I guess most on here saw the game yesterday so can make their own judgement, but for me there was a big improvement in performance yesterday. THE GAME Everton started brightly and had a couple of corners but we made a good breakaway (for once!) and got a lucky goal 2 mins in. The game was pretty even for the rest of the half and we conceded an unlucky goal but Zamora made a shocking attempt at defending if that is what you call it. But Cesar was very unlucky. Second half started in much the same fashion - both teams creating chances and playing some nice football. But then the game changing moment - Pienaar sent off. From then on we were fully on top and Everton closed up completely, and credit to them they came away with a point. But we didnt really do enough to win the game. Several decent chances came our way but we didnt make enough of them. A stone wall penalty was refused which added to a poor game from the ref. The ref denied Everton a stonewaller and let Howard persistently waste time yet went over and spoke to Cesar (like he is going to waste time!!!). Very very poor - and he wasnt helped by the assistant on the ellerslie side missing several decisions. THE RATINGS CESAR - 7 - didnt do much wrong and made several good punches and saves. But missed a couple of crosses and did get out of jail when poorly positioned. Unlucky with the goal. TRAORE - 8 - had a good game. made a real difference having that extra attacking threat from the full back and he linked well with Adel at times. NELSEN - 7 - defended well for the large part, but should have won more headers at times despite marking anichebe. MBIA - 7 - a few hairy moments but has settled well and does make good clearances - even if sometimes a pass rather than a hoof would be better. BOSINGWA - 8 - another good performance on the other full back side. constantly getting forwards and did what was required defensive wise. GRANERO - 7 - faded out of the game towards the end but was always there to receive the ball. DIAKITE - 8.5 - MOM - a great performance imo - back to near his best. was always there to tackle and to make the forward runs and was constantly linking the midfield to the wingers and forwards. PARK - 7 - for me still the weak link, but an improved performance on recent times. looked better on the right rather than the left but his lack of pace really is hindering us. there was one moment when he should have easily got the ball but he didnt and we almost paid for it. that happened a couple of times. TAARABT - 7 - started brightly but faded like granero. several good passes and always looking to create. HOILETT - 8 - a very good game. got a lucky goal but deserved a goal and had a stonewall pen denied. caused problems throughout and had several good shots. ZAMORA - 6 - had a tough day up front v jagielka and distin but was at big fault for the goal we conceded. made zero attempt to defend. struggled to link play as in previous games but was a presence throughout. THE FINAL WORD I have to say I agree with MH regarding the team - bar faurlin in for park. But the defence looked much more soild and it helped so much having full backs that can go forwards. We were unlucky not to win and made everton look ordinary at times which is no mean feat. Things are gradually coming together, but we need to be more ruthless in the final third and create a better quality of chance as alot are half chances at the moment. The ref had a shocker as I said above and made several poor decisions along with his assistants. Some quite bizarre moments - one time he put his arm up to give a qpr corner (correctly) but in the process swung his arm round and gave a goal kick. Madness. I can see improvements in out play, and we dont seem to lack confidence in spraying the ball around. But we MUST beat both reading and saints at LR as 4 of our next 6 are away, where we havent won in a year. Although, wouldnt it be just like qpr to go and beat Arsenal, Stoke, Utd and Sunderland away but lose both home games!
I agree with the ratings apart from taarabt. I thought his touch was poor and lost possession too many times. he was never really a threat in my opinion. hopefully he'll better against arsenal.
I know it was only the sun but they gave Traore a measly 5 which just shows you either the reporter wasn't watching the game or just how divided everyone's opinions are when reporting on what their eyes say PS I agree with u on Traore more like 8
Thanks Judo. For what it's worth I agree with what you wrote about the team selection, as you say all Ok except Park, and perhaps Cisse for Zamora. But I thought defensively we were bad as usual, no organisation defensively at free kicks and corners - we missed Clint I think. We looked really suspect there when Everton had these opportunities. I would have given the CB's lower ratings and Granero MOM for me, a higher rating.
I think Taraabt is showing maturity recently. He has played well in last three games and makes runs to chase the ball as well as tracking back. Would like to see Cisse start against Arsenal and then substitute with Mackie for last 20 Minutes if game is close. Can't see MH dropping Park for Faurlin but I think Hughes is on the right path now.
Talking of the Sun.............they had Diakite at centre back, M'Bia right mid and Park centre mid. They also had someone called "Trani" at left back!!
Agree with most of that Judo. Can't agree that Zamora was always a presence though mate. Thought he was awful!!
