Everton: 3 points but no strikers...What now!?

Yesterday’s match against Tottenham was the acme of a pyrrhic victory, gaining three points but now facing the harsh reality of a run of games without our three best strikers. Moyes’ 4-5-1 formation is now a necessity as well as a tactical crutch – with Victor Anichebe, 20 years old and inconsistent, as our only striker.

We cannot hold our breath until January either as Moyes has already declared that loans are all we will be able to afford in the New Year’s sales. I have always erred towards optimism and with Yakubu out for the season and Vaughan and Saha injury prone and out, at least until the New Year – this should be a great opportunity for Anichebe; there is literally no other striker who can challenge his position. 4-5-1 also happens to be the formation which has brought Everton the most success of late – and our midfield will surely be able to share some of the goalscoring burden.

There have been whispers for quite a while that Victor is petulant and immature, but if he plays his cards right (and doesn’t get injured), this could be the making of him. Could Anichebe prove to be a Joe Royle reincarnate – or will Moyes instead opt for Tim Cahill or Joleon Lescott as emergency striker? And what of January – has Moyes made enquiries about Man Utd’s Manucho, and was that tabloid rumbling about Wagner Love signing in January just an expulsion of post transfer window hot air?

Comments

[Andrew Emmett]

There were questions of Victor's professionalism about a season and a half ago but Moyes has done well with him and I think he is really trying to grasp the opportunity given to him by the club. He has become a relatively important squad player since the beginning of last season and although I don't particularly rate him ability wise I believe his attitude has been faultless. If anything i would love the lad to prove myself and many Evertonians wrong. Like you i hope he takes his chance.

[Roman]

James Vaughan! Why not?

[David]

Everton will get Henrik Larsson on loan for a few months, and even though he's old he will do well. In the (weak) swedish league he dominates most games, he is extremely clever without (and with) the ball, and will help the midfield get more chances to score.

[Dave]

JOE

Why does everybody suddenly become a communist when football's involved. If you want equality support an American team. I'd rather watch great teams in our league even if they do cost 100s of millions to assemble. I'm sure you wouldn't complain if Everton got themselves a billionaire.

I'm a Bolton fan, & although it's sometimes depressing how predictable the top 4 can be, believe me it's because of the top four that some clubs like my own are still in business. Big clubs buy big players. Audiences around the world want to see big players. Sky pays too much to show it - BINGO Bolton & Everton get some money. It's never going to be equal, but enjoy what you've got and stop complaining. Most clubs would be you know where without a paddle if they lost 3 strikers in a week.

[Joe]

I still think it is ludicrous for the FA to think that a Premiership League can really survive while the wealthy clubs can have as many players on their books as they wish because they can afford to do so, while the rest of the league teams have to struggle with injuries and lack of funds. Don't you think it is time for limits to be imposed on the number of players any one team can have for a season, failing which, how about an equalisation plan to spread the wealth around ? In the meantime, Everton maybe will have to go cap in hand looking for players 'on loan'. I don't see the 'meeting your opponent on equal terms' entering into the tenets of the FA. What outright hypocrisy !