Everton 1 - 0 Burnley

The day started with Tube and train disruption and cancellations to get out of Euston, but I got there just in time. Always a way to navigate. An Evertonian taxi driver helped me out and did me a favour.

Thanks to John. I thought I was heading to one of the cathedrals when he said Hope Street, hoping it would be Paddy’s Wigwam so I could pray. Until he advised me it was the Hope Hotel, near the Philharmonic, which I eventually found after some guidance on the phone! Thank you, John, as always, much appreciation.

Subsequently and unfortunately, I couldn’t make the pre-match Harlech Castle meet-up as time was tight and I needed my usual Goodison Road cuisine and to get into the ground.

The match wasn’t a pretty watch, but the important thing was to get the points. We did. Right now, points matter. Despite the heart flutters, I just want the points.

Not the Burnley I’ve been used to watching. Kompany is trying to play like his Manchester City but with Burnley players.

We, on the other hand, are playing like Burnley of recent seasons with Everton players. I do wish we would stop bypassing our midfield with those seemingly endless punts from Pickford and Tarkowski. We also could have had a bit more communication at the back as we gave away a few too many corners, when a simple shout could have just seen the ball go out for a goal kick when there was no pressure.

Article continues below video content


Gomes has taken a lot of stick, but he is assured and comfortable on the ball most of the time. One of the few we have. He had a good game and looked like the player we signed a few years back.

Doucoure had one of his Doucoure brain-fart days. I’ve said it before, sometimes the coaching staff need to put his boots on the right feet. On his day, he can be great, but he is very inconsistent.

Our strikers are isolated. They worked hard and Calvert-Lewin looked shattered before being replaced by Beto. Probably one of the strangest goals he will score, but credit to him for chasing down. It looped and we held our breath. But I knew it was going in.

When I’ve watched it back, it was great pressing to force the mistake and he side foots it into the net. The more you watch it, it was deliberate. At the time, I just thought it had just hit him. Either way, great effort from Dominic that ultimately won us the match.

I have to mention McNeil. He may have been off the pace recently, but he was all over the pitch yesterday. There was one time in the second half, when he relentlessly chased down the Burnley players from one side of the pitch to the other, rousing a generally nervous crowd. A hard-working player.

Tarkowski is still not his usual self. Mykolenko was steady if not spectacular as always.

But Branthwaite… once again, Man of the Match. The BBC agreed. What a class act at 21 years of age. I read that Kompany was raving about him after the match. What he said was correct. He reads and anticipates the game so well. Hard to think he’s still 21. Nice for him to get accolades from someone of Kompany’s stature, but for me worrying given his Manchester City connections! I suspect he was on the phone to Pep last night!!

I have to mention the officials for the countless time this season. The referee wasn’t great, but consistent in being poor for both teams. As for that linesman on the far side from the Main Stand, we all lost count of how many times his flag went up for offside. It almost became inevitable. The lady sat next to me who usually calms me down when I sit next to her was a nervous wreck! I think if she could have got onto the pitch, she would have taken that flag off him!

A very anxious end, especially when 5 minutes of additional time went up. You could hear the groans. Once again, I found myself watching the seemingly endless clock.

Strange situation with the substitutions. Stood there, warmed up, ready and waiting. But had to wait for about 5 minutes before the manager finally decided to make the change and put them on. If you are making changes, whether we agree or not, just do it.

Usual songs playing at the end as the players left the pitch, but some sort of East European sounding song amongst them. Maybe Ukrainian? I have no idea.

Good to meet at the Dixie statue and discuss how we were getting to the Bramley Moore. We did it in two lifts. Neil driving and we got hold of Tony. My word, he can navigate the streets of north Liverpool!

What a sight to behold as the new Everton Stadium came into view. She looks stunning. I loved Tony’s comment that, when he has a Kopite customer, he drives them past it.

Stephen and I both agreed that it’s still going to hurt when we leave Goodison for the last time. He’s planning on how to get in with a saw so he can take his seat home to sit in his bedroom!!

It is going to break our hearts and I think the stewards and Police will struggle to get the supporters out of and away from the ground on that last day. I do fear for a lot of the businesses on Goodison Road and County Road who probably survive on Everton matchdays. Hopefully the club can support them.

Very nice to catch up with the regulars in the Bramley Moore. And also, Jonathan Oppenheimer and the other American cohort that joined us. I think I travel a lot. Respect to you all. We have inherited an extension to the Everton family. Safe travels home and come back soon.

Fortunately, I got the early train back as the last one was cancelled. I ended up sitting with three Evertonians on their way back to Bromley (Kent, I think). Really entertaining conversation and a few laughs. It’s nice to lift the mood.

There are enough points to keep us safe. I'm not in the know, but from what I’ve heard, we are either going to get another point deduction or maybe a fine.

Just win games, then it doesn’t matter. And right now, it doesn’t matter how we win them.

It’s still in our hands. Keep believing, Blues. I do.

Thanks to Tony for herding the cats. And personally, a special mention to Dave Abrahams. Bought me a drink, got the staff to book me a taxi, and even paid for it. I owe you one. I hope one day I will be as wise an Evertonian and follower of football as you.

Dave, a true Evertonian and gentleman.

Reader Comments (31)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer ()


Geoff Cadman
1 Posted 07/04/2024 at 18:14:38
Danny regarding the song played at full time, I heard today it may be linked to the E.S.P.N. commentators reaction to the DCL penalty on Tuesday night. I agree that Dom new exactly what he was doing with the goal, after all its not the first time he's done it.
Paul Ferry
2 Posted 07/04/2024 at 19:29:38
Nice one Danny. Completely agree that Dominic fully meant that. Look at his face as he's running at the keeper. What a nice fella Dave (A) is! I hope that Jonathan (O) had a fabulous day and safe travels back to St Pauli.

Out of interest, Danny, who were the other 'mericans there?

Andrew James
3 Posted 07/04/2024 at 20:10:04
Thanks for this, Danny. I hope the West London / Euston end was relatively okay.

You always parachute the reader into the proceedings so that one can imagine being there. The match sounded blooming dreadful as verified by my Scouse relations and the forum. So I am glad you enjoyed the rest of the day out and we finally won.

As for Dyche, his obsession with certain players and not getting subs on until nearly full-time has gone far beyond a joke now. If I were an opposing coach, I would encourage my players just to stay in the game until the 85th minute and then target the weaknesses of those who are knackered. Or even send on 3 subs in the 70th just to delay Dyche's reaction.

Hope you and all the other Blues got back safely.

Tony Abrahams
4 Posted 07/04/2024 at 20:19:09
Everyone has got a right to moan at the football Everton are currently playing, so it amazes me that you always take the positives out of it, Danny, even though you are absolutely correct about how getting the points was a lot more important than how we performed yesterday, mate.

Being a football fanatic is an expensive hobby, especially when you have so far to travel for a home game, and it was also nice to bump into a few faces I've met through this website, and also Jonathan the referee!

Paul Birmingham
5 Posted 07/04/2024 at 20:27:20
DCL got a similar goal, a few years back v United, t Goodison, when Carlo was sent off at full time, after, a piss poor var,to judge Sigurdson off side.

Hopefully there's a few lucky breaks for Everton, the next month, starting this week.

UTFTs!

Andrew James
6 Posted 07/04/2024 at 20:33:12
Tony and Danny

I've not seen the highlights and only going off word of mouth but the impression I got was that Young was pointless, there were many misplaced passes, there were barely any chances on their goal and that DCL's goal was a freak one. (Not that I care about the last one as other sides get jammy goals like that all the time)

Was this the case? We sounded particularly bad in the first half?

Tony Abrahams
7 Posted 07/04/2024 at 20:45:30
We played like I expected Andrew, devoid of confidence and lacking any real fluidity, with the most telling thing being, that the flow of the game never altered even when Burnley, went down to ten men.

Confidence is such a massive commodity and that’s why I thought that getting the points, was much more important than how we performed yesterday. This is the only way that the pressure is going to reduce on a team, that hadn’t won for so long, so hopefully this helps to restore a bit of confidence, in a squad that have been put through the mill, since we received that record points deduction.

Barry Rathbone
8 Posted 07/04/2024 at 21:04:59
We saw the 2 extremes of Calvert-Lewin in the first half: a determined block to get a ricochet goal, then unable to set himself, couldn't beat the keeper into the far corner when one-on-one.

He worked hard though.

Billy Bradshaw
9 Posted 07/04/2024 at 21:15:04
Danny, I think the song you were talking about was played at the beginning and the end of the game, Bella Ciao by Goran Bergovig, supposed to be some sort of Italian rallying song in the Second World War.

It probably won't be the last time we hear it at Goodison, they reckon, I don't know how true that is.

Tony Abrahams
10 Posted 07/04/2024 at 21:17:36
I thought the one in the second half when he tried to beat the keeper at the near post was unlucky, Barry. I have always thought that when you are trying to wrong-foot the keeper, then getting a little dink on your shot normally prevents them from saving it with their feet but not everything comes naturally and I was surprised by his little nutmeg that created the opportunity for his chance.

He also had another little mazy run, when he cut inside but lacked composure and shot one over the bar. He definitely began to look more confident yesterday the longer the game went on.

Stephen Davies
11 Posted 07/04/2024 at 21:53:15
Billy..

Bella Caio is an anti Fascist song sung by the Italian Partisan Resistance against the Nazis & Mussolini's Fascists

Andrew James
12 Posted 07/04/2024 at 22:10:42
Thanks Tony, I am surprised that Dyche, after all these losses, isn't putting us more on the front foot to get us to control matches and gain confidence?

They're not going to gain confidence by losing 4 out of every 6 matches or whatever.

Geoff Cadman
13 Posted 07/04/2024 at 22:36:08
Paul #5
Yes Paul do you remember the Media reaction to that goal at the time, now compare it to the uproar over the Wolves disallowed goal on Saturday.
Peter Mills
14 Posted 07/04/2024 at 23:09:52
Paul #2,

The other visitors from the States were Chris O'Connor and Lindy, from Kansas. They, and Jonathan, were excellent company.

Paul Birmingham
15 Posted 07/04/2024 at 23:29:29
Geoff, zackly.

It's been said so many times over the years, VAR is killing this game.

Time to stand firm, be calm and build up the focus for the next game and the fate of the Masters Forum review.

UTFTs!

Paul Ferry
16 Posted 07/04/2024 at 23:49:47
Cheers Pete. I'm glad that you and everyone had such a great day. I wonder where in Kansas Chris and Lindy live; Kieran Kinsella lives in Kansas City.

Good win for Marine yesterday. They are having a good season. Barry Lenton will be happy.

Jonathan Oppenheimer
17 Posted 08/04/2024 at 01:18:32
Again, what a pleasure to meet you all. Welcoming me as Evertonian family made these past two days truly special. Danny, Tony, Dave, John, John, Pete, Brian and all the rest — who am I leaving out? Please forgive me, as it was such a whirlwind yesterday.

Today, I again enjoyed the fantastic company of Neil and Stephen, and I had the great pleasure of meeting Derek down in Chester and hearing so many great Everton stories from over the years, along with a good many laughs and pints. I can't wait to make it back with my other family at Bramley Moore and introduce them to you all.

Danny, your travels and undying support and relentless positivity inspire me. Always love reading your write-ups, even better when I get to be a part of the day.

Danny O’Neill
18 Posted 08/04/2024 at 01:39:49
Paul, it's really bad drills for me to say, but despite being introduced, I can't remember the names.

Andrew, it was just a poor watch all around. Ashley Young is an interesting call. He adds experience, but I would rather see Patterson in that position if we are going to play Seamus.

Neil Tyrrell
19 Posted 08/04/2024 at 02:41:02
Oppenheimer is undefeated at Goodison, someone please KIDNAP HIM! We've got a few big home games coming up. Thanks Stephen @11 for clarifying the origin of that song and making it palatable, and thanks as always, Danny, for a great report, wish I was there to enjoy the victory with everyone.

I thought Dom had a good game and I'm far from his biggest booster. It's always worth pressing the goalie even though it might only pay off one in a hundred times, that's why you do it. Nice to see persistence rewarded.

My biggest (on field) worries at the moment are Doucoure and Tarkowski, two of our best players before Christmas and both look nowhere near their best recently. Hopefully they find some form and soon. COYB

Kieran Kinsella
20 Posted 08/04/2024 at 02:57:54
Neil,

Keep Jonathan at Goodison. I've seen one away game with him albeit in pink shirts pre-season and we got thrashed. But if he's the lucky charm at Goodison keep him there. I'll go solo on the next Everton US tour.

Danny O’Neill
21 Posted 08/04/2024 at 03:16:44
Thanks Pete. Chris and Lindy as well as Jonathan.

Nice touch by the club today. As are away at Chelsea on the 15th they laid wreaths next to the memorial plaque for Hillsborough at Goodison.

We maybe rivals, but we are cousins. We play Chelsea away on the 35th anniversary. Hopefully there will be a fitting tribute.

Billy Bradshaw
22 Posted 08/04/2024 at 07:59:26
Stephen @ 11, thank you for your correction.
Dave Abrahams
23 Posted 08/04/2024 at 10:51:19
Paul (16), If it’s any help Chris owns a bar in Kansas, he showed us a photo of it but I can’t remember the name, they were very good and lively company.

Jonathan was also very good company and it was a pleasure to meet him and we had a very long chat together not all about football, glad he brought us some luck to go with his company.

Danny you made a good choice in opting to try and get the early train home, if you had stayed then you have been stuck because the later train was cancelled.

Great to see you again and keep those posts coming your optimism is great for me to read and we need a lot more of it at present, glad you got that train and got home early, very best wishes as always Danny

Jonathan Oppenheimer
24 Posted 08/04/2024 at 11:55:07
I’d happily be kidnapped to keep the massive winning streak going, but I’m not eager to get divorced or not see my children. Now if anyone can employ us both over here, we may be able to work something out.
Michael Kenrick
25 Posted 08/04/2024 at 12:08:15
There's a few covers of that song. Here's a pretty good funked up disco version (when it gets going), perhaps for younger fans:

Oh, that's a bummer – only a 30-s teaser. Sorry folks.

Ray Roche
26 Posted 08/04/2024 at 12:39:26
Michael, I didn’t hear that song being played, was there a specific reason why it was played? Hell of a song though and with the history behind it!
Danny O’Neill
27 Posted 08/04/2024 at 13:49:18
A song about Italian partisans rising against Nazi Germany.

This may sound dramatic, but a dig at and parallels to the ongoing battle with the Premier League?

Stephen Vincent
28 Posted 08/04/2024 at 14:00:05
Had a really good weekend. Jonathan is fabulous company and I think everyone enjoyed their time with him on Saturday night and yesterday in Chester, definitely a friend for life. Hope you enjoy the Stadium Tour today.

I met Chris and Lindy on Goodison Road on Friday, we were attending an Everton Legends Tour (my Christmas present from my daughter) it was really excellent, Mark Higgins, Norman Whiteside and Diamond in attendance. It was nice to find something that EFC do well. On the spur of the moment I suggested that they join a fellow US Blue at the Harlech and bugger me they did.

Just like Jonathan they were excellent company and fitted right in. Like Dave I cannot for the life of me remember the name of the bar but seem to remember that Chris's main job is his own legal practice in Jackson County? Lindy works for the MLS side Sporting Kansas City. Two more US ToffeeWebers in the making I hope.

Neil Copeland
29 Posted 08/04/2024 at 20:33:55
The weekend was brilliant thanks to Jonathan, Chris, Lindy, Stephen, Derek, Brian, Danny, Dave W (Dave's mate whose name I can't remember), Dave A, Tony A, Peter, John, Bill a few others who I have probably missed – sorry!

Oh, and Jonathan's new best mate who he met outside the Harlech. He told Jonathan he was 52 but I reckon that was his height, he looked more like 92 to me!

I am still trying to get over Lindy's offer of sitting on my knee to free up space in the car. Even cold showers are having no effect.

Hope Stephen and I didn't bore Jonathan and Derek silly with our tales of yesteryear.

The game on Saturday was pretty shite but the 3 points are priceless and I am very grateful for that.

I think we should have a whip round to raise enough money for Johnny the Bomb to be kidnapped. Does anyone have any contacts in HM Customs so we can get him detained until the end of the season?

Hope you had a great day today, Jonathan.

Rob Halligan
30 Posted 08/04/2024 at 20:45:21
Here is the full YouTube of this song. I think it's to do with the penalty Calvert-Lewin scored at Newcastle last week, when some foreign channels commentator went mad with a long "Gooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaallllll!!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bmE9XY3sOc

Don't see the connection though. 🙄🙄🙄

Danny O’Neill
31 Posted 08/04/2024 at 21:14:18
It was great, Neil. Just a shame I couldn't hang around for too long.

Try an ice bath!

Rob, I think this could catch on. We'll have to practice our Italian!

Hope to meet up with a few at the White Horse, Parson's Green. Good advice from Mark Murphy to stop me bluffing my way into Chelsea pubs.

Regardless of today's decision, it's still in our hands and we have a game in hand.

Add Your Comments

In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.

» Log in now

Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.


How to get rid of these ads and support TW

© ToffeeWeb