The Mail Bag
Big, Big Game...
Comments (123)
Given Villa's result today, as well as Arsenal's draw at home, the Newcastle game tomorrow has turned into a game just a little bigger than it already was.
There is an opportunity here to make up some ground on both of them and, while we have some very important players missing, most notably Cahill, we do have Jo available.
Are Everton good enough to take advantage of the bad results of those immediately above us and make the top four more of a possibility? I think so, but it will be a nevous day tomorrow!
Come on Blues... make them all sit up and take note of a side most definitely on the up!
COME ON YOU BLUE BOYS!!
Dave Roberts, Posted 21/02/2009 at 17:55:17
Comments
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2 Posted 21/02/2009 at 23:38:06
A win tomorrow and we’re 8 points behind 4th.. exciting times folks
3 Posted 21/02/2009 at 23:40:37
4 Posted 22/02/2009 at 00:01:28
Normally I’d be nervous playing Newcastle away but I’m full of confidence tomorrow AND it’s on the tele too!!!!
Of course the results today help, no question about that but I don’t think it affects us in any kind of pressure/nervy/bad kind of way......and I think Steve is right, 3-1 sounds about right!
Just think of it....top four and FA Cup Winners!!
First of all, Newcastle 1 Everton 3
COYB!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5 Posted 21/02/2009 at 23:54:11
6 Posted 22/02/2009 at 00:45:46
I?ll take any win, but take nothing for granted. The door has been left open (to 4th). If we do end up walking through it then great. But no predictions, please.
7 Posted 22/02/2009 at 00:45:46
I’ll take any win, but take nothing for granted. The door has been left open (to 4th). If we do end up walking through it then great. But no predictions, please.
8 Posted 22/02/2009 at 03:26:55
I would rather play Neville at RB with Castillo filling his midfield role.
We have cover, we have bottle, just hope Jo maintains the desire he showed us last week!
9 Posted 22/02/2009 at 05:12:58
COYB!
10 Posted 22/02/2009 at 05:47:17
But if Yobo is good enough to play I foresee Moyes putting him back in, Lescott left back and Baines left midfield. Ah well..
Also prefer to see Castillo getting a game in!
11 Posted 22/02/2009 at 06:36:09
12 Posted 22/02/2009 at 06:43:24
Seems we could be off to China and Australia.
Bit of hike though!
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25079573-5003460,00.html
13 Posted 22/02/2009 at 06:40:48
The defence on which our recent good run has based, has been disrupted.
We face a team fighting for their lives at a stadium we never seem to play well in.
We will go without our Talisman, Screech and Pienaar.
Moyes would almost certainly have let the kids sit this one out, but he’s forced to send them into a white hot situation in front of one of the most hostile crowds in the country.
Make no mistake, this game represents a very, very, big ask.
I’m hopeful that we will still have enough spirit and skill in the team to prevail, but some of you people are acting like its a forgone conclusion ! Whats all that about ?
Jammy, Undeserved, Unfair, Ugly, Poxy, I dont care.
I would take any sort of a win, right now
14 Posted 22/02/2009 at 08:34:28
15 Posted 22/02/2009 at 08:52:03
16 Posted 22/02/2009 at 10:34:14
I didn’t mean the team will be nervous...I mean’t I’LL be nervous!
But then I always am. It comes with the territory...being an Evertonian.
17 Posted 22/02/2009 at 10:41:25
It makes me laugh people constantly reminding us that we should only be concentrating on our next game and that we shouldn’t be paying attention to the other scores. One game at a time ...
Guys were the fans not the team, as though complacency on our behalf will affect the performance of the boys on the field.
I was delighted that we have the chance to make up ground on the Arse and Villa. It’s as simple as this our early season form dictates that we are waiting for those above us to slip up. We are making up ground slowly and a win today will take us within striking distance of one of those sides.
I think its only natural that some will point out this fact. I’m both excited and nervous but will be watching and expectantly. COYB!
18 Posted 22/02/2009 at 12:21:37
Having said that, with the run we’re on I’m hopeful of a win. And in the meantime I’m off to watch McClaren’s lot hopefully get royally stuffed and make it a good start to Sunday!
19 Posted 22/02/2009 at 12:00:29
20 Posted 22/02/2009 at 13:50:27
Come the summer he is gone, but as of right now he is an Everton player. Utilizing his desire might introduce an unknown element of quality which could work to our advantage.
Regardless of his shape he still has the mind of a playmaker forward. His crosses are whipped, deliberate and accurate which (in the absence of Felliani and Cahill) will need to be.
We lack both mobility and width to exploit Newcastle?s insecure backline and without him it could be a long-ball afternoon!
In his head he has a point to prove. And we are paying this guy huge amounts to sit on the bench like an OAP.
Make no mistake? Today will be a hard game. And we are placing too much enfaces and hype around our youth.
Vd Meyde stated his desire recently to remove the leash. I say get as much value out of him before his departure, while utilizing his maturity, desire and experience.
21 Posted 22/02/2009 at 14:23:04
22 Posted 22/02/2009 at 14:13:22
23 Posted 22/02/2009 at 15:18:17
NUFC: Steve Harper, Steven Taylor, Jose Enrique, Sebastien Bassong, Fabricio Coloccini, Ryan Taylor, Nicky Butt (c), Kevin Nolan, Damien Duff, Peter Lovenkrands, Shola Ameobi
Subs: Tim Krul, Claudio Cacapa, Jonas Gutierrez, Alan Smith, Mark Viduka, Oba Martins, Geremi
EFC: Tim Howard, Leighton Baines, Joseph Yobo, Joleon Lescott, Phil Jagielka, Mikel Arteta, Jo, Phil Neville (c), Jack Rodwell, Victor Anichebe, Dan Gosling
Subs: Carlo Nash, Andy Van Der Meyde, Segundo Castillo, Louis Saha, Lars Jacobsen, Marouane Fellaini, James Wallace
24 Posted 22/02/2009 at 15:24:36
25 Posted 22/02/2009 at 15:44:21
26 Posted 22/02/2009 at 15:56:44
27 Posted 22/02/2009 at 15:57:15
28 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:00:52
29 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:03:02
30 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:05:41
31 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:04:00
32 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:05:59
33 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:08:46
34 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:08:16
35 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:13:03
36 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:11:06
Went in for challenge and seemed to twist his knee as his boot stayed lodged in the ground.
He dropped to the ground and immediately indicated that he was unable to carry on.
Looked in a lot of pain.
Castillo on in his place.
A changing point in our season? I hope not.
Lets see what we can do.
Come on you blues!
(a blue in south africa)
37 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:13:18
38 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:16:02
39 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:18:02
COYB!
x
40 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:19:32
Iraq goals crap today. Cant find another link.. anyone?
41 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:22:02
42 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:21:24
Try this one... Not always reliable, but ok so far. You can all buy me a pint if it works! In fact fuck it, I need a drink now to drown my sorry about Micky!!!
43 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:24:16
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/527019
44 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:20:45
45 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:24:38
http://www.plstreams.com/channel1.php
46 Posted 22/02/2009 at 07:38:53
47 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:28:03
48 Posted 22/02/2009 at 11:15:21
49 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:44:07
50 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:30:44
51 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:30:36
52 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:46:31
53 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:46:38
54 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:48:58
55 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:49:49
56 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:28:03
57 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:52:19
the sopcast works great
58 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:57:44
First Arteta, second Rodwell and now Anichebe.
59 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:56:46
60 Posted 22/02/2009 at 16:58:07
61 Posted 22/02/2009 at 17:04:54
Yobo seems to create panic in our own defence, I dont know why but he just does !
62 Posted 22/02/2009 at 17:04:26
If we don’t come away with three points today, this will go down as one of the worst days at the office in a long time. They’re definately there for the taking, and they deserve to get nothing from today the dirty bastards! COYB!!!
63 Posted 22/02/2009 at 17:10:31
64 Posted 22/02/2009 at 17:16:12
65 Posted 22/02/2009 at 17:20:44
66 Posted 22/02/2009 at 17:18:36
67 Posted 22/02/2009 at 17:22:05
Come on Dave, adapt the bloody tactics and go bold FFS
68 Posted 22/02/2009 at 17:24:34
69 Posted 22/02/2009 at 17:25:50
70 Posted 22/02/2009 at 17:32:19
71 Posted 22/02/2009 at 17:34:06
72 Posted 22/02/2009 at 17:35:20
73 Posted 22/02/2009 at 17:40:53
74 Posted 22/02/2009 at 17:41:56
we should still beat 10 men, not good enough today so far!!!
75 Posted 22/02/2009 at 17:50:59
76 Posted 22/02/2009 at 17:51:29
77 Posted 22/02/2009 at 17:47:36
78 Posted 22/02/2009 at 17:53:10
79 Posted 22/02/2009 at 17:52:18
80 Posted 22/02/2009 at 17:53:29
81 Posted 22/02/2009 at 17:56:11
so real comments or jog on!!!
82 Posted 22/02/2009 at 17:57:59
83 Posted 22/02/2009 at 17:59:15
84 Posted 22/02/2009 at 17:57:48
We have half the team either injured or not match fit.
Point well won without our two key players....Arteta and Cahill..
Watch other big teams.......they miss their best too.
COYB
85 Posted 22/02/2009 at 18:00:10
If Arteta is out for a long time which sounds likely i really fear our season could fizzle out. We lack creativity without him which was shown again today.
I hope i am wrong and to be fair this lot have proved me wrong a few times this season!!
86 Posted 22/02/2009 at 17:59:48
Rob, Fellaini may have been looking decent when he has played, but he is way off looking a £15m player. I know he has been injured, he can’t speak english, he is still a young lad etc, but I have yet to see why we paid all that cash for him. His first touch isen’t the best, and he looks so slow and clumsy.
I’m not having a dig at the lad (it’s not his fault we paid all that cash ) it’s just an observation as to why he hasn’t convinced me yet that he will turn out to be top quality.
87 Posted 22/02/2009 at 18:05:05
Ive always supported Fellaini but today I started to have some mis-givings - I dont believe they know where to play him , he’s too pedestrian up front and his confrontational style will meen we will undoubtedly loose him for long periods. I dont think the lad himself is enjoying it at the moment .
Can someone explain why we continually take so much time to get forward, we pass it twice across the pitch full back to full back before we push it into the front 2 then loose it !!!.
Loosing 2 points was poor but loosing Arteta is a massive blow.
88 Posted 22/02/2009 at 18:10:23
If you can look at Felliani and tell me what he contributes then Im man enough to accept your opinion and offer an apology. To me he jogs round at a leisurely pace and gives away stupid free kicks and picks up ridiculous bookings he looks so far off the pace of the game its unreal!!
Fickle? I wouldnt deny that Im frustrated with that result because Im a passionate evertonian. Im sure the majority of fans on this site would agree that Newcastle are woeful and that should of been quite an easy 3 points.
I suppose we cant complain too much after the past couple of months but that was awful!!
COYB!!!!!!!!!!!!!
89 Posted 22/02/2009 at 18:14:30
90 Posted 22/02/2009 at 18:16:01
Newcastle missed an absolute sitter but other than that caused no trouble.
They was sitting there like lame ducks, all we needed to do was put them under pressure but failed to play at a high tempo with predictable attacks being easily dealt with by the barcodes.
For me Fellaini was shite. We might as well have had 10 men once he came on because he did nothing at all other than give away possession, and wonder round looking lost.
Massive blow about Arteta, but on the plus another good shift from Gosling and another cool composed and classy 90 mins from Rodwell.
91 Posted 22/02/2009 at 18:21:06
92 Posted 22/02/2009 at 18:22:18
93 Posted 22/02/2009 at 18:12:11
Possibly the best creative midfielder in the Premiership at the moment, off after 5 mins.
It takes us about 20 mins to reorganise, as they throw their best at us, as they are at home, being urged on by the crowd. They know how important Arteta is for us.
Rode the mini storm and started to get back into it and created 3 very good chances.
Big Vic doing well then whack !
We then try to see through to half time with Vic hobbling.
2nd half showed why we miss Cahill and Arteta so much but also the lack of match fitness of Castillo, Fellaini (bone still healing in his back), Saha (easing in after hamstring), Jo plus tiring youngsters.
Hard won point against a hard tacking possibly dirty team fighting off relegation.
My only concern was why Lars did not start at right back ?
Moyes has come out recently praising Jags to Vidic levels yet moves him out wide ?
A Full Danish international must have more awareness in that position and a better crossing foot.
Gosling went off limping so another enforced substitution or we may well have seen Shandy Andy.
It seems we are cursed everytime we play up there.
COYB.
94 Posted 22/02/2009 at 18:15:18
95 Posted 22/02/2009 at 18:26:05
If as seems likely Arteta doesn’t play again this season we can forget higher than sixth place as there is nobody left in the squad to play like he does. So it’s the FA Cup or bust I’m afraid.
I used to quite like the Barcodes up until Dalglish , Souness et al went up there. Now they just seem like RS without the trophies. I don’t think they will be relegated but oh how happy I would be if they did.
96 Posted 22/02/2009 at 18:35:22
Today was very difficult. With the players we had out (almost all our creative and attacking players), trying to break ten-men down was always going to be very difficult.
For me, I’d be Castillo isn’t good enough and Jo didn’t look much kop either.
If Arteta’s out of the season, which it looks like he is, our season’s pretty much done.
Very, very disappointing day.
97 Posted 22/02/2009 at 18:35:34
98 Posted 22/02/2009 at 18:29:35
99 Posted 22/02/2009 at 18:01:27
Howard - Newcastle did not have a shot on target, wasn’t tested at all. 6
Jagielka - Make-shift right back and looked solid enough there. Needed to attack more down the right, but that’s not really his game - 6
Yobo - Don’t feel as relaxed with Joey as I do when it’s Jags and Lescott in the middle. He slotted back in with very little drama though - 6
Lescott - My man of the match. He just oozed class with everything he did - 8
Baines - Got in some good positions going forward but his final ball wasn’t good enough. Missing his partner Peanuts I think - 6
Neville - Another good solid performance from the Captain. Played wide right for much of the game but kept coming inside to help collect Castillo’s three yard passes - 6
Arteta - Don’t want to think about it... I may cry.
Rodwell - Another performance to enhance his building reputation. Looked strong in the challenge and composed on the ball. He could be frighteningly good! - 8
Gosling - Some lively and intelligent runs at times. Playing out of position on the left and doesn’t offer as much width out there as we need. Will only get better - 6
Anichebe - Came off on 45 after the horror tackle. Hadn’t been involved much prior to that, and it was his best bit of play - chasing back 50 yards to disposess a player, turn and run at the defence - which lead to the disgusting challenge - 5
Jo - A few nice touches mixed in with some pretty poor play overall. Still looks like he needs a good run in the side and could be good for us, but not really good enough today - 5
Castillo - On for Arteta after 7 minutes. Ideal chance to shine, but failed miserably. Doesn’t look like he likes playing football. Never looks comfortable in posession. Simply not good enough - 3
Felliani - On for Anichebe after 45. Looked well off the pace but understandable after his injury. Won’t judge him too much on this display - 4
Saha - On for Gosling after 70. Looked lively and pretty hungry when he came on. Would pick a fit Saha over Jo on today’s showing - 6
Overall - a shocking day at the office but mainly down to the injury to Arteta. It could be a very long and frustrating run in without him.
Given the injuries / suspensions, a point at St James’ would usually be considered a good result but playing against 10 men for 45 minutes left us expecting more.
Sadly - against ten men with Arteta in I think we would have rolled them over. Without him, we were lacking that touch of class in the middle of the park.
To leave Newcastle with zero shots on target for 90 minutes speaks volumes for our defensive unit. Just worried where the goals are going to come from. Bring back Tiny Tm!!!
100 Posted 22/02/2009 at 18:48:15
Regarding the performance, technically a team of professionals should rally against 10 barcodes and win it, but somehow I can forgive this performance easily. I bet everyone of them were as shocked as fuck and thinking that the whole reason may be lost.
101 Posted 22/02/2009 at 18:42:35
Watched his and Cahills interview on Everton Tv plus Mikel on Football Focus today.
I was absolutely buzzing for them both.
It is only slowly sinking in that Mikel may be out for the season and it too is making me feel sick for him and us.
We all need to pray to the God of Football that the scan is okay and he will be back for the quarters.
Get well soon hermano.
COYB
102 Posted 22/02/2009 at 18:44:58
Don’t know what our midfield can do. Rodwell in creative role? Osman? I think it’s asking too much of both of them. Castillo doesn’t look up to the job.
103 Posted 22/02/2009 at 19:00:38
104 Posted 22/02/2009 at 19:04:01
Fuckin heartbreaking.
105 Posted 22/02/2009 at 19:04:01
Fuckin heartbreaking.
106 Posted 22/02/2009 at 19:11:18
Rodwell is class but defensive. Gosling is good in patches but can’t see him doing it for 90 and too young. Fellaini is defensive mid. Same as Castillo, Neville.. Are we really now relying on Osman.. come on lad your time has come!!
What about peanuts in a central role??
107 Posted 22/02/2009 at 19:14:32
108 Posted 22/02/2009 at 19:23:29
He is the one true creative spark we have. Put him in the middle with Rodwell and Neville, Cahill up top with Jo and Gosling on the right (not the left - he doesn’t look comfortable there). As we now ask Neville to drift right, ask him now to left left instead...
109 Posted 22/02/2009 at 19:33:17
Amazing!
110 Posted 22/02/2009 at 19:30:47
Maybe the rest of the season - FA Cup aside - can be used by DM to evaluate those who seem unable to play at this level. After all DM has never had the time or space to experiment with his squad during his seven years at the club. Perhaps the current circumstances will afford him that opportunity.
111 Posted 22/02/2009 at 19:38:01
He’s a poor passer, but a nice little terrier. Replace Arteta? Not even close.
112 Posted 22/02/2009 at 19:44:27
113 Posted 22/02/2009 at 20:10:44
He has got better over the months, his first touch is excellent he has come up with some important goals, his only 21 barely speaks english and you will see once he is played in his normal position that he is and will be a great player.
114 Posted 22/02/2009 at 20:09:09
Ref - oh dear, can’t give a red card to the home team after 10 minutes.
Ref - oh dear, if I don’t red card this will I ever ref at Wembley? Better had.
Ref - the one with the big hair, what is it? - oh yes, a yellow card.
A Fucking disgrace to park football, let alone the professional game.
Nolan should be banned for the season and Taylor for 3 games.
And Moyes said at half time - we’ll take a point and no more injuries. Or at least that’s what I would have said.
115 Posted 22/02/2009 at 20:22:49
when was the last time he actually played in his own position instead of just playing off the front man to get on the end of stuff?! he’s 21, can’t speak the language, playing with an injury and didn’t rate himself as worth the £15M we paid for him. give him a fucking break! i’m sure you’ll all be sporting your fellaini wigs if he gets us a couple of crucial goals!
116 Posted 22/02/2009 at 20:39:05
117 Posted 22/02/2009 at 20:43:44
118 Posted 22/02/2009 at 20:40:59
119 Posted 22/02/2009 at 20:58:00
If not speaking the language is having such an effect on the lads performance then why play him?!!! Believe me I want him to be a success I really do, I want every person who crosses the white line in a blue shirt to do the business for us.
My original comment was that I cant believe we paid all that money for him , thats hardly the most controversial thing Ive ever read on here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
120 Posted 22/02/2009 at 21:40:21
121 Posted 23/02/2009 at 12:23:28
122 Posted 23/02/2009 at 13:54:06
Gosling is probably injured but if not get him out on the right, where he is supposed to play.
Fuck it, I have no idea what we can do, as we have no more creativity in the team
123 Posted 23/02/2009 at 14:38:12


1 Posted 21/02/2009 at 23:36:33
Opportunities don’t always come along like this one and if we profess to be ambitious then nothing less than 3 points will do.
We need to treat tomorrow like a cup final as I believe Aston Villa are beginning to lose their nerve.