Positives from the West Ham game? And who would you start vs City?

[davek]

Besic. Massive positive. Did it for 90 mins as well, running past other Everton players to make tackles just like McCarthy. The only reason Barry looked 90% woeful rather than 100% as he was being carried by Besic just like he is with McCarthy.

Can't believe we're blessed with three of the best young midfielders anywhere yet one is shoved on the left wing, and the other two rotate to partner a hopeless 33 year old playing 90 minutes 3 games a week. Barkley Besic McCarthy could dominate the league but I doubt we'll see it.

Martinez had the top 4 formula last year. A midfield three with two widemen. If he'd just swapped Besic for Barry and Stones for Distin we'd be well in the top 4. Instead he's gone on some ego trip playing three nymber 10s, full backs in midfield, midfielders in defense and crammkng as many over 30s into one line up s possoble. What a mess.

I'm not sure the criticism of Barry (at least last night) is merited, tbh. I dont think he did bad at all. He had a big job on plugging gaps that the two fraud CBs usually leave and he competed well for us.

 

[davek]

Agree with most of what's been said already. And hopefully it's put to bed any talk of dressing room unrest or players trying to undermine the boss, with the effort and desire they showed right to the end last night.

They looked up for it. But we have to be careful here. It was at Goodison and they had to put some shift in, especially after the last few surrenders. I'd reserve judgement on the flowering of a new determination until we string a few of these performances together. They could easily revert back into themselves and just leave the manager hanging out to dry again.

 

[Prevenger17]

Robles
coleman stones jags oviedo
besic mccarthy
mcgeady barkley miralles
Rom​

This lineup would be mine too, unless Baines is fit in which case I'd still have him at left back.

 

[jtl60]

In the post match interview on BT Jags looked really down, made me think there was something not right.
Other than his form.

 

[Philw]

They looked up for it. But we have to be careful here. It was at Goodison and they had to put some shift in, especially after the last few surrenders. I'd reserve judgement on the flowering of a new determination until we string a few of these performances together. They could easily revert back into themselves and just leave the manager hanging out to dry again.

Well this is the 'Positives from last night' thread, so

 

[button_sw]

Bescic is still not experienced enough for a game against a team like city where as barry has always a point to prove against them.
Robles
coleman, stones , jags, baines
mirrallas barry barkley
eto
lukaku

Sometimes you have to go on form rather than experience though, who has played better this season, Barry or Besic? It's an easy answer

Jags, Distin and Barry are probably three of the most experienced players you could have in the Prem but this season they have all been woeful and have cost the team points, I wouldn't want them anywhere near the team.

We all know that Barkley on the wing does not work, he is terrible on the left wing and Eto'o is not a number 10. He is a striker or nothing else.

Bobby needs to start playing players in their correct positions but unfortunately the team you have picked is the one I fear that Martinez will pick.

 

[Prevenger17]

I'm not sure the criticism of Barry (at least last night) is merited, tbh. I dont think he did bad at all. He had a big job on plugging gaps that the two fraud CBs usually leave and he competed well for us.

Aye, that was lost amidst the jizzing over Lukaku and Besic and the shredding of Distin and Jagielka. He played pretty well last night. The problem is Barry should be seen as a squad player, he can't play 90 minutes of every game but Martinez seems to think otherwise. He's getting crucified pretty regularly on here but he still has a lot to offer this team if his game time is managed a bit better.

 

[Black Belt Jones]

Was struck by RM's refusal to cut his cloth according to the players at his disposal - the anti-Moyes. Nothing new, I guess, but first game I've been to in a bit so really brought it home.
Long term this is a positive, as the man has a vision of how football needs to be played. He just doesn't have all of the players he needs to do it, so right now it's causing pain and anguish. Think what is needed is at the moment is a Moytinez hybrid, be a bit more accommodating to player's strengths.

We have well and truly caught lightning in a bottle with John Stones. Long term we need another one - Going to be tough to come up with another ball-playing centre half who is ready to go in the prem.

 

[Haston]

Positives - Robles played well and pulled off some good saves keeping us in the game. Lukaku was brilliant, Besic was brilliant, Oviedo got 90 mins and done well, team looked up for it and much more positive in getting the ball forward, this helped Lukaku to shine!

Negatives - defensive errors still there, as they have been all season! Coleman looks somewhat subdued, we need him on his game!

 

[Deggo]

I'm not sure the criticism of Barry (at least last night) is merited, tbh. I dont think he did bad at all. He had a big job on plugging gaps that the two fraud CBs usually leave and he competed well for us.

Shock horror we agree on something mate

 

[dubfade]

Bescic is still not experienced enough for a game against a team like city where as barry has always a point to prove against them.
Robles
coleman, stones , jags, baines
mirrallas barry barkley
eto
lukaku

City will be even harder to beat with 10 men mate

 

[Toffeelover]

Positives:

We were the better team last night
Some very slick moves that deserved a better ending to them (truth is we should have been out of sight by HT)
Went down a goal and came back fighting (amazing development given the capitulations of recent times).
Lukaku reconfirmed what a talent he is.
Oviedo and Coleman getting in the box
Barkley looked pacy and full of attacking intent.
Robles looked assured and in control of his area.
Besic continues to improve.

Negatives:

We have no quality in behind Lukaku (Naismith has proven conclusively he lacks the nous and technique for that role)
The centre backs - a black hole at the heart of the defence - were chronic (especially "the captain") and need getting shut of NOW.
Lack of leadership on the pitch (relates to last point).
One winger on the pitch at all times (you'll never stretch teams without two out there)
We didn't finish that tie off last night and face a tricky replay when we need to be focussing again on the league.

Like your summary Dave. For me though one aspect not good by RM was once again his subbing. As for the CBs, stones hopefully is fully fit for City as for Jags, his confidence must be round his ankles. I will get shouted down I know but for me I would consider dumping him for the City game and taking a chance playing Browning or Galloway, they have to be blooded some time. If McC is fit the middle S/B be Besic Barkley and McC, give baines another rest and play Oveido or Garbutt at LB. Perhaps that will help tighten up the back line.

 

[Eggs]

....fire in bellies, makes such a difference when you see the likes of Barkley playing with real purpose, we know the quality but that application takes talent to another level.

 

[Prevenger17]

Like your summary Dave. For me though one aspect not good by RM was once again his subbing. As for the CBs, stones hopefully is fully fit for City as for Jags, his confidence must be round his ankles. I will get shouted down I know but for me I would consider dumping him for the City game and taking a chance playing Browning or Galloway, they have to be blooded some time. If McC is fit the middle S/B be Besic Barkley and McC, give baines another rest and play Oveido or Garbutt at LB. Perhaps that will help tighten up the back line.

Absolute. Suicide.

 

[sageyefc]

The pressing from the front was much better last night