COLUMNIST JOE JENNINGS

Proud to Be Blue at Boleyn

By Joe Jennings : 13/12/2007 :

Comments (8) :

What an incredible night to be an Evertonian. Another win, another great performance, another game to add to the unbeaten run.

To see the Blues through to a semi-final for me, is a dream. Away from home with 4,500 Blues behind us, the omens looked good. To lose an early goal through sloppy defending was a bitter pill to swallow, but what impressed me most was the way in which we responded, their goal didn't hinder our confidence whatsoever.

The journey down to London was memorable, crammed into a KIA for 5 hours, ''like a phone box this car'' as one of my mates rightly said. As for the game itself, we were in cruise control and thoroughly deserved the victory.

Howard- Solid as always, commanded well 7

Neville- played well, his experience was vital 7

Jagielka- My man of the match. Not everybody seems convinced about the Jag but last night he was faultless and looked solid and composed. 9

Yobo- Probably at blame for goal but made up for it with bold display 7

Lescott - Looked composed and combined well with Piennar 7

Carsley- Spotless display, once again. Close runner up to Jags for MOTM 8

Arteta- drifted in and out of game but showed signs of magic 7

Osman- Shaky start but battled well and struck at crucial time 7

Pienaar- Arguably best display in Blue Shirt. Industrious and inventive, sign him Moyesy 8

Cahill- Worked his socks off and caused problems 7

Yakubu- Worked extremely hard and got his reward 7

Overall it was a exhilarating night and one I won't forget in a hurry. Away support, as always was fantastic. The excitement at the end was a joy to behold, the players clearly enjoyed it as well.

I was proud to be an Evertonian last night, each and every one of us did the club proud and I'd like to thank everyone who was at Upton Park for making it a night to savour and look back on with relish.

Bring on whoever is next in the Semi and who knows maybe Wembley does beckon? Special mention to the man who got run over about 30mins before kick off by a bus just off Priory Road. Was not a pleasant experience but my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. Keep the faith, COYB

Reader Comments

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Ackers
1 Posted 13/12/2007 at 22:25:27

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Know how you feel mate ! I was also at Upton Park last night. Support throughout was awesome. In years gone by we would have folded after conceeding an early goal but this side built by Davey has backbone as well as class. Most of the plaudits over the last few weeks during our great run have gone to the ball players but for me the man that has turned things round has been the inclusion of ’Super’ Lee Carsley. We all know he may not be the most cultured on the ball but the work this man has given to the blue cause has been immense. I can bearly think of an occasion when he has come out second best in a 50/50 and his tidying up in midfield has released our other four to weave their magic. And to think there was a whisper pre-season of Cars going to Wigan !! I have said it for three years but all Evertons best performances in recent years have had Cars in the side. Special praise also to ’Peanut’ who has brought out the best in Leon. Whatever the rest of the season holds we can away some fantastic memories with hopefully many more to come.

Roy Kroft
2 Posted 13/12/2007 at 23:20:02

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Be very interesting to compare our record in the first 10 games, when Cars didn’t get a look in, to the record since he came back in.

There are a number of reasons why we are flying at the moment and it’s basically last seasons team gelling with the new players, who all look settled (almost all Jagielka!) Yakubu’s scoring for fun, Pienaar looks quality, defence and keeper solid. For me though, Osman has been a revelation in the centre.

Long may it continue

Paul
3 Posted 14/12/2007 at 08:29:41

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It was a great win and totally agree about Jagielka, he had a superb game

Lee Spargo
4 Posted 14/12/2007 at 12:52:33

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I’ve been going to the match for 22 years and have many memorable nights. But Wednesday night is up there with the best of them. It was definately worth the 9 hour round-trip. I’ve never sang so much in my life. COYB!!

Luke Brooks
5 Posted 14/12/2007 at 13:00:21

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Same for me Lee....90 minutes singing and taunting the home fans. Imagine if we got to Wembley - I cannot wait for the semi

Greg Murphy
6 Posted 14/12/2007 at 14:05:25

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Glad you said that about Jagielka, Joe. He had a shaky first five minutes but after that he was quality, I thought. Bird behind me was slagging him all game, though.

Anyone hear any more about that accident? The aftermath scene in front of the bus (with the police videoing the suitcase, flat cap and pool of liquid - which I assumed wasn’t motor oil) made for pretty grim viewing. Respect to every Blue who cut the party short and immediately went schtum the moment they walked by the scene.

I’ve tried to find out what happened. Knackered me journey home, to be honest.

Phil Jones
7 Posted 14/12/2007 at 16:08:36

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Roy makes a good point - Cars has proved to be the gatekeeper to our success. He is the strong foundation that midfield is built on. He does all the hard graft so the little guys can run about. Everyone works hard out there, thoguh. Gotta give Moyes kudos, he puts guys to work.

Anthony O'Brien
8 Posted 14/12/2007 at 18:42:10

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So true... Carsley has been excellent so far this season. He?s here he?s there he?s every fuckin where Lee Carrrrr..sley !!!!!!!

Allan Hobbs
9 Posted 15/12/2007 at 11:01:45

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I was sat with the away fans due to being given a last minute ticket by a work colleague and I have to say that West Ham fans are a nasty bunch of bastards. Saw one guy get a good hiding (in his seat) with kids nearby etc - not good at all. Totally ungracious in defeat they were too. I really hope we turn em over again today.

I also hope the guy who got knocked out is ok.