Without question Everton have made the splash of the relatively quiet January transfer window to this point by acquiring the services of Phillipe Senderos and Landon Donovan on loan. Both are impact signings in positions that have been badly limited by injury in David Moyes’ side. Indeed the Donovan move in particular has paid extreme dividends thus far, but is it a case of too little too late for Everton to make a push? Their hugely disappointing start to the season has left them in a position to do little towards chasing down an improvement from last season’s Europa League place achievement, despite maintaining an unbeaten run in league play dating back to the end of November and their loss in the Merseyside derby (3-5-0 since). Heading into the final fixture of the month they find themselves not only 12 points behind Tottenham (albeit with a game in hand), but also staring down the barrel of a seemingly impossible February. Here is the upcoming fixture list:
February 2010:
A Liverpool 6/2/10
H Chelsea 10/2/10
H Man United 20/2/10
A Tottenham 26/2/10
Difficult for sure, but also a massive opportunity for the club, particularly against Spurs. We’ve already seen what Donovan brings to the table: playmaking and the added bonus of picking up some goals (like the one he tallied against Sunderland). Senderos brings yet more height and set piece prowess to an already powerful aerial force with the likes of Fellaini and Rodwell. If they can weather the storm and defeat Spurs (and maybe snag a point or 2 out of the other 3 big matchups), their next 5 are all VERY winnable. Even with injuries, any less than say 12 points would be a letdown.
Other EPL Musings
- What on earth is wrong with Sunderland? Only 2 points in the last 6 matches (including a resounding 2-7 thumping at Chelsea and a far too easy 2-0 Everton win today) and rumors of numerous clubs being interested in the services of Kenwyne Jones will be giving Steve Bruce fits as the season heads into its final third. The Black Cats weren’t even able to defeat lowly Portsmouth at home. Sitting only 3 points now above the relegation zone after a seemingly comfortable start, the worries in the Northwest will surely mount with every point lost.
- What has Roberto Mancini really achieved at Manchester City with his “global recognition” and “skill for the job”? Since the Italian boss’ arrival, the side had two comfortable clean sheets against teams they should clean sheet (Stoke, Wolves), before getting thumped in resounding fashion by Everton and then getting dumped out of the Carling Cup by Manchester United with a late collapse in added time. Also consider 7 goals against in 4 matches (1.75 GA/match) against more legitimate clubs (Everton, United, United, Blackburn) since that start and a record of only 2-0-2, 1-0-1 in league. If City is going to achieve the top 4 position they crave, it is much more likely that they will do it on squad skill than Roberto Mancini adding any sort of vital knowledge or man management skill that Mark Hughes lacked.
- The rumored “Loan Swap” deal between giants AC Milan and Liverpool for former Ajax teammates Ryan Babel and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar would easily be the move of the transfer window, and quite frankly given each side’s needs the fact that it hasn’t happened yet is completely perplexing, especially on the Reds’ end. If there is any interest from the Rossoneri and they don’t get this deal done, in the immortal words of Ricky Ricardo: Rafa Benitez!!! You’ve got a lot of ’splainin to do!!!
Written By Michael
DiAmore
(23 Posts) |
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