The Mail Bag

We're going to score one more than you

Comments (113)

A growing number of Evertonians have been mightily pissed off by Davey Moyes this season, not necessarily because of our results, let's face it, given our injury crisis most would be prepared to overlook them.

No, it's been DM's approach to the games that's really getting so many people down, it's been negative, ultra negative... and not just against the top teams, against newly promoted teams Moyes has still been excessively cautious... until now!

The Lion from the Wizard of Oz will swagger into Goodison fancying his chances today. He`ll tell his Spurs team that Everton are weakened, to go for the jugular. Moyes would normally try to stifle and nullify that, but today he can't, he simply doesn't have the personnel. So what are his options? Well they're pretty limited really, in fact the way I see it, he only has one.

Moyes will not risk his makeshift defence being ripped apart by a rampant Spurs; I believe he'll go for it, he'll send his boys out with one instruction, attack, attack with purpose.

Saha and Fellaini will be told to give their defence far more problems than Keane/Defoe and Crouch can give ours; Bily will be trusted to outshine Lennon; Cahill Rodwell and Pienaar will be charged with forcing the Spurs midfield to retreat.

"Attack is the best form of defence" they used to say... It certainly is if your boys at the back are inexperienced or playing out of position.

I would fully expect Moyes to slip straight back into his more cautious approach once he gets the right players back, but he can't tomorrow.

I predict a classic

IHSWR
Dave Wilson, Lpool     Posted 05/12/2009 at 18:24:46

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Michael Kenrick
Nice try, Dave,... but methinks the ocelot is stuck with current fur pattern, and he ain't for changing. I'd love it... but I just can't see it.
Michael Tracey
1   Posted 06/12/2009 at 01:59:14

What a load of crap! Moyes will instruct the team to defend and try and pinch a goal. Like we have all season. I think today's game will not be pretty and can see us conceeding at least a couple. I hope I’m wrong but, with our defence down on numbers and with some average players filling spots, we are in deep shit.
Mick Wrende
2   Posted 06/12/2009 at 05:45:42

Dave, have you gone totally bonkers? You are in some kind of fantasy land if you think Moyes will go on the attack. He never has in 7 years and now we are staring the bottom 3 in the face if we lose today and at Chelsea. Moyes will be desperate not to lose so will continue with his outdated, totally negative 4-5-1. Not till he goes is attacking football going to grace Goodison again.
Stewart Littler
3   Posted 06/12/2009 at 06:17:30

Mick, not that I disagree that he won’t go defensive tomorrow (cos he will and it’s entirely the correct thing to do), but you can’t have watched games like Chelsea, Arsenal, Wigan, Stoke and Villa (FAC) (all home games) just last season if you really believe the shite you just typed.
David Moore
4   Posted 06/12/2009 at 08:23:00

Dave, give me some of what you are drinking/taking because I would love to have the same hope that you do. If you are proved right then hats off to you, but I doubt it. Moyes will play 15 behind the ball and hope we get a 0-0. However, if Ii were Moyes I would use your formula as our threadbare squad won’t be able to cope with sustained pressure, so we have to control the game and tempo ourselves.

COYB
Marc Williams
5   Posted 06/12/2009 at 09:11:39

Dave Wilson - I’m assuming that the views given in your post are truely felt & freely given. However....

You may of course be an ’Ironic’ comedy genius, in which case can I have tickets to your forthcoming ’stand up’ show, as you made me laugh out loud.
Alternatively you may have had your drink ’spiked’ last night, so I’d drink somwhere else fella, before coming on TW.

If neither of the above apply, then let me let you in on a little secret about
’our Davey’. He doesn’t do attacking in football and indeed would like to change our club motto to "Och aye, I’d rather eat my own shit than attack"!

So what can you expect today?
Well I’d say more of the same defend at all cost’s mentality with players playing a game of ’square pegs in round holes’ before the inevitable injuries excuses at full time & a chairman swiftly exiting ’stage left’ to avoid the boos.

You see, Moyes would have made a fine WW1 general... Sending the boys ’over the top’ to the same inept tactical doctrine no matter how many times it fails!

Dominic Buckley
6   Posted 06/12/2009 at 10:14:11

Now Marc, the WW1 reference is a good soundbite but completely innappropriate here.

Moyes's successes in the face of a lack of cash prove that he’s a good tacticitan. May not be beautiful flowing stuff, but it’s generally effective. The injuries have really messed us up and that’s it... It’s not an excuse, it’s just an explanation.
Brett Bradshaw
7   Posted 06/12/2009 at 11:49:08

I agree, we WILL go attacking... when we are losing! haha

Seriously though I think we will pull a rabbit out the hat
today.
Karl Masters
8   Posted 06/12/2009 at 11:56:14

There are some miserable people on this site!
Howard Don
9   Posted 06/12/2009 at 11:55:32

Dave, nice thought but can’t agree, it would be insanity to try and take Spurs on in an open attacking game. With current player availability we’d get slaughtered.

Moyes has no option but to keep it tight, pack the midfield and protect whatever makeshift defence we manage to cobble together. Now that Peanuts and Bily are back we at least have some attacking threat so under current circumstances I’d certainly settle for grinding out a boring 1-0, although I think even that may be a bit optimistic.
Steven Pendleton
10   Posted 06/12/2009 at 12:28:26

Going by your logic, Hibbert will score the match winner. haha. You’re havin' a laugh.

What rock have you been hinding under during Moyes’s reign?
Brian Waring
11   Posted 06/12/2009 at 12:51:45

Even if we had Arteta, Jags etc back today, Moyes would still set up not to get beat, and hope to snatch one. If we had Messi, Ronaldo and Kaka, Moyes would still set up not to get beat, and hope to nick one.
Marc Williams
12   Posted 06/12/2009 at 13:11:28

Dominic, My point is that a good tactician moves with the times & is constantly adapting thier approach.

I agree with you that he did have early success & that was down to him calling it right. I think he looked at our situation was one of the first to adopt and prosper with 4-5-1. However, the Premier League has moved on and even other teams that learnt from and adopted his approach have themselves changed & adapted but he has not.

Yes he has has injuries to contend with and I blame Kenright for our lack of numbers, not Moyes, but this hides the fact that, as Brian Waring says correctly, whoever he has, he’d set up the same.

It’s this inflexibility that led to my analogy. I just feel we’re going to get beat today if we are negative as Spur’s are a good attacking side, and this constantly happens when we play the top four.

Jay Woods
13   Posted 06/12/2009 at 13:59:20

Tottenham are set up to attack well. We’re set up to defend, badly. There can only be one outcome...
Mike Allison
14   Posted 06/12/2009 at 14:21:01

Mick (and plenty of others out there) be frustrated by all means, criticise David Moyes if it makes you feel better, but don’t rewrite history, we’re not stupid and we have memories, obviously better than yours.

It's not like Stewart’s mentioned the only games we’ve ever attacked in either. The fact is, when Moyes feels he has a full strength team and confidence is up we play pretty good football. It just aint happening at the moment.
Colin Malone
15   Posted 06/12/2009 at 14:30:03

This is the time when we need the 11th man,
SO COME ON YOU BLUE BOYS.
Keith Glazzard
16   Posted 06/12/2009 at 14:20:24

When we beat Blackburn 3-0 the midfield was -
Osman Cahill Rodwell Fellaini Pienaar
with Saha up front.

The football at that time was godd passing stuff, and the goals were coming. With Bily for Ossie, the mf could look much the same today, and Bily is a much better PL player now than he was.

Spurs are a tought on right now, but we’ve got our midfield back. It makes a big difference.

James Stewart
17   Posted 06/12/2009 at 14:49:58

Mike "The fact is, when Moyes feels he has a full strength team and confidence is up we play pretty good football. It just aint happening at the moment."


Errr... When was that?!
Martin Berry
18   Posted 06/12/2009 at 15:01:18

http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=57248&part=sportsA link for a number of streams. Take your pick:

Colin Malone
19   Posted 06/12/2009 at 15:17:08

Sorry 12th man, COYBB
Keith Glazzard
20   Posted 06/12/2009 at 15:20:28

Yobo and Neill play.

Midfield as predicted.

Jo to start.

Saha and Yak on bench.
Stephen Graham
21   Posted 06/12/2009 at 15:54:53

Martin,

That link didn’t work for me, however this one does: http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=57248&part=sports

Brian Waring
22   Posted 06/12/2009 at 15:54:58

Team - Howard, Neill, Yobo, Hibbert, Yobo, Pienaar, Bily, Rodwell, Fellaini, Cahill, Jo
Brian Waring
23   Posted 06/12/2009 at 15:56:24

Sorry, meant Bines
Brian Waring
24   Posted 06/12/2009 at 15:57:04

Got to leave that Jack Daniels alone! Meant Baines.
Stephen Graham
25   Posted 06/12/2009 at 15:55:43

Looks like an & needs to replace that character at the end of 57248 when you are in myp2p. Odd that the & gets translated when pasting in TW.
Tony I'Anson
26   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:13:48

Is Yobo limping? I think he needs to come off before he causes a goal.
Ged Simpson
27   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:18:05

This is fiery staff
Tom Winek
28   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:18:39

This could be a one sided cricket score
Ged Simpson
29   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:18:38

Firey
John House
30   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:19:05

Our defence is starting to resemble a wet paper bag. Could we be anymore unlucky with injuries?
Andrew McLean
31   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:23:55

Afternoon all,
http://www.iraqgoals.net/ch4.html appears to be working.

And i think Coleman is on for Yobo :(
Steve Flaherty
32   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:26:57

Coleman has settled in very well at right back, Spurs look very dangerous, especially Defoe, but pretty evenly matched game at the moment.
Steve Fletcher
33   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:29:11

hopefully this won’t curse it but excellent feed on here
http://www.veetle.com/viewChannel.php?cid=4b1b8d6c2e140
Andrew McLean
34   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:30:53

Dawson booked, Spurs looked scared, spurs look like normal opposition
Ged Simpson
35   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:28:08

Jo is working his socks off
Andrew McLean
36   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:31:56

Dirty, dirty Dawson. Given that he’s just been booked, he’s very lucky. Maybe next time he won’t be?
Tony I'Anson
37   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:34:26

we need a bit of luck in the last third or score a half chance.
Ernie Baywood
38   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:35:08

I wish Howard would fk off sometimes. Coleman’s off the bench, started well and on his first mistake Howard’s screaming, waving his hands and making him look a cunt.

Is he part of this team or what?

Retarded.
Andrew McLean
39   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:34:15

That was mighty close, now Jack should know better!
Andrew McLean
40   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:36:45

Exactly what was felli booked for?
Ged Simpson
41   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:35:46

Brill Hobbo
Ged Simpson
42   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:41:35

I thought this kind of game was banned for insurance reasons
Andrew McLean
43   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:42:52

Great save my Howard. Jo is working hard & playing well hibbo’s tackling well. Spurs are getting frustrated. This is good stuff.
Steve Flaherty
44   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:43:01

Hibbo looks Beckenbauer-esqe at times!
Phil Rodgers
45   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:52:01

Good half. Good to see a bit of passsion.
Ged Simpson
46   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:47:56

That strikes me as a team getting their spirit back.

I’m proud of them for that.
Andrew McLean
47   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:51:21

Wouldn’t be surprised if akotta gets a second yellow for pessistant fouling, that lad is getting skinned too much
Joey Brown
48   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:53:36

Hibbert and Jags for CBs of England! haha
Andrew McLean
49   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:53:42

I agree with you Ged, they’re certainly peforming much better.
Tony I'Anson
50   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:51:30

If Defoe had took his chances we could be in trouble. Hibbert is having a blinder. I wonder what Arry has to say to his players about exploiting our small central defence in the second half. I think we will need to score to get anything out of this one.
Tom Bowers
51   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:51:18

It’s not a classic and Spurs looked as if they were going to run up the score early on compounded by Yobo’s fitness but all credit to the Blues for riding the storm and showing the spirit to come back.Referee is absolute crap.Has missed a lot early especially Asshole Ekotto push on Peanuts. Crouch as usual uses his arms a lot and Fellaini is a sure bet to get sent off. It will be a miracle if we can get a draw.It’s a pity Jo has no speed. Hibbert having the best game ever as long as we can keep them from sling in the high balls.Discipline is the key in the second half but somehow I doubt Moyes can instill it.
Peter Roberts
52   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:55:34

Careful, Steve. Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves.

Ernie, I’m sure you’re aware that Howard suffers from verbal Tourette’s Syndrome, and therefore that’s probably why he is screaming. I’m also fairly sure that Coleman is aware of it and therefore knows not to take it too seriously.

FWIW I think we might nick this. Tottenham don’t seem to have the same finesse that they have had in recent weeks and we are giving it a fair old go. Think MOTM has been Hibbert by a mile, just a shame he’s 5ft 8 as his positional play makes him a cracking centre-back - mind you, Cannavaro is 5ft 10.

Coleman looks much better than he did against Benfica when he was played out of position. Today and on Wednesday he has coped admirably, and I noticed after he came on Lennon was switched to the left to test him, and promptly moved back to the right as Coleman wasn’t giving him a sniff. Phil who?
Nick Wall
53   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:53:54

We’re doing well, just need a bit more invention up front, maybe Saha can provide. You have to think with Lennon on this kind of form Spurs have got to score, so we will have to find the net. Coleman looks confident going forward, Fellaini looking strong again, wouldn’t be surprised though to see a red card for either team and that could just swing the match.
Peter Roberts
54   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:58:56

Andrew McLean,

Fellaini was booked for the retaliation to Assou-Ekotto’s stud-raking of Cahill’s grid. It wasn’t necessary as Cahill could handle the little nark perfectly well enough.

Rodwell’s first booking was a non-event as well, think the ref’s performance in the first half will come back to haunt him in the second when he’ll have to buckle and send somebody off when this tie inevitably boils over. The smart money might be on Fellaini but I can equally see Dawson going as well
Kiern Moran
55   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:01:56

Right touch wood! But that was a very good first half. If we can manage not to have either Fellaini or Rodwell sent off we could actually win this. Game on!
Andrew McLean
56   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:02:45

Peter,
Thanks. I didn’t see it as retaliation, myself as I thought I saw him get a push in the face, those minutes later he’s in the box using his arm on Crouch.
Joey Brown
57   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:09:52

Well game over then.
Phil Rodgers
58   Posted 06/12/2009 at 16:58:13

Typical
James Gildersleeve
59   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:16:32

How many times this season have we conceded because Baines is fucking asleep? Surely he knows Lennon is out there and he is absolutely nowhere near him
Steve Flaherty
60   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:12:57

We’re being pulled asunder now, Can’t keep possession. Seriously, how did Jo ever make it to the this level of football? Surely the worst Brazilian to ever play the game. We desperately need to Saha or the Yak on upfront to hold the ball up and take the pressure off our defenders. Coleman looks a real find at right full.
Tom Winek
61   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:17:47

I don’t think Jo will ever score again
Joey Brown
62   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:21:27

Its a shame really. We can play better but the lack of a solid defense destroys any hopes of winning... what seems like ever again.
Joey Brown
63   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:23:13

With Jo leading the line that is.
Andrew McLean
64   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:07:33

bugger, I was having a shower, what did I miss?
Jay Woods
65   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:22:22

We’re in no false position, that’s for sure. Tim Cahill would do well to start with fact.
Steve Flaherty
66   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:25:46

Yak and Louie on for Jo and Rodders.
Phil Rodgers
67   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:23:32

How are we gonna turn this season around? I am really starting to lose hope now.
Andy Codling
68   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:32:38

Subs made when the game is dead and buried
Tom Winek
69   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:28:48

Coleman loves a tackle. He’s playing well
Ian McPherson
70   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:32:37

Shocking stuff. Without proper defenders we are going into the bottom 3 for xmas.
Steve Flaherty
71   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:31:00

I know I’m starting to harp on a bit about him now, but Colemans performance since he has coming on has been superb. The one real bright spark and he’s getting better as the game goes on. Aggressive going forward, strong in the tackle, good passer, pacy, everything you would want in a full back. He’s taking the fight to Spurs and showing the older lads how it should be donw. Well done son, should be first choice right back after this one.
Ian McPherson
72   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:35:08

Agreed he is the bright spark. Just shows were the other players heads are at.
Nick Entwistle
73   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:35:40

Tim’s been a dirty little shit today. That was a synical tackle I don’t expect from Everton... now he’s missing the Chelsea game though we were 2-0 down. Nice one Super Tim.
Ste Boyle
74   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:36:44

Our strikers are shit. A butter knife looks sharper than the Yak. Fucking awful
Steve Flaherty
75   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:35:13

Billy has been utter shite today, along with Cahill, Fellaini, Baines and Neill....Where’s ye’re fucking fight lads?
Ste Boyle
76   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:38:14

Coleman is superb.....Come on
Joey Brown
77   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:39:02

SAHA!!!!!
Steve Flaherty
78   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:39:26

Louie! Brilliant again from Coleman, super cross and great finish from Saha.
Nick Entwistle
79   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:39:34

Runs into the net to get the ball... lets go lads!!!!
Stuart Downey
80   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:09:07

why hasnt coleman been playing, the lad is awesome?!!
Phil Rodgers
81   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:34:31

Coleman has been excellent. Not put a foot wrong. Best performance from any of our players all season.
Darren Bywater
82   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:41:09

Kyle naughton ?

shamus coleman GET IN SON!
Ian McPherson
83   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:42:31

Can someone tell the Yak he is playing now? lazy shit.
Nick Entwistle
84   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:42:31

How was that a foul? By the big hair
Lee Hind
85   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:41:58

Coleman must play the next game...what an option he is!
Phil Rodgers
86   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:41:17

Please let us get another!!!
Tom Winek
87   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:44:15

One criticism of Coleman - he runs funny
Ste Boyle
88   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:46:13

Always rated Saha me ;o)
Ian McPherson
89   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:46:20

Yes it called running at goal. The Yak is learning it in training.
Steve Flaherty
90   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:43:02

All credit to Neil Lennon for not taking a dive from Pienaars challenge, would have been a definite peno. What an effort from Saha, the guy is just world class at times. pity we just couldn’t fit him with two new legs!
Stephen Graham
91   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:47:53

Tom Winek - yes, but at least he RUNS!
Steve Flaherty
92   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:47:49

Timmy . .. .Brilliant stuff, and Coleman sets it up again!
Dave Chapman
93   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:39:19

Is Coleman the new Cafu?
Phil Rodgers
94   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:43:58

YYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSS!!!!!!!
Stephen Graham
95   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:48:41

Yes, Yes, Fucking YES!!!
Nick Entwistle
96   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:47:02

Turning point of the season has happened at Hull half time and now we’re seeing the first benefits.
Rob Murphy
97   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:52:19

i demand a third goal!!!
Michael Upton
98   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:53:14

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE
Steve Flaherty
99   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:52:12

OH No Hibbo!
Phil Rodgers
100   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:49:20

I HATE FOOTBALL
Ged Simpson
101   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:49:57

Shoulder barge still exist ?
Nick Entwistle
102   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:52:50

What is it about Everton and frowing it all away...
Steve Flaherty
103   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:56:07

Howard the Hero...Fuck Ya!
Michael Upton
104   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:53:40

Great save, awful penalty though. Still time to lose it... or win it?
Nick Entwistle
105   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:56:52

Awesome, shame my perfect link decided then to screw up and let me miss it. Nice work Tim Howard.
Stephen Graham
106   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:57:16

Yessssssssssssss!
Steve Flaherty
107   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:58:01

2-2 finish
Ged Simpson
108   Posted 06/12/2009 at 18:01:34

Bloody miracle to be honest
Nick Entwistle
109   Posted 06/12/2009 at 18:01:27

Nice. Now to CH5 for Kelly’s Heros. Great film.
Ian McPherson
110   Posted 06/12/2009 at 18:02:00

Hibbert will be the death of me.
Kiern Moran
111   Posted 06/12/2009 at 17:29:27

Awesome! Well played, I sense a season turn around! Coleman outstanding. Bring on Chelsea.
Wilson Tan
112   Posted 06/12/2009 at 18:03:50

Fantastic point! Surely the turning point now.

Coleman has definitely shrugged off his nightmarish debut against Benfica. This kid can tackle, can pass and most importantly, has pace (at least when compared to the rest of the team)!
Rob Murphy
113   Posted 06/12/2009 at 18:07:02

More importantly though, the kid is IRISH! Thankfully John O’Shea can now play alongside Dunne in the centre. All we need now is a left back!

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