Talking to the Opposition

[walker9009]

Hello, Everton fan here 

Just wondering if I can ask you lot some questions for a regular piece I do for our forum (theevertonforum.com) and news-site (myevertonnews.com)

So...

1. After 12 games under a new manager, how do you feel you have started?

2. Who have been your key players this season?

3. Is there a weak point in your team?

4. What are your expectations for the rest of the season?

5. With that in mind, is Mark Hughes the right man to take you there?

On to Everton...

6. How do you think we have performed so far?

7. What do you make of our manager Roberto Martinez?

8. Which Everton player do you think will trouble you most on Saturday?

9. Do you believe there is a weak point in the Everton side to be targeting?

10. Where do you think we'll finish this season?

Finally...

Predictions?


Thanks!

[Deleted]

1. Could've been worse, think we'd have taken 14th at this point if you'd have asked us before the season had started.

2. Begovic, Cameron and - when he's in the right frame of mind - N'Zonzi

3. Central defence is no longer what it was, whilst we're still lacking a proper goalscorer despite Crouch leading the line well recently

4. Stay up, maybe 13th? But with the transition developing into a more attacking style of play

5. Yes, but he'll need the time that some aren't prepared to give him

On to Everton...

6. Better than I'd expected if I was honest, but I think the capture of Lukaku did it for you

7. A lot wanted him here in summer, but coming off the back of a beautiful relegation it was hard to see why. He's done damn well with you guys so far though, credit to him.

8. Lukaku

9. If the rumours of Baines being out are true, I can see Cameron overlapping and giving your left side some hell. Aside from that, not particularly!

10. I think you'll be Top 8

And I think it'll be 2-1 Everton

[Ayupshag]

Nov 25, 2013 16:44:04 GMT walker9009 said:

Hello, Everton fan here 

Just wondering if I can ask you lot some questions for a regular piece I do for our forum (theevertonforum.com) and news-site (myevertonnews.com)
So...

1. After 12 games under a new manager, how do you feel you have started?

2. Who have been your key players this season?

3. Is there a weak point in your team?


4. What are your expectations for the rest of the season?

5. With that in mind, is Mark Hughes the right man to take you there?

On to Everton...

6. How do you think we have performed so

far?

7. What do you make of our manager Roberto Martinez?

8. Which Everton player do you think will trouble you most on Saturday?

9. Do you believe there is a weak point in the Everton side to be targeting?

10. Where do you think we'll finish this season?

Finally...

Predictions?

Thanks!

We're playing better football but still seem to be missing a cutting edge. Our best player by far has been Begovic. Our weakness seems to be the midfield. We're not strong enough. I'm hoping that we tot enough points to stay up and build on it in the summer.
Everton, had a great start to the season and look a good side this year. Martinez is a good manager and it's showing now he's got the players to work with. I think you'll be pushing for the top 6. Prediction 2-0 to Everton unfortunately

[boskampsflaps]

1. After 12 games under a new manager, how do you feel you have started? Think we've done okay, it was never going to be easy to completely change the way we play.

2. Who have been your key players this season? Bego, Arnie, Walters.

3. Is there a weak point in your team? never you mind .

4. What are your expectations for the rest of the season? Mid table ish.

5. With that in mind, is Mark Hughes the right man to take you there? Yes.

On to Everton...

6. How do you think we have performed so far? Better than I thought you would, you did well with keeping most of your best players.

7. What do you make of our manager Roberto Martinez? Over rated.

8. Which Everton player do you think will trouble you most on Saturday? Lukaku

9. Do you believe there is a weak point in the Everton side to be targeting? Ditto scfcjase.

10. Where do you think we'll finish this season? 8th

Finally...

Predictions?

1-1

[capto]

1. After 12 games under a new manager, how do you feel you have started? Slowly, too slowly; should have added on to Pulis era not gone back to Year Zero.

2. Who have been your key players this season? Bego;

3. Is there a weak point in your team? Forwards don’t score; midfield do score but don’t protect defence & so we leak too many goals.

4. What are your expectations for the rest of the season? One game at a time; it’s too much of a roller coaster at the moment.

5. With that in mind, is Mark Hughes the right man to take you there? Jury’s out until … well not sure, January? End of season?

On to Everton...

6. How do you think we have performed so far? Pretty good – should have beaten them gobby bastards from across the park on Saturday tho’.

7. What do you make of our manager Roberto Martinez? Pretty good

8. Which Everton player do you think will trouble you most on Saturday? All of them. All your players seem to play for the shirt & get on with it: Baines crosses, Osman’s shots, Lukaku’s runs, Barklays dribbling, Pienaar & Mirallas - & Howards ugly mug at the moment is enough to scare our shot shy forwards; also, your fans get on the ref’s back, so he’s bound to award you the majority of decisions.

9. Do you believe there is a weak point in the Everton side to be targeting? Yeah, we’ll get all the Stoke players to wear Suarez masks – that should scare your lot?

10. Where do you think we'll finish this season? Above us (so you champions & us runners up – ok, maybe not, we’ll be third then)

Finally...

Predictions? 3-0 to you

[Jamo on the wing]

Nov 25, 2013 16:44:04 GMT walker9009 said:

1. After 12 games under a new manager, how do you feel you have started?

A curious mixture of hopes and fears. We look infinitely better in possession but until lately we've not scored enough and when we have, we haven't held on to numerous leads by conceding soft goals.


2. Who have been your key players this season? Begovic, Cameron and due to his goals, Adam.

3. Is there a weak point in your team?
Still lack a natural striker and we have been a bit soft at the back unusually.

4. What are your expectations for the rest of the season?
Still think we will finish between 12th and 14th but hopefully we'll provide a base for a good season next year.

5. With that in mind, is Mark Hughes the right man to take you there?
Yes, he has my total support.

On to Everton...

6. How do you think we have performed so far?
Better than I thought to be honest as I think Martinez is overrated personally. Lukaka was a masterstroke though and I wish he was with us.

7. What do you make of our manager Roberto Martinez?
See above.

8. Which Everton player do you think will trouble you most on Saturday?
Lukaka.

9. Do you believe there is a weak point in the Everton side to be targeting?
If we had more pace I'd say your relative lack of it. We haven't got much though so hopefully we can finally get a centre half on the end of a set piece.

10. Where do you think we'll finish this season?
Between 6th and 8th

Finally...

Predictions?
I'll take a point so I'll go 1-1 but it won't be easy to achieve that.

[MooG]

1. Not bad though we have packed a lot into only 12 games - a good start then a period where we couldn't score, then one when we couldn't defend.
2. Begovic which isn't a good sign. Crouch has done better recently and if he adds his name to the list we'll have a decent season.
3. There's still a lack of pace running through the team. Since we don't play so much of a flat back eight away these days it makes us vulnerable to the counter attack.
4. To finish about where we have the last few years but be less dour doing it.
5. I don't rate him myself but time will tell.
6. Pretty good - Spurs and Liverpool's starts this year mean you're running hard to stand still in a way
7. Doing a good job. You'd expect more of a dip than has occurred.
8. More worried about fast interplay than any one player - though I'll be happy if Baines isn't there as he might well have found room going forward
9. Don't know. Nothing obvious but I've only seen Everton on MOTD.
10. In that 'best of the rest' zone between 5th and 7th place.

2-0 Everton

[luke45]

1. About what I expected to be honest. Results were always going to be mixed to begin with as we try to adapt our style of play, we've got to be patient and give Hughes time to get implement his methods and ideas. Providing we can stay up this season and lay the foundations for a good season next season I'll be happy enough with that.

2. Begovic has kept us in a lot of games with some very important saves, we are very fortunate to have arguably the best goalkeeper in the league at the moment. Geoff Cameron has impressed me at right back both offensively and defensively and Steven Ireland and Marko Arnautovic have shown glimpses of the attacking flair we've been missing over recent seasons.

3. A lack of pace and goals still remains a major problem for us. Our goalscoring has improved of late, but Crouch isn't suited to the lone striker role as he lacks pace and mobility. A pacey striker with a decent strike rate has to be a priority in January, somebody like Defoe or Long would do nicely. We are still lacking a good holding midfielder who can break play up and protect the back four as well I think, N'Zonzi isn't always disciplined enough to perform that role and Adam and Ireland aren't the best defensively.

4. I would like to see us press on towards a top 10 finish, but realistically I'd be happy with comfortable safety in 14th or 15th place and then hopefully we can lay the foundations for a really good campaign in 2014/15.

5. It's difficult to say at the moment. Hughes managed to deliver a top 10 finish with Fulham and several top 10 finishes with Blackburn as well as a couple of cup semi finals appearances so I think he knows what it takes to take a club like ourselves to the next level. Time will tell though.

6. Better than I expected to be honest, especially defensively. Five clean sheets in twelve league games isn't usually a statistic you'd associate with a Martinez team. Lukaku has obviously made a huge difference and Barkley has been like a new signing with his impact he has made so far this season. I'm sure Everton fans are enjoying seeing the likes of Barkley and Stones getting their opportunity with the first team this season, I'm sure Martinez's willingness to give youth a chance was one of the main reasons Kenwright opted for him.

7. I've always been a bit unsure about him but you can't fault the job he's done at Everton so far. In the past his teams have always played good possession Football but have looked poor defensively and shipped a lot of goals, to his credit though he seems to have had Everton pretty well drilled defensively this season overall.

8. Lukaku is going to be tough to handle for our defence, they'll have to be at their best to contain him. I'm relieved Baines is out injured, he has always caused us problems in the past with his over lapping and set piece delivery.

9. Left back is an area we should be targeting with Baines being out. I'm hoping they may drop Gareth Barry into left back again and Marko Arnautovic can cause him some problems with his trickery.

10. I think Everton will be battling it out with Southampton and possibly Newcastle for 7th place.


Everton 1-1 Stoke

[sheikhmomo]

1. After 12 games under a new manager, how do you feel you have started?

A real mixed bag. Performances have ranged from the sublime to the utterly dire. I think our points and position are a fair reflection of where we are.

2. Who have been your key players this season?

Begovic
Begovic
&
Begovic

The best in the division by a mile

3. Is there a weak point in your team?

Still pretty toothless up front and our three man midfield is errr a work in progress.

4. What are your expectations for the rest of the season?

To stay out of the bottom three. That's enough for now although we're in the midst of a cup run as well so that would be nice too.

5. With that in mind, is Mark Hughes the right man to take you there?

I think we'll stay up and we're changing but I'm still not sure where it is we're going


On to Everton...

6. How do you think we have performed so far?

Much better than I expected.

7. What do you make of our manager Roberto Martinez?

I don't really like him and thought his defence at Wigan was disgraceful from a supporters point of view. Looks like I was wrong though.

8. Which Everton player do you think will trouble you most on Saturday?

Although our centre halves will relish the battle, Lukaku.

9. Do you believe there is a weak point in the Everton side to be targeting?

Surely Distin is finally playing like a 36 year old? Always impresses when I see him though.

10. Where do you think we'll finish this season?

7th

Finally...

Predictions?


A 2-2 thriller!

[lawrieleslie]

You did brilliantly to scam £27.5m for Fellaini.

[deliasmith]

1. Personally I am disappointed with our start. We have not improved from last season.
2. Goalkeeper Begovic, defense guy Cameron and, for my money, Crouch. We always look better with him on the pitch, even though he can't do the pressing that the manager would like.
3. Nearly everybody can look like a weak spot: for instance our two centre backs have been immense for 100 games, but they're not right at the moment; N'zonzi is very skilful on the ball, but he obviously wants to be somewhere else; Adam is a talented player, but he's not fit, he gives away too many fouls in dangerous places; Crouch has a real brain for the game and a good touch, but he doesn't score nearly enough goals; Walters is the biggest-hearted bloke in the Premier League, but he doesn't score nearly enough goals ... etc. Begovic and Cameron are our only two regularly good performers.
4. 44 points, 14th place.
5. Hughes will get us our 44 points.
6. OK. I wish you'd beaten Liverpool... as you do, no doubt!
7. He's OK. I liked his attitude in the Cup Final - better than our guy's in similar circumstances. He has a good record against us, incidentally.
8. Lukaku, obviously.
9. Maybe a soft centre?
10. 7th.

Final score - 3-1 to youse

[partickpotter]

Nov 25, 2013 18:00:35 GMT lawrieleslie said:

You did brilliantly to scam £27.5m for Fellaini.

Makes the £28.1 million Man Ure spent on Veron look like a bargain!

[pyrus]

1. After 12 games under a new manager, how do you feel you have started?

Shaky, but could be worse.

2. Who have been your key players this season?

Shotton. He went out on loan which has been a massive help.

3. Is there a weak point in your team?

We are looking for a match-winner to build the team around. We do okay, but it's not like having Ricardo Fuller in your team.


4. What are your expectations for the rest of the season?

We will get better. We are doing as the weeks go by. I think as some of the promoted teams fade in the second half of the season, we will do the opposite

Specifically I think the defenders will get their mojo back, and surely we will get a new forward in January (please).


5. With that in mind, is Mark Hughes the right man to take you there?

Yes, I think so. Intelligent guy, building on what Pulis has done. 

On to Everton...

6. How do you think we have performed so far?

Good. Very impressed

7. What do you make of our manager Roberto Martinez?

He won't be there by the end of next season. He's freeloading on Moyes's work right now and the first hole in the road you hit, the wheels will come off. Martinez is not the guy to put them back.

8. Which Everton player do you think will trouble you most on Saturday?
Lukaku

9. Do you believe there is a weak point in the Everton side to be targeting?
i think you are well balanced.

10. Where do you think we'll finish this season?

6th

Finally...

Predictions?

Everton 0  12 Stoke

[efc]

feel left out so will join in my fellow scouse brethren

On to Everton...

6. How do you think we have performed so far?

quite well considering its a year of transition, 1 defeat in 12 games think we have been beaten less than anyone else in the league, although we need to turn them draws into wins if we are to get top 4 as we have lost 3 games less than spurs but only 1 point ahead- that's what draws do for you!

7. What do you make of our manager Roberto Martinez?

sexy man

8. Which Everton player do you think will trouble you most on Saturday?

Think Barkley will have a great game, Lukaku and Mirallas also

9. Do you believe there is a weak point in the Everton side to be targeting?

Osman if he plays

10. Where do you think we'll finish this season?

5th or 6th- no way will Spurs or Liverpool finish above us!

Finally...

Predictions?

2-1 Everton

[efc]

Nov 25, 2013 21:56:15 GMT pyrus said:

1. After 12 games under a new manager, how do you feel you have started?

Shaky, but could be worse.

2. Who have been your key players this season?

Shotton. He went out on loan which has been a massive help.

3. Is there a weak point in your team?

We are looking for a match-winner to build the team around. We do okay, but it's not like having Ricardo Fuller in your team.


4. What are your expectations for the rest of the season?

We will get better. We are doing as the weeks go by. I think as some of the promoted teams fade in the second half of the season, we will do the opposite

Specifically I think the defenders will get their mojo back, and surely we will get a new forward in January (please).


5. With that in mind, is Mark Hughes the right man to take you there?

Yes, I think so. Intelligent guy, building on what Pulis has done. 

On to Everton...

6. How do you think we have performed so far?

Good. Very impressed

7. What do you make of our manager Roberto Martinez?

He won't be there by the end of next season. He's freeloading on Moyes's work right now and the first hole in the road you hit, the wheels will come off. Martinez is not the guy to put them back.

8. Which Everton player do you think will trouble you most on Saturday?
Lukaku

9. Do you believe there is a weak point in the Everton side to be targeting?
i think you are well balanced.

10. Where do you think we'll finish this season?

6th

Finally...

Predictions?

Everton 0  12 Stoke

"He won't be there by the end of next season. He's freeloading on Moyes's work right now and the first hole in the road you hit, the wheels will come off. Martinez is not the guy to put them back."

sorry but thats a load of crap mate, by that same thinking why is Moyes struggling at Utd who walked the league last season?
Martinez has completely transformed the way we play you only have to have seen the derby to have seen not only the difference in the quality of our play but also the change in the teams mentality and going for a win rather than shitting ourselves like a certain Manc side did 

[Olgrligm]

1. After 12 games under a new manager, how do you feel you have started?

Could be worse, could be better. Some good games and some real poor stuff.

2. Who have been your key players this season?

Shawcross and Begovic have, at times, been completely abandoned and left to do all of the defending on their own. Neither have been flawless, but both have been very good.

3. Is there a weak point in your team?

We need a Ricardo Fuller leading the line and our midfield is sometimes shamefully lax when it comes to covering the defence. Opposition midfielders have found it far too easy to waltz up the middle of the pitch without being tracked.

4. What are your expectations for the rest of the season?

We'll probably be in a relegation battle but I think (based on nothing but blind hope) that we'll pull out of it and end up in the middle of the table.

5. With that in mind, is Mark Hughes the right man to take you there?

I'm pinning a lot of hopes on the fact that his teams perform much better in the second half of the season than the first.

On to Everton...

6. How do you think we have performed so far?

I'm pretty stunned. Your performance against Liverpool has me very worried for Saturday.

7. What do you make of our manager Roberto Martinez?

I'm equally stunned, because I thought his attempts at Wigan were pretty laughable. I thought he'd be a disaster, but to be fair to him, he's started off very well.

8. Which Everton player do you think will trouble you most on Saturday?

Lukaku. Then again, we had a pretty good time against him last season.

9. Do you believe there is a weak point in the Everton side to be targeting?

I have no idea.

10. Where do you think we'll finish this season?

In the usual 5th - 8th place.

Finally...

Predictions?

Some sort of game of football will take place at Goodison Park on Saturday.
[/quote]

[ashleyscfc]

1. After 12 games under a new manager, how do you feel you have started?

Very mixed, very inconsistent. We still dont know our best team and may have to piece the team together in a unconventional way to get out of the best of the players we have till others are bought in. We seem to blow hot and cold, from being up for a fight and playing on the front foot to just wanting to sit behind the ball and putting nowhere near enough effort in.


2. Who have been your key players this season?

Its an odd one, nobody has really been consistent. But for me its been Asmir Begovic, followed quite a way behind by Steven Nzonzi, who I think has come in for unjustified stick from fans for having to carry the rest of the midfield.


3. Is there a weak point in your team?

Energy in midfield, Wingers not getting around the striker, the key behind the striker role.

4. What are your expectations for the rest of the season?

Hopefully to get more solid as the season goes on, and a bit more consistent. Develop a bit more of an identity, and look more comfortable in both attacking and defending as a team.

5. With that in mind, is Mark Hughes the right man to take you there?

Hopefully, we need someone to build the club and push it to the next level. Both on and off the pitch, whether his hearts in it remains to be seen. I hope so but im not holding my breath.

On to Everton...

6. How do you think we have performed so far?

OK considering the change in manager and styles, and with some of the odd buys hes bought in.

7. What do you make of our manager Roberto Martinez?

I think he will either succeed or fail at Everton, has the right attributes to bring players through but an infatuation with doing anything "the right way and only the right way" will cost you.

8. Which Everton player do you think will trouble you most on Saturday?

Barkley if he plays, we've got nobody who can catch him in the middle of the pitch bar Nzonzi. I think the physicality of our back 2 can deal with Lukakau.

9. Do you believe there is a weak point in the Everton side to be targeting?


10. Where do you think we'll finish this season?

8th

Finally...

Predictions

Weve been playing well away from home, very different to previous years. So im going to be positive

2 - 2
Read more: oatcakefanzine.proboards.com/thread/222894/talking-opposition#ixzz2lhNCsEPI

[Deleted]

Short but sweet. We need the transfer window to work for us. I believe that certain players in our team are not good enough for the prem. Far too many very inconsistent performances from some of them, IMHO. As for Everton, I,m always quite appreciate of them. You have a very good squad of players, and I feel that you can score from all over the pitch. I hope I,m wrong, but I think that you will win on Saturday.

[eddy]

1. After 12 games under a new manager, how do you feel you have started? It's been decent so far. Hughes came in with a lot to do and it seems as though it may be starting to click. We held on well with a difficult fixture list that could have seen us in a lot more trouble than we are now.

2. Who have been your key players this season? Begovic, naturally. Geoff Cameron is going from strength to strength and Arnautovic has made an instant, positive impact.

3. Is there a weak point in your team? The striking power, or lack thereof. Though we have scored a few recently, the majority are still coming from midfield and the forwards are still rather toothless. Crouch seems to be coming into some form though.

4. What are your expectations for the rest of the season? I think the team will continue to come together in the new style and we will finish the season comfortably. Somewhere from 12-15, ready to push for higher next season.

5. With that in mind, is Mark Hughes the right man to take you there?
Yes.
On to Everton...

6. How do you think we have performed so far? About as expected. You're a good side, and a side I have a lot of respect for. Holding onto Baines was important and grabbing Lukaku was a coup.

7. What do you make of our manager Roberto Martinez? Good manager. Did all he could with a limited Wigan side and I am interested to see what he can do with the better player pool at Everton.

8. Which Everton player do you think will trouble you most on Saturday? Would have been Baines, but since he is out (what a shame...) it has got to be that young Luke Aku lad you have that's been banging them in.

9. Do you believe there is a weak point in the Everton side to be targeting? Maybe the defence will struggle to adapt without Baines but honestly there isn't much there for us to exploit.

10. Where do you think we'll finish this season? Somewhere from 9-12.


Predictions?
I think we will score given recent form but I can't see us keeping you scoreless. Think you will edge it at home, so ill go for 2-1 to your lot.

[Deleted]

Nov 25, 2013 22:01:02 GMT efc said:

feel left out so will join in my fellow scouse brethren

On to Everton...

6. How do you think we have performed so far?

quite well considering its a year of transition, 1 defeat in 12 games think we have been beaten less than anyone else in the league, although we need to turn them draws into wins if we are to get top 4 as we have lost 3 games less than spurs but only 1 point ahead- that's what draws do for you!

7. What do you make of our manager Roberto Martinez?

sexy man

8. Which Everton player do you think will trouble you most on Saturday?

Think Barkley will have a great game, Lukaku and Mirallas also

9. Do you believe there is a weak point in the Everton side to be targeting?

Osman if he plays

10. Where do you think we'll finish this season?

5th or 6th- no way will Spurs or Liverpool finish above us!

Finally...

Predictions?

2-1 Everton

[efc]

Nov 26, 2013 11:51:17 GMT mickmillslovechild said:

Nov 25, 2013 22:01:02 GMT efc said:

feel left out so will join in my fellow scouse brethren

On to Everton...

6. How do you think we have performed so far?

quite well considering its a year of transition, 1 defeat in 12 games think we have been beaten less than anyone else in the league, although we need to turn them draws into wins if we are to get top 4 as we have lost 3 games less than spurs but only 1 point ahead- that's what draws do for you!

7. What do you make of our manager Roberto Martinez?

sexy man

8. Which Everton player do you think will trouble you most on Saturday?

Think Barkley will have a great game, Lukaku and Mirallas also

9. Do you believe there is a weak point in the Everton side to be targeting?

Osman if he plays

10. Where do you think we'll finish this season?

5th or 6th- no way will Spurs or Liverpool finish above us!

Finally...

Predictions?

2-1 Everton

you mean the same liverpool side we have finished above the last 2 seasons now and are a whopping 3 points above us? the same Liverpool team who we played off the park in the derby and would of put 6 past had Mignolet not played a blinder? the same liverpool team who a poor form Utd aside have struggled against any club in the top 10 including a 10 man newcastle and a swansea I mean shelvey gifting them 2 goals?

and for Spurs, the same spurs who would of finished mid table without a certain gareth bale last season? the same spurs who having spent over £100 million cant score a goal from open play? the same spurs who just got dicked 6-0? the same spurs that seem to have problems in the dressing room?

dont listen to Sky sports news mate neither of those two will do anything this season and Im very confident we will finish above them both

[Deleted]

Nov 26, 2013 12:17:22 GMT efc said:

Nov 26, 2013 11:51:17 GMT mickmillslovechild said:

you mean the same liverpool side we have finished above the last 2 seasons now and are a whopping 3 points above us? the same Liverpool team who we played off the park in the derby and would of put 6 past had Mignolet not played a blinder? the same liverpool team who a poor form Utd aside have struggled against any club in the top 10 including a 10 man newcastle and a swansea I mean shelvey gifting them 2 goals?

and for Spurs, the same spurs who would of finished mid table without a certain gareth bale last season? the same spurs who having spent over £100 million cant score a goal from open play? the same spurs who just got dicked 6-0? the same spurs that seem to have problems in the dressing room?

dont listen to Sky sports news mate neither of those two will do anything this season and Im very confident we will finish above them both

only chance you have of doing that is to pray and hope that Lukaku plays all 38 games for you....if he doesn't you're screwed mate!

[jaymidwinter]

Nov 25, 2013 16:44:04 GMT walker9009 said:

Hello, Everton fan here 

Just wondering if I can ask you lot some questions for a regular piece I do for our forum (theevertonforum.com) and news-site (myevertonnews.com)

So...


3. Is there a weak point in your team?


7. What do you make of our manager Roberto Martinez?

8. Which Everton player do you think will trouble you most on Saturday?

9. Do you believe there is a weak point in the Everton side to be targeting?

Finally...

Predictions?


Thanks!

Are you Martinez in disguise!

[ohbottom]

1. After 12 games under a new manager, how do you feel you have started?
As well as I expected, not as well as I'd hoped

2. Who have been your key players this season?
Bego - one of the best (if not THE best) keepers in the country

3. Is there a weak point in your team?
Yes

4. What are your expectations for the rest of the season?
Stay in bottom half, but hopefully keep clear of relegation


5. With that in mind, is Mark Hughes the right man to take you there?
He wasn't my first choice, I'm still undecided but he deserves support and backing

On to Everton...

6. How do you think we have performed so far?
Impressed, look like a good side going forward.

7. What do you make of our manager Roberto Martinez?
Doing better with you than I expected.

8. Which Everton player do you think will trouble you most on Saturday?
Lukaku & Barkley

9. Do you believe there is a weak point in the Everton side to be targeting?
Down your left side. If Baines is out that should allow Cameron to go forward, he showed against the Mackems he can put good early crosses in when given the opportunity

10. Where do you think we'll finish this season?
Flirt with Euro qualification, but just fall short. Sorry

Finally...

Predictions? I think we'll give you a tougher game than I suspect many of your fans expect, and last few games we've seem to have figured out how to put the ball in the net. 2-2


Thanks!

[/quote]

[Deleted]

Nov 25, 2013 16:44:04 GMT walker9009 said:

Hello, Everton fan here 

Just wondering if I can ask you lot some questions for a regular piece I do for our forum (theevertonforum.com) and news-site (myevertonnews.com)

So...

1. After 12 games under a new manager, how do you feel you have started?
  Always going to be difficult, some issues that still need addressing but overall positive.  I also think he handled the initial appointment and first lot of interviews incredibly well and got a lot of fans who were initially against/underwhelmed by his appointment on side

2. Who have been your key players this season?
  Begovic has been absolutely outstanding.  Arnautovic and Ireland have also shown some positive signs in terms of their link up play and creativity

3. Is there a weak point in your team?
  Either: Not scoring enough goals; or
            Giving away leads when we do score

4. What are your expectations for the rest of the season?
  Slow and steady improvement over the season, finish between 11th and 15th

5. With that in mind, is Mark Hughes the right man to take you there?
  Who knows!  I'm feeling positive about things so far (with some caution and concerns).  I don't think there was anybody else glaringly obvious though, and definitely needed to freshen things up


On to Everton...

6. How do you think we have performed so far?
   I don't know

7. What do you make of our manager Roberto Martinez?
   I don't know

8. Which Everton player do you think will trouble you most on Saturday?
   I don't know

9. Do you believe there is a weak point in the Everton side to be targeting?
   I don't know

10. Where do you think we'll finish this season?
  I don't know


Finally...

Predictions?
   2 - 1 to you

Thanks!

[scfctilidie]

1. After 12 games under a new manager, how do you feel you have started?

It's beginning to come together I think. It was always going to be a transition period with the change of style but I think we're starting to get there now. Dropped points in games we should have taken something from and should probably be a bit higher up the table than we are.

2. Who have been your key players this season?

Begovic exceptional as always. Cameron coming into his own. N'zonzi is class.

3. Is there a weak point in your team?

Hard to believe after the last few seasons but defensively! Huth seems to be all over the place as of late. The centre back pairing look quite vulnerable.

4. What are your expectations for the rest of the season?

Steady the ship with a few good home results and nick a few results on the road (where we are performing better it seems!) to secure a 10th place finish.

5. With that in mind, is Mark Hughes the right man to take you there?

I think so. QPR aside, he has an excellent record in the Premier League and has never finished outside the top 10 I believe (QPR aside!) Hopefully a few shrewd signings could become big names.

On to Everton...

6. How do you think we have performed so far?

Better than expected. Didn't think Martinez would make the step up, and I thought you'd struggle, but you don't seem to be missing Moyes at all.

7. What do you make of our manager Roberto Martinez?

As above. Constant poor focus of his defensive issues at Wigan cost him but he's inherited a decent squad at Everton.

8. Which Everton player do you think will trouble you most on Saturday?

If Baines is out, Lukaku/Mirallas.

9. Do you believe there is a weak point in the Everton side to be targeting?

If Baines is out, here!

10. Where do you think we'll finish this season?

7th

Read more: oatcakefanzine.proboards.com/thread/222894/talking-opposition#ixzz2lkrnpC1t

[Stretfordpotterer]

1. After 12 games under a new manager, how do you feel you have started?

Better away from home than previous years, more vulnerable at home. We've got some of the nastier fixtures out of the way though, Anfield, OT and the Emirates already chalked off.

2. Who have been your key players this season?

Begovic, Cameron, Arnautovic at times, Nzonzi when the fancy takes him.

3. Is there a weak point in your team?

Just a general lack of understanding defensively at the minute.

4. What are your expectations for the rest of the season?

Hopefully stay mid table and iron out the organisational problems the change of style and formation has created

5. With that in mind, is Mark Hughes the right man to take you there?

Yes, he has to be now. There are as many good signs as bad ones. January will be vital though, he needs to be backed.

On to Everton...

6. How do you think we have performed so far?

well above my expectations

7. What do you make of our manager Roberto Martinez?

Didn't rate him at Wigan, felt he played the "little old wigan" card as an excuse to hid his defensive inadequacies. seems to have you attacking well, the acid test will come when he has to build his own defence, i'm not sure he's capable.

8. Which Everton player do you think will trouble you most on Saturday?

Lukaku, the guy is a beast

9. Do you believe there is a weak point in the Everton side to be targeting?

Down our right if Tinner Baines isn't playing

10. Where do you think we'll finish this season?

5/6/7

[redstriper]

1. After 12 games under a new manager, how do you feel you have started?

about what I expected, just about satisfactory

2. Who have been your key players this season?

Bego, Cameron

3. Is there a weak point in your team?

Several

4. What are your expectations for the rest of the season?

A long haul to 40 points but bearing in mind there are at least 5 teams worse than us - I expect us to stay up

5. With that in mind, is Mark Hughes the right man to take you there?

Not the most imaginative appointment, but shrewd enough, so yes.

On to Everton...

6. How do you think we have performed so far?

I backed you in the handicap league to outperform expectations, you have just about done that with only the single defeat

7. What do you make of our manager Roberto Martinez?

Always liked him

8. Which Everton player do you think will trouble you most on Saturday?

Lukaku

9. Do you believe there is a weak point in the Everton side to be targeting?

possibly now baines is out, you may lose some balance.

10. Where do you think we'll finish this season?

5th would be good, as I will make a decent profit!

Finally...

Predictions?



Read more: oatcakefanzine.proboards.com/thread/222894/talking-opposition#ixzz2llbsFUVj

[reddipotter]

1. After 12 games under a new manager, how do you feel you have started? We're different to last season, but no better.

2. Who have been your key players this season? Begovic, as everyone says, and Cameron. Personally I think Shawcross has carried the defence in many games.

3. Is there a weak point in your team? We play a different midfield each game and then wonder why there is no understanding.

4. What are your expectations for the rest of the season? I hope we can stay up.

5. With that in mind, is Mark Hughes the right man to take you there? He's not impressed me so far.

On to Everton...

6. How do you think we have performed so far? Pretty well.

7. What do you make of our manager Roberto Martinez? I didn't rate him, but I am starting to change my mind.

8. Which Everton player do you think will trouble you most on Saturday? Any one that presses us and prevents us from having time.

9. Do you believe there is a weak point in the Everton side to be targeting? Baines missing must be to our advantage.

10. Where do you think we'll finish this season? Top 8.

Finally...

Predictions?
I can't see us getting anything.


Read more: oatcakefanzine.proboards.com/thread/222894/talking-opposition#ixzz2lliehbLu

[walker9009]

Ok folks thanks again for answering.

I've put up a thread on our forum here: www.theevertonforum.co.uk/everton-forum/9591-talking-opposition-stoke-fans.html#post197413

It should be open to guests, let me know if there's any trouble getting on. I will be putting it up as an article on the news-site tomorrow.

Hopefully there should be some replies.