Toffee Tiam : 4-4-2 or 6-4-0?

Contributed by Biing

Since the beginning of the newly formed English Premier League, much of our new generation would have thought English football consist of four top clubs (i.e. Manure, Arse, Cheski & Blackburn).  Not much thought or respect was given to Everton, although it ranks among the top few clubs in the EPL, one of the founders of the English league and the longest club in the league in the top division.

If we can remember Everton was once tagged ?school of science?  for its effective and productive football - much has been lost since.  Although current times have been challenging, with the ?rich? clubs dominating the upper tiers of the league, we gambled with inconsistency and some say poor and boring football.  If we think carefully, weren?t we the only club that have broken the top ?4? in the new century and have consistently claimed European places?

All boils down to the school of science in Everton's recent displays where David Moyes have proved all pundits wrong.  Remember 4-5-1 is a typical formation that guarantees a good result for the Toffees? This tactic was adopted by DM during our 4th place finish few seasons ago.

An effective tactic whereby a core holding defensive minded midfielder covers its centre backs, allowing the flanks of the full backs and attacking midfielders to capitalize on an elusive counter attack. Furthermore, the lone striker acts as the pivot of an attack, holding the ball for reinforcements.  This is a relatively effective tactic based on defense by clogging the centre of the park.  Truly  English football school of science is at work here.

Seeing the effectiveness of this tactic, other clubs followed suit the following season with Manure, Chelsea and even the English team leading the pack.  As soon as ?they? adopted this tactic, it was

seen as effective and innovative, whilst it was once called negative football when the Toffees adopted it. 

This season?s strikers crisis caused some serious concerns in the Toffees? quest for an European spot.  Further aggravated by a roller-coaster campaign, much can be seen by mundane tactics (i.e. 442 and even 451) that cant seem to catapult the blues to consistency. 

The football school of science went into overdrive again this season when Everton traveled to the EPL?s richest club, Man City.  A team built around the Sheik?s oil money, would seemed to be an uphill battle as they comewith good home form and a host of world class players.

What did the school of science do to our tactics?

From my point of view, we were playing 4-6-0.  Yes! By virtue of Cahill (although position upfront as the lone striker) generic position as a midfielder.  This is a tactic focused on packing the centre of the park, leaving no space for the opposition?s creative and flair players to move.

The choked midfielder rotates between two (sometimes three) midfielders upfront whereby Cahill Fellaini and Ossie take turns knocking on city's door.  The flanks were pretty quiet staying solidly with its two centre backs, whilst the Wings of Pienaar and Ossie create havoc on the sides. 

Castillo's defensive duties continue ala Lee Carsley whilst leaving room for Arteta's creativity.  Yes, this tactic allows freedom of creativeness for the Toffees as opposed to 4-5-1.  Hence capitalizing on this, it  allows both the attacking minded Cahill and box to box Fellaini to attack upfront causing a torrid time for City's defense. 

It seems like the 6 midfielders rotates among themselves effectively to cover any holes left after an attack.  This can be seen when Lescott (although rarely attacking) makes a dash upfront, either Castillo or Arts will be there to cover the vacated hole. 

 

This is a relatively new tactic and still at its infancy. Perhaps it may come of good and relinquishes our need to buy an expensive striker as we have a relatively small coffer.  Should this tactic work this season, and IF we do qualify for Europe with this; definitely the football school of science roots to the blue half of Merseyside. 

 

Perhaps one day we would be playing 6-4-0? Or  10-0-0?