From My Seat: WBA (A)
Let’s hope it was a one off. We are still right in the mix for fourth spot but any higher might be a tall order after so many draws.
A very chilly and dank night yet not one of the travelling hoards felt a thing as we assembled at the Hawthorns full of good cheer and optimism. After the scintillating joined-up stuff of a week ago then three points, go above our cousins and lord it from 4th spot in the league. It was all planned out; what could go wrong?
Well as early as the 5th minute we got a clue. A lobbed ball forward saw Lukaku with just the hopelessly out of position goalkeeper in no man’s land, the goal gaping where a lob with a degree of difficulty of about 2 would see us lead yet he contrived to make hard work of working out angles and lobbed wide. The words sitter and missed were heard a few times as the lad seemed to prove he is not exactly an ‘ice cold finisher’
The tone had been set and although WBA did have some attacks it was mostly the Blues who created yet spurned good chances every 5mins or so. From a corner the ball was cleared to Oviedo who hit it sweetly but the wrong side of the post. Lukaku run got Oviedo in again who again missed the target but I admit closer this time. Mirallas always lively set up McCarthy on the edge who contrived to place it directly to the keeper. Osman set up Mirallas and he did a McCarthy and sent it directly to the keeper and all this before the 20min mark left this observer with that feeling that all footy fans get when you just know but won’t admit that this just might not be our night.
In between all this the hosts did have attacks on the counter but the most threatening were those where we lost that bit of concentration.
From 30 mins on we were at it again. Coleman got in from the right with that trade mark run that has seen him rattle home with trade mark venom—tonight?—a mere pass back!
Oviedo played a couple of good balls through to Lukaku but for such a big powerful man he had the ball ushered away from him with some ease on each occasion and on each of these occasions the hosts countered with purpose which gave them a good ten mins that had us flapping at the back a bit and finding it difficult to get two or three passes together to mount a counter. What the fans didn’t realise that this was a precursor to the pattern of the second half.
]I glanced at the clock, five to go to H/T and keeping it at that and getting a shaking from Roberto should do the trick for the second half but, hang on... Distin hoofed – sorry, played – a long pass out of defence, Lukaku won one and knocked it on. Mirallas showed a striker's instinct and a fine burst of pace to catch up with and pass the last defender and slot calmly passed the on-rushing keeper. Everyone was up, relief was in the air and belief abounded again. During the celebrations the game started again and but for a superbly brave last ditch job from Jags we would have gone from euphoric to suicidal.
H/T 1-0 up – should have been at least three.
The chat was around transfers and how we needed to get a couple or three in as a look at the bench told its own story. We can’t stand any more than two key players injured or suspended if are indeed to take that lucrative step to the Champions League.
The second half started and from the off that awful feeling that we were in for an episode of ‘all our yesterdays’ soon became a reality. Big Vic was on as a sub. And got a good welcome from the travelling band. The fact he went on to look a better bet up front than our new man tells a story.
Anelka was showing his class by playing in positions where centre backs don’t like to go and with Barry for once not looking his normal self-Big Vic was causing bits of bother and in one move Anelka got to the by- line and put a low one in and but for another last ditch job from jags only a corner accrued.
We were now at a stage I thought had passed under our new management, but no, we did look like we didn’t know whether to stick or twist – doing neither made it worse. Around the hour mark we put a move together that got Coleman down the right and he produced a good cross that Mirallas tried a horizontal bicycle kick that even Beth Tweddle would have found more than difficult, needless to say the effort went wide.
The half was going downhill for us as the hour mark passed as we were failing to complete passes properly along with mis-placed passes that looked easy... well from the stand anyway. And if a pass did find its mark it was more often than not mis-controlled and then when you saw Baines of all people in acres of space lose all concentration and let the ball run under his foot and so start another assault on our goal, then prayers for a clean sheet were all we had.
We scrapped away as best we could — you know the sort of thing: scrap away at the back and hit it clear only for it to come straight back. We did from one attack, though, get a free kick almost in an identical position as that Norwich one, so, of course Mirallas took it. Plenty of venom, radar just a touch off.
75 mins came up and from a long ball out of defence Lukaku won a header. Unfortunately he headed it back down our way and a move started that ended up on the by-line and the player, although well marked it seems, got a cross in that was headed home with venom. Not a lot of noise from the gathered Blues except for expletives that my keyboard refuses to let me write.
By now I was hoping we would not lose, what a come down for my optimism pre kick off. It got worse Coleman was seen to be in trouble and he was led off limping and gingerly rubbing the old ‘hammy’. Another six weeker? What was that about injuries to key players?
Stones came on and he did ok in a very short time. Same with McGeady, he came on but it was impossible to get any real idea of what he might bring to us. Osman looked to have hurt his back and Naismith replaced him. I will be glad when this is over, I thought as 4 mins went up. Right on the death we got a corner which was swung in and after a scramble a Blue shirt hit it and Distin turned home. The sight of a very bright yellow flag illuminated by the floodlights just seemed to say, 'Not your Day’
M.o.t.M – Mirallas (He Scored and was the most lively)
Overall a disappointing experience but not because we didn’t win as no team has that divine right but rather in the manner we went about it. First half was ours and should really have been out of sight but our second half showing was in stark contrast to what we have been witnessing of late.
There seemed no reason why we should go into that second half slump and lose the assertiveness that we now expect from our team. Let’s hope it was a one off. We are still right in the mix for fourth spot but any higher might be a tall order after so many draws.
My hope is we get players in and players back from injury and get our players out of this torpor and performing at their own highest level and then who knows. We are on the right track but need the right depth of quality squad to aid consistency through a season.
I see changes being made for Stevenage and then the strongest possible out to record a derby victory.
Whatever language you say it in we just got to go for it with fully loaded Kalashnikovs and no knives.
UP THE BLUES
Reader Comments (15)
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2 Posted 21/01/2014 at 20:41:48
3 Posted 21/01/2014 at 21:26:18
4 Posted 21/01/2014 at 21:54:14
Ossie had a stinker but he is one who relies on instant control, quick feet and move away. If he's tackled, he loses it and last night he couldn't get control quick enough. Lukaku's control isn't the best at most times and he just couldn't hold it up. I thought once again he gets poor service particularly from Mirallas.
I couldn't understand why Martinez broke up the Baines/Oviedo and Coleman/Mirallas partnerships as he played Oviedo and Mirallas on the opposite wings.
Last point – I thought McCarthy looked lethargic and with Ossie also having stinker it left far too much on Barry's plate.
6 Posted 21/01/2014 at 22:22:25
How can the fans be optimistic when it is obvious we cannot compete with our other top contenders when it comes to the run in. Other teams have many injuries too but they are able to cope as they have top class substitutes and they all carry game changers on the bench if the tactics need changing. So far in this window we have sold Jelavic and bought no one.
We have an obviously unfit McGeady and a completely untested potential loan from Monaco who may be unfit ! Every new player needs to be brought up to speed and trained in Roberto's method of play before being thrust into the first team. We have had a magnificent season so far but I was concerned about the usual glut of suspensions and injuries that occur at this stage of every season when the winter pitches take their toll and the FA Cup adds to the fixture list.
This is not an unforeseen situation but we are seemingly oblivious to the fact. Our bench is woeful and amongst the weakest in the division at present. Luckily our defenders are not collecting yellow cards and once again they are carrying the team heroically. We cannot maintain our entertaining football without Barkley, Deulofeu and Pienaar in the team.
Our attack is severely blunted without those players and it is useless blaming the players available who are trying to maintain our winning form without those three in the side. Osman is now a decent impact substitute and he is struggling to last the full ninety minutes but we had no one on the bench who could do his job. Naismith can do a job but he is not creative. Heitinga is a liability defensively and should really be shipped out. He supposedly wants to play regular football but he is now just hanging around on wages for doing nothing and I do not think he is seriously looking for another club. Gueye and Vellios are also non-productive overheads and they are using up valuable bench room that would be better served by youngsters who may have some ability.
When our best eleven are all available and fully fit, we can compete with any team we play, especially when we have Deulofeu and Osman on the bench. Old Distin has just come back from injury and now we have lost Alcaraz who deputised very well for him. Stones is a promising youngster who also deputised very well in Jagielka's absence. With all these players fit and well I feel optimistic playing against anyone but we need more decent squad players otherwise I am afraid our challenge will peter out.
Let's hope that BK opens his purse and allows Roberto some money to remedy the situation before it is too late. It would be a crying shame if we missed out for lack of support and the fans deserve something to really cheer about.
7 Posted 21/01/2014 at 23:24:56
Even though I watched the match on TV, I know from decades of following EFC all over the country & Europe, being at the game is a totally different experience, to television gazing!! I would have to agree with just about everything you commented on Ken, it also had similarities to the Palace away game, don't you think?!? That being said, we obviously don't like teams playing a 'high line' against us, nor a pitch that levels out any advantage, that a passing team like ourselves seem to gravitate to!!
We sure did miss Barks & Del Boy, oops Deulofeu, also I thought Peanuts too (the good one anyway), then on top of that, Rom was sadly way off his normal rampaging form, then Macca wasn't his normal superb self, add all of them together & perhaps we have other reasons, why we looked so jaded!?!? Not sure we would have gotten anything out of this game, had it been last season, same with the Palace game, but it is, what it is....
So, onwards & upwards, Stevenage away in the FA Cup on Saturday, then Stevie G & Co away on Tuesday. Should we be fortunate...... no successful, on both counts, this site will be bouncing with positive activity, I sure know I will delirious ..... What is it, 14 years & counting, since Super Kev netted very early in the 'Handbags Derby'?!? It's a shame we will be so depleted with injuries for this Derby (It's always something when we play them, right?), but step forward all those who will be wearing the Royal Blue Jerseys, that normally don't start & give Roberto a nice headache selection for future games... not to mention being named in Everton folklore... COYB IMWT!!
9 Posted 22/01/2014 at 05:00:35
10 Posted 22/01/2014 at 05:12:24
11 Posted 22/01/2014 at 09:23:56
One thing I noticed on Monday was that not only did West Brom play a high line against our back four, they also closed down our midfield. This meant we found it difficult to get our passing game going, everyone had a Baggie breathing down their necks or chasing them down. Hence, the 90s style, just hoof it to Duncan. As we know that didn't work, often teams would let Duncan win the header, knowing there'd be no support in sight and they could simply pick up the loose ball. Lukaku did win the header to set up the goal for Mirallas but he didn't win may others though up against much shorter Albion centre-halves. Also, for a big strong lad, he was outmuscled far too often, his performance in this respect was almost Heskey-esque. Further, his first touch is absolutely dreadful; the old one, "he can trap a ball further than I can kick it", sprang to mind several times, Credit where it's due though, Lugano played him extremey well.
I, also, think the pitch wasn't conducive to our passing game. The extra split-second required to gain control of the ball played into the hands of the opposition throughout.
At the moment suspensions aren't an issue but we do have a number of players injured, Alcaraz, Deulefeuo, Barkley, Pienaar, Gibson, Kone... But the tired, lethargic performance at the Hawthorns makes me wonder how many of the players are playing with little niggles? They'd just had 9 days "off", getting the sun on their backs for a few days in Tenerife. Are they over-trained? Or did they have too many San Miguels? Probably neither, it was just one of those nights!!
As a final point, did anyone else think Jags was looking a little chunky?
12 Posted 22/01/2014 at 09:47:00
That is also why I am so gutted that Deulofue has missed so much game time because he is a player that I have not seen at Everton probably since the first year of Kanchelskis being here.
Del is simply so direct and when he picks the ball up he has only one thing in mind and that is to drive forward, its games like Monday night where we really miss that, as much as we miss Barkley.
What we are left with is only really Mirallas who is pacy but aside from the goal, I feel he needs to start being a bit better with his close control when taking a man on, he doesnt go past players like I remember at spells last season. I want Kev Mirallas to perform at Anfield next week like he did in last seasons Goodison derby, and if he doesnt then we need to question why, when we know he can.
There is no pace anywhere else on the pitch, the midfield was lacking drive, I am hoping when McGeady gets up to fitness he can offer that drive and also big Traore who from clips I have seen, looks like a big strong lad with a deceptive turn of pace so lets hope he can play before too long..
Does anybody think we should strike while the chips are down at Blackpool and make an offer for Tom Ince? We can only get rejected but with his dad just getting sacked, plus it being obvious Tom Ince has no long term future plans there, just maybe we can take advantage of that situation.
13 Posted 22/01/2014 at 10:28:39
As it was we played without four of our most creative players – not just Barkley and Pienaar, but also Deulofeu and Gibson.
Playing on a monday always means that teams are playing “catch upâ€, irrespective of the weekends results. That, I believe, brings extra pressure.
Pienaar’s absence was a big blow. There seemed to be a gap in midfield as we tried to move forward. No Pienaar, or Barkley, to pick up the ball and try something creative. Mirallas did well in his advanced role, scoring a very well taken goal, but there was always a gap in midfield.
The same situation arose against Norwich when Pienaar had to go off. Osman soon followed, as he is struggling after an hour. Norwich then came right back into the game.
Unfortunately, against West Brom, Martinez did not have the luxury of bringing on Oviedo for Osman – as he was already playing!
Martinez had little choice in the team he played.
The bench was unbalanced. Hibbert was clearly there only to make up the numbers, as Stones deputised for Coleman and would also have done so had a central defender been injured. Heitinga was also superfluous.
Don’t we have a young midfielder who could be a more proactive option on the bench – or are they all out on loan?
14 Posted 22/01/2014 at 11:03:47
What is happening over Barkley, does anyone have any idea at all?
I've been told that he is out for another 5 weeks, and someone else told me he'll be back for the derby
Without him and Pinnear for the derby Roberto would be better parking the bus.
15 Posted 22/01/2014 at 13:09:58
16 Posted 22/01/2014 at 17:30:29
17 Posted 22/01/2014 at 18:08:23
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1 Posted 21/01/2014 at 20:05:18
I'd like to see us moving out from the back as a unit and I mean a complete unit – including Lukaku – rather than him waiting in the middle for a pass that doesn't come and getting frustrated we need to open defences on the run – Dortmund style. The McCarthy/Lukaku goal a couple of weeks ago was a perfect example of that kind of running.
Time to get a couple of players back, and some fresh ideas in final third. Still, happy days and luxury problems.