Season 2011-12 Fan Articles
Three Conundrums
By Pete Shaw :: 19/04/2012
29 Comments (»Last)
Still reeling from the events at Wembley, I have been mulling over three things in particular.
- Why we cannot beat Liverpool when it matters
- The manager
- Investment at the club
I realize that all three are closely interlinked but will attempt to unravel them all to some extent.
Looking firstly at our inability to beat our neighbours in big games, I am now firmly of the belief that it is a psychological grip they seem to have over our manager which then cascades onto our players. Liverpool seem to have a belief that they will win whilst we seem to go into the games hoping for the best. In the run up to the semi, I looked at the whole thing objectively from a recent form point of view and could only see one winner.
I saw the way we swarmed all over Sunderland away and fully expected to see the same approach in the semi. I looked at our consecutive home ties earlier in the competition against beatable opposition and said to myself that we would never have a better chance to win against a team down to their 3rd choice keeper.
All the signs were there, but we let them back into it, confidence visibly crumbling even when we were still one nil up. Is it that we want it so much that the thought of winning against them actually affects our game as we get nearer to that elusive opportunity? Answers on a postcard please.
Looking next at our manager, I really am in two minds over this. Is it scenario 1, where we have an absolutely fantastic bloke in charge who has moved us away from those horrific last day matches against Wimbledon and Coventry, cemented our position in the league and who will, given adequate funding, take us back to the mid 80s glory days?
On the other hand, is it scenario 2. where we have an absolutely fantastic bloke in charge who, given adequate funding, is still unable to take us the next level, where massive games do not appear to phase us and where we attract and retain world class players on a regular basis, allowing us to properly compete in and win major competitions. Is that not where we all want to be?
Do we stick or take the risk and twist? Do we persevere with stability and the prospect of occasional semis and even more elusive finals, or do we take a deep breath and do something different? Tough call.
Lastly, the thorny question of investment at our club. Where on earth is this to come from? There is absolutely no doubt what an injection of cash could bring to us. How depressing is it, season after season, to see how little we have to spend? Yes we have team spirit and yes that team spirit gets us through many games but imagine what a boost we would have seeing 4 or 5 high quality players join us who, correctly managed, guided and motivated, could only enhance that team spirit further. Where are the investors queuing up to buy us? What is it that puts them off and what should Everton be doing differently to make it happen?
3 conundrums there which need some answers if we are to get back up there winning things on a regular basis. Anyone else satisfied with finishing in the top ten without a trophy year on year? You already know the answer to that one.
Reader Comments (29)
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Kevin Tully
2 Posted 19/04/2012 at 15:22:34
2 Posted 19/04/2012 at 15:22:34
Before we got to the final in 2009, Moyes himself stated he didn't take the cups as seriously as league position.
His remit is to keep us in the Premier League. 40 points and happy days. Draws away to any club are seen as a good result. This is all on record and not wild conjecture.
This is the problem, there is no ambition at the club - from the Chairman down to the tea lady. We are told our ambition lays in finding a rich benefactor, until then we are happy to tread water. As long as the actor can pay the bills through Sky revenues, he will stay at the helm.
Even if he has had offers, unless they are promising to pour money into the club, build a new ground etc. he will not sell.
There is no pressure on the manager to perform, the board do not demand anything except survival.
If you go into work and your boss says " Our expectations are quite low in this company, just make sure there are no complaints. "
What return do you expect from that employee ?
Moyes,Kenwright & the board do not expect us to beat the likes of Liverpool, there are no demands to beat Liverpool, and therefore, the players are not expected to beat Liverpool.
No ambition, low expectations, and idiots in charge of overpaid morons - are you surprised ?
His remit is to keep us in the Premier League. 40 points and happy days. Draws away to any club are seen as a good result. This is all on record and not wild conjecture.
This is the problem, there is no ambition at the club - from the Chairman down to the tea lady. We are told our ambition lays in finding a rich benefactor, until then we are happy to tread water. As long as the actor can pay the bills through Sky revenues, he will stay at the helm.
Even if he has had offers, unless they are promising to pour money into the club, build a new ground etc. he will not sell.
There is no pressure on the manager to perform, the board do not demand anything except survival.
If you go into work and your boss says " Our expectations are quite low in this company, just make sure there are no complaints. "
What return do you expect from that employee ?
Moyes,Kenwright & the board do not expect us to beat the likes of Liverpool, there are no demands to beat Liverpool, and therefore, the players are not expected to beat Liverpool.
No ambition, low expectations, and idiots in charge of overpaid morons - are you surprised ?
Les Roberts
3 Posted 19/04/2012 at 18:27:56
3 Posted 19/04/2012 at 18:27:56
I always thought Moyes could take us on but he has proven with his woeful decision making this season that he is not the man for the job.
He has done well to steady a (potentially) sinking ship but that is all, he has neither the ability nor the bottle when it matters, lets personal differences get in the way with more the mercurial players to the detriment of the team.
I think it's time to gamble - not going to happen with the pantomime dame running the show but that's what I think for what it's worth (which is not much)
He has done well to steady a (potentially) sinking ship but that is all, he has neither the ability nor the bottle when it matters, lets personal differences get in the way with more the mercurial players to the detriment of the team.
I think it's time to gamble - not going to happen with the pantomime dame running the show but that's what I think for what it's worth (which is not much)
Peter Laing
4 Posted 19/04/2012 at 18:54:55
4 Posted 19/04/2012 at 18:54:55
In 1960, John Moores gave up his chairmanship of the Pools business, and handed over the reins to his brother, Cecil Moores so he could become a director of Everton Football Club. In June he became the chairman and in April 1961 he famously sacked Johnny Carey in the back of a London Taxi and appointed Harry Catterick as Everton manager in his place.
What Everton need is for the above to be replicated almost 50 years on, unfortunately I fear are day has gone and we will forever remain amongst the also rans.
What Everton need is for the above to be replicated almost 50 years on, unfortunately I fear are day has gone and we will forever remain amongst the also rans.
James Flynn
5 Posted 19/04/2012 at 18:57:03
5 Posted 19/04/2012 at 18:57:03
Conundrum 1 - We could do with a vicious bastard out there. Doesn't have to be the best player. Just a mean-spirited prick even his teammates are a little afraid of once the whistle blows.
Condundrum 2 - I'd like to see Scenario 1 myself. However neither scenarios' possible because,
Conundrum 3 - How is this a conundrum? We have zero possibility of moving up until Kenright and them are gone. Simple as. No such thing as incompetent ownership, yet winning teams. It doesn't happen.
Condundrum 2 - I'd like to see Scenario 1 myself. However neither scenarios' possible because,
Conundrum 3 - How is this a conundrum? We have zero possibility of moving up until Kenright and them are gone. Simple as. No such thing as incompetent ownership, yet winning teams. It doesn't happen.
Bob Willis
6 Posted 19/04/2012 at 19:16:27
6 Posted 19/04/2012 at 19:16:27
1.Why we cannot beat Liverpool when it matters
2.The manager
3.Investment at the club
To solve your conundrum and answer your questions I believe that they should be addressed in reverse order.
To achieve your objectives I consider 3. the Investment to be the major problem once that is in place (whenever) - the others (1 & 2) will take care of themselves inasmuch as -
Given that we have the wonga and 2, The manager has the funds to buy his players (quality of course) if he then fails to deliver the goods then he's OUT.
If he then has the wonga and the players, then he MUST deliver the Coup de Gras or to use the vernacular - just fuck off somewhere else.
Quite simple really.
2.The manager
3.Investment at the club
To solve your conundrum and answer your questions I believe that they should be addressed in reverse order.
To achieve your objectives I consider 3. the Investment to be the major problem once that is in place (whenever) - the others (1 & 2) will take care of themselves inasmuch as -
Given that we have the wonga and 2, The manager has the funds to buy his players (quality of course) if he then fails to deliver the goods then he's OUT.
If he then has the wonga and the players, then he MUST deliver the Coup de Gras or to use the vernacular - just fuck off somewhere else.
Quite simple really.
Phil Walling
7 Posted 19/04/2012 at 19:40:33
7 Posted 19/04/2012 at 19:40:33
When,oh when will the football world wake up to the fact that Moyes was once a `new wave`manager with a refreshing approach to the game who has allowed himself to be corrupted by the personal wealth Kenwright has bestowed upon him.
Contrast the bright smiling guy who used to lead his players in the warm up with the grumpy,scowling figure he has become.
Kenwright owns him totally and they have become as one.
`Brothers in Survival`should be the theatrical`s next production!
Contrast the bright smiling guy who used to lead his players in the warm up with the grumpy,scowling figure he has become.
Kenwright owns him totally and they have become as one.
`Brothers in Survival`should be the theatrical`s next production!
Sean Patton
8 Posted 19/04/2012 at 20:02:40
8 Posted 19/04/2012 at 20:02:40
Evertons reserves are unbeaten in 8 derby matches
Everton's under 18s beat Liverpool 4-0 last year when winning the academy title
It is only the first team and its manager who have a complex and there is no reason for it its not the 1970's, even teams now in the Championship have won at Anfield
Everton's under 18s beat Liverpool 4-0 last year when winning the academy title
It is only the first team and its manager who have a complex and there is no reason for it its not the 1970's, even teams now in the Championship have won at Anfield
Dick Fearon
9 Posted 19/04/2012 at 21:23:38
9 Posted 19/04/2012 at 21:23:38
Pete, your 3 conundrums are easily explained. Just like the holy trinity they are one and the same. Think of a three-legged stool then imagine one leg removed. Everton suits that kind of analogy. The strength of the club is also its weakness:
1. The board will not put in any cash and they won't or can't sack Moyes.
2. Moyes knows he has them in a bind and he has a well paid job for as long as he wishes. He recognises that candidates for relegation usually come from clubs that try to play open attractive attacking football.
Davy's pinch a point tactics are deliberately aimed at garnering enough points to keep us safe.
3. Attracting a buyer would be more likely if the team was successful winning trophies etc, thus creating a more optimistic worldwide reputation. As I said, each leg is wonky and needs the others.
Sean # 585, In light of the fact that in the Moyes decade only Rooney has emerged from our academy to hold down a first team place. I am losing faith in a set-up that produces so little. Rodwell is slipping into obscurity and lord knows what Barkley's chances will be after Stubbs is finished with him.
1. The board will not put in any cash and they won't or can't sack Moyes.
2. Moyes knows he has them in a bind and he has a well paid job for as long as he wishes. He recognises that candidates for relegation usually come from clubs that try to play open attractive attacking football.
Davy's pinch a point tactics are deliberately aimed at garnering enough points to keep us safe.
3. Attracting a buyer would be more likely if the team was successful winning trophies etc, thus creating a more optimistic worldwide reputation. As I said, each leg is wonky and needs the others.
Sean # 585, In light of the fact that in the Moyes decade only Rooney has emerged from our academy to hold down a first team place. I am losing faith in a set-up that produces so little. Rodwell is slipping into obscurity and lord knows what Barkley's chances will be after Stubbs is finished with him.
James Flynn
10 Posted 19/04/2012 at 23:24:17
10 Posted 19/04/2012 at 23:24:17
Phil (575) - Might be a movie script there. An HBO series perhaps?
Matt Traynor
11 Posted 19/04/2012 at 23:46:42
11 Posted 19/04/2012 at 23:46:42
Kevin Tully (492) rest assured that our Chairman gives not two fucks if an interested buyer commits to pouring money into the ground/team. It's whether he'll pour money into his and fellow major share owners pockets that is all he cares about.
If a prospective buyer was willing to invest, I'd rather all of that went into the club and BK and others got back what they've put in with no return.
If a prospective buyer was willing to invest, I'd rather all of that went into the club and BK and others got back what they've put in with no return.
James Flynn
12 Posted 19/04/2012 at 23:35:29
12 Posted 19/04/2012 at 23:35:29
Dick - "Pete, your 3 conundrums are easily explained". Perhaps someone will come in and do so. You didn't.
"Think of a three legged stool then imagine one leg removed". The "stool" is Kenright and them. We need a new stool. Worry about the sturdiness of the legs later.
"They won't or can't sack Moyes". They won't because he's the one holding the "stool" together with financial scotch tape and chewing gum. They can sack him anytime they want. They own the Club. Moyes is an employee.
"Attracting a buyer would be more likely if the team was successful winning trophies etc". You joking, drunk, or both? With all the EPL teams over the last 10 years being bought who haven't/aren't winning silverware?
Current ownership is so incompetent they can't even figure out how to sell prime real estate in a seller's market. With a world-wide number of potential buyers.
We need new ownership. Moyes stays or goes is peripheral. Myself, I'd like to see him get a chance in Pete's Scenario 1. But Moyes or anyone is NOT moving us up the Table under Kenright etal.
That's no conundrum. That's a fact.
"Think of a three legged stool then imagine one leg removed". The "stool" is Kenright and them. We need a new stool. Worry about the sturdiness of the legs later.
"They won't or can't sack Moyes". They won't because he's the one holding the "stool" together with financial scotch tape and chewing gum. They can sack him anytime they want. They own the Club. Moyes is an employee.
"Attracting a buyer would be more likely if the team was successful winning trophies etc". You joking, drunk, or both? With all the EPL teams over the last 10 years being bought who haven't/aren't winning silverware?
Current ownership is so incompetent they can't even figure out how to sell prime real estate in a seller's market. With a world-wide number of potential buyers.
We need new ownership. Moyes stays or goes is peripheral. Myself, I'd like to see him get a chance in Pete's Scenario 1. But Moyes or anyone is NOT moving us up the Table under Kenright etal.
That's no conundrum. That's a fact.
Christopher Leyland
13 Posted 20/04/2012 at 00:23:44
13 Posted 20/04/2012 at 00:23:44
Whist since the semi-final debacle last week, I have been a vocal critic of Moyes, I don't think the inability to beat the Shite in the big games is something we can blame him for solely. Remember our successful team of the 80s? It lost 3 finals to them.
In fact, you have to go back to 1906 for a win in a semi or final against them. 106 years of inability to beat them in the really big games... To that extent, Moyes is merely living up to the Everrton manager profile and retaining the club's position against the Shite.
In fact, you have to go back to 1906 for a win in a semi or final against them. 106 years of inability to beat them in the really big games... To that extent, Moyes is merely living up to the Everrton manager profile and retaining the club's position against the Shite.
Eric Myles
14 Posted 20/04/2012 at 02:57:06
14 Posted 20/04/2012 at 02:57:06
After the derby game and that semi-final, I am now teetering off the fence towards the 'Moyes Out' side of the garden. His 'resting players' in the derby could be overlooked if he'd have gotten the team geed up to win the semi... but defending a 1-0 lead for 45 minutes in a semi is indefensible. I don't think I'll ever forgive him for that.
As for "Where are the investors queuing up to buy us? What is it that puts them off and what should Everton be doing differently to make it happen?" maybe this snippet from the Independent might shed some light on that
As the club's own sale prospectus writes, Goodison has "inadequate capacity, limited and low quality hospitality facilities, poor sightlines and limited accessibility".
That's what's supposed to persuade buyers to pay Bill and his cronies their £180 million asking price?
As for "Where are the investors queuing up to buy us? What is it that puts them off and what should Everton be doing differently to make it happen?" maybe this snippet from the Independent might shed some light on that
As the club's own sale prospectus writes, Goodison has "inadequate capacity, limited and low quality hospitality facilities, poor sightlines and limited accessibility".
That's what's supposed to persuade buyers to pay Bill and his cronies their £180 million asking price?
Eric Myles
15 Posted 20/04/2012 at 03:09:33
15 Posted 20/04/2012 at 03:09:33
Sean #585 "Evertons reserves are unbeaten in 8 derby matches" including the last reserves derby which finished 0-0 with 7 of our first team squad players on the pitch.
So our first team effectively could not beat their schoolkids side!!
So our first team effectively could not beat their schoolkids side!!
James Carroll
17 Posted 20/04/2012 at 14:19:38
17 Posted 20/04/2012 at 14:19:38
The Everton manager speaks sense!!!
(sadly, it's Howard Kenadll - not Moyes saying this in today's Echo...):
"WHAT a deflating weekend it was in the end ? even a win on the Grand National couldn?t cheer me up after the Everton FC result at Wembley.
I don?t actually believe either side dominated the FA Cup semi final one way or another, it was a game of hugely influential errors and crucially Everton made one more than Liverpool.
For me, the biggest problem was the team?s reaction to Liverpool?s equaliser.
It was only 1-1, the game was still there to be won but Everton seemed to lack belief and direction.
That?s the time of a key game when you need leaders to step forward, and for me it?s always better when those leaders are in the middle of the park.
The skipper Phil Neville is that type of player but at right back he can?t influence the game as much as he?d like. You need the man geeing the team up in adversity to be in amongst it.
Alan Ball was great for that ? he had an inspirational influence on the players around him and wouldn?t let heads drop if something went against us, like it did against Everton at Wembley with Sylvain Distin?s unfortunate error.
He?d have said, ?Forget about that, let?s go for them again.?
Players of Bally?s calibre are obviously a rare commodity but as good as Darron Gibson and Marouane Fellaini are, they do not strike me as big talkers.
I also think Nikica Jelavic was too isolated as the game wore on, and maybe it?d be an idea to give him a proper strike partner for the remaining games of the season.
The more the Croatian gets isolated in games, the more frustrated he will become."
Read More http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/everton-fc/everton-fc-news//tm_headline=howard-kendall-everton-fc-lacked-leaders-in-the-middle-when-it-counted-at-wembley&method=full&objectid=30799409&siteid=100252-name_page.html#ixzz1saPyQLyu
Are you reading this, Mr. Moyes...????!!!
(sadly, it's Howard Kenadll - not Moyes saying this in today's Echo...):
"WHAT a deflating weekend it was in the end ? even a win on the Grand National couldn?t cheer me up after the Everton FC result at Wembley.
I don?t actually believe either side dominated the FA Cup semi final one way or another, it was a game of hugely influential errors and crucially Everton made one more than Liverpool.
For me, the biggest problem was the team?s reaction to Liverpool?s equaliser.
It was only 1-1, the game was still there to be won but Everton seemed to lack belief and direction.
That?s the time of a key game when you need leaders to step forward, and for me it?s always better when those leaders are in the middle of the park.
The skipper Phil Neville is that type of player but at right back he can?t influence the game as much as he?d like. You need the man geeing the team up in adversity to be in amongst it.
Alan Ball was great for that ? he had an inspirational influence on the players around him and wouldn?t let heads drop if something went against us, like it did against Everton at Wembley with Sylvain Distin?s unfortunate error.
He?d have said, ?Forget about that, let?s go for them again.?
Players of Bally?s calibre are obviously a rare commodity but as good as Darron Gibson and Marouane Fellaini are, they do not strike me as big talkers.
I also think Nikica Jelavic was too isolated as the game wore on, and maybe it?d be an idea to give him a proper strike partner for the remaining games of the season.
The more the Croatian gets isolated in games, the more frustrated he will become."
Read More http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/everton-fc/everton-fc-news//tm_headline=howard-kendall-everton-fc-lacked-leaders-in-the-middle-when-it-counted-at-wembley&method=full&objectid=30799409&siteid=100252-name_page.html#ixzz1saPyQLyu
Are you reading this, Mr. Moyes...????!!!
Andrew Ellams
18 Posted 20/04/2012 at 14:32:27
18 Posted 20/04/2012 at 14:32:27
It never ceases to amaze me how verbally quiet Cahill goes on days like last Saturday. He just strikes me as the sort of bloke who would be kicking other people into life, but it never happens.
Paul David
19 Posted 20/04/2012 at 14:41:40
19 Posted 20/04/2012 at 14:41:40
Andrew, I have a similar feeling. People go on about Cahill running through brick walls for Everton; for me, while I appreciate his work rate, he is just a pest for the opposition. He runs people down and puts them under pressure but it's not done with aggression and it's not often he comes away with the ball when he does go chasing after it.
Mike Rourke
20 Posted 20/04/2012 at 15:03:37
20 Posted 20/04/2012 at 15:03:37
@ James Carroll 806
"Are you reading this, Mr. Moyes...????!!!"
I certainly hope not. Old Howie seems to be advocating sticking Neville in midfield.
[Shudders]
"Are you reading this, Mr. Moyes...????!!!"
I certainly hope not. Old Howie seems to be advocating sticking Neville in midfield.
[Shudders]
Eric Myles
21 Posted 21/04/2012 at 01:00:20
21 Posted 21/04/2012 at 01:00:20
Paul #814, that was Fellaini you were describing wasn't it?
Paul David
22 Posted 21/04/2012 at 01:17:42
22 Posted 21/04/2012 at 01:17:42
Nope
Eric Myles
23 Posted 21/04/2012 at 01:21:14
23 Posted 21/04/2012 at 01:21:14
So we have 2 players in the team doing the exact same thing, except that one of them can't win headers.
Paul David
24 Posted 21/04/2012 at 01:39:35
24 Posted 21/04/2012 at 01:39:35
I was replying to a comment about Cahill, that's why I never mentioned Fellaini but I happen to think he is a good player, even if I do think he should be winning more headers; he does have a chest made of velcro though.
James Flynn
25 Posted 21/04/2012 at 02:41:03
25 Posted 21/04/2012 at 02:41:03
James (806) - Correct. We do need that vicious bastard. No question.
Peter Barry
26 Posted 21/04/2012 at 03:10:57
26 Posted 21/04/2012 at 03:10:57
I am convinced that Dismal Dire Dour Davey starts every season thinking "Well, I have got 38 points as it stands so all I need to to is defend them and hope to nick a few more... then we'll be safe." It is this mentality that shines through all his team selections, substitutions and pathetic tactical set ups.
Thomas Lennon
27 Posted 22/04/2012 at 09:49:12
27 Posted 22/04/2012 at 09:49:12
In most sport you have people who win because they have a natural talent that gives them belief that they are the best - it could be that they are fast, skillful, strong whatever once they find they can win they get more confident and they win more.
I used to play competitive sport and I had that attitude - when I played someone who I thought I should beat I was rarely challenged. Looking back I remember it was partly because I was so relaxed I made fewer mistakes, possibly even played better shots - I thought I was better so I was.
At an elite level that still holds, even in team sports. If you don't think you are expected to win - deep down, really deep down to the place you reach for when you are exhausted and need something to get back in the game - you are wanting. A little voice tells you - this guy is one of the worlds best, you can't beat him/aren't EXPECTED to beat him - you are REALLY hurting, you have nothing left, he is going to win, there is no shame in that. And he does.
Most sport is about who gives up first, who doesn't believe. One or two never give up, are arrogant to believe they are the best and never accept they are beaten. People who have never pushed themselves to their true limits don't understand this. People who have recognise it and value it highly. These players end up in the big teams.
Everton cannot support such a player, they would never settle for a side unable to be the best. Felliani will move and good luck to him. We will get more in who need to be in the shop window - as long as we are a good shop window - Arteta never quite managed to get where he wanted. But many do and they will keep coming.
One problem is we cannot have an entire team made up of players who spend a few years with us. We need stability (those who have tried to be the best and more broken through or not quite been good enough tend to stay as we are a club with high standards) so the number we have needs to be limited. They provide an important source of income though!
I used to play competitive sport and I had that attitude - when I played someone who I thought I should beat I was rarely challenged. Looking back I remember it was partly because I was so relaxed I made fewer mistakes, possibly even played better shots - I thought I was better so I was.
At an elite level that still holds, even in team sports. If you don't think you are expected to win - deep down, really deep down to the place you reach for when you are exhausted and need something to get back in the game - you are wanting. A little voice tells you - this guy is one of the worlds best, you can't beat him/aren't EXPECTED to beat him - you are REALLY hurting, you have nothing left, he is going to win, there is no shame in that. And he does.
Most sport is about who gives up first, who doesn't believe. One or two never give up, are arrogant to believe they are the best and never accept they are beaten. People who have never pushed themselves to their true limits don't understand this. People who have recognise it and value it highly. These players end up in the big teams.
Everton cannot support such a player, they would never settle for a side unable to be the best. Felliani will move and good luck to him. We will get more in who need to be in the shop window - as long as we are a good shop window - Arteta never quite managed to get where he wanted. But many do and they will keep coming.
One problem is we cannot have an entire team made up of players who spend a few years with us. We need stability (those who have tried to be the best and more broken through or not quite been good enough tend to stay as we are a club with high standards) so the number we have needs to be limited. They provide an important source of income though!
Thomas Lennon
28 Posted 22/04/2012 at 10:31:15
28 Posted 22/04/2012 at 10:31:15
Sorry the conclusing paragraph to my comment was missing:
We therefore have a team who are largely made up of players who believe they have a place in the elite, but who don't believe they are the best - so when it comes to BIG matches we aren't. Top 6/7 can afford the unbeatables, we have very very good players but they don't believe (and therefore aren't) better than the best. Look at how Man U & Chelsea players react when they aren't winning - they cannot believe it, something must be wrong, they do ANYTHING to change that.
We go the other way, especially when faced with Liverpool & Man U. We sometimes win when they are 'offcolour' and our team seems to be as surprised as anyone.
Money buys unbeatable belief/arrogant/winners. Sending your team out to block winners is effective. One or two individuals marked themselves out as short of the 'big game' arrogance last week - they are great week to week but will struggle to win for us.
We therefore have a team who are largely made up of players who believe they have a place in the elite, but who don't believe they are the best - so when it comes to BIG matches we aren't. Top 6/7 can afford the unbeatables, we have very very good players but they don't believe (and therefore aren't) better than the best. Look at how Man U & Chelsea players react when they aren't winning - they cannot believe it, something must be wrong, they do ANYTHING to change that.
We go the other way, especially when faced with Liverpool & Man U. We sometimes win when they are 'offcolour' and our team seems to be as surprised as anyone.
Money buys unbeatable belief/arrogant/winners. Sending your team out to block winners is effective. One or two individuals marked themselves out as short of the 'big game' arrogance last week - they are great week to week but will struggle to win for us.
Andy Meighan
29 Posted 22/04/2012 at 20:51:22
29 Posted 22/04/2012 at 20:51:22
Let's face it, Liverpool are an illness we just can't cure. Nearly every side in the Prem has got a result against them this season. And I'd be willing to bet good money we're the only side they've done the double over this season. I could be wrong but I doubt it... FFS, even WBA went there today and won ? the same WBA who a couple of weeks ago had their flip flops on against us.
Yes, Moyes has definitlley got a mental block against them alright... How else do you explain his atrocious record against them? The heartbreaking thing is, they might end up with two trophies ? shocking isn't it? I don't think they'll be calling for his head then, like they were tonight on the phone-ins... Fickle fuckers.
Yes, Moyes has definitlley got a mental block against them alright... How else do you explain his atrocious record against them? The heartbreaking thing is, they might end up with two trophies ? shocking isn't it? I don't think they'll be calling for his head then, like they were tonight on the phone-ins... Fickle fuckers.
Trevor Lynes
30 Posted 28/04/2012 at 08:57:33
30 Posted 28/04/2012 at 08:57:33
Beating Liverpool has been a very difficult task ever since I started watching Everton in 1948. It's nothing to do with DM anymore than it was when we had all those other past managers. I remember Liverpool beating us 4 - 0 in a cup game when they were in the 2nd Division so the conundrum is nothing new.
Already this season they have scored 5 against us in the most recent two matches and they have struggled to score against every other team in the division. I liked it much better when they had a really great team and we were 2nd to them, well better than the Manchester and London teams.
The Liverpool problem has been with us since Billy Liddell so don't blame DM for that....I have no idea why it has been a problem over the years because we had a great record against Man Utd before the Premier League started and that included the times when Best, Law and Charlton were in their team and even earlier when the Busby Babes were all the rage.
Besty said that Everton were their bogey team... Maybe Liverpool are ours??
Already this season they have scored 5 against us in the most recent two matches and they have struggled to score against every other team in the division. I liked it much better when they had a really great team and we were 2nd to them, well better than the Manchester and London teams.
The Liverpool problem has been with us since Billy Liddell so don't blame DM for that....I have no idea why it has been a problem over the years because we had a great record against Man Utd before the Premier League started and that included the times when Best, Law and Charlton were in their team and even earlier when the Busby Babes were all the rage.
Besty said that Everton were their bogey team... Maybe Liverpool are ours??
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1 Posted 19/04/2012 at 15:10:15
Rooney came through the system but we couldnt hold onto him.
Baines has developed into a world class left back while at the club but wasnt when we signed him.