Season › 2012-13 › News
Everton vs Manchester City
Match Preview
It's somewhat apt that the date was 2nd February when Everton played Aston Villa and threw away another two points in their quest for Champions League football — one that had already been undermined by flaccid goalless draws against Southampton and Swansea in the preceding month — because, in retrospect, Evertonians have been reliving Groundhog Day ever since.
Narrowly-achieved victory over Oldham in the FA Cup and the 3-1 Premier League win over Reading look like mere smokescreens in the rearview mirror when viewed in the context of the consecutive defeats against Norwich and Manchester United and the horror show that was the Blues' 3-0 quarter-final defeat to Wigan Athletic last weekend. Realty has bitten hard once again and we're back into a cycle of recriminations, anger and fear for the future.
Such is the weight of hope and expectation that has built up among the faithful of England's fourth-most successful club that the reaction to Saturday's game — more specifically, the manner of it — has been explosive from many quarters and the frustration is palpable. Irreparable harm may have been done to David Moyes's relationship with supporters whose hopes and expectations he himself has raised, while, with dreams of silverware dead and the chances of European football at Goodison Park next season on life support, real pressure for change at the top will almost certainly return to the Bill Kenwright regime.
If there is a last chance to salvage what was once such a promising season, this weekend's home game against Manchester City is effectively it. The Blues dropped to seventh last Sunday as Liverpool took another step down a road to recovery that has merely made Everton's recent stall burn all the more acutely. Defeat to the Champions in Saturday's lunch-time kick-off wouldn't mathematically end the team's European hopes for another season but it would carry the risk of a complete collapse in confidence and form.
However temporarily given the wider problems that exist at Goodison, a win over City would provide an enormous boost to morale and reinforce somewhat the belief that grew out of the Reading game that the Blues were finding their feet again after the blow they took at Carrow Road and go some way towards painting the Wigan debacle as a serious aberration.
As he seeks to right the ship, Moyes has some significant challenges ahead of him this weekend, the least of which could be City's desire for revenge for the defeats they have suffered on Everton's turf in recent seasons.
Of greater concern is Marouane Fellaini. Having hauled the Belgian off with a quarter of the Cup quarter final left, the manager has a big decision to make over whether or not to start with a player who has been such a Talisman for Everton this season but whose own standing with the faithful suffered enormous damage last Saturday. Not only did he remonstrate angrily with a section of fans slighted by his lackadaisical attitude but it's believed that, after being substituted, he left the ground before his teammates had even finished playing.
If he can overlook, out of necessity, the disciplinary dimension, does the manager have the confidence in his top goalscorer's mentality to retain him in the starting line-up? Or does he take the equally difficult option of leaving him out and deal with the consequences that might have for Fellaini's attitude, possibly for the remainder of the season?
As if that weren't bad enough, Moyes will no doubt be uncertain what kind of atmosphere his players will find when they emerge from the tunnel for kick off — more so, God forbid, should his side concede early and be forced onto the back foot by a talented attacking team.
There is no question that the players will need a pumped up Goodison and the backing of that "12th man" against City but last weekend has clearly knocked the stuffing out of the fanbase as a collective and it remains to be seen just how much optimism and passion they will be able to rouse in support of a team who they felt let them down badly a week ago with Wembley in sight.
How much Moyes feels the same way could determine just how many changes he makes to his starting XI. By his own admission, Phil Neville had an abysmal 45 minutes against the Latics and it would be a real eye-opener if he were to retain his place. More likely, Darron Gibson will come back into the side, presumably to partner Leon Osman (even though the 31 year-old was utterly ineffective against Wigan), and he has the option of keeping the rest of the midfield unchanged or moving Kevin Mirallas forward while deploying some youth in the form of Ross Barkley in right midfield.
Up front, despite the Croatian's industry last weekend, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Nikica Jelavic make way for Victor Anichebe who, despite being fairly erratic when he has started games, has at least found the net on occasion in recent weeks.
As much as the last month or so, culminating in that horrendous performance six days ago, has left many Blues feeling as though the season is over, the fact remains that a win would put Everton back into fifth place, however temporarily given that their rivals for Europe play later in the day or on Sunday. As things stand coming into the weekend, they are a not-insurmountable seven points off fourth place and however unlikely it seems that the Blues could catch Chelsea or remain ahead of Arsenal, while the possibility exists, hope should remain alive.
Keeping that flame of hope going will take every ounce of Moyes's powers of motivation and the professionalism and pride of his team. When it comes to the latter, the players owe the fans that much.
Reader Comments (118)
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2 Posted 15/03/2013 at 07:38:28
Get Vic up front. The crowd will be behind him as he wasn't one to blame for last weeks debacle. Also, Gibbo obviously back in.
Barkley and McAleny on the bench and on at 60-65 mins.
3 Posted 15/03/2013 at 08:03:28
I would drop Pip and Ossie and bring in Gibson and Barkley and how we fare for the first half with that.
4 Posted 15/03/2013 at 08:11:35
5 Posted 15/03/2013 at 08:24:46
I would recall Junior and put him and Barkley straight in behind Jelavic if Gibson isn't fit send him home the lad is becoming a liability and as reliable as Saha.
6 Posted 15/03/2013 at 08:49:16
7 Posted 15/03/2013 at 08:51:26
I think he's prepared to trust Fellaini in the middle but I do think Barkley may get his chance and provide the spark.
I think Paul has the starting line up. I cannot see Osman deep with Fellaini up top and Barkley did more that Ossie last time out.
8 Posted 15/03/2013 at 09:01:00
9 Posted 15/03/2013 at 09:00:55
125 million for the major shareholders - yeah no wonder no-one's buying football clubs - well not this one.
10 Posted 15/03/2013 at 09:00:35
Every Blue I've seen this has simply raised their eyes and shaken their heads in silent acknowledgement of the hurt and anger we're suffering
When first words come, they have all been variations of "he's had it, Moyes...what a shower...disgrace...he's lost the plot"
Every single Blue I've spoken to has referred to the no-one left up as corners, not hauling off the under-performers at 0-3 and giving young attackers a chance (hard to do when there were none on the bench against the high-riding Latics )
As for tomorrow, the match-going fans have so often been taken for granted and their collective desire to get right behind the team in games like this has over-ridden other issues - tomorrow may just see a change in supporting attitude, especially if things go tits up from the off
A game for Moyes and the players to start earning their salaries and demonstrate some professionalism, desire and guts
We have no strong leaders on the pitch - I hope to God, tomorrow, we've got one on the touchline
11 Posted 15/03/2013 at 09:27:19
So sad that we have still two months of the season left but for us its all over. But then we are used to that with the Dour Jock in charge.
12 Posted 15/03/2013 at 09:22:16
I wouldn't advocate wholesale changes and I don't see Evertonians expecting or believing it is the right thing to do against City. The RS shame at Anfield last tear Leeds in the Carling Cup showed us what six or seven changes can do to this squad. But there IS a balance. Gibson will start but Osman shouldn't. He doesn't deserve boos but he needs a break and should be on the bench, he really should, but Moyes will probably be loyal and give him a chance to make amends. Wrong. Barkley should play behind Victor and Fellani should be given the chance to somehow say sorry for his disgusting behaviour last week, something he has yet to apologise for and partner Gibson, but he shouldn't expect a warm welcome.
The alternate approach is to play Oviedo next to Gibson, have Mirrallas behind the striker and debut Stones with Coleman ahead of him, Barklay and McAleny on the bench with Fellani. Of course it's risky at the best of times and very much so against City. But after Wigan something out of the ordinary is needed, from the manager and the players. I just don't see that happening and Gibson for Neville will be the only change. Redemption ? Let's hope so.
13 Posted 15/03/2013 at 09:40:29
15 Posted 15/03/2013 at 09:32:40
All the same, I do hope Moyes stays.
16 Posted 15/03/2013 at 09:54:24
If we get a gubbing we get one. How the fuck has it come to this ?
I used to live for these games, now I couldnt care less.
17 Posted 15/03/2013 at 10:01:09
I know exactly what you mean!! Its like the Wigan game was the final straw!
I just don't care about this season anymore........mediocrity has ground me down.
For the first time in my life I care more about the Rugby result than Everton's!!
18 Posted 15/03/2013 at 09:48:35
Like many others I can only see us parking the bus and hope to nick a chance here and there and hope that the striker can put one away. It will be a very cautious approach from Moyes given the circumstances and last week's fall-out.
19 Posted 15/03/2013 at 10:02:58
I'm usually angry after bad defeats, the anger lasts longer for some games ( Anfield, 1 year and counting ). After the Wigan game I was fuming but when I woke up the next day and everyday since i've been experiencing something I never have before. The feeling that I don't care any more. I hope this is just a phase and don't become one of those Evertonians you meet who asks the score than talks about something else.
20 Posted 15/03/2013 at 10:12:07
21 Posted 15/03/2013 at 09:49:03
In my view there is no way Moyes will play Barkley central, off the striker or mid, in a game like this. If he got a gig it would be wide. But I think its very unlikely he will start anyway.
Like it or not the mid is where games are won and lost, City always dominate the ball against us and we will have to be solid, have numbers in there and know what we are doing off the ball. If we came out with Barkley in mid, went with 2 strikers and went kamikaze, we would get taken apart.
If Neville had been playing ok there would be a possibility he may play Gibbo and Nev, but thats unlikely for his and our sake.
Ossie has looked flat for weeks, but who do you play? Hitz is ok, solid pro and knows the drill but no more. Maybe he willl drop Fellaini in there who knows. If he doesnt then its Gibbo and Ossie or Nev or Hitz.
But if we shuffle then its limited.
Im not advocating this one way or another, but lets say he dropped Fellaini into mid with Gibbo and cos he wont play 2 strikers against City he played Mirallas off Vic. Again, very unlikely!!
But I suggest it to make the point that in this scenario Naismith would likely figure wide. If you play wide you have got to have your head screwed on when your not in possession, especially against City. Its not just a one way street of having the ball.
Weighing it up, based on the kind of decisions Moyes makes, who were are playing and with the season not dead in terms of Europa qualification (Top 4 dead) I feel its hugely unlikely Barkley will get a gig, on this occasion.
If we continue to dip I would hope Barkley will get opportunities, most likely at home considering the aways we have got, toward the end of the season, with a view to impacting on the first team squad next year.
I say what I say to make the point that, bearing in mind who we are playing, and having a manager who we are very familiar with, to expect anything else in terms of team selection is setting yourself up to be disappointed.
Others may argue that the "expected" team selection may set ourselves up do just that anyway.
I personally would be an advocate of giving Barkley more game time,as we need a shot in the arm. I just think this is the wrong game to start him.
22 Posted 15/03/2013 at 10:12:36
Last week was a bit of a defining moment for me. Misbelief, disgust, you name it I felt it.
I know we've all put various reasons and blame on everyone we can think of - and quite rightly - but to me it doesn't really matter.
I have and will never be nothing other than a Blue but the whole Club from top to bottom needs clearing out in its entirety.
We have just lost everything I've been brought up to believe in football wise.
The Board, Management and players can all fuck off !
23 Posted 15/03/2013 at 10:22:53
24 Posted 15/03/2013 at 10:31:54
25 Posted 15/03/2013 at 10:33:09
I feel exactly the same. I've had my season ticket since I was a young lad, 17 years now. Travelled from London for the past 8 years for home games and even kept it whilst I was away for the whole of 2012 in Canada.
Now I'm starting to feel like I'm starting to not care at all.
26 Posted 15/03/2013 at 10:41:44
27 Posted 15/03/2013 at 10:39:01
If you're not bothered about tomorrow's match I bet you will be if we win. But straight back to your sweary chest beating should Everton dare to lose another game.
We've been here time and again, a lot of noise, a lot of declarations of giving up because of Moyes, and yet he turns things around and you all shut up.
Its called form. There's a lack of it right now. Its a shocker to be 10th on the form league. But I get it, this is how Moyes really wants us to play!
With ten games to go we're 2pts off Arsenal, 5th and Europe.
Congratulations. You've all traded in your ever decreasing set of balls for fancy new vaginas.
28 Posted 15/03/2013 at 11:01:26
Thing is, yesterday you said they were scrapping and today they were "having it off in the changing room". Make up your mind.
29 Posted 15/03/2013 at 11:21:46
How rude Mr Entwistle
and how obtuse
rearrange this....
30 Posted 15/03/2013 at 11:31:19
31 Posted 15/03/2013 at 11:17:30
FANCY new vaginas?
Well....one lives and learns.
You continue ( with your sexual analogies-R-US rant) - "ToffeeWeb has become one big circle jerk for miserable sods picking at each others scabs"
Really?
Ugh - sounds like an absolutely AWFUL site to visit!
In fact if I felt that way about a site I don't think I'd go there.
(certainly not every five fucking minutes)
32 Posted 15/03/2013 at 11:23:19
I was tempted to give a 2 word response but I won't.
"We've been here time and time again...... and yet he turns things around and you all shut up"
There's plenty of people on here who have continued to give Moyes shit when we was getting results, we haven't been quiet at all.
Something else i've noticed about you Nick, for weeks its been...
We're only 4 points off 3rd
We're only 5 points off 3rd
We're only 4 points off 4th
We're only 6 points off 4th
Now its 2 points off 5th, soon it will be 'we're only 6 points off Liverpool'.
See a trend? By the end of the season I expect Swansea or West Brom to finish above us as well. If you look at our fixtures and how our team is playing looking over our sholders is more realistic than thinking we can get into 5th.
33 Posted 15/03/2013 at 11:36:13
Fallaini, Osman and Neville should be dropped, but you just know that they won't be. Gibbo's slight injury will be enough ammo for Moyes to stick to his favourites, and he'll start with Fellaini up off Jelavic, and Neville in the middle with Osman. You all know it, you just don't want to believe it.
The thing is, we'll probably win this game, and everyone will be back to how good a season we're having and how brilliant Moyes is. I'll say it now, I'll be tickled pink if we win, but it won't change one miniscule brain wave of opinion I hold that Moyes, Neville and Osman should all fuck off to Scotland.
34 Posted 15/03/2013 at 12:07:35
35 Posted 15/03/2013 at 11:52:02
This season cannot end quick enough for me. Please god there is club out there that will take Moyes and that po faced frigger with the head set. Also I would make any deal for Fellaini contingent on Osman going with him.
36 Posted 15/03/2013 at 12:26:10
And if I said all that, and probably did, it only highlights how quick you are to complain. Who's dour now?
37 Posted 15/03/2013 at 12:23:30
Nick 'Big Balls' @392 - I've just calmed right down after you reminded me how Moyes always turns it around......no its no good he just doesn't ever turn it around our only hope of Europe is if Arsenal, Liverpool, Swansea all fuck up and lose their remaining fixtures and we win a few of ours would you actually gamble your house on that happening?
38 Posted 15/03/2013 at 12:25:05
Some expressions just come together perfectly.
They have a rhythm and a flow that is... joyous
Your line "..and that po faced frigger with the head set" was just such a line.
39 Posted 15/03/2013 at 12:08:16
40 Posted 15/03/2013 at 12:36:23
Ha
When I read that, in my head I was singing the Hollies...
"long cool woman in a black dress"
Geat line, Dick...Toffeweb's Dylan (Bob, that is)
41 Posted 15/03/2013 at 12:31:31
I don't get what your last sentance is about. I get the impression that being in with a shout of Europe for 3/4 of a season is a job well done. If we finsh 10 or more points off 5th (which is probable) then we were never in with a shout of Europe. If we finish 7/8th then in terms of expectations it will be satisfactory, nothing more but league placing doesn't take entertainment into account. I for one will view 7th as ok but the football, overall as poor.
43 Posted 15/03/2013 at 12:22:06
Either way i'm afraid Nick that even though usually optimistic I have all but given up hope of us making 5th this season. Hopefully i'm proved wrong. For that reason I would dearly love some new ideas tried out. Perhaps game time for the likes of Duffy, Barkley and Mcaleny who must surely be rewarded for their good recent performances in the reserves or else what sort of message does that send out?
44 Posted 15/03/2013 at 12:54:22
Will this encourage Moyes to be a little bolder ?
No, I don't either.
Im with those who have mentioned it on other threads, Moyes should change things around and introduce some fresh (or relatively recent) faces.
No need to throw caution to the wind, but lets give Barkley and Oviedo a go from the start, and maybe bench Jelavic for Anichebe. ( Or start them together) Mix it up Moyes, mix it up, be imaginative, show you have more than one dimension !!
No, no, no Neville in midfield. Let him point from the bench, and if we are leading with 2 minutes to go, put him on at right back. He'll be safe there (wont he) ?
46 Posted 15/03/2013 at 13:02:38
I believe that with Heitinga in the team we can't win and so I'm discounting that outcome now. I think that Vic Anichebe should start up front, with Barkley in an attacking midfield role, Fellaini dropping back and Mirallas on the right. Osman has been great this year but needs a rest. Pip and Naismith shouldn't be allowed near the first team again.
To be honest, though, I'm not sure where or how we can be strong again as the whole team has been so poor recently. I despair at what is happening with the club and I feel that a bad beating such as we could get tomorrow will continue the rot.
I'm not going to join in with the general gnashing of teeth though and will be happy if we play well tomorrow and hold our league position to the end.
What a burden being an Evertonian is but we have had a good season in many ways but then a disappointingly bad end. I've seen it far worse though so I'll try to maintain a glimmer of hope.
47 Posted 15/03/2013 at 13:20:10
Expect Naismith and Vic will come in and that's it.
God forbid we get an early goal, cause we'll be watching the Alamo for the rest of the game.
48 Posted 15/03/2013 at 13:21:32
I think if Dave's sink was overflowing, he would not pull the plug — instead, he would take out the mop. That's the real problem with Moyes and Everton at the moment.
49 Posted 15/03/2013 at 12:55:28
I could find only one of our number who shared with me the hope that Moyes`will still be with us next season.Odd,though,that I got six different names when I asked who should suceed him.!
All (apart from me) thought both Fellaini and Neville should be dropped for the City match although all but one thought that wouldn`t happen. Four hoped that Barkley would start but only one thought he would.Naismith was the most common forecast of who might get the nod.
Up front,four thought Victor should get the nod over Jelavic and one McAleny.
All believed the manager will continue to place confidence in the Croatian.
Totally unscientific,I know,and certainly unrepresentative by any standard.However it does go to show that in the present climate of uncertainty,Evertonians can agree on nothing.
Now there`s a change for you!
51 Posted 15/03/2013 at 13:48:41
52 Posted 15/03/2013 at 13:19:32
I would make some changes: no 4-5-1 — play 4-4-2.
The team I would play is: Mucha; Stones Duffy, Distin, Baines; Pienaar, Barkley, Fellaini, Oviedo; Anichebe, Mirallas. (Pienaar on the right; Oviedo on the left.)
53 Posted 15/03/2013 at 14:00:54
54 Posted 15/03/2013 at 13:44:26
I admire your optimism and loyalty (and your efforts to rouse the troops).
We are like a boxer with a glass jaw at the moment, anyone who can trade punch for punch with us has very good chance of a KO. Reading are suffering from a glass jaw just like us (we got the first decent blow in and won). Wigan did stand in the centre of the ring with us and trade blows, we know happened then don't we?
Out of the remainding fixture there's only QPR (and maybe Sunderland) that I could say with any kind of confidence that we may get something.
The rest of them (especially) Man City are capable of dropping us to the canvas the way we're playing lately.
If we get a draw tommorow I'll be happy.
As for 4th, not a snow drops chance in hell! And only a slighly better chance of the other places.
It's us, WBA and maybe Swansea battle for for kings of the 2nd tier "Also rans" title. The first tier being the unmentionables and Gunners.
55 Posted 15/03/2013 at 14:47:03
Editorial Team
56 Posted 15/03/2013 at 14:56:21
57 Posted 15/03/2013 at 14:33:02
Our main weakness is midfield, and we only have to keep Toure, Silva, Nasri, maybe Barry from feeding Aguero, Tevez, & whoever else from ripping us apart.
We really will need to be on our game, after last week, a big ASK.
58 Posted 15/03/2013 at 15:07:20
59 Posted 15/03/2013 at 15:26:11
60 Posted 15/03/2013 at 15:22:47
In nautical terms, I see us more as a barnacle-encrusted galleon languishing on the sea bed, full of priceless treasure, waiting for the right moment to be raised, refitted and relaunched as a state-of-the-art space ship...
61 Posted 15/03/2013 at 15:49:21
62 Posted 15/03/2013 at 16:02:21
Keep it tight and head for a disater?
Keep it tight and Heitinga fails against Dzeko?
63 Posted 15/03/2013 at 16:18:24
64 Posted 15/03/2013 at 17:00:32
65 Posted 15/03/2013 at 16:53:57
If he freshens things up and the team plays well then he risks reinforcing the criticism he faces for last weeks performance.
He can't really try wholesale changes as he would be savaged for either a really good performance or a really bad one (and even a moderate performance would call his reliance on a small number of stalwarts into question), though at least a terrible performance would at least suggest his apparent caution is well placed.
I think it may just be Gibbo for Neville, with the rest told to carry on as before.
66 Posted 15/03/2013 at 17:30:51
67 Posted 15/03/2013 at 17:37:35
68 Posted 15/03/2013 at 17:07:33
The team is made up of footballers who presumably have footballing brains. How are individual team members expected to perform to their best ability, week in, week out, when they witness their club captain consistently play badly and make dreadful school-boy errors? How do they react when Heitinga is continually selected despite his awful form? The same apples to Jelavic, Naismith, Osman etc. Also, how do the other squad members feel when they are consistently overlooked?
Obviously all the team should play for the team and give 100% for the team. Last week we saw Fellaini lose interest which was unforgiveable. But is this a reaction to his manager and his poor team selection? I'm not defending Fellaini, but we all know he normally gives his all for the team, and we would have been in a relegation dog-fight without him and his goals this season. I've said it before, Moyes cannot motivate his players any more. We have no leaders in the dressing room or on the field The squad have witnessed too many of his bad decisions and it is seriously affecting their form and mental attitude. The feeling of disgust with the manager has rapidly spread to the supporters, and I believe many would like him to leave as soon as possible,
This season, we had one of the easiest paths to a Wembley Cup Final in living memory, and Moyes blew it.
We all have an idea what team Moyes will put out tomorrow – and sadly I think it will lead to another embarrassing defeat. I sincerely hope not...
69 Posted 15/03/2013 at 17:46:24
70 Posted 15/03/2013 at 17:53:07
71 Posted 15/03/2013 at 18:10:16
Well I can dream can't!?
72 Posted 15/03/2013 at 18:04:26
Hello Kev,
I can see a nautical analogy also. Do you remember the film Deliverance? We're in the deep south of America and all the hill billies are out to get us?
The only problem is David Moyes is no Burt Reynolds and we're not going to be saved!
73 Posted 15/03/2013 at 18:02:44
74 Posted 15/03/2013 at 18:28:00
Oh dear!
I assume you are no relation to the feller who writes the dictionaries.
As far as I'm aware, Deliverence is a river based film with little reference to any sea.
As the term specifically refers to maritime affairs, your 'nautical' analogy is wholly inappropriate and, yes, laughable!
What a hilarious error. I'll be telling this one for years!
75 Posted 15/03/2013 at 18:34:54
76 Posted 15/03/2013 at 18:22:10
Knowing that stubborn fucker, he's probably sitting there thinking, "Who do they think they are, telling me who pick and who to drop? I'm the manager, not them!"
His attitude knocks me sick, like his fucking tactics. We'll come out tomorrow, have a little go... then City will score first and that'll be it. They'll start feeling sorry for themselves. I can see City running out comfortable 2-0 winners.
Let's see if the negative bastard gets at them like Southampton did a few weeks ago... I doubt it though. Like I doubt he'll make many changes. It'll be possibly Gibson (if fit) for Neville and that'll be it. Possibly Sulking Arse for Jelavic another one.
On another note, I see in tonight's Echo we've been linked with a Japanese playmaker. I hope this means the dour fucker is not planning to stay. Because I don't think I'll be visiting the old lady again next season. And I never thought I'd hear myself saying that.
77 Posted 15/03/2013 at 18:08:23
Expectation = pain = Everton.
Will go the local have a pint and take the short walk home,my season ticket long since thrown away.
78 Posted 15/03/2013 at 18:54:47
1) I want Barkley to start, bang in a couple of goals, have a blinder of a game, and kick on from here to being the player many on here (including myself) think he is or is going to be.
2) I don't want Barkley to start and have a good game as it would be saving Moyes's bacon so to speak (which he doesn't deserve) and Moyes would probably come out with...
"Well, we've known how good he is for such a long time but it's so important not to rush the youngsters through and I didn't feel he was ready until now," etc, etc.
As for Fellaini being left out, I wouldn't look any further than Moyes doing this to get on the right side of the fans, to be seen as punishing him, an "us against him" mentality is what he would probably like to portray.
79 Posted 15/03/2013 at 19:19:02
With Heitinga and an aging Distin at the back and the weaknesses in midfield I think victories against any side will be hard to come by let alone City.
Early in the season before the injuries and Jela's goal drought we would have had a chance but now compounded with Osman and Fellaini having little impact it will be a struggle.
Having said all that it's a funny old game and they may just come out and surprise City if City have an off day and let's face it City are nowhere near as good as Manure.
80 Posted 15/03/2013 at 19:03:29
I couldn't really give a shit if Fellaini plays. If he does then fine, go and man mark Toure and we'll see just how much of a Johnny Bigbollocks you are. As for the rest of the team I would like to see;
Mucha
Coleman Duffy Distin Baines
Mirallas Perm Gibson Pienaar
Barkley
Jelavic
Give it a go Moyes ffs! Also make my season and LEAVE A PLAYER UP AT THE HALFWAY LINE WHEN DEFENDING CORNERS YOU STUBBORN BASTARD!
Here's just hoping we can have something to savour come 2.45 tomorrow to get over that shite from last week.
81 Posted 15/03/2013 at 20:04:05
I hope Barkley and some of the youngsters get a chance at some point but with this being Moyes this won't happen as he is afraid to part from his favourites. If we cn attack we could beat them but if Moyes defends for 90 minutes City will walk it.
82 Posted 15/03/2013 at 20:11:54
What a load of bollocks,as the season ticket early bird comes out the club are looking at a new signing?
How they get away with this crap year after year is beyond belief.
83 Posted 15/03/2013 at 20:03:02
Oh Dear Phil!
Are you what's know as a pedantic prig (not be confused with prick, but you might be one of them as well)?
If you are, you weren't pedantic enough!
My spelling of "Deliverance" was correct! Yours if you check the dictionary "Deliverence" is incorrent! Check the link below:
http://www.imdb.co.uk/title/tt0068473/
Now learn something:
"Nautical" a dictionary definition (thefreedictionary.com):
Of, relating to, or characteristic of ships, shipping, sailors, or navigation on a body of water.
Can you understand the clause below, a river is a body of water - yes?
"or navigation on a body of water".
You said:
"As the term specifically refers to maritime affairs, your 'nautical' analogy is wholly inappropriate and, yes, laughable!
What a hilarious error. I'll be telling this one for years!"
I say:
So to finish you can't spell and you use words when you don't know what they mean (nautical) - Guess who's laughing now and who's the "hilarious" one (but I won't be telling it for years, as I don't make fun of fools, they do it on themselves).
Don't try to be smart (or funny) when you're not (smart or funny that is)!
You're intellectual midget.
"Talk sense to a fool and he calls you foolish."
― Euripides, Bacchae
84 Posted 15/03/2013 at 20:37:25
I was joking, you daft coot.
85 Posted 15/03/2013 at 20:42:21
ps: Give shareholders an AGM Mr Kenwright — What are you afraid of?
86 Posted 15/03/2013 at 20:44:56
87 Posted 15/03/2013 at 21:14:17
A fool Trying to be clever!
Nautical refers to navigating on bodies of water.
88 Posted 15/03/2013 at 21:25:50
I know it's hard to decipher sarcasm on the Internet...but this is an all time low.
And while you're there...would you use the term 'nautical' to describe the navigation of a river or a lake?
89 Posted 15/03/2013 at 21:37:13
I don't comment on your every post James (532), I wouldn't have enough time to wipe my arse. I comment when you try to bullshit people into thinking that something that happened in your own head, was in actual fact, reality.
You can't just make stuff up James.
Sorry you can think whatever you want. What you can't do is publically broadcast it.
90 Posted 15/03/2013 at 22:23:36
91 Posted 15/03/2013 at 22:25:39
Colin I wish I could think whatever I want but sadly you police every comment of mine on whatever subject I comment on, I may actually consider changing sites just to get away from your incessant trolling. Everyone on here as their own view no matter how extreme apart form you who just seems to attack whatever I say. I actually have no idea where you come down on any of the issues surrounding Everton apart from you love Fellaini (who knows maybe you don't maybe you just took the opposite view to whatever I thought)
92 Posted 15/03/2013 at 22:37:23
Seriously you want us to lose...."MOB sinks to new low"!
93 Posted 15/03/2013 at 22:43:15
94 Posted 15/03/2013 at 22:49:43
Fair enough!
95 Posted 15/03/2013 at 22:39:33
I hope and expect that Jelly and big Vic will play up front with Pienaar, Gibson, Mirallas and Barkley in the midfield.BAck 4 as usual although I would like to see Duffy at some stage even if its only to score a corner for us.
96 Posted 15/03/2013 at 22:58:44
97 Posted 15/03/2013 at 22:56:42
Davey will see the light and put pen to paper within ten days.
March will prove to be a very significant month in the club`s history.
Now I`ll pack the crystal ball away.
Goodnight!
98 Posted 16/03/2013 at 00:09:53
It would be like buying a new pair of bills with a turd in them
99 Posted 16/03/2013 at 00:47:24
100 Posted 16/03/2013 at 02:01:32
101 Posted 16/03/2013 at 03:11:19
He needs to be true to his Scottish heritage!
102 Posted 15/03/2013 at 21:27:40
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I'll say it clear
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain
I've lived a life that's full
I traveled each and ev'ry highway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way
Regrets, I've had a few
But then again, too few to mention
I did what I had to do and saw it through without exemption
I planned each charted course, each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way
Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all, when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faced it all and I stood tall and did it my way
I've loved, I've laughed and cried
I've had my fill, my share of losing
And now, as tears subside, I find it all so amusing
To think I did all that
And may I say, not in a shy way,
"Oh, no, oh, no, not me, I did it my way"
For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught
To say the things he truly feels and not the words of one who kneels
The record shows I took the blows and did it my way!
103 Posted 16/03/2013 at 03:32:46
The season is over, in order to makes sure the next 11 seasons aren't over as well we need Moyes OUT, if it takes short term pain to make it finally happen then sign me up. I'll be supporting the NEXT Everton manager with everything I've got, like I did Moyes when he first came here, until I saw what a complete fraud he is, you on the other hand are simply as thick as a short plank.
Moyes Out, even if that means we need to be annihilated by City, as much as it pains me to say. I want these imbeciles out of our club.
104 Posted 16/03/2013 at 05:03:58
105 Posted 16/03/2013 at 07:48:08
106 Posted 16/03/2013 at 07:55:34
I am telling you now he will go to one of those games I won't mention and shit himself going for a draw they will be licking their lips, can you imagine their captains team talk.
I wish I had your confidence, but after 11 years you tend to know the script, I knew it last week before a ball was kicked although I never thought it would be as drastic performance wise.
107 Posted 16/03/2013 at 08:00:57
Its only Everton that can make you feel so torn.
108 Posted 16/03/2013 at 08:05:18
109 Posted 16/03/2013 at 08:30:50
110 Posted 16/03/2013 at 08:41:50
So much has been invested by so many supporting the Moyes myth it would take nothing to sweep everything under the carpet - shocking.
111 Posted 16/03/2013 at 08:14:09
Those of you that have never felt worse about Everton must have forgotten some of the capitulations, crap and total uselessness of the 15 years or so before Moyes that led to us being perennial relegation fodder, or even the years before Kendall's glory years. Wigan was the first time this season that I walked out on Everton, and only the second time under Moyes. But I have done it a lot under other managers.
Personally I don't know if I want Moyes to stay or not, but if he does go it needs to be a catalyst to get rid of the board. If they stay the new manager will be another'yes' man same as Moyes, but there aren't many of those with the nouse to keep Everton where they are, let alone progress. Think of the managers that you want to come in. How many of them would accept the crap that comes out of this board? Therefore the board won't employ them. So my priority is to get rid of the board and let the new board sort out the manager.
Finally David Moyes is the reason we feel so bad about the way Everton are performing right now. If it wasn't for him we would happy to have nothing to play for with two months to go because we wouldn't be staring relegation in the face, if it wasn't for him we wouldn't be annoyed at missing out on Europe because we wouldn't remember what it was like. And we certainly wouldn't complain at only being sixth, in fact we would be pinching ourselves to make sure it was true. I'm not saying that another manager couldn't have done it, although plenty tried and failed, but Moyes did and we should be grateful for that. Nor am I happy with the way we are playing now, but I expected it when we didn't get the reinforcements we needed in January. I reckon Moyes did too, that's why he is so down. I also reckon that he has told BK that he is not going to sign in the summer, hence the reaction of the squad, and all the little things coming out to make sure that the fans blame the manager and forget about the board.
112 Posted 16/03/2013 at 09:23:36
As for you saying we have had just has bad as last week, yes of course we have, but last week was different from Walters Boro away etc, we had a team of internationals, players worth £25M+ not Niklas Alexander and a hungover Gascgoine and we were playing Wigan who had rested four players.
Those 15 years before Moyes saw a cup win and those relegation battles were due to penny pinching on Brett Angel etc not having the luxury of waisting £10M on some Russian winger who wasn't a winger.
Yes it's Kenwrights fault at the end of the day and Moyes has moved us on, not as much as people claim but if he has a gripe with Kenwright then why arse lick over the man and deflect the stick? Oh I forgot its the £70k+ a week.
113 Posted 16/03/2013 at 09:35:13
Don't flatter yourself James. If you talk shite on a public forum, I can call it whatever way I want, you have the exact same right. Trust me, I really can't be arsed reading most of your Incessant fawning cack, but when you decide to start a rumour (you tried two days in a row, with no back up and I was the only one that bit), you can expect to be questioned on it.
I wont reply to any more of your posts if it's upsetting you so much. You might want to think about what posting on an open internet forum actually entails.
114 Posted 16/03/2013 at 10:14:05
115 Posted 16/03/2013 at 10:40:31
Bloody Naismith is an international, I meant internationals of allegedly high standards, you know potentially world class (felli) world class to some (Baines) and ones who have played in a World Cup final.
As for the better quality of players, Moyes has done his bit but don't you think the Sky money has too compared to the barren days of Kendall Mk 2&3, he could only dream of having such resources.
116 Posted 16/03/2013 at 11:00:39
OK, David Moyes may not be your ideal manager — in spite of all he has done to improve us in his eleven years here — but to wish the Club ill in the cause of your dislike/hatred of the man is truly perverse!
Now I`m off to the game.
COYB!
117 Posted 16/03/2013 at 11:37:29
118 Posted 16/03/2013 at 11:41:47
Not just the defeat but the manner, highlighted by that disgrace to the shirt Fellaini.
I've read basically nothing this week and been a right miserable bastard. It's been an odd one. For the main part, I've just tried to avoid the club.
Finally broke my exile today and the first report I read is Moyes saying that he'll play Fellaini no matter what shite he serves up. For fuck's sake is he kidding? Even if you think it - don't say it!
Will my attitude change when I hear Z Cars? Yeah probably, it's not like this hasn't happened before.
119 Posted 16/03/2013 at 11:37:14
He asks us all not to take this one defeat against Wigan when assessing his season, or him, or the team. Fair enough. But put all these unacceptable results together, and he may have some clue as to why we are all so pissed off.
Then add his £4m a year,and the fact he is leaving the club in limbo, while he sees if there are nay better options available, and I think we have been damn fucking patient with his antics.
Get it into your thick ginger skull - you are not as good as you think you are, you have won fuck all, and bottled it in every big game we have been involved in.
120 Posted 16/03/2013 at 11:37:13
C'mon our lads in Royal Blue,the games afoot let loose the dogs of war!
121 Posted 16/03/2013 at 11:38:18
Being a realist I reckon DM has kept us in the Premier League by getting as much as possible from a pretty limited bunch of players apart from one or two stars. If he played open football against the so-called top four teams we would get beaten. I honestly believe that against City we have a better chance because they don't have battering ram centre strikers and the same goes for Chelsea and even Man Utd. We struggle against big strikers when we don't have Jags and Distin playing together.
The real blame for our falling away in the past few weeks is jadedness due to the size of our squad. We do not have decent alternatives on the bench. We desperately needed new recruits in January to maintain the impetus.
The people who comment on this article are seeing ability in reserve players which hardly ever is actually seen when they play. Anichebe is a reasonable sub but he is very inconsistent when starting games. Barkley has never really impressed when played. Vellios, Hitzlsperger, Naismith and Magueye are very average at best.
Oviedo looks OK but no world beater, he is a journeyman. Gibson is much more injury prone than the lad we did not sign (Fer). God only knows when Hibbert will be back and fully fit.
I blame the board for not providing funds to support the manager. Other boards invest their own money, ours do not. The only real investors in the club are the fans who pay to watch and buy the merchandise. Sky TV pay heavily to all the clubs which in the main keep us afloat.
I honestly believe that the injection of two new top players would have kept us in the frame for both cup and league.
123 Posted 16/03/2013 at 12:11:36
Signed at 22 after moving to one European club having signed from a Costa Rican side.
He's worth a run. Not least because we might well need him next season. Same goes for Barkley.
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1 Posted 15/03/2013 at 07:33:27
Mucha
Coleman Distin Duffy Baines
Gibson Fellaini
Mirallas Barkley Pienaar
Jelavic
No chance of that side being picked,far too adventurous for the master tactician