For the first time this season, the starting line-up was actually good but once again it was a complete lack of marking on set pieces followed by possibly the 3 worst subs possible that shot us in the foot again. Given we were controlling the game and had a numerical advantage, the subs did not make any sense. Cisse I think we can all agree only plays well when used as a supporting striker to a big man upfront, so bringing him on as a lone man is pretty pointless. As for the other 2, Traore may possibly have been injured but if not should have definetly been kept on as he was causing the Everton defence all kinds of problems unlike Onuoha who I cant honestly remember touching the ball. Nelsen for Ferdinand is a like for like change that should only have been made if we were winning. The game literally set up for Mackie or Faurlin. Mackie whilst not having a great amount of skill, puts defenders under pressure and causes mistakes which is exactly what we needed. Evertons back 4 looked knackered and Mackie would have been able to exploit this and create a couple of chances. And even if Hughes didnt want to bring Mackie on, he could have brought on Faurlin to create a 5 man midfield to exploit the 10 men. If we'd been offered a point before the game, I think all of us here would have been very happy with it, but after having the numerical advantage for half an hour, it feels more like a loss. Hughes has created a very good squad but just appears to not really no how to use them. .
We knew before hand that Traore was only going to last 60-70 mins and Nelsen had tight calves (and therefore lost mobility) due to his international exploits (and being 35) so the subs made perfect sense. Hughes definitley would have brought Macie on otherwise. Hughes did all he could today.
Not sure I agree with your analysis. The substitution thing has been done to death already on other threads. However keeping BZ on would have been a waste on this occasion. As a target man he was lacking today and Cisse plays well off through balls from Taarabt. Didn't quite come off for him today but a couple of passes through to him could have ended differently with only a very small difference in timing.
