anyone else feeling anxious?

[barkleys splinter]

I always get a bit apprehensive for the start of the season. But this time I'm more anxious than apprehensive. I really fear for our defence. In terms of keeping possession the back line have looked uncomfortable even against sides who didn't press us high up the field. How are they going to keep possession in a PL game when opposing forwards will be harrying them all the time? And as for actually defending, just how easy has it been for decent opposition to create clear chances? Far too easy.

The back 3 or 4 and the MF is simply not getting it together. The possible loss of Gibson will make this even more apparent. As it is the back line is playing with big spaces between them all and the MF is not doing much to mark the opposition when they drift beyond them into the spaces in front of our back line.

If this doesn't get sorted soon I suspect we're going to have to rely heavily on our forwards doing the business at the other end of the park in order to win us points.

 

[LocalNative]

Pre-season isn't the greatest place to judge our chances for the season. Martinez has tried different tactics and formations out in the hope of finding one that suits him and us. I think we're still short a few players, don't think we've really added any quality to the existing starting XI. But time will tell, we'll find out either way on Saturday.

 

[Foot Long Hot Dog]

I'll wait until we've played our first few league games & before I start worrying about our tactics.

We don't know how he intends setting us up at Norwich or whether he's going to change the formation / tactics dependant on the opposition.

There's been promise & concern in pre-season, but ultimately it means nothing, I've decided I'm just going to sit back & watch the side & see how we go, rather than fretting about what might be our downfall.

 

[Jags..class]

Nah i'm not going to worry, will worry when I need to. I'm just happy that I'm alive and well enough to support us.

 

[Tubey]

We've played Valencia (5th in La Liga), Real Madrid (2nd), Real Betis (7th) and Juventus (runaway Serie A winners) and largely stood up to them as equals.

If we had been showing frailties against Stenhousemuir or whatever then I'd agree with you, but as it is I find it difficult to worry about what I've seen thus far when we've been playing world class opposition and holding our own.

Last year we trotted to an abject defeat to Malaga who made us look like we could barely kick the ball but started the campaign like a house on fire. There's no predicting anything from pre-season.

 

[dannyboy]

It's not the easiest start to the season, and it's always important for a new manager to get off to a good start. Let's hope luck's on our side.

There'll be people ready to declare Martinez as the saviour if we win our first three league games, and by the same token there'll be people sharpening the knives if we get off to a slow start. The best thing we can do as supporters is keep everything in perspective and give the new manager time.

 

[LTblue]

I'm looking forward to a new season under a new manager with new ideas and a quality team. Screw speculation and take things as they come not if they come.

 

[Tubey]

It's not the easiest start to the season, and it's always important for a new manager to get off to a good start. Let's hope luck's on our side.

There'll be people ready to declare Martinez as the saviour if we win our first three league games, and by the same token there'll be people sharpening the knives if we get off to a slow start. The best thing we can do as supporters is keep everything in perspective and give the new manager time.

Anyone saying Martinez is an all-out success after three games need their heads checking tbh. Those who try to have a pop at him after three games would be even more insane, given that Moyes made a trademark of feckin' up the start to a season over the years.

 

[Kantareller]

Most afraid of how Distin will perform this season. He has been far from rock-solid this pre-season.

 

[kev101]

Most afraid of how Distin will perform this season. He has been far from rock-solid this pre-season.

Maybe his wife gave him the cold spoon treatment on his red-top?

 

[GwladysBlue]

Most afraid of how Distin will perform this season. He has been far from rock-solid this pre-season.

Another aging player that we've so far failed to replace. Our squad really needs an overhaul.

 

[dannyboy]

Most afraid of how Distin will perform this season. He has been far from rock-solid this pre-season.

I haven't really noticed any especially bad performances from him. There's bound to be a fall from grace in the not too distant future though. I'll be amazed if he can keep up these consistency levels for another couple of seasons.

 

[davek]

I'll wait until we've played our first few league games & before I start worrying about our tactics.

We don't know how he intends setting us up at Norwich or whether he's going to change the formation / tactics dependant on the opposition.

There's been promise & concern in pre-season, but ultimately it means nothing, I've decided I'm just going to sit back & watch the side & see how we go, rather than fretting about what might be our downfall.

Yeah, we've noticed.

 

[deipnosophist]

Playing expansive, 'lavish' (ie continental) style football is incompatible with the impecuniosity of EFC. Players who play easily in such a manner are too expensive for us. So, there is a discoaptation between football philosophy and financial wherewithal at the moment. The first part of the season will expose this disconnect. I do not think I am anxious about this reality, just resigned to it. Welcome to EFC - the 'punch above its weight' club.
Having said all that, I will always passionately and fervently support Everton

 

[Foot Long Hot Dog]

Yeah, we've noticed.

I didn't say when I'd decided did I?

Having sat through the game yesterday I could have easily gone into a spiral of depression worrying about what might happen, so I've concluded I'll just go with the flow & watch how he sets us up etc.