Yak axed - TalkSoccer

**Evertonscouser** · 08-02-2008, 04:27 PM

SkySports

Quote:

David Moyes has confirmed Yakubu Aiyegbeni has been left out of Everton's squad for the game against Reading.

Yakubu has been punished by the Everton manager for returning late from Africa Cup of Nations duty with Nigeria.

The Toffees' top scorer was expected to be back on Merseyside on Wednesday, but failed to appear as scheduled.

His club and international team-mate Joseph Yobo returned when expected, with Moyes confirming Yakubu's punishment.

When asked whether the club's record signing would feature in Saturday's fixture with Reading, Moyes replied: "No."

Yakubu has been the subject of disciplinary action from Moyes, although the Goodison boss did not expand on the sanction.

He said: "All I will say is it's an internal matter. Yak has been in this morning and I spoke to him, and he won't be included in tomorrow's squad.

"As I said, I have taken internal action and I would rather leave it at that."

Spot on by Moyes. Yak has to learn he's not playing for a team like Boro anymore and he's not indespensible.

**kyan** · 08-02-2008, 05:46 PM

Evertonians had best hope he takes this positively though, without him you don't look as strong atm, Johnson as a lone striker in a 4-5-1 just isnt as good as Yakubu...

G-R87 · 08-02-2008, 05:50 PM

Yakuba ...feed the Yak and he will score!

**Evertonscouser** · 08-02-2008, 06:03 PM

I really don't rate Johnson at all upfront on his own. The Yak suits our system alot more, but hopefully this will be something that changes him like earlier on in the season when Moyes axed him after just a few games, he has been 100% better ever since.

G-R87 · 08-02-2008, 06:05 PM

Johnson is the sort of striker who needs to play off another. He is not tall/strong enough to play alone, so he needs the knock ons/flicks, etc.

**Evertonscouser** · 08-02-2008, 06:09 PM

Exactly. To be honest I havent been too impressed with AJ at all for the last 12 months. He was great when he first came, but all he seems to offer the team now is workrate and pace upfront as we simply don't play to the lads strengths.

**Evertonscouser** · 08-02-2008, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matthew

Johnson is the sort of striker who needs to play off another. He is not tall/strong enough to play alone, so he needs the knock ons/flicks, etc.

Problem also being we have a perfect player already in that mould being Tim Cahill and we can't incorparate both in the team. AJ upfront with Cahill behind just doesnt look as good with Yak upfront with Cahill behind.

G-R87 · 08-02-2008, 06:13 PM

How about Yak in the centre, with Cahil and AJ behind!

**Evertonscouser** · 08-02-2008, 06:21 PM

I don't know if that could work. Which midfielder all of whom are playing excellent would be dropped to allow this..
Carsley just has to play he's a rock, Arteta is magic, Pienaar has been one of our best players this season, Osmans been on form and Fernandes is showing huge potential and already has made a big impact.

G-R87 · 08-02-2008, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evertonscouser

I don't know if that could work. Which midfielder all of whom are playing excellent would be dropped to allow this..
Carsley just has to play he's a rock, Arteta is magic, Pienaar has been one of our best players this season, Osmans been on form and Fernandes is showing huge potential and already has made a big impact.

How about:

Yakubu AJ

Pienaar Carsley Cahill Arteta

This would see AJ playing off Yakubu, with Cahill supporting from Midfield, Carsley would offer defensive cover and Arteta + Pienaar will create for Yak, AJ and Cahill to feed off.

Fernandes... Perhaps if AJ is dropped, Cahill takes his place and he can fill the gap left in Midfield? But anyway, this is how I would play it.

**Evertonscouser** · 08-02-2008, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matthew

How about:

Yakubu AJ

Pienaar Carsley Cahill Arteta

This would see AJ playing off Yakubu, with Cahill supporting from Midfield, Carsley would offer defensive cover and Arteta + Pienaar will create for Yak, AJ and Cahill to feed off.

Fernandes... Perhaps if AJ is dropped, Cahill takes his place and he can fill the gap left in Midfield? But anyway, this is how I would play it.

That is a good system and worked well at the start of the season when Cahill was injured and Osman played where you have put Cahill. But for the UEFA game next wed when all players are fit and availible I think Moyes will go for a

----------------Yakubu
Pienaar--Cahill--Fernandes--Arteta
----------------Carsley------------------