AJ this season

evertonianstu · March 10, 2008

Saw on other forums throughout this season that he got some stick. Certainly, overall, I guess we were hoping for more goals from him then we have seen. However, is some of this criticism unfair? To be honest, i think he is getting there and thats not based on just yesterday. His overall contribution recently has been excellent and last week against Pompey, although he did not get on the scoresheet, his intoduction arguable changed the game.

Still think he has a lot to offer and i hope most Evertonians agree.

The Dude · March 10, 2008

His workrate more than makes up for his lack of goals. Great at holding play up and turning a long ball into an attacking opportunity.

I'm sure he would be getting much more stick if we didn't have The Yak to knock them in.

zero · March 10, 2008

AJ is quality, he's not really getting a run in the team so can't be expected to score bucket loads of goals. even if he was in the starting line up consistantly I'd agree with Dude.

His workrate more then makes up for the lack of goals....but I think AJ has scored enough based on the amount of appearances he has.

everythingisgood · March 10, 2008

I agree. I like AJ and he adds something to our team that defences, especially tired defences, find difficult to deal with.
I hope to see him and the Yak developing a partnership so we can use 4-4-2 effectively when needed

evilwebby · March 10, 2008

He didn't have a great 1st half of the season, even by his own admissions. But AJ is a model professional and he's worked his socks off to get his form back. He'll be crucial to us between now and May.

He's been a bit unlucky with goals, and his finishing hasn't been great. A couple of good games could still see him with 10-12 goals this season.

Cal · March 10, 2008

He's a credit to the football club, no moaning or sulking, just get's on with and get's his head down.

And he has been rewarded, with some goals of late.

Really big player for us, unfair stick, especially on that clueless NSNO forum, bellends.

Hello Si.

Neiler · March 10, 2008

Id imagine his goals to games started ratio isnt that bad!

scottishtoffee · March 10, 2008

hasnt he already got 10 goals this season?

id say that was quite good considering he was out when he needed surgery on his ankle, then had to wait it out as Yak went on a great run before christmas.

ToxtethBlue · March 10, 2008

He's been hit and miss this season for me but his attitude is excellent. As people have said he never moans and just gets on with his job.

In terms of ability I don't hink he's anything special and at the moment he doesn't fit into our strongest 11 but he's definatly a useful weapon to have.

Bruce Wayne · March 10, 2008

His form early in the season wasn't good but in the past few weeks he's been back to the kind of form we hoped for when we signed him.

Vim Fuego · March 10, 2008

He's our first line of defence with his tireless running into corners and closing down of the opposing defenders.Half his work goes unappreciated but ask Yakubu how he rates him and i'll bet anything his reply would be very highly, ask the same question of any of our midfield and defensive players and you'll get the same positive reply.

Aj himself would be critical of his own strike rate, but that goes for any striker.If some gormless bandwagon jumping fuckwits can't see what he brings to the side then i suggest they take up Rugby as a hobby.

evertonianstu · March 10, 2008

Yeah, i acknowledge the point of some above who state his goals to games started ratio is not that bad. Didnt mean to sound like i was criticising it myself, just pointing that i have seen a lot of criticism (not on these forums) directed at him for not scoring as regularly as they would have liked him to.

Vim Fuego · March 10, 2008

That wasn't a dig at you Stu, sorry if it seemed that way, i was refering to the type of ' fans ' that frequent the website that Cal mentioned earlier in the thread.

evertonianstu · March 10, 2008

Vim Fuego said:
That wasn't a dig at you Stu, sorry if it seemed that way, i was refering to the type of ' fans ' that frequent the website that Cal mentioned earlier in the thread.

Nah, its fine mate, didnt think it was a dig. Just clarifying that the original post was in relation to some of the criticisms ive heard elsewhere (y)

SuitsBlue · March 10, 2008

its worth noting aj played through a surgery requiring injury last season and a recurrence of such an injury this season. that he hasnt cried off or sought to blame that set of injuries or ever cried about referee treatment in the face of clear accusations of cheating from a few prem managers is a testament to him, to moyes and to his (aj's) desire and commitment to the club.