The role of the football pundit is a weird one. Clearly most of the viewers or listeners are tuning in primarily to watch the game. Yet you only have to look at twitter during a live game or listen to a lounge full of viewers to know that the co-commentators and pundits can make a massive difference to people's enjoyment of the game.
No doubt who you prefer to listen to depends on your taste. Are you looking for someone who will hype up the excitement? Someone who will add some real insight to the action taking place? Someone with a soothing voice?
For me the best pound-for-pound pundit working on tv/radio is Pat Nevin. When he's co-commentating he's adds insight as well as describing the action in a way that's easy on my ears, when he's in the studio he'll nearly always highlight something interesting from the game and on magazine programmes he's able to be both interesting and do the amusing banter the genre requires. I'd like to think these observations aren't coloured by the fact I know he's got some Everton in his heart.
Coming up on the rails is new boy, the freshly retired Gary Neville. He's contributed more to my enjoyment of Sky games in the last four months than Jamie Redknapp has in the last three years. Aside from Neville (and Redknapp) Sky have some other half decent analysts - Graeme Souness can be interesting when he's not being partisan and Ray Wilkins has a lot to add despite the far too regular shouts of 'my word'! At least he's stealing from a broadcasting legend I suppose!
Where things go really downhill are on our main two terrestrial channels. Somewhere along the line the producers on these channels must have decided that anything too complex will cause the masses to turn-off. The worst two in my book are Jim Beglin and Alan Hanson. I can only assume they must have made a pact to provide shit punditry during retirement over a half-time cuppa in the Anfield bootroom at some point in 1983. If they did, they've stuck to their word.
Saturday 31 December 2011
Monday 19 December 2011
The Goodison time machine
The January transfer window is fast approaching and it appears that David Moyes is trying to reprise an Everton squad of yesteryear. Not content with just picking up James McFadden on a free transfer, Moyes has agreed a deal for Landon Donovan to return for a two month loan spell. Rumours are now gathering that he might complete the set by striking a deal to loan back Steven Pienaar for Spurs for the rest of the season.
It would be an interesting move. One that most of the football world would probably find a bit beffuddling. But I think most Evertonians would probably welcome the South African back. For all the bitterness around him leaving for the money (and Champions League), I think people realise the key part he played in the football we played during his previous spell and appreciate that all the more having put up with the last few months of dirge.
For me, the biggest thing we've been missing this season is attacking movement and that's something that Pienaar has in bundles. Couple this with the pace of Donovan and the directness of Drenthe and we might just get to see some interesting football again soon.
It IS a step backwards. You shouldn't go back. It probably won't be the same.
But right now, it might just be for the best.
It would be an interesting move. One that most of the football world would probably find a bit beffuddling. But I think most Evertonians would probably welcome the South African back. For all the bitterness around him leaving for the money (and Champions League), I think people realise the key part he played in the football we played during his previous spell and appreciate that all the more having put up with the last few months of dirge.For me, the biggest thing we've been missing this season is attacking movement and that's something that Pienaar has in bundles. Couple this with the pace of Donovan and the directness of Drenthe and we might just get to see some interesting football again soon.
It IS a step backwards. You shouldn't go back. It probably won't be the same.
But right now, it might just be for the best.
Monday 5 December 2011
When is fair play unfair?
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| Empty seats at the Reebok |
The forthcoming UEFA fairplay regulations are intended to redress some of the imbalance, limiting clubs spending to a proportion of their turnover. Theoretically, this would prevent rich owners coming into smaller clubs and spending hundreds of millions on new players without a sustainable business to fund it. However, it's a plan with flaws. Clubs will find loopholes, such as signing massive sponsorship deals to increase turnover. This is supposedly limited as part of the plan but as yet Manchester City do not seem to have been called to account for their incredibly fishy sounding stadium naming deal with Etihad. With the regulations pegged to turnover, it also means they essentially protect the status quo even more so than currently. The rules benefit huge clubs like Manchester United and Bayern Munich who have already invested in massive stadia and set up huge merchandising operations around the world. Smaller/medium-sized clubs who have challenged at the top of European football after investment from rich owners such as Villareal would be less likely to repeat their feats.
Tuesday 15 November 2011
Rodwell takes his chance
When Mikel Arteta left Everton in the final hours of the last transfer window, many Evertonians doubted that Jack Rodwell would be able to step up and fill the void the spaniard left behind. In the intervening weeks Rodwell has taken the first steps towards doing just that.
They are different types of player of course, but Rodwell has at last started to show that he might just fulfill the potential he showed when he first burst onto the scene in 2009. Rodwell appeared to be losing his way last season and at the start of this but I always felt that had a lot to do with confidence. It was obvious that Rodwell had good technique and the right physical attributes but he was struggling to impose himself on games. He didn't appear to be sure of his position (possibly due to being deployed in too many different roles) and to me his head seemed clouded with self doubt. As anyone who's played at any level will testify, when you're confident everything you try seems to come off, but as soon as the doubt creeps in the touch is heavy, passes are overhit, underhit and every game starts to become an arduous road full of pitfalls. For a young player the temptation in this situation is to play safe, to make sure you don't make mistakes - you can see why they would play it simple and avoid showing for the ball unless it's absolutely necessary.
Since Arteta's departure, Moyes has publically stated that he's looking to Rodwell to tie down a place in the centre of the Everton midfield. He's played him regularly and in the same position. Gradually, I've started to see that match condition returning in him and with his performances gradually improving his confidence has returned.
Whilst Jack might not be the creative force that Arteta was he has racked up some impressive stats for pass completion (over 90% in a couple of games) and has thereby replaced one important aspect to the spaniard's game that many feared we would miss. And as we know, controlling possession means a lot in the premier league today.
In terms of personality, Rodwell seems a modest lad by the standards of many professional footballers these days, you can look at him stepping up in Arteta's absence in two ways. Either he's thriving with the responsibility of the team relying on him, or he's more comfortable with less pressure on his place in the team. His performances culminated in him being called up to the full England squad - and judging by the way he took that opportunity (most observers agreed he impressed in both games) I would say that young Jack might just be one of those players who needs responsibility. Future club captain anyone?
Let's hope Rodwell can keep it up. I think he may just have turned the corner and he could turn out to be a lot better player for the experience of overcoming such a wobble. Believe lad!
They are different types of player of course, but Rodwell has at last started to show that he might just fulfill the potential he showed when he first burst onto the scene in 2009. Rodwell appeared to be losing his way last season and at the start of this but I always felt that had a lot to do with confidence. It was obvious that Rodwell had good technique and the right physical attributes but he was struggling to impose himself on games. He didn't appear to be sure of his position (possibly due to being deployed in too many different roles) and to me his head seemed clouded with self doubt. As anyone who's played at any level will testify, when you're confident everything you try seems to come off, but as soon as the doubt creeps in the touch is heavy, passes are overhit, underhit and every game starts to become an arduous road full of pitfalls. For a young player the temptation in this situation is to play safe, to make sure you don't make mistakes - you can see why they would play it simple and avoid showing for the ball unless it's absolutely necessary.Since Arteta's departure, Moyes has publically stated that he's looking to Rodwell to tie down a place in the centre of the Everton midfield. He's played him regularly and in the same position. Gradually, I've started to see that match condition returning in him and with his performances gradually improving his confidence has returned.
Whilst Jack might not be the creative force that Arteta was he has racked up some impressive stats for pass completion (over 90% in a couple of games) and has thereby replaced one important aspect to the spaniard's game that many feared we would miss. And as we know, controlling possession means a lot in the premier league today.
In terms of personality, Rodwell seems a modest lad by the standards of many professional footballers these days, you can look at him stepping up in Arteta's absence in two ways. Either he's thriving with the responsibility of the team relying on him, or he's more comfortable with less pressure on his place in the team. His performances culminated in him being called up to the full England squad - and judging by the way he took that opportunity (most observers agreed he impressed in both games) I would say that young Jack might just be one of those players who needs responsibility. Future club captain anyone?
Let's hope Rodwell can keep it up. I think he may just have turned the corner and he could turn out to be a lot better player for the experience of overcoming such a wobble. Believe lad!
Saturday 12 November 2011
My favourite players (in no particular order): 2. Dejan Savicevic
Before I start, apologies for letting this blog slip over the last few months. Winter's coming....more effort will be made!
To get things moving again here's the second in the 'my favourite players' series.
Up 2nd is another Eastern European who played in Italy - Dejan Savicevic. Savicevic was a Milan and Red Star legend, a classic enigmatic number 10, inconsistent but at times sublime.
For the sublime see Savicevic's performance in Milan's demolition of Johan Cruyff's Barcelona in the 1994 UEFA Champions League final. I remember watching this game as a 16 year old - the way Milan beat Barca this night was jaw dropping. Capello's Milan handed out a trouncing of the most emphatic kind on the biggest of stages. Savicevic created the first goal for Daniele Massaro with a typical surging dribble and then put the tie to bed by scoring Milan's third with an outrageous lob from distance. It was an absolute peach, a brilliant combination of quick thinking and technique. He then clattered the post before Marcel Dessaily put the cherry on top of the cake with a fantastic fourth.
No words could illustrate Savicevic's talent better than the video below. It's quite long but worth watching to the end i think as it shows footage i'd never seen before from his international games for Yugoslavia and from his time at Red Star. His dribbling skills are awesome, somewhere up there with Maradona and Messi i'd say. Bloody brilliant!
And to cap things off I found this whilst researching his youtube catalogue.
To get things moving again here's the second in the 'my favourite players' series.
Up 2nd is another Eastern European who played in Italy - Dejan Savicevic. Savicevic was a Milan and Red Star legend, a classic enigmatic number 10, inconsistent but at times sublime.For the sublime see Savicevic's performance in Milan's demolition of Johan Cruyff's Barcelona in the 1994 UEFA Champions League final. I remember watching this game as a 16 year old - the way Milan beat Barca this night was jaw dropping. Capello's Milan handed out a trouncing of the most emphatic kind on the biggest of stages. Savicevic created the first goal for Daniele Massaro with a typical surging dribble and then put the tie to bed by scoring Milan's third with an outrageous lob from distance. It was an absolute peach, a brilliant combination of quick thinking and technique. He then clattered the post before Marcel Dessaily put the cherry on top of the cake with a fantastic fourth.
No words could illustrate Savicevic's talent better than the video below. It's quite long but worth watching to the end i think as it shows footage i'd never seen before from his international games for Yugoslavia and from his time at Red Star. His dribbling skills are awesome, somewhere up there with Maradona and Messi i'd say. Bloody brilliant!
And to cap things off I found this whilst researching his youtube catalogue.
Sunday 11 September 2011
The Cahill Conundrum
Tim Cahill has been a great player for Everton since his arrival in our 'darkest hour' during the summer of 2004. The 31 year-old Aussie has clocked up 54 goals in over 200 appearances. In recent years though, as the teams style of play has involved, a growing number of fans have been calling for him to be axed from the side. They point to his lack of passing ability and pace as the reason for this.
I can see their point. I think it's unlikely that we'll see him deployed in the centre of midfield in anything other than an emergency for these reasons. I also think his effectiveness in the role of second striker or in the hole in a 4-4-1-1 is decreasing rapidly.
Yesterday in the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa, Moyes played Cahill as our loan striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation and I thought he had a really good game. It's in this role within this specific formation that I think Tim can still be a really useful player for us and in my opinion is probably why Moyes sanctioned the selling of two strikers in the transfer window with only one replacement.
In the 4-2-3-1 we saw yesterday, the presence of two holding midfielders in Fellaini and Rodwell allows the three more advanced midfielders to get a lot closer to the front man. I think this makes the ability of the front man to run in behind and stretch the opponents defence less important as runners from the advanced midfielders can provide this threat. It creates the feel of an attacking four and as with Messi at Barcelona means that the centre forwards can come deeper. Cahill may not have the ability to play a twenty-yard through-ball but his short passing, movement and as importantly his vision for it is very under-rated by Evertonians. His assist for Osman is a prime example. Cahill's job yesterday was to control the ball, and bring Osman + either Coleman or Bily into play. The three players then work the ball in groups of three to create an opening. It's what you see Barca do all the time. I think Tim did this very well yesterday.
The problem for Cahill comes when the full-back (usually Baines) joins the three. At this point Cahill's build-up job is done and he should be heading towards the box to get on the end of the cross. However, because he doesn't have the pace of a Rooney or Messi who play the 'false-nine' role so well, the cross will either reach an empty box or the momentum of the move will be slowed as the wide players wait for Cahill to get there. It's for this reason I think that when Saha is fit he will play this role in Cahill's place. He's equally adept at building the play but has just that little bit extra pace and stikers instict when hitting the box.
So how about Cahill in one of the advanced midfield roles when Saha is back? Well i'm sure he can do a job there but I think Coleman, Osman, Bily and Drenthe all probably offer more than him there. Whether that's pace, range of passing (ie.can switch it if needed) or long range shooting ability so unless they're all out I would say no.
So in conclusion I still think Tim Cahill has a role to play at Everton but it's a striker rather than as a midfielder. Given the fitness of Saha and that Velios and Stracq are so unproven I still think that's a big and important one and when considered as above might be some comfort to Evertonians worried about our lack of forwards.
Lastly, just a couple of notes about the 4-2-3-1 formation. You may have guessed this, but I think it's our best option right now. Splitting the midfield as it does allows us to keep more bodies further up the pitch and given our lack of pace this is key to us offering an attacking threat. Whereas a faster team could get numbers forward on the counter, we can't so it makes sense to allow more players to stay up field more often. Having Fellaini and Rodwell sitting does that. I think it get's the best out of Osman which is crucial now that we have neither Pienaar or Arteta to provide a creative spark in the final third. I was impressed with the way Coleman played in it yesterday too, especially since it was his first game back. He looked more effective in the wide role of a 4-4-1-1 last season and seemed a bit confused when moved to the slightly more narrow role in a 4-2-3-1 but he looks to have done some work on it in pre-season. Perhaps it was having the ginger cafu playing behind him rather than ole pip. Anyway, we all know the result and it was a shame not to win but i'm taking the positives from what I consider was a very good overall performance.
I can see their point. I think it's unlikely that we'll see him deployed in the centre of midfield in anything other than an emergency for these reasons. I also think his effectiveness in the role of second striker or in the hole in a 4-4-1-1 is decreasing rapidly.
Yesterday in the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa, Moyes played Cahill as our loan striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation and I thought he had a really good game. It's in this role within this specific formation that I think Tim can still be a really useful player for us and in my opinion is probably why Moyes sanctioned the selling of two strikers in the transfer window with only one replacement.
In the 4-2-3-1 we saw yesterday, the presence of two holding midfielders in Fellaini and Rodwell allows the three more advanced midfielders to get a lot closer to the front man. I think this makes the ability of the front man to run in behind and stretch the opponents defence less important as runners from the advanced midfielders can provide this threat. It creates the feel of an attacking four and as with Messi at Barcelona means that the centre forwards can come deeper. Cahill may not have the ability to play a twenty-yard through-ball but his short passing, movement and as importantly his vision for it is very under-rated by Evertonians. His assist for Osman is a prime example. Cahill's job yesterday was to control the ball, and bring Osman + either Coleman or Bily into play. The three players then work the ball in groups of three to create an opening. It's what you see Barca do all the time. I think Tim did this very well yesterday.
The problem for Cahill comes when the full-back (usually Baines) joins the three. At this point Cahill's build-up job is done and he should be heading towards the box to get on the end of the cross. However, because he doesn't have the pace of a Rooney or Messi who play the 'false-nine' role so well, the cross will either reach an empty box or the momentum of the move will be slowed as the wide players wait for Cahill to get there. It's for this reason I think that when Saha is fit he will play this role in Cahill's place. He's equally adept at building the play but has just that little bit extra pace and stikers instict when hitting the box.
So how about Cahill in one of the advanced midfield roles when Saha is back? Well i'm sure he can do a job there but I think Coleman, Osman, Bily and Drenthe all probably offer more than him there. Whether that's pace, range of passing (ie.can switch it if needed) or long range shooting ability so unless they're all out I would say no.
So in conclusion I still think Tim Cahill has a role to play at Everton but it's a striker rather than as a midfielder. Given the fitness of Saha and that Velios and Stracq are so unproven I still think that's a big and important one and when considered as above might be some comfort to Evertonians worried about our lack of forwards.
Lastly, just a couple of notes about the 4-2-3-1 formation. You may have guessed this, but I think it's our best option right now. Splitting the midfield as it does allows us to keep more bodies further up the pitch and given our lack of pace this is key to us offering an attacking threat. Whereas a faster team could get numbers forward on the counter, we can't so it makes sense to allow more players to stay up field more often. Having Fellaini and Rodwell sitting does that. I think it get's the best out of Osman which is crucial now that we have neither Pienaar or Arteta to provide a creative spark in the final third. I was impressed with the way Coleman played in it yesterday too, especially since it was his first game back. He looked more effective in the wide role of a 4-4-1-1 last season and seemed a bit confused when moved to the slightly more narrow role in a 4-2-3-1 but he looks to have done some work on it in pre-season. Perhaps it was having the ginger cafu playing behind him rather than ole pip. Anyway, we all know the result and it was a shame not to win but i'm taking the positives from what I consider was a very good overall performance.
Monday 22 August 2011
That familiar feeling: Everton kick-off 2011/12 Premier League season with a defeat
Well this was one of the least surprising surprise results of the weekend. Everton in slow start shocker!
On the upside at least we weren't last on Match of the Day for once.
The blues kicked off for 2011/12 with a home defeat to QPR. Queens Park bloody Rangers. Predictably the problems we encountered were very similar to those that dogged us for most of last season. We had the chances to salvage at least a draw but missed them and a defensive error cost us (Jagielka clearing poorly then getting sucked towards the ball like a 12-year old).
What to do now? Attacking is clearly the problem area. Options are so limited up top there are only a few things we can do. If Saha is fit he plays and Moyes will probably go 4-4-1-1. If not then it's Beckford or Cahill in which case I think we should revert to 4-2-3-1. Playing two holding midfielders is frowned upon as being too defensive by a lot of blues but it gives the other three midfielders the freedom to get near to our striker and build attacks with our creative players higher up the pitch. If we do this and Becks is up front on his own we should use him to run in behind and stretch the play rather than as a target man to build from (as this just isn't his game). This means we want lots of good movement from 3 attacking midfielders (who should be Osman, Barkley, Arteta/Cahill) all looking to create space and demanding the ball.
Will someone be sold this week? I doubt it, but never say never.
Will Moyes throw in a wild card, such as starting Velios? I wouldn't have thought so. I'd love it if he did though.
Ho hum. A dissapointing result against a poor side. Options limited. Backs against the wall. A club in crisis. Seems like Davie's favourite recipe for an 8 match unbeaten run.
COYB
On the upside at least we weren't last on Match of the Day for once.
The blues kicked off for 2011/12 with a home defeat to QPR. Queens Park bloody Rangers. Predictably the problems we encountered were very similar to those that dogged us for most of last season. We had the chances to salvage at least a draw but missed them and a defensive error cost us (Jagielka clearing poorly then getting sucked towards the ball like a 12-year old).
What to do now? Attacking is clearly the problem area. Options are so limited up top there are only a few things we can do. If Saha is fit he plays and Moyes will probably go 4-4-1-1. If not then it's Beckford or Cahill in which case I think we should revert to 4-2-3-1. Playing two holding midfielders is frowned upon as being too defensive by a lot of blues but it gives the other three midfielders the freedom to get near to our striker and build attacks with our creative players higher up the pitch. If we do this and Becks is up front on his own we should use him to run in behind and stretch the play rather than as a target man to build from (as this just isn't his game). This means we want lots of good movement from 3 attacking midfielders (who should be Osman, Barkley, Arteta/Cahill) all looking to create space and demanding the ball.
Will someone be sold this week? I doubt it, but never say never.
Will Moyes throw in a wild card, such as starting Velios? I wouldn't have thought so. I'd love it if he did though.
Ho hum. A dissapointing result against a poor side. Options limited. Backs against the wall. A club in crisis. Seems like Davie's favourite recipe for an 8 match unbeaten run.
COYB
Tuesday 2 August 2011
The summer of discontent
This summer has seen an increasingly public showing of discontent amongst Evertonians.
Another summer without adding to the playing squad has seen anger rising to the surface and a number of organised groups have appeared to campaign on behalf of Evertonians on a number of issues.
Their efforts appear to be successfully attracting the attention of the national media and the clubs issues have become the subject of several national radio phone-ins and national newspaper articles.
The aims and objectives of the two main campaign groups, Evertonians for Change and The People's Group, are loosely to strike up a dialogue with the club, for there to be increased transparency around finances and the vision for taking the club forward. There is also a desire for the board to agree with changes to move forward.
EDIT: As of yesterday afternoon all of the main campaign groups have joined forces under the banner of The Blue Union. Their statement is here.
However, whilst these aims are both clear and realistic i'm not entirely sure that satisfying them would be enough for the majority of angry fans that I see writing on message boards and forums. Most of these fans want the board (and/or Kenwright) out and I can see their point - it's hard to make a case that the board have moved the club forward off the pitch in any way during their tenure. Results on the pitch have much improved but most would accept that's down to Moyes rather than the board (although they have obviously supported him in his work).
The problem is that 'Kenwright Out' alone is too short-sighted an objective for a serious campaign. The first logical question by any outside party will always be 'And replace him with who?' at which point realistic answers are required. If the majority of Evertonians really do want the board changed (and I think they've every right to) they need to consider the 'what next' question and come up with some good suggestions.
I've ruminated on this many a time myself and here are my thoughts......
Another summer without adding to the playing squad has seen anger rising to the surface and a number of organised groups have appeared to campaign on behalf of Evertonians on a number of issues.
Their efforts appear to be successfully attracting the attention of the national media and the clubs issues have become the subject of several national radio phone-ins and national newspaper articles.
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| The Old Lady |
The aims and objectives of the two main campaign groups, Evertonians for Change and The People's Group, are loosely to strike up a dialogue with the club, for there to be increased transparency around finances and the vision for taking the club forward. There is also a desire for the board to agree with changes to move forward.
EDIT: As of yesterday afternoon all of the main campaign groups have joined forces under the banner of The Blue Union. Their statement is here.
However, whilst these aims are both clear and realistic i'm not entirely sure that satisfying them would be enough for the majority of angry fans that I see writing on message boards and forums. Most of these fans want the board (and/or Kenwright) out and I can see their point - it's hard to make a case that the board have moved the club forward off the pitch in any way during their tenure. Results on the pitch have much improved but most would accept that's down to Moyes rather than the board (although they have obviously supported him in his work).
The problem is that 'Kenwright Out' alone is too short-sighted an objective for a serious campaign. The first logical question by any outside party will always be 'And replace him with who?' at which point realistic answers are required. If the majority of Evertonians really do want the board changed (and I think they've every right to) they need to consider the 'what next' question and come up with some good suggestions.
I've ruminated on this many a time myself and here are my thoughts......
Saturday 7 May 2011
Last 3 games of 2011/12 - the control vs unpredictability dilemna again
The 2010/11 Premier League season is drawing to a close and Evertonians can look forward to visits from two of the top 4 to Goodison, sandwiching a trip to West Brom. First up are Man City who will be hoping for a win to secure their place in the Champions League for next season. Everton then have an opportunity to avenge the 4-1 defeat against West Brom earlier in the season before finally hosting Chelsea on the last day of the season. Depending on results in the meantime the Chelsea game could play a key role in deciding the destination of the league title. I can't stand meaningless final games of the season so really hope this one means something, it would be great to see Everton trampling on Roman's dreams!
Everton's mid-season injury crisis finally seems to be easing and two of the 'big hitters', Cahill and Arteta, returned to the starting line-up against Wigan last week. Whilst allowing for the two players getting up to match speed the match at the DW Stadium was notable for returning to a pattern that has been evident for the majority of the season, but missing in recent weeks. Against Wigan, Everton mounted long periods of pressure on the Wigan goal, winning many corners but rarely actually creating clear cut chances. This pattern was only really broken during the injury crisis when the team were robbed of Arteta, Fellaini, Cahill and Rodwell.
I've talked about this problem all season. Essentially I think it's a dilemna between control and unpredictability. When we have Arteta in the side we have more control, his pass complettion stats show why, but building attacks in a controlled manner is not always a good thing. As we've seen time and again against the lower teams who put more emphasis on defence, it only leads to frustration. Whilst he was injured the players available meant that we played a slightly more direct game which seemed to allow us to dispatch the lower teams more easily, resulting in wins over Fulham, Wolves and Blackburn.
The good news is that the control that Arteta gives us is absolutely neccessary when playing against the top 6 teams. Without it you get performances like our recent one at Old Trafford, where we defend admirably but are subject to wave after wave of attack without being able to muster a clear cut chance of our own. The best little spaniard we know should be in the starting line-up against City today and with our recent records against them I really wouldn't be surprised if we got some kind of result from this. The same applies to the Chelsea game, it'll be the forth time we've played them this season and as yet we haven't lost so there should be some confidence amongst the players.
For next season, whilst buying a new striker will be seen by most as the biggest priority, I actually believe Moyes' most important task will be finding the right balance between control and unpredictability in each game. A one-size-fits-all approach to this doesn't work in the Premier League, so he needs to find a way to dial up and down the players personal style of play to suit the situation. I would say we need to improve the squad to do this, except we've shown we can play both ways this season with players we already have. It might be that Moyes needs to select his line-up to suit the oppo more often, rather than just choosing his best 11 but however he does it, if he can nail this, i reckon we'll have a much better season in 2011/12.
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| Follow, follow, follow, follow: Mikky's back! |
I've talked about this problem all season. Essentially I think it's a dilemna between control and unpredictability. When we have Arteta in the side we have more control, his pass complettion stats show why, but building attacks in a controlled manner is not always a good thing. As we've seen time and again against the lower teams who put more emphasis on defence, it only leads to frustration. Whilst he was injured the players available meant that we played a slightly more direct game which seemed to allow us to dispatch the lower teams more easily, resulting in wins over Fulham, Wolves and Blackburn.
The good news is that the control that Arteta gives us is absolutely neccessary when playing against the top 6 teams. Without it you get performances like our recent one at Old Trafford, where we defend admirably but are subject to wave after wave of attack without being able to muster a clear cut chance of our own. The best little spaniard we know should be in the starting line-up against City today and with our recent records against them I really wouldn't be surprised if we got some kind of result from this. The same applies to the Chelsea game, it'll be the forth time we've played them this season and as yet we haven't lost so there should be some confidence amongst the players.
For next season, whilst buying a new striker will be seen by most as the biggest priority, I actually believe Moyes' most important task will be finding the right balance between control and unpredictability in each game. A one-size-fits-all approach to this doesn't work in the Premier League, so he needs to find a way to dial up and down the players personal style of play to suit the situation. I would say we need to improve the squad to do this, except we've shown we can play both ways this season with players we already have. It might be that Moyes needs to select his line-up to suit the oppo more often, rather than just choosing his best 11 but however he does it, if he can nail this, i reckon we'll have a much better season in 2011/12.
Monday 18 April 2011
Against all odds: Everton defy injury crisis again
Just when it looked like the 2010/11 season was going to fizzle out as meekly as it fizzled in Everton have only gone and woken up. A stellar sequence of five wins, two draws and just one defeat from the last eight games have resulted in a move up to 7th place in the Premier League and given the blues an outside shot at qualifying for Europe.
And yet even more astoundingly this purple patch has coincided with a crippling injury crisis which has seen Fellaini, Arteta, Saha, Rodwell and Cahill all absent. Amazing! Or it would be, were it not frankly completely predictable.
Year after year, when the chips are down, when the team is on the ropes, when the star player injury hoodoo has struck David Moyes' Everton teams have gone on phenomenal runs of form. So why is this?
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| Criminally underrated Osman is on great form |
Year after year, when the chips are down, when the team is on the ropes, when the star player injury hoodoo has struck David Moyes' Everton teams have gone on phenomenal runs of form. So why is this?
Thursday 10 March 2011
Unlocking the door to a parked bus
A particularly mixed metaphor it may be but Everton's inability to do this has pretty much been their problem all season and was once again last night in the 1-1 draw against Birmingham City.
The story has been the same week after week. Against pretty much everyone aside from the 'big six' Everton dominate possession and territory, sustain minute upon minute of pressure, clock up double-figures for corners and attacking free-kicks yet somehow fail to find the back of the net resulting in a draw or, after an error, a loss. Against any team that takes the game to us we play a high tempo pressing game without the ball, disrupting the opposition's rhythm and through interceptions high up the pitch or counter attacks find the space to create clear-cut chances and score goals. It's amazing how consistent the pattern has been. If I was a betting man i could've won a fortune this year. If those 'big six' teams had adopted the same approach as Birmingham et al our season could be even worse. I've no doubt that if Chelsea still had a coach as pragmatic as Mourinho in charge they would have sat back and picked us off on the break with ease, saving us a couple of extra cup games and leaving us a point worse off in the league.
Whilst I do think this is partly down to personnel, in particular the lack of pace in midfield and of a consistent goalscorer up front, I think it may have something to do with the system we play too.
The story has been the same week after week. Against pretty much everyone aside from the 'big six' Everton dominate possession and territory, sustain minute upon minute of pressure, clock up double-figures for corners and attacking free-kicks yet somehow fail to find the back of the net resulting in a draw or, after an error, a loss. Against any team that takes the game to us we play a high tempo pressing game without the ball, disrupting the opposition's rhythm and through interceptions high up the pitch or counter attacks find the space to create clear-cut chances and score goals. It's amazing how consistent the pattern has been. If I was a betting man i could've won a fortune this year. If those 'big six' teams had adopted the same approach as Birmingham et al our season could be even worse. I've no doubt that if Chelsea still had a coach as pragmatic as Mourinho in charge they would have sat back and picked us off on the break with ease, saving us a couple of extra cup games and leaving us a point worse off in the league.Whilst I do think this is partly down to personnel, in particular the lack of pace in midfield and of a consistent goalscorer up front, I think it may have something to do with the system we play too.
Wednesday 23 February 2011
My favourite players (in no particular order): 1. Pavel Nedved
What a player Nedved was. His combination of technique, intelligence and work rate made him one of the best players of the nineties and noughties. He also had a foot like a traction engine! A playing career spanning 18 years, in which he earned 91 caps for Czech Republic came to an end in 2009 with his retirement.
I liked Nedved for a few reasons.
First and foremost his style of play, he was everywhere, always trying to affect the game. And when he got on the ball he always seemed to make things happen.
Secondly, he played for Czech Republic who were my second team at international tournaments during his time (I had a huge soft spot for them after their brilliant display at Euro '96).
Lastly, Pav was the creative genius in my successful Juventus team on Fifa 2004 that won me many a mini-league in my shared house at the time. You could tell how good he was that John Motson couldn't help but scream his name in the accompanying commentary no matter where is was on the pitch "NED-VED!".
Anyway, here's a compilation of his Juventus years:
And here's him hitting the bar against the dutch in one of the best games i've ever seen (at Euro 2004). I almost left a dent in my ceiling i jumped up so high!
I liked Nedved for a few reasons.
First and foremost his style of play, he was everywhere, always trying to affect the game. And when he got on the ball he always seemed to make things happen.
Secondly, he played for Czech Republic who were my second team at international tournaments during his time (I had a huge soft spot for them after their brilliant display at Euro '96).
Lastly, Pav was the creative genius in my successful Juventus team on Fifa 2004 that won me many a mini-league in my shared house at the time. You could tell how good he was that John Motson couldn't help but scream his name in the accompanying commentary no matter where is was on the pitch "NED-VED!".
Anyway, here's a compilation of his Juventus years:
And here's him hitting the bar against the dutch in one of the best games i've ever seen (at Euro 2004). I almost left a dent in my ceiling i jumped up so high!
Tuesday 15 February 2011
What makes a good owner?
As i've noted recently, pressure is growing on the Everton board to provide some answers as to why the club apparently finds itself in such financial turmoil.
In the circumstances i've found myself wondering what it is that makes for a good football club owner. Here's what i think are the big 3:
1) Financial resources and business acumen
I don't think Everton need a mega-wealthy benefactor to come in and fritter away his billions to be successful. I think the club already has a lot of the ingredients to win things. Whilst they will need a certain amount of wealth (more than Kenwright) to allow the club to access credit on more favourable terms, I believe it is equally important to get an owner with business acumen. If someone could get the club punching just a little above it's weight through running the business more professionally, I really believe it could bring success. It's a travesty that administrative errors led to Everton losing a valuable young player (Gosling) for nothing and that the board wasted millions unsuccessfully pursuing plans for two ground moves.
2) Someone with vision
For most Evertonians their beef with the board isn't really the lack of personal money they have injected into the club, rather it is the complacent, short-sighted way that they seem to have managed the operation for years and years. This has seemingly led to the club being outmanoeuvred by competitors with similar or fewer resources than Everton. I think we need someone with the vision to be proactive rather than reactive and make the most of opportunities when they arise.
3) Someone who values and communicates with fans
The fans are a football club's customers, the money they spend attending games and buying merchandise is a club's biggest source of income other than from television rights. These days the internet means that fans have access to more information and opinion about their club than ever before. For businesses in every sector the growth in internet use has made it increasingly hard to control the messages that their customers recieve about them. Now anyone can publish, the message that customers recieve tends to be whatever the masses say it is. The phenomena is even affecting dictators!
Social media is about having a two-way conversation and gradually this is what football fans are beginning to expect from their clubs. They want a chance to ask questions and recieve answers, give feedback and receive acknowledgement. The current board of Everton Football Club don't seem to have cottoned onto this yet, but I would like a new board to make addressing it a priority.
In the circumstances i've found myself wondering what it is that makes for a good football club owner. Here's what i think are the big 3:
1) Financial resources and business acumen
I don't think Everton need a mega-wealthy benefactor to come in and fritter away his billions to be successful. I think the club already has a lot of the ingredients to win things. Whilst they will need a certain amount of wealth (more than Kenwright) to allow the club to access credit on more favourable terms, I believe it is equally important to get an owner with business acumen. If someone could get the club punching just a little above it's weight through running the business more professionally, I really believe it could bring success. It's a travesty that administrative errors led to Everton losing a valuable young player (Gosling) for nothing and that the board wasted millions unsuccessfully pursuing plans for two ground moves.
2) Someone with vision
For most Evertonians their beef with the board isn't really the lack of personal money they have injected into the club, rather it is the complacent, short-sighted way that they seem to have managed the operation for years and years. This has seemingly led to the club being outmanoeuvred by competitors with similar or fewer resources than Everton. I think we need someone with the vision to be proactive rather than reactive and make the most of opportunities when they arise.
3) Someone who values and communicates with fans
The fans are a football club's customers, the money they spend attending games and buying merchandise is a club's biggest source of income other than from television rights. These days the internet means that fans have access to more information and opinion about their club than ever before. For businesses in every sector the growth in internet use has made it increasingly hard to control the messages that their customers recieve about them. Now anyone can publish, the message that customers recieve tends to be whatever the masses say it is. The phenomena is even affecting dictators!
Social media is about having a two-way conversation and gradually this is what football fans are beginning to expect from their clubs. They want a chance to ask questions and recieve answers, give feedback and receive acknowledgement. The current board of Everton Football Club don't seem to have cottoned onto this yet, but I would like a new board to make addressing it a priority.
Monday 7 February 2011
Bizarre transfer window puts pressure on Kenwright
In the aftermath of a rotten January transfer window for Evertonians, attention has now focussed sharply on the clubs finances and ownership. The inexplicable loss of two strikers on loan and the sale of Steven Pienaar without any replacements coming in was probably a worse than result than most of us could possibly have imagined.
This bizarre state of affairs, added to a patchy season on the pitch seems to be awaking the national media to the clubs financial situation. On 2nd February the BBC's Phil McNulty pondered 'What next for Moyes & Everton?' and on 4th February Andy Hunter of the Guardian wrote about Everton's 'dangerous drift'. This type of publicity may well push the debate on the merits of the current board from message boards and forums (where it has been raging for years) out into the stands, pubs and living rooms. If that happens pressure is sure to grow on the board and Bill Kenwright in particular to provide some answers as to why the club finds itself in the current predicament.
This bizarre state of affairs, added to a patchy season on the pitch seems to be awaking the national media to the clubs financial situation. On 2nd February the BBC's Phil McNulty pondered 'What next for Moyes & Everton?' and on 4th February Andy Hunter of the Guardian wrote about Everton's 'dangerous drift'. This type of publicity may well push the debate on the merits of the current board from message boards and forums (where it has been raging for years) out into the stands, pubs and living rooms. If that happens pressure is sure to grow on the board and Bill Kenwright in particular to provide some answers as to why the club finds itself in the current predicament.
Sunday 23 January 2011
Attacking movement: Life after Pienaar
For me, good attacking movement is the key to scoring goals in the Premier League. With teams so well prepared tactically, the ability of a player to create a yard of space to receive the ball or for team mates move into is crucial to creating goal scoring opportunities.
Quick players are more likely to appear to have good movement as their pace allows them to find space more easily. However, blistering speed is not essential in order for a player to have good movement. Steven Pienaar was a good example of this, whilst no slouch he is not exactly a pace merchant but his movement from the left side of midfield for Everton over the last few seasons has been crucial to the teams success. Until his recent departure it also played a huge part in the effectiveness of Leighton Baines this season. In the two most recent games without Pienaar in front of him Baines has looked a shadow of his former self.
In my opinion improving Everton's attacking movement is David Moyes' biggest challenge for the remainder of the season. This season must now be a write-off but if he can find a system and personel with the movement to hurt teams next year then it may not have all been in vain.
Quick players are more likely to appear to have good movement as their pace allows them to find space more easily. However, blistering speed is not essential in order for a player to have good movement. Steven Pienaar was a good example of this, whilst no slouch he is not exactly a pace merchant but his movement from the left side of midfield for Everton over the last few seasons has been crucial to the teams success. Until his recent departure it also played a huge part in the effectiveness of Leighton Baines this season. In the two most recent games without Pienaar in front of him Baines has looked a shadow of his former self.
In my opinion improving Everton's attacking movement is David Moyes' biggest challenge for the remainder of the season. This season must now be a write-off but if he can find a system and personel with the movement to hurt teams next year then it may not have all been in vain.
Thursday 20 January 2011
A new era for English football?
Is it just me or are we starting to see a general shift in playing styles within English football?
It's not so much the top 10 clubs in the Premier League that i'm referring to but those teams that might expect a Premier League relegation battle and even a number of teams in the Championship and League One.
The change in style i'm referring to is a move away from the defence-focussed, direct style of play that for several years, most teams below the top-10 in the Premier League felt the need to use. The style of play synonymous with Sam Allardyce, Gary Megson and even David Moyes early in his Everton career. At the time it was seen as the most effective way of achieving results on meagre resources.
It's not so much the top 10 clubs in the Premier League that i'm referring to but those teams that might expect a Premier League relegation battle and even a number of teams in the Championship and League One.
The change in style i'm referring to is a move away from the defence-focussed, direct style of play that for several years, most teams below the top-10 in the Premier League felt the need to use. The style of play synonymous with Sam Allardyce, Gary Megson and even David Moyes early in his Everton career. At the time it was seen as the most effective way of achieving results on meagre resources.
Wednesday 19 January 2011
Half-time in the transfer window
As we enter the second half of January, this transfer window suddenly seems to be hotting up. Everyone knew that City would sign Dzeko or a similar blockbuster but Aston Villa's swoop for Darren Bent yesterday took everyone by surprise. It's a real coup for Villa and reverses the recent trend of talent walking out of the door, though if it's offset by Young or Downing leaving it might not look so much of a good deal. That said, there's no commodity more valuable in football than goals and Bent guarantees them. Young and Downing, good as they can be on occasions, don't.
Which brings me to the blues. I posted back in December that I felt Moyes absolutely had to get some players in during this transfer window, and of course as it's Everton, I appreciated this would require players to leave. In that posted i suggested the best strategy may be to sell one 'big' player for mega-money and replace them with two or three.
Well, it doesn't look as though Davie thought that was the way to go. Instead he's opted to offload some fringe players and cash-in on Steven Pienaar before he left for free in the summer. This may give a small budget for transfer or loan fee's and more crucially free up some wage budget to accommodate new faces. So Yakubu and Pienaar gone, Vaughan on his way soon and the possibility of Heitinga joining him before the end of the month. And on the way in? Well, strong rumours of interest in two youngsters, Eric Dier of Sporting Lisbon and Dale Jennings of Tranmere but other than that nothing concrete. My guess is that Moyes has two lists of targets, one for the budget we have now (the two youngsters above + 2 loanees - striker+midfielder) and one for if we sell Heitinga (in which case the extra money would almost certainly go on a striker). One things for sure, this is at least going to be an interesting window for Everton. It could all be doom and gloom, but i'm a positive person. I think the squad needs freshening up and it'll do us no harm to shuffle the pack. Moyes has got a good record in the transfer market, especially when he's up against it and funds are tight. We'll see i guess.....
Which brings me to the blues. I posted back in December that I felt Moyes absolutely had to get some players in during this transfer window, and of course as it's Everton, I appreciated this would require players to leave. In that posted i suggested the best strategy may be to sell one 'big' player for mega-money and replace them with two or three.
Well, it doesn't look as though Davie thought that was the way to go. Instead he's opted to offload some fringe players and cash-in on Steven Pienaar before he left for free in the summer. This may give a small budget for transfer or loan fee's and more crucially free up some wage budget to accommodate new faces. So Yakubu and Pienaar gone, Vaughan on his way soon and the possibility of Heitinga joining him before the end of the month. And on the way in? Well, strong rumours of interest in two youngsters, Eric Dier of Sporting Lisbon and Dale Jennings of Tranmere but other than that nothing concrete. My guess is that Moyes has two lists of targets, one for the budget we have now (the two youngsters above + 2 loanees - striker+midfielder) and one for if we sell Heitinga (in which case the extra money would almost certainly go on a striker). One things for sure, this is at least going to be an interesting window for Everton. It could all be doom and gloom, but i'm a positive person. I think the squad needs freshening up and it'll do us no harm to shuffle the pack. Moyes has got a good record in the transfer market, especially when he's up against it and funds are tight. We'll see i guess.....
Saturday 8 January 2011
The flip side to managerial stability
It's been a crazy few days for managers in English football. Since Christmas there have been numerous sackings in the football league and this morning Liverpool announced that Roy Hodgson is leaving Liverpool to be replaced by Kenny Daglish for the remainder of the season. The timing of these sackings is obviously motivated by the desire to give the new men the chance to make decisions to sign/sell players during the January transfer window.
Two things jump out at me about the Hodgson sacking. Firstly, will Kenny be able to recreate his former glories? He's been out of football for best part of 15 years and as we know the game has changed a lot in that time. I'm not sure, letting the players know 'what it means to play for Liverpool' will really make much difference to them. Is it really just passion that Liverpool have lacked i wonder? No doubt it will get the fans going though so i'm half expecting an upset against United in the cup and of course the blues need to beware next week at Anfield.
The second thing it underlines for me is how difficult it can be for a club to move on after having had a long-serving manager. Invariably long serving managers have been successful and stamped their mark on the whole club. By the time Benitez had left Liverpool in summer 2010 only Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher survived from before his reign and as late as 2007 Academy Director Steve Heighway had been replaced with Benitez's man. Long serving managers tend to have a vision that permeates through the whole club, from playing staff, to backroom staff and even to fans. When a manager goes, quite often their vision can live on elsewhere in the club for quite some time. I think it's this that Hodgson refers to when he expresses his regret at not being able to put his stamp on the squad. Liverpool aren't unique in struggling with the transition, Aston Villa are another example right now and i could cite Charlton Athletic post-Curbishley, West Ham post-Redknapp and Leeds United post-Revie as other examples.
Everton fans that have called for David Moyes' head this season need to be careful what they wish for. Inevitably even the most successful managers reach a point where it goes stale and they can take a club no further. Sometimes change is neccessary. But what Evertonians need to understand is that whoever comes in after David Moyes is going to have a very tough job on their hands. Whilst we may decide Moyes has taken us as far as he can we need to be aware that it may not be possible for anyone else to take us any further in the near future either. We may well go backwards before we go forwards again.
Two things jump out at me about the Hodgson sacking. Firstly, will Kenny be able to recreate his former glories? He's been out of football for best part of 15 years and as we know the game has changed a lot in that time. I'm not sure, letting the players know 'what it means to play for Liverpool' will really make much difference to them. Is it really just passion that Liverpool have lacked i wonder? No doubt it will get the fans going though so i'm half expecting an upset against United in the cup and of course the blues need to beware next week at Anfield.
The second thing it underlines for me is how difficult it can be for a club to move on after having had a long-serving manager. Invariably long serving managers have been successful and stamped their mark on the whole club. By the time Benitez had left Liverpool in summer 2010 only Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher survived from before his reign and as late as 2007 Academy Director Steve Heighway had been replaced with Benitez's man. Long serving managers tend to have a vision that permeates through the whole club, from playing staff, to backroom staff and even to fans. When a manager goes, quite often their vision can live on elsewhere in the club for quite some time. I think it's this that Hodgson refers to when he expresses his regret at not being able to put his stamp on the squad. Liverpool aren't unique in struggling with the transition, Aston Villa are another example right now and i could cite Charlton Athletic post-Curbishley, West Ham post-Redknapp and Leeds United post-Revie as other examples.
Everton fans that have called for David Moyes' head this season need to be careful what they wish for. Inevitably even the most successful managers reach a point where it goes stale and they can take a club no further. Sometimes change is neccessary. But what Evertonians need to understand is that whoever comes in after David Moyes is going to have a very tough job on their hands. Whilst we may decide Moyes has taken us as far as he can we need to be aware that it may not be possible for anyone else to take us any further in the near future either. We may well go backwards before we go forwards again.
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