Season 2011-12 Fan Articles
Everton Myths
By Luke O'Farrell :: 16/02/2012
42 Comments (»Last)
Football is all about opinions and differing points of view. Although sometimes, we all hear things that we can?t quite believe. This is my list of ?Everton Myths? ? things I?ve heard, at the game or elsewhere, that I just can?t get my head around. Some of them seem ridiculous and others just drive me crazy, as they?re so unbelievably wrong.
I've added the page to my Everton blog, so feel free to add more of your own in the comment box or leave me a message on Twitter: @lukeofarrell
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov?s work rate wasn?t good enough
Phil Jagielka is good on the ball
Phil Jagielka is fast
Magaye Gueye has electrifying pace
Seamus Coleman is a midfielder
Mikel Arteta only ever passed sideways
Tim Cahill can play in a four man midfield
Marouane Fellaini doesn?t try hard enough
Phil Neville can give cover at left back
Marouane Fellaini isn?t a good player
Phil Neville can do a job in midfield
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov is a left winger
Royston Drenthe is a left winger
Magaye Gueye is a left winger
Louis Saha worked hard
Marouane Fellaini isn?t our best central midfielder
John Heitinga isn?t a good defender
John Heitinga is a good holding midfielder
We have versatile players
Steven Pienaar didn?t put any effort in, once his contract began to expire
Mikel Arteta?s heart wasn?t in it, after he signed his big contract
Sylvain Distin isn?t good in the air
Sylvain Distin isn?t fast
Ross Barkley is developing as a player, when he doesn?t make the squad / sits on the bench
Playing 4 ? 4 ? 2 will make us a better team
4 ? 5 ? 1 is negative
Bringing everyone back at corners is a good thing
Hitting an aimless long ball forward, from the kick off, is a good thing
Tim Cahill is a centre forward
Darron Gibson can?t pass
Playing defenders in midfield makes us harder to beat
Playing defenders in midfield can be a good thing
Playing for a draw is a good tactic, away from home
Andy Johnson was a good finisher
Louis Saha was good in the air
Selling Mikel Arteta on deadline day was a good decision
Not selling Phil Jagielka for £12 million was a great piece of business
Selling, and not replacing, our most creative midfielder made good business sense
Selling Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford was okay, because we still had Louis Saha
Selling a creative midfielder for £10 million, and turning down £12 million for a defender, made us a better team
Contributions from other fans
Ross Barkley isn?t ready for first team football
Phil Neville has to play, because he is the only one who can lead the team
We need to play more long balls, we aren?t direct enough
Seamus Coleman is a good dribbler
Jack Rodwell is our best midfielder
Li Tie was the Chinese David Beckham
Victor Anichebe is our worst player
Tony Hibbert can?t cross
Duncan Ferguson was lazy
Reader Comments (42)
Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer
Derek Turnbull
2 Posted 16/02/2012 at 23:05:13
2 Posted 16/02/2012 at 23:05:13
The early 80s Enclosure being rammed full of clued up dead hard lads from Kenny who'd all been to see the Bunnymen the night before, while everyone else in the ground was a wool.
Dick Fearon
3 Posted 16/02/2012 at 22:59:54
3 Posted 16/02/2012 at 22:59:54
Luke, You realise don't you that in one fell swoop you have attempted to destroy the belief of thousands of honest hardworking blokes who now have little truisms to cling to other than the fact that all Kopites are gobshites.
Ah' I have just spotted something that weakens your case.
Nowhere have I found Osman's name. Is that because you consider him worthy or unworthy of a mention or is it true that when the spotlight is on him he dons a cloak of invisibility?
Ah' I have just spotted something that weakens your case.
Nowhere have I found Osman's name. Is that because you consider him worthy or unworthy of a mention or is it true that when the spotlight is on him he dons a cloak of invisibility?
Luke O'Farrell
4 Posted 16/02/2012 at 23:21:00
4 Posted 16/02/2012 at 23:21:00
It was just a quick fire article for a bit of fun, more than anything. I could probably come up with more in a larger time scale.
Here is an Osman one for you:
Leon Osman is good, when playing as a right-sided midfielder
Here is an Osman one for you:
Leon Osman is good, when playing as a right-sided midfielder
James Martin
5 Posted 16/02/2012 at 23:49:31
5 Posted 16/02/2012 at 23:49:31
Why is everyone suddenly knocking Seamus Coleman? Has he ever let us down? Where would we have been last season without his goals from midfield? Jagielka used to be fast before his injury deprived him of his speed. Fellaini has played well since Gibson has arrived (still not upto his price tag mind you) but until then was largely crap.
Ian Smitham
6 Posted 16/02/2012 at 23:37:33
6 Posted 16/02/2012 at 23:37:33
With respect, you seem to be either contriving to create controversy, or simply trying to generate some sort of long thread. I almost apologise for writing this as it adds numbers to what is a really bad thread and MK I would have thought you would want to stop this nonesense at source.
A poor refection on the poster and MK's trainset
A poor refection on the poster and MK's trainset
Peter Warren
7 Posted 17/02/2012 at 00:01:11
7 Posted 17/02/2012 at 00:01:11
V accurate article . Everything is 100 percent correct
Luke O'Farrell
8 Posted 17/02/2012 at 00:09:21
8 Posted 17/02/2012 at 00:09:21
James
It isn't knocking Coleman, saying he isn't a midfielder, it is just my observation. I haven't said he's a bad player, I just don't think he's a midfielder. His decision making and final cross / pass just aren't good enough for a midfielder.
With a bit of work at the defensive side of his game, I think he'll make a very good attacking full back; in a few years.
Not convinced on the Jagielka one, other than Distin, the only fast centre back we've had in the past 10 years is Yobo.
Fellaini was playing well, before Gibson arrived. Most of the time, he was doing the work of two in midfield. This was down to playing with Neville / Heitinga. Now, he has a 'water carrier' next to him, he is able to perform to an even higher standard.
Ian
This isn't gospel, it isn't fact - it just some observations I've made, or heard, over the past few years; in and around Goodison. If people don't agree with it, they don't have to reply, they don't have to respond.
It was written as a more light hearted 'filler' for my blog, as I'm not writing a match preview for Saturday's game. Its not like I'm trying to brainwash people, its just an article that's a bit different from the norm.
It isn't knocking Coleman, saying he isn't a midfielder, it is just my observation. I haven't said he's a bad player, I just don't think he's a midfielder. His decision making and final cross / pass just aren't good enough for a midfielder.
With a bit of work at the defensive side of his game, I think he'll make a very good attacking full back; in a few years.
Not convinced on the Jagielka one, other than Distin, the only fast centre back we've had in the past 10 years is Yobo.
Fellaini was playing well, before Gibson arrived. Most of the time, he was doing the work of two in midfield. This was down to playing with Neville / Heitinga. Now, he has a 'water carrier' next to him, he is able to perform to an even higher standard.
Ian
This isn't gospel, it isn't fact - it just some observations I've made, or heard, over the past few years; in and around Goodison. If people don't agree with it, they don't have to reply, they don't have to respond.
It was written as a more light hearted 'filler' for my blog, as I'm not writing a match preview for Saturday's game. Its not like I'm trying to brainwash people, its just an article that's a bit different from the norm.
Rob Teo
9 Posted 17/02/2012 at 02:07:39
9 Posted 17/02/2012 at 02:07:39
Ian, I think you judge Luke (and MK) too harshly.
Luke stated (or implied) right from the start that this were his opinions. I read it as such as, and certainly do not see it as factual nor as an attempt to "create controversy". Relax!
Luke stated (or implied) right from the start that this were his opinions. I read it as such as, and certainly do not see it as factual nor as an attempt to "create controversy". Relax!
Brian Williams
10 Posted 17/02/2012 at 09:01:24
10 Posted 17/02/2012 at 09:01:24
Sometimes people have too much time on their hands ;-)
Graham Holliday
11 Posted 17/02/2012 at 09:03:26
11 Posted 17/02/2012 at 09:03:26
One that I definitely disagree with you on is Jags not being fast.
I remember watching him burn past Anelka at full tilt when he was still with Bolton.
Jags if rapid...even if he doesn't look it.
Agree with most of the others though!
I remember watching him burn past Anelka at full tilt when he was still with Bolton.
Jags if rapid...even if he doesn't look it.
Agree with most of the others though!
Colin George
12 Posted 17/02/2012 at 08:54:57
12 Posted 17/02/2012 at 08:54:57
Luke, your views made me smile, it amazes me the way different fans see things on the field, the young lads are improving all the time ? and I class Felli as a young lad.
Richard Dodd
13 Posted 17/02/2012 at 09:09:39
13 Posted 17/02/2012 at 09:09:39
I fought Bill Kenwright over a sweet the Toffee Lady threw into the Boys Pen!
James Martin
14 Posted 17/02/2012 at 09:19:22
14 Posted 17/02/2012 at 09:19:22
You've said that 'Seamus Coleman is a good dribbler' is a myth. Which other players in our team can actually go past people at pace like he can? Apart from Pienaar and Drenthe he's probably the best dribbler in the team and considering these are both loan signings he may remain so if they both return.
Phil Walling
15 Posted 17/02/2012 at 09:24:38
15 Posted 17/02/2012 at 09:24:38
Richard Dodd!
Dave Lynch
16 Posted 17/02/2012 at 09:55:33
16 Posted 17/02/2012 at 09:55:33
Steve Round is ace.
Mark Murphy
17 Posted 17/02/2012 at 10:04:11
17 Posted 17/02/2012 at 10:04:11
Sorry to concentrate on just one but I for one would love to see Coleman at right full back and Baines at left.
I'd suggest a back three of Distin, Jags and Heitinga with Baines and Coleman as wing backs.
I'd suggest a back three of Distin, Jags and Heitinga with Baines and Coleman as wing backs.
Ian Bennett
18 Posted 17/02/2012 at 10:26:30
18 Posted 17/02/2012 at 10:26:30
A big if, but if Moyes was to go with Felli, Rodwell and Barkley in midfield, I would like to see Coleman and Baines as attacking fullbacks.
Derek Thomas
19 Posted 17/02/2012 at 10:10:46
19 Posted 17/02/2012 at 10:10:46
Keep it tight and pinch one is a viable plan for a 38 game Prem season.
It's the result that matters not how you get it
Attack IS the best form of defence.
Neville will make Big Dunc his assistant when he takes over.
Kevin Sheedy has a future at this club the way he gets his kids playing.
Bill IS searching 24/7
We're too big to get relegated.
We really need 10 outfield players defending corners.
2 holders in midfield is essential.
Real didn't want Gravesen, they got him mixed up with Carsley.
Holly Lodge Girls School had nothing to do with Alan Whittle and David Johnson being moved on.
The Club never deliberately understated our weekly home attendance figures in the 70s to fiddle the books.
Getting rid of the cushions in the stands was done for administrative reasons, not to stop people throwing them on the field when we play shite.
Out scourcing really works for the benefit of all.
We are the peoples club.
It's the result that matters not how you get it
Attack IS the best form of defence.
Neville will make Big Dunc his assistant when he takes over.
Kevin Sheedy has a future at this club the way he gets his kids playing.
Bill IS searching 24/7
We're too big to get relegated.
We really need 10 outfield players defending corners.
2 holders in midfield is essential.
Real didn't want Gravesen, they got him mixed up with Carsley.
Holly Lodge Girls School had nothing to do with Alan Whittle and David Johnson being moved on.
The Club never deliberately understated our weekly home attendance figures in the 70s to fiddle the books.
Getting rid of the cushions in the stands was done for administrative reasons, not to stop people throwing them on the field when we play shite.
Out scourcing really works for the benefit of all.
We are the peoples club.
Mike Manchester
20 Posted 17/02/2012 at 10:55:37
20 Posted 17/02/2012 at 10:55:37
Just a mention. I go to plenty of Brighton & Hove Albion games. I've read on other threads that Poyet would be a good replacement for Moyes, with his brand of attacking football. Well plenty of times i've seen corners at the AMEX stadium with all the outfield players in the box, so mine would be:
We are the only team to bring everyone back for corners.
We are the only team to bring everyone back for corners.
Barry Rathbone
21 Posted 17/02/2012 at 11:11:44
21 Posted 17/02/2012 at 11:11:44
"Everton not a selling club..."
Adam Bennett
22 Posted 17/02/2012 at 11:49:20
22 Posted 17/02/2012 at 11:49:20
Philip Green is my friend.
James Morgan
23 Posted 17/02/2012 at 11:44:04
23 Posted 17/02/2012 at 11:44:04
Jagielka and Osman coming back are like new signings.
85p in every pound goes to Finch Farm.
Leighton Baines isn't as good as Ashley Cole.
David Moyes will succeed Alex Ferguson.
No manager could do better than Moyes at Everton.
Richard Dodd.
85p in every pound goes to Finch Farm.
Leighton Baines isn't as good as Ashley Cole.
David Moyes will succeed Alex Ferguson.
No manager could do better than Moyes at Everton.
Richard Dodd.
Peter Norris
24 Posted 17/02/2012 at 12:53:03
24 Posted 17/02/2012 at 12:53:03
Per Krøldrup could head a ball
Baz Rathbone was Sherlock Holmes
Louis Saha ran himself into the ground
Lord Lucan sits in the top balcony
Baz Rathbone was Sherlock Holmes
Louis Saha ran himself into the ground
Lord Lucan sits in the top balcony
Chris Perry
25 Posted 17/02/2012 at 13:01:36
25 Posted 17/02/2012 at 13:01:36
Moyes is a tactical genius.
Luke O'Farrell
26 Posted 17/02/2012 at 13:11:37
26 Posted 17/02/2012 at 13:11:37
James Martin,
You seem intent on an argument, why? Please let me know were I've said "Coleman is a good dribbler", as one of my myths? Read the 5th line above that.
Thanks to those who replied with myths of their own, that was the sole purpose of this piece. Its a page on my blog and I was just looking for the views of some other fans.
You seem intent on an argument, why? Please let me know were I've said "Coleman is a good dribbler", as one of my myths? Read the 5th line above that.
Thanks to those who replied with myths of their own, that was the sole purpose of this piece. Its a page on my blog and I was just looking for the views of some other fans.
Roman Sidey
27 Posted 17/02/2012 at 12:35:37
27 Posted 17/02/2012 at 12:35:37
Richard Dodd is not a myth! I've seen him.
Actually I haven't, but I couldn't pass up that opportunity.
How about this one:
Players should fit into one system of play and one system only. That system will not be influenced in any way by the strengths of the players in the squad.
Actually I haven't, but I couldn't pass up that opportunity.
How about this one:
Players should fit into one system of play and one system only. That system will not be influenced in any way by the strengths of the players in the squad.
John Crook
28 Posted 17/02/2012 at 13:25:04
28 Posted 17/02/2012 at 13:25:04
Bringing eveyone back at corners is not a good thing. Someone like Drenthe or Coleman should be on the edge of the box ready to race onto a potential loose ball.
James Martin
29 Posted 17/02/2012 at 13:29:31
29 Posted 17/02/2012 at 13:29:31
Luke 'Coleman is a good dribbler' is the 6th myth up from the bottom!
Luke O'Farrell
30 Posted 17/02/2012 at 13:32:59
30 Posted 17/02/2012 at 13:32:59
James, as I said earlier, read a few lines above that. Those last few are all under the heading, "contributions from other fans". I didn't say it!
Andrew Laird
31 Posted 17/02/2012 at 13:32:54
31 Posted 17/02/2012 at 13:32:54
Evertonians dont buy merchandise
Sam Hoare
32 Posted 17/02/2012 at 13:35:04
32 Posted 17/02/2012 at 13:35:04
Passive agressive
Denis Richardson
34 Posted 17/02/2012 at 16:34:03
34 Posted 17/02/2012 at 16:34:03
4 6 0 can be an attacking formation
Moyes has not had money
If Moyes had money we'd win trophies
Moyes to take over at Man U
Moyes to take over at Spurs
Yakubu only scores in his first season
Looking for a buyer and not investment
Cheque is in the post
Barkely is not ready
Barkely is too young
We cannot play with 2 strikers
Moyes has not had money
If Moyes had money we'd win trophies
Moyes to take over at Man U
Moyes to take over at Spurs
Yakubu only scores in his first season
Looking for a buyer and not investment
Cheque is in the post
Barkely is not ready
Barkely is too young
We cannot play with 2 strikers
Sam Hoare
35 Posted 17/02/2012 at 18:34:09
35 Posted 17/02/2012 at 18:34:09
Barkley is the second coming
Joe McMahon
36 Posted 17/02/2012 at 19:34:46
36 Posted 17/02/2012 at 19:34:46
NIL SATIS NISI OPTIMUM
Joe McMahon
37 Posted 17/02/2012 at 19:36:11
37 Posted 17/02/2012 at 19:36:11
The club is for sale, infact Denis Richardson- everything you say.
David Hallwood
38 Posted 17/02/2012 at 20:09:18
38 Posted 17/02/2012 at 20:09:18
That all RS supporters are Norwegian
That all Koppites are Gobshites
That Suarez is the nastiest piece of shite since........well Stevie DJ killer G....Wha? Oh sorry, You want myths!
Paul Olsen
39 Posted 17/02/2012 at 20:16:47
39 Posted 17/02/2012 at 20:16:47
Maybe already answered, but couldn´t resist.
#523
"You've said that 'Seamus Coleman is a good dribbler' is a myth. Which other players in our team can actually go past people at pace like he can? Apart from Pienaar and Drenthe he's probably the best dribbler in the team and considering these are both loan signings he may remain so if they both return. "
Seamus Coleman doesn´t dribble, he runs straight ahead as quickly as he can. Not dribbling
#523
"You've said that 'Seamus Coleman is a good dribbler' is a myth. Which other players in our team can actually go past people at pace like he can? Apart from Pienaar and Drenthe he's probably the best dribbler in the team and considering these are both loan signings he may remain so if they both return. "
Seamus Coleman doesn´t dribble, he runs straight ahead as quickly as he can. Not dribbling
James Martin
40 Posted 17/02/2012 at 20:44:14
40 Posted 17/02/2012 at 20:44:14
What's the problem with that Paul? If it goes past people isn't that what everton have been crying out for? Besides we've seen Coleman both hit the line and cut inside and when played into space he usually gets quality into the box as shown by his assists against Spurs on his debut and Chelsea this season. Its when our lethargic midfield give him a slow ball with two men to beat that he's found out like every other player in our team. When we increase the tempo and create space then players like Coleman come into their own.
Steve Croston
41 Posted 17/02/2012 at 20:50:19
41 Posted 17/02/2012 at 20:50:19
In Moyes we trust... myth?
Luke O'Farrell
42 Posted 17/02/2012 at 22:08:26
42 Posted 17/02/2012 at 22:08:26
"Players like Coleman come into their own." - James, he is an attacking full back. He was used ? as a stop-gap ? on the right of midfield. That was because of a shortage of players in that position.
His final ball or cross and his decision-making are simply not good enough for a midfielder. Yes, he has assisted goals and scored a few but he has spurned countless other openings.
He should be our first choice RB, in a few years, once he works on his defending. He is not and never will be a winger or midfielder.
His final ball or cross and his decision-making are simply not good enough for a midfielder. Yes, he has assisted goals and scored a few but he has spurned countless other openings.
He should be our first choice RB, in a few years, once he works on his defending. He is not and never will be a winger or midfielder.
Mark Riding
43 Posted 18/02/2012 at 00:04:39
43 Posted 18/02/2012 at 00:04:39
#634 Paul Olsen...
It didnt do Kanchelskis any harm did it !!
It didnt do Kanchelskis any harm did it !!
Add Your Comments
In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.
Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.
© ToffeeWeb
1 Posted 16/02/2012 at 22:49:03