Season 2011-12 Fan Articles
From my seat: Newcastle (A)
By Ken Buckley :: 05/11/2011
24 Comments (»Last)
We don?t seem to be playing with any confidence or belief as we create chances yet spurn them and switch off at most inappropriate moments.We seemed comfortable from the off but within 5 mins Newcastle had a corner and Guthrie had a shot as our defence seemed at sixes and sevens. Yet just a little later at the other end Saha flicked on a Drenthe cross beautifully into the path of Coleman, who was to go on and have the kind of game that can only be called a ?stinker?, he had the goal to aim at yet managed to miss-hit his shot to the extent of affording the hosts a throw in near the corner flag.
That feeling of this is not looking like our day was creeping up. Still within the first 10 mins and, when a cross came in that seemed no more than destined for the arms of Howard, Heitinga inexplicably threw a foot at it and diverted the ball into his own net. Now that really was either Howard or Heitinga?s fault, did Howard call? Did Heitinga ignore him? We will never know... but it was still incompetence on a big scale at this level of football. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot. I think he shot the lot of us as we stood open mouthed at the cock-up.
We gathered ourselves and Drenthe was being his usual wild card self by giving the ball away in a dangerous position one moment then fashioning a couple of good chances the next. First a good cross for Rodwell to get a good header in and produced a good save then he set up Osman for a shot but it lacked venom and went straight to the keeper.
Then a good long ball over the top from Jags (I think it was meant not a hoof) put Saha clear and he beat the offside trap but alas composure was not on his agenda and instead of the kind of finish you would expect from the experienced Frenchman he did the schoolboy trick of rushing things and with one almighty wellie managed to clear the height of the goal and the width; best described as ?Woeful?. Would you believe he was put in again and this time hopelessly screwed wide? I was now feeling sorry for him! We were creating but final third expertise was just non-existent.
Just on the half hour after being on top, Newcastle attacked down the left and Hibbert put in a good tackle putting the ball out for a throw. Taylor took it long. Rodwell headed clear but only back to Taylor who was afforded the time to chest it down and hit a pearler from some 25 yds that arced over Howard and troubled the net. Hell of a goal ? but what a blow to us.
Fair play to the players, they tried to respond, as did the assembled faithful who were more than generous with their support. As the half concluded, Saha hit a post (it was not his day) then Taylor hit our bar with what looked like a cross gone wrong and then an injury to a Newcastle player saw Gosling enter the fray to much booing from his former admirers. Neville went down and was replaced by Distin with Heitinga moving into Neville?s position somewhere in midfield.
Injury time was now being played when we won a corner and Drenthe whipped in a fast swinging ball that Rodwell met full on with his head and the keeper had no chance. Half-time and 2-1 down looked better than 2-0 but we could have been in front ? or just as easily been further behind, such was the nature of the game. Drenthe summed it up with a first half performance that was both encouraging and depressing.
Second half and no changes. The first moment of note came when a shout for a penalty went up. It seems the claim was for a Gosling handball but only Saha appealed so I can?t really comment as I saw nothing except a deflection wide from a Saha attempt.
As the half progressed, the hosts started to look jaded and we certainly had chances from decent build-up but that final third was once again our Achilles heel.
We started to make changes on the hour mark when Cahill replaced Heitinga who had played as though he wished he was somewhere else today. I thought Coleman should have been subbed too but a look at the bench reveals the awful truth we have no one better, now that is not encouraging.
Cahill started lively and looked to want to put some fire into those players on the park who just were not fully up to it today. Perhaps they tried a bit harder but the joined-up stuff with a creditable finish was non-existent. The rest of the half was played out with Everton in the main dominating until the final third and then it was all uncultured swipes at the ball, one pass too many, or just poor passing.
With ten to go our problems were well and truly brought home when the option was taken to replace Hibbert with McFadden and move the woeful Coleman to right back. You won?t need me to tell you that it didn?t work. Still time for Drenthe to get a stupid booking and us having run out of ideas started to tire and the game ended with Newcastle on top.
MotM ? Difficult but I would share it between Jags and Hibbo as the only two players to be at least consistent throughout.
br />Overall, a disappointing performance and not unexpected in many ways as the inability to add to the squad and losing players such as Arteta and Pienaar seems to me to be having an effect on the players who we have got. I am afraid that it is now all about money because as it is obvious to every man and his dog that the club is not in a position to afford the manager the wherewithal to strengthen the squad in a way that befits ?The best of the rest? and this duly rubs off on all connected in any way with the club and today?s team, bench and performance will only reinforce this.
The next game home to Wolves becomes very important in terms of the players being fired up and willing to give it a good go despite our lack of quality as well as a home crowd willing to get right behind the team as three points from this fixture has become essential. We can?t keep saying, "We start slowly but pick up after Christmas"... because, one season, we won?t.
Still the break now until we face Wolves and who knows... that game might be our launch pad. Ever optimistic, see you there.
UP THE BLUES
Reader Comments (24)
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Phil Brown
2 Posted 05/11/2011 at 23:58:26
2 Posted 05/11/2011 at 23:58:26
But we still created 6 chsances in the first half without Pienaar and Arteta?
Saha should only have played one half following 3 games in a week.
Saha should only have played one half following 3 games in a week.
Andy McNabb
3 Posted 06/11/2011 at 00:38:39
3 Posted 06/11/2011 at 00:38:39
Thanks Ken I was relying on you to let me know how it unfolded. Sorry - I'm a coward - went to bed when they scored the second. Couldn't face any more.
And yet - we could/should have been two up from the Coleman and Saha chances. These events can shape seasons. Like we say to the kids at school - at least force the keeper to make a save.
After watching Melbourne v Brisbane earlier in the eve, I think we may even struggle in the A League. Brisbane failed to wear down a 9 man Melbourne due to a lack of creativity. Maybe we would fit in really well?
And yet - we could/should have been two up from the Coleman and Saha chances. These events can shape seasons. Like we say to the kids at school - at least force the keeper to make a save.
After watching Melbourne v Brisbane earlier in the eve, I think we may even struggle in the A League. Brisbane failed to wear down a 9 man Melbourne due to a lack of creativity. Maybe we would fit in really well?
Dick Fearon
4 Posted 06/11/2011 at 00:53:25
4 Posted 06/11/2011 at 00:53:25
Andy # 3, You could have had half the team in bed with you because after the interval they were knackered and useless.
Rob Teo
5 Posted 06/11/2011 at 02:40:28
5 Posted 06/11/2011 at 02:40:28
Is it me or did it come across as really obvious that the team seemed unsure of what to do when they were in the final third of the field? I mean, the impression I got was that there was no understanding between the midfielders and the forward players - no darting runs into space, no dragging of defenders into wide channels, no constant movement to receive the ball but just hands on hops waiting for the final ball to be delivered?
There really was just no cohesion between them when attacking and, more often than not, the emphasis seemed to be more on retaining the ball and passing back to the defenders at the least sign of pressure. Ken's report seems to support this point, but anyone else think the same? I really wonder if any part of training is actually devoted to attacking play (and not just from set pieces).
There really was just no cohesion between them when attacking and, more often than not, the emphasis seemed to be more on retaining the ball and passing back to the defenders at the least sign of pressure. Ken's report seems to support this point, but anyone else think the same? I really wonder if any part of training is actually devoted to attacking play (and not just from set pieces).
Paul Ferry
6 Posted 06/11/2011 at 03:07:28
6 Posted 06/11/2011 at 03:07:28
Wolves home in the natural order of things would be Moyes-Messiah's make or break game. It's quite clear, the appalling Autumn of Moyes's with yet more we-can-all-see-it-but-you-can't tactics, line-ups, set-ups, subs, anywhere else Moyes your fat wages would disappear in a flash.
He has to go if we do not beat Wolves, end of.
He has to go because he is driving our beloved blues to the sort of dark cliches and disparaging remarks that I last heard before Oxford away in 1984. And, unlike, Howie, he does not have the acumen or dare to bring us back. Any decent chairman worth his salt would fire Moyes not in 2 weeks, but today, last week ...
Like all Evertonians, I despise bullshit Billy more than Moyes, but the longer Moyes hangs on to the threads of whatever he thinks he is clinging to, makes me lose more and more respect for him each day. Almost anyone would be better, change for mere changes' sake, and, trust me, I hate to say that.
Any manager who played Osman today for 90 mins is out of his mind. They are all connected in some way: Kenwright, Moyes, Osman, Ross. the gobshites on the board who have never reached into their pockets for us, Cahill, Saha, connected by fucking mediocrity, for the love of Sheedy go. Kenrwrght/Moyes, Greek PM/Burlesconni, you mark us with an indelible stain that one day we might lose, I hope so. MOYES OUT
He has to go if we do not beat Wolves, end of.
He has to go because he is driving our beloved blues to the sort of dark cliches and disparaging remarks that I last heard before Oxford away in 1984. And, unlike, Howie, he does not have the acumen or dare to bring us back. Any decent chairman worth his salt would fire Moyes not in 2 weeks, but today, last week ...
Like all Evertonians, I despise bullshit Billy more than Moyes, but the longer Moyes hangs on to the threads of whatever he thinks he is clinging to, makes me lose more and more respect for him each day. Almost anyone would be better, change for mere changes' sake, and, trust me, I hate to say that.
Any manager who played Osman today for 90 mins is out of his mind. They are all connected in some way: Kenwright, Moyes, Osman, Ross. the gobshites on the board who have never reached into their pockets for us, Cahill, Saha, connected by fucking mediocrity, for the love of Sheedy go. Kenrwrght/Moyes, Greek PM/Burlesconni, you mark us with an indelible stain that one day we might lose, I hope so. MOYES OUT
Andy McNabb
7 Posted 06/11/2011 at 03:05:07
7 Posted 06/11/2011 at 03:05:07
Dick - I'm struggling to rid myself of that mental image but I think I know what you mean!
Rob - there seems no one with the ability or confidence to run at the opposition and take a man on, thus creating space. Boatloads of possession and yet we seldom look like creating anything. We almost play as if we had a two goal lead and are trying to run the clock down by keeping the ball but with little intent to hurt the opposition.
Rob - there seems no one with the ability or confidence to run at the opposition and take a man on, thus creating space. Boatloads of possession and yet we seldom look like creating anything. We almost play as if we had a two goal lead and are trying to run the clock down by keeping the ball but with little intent to hurt the opposition.
Anto Byrne
8 Posted 06/11/2011 at 03:33:29
8 Posted 06/11/2011 at 03:33:29
What a bloody awful game to watch. Here we have Newcastle, a top 4 side at the moment... and, to be honest, they are not that good but they play for each other and have a go.
I thought we were a bit light in midfield with Neville and Coleman all at sea. All too often, Osman was back mopping up but offered very little going forward. The line-up suggested we play it tight and not concede but there was no Plan B.
Saha is not a lone striker and battled on and was unlucky hitting the post. It's the same old story: when you're down, nothing goes your way. Confidence is shot and the best player for me today was Rodwell who really looks a class act when given license to go forward and carry the ball.
I thought McFadden should have been on with at least half-an-hour to play. He did well for the last 10 minutes. I'm sure the penalty would have been given if the ball had hit an Everton player's hand ? it looked a certain goal in replay. Oh well... shit happens. It's 10 years for Moyes and the only thing he hasn't achieved is to take us down.
I thought we were a bit light in midfield with Neville and Coleman all at sea. All too often, Osman was back mopping up but offered very little going forward. The line-up suggested we play it tight and not concede but there was no Plan B.
Saha is not a lone striker and battled on and was unlucky hitting the post. It's the same old story: when you're down, nothing goes your way. Confidence is shot and the best player for me today was Rodwell who really looks a class act when given license to go forward and carry the ball.
I thought McFadden should have been on with at least half-an-hour to play. He did well for the last 10 minutes. I'm sure the penalty would have been given if the ball had hit an Everton player's hand ? it looked a certain goal in replay. Oh well... shit happens. It's 10 years for Moyes and the only thing he hasn't achieved is to take us down.
Mikey John
9 Posted 06/11/2011 at 05:59:41
9 Posted 06/11/2011 at 05:59:41
As a blue who lives in Newcastle the defeat today was a bitter pill to swallow; however, anyone who watched the full 90 mins would probably say we deserved at least a point.
The point I am getting at is this: why start Heitinga when Distin is fit? What was he doing for their first goal? And for me, never looked comfortable on the ball.
Secondly, when we went 2-0 down, me dad, me bessie and me all thought we would be getting a hammering here, however there were some positives.
Now for me in the 2nd half Moyes left it too late (not the first time) to change it up. Coleman and Drenthe should have swapped wings as Coleman was totally ineffective today. Jags just hoofs the ball, Hibbert is a good clubman but just not up to the grade and, when Neville went off, there was no composure in the middle.
After scoring to make it 2-1 right on half-time, it was a good catalyst to push on in the second half which yes we did to an extent but we lacked any sort of creative play. Rodwell passes sideways and we always end up with Howard getting the ball back.
My point is, even though we were shite for the first 20 today we did play well, and deserved something out of the game however we are too negative and have no confidence going forward (plus Louis had a shocker today).
I can't see this getting any better soon as for me we have never replaced Pienaar & Arteta. Please Bill give us a little bit of dough for a creative player in January.
The better team lost today. Chin up COYB!
Tim Rydings
10 Posted 06/11/2011 at 08:33:34
10 Posted 06/11/2011 at 08:33:34
Rob #5, Where have you been? With Moyes it's been that way for years!
Richard Dodd
11 Posted 06/11/2011 at 09:24:38
11 Posted 06/11/2011 at 09:24:38
I believe that Davey`s philosophy has always been one of `keeping it tight etc. etc.........`In the main, this has worked well over his 10seasons in charge as the record books will attest and his belief in not conceding and `finding a goal from somewhere` has generally served us well.
Of course, this approach relies on at least one player being a potent striking force ? whether that be a midfielder (ie.Cahill) or a lone striker (ie, Saha). Now that both are well past their peak, the strategy fails almost as soon as we go behind.
You can be sure our manager is totally aware of this and will insist that money is found to address the problem, whatever the constraints still in place come January. I still believe we are better than half the teams in the Prem although without reinforcements it will be a rocky ride to May.
Of course, this approach relies on at least one player being a potent striking force ? whether that be a midfielder (ie.Cahill) or a lone striker (ie, Saha). Now that both are well past their peak, the strategy fails almost as soon as we go behind.
You can be sure our manager is totally aware of this and will insist that money is found to address the problem, whatever the constraints still in place come January. I still believe we are better than half the teams in the Prem although without reinforcements it will be a rocky ride to May.
Ajay Gopal
12 Posted 06/11/2011 at 10:55:28
12 Posted 06/11/2011 at 10:55:28
That was a stone dead penalty if you see it in the replay. Only Saha appealed - wonder what the other players were doing ? If that had been the RS, they would have been swarming all over the referee. Not saying I condone that, just that it seems that if you do not berate the referee now, you won't get anything.
Fellaini's absense would have also hit Everton badly.
Fellaini's absense would have also hit Everton badly.
Steve Harris
14 Posted 06/11/2011 at 13:07:38
14 Posted 06/11/2011 at 13:07:38
Why is Hibbert Ken`s Man Of The Match nearly every week when he clearly is, and has been for 10 years, the most average,ordinary and limited player that i`ve had the misfortune to watch in my 40+ years of watching the blues? Don`t give me that shit of saying "At least he tries hard!" when thats the least you`d expect from a man that must wake up in his luxury house every day and thank god for making him a multi millionaire despite being shit! Somebody even said recently that "he`s improved leaps and bounds in the last few years! They must be watching a completely different game to me. It was said after the cup final that he should never play in a blue shirt again but more than 2 years on he`s still the first name Clueless Moyes picks every week. Who would come in for him if we ever put him up for sale? United? City? Accrington Stanley? I know he`s not the only one but it really annoys me when people make out he`s a good player when he`s obviously not
Phil Brown
15 Posted 06/11/2011 at 14:18:38
15 Posted 06/11/2011 at 14:18:38
Richard #15 Saha is not and never has been a lone striker, that's the problem. He has to compete with Bily and Cahill to play behind (still should be Yakubu) Denis or Vellios. Square pegs and round holes.
David Holroyd
16 Posted 06/11/2011 at 14:36:41
16 Posted 06/11/2011 at 14:36:41
It would be helpful if one of our coaches was an attacker instead of all being defenders.
Steavey Buckley
17 Posted 06/11/2011 at 21:27:26
17 Posted 06/11/2011 at 21:27:26
I fear the worst against Wolves, Everton's next opponents after the international break. With so many Everton players away on duty, there is bound to be some injury problems, plus the disruption that a 2 week break brings. Wolves will have 2 out field players away (Doyle and Hunt,) so less of a disruption for them. And after a weekend moral boosting 3-1 home win victory, their confidence will be up.
Jamie Tulacz
18 Posted 06/11/2011 at 23:03:50
18 Posted 06/11/2011 at 23:03:50
Luck's not really going our way at the moment, especially with the curse of Gosling yesterday, with an absolute stonewall penalty. And what a lot seem to be ignoring is the run of games we've had recently which has been horrendous.
Phil (14)-whilst Saha may be past his best, you can't be seriously suggesting that Vellios or Straq are worth a regular starting spot up front? Vellios looks promising, but was pretty poor on his one and only start so far, whilst Straw has looked pretty terrible by all accounts so far.
Talking of past it, interesting to see the Yak missing another complete sitter again yesterday!
Phil (14)-whilst Saha may be past his best, you can't be seriously suggesting that Vellios or Straq are worth a regular starting spot up front? Vellios looks promising, but was pretty poor on his one and only start so far, whilst Straw has looked pretty terrible by all accounts so far.
Talking of past it, interesting to see the Yak missing another complete sitter again yesterday!
Bob Parrington
19 Posted 07/11/2011 at 00:37:25
19 Posted 07/11/2011 at 00:37:25
Watched the game on Foxtel in Adelaide. Jeeesus! We looked disinterested and disjointed with zero will to win. Clueless coaching. Why bring on McFadden. He looked totally unfit as he rolled on to the pitch.
Agree with all about the "clear as daylight" penalty. How the ref AND ref's assistant didn't pick that goes beyond understanding.
Time for a big change! The body language says it all!
COYB
Agree with all about the "clear as daylight" penalty. How the ref AND ref's assistant didn't pick that goes beyond understanding.
Time for a big change! The body language says it all!
COYB
Anthony Lamb
20 Posted 07/11/2011 at 12:21:21
20 Posted 07/11/2011 at 12:21:21
With regard to the first Newcastle goal it is interesting that the player who should be well and truly nailed gets away with it in many quarters - namely the goalkeeper Howard. Rarely have I seen a goalkeeper so inept at commanding his six-yard box with any degree of authority. The best of keepers down the years have shown that they actually OWN this area of the pitch - it is THEIR territory and they pro-actively take the initiative. Obviously we do not KNOW if Heitinga got a call from the keeper but it certainly did not look as though he did. It was a perfect example of Howard's often lack of composure when called upon to actually DOMINATE his box, a lack most clearly seen in his dealing with a back pass when under even minimal pressure. He is not alone in the present Everton squad in not being under sufficient pressure from other candidates to maintain and IMPROVE skills, techniques, application, consistency of performance etc. It really does bring into question what these people do all week in training. Good God even the Americans now seem to want our goalkeeping coach in their national set-up! Did I misread/mishear that? perhaps not?!
Neil McCloskey
21 Posted 07/11/2011 at 12:53:54
21 Posted 07/11/2011 at 12:53:54
If Howard had given Johnny a shout then he would certainly have gave him an ear-bashing after he put the ball in the net. Instead he turned away looking rather embarrassed which is all the confirmation I need!
Lack of creativity in midfield is depressing. Coleman and Drenthe have great pace and can beat a man, but both lack creativity and technique. I would like to see Coleman RB with Ossie or Drenthe ahead of him - may not be as defensively sound but would give us good attacking options on each flank. Two up front Saha and Cahill/Vellios. Rodwell and Fellaini in middle.
Our set up so far is so predictable to opposing teams and so depressing for us blues. With no Arteta or Pienaar to open up defences, it simply doesn't work!
Lack of creativity in midfield is depressing. Coleman and Drenthe have great pace and can beat a man, but both lack creativity and technique. I would like to see Coleman RB with Ossie or Drenthe ahead of him - may not be as defensively sound but would give us good attacking options on each flank. Two up front Saha and Cahill/Vellios. Rodwell and Fellaini in middle.
Our set up so far is so predictable to opposing teams and so depressing for us blues. With no Arteta or Pienaar to open up defences, it simply doesn't work!
Wayne Smyth
23 Posted 07/11/2011 at 19:55:52
23 Posted 07/11/2011 at 19:55:52
Our team is full of good players. Better than many in the league.
Our team is demotivated.
Our team is demoralised.
Our tactics are predictable and have been since Moyes has been in charge.
Good managers adapt to their situation. Moyes has plan A and will not adapt when it fails. Nothing will change till he is replaced.
Our team is demotivated.
Our team is demoralised.
Our tactics are predictable and have been since Moyes has been in charge.
Good managers adapt to their situation. Moyes has plan A and will not adapt when it fails. Nothing will change till he is replaced.
Larry Bird
24 Posted 07/11/2011 at 22:56:23
24 Posted 07/11/2011 at 22:56:23
Coleman is really starting to look like a $60,000 player. Not his fault, he gives his all but he's just not good enough.
Moyes's negativity is starting to depress me to the core. We could not be more negative. It's time that he stopped harking on about having no money and get on with it. If you can't afford to buy anyone then sell some talent to free up funds for re-investment. It's what everyone outside of the elite top 6 has to do and you don't hear them complaining.
And for christ's sake, can he start leaving one up front when defending corners? It's like kicking a ball against a wall when we clear it...
Moyes's negativity is starting to depress me to the core. We could not be more negative. It's time that he stopped harking on about having no money and get on with it. If you can't afford to buy anyone then sell some talent to free up funds for re-investment. It's what everyone outside of the elite top 6 has to do and you don't hear them complaining.
And for christ's sake, can he start leaving one up front when defending corners? It's like kicking a ball against a wall when we clear it...
Bob Parrington
25 Posted 08/11/2011 at 01:21:19
25 Posted 08/11/2011 at 01:21:19
Wayne # 21. Good way of putting the point I was making. 80% of the coaching skill set is the "people skill". If you can't motivate/ can't mix player personalities and skill sets/ don't understand what actually drives people (players are still people aren't they?) etc etc, find somebody who can and you get on with the other 20%. Negative attitude to team selection/ thinking we can't win .... no wonder the players are fucked up. I agree ... we have a good (Ok, but small) squad of players.
Another thought..... my eldest son pointed out that same time last season - 10 points from 10 games ..... we've got there again....... is this the trigger point for improvement? Bloody oath! I hope so!
COYB
Another thought..... my eldest son pointed out that same time last season - 10 points from 10 games ..... we've got there again....... is this the trigger point for improvement? Bloody oath! I hope so!
COYB
Terence Sweeney
26 Posted 10/11/2011 at 13:35:58
26 Posted 10/11/2011 at 13:35:58
Hibbert motm? He gave the ball away for the first goal!
Thought we missed Fellaini in midfield and the defence looked a lot stronger when Distin came on
Thought we missed Fellaini in midfield and the defence looked a lot stronger when Distin came on
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1 Posted 05/11/2011 at 23:21:59
There is only one way your headed when you sell quality players.