COLUMNIST KEN BUCKLEY
From my seat: Boro (h)
By Ken Buckley : 30/09/2007 : 
Comments (41) :
Three points, a clean sheet, and up to fifth in the league. Pretty impressive so far but it doesn't tell the story of this game. It could easily have been 3-3 by half time due to sloppy defending and sloppy finishing by both sides.
Comments (41) : How Dong didnt Ding when hitting the bar with a free header from six yards was at least baffling. How Boateng didnt strike after arriving late when Jags was caught doing nothing when he should have been doing something left us two on three which only produced a back pass of a shot to Howard was equally baffleing. Southgate must have been having kittens.
However we had taken the lead when our prolific leading scorer, Lescott, profited from a Faddy flick-on being headed twice from the goal line by Boro players scooping up and buried expertly by our main marksman.
Half-time and one-nil yet the chat centred on our non-existent centre-midfield ? How could we change it? Various theories were put forward but, on the return of the players, the manager chose as you were. This paid off within 15 mins when a delightful piece of play involving Hibbert's pinpoint pass to Faddy who found Pienaar who in one movement back-flicked a pass to Arteta who spotting the possibilities returned it post haste to Pienaar who slid it home with some aplomb. I enjoyed writing that as it really was a great passage of one-touch on-the-ground footy which came to fruition, a collectors item indeed.
From that moment, the game died a little, Boro didn't have the where-with-all to mount any meaningful fightback and the Blues were more than content to hold what they had.
Overall I have to say that it was a game between two quite ordinary sides and had I been looking at it from a Boro perspective I would have some real fears for their future. However, Everton are my team and I found us quite an unbalanced side today. Keeper and back four were solid and on the day I thought Hibbert outshone Baines thus rendering their most creative and potent force, Downing, to an unproductive afternoon. Having said that I would still like Downing on our books.
Midfield benifitted greatly for the return of Arteta who gave us much-needed creativity and a focal point; Pienaar, although a bit lightweight, seems to be growing game on game. We then come to the centre mid... oh dear: Jags looked lost and played as if he is in awe of even being in the Premier League. I do hope the lad finds something from somewhere as I felt sorry for him today as he must have known what everyone else thought.
Neville tried to get about the field and organise but really doesn't have the craft necessary. I thought we got away with it today because the Boro centre two were no better and it is no coincidence that we lost the last two matches when confronted with Scholes/Carrick then Barry/Reo-Coker.
Much for the manager to ponder in that department before the Ukraine trip, and for the continuation of this league and cup campaign. I reckon his best bet is that Tommy makes sufficient recovery. Up front I have to say that Faddy played as well as I have seen and looked at last to be fulfilling some of the promise and potential that we were assured he had.
But what about the Yak? At £12million pounds I expected something better, I am not sure what he offers or how best to play to find strengths for him to display but having paid that sort of money I must rely on the manager to get out of him that which he saw to justify such an outlay. To my eye Big Vic looks the better and if Vaughany was fit... no contest!
Still, I am only a fan so let's hope both Jags and Yak ram my observations firmly down my throat. My MotM goes to Lescott with special mention for Hibbert who I thought put on a display to answer many of his critics. Can he keep it up, I hope so.
Thursday looms and I fervently hope for a good Euro-style display that sees us through and saves us from another embarrassing departure at a first hurdle. Lose and its a long long wait til derbyday. Win and confidence will do us good. Roll on Thursday: UP THE BLUES
Reader Comments
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Some good observations (as ever) Ken. I think Hibbo showed every what he was about. Do not forget his pass that Pienaar flicked wide to Arteta in the build up for the second goal. He can pass well (just needs to be more consistant) and he even whipped in a few decent crosses.
Centre mid is a massive problem. Lets not forget that we are missing big name players there and if any team (Man Utd included) was missing two big name centre mids then they would lose their creativity and drive.
I think the answer is a combination of Carsley and Gravesen with Tim being eased back in replacing the dane late on as he tires. Tim seems some way off yet though.
Centre mid is a massive problem. Lets not forget that we are missing big name players there and if any team (Man Utd included) was missing two big name centre mids then they would lose their creativity and drive.
I think the answer is a combination of Carsley and Gravesen with Tim being eased back in replacing the dane late on as he tires. Tim seems some way off yet though.
As usual, a balanced and realistic perspective. Nothing too much to disagree with.
I think that the Yak will play his part as part of a rotating four striker squad. I wouldn’t mind seeing him used as a sub in the last twenty to see what he produces in that context.
Interesting to see AVdM on the bench.
Fingers crossed for the UEFA fixture this week
AG
I think that the Yak will play his part as part of a rotating four striker squad. I wouldn’t mind seeing him used as a sub in the last twenty to see what he produces in that context.
Interesting to see AVdM on the bench.
Fingers crossed for the UEFA fixture this week
AG
ok everyone lets not get to carried away by todays win over a very plain and ordinary boring boro.they hadnt got any real quality or players that strike fear into you everytime they get the ball and apart from a couple of bad finishes they rarely troubled our back line.we all know the real test is coming on thurs when we face the boys from the ukraine,win and we can all praise the lads and breath a big sigh of relief,lose,lets not think about it eh.
Not being funny Andrew,but you don’t pay over £11million for a striker,and then use him as part of a rotating four striker squad.
Glad I was sitting down for this one - for the first time in living memory, a report and comments that don’t bag Tony Hibbert to the shithouse. Indeed, actually - I’ll whisper it - compliments him...
I am becomming a fan of your reports Ken. Very fair. Well written with good balance. Keep up the good work. Fancy a go at runing for Editor?
Tony Hibbert had his best game for some time for which I’m made up . Don’t forget it’s not that long ago he was being hyped as a future England right back . He seems to play better when he has a specific job to concentrate on , today it was Downing who he had in his pocket , he also had a good game a few weeks ago against Ronaldo and Evra who never really got a kick , Here’s hoping he’s getting his act together ’ cos I love it when our home grown players are performing well , (I’m certain Mikel Arteta was born in Fazakerley and his dad Big Arto used to drink in the Copplehouse )
Nail on the head as ever Ken!. Re Yak. as Brian said, ’you don’t pay 11mill fora squad player’, (well others might, but we don’t.). There are a few different types of striker, one is the ’sniffer’ the in the box type, the Greaveses, the Mullers, the Latchfords, the Linekers, even the Cottees,in his West Ham incarnation, which is what we bought, maybe not what wanted, but that was our own fault, lazy strikers, the play it in to the box and let me get a touch on it. Of the other types well this is for another day.
So to be grudgingly fair to Moyes, I think that Fernandes was the other piece of the plan, which would see more joined up football and we would be playing a larger percentage of better balls into the box for Yak and others to get a touch on. That’s all you need, a touch ask Pinnear.
The trouble is with Moyes (tactical blind spots not with standing) he doesn’t fulfil Napoleons requirement for commanders, never mind his qualifications and reputation...’IS HE LUCKY???’ and he isn’t!! how many times has the cunning plan, substitution, etc back fired...So now he is stuck with a big money ’gun’ and nobody to supply the bullets, like I said, he’s just plain unlucky!!
So to be grudgingly fair to Moyes, I think that Fernandes was the other piece of the plan, which would see more joined up football and we would be playing a larger percentage of better balls into the box for Yak and others to get a touch on. That’s all you need, a touch ask Pinnear.
The trouble is with Moyes (tactical blind spots not with standing) he doesn’t fulfil Napoleons requirement for commanders, never mind his qualifications and reputation...’IS HE LUCKY???’ and he isn’t!! how many times has the cunning plan, substitution, etc back fired...So now he is stuck with a big money ’gun’ and nobody to supply the bullets, like I said, he’s just plain unlucky!!
I think the centre midfield is struggling because we have two defensive minded players. I think Neville and Jagielka are both better than Carsley. What we desperately need is Graveson , preferably playing alongside Jagielka with Neville at right back.
Once everyone is available , I would play Anichebe and Vaughan upfront. Yakubu looks worse than Beattie , which I did not think was possible.
With these chanages and Arteta in the team , I reckon Everton will finish in the top five , minimum.
Once everyone is available , I would play Anichebe and Vaughan upfront. Yakubu looks worse than Beattie , which I did not think was possible.
With these chanages and Arteta in the team , I reckon Everton will finish in the top five , minimum.
Hail King Ken: Top quality, spot on, very well written and entertaining to boot! If only watching the team flowed as well as reading your superb analyses! Thanks a million Ken, top of the class...again :-)
Had Beattie turned in the performance of Yakubu he would be getting panned left and right.Moyes has bombed big-time with this signing-but what’s new?And he was only £12M,anyway!
I can understand the question marks over Yakubu’s lack of work rate but as all said and done we knew and more importantly David Moyes knew before buying him the type of player he was getting..He knew we were not getting a chace lost causes player like AJ..In many ways though that may not be such a bad thing. I believe Yakubu is the type of player who will never impress performance wise but come the end of the season I think he will be in double figures once he has settled in to the team more.Dont forget he only made his debut on September 1. He has scored twice in five matches so far, its not the worst record going but obviously we want it to improve.. I like Anichebe’s work rate but I still dont feel he is going to be the immediate answer yet, his control is still a little sloppy and at the moment he looks a better substitute than a starter..What we would give to have AJ back scoring again like last season because its not worth setting our stall out to defend on Thursday. What else did I learn from yesterday? Well I think its fair to say Jagielka is not a midfielder, he looked a fish out of water playing there.. I dont think midfield is Neville’s best area either. Also I think Pienaar is worth a run in the team ahead of Osman at least for now, I know he is lightweight but he seemed to offer a little more in the way of pace than Osman who I think doesnt give you much in a four man midfield. We need Gravesen and Cahill back also and then I can maybe judge the players we have bought because I will then deem that our strongest team. Its too early to start judgments and to say people are disasters before we are even ten games in.
Well written piece Ken. Agreed on almost every point. I may have to upset the applecart here though. Once again I thought Hibbert was poor (bar his one moment of completed passing).His positioning was all over the place and almost gifted Boro their opening effort. Now my seat is in the Park end right next to the big screen,so the lad was right in front of me for the first half. I watched him a lot yesterday, and he plainly isnt up to it. He marshelled a poor Downing but never really stopped him from getting his crosses in or passing to a team mate. Now i’ve nothing personally against Hibbo but he is going to cost us more than he’ll protect us.
As for the game itself, a welcome 3 points but pretty dire football for the most part with sporadic moments of simple passing which led to our best chances. Some day soon Moyes will wake up to the realisation that playing the ball on the deck reaps the greater rewards. Hopefully he’ll come to his senses by Thursday. All in all, We did what we had to do against a side we should always have beaten. More of the same please Mr Arteta.
As for the game itself, a welcome 3 points but pretty dire football for the most part with sporadic moments of simple passing which led to our best chances. Some day soon Moyes will wake up to the realisation that playing the ball on the deck reaps the greater rewards. Hopefully he’ll come to his senses by Thursday. All in all, We did what we had to do against a side we should always have beaten. More of the same please Mr Arteta.
Chris, if you want to criticise defenders why are you not criticising Lescott for the header out that almost led to a Boro goal. A couple of clearances straight to boro players as well. Tony Hibbert played a solid game as you could want from a full back. You called Downing poor. A good defender makes a winger look poor, and that is what happened yesterday. I suppose Ronaldo was poor for united when we played them too.
Chris, if you want to criticise defenders why are you not criticising Lescott for the header out that almost led to a Boro goal. A couple of clearances straight to boro players as well. Tony Hibbert played a solid game as you could want from a full back. You called Downing poor. A good defender makes a winger look poor, and that is what happened yesterday. I suppose Ronaldo was poor for united when we played them too.
Interesting. Thought we were pretty poor in general but happy to take the 3 pts. Hibbert again was caught out of position for their first chance and Stubbsy was going mad at him after their chance went wide. After that he settled down and I agree he was better passing and going forward than I have seen him for a long time. Baines had a pretty poor game and was caught a couple of times for their chances. It’s the first poor game he has had.
In Centre Mid where everybody seems to have an opinion - I thought Neville and Jags were trying to create rather than doing what they are supposed to do and give it to Arteta and Pienaar. Both got caught on the ball too often - they need to realise their job in that formation is to move the ball on quickly and breakup the opposition’s attacks. I think we can play with one not both and when Tim and Tommy are back I suspect we will play more of a diamond formation with only one of Neville or Jags in DM and then Tim, Mik and either Tommy or Pienaar. I agree Pienaar looks better every game and he is ahead of Ossie now and getting better.
Up front is difficult. I was never a fan of the Yak at Boro and
thought the lack of effort would be an issue with the fans. It’s just become an issue much quicker than I thought. I agree that McFadden is getting better, thought he was good yesterday and deserves to hold his place. I would bring AJ back instead of Yak for Thursday. Anichebe isn’t ready yet and may never be. Vaughan could still be the answer as AJ and Mac up front isn’t very physical. A sad state of affairs when we have just paid 11M for Yak. If he gets some better service, he will score but he will never be a favourite of the fans and he can be a liability in games vs top class CBs.
Improving but we have a long way to go although when we have the injured back we may just start to pass the ball and then I can see big progress.
Jason
In Centre Mid where everybody seems to have an opinion - I thought Neville and Jags were trying to create rather than doing what they are supposed to do and give it to Arteta and Pienaar. Both got caught on the ball too often - they need to realise their job in that formation is to move the ball on quickly and breakup the opposition’s attacks. I think we can play with one not both and when Tim and Tommy are back I suspect we will play more of a diamond formation with only one of Neville or Jags in DM and then Tim, Mik and either Tommy or Pienaar. I agree Pienaar looks better every game and he is ahead of Ossie now and getting better.
Up front is difficult. I was never a fan of the Yak at Boro and
thought the lack of effort would be an issue with the fans. It’s just become an issue much quicker than I thought. I agree that McFadden is getting better, thought he was good yesterday and deserves to hold his place. I would bring AJ back instead of Yak for Thursday. Anichebe isn’t ready yet and may never be. Vaughan could still be the answer as AJ and Mac up front isn’t very physical. A sad state of affairs when we have just paid 11M for Yak. If he gets some better service, he will score but he will never be a favourite of the fans and he can be a liability in games vs top class CBs.
Improving but we have a long way to go although when we have the injured back we may just start to pass the ball and then I can see big progress.
Jason
What a great few days it has been for Everton.Two clean sheets with progress in the Carling Cup and a magnificent victory over Boro.
I thought Davey got the midfield just right.Nevs was the general,Jags filled the defensive role with Miky and Pins weaving their magic all over the pitch.
Now Europe beckons and I have no doubt that come Friday morning we shall still be fighting on all fronts.
I thought Davey got the midfield just right.Nevs was the general,Jags filled the defensive role with Miky and Pins weaving their magic all over the pitch.
Now Europe beckons and I have no doubt that come Friday morning we shall still be fighting on all fronts.
Fair point Steve, but given Hibbert’s consistently poor form of late, he’s going to come under a lot more scrutiny. I agree Lescott was at fault at times, but he’s also our top scorer and this deflects criticism somewhat. As I said earlier, I have nothing against Hibbo and would love him to perform better on a regular basis. As for Ronaldo, I was of the opinion that Baines had marked him out of the game.
Hibbo will come back into form now, he’s just had to get himself together after a long period out with hardly any games in between.
McFadden is one to watch this season along with Osman who would have had a few chances yeaterday if he played i think. The most important thing for Moyes to do is to try and find another Arteta because the midfield rely on him too much sometimes and when we lose him it shows.
McFadden is one to watch this season along with Osman who would have had a few chances yeaterday if he played i think. The most important thing for Moyes to do is to try and find another Arteta because the midfield rely on him too much sometimes and when we lose him it shows.
Richard,your latest post just goes to show once and for all,you do it just to wind people up.Neville after a good performance in the cup,was back to his usual shite-self.And Jags was even worse.Also,for me,Pienaar is Osman,with dreadlocks.
In fairness, Tom, I think that’s what Moyes was trying to achieve in bringing back Gravesen. Time will tell, of course, if Gravesen can still play as well as he did immediately before he left for Real.
I agree though that McFadden is one of our most consistent players this season, he seems to have matured a lot. I mentioned to my dad yesterday that I thought a lot of people expected too much from him too soon - the guy is still only 25 and can still improve as a player. Everyone could see the talent he had when he first came, and expected too much as a result when he was still only 21 and very raw as a player.
I agree though that McFadden is one of our most consistent players this season, he seems to have matured a lot. I mentioned to my dad yesterday that I thought a lot of people expected too much from him too soon - the guy is still only 25 and can still improve as a player. Everyone could see the talent he had when he first came, and expected too much as a result when he was still only 21 and very raw as a player.
Brian,I am no wind-up merchant but seek only to give manager and players the praise they deserve.
I totally agree with Peter Roberts re Faddy.His form HAS BEEN a revelation and we are beginning to see why Davey called him the Scottish Rooney when he signed him.In fact,from what I have seen of ’Fat Boy ’this season, McFadden is now the better player!
I totally agree with Peter Roberts re Faddy.His form HAS BEEN a revelation and we are beginning to see why Davey called him the Scottish Rooney when he signed him.In fact,from what I have seen of ’Fat Boy ’this season, McFadden is now the better player!
Good report very fair.Is it just coincedence that Hibbert played his best game this season when Stubbs was next to him and not Yobo.A few times during the game you could see Stubbs telling him where he should be and i noticed he gave a right dogging when O,neil got in on goal.
Let’s not get carried away with 3 points against a very ordinary team. If they could finish it would have been a completely different story. And is it the style/quality of football that people are happy to pay to watch? Our Centre mid has to be the worst in the prem and dithering Dave doesn’t appear to be able to do anything about it. Hibbert was better than his previous displays but the issue is that at the moment the full backs are absolutely essential in what the team creates. Hibbert just isn’t good enough. We’ve got to stick with the Yak because big Vic isn’t sharp enough yet. Yes he’s big but he’s not quick and his first touch is poor. And what about Moyes’s decision to put Pienaar up top with Victor for the last 10 minutes? Perhaps he has a cunning plan for Thursday. What a master tactician he is.
Nice to see some of the fickle footy experts moaning after a 2-0 win.Good to see we are taking the positives to the the game Thursday.As to Yakubu he will come good,the price tag aside.It´s nothing to pay 12 million for a decent player in todays climate.We need more class in midfield and would have had it if it wasn´t for Fernandes bailing at the last minute.When Tiny and the nutter are back we´ll have a few more quality options,Cahill is a massive player for us.So credit were credits due,two wins two clean sheets lets hope we can do the biz on thursday.(I would let Arteta take any pens.)
Hear hear.
So anyone who expresses an opinion is now a "Fickle Footy Expert". I?d rather be realistic than believe everything is now fine because we beat a very poor Boro team 2 ? 0. What I do know is that the quality of football isn’t good enough and I expect higher standards. The money and time that has been spent on building Moyes? team should be cause for optimism ?but it clearly isn?t. And for god?s sake stop banging on about how we nearly got Fernandez. We didn’t. How long did Moyes need to sort the deal out ffs and what was his contingency plan? The Grav? That?s forward thinking for you. There’s nothing like a bit blind optimism is there - lets wait for Tiny and the Grav to get fit. Both wont be fit for Thursday will they. And where will he play Tim when he’s back? Alongside Johnson & the Yak. Don’t think so. Dare I say that Moyes doesn’t know himself yet?
Gary Carpark might be happy with the result on Sunday but I’m not. Why? Because I didn’t see anything to calm my fears that we do not have anywhere there the skill and class needed to get a win away from home on Thursday. If Arteta doesn’t perform then we will go out & I will want David Moyes’ head on a plate
Davey,
Watch your anger! Banging on about FernandeS?iT´S THE FIST TIME i´VE MENTIONED HIM EXUSE ME!I also never said everything was fine.I´m mereley pointing out this is still the same team that took spurs to pieces,should have delt with both United and Ukrainian outfit in the same way.(not to mention villa)It´s a matter of confidence.When we have all our players back.When we play well wich we will! We will be a match for anyone. You can expect all you like,and if quality is what you expect watching Everton like I have over the last 20 years no wonder your angry.But a wins a win lets carry it forward.
Watch your anger! Banging on about FernandeS?iT´S THE FIST TIME i´VE MENTIONED HIM EXUSE ME!I also never said everything was fine.I´m mereley pointing out this is still the same team that took spurs to pieces,should have delt with both United and Ukrainian outfit in the same way.(not to mention villa)It´s a matter of confidence.When we have all our players back.When we play well wich we will! We will be a match for anyone. You can expect all you like,and if quality is what you expect watching Everton like I have over the last 20 years no wonder your angry.But a wins a win lets carry it forward.
Yipee hibbert actually passed to a blue shirt,so fucking what thats what he’s paid for.Stubbsey was on his case the whole fucking game.
How about Neville on right midfield on Thursday in front of Hibbert allowing Pienaar into the middle where he is closer to Arteta. If those can link like they did for the second goal yesterday then we could be in for a good night. Oh and Carsley in for Jagielka too. Make me a bit more confident when Pienaar goes forward.
Having watched the game yesterday I think overall we looked quite good. True, in parts we looked nervous (a feeling reflected by the atmosphere in the stands) at the back but it must be remembered that confidence was low going into the ’Boro game and was possibly the root cause of the dodgy defending in the opening half.
I know he signed a new contract in the summer but considering Mikel is becoming more and more recognised as the Everton figurehead and playmaker, I’m starting to worry a club like Madrid wont try to steal him back to his homeland.
I know he signed a new contract in the summer but considering Mikel is becoming more and more recognised as the Everton figurehead and playmaker, I’m starting to worry a club like Madrid wont try to steal him back to his homeland.
Some of you are so depressing! Why does it always have to be the extreme point of view?
Nobody’s saying that we were amazing on Sunday, or that Boro’ are top quality opposition, or that Hibbert is suddenly Hibbertinho, but we won 2-0. Many of the posts above are not critiques but depressing rants.
The only thing that would make some of the people above happy would be for us to win the treble this season. REALISTIC!!! Try pessimistic!
Hibbert is probably not in the future plans of EFC, but whilst he is here then I hope he can play like he did on Sunday. Yes, Stubbs had to ball at him a couple of times, but most players will get shouted at by a team mate in a game. As long as he listens and learns from it!
"Worst midfield in the Premiership" said one post. Get a grip! It’s not even our first choice and (devoid of flair as it may be) it’s still not the worst in the Premiership.
I have no problem with the constructive criticism above, that’s what these posts are for, but keep the doomsday scenarios away. I dread to think what some of them would be like if we had lost the game. Performance is important but POINTS ARE VITAL.
Nobody’s saying that we were amazing on Sunday, or that Boro’ are top quality opposition, or that Hibbert is suddenly Hibbertinho, but we won 2-0. Many of the posts above are not critiques but depressing rants.
The only thing that would make some of the people above happy would be for us to win the treble this season. REALISTIC!!! Try pessimistic!
Hibbert is probably not in the future plans of EFC, but whilst he is here then I hope he can play like he did on Sunday. Yes, Stubbs had to ball at him a couple of times, but most players will get shouted at by a team mate in a game. As long as he listens and learns from it!
"Worst midfield in the Premiership" said one post. Get a grip! It’s not even our first choice and (devoid of flair as it may be) it’s still not the worst in the Premiership.
I have no problem with the constructive criticism above, that’s what these posts are for, but keep the doomsday scenarios away. I dread to think what some of them would be like if we had lost the game. Performance is important but POINTS ARE VITAL.
Very average performance. Thought Lescott and Arteta were once again class. Jags was a big disappointment, maybe he’s a CB but still should be able to control and pass the ball. Thought Neville was terrible AGAIN, cannot pass the ball and not a clue what to do when gets in an attacking position. Yak was once again poor, bit of a Drogba type whinger. Pinnear looks promising, Faddy another good game, Hibbert much improved and great heart, Stubbs reads game like a book, Howard is as solid as a keeper can be.
its sad that we rely on one man for our creativity in midfield. when arteta is injured or worse still, if he goes we will be bottom six material again !
we NEED a creative centre mid player. it will be good to see cahill back, but he is not the answer either. a good box to box player, but hardly the incisive passer that we need. i think we got away with it against boro. and ending the match with 8 defensive players (hibbert, stubbs, lescott, yobo, carsley, neville, jagielka and baines) on the pitch is hardly condusive to attacking football
we NEED a creative centre mid player. it will be good to see cahill back, but he is not the answer either. a good box to box player, but hardly the incisive passer that we need. i think we got away with it against boro. and ending the match with 8 defensive players (hibbert, stubbs, lescott, yobo, carsley, neville, jagielka and baines) on the pitch is hardly condusive to attacking football
Just to point out a slight error in your report. I think you will find the flick on that was cleared off the line & lead to Lescotts goal was from the Yak not McFadden.
I hope this wasn’t a convenient oversight to ignore positive contributions and add to the ’lazy’ and doesn’t contribute anything argument.
I personally think Yak is doing ok at present Vic runs about alot but generally just gives away free-kicks or the ball. From what I have seen Yak holds the ball up well and links well with other players. He was also ding a fair bit of chasing back to0
I hope this wasn’t a convenient oversight to ignore positive contributions and add to the ’lazy’ and doesn’t contribute anything argument.
I personally think Yak is doing ok at present Vic runs about alot but generally just gives away free-kicks or the ball. From what I have seen Yak holds the ball up well and links well with other players. He was also ding a fair bit of chasing back to0
I think if Moyes let Yakubu play his natural game (i.e not make him spend all his time chasing shadows) so he can concentrate on what he does best and we actually gave him decent service regularly then he’ll get us 20 a season.
It’s interesting that Robson is building his team around Beattie & he’s got 7 in 7. Moyes paid £11m for the Yak and wants him to fit in chasing lost causes & hopeful punts. I’m not a Moyes hater but I blame him for the Yaks disjointed start.
It’s interesting that Robson is building his team around Beattie & he’s got 7 in 7. Moyes paid £11m for the Yak and wants him to fit in chasing lost causes & hopeful punts. I’m not a Moyes hater but I blame him for the Yaks disjointed start.
Chris Briddon.From my seat I could have sworn it was Faddy but when I watched on TV later I realized it was indeed the Yak and I had already posted.Apologies to both you and the Yak
Having been recently ill (and still recovering), sundays game which i was able to get on five live (albeit about two minutes of the entire game due to some rugby match taking priority instead) OF COURSE HAD IT BEEN LIVERPOOL CHELSEA ARSENAL OR SOME OTHER (BITING TONGUE) they would have been quick enough to have put it on. but sadly everton vs middlesbrough is not deemed a interesting enough or not a big enough fixture to warrant a live transmission. at least channel five have the good grace to show our return in ukraine this thursday which incidentally is winnable and we have the capabilities of going into the group stages. we havent had a european adventure since, well, the last time we won in europe. in regard to the game on sunday an average performance at best. the return of arteta was pivotal towards success and i see him as the difference between a victory and a defeat. of course the midfield needs strengthing and all and sundry have quite rightly pointed it out. lets not forget that if he do lose and subsequently go out of the uefa cup this week it will more than likely carry on into our league campaign. but thats not going to happen right?. finally im looking forward to the trip to luton this month. i have a sister in kenilworth so i will be all right for accomodation. a winnable fixture and then into the quarter finals. im getting excited already.
Hibbert still poo....
Neville still clapping like a sea lion on drugs...
Passed it around quite well at times...
think Arteta will guide us through in Ukraine....
come on you blues...
Moyes out!
Neville still clapping like a sea lion on drugs...
Passed it around quite well at times...
think Arteta will guide us through in Ukraine....
come on you blues...
Moyes out!
The truth of the matter is the football is fucking dire and as been for a long time.The only tactic we’ve got is lump it forward and try and pick up the loose ball when their centre backs win the header,which they invariably do.We can’t string 3passes together due to lack of movement and shit coaching.I sometimes wonder what they actually do on the training ground all week because it looks as if they haven’t seen each other from the previous saturday.Take the genius Arteta out the team,which happened against mentalist and villa,and we’re piss poor with nobody else able to create anything.Watching Neville and Jagielka scratching about in midfield is both painful and embarassing
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1 Posted 30/09/2007 at 22:29:03
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