The Journos getting worried about Everton challenging the Top 4 Thread

[dannyboy]

Hah. sorry forgot that after their one point now above us on GD, damn. Still proves point with the TV and papers not to mention radio who their faves are.

Thanks once again Danny.

Haha no worries, we're well used to going under the radar by now. We should probably be more worried when they really start to take notice of us and the pressure that brings.

 

[deipnosophist]

It's by far the weakest of the teams we're challenging with. Pretty much one option up front, which is ridiculous and it's not fair on Lukaku.

Midfield is one more injury/suspension from Naismith being a regular. Fair enough, he tries his best but he isn't catapulting us towards the top 4.

His noggin catapulted us to a win over Chelsea

 

[ToffeeDan]

We all know the media is rammed full of Kopites - so what else can we expect? One thing I'm sure Roberto will do is use all the negative BS as ammunition. Keep it coming I say.

 

[Quim]

Just shows, in the Radio Times for MOTD tomorrow night the games to be featured are Man City v Liverpool, Hull V Man U , and of course the Asrsenal game. No mention of the team in 4th spot.

Love the fact you look at the radio times for a tv schedule, old school that!!!

 

[formerly manx toffee]

Possibly on 40 points at the turn. They won't like that.

Let's get that very important win tomorrow and keep the pressure on them.

 

[macdog]

I wonder what would happen if we beat sunderland / Southampton and Stoke.....we'd be right up there at the top....

Then what would they say ?

This question is worth a thread on its own. How about: "Lucky Everton hang on" or "Everton fortunate to stay in touch".

 

[Zatara]

I must be seeing a different squad, as we have tons of midfield options.

Threadbare is the last word I'd use to describe our squad.

Pienaar, Osman, McCarthy, Barry, Barkley, Mirallas, Naismith, Deulofeu. Plus Gibson when fit.

9 midfielders right there. Possibly a 10th if you include Oviedo as a left wing option.

Teams that have threadbare squads aren't in our position at Christmas, the season would have already taken its toll.

Centre Mid -- McCarthy
Centre Mid -- Barry
Attacking Mid -- Barkley /Osman
Right Mid -- Mirallas / Deulofeu
Left Mid --Pienaar

Doesn't look to deep to me......

 

[yorksrye]

Just shows,
in the Radio Times for MOTD tomorrow night the games to be featured are
Man City v Liverpool, Hull V Man U , and of course the Asrsenal game.
No mention of the team in 4th spot.

The Radio Times and MOTD always advertise the games that are to be televised by Sky. This is so people who can't watch it live will look to watch the highlights. This is nothing against Everton or any of the other clubs. Arsenal are 2nd so by rights they go 1st after the televised games.

 

[yorksrye]

Centre Mid -- McCarthy
Centre Mid -- Barry
Attacking Mid -- Barkley /Osman
Right Mid -- Mirallas / Deulofeu
Left Mid --Pienaar

Doesn't look to deep to me......

Heitinga could play in midfield aswell but we can also draft in the Ryan Ledson, George Green, Conor Grant, Ben McLaughlin and Gethin Jones plus Lundstram but he is on loan at present. If Martinez wanted to change things regardless of injury I am sure the young kids would provide a fresh competitive edge and are more than capable of stepping up for a game or few.

 

[DualityNSNO]

Pienaar is very versatile and can play in the centre as well as on the wings, and limiting him to "left wing" is a bit silly, don't you think?

 

[allezlesbleus]

Pienaar is very versatile and can play in the centre as well as on the wings, and limiting him to "left wing" is a bit silly, don't you think?

I think the emergence of Oviedo will free up pienaar to play inside a bit any way. Baines in, Oviedo wide left.

 

[mythbuster]

I honestly think Pienaar could play a deep midfielder (box to box) for us. He's very hard working, tireless and comfortable on the ball.. Then again, I also thought that with a bit of discipline, Tim Cahill could have seen out his years at HOME as a defensive midfielder.

Let's be honest here. Pienaar is getting too old to be our first choice left-mid. I'd much rather see Kev there, if I'm honest...

I appreciate Pienaar, but I just think he may have to try and change his game/role if we're to get the best of him for the remainder of his contract

 

[Clint Planet]

Pienaar's in great form, mate. Playing like a 23 year old.

 

[DualityNSNO]

I honestly think Pienaar could play a deep midfielder (box to box) for us. He's very hard working, tireless and comfortable on the ball.. Then again, I also thought that with a bit of discipline, Tim Cahill could have seen out his years at HOME as a defensive midfielder.

Let's be honest here. Pienaar is getting too old to be our first choice left-mid. I'd much rather see Kev there, if I'm honest...

I appreciate Pienaar, but I just think he may have to try and change his game/role if we're to get the best of him for the remainder of his contract

Again, he played at that exact position you said for South Africa for a long time.

 

[ToffeeDan]

Pellegrini getting his Arsene Excuses in early - and doing the journos job for them re ignoring Everton:

"I don't know if the word is ridiculous but playing 46 hours from one game to another is not the best thing for the players. They cannot recover in 46 hours.
"All the teams must have the same rest. Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool all play on the 26th and 29th. And we play 26th and 28th. It's not fair, it should be the same for all teams."