Good to remember that after this game, we’ll be at the half way point in the season. Plenty of points to play for still. I’m not playing down the importance of this one, but it’s interesting to see other team’s half-seasons. If we could have the same results in the second half as teams like Fulham/Brentford have had in the first half, then you’d imagine we’d be easily safe.
Also, JWP was really good vs City. Has been poor/average for a while, so whether it was the system or just motivation, that’s what he needs to do every week. Was it because he was essentially playing no.10?
I feel it might have been more that he knew he could trust Lavia so he was free to roam rather than having to cover just in front of the defence in case he was needed. He used to be like that with Oriol next to him in midfield. Whatever the cause, I'd love to see more of it at Goodison. Vin
It's a good point, plenty of time to salvage season (or dig ourselves deeper, whichever way you look at it!).
Can we play: Bazza Lyanco DCC sally sue KWP. Djenepo Lavia Diallo JWP Adams. Mara I would play pretty much the same team with Che coming in for Armstrong.
I'm torn on whether I want to see changes or not TBH. One one hand, that first half performance on Wednesday was genuinely extraordinary. One of the most dominant halves of football I've seen anyone except Liverpool play against Man City. Every player who started that game deserves to start tomorrow. But I'm not sure fitness levels will allow that. And I want to see Orsic and Alcaraz in the line up ASAP! 100% stick with that midfield 3 of JWP, Lavia and Diallo though. And I don't think we can afford to leave out Che. I'd go with: Bazunu Lyanco DCC Salisu KWP Lavia Diallo Perraud JWP Che Orsic I've put Orsic up front but for me he has a free role with Che the focal point.
I agree on switching out a couple of players, but I wouldn't change formation after that performance. We looked so good with the back 4
Hoping we stick with the 4-2-3-1/4-3-3. Lyanco to be fair to him has been decent at RB the last two games. Much prefer him there than CB. Baz Lyanco, DCC, Salisu, KWP Lavia, Diallo Armstrong, JWP, Orsic Adams Edozie could come in for one of the wingers but might be better as an impact sub.
He was RB v City with KWP LB. Djenepo had to do a fair bit of defensive work ahead of lyanco too. I'd prefer KWP RB and Perraud LB tbh.
He's certainly not as charismatic as Ralph, that's for sure and he always appears to be a bit chippy but there is something about his honesty that I think the players admire and want to do well for him. I'm warming to him, he may be a bible bashing preacher with a chip on his shoulder, but he's our bible bashing preacher with a chip on his shoulder... Onwards and upwards Saint Nathan... Also, if he can keep getting the best out of Lyanco, Mo El, Diallo, Moussa and Adarma I will believe that he can perform miracles...
I just watched Presser Part 2 and I agree, I’m definitely warming to him. He’s very articulate, good at expressing his views, and I like what he says about the aggression in the style of play he wants to achieve here. That’s something that Ralph had at his peak, but which wasn’t evident for much of 2022 sadly. As has been said by many now, including Nathan himself, JWP is an essential part of that aggressive, high-pressing style as long as he has the freedom to get forward. With Lavia and now Alcaraz competing with Diallo and AMN, we’ll hopefully see James back to his best going forward.
Funnily enough, my main concern over the Alcaraz signing, is that we move JWP back into the double 6 pivot.
