Fans Comment
Jonathan Fruin

Team Selection
24 March 2005

So, admittedly a poor run of form and performances culminated in the derby defeat on Sunday.  Suddenly, many so-called blues are on the team's back, full of criticism and panic, with many fans pointing the finger at David Moyes for his team selection.  This is absolutely ridiculous. 

I will agree that Joseph Yobo is no midfielder; however what viable alternatives were available?  Considering that Arteta wasn’t fit, this exposed our team's creative limitations.  Despite his knack of scoring goals, Cahill cannot dictate the play like  Gravesen or Arteta.  Despite having a tremendous season, and carrying out the midfield anchorman role admirably, Carsley is no Zidane.  So in the absence of Arteta, our only playmaker, what can Moyes do?  Play 442?  Well would it work? 

The answer is NO.  Why?  Despite being a crafty and very good player, Osman is not capable of winning a direct physical battle which he would most certainly be involved in with such a formation.  A further point, this formation would deprive Cahill of opportunities which he thrives on to get forward, as seen by the five-man midfield, as well as blunting Carsley's defensive capabilities.  Consequently, this left Moyes with little choice but to stick to 4-5-1, the formation that has served us so well all season. 

So, what else could Moyes do which would not involve Yobo?  Play the untested Plessis?  Play the unfit Watson?  Hardly viable options at such a key stage in the season. 

Another so-called flaw in many people’s eyes is the selection of Kilbane.  And please tell me who could replace him?  McFadden?  But he was injured.  Another possibility involving 4-5-1 is Naysmith at left midfield, with Kilbane in the centre.  However, this does not solve the problem of creativity, still leaves Kilbane in central midfield, as well as the fact Gary Naysmith is no left winger.  Put Marcus Bent on the right wing?  Not viable considering it is a position he dislikes and is clearly uncomfortable in.

My final coment is that, wherever we finish from here, we have still defied the odds and had a fantastic season, would you have taken top 10 if offered at the start of the season?  I know I certainly would have.  The fact is Everton still sit 4 points clear of a team outlaying £36 million last summer compared to our £2.45 million.  So, although disappointing if eventually overtaken by Liverpool, it’s something which we and everyone else would have expected. 

Maybe were not Champions League material, but we have given it one hell of a go and proved an awful lot of people wrong. I for one am proud to call myself an Evertonian, as although lacking the quality of others, no one has matched our work rate, passion, commitment and organisation.

On one final note, our great club is still in a great position, so to all those critics, either speak sense or shut up.

Jonathan Fruin

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