The Mail Bag
Finally!
Comments (52)
A few days ago, I posted in here stating that most Evertonians were praying for a midfield of Bilyaletinov, Rodwell, Cahill and Pienaar against Fulham — especially when Neville went off. It didn't happen.
Tonight, against an albeit poor Greek side, it's happened — and it's happened to an amazing effect.
I'm actually sending this in during the half-time break! Such is my confidence in the new look side that has shown brilliant balance, poise, strength and a killer instinct.
Football fans often get the tag of "wannabe armchair managers", yet I think this is sometimes unfair. Evertonians are amongst the most knowledgable football fans in the land — if not the world — and I honestly think David Moyes was the one who made the collossal mistake against Fulham.
Suddenly, with the absence of Hibbert, Neville and Osman (all of which, in my opinion, have been justifiably criticised by the fans), we're playing football. Actual, honest-to-God, football!
On another note, Bilyaletinov has the best left foot Everton have seen grace Goodison since Hinchcliffe (I actually mean that as a compliment!). It doesn't matter what the quality of the opposition is; you could be playing Real Madrid — whipping in a corner is always the same. And in 45 minutes, he's shown more than Osman has since last Christmas (sad, but true). Gosling deserves a mention in that he has given us a bit of "talent" on the ball at full-back, combined with Pienaar meaning we have a dangerous right wing as well as left.
Hopefully, Moyes won't "dither" and revert back to Osman for the league — Leon is a decent squad player but we have better options. This season is a time for Everton to have a go at sides given we have, arguable, the best squad to pick from since the 1980's.
Lee Kidd, Posted 17/09/2009 at 17:55:49
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Rupert Sullivan
2 Posted 17/09/2009 at 18:50:09
2 Posted 17/09/2009 at 18:50:09
Brilliant performance by the lads tonight, Rodwell and Fellaini controlled the midfield superbly, I was especially impressed with young Jack, who shows such poise and control on the ball, not once looking harried or pressured. With Bilyaletdinov and Pienaar on the wings the midfield had movement and width and until those two were taken off for me the midfield didn't look anything other than in full control.
If this is the way they can play, what the hell happened on Sunday?
Dave Lynch
3 Posted 17/09/2009 at 20:34:47
3 Posted 17/09/2009 at 20:34:47
Well it seems we can play joined up football after all. Very happy with the display tonight and thought all except Osman had a great game.
Jo even looked like he was a footballer at times. Gosling, Fellaini, Yobo, Distin and Baines where magnificent imo.
But Rodwell. Christ ! This lad is going to be world class, he reminded me of Bobby Moore at times.
For a lad so young his composure and reading of the game was something to behold.
His passing is simply awesome. More of the same please in the prem. No excuses, we did it tonight so we can do it again.
James Mclaughlin
4 Posted 17/09/2009 at 21:36:39
4 Posted 17/09/2009 at 21:36:39
Good team performance in general against AEK. We moved the ball much quicker and there were plenty of positives,notably an encouraging debut from bily whose delivery from wide areas are what we have been crying out for and another quality display from rodwell who dictated the game.
But for me,the biggest plus point of the night was the performance of Dan Gosling at right back.Thought he gave a very mature showing,composed on the ball both going forward and defending plus rarely caught out of position. Don't know what other peoples opinions are but I think he has done enough to earn his place in the next starting line up?
Dave Brierley
5 Posted 17/09/2009 at 19:08:33
5 Posted 17/09/2009 at 19:08:33
Ken will write his account of the game in the detail that we have come to appreciate but I just wanted to take the opportunity to give two fingers to all those doom merchants, and God knows we have more than our fair share of them.
Tonight's game demonstrates very clearly that we have talent in this team and that the "hoofball" we so often revert to is eliminated when the right attitude and confidence which tonight we displayed in spades is allowed to show through.
That first half performance was among the best I have ever seen at Goodison. Looking forward to reading the comments of the negative squad, particularly Tony Marsh and that ray of sunshine Ciaren Mcgloom. Viva EFC!!
Andy McNabb
6 Posted 18/09/2009 at 05:09:22
6 Posted 18/09/2009 at 05:09:22
I’ve had a tough time at work recently and it’s wonderful to read some positive comments about a positive performance.
If you’re a doom merchant, please keep quiet for the moment and let us enjoy this one.
Well done, boys!
If you’re a doom merchant, please keep quiet for the moment and let us enjoy this one.
Well done, boys!
Russell Buckley
7 Posted 18/09/2009 at 05:45:08
7 Posted 18/09/2009 at 05:45:08
Agree with all the comments we were a very attractive side to watch. Everyone played well and showed we have some class. For once we looked balanced and without an obvious weak spot. I’m already a huge fan of Bily if only for the fact that he balances the side. The idea having more than one attacking wing has me made up.
Confidence is key to pushing on so that game can only do us good and it showed Moyes what option this side has. We have a real squad this year so let's see Mr Moyes use it.
It's another thing doing it in the EPL but I think we saw some of Everton’s long-term future tonight with Felli and Jack in the middle.
Confidence is key to pushing on so that game can only do us good and it showed Moyes what option this side has. We have a real squad this year so let's see Mr Moyes use it.
It's another thing doing it in the EPL but I think we saw some of Everton’s long-term future tonight with Felli and Jack in the middle.
David Moore
8 Posted 18/09/2009 at 06:47:38
8 Posted 18/09/2009 at 06:47:38
That first half was great. It was certaintly woth getting up at 5am to watch it. I thought today showed many positives. the five man midfield with rodwell accompanied by either Fellani or Cahill in the middle and Pienaar and Bily on the flanks showed real poise. THen to have decent set pieces was great to watch as w carved them up. I though Jo did a really good job up front and you could see how his thinking and ideas are all top notch. Only downside was having to watch Osman for the second 45, he was useless andhopefully that showing will influence Moyes to keep him on the bench. Good to see the Yak and Saha get a run with the latter spurning a good chance before comically getting sent off. I wonder if we will appeal???Distin looks really composed whihc is great as it means he calms down Yobo, who was the only one to hoof it. A great result and a brutal first half in which we could of had 6 fills me with confidence for Sunday.
Wilson Tan
9 Posted 18/09/2009 at 07:34:11
9 Posted 18/09/2009 at 07:34:11
What a great first half! I certain agree with David Moore. It makes waking at 3am to watch the game well worth it. Without Neville in the team, it seems like Yobo is the only one still looking to hoof the ball as his first option. Fellani and Rodwell in the centre is fantastic, let’s hope they can do it again this weekend. Osman, oh gosh, he desperately needs some kind of form or confidence. Best to keep him on the bench for the time being.
Jo Ariff
10 Posted 18/09/2009 at 08:24:40
10 Posted 18/09/2009 at 08:24:40
Well, its a great win for us, great team play and some great individual performance. Congratulations to the team....
Everyone knows that Everton can play football. My worry is that Everton played well only when they are not down in terms of the scoreline. What will happen when they are down? Panic and hoofball. They need confidence and self-believe.
Prove me wrong guys.... and dont make this performance a flash in the pan. Still believe in Everton.NSNO.
COYB
Everyone knows that Everton can play football. My worry is that Everton played well only when they are not down in terms of the scoreline. What will happen when they are down? Panic and hoofball. They need confidence and self-believe.
Prove me wrong guys.... and dont make this performance a flash in the pan. Still believe in Everton.NSNO.
COYB
Mac Lloyd
11 Posted 18/09/2009 at 08:31:32
11 Posted 18/09/2009 at 08:31:32
The usual doom-and-gloom merchants will be missing this morning, or making comments through gritted teeth, but they’ll probably be back tomorrow.
Excellent performance throughout, keep it going for Sunday.
COYB!!!
Excellent performance throughout, keep it going for Sunday.
COYB!!!
Rupert Sullivan
12 Posted 18/09/2009 at 08:46:38
12 Posted 18/09/2009 at 08:46:38
Just a quick retort re the doom and gloom merchants (having posted a few of those myself in recent times...) the game last night serves to show what can be achieved in a changed around side. The midfield last night was balanced and composed - more so than I have seen in recent years, with Pienaar and Bilyaletdinov offering oprions out wide in the space afforded them by a strong Rodwell and Fellaini.
Everton looked competent at 4-5-1, 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 last night.
I’m not saying this vindicates (completely) the negativity which has been eveident of late, but without Hibbert and Osman holding the right side Everton were a much more fluid outfit - so perhaps the comments were justified.
Everton looked competent at 4-5-1, 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 last night.
I’m not saying this vindicates (completely) the negativity which has been eveident of late, but without Hibbert and Osman holding the right side Everton were a much more fluid outfit - so perhaps the comments were justified.
Tony Williams
13 Posted 18/09/2009 at 09:03:00
13 Posted 18/09/2009 at 09:03:00
Let's be honest though lads, they were fucken shite. We can get all giddy with the scoreline and how well we passed it but I can guarantee we try that against Blackburn and we will be down to about 7 men with being kicked everywhere.
Even after one game, I am confident of getting through this group, because they are crap and so are the Batty boys.
Have to give a mention to their fans, they were brilliant. I think that most of them must have been introduced to a wonderful invention called Stella before the game. Best fans at Goodison for a long while...
Even after one game, I am confident of getting through this group, because they are crap and so are the Batty boys.
Have to give a mention to their fans, they were brilliant. I think that most of them must have been introduced to a wonderful invention called Stella before the game. Best fans at Goodison for a long while...
Colin Potter
14 Posted 18/09/2009 at 08:56:46
14 Posted 18/09/2009 at 08:56:46
Great first half, just one complaint: why didn’t Moyes bring on the german Mustafi instead of Osman. After such a dominant display in the first 45 mins, why not give the lad a chance to show us what he can do when everybody was playing so well. Surely he couldn’t have been as bad as Osman?
Tony Williams
15 Posted 18/09/2009 at 09:23:23
15 Posted 18/09/2009 at 09:23:23
Good point Colin, I do think had the Cahill yellow card neen on around 70 minutes with us 3-0 up he would have brought him on but still the cautious side of Moyes at half time shone through with 45 still to go and after such an abject display second half at Fulham he went with his experienced player.
Ciarán McGlone
16 Posted 18/09/2009 at 09:30:06
16 Posted 18/09/2009 at 09:30:06
Mustafi is a defender.
Mark Murphy
17 Posted 18/09/2009 at 09:33:23
17 Posted 18/09/2009 at 09:33:23
"More of the same please in the prem. No excuses, we did it tonight so we can do it again. "
Fazackerley!
Hey Dave, that was great tonight - just like Leicester away with Gordon Lee eh??
Seriously, as one who has been fuming about recent performances lastnight was exactly what I was hoping for and is what we are capable of on a regular basis. Which is the point some, not all, of us have been trying to make.
If we were shite and couldnt do better I would accept Fulham, Burnley etc.
But we are capable of much more, as last night showed. Am I wrong to expect that we play to potential? Am I wrong to be critical when we dont?
All those players looked the part tonight. Everyone wanted the ball. Everyone was comfortable on the ball.
Rodwell was a giant!
Lets hope that the confidence can carry over to the league games and we can at last get this season off the ground!
Fazackerley!
Hey Dave, that was great tonight - just like Leicester away with Gordon Lee eh??
Seriously, as one who has been fuming about recent performances lastnight was exactly what I was hoping for and is what we are capable of on a regular basis. Which is the point some, not all, of us have been trying to make.
If we were shite and couldnt do better I would accept Fulham, Burnley etc.
But we are capable of much more, as last night showed. Am I wrong to expect that we play to potential? Am I wrong to be critical when we dont?
All those players looked the part tonight. Everyone wanted the ball. Everyone was comfortable on the ball.
Rodwell was a giant!
Lets hope that the confidence can carry over to the league games and we can at last get this season off the ground!
Ciarán McGlone
18 Posted 18/09/2009 at 09:51:07
18 Posted 18/09/2009 at 09:51:07
Indeed Mark,
Those crowing about the ’doom and gloom’ merchants are so short sighted they fail to realise that the doom and gloom merchants have actually been vindicated...
Look what happens when you play the right players in the right positions instead of Neville and Osman....
Let’s hope it’s a lesson learnt...
Those crowing about the ’doom and gloom’ merchants are so short sighted they fail to realise that the doom and gloom merchants have actually been vindicated...
Look what happens when you play the right players in the right positions instead of Neville and Osman....
Let’s hope it’s a lesson learnt...
Stan Sheppard
19 Posted 18/09/2009 at 09:51:19
19 Posted 18/09/2009 at 09:51:19
Don’t care how shite AEK were, at least we tried to play the right way.
The midfield was very good, although Cahill is wasted when he plays deep.
Bily was very impressive, we now have someone who can hit great corners and free kicks which will add to the danger we cause from set pieces.
Hope the injuries to Pienaar and Bilyaletinov are not serious. Great to see Yakubu getting a decent amount of pitch time.
The midfield was very good, although Cahill is wasted when he plays deep.
Bily was very impressive, we now have someone who can hit great corners and free kicks which will add to the danger we cause from set pieces.
Hope the injuries to Pienaar and Bilyaletinov are not serious. Great to see Yakubu getting a decent amount of pitch time.
Brian Noble
20 Posted 18/09/2009 at 09:52:19
20 Posted 18/09/2009 at 09:52:19
So the inclusion of Danny Boy cost me 160 notes — see other thread-but it was well worth the 20 I lost to see the kid — and the rest of the team do so well.
It’s what we’ve learned about Moyes, he only gets it right when forced to do the bleeding obvious. Will he ever learn? I think not!
It’s what we’ve learned about Moyes, he only gets it right when forced to do the bleeding obvious. Will he ever learn? I think not!
Matthew Lovekin
21 Posted 18/09/2009 at 09:53:05
21 Posted 18/09/2009 at 09:53:05
There are 3 main points I’d like to make:
1. It was an excellent performance and result.
2. The opposition were very poor.
3. The team almost picked itself. With no Hibbert, Heitinga and Neville and there was no way Moyes could have had carried on picking Osman, all we were left with was attacking players.
Moyes may have stumbled across that team but he needs to be brave and confident and pick an attacking team from now on, that’s how you score goals and win games.
1. It was an excellent performance and result.
2. The opposition were very poor.
3. The team almost picked itself. With no Hibbert, Heitinga and Neville and there was no way Moyes could have had carried on picking Osman, all we were left with was attacking players.
Moyes may have stumbled across that team but he needs to be brave and confident and pick an attacking team from now on, that’s how you score goals and win games.
Dave Lynch
22 Posted 18/09/2009 at 09:51:26
22 Posted 18/09/2009 at 09:51:26
What Mark Murphy said.
No excuses. Let’s pass Bburn off the park.
As for labeling some of us doom merchants Mr Lloyd and Sullivan.
All we wanted to see was some decent footy and last night we got it.
See, i’m easily pleased.
A plus point Mark was i didn’t get arrested last night.
Unlike that Leicester game.
Never forget that bastard coppers face who lifted me, he was laughing like a demented hyena whilst knocking the shit out of me. I’d of taken the hiding gladly if he had let me in to see the game though.
No excuses. Let’s pass Bburn off the park.
As for labeling some of us doom merchants Mr Lloyd and Sullivan.
All we wanted to see was some decent footy and last night we got it.
See, i’m easily pleased.
A plus point Mark was i didn’t get arrested last night.
Unlike that Leicester game.
Never forget that bastard coppers face who lifted me, he was laughing like a demented hyena whilst knocking the shit out of me. I’d of taken the hiding gladly if he had let me in to see the game though.
Tony Williams
23 Posted 18/09/2009 at 10:01:01
23 Posted 18/09/2009 at 10:01:01
Sorry Ciaran but that is absolute tosh, most of the doom and gloom merchants have not been vindicated simply because we played well against a poor side.
How can you vindicate, "Moyes is a coward", "We are in a relegation battle", "Our players have no fight" with one game against shite opposition?
So all the doomers are right now are they? Their word is sacrosanct?
How can you vindicate, "Moyes is a coward", "We are in a relegation battle", "Our players have no fight" with one game against shite opposition?
So all the doomers are right now are they? Their word is sacrosanct?
Tony Williams
24 Posted 18/09/2009 at 10:05:30
24 Posted 18/09/2009 at 10:05:30
Must add Ciaran that this is not against you and posters of your ilk but the people who moan with no constructive criticism, they are in no way vindicated.
Rupert Sullivan
25 Posted 18/09/2009 at 10:23:24
25 Posted 18/09/2009 at 10:23:24
Dave, I do hope that you did not mean me when referring to people labelling others as doom and gloom mongers, I was defending the criticism which I and others have posted.
My comments were in reference to what Andy McNab and Mac Lloyd wrote, I’m pretty sure that I have written some remarks concerning DM’s negative tactics etc over reent days.
Hey ho - but like you say, no excuses...
My comments were in reference to what Andy McNab and Mac Lloyd wrote, I’m pretty sure that I have written some remarks concerning DM’s negative tactics etc over reent days.
Hey ho - but like you say, no excuses...
Gavin Ramejkis
26 Posted 18/09/2009 at 10:34:51
26 Posted 18/09/2009 at 10:34:51
Really enjoyed the game last night and some of the passing was sublime, Bily has a cracking eye for a pass. Enjoyed the mad as a bag of frogs greek fans who were still going for it four nil down. Let’s hope we can keep the passing game up as the yard dog pub side Old Balloon Head will put out against us on Sunday will be a different kettle of fish, expect to see a few players getting assaulted as per usual and the smug prick grinning from the dug out. The team from last night should be able to out pass and out gun Blackburn, let’s hope we don’t get the revert to type team instead.
Chris Dyson
27 Posted 18/09/2009 at 10:48:12
27 Posted 18/09/2009 at 10:48:12
Great performance, thought Distin gave a captain's display, could hear his instructions to the back line all night.
Rodwell superb, 3 forwards at the same time, pity we had stepped off the gas when they were on.
Let's take this performance and start up the League
Ciarán McGlone
28 Posted 18/09/2009 at 10:37:24
28 Posted 18/09/2009 at 10:37:24
In terms of the type of set-up and starting eleven they’ve generally been calling for, Tony... they are completely vindicated.
Neal Sutherland
29 Posted 18/09/2009 at 10:51:48
29 Posted 18/09/2009 at 10:51:48
Indeed Mark,
Those crowing about the ’doom and gloom’ merchants are so short sighted they fail to realise that the doom and gloom merchants have actually been vindicated...
Look what happens when you play the right players in teh right positions instead of Neville and Osman....
Let’s hope it’s a lesson learnt
---------------------------------------------------
Wow Ciaran, you know better than everyone, including our experienced manager, backroom staff, and players. Ring Goodison and ask for a job sure.
Those crowing about the ’doom and gloom’ merchants are so short sighted they fail to realise that the doom and gloom merchants have actually been vindicated...
Look what happens when you play the right players in teh right positions instead of Neville and Osman....
Let’s hope it’s a lesson learnt
---------------------------------------------------
Wow Ciaran, you know better than everyone, including our experienced manager, backroom staff, and players. Ring Goodison and ask for a job sure.
Dave Lynch
30 Posted 18/09/2009 at 10:54:59
30 Posted 18/09/2009 at 10:54:59
Rupert.
Please accept my apologies. That should have read Mr Brierley.
Got my wires crossed along the way as i
was rushing out to work. Sorry again buddy.
Please accept my apologies. That should have read Mr Brierley.
Got my wires crossed along the way as i
was rushing out to work. Sorry again buddy.
Ciarán McGlone
31 Posted 18/09/2009 at 11:00:48
31 Posted 18/09/2009 at 11:00:48
Thanks Neal,
Though I can’t really take the credit - considering it was so bloody obvious...I’d also say there’d be a queue of tens of thousands who also realised the problem areas...
Thanks all the same.
Though I can’t really take the credit - considering it was so bloody obvious...I’d also say there’d be a queue of tens of thousands who also realised the problem areas...
Thanks all the same.
Phil Roberts
32 Posted 18/09/2009 at 10:51:29
32 Posted 18/09/2009 at 10:51:29
Osman will play on Sunday in place of Bily.
Yes - you heard it right. Bily did his groin clearing the ball from his own penalty area about 2 minutes before he went off. He immediately started limping.
Then we won a corner and he took it and it was the one bad corner he took as it didn’t clear the first defender and then he went off. I reckon he is out.
As for the Cahill comment. I thought he was excellent last night. He played the holding midfielder role brilliantly. He was always available for the pass, broke up so much of their play and was instrumental in our 3-0 HT lead.
Yes - you heard it right. Bily did his groin clearing the ball from his own penalty area about 2 minutes before he went off. He immediately started limping.
Then we won a corner and he took it and it was the one bad corner he took as it didn’t clear the first defender and then he went off. I reckon he is out.
As for the Cahill comment. I thought he was excellent last night. He played the holding midfielder role brilliantly. He was always available for the pass, broke up so much of their play and was instrumental in our 3-0 HT lead.
Dave Wilson
33 Posted 18/09/2009 at 10:51:37
33 Posted 18/09/2009 at 10:51:37
Tony
That's life, people who complain may not influence the way our team is set up, but when the changes they were calling for are made and improvement is instant, they will of course feel vindicated.
To say "Moyes is a coward" is a bit harsh, but if you were to say "Moyes's team selection isn't the bravest" that would be accurate.
The bottom three go down and we are in the bottom two; until we pull away from there, anybody suggesting we are in a relegation battle need only point to the table for vindication.
That's life, people who complain may not influence the way our team is set up, but when the changes they were calling for are made and improvement is instant, they will of course feel vindicated.
To say "Moyes is a coward" is a bit harsh, but if you were to say "Moyes's team selection isn't the bravest" that would be accurate.
The bottom three go down and we are in the bottom two; until we pull away from there, anybody suggesting we are in a relegation battle need only point to the table for vindication.
David Pilkington
34 Posted 18/09/2009 at 11:01:20
34 Posted 18/09/2009 at 11:01:20
I hate to say this but Jack Rodwell reminds so much of Steven Gerrard. The lad is sheer class and is surely the future of Everton.
Stian Skaar
35 Posted 18/09/2009 at 11:28:00
35 Posted 18/09/2009 at 11:28:00
That Everton is a better team without Osman just now - I agree, and I agreed before yesterday’s game.
That Everton probably is a better team without the captain - I agree.
That Everton is a better team because of the signing of Bily - I hope the doom and gloom and "the transfer window was a scandal" would agree.
That Everton is more likely to continue passing to feet and quick pass and move with Heitinga as a right back - I think this is likely.
That Jack Rodwell is a potential midfield general - undoubtedly.
That Everton, even without Jagielka and Arteta, hailed as the two best players we have by many, looks like a really exciting team - I hope Ciaran, Tony and the rest of you lot (you know who you are!) agree.
That Everton probably is a better team without the captain - I agree.
That Everton is a better team because of the signing of Bily - I hope the doom and gloom and "the transfer window was a scandal" would agree.
That Everton is more likely to continue passing to feet and quick pass and move with Heitinga as a right back - I think this is likely.
That Jack Rodwell is a potential midfield general - undoubtedly.
That Everton, even without Jagielka and Arteta, hailed as the two best players we have by many, looks like a really exciting team - I hope Ciaran, Tony and the rest of you lot (you know who you are!) agree.
Ciarán McGlone
36 Posted 18/09/2009 at 11:35:23
36 Posted 18/09/2009 at 11:35:23
Stian,
I hate to break this to you...but you’re the one eventually agreeing with us...
I hate to break this to you...but you’re the one eventually agreeing with us...
Stian Skaar
37 Posted 18/09/2009 at 11:40:30
37 Posted 18/09/2009 at 11:40:30
Ciarán - Curious comment. Please explain to us lesser mortals :)
Anthony Doran
38 Posted 18/09/2009 at 11:39:35
38 Posted 18/09/2009 at 11:39:35
Great performance, great result, great golly go Everton! We should focus on winning this competition its defo something we can achieve this season!
Ciarán do you really have to post such crap all the time, your posts are endlessly boring and obivious.
Ciarán do you really have to post such crap all the time, your posts are endlessly boring and obivious.
Ciarán McGlone
39 Posted 18/09/2009 at 12:01:37
39 Posted 18/09/2009 at 12:01:37
You’re saying you hope I agree with your list Stian....when you list is simply a repetition of what many people (including myself) have been crying out for ...
Anto..great contribution and well on topic as usual...Was that predictable?
Anto..great contribution and well on topic as usual...Was that predictable?
Mac Lloyd
40 Posted 18/09/2009 at 12:09:35
40 Posted 18/09/2009 at 12:09:35
’ere-’ere Anthony, go find a empty room to have an argument in.
To all those that say the oppo were shite, not the greatest fair enough but remember the blokey up-front has been top scorer in the Greek Super League for the last 2 years, last night Yobo and Dusty didn’t give him a sniff.
It’s about time some people gave praise where praise is due and not fall back on pathetic "I told you so" comments.
To all those that say the oppo were shite, not the greatest fair enough but remember the blokey up-front has been top scorer in the Greek Super League for the last 2 years, last night Yobo and Dusty didn’t give him a sniff.
It’s about time some people gave praise where praise is due and not fall back on pathetic "I told you so" comments.
Jay Harris
41 Posted 18/09/2009 at 12:58:22
41 Posted 18/09/2009 at 12:58:22
Graet peformance,great result.
Particularly liked the combination of Big wig and Rodders who both put a tremendous amount of work in and were always looking for the ball thus preventing hoofball.
Let’s hope Billy is fit for Sunday and we carry that confidence into the game.
I just have a question for the statto’s.Does Saha’s red mean he is only banned in Europe or does it count in the prem too?
Particularly liked the combination of Big wig and Rodders who both put a tremendous amount of work in and were always looking for the ball thus preventing hoofball.
Let’s hope Billy is fit for Sunday and we carry that confidence into the game.
I just have a question for the statto’s.Does Saha’s red mean he is only banned in Europe or does it count in the prem too?
Paul Mackie
42 Posted 18/09/2009 at 13:10:20
42 Posted 18/09/2009 at 13:10:20
Ciarán McGlone - "Look what happens when you play the right players in teh right positions"
Aren’t you the same person who spent the summer transfer window insisting that Bily was a central attacking midfielder? He didn’t look very central last night.
Aren’t you the same person who spent the summer transfer window insisting that Bily was a central attacking midfielder? He didn’t look very central last night.
Tom Bowers
43 Posted 18/09/2009 at 13:09:59
43 Posted 18/09/2009 at 13:09:59
Sorry to say I told you so but on Wednesday I wrote that the Greek league standard is no where near the Prem and so it proved.Yes the Blues did what they had to do and in style.Let’s hope the confidence continues over till Sunday and Blackburn get the same treatment.With Neill and Heitinga waiting in the wings we are all feeling a lot more optimism since the Fulham disappointment.The team needs to play for a full 90 minutes to beat a rugged Blackburn team.
John Crook
44 Posted 18/09/2009 at 13:36:57
44 Posted 18/09/2009 at 13:36:57
Guys everyone is saying Rodwell is gonna prove to be a future top notch centre half. To me it looks like we have the making of a superb holding centre mid. Fair enough Athens were shit but the composure and his athletiscm are outstanding - he can pass with both feet - tall and excellent in the air- he has already prooved he can shoot with both feet when need (sigma olouc or whatever they were called). In a couple of years when learning of someone of the experience of Neville he really can become a midfield enforcer. these kinda players are rare - we nearly have paid over the odds on Mbia etc but lets nuture this lad. Imagaine a fully fit Arteta Pienaar and Bily with a more expereienced Rodwell sitting behind them. C O Y B.
John Crook
45 Posted 18/09/2009 at 13:43:55
45 Posted 18/09/2009 at 13:43:55
And to Jay Harris - Sahas’s ban is only in Europe. Hibbert was sentoff in the last Euro game and thats why he was suspended for the Athens match.
But i cant confirm if its a 1 match ban or a 2or3 match ban for a straight red.
But i cant confirm if its a 1 match ban or a 2or3 match ban for a straight red.
Ciarán McGlone
46 Posted 18/09/2009 at 13:43:58
46 Posted 18/09/2009 at 13:43:58
Paul Mackie...I said Billy was a central attacking midfielder who comes from the left into the middle...which is exactly what he kept doing last night..
Ciarán McGlone
47 Posted 18/09/2009 at 13:47:38
47 Posted 18/09/2009 at 13:47:38
Oh and just to clairfy Paul...I thought Billy as a player cutting in from the left would clash with our other central attacking midfielders...on last nights perfromance I was wrong...he worked beautifually with Fellaini...always happy to admit when I get it wrong..
Jay Harris
48 Posted 18/09/2009 at 13:54:27
48 Posted 18/09/2009 at 13:54:27
John Crook,
thanks for the feedback.
Lets hope the club appeal it because I think it’s 3 games for violent conduct.
thanks for the feedback.
Lets hope the club appeal it because I think it’s 3 games for violent conduct.
Brian Waring
49 Posted 18/09/2009 at 13:57:30
49 Posted 18/09/2009 at 13:57:30
Biggest plus for me, Fellaini being played for once in centre - mid, he acctually at times looked graceful!!!
Also, the fans being labelled doom mongers, weren’t they acctually right?
Also, the fans being labelled doom mongers, weren’t they acctually right?
Anthony Doran
50 Posted 18/09/2009 at 14:01:36
50 Posted 18/09/2009 at 14:01:36
I've being one of Fellaini’s critics and am as yet still unconvinced about him but he does look ’graceful’ at times as Brian put it. He or Moyes hasn't figured out what to do with him yet it seems or were he fits in the team.
Tony Williams
51 Posted 18/09/2009 at 14:11:44
51 Posted 18/09/2009 at 14:11:44
We actually got to see a Fellaini sliding challenge that didn’t result in a yellow card, what is this world coming to.
He and Rodwell look so composed on the ball you can’t help but start to feel a little optimistic..........some will obviously argue that last point
He and Rodwell look so composed on the ball you can’t help but start to feel a little optimistic..........some will obviously argue that last point
Mark Murphy
52 Posted 18/09/2009 at 14:33:19
52 Posted 18/09/2009 at 14:33:19
Hey Dave, you missed a cracker - sunshine football and we were cock of the north! I seem to remember that we was on a run of about 3 or 4 freescoring wins then as well?
Re this thread, I’m getting confused. Surely Ciaráns point is that he (as was I) has been suggesting that a change of tactics, approach and team selection was needed by Moyes in order to avoid shite like Fulham, Wigan, Burnley etc? And when, as last night, all three occured then surely he, and others like him (not all!) were vindicated??
Re this thread, I’m getting confused. Surely Ciaráns point is that he (as was I) has been suggesting that a change of tactics, approach and team selection was needed by Moyes in order to avoid shite like Fulham, Wigan, Burnley etc? And when, as last night, all three occured then surely he, and others like him (not all!) were vindicated??
Why are people having a go at him? Surely we are all entitled to have a go if the team isn't fulfilling its potential? Isn't that all that Ciarán did?
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1 Posted 18/09/2009 at 00:31:34
Jo truly deserved his goal tonight, if we can toughen him up he will be a hell of a player. Fellaini and Rodwell magnificent in the middle, for 18 and 21 they are frighteningly good. Bily wasn't too involved (besides assisting all 3 goals!) but showed great promise with an eye for an early pass (think that Gwladys Street corner probably did for him making Blackburn as he was already limping before he took it).
Baines was superb and would still be marauding forward now if they hadn't blown for full time. Yobo and Distin seem to be visibly building a good rapport. So nice to see 3 hungry, quality strikers on in the second half too, shame about Louis’s red (not seen it yet but would be surprised if he did anything when 4-0 up so late on) but all in all a text book night.
Some excellent football played that was hopefully enjoyed by some of the usual miserable sods on here. AEK fans were incredible too, think they’ve been rehearsing some of those ’westside story’ esque moves all week. COYB!