on November 4, 2025, 12:25 pm, in reply to "Isn’t the narrative that we’re trying to change to a “better” style this season though?"
If we'd only added Grealish to the team that finished last season. That would've been some upgrade on Jack Harrison, the place where Everton attacking moves went to die.
Even though we were a counter attacking team last season we attacked with much more variety. Now, even though we've upgraded the squad we've become much more one dimensional and predictable and less solid defensively.
I say we go back to what worked last season, but now we have much better options. Certainly in the wide positions.
Given the composition of the squad i thought we'd be going some like the below.
Many football managers utilize a system with a single deep-lying defensive midfielder (a 'number 6') and two more advanced central midfielders (two 'number 8s'), most commonly in a 4-3-3 formation.
Managers and teams known for employing this structure include:
Pep Guardiola (at Barcelona and Manchester City): Famously used a midfield of Sergio Busquets (6) with Xavi and Andrés Iniesta (8s) at Barcelona to great effect. At Manchester City, players like Rodri operate as the single pivot.
Jürgen Klopp (at Liverpool): His successful Liverpool side typically featured a single pivot like Fabinho (6), supported by more box-to-box number 8s such as Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum.
Mikel Arteta (at Arsenal): Also uses this system, with Declan Rice or Jorginho often playing as the single pivot behind two number 8s who can push forward.
Maurizio Sarri (at Napoli): His free-flowing, possession-based Napoli team also utilized this midfield dynamic.
Carlo Ancelotti: Has used the 4-3-3 with this midfield setup at various clubs, including Real Madrid.
Johan Cruyff: The Dutch legend was a strong proponent of the single pivot system as part of his "Total Football" philosophy, which influenced many modern coaches.
In this system, the number 6 acts as a defensive shield and primary deep-lying playmaker, while the two number 8s are responsible for linking defense to attack, making runs into the half-spaces, and providing secondary support in both attack and defense.
Previous Message
Grealish was the marquee signing. There’s been a focus on giving him the ball as much as possible as a result.
Style and “good football” is subjective to the individual. There seems to be more of a focus on being in the ball and less surrendering possession and being on the counter attack?
I’d argue we’re trying to become more appealing to the eye but not having enough of the components throughout the team to do it effectively that increases outcomes in both boxes.
Last season Beto had Doucoure and Alcaraz behind him with McNeil and Harrison on the wings and he had a hot streak during Moyes bounce period.
He’s played 78 games for us now tho. In my own option that hot streak was the exception as opposed to the rule. I’ve seen enough to know we need better when the opportunity arises in future windows.
Is going back to being more counter attacking what you’re suggesting? Previous Message
He wouldn't have to change much.
But i doubt he will.
I don't think another window fixes this. What are we going to do? sign another striker of a similar profile to the two we currently have? And set up the same way expecting better results?
If i was Moyes i'd be thinking whatever we're doing now isn't getting the best out of our current strikers. But Beto scored 8 in 19 last season and had loads of chances. Maybe i'll try that again.
Previous MessagePrevious Message
Moyes needs to fucking own that and do something to remedy it. Instead of blaming the kid, "We missed a good chance to make it 2-0, then we sat back and that gave Sunderland a bit of confidence"
That miss from Barry wasn't because he's shit. I would've buried that and i'm shite. His confidence is destroyed. Our style of play and constant subs is not helping.
Start playing to our strikers strengths again ffs. In a low scoring sport, goals are fucking golden. We need to start acting like it.
Beto and Barry, might be big black lads, but they're not fucking Drogba and they never will be. Stop playing like they fucking are.
Previous Message
players become a bit fed up with the strikers - if at all ?
maybe they dont
but Grealish should be on 7 or 8 assists, Ndiaye should be on 3 or 4
I'd 100% stick with Barry for the Fulham game, but we collapsed after Barry missed his chance - at that stage we had 7 shots, they had one, by the time our next shot came in they had 16.
Do the players just begin to think, fucking hell no point passing to the forwards etc ?
Its every week we are missing chances in the 6 yard box
If there is a kid in the young who can score tap ins I'd be getting him in the squad
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time, it works every time.
Responses