Sorry, Mr Moyes ? The Buck Stops With You

First of all, let me comment on the quality of the opposition: that was an ordinary Liverpool side who turned up at Goodison, they have as much chance of landing the Premiership crown as Gary Glitter has of becoming a benefactor of Barnardos.

So why did we struggle so much when we were reduced to 10 men? The answer is simple: possesion is the name of the game, keep the ball for any length of time and the opposition can't hurt you. I'm sorry to say that much as I admire most of the work done by Moyes over nearly six years, the simple fundmentals of the game are not in place, and boy does it show.

I presume at the end of last season he must have sat down with his coaching staff and highlited which areas of the team needed the most attention. Why then, was most of his efforts directed towards defensive utility men unable to pass, without any vision, or the ability to pick a player out, and to a large degree unable to tackle! The old adage of managers being too close to players and unable to recognise their shortcomings when everyone around them can see the problems can also be directed at Moyes.

Hibbert versus Gerrard for the first penalty: only one winner there then, and all the full-back had to do was wait for Gerrard to try and guide the ball past Howard who had come out and was anticipating the shot, but no you see unintelligent players ALWAYS make the wrong choice, it was evident against Manchester United twice in recent seasons that Hibbert clearly isn't up to the job, and yet when fit, he is always Moyes first choice. Why? When a player has stinker after stinker, why on earth pick him, the Premiership will soon find you out if your not up to the job.

From the first minute of the game on Saturday, long ball after long ball was hoofed up for either Anichibe or Yakuba to flick on, in the vain hope of one of the front two being able to get a lucky break, and get a clear shot at goal. This is 'percentage' football reminiscence of the seventies, excuse me but hasn't football moved on since then? Believe me, whatever combination the manager tries up front for the remainder of the season, it will only flourish sporadically because forwards need chances to convert and if the chances arn't being created they will struggle.

The return of Cahill and possibly Gravesen will only mask the underlying problem, and that is progressive teams are able to keep the ball and take some of the pressure off the defence when under the cosh. One of the reasons Liverpool were under no undue pressure at Anfield a couple of seasons ago, once Gerrard had been dismissed in the Derby, was because they were able to retain possesion, god forbid we have to take lessons from them!

So, were do we go from here? Sure we will win a number of games playing the 'high pressure' up-and-at-them style of combat, but it is never sustainable. And with the likes of Arteta, we will see always have a glimpse of how the game could be played, but sadly the current style is almost medieval and as everyone knows, is not pretty to watch.

And finally a word for the referee, he basically made two fundamental errors which possibly cost us the draw, the Kuyt sending off, and the Lescott penalty at the end. Sure Liverpool 'stole' the points but even the most ardent red won't be fooled by that limp performance, Benitez has spent big, and simply made them hard to beat. Look along the M62 for a free scoring and attractive 'real' title contender with quality all over the field.

So, despite Mr Moyes protests about the referee 'sleeping with the enemy' on a pre-season tour, the real problems lie much closer to home.

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