Martinez takes pride in strong home display

, 12 March, 126comments  |  Jump to most recent

Roberto Martinez expressed his pleasure with his team’s performance at Goodison Park today as they overcame a strong Chelsea side to progress to the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

The manager indicated that it was the perfect tonic following the disappointment of last weekend’s painful defeat to West Ham United, one he says his team didn’t deserve.

"It was very satisfying,” the Catalan said in his post-match press conference. "The pain from last weekend came out [in the form of] an incredible sense of character and responsibility.

"I thought it was a really good cup game, I thought Chelsea played really well and it got to a moment where we needed a bit of magic. 

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"We defended really well throughout and to keep a team of Chelsea’s quality to just one shot on target is remarkable.

"But the memory of Romelu Lukaku’s [first] goal was worth such a disciplined performance. It’s going to be one of the best goals scored in the FA Cup. Clearly he’s created a great memory for every Evertonian and everyone who was at Goodison Park today.

"A clean sheet, two goals from open play, a really strong display against a team like Chelsea… I think it shows how focused we were today."

Martinez was asked about his team’s poor record on home turf in the Premier League this season and while he didn’t go as far as to say that today’s result could erase that under-achievement at Goodison, he suggests it can lay down a marker for the remainder of the season.

“Our fans deserve this feeling. We’ve been outstanding in many games away from home and we haven’t been able to replicate that [at home]. 

“I’m not saying we’ve been poor at home but we’ve been very poor at being able to get the results that our performances have deserved. 

"In any team you can be brave and be bold and try to achieve a winning team and sometimes we wanted that too much and left ourselves exposed. And I think the scorelines haven’t reflected the quality that the team has.

“All in all [today], it’s the satisfaction of being able to put on that sort of performance for a crowd who created an impressive environment that really helped us and from now on we can’t forget that our League form at home hasn’t been good enough and we have to correct that."

 

Reader Comments (126)

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Brian Williams
1 Posted 12/03/2016 at 23:15:10
His rhetoric is ever so subtly changing.......
Kieran Kinsella
2 Posted 12/03/2016 at 23:29:34
Not poor but poor at getting results? Isn't that being poor?
Anthony Dwyer
4 Posted 12/03/2016 at 23:43:44
Shit game, mostly down to two things.

1, Martinez started a defensive team.

2, Chelsea came to ruin the game and almost succeeded.

The most impressive performer today was Lennon by a mile, until big Rom just exploded into action.

Truly rubbish game but a brilliant outcome.

Yesssssss Rom.

John Crook
5 Posted 12/03/2016 at 23:44:54
Hopefully the "we lost out on Rafa Benitez" comments have gone for good. What a bizarre few days!

Martinez deserves some credit. He’s clearly listened to the criticism and tried to change things. It wasn’t pretty but 2 goals and a clean sheet against a resurgent Chelsea is no mean feat. Think the School of Science may take an early summer break but, as a club, we’ll be all the better for the rest!

Colin Glassar
6 Posted 12/03/2016 at 23:45:27
Sword of Damocles, Brian?
Brian Williams
7 Posted 12/03/2016 at 23:52:30
Exactly Colin.
Paul Andrews
8 Posted 13/03/2016 at 00:09:01
And so you should Roberto.

A perfect tactical set-up.

Ian Riley
9 Posted 13/03/2016 at 00:14:58
Did anyone think how poor Chelsea have become? Thanks to lukaku taking the initiative. He was becoming as frustrated as I was. Anyway semi final to look forward to after a poor league campaign. Martinez will get another season and he knows it after today!!
Graham Mockford
10 Posted 13/03/2016 at 00:34:37
Anthony Dwyer

"Shit game". Well there is no pleasing some people. I'm suspecting you weren't lucky enough to be at GP tonight but it was brilliant.

You say "Martinez started a defensive team". Well thank the fucking Lord, it's about time.

I actually didn't think it was Lennon's best game especially from an attacking point of view but as ever he worked his nuts off. For me if he maintains his current form he should be in the England squad.

Lukaku was the game changer but there were some really good individual performances. All the mid three were great but for me Jags was immense.

Andrew James
11 Posted 13/03/2016 at 00:47:26
I hope tonight and the good run in the League Cup doesn't gloss over our manager's ridiculous league performance.

We seriously need to reach the final now with this talented squad. I personally would love to beat Arsenal because they have had the most lucky home draws going for the last 3 seasons.

Oh and their fans whine so much. I live in North London so that is why I am so bothered by them.

I hate the Wembley semi thing. We should be at Villa Park or wherever. But if we can get past the side we are drawn against then who knows?

Don Alexander
12 Posted 13/03/2016 at 01:08:42
It's been said by so many other true Evertonians but even taking media "commitments" into account Martinez just delights in portraying himself as football's original giraffe.

The neck he exhibits above, on the back of the past two whole fucking seasons, is no doubt amusing to the media and the fans of other teams.

Just when I was allowing myself a little celebration on the back of a victory I have to read his usual bollocks re "performance/results" but this week's spin suggests, but only suggests, that after seven years in the job as a Premier League manager he might just be realising that one leads to the other.

Halle-fucking-lujah!!!!!!

Derek Thomas
13 Posted 13/03/2016 at 01:48:34
What a game...singular. The benchmarks been reset. Leicester have shown how far you can go if you do it for a season.
Ernie Baywood
14 Posted 13/03/2016 at 01:58:16
"I'm not saying we've been poor at home but we've been very poor at being able to get the results that our performances have deserved."

I don’t think that’s a subtle change, that’s a huge leap from his previous comments, which were all about bad luck and freak occurrences. In this statement he’s nearly aligned to the rest of us in acknowledging there is some ownership and responsibility for these results.

Next step is to understand that possession isn’t the same as performing and we might have made a manager of him.

Credit where it’s due today, though. The right team from the start and didn’t screw it up with odd subs. I'm not saying we've been poor at home but we've been very poor at being able to get the results that our performances have deserved.

I’d love to know who was coming off for Del before we scored. I suspect Lennon but I wonder if he would have surprised us with Macca, Cleverley or Ross?

Mike Gaynes
15 Posted 13/03/2016 at 02:04:01
Credit where it's due to Roberto. He had the same starting lineup, but the plan was significantly different from the one that has caused us so much defensive agony in the league. This was a committed, passionate side with a sharp defensive strategy to pressure the ball, seal the middle, tackle like crazy and keep the fullbacks home rather than let them roam up the wings. Coleman barely visited the area and Baines never even sniffed it.

For this day, this opponent and this occasion, Martinez got it right. Finally.

Dennis Ng
16 Posted 13/03/2016 at 02:08:33
Ernie, perhaps Moshiri already gave Martinez his guidelines? This is quite a departure from his previous comments.

This game itself was weird, cagey and full of fight. I don’t think I’ve seen it this season, perhaps even ever since rm came on. Let’s hope it’s not a one off and we start fixing things that actually needs fixing, like fitness and defense.

Don Alexander
17 Posted 13/03/2016 at 03:03:28
Don't want to carp but when the first goal went in Seamus was in their six yard box, again, and bloody good on him for that. To me he has shown the heart that is Everton throughout his career (and I include his season at Blackpool in that - he was their "player of" the year they got promoted by the way) and I just wonder whether he should take the band off Jags, for the latter's and the team's benefit.

Last season in April he made public reference to winning games by virtue of "the old Everton way" but if Martinez took a dim view it's long since gone past the time for forgive and forget. To me Seamus is 100% the honest professional footballer.

You can see it in his face.

Matt Traynor
18 Posted 13/03/2016 at 03:56:27
Don #17, I've never thought of Jags as captain material. He's too quiet. I guess he's got it till he packs in now. I've always believed in having a few vocal players anyway - I think we've suffered a lot down the years through a lack of leadership on the pitch. Probably best "highlighted" by the penalty fiasco with Mirallas and Baines.
Dick Fearon
19 Posted 13/03/2016 at 06:15:36
The clock was ticking past the 60 minute mark, the game was evenly balanced, on the side lines Deulofeu was stripped ready for action. Roberto was clearly preparing another of his game changing gaffs.

We were saved from self destruction by a Barkley - Lukaku goal that was one of the best I have seen in all my years of support.

When Martinez did make his subs he thankfully did so with the aim of defending our lead. He should take heed of the lesson in this.

Neil Pickering
21 Posted 13/03/2016 at 07:12:12
Well done Roberto on setting up halfway decent for a change.

Even a broken clock is right twice a day..

Steve Brown
22 Posted 13/03/2016 at 07:37:58
Dick, great point. Martinez seems incapable of making two tactically sound decisions on the run, hence why we are so inconsistent. He is so unyielding in his football philosophy that he may compromise in one game (because generally he is in trouble), but cannot do it for two games.

That plays out during the course of games as well, where he just doesnt seem comfortable to keep a game tight, controlled and see it out. Let's see what he does next week.

Tony Draper
23 Posted 13/03/2016 at 08:27:25
Many good points well made so far in this thread and the lead article.

Roberto is still a young manager with far more to learn. He has a passion for stylish football which seems to stray into blind obsession too often. The true great managers were all single minded, determined with their own style of football. But surely they must all have been analytical, critical and even self critical (even if only in private).

Howard Kendall came perilously close to being sat in a taxi speeding away from Goodison with a final payment cheque in his freshly shaken hand.

We can only hope that Roberto has "wised up", for no-one can be great at 50% of their job but a zero performer in the other 50%.

We can only hope that the fresh personality, impetus and viewpoint in the Boardroom makes it plain that the good stuff is just that, but the missing portion will not be overlooked.

Well done against Chelsea, but the clean sheets need to be just as valuable as the two we score at the opposite end.

Steven Jones
24 Posted 13/03/2016 at 09:03:09
RM was wonderful before during and after the game. Good set up – sent them out to press high... and when we did not get the breaks, they dug in.

Later in the game, he looked to change it up with Deulofeu and avoid a replay at Chelsea. I for one was crying out for Deulofeu to sprinkle his magic and open up Chelsea which Lennon couldn’t.

When Rom's goal went in, he changed the sub strategy and rightly! Given the comments on here it is evident that gentleman knows far more than most.

Aidy Dews
25 Posted 13/03/2016 at 09:08:35
Martinez got his tactics bang on yesterday and got the lads fired up from the off. The likes of McCarthy & Lennon especially, set the tone with there aggressive pressing. And I especially like the tactic to wind Costa up from the off aswell has once we did, it took him off his game and he was ineffective.

Martinez even got his subs right on the night aswell! Good day all round.

If Martinez took this approach more often, especially in games where it is needed, then I'm sure we'd of done much better in the league this season.

But let's forget about getting on the managers back for now and enjoy the fact that we're off to Wembley! COYB.

Phillip Mark
27 Posted 13/03/2016 at 09:17:25
Maybe, just maybe, Martinez is starting to add a mote of realism to his tactics. He changed the play at half-time to get Barkley into it more and get more bodies into midfield and is starting to show he can shut up shop a little more.

We know we can score goals, but that’s not been enough. I always said this season was make or break for him and it’s still on a knife edge as far as in concerned.

However, even if we DON'T win the cup, he can have another season as long as he picks up more results that show he’s willing to adapt like he did yesterday. That’s the key for me, progress.

Paul Conway
28 Posted 13/03/2016 at 09:36:01
I said in a post a few days ago that, in order to beat this resurgent Chelsea team, every player would have to give a 7/10... 8/10 performance. That display was awesome at every station.

What a fantastic first season Funes Mori is having! Everything was like a symphony, right down to the fact that Karma came back to bite Costa on the arse!

Remember last season? The 3-6 defeat! when Costa goaded Coleman after he had put the ball in his own net! Revenge was sweet and was washed down with a good few beers! It's a long time since I heard post match comments by Martinez making such sense and sounding so sweet!

COYB!

Winston Williamson
29 Posted 13/03/2016 at 09:37:52
The change, tactically, was in the pressing high up the pitch. We did it consistently for most of the match and it was great to see!

It was a very Everton way of playing and thoroughly enjoyable! The crowd never fail to react when we play in this manner!

We should play all of our home games in this manner. High pressing, not giving the opponents 2 seconds on the ball, combined with our attacking intent!

Most fans have asking for this for two years (at home). Can we continue in the same manner from now on please?

I'd like to say a massive thank you to the crowd, who were immense!!

Daniel A Johnson
30 Posted 13/03/2016 at 09:58:19
Anybody can make mistakes but its learning from them.

It will take more than a wonder performance from Lukaku to see if Martinez has changed his spots and given up chasing his whale.

Phil Walling
31 Posted 13/03/2016 at 10:10:50
As Roberto's arch critic, I can only say that if he can deliver yesterday's performance consistently (not interested in the minutiae of tactics – more the concentrated all-out effort), he'll do for me. But it's a big IF!

ps: Can we see more of Mr Oliver, please. Great reffing from probably the youngest in the Premier League.

Shane Corcoran
32 Posted 13/03/2016 at 10:19:11
Anthony Dwyer is right. The game was truly awful in the first half. Everton were much better in the second however but it took that moment of magic from Rom. It truly was a magnificent goal out of absolutely nothing.

Hopefully Man Utd and/or Arsenal get beaten today.

Jim Potter
33 Posted 13/03/2016 at 10:24:46
Jeez Phil! That is a compliment and a half. Well in son!

No way was this a "shit game". We did the defending, hassled them, and scored two very good goals. The crowd, the players and even Bobby were superb.

Wembley!

Brent Stephens
34 Posted 13/03/2016 at 10:26:31
Sky Sports Sunday Supplement comparing Rom's first goal to Ricky Villa's years ago, and conclude Rom's wasn't as good (so a negative there) and was down to poor defending by Chelsea. Gotta laugh, eh.
Brent Stephens
35 Posted 13/03/2016 at 10:31:31
One of the most gripping games I’ve seen despite little being in the two boxes for most of the game. Both teams playing with high intensity, pressing, pace, with skill. Fantastic atmosphere.

I was displaced from my normal Upper Bullens seat, taken over by their fans, and it’s strange how you can hug complete strangers on scoring. Have watched Rom’s goal over and over and still feel that lump in the throat every time for its brilliance.

Tony Hill
36 Posted 13/03/2016 at 10:34:31
No surprise, Brent. If it had been Kane or Delle Alli they would be hailing it as proof of genius. It was, at least, a better finish than Villa's goal.
Mark Fitzgerald
37 Posted 13/03/2016 at 10:54:32
Some points that I take from yesterday’s win:

1) Maybe realisation has finally set in with RM that sometimes you need to set up defensively against certain teams and try and win the battle in the trenches. I thought we we achieved this and deserved the victory. It doesn’t always have to be champagne football to keep the fans happy.

2) The referee, quite rightly, has been commended on his handling of the game. I thought he let a proper cup-tie flow when he could and stepped in when it was required.

3) Leaving a fit Stones on the bench was the right call and we reverted back to a more solid back four. I still love Stones but at the moment he has rightly lost his place as a starting centre-back. I would love to know if this was 100% RM’s decision or is he finally taking note of tactical suggestions?

4) I think the manager’s future is still up in the air. This team will ultimately have hugely under-performed in the league, in a season that there was real opportunity... "One swallow does not a Summer make".

Andrew James
38 Posted 13/03/2016 at 12:14:06
I think Jags is a good captain but leads by example not so much vocally. When we need a backs to the wall / solid defensive performance he is the man to do it. Sometimes when we desperately need an equaliser (like at Anfield last year) he’ll do something up front.

I sense he has more of a presence in the dressing room. Personally I think he should have been captain in 2010 and Phil Neville moved on especially when the captain at the time couldn’t hold down a berth in the side.

It is tricky being a captain at the back because you cannot drive the team forwards or grab a game by the scruff of the neck other than a crunching tackle or headed goal.

We will miss Jags when he does hang up his boots which hopefully won’t be for a few more seasons.

Karl Parsons
39 Posted 13/03/2016 at 12:36:31
Still Buzzing. Best atmosphere since Bayern Munich and possibly one of best goals since Sharpy's Anfield stunner. A day I will never forget. God I love Everton!
Simon Dutton
40 Posted 13/03/2016 at 13:34:24
Amazing,

Suddenly Martinez picked the right team, when everyone has been fit that is the team that has been playing, but that narrative doesn’t suit the Martinez bashers.

The only difference to the rest of the performances this season is that we seemed to press further up the pitch and actually got stuck in, but everyone wants to take credit. Maybe... just maybe, Martinez knows what he was doing all along and finally the players got it and put his philosophy into action.

Andy Meighan
41 Posted 13/03/2016 at 13:45:32
Yes, he got it spot-on. It actually reminded me more of a Moyes performance than a Martinez one, if that makes any sense. The way we pressed and harried them. And Lukaku's first will go down in folklore as one of THE great Goodison goals.

I can't stomach Martinez but all credit to him for that performance. This is the way it's got to be between now and the end of the season. Everyone I've spoke to has said the same. I just hope the manager has the same thoughts. I won't hold my breath on that though.

Phil Smith
42 Posted 13/03/2016 at 13:56:09
Martinez is, in many ways, still a young manager learning his trade. He’s now at a club were they have expectations and he’s having to change the way he manages. Seems to be finally learning a few new things. Let's see where we end up this season.
Jamie Barlow
43 Posted 13/03/2016 at 14:10:25
Two cup semi finals and we "could" still get European football through our league placing. Martinez is not having the terrible season a lot on here would have you believe.
Kevin Tully
44 Posted 13/03/2016 at 14:36:30
To read this site, you would think that the manager kicks every ball, and makes every tackle. The players deserve the credit for that performance yesterday, just like they deserve criticism for throwing away leads and shit defending. The opinions on here are so polarised it's ridiculous.

The manager isn't responsible for everything that goes on once the players are on the pitch. If the men in blue shirts had put that sort of effort in all season and shown that sort of intensity when defending we would be flying.

I see some posters who stated they wanted us to lose every game from now until the end of the season seem to have forgot to turn on their computer. You know who you are.

Colin Glassar
46 Posted 13/03/2016 at 14:38:05
Whatever spin you put on it, it is still an incredibly disappointing, and frustrating, season, Jamie.

Yes, we have reached two semi-finals; yes, we still have an outside chance of a Europa League place; yes, we are 10 points better off now than at this point last season; yes we are playing much better, and quicker, football; etc....

But the simple fact remains that we’ve thrown away at least 16 points this season which would see us challenging for the title, never mind trying to get into the top half of the league.

Pete Ellingham
48 Posted 13/03/2016 at 14:41:56
Everton - Watford final???
Colin Glassar
49 Posted 13/03/2016 at 14:55:33
Said it a few weeks ago Pete, Everton - WHU. It's written in the stars.
John Atkins
50 Posted 13/03/2016 at 14:58:13
Everton v Watford semi


Everton v West Ham final


Everton winners

Colin Glassar
51 Posted 13/03/2016 at 15:01:08
We owe WHU, especially their owners, a big one. I'd love to get them in the final.
Pete Ellingham
52 Posted 13/03/2016 at 15:05:09
Yes, I would take that!!!
Jamie Barlow
53 Posted 13/03/2016 at 15:09:42
No doubt about it Colin. It definitely could have been better and has been incredibly frustrating but two semi-finals, maybe FA Cup winners, and maybe a top 7 finish isn’t bad for a clueless Spanish cunt / charlatan / idiot. Take your pick.
James Hughes
54 Posted 13/03/2016 at 15:16:46
Great result last night but makes it all the more bittersweet as we again showed what the team are capable of. If we could do it consistently then we’d all be happy.

It was interesting to see Sunday Supplement this morning and actually see Everton being discussed. The main thrust of the collected Journos was no different to points on this site:

We have a great squad and should be challenging, like West Ham are, for top four spot and Champions League.

We have massively underachieved in the most open season.

Roberto cannot set his teams up to defend and his track record highlights that fact. A bit ironic after a 2-0 victory but against last week not much argument is there.

I have to agree with their opinions and it is a real shame that the man who left the space on the wall for the next trophy winning team is not the man to take us forward.

Steve Brown
55 Posted 13/03/2016 at 15:17:55
Kevin, I agree the players have a lot to answer for in terms of some of the capitulations this season. And of course the players do get away with it as it is easier to change the manager.

But as Everton have surrendered 45 points from winning positions since he took over, I respectfully suggest that Martinez may be incapable of learning from his mistakes. Would absolutely love it if I was wrong by the way, as that means we are successful and I did make the case for giving Martinez the first half of this season to sort things out.

John Atkins
56 Posted 13/03/2016 at 15:24:52
Looking better now.

I'm glad the Arse are out.

Eric Holland
58 Posted 13/03/2016 at 15:28:25
Us, Palace and Watford in the semis up to now....
John Atkins
59 Posted 13/03/2016 at 15:29:21
Everton v Leicester City – Charity (Community) Shield anyone?
Brian Hennessy
60 Posted 13/03/2016 at 15:32:05
Everton - Watford final – it's written in the stars!
Rob Halligan
61 Posted 13/03/2016 at 15:32:39
Palace or Watford won’t fancy playing us. Man Utd or West Ham... take either of them as well.
Colin Glassar
62 Posted 13/03/2016 at 15:32:43
Barcelona will murder Arsenal then we play them next. Good or bad time to play them?
Rob Halligan
63 Posted 13/03/2016 at 15:34:04
Definitely a good time, Colin. Knocked out the FA Cup and then Champions League, they will be totally demoralised.
Tony Hill
66 Posted 13/03/2016 at 15:41:13
I think we just have to go for it next Saturday and not worry about the opposition's state of mind. We do that too much, looking for signs and portents, though it's difficult not to. We owe them after the 2-2 last season which I think really started our rot in the league.
Chris Jones [Burton]
67 Posted 13/03/2016 at 15:46:12
As good as he was when we got him, Rom has improved enormously in the last 12 months. On the back of yesterday, if Bobby can improve his ’game’ just half as much, then who knows where we will be in 12 months time!

I’m old enough to remember the APPALLING treatment Howard Kendal got from some ’Evertonians’ in the early 1980s – even his home was attacked. It suddenly went right for him (and us) in a big, big way. Watford getting past Arsenal today to set up the possibility of our having another Wembley meeting with them is, I hope, a huge and joy-laden omen.

COYBB

Kunal Desai
68 Posted 13/03/2016 at 15:52:36
Repeat of 1984.
Chris Scully
69 Posted 13/03/2016 at 16:09:32
#4 and #32... wtf are you talking about? That was a fantastic game, full on blood 'n' guts action. I enjoyed every second of it.
Raymond Fox
70 Posted 13/03/2016 at 16:10:36
Wow, Arsenal out, just what the doctor ordered.

We can beat any of the sides left in, on a good day. We have a golden opportunity before us, please god let us get the breaks our way.

My idea of the match betting to win the tie if we meet, not 90 mins betting:- v Crystal Palace we should be 8/11 favs.
v Watford we are 4/5 favs.
v West Ham Utd we are 4/5 favs
v Man Utd would be an interesting tie, not easy to price up, the firms will probably make Man Utd fav at 8/11 because they're Man Utd, but they're beatable if we have to play them.

The opportunity is there for us, let's hope we can make it happen.

Dan Davies
85 Posted 13/03/2016 at 17:12:30
I would love to see us as FA Cup winners again.

Seems there are two extremes on TW for and against the manager. Taking the emotion out of it and looking at the cold hard facts of the last two seasons, would a cup win not just be papering over the cracks?

I've got nothing personal against Martinez seems a nice enough bloke away from football. The question is, is there a manager out there who could do a better job for us?

Phil Walling
86 Posted 13/03/2016 at 17:31:13
You don't have to be in love with the manager to wish Everton well. Nobody ever loved Catterick, did they?

On the other hand, wishing him to lose games is a bit extreme and smacks of biting your nose off to spite your face. Can't say I've met too many Evertonians of that ilk in 50 years – particularly amongst those who attend matches.

No, it's all about judging whomsoever is the incumbent on the results he achieves – liking him doesn't enter into it. For instance, I can't stand Roberto's bullshit but if he brings substance to it – as he did yesterday – he'll do for me. For now.

Ged Simpson
92 Posted 13/03/2016 at 18:07:53
The Cup is coming to Goodison! (Of course, the RS will win the Europa League and make us all bitter and resentful.)
John Keating
95 Posted 13/03/2016 at 18:17:04
So what if people say they want us to lose if it quickens Martinez's departure? They're as daft as those who say we should give the imposter another season!! There was someone on one of the threads last night saying that on yesterdays forum there were people who weren't real Evertonians because they were slagging folk off!!

I don't know who it was but he is an idiot! If he ever went to a match he would hear the same stuff said throughout the match! One minute we're slagging someone off, a minute later we're praising them because they scored a goal or made a great tackle – well maybe not the past 2 seasons!! The forum is a "live" thread and emotions overtake everything. To say there are non-Evertonians on there is a disgrace and they should be barred.

Lighten up. We're in the semis. Yesterday’s match over the piece was crap but the result was brilliant. The result gives Martinez an extension and regardless of we win or lose the semi or final the imposter should be shown the door the day the season finishes.
Dave Abrahams
96 Posted 13/03/2016 at 18:20:59
Phil (#87), you say or asked that "no-one ever loved Harry Catterick, did they?"

Yes, I did Phil. Harry, for me, was Everton’s best ever manager although he faded at the end of his time with the Blues, through poor health.

Brian Denton
97 Posted 13/03/2016 at 18:23:42
The only game anyone should want Everton to lose (MAYBE) is if a victory would make Liverpool mathematically certain to win the League.

I want us to win at Leicester.

Colin Glassar
98 Posted 13/03/2016 at 18:27:44
Been there, done that Brian. Only once though, honest.
Graham Mockford
99 Posted 13/03/2016 at 18:27:53
John Keating,

Just out of interest hypothetically, you think Martinez should be sacked if we win the FA Cup?

Brian Denton
100 Posted 13/03/2016 at 18:33:12
Colin, you’re talking about the Man City game a couple of seasons ago, I presume.

Never been so torn, but it was not a game where an Everton win would have made Liverpool mathematically certain to win the title. So I wanted us to win.

Kim Vivian
102 Posted 13/03/2016 at 18:41:30
Colin at 63. who knows the answer to that? Before today it has been, I think, 15 or 16 years since Arsenal lost 3 on the bounce in all comps. How long since they lost 4, God knows. Assuming they get done against barca again it would be 5 if we beat them next week. and I think that may see Wenger gone.

But after yesterday I think next week is a good time to play anyone.
Gary Mortimer
103 Posted 13/03/2016 at 18:48:09
Did anyone else think Martinez’s claim that if a goal had gone in from a dead ball situation it would have been a shame, just says how deluded he is?

I don’t care how Everton score – off the referee’s backside for all I care. It’s the result first and then the performance. If any goal we score is a belter then brilliant, but the important bit is scoring.

To say a goal from a free kick would be a shame shows he’s more concerned with scoring a beautiful goal than winning the game.

Fantastic victory and it was a joy to leave Goodison with a carnival mood in full swing, but for me, he’s still got to go.

Paul Tran
104 Posted 13/03/2016 at 18:58:20
Cheer up, folks. Apparently we played well and won yesterday, which used to be a good thing, but is now a reason to start an argument.

If people want to flaunt their anti-Martinez credentials by claiming they want us to lose games to hasten his departure, good luck to them. If people would prefer to call them out and score points, good luck to them. This is a forum, what’s the big deal?

The important thing is that we played well, did the business and are in the hat.

John Keating
105 Posted 13/03/2016 at 19:03:16
Graham 99

Yes. In my opinion Matinez should be sacked regardless.

I do not base my opinion on the odd victory here and there.

Martinez should be sacked based on results from the end of his first season until present.

Winning the FA Cup does not give Martinez a free pass to bollock up next season a well as the past two

David Price
106 Posted 13/03/2016 at 19:13:53
Gary 103, did he say that? On this piece, Roberto was pleased we scored two from open play. It is a plus from us this season that we score so many creative goals.

One change I noticed, last season we lose 6-3 to Chelsea, Seamus and Co tried to get in Costa’s face and Roberto didn’t like that saying that’s not how to play the game.

Yesterday was off the scale in doing what it takes to win. That smacks of senior players talking and Roberto listening.

Now that is not a weakness but a sign of strength in potential leadership which bonds a group together. It’s one game yes, who knows what Saturday will bring, but a thumping of Arsenal and Roberto may well turn it around.

Tony Hill
107 Posted 13/03/2016 at 19:13:53
I agree with John (#105) but what matters is what Mr Moshiri thinks. As I suggested yesterday, I don’t think he’s likely to be swept along on a wave of emotion.

I certainly hope he isn’t because what he ought to be doing is examining how we can best get into the top 4 of the Premier League next season: an objective which we all presumably share on here since it will give us the prestige and quality of player, and the prospect of durable success, that we all crave.

Joe Foster
108 Posted 13/03/2016 at 19:20:10
Graham (#99),

I think RM should be let go in the summer even if we win the FA Cup. League position terrible tactics and a multitude of failures should see him looking for new employment this summer.

Phil Walling
109 Posted 13/03/2016 at 19:25:34
Totally agree with you, David. Yesterday, the lads were let off the leash to get right in their faces. 'Nasty Everton', I thought as the game progressed. And I loved it.

More, please, Roberto if you want to inherit the Mosheri riches.

Brent Stephens
110 Posted 13/03/2016 at 19:29:50
Phil "Yesterday, the lads were let off the leash to get right in their faces."

Yes, and another part of that I think is that the pace of play means playing can't be solely by numbers but has to be also by intuition, and that's when it gets really exciting and creative.

Graham Mockford
111 Posted 13/03/2016 at 19:46:51
Joe,

But you don’t know what the final league position will be yet. There is still over a quarter of the season left.

I asked a hypothetical question, we don’t know how the season will pan out but sacking a manager who delivers our first trophy in 21 years would seem a bit odd, no?

I can’t remember a more frustrating season than this, the number of league points squandered has had all of us tearing our hair out. But one of the reasons it has been so frustrating is we are a very good side on our day, our Cup record and our away record are extremely good. Our goal difference in all competitions is +26. It is an awful long time since that was the case.

So personally, despite reservations, why don't we see where we are at the end of the season before we decide whether Martinez gets more time.

Dave Abrahams
112 Posted 13/03/2016 at 19:49:50
Brent (#110) exactly – off-the-cuff natural football, it’s what we’ve been asking for the last 18 months. Plenty on here have said to Martinez: change or be changed. He hasn’t listened up to now... I think it is too late.
Ged Simpson
113 Posted 13/03/2016 at 19:51:53
As if a few lads on TW decide Graham. Thank God. We’d be playing Tranmere if managed by a TW consensus!
Grant Rorrison
114 Posted 13/03/2016 at 20:01:11
Give him another season.. Worth it for those brown shoes. We're going to Wembley.
Richard Lyons
115 Posted 13/03/2016 at 20:03:53
"I’m not saying we’ve been poor at home" – Well, I am... I was watching the game with a Spurs fan, who kept asking "Are you sure this game isn’t being played at Stamford Bridge?"

Admittedly, he shut up when Rom scored that goal, and had to acknowledge we were the better team in the end... But I think we were making a very ordinary Chelsea team look good for large parts of the game.

I hope we get Palace in the semis and a re-run of ’84 in the final!

Tony Hill
116 Posted 13/03/2016 at 20:06:52
Graham (111), I think that’s a fair view but what is undeniable is that Martinez has a consistently poor defensive record throughout his career. We also know that we will not finish top 4 nor anywhere close and, in my view, we had the talent this year to do so. The less said about last season the better.

Our greatest problem as a club, for a long time now, has been failure of nerve and an inability to act decisively and far-sightedly at crucial moments. That is why we have been mainly mediocre and I fear that we’re going to make the same mistake yet again.

My hope is not so much that Mr Moshiri brings his money – though that is obviously crucial – but that he brings the ruthlessness that makes winners. It’s something we’ve lacked since the days of Sir John Moores despite our 80s successes.


Graham Mockford
117 Posted 13/03/2016 at 20:09:41
Quite frankly I don't care who we draw. Of the five teams remaining we are the best team if we play to our potential.

Of course we have failed to do that on a frequent basis, but it is genuinely in our hands.

Joe Foster
118 Posted 13/03/2016 at 20:12:29
Graham (#111) – "sacking a manager who delivered our first cup in 21 years" – I am sure you probably realised the hypothetical nature of this comment as you pressed submit.
Graham Mockford
119 Posted 13/03/2016 at 20:19:05
Joe

No I said it in the post as I composed it. My question was would you sack a manager if they won the FA Cup, you said you would.

I think that's bonkers.

Dave Abrahams
120 Posted 13/03/2016 at 20:21:01
Ged (#113)

A consensus from ToffeeWeb might do better against Tranmere might do better than the last time we played them in an important game, we lost 3-0 at Goodison in an FA Cup game, managed by, was it Walter Smith?

Darren Hind
121 Posted 13/03/2016 at 20:24:25
Would you sack him if he doesn't win it, Mockers?
Joe Foster
122 Posted 13/03/2016 at 20:26:11
Graham. This manager? Yes, I would.
Martin Mason
123 Posted 13/03/2016 at 20:27:55
Graham, I would sack RM even if we won the FA cup. That is an irrelevance in making the step up. Remember he won the FA Cup with Wigan and took them down.

We are a bigger and better club than RM can manage, he is small time when we need big time. We are on the march and this man can only hold us back.

John Keating
124 Posted 13/03/2016 at 20:29:01
Graham
You originally asked me and I replied that I would get rid based on Martinez’s past record. If you believe that winning the Cup gives Martinez a free pass to continue his abysmal managerial performance at our Club, well, you are entitled to your opinion.

So hypothetically, if we do not win the cup, are you still happy for him to remain as our manager?

Joe Foster
125 Posted 13/03/2016 at 20:31:54
New majority share holder. A more promising outlook on a new stadium. New money for players. A new manager to take us forward.
Graham Mockford
126 Posted 13/03/2016 at 20:34:00
Tony

Well actually it's not undeniable. Sure Wigan's record was very poor but of course they were side constantly fighting relegation.

His record at Everton is 1.23 goals conceded per PL game, not much different to Moyes record which if I can remember correctly was 1.15 or 3 goals a season. His Cup record is actually better.

However your second paragraph is bang on the money. That's my biggest concern about his management style. Does idealism trump pragmatism. Can he instill that winning mentality that turns good players into winning players. The jury is definitely out.

Last week there was a feeding frenzy and I get that, I can't remember leaving a match feeling more pissed off about a result but there is still three months to go and the season could still be a good one.

Graham Mockford
127 Posted 13/03/2016 at 20:45:31
John

I think his balls are on the line. At some stage he has to deliver. Failing to win the Cup and a damp end to the season and, yes, I would say let's go and find someone else.

He doesn’t have an abysmal record, he just has an average one. No-one aspires to average.

But to say that if he does win a trophy he should still go is ridiculous in the extreme. The difference between success and failure is often a fine line.

For instance in HK’s first three seasons his average finishing position was 7th, there was much discontent but we ended up winning the FA Cup and the rest is history. Maybe 32 years ago, you would have been calling for Howard’s head.

John Keating
128 Posted 13/03/2016 at 20:49:48
Graham,

A lot of us leave the ground totally frustrated. How many supporters have posted, after the very few wins we’ve had, that Martinez has changed, that he’s seen the light, that he’s adapted etc etc only to revert to type the next game!

It’s all very well speaking "hypothetically" but let’s talk straight. Do you truly believe that Martinez will change now after refusing to change his philosophy since the day he became a manager?

Based on the season thus far, we can expect 3 or 4 more wins the rest draws and defeats. Next up is Arsenal by which time I expect them to have been well dumped out by Barcelona and a ripe time to get them.

If we can see a seed change against them, I will be surprised. Hypothetically I will be interested to see your conclusions after the last game of the season.

Mark Robson
129 Posted 13/03/2016 at 20:54:30
Karl (39), did you miss Fiorentina at home? Atmosphere almost akin to Bayern 85...
Graham Mockford
131 Posted 13/03/2016 at 20:58:35
John

I don't think we are talking hypothetically. You want Martinez gone regardless of whether we win a trophy, I'm saying the season is not over yet and it could still work out well for us.

I think that is a crazy position, but if we end the season potless and mid table we should change. Am I being unreasonable here?

Joe Foster
132 Posted 13/03/2016 at 21:05:27
Yes Graham, you are bending the narrative from your post a bit. You comment on RM winning our first trophy in 21 years but it has not happened yet, a bit like your take on our league position at present.
John Keating
133 Posted 13/03/2016 at 21:07:16
Graham
With this squad this season especially at home the only word, in my opinion, to describe Martinez and the teams performance, is abysmal.

Hypothetically, as you brought in this word, if we won the Cup and lost half our remaining games would you keep him on ? If so then I think that is ridiculous in the extreme !

For the record I never understood Carey getting the heave at the time. However when I stood in Goodison Rd after the Fulham game watching us lift the league ......well who was Carey ?

I also came out of the ground after Coventry at home thinking Kendall would be gone by Monday

Big difference between Kendall and Martinez is that Kendall was adaptable and would change to suite.....Martinez is not and can not

Joe Foster
134 Posted 13/03/2016 at 21:17:37
Any way enough of this circular argument. It was a fantastic win and we can all agree on that.
Graham Mockford
135 Posted 13/03/2016 at 21:22:30
John,

He wins the Cup, he stays without doubt. That’s not just my opinion but the undoubted reality of the situation.

Look, I’m not yet convinced but a trophy after 21 years goes a long way to helping. We are still in that position where that is possible; he will be here for the remainder of the season so I’m happy to wait and see.

Graham Mockford
136 Posted 13/03/2016 at 21:23:42
Darren,

I think so.

Graham Mockford
137 Posted 13/03/2016 at 21:32:06
Joe #132

I said it was a hypothetical question. We've won fuck all yet, much like the last 21 years.

I'm just genuinely surprised that many still want him to go should we lift the Cup in May.

Of course he managed to achieve that and get relegated with Wigan as Martin Mason points out but realistically this side is not getting relegated.

As I said it's what I would describe as 'cock on the block time' for Roberto.

Joe Foster
138 Posted 13/03/2016 at 21:34:53
Ooof... your last sentence made me wince a little, Graham.
John Keating
139 Posted 13/03/2016 at 21:38:40
Graham,

Either you think he is the man to lead us to the big time or he isn’t. I don’t think winning the Cup should affect that.

Brilliant if we won the Cup but the league is our bread and butter. This is what everyone will base us on, where the money is.

I wanted him gone midway through last season as I, like many, could see his tactics and philosophy was flawed and he refused to adjust never mind change. This season has only solidified my view.

Keeping Martinez just because he got us to Wembley, is, in my opinion, wrong. Based on league results and management skills with both Everton and Wigan he should be moved on.

As you rightly say he is here to the end of the season now and let’s see how the remainder of the season unfolds. Personally I do not think our league form or position will noticeably change, wish I am proved wrong.

John Daley
140 Posted 13/03/2016 at 21:44:08
If we were to win the cup there is no way Martinez would be given his marching orders. As depressing as it may be to say it, that one achievement would instantly make him our most successful manager in over 20 years.

When Moyes was here I often said a 5th/6th place finish didn't mean shit to me and I would gladly swap such 'achievements' for something tangible to toss in that abandoned cabinet only arl codgers remember housing anything but cobwebs.

When it comes down to it, the pursuit of trophies is the very reason competitive games are played in the first place and Everton have been starved of such success for far too long. There are actual Evertonians out there whose only experience of EVER seeing an Everton captain lift a fucking big cup above their head was Phil Neville proudly showing off about the fact he'd finally learnt what happened when you tipped boiling water over a tea bag.

As such, my own take on it would be if he does manage to bring us a trophy at the end of the season then that fact would supersede all the other frustrating shite in my eyes and he should be given the chance to see if it could be the start of something rather than a freak one off.

Incidentally, I don't think he will be sacked either way.

Graham Mockford
141 Posted 13/03/2016 at 21:49:38
John

This is bleeding hard work.

Another classic. "Based on league results and management skills with both Everton and Wigan he should be moved on."

We sort of knew his results at Wigan, he was recruited on that basis. To sack him based on his Wigan record is ridiculous.

His performance at Everton has been average at best. One very good season, one poor season and this year the most infuriating season I can remember. But it’s only March we could still end up with silverware.

My point is he should be given the remainder of the season, if he wins the Cup that is progress for me and on that basis he would deserve more time to see if we kick on.

And on that note I’m done.

Tony Hill
142 Posted 13/03/2016 at 21:54:00
John (#140), I see that and agree that’s it’s all very well for the likes of me who saw us in our pomp to hold forth when many of our fans have seen us win nothing.

If only I believed he was the right man to deliver enduring success, and I still think that is what we should be aiming for starting from next season in the league.

Anyway, we can only hope and I must say last night was a great joy to experience.

John Keating
144 Posted 13/03/2016 at 22:03:47
Another classic:

"His performance at Everton has been average at best."

For that read "shite"!

Laurie Hartley
145 Posted 13/03/2016 at 22:03:54
Now that is how I want to see Everton play!

We pressed the ball all over the pitch
We tackled hard
We were tougher than them

Special mention for Jagielka and Barry - they really did lead by example.

What a footballer Gareth Barry is. I have always rated him since his days at Villa. One tough hombre. Every team needs one.

Ernie Baywood
146 Posted 13/03/2016 at 22:04:12
I posted a little while back that while Martinez is infuriating, I think we have moved forward and will end up thanking him when we win something.

We were never going to win anything under Moyes – he played the percentages against a loaded deck.

Martinez has developed and improved the squad. He’s probably not the person to deliver on success with the team he’s built, but he’s also quite young himself. Despite his arrogance (we call it self belief when it’s players?) he’s still developing himself... is it unfeasible to suggest he might improve as a manager?

Tom Bowers
147 Posted 13/03/2016 at 22:16:05
Have to say I totally agree with Laurie regarding Barry. When it came down to a war in the trenches he was the leader in his battles with Sneaky Fabregas and Dumbshit Costa.

Those battles had to be won and for once the end justified the means. Sadly the second yellow was unnecessary which means he misses a game but Mo Besic is an able deputy.

John Keating
148 Posted 13/03/2016 at 22:18:31
Ernie,

After 7 seasons in the Premier League do you see any signs of improvement? Any signs of adapting or changing in any way?

We can’t really use the excuse of him being young any more...

Ernie Baywood
149 Posted 13/03/2016 at 22:34:25
Not particularly, John, but youth is always an excuse isn’t it? Managing Wigan and Everton are different kettles of fish – he’s gaining very relevant experience right now with Everton.

My gut feel is that, if we can keep this team together, we’re onto something that would ultimately be achieved once Martinez moves on.

But Martinez isn’t stupid – he knows what he’s assembled here and must be aware of the opportunity in front of him, particularly given a changing financial landscape. If he reflects on his performance and takes good advice then it’s not unthinkable that he might address his deficiencies (even just by hiring better support for next year). That’s what I’d do.

If he can do that, finish this season strongly, and win a cup... Well it wouldn’t all be over for him yet?

John Keating
150 Posted 13/03/2016 at 23:01:22
Thing is, Ernie, even if we forget his Wigan days and only look at his time here, he has not changed one iota. The mistakes of his first season and repeated last season are still with us this season.

He refuses to adapt. You are right about keeping the nucleus of the team together. But will the young ones want to stay if they only see mid-table mediocrity?
Phil Walling
151 Posted 13/03/2016 at 23:44:11
The irony of this very 'if he' exchange is that KenwrIght appointed him BECAUSE of his record at Wigan. In particular, because he out-thought Moyes to destroy Everton on his way to winning the Cup.

Only the influence of Moshiri would see him sacked after winning the Cup although if we finish 'down among the dead men' in the Premier League (most unlikely) he'll be a gonner regardless!

Kim Vivian
152 Posted 13/03/2016 at 23:45:54
I have to takes issue with the statement "When it comes down to it, the pursuit of trophies is the very reason competitive games are played in the first place..."

If that was the case not one single fucking football supporter in the country would follow any other team apart from those fortunate elite 10 or 12 teams at the top of the tree. And I include Everton there and for that I feel privileged. Unfortunately over the past 30 years or so the game has become so obsessed with money and money earned from success that the simple pleasure of going to, and watching a decent game of football has become eclipsed.

It is great to be a supporter of Everton, with our history, our past successes, our current players and potential and fantastic fan base. I,like every Everton supporter, ache for us to show our true potential and achieve the results we all want.

Sure, the pursuit of 'silverware' and championships is what we all aspire to but it is not the be all and end all, or as I said, why does anyone bother to go and watch any other than the top 10 or twenty clubs in the country.

When I first started watching professional football as a lad it was at Fratton Park in the old second division featuring such legends as Mike Trebilcock among others - that's probably the only name anybody on here will remember - including Ray Hiron, Norman Piper, Jim Storrie and even Ron Davies. I would travel to every home game (on me todd) hook up with a couple of other lads at the ground and go through the usual traumas of watching your beloved team (as they were at the time).

There was barely any football on TV (barely any TV actually) and simply getting to see Pompey actually on the box in an FA cup tie vs arsenal was a thrill on it's own. Times change and we are stuck with the Sky elite and all the commercial hype and money chasing and business interference in the game but we still have that grass roots football support up and down the country and 99% of those loyal supporters haven't got a fucking hope in hell of ever seeing their team achieve anything more than maybe a bit of a cup run and perhaps a prem elite team visiting their ratty old home ground.

That statement that the pursuit of trophies being IT is utter shite. The pursuit of success is a better phrase and success is relative.

Relatively speaking we are not achieving this season, or indeed the last two and a half seasons and RM has the lions share of the blame to take for that. Yesterday I think it was as much about the players as about RM and I think our underachieving is likewise. If some catalyst has miraculously started a long term change for the better and a continuation of yesterdays fire in the belly performance (which has happened before) then I think our future as a squad with RM may be rosy. I have posted on a number of previous occasions that I think we are on the cusp.

However, we do need to keep this squad together (including JS) and I fear that RM may just not be able to do that, particularly if we revert back to old ways. If a top name manager can be found and attracted to us our marquee players may just stick with it a while longer. I will be bitterly disappointed if we fall at one of the last two fences on this cup run - so close now and genuinely no team to fear. I was worried we would get Arsenal in the semis but that ain't happening gladly - but how we perform over the final 1/4 of the season will determine whether RM should go or stay, not the cup success (or failure).

Let's just see if RM can get this team performing to it's potential, give us enjoyable football and results and just do as well as we can. I hope we can do it with RM because the hire and fire on a whim culture depresses me also. I'd like Everton to avoid being tarnished with that brush.

Anthony Dwyer
153 Posted 14/03/2016 at 00:43:27
Greame Mockford 10;

I was in fact at Goodison Park tonight, as I am for every game.

I am a season ticket holder and have been for over two decades.

My opinion that the game was shit is based on the fact that we were at home and didnt test the keeper of a mid table team for over an hour.

Mori had a header from a corner some were in the second half, that was about it.

Chelsea ruined the game by play acting too which ruined it as a spectical.

In reference to you thinking I may not have been at GP for the game, I can only presume you say this as I failed to mention the atmosphere, which was exactly how you would expect GP to be for a quarter final, brilliant.

But can you honestly say the game was played by two sides who had nothing else to play for, two sides who gave everything to win a game of football, two sides that deserved the support both ourselves and Chelsea fans gave.

I don't believe so, I believe both sides were pass poor, and the only quality on display was Rom.

Rom fed off scraps at best until he magiced up something spectacular all by himself.

I will agree that Jags played well, I will also say we looked solid too.

But Chelsea were awful, they looked like they had no idea, William, Fabregas and Pedro looked clueless while only Costa showed any real fight.

For us, Barry done a good job but was booked twice, Jimmy Mc didn't make a forward pass and neither Ross or Cleverly supported Rom.

Lennon was the biggest threat, yet he didn't do an awful lot other than battle hard and won a fair bit of possession back for us.

All the above is why I stated the game was poor, if you viewed it differently then fair enough, but I would only presume you were happy we won more than the quality (or lack of it) on display.

Ernie Baywood
154 Posted 14/03/2016 at 01:23:00
There's some big assumptions there Phil. Firstly about Bill and then about Moshiri.

Bill's last two hires have been young managers who have shown potential at smaller clubs. Hired for their performance or their potential?

On that, I think Bill's had the right approach. If you can't afford or attract the ready made article then you might need to look a bit further. The same goes for many of our purchases.

Did Moyes stay too long after he'd shown he didn't quite have the highest level potential? Yes, probably.

Now I'm a Martinez critic. He's driving me mad with his tactical naivety and nonsense press conferences. But he has done a decent job in the transfer market and promoting youth. He backs them to improve and the squad isn't far from being able to challenge. A couple of signings and some tactical management? We feel closer than we've been for a long time. Martinez could be great if he could work on his flaws.

If you were Martinez. Knowing the squad you've got. Knowing that there's a new owner who may be able to provide financial support. What would you do?

Roberto will never have a better chance to manage a top side. And it's slipping away from him. If I were him I'd have a good review of my shortcomings and bring in fresh support. It could work.

What really scares me is that if it comes to appointing a new manager, I've got an idea about who Bill would be recommending...

John Daley
155 Posted 14/03/2016 at 01:31:45
Kim, where did I say winning trophies is the only thing that matters in football? Where did I say it was the sole motivation behind people supporting a team? You just inserted those ideas yourself.

I simply said that the chance to ultimately win something (doesn't matter how fucking slim that chance may be) was the reason behind 'competitive' games being played in the first place. If that isn't the case then why aren't all games just played out as friendlies and why are teams awarded points for victories and draws? Either I've been utterly misled or it's so they can be added up at the end of the season to see who comes out on top? Then we get on to cups. You don't believe the very core of a knock out competition is to see who can succesfully navigate each round, make it through to the final and ultimately win the thing?

Peter Barry
156 Posted 14/03/2016 at 02:14:55
Ernie how long does Roberto get to LEARN? He has been managing in the Premier League for seven years now and he is STILL performing the same way as he was when he first started.
Graham Mockford
157 Posted 14/03/2016 at 09:20:21
Anthony #153

I didn't think it was a shit game. Granted there were not lots of goal scoring opportunities. I thought both sides set up quite tight, both sides defended well. But there was a lot of commitment on show.

It's not like we have played expansive exciting football recently and walked away with nothing is it?

I guess what I find a little strange leaving a quarter final having seen a one of Goodison's great goals followed by another. The whole ground bouncing as one celebrating a victory and a trip to Wembley and say "well that was shit".

I guess it takes all sorts.

Anthony Dwyer
158 Posted 15/03/2016 at 01:22:34
Haha, fair play, Graham, maybe we slightly differ on what we class as entertainment.

We are both entitled to our opinion, I don’t agree that the game was great, that said maybe it’s a little harsh of me to call it shit.

Like I’ve said, the game was a semi final between two teams who had massively under performed all season, both had nothing else to play for and there was only 4 shots on target in the whole game.

Id have expected both teams to go for it a little more, although Chelsea are not what they were last season, and I felt they were there for the taking.

Granted we won so it softens the blow of watching what I’d describe as a poor spectacle.

I’d agree with you when you say we have played expansive and lost too. I’d take boring and winning any day over exciting and beaten.

I think if you looked back over my original comments you will see I described the game as shit, down to two things.

1, Martinez set us up to defend, I don’t think this is a wise tactic at home v Chelsea.

I will admit that I was wrong in thinking that as we won.

2, I think Chelsea came to ruin the game with play acting and basically bad sportsmanship.

I feel most fans will agree that there players rolling around and almost wasting time, was poor to watch.

I’d guess any neutral would have called the game poor.

As I said, if you read my comments without picking bones, I’d say it was a fair reflection of the game.

I credited Rom and stated my happiness at the victory with a ’Yessssss Rom’.


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