COLUMNIST KEN BUCKLEY
From my seat: Chelsea (SF2)
By Ken Buckley : 23/01/2008 : 
Comments (36) :
No Wembley trip to plan after a game I would rather forget.
Comments (36) : Pre-match we turned up with flags, hats, scarves and a crescendo of noise. I took the time to get the Proey and the Blue Blood fanzine and settled into my seat for what I expected to be a riproaring affair. After about 20 minutes of attack and deafening support, the game meandered into a damp squib.
Chelsea were dealing well with our attacks and on that 20-minute mark ,both players and fans of our persuasion fell a little flat. In that time their keeper made a smart save from a Lescott header and Carsley got booked for a high tackle.
The rest of the half seemed to meander on with Chelsea confident of defending any Blue pressure and it succeeded apart from one AJ shot that deflected wide.
We reached half-time all square but it was obvious that we had stopped any meaningful build-up that might have stretched them and were playing high balls to AJ that were just meat and drink for their central defenders. "If you are going to play that way, throw Big Vic on." I thought, "and then get up and support him."
No changes for the second half and no change to the pattern of play. That was ultimately going to be our undoing because, after a marauding run and fierce shot from Neville was parried by the keeper and a backheel by Jags from close in was again parried in a spell of passion from the Blues that gave us some hope, we continued with the high ball to AJ.
It was obvious to all assembled that the Chelsea centre backs were treating this as meat and drink and, sure enough, after another long high ball was easily headed clear it fell to Maluda who, looking up, fed in Cole who contolled with some aplomb and fired past our startled keeper.
One header, one pass, one control and shot and you just knew it was all over.
Immediately Big Vic was introduced, too late I thought,a nd so it proved... even with us finishing with AJ, Big Vic, Vaughan and Lescott up front ? it was still Chelsea looking the more threatening. Four minutes of added time changed nothing and at the final whistle I think all present thought that tonight we were second best but it didn't stop us staying and giving the lads a great send-off.
Overall I think tonight confirmed my fears that it was going to be a big ask after what I saw at the Bridge. I think we need to take stock after these two games and let Manager, players and club learn that, although we may be making good progress, we are still someway short of matching an outfit like Chelsea in such a big game. I think that with the missing players we would have looked better but to match the Chelseas of this world you have to remember that they had some real big hitters missing also.
In looking for a Man of the Match, I thought either Neville or Jags....not the sort of players you want to shine in a semi when you are one goal down!!!
Arteta I thought our best midfield/forward player and I have to say I was disappointed with Manny because he chose flicks-n-tricks and joined the Faddy school in giving a masterclass in giving the ball away instead of the solid midfield performance I am sure he is capable of.
Tonight I thought there is much for the manager to ponder on at the top end of things so that he and the club can build on what we have to date. No Wembley trip for me... and gutted ? but hey, who knows this time next year we could be Champions League knockout stage hopefuls!!
Back to the grind Wednesday next, see you there. UP THE BLUES
Reader Comments
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Good report Ken.
I sense from the tone of your article that you are dissappointed but acknowledge just how hard the team tried. Just not good enough on the day. I don?t think there would be anything to gain by any stinging criticism of anyone but as you say another lesson has been learnt. I still don?t think we are miles away from the likes of Chelsea, just 1 or 2 players off.
I was proud of the boys and it was clear with 10 minutes to go they had given their all and were running on empty. I can still see tim Cahill sprinting back in defence around the 93rd minute when Chelsea had broken away. He went full pelt from the Chelsea box to our own. This sums up the effort they all put in.
I sense from the tone of your article that you are dissappointed but acknowledge just how hard the team tried. Just not good enough on the day. I don?t think there would be anything to gain by any stinging criticism of anyone but as you say another lesson has been learnt. I still don?t think we are miles away from the likes of Chelsea, just 1 or 2 players off.
I was proud of the boys and it was clear with 10 minutes to go they had given their all and were running on empty. I can still see tim Cahill sprinting back in defence around the 93rd minute when Chelsea had broken away. He went full pelt from the Chelsea box to our own. This sums up the effort they all put in.
Still a little suprised no one has picked up on Valente’s screw up for there goal tonight, in my opinion it was glaring, a 45 yard diaginal pass and Cole is in on goal!! this should not happen piss poor from Valente, yet another lapse against the BIG FREE
Ken,
I normally read your posts and agree with what you wrote but in this case I have to disagree on some points.
Chelsea were the better team tonight and deserved to win the two legs overall.
Watching on Setanta in the US the co-commentator was obviously pro - CFC - comments were made about introducing attacking substitutes early. Martin Tyler (I think) mentioned this after Vic came on post the goal. He stated DM had considered this but because of events postponed it. We were doing well at the time.
Even had Cole not scored the change would have been made, the goal merely highlighted the decision to defer the substitution. We were caught on the break.
Cech had to make more saves than Tim until we put four up front, one of which was a CB. We were playing with three at the back so to me it was obvious Chelsea would get more breaks and look more threatening.
One point I do want to make though is when Bennett blew for a foul on Cech. The score level on the night and a great chance for us to lead. He literally "Blew It". Replays showed he fumbled the ball with little or no contact from an Eveton player. Lescott was poised to strike but the whistle had been blown. That could have made a difference but that as always a "What if..." moment.
We lost, we are out but I cannot fault Moyes for delaying bringing on Vic at that time. Hindsight as they say.
Overall I think we gave a good account of ourselves especially the 12th man. The TV made it sound as though the away support was far louder than ours. It was probably due to the microphone placement. First twenty minutes I never heard them. After that they were loud, louder than the meagre support they brought should have been.
I am deflated now but even though I recorded the match I still viewed it after the final whistle and it was great to hear the supporters sing. All I can say is COYB.
BTW, I thought Valente had a good, not great, game tonight.
I normally read your posts and agree with what you wrote but in this case I have to disagree on some points.
Chelsea were the better team tonight and deserved to win the two legs overall.
Watching on Setanta in the US the co-commentator was obviously pro - CFC - comments were made about introducing attacking substitutes early. Martin Tyler (I think) mentioned this after Vic came on post the goal. He stated DM had considered this but because of events postponed it. We were doing well at the time.
Even had Cole not scored the change would have been made, the goal merely highlighted the decision to defer the substitution. We were caught on the break.
Cech had to make more saves than Tim until we put four up front, one of which was a CB. We were playing with three at the back so to me it was obvious Chelsea would get more breaks and look more threatening.
One point I do want to make though is when Bennett blew for a foul on Cech. The score level on the night and a great chance for us to lead. He literally "Blew It". Replays showed he fumbled the ball with little or no contact from an Eveton player. Lescott was poised to strike but the whistle had been blown. That could have made a difference but that as always a "What if..." moment.
We lost, we are out but I cannot fault Moyes for delaying bringing on Vic at that time. Hindsight as they say.
Overall I think we gave a good account of ourselves especially the 12th man. The TV made it sound as though the away support was far louder than ours. It was probably due to the microphone placement. First twenty minutes I never heard them. After that they were loud, louder than the meagre support they brought should have been.
I am deflated now but even though I recorded the match I still viewed it after the final whistle and it was great to hear the supporters sing. All I can say is COYB.
BTW, I thought Valente had a good, not great, game tonight.
Heartbreaking. It?s a small comfort that on the night we were thoroughly outplayed by a better team. If you can question anything, our lone striker/long ball tactics certainly played straight into their hands. But even if Tim had gotten on the end of Lescott?s header in the 1st half I think we would?ve fallen back to defend and probably been undone by the resulting relentless pressure. I fuckin well hate to say it but Chelsea were pretty great tonight. Still lots to play for this year. COYB!!!
I watched the game on telly this morning, and I thought the boys were outclassed by a better team. We just didn’t get going, and with AJ alone, it’s always going to need a Bramble to help.
I thought we played much better and livier when Joleon was as attacking mid with James and Victor up front. (more of that please Mr David ?.. Only Kidding).
As I was tossing about on my bed after the game, recapping what had gone wrong, and I think the main source would be on Manny. Many a times, we could have made a fast counter attack, but he didn’t seem to gel in with the team. He’s distribution were poor most of the times, and his movement was very static. He didn’t move into open play, and he actually opted more of a Cars role rather. Perhaps it’s DM’s instruction, but I thought it stifle the creativity.
Oh well, i’m bitterly disappointed that I’m not going London in Feb, but hey, there’s still Manchester to look forward in May :) .. so I’m proud to be a blue, and I’m proud of the lads today. They’ve done well to reach it to the last 4, so well done lads, and long may it continue.
I thought we played much better and livier when Joleon was as attacking mid with James and Victor up front. (more of that please Mr David ?.. Only Kidding).
As I was tossing about on my bed after the game, recapping what had gone wrong, and I think the main source would be on Manny. Many a times, we could have made a fast counter attack, but he didn’t seem to gel in with the team. He’s distribution were poor most of the times, and his movement was very static. He didn’t move into open play, and he actually opted more of a Cars role rather. Perhaps it’s DM’s instruction, but I thought it stifle the creativity.
Oh well, i’m bitterly disappointed that I’m not going London in Feb, but hey, there’s still Manchester to look forward in May :) .. so I’m proud to be a blue, and I’m proud of the lads today. They’ve done well to reach it to the last 4, so well done lads, and long may it continue.
Although I didn’t watch the game (I listened to it on EFC radio) I’m, like all of you, bitterly disappointed with the result.......however, I’m not angry at Moyes or the lads.......I’m bitter for two reasons:
1. it sounds like (from the radio, the commentators and the postings on here) that the game wasn’t the best game we could have given CFC and
2. very disappointed that three of our best players were missing tonight. CFC had players missing but they do have the talent/depth to cover for them, no question. We don’t.
I’m not saying Yobo/Yak/Pienaar would have guaranteed a win, of course not, but we would have had a better chance for sure.
I do think that for the UEFA Cup (apart from the first game?) we’ll have our strongest possible squad.....plus a more settled Manny....and I do seriously think we have every chance of getting to the SF’s at least.....by that stage we’ll have more incentive, less games, full squad, etc.
And.....as pissed as we all feel right now......when was the last time we got knocked out of a semi-final (against one of the Top Three I might add) but we’re still FOURTH in the Prem and we’re still in a Euro-competition!
One can’t deny it’s progress......slow but sure!
COYB!
1. it sounds like (from the radio, the commentators and the postings on here) that the game wasn’t the best game we could have given CFC and
2. very disappointed that three of our best players were missing tonight. CFC had players missing but they do have the talent/depth to cover for them, no question. We don’t.
I’m not saying Yobo/Yak/Pienaar would have guaranteed a win, of course not, but we would have had a better chance for sure.
I do think that for the UEFA Cup (apart from the first game?) we’ll have our strongest possible squad.....plus a more settled Manny....and I do seriously think we have every chance of getting to the SF’s at least.....by that stage we’ll have more incentive, less games, full squad, etc.
And.....as pissed as we all feel right now......when was the last time we got knocked out of a semi-final (against one of the Top Three I might add) but we’re still FOURTH in the Prem and we’re still in a Euro-competition!
One can’t deny it’s progress......slow but sure!
COYB!
Sadly it wasn’t to be.
The game showed our glaring lack of true depth in quality in the squad. The man we missed most was Stephen Pienaar in my opinion as he just seems to get in there and make things happe with his busy yet skillful approach to the game, let’s hope South Africa get knocked out quicly (sorry Stephen, it is selfish I know) so he can come back sooner.
Chelsea played the perfect game, soak up what little we offered in scoring chances and killing us with the sucker punch - just like Arsenal!
I was proud to have got through to the semi-final, but it is not very ambitious of us to accept that as an achievement - we want more.
I thought we got it wrong tactically. After the first half hour or so it was apparent that 4-5-1 was not going to work- just as it hasn’t against any of the so called bigger clubs this season. I also thought that Victor was brought on too late and the tactics didn’t really change to accommoidate him when he did come on. Even when James Vaughan came on we didn’t really show any true buzz in our play, it was all very stodgy.
Not sure that, with the benefit of hindsight, Fernandes playing from the start was a good move - to be honest he was awful. I would like to think that rather than disinterest (which seemed the case at times) it was more of him lacking in both fitness and match practice.
Still, we do have other fish to fry this season, which is a hell of alot more than we have had at this stage for many a season, so we are making good progress.
We need to pick ourselves up and get back on track against a resurgent Spurs side next week.
To those of the so called fans who were immediately on the radio ’phone ins slagging off Bill Kenwright - SHAME ON YOU.
Now it is more important that we all stick together and get behind the team, manager and Bill Kenwirght otherwise it will be like pushing the self-destruct button
The game showed our glaring lack of true depth in quality in the squad. The man we missed most was Stephen Pienaar in my opinion as he just seems to get in there and make things happe with his busy yet skillful approach to the game, let’s hope South Africa get knocked out quicly (sorry Stephen, it is selfish I know) so he can come back sooner.
Chelsea played the perfect game, soak up what little we offered in scoring chances and killing us with the sucker punch - just like Arsenal!
I was proud to have got through to the semi-final, but it is not very ambitious of us to accept that as an achievement - we want more.
I thought we got it wrong tactically. After the first half hour or so it was apparent that 4-5-1 was not going to work- just as it hasn’t against any of the so called bigger clubs this season. I also thought that Victor was brought on too late and the tactics didn’t really change to accommoidate him when he did come on. Even when James Vaughan came on we didn’t really show any true buzz in our play, it was all very stodgy.
Not sure that, with the benefit of hindsight, Fernandes playing from the start was a good move - to be honest he was awful. I would like to think that rather than disinterest (which seemed the case at times) it was more of him lacking in both fitness and match practice.
Still, we do have other fish to fry this season, which is a hell of alot more than we have had at this stage for many a season, so we are making good progress.
We need to pick ourselves up and get back on track against a resurgent Spurs side next week.
To those of the so called fans who were immediately on the radio ’phone ins slagging off Bill Kenwright - SHAME ON YOU.
Now it is more important that we all stick together and get behind the team, manager and Bill Kenwirght otherwise it will be like pushing the self-destruct button
I watched the game in thailand, kick off 3am local time,,thankfully i drank enough chang to help moysiahs’ transfer kitty for the summer,,,absolutely gutted especially as there was a chelsea muppet at the the other end of the bar,,we neeeded an early goal an didnt get it,,to say we missed certain players is easy to say now we are out,,we just werent good enough over the 2 legs and was hoping for us to give a better account of ourselves overall,,the players commitment was superb and cant be faulted. I just feel we need to win against the so called big 3(i dont count liverpool)and then we can push on from there,,were still in fourth and still in europe,,we need to brush ourselves down and crack on for the rest of the season where i still believe we can lift the uefa cup,,we do need a couple of quality signings as i dont think we are far off from competeing over the course of a season against the other top clubs..WE ARE A TOP CLUB AND A BIG CLUB I AM PROUD TO BE A BLUE AND ALWAYS WILL BE. Iam off to sit on the beach and drink another chang and will be watching on saturday night at ten o clock my time!!!COME ON YOU BLUES!!!
Just realised my mistake in saying i will be watching saturday night ,,,when we havent even got a game,,my mistake before somebody points it out,,,,must be the buckets!!
I was at the game last night and I agree with you about Neville, Ken. He looked pumped from the start and was probably the only player to give it his all. Gutted we are out but it was a fantastic atmosphere and hopefully many more big games to be played at Goodison
Thanks for that Ken but I’m not sure where you sit in the ground to say that the support fell flat. It didnt in the LGS. From wher I was sitting or should I say standing, we were beaten by a better team and it’s wrong to look for scapegoats. Fernandes was rubbish, well, I don’t think he was, Valente was awful, both him and Lescott were beaten by a superb move and let’s ignore the countless tackles and blocks that Valenet got in then shall we?
We are decent in defence but playing AJ on his own just doesnt work. The tactics could have been better and within 15mins of KO I knew in my heart we would never score against them.
Disappointed, yes but still proud of our lads, every last one of them and prouder still of the level of support even when it was obvious the game was over.
Well done to my fellow Blues who shouted til the end and shame on those who have said we let the team down.
We are decent in defence but playing AJ on his own just doesnt work. The tactics could have been better and within 15mins of KO I knew in my heart we would never score against them.
Disappointed, yes but still proud of our lads, every last one of them and prouder still of the level of support even when it was obvious the game was over.
Well done to my fellow Blues who shouted til the end and shame on those who have said we let the team down.
Good assessment
I just think we never ?had a go? at them. If we?d have started with 2 upfront and with Cahil in midfield it would have added to our goal power potential when on a night when we needed at least 1 goal.
It?s as bad to lose 3-0 as it is 1-0 so why no thave a go - who knows - we may have nicked 1 or 2
Oh well, Hey Ho, plenty of worse things happen in the world than not getting to the final of the Carling Cup
I just think we never ?had a go? at them. If we?d have started with 2 upfront and with Cahil in midfield it would have added to our goal power potential when on a night when we needed at least 1 goal.
It?s as bad to lose 3-0 as it is 1-0 so why no thave a go - who knows - we may have nicked 1 or 2
Oh well, Hey Ho, plenty of worse things happen in the world than not getting to the final of the Carling Cup
I was sitting in LGS last night and have to say i thought the fans did their best to roar the boys on. I for one have to agree i felt we wouldnt score tonight,their defence was too strong for AJ alone,shud have gone 2 up top from the start to really get at them!
Also disappointed that manny was playing BEHIND carsley last nite,any 1 what that was all about,thought he should be attacking with the likes of arteta,cahill,osman,especially as we needed a goal. Disappointing! C.O.Y.B
Also disappointed that manny was playing BEHIND carsley last nite,any 1 what that was all about,thought he should be attacking with the likes of arteta,cahill,osman,especially as we needed a goal. Disappointing! C.O.Y.B
At the final whistle one of the 1st things that came into my head was how do you beat a team who have just paid £15 mill for a striker ...for cover?
When you look at the players Chelsea had that were unavailable last night, the innevitable,"They were there for the taking" rubbish comes out...I think its been rolled out at least once on every post about last nights game...
The thing is though..if you look at the players they had available..you are still looking at a team that cost more than any other in the prem...nad a team that would definately finish top 4.
Since John Terry was injured, poor old (there for the taking )Chelsea have kept 9 clean sheets...ourselves beeing one of the few teams to actually score against them,,
And to try and break down a defense that good..when they didnt need to score is nigh on impossible...I mean late on in the game Grant had the luxury of bringing a 20 million quid left back off the bench..!!!
Its obscene...if the russian didnt fund them Chelsea would be £250, mill in the red on transfers alone..
Can you imagine them being run on our budget..?
So , dont despair....David Moyes is building a great team...he just hasnt finished yet.....because he has to build one..not buy one.
When you look at the players Chelsea had that were unavailable last night, the innevitable,"They were there for the taking" rubbish comes out...I think its been rolled out at least once on every post about last nights game...
The thing is though..if you look at the players they had available..you are still looking at a team that cost more than any other in the prem...nad a team that would definately finish top 4.
Since John Terry was injured, poor old (there for the taking )Chelsea have kept 9 clean sheets...ourselves beeing one of the few teams to actually score against them,,
And to try and break down a defense that good..when they didnt need to score is nigh on impossible...I mean late on in the game Grant had the luxury of bringing a 20 million quid left back off the bench..!!!
Its obscene...if the russian didnt fund them Chelsea would be £250, mill in the red on transfers alone..
Can you imagine them being run on our budget..?
So , dont despair....David Moyes is building a great team...he just hasnt finished yet.....because he has to build one..not buy one.
( caps lock goosed )
bottom line is.
chelsea did a number on us last night.
we should have gone in my opinion with the two young lads up front after half time.
the long ball is not johnsons game, he is an off the shoulder striker, always has been.
this was a cup tie and we should have gone out to win it, blood and thunder.
i’d have rather have gone down 3 or 4 than huff and puff the way we did.
thought moyes got it totally wrong tactics wise and played right into their hands.
spurs got it spot on, get at these teams. they hate being hassled and rushed, their game is one of patient build up.
we are not good enough to play them at their own game, end of.
by the way lue.
i also thought fernandes had a good game, always available and does the simple things right, he just wasn’t match sharp, but never hid all game.
thats what teams like chelsea do. the simple things correct, like finding a man with a simple pass.
the rest usually follows.
bottom line is.
chelsea did a number on us last night.
we should have gone in my opinion with the two young lads up front after half time.
the long ball is not johnsons game, he is an off the shoulder striker, always has been.
this was a cup tie and we should have gone out to win it, blood and thunder.
i’d have rather have gone down 3 or 4 than huff and puff the way we did.
thought moyes got it totally wrong tactics wise and played right into their hands.
spurs got it spot on, get at these teams. they hate being hassled and rushed, their game is one of patient build up.
we are not good enough to play them at their own game, end of.
by the way lue.
i also thought fernandes had a good game, always available and does the simple things right, he just wasn’t match sharp, but never hid all game.
thats what teams like chelsea do. the simple things correct, like finding a man with a simple pass.
the rest usually follows.
Totally agree with Mr Glover. I was in the main stand last night, and its something I will never forget, the very fact that I could not hear the opening bars of Z-cars over the crowd’s noise was a moment that will linger long with me. I have never felt prouder to be a Blue than last night. Result aside ( which for me had an almost inevitability about it) this was my Goodison moment. The players gave their all, the crowd showed what it is to support a club from the bottom up and it left no doubt in my mind that we should all thank our lucky stars we are Evertonians.
As for the game, Anichebe & Vaughan should have been on at HT. AJ was not given ball to feet enough hence our lack of chances, Fernandes started well but then over complicated his passes, Arteta and Valente delayed crosses into the box too many times allowing their defence to organise. At the end of the day, we were beaten by the better team and we’ll have to live with it and come back next time stronger. Now bring on Europe.
As for the game, Anichebe & Vaughan should have been on at HT. AJ was not given ball to feet enough hence our lack of chances, Fernandes started well but then over complicated his passes, Arteta and Valente delayed crosses into the box too many times allowing their defence to organise. At the end of the day, we were beaten by the better team and we’ll have to live with it and come back next time stronger. Now bring on Europe.
As always a fair and balanced article Ken. As already stated last night was confirmation (if anybody needed it) that we still are some way short of the top teams. Maybe some of that is belief but certainly technically Chelsea were way of ahead of us over the two legs. We missed Yak big time last night. They were misssing Drogba so they use Shevchenko and when he gets injured buy Anelka. Thats the difference.
But I remain positive and optimistic. There is no doubt we are progressing. We have every chance of finishing fourth and at worst I belive a UEFA cup spot. With a few more quality signings in the summer we can progress a little more. Bit by bit we can move forward until we truely can compete with the best in the League. COYB!!!
But I remain positive and optimistic. There is no doubt we are progressing. We have every chance of finishing fourth and at worst I belive a UEFA cup spot. With a few more quality signings in the summer we can progress a little more. Bit by bit we can move forward until we truely can compete with the best in the League. COYB!!!
I’m with Terry Maddock & can’t believe people believe that Chelsea ’were there for the taking’ and that we should have gone all out for a win. They are a class team and If we had gone at them ’all blood and thunder’ they would have rolled us over no problem. I think Moyes got the tactics right - we were right in it until Cole scored. Had he played any other formation Chelsea would have finished the game by half time. Close but no cigar.
Hopefully we can learn from this tie. Chelsea have alot more experience of playing in two-legged cup ties than we do, I thought we done well with the patient build up but once they scored it was meaningless and left open the accusation that we never ’had a go’. However, seeing them on the break I still think this was the right approach, it was the hoofing balls to Johnson and Cahill that never worked. As always, whenever we keep the ball down we look more threatening.
Good post by Ken Buckley and agree entirely with comments of Lee Glover.
Sadly that old saying "Class will tell", still holds true, and until large amounts of money, which we don:t appear to have, are invested in the team,we are left with a small amount of class and those very admirable qualities of teamwork,fitness, hard work and togetherness.
Been a Blue for over 65 years and although bitterly dissapointed I still love them.
Sadly that old saying "Class will tell", still holds true, and until large amounts of money, which we don:t appear to have, are invested in the team,we are left with a small amount of class and those very admirable qualities of teamwork,fitness, hard work and togetherness.
Been a Blue for over 65 years and although bitterly dissapointed I still love them.
Just had to make two quick comments firstly on minutes silence. I thought it was observed brilliantly by not only us (As expected) but by travelling Chelski’s well done . Secondly I know we lost but wasn’t it great to be involved in a semi ,to be in Europe and to be Fourth. Toffeeweb should print all the articles from 2 years ago on how Moyesy must go. Oh where are you now
First of all I was unable to take up my main stand season ticket as I missed the deadline because I was away at the time, so I had to buy 2 tickets in the paddock near the Chelsea fans.
I sat there with my daughter and must admit first of all, I have never sat or should I say stood as everyone was stood up for most of the game.with some of the most mindless morons imaginable. From 5 year olds to teens to middle aged men they spent very little time watching the game, most of it turning round yelling abuse and obscenities at the Chelsea fans wanting to fight them. Hearing 4 letter words from 5 year olds was unbelievable, thugs pointing up the stand shouting for people to meet them outside for a fight, a man in his 50?s significantly tanked up with a 12 year son, making obscene sexual gestures with parts of his anatomy at the Chelsea fans.
A person about 20 in the seat in front of me disappearing for 30 minutes and returning appearing to be off his head on drugs going absolutely apeshit at anything and everything with his eyes rolling round his head hardly able to stand up.
The stewards, most middle aged and overweight or female just stood there and watched them, obviously wise enough not to go near them in case something happens to them. I wouldn?t be a steward for love nor money.
I perhaps have lived a sheltered life sitting in the main stand for donkey years able to discuss the merits of the game with people sitting near me, which was impossible to do with people who weren?t really there for watching the football and without a brain cell to conduct a conversation. I walked down to the other end of the Paddock near Glwadys Street for the last 10 minutes and the atmosphere was totally different as I was in a different stadium
I would never attend an Everton game again if I sat in that locality of the ground again. I was ashamed to be associated with such thugs pretending to be Evertonians (there actual knowledge about the game was limited also). I am writing in to express my displeasure of what I experienced last night.
Secondly from what I was able to see we were the better team in the first half but outclassed in the 2nd half. As Moyes said we don?t have the magic and the inspirational player to open up teams. Manny tired, Osman and Cahill were not in it, Johnson was well shackled by the centre backs, and Vaughan should have been on early in the second half. Lescott was brilliant with Jagielka and Valente though he tackled well was at fault with the goal and does not have the legs to overlap as he couldn?t reach the ball.
I sat there with my daughter and must admit first of all, I have never sat or should I say stood as everyone was stood up for most of the game.with some of the most mindless morons imaginable. From 5 year olds to teens to middle aged men they spent very little time watching the game, most of it turning round yelling abuse and obscenities at the Chelsea fans wanting to fight them. Hearing 4 letter words from 5 year olds was unbelievable, thugs pointing up the stand shouting for people to meet them outside for a fight, a man in his 50?s significantly tanked up with a 12 year son, making obscene sexual gestures with parts of his anatomy at the Chelsea fans.
A person about 20 in the seat in front of me disappearing for 30 minutes and returning appearing to be off his head on drugs going absolutely apeshit at anything and everything with his eyes rolling round his head hardly able to stand up.
The stewards, most middle aged and overweight or female just stood there and watched them, obviously wise enough not to go near them in case something happens to them. I wouldn?t be a steward for love nor money.
I perhaps have lived a sheltered life sitting in the main stand for donkey years able to discuss the merits of the game with people sitting near me, which was impossible to do with people who weren?t really there for watching the football and without a brain cell to conduct a conversation. I walked down to the other end of the Paddock near Glwadys Street for the last 10 minutes and the atmosphere was totally different as I was in a different stadium
I would never attend an Everton game again if I sat in that locality of the ground again. I was ashamed to be associated with such thugs pretending to be Evertonians (there actual knowledge about the game was limited also). I am writing in to express my displeasure of what I experienced last night.
Secondly from what I was able to see we were the better team in the first half but outclassed in the 2nd half. As Moyes said we don?t have the magic and the inspirational player to open up teams. Manny tired, Osman and Cahill were not in it, Johnson was well shackled by the centre backs, and Vaughan should have been on early in the second half. Lescott was brilliant with Jagielka and Valente though he tackled well was at fault with the goal and does not have the legs to overlap as he couldn?t reach the ball.
After last night I am so proud to be blue. The effort was there on the pitch but it was becoming more and more obvious that Chelsea are a better team than us. Maybe with our ACN players we could have had more to unlock their defence but even on the occassions that we managed to do this, Cech proved himself to be a class keeper.
I was in the lower Bullens near the Gwladys Street and the support and the atmosphere was incredible from where I was, barely stopped singing right up to when Chelsea scored. There was a brief period of shock at this point but even when their players were celebrating we started the singing again, brilliant! Also great when the final whistle came in showing the support to the team, I really was proud of the supporters we have.
I’m sure there will be those who will use the defeat to jump on the backs of the team and the manager, even I was wishing we could switch to a 4-4-2 to give AJ some support sooner than we did, but I’m quite willing to hold my hand up and say that Chelsea were better and deserve to be a final. Personally I didn’t hear their supporters once, despite what the gimps who phone in to 606 say...
I was in the lower Bullens near the Gwladys Street and the support and the atmosphere was incredible from where I was, barely stopped singing right up to when Chelsea scored. There was a brief period of shock at this point but even when their players were celebrating we started the singing again, brilliant! Also great when the final whistle came in showing the support to the team, I really was proud of the supporters we have.
I’m sure there will be those who will use the defeat to jump on the backs of the team and the manager, even I was wishing we could switch to a 4-4-2 to give AJ some support sooner than we did, but I’m quite willing to hold my hand up and say that Chelsea were better and deserve to be a final. Personally I didn’t hear their supporters once, despite what the gimps who phone in to 606 say...
Given this was our first semi-final since winning the FA Cup in 1995 don’t you think that every single player should have been fired up for this 2nd leg? If they were, it was not evident last night
When you are up against a better footballing team you have to compensate with real determination and grit and really get in amongst them. None of this was evident, just reflect on how we are always up for the derby games, that’s how we should have played.
We lacked a real leader out there last night, someone who could fire the team up on the pitch and keep them going.
Notwithstanding, the team has definitely done us proud over the season and deserve a lot of credit.
However, the management and board can hopefully see from this that we are still short of the so called big four, and that we will need a significant injection of funds to enable us to buy the class players we still need to break in.
When you are up against a better footballing team you have to compensate with real determination and grit and really get in amongst them. None of this was evident, just reflect on how we are always up for the derby games, that’s how we should have played.
We lacked a real leader out there last night, someone who could fire the team up on the pitch and keep them going.
Notwithstanding, the team has definitely done us proud over the season and deserve a lot of credit.
However, the management and board can hopefully see from this that we are still short of the so called big four, and that we will need a significant injection of funds to enable us to buy the class players we still need to break in.
I thought we should have started with Victor because Johnson is not strong enough to disturb a big defender. They defended in depth and we never really competed in the box until Lescott moved up later on (he appeared to be our most effective forward). Chelsea played very well. Fernandes has hardly played any football since last season so it was asking a lot for him to stay the course.
Point is though, we are worried about how to get that exra edge to win things. Not to stay up, not to finish above halfway but how to win a trophy. Things are coming along and we are are now a definate top six side and a possible top four.
I am dissapointed but pleased that we are worth our current position.
Only really sour note was the halfwit and his dumb friends who started fighting in the top balcony after Chelsea scored. Perhaps we could equip the stewards with lethal injections.
Point is though, we are worried about how to get that exra edge to win things. Not to stay up, not to finish above halfway but how to win a trophy. Things are coming along and we are are now a definate top six side and a possible top four.
I am dissapointed but pleased that we are worth our current position.
Only really sour note was the halfwit and his dumb friends who started fighting in the top balcony after Chelsea scored. Perhaps we could equip the stewards with lethal injections.
A bit unfair to say that the players were not fired up - you only had to look at them at the end of the game to see how disappointed they were.
I just think it was a game too far. Our squad is not that big and too many of the players looked shattered throughout the game.
We are improving but it is a slow process given the budget we are working to.
I’m not sure we are good enough for a top 4 finish this season and have my doubts about a top 6 finish. Our considence is actually quite fragile and we need to believe more in ourselvesas we definitely have the ability. I suppose the question is do we have the legs for it?.
I just think it was a game too far. Our squad is not that big and too many of the players looked shattered throughout the game.
We are improving but it is a slow process given the budget we are working to.
I’m not sure we are good enough for a top 4 finish this season and have my doubts about a top 6 finish. Our considence is actually quite fragile and we need to believe more in ourselvesas we definitely have the ability. I suppose the question is do we have the legs for it?.
No doubting the result feels like a hoof in the goolies but maybe that’s what a dose of realism can do for you.
Realism? Well, for instance in the way you’d question how many of the players on each side involved in both games would walk into the other team. Lescott for us and, ooh, you’d have to say a fair few of theirs into ours.
The task as David was quick to admit is now to find the "special ingredient" required to move us on even further.
And the greatest consolation I can take is that we don’t have time to feel too sorry for ourselves because the progress we are making it means every game we play these days matters and thankfully matters for all the right reasons.
Onward Evertoinans.
Realism? Well, for instance in the way you’d question how many of the players on each side involved in both games would walk into the other team. Lescott for us and, ooh, you’d have to say a fair few of theirs into ours.
The task as David was quick to admit is now to find the "special ingredient" required to move us on even further.
And the greatest consolation I can take is that we don’t have time to feel too sorry for ourselves because the progress we are making it means every game we play these days matters and thankfully matters for all the right reasons.
Onward Evertoinans.
James Elworthy....
Sounds like you a bad experience in the Bullens. The truth is you should avoid at all costs the Park End near the away fans and the lower Bullens near the away fans. This is the home to nutters that sit there wanting something more than mild banter and are out for fights. It grains when men allow kids to swear and gesture. These idiots are such a minority compared to the rest of the good natured and passionate crowd at Everton - I still think we’re one of the best in football. Don’t let it put you off!
On a further downer... yet again by the Blue House corner two dozen teenagers looking to fight Chelsea fans made the police draw batons and some Chelsea fans’ coaches were attacked. Although these are minor incidents, I’ve been noticing blogs on the net over the past few months/years about away fans experiences at Goodsion and we haven’t got the best of reps to be honest. Something needs be done about the area at Walton Lane/Bullens Road/Goodison Road corners. More often than not, gangs of thugs wait on the pavement for away fans. All it is is about 30-40 idiots - for the good name of Everton FC, someone please sort it out.
Sounds like you a bad experience in the Bullens. The truth is you should avoid at all costs the Park End near the away fans and the lower Bullens near the away fans. This is the home to nutters that sit there wanting something more than mild banter and are out for fights. It grains when men allow kids to swear and gesture. These idiots are such a minority compared to the rest of the good natured and passionate crowd at Everton - I still think we’re one of the best in football. Don’t let it put you off!
On a further downer... yet again by the Blue House corner two dozen teenagers looking to fight Chelsea fans made the police draw batons and some Chelsea fans’ coaches were attacked. Although these are minor incidents, I’ve been noticing blogs on the net over the past few months/years about away fans experiences at Goodsion and we haven’t got the best of reps to be honest. Something needs be done about the area at Walton Lane/Bullens Road/Goodison Road corners. More often than not, gangs of thugs wait on the pavement for away fans. All it is is about 30-40 idiots - for the good name of Everton FC, someone please sort it out.
Ken I think your final point about the need to ponder what we have at the top end is very significant. I suspect most will agree that AJ alone up front will not work against good sides. He worked his socks off but rarely troubled either of the centre backs. However I also doubt if either Vic or Vaughan would have troubled them on their own either. So does that lead to the conclusion that against sides like this we need to play 2 upfront? I heard one comment on the way home from a Chelsea fan who said once he heard we were going to play 5 in midfield and 1 up front, in a semi at home, that we needed to win, then he knew they would get through.
But here’s another poser if we play 4 in midfield, which 4? For me this is the real biggie - when we need to go out and win a game is a 5 man midfield likely to achieve that? Perhaps against the poorer teams eg Sunderland, Derby etc that will work admirably but will it work against the top sides? I think our record to date against the top 3 suggests that we will win an occasional game but not regularly worry them. So Ken like you I think there is a lot to ponder at the top end, but I think it also means considering what players you would have in midfield supporting them.
But here’s another poser if we play 4 in midfield, which 4? For me this is the real biggie - when we need to go out and win a game is a 5 man midfield likely to achieve that? Perhaps against the poorer teams eg Sunderland, Derby etc that will work admirably but will it work against the top sides? I think our record to date against the top 3 suggests that we will win an occasional game but not regularly worry them. So Ken like you I think there is a lot to ponder at the top end, but I think it also means considering what players you would have in midfield supporting them.
Obviously there is lots to digest after last night's loss but I think Peter C makes a good point in emphasising that progress is indeed a slow process given Everton?s financial state etc. Few could deny that Chelsea deserved to go through over the two legs especially after a very tactically disciplined performance last night.
The defeat highlights a variety of factors both with regard to the tie itself and the overall picture at Everton. For example, that late goal at Stamford Bridge changed the whole complexion of the tie causing Everton all kinds of tactical dilemmas as they approached the second game. Perhaps it did reveal deficiencies in David Moyes?s current level of tactical awareness and confidence. As others have pointed out, among a number of playing/performance issues, it beggars belief that you can expect Johnson to plough loan furrows down the channels and hope to cause world class-savay defenders such as Carvalho and even the aging Makalele any discomfort.
On this point how long do we feel that Johnson can tolerate responding to such a tactical role before even his prodigious energy and work rate begins to fade? Take a striker out of the box for too long and he loses all sorts of crucial elements to his game.
We can talk about individuals etc at length but I just wonder if Peter?s point raises the issue about progress. Are we yet in a position to realistically see ourselves as close to ManU, Arsenal, Chelsea or even getting permanently closer? After all, consider the zillions spent across the Park and even they seem to be going in the opposite direction!
My own feeling is that progress is indeed slow but it should be sure and that our focus should at this stage perhaps be on cementing ourselves as consistent candidates for a top six position during the next 2 or 3 years and to be able to target a cup competition as a realistic goal when the squad is strong enough to sustain it.
I feel that we may be breeding real frustrations and unfair expectations if we think that Everton?s current position is strong enough to see the "top three" as the next stage. We have to first of all ensure that it is taken as read that Everton are truly cemented into those top six before we begin to realistically move onto any further stage. Let us all remember that, much as we love the Blues, we have not won a competition we have entered since the Man Utd Cup Final, and that on a number of occasions we have remained in the top division only by the skin of our teeth (or whatever else went on against Wimbledon!)
And, looking at the current table, it shows how alert you have to be as to how easily one can begin to be looking at those increasingly fewer teams below you and the rather too many who lie above you! As Peter says, let the progress be sure, realistic, and thus more secure, even if it is a little slower than we may sometimes wish?
Can’t really criticize the players for their efforts just felt we lacked the guile to open them up. The five man midfield wasn’t really working. Chelsea players seemed to be doubling up on Cahill and Arteta, effectively squeezing them out of the game. One would have expected this to perhaps free up Osman but all too often he seemed to get lost with aimless runs and did not contribute enough to the physical aspects of the game although he did make a wonderful challenge on the 18 yard line, why on earth don’t we see more of that. With the extra man in the middle seemly not proving effective there seemed little point in persevering with this approach as Johnson in the role of a lone striker was having no impact whatsoever. The tactic of feeding him with crosses expecting him to out jump their defenders was lost on me.
With the midfield failing to get hold of the ball surely it would have made sense to have reverted to 4-4-2.
Many have suggested Fernandes is the player to move us forward. On the basis of this performance I very much doubt it, he is an undoubted talent but once again we are reminded of the fact that what we desperately need is play making midfielder irrespective of the formation we adopt. If I were to single out anyone for special praise it would have to be Jagielka who I thought was outstanding.
With the midfield failing to get hold of the ball surely it would have made sense to have reverted to 4-4-2.
Many have suggested Fernandes is the player to move us forward. On the basis of this performance I very much doubt it, he is an undoubted talent but once again we are reminded of the fact that what we desperately need is play making midfielder irrespective of the formation we adopt. If I were to single out anyone for special praise it would have to be Jagielka who I thought was outstanding.
Two words why we didn’t get anywhere "poor passing" plain and simple. Too many balls were a yard away from their target - and eneded up with a Chelsea player. i think Joleon was our best player (he added a lot when he played upfront). Manny was good and actually looked for attacking passes - unfortunately his lack of football recently showed - but again poor passing. But does show a gap between us and the top three.
Gerry
A little unfair on Fernandes don’t you think. He has hardly played since he was last at Everton and proved last time he is an excellent player. Osman has only just come back and he also plainly looks far better with Pienaar in the team.
It was unfortunate last night that we did not have enough of our better players at the right level of fitness or indeed in the country. It would be nice if we could have shelled out 15mill for a quick replacement for Yakubu, but we can’t.
We just have to be patient but it is on the way. This season has convinced me that in the round we are making real progress.
A little unfair on Fernandes don’t you think. He has hardly played since he was last at Everton and proved last time he is an excellent player. Osman has only just come back and he also plainly looks far better with Pienaar in the team.
It was unfortunate last night that we did not have enough of our better players at the right level of fitness or indeed in the country. It would be nice if we could have shelled out 15mill for a quick replacement for Yakubu, but we can’t.
We just have to be patient but it is on the way. This season has convinced me that in the round we are making real progress.
Rob,
My point was not to suggest Fernandes was not a talented player which I believe he is. He does afford us additional options but I don’t feel he’s the missing piece in the jigsaw. I accept your points but based on last seasons performances whilst he did demonstrate moments of brilliance he does have a tendency to drift in and out of games as he did last night you may well have a point about his fitness but for me he still has something to prove.
As for Osman I can’t really see him performing in anything other than a five man midfield as he lacks the physical stature unfortunately that can be to the detriment of the team as it limits our striking options to one up front. It often works against the lesser teams but against the very best defences I’m afraid its a lost cause. However whilst I agree Piennar was a huge miss last night I believe we really would have needed two up front to benefit from his good work down the left. Had he been available I would have preferred he played in his customary position with Osman relegated to the bench rather than complement Piennar in what would have been a very lightweight midfield.
My point was not to suggest Fernandes was not a talented player which I believe he is. He does afford us additional options but I don’t feel he’s the missing piece in the jigsaw. I accept your points but based on last seasons performances whilst he did demonstrate moments of brilliance he does have a tendency to drift in and out of games as he did last night you may well have a point about his fitness but for me he still has something to prove.
As for Osman I can’t really see him performing in anything other than a five man midfield as he lacks the physical stature unfortunately that can be to the detriment of the team as it limits our striking options to one up front. It often works against the lesser teams but against the very best defences I’m afraid its a lost cause. However whilst I agree Piennar was a huge miss last night I believe we really would have needed two up front to benefit from his good work down the left. Had he been available I would have preferred he played in his customary position with Osman relegated to the bench rather than complement Piennar in what would have been a very lightweight midfield.
with regard to the comment about cahill running back in the 93rd minute, that to me sums up his attitude and desire to win for the cause. although he is sometimes nulified going forward in games due to selection and opposition, he offers so much more to the team(look at the wigan game and his defensive game) than other players who have catchy songs for them but who, for me, diassapear regardless if its 1 or 2 players marking them.
i didnt go on weds but i will recall a comment made to me coming out of maine road after the disappointment of 84 "cheer up son, this is the beginning not the end" best school days of my life.
You?re in my heart
You,re in my soul
i didnt go on weds but i will recall a comment made to me coming out of maine road after the disappointment of 84 "cheer up son, this is the beginning not the end" best school days of my life.
You?re in my heart
You,re in my soul
@Chris - last time I looked I had bumps in the front mate so a Mr Glover I certainly ain’t but no problem, my language has been reminicent of a docker after 12 pints on reading some of the twaddle about the crowd not being there for the team so I suppose it was an easy mistake to make. It’s Lue, short for ..... Lucille......there, it’s out in the open! Oh I hate that name so much!
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1 Posted 24/01/2008 at 03:03:46
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