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Derby lessons learnt?

By David  Price :  05/10/2010 :  Comments (41) :
It?s time to go to war against Liverpool come the derby. At least that?s the attitude we need to have so it resembles the thuggery we faced at Anfield last season.What personal battles can we expect and how do our players prepare like never before?

For arguments sake, let?s suppose it?s the same side that won at Birmingham that feature next. Let's start with the defence and whom they may face.

Phil Neville: his personal dual could be Jovanovic, not a player that Phil should have a problem with.

Leighton Baines: nailed on to be Kuyt, an absolute thorn in our sides with an uncanny knack of playing shite but then scoring against us. Can Leighton keep him quiet? Hopefully, by being the attacking threat himself and restricting Kuyt to a defensive game.

Jagielka and Distin: it looks like Ngog will be the centre forward, surely we can stop this undercooked excuse for a Premier League player making any sort of impact?

Coleman: on the right of midfield, he should offer a threat to Konchesky going forward but may have to watch Cole and not allow him any time on the ball.

Fellaini, possibly the key confrontation of the match against Gerrard for when he breaks forward to join the attack.

Arteta: whose remit will possibly be to find a way past Poulson without having to track back against this very defensive holding midfielder.

Osman: to offset the threat of Johnson as an attacking full back, whilst joining the front two in the positive way he played last week and giving space for Baines to expose the defensive frailties of Johnson.

Yakubu and Cahill: in attack to provide direct central threat to Carraghar and Skirtel. The Yak needs to see how Cahill got at Vidic to learn how to take the fight to a centre half.

So, player for player, this is a game we can win. It isn?t that simple of course; it?s a Derby, it is man for man, it is attitude and aggression, it is to win at all costs and tread over any Red-shirted body that gets in the way. For 90 minutes it is the time we step on the snakes? throat and don?t remove the boot until it?s breathed it?s last.

Juices flowing now Guys? Bring it on.

Reader Comments (41)

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Mike McLean
1 Posted 06/10/2010 at 14:46:51
So no problem then.

Can't really see why we haven't won the league yet.
Sam Morrison
2 Posted 06/10/2010 at 14:47:56
I don't see Liverpool under Hodgson playing the way they did last season, however it's still a tricky proposition and will be physical. They'll be fired up and of course the referee has an important role - we could do with a Howard Webb and not a Clattenburg or Riley.

All that said though I feel we have the edge. And the fans are owed one.
Andrew Fair
3 Posted 06/10/2010 at 14:52:44
Moyes had an awful record in derbies. I can only remember Carsley's and Johnson's derbies off the top of my head. But I think we can do this one. We should have self belief and confidence from the Brum game and they will be down in the dumps. Yes, form has nothing to do with it on derby day but we have the edge.

Already very excited... just wish we didn't have to wait for shitty international breaks. COYB

Peter Laing
4 Posted 06/10/2010 at 15:31:42
For me the key player's in this game will be Arteta and Fellaini. Arteta needs to demonstrate that he can cut the mustard when the pressure is on in a highly charged intense environment. Fellaini will need to show the discipline and desire to win very challenge fairly and without impunity. Liverpool are certainly beatable but man for man we need to want this more than them, simple really given the monster of a game that it is likely to be.
Nelaj Behajiha
5 Posted 06/10/2010 at 15:36:12
Got to agree David decent tips there.
Shaun Brennan
6 Posted 06/10/2010 at 15:56:05
I'd certainly hope we turn up to play against them and don't get intimidated.

I can see a few loose elbows from Fellani and his marching orders being given. Does this guy actually learn?

Looking forward to it, usually I dislike them. But with the chance to put a nail in their coffin I sure hope the players are up for it.

Nice little Anaylsis David.
Larry Boner
7 Posted 06/10/2010 at 16:06:59
What I want to know is who will be refereeing the Derby game (apart from Gerrard and Carragher ) ?
I know it will not be Mr Clattenberg, as he has not officiated in an Everton game since (or a Liverpool game - tho I am not 100% sure on that one) the "fixed Derby"
I heared somewhere that a referee should officiate 8 times in a season for each particular PL club, so it makes you wonder just what the hell happened that day.
Chris Perry
8 Posted 06/10/2010 at 17:25:45
Not really convinced that Coleman or Osman should be playing. I would much rather see:

Howard
Neville
Jagielka
Heitinga
Baines
Arteta
Fellaini
Bily
Saha (if fit; if not, Gueye)
Cahill
Yakubu

Subs

Coleman
Distin
Silva
Mucha
Barkley

No Osman or Hibbert, Moyes take note!

We could get a bigger win that the Johnson Derby!
David Booth
9 Posted 06/10/2010 at 17:55:27
It is without doubt the worst Liverpool team I have known in more than 40 years as an Evertonian.

If we can't beat them this time, with all that's going on on and off the pitch - and after outplaying them twice last season for no reward - the players want shooting.

COYB.
James Stewart
10 Posted 06/10/2010 at 17:54:12
What have you been drinking!? Have you even watched us this season! Jovanovic is a very tricky player and I would expect him to cause any of our defense problems.

Gerrard will be the obvious threat as he always is in derby games. Personally I don't like the thought of him running at either Jagielka or Distin as he will outpace either! Heitinga must be recalled for me but again I very much doubt he will. Moyes seems to have a fixation with playing an old centre back way past his sell by date.

No Pienaar or Rodwell and totally toothless upfront with a leaky defense and disaster waiting to happen in Distin
I can only see one outcome from this game and it isn't good!
Julian Wait
11 Posted 06/10/2010 at 18:07:49
Hoping for the "curse of Nando" to strike for evermore ... sell him to City perhaps and the RS never win anything for 84 more years ... of course I would almost rather be wasted at the RS than leveraged properly at City ...
Jon Cox
12 Posted 06/10/2010 at 18:14:13
Two ways we could go with this up front. First 4-4-2 with Beckford along side the Yak. The Yak for his hold up play for incomming attacking midfielders and close control to feed Beckford. Beckford of course because he is for the rs an unknown quantity, and of course the rs will think that we will go with our usual 4-5-1.

Or a 4-4-1-1 with the Yak up top and a split between Cahill and Billy. This gives us two options: We know about Cahill's late runs etc but with Billy we also have the threat of a goal comming from knowhere with his shooting ability. I'd go for a half each. That way both are fresh when starting.

At the back, I would have gone for Heitinga only because we'll need that little bit extra aggression and speed.

Neville is a bolt on certainty. Man U, no other comment needed.

But besides all that, it's how Moyes prepares the team mentally. Also he has in this one game with our season so far, to throw conservatism in the Distin.

With all that has transpired up to this point on and off the pitch, this I believe will be the mother of all Derbies.

After this particular game, Moyes, and more to the point we, will know who is worth keeping and and who should get the boot come January.

Don't you just wish it was this weekend that WW3 was about to commence.

COYB FTRS

Charles King
13 Posted 06/10/2010 at 18:09:35
This is Moyes's "High Noon" moment.

I'm critical because his style means we're on the back foot like frightened rabbits in games like this, big game bottlers.

About time he packed that shit in, if he hasn't learned by now, he never will and can call a taxi.

No more learning time........ time to deliver.
Declan Brown
14 Posted 06/10/2010 at 18:37:47
Read the headline / title and first thought was, under David Moyes, most certainly not. I think we can guess whats coming.

I hate these games, if they're on TV, radio i'll be an agitated and disturbed viewer / listener, because nothing drives me up the wall like a Merseyside Derby, it means so much.

Under Kendall and Royle our sides were up for the physical battle but under Moyes we capsize under any slight physical pressure and it drives me mad with frustration.

This year, for the first time in 20+ years i will miss the Derby (won't watch or listen to it but i will sky+ it so i can watch it afterwards without the heightened frustration / anger), i shall be in work (haven't made the effort to get time off such is my despondency for Derby's under Moyes) going mad in there instead.

Will be a long day, but again due to frustration at Moyes' tactics / record in these games, my TV won't be going out the window in a fit of rage, i'll probably get sacked instead though...

Will be praying for us in work though...let us pray fellow brothers...
Jon Cox
15 Posted 06/10/2010 at 18:50:49
Charles, I'm of that same ilk.

Moyes has got to do it this time or else I'll go for my taxi license.
Joe Carroll
16 Posted 06/10/2010 at 19:33:38
David Booth (7) I dont think whether this is the best Liverpool team or the worst Liverpool team you've seen really matters.

Would you say that the Everton team (including the 2nd goalscorer that day,Cadamateri) of the 97/98 2-0 win was better than theirs?Or the team of the Lee Carsley derby in 2004? You should know that it's very often the case in these games that the best team does not necessarily win.
Brian Waring
17 Posted 06/10/2010 at 19:33:02
When they went down to 10 men at Anfield, Moyes continued with 4 - 5 - 1, when he should have had the balls to go for it, can't see this game being any different. Set up not to get beat, and hope to nick one.

Blackpool had a go, and beat them.

The fans, and everything to do with the shite, are at an all time low.
We should just go for the jugular, but you just know that that will not be the case.
Colin Grierson
18 Posted 06/10/2010 at 19:54:05
If we set out tactically to beat them then we'll beat them. If we set out with caution we'll get beat. Simple as... in my book.
Charles King
19 Posted 06/10/2010 at 19:50:08
Brian @ 15

Thing is, if he can't see what an opportunity this is on a personal basis then he's a complete prick.

If he gets the team at it, the fans at it and we beat the living crap outta the shite he'll move to a completely higher level in Evertonians eyes.
The shambles of this season will drift into the ether and he'll be invited to star in porn films because his gonads will have quadrupled in size.
Michael Kidd
20 Posted 06/10/2010 at 20:02:53
We won't win if we play as we did in the second derby last year (we were just pathetic in the first). Everyone was over-aggressive and left their brains in the changeroom, in my opinion. It's one thing to go in hard, but you have to think of what you're doing. There's only one thing you need to do to beat Liverpool - put someone on Gerrard and don't let him have a kick. Torres will be out.
David Hallwood
22 Posted 06/10/2010 at 20:47:42
I bumped into Nortradamus today and he said the boys will win 3-1, put your mortgage on it
Marc Williams
23 Posted 06/10/2010 at 21:09:42
I agree with all who say Moyes MUST deliver in this derby.
Last season we lost to the worst L'pool side I'd seen in 30 years.
This season they are even worse & as Blackpool showed are vulnerable if pressured.
Moyes needs to grow some balls & 'Go for it', or just piss off.
Denis Richardson
24 Posted 06/10/2010 at 21:14:06
Playing at home, fans behind you, against a team spearheaded by Ngog - there really should be only one result.

Agree with 18 - take Gerrard out of the game and Liverpool have got nothing in reserve. Unfortunately he will be up for it a much as anyone else.

Would love to see us go 442 but that will definitely not happen if Cahill is fit. Still, get the team pumped up and I still fancy us to win.

10 long days to go...........

Mike Gwyer
25 Posted 06/10/2010 at 22:10:55

James (post 8).

Have you got anything positive to say?
I mean the RS are definately on top of their game at the moment, so we are in for a right fucking tonking!!! Are we fuck. I have seen most of our games and other than Newcastle and United 2nd half, we have dominated most of our games. From what I've seen on TV regarding the RS, what can I add to all the media shite already? They are off the boil with shite players and a manager who has yet to be involved in a derby match, which will probably mean him playing a single striker (Ngog??).

For fucksake give us some sort of chance.
Dick Fearon
26 Posted 06/10/2010 at 23:12:53
Brian #15. The game you mentioned with them down to 10 men was the first time I started to doubt Moyes tactical acumen.
For most of that game we ignored the wide open wings in a futile attempt to batter a path through their concentrated central defence.
Everton's tactics were exactly what Benetez would have hoped for.
Since then I have lost a lot of faith in Moyes tactical nous. He never has a plan B.
Peter Bourke
27 Posted 06/10/2010 at 23:11:27
@22 Mike,
I agree Mike. I have watched all games this year and we haven't been as bad as everyone has been saying. Sure we haven't been getting the results and we are capable of playing much better, but from what I have seen from the RS, they have definately been no better than us, that's for sure, so we obviously have a great chance.
David Booth
28 Posted 06/10/2010 at 23:30:24
Quite a few posts here saying it'll be David Moyes' fault if we lose.

Time the players stood up and were counted in this particular fixture.

They proved twice last season, that when that whistle blows, they ARE a better team than Liverpool.

On paper they certainly will be again this time too.

So stop this relentless Moyes baiting. If we don't beat Liverpool, it'll be the players' fault for not doing THEIR job properly.

But will beat them... won't we?
Jamie Crowley
29 Posted 07/10/2010 at 03:11:22
This is one that, if we lose, will be "rip your own fingernails out" frustrating.

We all know we're coming out 4-5-1. If it works and we attack primarily all's well. But if we kick around the perimeter or play it defensively hoping to knick one.... it won't bode well.

And there's the frustration. This game is screaming for all out attack. Caragher is slow as the proverbial tortise and Johnson couldn't defend by 65-year-old Mom. It's ripe for a balls to the wall, full on attack in a 4-4-2 or a 4-5-1 with Osman, Arteta and Coleman just bombin forward. Their defense is so weak.

I have a horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach we'll play very cautious - and hence may lose this utterly Golden opportunity.

It's there for the taking - no question.

I'm with Declan - pray. After all, aren't we up against the club that's signed a pact with the Evil One? Light, with a royal blue tint, has to prevail.

FTRS!!!

I can't remember ever being so fired up for a sporting event. For all those out there with a much longer history with Everton than I - can any of you remember such an important derby? If so, when?
Tony Cheek
30 Posted 07/10/2010 at 05:12:42
Good article David... and you are right about the thuggery we faced at Anfield last season, I will never forget how Carragher took out Pienaar with the game's first tackle. He was not the same after that and I am a bit afraid of the same tactics this time, he might go for Cahill this time. We have to be prepared to do the same and dish it out.

I have no doubt that Carragher and Gerrard will be winding them all up in the dressing room before the game. I can almost hear them now... "They don't like it up 'em lads"

I still believe that the derby at Goodison last year was the best we played all season (yes, I know we lost). Never been so pissed off as when Bily unbelievably sliced it wide from 2 yds out. If that had gone in...

The same quality play, plus a goal or two and we are home and dry.... COYB.

Shaun Brennan
31 Posted 07/10/2010 at 07:50:26
Charles King "This is Moyes's "High Noon" moment.". I 100% agree. Thanks fotr that analogy.
Dave Lynch
32 Posted 07/10/2010 at 09:50:47
@26.
David.
Moyes sends the players out with tactical orders and a set way of playing the game.
It is negative and frustrating to watch as well as being predictable.
I think this will be a close game and a blood bath to be honest, they will make sure of that.
If we go 4-4-2 and get at them early we will score, of that i have no doubt as they are shite in defence and have no confidence.
Moyes can the revert to his favoured formation and we can hit them on the break at will, and hopefully humiliate them.
Shaun Brennan
33 Posted 07/10/2010 at 13:43:00
Liverpool are their worst for year?

Cue our part, it's the these type of games we fuck up in.

Last seasons home derby anyone?
Matthew Mackey
34 Posted 08/10/2010 at 09:53:45
I think, man for man, we do have the capability to beat them this time though I do worry about Distin at the back at times and the lack of scoring by the Yak.
However, IMO there are some absolute "musts" for this game and they are;-
1) Heitinga must play - weather it be midfield or centre back.
2) Coleman must play - he was exceptional at Birmingham last week and he provides a wide attacking option that I really do think could cause them problems. (another "spurs" performance please Shamus)
3) Beckford should NOT play. I don't think he is ready for such an intensive game as this. The best he should hope for is a subs role after 80 mins if we're 4-0 up !

My only other point is this. Many of these Darby games are not won or lost by silky, skilful football but by concentration (or the lack of). As much as I dislike that blonde dutch git who plays for them, look at how he scored their winner at Anfield last time out. he clearly unsettled Howard and Neville at a set piece (corner) and we paid the price so dearly. So concentration and ones ability to stick to ones task is just as important as all the other things that Moyes will tell the lads before they go to war.
Daniel Johnson
35 Posted 08/10/2010 at 12:34:33
Benitez, although a big fat Spanish twat, has more tactical nouse in his little finger than Moyes has in his whole body.

Benitez always had Moyes worked out from the get-go. He was always 3 steps ahead of darling Davey and his 'one size fits all' football template. Oh how Benitez must have had sleepness nights with his Subbuteo trying to figure out Moyes's enigmatic tactics and team selection. The record of Moyes vs Benitez sums this up perfectly.

It will be another frustrating white flag waving performance from the toffees. I hope I'm wrong but I think Hodgson's the better tactician.
Tony J Williams
36 Posted 08/10/2010 at 13:26:38
Yeah, he really taught us a lesson when we beat them 3-0 didn't he. Also pissed all over us in the Carsley Derby too.

Last season's Derby at Goodison we battered them but could not score, that's not tactics that's poor finishing. The same the year before at Goodison when we were shafted by Clattenberg. Great tactics that, cheat and hope the ref doesn't notice it.

Is this the same manager that consistently played 4-5-1 against us? Hang on, didn't Moyes use that formation too.....obviously it's different if the Spanish Waiter does it though!!
Stephen Kenny
37 Posted 08/10/2010 at 13:58:02
If we win, which I think we will, it will most likely be because the man who always stands up to be counted in big matches has done us proud again.... Tim Cahill.
Tony J Williams
38 Posted 08/10/2010 at 16:57:28
If he is not injured or kicked off the park Stephen.

Fingers crossed
Stephen Kenny
39 Posted 08/10/2010 at 18:05:06
Tony,

Luckily he's one of the few in our side who are up for kicking back!
Bill Slater
40 Posted 11/10/2010 at 20:41:41
Predictions for Tuesday 12/10/10. Court case goes in favour of the OWNERS. Administration to follow. Gerard gets injured playing for England and misses the Derby. 100s of the RS jump off the ferry into the Mersey.
Luke Dunn
41 Posted 12/10/2010 at 21:01:17
Kuyt just stretched off for Holland, could it all come true, them losing nine points, no Torres and a win? That would be too much surely????
David Price
42 Posted 15/10/2010 at 15:20:02
Bill, fast forward to present day,
they've got new owners, almost sorted, Torres is fit and we lose Jags and Fella. How come our feel good factor lasts about 2 days at best until the devils pact kcks in once again

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