I imagine after the first half yesterday which was just chaos, the
reaction in the dressing rooms was;
Ancelotti - We cant go on like this - we need to get a grip
Bielsa - More More More
And as ever Bielsa was correct - and Everton couldnt keep going at the
same intensity - and we took control.
I think Strujk was probably most at fault for the first goal - it looked
like he could have got across to the cross - but we should remember that
he's basically 5th choice centre-back (as Bielsa thinks Berardi plays
there) - and is playing most weeks this season. So the defence isnt
great but there is a good reason why. I think Cooper has actually been
fine in the circumstances.
Costa wasnt good but no worse than Pablo for example - whose loss of
possession nearly cost us a goal. Both suffering from lack of game
time. Roberts always looks like he might make something happen - but
never actually does.
Raphinha is fantastic - doubtful whether he'd be fit and he was going
end to end constantly. Most talented player since Kewell and with a
better workrate
Matt
------ Original Message ------
From: t...@3lv.uk
To: "leeds list leedslist@gn.apc.org" <leedslist@gn.apc.org>
Sent: Thursday, 4 Feb, 21 At 16:06
Subject: Re: [LU] Everton
Pretty much exactly how I saw it Rich. For me, the following are all on
my "Should be sold or made into
a squad player in the Summer" list (And no, I'm not being unnecessarily
negative just because we lost, just realistic!):
Alioski. We're crying out for a left back, Squad.
Cooper. We're now playing beyond his limits, Sell.
Struyk. Young lad, I like him, just needs some experience. Keep, good
back up.
Costa. Waste of space. Sell.
Pablo. Allow him his swansong at his home club in the Summer, with our
eternal gratitude!
Isn't it weird how pre Leicester and Everton I'd have settled for 3
points but, having beaten Leicester, I'm disappointed!!! We owe Palace,
would like to beat them (Zaha a doubt for them too). Raphinia is my new
favourite player, think he's precisely the level of player we need to
attract.
I still hate losing but rapidly get it in to context of where we are and
where we've been, was definitely the best Everton have played for a
while too.
StigOfTheOnTheUpDump
On 2021-02-04 14:59, Richard Walker via Leedslist wrote:
It's not often I come away from a home defeat feeling pretty positive.
For me, the 2nd half was one of the best so far and there's been some
good ones thsi season. We ran a really impressive Everton team ragged
and at times they just couldn't get out of their half. Their keeper
did well and we fluffed a few half chances. The pitch for me was a
worry in the first half but overall you have to say it was an
improvement on the field that was dug up because it did allow us to
play at tempo. The flip side of that was Everton were also allowed to
play at tempo in the first half and they more than matched us. I
didn't really rate them at Goodison but last night I thought they
looked impressive in the first half and although I think 2-0 at
half-time flattered them a bit, they showed that they had real pace
and skill on the ball.
The only real disapointement for me were the goals and the defending.
We can say that we're happy with the squad but are we ? We've got a
central defender effectively out for the season and another who is
injury prone so we're reliant on League One Liam and the Ripper (God,
he does look like Sutcliffe in his prime), who has played around 10
first team games in his life. I heard Luke Ayling manfully owning up
for allowing the cross for the first goal. Yes Luke, but there were 4
white shirts stood stroking their cocks whilst Sigurrson strolled
through unmarked to poke home. Philips lost him in midfield, Ripper
stood ball watching and I've no idea what LO Liam was doing but
Philips almost pushed him into position. A complete shambles.
The 2nd was a corner - what a surprise. Bielsa said it's common when
you get a near post flick on that someone has the opportunity to get
onto it at the back post. Really !? Why not fucking do some thing
about it then ? It's basic defending of set pieces and we've been
failing most of the season. We get praised for our attacking play but
we're defending like a League One team. I just don't see the logic
behind trying to get someone in the door in Jan. Even someone like
Kyle Bartlett or Pontus would be a vast improvement to what we have
now. They're not for the future but we might just be able to defend
games better.
Anyway, on to the positives, and there were many. I think Raphinha is
a revelation and I actually don't think he's in top gear yet. I think
he's much more than a winger, maybe a no 10 or even a striker cos he's
got a really eye for goal and his passing is generally v.good. The
link up and hold play in and around the box was spectacular and
Everton were chasing shadows in one 10 minute period. It was fantastic
to watch. When our attack did break down everyone was chasing and
winning it back. Ayling's contribution down the right wing was immense
and it was good to see Bamford actually hold the ball up well and
contribute at times. Unfortunately, the half chances he got he didn't
look convincing. We deserved a draw overall but if we continue with
this defence (we have no choice now) we will get beat in games where
we have the play and the chances. It's that simple.
Scores:
Miesler - 7. Not much chance with the goals. Kept us in it 2nd half
with a great save from one of their counters.
Ayling - 7. Yes first half he did slip up for the goal but overall I'd
say he's a dependable right back
Allioski - 5. Good shot that hit the post, nice left foot and some
good link up play 2nd half but he's not left back and when it comes to
defending set pieces he doesn't contribute at all.
LO Liam - 6. Some good defending as always but he nearly gave the ball
away right in front of our box. I think a slip on the pitch saved us.
I worry about his set piece defending also. He has a habit of pulling
shirts and grabbing attackers. A few pens coming I feel.
Ripper - 6. Ball watching for the goal but there were plenty of good
things. I think he actually has the ball skills to take the ball
further forward than he does. Is he the answer at centre back ? Not
sure ?
Dallas - 7. Lively performance as always. Loads of work, loads of good
play. Is central midfield his position ? I don't think so.
Philips - 5. Poor first half. The game was too quick for him and just
passed him by. In games like this he stands out for me as being slow
and pedestrian. Second half, when we were on top and in control, I
thought he did well and he put some good challenges in to break up
their play and get us going.
Raphinha - 8. Good goal, good skill and always keen to chase back.
Bamford - 6. Some decent play but not even close to a goal. Ok he
plopped one on the top of the bar but he never looked close.
Harrison - 6. Poor first half but he came strong 2nd half. Surprised
he got taken off and replaced by the hapless Costa when we were
searching for an equaliser. I can only assume he was fucked.
Klich - 7. Lively, all over the place. I see some on Twitter think
he's close to his shelf life but I think he made a real difference at
times last night without getting to the heights we've seen in the last
2 seasons.
Subs:
Pablo - 4. Didn't happen for him but he needs match practice and I'm
afraid it doesn't look like he's gonna get it.
Roberts - 6. Surprised at a lot of fans including Noel Whelan slagging
Roberts and saying he's nowhere near a PL player. I'd say we don't
know that yet but what I see is a fit, young, hungry player who wants
the ball and looks sharp. I think he's got a lot to offer and it's not
a popular view but I'd give him a start up front.
Costa - 0. Pants
Palace on Monday. On, on on
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