Let me start by asking you this: How many times have you watched a pre-season friendly and thought, 'This feels like a dress rehearsal for a disaster'? That's exactly what's happening right now with Everton's approach to their upcoming Premier League campaign. The latest match against Newcastle United in Edinburgh isn't just another warm-up—it's a mirror held up to the club's current state of flux. And what we're seeing is deeply unsettling.
David Moyes has always been a tactician who plays it safe, but this latest lineup decision feels less like strategy and more like a surrender to fear. Tarkowski, Keane, and Mykolenko in the backline? Really? These aren't just players with shaky reputations—they're a recipe for disaster waiting to happen. I mean, when did we last see a center-back pairing that looked this fragile? It's like Moyes is trying to convince himself that the old ways still work, even as the world around him changes.
And let's talk about Jarrad Branthwaite. The man's been sidelined since last season, and now he's being sidelined again, this time for a 'reintegration programme.' If this were a war zone, Branthwaite would be a frontline soldier, not a benchwarmer. But here we are, watching Moyes protect his ego more than his team. What's the point of a pre-season if you're not going to test the new guys? Aznou's omission is particularly baffling. The guy's got pace and flair—why not give him 30 minutes to prove himself? Instead, we're left with a squad that feels like it's been assembled by someone who's never watched a football match.
The fans are right to be frustrated. When you pay £5.99 for a ticket to see a game that's essentially a training session, you expect to see something resembling a real team. But this? This is a farce. The comments section on ToffeeWeb is littered with people wondering if the game's already dead. And honestly, I don't blame them. If you're not risking anything in pre-season, what's the point of even playing? It's like showing up to a party with a hangover and expecting to have fun.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between Newcastle's approach and Everton's. Jaissle's side is fresh, reinvigorated, and ready to embrace change. They've sold their stars and are building something new. Meanwhile, Everton is stuck in a time loop, repeating the same mistakes with the same players. It's like watching a car crash in slow motion, and everyone's just sitting there, hoping it'll end soon.
But here's the thing: This isn't just about Moyes. It's about a culture of complacency that's taken root at Goodison Park. The fans know it, the players know it, and even the board probably knows it. The real question is, who's going to do something about it? Because if this is the best Everton can offer, I'm not sure I want to watch the Premier League anymore. The game needs bold moves, not timid lineups and half-hearted attempts at reinvention. If Moyes can't see that, then maybe it's time for someone else to take the reins.
In the end, this match against Newcastle isn't just about points or preparation—it's about identity. And right now, Everton's identity is a question mark. If they don't start playing with some courage, some ambition, some belief, then this season will be another chapter in a long, sad story. But if they do? Well, that's a story worth watching.
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