Tactical emphasis on setpieces a problem?

[edge]

big vic is B.A Barabus

 

[BigBlueBalls]

big vic is B.A Barabus

And Phil Jagielka is Jesus???

 

[PeterMeter]

We still hit the first man, from open play and from dead balls.
And when we do get a good ball into the box, not enough players are chancing a run in.

Zero confidence, very cagey, playing with a lot of fear.

My concern is, should we hit 40 points before the end of the season, will some put their feet up and coast it.

There's been numerous crosses into the box where most other teams seem to have 2-3 players (at least) inside and since Baines is our only creative outlet/means of attack shouldn't they know that as soon as he gets into the last third their only job is to get inside the box and fight for the ball?! It's about the only critique Moyes has a right to, even if I can't see him doing anything to change it, or helping in headlighting Saha's poor efforts at getting at them. That should be done in training or in private, not with the press.

I'd be amazed if we had a team who went out to play their socks off and believed they could grab a win against City or United, now it seems their jumping at shadows even when facing Spurs. They've got a decent side, but much like Arsenal without fan Percy they have little to no end product. Moyes going out saying they've got a better footballing side than us, or the famous 'knife into a gunfight'-catchphrase aren't exactly awe-inspiring motivational speeches. When we play, every side is there for the taking. We're that good. When we go out to play; heart, will and spirit.

Moyes was pretty obvious in his comments after only a few games into the season that our goal would have to be the 40-point-mark. He's done this before, but never has he seemed so convinced about it. We've competed for top 8 placings for the last decade (close enough), we then lose a playmaker who was woefully out of form and two strikers who he mostly refused to play. This shouldn't really change that much to me, even if other teams have strengthened. They strenghten to catch up to us, but on paper at least our weak spots are creative midfield and the striker. But with the football we seemingly try to play; with two pacy wingers crossing for 2-3 people (opposite winger, striker and Cahill) even if neither of the two holding midfielders charge up we should be able to score. We should definetely be able to concede less goal with 6 designated defensive-minded players on the pitch at all times.

 

[BigBlueBalls]

reverse psychology. It worked to oust the scum from fourth. Shame we couldn't shift the same said filth from a little higher up.

Good wide players are at a premium, Pienaar went on late, Krancjar doesn't get a game, Lennon was brought off and Bale was signed as a left back.
Moyes was 4-1-4-1, Carsley in front of the back four defending and killing anything dangerous. Bent worked up front and made space for the four behind.
We didn't have wide players as such, we shoe horned creative centers into the wide spots. It worked because the side was considered rubbish and written off, few sides knew Cahill and Bent worked a load of 3 strikers.

Moyes has dabbled with setting up different, but for every success like Pienaar there is a Van der Meyde. I used poker earlier, I will make it more blunt, he is playing Russian Roulette with every signing, and when one doesnt pay off, it affects the others - and there is no margin for error. All or Nothing. Friend or Foe. Work with me or you are my enemy.

What more is there to hope for now? One City player (and for that matter Man U, the filth, and Chelsea player) cost more than our combined side tonight. Bitching about the situation wont change the side, make signings, or keep your local hospital open.

 

[RFUS]

There's been numerous crosses into the box where most other teams seem to have 2-3 players (at least) inside and since Baines is our only creative outlet/means of attack shouldn't they know that as soon as he gets into the last third their only job is to get inside the box and fight for the ball?! It's about the only critique Moyes has a right to, even if I can't see him doing anything to change it, or helping in headlighting Saha's poor efforts at getting at them. That should be done in training or in private, not with the press.

I'd be amazed if we had a team who went out to play their socks off and believed they could grab a win against City or United, now it seems their jumping at shadows even when facing Spurs. They've got a decent side, but much like Arsenal without fan Percy they have little to no end product. Moyes going out saying they've got a better footballing side than us, or the famous 'knife into a gunfight'-catchphrase aren't exactly awe-inspiring motivational speeches. When we play, every side is there for the taking. We're that good. When we go out to play; heart, will and spirit.

Moyes was pretty obvious in his comments after only a few games into the season that our goal would have to be the 40-point-mark. He's done this before, but never has he seemed so convinced about it. We've competed for top 8 placings for the last decade (close enough), we then lose a playmaker who was woefully out of form and two strikers who he mostly refused to play. This shouldn't really change that much to me, even if other teams have strengthened. They strenghten to catch up to us, but on paper at least our weak spots are creative midfield and the striker. But with the football we seemingly try to play; with two pacy wingers crossing for 2-3 people (opposite winger, striker and Cahill) even if neither of the two holding midfielders charge up we should be able to score. We should definetely be able to concede less goal with 6 designated defensive-minded players on the pitch at all times.

We've also brought in Drenthe who is a truly exceptional player. Plus Landon for 2 months.

 

[PeterMeter]

We've also brought in Drenthe who is a truly exceptional player. Plus Landon for 2 months.

Wait, is that in agreement, or opposing?

I realize I'm maybe being a bit harsh on Moyes here, but his man management is completely woeful when it comes to stronger individuals. The 'Drenthe is a good option at home, but I think he struggles in away games' card is a joke. Has Moyes seen our home record without him? Clearly something other than Drenthe is affecting our home games. Landon seems a hard worker, and a molded 'Moyes player'. They both fit the pacy wingers description and add class and guile to our play.

But Moyes sour demeanour affects everything about our play. And the way we play can't exactly be cheering him up. We're in catch-22 again. We need the pace of Drenthe, it would be apparent to anyone who's watched even the 5 mins where he caused a goal against City. Might be Moyes' is just protecting him from making these kinds of costly mistakes this early in his Everton career. I call bull.