Tag Archives: Seamus Coleman

Chelsea Preview – more of a Moyes Best XI

By ianmarshallsmatters on | Leave a comment

Last day of the season is usually a cliché-ridden cringe fest and we don’t want to miss out…the end of an era for Everton with Moyes final game as manager. All the emotion and tributes were done last week at Goodison. Three points to finish things off nicely would be brilliant and allow Moyesy to chalk off one of the outstanding black marks of his time at Everton – winning an away game at Chelsea.

Having won the Europa League on Wednesday it’s to be hoped they’ve been drinking each other’s p1ss from it ever since – John Terry probably has. They still have a little something to play for to make sure they guarantee third place – some Champions League qualification issue or other probably. They’ll also want to win as it’s Rafa’s last game in charge…oh wait, the beauts will probably be raining on that particular parade. In one way, who can blame them as he’s got a snide, moaning ego which isn’t very endearing. Chelsea fans would rather have Jose Mourinho’s snide, moaning ego instead…

And Rafa isn’t ruling out the Everton job! No, that’s all wrong – take note Bill. And Gus Poyet suspended from Brighton and someone (not him) shat in the Crystal Palace changing room…where is Steve Harrison these days? Glenn Whelan at Stoke seems to be trying to take the mantle as chief prankster in the league. Pity Kenwyne Jones never snotted him one. To take our mind off the Everton manager rumour mill – inside candidate anyone – we’re going to join the fun and have spent a bit of time, well five minutes, picking our all-time Moyes at Everton XI.

The simple criteria used are: playing for Everton under Moyes (!) and choosing the players based on their best Everton season – not what they’d done before or since. We’re a team at Ian Marshall’s Matters so it’s a bit of a ‘chosen by committee’ but we reached a consensus.

First thing to agree was the tactics – it had to 4-5-1 under Moyes. A system he fell into with Marcus Bent proving so adept as the spearhead in 2004/5. It’s one he’s stuck to mostly ever since, although the odd 4-6-0 has been effective. The system has subtly evolved over time to a 4-4-2 come 4-3-3 depending on the opposition and when we’re attacking but basically it starts out as a 4-5-1.

So, let’s crank up the tannoy for the team:

Goalkeeper
Nigel Martyn. It had to be Big Nige. Our most consistent keeper since Big Nev. It’s a pity we never signed him years before. He provided stability for the defence that Tim Howard doesn’t consistently manage.

Defence
Right Back – Seamus Coleman. He’s added defensive solidity this season to his marauding runs. Those runs are more controlled too with a more consistent outcome, ie the cross goes somewhere near its target. Our other main contender was Tony Hibbert. He’s been there since the start of Moyesy’s time. From a purely defensive point, Hibbert would get the nod although he has his limitations (Wembley 2009) so overall we’re going Seamus.

Left Back – Leighton Baines. No debate here. He’s gotten better and better over the years. He’s a shy lad it seems which reflected early on as he seemed to lack a bit of confidence. Remember Lescott at left back? He was decent. Other good left backs we’ve liked include Pistone and Nuno Valente but they’re a distance behind Baines.

Central Defence – Phil Jagielka & Joleon Lescott – chosen separately but they also formed a great partnership. Jags is a superb tackler and blocker. He’s probably improved his distribution a bit this season but that’s not his strong point. He never gives up and backs-to-the-wall defending is his forte. Lescott was our debating point. The other serious choices were for Yobo and Distin, not forgetting Weir and Stubbs who were strong and a part of a rock solid defence in 2004/5. Lescott edges it with his goal-scoring return which was decent – not Degsy Mountfield like – but enough to edge him in the team.

Midfield
Leon Osman, Mikel Arteta, Marouane Fellaini, Tim Cahill, Steven Pienaar

We’ve gone for the classic Moyes – two wide players capable of swapping over; an attacking player who can support the striker; and two midfield sitters who can tackle and use the ball. Our unanimous choice out wide was Steven Pienaar – on the left. His close control and ability to retain possession sets him apart – he does have his weaknesses such as a lack of pace and his shooting is generally poor. How many times has he been in shooting positions on the edge of the box and passed it to someone else? Saying that, he’s had his best season for goals. He’s generally involved in our best passing moves and can change direction with great close control to compensate for lack of pace.

The other wide player was more of a debate. Kevin Mirallas has made a big claim – certainly with his recent run and some great goals. We’ve also had early-stage Mikel Arteta on the right. When we needed to be more robust in the middle, and before he got used to mixing it a bit in there, he was great at creating half a yard to get a cross in from out wide. So, to balance this team we’ve put Leon on the right. He gets his fair share of goals and gives this team the ability to be flexible – he can swap with Pienaar or drift inside behind the striker or even in central midfield.

The centre of the park has Arteta’s close control and possession and ability to take the ball off the defence. He’s great at set plays too – although his corners were terrible for the last few years – so let’s make that great at free kicks. He has the ability, along with Pienaar, of buying a foul just when we need it. Partnering him in there is Marouane Fellaini. Another who is able to take the ball off the defence – he’s better to then lay it off – but his main strength is winning the ball and keeping hold of it. Using his chest he is imperious. Once he’d got the hang of tackling properly he’s been really effective. He can also play up front or behind the striker and be a threat. Getting on the end of set plays is also a big part of his game.

The attacking midfielder to drift in behind the striker had to be Tim Cahill. At his peak he was brilliant at it. He also had a passion for the game and the club which gave him a never-say-die attitude. He was someone who could mix it up with even the biggest players. One of the best compliments we can pay him is the Kopites hated him. Nice one Tim. He scored a lot of important goals, mostly with his head. One of the best ‘jumpers’ for a ball we’ve ever seen.

Striker
Aiyegbeni Yakubu – Maybe we should have called this position Centre Forward but our man isn’t the traditional Everton no. 9 in the mould of Dixie Dean, Joe Royle, Graeme Sharp or Duncan Ferguson. In the Moyes era we’ve only had one player who scored goals regularly over the season. The Yak’s first season was his best when he got 21 in all competitions and 15 in the league. We finished fifth and qualified for Europe. Imagine having ‘that’ Yak this season? Although, imagine having last season’s Jelavic? Jela wasn’t selected as, although brilliant last season, it was only half a season. There was also a big shout for Wayne Rooney. During his time at Everton he was great but didn’t score a load of goals – he developed that at United. We’d have him as sub. His first season when he’d come on as sub with Goodison chanting “Rooney’s gonna get you” was spine-tingling. It helped produce moments like his goals against Arsenal and the one at Elland Road.

So, that’s our team. Pick away at it if you like. If you can do better by all means let us know.

Posted in: David Moyes, Match Previews | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Chelsea 3 Everton 1: Bridge of Sighs for the Toffees as Run Ends

By ianmarshallsmatters on | Leave a comment

The Blues travelled to Stamford Bridge more in hope than expectation this time it seems. Moyesy was talking admiringly beforehand about the changes made at Chelsea, with not just Villas Boas, but the likes of Mata and Sturridge too. It was always going to be a stern test as the Toffees attempted to maintain their league run – five unbeaten in the league at the billionaires’ playground, albeit all draws…something had to give…The Blues were unchanged and modelling the new third kit, bringing back memories of Kevin Richardson on a Friday night in the early 80s. What a dump the Bridge was then. Well, the money men are thinking of moving, with the more traditionalist Chelsea fans (there are some) not happy. No sign of any marches or booing of Roman like.

Our team is still a decent one which it’s easy to overlook in the generally gloomy outlook at the moment. It’s our style to be hard-working, closing teams down, but what it’s becoming increasingly clear is how much we’re missing Pienaar and Arteta. Even with Mikel being erratic over the last season or so, we miss his ability to keep hold of the ball. By the way, have you noted his increased media presence since moving to the Gunners? He’ll be getting a game for Spain soon, or maybe not.

Everton made a fair start to this game, hurrying Chelsea up and using the ball well. Osman was linking with Saha and Cahill, producing a couple of chances – Louis controlled well to force a decent save from Cech at the second attempt. Defensively, Distin was clearing plenty of danger and Jags was handling Drogba’s (reduced?) physicality. Hibbo dealt well with Mata the first time he came across him. We were battling away and giving as good as we got. Then, our Achilles heel this season: the lack of concentration for 30 seconds which leads to an opposition goal. Mata made some space and played a ball to Cole as he bombed forward. He controlled well and crossed to the back post where Sturridge had spotted the chance quicker than Baines had spotted the danger. This ‘falling asleep’ has meant we’ve only kept one clean sheet this season and that was an extremely fortunate one at Blackburn.

Chelsea’s passing started to click into gear whilst the Blues started playing a bit more long ball. Jags, with his long-range ‘quarterback’ ball upfront, would be better if it was more accurate and not over hit so frigging much. Our lack of cutting edge also showed when we’d get the ball, take a touch, and check our progression. Maybe Arteta (and Pienaar) would have kept hold of it and looked for the best option. It seemed against Chelsea, as against others, we get pressed and have to pass it back, to someone in more space, who then launches it for the likes of Cahill to chase into the channel. Not sure what the success rate is but it’s basically just giving the ball away. (For some tactical know-how try here) When we did have the ball in an advanced position Seamus chose the wrong option when not crossing and we ended up losing possession.

It was looking like we’d go in just the one down so we could regroup and give it a good go in the second half – the usual pattern for us in recent years at this ground. Coleman conceded a bit of a clumsy free kick allowing Lampard to put one into the six yard box. Again, poor defensive work allowed John Terry to knock it in. It looked like Fellaini should’ve been marking him but it was right in front of Tim Howard so the big Belgian probably thought Howard was going to clatter him when coming for the ball but, no, hesitant keeping allowed Terry to bundle it in.

Two nil looked a bit harsh but two poor bits of play contributed to our own downfall. These are the small things which decide matches. Illustrated when, within 30 seconds of the restart, Leon had beaten Cech but the ball bounced off the post and out. Still a bit of optimism and with Jags outmuscling Drogba maybe we could perform another heroic comeback. It wasn’t too long before the game was over though when Drogba ran from deep and played it back to Mata on the left – our right side had gone awol – who slid in a low cross for Ramires to knock in from close range. A proper tonking looked possible at this point but at least the Blues kept their pride.

Drenthe came on for Coleman. Young Seamus has looked more and more like a defender playing out of position in recent weeks. His head down and run at them attitude is great but it’s not very polished and against decent defenders it’s not been working. The whole team needs a freshen up and right midfield is certainly one area for urgent attention. Ross Barkley is one obvious answer although he wasn’t on the bench for this one. Everton – and Moyesy – have a good track record of putting young lads in when they’re ready so maybe Moyes feels he still needs to develop a bit more. It’s maybe getting to the stage where he needs to develop in the first team.

Another cameo from Tolos Vellios (on for Louis) saw him slot with his first touch. The key thing here was Drenthe picking up Felli’s flick on and delivering a decent cross for Tolos to get a touch and slot in. The Greek Kid has done something when he’s come on every time and, again, surely must be looking for a start soon, along with Royston. There’s only so much you can do with hard work and application – you can’t do anything without it – but increasingly tactical sophistication and awareness of our style are thwarting our game plans and mean the Blues need to change up and give themselves a chance. Picking players on form would surely see a couple of new faces in the starting XI.

Players with the ability to keep hold of the ball and do something different – they cost money – but we need to make best use of what we’ve got. A Drenthe or a Barkley on either flank, Coleman getting a run at fullback (his attacking instincts in this position would be a positive) with Tolos toiling with Louis up front might be worth a try. Cahill or Leon may have to be sacrificed or brought in when changing the system or for designated games. Moyesy has spells where he seems very stubborn in his selections but there are some defining moments coming up which may make or break our season.

For the third match on the run the Blues looked like plucky underdogs trying to keep up with the big boys. It was all a bit depressing and forlorn. We took seven points out of nine in these games last season. Our next two were both draws last time – contrasting games with a scoreless bore draw at Fulham and an amazing injury-time with two goals to make it 3-3 against United. We need to get back on track and four points out of the next six seems a minimum if we don’t want to fall closer to the relegation zone. We’ve had similar runs before and come through them so let’s remember that. Top half is looking like it’d be a good achievement at the moment though.

Posted in: Match Reports | Tagged: , , , , , , , ,