Two excellent posts. I think I'll back off for a while as I'm so frustrated that Mr clueless isn't getting the best out of these players that I fear I am going too far with my criticism of some players. I'll be there Saturday supporting all of them as usual!
I know what you mean Col, I have to force myself not to mock the players when the only one who deserves it is Barton, and even then it's Redknapp's fault for always picking him. I'll be there on Saturday, and for the Palace game. But I have decided not to go to the Arsenal game - 3 trips down to town in 8 days is too much, and honestly, I don't have the strength to witness what I think could be an annihilation given the speed with which the Arsenal attack, especially in the company of my Gooner mates (plus I caught the look on my wife's face when I floated the possibility...) And its on live on BT Sport. Huge respect to all the Rs who will be there, singing as usual. Of course, me deciding not to go ups the chances of a Christmas miracle considerably. Saturday will once again be full of tension and pressure for fans, players and coaches. I'd love to go to a game without a knot in my stomach at sometime this season.
We went to the Emirates last time, but not this year. As you say, an early Arsenal goal could spell a festive nightmare! See you Saturday for more fun and excitement.
I found myself saying (shouting) "Shoot, ffs" all through the first half. Howard never needed to make a save.
Some are saying that last night was improved away performance - it wasn't IMO. Everton looked short on confidence and did not have perform any near their best to win comfortably. I was encouraged by the line-up, which gave the impression that we were going to go on the offensive, but the problem seems to be that the players just don't believe that they can win away from home. Is that any surprise, though, when the manager constantly bleats on about how 'difficult' it all is, whilst praising the opposition to the heights. Saturday becomes yet another must-win.
There were a number of comments on this thread, including several of mine, that just reflected pure frustration. Justified frustration, but not with any particular player. Our dire away performances were summed up in the second half when one of our players, I think it was Mutch, ran on with the ball and put in a pretty decent cross - one of the commentators asked who he was crossing to, and when the camera panned into the box there was Vargas alone among 5 or 6 defenders. And that was when we were trying to get back into the game. I've seen Charlie Austin stranded like that so often in away games. That has to be a managerial issue. Why isn't Harry tearing his hair out and sweeping his arm to get more numbers into the box when we attack...?
Totally agree with you Chaz, but come on. Its only a matter of time isnt it and he's not the answer going forward is he. I've been very impressed with him mate but when he breaks down its a "start all over again or call on Clint" scenario...Im really not keen on that vision.
