As I blogged at half time, Everton came to do a number on us and sure enough they did it, but at least they didn't do it with consumate ease in the end. Yes we were mugged, but not by Everton, or Moyes, or even the assistant referee who wrongly flagged Franco off side in the last minute of extra time, but by Zola's formation and team selection.
What is wrong with the guy? 4-3-3 doesn't work. I shouted it at half time and for him to pull Jimenez off and ten minutes into the second half he heard me! Cue the arrival of Diamanti and, as an attacking unit, we were suddenly transformed. Put Diamanti and Cole in the same team, and find a way of including Stanislas too, and we will be a force to be reckoned with!
A defeat against Everton is no surprise, of course, even when they have 10 players out injured, but this was a real missed opportunity. We needed to build on the passion of Wednesday night and push Everton onto the back foot. The game was crying out for Diamanti but no, Zola opted for Jimenez instead. I said all that needs to be said on that matter at half time. No wonder the Special One sent him out on loan, I bet he couldn't believe his luck when we said we wanted him! God help us if we are ever reduced to playing Jimenez and Kovac in the same team!
There were plusses today. Parker was brilliant and managed to get through ninety minutes without a booking. And Da Costa and Upson looked good despite the team conceding two goals. Both Faubert and Spector did ok too. The first goal was just one of those things, a shot out of nowhere straight into the bottom corner. For the second, I felt Green should have done better. Gosling was on a tight angle and Green returned the first shot to him and was then beaten at his near post. Capello will not be impressed with that.
Franco again looked reasonable outside the box but didn't get near the ball inside it, until cruelly flagged offside. Hines, I'm afraid had an absolute mare. Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong for the lad, talk about hero to zero in the space of 4 days. I am not condemning him, I loved the way he kept showing for the ball; if it was me, I would have hidden. But the brutal truth is that he was hopeless on the day, missing two great chances, miscontrolling the ball, picking the wrong options and losing the ball every time he thought about running at an Everton defender. I rate him higher than Jimenez below because at least Hines wanted to be on the pitch! We missed Cole hugely. Had he played, we would have won. Those idiots who still do not understand his importance to the team must now hold their hands up and admit they are wrong, surely!
And Diamanti? What a pass for the goal, and that was just one of five absolute beauties. His shooting wasn't great apart from that audacious effort from wide on the right, but at least he wants to have a crack. Again, the free kick looks special, forcing a save out of Howard that, on another day, would have rebounded to an on rushing West Ham player. Diamanti must start games, the guy has a special talent and the team needs to be built around him, Parker and Cole. No argument, it has to happen!
Back in the bottom three and a crunch games against Hull to come after the international break. Look Curbishley, this season certainly isn't boring!
One last thought, I called for Jimenez to be replaced by Diamanti at half time and for Stanislas to be brought on. Think I was right on both counts don't you?
Player ratings: Green 5; Faubert 6, Upson 6, Da Costa 6, Spector 6; Behrami 6, Parker 10, Jimenez 1, Collison 7; Hines 3, Franco 6 Subs: Diamanti 8, Stanislas 7
9 comments:
wonder if turds will be hull manager by then
oh also i thought Spector was more to blame for the second Everton had 2 players offside till he stepped back and played them onside for the pass
There's a thought! What a nasty affair that could turn out to be!
Wasn't sure about Spector's role. Green definitely at fault allowing shot inside near post.
Jimenez should be sent back. Too worried about his looks. Why they haven't been starting with Diamanti with what he showed against Arsenal, I do not know!
When Diamanti kept that silly hairstyle, he realised it wasn't going to work so chopped it off. Jiminez carries on keeping his. He couldnt give a damn about our club.
As for the goal...both goals actually, I have to disagree guys. Upson was at fault for both. Have a look at his attempted blocks and you will be shocked. I play 5 a side and I couldnt give a damn about getting hit when blocking a ball and I dont get paid 40k a week. He should be throwing legs, knees, belly, testicles and all in front to block those shots. If you see the goals again, keep your eye on him. I wasn't impressed.
I could kill that linesman. Awful decision on Franco.
We need to put our chances away though. For that we can blame no one.
At least we played well I suppose.
Does anyone know who pays Deano's wages Is it West Ham or an insurance co. because I cannot understand how Zola can say "he's working on his own with his own phusio I don't know when I'll hear anything" if we're paying the wages or does someone know better and can explain it to me
How the hell did we lose that? Pretty much 90mins of domination and we lose 1-2 at home.
We are in serious trouble. By the way if I hear Zola say 'turning point' one more time....
But we didn't dominate the game TBI, we dominated the last 20 minutes. Until that point, Everton CONTROLLED the game. They had scored two before Howard had to make a save! It's no good seeing a lot of the ball if you don't get it into dangerous areas.
I think Zola should look at how Arsenal are conquering their problem of not being clinical enough and takes some notes. Hines' left foot denied us a goal, and a lack of vision perhaps denied Stanislas a second. Very impressed by Parker by the way!
Edz, I think Arsenal's players are quite a bit better than ours. I think that's part of the problem , Zola doesn't seem to understand that. You have to play to your strengths, not strive to perform beyond your capabilities.
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