Late leveller denies Blues priceless win

, 7 April, 260comments  |  Jump to most recent
Tottenham Hotspur 2 - 2 Everton
David Moyes made a very interesting team selection, with Kevin Mirallas declared fit enough to start alongside something of a surprise pick in Ross Barkley — but Jelavic is dropped to the bench. The formation is unclear; it could be three at the back again, with a five-man midfield and Mirallas playing the Fellaini role off Anichebe.

Everton kicked off in bright sunshine but a hoof up field lost possession and Spurs attacked down the left, Vertonghen whipping in a vicious cross that got behind a sleepy Everton defence and Adebayor had no problem in finishing through Howard's legs, 33 seconds gone.

Everton were stunned... but forced their first corner inside 5 mins; Mirallas sent it high and deep, easy meat for Lloris. The Blues settled and tried to build attacks with a mixture of wing play and long balls. On one clearance, Dawson gave away a gift to Osman whose fantastic opportunity to curl it around Lloris was spurned, the England man firing horribly wide.

Some brilliant play saw Barkley drill in a great cross that was defended behind and Baines's corner deep to th far post was headed down onto the ground and in brilliantly by Phil Jagielka... an excellent goal to put Everton right back in it with barely 15 mins gone.

Both sides were getting some decent possession as the game developed into an intriguing battle, with Barkley trying to make a difference through the middle and Spurs perhaps edging it but making as many mistakes as Everton, Walker getting very annoyed for an overhit pass as they struggled to get behind a more disciplined Everton defence and resorted to taking long shots well high and wide.

Anichebe allowed a nice long free-kick to bounce out harmlessly; he should have done a lot more to control it. And later he looked to do his trademark roll of the defender but lost the ball.

It was an open game, with both sides looking threatening when they went forward but Everton were finding it hard at times to keep possession with the close marking from Spurs and too many lofted balls.

Barkley managed to trip over the ball and tried to retain it as he lay on the ground, leading to the ref calling for a drop ball which neither side would relinquish, and we had the very rare sight these days of a contested drop ball. Anichebe went down for no apparent reason, jarring something.

Barkley was having a tough time of it, getting closely marked and losing possession, but the Blues were really struggling at times to play their joined-up passing game, Baines not having much joy against Walker. Howard was doing a good job catching Sigurdson's corner's but any development from the back was spoiled by poorly aimed long balls. Everton only 37% possession in the first half.

Anichebe was fit enough to resume after the break as Spurs came out of the gate with guns blazing, denying Everton any meaningful possession, made worse by the increasing tendency to hoof it forward. Baines did get free on the left but delayed his cross, and the Blues were pushed back again, as Moyes decided to switch things up, hauling off Barkley, who had had something of a 'mare in all honestly, But a bit of work down the right set up Gibson for a shot that he drilled just wide as Barkley trotted off and Jelavic came on.

From the restart, And after intercepting the clearance and exchanging balls with Anichebe, Kevin Mirallas made a great run in from the right, beating three defenders and driving brilliantly in across Lloris to the far post, another top class goal.

It was end to end, then, with Dembele firing one in that was deflected wicked and kicked up miraculously off Howard's arm onto the face of the crossbar!! Then Mirallas got free again and tried to play in Jelavic with Osman a little slow running in.

Spurs upped the pressure, if that was at all possible, pushing Everton back again and again as they sought an equalizeer but could find no way through the strong and disciplined defensive wall formed by the Blues defense.

A short corner from Mirallas led to a great piece of play and almost a goal, Heitinga denied by a defender's boot, while at the other end, Howard had to punch away a shot and defenders blocked a series of shots as the pressure notched up once more, the atmosphere and intensity approaching boiling point with 25 mins still left in an absorbing contest. But Spurs weren't really getting close enough, forced into long-distance pot-shots.

Anichebe got a sniff but pulled is shot past the post, somehow winning a corner that was defended away. Then Anichebe forced the play forward and seemed to have fed Jelavic but the Croatian was flagged marginally offside.

Walker should have been carded for manhandling Baines as Huddlestone came on for Dembele. Gibson committed a poor foul from behind and was lucky not to get a card as a number of Spurs set-pieces were repelled. The card, though, went to Mirallas for an ankle tap on Parker but the free-kick was nicely straight at Howard.

Everton then made an increasingly rare attack in which Jelavic bullishly chased down the ball, Mirallas then feeding Anichebe for a distant shot that flew just wide. Dempsey then got yellow for making his fall look like a dive. Osman, with the whole field ahead of him, ran the ball bizarrely into touch. Naismith came on for Mirallas and that signalled the breakthrough for Spurs, Adebayor firing off the post and Sigurdson buriing it from the other side. Determined resistance finally broken, as seemed almost inevitable at times given the surrendered possession all over the field.

Spurs continued to press, but at the other end, Anichebe should have done better when he got past a defender but could not get the ball by Lloris. More desperate defending by Everton ended with Gibson releasing Jelavic who had a glorious chance to seal it or set up Gibson but he fired straight at Lloris.

A late corner for Spurs in added time saw head tennis and finally a clearance that allowed Anichebe to win a good free kick on the left side of the Spurs penalty area. Baines curled it to the far post where Lloris grasped it to end the game. If ever there was a draw snatched from the jaws of Victory. Two points lost, and surely the final nail in any lingering Champions League dreams...

Tottenham Hotspur:Lloris; Walker, Caulker, Dawson, Vertonghen; Parker, Dembele (75' Huddlestone); Sigurdsson, Holtby, Dempsey Y:84'; Adebayor.
Subs: Friedel, Naughton, Assou-Ekotto, Livermore, Carroll, Ceballos

Everton (3-5-2?): Howard; Heitinga, Distin, Jagielka; Coleman, Gibson, Barkley (51' Jelavic), Osman, Baines; Mirallas Y:81' (86' Naismith), Anichebe.
Subs: Mucha, Duffy, Stones, Oviedo, Hitzlsperger.

Quotes or other material sourced from ToffeeWeb Match Reports



Reader Comments (260)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer


Tim Jones
1 Posted 07/04/2013 at 13:26:01
Mirrallas is turning out to be a bit of a 'sicknote' so I will be surprised if we get a full 90 minutes from him - it would be a first. Hopefully that does not mean that we get the 'man short' Naismith as his replacement when he goes off as we all know he will. Oviedo would be a much more preferable replacement.
Ernie Baywood
2 Posted 07/04/2013 at 13:27:03
I was assuming its Kev off Vic. The width coming from the wing backs and Ross in the centre with Osman (Gibson behind them).

Could of course also be Ross attacking in a 4-5-1 with Jags or Johnny at RB and Mirrallas on the left.

Derek Thomas
3 Posted 07/04/2013 at 13:49:28
No Neville even as a sub, the writing is indeed on the wall. I am sure he will be there in the dugout some where.

Grasping the nettle or forced upon him by circumstances, depends if you are Moyes IN or OUT.

Don't care really so long as we get 3pts

David Booth
4 Posted 07/04/2013 at 14:03:37
Well credit to David Moyes: Barkley in and no Neville or Naismith.

If only he'd given Barkley half a dozen run-outs beforehand. Somewhat in at the deep end, but still, better late than never.

At least he's not put Neville in and tried to sandbag Spurs with seven defenders.

Would like to have seen Jelavic in there though. With Mirallas and Barkley behind him (and even the grossly-overrated Osman), this could have been his sort of game.

But at least, with Bale out, Moyes seems to want to win it.

If the players realise it is more than winnable too in Bale's absence, this could put us right in the mix for fourth, or even third spot.

Ciarán McGlone
5 Posted 07/04/2013 at 14:12:48
Heitinga in midfield and Barkley on the wing.. makes loads of sense.
Peter Cummings
6 Posted 07/04/2013 at 14:13:54
Just what we needed, one down already and almost straight from the kickoff. So at lest we now have the incentive to ATTACK!
Steve King
7 Posted 07/04/2013 at 14:55:16
Not bad considering the start.

but Osman in advanced role isn't working.

Bring on Jelly and go 4-4-2

Robbie Shields
8 Posted 07/04/2013 at 14:54:34
Good on ya Moyes for putting Barkley in and leaving Neville out, we can win this.
Anto Byrne
9 Posted 07/04/2013 at 14:55:25
We are not really getting enough players forward to support Vic who is doing okay. Not sure why Barkley is on the wing when he is much better in the middle. Osman off and Oviedo on the wing with Ross in the middle.

Ossie is too lightweight and that chance he had was so wide of the mark; still, par for the course when Osman is concerned. A shot on target would be the minimum we could expect. Everton's Gerrard? — you're havin a laugh!

Coleman gets better with each game and Gibbo is real class. This is the sort of game that Jelli should do well in. Let's see if the master tactician can pull something out of the bag eh?

Steven Telford
11 Posted 07/04/2013 at 14:57:40
We are so fucking uncritical in attack.
Anichabie and Yelavic just don’t work at all well together, the completely fail to pass to each other when the other is in space.
Steven Telford
12 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:00:23
I mean un-clinical
David Booth
13 Posted 07/04/2013 at 15:58:24
WHY, WHY, WHY, WHY, WHY, WHY, WHY, WHY, this ridiculous Mirallas off/Naismith on scenario AGAIN?

Rhythm lost, attacking impetus lost, momentum lost and, almost inevitably, two extra points lost.

What on earth does it bring to the game, apart from telling the opposition 'we've had enough now and are going to just hang on...'?

We will never break through and mount a serious challenge with the 'elite' if we persist with such negative, inferior thinking.

They were there for the taking at 2-1 up with five minutes of normal time to go.

Instead, Moyes shit himself again.

Paul Andrews
15 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:04:19
Victor Man of the Match. Looks like the penny has dropped.
James Martin
16 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:02:32
David the Mirallas substitution had nothing to do with it, he had an injury last week, and was offering nothing defensively or offensively towards the end. The game was crying out for a change. You can't blame Moyes because the so called world's best left back was getting torn a new one by Kyle Walker and thought it clever to commit to a ball he was never going to win. One ounce of football intelligence there and we get three points.

Towards the end we had two good chances to win it spurned by Anichebe and Jelavic so where was the loss of attacking impetus. Is it Moyes's fault that they missed them? If Baines could defend in big games or Anichebe could finish we'd have 3 more points but they can't and that's why Baines doesn't play for England.

Jim Knightley
17 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:03:18
Mirallas was touch and go for the match...did you expect him to play 90mins?

We still should have won it. Anichebe should have scored(he was great though), and Jelavic really should have played Gibson in.

In normal circumstances a draw would have been a good result...but we need to make up points, so drawing is not good enough. Will probaly have to win 2 of our 3 big away matches now, for any chance of fourth. Only plus is that Rafa has fucked up Chelsea, and Arsenal have paper thin confidence. I think Spurs will drop alot of points during the run in, but making up 6 points, with our fixtures, looks near impossible.

Tony Hanlon
18 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:05:32
David Booth at 802 has said it all. When Naismith come on I would have took a point and thats with 4 minutes left and leading 2-1.
Anto Byrne
19 Posted 07/04/2013 at 15:59:10
The tactical Muppet does it again. Takes off the best player for arguably the fucking worst player ever to wear the blue shirt with what 5 minutes to play and sure enough they fucking score.

Does this clown ever fucking learn? We sit back and defend and invite them to attack us. After we scored, we never went for a third to kill off the game and as usual sat back in typical Moyes fashion.

Absolutely at the end of my patience with this manager, will be so glad when he fucks off in the summer. The game was there to be taken and yet again the big time bottler fucks it up once more. What a joke! Words fail me.

Jim Knightley
20 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:08:21
James, extremely harsh on Baines. He has defended well in plenty of big games. He was left exposed time and time again...it wasn't his fault he didnt have enough cover. Inclined to say Mirallas for Oviedo, as a means to give us more defensive cover on the right (Where we were more vulnerable) would have made more sense. But that's probaly retrospect talking.
Paul Andrews
21 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:08:47
James, a bit harsh on Baines there, mate.

You are right in what you say about him over-committing for the ball played around him... but, bearing in mind the service over the last few seasons......

Ross Edwards
22 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:06:00
Our chances of Champions League are even slimmer after this. Any other manager in our situation would have gone for a third goal to finish a very poor Spurs side off, a team that for 20 minutes had ran out of ideas. Then, Moyes decides to take our brightest player off and what happens? He never learns from the Norwich, Oldham and Reading games, and why did he put Naismith on? He's absolutely useless and yet Moyes continues to play him.
21 points dropped from winning positions and it is because Moyes continually sits back on leads and this is going to cost us badly.
I felt sorry for Barkley, thrown in for a big game and he looked off the pace, which is down to Moyes not giving him a run beforehand. Another potential talent wasted through inept management.
Steven Telford
23 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:08:37
In terms of possession, it must be said, they were much better than us. Overlall a point is (somewhat) lucky for both teams. The only reason we feel unlucky is because of the timing of their second.
Ross Edwards
24 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:12:52
Chelsea 2-1 up. Top 4 gone now.
Tony Hanlon
25 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:08:48
Norwich away 1-0 up 5 min to go manager makes defence sub we lose the game. Thats why we hardly ever win by more than the odd goal. Why have people give Victor MOM on here , he cost us the match FACT.
Tony Hanlon
26 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:13:45
Ross top 4 was never ever ever ever there ......
Brian Waring
27 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:14:47
Jim, not being funny, but Moyes took Mirallas off on 86 mins, surely if he can last 86 then he could have lasted the whole game?
David Booth
28 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:11:38
Jim and James, there was nothing wrong with Mirallas and with five minutes left he could surely have lasted until the end.

It disrupted us, sent up a clear signal to Spurs that we were going to sit back and gave them all the impetus they needed to give it a go and equalise. Which they did.

A literally pointless substitution that cost us two and nearly three.

That's why we are forever on the fringe. We could - and should - have been bold and won that game.

Mirallas was NOT injured, limping, shattered or struggling.

So why change a winning team?

A bloody dreadful decision.

I am a confirmed Moyes 'supporter', but such a sh*thouse tactic is definitely one of his weak points.

Dan Brierley
29 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:07:08
Decent performance, but feels like a loss. Some great chances to kill the game off were not taken, this was the reason we did not win. Great to see Barkley get a start, but he didn't do himself much justice to be fair. Very little to get excited about. But big Vic's renaissance is definitely pleasing. He put it another great shift today. Mirallas goal was sublime, happy to see him showing more consistency. Another example though of why Moyes is so important to our club.
Paul Andrews
30 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:20:24
Tony Hanlon,

How did you reckon Anichebe cost us the match?

Graham Mockford
31 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:14:16
Ross,

Moyes criticised for not playing Barkley. Moyes plays Barkley who has a fairly anonymous game and Moyes is criticised.
For my mind I'm a bit worried about his development, he undoubtedly has some talent but he doesn't seem to be learning. He seems to want and try and create something every time he has the ball. Sometimes he just needs to play the easy pass and maintain possession, however he is giving the ball away to regularly.

Patrick Murphy
32 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:18:23
Tony Anichebe was by far Everton's best player today, chased and harried all the time, won headers, held up the ball all that was missing was a goal, compare and contrast with the Idol Jelavic who looks like he can't wait to leave Goodison.
Jelavic has no excuse today he was only on for 30 minutes and did very little with the ball and he should have found Gibson instead of taking the shot.

Dan Brierley
33 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:21:34
I felt sorry for Barkley? I thought he was good enough to play in big games?
Yusuf Bobat
34 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:26:04
13 draws so far is the reason were going to miss out on European football. No killer instinct.
Patrick Murphy
35 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:25:19
Only great young players can perform well in such a high-stake game away from home, Colin Harvey,and Kevin Ratcliffe spring to mind, but to ask a youngster to take up the gauntlet in such a game is asking a wee bit too much especially when you consider that he wasn't deemed good enough to play against lesser teams earlier in the season.

Tony Twist
36 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:25:03
Dithering Davie strikes again. You have to laugh. We are under the cosh for most of the second half but survive... then the Moyesiah changes things. How many more of these clangers do we have to suffer before people realise that he has done all he can and a change of manager is required?
Patrick Murphy
37 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:29:24
Zamorra sees Red! He'll miss next week, nearly took the Wigan lad's head off.

Andy Meighan
38 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:29:41
So Ross (#812), are you saying we're the only team to lose points from winning positions? Absolute shite. I think most of us would have settled for that today before the start, the sickener being obviously the late goal. Apparently we played really well today. I never seen the game myself as I'm on holiday. But I'm happy with that. It seems Moyes can't do anything right with some fans.
Kunal Desai
39 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:29:06
21 points lost from winning positions, says it all! Maybe we would have won today if Bale/Lennon/Defoe had all played, just our luck. After our customary beating at Arsenal next Tuesday atleast those who still think we can make CL places will come down to reality. Straight fight for 6th between us and the shite.
Sean Patton
40 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:33:18
Perhaps if oh I don't know Barkley was played in the correct position he might have done better, the lad needs games Coleman has improved from the early season because he is playing every week. Give Barkley 10 games in a row playing in the centre and then judge him.
Martin Handley
41 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:23:26
Ross#814 get a grip FFS! A point is a good result and yes I wish we could've hung but even after they equalised we had two decent chances to win it.

Also I thought Big Vic was absolutely immense today, I've been one of his biggest critics but like Jan Mucha after a decent run of games he's proving to be a valuable member of the team if not first choice up front. Ross Barkley for me still needs to prove himself he was sloppy at times.

An another note our laughable neighbours from Anfield will finally have to put all thoughts of winning the league to bed for another year as Saint Luis failed to produce against the hammers.

Just a thought which players do you chaps think will make way for Fellaini and Pienaar next week?

Kevin Hudson
42 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:29:32
I thought we were incredibly unfortunate..

The shot off the post just happened to fall kindly for Sigurdsson., and Lloris's legs then deny Anichebe a winner.

Dreadful start, but we pulled ourselves up by the boot-straps, took the lead, and were coping well with the very real possibility of snatching a 3-1 scoreline.

Moyes took a gamble on Barkley & then went even more positive by bringing on Jelavic; compared to our pitiful defeat at White Hart Lane last year, this was a much more determined Everton, and kudos to them for the effort.

Colin Wainwright
43 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:29:46
Thought Barkley played well, he won the corner for the first goal. Thought the "so called worlds best left back" played well too.
Tony Twist
44 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:35:44
Barkley should be playing centre, in front of Osman and Gibson (until he is up to speed with the premier league). He is not a winger, never will be. It's going take Moyes leaving before Barkley is played in his proper position.
Colin Wainwright
45 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:38:53
Dan. With your last post dripping in sarcasm, shall I take it that you don't want our young players to make it.

Just to prove a point?

Ian Campbell
46 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:34:29
We can still finish 5th - spurs have a difficult run in also and hopefully both them and chelsea will make it through in the europa.

Gonna need to get 6pts from QPR and Arsenal for a shot at 4th though.

I was criticised a lot last week when I said I could see why Barkley doesn't start and I think today he showed that again - he was the worst player on the pitch I thought, trying to do something special every time rather than the simple things and he gave the ball away a lot too. Fingers crossed he'll learn and perhaps he can be as good as we all hope.

I wasn't too happy to see the Mirrallas for Naismith switch - we had held them for 35mins so I would have been inclined to let the 11 on the pitch see it out.

James Martin
47 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:39:28
Colin you don't need to use quotation marks, most of your posts include one of my lines somewhere in it. You thought Baines played well?! Each to their own.
Ian Campbell
48 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:52:44
Martin I would imagine it will be Fellaini and Pienaar for Barkley and Heitinga.
Jamie Barlow
49 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:48:30
We were getting battered from the 60 minute mark. Not from when Naismith came on. Mirallas was offering nothing going forward and nothing in defence. In fact, he had a good half an hour in the second half and offered little in the first half. Great player though.

Baines had a nightmare in defence and going forward.

Jelavic looks like he's running through treacle and I'd get rid in the summer if a good offer came in.

Barkley did nothing to suggest we're missing something special.

Amit Vithlani
51 Posted 07/04/2013 at 17:00:37
Barkley was playing left side, back to goal, no chance to face play where he could thread passes. Spurs were on to him knowing he couldn't go on the outside. Completely unfair on the boy, I thought he was given a hopeless task and acquitted himself well, showed strength to shield the ball under pressure from Spurs.

Overall I will take the 2-2, but remain confused by the selection policy. We have a natural left side player in Oviedo, he really should have started. Would have liked to see Barkley start in a central position where he could face play and use his passing ability right and left. Instead he was shunted out to the left to let Heitinga anchor the midfield and the result was he never got going.

Not fair to judge the boy on 1 start playing out of position.

Spurs were there for the taking if we had the right personnel but without Fellaini and Pienaar, Moyes was never in a position to go for it with the players at his disposal.

Tony Keggin
52 Posted 07/04/2013 at 17:04:51
We have three league games before Spurs and Chelsea play in the league again of which Spurs and Chelsea have to play each other. Europa League next season much on the cards...
Patrick Murphy
53 Posted 07/04/2013 at 17:14:23
Surely Spurs and Chelsea play again in a fortnight? I know Chelsea were supposed to play Spurs next Weekend but Chelsea play City in the FA Cup instead, we have QPR next Saturday and Arsenal a week on Tuesday.
Patrick Murphy
54 Posted 07/04/2013 at 17:17:18
Sorry Tony I forgot we play before them on 27th April and they must play on the Sunday 28th. It all gets so confusing this time of the year.
Shaun Gray
55 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:49:32
A great effort by the lads. One little bit of luck, 2-1 to us. Dozey defending: not awake from the start.

Moyes to Schalke, oops! Nearly choked on my sauerkraut.

Eugene Ruane
56 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:50:00
- I won't get into what Moyes shoulda/coulda done or individual players (although imo, anyone having a pop specifically at Barkley, plain dumb).

I think we're an honest team, a team with players that work their nuts off for one another.

They run, they chase and they can't be accused of being lazy (lazy players, for me they're like the nonces of football).

But I just wish there was a bit more guile or smarts or if you prefer, brains.

A big part of that is ball retention.

In the first half today, I couldn't help noticing the (incredible) amount of times we had the ball and then just...gave it to Spurs.

Of course we can't be Barcelona and spend 90 mins giving it that (dull-as-fuck) tika-taka, but we also don't need to win the game in the 7th minute, or the 19th minute or the 36th minute

So..why the fucking hoof?

If a player is REALLY under pressure, of course but SURELY we're good enough to keep the ball better than we do.

The more we have the ball, the more running for our opponents, the more frustrated they become, the more gaps open for us etc etc.

By the way, that 21 points lost from winning positions - incredible to think where we'd be with (just less than) HALF of those points.

Paul Kelly
57 Posted 07/04/2013 at 17:10:46
Spot on Amit regarding Barkley.

As for the performance it was less than convincing, passing and closing down was abysmal. The marking on Adebayor leading to their equalizer was shocking as was the marking for most of the game.

But playing that bad and still getting a point is a plus in its self. Mirallas goal was quality. Vic played well.

Tony Keggin
58 Posted 07/04/2013 at 17:17:28
Spurs play City and Chelsea play the Lovables on Sunday 21 April.
Matthew White
59 Posted 07/04/2013 at 17:14:00
Jamie, you are right. We were hanging on for the last half hour and it was just a matter of time before they got the equalliser. Vic really should have scored at the end though and Jela had a half chance. We got credit for the way we played and who knows what we will achieve against the Arse?
Tom Bowers
60 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:54:19
Everton conceded at the start and at the end. Who knows what the result would have been with both teams at full strength? I have to say Spurs will be happier even though they were at home.

Everton are just useless at sitting back and trying to defend a lead simply because they just don't have tackling quality in midfield. Sometime soon, Distin has to be replaced as he was solely at fault for the first goal. Everton can still get 5th spot but nothing else now.

Barkley may need a few games but can Everton afford to put him in again? He seems to be lacking in something. A certainty Fellaini and Pienaar are back next week.

Terry McLavey
61 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:53:35
Moyes should spend the first hour of training with a fuckin' colour chart "This shirt is a blue colour... and this one isn't ! " FFS!!! Who was waiting for the equalizer? Anyway note to Mikel if you wanted to win fuck all you may as well have stayed with us!
Paul Ferry
62 Posted 07/04/2013 at 17:27:57
Tim (780): how prescient is this, can you give me a tip for anything mate, anything ....

"Mirallas is turning out to be a bit of a 'sicknote' so I will be surprised if we get a full 90 minutes from him - it would be a first. Hopefully that does not mean that we get the 'man short' Naismith as his replacement when he goes off as we all know he will. Oviedo would be a much more preferable replacement.

Steve Harris
63 Posted 07/04/2013 at 16:58:00
Why do the Moyes lovers keep defending him when his negativity has cost us all season?

You think after 11 long years he would of learnt his lesson by now but no, he just can`t help himself! A win was vital today and it was painfully obvious half way into the 2nd half that scoring a third goal was the only way we were gonna get 3 points because we were sitting deeper and deeper, giving them loads of space.

Trying to justify the absolutely scandalous decision to take off Mirallas for that joke Naismith by saying he was tired is frankly incredible!

As others have rightly said, it shows the opposition that we`re shutting up shop and gives them the advantage. How many times has this got to happen before he learns that it just doesn`t work? To be in with a sniff of the top 4 we had to just go for it today and Mr Negative bottles it once more.

Lets hope his threat to leave in the summer is not an idle one because I for one am fed up with watching Groundhog Day every bleeding week!

Patrick Murphy
64 Posted 07/04/2013 at 17:25:54
Eugene you are correct we are very wasteful of the ball on so many occasions, it is part of the plan to sit deep and break, but we aren't ruthless enough often enough, having said that we still had a couple of chances late on to nick it.

But a really good team who are 2-1 up away from home with a must-win game up for grabs would know how to retain the ball and unfortunately we didn't have that player or make-up in the team today. Fellaini was the big miss today as he does tend to keep the ball higher up the pitch.

It's galling that we have taken 4 points off Spurs but still remain 6 behind them with a game in hand. Ah well! We'll just have to dust ourselves down and regroup for QPR next Saturday.

Sam Hoare
65 Posted 07/04/2013 at 17:20:39
I wonder how many points we have won from losing positions though? Does the 1 today count?

Annoyingly I couldn't watch today but a friend at the match said we were effective whilst lacking guile and clinical finishing which sort of sums up our season.

It's not quite over but 6th/7th looks increasingly likely and I'm not that bothered which. Europa may have been a laugh and CL could have really changed things but then we simply don't have the players/squad/finances to compete seriously on that stage anyway.

Derek Wadeson
66 Posted 07/04/2013 at 17:41:08
Today was one of them glass half full - half empty days. Neither Spurs nor Liverpool won as the half full version and Everton didn't as the half empty alternative.

As a half full person myself I think that still being in with a shout of Champions/Europa league football next season with seven games to go means that we have improved from those dour days of checking the fixtures to see where we could pinch some points from to stay up.

Nice to see Barkley start a game but like all newcomers having to serve his apprenticeship in a slightly out of position role. Big Vic is coming along nicely and as I stated a couple of weeks ago is quickly changing from a million pound player to a five million one.

Some good brave decisions by the manager today.

Paul Ferry
67 Posted 07/04/2013 at 17:30:45
Jesus (833): 'and [we] were coping well with the very real possibility of snatching a 3-1 scoreline'.

We sat back after drawing level and we sat back only deeper when we went ahead. Spuds were there for the taking but the gaffer had us all back in a formation that quite frankly left one or two players stranded for the most part (Bainsey more than anyone else). As each minute of that 2nd half was passing full-time seemed to be getting further away and the inevitability of a psuds goal was getting greater and greater.

I never once felt that we had a great chance of a third coz the gaffer set us up on the back foot, not pushing up as we ought to have been, as seen in the couple of chances after Spuds levelled.

As others have said on this thread, why oh why did he make a late sub again that ended up costing us points with a late late goal? There was no need to do it, we were under pressure but there were six minutes to go, Miralles was playing well (if anyone ought to have been taken off for looking tired than Osman from minute 70 on), and he brings on the biggest pile of shite we have on our books right now (well, let me think about that .... ). The sub breaks up momentum, and if he though he would somehow break up the Spuds momentum, well, nice one Moyes.

21 points lost from winning positions - 21! - says it all, along with more draws than anyone else this season. But no Moyes is not to blame is he, it's the players isn't it? That missed chance, that silly pass, all down to the players, Moyes did not make him do that. But the fucking muppet set them up that way, told them to sit deep 2nd half (or are you telling me that the players decided to do that against the wishes of the gaffer?) and decided all on his own to make that late sub.

84 minute: three points behind Spuds and two behind the Commies with a game in hand, and, not to mention, five ahead of the shite with a game in hand. Nice one Mr Moyes, nice one. I suppose the only good to come out of this is that, sadly, we will not finish in a Euro spot and Moyes can clean up his desk and his 80's rock CDs and take a walk to where, anywhere, I no longer care.

Ken Crowther
68 Posted 07/04/2013 at 17:44:57
At the start I'd willingly have take a point. At 2:05 and 35 seconds I'd have died for a point. We got a point!

FFS you people remind me of the Prawn Sandwich Brigade. Yes, we could have won it; but, by Christ, we could also have lost it.

Ross Edwards
69 Posted 07/04/2013 at 17:54:16
Andy
I did not say we are the ONLY team to drop points this season. I simply pointed out we have dropped 21 points from winning positions, which, had we won those,would have put us 3 points off Utd. Most of those points lost due to inept and negative management.
Moyes Out.
Jack Wilkinson
70 Posted 07/04/2013 at 17:57:13
Steve Harris, 855. The "shutting up shop" argument you're talking about doesn't work here I'm afraid. Bringing a defender on would have been shutting up shop and that would have been inviting pressure, but Naismith is a forward.


Are you also claiming that taking a player off because they are tired is a joke? Don't buy that one either I'm afraid. He did look tired to me (he was only just passed fit) and I thought a substitution was sensible. Naismith was not at fault for the goal. A fit Mirallas may have helped us get one back but he wasn't running well. Massive overreaction to that sub by some on here - plenty of the players who were already on the field are more to blame.

Peter Mills
71 Posted 07/04/2013 at 17:27:38
There are some really harsh comments on here arising, presumably, from the frustration of what might have been had we gained 3 points. This was a very tough game, made doubly so by going a goal down so soon. We came back well, but we have to recognise that Tottenham also fought back and deserved a point. We often talk about what our players could have done without taking into account the merits of their opponents.

We keep being told by knowledgable people that Barkley will be a very good player. I am prepared to trust those opinions whilst declaring that, so far, we just haven't seen much evidence of his talent. We didn't today, and the manager was correct to withdraw him with an attacking substitution.

Jack Wilkinson
72 Posted 07/04/2013 at 17:58:21
Sam Hoare - you're right, lacking clinical finishing is our story. I had a look at the teams in our league and I would say about 13 teams have at least one better striker than ours.
Steve Pugh
73 Posted 07/04/2013 at 17:57:51
Steve Harris. Maybe they defend him because every other manager we have had since Kendall Mk I wouldn't have been able to get us into a winning position against one of the best teams in the Prem.
Eugene Ruane
74 Posted 07/04/2013 at 17:59:02
Prawns out!
Jamie Barlow
75 Posted 07/04/2013 at 18:03:29
Ross, we've probably won more points after going behind than we've lost after going in front.

Does this mean Moyes is positive and usually has a plan B?

Ken Crowther
76 Posted 07/04/2013 at 18:08:16
Eugene, #809, it took me a long time to realise that you weren't simply a very clever commentator who lacked the heart of us "real" Evertonians.

Now I know better, like the response; but don't really understand it.

Jay Harris
77 Posted 07/04/2013 at 17:35:27
Dont understand all this vitriol against David Moyes.

We played a very good Spurs side without Fellaini and Pienaar and were unlucky not to come away with 3 points.

Look at the players Spurs were able to buy: Dembele, Dempsey, Siggurdson, Hotby while we couldnt even buy a tin of paint for Goodison.

Yes it's disappointing and I'm not happy but with a paperthin squad and under pressure for most of the game I think we did well to come away with a point.

IMO some fans are going to get a rude awakening when Moyes goes.

Michael Kenrick
78 Posted 07/04/2013 at 18:17:55
The crucial difference, Ken (#860), is that we were winning it, with just 5 mins to go. So we were, at that point, some distance away from losing it.

Someone said we played well... I think we competed exceptionally well, as we usually always do. For some reason, though, we just played absolutely awful football most of the time we had the ball at our feet.

And Osman... I've held back on slamming him this season but words fail me... when he ran that ball out of play, I started throwing things.

Patrick Murphy
80 Posted 07/04/2013 at 18:20:03
Can't wait Jay that's what we all want when David Moyes leaves Everton, for us to fall into the Championship and obscurity! At least then people with your view will be vindicated and they can tell everyone how right they were all along.

It was a must win game today regardless of how much Spurs cost or who they or we had missing. I agree we have done well but it could have been oh so much better. The most disappointing aspect is the loss of form and interest from our main striker, he more than any Everton player has underperformed in practically every game he has taken part in, a mystery which seems to be without a solution. I wish they would stop playing that advert where Jelavic scores against United as it only reminds me of what he was capable of,


Colin Glassar
81 Posted 07/04/2013 at 18:30:20
Chin up lads it's not the end of the world to get a point at WHL. We are still in with a chance if we can win at least two of our remaining away games and win all our home games. COYB we can still dream........for now.
Christopher Timmins
86 Posted 07/04/2013 at 18:52:52
Victor our man of the match. He caused them problems all through. Baines was under pressure. 52 points and counting. I for one think we will get 14 more to bring us up to 66, a record haul under Moyes if it happens?

John Keating
87 Posted 07/04/2013 at 18:53:59
Well I have to apologise cos in a thread earlier in the week I was adamant we would only pick up points in our home games.
Just wish we could either kill teams off or see out a lead more often.
Jamie Crowley
88 Posted 07/04/2013 at 18:40:11
The eternal optimist in me sees, going into games on April 20th:

3rd Chelsea 32 - 61 pts
4th Arsenal 32 - 59 pts
5th Spurs 32 - 58 pts
6th Everton 32 - 58 pts

Of course there's the whole beat Arsenal on the road thingy.

Ben Jones
89 Posted 07/04/2013 at 18:54:17
David Booth, what are you on about?!

The Naismith substitution the reason why we drew? Absolutely ridiculous. Clueless.

Jamie Crowley
90 Posted 07/04/2013 at 18:56:30
we would have played 33.... Arsenal as well. My point is we could be a mere point off 4th.

Eternal optimism.

John Crossley
91 Posted 07/04/2013 at 19:06:02
I think what many people have not mentioned is the fantastic goal from Mirallas, this was pure class, so glad we have him.
Kevin Hudson
92 Posted 07/04/2013 at 19:00:42
(859)

After our second goal, Anichebe had three efforts on goal, in the 69th, 82nd & 88th minute, followed by Jelavic's effort; We also won a couple of corners, so I think we did a bit more than simply "sit back," - we played counter-attack.

I also disagree that Moyes "set us up on the back foot," as he gambled on a young creative midfielder, and replaced him with a striker, away, against a pretty good team.

Oh, and Ross Edwards...three wins and an away draw, and you say: "Moyes out."

Utterly ridiculous.

Ged Simpson
93 Posted 07/04/2013 at 19:12:04
100% with you Kevin.

But I am upset so I can post shite !

David Price
95 Posted 07/04/2013 at 19:15:03
"The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane."
Marcus Aurelius

Seems to sum up some these threads after todays cracking performance.
Well played today Everton..

Patrick Murphy
96 Posted 07/04/2013 at 19:13:00
ESPN and the media have all but written our chances off, so we'll just have to settle for 6th or 7th place. Based on this season's results my end of season predictive table following this weekend's results has Spurs pipping Arsenal by a single point and Arsenal taking fifth place 3 points ahead of us in 6th. Sunderland will join Reading and QPR and be relegated but anything can still happen.

Come on Blues wipe the smug smirks and smirks off the faces off all those London obsessed media types. BTW is there a ban on ESPN from showing Everton supporters celebrating when we score a goal?

Kevin Hudson
97 Posted 07/04/2013 at 19:15:10
To put the result in context, Spurs have beaten 12 teams at White Hart Lane:

QPR, Villa, West Ham, L'Pool, Swansea, Reading, Newcastle, Arsenal, Maribor, Panathinaikos, Lyon & Inter Milan.

Like us, Man.Utd only left there with a point.

Kevin Tully
98 Posted 07/04/2013 at 19:04:54
Not as dissapointed as some on here. Anichebe looked like a real P.L. striker today, a phrase I never thought I would utter.

Baines is clearly plain knackered, and before anyone says we are not in Europe etc. he has been the most hard working L.B. in the country, and has carried us for half a season (look up his stat's) We are missing his magic, but there is no way he could have kept his form all season.

Mirallas is that special player we all love to watch, what a goal, but he is prone to giving the ball away in central mid instead of giving it simple when surrounded, only a small criticism.

Barkley will find his feet if given games, still looks green in possession, but he needs games to get that vital experience. FFS I've been watching Neville & Osman give the ball away for many seasons now, and they still keep their place.

Got to say the team showed good character coming back after that awful start, so I am not too down tonight, especially taking the R.S. result into consideration.

Dennis Shaw
100 Posted 07/04/2013 at 19:25:24
Anichebe is just shit pure and simple he is slow, clumbsy and predictable and the Eason we didn't win today I can't get my head round anyone supporting him.m
Patrick Murphy
101 Posted 07/04/2013 at 19:27:46
What number shirt did the Anichebe you were watching have on because it can't have been the same player I was watching Dennis. I have criticised him in the past when he deserved it but I couldn't have asked for more from him today apart from taking that chance late on. Jelavic gets a lot less stick for far worse performances than Victor put in today.

Dennis Shaw
103 Posted 07/04/2013 at 19:32:04
Patrick, what exactly does Anichebe give us apart from falling heavily to the ground when the ball falls to him. Every time the ball reached him he failed to do anything positive with it he is so slow it's untrue and allows defenders to get back in droves.

He spends more time complaining about decisions than actually playing and just looks knackered. He is terrible and should never start ahead of Jelavic

Brian Harrison
104 Posted 07/04/2013 at 19:17:19
Although it was disappointing not to take all 3 points after being so close there was some good performances today. Notably by Anichebe he led the line well and with a bit more luck could have scored the winner, I think at last he is looking more like the finished article. I really don't know what to make of Jelavic seems like he has lost what he had when he first came to the club, I thought the goal against City would have got him going again but was poor against Stoke and again today when he came on.

I think the priority for next season is another attacker preferably with pace to play alongside Anichebe, and 2 central midfield players as both Neville and Osman are well into their 30s and with Fellaini likely to leave we need real quality in there if we are to still challenge at the top end next season.

Patrick Murphy
105 Posted 07/04/2013 at 19:37:28
If you didn't see what he did today then what can I say, I saw him pass it to our players, win headers chase back and get on the end of things in their box, all the things that your mate Jelavic has not done for most of this season.
Karl Caslin
107 Posted 07/04/2013 at 19:36:36
What a shit day.

Late equaliser against us, then waiting on QPR for £450 on my bet, that went tits up.

Put a bet on the rugby, that's fucked... now the in-laws might be coming round.
Then the missus thought she might be up the duff.

Please someone tell me they are having a worse day?

Dennis Shaw
108 Posted 07/04/2013 at 19:42:55
I just really don't see it I know from reading these posts I am outnumbered I just think he is a very poor player and had another bad game. Jelavic doesn't seem to be the answer either but would look to offload Anichebe first if possible.

Brian Harrison
109 Posted 07/04/2013 at 19:47:14
Dennis Shaw

Football is all about opinions I just disagree with your opinions today about Anichebe. I think we are all guilty of making our mind up about players and sometimes refuse to acknowledge when they have played well. Anichebe has taken a lot of stick from fans but fair play to him he didnt moan about the fans just decided to prove them wrong which he is slowly doing. For me first job as the lone striker especially away from home is to hold the ball up well to allow your team mates to get up alongside you, he did this on numerous occasions. Even when Jelavic was scoring for fun he didnt hold onto the ball very well.

Eugene Ruane
110 Posted 07/04/2013 at 19:38:53
I too have given Anichibe loads in the past but he has recently (not before time) started putting in real shifts and I'm certainly not going to pull him up for his performance today which, while not world-beating, was ok,

He still occasionally does the "that is like SO unfair!" thing, but much less so this season than in the past.

He is what he is (ie: athletic rather than skillful) and if he keeps putting shifts in, and you still don't rate/like him that's fine, have a dig at the feller who selects him.

Remember (like Neville or Naismith or Osman or Hibbo or..) he doesn't select himself.

Dean Adams
111 Posted 07/04/2013 at 19:54:59
I thought that Vic had some great moments today. His ball controll looked vastly improved. The ball was sticking to him and he was looking for options. Shame he failed to score at the end, but overall he looked good to me.
Chris Jones [Burton]
112 Posted 07/04/2013 at 19:59:35
I didn't see today's game but will confess I believe I've been harsh in my comments about Anichebe (if not here then in conversation with friends and family). I think though it is fair to say that a good run in the team seems to have allowed him to improve his performances. Well done to him for changing my opinions of him somewhat.
John Crawley
113 Posted 07/04/2013 at 19:55:36
I thought we should have brought Oviedo on for the last 20 minutes on the left hand side and took Osman off. We clearly needed some fresh legs and Walker had been a threat all game, which by and large we had nullified. Just didn't understand keeping the tiring Osman on, who lets face it didn't play well all game, and not bringing Oviedo on who would have also given us some pace on the counter attack as well.
Andy Crooks
115 Posted 07/04/2013 at 20:16:43
I'm just gutted at not getting the win. Three points, Pienaar and Fellaini to come back and all to play for. I really don't think our points tally reflects where we should be. I fear that this season could end up as a great opportunity wasted. I thought we played really well today with an outstanding goal from Mirallas but it just feels like a defeat.
David Booth
116 Posted 07/04/2013 at 20:19:06
Ben (895), what was the benefit of doing it?

Would you have done it?

Moyes did it and we ended up throwing a win away.

It disrupted us. It sent out the wrong signal. It gave Spurs an extra incentive to make an extra hard push and it took off a potential match-winner - the sort of guy who can take on three or four defenders and win a game in a flash (like he did against Stoke and, until being substituted, had done today).

A mindless, cowardly, ineffective, unnecessary and ultimately disastrous thing to do.

Bobby Mallon
117 Posted 07/04/2013 at 19:50:01
We are six points behind third place with seven to go and still have to play Arsenal and Chelsea. Fuck, we can still do this, I'm sure! COYB.
Mark Frere
118 Posted 07/04/2013 at 19:50:26
I really have run out of patience with Jelavic. We really need to invest in a new striker in the summer. In fact our whole squad needs a big shake up, we need to get rid of the deadwood for a start which includes, Naismith, Neville, Heitinga and Jelavic.

Fellaini needs selling, so along with the new sky money we have funds to buy at least a striker, CM, CB, and a winger. I really don't think the size of our squad is the problem, especially if we aren't playing in Europe. The problem is we are just missing 4 or 5 quality players

Amit Vithlani
119 Posted 07/04/2013 at 20:23:35
I thought Vic was abit of a joke player a couple of seasons back. Glad to eat humble pie, the boy has come on. He is no world beater and I don't expect him to win games on his own, but he does put in a shift and, when playing further up the pitch, can be a real battering ram.

Its a shame that Jelly has suffered such a collosal loss of form, as with his predatory instincts and Vic's work rate we would have a decent strike partnership.

James Martin 805 - do not agree with you about Baines. The lad has played pretty much every minute of the last 2 seasons and covered an astounding amount of mileage. I don't really think we can afford to rest him as I don't fancy Oviedo at LB (think he is ok at LM) and law of averages says he will make mistakes. Today he looked very tired as our left was exposed given Barkley was started out of position and then taken off.

Paul Andrews
120 Posted 07/04/2013 at 20:29:42
I have given Anichebe plenty of stick in the past, all of it deserved. He had a good game today, played the lone striker role really well. The ball stuck on most occasions it was played into his feet, he held it up well and brought the midfield and his support into the game regularly.

If he ever realises how strong he is and is prepared to use aggression, he would be a handful.

Paul Ferry
121 Posted 07/04/2013 at 20:21:54
Oh Lordy, Kevin, what is your point? That Spurs have polished off a dozen teams at The Lane this season and so we should feel what exactly: relieved, happy, proud to be in this company (Villa. QPR, Hammers, Swans, Shite, Reading, Maribor, Barcodes), reassured, feeling generally good about things today?

You do not put this result in context by rattling off the glorious twelve. The context is that we were 2-1 up at '84 and we blew it, but hang on — don't be upset or question anything coz look who Spuds have beaten this season.

And were Man Utd a goal ahead at The Lane with six to go only to lose the lead because of a bad bungled decision by SAF? We did not gain a point as much from this game as lost two precious points. But don't be morose, fellow Blues, coz we got a point at The Lane. Lordy, the lengths some folks will go .......

Ian Linn
122 Posted 07/04/2013 at 20:31:39
David Booth, utter shite.

I don't know if you watched the game or not but we were under the cosh for nearly all of the second half, not just the last 5 minutes.

Gave Spurs extra incentive - they didn't need it.

We were undone by a nice bit if skill by (I think) Dawson taking it round Baines. If Baines has done his job, they wouldn't have scored then. Fuck all to do with the substitution. The way you talk you make it sound like Moyes doesn't know what he's doing.

Brendan McLaughlin
123 Posted 07/04/2013 at 20:25:29
David #948
It didn't disrupt us...we had been on the back foot from about the 70th minute
It didn't give Spuds an extra incentive...they had been on the front foot from about the 70th minute.
Great goal by Mirallas but second half he looked as likely a match winner as Naismith in his four minutes...
The substitution had as much to do with the goal as my decision to drink stout rather than lager during the game....
Graham Mockford
124 Posted 07/04/2013 at 20:21:13
John

I had no problem with Osman today, he was certainly more involved than Gibson. But as ever he seems to get a disproportionate amount of criticism. But it is all opinions I guess. My ratings were

Howard 8. Another off the boo boys favourites but another really good game
Coleman 6 defensively he has seemed much better recently
Distin 7 strong game as usual
Jagielka 7 consistent as ever
Heitinga 6 generally Ok and seems to have a bit of confidence back
Baines 5 struggled against Walker, formation doesn't suit him
Barkley 4 still not showing he can cut it, largely anonymous
Osman 6 worked his nuts off, but I know the haters will disagree
Gibson 5 not one of his best games, off the pace in the second half
Miralles 7 in and out, but one moment of genuine quality
Anichebe 8 real shift, only a really great save prevented the winner

Jelavic 4 woefully out of form, where is last season's player?

A draw is not a disaster but I think we need 5 wins from our last seven games for CL qualification. That means winning at either Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool and winning the rest. At least we still have a chance, but I wouldn't be putting money on it.

Brent Stephens
125 Posted 07/04/2013 at 20:37:31
Brendan, did you start with lager and switch to stout? or start and finish with stout? (god, you you always stick with your favourites!).
David Booth
126 Posted 07/04/2013 at 20:44:33
Brendan, there was absolutely no need for it whatsoever.

It broke our rhythm and gave them the initiative, which we had been dealing with relatively comfortably up to that point.

Do you think it was a good move, ie: would you have done it?

Dean Barton
127 Posted 07/04/2013 at 20:05:02
Howard - Great save from Dembele, good Game 8/10

Coleman - Very good defensively today, gave the ball away alot, but to be fair he was doubled up on most of the game. Has come on leaps and bounds this season and for me is only 2nd to shithouse Johnson at right back. Needs to work on final ball to be a truly class act 7/10

Jagielka - Class performance as always. Still to see a better centre half in the country at the moment. Such a shame that he hasn't had a chance at the very top, personally i'm glad he hasn't because we would miss out, but as a football man I believe he deserves to have played more for England and deserves to have a few trophies under his belt by now 8/10

Distin - Bad mistake early on for the goal, but Distin has always had that in his game, a very good centre half but always a mistake in there 7/10

Baines - Torn a new one at times by K Walker today, no cover and no support to be fair. Not one to remember 5/10

Heitinga - Nothing spectacular but made some solid interceptions at vital times today. Looking much more comfortable lately 7/10

Gibson - Workhorse, reminds me of Super Lee Carsley. Does a very important job in midfield, but rarely stands out. One place we have to look to improve is midfield and Gibson may be the one to make way 7/10

Osman - Good game today, gets unfairly slated most weeks but he is our spine along with Jagielka. very important to the team and maybe his best season so far 8/10

Barkley - Did ok, but it proves that the mob that think we should just throw the kids in have absolutely no idea. Not ready yet. Tried his best, probably played out of position but looked like a rabbit in the head lights. Strange decision from Moyes to throw him out there today. 5/10

Mirallas - Wonderful solo effort today. Weird lad, last week he was poor and got a great goal, this week he was anonymous and scored a great goal. Think we will see alot more from him next season. He needs to get more involved and his passing needs to improve. Has alot of promise but needs to be more involved 7/10

Anichebe - Workhorse, that is what he has become, at times i'm sure Big Straq has come back. I can see why he was played today but just isn't up to being a top 8 striker. Besides that he had a decent game, a few poor passes but he did the job he was played to do and held up the ball well 8/10

Lately I have been on the side of the Moyes haters, but in hindsight what a job he has done. With our budgets compared to the teams we are competing with he deserves a knighthood. The fact that we are still in there with the smallest squad in the league is testament to the lads and to the manager. We were 5 minutes away from being 3 points behind 3rd place with a game in hand. That is a great achievement and we should all be proud. Its not over yet and a win against QPR next week will keep us right in there. The others will drop points, as will we, but we just have to hope. I can honestly see us getting there. COYB

Brendan McLaughlin
128 Posted 07/04/2013 at 20:48:19
David
AGAIN Spuds had the initiative from about the 70th minute...we were in no reasonable definition of the word..."comfortable" prior to the substitution. Would I have tried something to break up Spurs domination?... Well, I did switch to a whiskey chaser in time added on.
David Booth
129 Posted 07/04/2013 at 20:53:39
Havana Club & Coke here Brandan - but nearly spat it out when they scored!

We should have won it.

And I think that, although Naismith was obviously not at fault, it was a white flag and gave Spurs that extra one per cent at our expense.

It's a second rate strategy and will see us consigned to miss out as long as we persist with it.

Iain Johnston
130 Posted 07/04/2013 at 20:53:44
Considering the start, the majority of the time we would have lost this match. Moyes was brave in selecting Barkley and took him off at the right time.

Some have mentioned Baines being skinned/outclassed by Walker, hence the reason he's England No 2; that's a bit harsh... I thought he was left exposed for long periods with Ozzie moving inside...

Stunning goal by Mirallas and yes we had enough chances to win but they'll feel hard done-by with a couple of the deflections.

This will annoy some, but I thought Howard's distribution could have been better, at times kept the ball a little longer, calm things down a little..

Spurs bringing Huddlestone on moving Sigurdsson further forward changed their dynamic. I think that has more to do with the equaliser than Naismith coming on.

Not too disappointed with the draw. We can do the same at the Emirates. Fifth is realistic if we keep this up.

Phil Sammon
131 Posted 07/04/2013 at 21:13:01
Ahh, give over David.

It had nothing to do with Naismith. The lad's shite and I don't know what Moyes sees in him, but he didn't affect today's result one way or another.

We sat back way to deep, way too early. But Spurs are a good team playing at home and there aren't too many teams they won't dominate. We had enough chances on the break to bury the game. Anichebe clean through. Jelavic shooting when he should have laid it on. Gibson with a woeful pass when we were 3 on 2.

There's a lot I could complain about. It does my head in that Ossie gets 90 minutes when he is only fit enough for 70. It annoys me that Oviedo can't get on despite impressing the few minutes he's made it onto the field. It baffles me that anyone can blame Barkley for an average performance when he gets his first start away from home in possibly our biggest game of the season. And gets played out of position.

But - all that said, we did ok today. I think we'd all take a draw away against Spurs at the start of the season, particularly with Pienaar and Fellaini out.

Today is not worthy of doom and gloom.

Trevor Lynes
132 Posted 07/04/2013 at 21:16:55
Looking at the players available to both teams, we did very well and we were unlucky that the shot off the post fell to a Spurs player.

I reckon DM played Barkley to increase the strength of the midfield. I'm not being critical but perhaps, with hindsight, Oviedo would have been better as Baines would not have been so exposed.

We suffered by the absence of Felli and Pienaar more than they missed Bale and Lennon. They have a far stronger squad of players available to them than we have.

I'm frustrated that they sneaked a draw but we have done the same against other teams earlier in the season. All-in-all, a creditable performance with bags of effort showed.

John Crawley
133 Posted 07/04/2013 at 21:27:59
Graham 957 I actually like Osman as a player, I just didn't think he played particularly well today. I thought he should have come off mainly to strengthen the left hand side both defensively and offensively.

Also, the players in general put a lot of effort into that performance and why not use all of your subs to put some fresh legs on when you are winning and players are obviously tiring? Seemed like a no-brainer to be honest.

Kevin Hudson
134 Posted 07/04/2013 at 21:13:41
The lengths some people will go to to jump on the negative bandwagon after three league wins & a draw, and rebuke somebody else's take, Paul Ferry.

Oh, I did notice you left off Arsenal, Liverpool, Lyon & Internazionale (beaten 3-0 at the Lane), and only acknowledged the crap teams who lost down there.

"We blew it." - Or, they were the beneficiaries of a favourable rebound which could have gone anywhere.

(Totally Moyes's fault, I gather).

Chill out. Two points dropped, agreed; But I thought it fair to point-up some of the positives.

We were second-best, but I thought we gave it our best.

Steavey Buckley
135 Posted 07/04/2013 at 21:34:05
I thought Moyes got it wrong today by not sticking with the 3 at the back and the 2 wing backs. Both goals could be contributed to not playing the 3 at the back. In the last 5 minutes before full time, Moyes should have brought on another midfield player in place of Jelavic or Anichebe to pack the defence further and not allow Spurs the room to score their second goal. 2 lost points today by inept tactical changes.
Paul Ferry
140 Posted 07/04/2013 at 21:35:31
Kevin H,

I didn't list the good teams for the obvious reason that your – what is it? – positive spin is not exactly that when as many as two-thirds of the vanquished were (in your words) 'crap'.

And, please explain, how is it a 'negative bandwagon' when I am yes pointing out that 'we blew it' – explain to me how losing a lead with minutes to go is not a situation in which 'we blew it'? How precisely am I hopping on board a 'negative bandwagon'?

And, by the way, I'm not thinking about the last 4 games. If I had been I would have said something along these lines: 'Fuck me, I am so fucked off after these last three or four games'. Do not (as you habitually do) impute things that were not on my mind.

My reaction to which I am entitled was about today, okay, and in particular to the fact that we blew it by yet again dropping points – that, Mr. Hudson, would be 21 points from winning positions – a real sign of a team that cannot finish off opponents and a real sign that the habitual Moyes ploy of sitting deep when ahead is one huge own goal... and we are in fact top of the league in that respect.

James Martin
141 Posted 07/04/2013 at 21:44:08
Barkley was out of position, Osman was out of position, Heitinga was out of position. Surely complaints about the tactics should be directed more towards that than this baffling Mirallas/Naismith substitution obsession some have.

One of the biggest games of the season and three players who haven't played in those positions all year are suddenly starting in them. Heitinga offered nothing until he was forced back by Spurs into what became a back 5 and then looked good defending. As a midfielder though he was hopeless.

Osman does not have the pace to play anywhere except deep lying creative mid, to make it worse he was taken out of an advanced role and shoved to the left against Walker.

Our success this season has been based around the Osman-Gibson axis as a midfield base from which our possession is built. I do not understand why this was suddenly abandoned for this game. I think this would be a far more credible criticism of Moyes than him taking off a player who looked spent and is a perpetual injury worry.

Then again, we nearly won away at one of the top sides in the league to make it four wins in a row, so what do I know.

Brendan McLaughlin
142 Posted 07/04/2013 at 21:44:48
Spurs odds on for the win; Everton 7/2 outsiders. Moyes got it wrong? Baines was at fault for the goal. He cost us the 3 points but he's won us a lot more so is anybody gonna seriously bitch....
Michael Kenrick
143 Posted 07/04/2013 at 22:01:05
James (#981),

I know I'm probably gonna regret asking, but... "three players who haven't played in those positions all year" — is that really true?

I had the impression that playing players out of position was something of a modus operandi for your buddy Mr Moyes. Surely at least two of these three (if not all three) have graced said irregular positions before at some time this year? Or is it Season? Or am I taking you too literally?

Confused.

Paul Ferry
144 Posted 07/04/2013 at 22:04:42
Am I allowed to bitch about us throwing away a lead with minutes to go Brendan (982)? LB is my fave player but this new set-up is doing him no favours at all and I'm gonna bitch about that too.
Dennis Shaw
145 Posted 07/04/2013 at 21:59:58
As I saw it today -

Howard 9 - man of the match display a number of good saves to keep us in it.
Coleman 6 - couldnt dart forward as much against this quality.
Distin 8 - excellent display again won most headers at the back.
Jagielka 8 - strong at the back and good goal.
Heitinga 7 - played well (this actually suprised me)
Baines 6 - agree he struggled against Walker but still give his all.
Barkley 5 - isn't living up to the hype and gave the ball away cheaply.
Osman 5 - too lightweight and gave the ball away cheaply.
Gibson 6 - tried to cover the pitch and was unlucky with a couple of shots.
Miralles 7 - class goal again and looked lively every time he got the ball.
Anichebe 5 - slow, clumbsy and constantly looks knackered.

Jelavic 5 - headless chicken.
Naismith 3 - shouldn't get near a quality Premiership team.

Brendan McLaughlin
146 Posted 07/04/2013 at 22:10:15
Paul #986
No you're not...and "fave player"......are you still watching in "black & white"?
Kevin Hudson
147 Posted 07/04/2013 at 22:12:50
Paul F,

We both watched the same game, so by all means wallow and whine to your hearts content. Be as unhappy about the result as you like - I was just as gutted as you.

Ciao.

Patrick Murphy
148 Posted 07/04/2013 at 22:08:38
James it is that 'nearly' winning away for many of our games that has cost us dearly, we have beaten Newcastle, Swansea, West Ham and Aston Villa, but have nearly won at Reading, Norwich, Fulham, Wigan and today at Spurs. Whilst today could be seen as a creditable draw we had so much more riding on it due to our failure to maximise our returns from those away games mentioned. Spurs have won 9 away from home while Arsenal and Chelsea have won 7 each which is the difference between being in the CL and nearly being in it.
Phil Sammon
149 Posted 07/04/2013 at 22:19:38
Dennis

Anichebe 5?

What are you on?

Michael Kenrick
150 Posted 07/04/2013 at 22:19:36
Dennis (#988): I think you're perhaps the first to match my perception of the player scores – especially for Osman and Anichebe, who I thought were both poor from a footballing perspective. I don't recall the ball sticking to Anichebe hardly at all and thought his control was particularly lacking at crucial moments in the game.

I would have given Jelavic maybe another point, but that would be solely for effort and it seems you're not allowing that to influence your scores, which I can fully accept.

Paul Ferry
151 Posted 07/04/2013 at 22:25:43
Indeed, Mr. Hudson and please feel free to be pleased as punch and brightly optimistic and accepting. I notice that not for the first time you do not answer questions put to you about things that you said about someone else that needed expanding upon. This is probably something that you ought to think about changing for the future.
Dennis Shaw
152 Posted 07/04/2013 at 22:29:55
Michael — phew thanks... I thought I was alone then in my views of Anichebe. I will watch it again on Match of the Day to see if my point of view can be changed but I'm sure he offered us nothing.
Paul Ferry
153 Posted 07/04/2013 at 22:31:29
Brendan, fave player yep a few poor games on the trot won't change my mind about that.
James Martin
154 Posted 07/04/2013 at 22:29:57
Sorry Michael I meant this season. Barkley has barely featured at all this year and when he has done I'm not sure it was from the flank, could be wrong though he's barely had any minutes.

Off the top of my head I don't think Heitinga has reprised the holding mid role this season which is surprising considering both Neville and Hitzlsperger have been given runs there. Maybe his performance from the 4-1 home loss to West Brom is as etched on Moyes's mind as it is mine.

With the almost ever present Fellaini operating behind Jelavic I'm not sure Osman has had a whole game behind the striker this season. Not since the Man Utd game at the beginning of the season has he regularly played on the flank either during a game.

Obviously I'm sure there's a match or two that may contradict me but I just couldn't believe that Moyes would gamble on these three players in these positions barely seen this season for such an important game. Sometimes being predictable is a good thing if it means putting your best team out with all of them in their right positions.

Kevin Hudson
155 Posted 07/04/2013 at 22:40:18
What question..?

Ask me whatever you want, Paul.

Oh, and don't 'impute,' that I'm "pleased as punch," when (five minutes ago!) I told you how gutted I was..

Paul Ferry
156 Posted 07/04/2013 at 22:33:34
Spot on about Anichebe and Osman (988). Whilst I'm grateful to Leon for loyalty and effort if nothing else his days at the top are distinctly numbered and his fitness levels seem to be slipping right now. He looked busy to be fair in the opening quarter but a by now not unusual missing-in-action occurred 2nd half. Should have been subbed.

Someone posted above - sorry, I know I should look for it but slumped on the sofa in a blue mood feeling beached - fairly I think that Vic for some will never be quality coz he has been shite for so long and still retains some of the shite in these better days - touch, clumsiness, hitting the deck arms in air. I fear that I am one of these even though I have praised him on here in this Indian Summer of his EFC career. But do I ideally want him in my team at the end of the day and will he ever be good enough for me to feel ever so confident when he gets the nod? No.

John Malone
157 Posted 07/04/2013 at 21:59:09
Some total shite getting spoke on here blaming Moyes for Tottenham getting the equaliser by subbing Mirallas. Mirallas done exactly the same as he done against Stoke cock all apart from a great run and strike, the lad has got talent going forward but he is a liability when we have to defend so much so Moyes swapped him and Barkley in the first half to help Coleman cope with Sigurdsson and Vertongen. The equaliser was coming and there was too much space down our right, as it happen's it was a mistimed tackle from Baines that let them in but it happens Walker is quality.

Can all the play Barkley brigade now see why he doesn't get a shirt, he's been shite everytime he's played let's not kid ourselves he's a prospect who will hopefully improve with age, but he's nowhere near ready to start a prem game. Get him out on loan let him mature out the spotlight and pressure of them prem and bring him in gradually he is mentally well short of the mark.

Anichebe was quality today he was Drogba-esque, all he needed was to bury that chance at the end, even still he was a force upfront makes Jelavic look like the understudy.

Champ league spot went in January so let's get real it's uefa spot and staying above the rs what we've got a chance of we've, got to beat QPR first and they're gonna be hard work.

Last point is credit to Moyes for leaving Anichebe and Jelavic up top all second half on another we'd have nicked that.

Brendan McLaughlin
158 Posted 07/04/2013 at 22:42:41
Paul 998

I'm all for retro & if that's what you kids are calling it these days... he's my "fave player" too.

Paul Ferry
159 Posted 07/04/2013 at 22:45:50
Jeez Kevin you only need to read and pick out question marks. It aint hard.

I quote myself "please explain, how is it a 'negative bandwagon' when I am yes pointing out that 'we blew it' – explain to me how losing a lead with minutes to go is not a situation in which 'we blew it'? How precisely am I hopping on board a 'negative bandwagon'?

Chris Leyland
160 Posted 07/04/2013 at 22:49:19
I think we have gained 19 points from losing positions this season. So, we are 2 points down overall against the 21 dropped from winning positions.
Paul Ferry
161 Posted 07/04/2013 at 22:48:28
Dear Christ did I just read this (003): Anichebe was 'Drogba-esque' today? More wine please Ms Ferry. 'Drogba-esque', tell me this is all WUM, he's not fit to clean that top quality strikers boots mate. Lots of huff and puff and running here and there and barging spuds. Didier on behalf of I suspect goodly number of my fellow blues I apologize deeply.

And, excuse me, like last week KM did nothing apart from score? Well I suppose that at least puts the Victor crap in some sort of misguided perspective.

Colin Wainwright
163 Posted 07/04/2013 at 22:58:49
No blame on the manager for me. Brave starting eleven, shite goal conceded early. Mirallas quality again.
Paul Ferry
164 Posted 07/04/2013 at 22:57:28
Chris, no, how on earth does 19 points from losing positions somehow make it fine that we have lost 21 points from winning positions? A good team should be picking up points from losing positions and should not be dropping points from winning positions. There is no such thing as one cancelling the other out for a team with say a top 4 place in mind mate. I'd settle for say 15 points picked up from losing positions - I'm not greedy - and 9 points lost from winning positions.
Ian Smitham
166 Posted 07/04/2013 at 23:17:36
Hansen, MotD summary of our defence: magnificent.
Paul Ferry
167 Posted 07/04/2013 at 23:18:56
Good post Ian, defence seemed sound and when JH dropped back it looked quite frankly more robust. All the more maddening for me therefore that the gaffer made that late switch when things all over the park should have stayed as they were. What is the worst that could have happened if things were left alone? Spuds might have nicked a late goal, er, hang on ....
Chris Leyland
168 Posted 07/04/2013 at 23:14:58
Paul - could I suggest you read my post again because I don't say in it that it was "fine" that we'd lost 21points having gained 19 from losing positions. The point I was making was purely factual. I fucking hate that we have dropped so many points when in winning positions and it certainly isn't fine by me.

However, if it is argued that losing 21 points from winning positions shows that Moyes is a "coward" as some claim, then it could also be argued that winning 19 points from losing positions shows that he has a never say die attitude.

Or, the fact that we have won and lost almost the same number of points from winning or losing positions could be a sign that teams who are losing generally try to get back in to the game and quite often that's what happens.

Paul Ferry
170 Posted 07/04/2013 at 23:22:44
You're right Chris, 'fine' was misrepresenting you and for that I'm sorry but I was thinking out loud to myself if that makes any sense. Your point about teams trying to fight back in losing spots is, needless to say, true. But I think the point still stands that a top-4 team would expect to have rather more points gained than dropped in those situations.
Kevin Hudson
171 Posted 07/04/2013 at 23:07:05
Paul, re: your question on 'negative bandwagon.'

You told us that the only good that can come from this is that we won't grab a Euro spot, and that Moyes can take a walk; Also, you stated that YOU "no longer care."

Sounds negative to me, Stygian gloom in fact; but in hindsight, and as a concession, I'm happy to withdraw 'bandwagon,' for you, as it didn't strictly serve any practical literary purpose. 'Negative,' sufficed on it's own.

Re: 'we blew it.' I guess the rebound could have gone anywhere, but in general terms, I probably agree with you on that one.

Chris Leyland
172 Posted 07/04/2013 at 23:30:29
Fair enough, Paul, and I agree – as the top teams can see games out. We can't and that's because we aren't actually a top team but one in the tier below. We don't have the quality of players to dominate games and, as a result, we have to work harder in every match to win than the really top teams do.

Now it could be argued that, if Moyes was less conservative and gave the players more freedom, then we might actually go and win more games by more than 1 goal or actually see out more games from a winning position. Or we might end up losing more games we draw or drawing more that we currently end up winning by an odd goal. We may well find out next season once Moyes has gone.

Paul Ferry
173 Posted 07/04/2013 at 23:48:00
Chris (21), every word and thought spot on.

Kevin (20), harder this one. First of all, let me clear up your unfair misrepresentation. I said I no longer care where the gaffer goes as I once did, something you manipulated and turned into a more general 'I don't care'. Not on, I'm afraid.

OK, 'the only good', something that is 'good' is therefore not negative clearly. You are quite simply coating my words with what you feel is good/positive and bad/negative. How can I be at all negative when referring to what is 'good' for the club IMO, a change in the hot seat. You think that is negative but I disagree and think that this would be a positive change for the better. I am - ergo - being positive not negative.

I do, needless to say, appreciate the rest of the post KH.

Dave White
174 Posted 07/04/2013 at 23:57:11
Some very emotional posts on here, no doubt born out of the bitter disappointment we're all feeling.

However I cannot see a single reference to the fact that Adebayor was given the freedom of the box to pick his spot for the equaliser (after coming back off the post). That was the moment that lost us 3 points. Walker flew past Baines but there was still much more to do from there.

Spurs scored from their only 2 chances inside 25 yards, Howard made one save of note (from the deflected shot). To restrict a side like Spurs at home to so few chances is to be commended.

It is not today's result that has killed us, it is the dropped points earlier in the season...and certainly not the fucking NAISMITH substitution!!!

Dave White
175 Posted 08/04/2013 at 00:05:24
And anyone who couldn't see how good big Vic was today must've been watching a different game to me!
Paul Ferry
176 Posted 08/04/2013 at 00:13:27
Dave the moment that lost us 2 points was when we conceded in '87. Distin got a hammering on here for the 1st goal and I do agree with you about Leighton today getting laced by Walker and the slip-up for #2. But there was no need at all to change anything at '84.
Steven Telford
177 Posted 08/04/2013 at 00:27:03
Big Vic gave something today, but seriously he wasn't "that special".

Is it just because he is usually shite that people accredit a slightly above average performance as something special? When the ball comes to him on the break, he takes far too long to do anything, lets defenders get back to cover, and much of the time prefers to go to ground. And there seems to be very little communication and link-ups between him and his strike partner.

When him or Jelavic get a good chance on the break, it barely makes me budge from the couch on account of I’m 95% sure what the outcome will be. Getting a corner kick generates more anticipation than when either of those guys are one-on-one which a defender or the keeper.

We just feel unlucky because of the timing of their goal, but overall they dominated the possession, and it must be said looked the better team. They reminded me of us when we last played Arsenal and Chelsea.

Andy Crooks
178 Posted 08/04/2013 at 00:34:21
Brendan, I don't think Baines was at fault with the goal. I think it was down to excellent attacking wing back play from Spurs. Had Pienaar played, Baines would have had an entirely different afternoon.

I thought we were excellent today and are capable of being in the mix for the Champion's League. If I wasn't such a scud, I'd be backing us to win at Anfield.

Ciaran Duff
179 Posted 08/04/2013 at 00:43:34
Probably a fair result in the end even though it feels like 2 points dropped. Great game from Big Vic - creating chances out of nothing. It was a very interesting battle tactically. The only issue that I had was why was Oviedo not given a chance on the left instead of Barkley. The guy is a more experienced international player and for his few outings with us has impressed. He is naturally left footed and good defensively. With Pienaar out, it seemed to me an obvious move. I really cannot understand the logic here.
Ernie Baywood
180 Posted 08/04/2013 at 01:13:01
Some strange reviews of the game on here, though no stranger than the match day forum where there was criticism at 1-0 of a formation we weren't playing. Seems some will take a pop regardless of what they're seeing.

Vic had a very good game. That was my perspective and the media have roundly declared him "excellent", "unplayable", and "man of the match". Everyone's entitled to an opinion but if you think Vic had a bad game then your opinion is wrong.

On the team performance... it was battling. There were sprinkles of joined up attacking play and with 5 mins to go I thought we still look the more likely. Spurs didn't create anything besides 30 yarders from the 2nd to the 86th minute.

Disappointing that we failed to retain possession, disappointing that we sat back after both goals - particularly as the selections on the pitch were attacking. It made more sense to attack. Credit to Spurs - they continued to pass the ball and our midfield was run into the ground chasing it. I could understand Naismith coming on m

Ernie Baywood
181 Posted 08/04/2013 at 01:21:37
Fking mobile...

...more than in other games. Kev had expired and, unlike past subs, we did still have the players to counter attack Spurs. Something demonstrated when Viv should have won it for us.

Devastating loss, but battling performance and 4 points against Spurs is a decent return... shame about the points dropped elsewhere.

Don't forget we had our own late show against Spurs this season. Rough with the smooth.

Ernie Baywood
182 Posted 08/04/2013 at 01:24:51
Draw... just felt like a loss
Roman Sidey
183 Posted 07/04/2013 at 21:06:37
Absolutely gutted with that. For the players, the fans, and even, to an extent, Moyes. Up until his bizare sub oh Mirallas for Naismith, I was thinking, "This is a new Moyes." I thought his team was spot on, and the tactics were what we should have been doing for most of the season. It's a shame that when Fellaini and Pienaar come back he will revert to four at the back, because I really think (and have wanted it for years) that the three centre halves we have belong on the pitch next to one another with Coleman and Baines penduluming on the flanks. It will work well in time.

Kevin's goal was amazing, and he's certainly worth a lot more than we paid for him.

On the sub, what a lot of people are missing is that with Naismith on and Mirallas off, when they did equalise, we had less chance of getting the winner, and we certainly had the ball up there end to try. The other thing that has been mentioned is the fitness issue. Kev seemed fine, and Victor and Osman were both completely stuffed long before the change came.

(Now, deep breath, preparing for the abuse) Baines needs to be dropped/rested for the next game. His quality has decreased, and I haven't seen him put in a decent cross or corner in months. You can tell when he's on the field that he's fed up, and he just isn't the same player he was or that people say he is. Against QPR, Oviedo has enough talent to be able to do the job.

Anto Byrne
184 Posted 08/04/2013 at 01:53:07
Spurs gave Barkley a huge amount of respect, they marked him so tight and had a player covering just in case. Having said that, it was a great learning opportunity for Ross even if he was played out wide and out of position. The kid needs 6 or 7 games to find his feet.

I really can't see the point of Naismith. We did not need a substitution on 85 minutes – it's so disruptive to the balance of the team. The good thing is that we will have two fresh players coming back after their holiday.

Ernie Baywood
185 Posted 08/04/2013 at 02:23:48
We were 4 at the back Roman. Heitinga was defensive mid. Baines and Coleman looked like wingbacks because they had central players shoved on the wings ahead of them. Barkley in particular struggled to give attacking support, while Kev doesn't give much defensive support. Not criticisms of either player, by the way.

Granted, Heitinga did end up deeper and deeper in the 2nd half.

Chris Jones [Burton]
186 Posted 08/04/2013 at 02:19:48
Interesting to see a number of people say Vic had a poor game, rating him only 5/10. However, in their match reports, both David Hytner for the The Guardian and Jack Pitt-Brooke in The Independent name him Man of the Match; funny that.
Paul Ferry
187 Posted 08/04/2013 at 03:51:42
spot on Anto 36
Robbie Shields
188 Posted 07/04/2013 at 22:16:36
James #981 — Great shouts!!!!

In my excitement at seeing that Moyes had actually given Barkley a start, I didn't even think to question the fact that he was on the left wing. I also didn't realize for a good 15 minutes that Heitinga was actually on the pitch, never mind in central midfield. And as you quite rightly point out, Osman is a player really suited to the creative attacking midfield position.

11 years and it is still the same old same old, square pegs round holes, late negative substitutions, hoofball prevailing, backs to the wall shite...... Again.

Name one other time Moyes has ever substituted a player after 5 minutes of the second half, I can't recall him ever subbing anyone in the first 20 minutes of the second half never mind 5. So why was Barkley awarded that dubious honor? And not Osman who stunk the place out, granted being played out of position, as Barkely and Heitinga where????

Paul Ferry
189 Posted 08/04/2013 at 03:59:30
Robbie 42 I might take issue with the sub and 20 minute stuff but otherwise mate are you my long lost twin, everything you say is pitch perfect for me,
Robbie Shields
190 Posted 08/04/2013 at 04:06:16
Gee..... shucks Paul, you're making me blush.
Paul Ferry
191 Posted 08/04/2013 at 04:18:09
ha mate
Ernie Baywood
192 Posted 08/04/2013 at 04:46:30
Osman put in a decent defensive shift in the second half. Worked hard chasing and tackling and was ultimately spent. Of course we expect a bit more creativity from the Merseyside Messi but he served Moyes' purpose with his display and justified not being the one subbed off.

Barkley was a bit of a liability on the left... but it's experience of top level football and, ultimately, he wasn't culpable for any goal so we got away with it. He'll undoubtedly be better for that run.

Tim Jones
193 Posted 08/04/2013 at 04:43:07
I posted this on here TWO HOURS before the match started -"Mirrallas is turning out to be a bit of a 'sicknote' so I will be surprised if we get a full 90 minutes from him - it would be a first. Hopefully that does not mean that we get the 'man short' Naismith as his replacement when he goes off as we all know we will. Oviedo would be a much more preferable replacement. " - and thats how PREDICTABLE Tactically Inept Daft Dour Davey is.

So if a mere fan like me can read 'Tactically Inept, Safety First, Big Game Bottling' Davey's mind is it any wonder he is sussed out and exposed for the fool he is in EVERY game we play by the oppositions professional Managers.

Paul Ferry
194 Posted 08/04/2013 at 05:06:03
er Tim check my kudos post at 854 mate
Tim Jones
195 Posted 08/04/2013 at 04:53:22
The Everton Team
Manager - Daft Davey - Timid, Tactically Inept, safety first, big game bottler whose tactical plans can be read like a book.
Coach - Round - don't really know what he does apart from talking to no one on his Mic all match.
Osman - a powder puff far too easily knocked of the ball and with no real shooting ability apart from the occasional FLUKE, quick feet though LOL.
Jelavic - Last seasons man was the FLUKE this season we are seeing the real useless headless chicken player he is.
Vic - Got all the attributes for a great striker except the ability
Coleman - will be one of Evertons great LB's
Baines - has too many mediocrities around him
Barkley - will come good if he is played in his correct position
Mirallas - 'Sicknote' Flatters to deceive flits in and out of games not really a 'Team' player
Distin- Mr reliable
Jags - excellent defender apart from his hoof ball tendencies
Heitinga - either extremely good or extremely bad so untrustworthy.
Gibson - another injury prone Man Utd cast off.
Pieenar - Got his pay rise now does not give a fuck.
Howard - The 'flapper' who just does not command his area as he should
We will never win another Trophy as long as the Big Game Bottler' remains in charge and I for one do not consider mere 'survival' as success.


Tim Jones
196 Posted 08/04/2013 at 05:18:56
Paul Ferry # 049 Didn't see that -Thanks.
Here's a good tip for you - "don't set your underpants on fire' -it works for me.
Paul Ferry
197 Posted 08/04/2013 at 05:41:29
Nice one, Tim mate.
Michael Kenrick
198 Posted 08/04/2013 at 06:35:16
Paul, you seem to have lost the power to your Shift key.... is it perhaps time for bed? (Sed Zeb...)
Peter Warren
199 Posted 08/04/2013 at 06:28:26
Thought we were unlucky; we played really well, especially after conceding so quick. I thought Mirallas was a threat and excellent all game. Just after he scored he set up a brilliant chance to Osman who I didn't think went in 100% or perhaps it was just owing to his lack of speed.

Not to slate Anichebe who has improved his effort and contribution massively and had a good game but I just wish he could head a ball and play football to compliment his physical attributes.

Paul Andrews
200 Posted 08/04/2013 at 06:46:42
Each to their own opinion.

If anyone thought Anichebe had a poor game they should watch a replay.

I had him as MotM; who did others think was motm?

Tim Jones
201 Posted 08/04/2013 at 07:04:26
Some corrections.
Coleman is a RB of course.
Oh and I missed Naismith out altogether which is not surprising as he is totally anonymous even when he is on the pitch and has no use except as and ADVANTAGE for the opposition. He is worse than a 'man short'.
Sam Hoare
202 Posted 08/04/2013 at 08:09:12
Tim jones, why did you change your name from Peter Barry?
Mick Quirke
203 Posted 08/04/2013 at 08:06:25
Victor was superb yesterday, Drogbaesque is right. He's learnt how to get his frame between the ball and the defender then bring it under control and lay it off. He was holding it up, backing into them, and rolling off them superbly. How people can't see the progress he's making is mystifying. He was very unlucky not to win it for us too.
Graham Mockford
204 Posted 08/04/2013 at 08:28:40
Tim/PETER #056

You forgot the classic of commenting on Pieenar (sic) in a game which he didn't play. However I know you don't let small details like that get in the way.

Phil Walling
205 Posted 08/04/2013 at 08:42:17
Moyes having proved to us that Barkley is no left sided midfielder,I imagine it will be another twelve months before we see hide or hair of the lad.But whither Oviedo? Moyes seems just as reluctant to use this player-even as a sub-so are we to assume he`s even more useless than his favourite `go to` player,Naismith?
I am increasingly of the opinion that our failure to improve on boring seventhish is a direct result of the Great Man`s reluctance to even think about utilising his albeit thin squad to anything like good effect.
But most seem satisfied that we make top half so presumably are modest with what they wish for!
Frank Knight
206 Posted 08/04/2013 at 08:58:38
Shame about yesterday – given the amount of games remaining, it's a shame... but a point at White Hart Lane is not a bad result really, albeit it probably could have been three.

Barkley was moved over to the left by Moyes as Mirallas was not picking up Kyle Walker, who was terrorising Baines with pace and a free run. Barkley did a very good job of stemming that outlet, so think again on Barkley only being any good in the centre, attacking players.

Also the Oviedo / Naismith talk on who should come on, I find it strange that people who wanted Everton to go for three wanted Oviedo on (lb) instead if Naismith (am), again I don't really rate Naismith but it is the right call to put on like for like when subbing, although I did wince when it happened.

Everton had two further chances at 2-2 and for my money will run it close for a Europa League spot if they continue to be as positive as yesterday.

Chris Leyland
207 Posted 08/04/2013 at 09:08:06
Tim Jones (aka Peter Barry) " So if a mere fan like me can read 'Tactically Inept, Safety First, Big Game Bottling' Davey's mind is it any wonder he is sussed out and exposed for the fool he is in EVERY game we play by the oppositions professional Managers"

So, just to be clear that's "EVERY game" Tim? So what does that make the other managers, who between them, despite Moyes obviously tactical ineptness, have only manged to beat him 5 times in 31 league game this season?

Brian Waring
208 Posted 08/04/2013 at 09:20:22
Your right about Oviedo Phil, when the lad has made an appearance he has looked assured and played well. It's one of those times when your scratching your head as to why he doesn't get more game time.
Ray Roche
209 Posted 08/04/2013 at 09:24:16
Chris Leyland, or 7 in 48, at least I think that was the stat used on MOTD2 last night.
Sam Hoare
210 Posted 08/04/2013 at 09:26:00
Oviedo is a bit of a mystery. Has looked genuinely talented nearly every time he has stepped onto the pitch. He also has serious pace which is something we are very short on.

Presumably there must be something else to it. Perhaps he loses the ball alot in training? Like many point out its hard to believe he could be much less effectual than Naismith who offers not much but honest graft and a good leap on the wing.

Ralph Basnett
211 Posted 08/04/2013 at 09:28:00
I think we have all heard the tactically inept, aged squad etc excuses, but it is not the first time we have conceded so early.

When we are at home teams attack us hoping to gain the upper hand, when we are away we sit back.

Watched the game with a gang of fellow blues who all predicted the equalizer,Nathan sit back and look for scraps, the loss of Bale et al should have raised our game, instead seemed to give the impetus for spurs stand-ins to lift their game.

Barkley struggles from the start because you play him in the wrong position, remedy this by leaving him their, make him look a twat and then say "I told you so". The only thing Moyes is getting right these days is leaving Neville at home.

And then to cap it all off takes Mirallas off (no complaints there, spurs had finally Sussex him out) and introduces that game changer Naismith????????????

What the f@&k has Oviedo done to not get a game?

Who wants Champions League football anyway - obviously not Moyes!!!!

Chris Leyland
212 Posted 08/04/2013 at 09:49:50
Ralph - "the loss of Bale et al should have raised our game" just as the loss of Fellani and Pienaar should have raised their's?
Brent Stephens
213 Posted 08/04/2013 at 09:39:35
Tim = Peter = usual shit.
Tim Jones
214 Posted 08/04/2013 at 09:51:49
Graham Mockford # 059 My comments were not on the team and its performance versus Spurs. They were comments on the Everton team in general and our illustrious trophyless Manager under whose leadership we will never win ANYTHING .
Tony J Williams
215 Posted 08/04/2013 at 09:15:34
Go head Peter/Tim, I see the same affliction that hit Paul hasn't affected your predictable shift key moments.

Why did you change your user name?

Graham Mockford
216 Posted 08/04/2013 at 10:04:21
Tim/ PETER

So out of the current first team squad you think the only players deserving of a place in the team are Coleman, Baines, Distin and Barkley and possibly Jagielka ?


Mike Iddon
217 Posted 08/04/2013 at 10:27:03
Chris Jones 040 - good shout, never let the facts get in the way of some people's prejudice about Vic eh?

Tim/PETER; keep it coming mate, pure comedy gold particularly the way you think your name change will cover up your unique way of posting!

Ernie Baywood
218 Posted 08/04/2013 at 10:35:57
If all the players are woeful then Moyes must be a genius?

Or if Moyes is inept then the players must be great?

If both are woeful, then the league must be shite?

And if this league is shite, then European performances would indicate the rest of Europe is too?

Or are you just talking shit?

Phil Walling
219 Posted 08/04/2013 at 09:02:54
Such are the standards we now set for our team. Dumbing down.......what dumbing down?
Eugene Ruane
220 Posted 08/04/2013 at 10:39:59
"ACTION!"

"The name's Bond....er no, I mean the name's Jones..no I mean Barry no Tim..no Barry Bond..no erm.."

"ffs..CUT!!!!"

Barry Rathbone
221 Posted 08/04/2013 at 10:54:31
We didn't deserve to win but that's the thing about Moyes he just doesn't get these sort of results his whole cautious ethos affronts the footballing gods.

He's the antithesis of "fortune favours the brave" we are damned to being eternal nearly men with his cautious "by the numbers" mentality because 6th or 7th misses the point - this season has been a massive missed opportunity.

If stability meant anything then new managers at Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs with Arsenal in transition made 4th attainable like never before but just as a genuine FA cup opportunity vanished so has the CL opportunity.

Pointless him assembling a decent squad if he doesn't know how to get the best out of them - he looks quite ill of late as well.

Dean Barton
222 Posted 08/04/2013 at 11:00:16
I think the blame for not seeing the game out lands right with our back 4, not Moyes. Baines diving in on Walker was criminal: you cannot dive in on a player when isolated, especially a player with pace.

One other thing I have not heard mentioned is how much time Adebayor had to turn and shoot, no one was within 5 yards of him... in the box!

I don't buy the negative Moyes argument. With half an hour to go, he brought off Barkley for Jelly... an attacking substitution if ever I have seen one. Yes, we did sit deep, but tell me what team wouldn't away from home when 2-1 up?

Even though we sat deep, he kept 2 up front and we looked like scoring when we were breaking. We cannot play the keep ball game as we just don't have the players, especially with Pienaar missing. Moyes for me got it spot on. He couldn't do anything about the goal, individual errors cost us that game... not tactics!!!

Amit Vithlani
223 Posted 08/04/2013 at 11:21:43
Roman 035 - re: dropping Baines, yes the boy needs a rest definitely, but I do not fancy Oviedo at LB. I think he needs games in Left Mid to bed into the side and can do a good shift there. For obvious reasons, don't fancy Distin at LB either, so that leaves no one.

I would start with Baines every game but it is ridiculous that he never gets a subbed. Take him off now and then to give him a breather. In addition Baines needs proper protection in front him, especially away from home, when the oppo's full backs will overlap.

Moyes unwillingness to rotate and use his subs is simply inexplicable. We are grinding out results but at a cost of fatigue and form. Lord help us if Mirallas loses his shine too.

Mike Gwyer
224 Posted 08/04/2013 at 11:10:07

It really was a fantastic game, end to end stuff and I have to say the banter between the supporters was, how do I put it, respectful!!! - even the pre match drinks were drank with total kudos between both sets of fans. Fucking unique for cockney's.

So my question, when reading all the above posts, what game do you guys see when you watch it on line - do Everton suddenly become one trick ponies who just hoof the ball?

Posters stating that Moyes is tactically inept - did you guys not see the multiple chances we had against Spurs? Is your hatred for Moyes so intense that your PC/Laptop configured for "pure shite" Everton streams only.

We gave Spurs a good go! No Bale, Lennon or Defoe but AVB can still select three other international players. Bit different for Moyes - but he still picked a team to get out there and attack (obviously not conceed a goal within 30 fucking seconds - fuck it).

So on the day, the blue's defending was immense, Howard was above average, Barkley was almost man marked - something he will have to take on board (quickly), and finally, Big fucking Vic - the man tore the Spurs defense a right hole and its a betting certainty that he and Fellaini will lead the line against QPR.

p.s. Mirallas - worth the entrance fee just for his goal and our celebration.


Ben Jones
225 Posted 08/04/2013 at 11:40:55
David Booth.

Mirallas was doubtful for the game yesterday, but then he played for 85 minutes. We were lucky he even stayed that long.

Naismith is a limited player, but the logic was put on a guy who puts a shift in to see out the last 5 minutes. I don't have a problem with that substitution.

But you said firstly, the substitution was to blame for their goal. Ok, some reasons why that is a load of bollocks:

Their second goal came from an attack on their right hand side, Naismith was marking their left, so therefore had no fault to their goal.

The defence have Adebayor far too much space to take their initial shot.

We had plenty of chances, to make 3-1 or 3-2, notably Anichebe's one.

They are the bigger reasons why we drew. If you want a bigger gripe with substitution, then Oviedo should have also come on to replace Osman, who was tiring. That night have stopped the play from the right hand side for Spurs' second goal.

Tony J Williams
226 Posted 08/04/2013 at 11:48:04
Barry I have the same feeling, event though we are technically in with a shout of Europe, this season just seems to be one of disappointment.

I fear we will just fizzle out and I reckon a lot of the players are already in holiday mode. Fellaini may go out with a bang and if it wasn't for Mirallas's paper hammy, I would be scared of losing him this summer.

Gary Mortimer
227 Posted 08/04/2013 at 10:53:10
Still annoyed by yesterday's result and annoyed by Moyes handling of Barkley. This season Moyes has thrown him on for 20 minutes against Stoke away, last 12 minutes against Chelsea (when we were trying to chase the game), last 11 minutes against Wigan in Cup (when we were 3 down), 20 minutes against Stoke at home and starting him at Spurs.

No sign of easing him in against "easier" opposition.

No run in the team in the Cups against lesser opposition.

Ok, so he may not have shone in any of those matches, but can any one say that Naismith has deserved his 14 starts and 17 substitute appearances?

We will never get to see whether he is up to scratch if Moyes continues to 'protect' him.

Roman Sidey
228 Posted 08/04/2013 at 11:46:52
Amit, I agree that Pienaar not being in front of Baines exposes his defensive holes. I don't agree that Oviedo is not suited to LB. He is a LB, and the reason so many of our players struggle to make an impression at the club is because Moyes' rite of passage for almost every player that isn't a CB is on the wing.

Seriously, if Baines were to have a spell against QPR and Oviedo couldn't cut it, then he doesn't belong in our squad. That said, I know people will cite the Brentford game to say he couldn't cut it then, but there are so many asterisks over that game it's not worth considering.

Roman Sidey
229 Posted 08/04/2013 at 12:02:47
Also, did anyone notice after Howard pulled off a very good save in the second half, his reaction to the applause he got from what seemed like everyone was, "Pfft, just another day at the office, lads." Added to a cheeky grin, I thought it was good to finally see some personality on our field.

Also, ball watching was one of the main reasons they equalised.

Tony J Williams
230 Posted 08/04/2013 at 12:09:50
Gary, the plus point is that he actually managed to get a start.....for a very important game.

He will get his chance but he will not replace the fellas already in the centre of the park, so he will have to take whatever comes his way.

Game time is a must, so if he is as good as everyone hopes he will be, playing anywhere is a bonus at the moment.

Paul Andrews
232 Posted 08/04/2013 at 12:28:08
I see Anichebe got MotM in the Echo vote. Almost 40% of the vote. Quite right too.
Phil Martin
233 Posted 08/04/2013 at 12:16:36
There's some proper shite being posted here.

Moyes was to blame for conceeding the late equalizer because he removed Mirallas minutes before? Yet no credit is afforded after our 2nd goal and the fact he subbed Barkley just minutes before and changed things.

With 5 mins to go we needed fresh legs. Mirallas who was very doubtful before the game had made his contribution. What we needed was someone just to chase for the remaining minutes. A slight deflection in another angle and the ball doesn't come to Sigurdsson and we aren't having this debate.

That's football and that's Everton. Some of the reactions on here would suggest before Moyes arrived, Everton had never ever fluffed a big result.


We didnt lose any hope of CL yesterday. We lost it in Jan when he who shall not be named failed to deliver any funds in a transfer window for the 5 or 6th time in recent years.

As for Barkely, Leeds sent him back not so long ago. Of course Moyes ruined him and nothing to do with the fact he hasn't developed since signing a professional contract securing him financially for life.

Blame it all on that dour Scottish Grey/Ginger man. As things will be so much better when he's gone, right?

Kevin Tully
235 Posted 08/04/2013 at 12:46:13
We had 2 first choice players suspended yesterday, Imagine what our first team would be if we had 3 or 4 out with bad injuries on top of that?

Scary how thin our squad is at the moment.


Peter Bell
236 Posted 08/04/2013 at 13:08:33
Kevin, I suppose its also Kenwrights fault for sitting back on leads, persisting in Neville & Heitinga, complaining the squad is small but not using Oviedo, Duffy, Hitzellsperger, Velios and until yesterday, Barkley
Chris Gould
237 Posted 08/04/2013 at 13:08:33
I, like everyone else here, was left distraught by Spurs' late equaliser. However, I am struggling to understand why certain people's expectations are so high. What have we done in recent times that leads fans to believe we should be higher in the league than we actually are?

The fact that we are competing incredibly well raises expectations insurmountably. A similar thing happened to Alan Curbishley at Charlton. He performed heroics in guiding them to 7th on more than one occasion and their fans bemoaned that he had taken them as far as he could. Well, he had taken them as far as anyone could!!! Now look at them.

I am not comparing Charlton with Everton as we have every right to expect more from our club than Charlton, but my point is that there is only so much one man can do on such a tight budget and there is no way you are going to get a manager that is so talented that he can work on a ridiculously tight budget (and still unearth gems), get his team working immensely hard for him, change the team from relegation candidates to Euro challengers, manage expectations, AND play attractive, attacking football all the way to the Champions League. Who is this miracle man that so many of you seek?! Moyes has very nearly achieved it this season; I cannot think of one manager who could do better that would actually consider coming to Everton.

I am so grateful that under Moyes we are team that is both respected and feared by the opposition. I am even more grateful that we are at the business end of the season and still clinging on in the race for fourth spot. Even if we miss out, and maybe even struggle to clinch 6th, we should still be proud of our team's efforts.

It will be a sad day when Moyes leaves. Yes, he has his frailties, but it is his strengths that allow us to look up instead of down and they will be sorely missed.

Kevin Tully
238 Posted 08/04/2013 at 13:26:47
Who mentioned BK, Peter?
Noel Lynam
239 Posted 08/04/2013 at 13:29:59
Tim Jones aka Peter Barry,

Among your shouty, caps lock happy critique of the Everton team, laden with the usual inappropriate use of inverted commas, your description of Jelavic reads "Last seasons man was the FLUKE this season we are seeing the real useless headless chicken player he is."

This goes against your alter ego's oft stated belief that Moyes and Round had somehow coached the natural finishing ability out of Jelavic, insisting he run the channels and stay out of the box, lest he might get into a goalscoring position.

In fact, a TW search took approx 60 seconds to offer up these two quotes:

(1) "Jelavic the 'instinctive' striker of last season has now 'benefited' from closed and pre-season coaching from the 'Tactically Brilliant' Moyes/Round team. The amazing results are now being seen every game"

(2) "This 'instinctive' striker of last season has been replaced by the Moyes/Round-coached failure of this season. They have done with Jelli just what they have done with other Everton strikers over the years."

So which is it? He's a useless headless chicken? Or he's a natural finished whose predatory instinct has been coached out of him by Moyes and Round? If the former, will you be retracting your previous assertions about it was coached out of him?

As for your own back-slapping at 047 regarding your Nostradamus-esque prediction that a player who Moyes said just days ago was struggling to cope with the intensity of the Premier League, might not last 90 minutes, and would be replaced with a player who plays the same position as him, I should point out that you made quote number (1) above prior to the home fixture against Spurs kicking off. You won't need me to remind you that game was won with an instinctive strike by Jelavic.

That's the problem with throwing so much shit against a wall. Some might stick, but when it rebounds back in your face, you end up looking an awful mess.

Finally, to second the earlier question put to you: Why the name change?

Andrew Ellams
240 Posted 08/04/2013 at 13:36:47
Tony J, I have a feeling that Miralles will come back fighting fit and better equipped for English football next season andjust might attract some attention from the CL clubs. Only benefit for Everton is skill, pace and an eye for goal costs in the EPL so we should make a healthy profit.

I would love to see him and Kone from Wigan in the same team though. They would really stretch out a back four

Tony J Williams
241 Posted 08/04/2013 at 13:42:39
Peter Neville hasn't played since Wigan.... (hasn't he?, you have me doubting myself now)
Peter Bell
242 Posted 08/04/2013 at 13:54:29
Sorry Kev, that should have been for Phil Martin. Tony J, Phil is saying we lost our champions league place back in January when Kenwright failed to give Moyes money for more players.
Neville & Heitinga played throughout Jan & Feb in games against Swansea, Soton, Villa, Norwich, when we dropped points. Blaming it on not bringing players in January is a poor excuse when under achievers regularly got picked and better players are sat on the bench getting no game time.
Darren Alexander
243 Posted 08/04/2013 at 13:49:57
I don't have fond memories of visiting White Hart Lane in the past so wasn't especially looking forward to yesterday, but I really enjoyed my trip there. Even the inevitable needless-late-substitution-immediately-followed-by-equaliser routine didn't completely take the shine off it.

It was a really entertaining match, and before the game I thought a point would be a good result; 30 seconds or so after kick-off I thought a point would be a great result. That said, I thought we recovered really well after the disastrous opening and played as if it was still 0-0; no mental collapse to allow Tottenham to run riot as Wigan did a few weeks back.

I do think we seem to have found a bit of form since the Wigan defeat, and yesterday our play was generally good; that said, the full-backs didn't get into it as much as I'd hoped, Osman was poor, Jelavic seemed to pick the wrong option every time (Mirallas knew he had to go it alone for his goal!), and while I was please to see Barkley start he didn't do much to stake his claim for a place in the near future - he did lose the ball in a couple of dangerous positions, once just before he was hooked. But those aside I thought we looked organised and composed against a good side, who, even without Bale & Lennon, are quick to break and keep the ball well (far better than we often can.)

Like many, I'm usually no fan of Anichebe but thought he had a good game - finally, using his strength well to hold the ball up and showing some decent skills too. Still, he should have won it for us at the death.

So, a point and a decent performance. Let's hope we can go one better on our return to North London a week tomorrow, because Tottenham's neighbours are equally, if not more, beatable.

Ben Jones
244 Posted 08/04/2013 at 13:58:43
Andrew, that may happen if Martinez comes in at the helm next season, if Moyes leaves.

I think if he did come though, he would sell Fellaini and buy McCarthy, bet you that happens in the summer.

Andrew Laird
245 Posted 08/04/2013 at 13:53:05
Ben Jones 087 "Their second goal came from an attack on their right hand side, Naismith was marking their left, so therefore had no fault to their goal"

Do you know where the unmarked Spurs goalscorer was standing in the box? I think you will find he was the furthest left (our right).

Huddlestone was the substitution which got them the equaliser as AVB could see we were more than willing to conceive possession at every opportunity and drop deeper and deeper until the inevitable. Why when the clock is running down do we not opt for someone who is comfortable in possession instead of an overpaid cross country runner? You don't concede goals if you have the bloody ball!

Peter Bell
246 Posted 08/04/2013 at 13:54:29
Sorry Kev, that should have been for Phil Martin. Tony J, Phil is saying we lost our champions league place back in January when Kenwright failed to give Moyes money for more players.
Neville & Heitinga played throughout Jan & Feb in games against Swansea, Soton, Villa, Norwich, when we dropped points. Blaming it on not bringing players in January is a poor excuse when under achievers regularly got picked and better players are sat on the bench getting no game time.
Steve Edwards
247 Posted 08/04/2013 at 13:56:30
Barkley? I am beginning to wonder what all the fuss is about. Numerous post decrying Moyes for not playing him and sending him out on loan when we desparately need him. I don't know, I'm not seeing much to warrant the hype of new wonder boy. I hope I'm wrong but from what I've seen I think the odds are against him becoming a real star in the EPL.
Peter Bell
248 Posted 08/04/2013 at 13:54:29
Sorry Kev, that should have been for Phil Martin. Tony J, Phil is saying we lost our champions league place back in January when Kenwright failed to give Moyes money for more players.
Neville & Heitinga played throughout Jan & Feb in games against Swansea, Soton, Villa, Norwich, when we dropped points. Blaming it on not bringing players in January is a poor excuse when under achievers regularly got picked and better players are sat on the bench getting no game time.
Kevin Tully
249 Posted 08/04/2013 at 14:05:33
On that subject of squad size Peter, Moyes has decided to keep the likes of Neville on £50k a week, when we could have two very decent PL squad players for that type of money, along with some other very high earners.

He also seems to go above & beyond in his loyalty to these type of players – he kept Cahill a full two years beyond his best, and as one of the highest earners at the club.

But when you look at the likes of Liverpool & Spurs, who can throw away £20m without blinking, you have to say we are still getting good value when you look at our League position. The players you mention are probably worth a combined £3m, and these are the pick of our first team sub's.

I thought we actually played to win yesterday, and that is what I want to see when we play these sides.

Sam Hoare
250 Posted 08/04/2013 at 11:36:04
Barry, do you think the nearly men tag is Moyes' fault or might it be something to do with the fact that in the league all the teams above us have much stronger squads?
Liam Reilly
251 Posted 08/04/2013 at 14:24:58
Anyone noticed the amount of long balls hoofed up the park at WHL yesterday? Fucking shocking.

Although I have much respect for Jags as a defender, somone please to show him OPTA stats resulting in goals scored (or even chances) from his hoofs up the park.

Kevin Tully
252 Posted 08/04/2013 at 14:29:40
Liam, From F365 - 'Everton have come as Stoke again,' was the verdict of one journalist on Twitter.

Peter Bell
253 Posted 08/04/2013 at 13:54:29
Sorry Kev, that should have been for Phil Martin. Tony J, Phil is saying we lost our champions league place back in January when Kenwright failed to give Moyes money for more players.

Neville & Heitinga played throughout Jan & Feb in games against Swansea, Soton, Villa, Norwich, when we dropped points. Blaming it on not bringing players in January is a poor excuse when under-achievers regularly got picked and better players are sat on the bench getting no game time.

Matt Traynor
254 Posted 08/04/2013 at 14:28:45
Liam #129, in the interests of balance, I was also shocked at the amount of long balls.... from that passing side Tottenham. It was actually only when they got the ball down and tried to get wide that they looked dangerous.

Tottenham had players out, as discussed, but they still had plenty of pace to fill in for them. It was real backs-to-the-wall stuff for much of the second half, yet if Victor had shown a bit more coolness, and we had the Jelavic of last season, it would've been moot. And that was after they had equalised!

The late equaliser grates, of course it does, but in the context of the game we got a well-deserved point. Remember what we did to them at Goodison?

Peter Bell
255 Posted 08/04/2013 at 14:31:29
Kevin, if the players on the bench are not good enough, then why add them to the wage bill.The cost to buy them and pay their wages could be spent on one class player, and fill the bench with kids. It does not matter whether it is Oviedo, Hitzelsperger, Velios, Duffy, Naismith on the bench if thats all they will do, ie sit on the bench, we might as well get them off the wage bill and fill it with kids
Sam Hoare
256 Posted 08/04/2013 at 14:37:15
Peter Bell, who are these better players sat on the bench?
Peter Bell
257 Posted 08/04/2013 at 14:42:40
Sam, are you telling me that Duffy cannot do a better job than Heitinga. Oviedo cannot do a better job than Neville, Hitsellsperger do a better job than the constantly selected Naismith.
James Stewart
258 Posted 08/04/2013 at 14:41:53
Bit harsh on Barkley. People questioning whether he can make it after one start against one of the best teams in the EPL.

He is gonna need time and I would like to see him get regular minutes on the pitch even if it's just 15 mins from the bench. He has the strength and power that most players only dream about. I can see him maturing into a Dembele type player with the right coaching.

Peter Bell
259 Posted 08/04/2013 at 14:47:45
Yes James, with the right coaching and there liesthe problem
Graham Mockford
260 Posted 08/04/2013 at 14:45:53
Peter Bell

So the masterplan is to have a first team squad of 12 players supplemented by 'kids'.
Let me just think if I could see any potential flaws in that plan.

No makes perfect sense

Peter Bell
261 Posted 08/04/2013 at 14:59:58
Well Graham, we have a hardcore of 12 players who get selected every week irrespective of age, form or fitness, and the same ones who warm the bench every week and either don't get played or don't get on brought on, so this appears to be the managers philosophy.

It reminds me of when I was a kid and me mother used to waste loads of money filling the cupboards with food, then sit there and do nothing with it, watch it go out of date, then through it away. Those sitting on the bench are a waste of finance if the manager will not play them, and yet he moans about a lack of squad depth

Peter Bell
262 Posted 08/04/2013 at 15:10:47
Graham, have you ever heard of sweating your assets. Well those players on the bench are assets to our football club, but thanks to the manager I never see them sweating, but then neither does Neville, Sheitinga or Naismith for that matter
Tony Marsh
263 Posted 08/04/2013 at 15:29:27
A point was no good to us really: the gap between ourselves Arsenal and Chelsea got wider and Spurs stay 7 pts ahead. It was a cracking game and I thought there was some great performances out there except for guess who?

Yes, that's right — Leon Osman done his dissapearing act yet again. I didn't realise he was still on the pitch 2nd half. Poor player get full 90 mins yet again???

I thought Victor was superb —best ever game for us and KM is going to be hard to keep hold of next year if he carries on like this. So we are now out of the 4th place finish race... can we just beat the shite at there place for once that would help ease the pain of a nearly season.

Barry Rathbone
264 Posted 08/04/2013 at 15:07:36
Sam 127, I do think it's a Moyes thing.

It's my belief the squad is capable of 4th given the crapness of the usual combatants this season and certainly the FA cup was there for the snaffling.

If Martinez was here we would of sold Felli and bought 4 "messi" types from spain at 2 million each and dashed dazzingly to 2nd threatening to overtake utd for our first Prem title.

Brian Harrison
265 Posted 08/04/2013 at 15:36:38
Peter Bell

The best teams have the best squad members on the bench. Chelsea in fact have 23 players out on loan never mind a quality bench, same as Man Utd and City. So our bench is the best we can afford on the money Davie gets to spend, I mean he hardly gets money for regular first teamers so little left for those who will mainly be on the bench. So if we adopt your idea then if Fellaini is injured then fine bring on an 18 year old wont make much difference.

Graham Mockford
266 Posted 08/04/2013 at 15:45:38
Peter

The core side this season has been 14 players. Much smaller than all our rivals for a Champions league spot.

I know we always get the calls for the usual suspects but that is only because they have neither proved or disproved their ability to cut it at PL level. It turned out yesterday Barkley was not quite the immediate solution many have claimed. Now I don't want to be too hard on him, but the PL is a tough school plus he was playing in a wide role but his ball retention was pretty poor. Hopefully it will be developmental for him, but playing three or four inexperienced players in the same side is a recipe for disaster.

Back to your original post that we should reduce our squad size further, well that is utter nonsense. Who plays when we get injuries or suspensions?

This 'hardcore' of players have lost 5 games all season and with seven games to go still have a chance (12/1 on Paddy Power) of qualifying for the CL.

Phil Martin
267 Posted 08/04/2013 at 15:50:42
Peter Bell,

Can you tell me how (regularly) not signing a single player in the January transfer window doesn't hamper progress and development?

Can you also tell me how many UEFA accredited coaching badges you have plus also the number of training sessions with the senior players you have ran?


You clearly are more tactically astute and more knowledgable about the squad than Moyes.

Sam Hoare
268 Posted 08/04/2013 at 16:16:20
Peter Bell 139, I don't know and neither do you because we have seen so little of those players.

I agree that I would like to see more of Oviedo.

Duffy is a young CB who I have seen look both commanding and cumbersome at time for the U21s, certainly he is not a proven quantity.

Hitzelburger looks like a decent journeyman.

None of these players are exactly world beaters (yet) and if anything just go to show the paucity of options and lack of depth.

Sam Hoare
269 Posted 08/04/2013 at 16:20:54
Barry 152, sounds good to me though remember Martinez likes everyone back for corners.
Peter Bell
270 Posted 08/04/2013 at 16:36:40
Phil Martin, let me tell you the difference between a good manager and a great manager.

The all time great managers like Ferguson, Paisley (dare I say it), Clough, Robson etc... is having the ability to identify when a player has had his best days and then having the balls to do something about it. Moyes has neither, he did not and cannot see that Cahill (was finished) Neville and Osman are finished.

He has shown a loyalty to average players when other managers have had the balls to tell great players you are no longer good enough for there club. Its not about coaching badges or any of the tripe you care to mention its all about making the hard decisions, he came to our club with a reputation as a no nonsense manager and has turned out to be weak.

Can you remember in 2005 when he went back to Pistone cap in hand and said " Okay you can have your contract" He told Everton fans that there were no left backs out there good enough to play for Everton.

I remember telling my friends " Utter bullshit" as someone who works in Haydock, I regularly go to Wigan with work colleagues and they have a great young left back who will one day play for England. Now what was his name err Leighton Baines. By the way the only man to ever win 3 European cups did not have a coaching badge and was in fact a physio, but then he also had balls

Peter Bell
271 Posted 08/04/2013 at 17:16:02
Just watched a programme on SKY were Schmeichel tells the story of how Ferguson at the end of one season told Ince, Hughes and Kanchelskis they were no longer good enough for his club. Can you imagine Moyes saying the same to Neville, Osman and Hibbert?
Ray Roche
272 Posted 08/04/2013 at 17:40:52
Peter Bell.

Is that the Kanckelskis that lit up Goodison and is often a member of some fans "Best 11"?
Maybe Ferguson isn't so clever after all. Can you imagine him in our side now? And the stick Moyes would get if he got rid of him?

Peter Bell
273 Posted 08/04/2013 at 18:06:22
Err Ray, thats the same Kanchelskis all right. The same one who only lasted 18 months, of which he did nothing for the last six. A one year wonder was Kanchelskis, anyone who has him in the best ever 11 could only have been, well 11 years aof age at the time. Not in the same league as the Trevor Stevens, David Thomas, Johnny Morriseys of this world. Genuine wide mine, Kanchelskis was not even in thier league. He left Everton to go to Fiorentina and faded into oblivion, yes I think Ferguson got that one right
Peter Bell
274 Posted 08/04/2013 at 18:56:00
After leaving Everton, Kanchelskis played for 7 different clubs over 10 years scoring 20 goals an average of 2 a season, think Ferguson definitely got that one right.
Graham Mockford
275 Posted 08/04/2013 at 19:10:00
Peter

Bought for £5m, sold for £8m eighteen months later having scored 23 goals in 52 games. Think Joe Royle got the best end of that deal.

Chris Corn
276 Posted 08/04/2013 at 19:13:44
Peter Bell, I agree regarding the best managers knowing a players sell by date, but I still say Kanchelskis was one of the most exciting players I have seen at Goodison when he was at his best.

He wouldn't be in my best ever 11 though for the reasons you state.

Ray Roche
278 Posted 08/04/2013 at 22:59:53
Peter Bell, he wouldn't be in my best 11 either, but you cannot deny that his star shone brightly, but all too briefly, in his stay at Goodison. And you can add the name of Tommy Ring to your list of great wingers. One of the best I've seen.
Dave White
279 Posted 08/04/2013 at 23:07:39
It is the lack of squad depth that will always undermine us. A look at the squads of all the teams around us (and below us) is truly depressing.

We can't cope with more than a couple injuries or suspensions without the quality of our side being hugely damaged.

Whilst Moyes is hamstrung to free transfers, loans, unproven youngsters and bargain basement journeyman past their best to supplement the precious few class players we will always struggle.

When Moyes has been able to spend he has almost always spent wisely, Per Koldrup and James Beattie aside!

Hopefully the Fer £8m will be still available come Summer. A smarter man than me suggested Moyes may be stalling renewing his contract to force the board's hand regarding making funds available. If that is in fact the case we should thank him.

Dave White
280 Posted 08/04/2013 at 23:42:36
And Billy of course...man I so wanted that kid to come good : )
Steve Davies
281 Posted 09/04/2013 at 03:41:40
Spurs fan here. Enjoyed your match report. We are desperate to finish above Arsenal so we're disappointed not to win but no complaints. Everton played very well. Very good team. I thought Anichebe was great. On his own but won everything against our centre backs — and they are good!
Anto Byrne
282 Posted 08/04/2013 at 19:37:49
I was not happy with the way we played for the last half hour: no attacking intent, content to defend deep, no ball retention, happy to hoof it up the park — this part of Howard's games really shits me... at least Mucha wanted to retain possession with long throws out to blue shirts.

We have seen this for so long from a David Moyes side, he is just like the novice playing poker with a winning hand and loses it

Eric Myles
283 Posted 09/04/2013 at 12:25:06
Problem was Anto, Howard's touches of the ball were from backpasses so he had to hoof it upfield into their half where we had no men.

Even at corners where he caught the ball all our players stayed rooted in our box so there was no chance of a quick throw out.


Add Your Comments

In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.

» Log in now

Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.


About these ads

© ToffeeWeb