Moyes stunned and frustrated

, 3 November, 59comments  |  Jump to most recent
David Moyes was stunned by Everton's failure to win despite overwhelming Fulham throughout in their Premier League clash at Craven Cottage.

It was a sickening outcome for frustrated Moyes, who watched his side's slick passing and invention create a host of chances that went begging.

"I can't believe we only got a draw out of that, it's incredible," the Everton boss said.

"We've played really well this season but that one we should have won. We were terrific at times but couldn't get the goals.

"I'm really frustrated because if I really want to hang on to the boys at the top I need to win these games when they come along.

"To win away in the Premier League is really hard for any side and we should have won that comfortably but we didn't.

"Today you'd have to go away saying Everton look as smart as any side. That's the way we've been playing."

Apart from Bryan Ruiz's seventh minute free-kick and Sidwell's late strike, Fulham were over-run as Everton created chance after chance.

"Give Fulham credit, they kept at it and their keeper made a couple of saves, but we were incredibly wasteful in front of goal," Moyes said.

"We were playing that well last season, the difference was Nikica was fully firing and at the end of all that good play he was the one getting us the goals. That's just form, it comes and goes.

"We went 2-1 up and Steven Naismith misses a couple of good chances to put it out of sight."

Martin Jol admitted Fulham had been taught a lesson, but offered only limited sympathy for Everton failing to claim the reward they deserved.

"It doesn't mean anything in football if you don't score the goals," Jol said. "They dominated us, all we could do was try to be positive. They are a very good footballing team. They are a settled team and know exactly what to do.

"Normally we are a good team, but I couldn't see that today. Although we took the lead I still felt they were stronger."

Quotes or other material sourced from Daily Mail



Reader Comments (59)

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Mick Wrende
1 Posted 03/11/2012 at 20:12:50
The problem is we are not as good an overall side as we reckon. Yes we play great football and make a lot of chances but if we have to score 3 goals to win a game then we wont win that many. Defensively we are playing like a bottom half side - last week we should never have conceded twice to Liverpool and both QPR and Wigan exposed our defence and one is the bottom club. It is no good being brilliant in some areas but not in others. That is not the make up of a top four side.
Andy Meighan
2 Posted 03/11/2012 at 20:38:34
Sorry Mick but it is the make up of a top four side because that's where we are: 4th. With a little more luck, we could have had more points but you have to say we got really lucky last week when the rat's goal was disallowed.

Anyone criticising that performance seriously needs to have a long hard look at themselves. Like I've said, someone is in for a severe hiding one week and god help who. Let's hope it's Sunderland — we always seem to beat them.
Kevin Day
3 Posted 03/11/2012 at 20:50:21
I think our problem is just down to not having a fit and proper holding midfielder protecting the back line, when Gibson comes back we should see a few clean sheets.
Barry Rathbone
4 Posted 03/11/2012 at 22:02:43
Mick, I agree we aren't as good as we think hoofball covers a multitude of sins and the new Moyes philosophy is a vast improvement but it exposes technique.

We still have one or two who struggle to control and pass a ball making us vulnerable - we lose it cheaply and get countered.

Still, it's better to watch than previous years.

John Wilson
5 Posted 03/11/2012 at 23:27:43
And so he should be!

The last three games equate to two lost games and now this... "Moyes is a tactical duffer with a risk averse nature" will surely get worse. We have the squad to attack, attack, attack and pile pressure on any team, but Moyes starts mistake-maker Neville every game with predictable results when our midfield needs an enforcer, like Hitzlsperger, who can score from anywhere, or Barkley who still wonders what he did wrong to be sent to Coventry (or was it Sheffield?)

And Duffy will undoubtedly soon be sent to a similar place to 'mature' while Moyes experiments with his 'seasoned' elders whose playing days are so numbered they should be limited only to substitute man-minutes at best!
Brendan McLaughlin
6 Posted 03/11/2012 at 23:57:17
John #023
And of course....if Neville hadn't played we'd be 4th...oops! Of course Hitz..who we rescued from the scrap heap is the answer?
Jamie Barlow
7 Posted 04/11/2012 at 00:10:04
We did 'attack attack attack'.

26 shots 15 on target.

Which enforcer do you suggest John?

Mike Gaynes
8 Posted 04/11/2012 at 00:48:30
John #023, that's the silliest post I've seen. Nobody has seen Hitz play in a year, so how do you know he can "score from anywhere"?

Barkley as an enforcer? That's hilarious. Osman is more of an enforcer than Barkley.

And of course Duffy would have made all the difference today.

Ridiculous.

Eric Myles
9 Posted 04/11/2012 at 00:56:46
John #023 "mistake-maker Neville"

Wasn't it Coleman who made the mistake that lead to their second goal? Do you think if Neville hadn't played Coleman would not have made that mistake?

David Barks
10 Posted 04/11/2012 at 01:57:04
Blaming Moyes for that result is just idiotic. Coleman made a horrible mistake to give away the ball by our goal, then failed to mark his man at the far post and instead of clearing the ball he lets Sidwell tap in. Coleman should have seen he was surrounded by Fulham players and gotten it away, out of touch if needed. You don't play around with the ball that close to your own goal with a couple minutes left, away from home, with the other side going all out to get an equalizer. He will learn from it, but Coleman cost us 2 points today. Should we have scored more, absolutely. But scoring goals is hard in this game, not giving the ball away needlessly when you are a defender, and not covering your man after giving the ball away, that should be standard procedure.
Sean McKenna
11 Posted 04/11/2012 at 02:57:02
I'm sorry if I haven't been the greatest Moyes fan ever, but ffs sake Everton fans — give it a fucking rest!!!

We dominated an inform team with Neville an Osman in the middle... we had 26 shots away from home... I'd rather see us have a go than try an seek a 0 - 1 win away by boring us to death!!!!

I praise Davey Moyes for playing the kind of football I have been craving my whole life!! I'm proud of Everton FC. I loved the way we dominated the Shite... Okay, we didnt win the last few games but, if we keep playing the way we are playing, we will win far more than we will lose.

COYB

Gareth Fieldstead
12 Posted 04/11/2012 at 04:51:04
Cannot believe the criticism on here. We are fourth playing great stuff and going forward there isn't a better team to watch. Coleman made a mistake and go punished for it but he played really well, if anything he was even more dangerous than Baines going forward. We have got beat once this season and frankly yesterday was just ne of those games were we suffered for wasting so many chances. The second half especially resembled a training session. As the away side the amount of chances we created was unbelievable. My only concern is that we don't look comfortable with any combination of Heintinga, Distin or Jags. Looks like Lescott is getting frozen out at City how about getting him back on loan?
Paul Gladwell
13 Posted 04/11/2012 at 08:28:36
Some shite spoke on here, do some of these people watch or go any games?

I tell you what, maybe City fans should start moaning as title winning teams should always be beating shit like West Ham or maybe Man Utd fans should be moaning that they have no chance of winning titles as they got beat by route one Everton.

We never won because Jelavic is having a nightmare at the moment but his goals will come. I slaughtered Moyes this time last year but take my hat off to him now, as I am enjoying the games week-in, week-out and guess what: we are fourth.
Ben Molloy
14 Posted 04/11/2012 at 08:33:27
I thought Coleman was superb down the right today... He really gave us the attacking edge that Baines has given down the left.

I left before the end as I had my 6-year-old with me and missed the Sidwell goal. I agree that Coleman should have got the ball away in midfield and should never have let Sidwell score. Hopefully he learns from this and Moyes gives him another chance....

I know if Hibbert had been playing, we would have probably seen the game out but he wouldn't contribute going forward like Coleman does, and having Baines-Pienaar on one side with Coleman-Mirallas the other gave Fulham untold problems today. I hope Seamus sorts it out as he could be a great asset in the future...
Phil Rodgers
15 Posted 04/11/2012 at 09:14:59
Not many teams will go to Fulham and dominate. We were outstanding yesterday and are playing with a huge amount of confidence. Just lacking that little bit of extra quality only money can buy.

Not Moyes's fault that we wasted so many chances. We have lost 1 league game all season so let's be realistic as we are on the right track. Jelavic is the difference at the moment. He desperately needs a goal.
Matt Traynor
16 Posted 04/11/2012 at 09:22:27
Just watched the highlights on MOTD. Can't believe how many chances we had. Jelavic is well off form, but that will come. Mirallas is on fire, and Fellaini was desperately unlucky not to get at least a hat-trick.

We are shipping goals, and we've now hit the woodwork 9 times. I still feel it's central midfield that is the problem, with Fellaini playing a more advanced role I just don't rate Neville in there. Too old, past it and really wasn't that good in his prime. I hope Moyes has the funds to bring someone in in January – without selling a big name – otherwise I fear we'll have another "what if?" season.

Phil Rodgers
17 Posted 04/11/2012 at 09:36:56
Berbatov would've been a fantastic signing
Sam Fitzsimmons
18 Posted 04/11/2012 at 08:58:54
Coleman's mistake in the middle of the park isn't the reason we drew yesterday, or for that matter failing to clear the ball at the back post. It's not the fact that Howard maybe, could've, should've got more on the ball from Ruiz's free-kick. It's not because Moyes brought on Distin with 3 minutes to go. Neither is it because Neville and Osman are playing CM and we don't have a fit Gibson protecting the back four. Or that Jelly is suffering the second season hoodoo of being an Everton striker.

It's despite all of the above that we're sitting fourth after 10 games. Over the next ten games Howard will make important saves, Coleman will nick or assist a winning goal, Gibson will be back releasing Jelly and Neville and Osman will continue to serve Everton with courage and pride.

I feel better for that
Paul Gladwell
19 Posted 04/11/2012 at 09:49:04
Matt, there were no problems in centre mid yesterday for Gibson to have made any difference, we battered them and they could not cope with the endless waves of attacks that we failed to finish off.

At times, we were a bit too gung-ho and I did welcome the Distin substitution; however, too many switched off in that last minute — that's football and it happens.
Phil Skelton
20 Posted 04/11/2012 at 10:55:32
I disagree, Mick (#978), we have just been really unfortunate that opposing teams have been clinical. How many shots did Wigan, Liverpool and Fulham have? Probably combined not as many as us against Fulham. We pummeled each of these teams; if Jelli had been on fire, we would have won each game about 6.

It disappoints me that people are upset about being in the position we want to end up in; we are fourth and yes realistically should be top but this team excites me and I can see us getting another 10 points from the next 4 games.
Eugene Ruane
21 Posted 04/11/2012 at 11:36:31
No need really for blame. Gutted we didn't get the 3 points but happy with the football. On another day we'd have had 6.

Really pleased Moyes has given them their (fnarr) head and (also) seems to enjoy our play. Ok, one complaint. Neville's 'tackle' for their first. Jesus wept – stupid, clumsy, no need (nb: Good job we haven't got Barkley, you know, making all those mistakes people go about).

All-in-all though, I feel good about us right now and – win, lose or draw –we're playing a lot of intelligent football. For Everton supporters (certainly those of a certain age), I think that's important.
Steve Cotton
22 Posted 04/11/2012 at 12:50:02
No-one else has really picked up on it but I thought Pienaar had a stinker yesterday. Nearly everything he tried didn't come off and he looked way out of sorts.

Perhaps the first change should have been him off and Oviedo on — that would have taken the fight right to them. It wouldn't have done any harm to give the German lad ten minutes or so instead of one of the two midfield men.

Sadly the Distin thing backfired big time but that's life so let's look forward... COYBs.
Karl Masters
23 Posted 04/11/2012 at 13:07:22
Like everybody I am frustrated by the draws, but if we keep playing like that we're in for a great season. Watching the Sky highlights, which are pretty comprehensive, we were pinging the passes around like Man Utd on a good day and all that was lacking was the finishing.

Next 3 games are all very winnable and then we play Arsenal at Home, Man City Away and Spurs at Home. Those 3 games look much harder on the face of it, but actually none of them are playing that well, so are we really worried about them either? No! And we know we can get results at Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and the Etihad as we've already done it, albeit we are overdue wins at the first two.

When's the last time we really didn't fear anyone?

Ed Fitzgerald
24 Posted 04/11/2012 at 13:16:03
I never thought I would post this but get off Moyes's back! I have been a huge critic of his approach, but this is the best football we have played since 1987.

Whatever has changed with Moyes, our collective mentality has altered and we are playing progressive, imaginative and attacking football. This approach will sometimes leave us vulnerable and if we maintain this style we will win far more games than we will ever lose. I have craved this approach from Everton for over 20 years and when we deliver it some people still moan.

At present we are playing to most attractive football in the premier league and comments made by Gerrard about our football are laughable. For those of who you are stats freaks looking for evidence, we have had more shots playing away from home than any other team in Europe.

At the moment, it is a grand old team to support. Bloody hell — surely some investor must look at us and see the potential. COYB
Mark Lennon
25 Posted 04/11/2012 at 13:47:29
Someone is going to be on the end of a good hammering from us very soon. A little bit of confidence upfront and we will be flying!

I know we're making mistakes at the back but if we were winning these games 4 or 5 - 2 it wouldn't matter. It'll come; were still 4th, be positive.

This time last year, would anyone've predicted the position we are in now? Champions League speck and up there with the best footballing teams in the country!!!
Nick Armitage
26 Posted 04/11/2012 at 13:57:29
Paul Gladwell - disagree completely.

Gibson is a totally different prospect in centre mid to Neville. Gibson, along with Pienaar set the tempo for the team. All Neville ever does is play it wide or chip it forward. Gibson can pick a forward pass and he also creates space for others or forces the opposition to drop a man off from up front to mark him due to his ability to shoot from range.

Ruud Gullit one said any player is a good player in space; Phil Neville is the exception to this. He is rank and to say Gibson would not have improved us yesterday is ludicrous.

Paul Gladwell
27 Posted 04/11/2012 at 14:28:49
Nick, as soon as he is fit get him in, I watch us every week I know what both bring and Gibson is twice the midfielder to me but he's not some God either, yesterday we created 26 shots, what more do you want us to do? We totally controlled the middle of the park.
Nick Armitage
28 Posted 04/11/2012 at 15:07:20
We controlled the midfield from Osman forwards. It was good play from Felli, Osman, Miralles and Naismith but Fulham's set up did help us to press up the pitch and keep the focus away from Neville.

I thought Neville was largely one dimensional (ie Mr Sideways) and offered zilch going forward, as usual. I am utterly convinced that had Gibson played, we would have been out of sight after 60 minutes. We are a totally different prospect with Gibson in the team, we are more fluid and can turn defence into attack in one pass, where it takes Neville two, and then from a less potent angle.

I do not think Gibson is a God, but the upturn in fortune last season was largely attributed to Jelavic when Gibson and Pienaar had as much, if not more, influence on the team.

The sooner Neville is back on the bench, the better and I suspect these draws will turn into wins. COYB

Ken Crowther
29 Posted 04/11/2012 at 15:15:10
Sam Fitzsimmons #091

You give a very comprehensive list of those things which were NOT the reason for our only getting a draw yesterday; but omit to give the reason why we didn't win, I was there, care to enlighten me?

Mark Tanton
30 Posted 04/11/2012 at 15:21:21
To quote the famous election debates of 2010; I agree with Nick - Phil Neville is utterly useless with a football, which makes a mystery of why he's a millionaire multi-capped from kicking one. I thought he was very good against Man Utd and pretty good against Liverpool, but in general he is, at best, a committed but mediocre player.

Against Liverpool when he dived he was in a very good attacking position, but he didn't know how to play any other other four or five blue shirts in and so simply went down. What an embarrassing failure of imagination. He is slowing down too, as his foul yesterday showed. In short, he's ready for the knacker's yard.
Paul Gladwell
31 Posted 04/11/2012 at 15:33:26
Nick, you are right in most you say; however, if Neville or Osman have a good game, they are lucky if they get any praise on here — and when they do something bad, they are slaughtered. The pair of them played a damn site better in last week's derby than Gibson and Fellaini did in their Wembley disappearing act against the Shite. Fuck me, we are still hearing about Osman's FA Cup Final debacle in an out-of-position display against a far superior side.
Paul Gladwell
32 Posted 04/11/2012 at 16:02:00
And remember loads on here were calling for Fellaini to be dropped back into Neville's position and yesterday Fellainis performance proved that is a no no.
Nick Armitage
33 Posted 04/11/2012 at 15:52:05
Too true.

In his time Osman has had some stinkers for us, but this is largely due to his limitations in physicality and not through lack of talent. I think this is why fans may get frustrated, because he will never be any better than the performance level he has been at for years. Ditto for Hibbert. I can think of more games where both of these players have won us points than cost us points, but for some reason we focus on the negatives.

On occasions Felli has had stinkers, but this, wrongly, gets forgiven because of what he is capable of. Same thing happened with Ferguson. The level of expectation is higher for Felli and Gibson and perhaps because of this they are given a bit (lot) more latitude.

Neville's one defining moment as an Everton player was when he nailed Ronaldo in front of the Bullens. Most people posting here would have gladly made that piss easy block tackle. His return over the years as an Everton player is simply not good enough. This is why he gets slaughtered for being what he is, ie a woeful footballer.

Sam Fitzsimmons
34 Posted 04/11/2012 at 19:05:24
Ken #136 Not sure if I understand what your asking and its probably because I didn't really make the point as clearly or as succinctly as I could have. The essence (I think) was that the overarching reason for not winning yesterday was causality - the principle that the specification of the dynamical variables of a system at a given time, and of the external forces acting on the system, completely determines the values of dynamical variables at later times.

Hope that clears that up

Brent Stephens
35 Posted 04/11/2012 at 19:59:37
Sam, and the impact of minor perturbations in the system - butterflies and all that?
Andy Meighan
36 Posted 04/11/2012 at 19:55:21
Correct me if I'm wrong but hasn't Neville played nearly all season and were 4th — can't be doing that bad, can he??? I think we would have all settled for that at the start of the season.

We all know his limitations but, fuck me, give the lad a break. He's doing a good job. And there's no reason to think that Gibson is going to come back in and everything is going to fall effortlessly into place; I'm afraid football doesn't work like that.

I like Gibson and do believe he's the glue that holds the team together at times but Neville has done a good job in his absence and long may it continue.
Sam Fitzsimmons
37 Posted 04/11/2012 at 20:04:44
Indeed Brent, not to mention the fractals and deviations inherent within predetermination of transitory laws
Phil Rodgers
38 Posted 04/11/2012 at 20:18:11
I simply can't believe the hatred towards Neville. I honestly thought apart from his dive he was fantastic in the derby. He's been an excellent servant for us since he signed. He is not a particularly talented footballer but he works tremendously hard and has been a very good captain. At his age he is entitled to be slightly worse than he was but until Gibson is fit he is all we have got and the fact we have only lost 1 league game this season makes me think that he is good enough to get in the side.

I can't see this post being particularly popular.

Michael Kenrick
39 Posted 04/11/2012 at 20:25:28
Andy, good point.

And what about Neville's brilliant pinpoint pass out from defence to Coleman, who was hugging the touchline at the start of the exceptional Blues move that put Everton ahead when Mirallas does his brilliantly timed run to pick up the ball, while remaining fractionally onside, run to the byeline, and then cut back directly to Fellaini, who almost couldn't miss.

(I say 'almost' coz I see on the slo-mo that his shot actually careens up of Schwarzer's foot and into the roof of the net — could so easily have been blocked away...)

Patrick Murphy
40 Posted 04/11/2012 at 20:26:16
Ed Fitzgerald , maybe you have hit the nail firmly on the head.

Could it be that DM's change of football philosophy is an attempt to attract buyers for the club.

A team playing football which is pleasant on the eye of Evertonians and football supporters in general. Who knows which Billionaire Oil Baron is watching and thinking I'll have some of that!

Probably wrong , but hey it's worth a thought!

Brent Stephens
41 Posted 04/11/2012 at 20:28:31
Sam, I didn't want to bring that up! Just wondering about strange attractors and Toffeeweb. We better shut up or the Ed will be on our backs.
Sam Fitzsimmons
42 Posted 04/11/2012 at 21:33:48
I concur with the thesis regrading Ed, a fair point well made Brent
Peter Warren
43 Posted 04/11/2012 at 22:19:38
My biggest problem with our team is Howard. A shocking performance again.
Si Cooper
44 Posted 05/11/2012 at 00:29:51
17 points from 10 games; I think all of us would have jumped at that before the season started. And yet there is now probably widespread disappointment that it isn't at least 3 or 4 points more, which is a testament to how well the players have performed over the last few months.

Knowing the manager and the players feel the same frustration at the various bits of bad luck, poor officiating, and occasional calamitous errors gives me great optimism that we can sustain our current level of performance (given a bit of luck and a lot of hard work).

Reasons to be cheerful:
Our 'lesser' players are capable of contributing at a high enough level to see off most of the opposition that we will face.
Our star striker may be in a bit of a barren patch but that hasn't affected his attitude or work-rate.
The team spirit is obviously good and that will help to get the most out of each player as they work for each other.

I thought Martin Jol was extremely complimentary in his post match interview, with perhaps as much being conveyed in his facial expression (arching eyebrows and knowing smile), basically admitting that we are a long way ahead of the likes of Fulham at the moment. Contrast that with classless Pardew (and a few others!) who never seem to give us credit when we deserve it.

On that subject, the positive stuff from the mainstream media now seems deadly earnest rather than faintly patronising. Long may it continue. COYB!

Jason Heng
45 Posted 05/11/2012 at 01:24:26
If Mirallas and Coleman can form a partnership like Pienaar and Baines... with Jelavic and Fellani in the centre of attack... we'll be truly a force to behold.
Steve King
46 Posted 05/11/2012 at 09:46:07
I thought Coleman had a great game on Saturday, and I told my mate sat next to me the same seconds before he gave the ball away then failed to defend from the subsequent attack....... So I am to blame for opening my big mouth too early, sorry!!

On a separate note, I thought the away support was fantastic at the Cottage, really spurred the team on after going a goal down. It did leave me wondering if I would really let Fellaini shag my wife though.......?

Brent Stephens
47 Posted 05/11/2012 at 10:57:29
Steve, no doubts, mate, I'd let Fellaini shag your wife.
James Fletcher
48 Posted 05/11/2012 at 10:55:26
Can't understand the stick that Neville is getting. I thought he was pretty good yesterday and he's useful for filling in at RB when Coleman bursts forward. If I was to single anyone out for a poor performance on Saturday it would be Peanut, he gave the ball away far too much.
Kevin Tully
49 Posted 05/11/2012 at 11:34:05
Pienaar had an absolute shocker, I lost count of the amount of times he passed directly to a Fulham player.

I always see a point away form home as a positive, especially when we created so many chances. We were as dominant as the first half as we played against Villa away, credit to Moyes & the team for going at them.

Regarding Howard, their free kick was struck well, but it was at a saveable height and he has to take some blame for that, awful challlenge from Neville to give away the free kick.

A good run of fixtures coming up, and we have to make them count if we are going to take 4th spot. I have never seen 4th place as open for the taking as this season, we can do it, even with our thin squad.

Can someone please tell me if they have ever heard a better bullshitter than Rodgers across the park B.T.W ?

Every time I see him on the T.V. he talks like the shite are top of the League - " We were just brilliant out there today - what a performance " when they have just spawned another home draw. I have never heard anyone turn relegation form into believing they are the new Barca, talk about deluded - the twat should be sectioned !!

Patrick Murphy
50 Posted 05/11/2012 at 12:08:52
Leave him alone Kevin , as this morning he says that Rat Face is their Messi , how can that be seen as delusional!
Patrick Murphy
51 Posted 05/11/2012 at 12:29:46
Perhaps Martin Jol is more accurate than Brenda as quoted in the Echo today:

Barcelona Blues!

The only thing that I can say that’s positive is that we never gave up. Everton were stronger than us, they are a very good team and they pressed us and their full-backs were almost playing like Barcelona’s do,” he said.

Tony J Williams
52 Posted 05/11/2012 at 12:25:40
That could well be Patrick, as according to Drenthe, Messi was a racist too...!
Robbie Muldoon
53 Posted 05/11/2012 at 12:56:25
This might be my first post ever having a go at the people moaning about the match... We are Top 4. We could and should be a couple of points more better off than we are out of no fault of our own. We are playing some lovely stuff. We have match winners all over the park (Baines, Pienaar, MIrallas, Fellaini, Jelavic).

Remember the shape of us this time 12 months ago... the home game against Stoke City that resulted in another game with no shots on target? That was a time to moan and be worried. Things have changed since then and I still believe we are good enough to get 4th this season... wow

Neil Pickering
54 Posted 05/11/2012 at 13:36:11
We need a new keeper as an absolute priority. Howard's errors have cost us 6 goals this season, and in my view the last 3 we conceded were down to him. He is a good shot-stopper but nothing more than that. A good keeper is worth at least 15 points a season, and we don't have one.
David Barks
55 Posted 05/11/2012 at 13:54:30
So Howard is the new Osman (maybe since Osman is playing really well and you can't really complain about him anymore), he's at fault for everything. If only we had a different keeper we would have been winning all these games, right? The free kick was conceded in a terrible position by Neville. The kick itself went around the wall, with the ball going to the left of goal then curling sharply back to the right and going off the right hand post, coming back off of the back of the diving Howard. How is that his fault? How can you guarantee that another keeper would have jumped further and gotten more of a hand to that ball, or would another keeper have used the eyes in the back of his head and twist to avoid the ball coming off the post?

And the second goal, blaming Howard for that?? That's just insane, I'm sorry, but you could not watch that play and come away saying Howard was at fault. Coleman loses the ball in a terrible position, then Coleman fails to mark his man, letting his man tap in at the far post. Pay no attention to the couple of incredible point blank saves Howard made earlier in the match, just blame him as the teams new weakest link. It's always so much easier than looking at the entire picture and seeing all the things that need to improve (Jelavic's finishing, lax defending, poor fouls conceded in bad positions, poor passing by Pienaar, some great saves by Schwarzer, poor finishing by Naismith with an open goal in front of him) and so much more.

Bill Griffiths
56 Posted 05/11/2012 at 14:33:22
Well said, Phil (183) and James (241). I can't believe the way some Blues really slag off some of our lads. Okay, I will agree that Phil has his limitations, especially at this late stage in his career, but overall he was a shrewd signing when he was originally bought and has contributed significantly to EFC since he has been here.

Obviously if Gibson were fit then I would have no objection to him replacing Phil but he's not available at the moment so really there's not really too many options available other than Phil in CM. We've only lost 1 game are in 4th place and have totally dominated in nearly every game played, he can't be doing that much wrong.
Pat Campbell
57 Posted 05/11/2012 at 15:31:19
John (#023). It seems you don't like Phil but let me tell you I reckon he was one of our best signings. In the dark days we needed someone who would cajole, shout and entice, in other words lead the team. Neville was a winner with Man Utd and he brought that quality with him to Goodison Park. He is a good captain and, although I do admit his best days may now be behind him, he is still a good player to have.
Patrick Murphy
58 Posted 05/11/2012 at 16:26:21
Perhaps Moyes agrees with you Neil, as the following extract shows.

MacMath to train with Everton
Posted on November 5, 2012 by Ives Galarcep

Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath put together a solid second season in Major League Soccer, his first as the team’s regular starter, and while his team’s season ended early, the young netminder’s education continues.

MacMath is in England, where he will begin a three-week training stint with English Premier League side Everton FC, sources told SBI. MacMath, who turned 21 in August, started 32 of 34 games for the Union in 2012, posting a 10-17-5 record and eight shutouts, with a 1.34 goals-against average.

I was dissapointed that we failed in our bid for Butland in August, I also fear that Peppa Pigs absence from our neighbours first team is a sign that they have stolen a march on us for that particular goalkeeper.

Amit Vithlani
59 Posted 05/11/2012 at 18:12:33
I thought defensively we were fine against Fulham and a little unlucky, and Moyes made the right tactical changes at the right time – no fault at his door for the Fulham equaliser. Against the RS last week though, different story – absolutely shocking defensive set up and cock up substitutions. There is definitely something about the RS which puts extra pressure on Moyes.

It was an excellent display by an away team and we have to remember, our record at Fulham has been generally poor. We seemed to have picked up in recent times against them.


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