12 games in and post-derby: Martinez verdict

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dholliday

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His post-match interview made three superb points as to why he's on the right path:

- when asked if he was relieved at avoiding defeat our Bobby gave a confused look as if the question was insane. He goes on to say he's very disappointed at not winning the derby.
- He confirms his faith in the young players.
- when asked about the LOL! Mirallas tackle, he deflects it saying such tackles are normal in a heated match, but that Gerrard's attempted elbow had nothing to do with football.

Especially that last one is exactly what any Evertonian would say.

[video=youtube;vazYpJZp4pk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vazYpJZp4pk[/video]

So he's making all the right noises in interviews, but we knew that from his very first press conference. What about the actual meat of the game?


League: 21 points from 36, leaving us 3 pts off second. Lost only 1 in 12. Half the games have been draws, but a good 3 or 4 of them we should've won. Goal-difference ok, currently at 17-13.

League Cup: knocked out early doors by Fulham. The only major disappointment of the season so far.

Transfer window: loanees and McCarthy looking really good. Fellaini's not missed, and even if he was still here, it's difficult to see how his style would fit the Martinez game.

General style of play: Everton Taka can tire out the opposition but there's lapses of concentration in our defence. We could do with better-quality shots at goal outside of Big Rom.

Results against Big Clubs: beat Chelsea, lost to Citeh, drew with Spuds 'n RS. So not bad, pretty decent even, but even bigger tests are coming up these next few weeks in the shape of the Arse & Moyes' Red Army, to win the latter would be worth so much more than 3 points.

The near Future: no indication as to what, if anything, will happen in the January window. We don't even know if the 10m left from the Fellaini sale is kitty money. Looking slightly further ahead, it's probably fair to say that qualifying for Europe would be a massive boost in gaining Lukaku's permanent signature. Martinez wants to aim high, and so should we. No more of this "well, i'll just be happy with top 10 this season".


No point in doing a poll as 99% of us are happy with Martinez. What say yous about his reign so far? Criticisms?
 
So far so good, we need to be a bit more clinical in finishing teams off, and we keep suffering from lapses of concentration in defence, but he's been a breath of fresh air thus far. Hopefully, once Martinez has put his stamp on the team to a greater extent and brought in a few more of his players, we'll address these issues.
His confidence in the younger players and his use of subs has been excellent.
 
I personally dont think the manager can be blamed for defenders switching off, we are talking about a 34 year old GK and 2 30+ CBs here, I would more towards Howard, he never opens his mouth, never comes for crosses, he breeds confusion at the back IMO.
 
his use of subs has been excellent.

Ah yeah, good point. His use of subs has been phenomenal when compared to his predecessor. And he seems to learn from their effectiveness (or lack of) too, rather than doggedly always trying the same thing even tho' it's not working (koff...moyes).
 
I personally dont think the manager can be blamed for defenders switching off, we are talking about a 34 year old GK and 2 30+ CBs here, I would more towards Howard, he never opens his mouth, never comes for crosses, he breeds confusion at the back IMO.

I agree with that. We've got an epic Howard thread here somewhere where his (American) defenders won't hear a bad word about him.

It's true he's a good shotstopper, and he's passionate and loves the club. And his beard is epic! But he's not world-class, if he was Man U wouldn't have sold him to us (*waves at Neville & Gibson). But then again, how often does a Southall come around? Or even a Van der Sar?

I suppose regarding Martinez: should he spend the next big kitty on a world-class goalie rather than anyone outfield? Or is it going fine as it is, with Robles in position to possibly have a run soon?

Personally I think a bigger priority than the keeper would be to hunt for a high-end Centreback to replace Distin.
 
Last season I was all set to get rid, but I think hes been fairly "solid" this season, he has his weaknesses, the 1s I highlighted and hes always prone for getting done from distance, but hes a decent Keeper and I dont think its a major issue just yet, considering we have Robles around, who im gonna be honest im not totally convinced with, but its still very early days.

We have a high end CB, his name is John Stones!!!

I think its likley we will lose Heitinga in Jan, if not the summer for sure, not sure how many more years Distin has got, but hes showing no signs of slowing down just yet.
 
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