osmans place in midfield (the lad is everything Osman lacks)
Osman supporting Cahill, Gosling taking Osmans place in midfield (the lad is everything Osman lacks)
Alan Clarke, I agree with you, I thought Arteta did a great job on Saturday. His performance wasn't world class but it didn't need to be against a poor Hull midfield. He done his job and done it well.
I'm looking forward to seeing Arteta?s performance in the next two games. They will be his toughest tests since moving into centre midfield. He has done a great job so far but he has only faced class opposition once and that was against Chelsea but he did play well that game.
I've been impressed at how Arteta?s handled himself as well. He is known for his attacking qualities but he?s done a good job defensively. His tackling and heading have been surprisingly good, i just hope he keeps it up against the shite.
It's been too long since one of our midfielders have gone out in a derby match and put a few strong challenges in and roughed the shite up. Come to think of it, it's been too long since any of our players have done it. This is where the likes of Arteta, Neville, Cahill, Jagielka, Lescott and Hibbert need to show us their up for it and set the example to the likes of Pienaar, Osman and Baines who aren't known for their aggressive and fighting qualities but will have to find some in the next couple of weeks.
Our most successful derby teams have been the ones who have been prepared to put their necks on the line and take a chance. If we do this and lady luck favours us instead of them for a change, I reckon we will have a happy ending (or two). COYB
I'm looking forward to seeing Arteta?s performance in the next two games. They will be his toughest tests since moving into centre midfield. He has done a great job so far but he has only faced class opposition once and that was against Chelsea but he did play well that game.
I've been impressed at how Arteta?s handled himself as well. He is known for his attacking qualities but he?s done a good job defensively. His tackling and heading have been surprisingly good, i just hope he keeps it up against the shite.
It's been too long since one of our midfielders have gone out in a derby match and put a few strong challenges in and roughed the shite up. Come to think of it, it's been too long since any of our players have done it. This is where the likes of Arteta, Neville, Cahill, Jagielka, Lescott and Hibbert need to show us their up for it and set the example to the likes of Pienaar, Osman and Baines who aren't known for their aggressive and fighting qualities but will have to find some in the next couple of weeks.
Our most successful derby teams have been the ones who have been prepared to put their necks on the line and take a chance. If we do this and lady luck favours us instead of them for a change, I reckon we will have a happy ending (or two). COYB
Moyes will play Anichebe because he has no other better options. The starting lineup remains otherwise the same barring, any injuries.
If Moyes has any faith in any of the fringe players like VDM, Gosling, Castillo, Rodwell, they would have been starting games more regularly. I do not think he is saving them for the big games. They may still come on as substitutions though, maybe in the 89 minute.
Moyes has shown to be rather unadventurous in his player selection. Unless his hand is forced by injuries or suspensions, he will not tinker with a working formation.
If Moyes has any faith in any of the fringe players like VDM, Gosling, Castillo, Rodwell, they would have been starting games more regularly. I do not think he is saving them for the big games. They may still come on as substitutions though, maybe in the 89 minute.
Moyes has shown to be rather unadventurous in his player selection. Unless his hand is forced by injuries or suspensions, he will not tinker with a working formation.
Patty Beesley. Here is a link that explains the disappearance of Clattenburg - it’s a few months old but the wheels of justice grind slowly.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7546968.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7546968.stm
Thanks Brian. I hear they?re starting a whip round for him in Mordor.
Its 4 masive games and beating the Arse is the most important of the lot if we are to be in europe next season.
Can’t for the life of me see Moyes going with Anichebe, which is the correct decision IMO. He’s done nothing throughout his Everton career to suggest he would be able to make an impact in either of these two games if he were to start.
I think it’ll be more than likely the same team with Yobo replacing Fellaini, which will mean Baines being pushed forward and Osman moved inside. In the circumstances we have little choice.
It’s been a regular theme throughout Moyes’ reign as manager to put in pathetic performance after pathetic perfromance at Anfield year upon year. Players go missing and we simply get overwhelmed by the occasion. Even when in good form we always seem to put in a futile effort at that shithole.
Not sure how this we can change this but installing the likes of Anichebe and Jutkiewicz into the starting XI certainly isnt the way to go.
I think it’ll be more than likely the same team with Yobo replacing Fellaini, which will mean Baines being pushed forward and Osman moved inside. In the circumstances we have little choice.
It’s been a regular theme throughout Moyes’ reign as manager to put in pathetic performance after pathetic perfromance at Anfield year upon year. Players go missing and we simply get overwhelmed by the occasion. Even when in good form we always seem to put in a futile effort at that shithole.
Not sure how this we can change this but installing the likes of Anichebe and Jutkiewicz into the starting XI certainly isnt the way to go.
Micky Norman - thanks for the laugh - I pictured the RS being led into Mordor by Smeagol Benitez muttering to himself over raw Spanish mackerel.
As to the game - what choice does David Moyes really have? If Victor Anichebe is ever going to be a player of note then the next two games are his litmus test - and a test that any worthwhile ’promising’ player would kill and die for. David Moyes will absolutely know whether Victor has a future at Everton by the time we play Arsenal. This is not a bad thing me thinks. He either stands up (both metaphorically and physically) or he is struck from the register and demoted behind other ’potential’ players.
For what it is worth (two bob maybe?), my selection would be 4-1-3-1-1: Howard; Hibbert, Lescott, Jagielka, Baines; Neville; Osman, Arteta, Pienaar, Cahill, Anichebe.
What we must do as a team is to have some belief. Set out to draw and we will lose. David Moyes needs to free the team to play, with Neville needing to work his socks off closing down the middle and helping out the fullbacks. I think we can...I think we can...
As to the game - what choice does David Moyes really have? If Victor Anichebe is ever going to be a player of note then the next two games are his litmus test - and a test that any worthwhile ’promising’ player would kill and die for. David Moyes will absolutely know whether Victor has a future at Everton by the time we play Arsenal. This is not a bad thing me thinks. He either stands up (both metaphorically and physically) or he is struck from the register and demoted behind other ’potential’ players.
For what it is worth (two bob maybe?), my selection would be 4-1-3-1-1: Howard; Hibbert, Lescott, Jagielka, Baines; Neville; Osman, Arteta, Pienaar, Cahill, Anichebe.
What we must do as a team is to have some belief. Set out to draw and we will lose. David Moyes needs to free the team to play, with Neville needing to work his socks off closing down the middle and helping out the fullbacks. I think we can...I think we can...
One thing is for sure, if we change the defence now by bringing Yobo in we will lose the game.
As for these 2 games defining our season ? that's wrong, the game against Arsenal is far more important.
As for these 2 games defining our season ? that's wrong, the game against Arsenal is far more important.
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