Man City vs Blues - Match Report and Man of the Match Poll...

[Barnfred 55]

Which managers?

Martinez didnt defend in 3 years and I was always a fan of Moyes.

Our players have been trained for over 2 years that defending is an ugly word.

We played 4-3-3, its hardly a defensive formation.

I actually think it was quite a bold tactic. The defensive duties of the wide men were to stop their back 3 playing.

Sadly it didn't work from as an attacking threat as the front 3 were somewhat isolated and 2 of them were off their game. It happens.

When it works, counter attacking football is great to watch. Just look at Rom's goal.

 

[Barnfred 55]

People automatically assuming we would get hammered 10-0 if we had the audacity to try and score and win.

There's a difference between having a good go and doing a Martinez.

Greatest squad since the 80's has suddenly become stoke 2011

OK. Get what your saying. Don't completely agree with it but understand where you're coming from.

There are a probably 2/3 away games where I think we should be more cautious; City being one of them. All the rest we should be having a go as you say, and in fairness I think we have been generally, but most of our forward players are completely out of form at the moment. It's worrying to be honest.

One game away to City doesn't make us Stoke. But there's no doubt the best squad since the 80s has regressed and I'm sure some will be shown the door if they don't urn it around soon.

 

[Blue Cheese]

OK. Get what your saying. Don't completely agree with it but understand where you're coming from.

There are a probably 2/3 away games where I think we should be more cautious; City being one of them. All the rest we should be having a go as you say, and in fairness I think we have been generally, but most of our forward players are completely out of form at the moment. It's worrying to be honest.

One game away to City doesn't make us Stoke. But there's no doubt the best squad since the 80s has regressed and I'm sure some will be shown the door if they don't urn it around soon.

I'm beginning to think a good clear out is needed from the Martinez days, far to many bad habits, that thankfully our new signings are minimising.

 

[Steve Wigan]

....I suspect it's lots to do with players not fitting the way RK wants his team to play. That's why I emphasise 'type' of players, it will take a number of windows to find and recruit the footballers he wants but he has at least got us better organised defensively.

Thats correct. I can see us looking for yet another wide man in January, and maybe Mirralas and/or Lennon leaving.Pity but needs must. I also feel that by January or the Summer it may become apparent that Jags time is coming to an end. The dust at Southampton may has settled by then, and a little look in the direction of Virgil VD might not go amiss. The point is that we are seeing the early signs of recovery on the pitch(and off) and by this time next season, I think any doubting supporters will be much more confident. Koeman may be firm, but I think he's fair and everyone will get a chance. Koeman is a good manager now, and will eventually be a great manager, his attitude says it all.

 

[Furey1878]

Thats correct. I can see us looking for yet another wide man in January, and maybe Mirralas and/or Lennon leaving.Pity but needs must. I also feel that by January or the Summer it may become apparent that Jags time is coming to an end. The dust at Southampton may has settled by then, and a little look in the direction of Virgil VD might not go amiss. The point is that we are seeing the early signs of recovery on the pitch(and off) and by this time next season, I think any doubting supporters will be much more confident. Koeman may be firm, but I think he's fair and everyone will get a chance. Koeman is a good manager now, and will eventually be a great manager, his attitude says it all.

Slightly surprised that Lennon isn't favoured a bit more by Koeman, his work rate is probably his best attribute.

Obviously we need better quality but just a thought.

 

[Walsall Blue]

Back to plucky old Everton again then, sigh.

We go away to probably the best team in the league defend well score a great goal and come away with a point.I went there expecting to get beaten easily but PLUCKY old Everton make my day quite a happy one .C.O.Y.B.Straight from there to the Echo arena to watch Bellew win again so I for one had a great Saturday.

 

[Ballyfermot]

How many man of the match performance a did Howard get in ten years here?

 

[dave abrahams]

It's surprising on the vote, Tom Cleverley has got more votes than Lukaku, are the voters who picked Cleverley taking the
mickey or do they have genuine reasons for selecting him, I never saw the game listened to it on the radio, so can't make my mind up for the selections.

 

[Steve Wigan]

Slightly surprised that Lennon isn't favoured a bit more by Koeman, his work rate is probably his best attribute.

Obviously we need better quality but just a thought.

Yes. I was reluctant to suggest that Lennon might go...I think he is at least a Koeman squad type,hardworking and intelligent. I think Koeman would be more likely to keep Del and give him an extended opportunity in the squad, because of his ability(rarely shown this season) to change a game. Koemans attitude to wingers seems to be that he prefers the explosive speedy type who lights up an occasional game but works hard even when not playing well(Bolassie). He does however also recognise exceptional ability,and deep down Del has this. I suspect Koeman ,like with Barkley, is giving Del a lot of one to one 'instruction' to try to get the player inside Del to come out more regularly.

 

[Furey1878]

Yes. I was reluctant to suggest that Lennon might go...I think he is at least a Koeman squad type,hardworking and intelligent. I think Koeman would be more likely to keep Del and give him an extended opportunity in the squad, because of his ability(rarely shown this season) to change a game. Koemans attitude to wingers seems to be that he prefers the explosive speedy type who lights up an occasional game but works hard even when not playing well(Bolassie). He does however also recognise exceptional ability,and deep down Del has this. I suspect Koeman ,like with Barkley, is giving Del a lot of one to one 'instruction' to try to get the player inside Del to come out more regularly.

Hope so, still think Deulofeu is our most naturally talented player.

 

[AndyC]

Slightly surprised that Lennon isn't favoured a bit more by Koeman, his work rate is probably his best attribute.

Obviously we need better quality but just a thought.

Think Lennon will be kept involved the rest of this season as he is definitely sellable.

He probably deserves more regular football for his work rate, but if we've got serious designs - as we should have - on regularly challenging for top four places, then we need better quality as well as work rate.

He's done and will do well for us, but he's not really a game-changer.

 

[BlueToff]

Good to see Walsh there at the end - obviously very involved with the first team as well

 

[bluelegend]

Watching the game on Saturday like:

 

[Kev50]

Think Lennon will be kept involved the rest of this season as he is definitely sellable.

He probably deserves more regular football for his work rate, but if we've got serious designs - as we should have - on regularly challenging for top four places, then we need better quality as well as work rate.

He's done and will do well for us, but he's not really a game-changer.

I think he more than any other player is responsible for us not being in a relegation dogfight these last two years

 

[AndyC]

I think he more than any other player is responsible for us not being in a relegation dogfight these last two years

Cannot disagree with that, and that's why I think he deserves more regular first team footie, and if it's not to be with Everton, we should maximise the opportunity by getting a decent fee and wish him well in pastures new... while we hopefully upgrade.

Unless of course Ronald Koeman thinks he's worth keeping and can keep him happy as a squad player.