Newcastle faced Everton this past Tuesday night and were given a footballing lesson which resulted in a 0-3 win. We cannot take much from this game in terms of positives, however if we are smart we will take Everton's blueprint and try and implement this at our club.
Everton have a glorious history and had great teams back in the 80's while they have also challenged the top over the past few years. They have done this on a shoe string with many Evertonians believing they cannot progress until chairman Bill Kenwright finds a major investor.
We all know Mike Ashley is by no means Newcastle United's sugar daddy instead preferring to make signing's which "Make financial sense" therefore it would be smart to follow the Everton model. They have a good team which has been built for very little investment, they have wisely taken advantage of the loan market, and have given youth a chance.
Everton sold Felliani to Man Utd - replaced him with Barry and McCarthy, improved their team and pocketed 15m. Great business.
NUFC were unable to contain a free flowing Everton side who use their pace, skill, and positional freedom to outfox United. With Barry sitting the midfield directing play Barkley, Osman, and Deulofeu interchanged at will and our defense was unable to cope. Tiote, Colo, and Willo had no clue who to pick up, while our fullbacks looked lost as Everton do not play out and out wingers. We were all at sea defensively and massive credit for that must go to Martinez. Integral to this Everton system are the fullbacks - and I would argue that in Baines Coleman Everton have the best set of fullback in the league. NUFC do not.
Pardew's system of a solid midfield with centre midfielder Sissoko and centre forward Gouffran playing wide just does not work against the top teams.
Picking 'wingers' because of their defensive work can only take you so far. Against the poorer teams in the league this will, and has worked. However we are found out by the top teams.
Our biggest worry right now should be - what is our plan B? do we have the squad to play any different? I would suggest not. I would go as far as saying our only option is bringing HBA into the number 10 position as our other attacking options - Marveaux and Obertan will never make the grade.
If the rumors are to be believed there will be major investment in the NUFC squad this summer with a emphasis on attacking players. If we could bring in players like Remy Cabella, and Clement Granier we could possibly see a change in mentality from Pardew which will unleash an attacking, free flowing team. The question remains whether Pardew has it in him to change the footballing philosophy of his team.
I saw the following tweet for NUFC fan this week:
"I bet Martinez would get a great performance out of Ben Arfa'". I tend to agree.
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