Just got home after a 400 mile round trip and a heavy nite on the razzle dazzle in Liverpool and wanted to pen a few of my thoughts on the game. #1. Not going to individually rate any player as I'm not sure it's possible. Just seemed like an unfair contest. On paper we are supposed to be good, but today was like watching a pub team. I'm not sure it's possible to be bad if you don't have the ball. Everton put on a master class. #2. No attacking from out full backs at all. Most people seem to rate BAE, but the guy does not get forward or overlap. Not even in league games. #3. How fat is Kranjcar?! I mean, it takes the piss that a pro footballer (in his prime re: age) looks and runs like that. With the access they have to dieticians, trainers etc there should not be an excuse. #4. Clint Hill. Double goal line save with his head. Amazing. Just amazing. #5. Weak midfield. No wonder Austin is stressing out. What do O'Neill and Henry offer? So anonymous and vacant when they play. Jelavic was effective today cos Barkley and Coleman ran the show. We may have lots of players in midfield, but how many of them could match the weakest Everton midfielder (probably Naismith)? None. We may get out the championship, but if we don't make a big change with either the way that we play or with signings, we will do worse than last season. Can honestly say that I have never been to a game before where we have been so dominated. Zero shots on goal, nuff said. Just can't be listening to Harry Phil, Tony and co saying it was a bad day at the office. It wasn't. We could play them 20 times and I think the result would be the same. Tactics and players are not good enough. In essence we are possibly getting worse and probably not helped by our flattering position in the league which is largely due to lucky wins and fortunate decisions. I guess this is echoed by the number of supporters who do not appear to be enjoying this season despite our success. So what's the solution? Wholesale buying and selling? Leave it alone and hope for the best? 1 striker and 1 midfielder? Whatever happens, all I know is that I would 100% prefer to stay in the championship if we have to look forward to performances like that in the prem.
Not suprised at all by all of that. We've been the same for most of the season!(just not playing Everton every week).I think we have a very average squad and all the talk of 'best squad in the league' is rediculous!.No real pace,flair,skill or control and a lot of the players dont give a toss!.
Defo right with the flair thing. No one today was able to take a player on. Maybe Phillips, but had no effect today. Makes a big difference when Hoilett plays (tho can't shoot). Said it before, but would love Taarabt back.
I think we have to hope for promotion no matter what may happen after that, not getting promoted, losing parachute payment etc could leave us heavily (more heavily) in debt & if TF decided to pull the plug could then sink like a stone.
Hi Roller, Um, no injuries?! Cesar was kind enough to make an appearance (proved he hasn't gone AWOL). That's it I think......
I haven't watched Bond's post match interview...But this is the image they used to advertise it please log in to view this image Thousand yard stare. Says it all
A good, accurate post. Just got home to sussex from the game. I wish I could report that the team, or to be fair some of the team, had put in as much effort on the pitch as we showed in going to the game. We were simply totally outplayed. Everton are a very good side, but I expected us to put up a fight, but no. We went out with a whimper. What puzzles me is what difference a striker would make, indeed any striker, if the midfield cannot create chances. I expected us to play one up front today, but to have two half fit strikers on the bench while Hitchcock sits in the stand after being recalled from Crewe is simply madness. Our biggest problem is clearly in midfield. Today Henry was truely shocking, O'neil quite poor, Krancjar as fat and slow as ever. Barton did Ok but he cant work for 5 men. As for Cesar in goal, well what does poor old Murphy think now. After being the sub all season, hes still the sub when Green is, allegedly, injured. That decision cannot be good for team spirit. To not have a single shot on target in 90 minutes is simply not acceptable. Harry needs to get a grip, and quickly, or we wont be going. No matter who we sign.
Forgot one thing, Clint Hills double block on the line was stunning. If only some of his team mates showed the same spirit and fight.
Cesar must have been played to put him in shop window and remind clubs he is available! Letting 4 in... Well that worked out didn't it!
The plus are..................no new cards, apparently no new injuries, we are out of the cup (no extra matches, more rest time....a few other teams might have a cup run (Wigan, Ipswich)....not Leicester or Burnley though) The real minus....it is another match where the players confidence and belief have been dashed (as opposed to Leicester, Reading and Burnley who are probably quite pleased with yesterdays work). It is beginning to get through to the players now, that this team isn't quite what it is cracked up to be....'Arry your motivational skills are required here and now
Certainly applies for Burnley at Stoke and Burnley at Saints - Reading at Brighton might have expected to pick up a result against Championship opposition?
This may have been previously posted, but I enjoyed reading Clint Hill's column, that includes a video - definitely the "right stuff" (takes some time to load - lots of photos) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...l-QPR-unprofessional-stay-Premier-League.html please log in to view this image
Thanks for that kilburn That was a good watch and read. ive not seen it posted anywhere before, so with you permision its probably worth a thread of its own. Cheers mate
