Season 2011-12
The Mail Bag
Wrap Gibson in cotton wool
64 Comments: I take it all back. Darron Gibson is exactly what we have missed since the likes of Arteta, Gravesen, Fernandes departed...
He put in a superb MotM display today and his passing was fast and mostly one-touch while also forward-thinking and attacking. We simply don't have anyone else who can do this so he needs to be wrapped in Cotton wool for the Semi-Final.
We simply play better football with him in the side. Also helped by Heitinga at CB not hoofing and we actually play decent football! Roll on the RS!!!
James Stewart, Posted 31/03/2012 at 17:49:18
Comments
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
Not a player who needs to be wrapped up. He can take it and dish it out. What we need for Wembley is a return of Drenthe or Coleman. Hate to think of Osman isolated out wide.
Spot on Nick, As much as Drenthe frustrates me, he is possibly our most creative player.
Listening to one of the phone-ins on the Radio in the car driving back after the match one caller called Gibson the 'new Joe Parkinson' I found myself nodding in agreement with that.
Listening to one of the phone-ins on the Radio in the car driving back after the match one caller called Gibson the 'new Joe Parkinson' I found myself nodding in agreement with that.
Nick, Coleman has taken several steps backward this season, and very rarely looks threatening. This is possibly to do with injury problems but I cannot see him as a serious problem for the opposition in the Semi-Final. Drenthe, however, would terrify them, as he does me, as nobody knows what he will do, least of all Drenthe himself.
Not so fast gents; Osman was superb against Sunderland, the difference was that he was given a free role rather than hogging the right wing, which isn't his position, maybe he's been looking at Modric videos as of late he's been starting on the right and floating.
BTW what HAS happened to Drenthe??
BTW what HAS happened to Drenthe??
I have to agree with the comments above; he seems to have settled well in the middle. At first he was sloppy and slow but in his last three performances he seems to be working a lot harder and his passing is sharper. I still think Gibson can go up a notch and him and Fellaini can become a formidable partnership and allow us to play 4-4-2.
Thought Coleman had got his spark back in his last few performances. He was getting to the byline crossing, and cutting inside, going past defenders well too. Injury at the wrong time.
Brian, completely agree regarding Coleman, he was a very exciting player last season but has failed to improve this season. Don't think he should play the semi-final purely because he has always been dominated by Enrique and always looks like he's going to come off second-best. Gibson is looking good and would play him over Rodwell.
David, I have heard something about him receiving time off due to family issues, there's also been talk of him having a bust up with Moyes. Hope he starts playing again soon as, although erratic and unpredictable, he has proved he can be the key in unlocking defences with his pace and direct running style.
David, I have heard something about him receiving time off due to family issues, there's also been talk of him having a bust up with Moyes. Hope he starts playing again soon as, although erratic and unpredictable, he has proved he can be the key in unlocking defences with his pace and direct running style.
Drenthe walked past us today as we where entering the ground late with his entourage, they looked like they where going to a bloody MTV awards and the head steward made a quip about drink, so much for his compassionate leave,looks like he has some right hangers on to me.
I agree Gibson had a great game today and the centre of midfield looks balanced with him in it. I think his passing has been much improved since he came back from his injury. I also thought that Jagielka distributed the ball a lot better from the back.
David, if you thought Osman was superb, you must've been watching a different match mate. He done ok, he was easily knocked off the ball as usual. A big pitch at Wembley will find out Osman's energy, pace and mobility... remember the Cup Final against Chelsea???
Gibson steadies the balance in midfield , a stereotypical unsung hero that allows others to express themselves. A fantastic piece of business for 500k albeit he is not amazing , is a good steady alround midfielder.
Coleman for me is an impact player off the bench , as is anichebe as he is not worth a start . Rolls Royston is a creative gem and I think he is worth a punt if we can afford his wages , worst case scenario his flaws don't improve and we cash in .
Did anyone think Jelavic reminded them of Graeme Sharp today ?
Coleman for me is an impact player off the bench , as is anichebe as he is not worth a start . Rolls Royston is a creative gem and I think he is worth a punt if we can afford his wages , worst case scenario his flaws don't improve and we cash in .
Did anyone think Jelavic reminded them of Graeme Sharp today ?
Osman was man of the match for me at Sunderland by some distance.
Agree with you, Phil, about Jelavic ? he looks the real deal to me, I think there's plenty to look forward to from him.
Gibson has been a revelation. I thought it was good business at the time we got him but didnt realise he would be so good for us! I have always said that just because a player isnt to another teams liking doesn't mean he wont be to ours. There is no shame in taking a Man Utd "reject" as we have done ? Kanchelskis, Howard, Neville, Saha have all proved good for our club and Gibson looks like he will too.
Gibson has been a revelation. I thought it was good business at the time we got him but didnt realise he would be so good for us! I have always said that just because a player isnt to another teams liking doesn't mean he wont be to ours. There is no shame in taking a Man Utd "reject" as we have done ? Kanchelskis, Howard, Neville, Saha have all proved good for our club and Gibson looks like he will too.
I'll openly hold my hand up as one previously not convinced by Gibson, but today he was a younger Carsley mopping up everything in front of the back four and whats more barking orders to the other players of where to choose a decent pass. Impressed on that today.
Osman started on the wing today and quickly disappeared as its not his role, he plays far better in the middle. Just wish Pienaar wasn't cup tied as he, Jelavic and Cahill had a great trio going today
Osman started on the wing today and quickly disappeared as its not his role, he plays far better in the middle. Just wish Pienaar wasn't cup tied as he, Jelavic and Cahill had a great trio going today
Billy, sorry but your wrong. Osman was excellent against Sunderland.
Ossie seemed to have freedom to drift inside to get involved more against Sunderland. If he plays wide-ish again at Wembley that type of role of may be the order of the day, on a big pitch like Wembley, as the large pitch does expose the undoubted lack of pace and mobility.
But, regarding the Sunderland game Billy, if you dont like Osman full stop, just say it. But on the night he was great.
No-one is suggesting he has ever been a top class player. Apart from some loon on here who posed the question, "is he good enough to play for Barca?", which must have been a piss take surely?!
But, he an good premier league player who, in a squad pushing for the top 4, as we were close to doing at onme point, would be a superb squad man. I think he became a symbol of the clubs inability to push on from the 5th/6th positions into the top 4, and the victim of Evertons inability, mainly through lack of cash, ie: Donovan first time, to fill the troublesome right side mid slot.
The amount of grief lads who will play anywhere for the club, play injured to their own detriment, who have stuck by the Everton through thick and thin and who have achieved more in their careers than the majority of "fans" on here could ever dream of, astonishes me. Not many people were capable of handling Malouda at his peak, as he was in the cup final.
Ossie seemed to have freedom to drift inside to get involved more against Sunderland. If he plays wide-ish again at Wembley that type of role of may be the order of the day, on a big pitch like Wembley, as the large pitch does expose the undoubted lack of pace and mobility.
But, regarding the Sunderland game Billy, if you dont like Osman full stop, just say it. But on the night he was great.
No-one is suggesting he has ever been a top class player. Apart from some loon on here who posed the question, "is he good enough to play for Barca?", which must have been a piss take surely?!
But, he an good premier league player who, in a squad pushing for the top 4, as we were close to doing at onme point, would be a superb squad man. I think he became a symbol of the clubs inability to push on from the 5th/6th positions into the top 4, and the victim of Evertons inability, mainly through lack of cash, ie: Donovan first time, to fill the troublesome right side mid slot.
The amount of grief lads who will play anywhere for the club, play injured to their own detriment, who have stuck by the Everton through thick and thin and who have achieved more in their careers than the majority of "fans" on here could ever dream of, astonishes me. Not many people were capable of handling Malouda at his peak, as he was in the cup final.
Gibson is class.
Coleman was looking good when he came back before he got injured again.
Osman ? very good in the middle of midfield against non-top 4 opposition; is poor out wide.
Coleman was looking good when he came back before he got injured again.
Osman ? very good in the middle of midfield against non-top 4 opposition; is poor out wide.
We havent seen Seamus with a run of games under his belt since the injury so it is unfair to judge him.
There are a few "stories" doing the rounds about Drenthe:
1. That he was done for drunk driving and broke a curfew with Moyes threatening to send him back to Barca.
2. His wife is divorcing him and he is so distressed he has turned to drink (to celebrate?) and is on compassionate leave.
3. He has had a major bust up with Moyesy and is getting the haidryer treatment.
He may be on "compassionate" leave but he sure isnt back in Madrid.
The team is playing with spirit right now so why change a winning team.
There are a few "stories" doing the rounds about Drenthe:
1. That he was done for drunk driving and broke a curfew with Moyes threatening to send him back to Barca.
2. His wife is divorcing him and he is so distressed he has turned to drink (to celebrate?) and is on compassionate leave.
3. He has had a major bust up with Moyesy and is getting the haidryer treatment.
He may be on "compassionate" leave but he sure isnt back in Madrid.
The team is playing with spirit right now so why change a winning team.
Jay@139:
I have it on very good authority that Drenthe is absent because of the uncertainty over whether he's a Barcelona or Real Madrid player.
I have it on very good authority that Drenthe is absent because of the uncertainty over whether he's a Barcelona or Real Madrid player.
I'll repeat myself. Gibson's positional play and passing is very good, 8 out of 10.
Tackling, winning the ball, 4 out of 10. Timing of his tackling needs to improve, he stands too far off the oppisition player. Get stuck in my son.
Tackling, winning the ball, 4 out of 10. Timing of his tackling needs to improve, he stands too far off the oppisition player. Get stuck in my son.
Yep, really impressed by Gibson. I think his partnership with Felli is the best we have had for a few years
I also prefer Felli playing further up the field, he gives away too many free kicks when he plays defensive midfield.
Not brilliant yesterday but for me it was a benchmark performance.... 7th is for the taking, just imagine if we had played a little better (again) in the first half of the season.
I also prefer Felli playing further up the field, he gives away too many free kicks when he plays defensive midfield.
Not brilliant yesterday but for me it was a benchmark performance.... 7th is for the taking, just imagine if we had played a little better (again) in the first half of the season.
James@146
Ha-ha! Like it. That's an early contender for funniest comment of the day!
Ha-ha! Like it. That's an early contender for funniest comment of the day!
I come on here and back Osman regularly and I also slaughtered him for his pathetic showings against Arsenal and Sunderland at home,however how anyone can say he never layed great in the replay is beyond me.
Also Chase, Osman was superb against City,Chelsea and Spurs at home this year and was excellent against those same teams at the end of last season and the same again the season before when we had that great spell beating them at Goodispn as well as Man Utd too when the lad was getting MOTM awards playing on the middle so that shout is bollocks about not laying well against the top four,if anything it's the other way around.
I don't buy the bollocks Iniesta shite shouts, but se of the shite wrote on here about him shite and not doing it against the top four is one of those shouts.
Also Chase, Osman was superb against City,Chelsea and Spurs at home this year and was excellent against those same teams at the end of last season and the same again the season before when we had that great spell beating them at Goodispn as well as Man Utd too when the lad was getting MOTM awards playing on the middle so that shout is bollocks about not laying well against the top four,if anything it's the other way around.
I don't buy the bollocks Iniesta shite shouts, but se of the shite wrote on here about him shite and not doing it against the top four is one of those shouts.
Sorry meant Kase,writing on my iphone
Osman is an excellent player against a footballing side, a side who allow you to play with the ball on the floor and don't just hoof the ball, and you, up in the air. A team like Stoke.(spits) He doesn't, in my opinion, have the pace or discipline to play out wide, hence his disappearance at Wembley in 2009 but in the middle or maybe behind the forward he can do a really good job. At Sunderland he was one of our best players.
I, like most was not particularly excited by Gibsons arrival. But, he has proved us all wrong. He does the simple things well and always looks to go forward. Seems a snip so far.
With Felli & Gibson snapping away in the midfield, we don't really need the the efforts of Tim upfront and believe Ossie would be the better option in behind Jelli ? providing that extra bit of creativity. His performance against Sunderland was a man at the top of his game.
I would prefer Drenthe to get his head together for the right mid position with Gueye on the other side.
Either way, we've got to be positive going into the SF game; hopefully the RS will have another reason today v the Mags to feel it's all blowing up in their faces!
I would prefer Drenthe to get his head together for the right mid position with Gueye on the other side.
Either way, we've got to be positive going into the SF game; hopefully the RS will have another reason today v the Mags to feel it's all blowing up in their faces!
Wembley's pitch is actually over 100 square yards smaller than Goodison. Wembley Stadium does, however, have more than 2600 toilets...
I've been on TW a number of years and the amount of threads that start off by being about one subject and they quickly turn into an Osman & Hibbert are shite debate. This one is no different, as the title suggests 'Wrap Gibson in cotton wool' it is about-well....Darren Gibson, and yet by the second post it has become an Osman is shite thread.
For the record, I don't buy into the Ossie for Barca bollocks, but I do think that he would have flourished in the less physical demands of Spanish football. In addition if you look at his goal yesterday he is one of the few players that can unlock a packed defence with quickness of feet and thought, that is sometimes reminiscent of Iniesta, and incidentally Jack Wilshere of Arsenal compared him to Iniesta in a Tweet recently.
But to the Ossie & Hibbert haters out there, try to be a bit more open-minded, yes as someone pointed out, against the Stokes of the world he disappears, and his form does blow hot and cold, but when he puts in a performance like Tuesday (and he was up against the Stoke City like Lee Cattermole) or scores a (Deflected) goal as good as yesterday FFS give credit where credit's due and cheer a player in a blue shirt as opposed to constantly picking faults.
For the record, I don't buy into the Ossie for Barca bollocks, but I do think that he would have flourished in the less physical demands of Spanish football. In addition if you look at his goal yesterday he is one of the few players that can unlock a packed defence with quickness of feet and thought, that is sometimes reminiscent of Iniesta, and incidentally Jack Wilshere of Arsenal compared him to Iniesta in a Tweet recently.
But to the Ossie & Hibbert haters out there, try to be a bit more open-minded, yes as someone pointed out, against the Stokes of the world he disappears, and his form does blow hot and cold, but when he puts in a performance like Tuesday (and he was up against the Stoke City like Lee Cattermole) or scores a (Deflected) goal as good as yesterday FFS give credit where credit's due and cheer a player in a blue shirt as opposed to constantly picking faults.
'Did anyone think Jelavic reminded them of Graeme Sharp today?'
That's exactly what I thought, and it was the main topic of conversation on the soccerbus.
That's exactly what I thought, and it was the main topic of conversation on the soccerbus.
David Hallwood - You can't argue with people who have already made their mind up... I can't remember which philosopher said it, but the saying goes:
"When faced with the prospect of changing your mind or proving there is no reason why you should do so - most people get busy working on the proof"
I was never a fan of Alan Harper, in fact for a period in the mid 1980s, my heart sunk whenever I saw his name on the team sheet. However he was an integral part of two league championship winning Everton sides in the 1980s and was asked to fill in, in half a dozen different positions, which he did without complaint and acquitted himself well. He wasn't a flashy player like Trevor Steven or a midfield general like Peter Reid but he worked his guts out for the team and put in some very eye catching performances - this is one
However, in some people's eyes he was shite personified and nothing was ever going to change their minds about this... In fact a mate of mine (who I'll not embarrass) would shout 'Fuck off Harper, you're shite' as the teams were being read out over the loudspeaker system before he'd even kicked a ball!
I feel that many of the critics of Osman and Hibbert suffer from their own habitually based critique syndrome - and it doesn't matter how well the players perform - they will always be 'shite'... evidence isn't called for... they'll always be 'shite' because the holder of the opinion 'knows' they are shite... evidence simply doesn't matter.
Or, at least that's my opinion... and I know it's true... so fuck off and do one with any evidence to the contrary.
"When faced with the prospect of changing your mind or proving there is no reason why you should do so - most people get busy working on the proof"
I was never a fan of Alan Harper, in fact for a period in the mid 1980s, my heart sunk whenever I saw his name on the team sheet. However he was an integral part of two league championship winning Everton sides in the 1980s and was asked to fill in, in half a dozen different positions, which he did without complaint and acquitted himself well. He wasn't a flashy player like Trevor Steven or a midfield general like Peter Reid but he worked his guts out for the team and put in some very eye catching performances - this is one
However, in some people's eyes he was shite personified and nothing was ever going to change their minds about this... In fact a mate of mine (who I'll not embarrass) would shout 'Fuck off Harper, you're shite' as the teams were being read out over the loudspeaker system before he'd even kicked a ball!
I feel that many of the critics of Osman and Hibbert suffer from their own habitually based critique syndrome - and it doesn't matter how well the players perform - they will always be 'shite'... evidence isn't called for... they'll always be 'shite' because the holder of the opinion 'knows' they are shite... evidence simply doesn't matter.
Or, at least that's my opinion... and I know it's true... so fuck off and do one with any evidence to the contrary.
Alan Harper
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iBm0WQ5GZA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iBm0WQ5GZA
Kevin the reverse process is also true as evidenced with Fellaini, no matter how bad he plays most people at the end of a match automatically pick him as motm. In parts he was awful yesterday, giving the ball away, letting people run off him and past him easily (statistically the most 'passed' player in the Everton team) but then whe he wins it back off his own mistake the crowd goes wild like he's some sort of makelele. Gibson is doing the job he should have been doing for the last few years, and I don't see how Fellaini brings anything going forward. Would much rather see Gibson and Osman in a central midfield pairing.
I also thought that James Martin. There was a few times actually he lost the ball in stupid areas then fair enough he won it back but I don't think it was a great game at all by Fellaini.
I wouldn't go as far to say Osman should play instead of him though. Fellaini on the whole is excellent just not yesterday. I think the team that played yesterday will be the team that plays the Semi-final. Perhaps Distin will come back in for Jags but can't see any other changes. I don't really think Coleman would make that much difference to be honest. Drenthe perhaps but I think he is finished for Everton now. Something has obviously gone on and I can't see Moyes bringing him back in. Especially not to a winning side.
I wouldn't go as far to say Osman should play instead of him though. Fellaini on the whole is excellent just not yesterday. I think the team that played yesterday will be the team that plays the Semi-final. Perhaps Distin will come back in for Jags but can't see any other changes. I don't really think Coleman would make that much difference to be honest. Drenthe perhaps but I think he is finished for Everton now. Something has obviously gone on and I can't see Moyes bringing him back in. Especially not to a winning side.
I might get slaughtered here but, not taking anything away from Ossie against Sunderland I thought he took one too many touches and tried to beat too many players too many times instead of passing to another Blue. Lost the ball too much for me. I think I may be alone though!
As for Gibson, he seems to be the glue that's brought things together. It's amazing what a few good partnerships can do - Gibson and Fellaini, Distin and Johnny, Cahill and Jelly, Baines and Pienaar. Just need to find a partnership on the right and were sorted! It's a shame we can't morph Neville, Hibbo and Coleman into one - that'd make a fine right back - with Drente in front....?
Problem with Drente is he seems a bit like Ballotelli to me, bags of quality but is a bit of a basketcase. Maybe pair him up with Nev to keep him on the straight and narrow.
As for Gibson, he seems to be the glue that's brought things together. It's amazing what a few good partnerships can do - Gibson and Fellaini, Distin and Johnny, Cahill and Jelly, Baines and Pienaar. Just need to find a partnership on the right and were sorted! It's a shame we can't morph Neville, Hibbo and Coleman into one - that'd make a fine right back - with Drente in front....?
Problem with Drente is he seems a bit like Ballotelli to me, bags of quality but is a bit of a basketcase. Maybe pair him up with Nev to keep him on the straight and narrow.
James and James - I think the frustrating thing about Fellaini is consistency. I've liked him from day one, when he's good he really is very very good, when he's bad, he can stink the place out - and that can be all within one game. I think Gibson gives him the platform to settle and find that consistency because he's not being asked to run around being all things to all men. I think if Gibson carries on being the steel in the centre and Fellaini concentrates on being the silk they'll get on famously.
I wouldn't say that you're alone Mike Green #175, Billy Bradshaw #102 agrees with you
Fellaini for me is outstanding, but if he gets injured he goes back to square one and taks forever to get back to his potential, but onc he is there he is top draw.
Thanks, David. For the record, I didn't say he didn't have a good game at Sunderland, in fact he along with most of the players had good games. We will never get to the next level with Osman in our side: nice feet, can head a ball... but the lad can't last 90 mins, goes missing in too many games and is too easily knocked off the ball.
Reina red card. 3 match ban out of the semi final! Things are looking up.
Fellaini was man of the match v Sunderland. He's been outstanding for months now. We need to keep him fit.
Well done, Will Leaf.
This oft-quoted "truth" that the big Wembley pitch will find out some players is a myth.
From the Wembley website, the pitch is 115 yards by 75 yards (in old money !). Ours, in contrast, I have discovered is 112 yards by 78 yards.
On the subject in hand, Gibson has been a revelation since day one. He is clearly an athlete, covering a huge amount of ground, and quickly. He has a lot of Roy Keane about him, and is quickly establishing himself as a leader on the pitch. He has an aura, and coupled with his obvious footballing abilities, will be a huge asset for us for years to come, hopefully.
One final point. I noticed in the warm-up yesterday that Steve Round spent a great deal of time with Ossie one-on-one, talking him through ball control techniques. Unbelievably, the "quick feet" trick that gave Ossie the extra yard in the lead up to his goal was one such move discussed, and practised. Anybody else spot this ?
This oft-quoted "truth" that the big Wembley pitch will find out some players is a myth.
From the Wembley website, the pitch is 115 yards by 75 yards (in old money !). Ours, in contrast, I have discovered is 112 yards by 78 yards.
On the subject in hand, Gibson has been a revelation since day one. He is clearly an athlete, covering a huge amount of ground, and quickly. He has a lot of Roy Keane about him, and is quickly establishing himself as a leader on the pitch. He has an aura, and coupled with his obvious footballing abilities, will be a huge asset for us for years to come, hopefully.
One final point. I noticed in the warm-up yesterday that Steve Round spent a great deal of time with Ossie one-on-one, talking him through ball control techniques. Unbelievably, the "quick feet" trick that gave Ossie the extra yard in the lead up to his goal was one such move discussed, and practised. Anybody else spot this ?
Gibson has been a revelation since he came. Fellaini's looked a different player altogether since we signed him... and ? just for the record ? we're unbeaten when he's played. When you think what THEY paid for Henderson and what we paid for Gibbo... I know who got the best deal and the better player.
James Martin
You say Fellaini 'brings nothing going forward'?
Well, for a start he made one goal against Swansea getting to the by-line. You can't get any further forward than that without joining the fucking crowd. He got himself pretty far forward against Sunderland too, he was instrumental in both goals.
In my view he was MOTM against Sunderland, he ran the midfield.He broke up their midfield play throughout the game. I think he is great player but his one weakness is lack of pace. If he had pace he probably wouldn't be at Everton, he'd be with some Champions League Club....and he still may.
Just because his performance dropped off a bit against WBA doesn't mean he is not a very influential player for us.
You say Fellaini 'brings nothing going forward'?
Well, for a start he made one goal against Swansea getting to the by-line. You can't get any further forward than that without joining the fucking crowd. He got himself pretty far forward against Sunderland too, he was instrumental in both goals.
In my view he was MOTM against Sunderland, he ran the midfield.He broke up their midfield play throughout the game. I think he is great player but his one weakness is lack of pace. If he had pace he probably wouldn't be at Everton, he'd be with some Champions League Club....and he still may.
Just because his performance dropped off a bit against WBA doesn't mean he is not a very influential player for us.
I'm not sure there is a better partnership than Fellaini and Gibson in the PL right now. They compliment each other perfectly. Streets ahead of Adam and Henderson across the park.
I am praying we don't lose anyone through injury or suspension these next couple of games. We lost Arteta, Jagielka & Yak before we played Chelsea in 2009.
Keep your cool lads, and no sending's off like soft shite Reina !
Keep your cool lads, and no sending's off like soft shite Reina !
Except they won't be squaring up against Adam and Henderson, far more likely to be Spearing and Gerrard. No Everton midfield pairing has ever coped with Gerrard so if Fellaini and Gibson can in this semi I'll take back any criticism I direct at Fellaini. Hopefully Gibson's positional awareness and discipline should help us negate him.
Blimey let's no get carried away with this Gibson love-in. He's a manure reject who couldn't displace a 37-year-old because of his attitude and one-dimension-ness (that's not a real word I know). He has slotted into our Carlsey role which is very limited in terms of a modern midfield player but because we play 4-5-1 it has suited Gibson perfectly. He should concentrate on holding his position (not difficult as he's not mobile by any means) and always communicating with his back four so as he's the first line of defense, which should be the responsibility of the centerbacks anyway. But we've got Fellaini and Pienaar running up and down the flanks plus Cahill as a 'late striker' coming in the box supporting Jelavic so the absence of Gibson is not that glaring. All this means is that Moyes can only play 4-5-1 and needs players to fit into his managerial style that is my formation.
He's got a good shot I'll give you that. Thankfully as don't expect an twinkle toes inside the opposing area.
Put a man on Gibson and we'll be hoofing in no time. A very poor man's Ronald Koeman.
He's got a good shot I'll give you that. Thankfully as don't expect an twinkle toes inside the opposing area.
Put a man on Gibson and we'll be hoofing in no time. A very poor man's Ronald Koeman.
Jason Lam, I don't think even the greatest holding midfielders in the world often get man marked.
By suggesting that as the way to stop Gibson, I believe is paying him a huge compliment.
Don't get so hung up on the Man U reject bit. Judge his performance, and not only that, the team performance with him in the side. We seem to me to be far more balanced with him the team. Plus we've got a result out of every game he's played in so far. That's all I care about.
Oh, and if he slots well into the Carsley role, AND has a good shot on him, then surely that makes him two dimensional at the very least!
By suggesting that as the way to stop Gibson, I believe is paying him a huge compliment.
Don't get so hung up on the Man U reject bit. Judge his performance, and not only that, the team performance with him in the side. We seem to me to be far more balanced with him the team. Plus we've got a result out of every game he's played in so far. That's all I care about.
Oh, and if he slots well into the Carsley role, AND has a good shot on him, then surely that makes him two dimensional at the very least!
Jamie, Chelsea used to rely on Makelele back in the day to bring the ball out that man-marking him would actually disrupt their flowing build ups.
I'm happy for Gibson and Everton of course that the results are coming our way but I feel it's more of coincidentally bumping into the right formula / finding that missing Carsley puzzle to complete our 4-5-1. We are fortunate to fall back into a relatively past successful formula, but that formula was never not good enough and should not merit encasting Gibson in cotton wool like he's our saviour player.
Rodwell over Gibson any day for me, but in the grand scheme of our formation and players today it is Gibson that can play the pivot. Rodwell will not have the discipline to sit in the hole for the entire 90 mins and neither will Fellaini. So it's the least mobile widest player Gibson who physically cannot roam all over the park that gets on the teamsheet. As much as I love Cahill he would not get into any other midfield only ours. It's the same dilemma.
COYB.
I'm happy for Gibson and Everton of course that the results are coming our way but I feel it's more of coincidentally bumping into the right formula / finding that missing Carsley puzzle to complete our 4-5-1. We are fortunate to fall back into a relatively past successful formula, but that formula was never not good enough and should not merit encasting Gibson in cotton wool like he's our saviour player.
Rodwell over Gibson any day for me, but in the grand scheme of our formation and players today it is Gibson that can play the pivot. Rodwell will not have the discipline to sit in the hole for the entire 90 mins and neither will Fellaini. So it's the least mobile widest player Gibson who physically cannot roam all over the park that gets on the teamsheet. As much as I love Cahill he would not get into any other midfield only ours. It's the same dilemma.
COYB.
FFS make that never good enough. or not good enough.
Rodwell over Gibson? Jason I like Rodwell as a player and hope he can be used somewhere in the team but its not in the holding role. Look at the results when him and Fellaini were playing together. Neither have the positional discipline for that role. Maybe Rodwell could do Fellaini's job if he got injured, but games just pass him by and he barely gets out of 1st gear. The ball seems to be magnetised to Gibson and Fellaini and both are getting into good postions on the edge of the box when we attack to offer the shooting outlet.
James my sentiments exactly. It's a good problem trying to slot in Rodwell. Credit to Moyes for trying it out early in the season but it did not work as effective as Gibson. As this rate Moyes may even have to drop Pip, Cahill and Osman. Or not.
Jason, just because Gibson couldnt get a regular place in the UTD team doesnt mean he is shite! Pienaar couldnt get in the Spurs team! All teams have different approaches and styles and Gibson (and Pienaar) suit ours. Neither Spurs nor Utd will miss them but they improve our team as can be seen in our form since january.
I too was unconvinced after 3 matches about Gibson and said hoped it didnt mean the end of Rodwells future with us.
Right now I'm glad to see Gibson and Fella in that midfield and I'd be happy to take £20m for Rodwell to hlep fund Pienaar, a right back and a support striker for when Cahill actually does finally run out of steam!
I too was unconvinced after 3 matches about Gibson and said hoped it didnt mean the end of Rodwells future with us.
Right now I'm glad to see Gibson and Fella in that midfield and I'd be happy to take £20m for Rodwell to hlep fund Pienaar, a right back and a support striker for when Cahill actually does finally run out of steam!
Jason 349; your middle paragraph, I can hold a little sympathy for, but in your last para... no way.
With your opinion of Rodwell over Gibson you have, in my opinion, lost the plot, you are failing to admit the evidence of your own eyes. The Emperors new clothes syndrome of Rodwells potential and his natural athleticism have blinded you.
Now Rodwell might blossom later in his football lifelife, but as of now he is distinctly ordinary. What is he actually exceptional at. He is competent at most things in an average sort of way.
Some may and no doubt will, if they have their analytical heads on, say much the same about Gibson. But the point is that Gibson makes a difference to the team. The next time Rodwell makes a difference will be the first.
Gibson fills a hole that nobody know is there, ' he doesn't do anything' they cry; ' he's a nothing player' . He may be a 'nothing ' player, but he is a 'plus' nothing player. Rodwell is a 'minus' nothing player I fear his potential is rapidly aquiring the prefix...Unfulfilled.
Gibson; he is a coach's dream come true. No team should be without one. Joe Parkinson? not quite. Denis Stevens more like.
With your opinion of Rodwell over Gibson you have, in my opinion, lost the plot, you are failing to admit the evidence of your own eyes. The Emperors new clothes syndrome of Rodwells potential and his natural athleticism have blinded you.
Now Rodwell might blossom later in his football lifelife, but as of now he is distinctly ordinary. What is he actually exceptional at. He is competent at most things in an average sort of way.
Some may and no doubt will, if they have their analytical heads on, say much the same about Gibson. But the point is that Gibson makes a difference to the team. The next time Rodwell makes a difference will be the first.
Gibson fills a hole that nobody know is there, ' he doesn't do anything' they cry; ' he's a nothing player' . He may be a 'nothing ' player, but he is a 'plus' nothing player. Rodwell is a 'minus' nothing player I fear his potential is rapidly aquiring the prefix...Unfulfilled.
Gibson; he is a coach's dream come true. No team should be without one. Joe Parkinson? not quite. Denis Stevens more like.
I'd like to see Rodwell given a run at CB (not now obviously but in seasons to come) it was the position he started in and could be where he plays at his best. IF we're going to sell anyone then selling Jagielka and having Distina nd Heitinga as first choice with Rodwell and Duffy as long term replacements makes more sense than selling Rodwell and being left with two aging centrebacks fighting it out for the spot next to Heitinga.
Not sure i see Rodwell making a great CB. His positional sense seems to be one of his weakest assets plus he gets dribbled round a fair bit. Difficult to know where he is meant to blossom.
He has pace, a good engine, is composed, can pass decently of either feet, is good in the air and has a decent shot.
Cahill role maybe?
He has pace, a good engine, is composed, can pass decently of either feet, is good in the air and has a decent shot.
Cahill role maybe?
Took this from the express website, it's Moyesy on about Gibson - ?There were some good signs. It is going to take time and I need to get him out of his comfort zone,? said Moyes. ?He will be a better player with regular games and he probably needs a wee bit of ?the treatment? as well.
?He will need to get whipped a couple of times. I am sure he has had that with his previous manager. He is doing really well and he will improve the longer he is with us.?.
There was something similar in The Sun this morning but in that it said Moyes wanted Gibson to be braver on the ball and with his passing choices and wanted him to get a touch leaner and to me that can only be a good thing!
I for one think Gibson is probably the bravest of the midfielders when it comes to passing. He does try to play forwards and look for balls into good areas or over the top which before we had him we badly lacked in our side.
But if Moyesy wants to push for more out of him then great cos it can only benefit how the team plays IMO.
And James Martin #372, spot on with that post mate!
I think Gibson is a better partner in midfield for Felli than Rodders as Gibbo allows Felli to get involved in the final third and break forward like he likes to do as Gibson has got that discipline to sit and hold his position, Rodwell might sit but doesn't pick up runners unless he's been specifically told to do a man-marking job and his distribution is poor and gets us nowhere.
People might think Gibbo is crap but people can't deny that he seems to fit and work with Felli and they bring the best out of each other and it's of a benefit to the team.
Someone said in a post that Gibson is a poor man's Koeman at best and tbh that's not a bad comparison to have, it could be worse, he could be a poor man's Clause Thomsen or summat?!
?He will need to get whipped a couple of times. I am sure he has had that with his previous manager. He is doing really well and he will improve the longer he is with us.?.
There was something similar in The Sun this morning but in that it said Moyes wanted Gibson to be braver on the ball and with his passing choices and wanted him to get a touch leaner and to me that can only be a good thing!
I for one think Gibson is probably the bravest of the midfielders when it comes to passing. He does try to play forwards and look for balls into good areas or over the top which before we had him we badly lacked in our side.
But if Moyesy wants to push for more out of him then great cos it can only benefit how the team plays IMO.
And James Martin #372, spot on with that post mate!
I think Gibson is a better partner in midfield for Felli than Rodders as Gibbo allows Felli to get involved in the final third and break forward like he likes to do as Gibson has got that discipline to sit and hold his position, Rodwell might sit but doesn't pick up runners unless he's been specifically told to do a man-marking job and his distribution is poor and gets us nowhere.
People might think Gibbo is crap but people can't deny that he seems to fit and work with Felli and they bring the best out of each other and it's of a benefit to the team.
Someone said in a post that Gibson is a poor man's Koeman at best and tbh that's not a bad comparison to have, it could be worse, he could be a poor man's Clause Thomsen or summat?!
I too thought Felli didn't have his best game Saturday but was still OKish. Previoulsy he's been excellent and in my view is our classiest player. However ? and coming to the main reason for my post ? isn't he curently on 9 yellow cards? Another would seem suspended for the semi-final. So he's the one needing to be wrapped in cotton-wool. I just wouldn't play him before Wembley ? end of.
@ John - Fellaini has 8 yellows, so we should be safe.
Sorry, Jason Lam, but have you actually watched Gibson play for us in the last few months? I mean, really watched him, in person?
To put our upturn in form since January down to "coincidence" really is missing the obvious. Gibson's partnership with Fellaini worked from day one, and has been instrumental in our climb up the table, and into the semis.
To call Gibson "not mobile by any means" is ridiculous. His recovery rate is rapid, sprinting to get back into position, and always arriving on the edge of the box, waiting for the ball to break, or to be cut back. He is a genuine box-to-box midfielder, not simply a "sitter", with a great engine.
As for "Rodwell over Gibson any day for me", well I'm sorry, but you really need to believe your eyes, rather than the hype. Rodwell got a run-out in the last derby match, wasted a few good chances, and generally was run ragged by a marauding Gerrard. No thanks, I'll have Gibson a week on Saturday.
To put our upturn in form since January down to "coincidence" really is missing the obvious. Gibson's partnership with Fellaini worked from day one, and has been instrumental in our climb up the table, and into the semis.
To call Gibson "not mobile by any means" is ridiculous. His recovery rate is rapid, sprinting to get back into position, and always arriving on the edge of the box, waiting for the ball to break, or to be cut back. He is a genuine box-to-box midfielder, not simply a "sitter", with a great engine.
As for "Rodwell over Gibson any day for me", well I'm sorry, but you really need to believe your eyes, rather than the hype. Rodwell got a run-out in the last derby match, wasted a few good chances, and generally was run ragged by a marauding Gerrard. No thanks, I'll have Gibson a week on Saturday.
For me Leon Osman is undroppable at the moment. Felli and Gibson should definietly start the semi, and I would go with Osman over Cahill behind Jelavic. He has his faults but his quick feet mean he is always likely to make himself space in and around the penalty area. I also wouldn't mind him starting on the right and drifting inside. As long as Feli and Gibson stay focused they can cover his position and protect Neville.
Really happy to eat humble pie. I was not happy to see him arrive and predicted piernaar would struggle at spurs. Both players are doing great for us turning around an unbalanced side.
I do think with a good preseason Darren may even kick on again. Reminds me of joe Parkinson's in a lot of ways, and he was my favourites in the mid 90s.
Keep up the winning streak gibbo.
I do think with a good preseason Darren may even kick on again. Reminds me of joe Parkinson's in a lot of ways, and he was my favourites in the mid 90s.
Keep up the winning streak gibbo.
Peter Askins, I've managed to watch whatever Gibson is provided on my cable though unfortunately I can't be at Goodison as I'm halfway across the globe, if that counts for anything. I've mentioned in my posts that Gibson just 'clicks' in our specific formation and I'm happy for our Toffees as everyone else with our non-losing streak.
In a 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3 or more ambitious formation I would choose Rodwell over Gibson. 5 in midfield we can carry Gibson, but as stated to a greater effect and overall benefit with the personal at our disposal.
I haven't seen Gibson marauding his way into the opposing box through their centerbacks as if they didn't exist, like Fellaini or Rodwell; or arriving late in the box like Scholes or Cahill. He's not different to Cars but with long range shooting.
What Gibson does have is a very straight kicking leg which affords him to ping the ball all over the park with his instep. I like this natural kicking mechanic a lot, as he doesn't need to twist his waist around passing solely with sidefooting. Something we see too often with professional players that wastes time in getting the body around the ball or having to protect the ball before being able to execute a pass limited by his kicking skills.
Anyway It works so I'm just pissing into the wind.
In a 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3 or more ambitious formation I would choose Rodwell over Gibson. 5 in midfield we can carry Gibson, but as stated to a greater effect and overall benefit with the personal at our disposal.
I haven't seen Gibson marauding his way into the opposing box through their centerbacks as if they didn't exist, like Fellaini or Rodwell; or arriving late in the box like Scholes or Cahill. He's not different to Cars but with long range shooting.
What Gibson does have is a very straight kicking leg which affords him to ping the ball all over the park with his instep. I like this natural kicking mechanic a lot, as he doesn't need to twist his waist around passing solely with sidefooting. Something we see too often with professional players that wastes time in getting the body around the ball or having to protect the ball before being able to execute a pass limited by his kicking skills.
Anyway It works so I'm just pissing into the wind.
Add Your Comments
In order to post a comment to the MailBag, 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 MailBag submissions across the site.
© ToffeeWeb
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
084 Posted 31/03/2012 at 19:39:57
Report abuse
COYB