COLUMNIST KEN BUCKLEY
From my seat: Zenit (h)
By Ken Buckley : 06/12/2007 : 
Comments (25) :
Back from the game on a most successful night for the Blues. Top spot ensured with a game to go and the prospect of a weaker team in the first knockout stage game with the second leg at home. Oh happy day.
Comments (25) : With a full house to roar on the team we got what I considered a strange game. Playing a team that had just won their national league, I expected a rather tight encounter yet what I saw was almost total domination by the Blues punctuated only by the odd bit of slack marking that brought a couple of scares. That domination though was fruitless until the 84th minute.
Was this because of the changes to the team because we seemed for the most part disjointed. Good approach play breaking down in the final third, a bit too much helter- skelter in place of composure, a player sent off in what I am told was a harsh circumstance and the resultant penalty that underlined the lack of composure bit.
Carsley hit a post in a first half that had me wondering why it was 0-0 at half time when 3-0 was there to be had. To be honest the AJ - Faddy combo just didn't seem to be working and I was surprised when no change was made during the interval.
The second half continued with Blues in the ascendency but in truth it was hard to tell that they had only 10 men. We pressed and pressed but just didn't have the craft and guile to break down what was a resolute defence and in our haste to get forward left ourselves exposed to quick counters, one of which should have brought them a goal but for our keeper staying big and making a crucial block.
The manager decided to make changes to try to secure the win that that would see us through, his first was to replace the ineffectual McFadden with Big Vic and Faddy didn't hide his disappointment when leaving the field.
This change changed little so youth was called into play when Vaughan replaced AJ and there was a visible extra threat to their rearguard through sheer exuberence and pace that stopped the previous measured build up from the back and allowed us some sustained pressure that eventually saw a reward from the umpteenth corner when Lescott had a header bloked which dropped back to him and he produced a fierce left foot shot that the keeper could only parry and after the ball seemed to hit Cahill's leg he responded in true predatory striker fashion and lashed the ball home from a yard out. They were deflated and we comfortably saw the game out.
My man of the match by a country mile was Lescott who looked a natural on the European stage and was the player who showed most composure and figured heavily in our goal. He looked to me like a captain in waiting.
If Arteta is still wondering why he is not in the Spanish squad then I suggest he looks at Lescott's approach to this game. Stil,l a win is a win, to top the group is great and this game will have given both experience and playing time to those players we may need to rely on in the coming months.
I wonder if their number10 Arshavin is available as I am sure he would be a good buy for us. I paticularly enjoyed the atmosphere at the game which was aided by the great support given to their team by the Zenit fans ? not just from the away spot but they seemed to be in numbers around the main stand.
No segregation, no trouble just fans having a good night. Just as it should be. Some Zenit fans were in our pub before the game, conversation was difficultI but I loved it. Back to the Prem Saturday and probably a different line up but let's make it TEN unbeaten. UP THE BLUES.
Reader Comments
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Pete, I’d disagree with you about Neville. I thought he had a good game, defended well and got forward down the right to good effect, as he has doen whenever he plays at full back. It seems that whatever he does people think he’s poor, by all means be harsh but be fair with it.
Good summary Ken, I thought we played some decent stuff but they were a decent side and after a dodgy first 10 minutes there defenders were pretty solid. AJ had a decent game and Faddy wasn’t too bad hust his decision making was poor - he looked to eager to impress after not playing for so long which I guess is understandable. These two will have a part to play this season I’m sure though. Lescott was superb and Jags had a decent game as well, overall I thought we did well against a good side.
Good summary Ken, I thought we played some decent stuff but they were a decent side and after a dodgy first 10 minutes there defenders were pretty solid. AJ had a decent game and Faddy wasn’t too bad hust his decision making was poor - he looked to eager to impress after not playing for so long which I guess is understandable. These two will have a part to play this season I’m sure though. Lescott was superb and Jags had a decent game as well, overall I thought we did well against a good side.
I realised last night that it is the inclusion of AJ that encourages more’helter skelter’football from our team.There is a much greater incentive to lob it up early when you know someone will chase after it and the little man will do that all night.It’s just the end result that he fails to deliver.
Once again,Faddy was a frustrating ’extra’.Sell him.I say, and let him fulfill his potential elsewhere!
All in all a good night to be an Evertonian but there is still much work to be done before we have a ’great’side.
Once again,Faddy was a frustrating ’extra’.Sell him.I say, and let him fulfill his potential elsewhere!
All in all a good night to be an Evertonian but there is still much work to be done before we have a ’great’side.
Chris, I’d disagree with you about Jagielka. He didn’t have a good game, I’d prefer to see him at right back rather than Neville, although I understand injuries forced our hand.
I thought Jagielka was poor. His passing was poor and positioning slow. Not sure if the lad fits in with our style. I’d rather Neville or Hibs play right back and the only other place I can see him playing is in where Carlsey sits, except I’d take Carlsley there any day. I like the lad and think he’s a hard worker, but he may be out of his depth with this attacking midfield ethos we’re so keen for.
Nice article. Cahill is such a key player. Everton have an excellent team these days.
I took my little lad (4) to his first Everton game last night. He had a great time, although kept asking why is was still 0-0, (don’t think he was commenting on the missed chances we had). So glad that Cahill scored as my little un was flaking and this brought him to life. Cahill is his favourite and he calls him ’Little Timmy Cahill’.
Observations:
Jags looked out of his depth, particularly in the second half when he missed a succession of headers and seemed ’scared’ to pass the ball forward in case it went astray. Lescott was MOM and reactions for goal were great (header, then powerful shot). I agree AJ looks ineffective against a big CH. McFadden had a good work rate in first half, although his best stuff was wing play. He completely disappeared in the second half and had to go off. I thought Neville was OK as RB. He does though like to ’clip’ the long ball into the corner for CF to run on / acroos to.
BTW: Did anyone else see Graveson’s two footed challenge on Boyle in the warm up (4 v 2 keep away). Could have broke his leg. The other subs didn’t know what to do. Anichebe tried to have a word.
Observations:
Jags looked out of his depth, particularly in the second half when he missed a succession of headers and seemed ’scared’ to pass the ball forward in case it went astray. Lescott was MOM and reactions for goal were great (header, then powerful shot). I agree AJ looks ineffective against a big CH. McFadden had a good work rate in first half, although his best stuff was wing play. He completely disappeared in the second half and had to go off. I thought Neville was OK as RB. He does though like to ’clip’ the long ball into the corner for CF to run on / acroos to.
BTW: Did anyone else see Graveson’s two footed challenge on Boyle in the warm up (4 v 2 keep away). Could have broke his leg. The other subs didn’t know what to do. Anichebe tried to have a word.
I vote DM sends his second string to AZ Alkaamar and use the time to rest all the other first string players in preparation for the tough Man U game.
That way the second string can get experience on the European scene and DM gets to add more experience to the second string.
December is a trying time. We need to win ALL our Premiership games in December to ensure top 7 spot. We need to ensure we are not beaten at all in December.
That way also, we can push our first string to the limit for both West Ham encounters.
That way the second string can get experience on the European scene and DM gets to add more experience to the second string.
December is a trying time. We need to win ALL our Premiership games in December to ensure top 7 spot. We need to ensure we are not beaten at all in December.
That way also, we can push our first string to the limit for both West Ham encounters.
I thought Jag’s was very poor last night, i can’t remeber him winning a header or if he did it flew off in the wrong direction. Lescott was outstanding, pure class!!
Carsley was quality too, showed his value to the team again.
McFadden could make a simple pass, they were always underhit, putting teammates in trouble & his attitude to being subbed was terrible. Like a spoilt little boy who’s had his toys taken away...nobhead!
AJ full of running but with little/no output. He looks rusty & sluggish, for a guy who’s game is all about his pace he couldn’t out sprint their defenders.
Carsley was quality too, showed his value to the team again.
McFadden could make a simple pass, they were always underhit, putting teammates in trouble & his attitude to being subbed was terrible. Like a spoilt little boy who’s had his toys taken away...nobhead!
AJ full of running but with little/no output. He looks rusty & sluggish, for a guy who’s game is all about his pace he couldn’t out sprint their defenders.
A good first half last night and a not so good second half. Still, it was great to grind the result out especially when Zenit were trying to time waste at any opportunity. Hopefully we’ll get the Red Shite in the next stages so we can get revenge on them. Cahill looked good as usual and it would have been nice to see ’Big Vic’ introduced a bit earlier - AJ and McFadden are not the anwser and when will we stop playing high balls to small players?? Remember how effective it was when we used to do it to Rooney and Radzinski?
I saw the Graveson incident ,too.What an embarrassment he’s become.My mates in Scotland tell me he was useless at Celtic and we’ll be lucky to get 10 minute cameos from the player who only became our hero when he left us.
Just a few comments about the Russians you mention in the main stand.
They were good natured and having fun.
Some even sat in the corporate seats only to be booted out of them 10 minutes into the second half when the prawn sandwich munchers returned.
The stewards over reacted near me pointing to them and bringing in reinforcements for no reason whatsover all they were doing were singing.
Some of them wore headgear you would see on a tank driver they were ok and amusing and all had a good time.
They were good natured and having fun.
Some even sat in the corporate seats only to be booted out of them 10 minutes into the second half when the prawn sandwich munchers returned.
The stewards over reacted near me pointing to them and bringing in reinforcements for no reason whatsover all they were doing were singing.
Some of them wore headgear you would see on a tank driver they were ok and amusing and all had a good time.
Good article Ken. I noted your comments on the good spirit between the fans - well said. I was disappointed with Jagielka and think it could be a problem when we lose Yobo to the African Nations cup but he plainly was trying very hard and was visibly disappointed with his own performance at the end of the game. He should be given time. He was clearly very influential at Sheffield Unt and probably is a bit nervous coming back to Everton where expectations are so much higher nowadays. He is a brilliant athlete and would be my no 1 choice for right back but he has already had to fulfil so many roles at the club, not an easy job to do.
Well summed up Ken. I felt a bit sorry for Faddy coming off. I think we should just accept that he does nine crap things to every one, brilliant inspirational thing. Still, that may just be enough to get £5million for him in the transfer window.
Also, did anyone else see the bust up in the warm up before the game. Mad dog Gravesen dived in on I think it was Boyle or Osman in the piggy in the middle routine between the subs. It was interesting to see James Vaughan, with plenty of finger pointing leading the protests of the other players. I don’t think Tommy’s got too long at the club either.
Also, did anyone else see the bust up in the warm up before the game. Mad dog Gravesen dived in on I think it was Boyle or Osman in the piggy in the middle routine between the subs. It was interesting to see James Vaughan, with plenty of finger pointing leading the protests of the other players. I don’t think Tommy’s got too long at the club either.
I have seen nothing in Jagielka’s play at Everton to indicate that the Club were wrong to let him go first time round.He certainly is no midfield star and last night gave a similar impression when playing central defence .That leaves full-back where I’m sure most of us would see both Neville and the much criticised Hibbert well in front of him.
I always felt his manager at Sheffield ’talked him up ’-although he did once turn in a good performance as emergency goalkeeper so all is not lost!
I always felt his manager at Sheffield ’talked him up ’-although he did once turn in a good performance as emergency goalkeeper so all is not lost!
I agree with the comments on Jagielka, I think we need to bring in a centre-back in the transfer window. I think we need a Stubbsy type defender so I’d go for someone like Taylor from Newcastle, Gabbidon from West Ham, Riggott from Boro isn’t bad either.
Am also thinking we need a out and out left winger who can not only cover Pienaar but push him for the starting spot. As good as he is, he is so predictable that he will cut inside every time he gets the ball, defenders will pick up on it soon enough. I’d go for Etherington from West Ham personally.
I think John-Paul Kissock might get a chance in the first team soon, especially that players are going to be rested for the AZ game, a chance for JP maybe?
All-in-all the future is looking good, and with a good few additions in both january and the summer then we could have a quality team being able to compete in the league and cups consistently well!
Cheers!
Am also thinking we need a out and out left winger who can not only cover Pienaar but push him for the starting spot. As good as he is, he is so predictable that he will cut inside every time he gets the ball, defenders will pick up on it soon enough. I’d go for Etherington from West Ham personally.
I think John-Paul Kissock might get a chance in the first team soon, especially that players are going to be rested for the AZ game, a chance for JP maybe?
All-in-all the future is looking good, and with a good few additions in both january and the summer then we could have a quality team being able to compete in the league and cups consistently well!
Cheers!
Good Article Ken, It is never easy playing against a 10-man defence who would have settled for draw.Lescott was a giant last night.
Sorry, but your guy is a cheat... he clearly saw that there was no hand and asked for a penalty which you got plus a red card... this pretty much ruined the match... incredible! i would be ashamed of such a player...
There was something quiet unnerving about yesterdays match.
I don?t know if it was the ?helter-skelter? tempo, me being unuse to seeing Everton using such cavalier approah play, or even seeing Everton playing in Europe ,fullstop.
But, it didn?t feel like a European competetive match.
Admittedly this may have been due to the early (and frankly wrong) dismissal of the Zenit player, but it felt almost like watching a training match.
Rushed forward play, Lescott rampaging down the middle of the park-all things you expect in the opening exchanges of any important match, however, it was extended over the whole 90 minutes.
I don?t know how the players were able to maintain such fitness levels.
I am not complaining exactly, c?mon it was entertaining stuff and we won, but throughout the whole experience there was something unsettling picking away at my self conscience- a bit like watching two dwarfs fighting.
Just something I had to get of my chest.
I don?t know if it was the ?helter-skelter? tempo, me being unuse to seeing Everton using such cavalier approah play, or even seeing Everton playing in Europe ,fullstop.
But, it didn?t feel like a European competetive match.
Admittedly this may have been due to the early (and frankly wrong) dismissal of the Zenit player, but it felt almost like watching a training match.
Rushed forward play, Lescott rampaging down the middle of the park-all things you expect in the opening exchanges of any important match, however, it was extended over the whole 90 minutes.
I don?t know how the players were able to maintain such fitness levels.
I am not complaining exactly, c?mon it was entertaining stuff and we won, but throughout the whole experience there was something unsettling picking away at my self conscience- a bit like watching two dwarfs fighting.
Just something I had to get of my chest.
I attended the game with my 2 sons (ages 13yrs and 9yrs both diehard blues) my brother (his son and stepson ages 18yrs and 16 yrs) and a mate from Doncaster, lifelong blue. Enjoyed a good night in the Wilmslow beforehand, a good contingent of Zenit fans which made for some rather strange conversations but goodnatured fun all the same. Was surprised to see so many of them but they are Russian champions afterall so maybe not so surprising.
Thought the game was a typical European tie, disjointed at times, frustrating at times given our dominance of the game but the right result in the end. Feel that we have enhanced our reputation as supporters of Everton from what I have seen from reports and photos from away games in Ukraine and Germany. We have lived up to our name ’Peoples Club’ from what I have seen so far and made some friends along the way. Group winners is a nice feeling and I’m looking forward to our Euro game after Xmas. Disappointing game maybe but certainly the Zenit fans added something to the event and a great many of them took away souvenirs from the club shop. Good night all round really.
Thought the game was a typical European tie, disjointed at times, frustrating at times given our dominance of the game but the right result in the end. Feel that we have enhanced our reputation as supporters of Everton from what I have seen from reports and photos from away games in Ukraine and Germany. We have lived up to our name ’Peoples Club’ from what I have seen so far and made some friends along the way. Group winners is a nice feeling and I’m looking forward to our Euro game after Xmas. Disappointing game maybe but certainly the Zenit fans added something to the event and a great many of them took away souvenirs from the club shop. Good night all round really.
Petr Mostroyanovich, Thanks for your comment and I understand your frustration. The incorrect sending off did indeed spoil the spectacle somewhat. However, the incident occurred very quickly and from where I was placed (quite a good view) it did seem to hit the player in a strange way with perhaps two or three very quick deflections (even on slow replays it looks like knee, to stomach, to chin i.e. NO HAND!) However, the player apppealing for it may well have thought it came off hand. Indeed, the player in question has an excellent reputation for being hard but fair. Cheating certainly is not condined by Everton players, managers, staff or fans (not least because we often fall foul of cheats (usually playing in red) ourselves!) Hope you get to go through anyway and top marks to your excellent fans. Please come again!
Na zdorovje!
Na zdorovje!
In agreement with an awful lot spoken of so far and just wanted to reiterate the view that David Moyes needs to make his mind up now regarding the sale of McFadden otherwise the ridiculous hype that has been associated with the guy lately will eventually fade and Everton will continue to be saddled with this "five-a-side" footballer who is quite patently incapable of playing successfully in the premiership and certainly not with Everton. Jagielka continues to prove how correct the staff at Everton were to let him go in his younger days. I continue to be staggered that a club like Everton cannot find a "run of the mill" effective fotballer of his ilk from the thousands of kids playing in the region. However, Lescott continues to show what a first class professional footballer he is. However in the absence of Yobo/Stubbs’ Everton may struggle centrally against quick, intelligent, forward-orientated teams as there appears nobody of authority to play alongside him. Oh, and does not the poor decision against Zenith once more show how referees need to avail themselves of the technology available to the pundits etc at the push of a button? it would have been interesting to see Zenith with 11 players, reaching the hour mark still level! Never mind though it was great to see the Blues progress as leaders of the group and it must do wonders for their confidence. It is still a shame though that the African Nations Cup demands may cause Everton big problems- Anichebe will be sorely missed. Sell the ineffectual Scot and get one or two good squad members in January.
Petr...
regarding your shame over players who are dishonest...
I agree that Cahill was unsporting to ask for a penaly when no offence was committed, His sporting behaviour is often under scruitiny, but your guys fell over last night and faked injuries when fair tackes were made... And your goalkeeper was the biggest culprit, as he got treated for a head wound for a kick on the thight..!!! so by definition you should "feel ashamed of him" ...
We have a saying here "those in glass houses, should never cast stones"...
Nil satis nisi optimum..
regarding your shame over players who are dishonest...
I agree that Cahill was unsporting to ask for a penaly when no offence was committed, His sporting behaviour is often under scruitiny, but your guys fell over last night and faked injuries when fair tackes were made... And your goalkeeper was the biggest culprit, as he got treated for a head wound for a kick on the thight..!!! so by definition you should "feel ashamed of him" ...
We have a saying here "those in glass houses, should never cast stones"...
Nil satis nisi optimum..
With regards to Cahill asking for a penalty.The pace the ball flew at him,my first reaction was a penalty,and there isnt a single player who wouldnt have shouted for it either.Cahills sporting integrity has never been in question,as opposed to the continental teams who cheat,dive,foul and roll over to get opponents sent off.Its a curse of having to play in Europe im afraid,and as my old dad says ?its our own fault for playing these bloody foreigners!!!?
I was at the game the other night, sat quite near where i usally sit in the upper Bullens. Sat behind behind were 4 lads that to be quite honest made me ashamed to be supporting the same team.........total gob shites. From the first whistle neville, mcfadden and jags got the ?bird? treatment everytime they got near the ball never mind touched it. Unfortunately it seems to be an accepted sport amongst a significant number of blues to give these players grief.
Any wonder that someone like mcfadden has his worst games at home. Over the years we have had some rights duffers wearing blue shirts but I can?t remember many that received as much stick as those three............we are winning and playing better football and these people still arn?t happy. Needless to say these nob heads didn?t even clap when the winner went in.
wit was never more illustrated towards the end of the Sunderland game when i bloke was making his way to the end of his row to go home was greeted with..........for fucks sake mate, the game is on a knife edge..........priceless!
Any wonder that someone like mcfadden has his worst games at home. Over the years we have had some rights duffers wearing blue shirts but I can?t remember many that received as much stick as those three............we are winning and playing better football and these people still arn?t happy. Needless to say these nob heads didn?t even clap when the winner went in.
wit was never more illustrated towards the end of the Sunderland game when i bloke was making his way to the end of his row to go home was greeted with..........for fucks sake mate, the game is on a knife edge..........priceless!
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commentary on the match and it wasn’t the game i saw. The tandem of Faddy and A.J. is the wrong option. A.J. looks mediocre against a big, strong centre back. He needs a big body alongside him to play off. Lescott could end up as the captain, he has been excellent for us.
Neville is a weak link and should be used sparingly if at all.
C.O.Y.B.