Halfway point of the season

Status
Not open for further replies.
blue61 said:
Martinez could have the Arsenal back four of the 90's, Adams, Bould, Dixon and Winterburn, with Seaman behind them. He'd have them shipping goals in no time. It's not the personnel, it's the tactics. We can't even do the basics of getting goal side of forwards. I enjoy the way we're playing out from the back, on the ball we look comfortable, but our lack of concentration off the ball is appalling. If was Lukaku at the moment, I'd be falling out big time with several team mates, he's doing his bit and more, yet the rest of the team seem intent on throwing all the good work down the drain, which the manager must take the major share of responsibility for
Click to expand...

Spot on. We line up with 4 decent defenders and two defensive midfielders. Yet we can't defend. It isn't the individuals, it is the system. The same defenders plus a single defensive midfielder looked vastly more solid under our previous manager because of the way the team was set up.

The price of the freedom the manager gives them to express themselves is that we give away masses of chances.

If only Roberto could add some pragmatism and when we are winning a game simply shut up shop with two banks of four and then Del/Rom ready to hit on the break.

The problem is this is the same issue that he has had throughout his managerial career and soon it will cost him his job.
 

davek said:
I think the manager needs the young defenders to do that. Mr Stones gets way too much slack cut. He has appalling judgement. No top team will touch that.

Anyway, to the thread topic. the defending can be largely sorted with a new GK. It's all to play for in the second half of the season. I'd play Robles every game until the summer.
Click to expand...

I like Stones but have been thinking this for a few weeks. It's all well and good stepping out but he could do with learning to get his head on it every now and then.
 
Mikey_Fitzgerald said:
Our attacking is fabulous

Our defending is poor

Our first choice goalkeeper is utter mince

A new keeper and a new defensive coach, and I think we'll be fine

We'll probably get neither

Everton that
Click to expand...

I fear it's due to our system and the manager's over the top aggression. Not sure any defensive coach could do very much mate.

The new keeper is obviously a given.
 

As good as Barry has been this season im wondering whether having a more mobile DM (almost another McCarthy) in his role would help us defensively. Once the opposition are goal side of Barry, realistically he's never going to catch them. This means whilst in theory we've got a back 4 and two DMs when we are counter attacked more often than not theyre straight onto the back four.
 
Halfway through the season, halfway up the table. But my main worry now would be changing too much. Our style of play and general dominance in games means we probably should be right in the top four mix. And yesterday's game might feel like it's a pattern we can't change.
I know maybe some people are desperate for success but we've always been about success with style and it's the lack of style that was getting depressing year in and out. Now we are all style and great fun if a bit frustrating. Just don't think we should let the frustration cloud the bigger picture.
If we go back to this time last year Lukaku put in one of the most lethargic performances I'd seen from an Everton player. Now he presses, uses his body strength, makes space and looked like a world beater yesterday.
So as fans maybe we should remember the change we've seen in Rom because people have had faith and encouraged him. Has it ever made anyone a better player by howling at them the second they receive the ball?
This entire season would have looked different without a few dodgy penalty decisions, flukey goals and the woodwork. So let's see the grey areas, make a noise when they deserve it and when they need it. And let's encourage them when a massively overrated foreigner flukes one in against the run of play.
We can have a quiet moan about them learning to get their heads onto crosses or how Howard basically can't save anything when we've calmed down. There is not a huge load of chances being created against us, they just all seem to go in. A bit of confidence, concentration and luck needed.
The premier elite is faltering and this time next year I really feel we will be a huge part of their fall, and it will be with most of these players. So none of you want to be the ones who couldn't see it coming do you? Not that you'll own up.
 
The problem is he has surrounded himself with flair or attack minded people and expects this to be ok to win games.

I'd ditch Jones as number 2 and ideally get in Stubbs, Weir or Irvine. Failing that get an ex no nonsense PL centre half next to him. Nigel Pearson would be a good choice as a number 2 and defensive coach. There has to be someone out there to help us defensively.
 

willo30 said:
The problem is he has surrounded himself with flair or attack minded people and expects this to be ok to win games.

I'd ditch Jones as number 2 and ideally get in Stubbs, Weir or Irvine. Failing that get an ex no nonsense PL centre half next to him. Nigel Pearson would be a good choice as a number 2 and defensive coach. There has to be someone out there to help us defensively.
Click to expand...
I sincerely hope we're not making plans for Nigel ffs.
 
willo30 said:
The problem is he has surrounded himself with flair or attack minded people and expects this to be ok to win games.

I'd ditch Jones as number 2 and ideally get in Stubbs, Weir or Irvine. Failing that get an ex no nonsense PL centre half next to him. Nigel Pearson would be a good choice as a number 2 and defensive coach. There has to be someone out there to help us defensively.
Click to expand...

Have never quite understood why defensive minded player = definitely good at organising defence

Longest serving manager in the country was a nothing player, would rather go on their coaching performance rather than former glories.

Nigel Pearson ffs
 

Status
Not open for further replies.

Welcome

Join Grand Old Team to get involved in the Everton discussion. Signing up is quick, easy, and completely free.

Register

Shop

Back
Top