What we need, the missing element...

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The Esk said:
I think with Moyes though it was very different - we had the mental strength to make us difficult to beat (apart from the Sky four) but we did not have the mental strength to get over the line when opportunity presented itself - CL qualifier, Cup Final, Wigan QF FA Cup, Chelsea semi final LC as examples. Equally Moyes did not have the talent Martinez has available. Moyes created something which is greater than the sum of the parts, Martinez potentially is creating something less than the sum of the parts.
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For me, it's all coming from the same thing though...a fear of conceding. I think it's systemic and I think the taproot is one man. He's got to go.
 

I can see a lot of similarities with Arsenal. Some great individual players, exhilerating football and capable of absolutely destroying teams when we are on song. But like them, we are lacking that killer mentality. This has prevented them winning trophies, it is preventing us from reaching that next level too.
Arsenal have spent big the last couple of seasons - Ozil, Sanchez, Cech to try and address it. Obviously we are not able to sign players of that quality, but we do need to sign players who know how to win games and can really lead on the pitch.

I know Ferguson proved Hansen wrong all those years ago, but the reality is, we need experience to complement the youth. And I don't mean just older players (we have Jagielka, Barry, Baines etc), I mean those players with experience of winning the big games, and know what it takes to turn draws into wins, and defeats into draws.
 

Finances ? I don't think its that. The current TV contract has this league completely upside down and thankfully so....pretty close to level and very exciting...No more City, United, Arsenal, Liverpool, etc. always expected at the top. It shouldn't be money. Timmy Howard is no Mignolet and should be retiring sooner rather than later, but I don't think he's the entire current issue. Ever notice lately how this team folds in the second half ? Way too many common (read: preventable) injuries ? Based on that, I think this team could benefit from a) a better fitness manager....almost every team in the league appears fitter than Everton. And that's aside from the lack of team speed. Arsenal runs by this team as if the blues have cement shoes. Even Wayne Rooney exposed lack of speed on this squad and he's far from a young man b) regardless of the lack of creative offense at times ("Kone's one on one with the goalie.....whooops! Missed again!"), point a) contributes to poor defense as there are very often gaps in the defense that there shouldn't be. A 4 2 3 1 formation requires fit midfielders and a fitter defensive forward to assist. Barry seems fit, but I wonder if fitness leads to his traditional yellow cards late c) Despite front office issues, the manager could adopt a "moneyball" approach to acquiring players. Teams who always "buy" players most often overpay, similar to any auction. No one would think of dishing Lukaku and Stones, yet they are most likely the players to be sold at a premium. So why not ? With them, EVE is 11th on the table. No great shakes. Populating a team with these signing premiums, combined with unbelievable TV money, means that a shrewd manager should be able to find other young players that will do 80% of the job done by these stars developed by Everton for less money. And if you catch lightning in a bottle similar to Leicester City and the players buy into your approach, there's your championship. This is a new age in the BPL and those who take advantage of the old ways of buying players should benefit from their change in tactics. The football talent of the world is coming to England, for the money. Of course, the Oakland Athletics are still awaiting their first world series, so what do I know. But the Kansas City Royals recently won, while the endlessly rich NY Yankees folded like a cheap suit. Certainly some ideas to think about. If it were that easy, I'd be there instead of in front of this monitor!
tim
 
The Esk said:
I think with Moyes though it was very different - we had the mental strength to make us difficult to beat (apart from the Sky four) but we did not have the mental strength to get over the line when opportunity presented itself - CL qualifier, Cup Final, Wigan QF FA Cup, Chelsea semi final LC as examples. Equally Moyes did not have the talent Martinez has available. Moyes created something which is greater than the sum of the parts, Martinez potentially is creating something less than the sum of the parts.
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Would agree with most of this but do not see any improved big game mentality in this current team. We've still lost every big game of note. Arsenal QF, Palace at home 13/14, not won a derby, Kiev away, no win at anywhere big other than Moyes' old Trafford (which quite a few teams won at).

I never prescribed to the view that we bottled big games under Moyes. The Wigan QF aside we were never favourites in terms of talent on the pitch to win those big games. If anything we did well in a few cup runs to beat Liverpool United, Chelsea. I would say with the talent in the side now we have the tools to compete but seemingly seem unable to do so. I am hoping the City semi final will be a great opportunity to buck the trend and win a trophy.
 
The Esk said:
I think with Moyes though it was very different - we had the mental strength to make us difficult to beat (apart from the Sky four) but we did not have the mental strength to get over the line when opportunity presented itself - CL qualifier, Cup Final, Wigan QF FA Cup, Chelsea semi final LC as examples. Equally Moyes did not have the talent Martinez has available. Moyes created something which is greater than the sum of the parts, Martinez potentially is creating something less than the sum of the parts.
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Losing 4 in 17 is very difficult to beat IMHO.
 

This mental strength stuff is all well and good but how can anyone in the team think we are going to win a game when we have Howard in goal?

Kone i said i would give till jan during his purple patch, sorry Kone fans but hes still rubbish.

These two need upgrading.

We also need James McCarthy back in the team, yes Barry is having a good season but how is that showing in the table?

I think we need another top CM who would bring the "leadership" qualities we are missing.
 
Look at Chelsea:

Cech--Terry--Lampard--Drogba
Courtois--Cahill--Fabregas--Costa

Massive difference there...

We have
Howard--Stones--McCarthy--Barkley--Lukaku


Anyone see our weak link in the spine?
 
Zatara said:
Look at Chelsea:

Cech--Terry--Lampard--Drogba
Courtois--Cahill--Fabregas--Costa

Massive difference there...

We have
Howard--Stones--McCarthy--Barkley--Lukaku


Anyone see our weak link in the spine?
Click to expand...
I'm on Zat's ignore list, justifiably too.

If someone could point out the massive difference is that we're above them in the league despite spending a fraction of what they've spent then I would appreciate it.

A ladyboys jibe would be doubly appreciated.
 

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