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Royal Blue Jersey
Player Valuation: £35m
Villa and Sunderland both scored in first half injury time.
****ing hell, that must have felt amazing for you!
BigBlueConk
Player Valuation: £70m
Not our worst perfomance of the season by a long way, but for long periods was very disappointing. Mignolet only had to make a couple of routine saves and could do nothing about our goals.
At 70 mins I did not think we would break through as we were lacking that killer ball.
However, delighted with 3 points that seemed to be very much expected in the football world, if not necessarily in the manner they were achieved.
I still maintain that against the bottom ten teams we go 4-4-2 at home, the 4-4-1-1 tactic being more suited against better teams than Sunderland.
At 70 mins I did not think we would break through as we were lacking that killer ball.
However, delighted with 3 points that seemed to be very much expected in the football world, if not necessarily in the manner they were achieved.
I still maintain that against the bottom ten teams we go 4-4-2 at home, the 4-4-1-1 tactic being more suited against better teams than Sunderland.
Royal Blue Jersey
Player Valuation: £35m
About to unleash 12 hours worth of opinion + responses to pages of posts. So bear with. Here goes.
You're talking about Heitinga there and I agree completely. He is one of those players that grows with the team into the rest of the season. The general pattern of play being we dominate possession in fairly pedestrian areas, but Heitinga will make one mistake and they will score from it (see Norwich at home last year). But he is great at playing out from the back - and not in a David Luiz insanity kind of way; in a measure, technically able, typically Dutch way - why people think that's a negative I'll never know. The amount of time the ball was going back to our centre halves it'd be frightening if they weren't good on the ball. Jagielka has improved that side of his game immeasurably - I really think playing for England has benefited him and us in that respect. He's been forced to do so - and was also fantastic with the last ditch stuff, which he should be commended for, but Heitinga is the one able to dictate play from the back, get it into Osman or Baines and get our attacks going. He's vital. And I also recall him putting in a few defensive masterclasses in the past, like doing an absolute job on Rooney in our 3-1 win a few years back. Him and Jagielka should be first choice pairing.
I would agree with this to an extent. I look back to the resoluteness of the Man Utd game; our optimism at the start of the season was the result of keeping Utd at bay with a backs-to-the-wall gritty performance and then following it up with a superlative footballing display at Villa. We looked the complete team. Losing Hibbert and Gibson has made us look very suspect defensively. But look back to the Utd game: we played with two deep lying midfielders (Neville and Gibson) who were essentially anti-football. We saw none of the ball and played long balls up to Fellaini who obviously rented a velcro chest for the night. We also had Hibbert putting in a typical Hibbert performance and nailiing the winger every time he tried to go past him. He didn't offer too much going forward: he has a great cross on him, but can't take a man on. The thing about having just one attacking side, our left side, was that Gibson or another midfielder could just slot back in to cover, because we had 2 defensive mids. We now have central midfielders who are always joining in the attack, particularly Osman who runs the game from further up the pitch. We have two attacking fullbacks, and only Neville to cover them. So we've not just lost a defensive mid (Gibson) we've gaining an attacking fullback (Coleman) meaning the workload is doubled for Neville and the two centre halves. I don't think we're helped by Howard, who has given several goals away. It is a problem we will face throughotu the season. We can only remedy it by learning how to defend with the ball. It's what all good teams do.
Can't fully agree. When we tried whipping crosses in second half it wasn't happening. Fellaini wasn't in the game and besides, he makes **** runs into the box anyway. Jelavic was crowded out playing against two centre halves. Bringing on Vellios was a big change, merely for his presence (I don't really rate him, but he had a few decent touches). It allowed Jelavic to get into the game, giving him that chance he thrives on. We spent time outside the box because we had to be patient. It's short-sighted to demand we get it into the box. And Fellaini was rubbish until he went back.
Jelavic had never gone. Fellaini was playing rubbish off him and offering nothing. First chance Jelavic got = scored, with one touch. He is a boss slotter. He just needs to be put through. Also he never stopped working. Remember he lost it but slid in, won it back, then fell over, but scooped it up and round the defender and managed to keep hold of it? Love him. What a finish.
You are nailed on to beat us at the SoL. Nailed on.
A final point:
Naismith was so poor today, in fact so poor I am convinced it has nothing to do with his abiliy. I've seen him score good goals for Rangers. He has talent. Even if he didn't, no footballer should be fúcking up simple control or a five yard pass. His failure to do the basics makes me think he has some menta, psycological issue. It's a problem, and I have no idea how we can correct it, so we have to just hope it sorts itself. He also kept sliding about like a lemon, what is up with his balance/boots? I also don't think he is a winger either. He reminds me of Osman out there, even though he does have the pace Osman always lacked. I think he would be much better suited playing just off Jelavic. We should have him play there instead of Fellaini.
You're talking about Heitinga there and I agree completely. He is one of those players that grows with the team into the rest of the season. The general pattern of play being we dominate possession in fairly pedestrian areas, but Heitinga will make one mistake and they will score from it (see Norwich at home last year). But he is great at playing out from the back - and not in a David Luiz insanity kind of way; in a measure, technically able, typically Dutch way - why people think that's a negative I'll never know. The amount of time the ball was going back to our centre halves it'd be frightening if they weren't good on the ball. Jagielka has improved that side of his game immeasurably - I really think playing for England has benefited him and us in that respect. He's been forced to do so - and was also fantastic with the last ditch stuff, which he should be commended for, but Heitinga is the one able to dictate play from the back, get it into Osman or Baines and get our attacks going. He's vital. And I also recall him putting in a few defensive masterclasses in the past, like doing an absolute job on Rooney in our 3-1 win a few years back. Him and Jagielka should be first choice pairing.
I would agree with this to an extent. I look back to the resoluteness of the Man Utd game; our optimism at the start of the season was the result of keeping Utd at bay with a backs-to-the-wall gritty performance and then following it up with a superlative footballing display at Villa. We looked the complete team. Losing Hibbert and Gibson has made us look very suspect defensively. But look back to the Utd game: we played with two deep lying midfielders (Neville and Gibson) who were essentially anti-football. We saw none of the ball and played long balls up to Fellaini who obviously rented a velcro chest for the night. We also had Hibbert putting in a typical Hibbert performance and nailiing the winger every time he tried to go past him. He didn't offer too much going forward: he has a great cross on him, but can't take a man on. The thing about having just one attacking side, our left side, was that Gibson or another midfielder could just slot back in to cover, because we had 2 defensive mids. We now have central midfielders who are always joining in the attack, particularly Osman who runs the game from further up the pitch. We have two attacking fullbacks, and only Neville to cover them. So we've not just lost a defensive mid (Gibson) we've gaining an attacking fullback (Coleman) meaning the workload is doubled for Neville and the two centre halves. I don't think we're helped by Howard, who has given several goals away. It is a problem we will face throughotu the season. We can only remedy it by learning how to defend with the ball. It's what all good teams do.
Osman was fantastic again. I've always been his biggest fan on here (so it seems!) to the point of pissing off a few people (or being pissed off by them, more like) but I'm sure it'll become fashionable to talk him up with the England cap looming. He did everything right - every touch, every pass, every tackle, won every header (some amazing ones on the edge of the box against O'Shea and Cuellar, how the hell he did I'll never know) - but then he has done so all season so should come as no surprise.
Can't fully agree. When we tried whipping crosses in second half it wasn't happening. Fellaini wasn't in the game and besides, he makes **** runs into the box anyway. Jelavic was crowded out playing against two centre halves. Bringing on Vellios was a big change, merely for his presence (I don't really rate him, but he had a few decent touches). It allowed Jelavic to get into the game, giving him that chance he thrives on. We spent time outside the box because we had to be patient. It's short-sighted to demand we get it into the box. And Fellaini was rubbish until he went back.
Jelavic had never gone. Fellaini was playing rubbish off him and offering nothing. First chance Jelavic got = scored, with one touch. He is a boss slotter. He just needs to be put through. Also he never stopped working. Remember he lost it but slid in, won it back, then fell over, but scooped it up and round the defender and managed to keep hold of it? Love him. What a finish.
You only had the lower tier but mate, ignore the bellend who told you they were ****e, your support was quality and they generated all of the atmosphere up until our equaliser. To be honest I am embarrassed at times by our support, booing them off was scandalous. I was the only one around me clapping them off at half time. I thought our players were trying their hardest but just came up against a very solid team that were always a threat. Defending counter-attacking teams with pace has always been our problem... Villa used to get battered by us for 90 minutes and still score 2 or 3 goals a game. It's why theres such hate for O'Neill on here, he was completely our bogey man, some horrible games against Villa. It wasn't like that today (as it's 5am, yesterday I should say)... we didn't batter you at all. We applied as much pressure as we could but we lacked a bit of quality, perhaps; Naismith, Pienaar and Fellaini were having poor games. Sessengon looked back to his usual self and was very dangerous; McClean gave Coleman some tough moments, Fletcher held it up well, and the defense was resolute. I was actually amazed when we scored that second goal, I could not believe we had done it: we definitely have a hoodoo over Sunderland. It had to end sometime, the fact it didn't end today given the pattern of play, makes the unbeaten run all the more remarkable.
You are nailed on to beat us at the SoL. Nailed on.
A final point:
Naismith was so poor today, in fact so poor I am convinced it has nothing to do with his abiliy. I've seen him score good goals for Rangers. He has talent. Even if he didn't, no footballer should be fúcking up simple control or a five yard pass. His failure to do the basics makes me think he has some menta, psycological issue. It's a problem, and I have no idea how we can correct it, so we have to just hope it sorts itself. He also kept sliding about like a lemon, what is up with his balance/boots? I also don't think he is a winger either. He reminds me of Osman out there, even though he does have the pace Osman always lacked. I think he would be much better suited playing just off Jelavic. We should have him play there instead of Fellaini.
BigBlueConk
Player Valuation: £70m
Hiya RBJ,
I was actually thinking against the lesser teams visiting Goodison that Naismith should play along Jelavic, allowing Fellaini to play next to Osman centre mid.
It wont happen, but I think Naismith is dead weight out wide and he just might score the goals when Jelavic isnt.
We are becoming a very good attacking team, but need to more shots on target, making the keeper work. Naismith may assist in this up front.
All subjective I know.
I was actually thinking against the lesser teams visiting Goodison that Naismith should play along Jelavic, allowing Fellaini to play next to Osman centre mid.
It wont happen, but I think Naismith is dead weight out wide and he just might score the goals when Jelavic isnt.
We are becoming a very good attacking team, but need to more shots on target, making the keeper work. Naismith may assist in this up front.
All subjective I know.
zed
Player Valuation: £25m
there will be a pitch-fork carrying mob a cry-babies after you soon mate
Somebody remind me of the Jelavic/Naismith partnership at Rangers. How many goals was it?
ArtetaMagic
Player Valuation: £15m
True tho, he is a passenger
K
Kay20
Guest
I'll take the three points and run - thanks! Seriously, I'm dreaming with our table placement right now, I have to pinch myself. Great stuff.
Defense not so great - why was Johnny so hellbent on getting a damn card? But three points!
To give him credit - Osman was a maestro today. Great stuff for him, and I'm so glad he finally got a call up. Super excited for him.
Fellaini was the boss, happy that Jelavic scored, and super bummed about Mirallas's injury. God I hope it's minor.
Still not sure about Naismith, and Seamus had some corners that were sublime. His defending is still a work in progress, but he's improving.
Yay!
Defense not so great - why was Johnny so hellbent on getting a damn card? But three points!
To give him credit - Osman was a maestro today. Great stuff for him, and I'm so glad he finally got a call up. Super excited for him.
Fellaini was the boss, happy that Jelavic scored, and super bummed about Mirallas's injury. God I hope it's minor.
Still not sure about Naismith, and Seamus had some corners that were sublime. His defending is still a work in progress, but he's improving.
Yay!
scratchnsurf
Player Valuation: £40m
Sometimes that CF CH battle is just that; who is harder. Sounds a bit childish but that's what yesterday was about to me. Fletcher knew Heitinga was going to be right into him, and he had a quiet game. He picked up a card, but Heitinga won't care. He did his job well.
Baines' left foot
Player Valuation: £90m
Are people serious about putting Hibbert back in for Coleman?
Coleman may not be quite the defender that Hibbert is but his forward play is 10x better in my opinion. The only thing Hibbert has over his is maybe crossing, and Coleman is catching up with him in that regard.
Seriously, just look at the difference having Coleman on the right with a proper winger has made. That's not all Mirallas either, he's been good but having an attacking RB with the ability to overlap creates a foil for him. Coleman is also young and has the potential to improve, putting Hibbert back there is a step backwards in every sense.
Coleman may not be quite the defender that Hibbert is but his forward play is 10x better in my opinion. The only thing Hibbert has over his is maybe crossing, and Coleman is catching up with him in that regard.
Seriously, just look at the difference having Coleman on the right with a proper winger has made. That's not all Mirallas either, he's been good but having an attacking RB with the ability to overlap creates a foil for him. Coleman is also young and has the potential to improve, putting Hibbert back there is a step backwards in every sense.
Alan Whittle
Player Valuation: £60m
View from the Palace End;
Early on Sunderland couldn't finish their dinner. Just as well. Everton settled well going forward and Miralles (sp?) looked unplayable. Jelavic and Pienaar looked out of sorts but after their early flourish Sunderland were gash. (When they did attack it was usually down their left and I came to the conclusion that they were targetting Seamus who did not look great defending.)
The Ossie/Neville central midfield combo is hampered by the latters inability to (having first won a 40/60 ball) pass to a player in the same colour shirt. Ossie was decent (their goal aside) and thought his close control was superb. A fit Gibbo required urgently.
Relentless pressure told in the end and I'm sure I wan't alone in thinking that if Everton could get one they would certainly go on and win. Jelavic sharpened up second half and Fellani had a bit more joy. A deserved win in the end.
As a slightly more dispassionate observer I offer the well known football cliche that teams who play under par and still win are generally pretty successful. I enjoyed it. The news that Palace had also come from behind to go back to the top as I was climbing down from the top balcony rounded off a good day.
Early on Sunderland couldn't finish their dinner. Just as well. Everton settled well going forward and Miralles (sp?) looked unplayable. Jelavic and Pienaar looked out of sorts but after their early flourish Sunderland were gash. (When they did attack it was usually down their left and I came to the conclusion that they were targetting Seamus who did not look great defending.)
The Ossie/Neville central midfield combo is hampered by the latters inability to (having first won a 40/60 ball) pass to a player in the same colour shirt. Ossie was decent (their goal aside) and thought his close control was superb. A fit Gibbo required urgently.
Relentless pressure told in the end and I'm sure I wan't alone in thinking that if Everton could get one they would certainly go on and win. Jelavic sharpened up second half and Fellani had a bit more joy. A deserved win in the end.
As a slightly more dispassionate observer I offer the well known football cliche that teams who play under par and still win are generally pretty successful. I enjoyed it. The news that Palace had also come from behind to go back to the top as I was climbing down from the top balcony rounded off a good day.
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