Having left Goodison Park several times this season wondering what I had just witnessed, and not for the right reasons, on Sunday, we finally witnessed an Everton performance we have been starved of. I left Goodison with a bounce in my stride and a smile on my face. But not without a scare, worrying that we were going to 'do an Everton'.
I travelled up on Saturday to meet with family in town, who were attending a 60th Birthday party out in Orrel. They were trying to get me to go, but I didn't fancy it. They live in Essex, so I moved them on from Central Station; Irish Bars and Hen Parties. I walked them up to St George's Hall, down William Brown Street and into Dr Duncan's.
After bemoaning our profile in the city on Wednesday with a token effort on the display outside St John's, I was pleased to see a large Everton crest front and centre opposite Lime Street with the slogan "The Story We Shall Carry On". Clearly a reference to the Everton Stadium, but with a historical twist from one of our favourite songs.
Having only got home from the Villa match on Thursday at lunchtime, it was like I'd never been away. There were two fellow blues on the train from the Everton Supporters Club London Area, travelling up for a night out in the city before going to the match. I had a chat with them. They are season ticket holders and were planning on their trip for the derby and how they might use a first class ticket that is still in date. How the other half live and travel!!
I was up nice and early on Sunday and, after going for a walk, went to the Northwestern to carry on with some work I'd brought with me. I met a few by chance. Discussion about Wednesday night, the inevitable debate, both sides of the coin, how we would fair against Tottenham and train strikes. Good, healthy discussion though. They opted for filling their glasses, confident they would make the last football bus.
I left and took a quick taxi to County Road for a swift Coke (cola – drink type) in the Harlech. We spoke about the last days and build-up to the end of the Dyche era, agreeing that it had really knocked the stuffing out of many Evertonians, ourselves included. Mostly leaving Goodison totally deflated, thinking about it for days afterwards, but then matchday comes around again, and we can't help ourselves. But it had almost become a sense of duty. We just have to be there.
Into the ground in time for the siren and I took my seat in the Upper Gwladys.
Kick-off and we were at them from the start. Is this the Everton I've been watching for the last 18 months? Similar to Wednesday, the players worked hard to press and get higher up the pitch. The difference was that, when we turned to game around and won back possession, there was intent. The players were confident on the ball. We were being entertained and they wanted it.
Two great goals and a well-worked one. Gueye fed Calvert-Lewin, who jinked through three Tottenham defenders to calmly slot it into the net.
Then Gueye again to Ndiaye. Well, the Senegalese magician just went old school and ran at a fearful-looking Tottenham defence. A step over, followed by a shimmy to the left to make space and bang! Goodison in raptures. The bloke sat next to me gave me a hug and said "Great stuff from the little man!"
I reminded him that Ndiaye is nearly 6 feet tall. Must be the socks giving an illusional effect. I was actually more concerned that this guy was going to pile down the stairs in his celebrations. We were on the back row and his seat didn't have a seat in front, just the stairs!
I made it to 60 minutes before I started getting nervous. Probably scarred that anything can happen with Everton right now, and it nearly did. Even before the subs, I sensed Tottenham getting back into it and gradually gaining the upper hand. 3-0 up and I still wasn't comfortable. That's what they've done to us!!
On our subs and game management, we went uber-defensive, but in fairness, what choices were there? Or was it intentional by the manager, who is known for trying to hold a lead? The players were tiring after the effort, and changes were needed, but it disrupted our pattern. Was Armstrong on the bench? Although only 17, maybe he could have kept Tottenham busy…
The inevitable finally happened and you could sense it coming. I don't really know what Pickford was doing for the first. Once he ran out and went to ground, he and the goal were exposed. The centre-backs got back to try and protect the goal, but in fairness, when to ball fell to the Tottenham player, he hit a beauty of a chip.
Into added time and surely that was it? No, in steps Richarlison at the back stick to make it a very nervy end. I, and those around me, spent most of the last 2 minutes glued to the clock on the screen by St Luke's. I say 'clock – for those 2 minutes, it felt like a stopwatch.
The whistle went and there was as much relief as there was joy. A very important win and whilst it's one result, it lifted the gloom that had descended on Goodison lately. The league is already looking better, assisted by how other results went over the weekend.
Although I always go into a match wanting to win, It will be nice to go to Brighton with some of the pressure lifted. The big one for now is Leicester at home. I don't tend to do predictions, but 4 points from those 2 and we are pulling away, but have to keep the momentum going and not rest on one victory.
A great team performance for most of the match, so I won't go through every player. There are a few contenders for Man of the Match. Gueye continues to defy the years but, with his contract up, I think it's unlikely he'll be with us at the new Everton Stadium. He was great yesterday, working well with Malanga, who almost got a goal himself but for their keeper's fingertips and the woodwork. I hope we sign him on a permanent deal in the summer.
But there is only one contender for me; Ndiaye. He's been a shining light in a very dark season. Bright, skillful, tenacious and a good footballer to go with it.
The Goodison crowd were roused, far from the morgue it's been in recent weeks. Having complained midweek, the songbook came out and all the classics could be heard. Whilst not rocking on a scale I've seen over the years, it was noisy.
It shows that, if the players show up and perform, the supporters will follow. Mark has promised not to sing David Moyes songs if I don't sing Marching. Let's just say, it's not his favourite!!
Brian Williams, thank you for your kind comments on Michael's matchday thread. We are all different, but have a common bond, be that at Goodison, from the comfort of our homes or those in all parts of the globe up at ridiculous times to follow the blues. I'll take the liberty of extending your words to all Evertonians near and far.
Onto the journey back. I arrived at Lime Street, hopeful that the Avanti West Coast was running, having heard that the strike had been called off. It had, but no trains to Euston, so those who know, it meant a 4½ hour trip on the North Western line, which involved a change at Crewe and it stops everywhere.
It was full of noisy Tottenham supporters who, despite the result, were full of it. They should go to sleep, I thought. No chance. Four hours of it, all the way back to Euston. Total abuse of most Arsenal players and managers, the main targets being Wenger, Arteta and Sol Campbell. Chelsea didn't escape John Terry and even his mum got it.
The other targets were Manchester United supporters on the train, heading back from Old Trafford. "We'll race you back to London"!! I think I heard the c-word more on that train than I have in the last 6 months!! But mostly harmless and entertaining.
On that note, Everton escaped their wrath. Kudos to the person who puts Spirit of the Blues on at the end. The Tottenham supporters, when not abusing everyone else, started singing it and better still, knew all the words!
In summary, it felt good leaving Goodison — for the first time in a long while. Smiles everywhere, the disco lights were flashing, and the music already playing as I walked past the Winslow. Well done to the players, credit to the manager and of course the supporters.
On the manager, his challenge is to add consistency. This will need conditioning these players to this type of football to sustain it for 90+ minutes. He'll need the players coming back from injury and one or two signings in the window.
It was nice to see Richarlison clapped onto the pitch when he came on at half-time. I found it amusing as he walked alongside the Paddock and the Gwladys Street, pumping his chest and waving. It looks like Everton will always be with him.
A member of the Tottenham staff followed him. I'm not sure if he felt he was protecting him or angrily telling him to get off the pitch!! Our Richie blanked him and carried on! I'd love him back, but doubt we could afford him.
On we go, Blues. There was an article on these pages earlier this season, claiming we're not that bad. Take the shackles off and we're not. Keep believing, Everton and Evertonians.
Reader Comments (46)
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2 Posted 22/01/2025 at 01:31:16
It seems like Moyes is part of our destiny, the return of the Mack. Hope to say hello when I get back in April if I can get tickets for any games.
3 Posted 22/01/2025 at 01:52:02
Well, so finally, after reading this, I believe that as Wikipedia says, Ndiaye is 6 feet high. Wow! I always thought he was similar to Pienaar, in style and size. His low socks created a total fake illusion on the TV for me.
4 Posted 22/01/2025 at 02:49:11
The train strike kept us from meeting last year. I hope to make up for that omission this fall.
5 Posted 22/01/2025 at 08:08:55
Came across this on fb its a David Moyes masterclass on false wingers and attacking fullbacks.. I think its exactly what he is trying to do now.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/576598738617187
I don't know how to pull this from fb into a separate link but hopefully is can be seen.
6 Posted 22/01/2025 at 09:14:10
I hope to see you at Brighton, though I know your struggling for a ticket (plus its SUCH a pain to get from dat Lundun to Brighton NOT...). Maybe someone on here can help a devoted blue get to the game?
Re the match, without getting carried away, for 70 minutes we looked top half. I am one of those, like Martin, who feels that we survived despite Dyche, not because of him. I'm also one of those many who would not have had Moyes in my top three choices, BUT the main thing is he is better than Dyche AND was instantly available. IF he can carry on the work of those first 70 minutes he may just get even you singing his song though! Its hard to prove but does any one really think we would have won that under Dyche?
On the players, I agree with your MOTM. N'diaye is a breath of fresh air - Davey Thomas reborn! I was also impressed with O'Brien and especially Lindstrom with or without the umlaut or whatever...I've seen touches in him this season that made me think there's a player in there and I was very happy to see him put in a performance. On a slight negative, but not one for now, I think we will SERIOUSLY miss Gana Guaye when he goes. We need to find a clone!
On another negative, especially after seeing this in the last two games, what the fcuk needs to happen before we get a penalty for wrestling in the box?
And well done DCL on a moment of true class and decent all round game. I hope Moyes can convince him to stay - he's a very good footballer who just needs to rediscover how to be a very good goal scorer.
Hopefully see you at Brighton but if not I'm up for the FA cup game on the 8th. Obviously I'll be hoping for a win in that and cant understand at all why anyone wouldn't!
UTFT
7 Posted 22/01/2025 at 09:21:34
Having watched the Under 18’s last night on Everton TV live stream,overcome Wolves in the latest round of the FA Youth Cup, it’s been a good Blue week indeed.
Not getting too carried away just yet,but just enjoying the moment,because as is often quoted on these pages “ consistency is key” but if the effort and determination shown on Sunday can keep bringing the rewards,then happier times lay ahead.
Respect and gratitude to all travelling fans and best wishes to Blues everywhere for I get a sense that “ The worm is turning” COYB
8 Posted 22/01/2025 at 10:08:52
You describe the game very well Danny, I said to the fella next to me halfway through the second half “ We need another goal” he replied “ You’re never happy are you” but I could feel that Spurs were getting more into the game and when Moyes invited them to attack more with his substitutions, to me anyway, I felt anxious and those last few minutes took a lot out of the previous very good game we had played and as Danny said it was a great relief when that final whistle blew and we could really enjoy those precious three points.
I agree Danny that Dniaye deserved MOTM but I gave it to Gana Gueye on the basis of age before beauty!
9 Posted 22/01/2025 at 10:25:00
UTFT
10 Posted 22/01/2025 at 10:36:50
11 Posted 22/01/2025 at 10:39:07
The last time I was there was for what turned our to be Dyche's last game in charge at Goodison, which was the defeat against Forest...and it was completely drab both on and off the pitch!
Hopefully those days are gone now and we can actually enjoy watching our team play.
12 Posted 22/01/2025 at 11:40:42
How prophetic were the words of the great Alan Ball.
" Once Everton has touched you you'll never be the same "
13 Posted 22/01/2025 at 11:57:48
14 Posted 22/01/2025 at 12:50:03
All positive so far, under Davie Moyes Mk II, we surely have to think. Well, very much hope with some good reasons to be optimistic, at least.
Not sure I'm liking this just 9 more days to go of the transfer window, though. I hope we're not going to go for just a couple of last-minute panic buys or loans.
Anyway, hopefully someone's on the case, already. Here's hoping (again). Like I say, I just popped in. A great read, this! A great result, that!.. Here we go!!... (Hopefully)... COYBS!!!
15 Posted 22/01/2025 at 14:52:31
I said on a thread the other day that Gana was my MotM. I don't know why but some seem not to realize just how important he is to the team, and his partnership with Mangala gets better each week.
Might be worth reminding that both of these players could be gone at the end of this season, although I think Moyes will make sure that doesn't happen.
Danny, I think most of us left the ground very happy with what we had watched, and yes it was bit squeaky bum time for the last 15 minutes. But when sides are 3 down with so little time left, they can be a bit gung-ho.
For months, some on here have said we can't play any other way than the way Dyche had set us up, but Moyes proved, even though he has had limited time to work with the squad, that you can play a more expansive game with this squad.
16 Posted 22/01/2025 at 14:59:19
That might work Christine.
Thanks all, for kind wishes. Genuinely appreciated and I am humbled
Dave, Mark, Brian, Gueye is so important, or vital as you say.
I forgot to mention Calver-Lewin. It helped with him not being isolated and having support and service. It wasn't just the goal, he worked incredibly hard off the ball.
Mark, I'm still hopeful for Saturday. If not, I'll see you for the Bournemouth match.
17 Posted 22/01/2025 at 15:05:57
It seems to be only a minority of posters who criticise him, but those that do really slate him. I find it baffling. He does his particular job very well. If he could add the things to his game that others expect, he wouldn't be playing for Everton.
18 Posted 22/01/2025 at 19:00:23
19 Posted 22/01/2025 at 19:13:13
20 Posted 22/01/2025 at 19:15:00
Now Mark #6: steady, steady. I know how enthusiastic you are, but N'diaye who is most certainly 'a breath of fresh air' but he is not 'Davey Thomas reborn!'. If he was, DCL would be in double figures.
Have a great day at Brighton Mark and, hopefully, Danny.
21 Posted 22/01/2025 at 20:40:29
There's always a way. Brighton here we come!!
22 Posted 22/01/2025 at 20:42:38
23 Posted 22/01/2025 at 21:50:29
They were happy days, even though we won fuck-all.
I can still see, like it was yesterday, big Bob bearing down on the Brummies goal at the Street End. We knew he was putting that away!
24 Posted 22/01/2025 at 22:04:41
Davey Thomas, socks rolled down, no shin-pad, turns the defender this way and that on the run and a pinpoint cross (you know what happens next).
Loved those days Mark, probably because of the age I was and getting into clothes, town, punk (and other stuff), girls, the footy, aways…
Mark, was this Davey's best match?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg1cQy5oh64
Tragic to think that he depends on a guide dog now.
25 Posted 22/01/2025 at 22:20:28
I've watched that with a single malt and I'm grieving my long-lost youth. Those were the days my friend. I bought my first ever suit that year – an expensive job from Issy Crown. Fucking lovely it was – charcoal grey with rusty specks in the weave. I thought I was your Bry wearing that!
That was indeed Davey's finest 90 – I remember it well. And do we love our Georgie Wood?
That team could play scintillating stuff on its day (Leicester and QPR away as well) and Gordon Lee gets a bum rap from many Blues with short memories.
I have a shocking admission though about that game. I left before that last goal to get an early away to the pub. I've regretted that ever since.
26 Posted 22/01/2025 at 22:33:07
I bumped into the man himself a few years ago and he recognised me from being a regular at his shop in Mallaby Street in Birkenhead. An old mate of mine was manager there.
27 Posted 22/01/2025 at 23:04:41
I know what you mean, Mark. Those days were special because they were those days at that time but we lived them, and no one can take that away and there's nothing wrong with a single malt, nostalgia, and a wet eye.
I always thought that it was because I was young that Gordon Lee's teams bring back happy memories. But I was wrong and right at the same time. His teams did play proper flash footy at times and sometimes they didn't, especially in his last couple of years. But Jaysus, I cannot think of a single EFC team this century that could play like that team in that 6-0.
28 Posted 23/01/2025 at 00:48:56
Your comments on any thread always fill me with positivity and hope. You also accept that fans are entitled to their opinion and the diversity of our support makes us what we are. I am one of those fans (from India) who often watches at weird hours. I appreciate that you recognize that each of us has a role in supporting our beloved club.
I have to confess that, unlike you, I have always been fond of Moyes. I was upset with him when he left and the things that he did when he was at Man Utd. I have followed him after he left them and always checked the scores when he was at Sociedad, Sunderland and West Ham.
Is he my long term hope for the club – No! Is he someone that I can be proud to have as the manager of my beloved club – Yes! He is not the young and fiery person that we hired 20+ years ago but he still has some good qualities that he can bring to us in the short term as we rebuild.
My wife and kids have been worried about how stressed I have been with work (without a proper break in years!) and how the recent club fortunes have left me dejected on matchdays. It's often left me very low after a bad week and a game to top it off. I have felt a certain sense of calmness since we made the managerial change. I don't expect miracles but I do feel a lot happier.
Coming to your article – I was reading it while having my lunch and was laughing out loud at some of the parts about the Spurs fans on your trip home after the game. People around me were giving me strange looks as I kept laughing to myself while gulping down my sandwich and getting back to work.
Thank you for being such a positive influence on TW. Your effort in getting to games despite all the obstacles that you are facing is nothing short of legendary. Thank you for keeping so many of us afloat! God Bless you and your dog!
29 Posted 23/01/2025 at 01:44:17
30 Posted 23/01/2025 at 01:59:07
Seems their away support has a sense of humour.
31 Posted 23/01/2025 at 07:48:01
I hope it's not a dumb question, but I assume a fellow blue was blasting out "Spirit" on his phone, but am I right in thinking Spurs fans were singing our song?
I ask this because when it was first revived several seasons back, opposition supporters would scratch their heads and ridicule a song which had even arl men like me singing whoooo. They would often respond with "what the fuckinell is that?"
Now, every time I speak to a fan of another club, they tell me how fantastic it is to hear fans of another club sing a song with such joy. I cringed when I heard it 40 years ago and I cringed when it was revived by the youngsters. Now ?It just fills me with joy.
Santosh,
Another lovely post. It takes me seconds as opposed to minutes to get from our house to my seat. So I'm a little in awe of fans like you who follow and love a club based thousands of miles away. Some advice if I may; Listen to your Mrs and kids. Take that break. I know it sometimes feels like you can't afford to (been there many times) but trust some one who knows. You can't afford not to.
Brian @15,
I think it's possibly a little premature to suggest Moyes has changed, or will be changing our approach. If there was ever a team set up to invite the opposition to go for them, it's Ange's Spurs team.
If however, Moyes has changed his philosophy and wants to attack everyone, I think you'll see a very long queue of cynics ready to let bygones be bygones... and I'll be in it.
32 Posted 23/01/2025 at 08:28:25
Issy Crown!! There's a blast from the past — I also remember Tony Harris and Harold Ian clothes shops!!
33 Posted 23/01/2025 at 08:44:47
Thanks for the link Paul, happy memories. Had to smile at the commentary when King scored, camera pans to the bench, “You won't see a happier bench than that” and amidst the smiles, Trevor Ross looking like his house has just been repossessed.
34 Posted 23/01/2025 at 08:47:00
I lived in Thailand for a couple of years back in the 90s, so can relate to watching us play at weird times. Getting up at 2am to watch us get absolutely hammered 3-0 away at Coventry in '98 is a particularly fond memory of my time over there.
A few months later, there was another 2am alarm call to see us get slaughtered 3-0 away at Villa, with Alec Cleland picking up 2 yellow cards inside the first 11 minutes!!
The Blues really do spoil us.
35 Posted 23/01/2025 at 12:55:43
36 Posted 23/01/2025 at 13:48:30
I was reading TW on the train one evening from work, and a young fellow was peering over my shoulder. He said, ‘Wow, you support Everton! Why??’. He said he supports Arsenal. I just smiled and shrugged. He wouldn’t understand :-)
37 Posted 23/01/2025 at 16:28:11
Ajay, I always declare it a birthright when asked!!
Santosh, that was a great post and why I always recognise and call out those thousands of miles away. Respect.
Colin, genuine. No audio assistance!! Quite funny hearing it in a North London accent. They were either singing along in the ground or in one of the pubs!!
Some great trips down memory lane and clothing attire. I was half expecting some tales of the Grafton to surface. It's heyday was before my time and I never went, but I'm sure there are many fond memories out there!!
The next retro-day should be “Dress like you did when you were 21”. Mark the Murph's glittery suit will take some beating though!!!
38 Posted 23/01/2025 at 16:44:14
39 Posted 23/01/2025 at 16:58:11
40 Posted 23/01/2025 at 17:26:17
I miss that whippet un all.
42 Posted 24/01/2025 at 08:06:58
Very rarely you hear footy fans sing another clubs song without changing the words.
I do remember Evertonian's sing the Arsenal song for weeks after they had beaten Liverpool in a cup final. If somebody lay on their back after scoring a goal you always knew it was a blue re-enacting Charlie George's goal celebration after hitting an unstoppable winner. Even the kids in the street did it.
Fuck me did they hate it
43 Posted 24/01/2025 at 09:21:14
I’m not THAT fcuking auld!
UTFT
44 Posted 24/01/2025 at 10:54:11
Damm that was good I live in Retro day!
45 Posted 24/01/2025 at 12:09:58
UTFT
46 Posted 24/01/2025 at 23:51:43
As ever you have the knack of making me feel like I was there on match day.
It was great to see Moyes harness Goodison as he knows what a weapon it can be when the fans are in the mood. Our away fans are awesome too but when we play well at home and entertain, the fans singing the old classics is fun.
Spurs fans are an odd lot. Being a southerner and former resident of North London, I know them well and they seem to be the most despised set among all the other London clubs. The ones I worked with were getting very cocky the season Leicester won the league and we were fading away prior to the end of Martinez. Despite having an absolutely wonderful set of players, eight years have passed and they've managed not to win a trophy and their Champions League qualifications have dried up.
Plus that stuff they sing about Scousers is despicable and completely ridiculous if you've ever been to Tottenham or Seven Sisters.
Wishing you well after your difficult few months and glad you are out galavanting again.
47 Posted 26/01/2025 at 12:10:33
Thanks as always and looking forward to yesterday's one. COYB!
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