Season 2011-12
The Mail Bag
What Now Davey?
37 Comments: On the back of two comprehensive 2-0 away victories against very decent opposition, I ? like most fellow Evertonians ? feel like we can take on anyone at the moment. The problem is, however, does David Moyes share our confidence?
After the recent Anfield surrender, I wasn't even sure if I wanted us to beat Sunderland tonight for the simple reason that I couldn't take another humiliation at the hands of the worst Liverpool team in living memory ?especially at Wembley in such a high profile game as the FA Cup semi-final.
Nobody fears Liverpool anymore, not even Wigan. They are beatable to say the least. David Moyes has to shake off his inferiority complex & send out a positive attacking side & I'm sure we will beat them.
Over to you Davey.......don't let us down!
Gary Hughes, Posted 27/03/2012 at 23:32:10
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Moyes owes us one. Lets hope he gets it right at Wembley, as he did away at Swansea and against Mr O'Neil's boys tonight.
For me, Heitinga is our strongest CB with Jags another top class player on the bench. The addition of Gibson to Fellaini's midfield play is just beginning to bring amazing results. And then there's Jelavic. Not bad, and getting better.
We have reasons to be cheerful. Let's hope that Moyes shares our optimism. As I said, he owes us one.
For me, Heitinga is our strongest CB with Jags another top class player on the bench. The addition of Gibson to Fellaini's midfield play is just beginning to bring amazing results. And then there's Jelavic. Not bad, and getting better.
We have reasons to be cheerful. Let's hope that Moyes shares our optimism. As I said, he owes us one.
I shouldnt be negative on such a great night but I was really concerned when he put JAgs on for Gueye.
Gueye had been a great outlet for a pass from defence all night but we then invited pressure for the last 20 mins (incl referees nod to Sundeland - 5 minutes ???)
Gueye had been a great outlet for a pass from defence all night but we then invited pressure for the last 20 mins (incl referees nod to Sundeland - 5 minutes ???)
Bearing in mind Dalglish's excuses for Liverpool's capitulation to Wigan on Saturday and our performances against Swansea & Sunderland, I'd have to say Moyes's selection for the Anfield fixture is at least partially vindicated.
In fairness to Moyes, I bet at least he was sure he wanted us to beat Sunderland tonight. :)
The most important thing now is to beat WBA and go above them, if we can do that and stay above them going into the semi final, all the pressure will be on them and they don't deal with it too well.
Heroes 1 thru 11 tonight, I think that is our best away performance since the 3-1 at Villa 4/6 years ago. We just need to work on being a bit more clinical in front of goal, as the last two games should have been 4 or 5 nil to be honest.
Heroes 1 thru 11 tonight, I think that is our best away performance since the 3-1 at Villa 4/6 years ago. We just need to work on being a bit more clinical in front of goal, as the last two games should have been 4 or 5 nil to be honest.
Proper EFC tonite... Skill, high tempo, first to every ball, defence superb, Fellaini outstanding... bring that fucking redshite on to fuck... with a proper team we'll stuff them.... Spurs final, stuff them too.... MOYESIAH
Delighted at us attacking, forward and back.
Gueye might be getting up to EPL snuff. We'll see. He looked good tonight.
How often do 2 players mesh as well, so fast, as Fella and Gibson? It's a funny game, no?
And Jela looks the goods, a real striker.
West Brom next. Let's keep it going in the League. Lots to play for.
COYB!
Gueye might be getting up to EPL snuff. We'll see. He looked good tonight.
How often do 2 players mesh as well, so fast, as Fella and Gibson? It's a funny game, no?
And Jela looks the goods, a real striker.
West Brom next. Let's keep it going in the League. Lots to play for.
COYB!
Makes you wonder why we can't play like that all the time doesn't it? Although Sunderland looked more like we usually play.
Fair play to the club for providing free coaches (cost £40,000 apparently) and also the £5 cup tickets for kids at home games in earlier games.
For those of us old enough to remember the 1977 FA Cup Semi-Final v Liverpool at Main Road when we were robbed, all thanks to ref, Clive Thomas, well here now after 35 years is our chance to get our revenge.
We have not lost an FA Cup semi-final since 1980 v West Ham at Elland Road. That's 6 games unbeaten (84 Southampton, 85 Luton, 86 Sheff Wed, 89 Norwich, 95 Spurs and 09 Man Utd).
As well as getting revenge for that "disallowed" Bryan Hamilton goal, a win at Wembley would only be our second win v Liverpool (Charity Shield 84 being the only other time at the old Wembley).
Let's hope it's our 7th successive semi-final success and we go on to lift the Cup!
COYB!
Bigger incentive this weekend, beat WBA and go ahead of the shite, hoping the barcodes can do the business on Sunday, the physological advantage is with us then.
Well happy with the result last night, and cant wait to be sat watching a derby at Wembley. I have been one of Moyes' biggest critics over the last couple of weeks, but hats off to him for the way he has had the team playing for the last 3 games (I include Arsenal because we were unlucky to lose). I just hope Moyes realises that if we go out and play our game, we can comfortably beat a lot of premier league sides. I like the fact that we can grind a win out against teams with multiple world class players, but we shouldnt be trying to do it against the Wigans and Boltons. We should go to places like that and make them stop us playing. There are teams you aim to stop, and nick wins on the back of a great defense, but there are more teams where Everton should go and play them off the park, and its about not getting those tactics mixed up.
Mark (146) - Whenever I see Brian Kidd on telly, I go into one..
"You cost us that fucking semi you twat, they were down to 10 men, we had it in the bag and you go and get involved you pretend hard-case prick" etc rant.
There have been a lot of depressing moments following Everton over the years, but not getting past West Ham in 80 was (for me) about as low as I've ever felt.
(saw some incredible hoolie action after the replay, just like in The Football Factory)
Oh yeah and Clive Thomas?
One of the most egotistical, graceless shit-bags ever!
"You cost us that fucking semi you twat, they were down to 10 men, we had it in the bag and you go and get involved you pretend hard-case prick" etc rant.
There have been a lot of depressing moments following Everton over the years, but not getting past West Ham in 80 was (for me) about as low as I've ever felt.
(saw some incredible hoolie action after the replay, just like in The Football Factory)
Oh yeah and Clive Thomas?
One of the most egotistical, graceless shit-bags ever!
we just need to wrap Gibson in cotton wool he has yet to be on losing side!
I think the Semi will be a much tighter game with our proper team out. We need to put them out!
I think the Semi will be a much tighter game with our proper team out. We need to put them out!
Big things are:
Having Gibson in there with Fellani
Jelavic contsntly hitting the target + striking up a relationship with Cahil (who has also returned to form)
Osman looked a player last night
And Distin & Hettinga dealt with most things.
Even Howard looked comfortable on crosses
Long may we continue to take our 'confidence pills' cos we actually look a decent team when we try to play football
But for me, Gibson is the unsung hero
Having Gibson in there with Fellani
Jelavic contsntly hitting the target + striking up a relationship with Cahil (who has also returned to form)
Osman looked a player last night
And Distin & Hettinga dealt with most things.
Even Howard looked comfortable on crosses
Long may we continue to take our 'confidence pills' cos we actually look a decent team when we try to play football
But for me, Gibson is the unsung hero
the thing that really impressed me last night was the high tempo we played at and also our mix of passing. We combined well aimed long balls to Jelavic and Cahill, who were working well together, with lots of good stuff on the ground with Jelavic and Osman in particular showing good first touch and close control.
For me the key 3 are Gibson, Fellaini and Jelavic. Keep these 3 fit and we have a chance though if Liverpool play at their best it will be tough as poor as they have been recently they do have some decent players on their books. Whatever happens if the players put in as much effort as last night then i will be happy.
For me the key 3 are Gibson, Fellaini and Jelavic. Keep these 3 fit and we have a chance though if Liverpool play at their best it will be tough as poor as they have been recently they do have some decent players on their books. Whatever happens if the players put in as much effort as last night then i will be happy.
If moyes plays hibbert and osman in the same team v Liverpool he is a disgrace to the success of everton fc
Grumpy bastards!
I've never been one for making excuses for David Moyes but the high tempo magnificent effort of last night needs a very strong squad to sustain over a period of time. Having said that I still think we should be capable of it more often.
We have a strong squad, Andy.
Look at the list of names not starting last night.
Jagielka, Rodwell, Drenthe, Straq, Seamus, Pienaar, Hibbert,......plus youngsters like Duffy, Barkley and McAleny.
I am just hoping Mr. Moyes has had a light bulb moment and has now realised the mist effective way to win a football match is to score more goals than your opponent....not concede fewer.
Look at the list of names not starting last night.
Jagielka, Rodwell, Drenthe, Straq, Seamus, Pienaar, Hibbert,......plus youngsters like Duffy, Barkley and McAleny.
I am just hoping Mr. Moyes has had a light bulb moment and has now realised the mist effective way to win a football match is to score more goals than your opponent....not concede fewer.
Agree Andy (216).
It DOES mean the players absolutely running the plums off themselves to get wins like last night and that's definitely what'll be required at Wembley (twice).
However, over the last two games they have shown they ARE capable of 1) the effort and 2) the guile.
With relative ease, we've just beaten a revitalised Sunderland side playing on their own turf and a Swansea side, also on their own ground, who had only lost twice there this season
These results and the performances (understandably and rightly) raise our expectations and so they should (ie: if you CAN do it, you SHOULD do it)
Consequently (imo) any future games that lack effort and/or a certain level of 'football', we'll have every right to give them down the banks.
Let's hope not though and let's hope last night WAS some sort of turning point and that nobody, between now and the end of the season, feels the need or feels justified in posting anything containing 'hoof-ball', 'weakened side' 'naive' etc etc.
It DOES mean the players absolutely running the plums off themselves to get wins like last night and that's definitely what'll be required at Wembley (twice).
However, over the last two games they have shown they ARE capable of 1) the effort and 2) the guile.
With relative ease, we've just beaten a revitalised Sunderland side playing on their own turf and a Swansea side, also on their own ground, who had only lost twice there this season
These results and the performances (understandably and rightly) raise our expectations and so they should (ie: if you CAN do it, you SHOULD do it)
Consequently (imo) any future games that lack effort and/or a certain level of 'football', we'll have every right to give them down the banks.
Let's hope not though and let's hope last night WAS some sort of turning point and that nobody, between now and the end of the season, feels the need or feels justified in posting anything containing 'hoof-ball', 'weakened side' 'naive' etc etc.
"I wasn't even sure if I wanted us to beat Sunderland tonight for the simple reason that I couldn't take another humiliation at the hands of the worst Liverpool team in living memory " - And Moyes gets called negative (I won't mention that for some moments I felt the same up until the kick off)
Although I'll savour this win for a few days I can't help think of Saturday when the shite will struggle to get anything away at Newcastle, City are almost guaranteed a win at home to Sunderland and on this form we SHOULD tear WBA a new one!
Fingers crossed and we could jump two places, here's hoping!
Cue a tepid one nil loss in true Everton style...
Fingers crossed and we could jump two places, here's hoping!
Cue a tepid one nil loss in true Everton style...
Return of the Rotation Controversy!
Do we rest anyone for West Brom? Then we've got Norwich seven days later and (according to the O/S) Sunderland only two days after that! Then the semi.
Gonna be a fair bit of swapping around, I reckon.
Also, there's the bookings issue. Fellaini and Heitinga must be close to a ban by now.
Do we rest anyone for West Brom? Then we've got Norwich seven days later and (according to the O/S) Sunderland only two days after that! Then the semi.
Gonna be a fair bit of swapping around, I reckon.
Also, there's the bookings issue. Fellaini and Heitinga must be close to a ban by now.
Possibly the most ridiculous thing I've heard. 'I wasn't even sure I wanted us to win last night'.
I was furious with our surrender to Liverpool, as some of my posts on this forum will back up, but I was without a shadow of doubt wanting us us win last night and was throroughly delighted that we did so.
The easiest way to make up the the derby debacle of the other week, is to simply beat them in the semi's!
COYB!!!
I was furious with our surrender to Liverpool, as some of my posts on this forum will back up, but I was without a shadow of doubt wanting us us win last night and was throroughly delighted that we did so.
The easiest way to make up the the derby debacle of the other week, is to simply beat them in the semi's!
COYB!!!
Surely the past 2 results and the dominant performance in the first sunderland match go some way towards healing the derby result? A win at wembely in the semi will more than do for me!
Kase #169
Agree entirely with the Gibson comment. Despite all the garbage that was posted on here when he arrived (poor signing, end of the road for EFC etc etc) Moyes looks to have a picked a relatively young guy up who can pass a ball in front of his colleagues whilst at the same time marshal the team in front of the back 4. Well done Gibbo. COYB
Agree entirely with the Gibson comment. Despite all the garbage that was posted on here when he arrived (poor signing, end of the road for EFC etc etc) Moyes looks to have a picked a relatively young guy up who can pass a ball in front of his colleagues whilst at the same time marshal the team in front of the back 4. Well done Gibbo. COYB
Speaking of suspensions...
I know Fellaini had the most yellow cards this season (8), so he's already seved a 1-game ban when he got to 5 so that menas he's on 3... And I'm sure it's normally Easter time when the amnesty comes in and the slate is wiped clean.
If not, you can be sure Fellaini wont play against Sunderland on Easter Monday if he's one yellow away from a ban.
I know Fellaini had the most yellow cards this season (8), so he's already seved a 1-game ban when he got to 5 so that menas he's on 3... And I'm sure it's normally Easter time when the amnesty comes in and the slate is wiped clean.
If not, you can be sure Fellaini wont play against Sunderland on Easter Monday if he's one yellow away from a ban.
This will be Moyes biggest game in charge of Everton this will be his last chance to prove to people like me he's a good manager. If we lose frankly all the good work against Sunderland will be put to waste. We'll forget Anfield if you win we'll never forgive you if you lose.
I am confident with our best team out we can both win against and out play Liverpool.
I hope Moyes works suspensions into his team selections now. The league is over as a competition for us, it would take a miracle to catch Newcastle and get into Europe. All eggs should be in the FA Cup basket. It'll also give players like Gueye and Barkley a chance at some games.
We have shown to have a solid core that need to be protected.
Heitinga and Distin have been incredible recently.
I hold my hands up about Gibson, he looks the part alongside Fellaini in the middle. Great vision, first time passing and a wicked shot.
Jelavic again, I didn't think he was the player we needed, but early signs show he is a cool finisher who brings others into play.
That is a good core with Baines being the other outstanding player in the team.
I have banged on about him, but I still think that there is room for Drenthe's liability in that team. The others work hard enough to cover some of his faults and he is on a different level going forward at times.
We need to go into the semi believing without question we can beat them. I genuinely believe we can have them!
I hope Moyes works suspensions into his team selections now. The league is over as a competition for us, it would take a miracle to catch Newcastle and get into Europe. All eggs should be in the FA Cup basket. It'll also give players like Gueye and Barkley a chance at some games.
We have shown to have a solid core that need to be protected.
Heitinga and Distin have been incredible recently.
I hold my hands up about Gibson, he looks the part alongside Fellaini in the middle. Great vision, first time passing and a wicked shot.
Jelavic again, I didn't think he was the player we needed, but early signs show he is a cool finisher who brings others into play.
That is a good core with Baines being the other outstanding player in the team.
I have banged on about him, but I still think that there is room for Drenthe's liability in that team. The others work hard enough to cover some of his faults and he is on a different level going forward at times.
We need to go into the semi believing without question we can beat them. I genuinely believe we can have them!
Peter Norris, I completely agree.
I have to hold my hands up and admit that I was unimpressed with the signing of Gibson, but I am quite prepared to eat humble pie and admit that he has proved me and many others wrong.
When Gibson plays, we don't lose, is this more than just coincidence?
I have to hold my hands up and admit that I was unimpressed with the signing of Gibson, but I am quite prepared to eat humble pie and admit that he has proved me and many others wrong.
When Gibson plays, we don't lose, is this more than just coincidence?
Eugene - don't forget Hanson handball in 84, Heaths shot going in (what would have been the winner)
I was highly delighted and said as much on the arrival of Gibbo. Thought he was grossly undervalued at Man U.
Him and Fella, how fast has that happened? Really good and i'll bet the shite supporters watching the game last night are not as confident as they were a few weeks ago.
For the game itself I feel we will have to keep tabs on Ratboy Kuyt and Stevie vanity. All three are big game players and dont usually wilt under pressure.
Keep them quiet and turn in a performance like last night and the second trip to Wembley has to be on the cards. The yellow cards are what worries me. It's that "what can go wrong (for us) will" thing, and as we all know those twats still have a few souls in hock to old Nick.
Still all in all a superb nights triumph and Moyes deserves a good deal of credit for that. Lets hope he doesn't screw it up in the next month or two.
COYB
Him and Fella, how fast has that happened? Really good and i'll bet the shite supporters watching the game last night are not as confident as they were a few weeks ago.
For the game itself I feel we will have to keep tabs on Ratboy Kuyt and Stevie vanity. All three are big game players and dont usually wilt under pressure.
Keep them quiet and turn in a performance like last night and the second trip to Wembley has to be on the cards. The yellow cards are what worries me. It's that "what can go wrong (for us) will" thing, and as we all know those twats still have a few souls in hock to old Nick.
Still all in all a superb nights triumph and Moyes deserves a good deal of credit for that. Lets hope he doesn't screw it up in the next month or two.
COYB
Jon, the league is certainly not `over for us`!With our club`s fragile finances,ONE MILLION POUNDS a place cannot be discounted as I can`t believe the FA Cup will go that far towards balancing the books.
Moyes has the chance now to prove he is able to shuffle his options AND keep the team winning.
It`s a kind of interview situation for all those `big club`jobs he`s lined up for!
Moyes has the chance now to prove he is able to shuffle his options AND keep the team winning.
It`s a kind of interview situation for all those `big club`jobs he`s lined up for!
Sometimes it's easy to get carried away with a decent couple of results and start thinking we can beat anyone only to go out and get beat by a side we should beat 2 or 3 nil.
I love all the hype and I love to see Everton play like they played in 2nd half at Swansea and even more so Sunderland. I also think Everton will want beat Liverpool in an FA Cup semi-final but let's not get to carried away, gentlemen ? the RS have an uncanny knack of pulling results when they need to and our record against them is not the best.
As you all know, the form book goes west in a derby. They still have some very big game players in their side who we need to be extremely wary of... they are very beatable but we need to be at our best because they'll be up for it as much as we are.
I'd also like see Moyes target Newcastle but, with a 10-point gap, I wonder if this could be achieved. They are dropping points lately and we still have to play them at home.
The RS are not going to make the top 4 they are already in Europe via the Carling Cup so they're going to be making the FA Cup their priority. If we can get above them and the Barcodes, it would be a brilliant achievement.
The problem for Moyes is how to keep Fellaini and Heitinga on the field both in the League and FA Cup. But we have to forget about playing the RedShite and focus on drawing a higher place on the league table and let them worry about us.
I love all the hype and I love to see Everton play like they played in 2nd half at Swansea and even more so Sunderland. I also think Everton will want beat Liverpool in an FA Cup semi-final but let's not get to carried away, gentlemen ? the RS have an uncanny knack of pulling results when they need to and our record against them is not the best.
As you all know, the form book goes west in a derby. They still have some very big game players in their side who we need to be extremely wary of... they are very beatable but we need to be at our best because they'll be up for it as much as we are.
I'd also like see Moyes target Newcastle but, with a 10-point gap, I wonder if this could be achieved. They are dropping points lately and we still have to play them at home.
The RS are not going to make the top 4 they are already in Europe via the Carling Cup so they're going to be making the FA Cup their priority. If we can get above them and the Barcodes, it would be a brilliant achievement.
The problem for Moyes is how to keep Fellaini and Heitinga on the field both in the League and FA Cup. But we have to forget about playing the RedShite and focus on drawing a higher place on the league table and let them worry about us.
Ideal scenario; It goes to penalties. All square after 4 each. Gerrard misses with the fifth and Tony Hibbert scores the winner.
Just a dream I know!
Just a dream I know!
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106 Posted 28/03/2012 at 00:36:12
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