Well, the squad certainly did not cover themselves in glory with another ineffectual display at Goodison. If a poor side like Everton can rip us apart like that, what is going to happen against Manchester City this coming Sunday? Arguably, Moyes must use Sunday’s match to try to find a defensive organisation that will prevent us conceding so readily. And inevitably, if he has done his research on Bilic’s tenure, he will know that the safest option is to go with is a central defensive three and two wing-backs. That system will give us the additional defensive cover that we invariably seem to lack with a flat back four.
However, current injury problems mean that Moyes selection options, in central defence, are likely to be decidedly limited. Reid is likely to be unavailable with the knock he picked up on Wednesday evening and James Collins broke down in his return game for the U-23s. I am not sure of Fonte’s current status, but if he is also injured, it means that we may need to cobble together a make shift defensive unit of Ogbonna, Rice and Kouyate. It is not ideal, but nevertheless,’ needs must’ as the saying goes. Who knows, radical change might just inadvertently lead us to hit upon a better solution to our current defensive woes?
Expectations will be low on Sunday, so it could be an opportunity for Moyes to experiment. That could see Noble and/or Fernandes considered for a return in midfield. Similarly, with Carroll’s fitness also uncertain, Sakho could start at centre-forward, perhaps with Lanzini, Antonio or Ayew playing behind him in a more central attacking role. That would also mean Martinez, in Hernandez’s continued absence, having a place on the bench.. Should Arnautovic start? Perhaps the Austrian international should be benched for this fixture to facilitate the testing of alternative options/tactics? While at right wing-back, Zabaletta is a almost certain starter and it is then a choice between Creswell and Masuaku for the left wing back slot.
Whatever Moyes’ individual selection decisions, we probably need to set up with a solid five at the back (with the wing-backs getting forward and providing width in possession), three across the middle of the park and two up front. Against Man City it is crucial that we are set up to narrow the play, cut down the options for them to pass through and get behind us. And of course cut out the silly mistakes which have plagued this season . Easier said than done, but we have to give it a real go.
It would certainly be a boost to the squad’s confidence if we could go up there and put on a solid defensive display. What we do not need is another four goal plus hammering! Perhaps if we experiment then it could unexpectedly point us in the right tactical direction to enable us to stop leaking goals and make us much more difficult to break down. Unlikely I know, given the quality of the opposition, but lets go for it!
SJ. Chandos.