ToffeeWeb - Season 2007-08

Tommy Gibbons
1 Posted 08/01/2008 at 21:42:00

We played poorly tonight so I for one am happy to come away with only a 2-1 defeat. We have no class at all in the middle of the park no wonder Moyes wanted Piennar to play.. Anyway, all is not lost, If Chelsea can't bring any better players back it may be that Arteta will make the difference in the 2nd leg.. Get down to Goodison boys n girls, there could be a special night ahead!

Lorcan Walsh
2 Posted 08/01/2008 at 21:48:26

Obviously gutted at the ending...Jeez.. Joleon after having a stormer!

On the other hand, Chelsea showed more hunger in the last 10 mins - what were we doing standing off them like that?

Hope lessons learned will be applied at Goodison - we can still do it!

By the way - do away goals matter or not?

COYB!!!

Kunal Desai
3 Posted 08/01/2008 at 21:47:41

Liverpool, Man U and now Chelsea ... why oh why can't we keep our concentration for the full 90 minutes and added on time!

Peter Fearon
4 Posted 08/01/2008 at 22:07:38

The officials rules say:

"In the Semi-Final ties, if the aggregate score is level at the end of the second game an extra half-hour shall be played. If the aggregate scores are still level at the end of extra time the tie shall be decided by goals scored away from home counting twice. If the teams remain equal
after this procedure the tie shall be determined by the taking of kicks from the penalty mark."

So away goals count double, but only after extra time. If we were to win 1-0 we would be through.

Trevor Thompson
5 Posted 08/01/2008 at 21:58:46

I don't care if everyone thinks it's still not over. As far as I'm concerned it is; (I really pray that I come back here in two weeks and apologise, but some how I think I won't)

We always make stupid mistakes against the top four clubs. We fuck up against Man U in the last minute, two mistakes against Arsenal, now in the dying minutes we let little Short Wriight-Phillips score against us from a fucking header of all things. We just self-destruct.

Not sure if it's pressure or what but we just can't do it we're the nearly men. So I'm not going into the second leg with much confidence. Again, I'd love to be proven wrong but doubt it. Still, we done really well to get this far so it's still a good season.

Nick Toye
6 Posted 08/01/2008 at 22:13:17

Couldn?t agree more. Just made a post about it on the forum. We have been giving away goals by lack of concentration. So what do we need to do? Put the guys through an intense CIA operation to raise the levels?

Paul Cook
7 Posted 08/01/2008 at 22:13:59

Does anyone know what kind of team Chelsea will be able to put out for the 2nd leg? Will lovable Fat Frank be back?

Nick Gartland
8 Posted 08/01/2008 at 22:13:01

I am with Trevor on this one to be honest and I am not usually negative when it comes to Everton.

One thing I would ask though, that tie in the second half was there for the taking - we had them on the ropes but then sat back, held on instead of taking the game to them. 1-1 could have been 2-1 to us, with a bit of change on the bench.

Anichebe on a bit earlier anyone?

Arteta will be back, but in all the time I have seen him - he never seems to do it in the big games against the top sides. I hope he proves me wrong.

Steve Williams
9 Posted 08/01/2008 at 22:13:18

Obviously gutted about the last minute fiasco. Only a couple of minutes earlier my son was giving his take on why Lescott is not only our best defender but also our most effective player for his all round game. Then .. self destruct!

However of equal disappointment is our complete inability to keep hold of the ball and pass to our own players - throughout the team. Until we learn how to do this we will always be under pressure - I know we had three of our better players absent but the others are still professionals - they should be well capable of passing to a team-mate.

I have a horrible feeling about the return leg - I hope I’m wrong - but I’ll still be shouting my heart out.

John Martin
10 Posted 08/01/2008 at 22:19:35

Right now i can’t help but feel devastated. Once again we have switched off and conceded a stupid goal in the last minute and by our best defender who had a great game. I feel we have thrown away a golden opportunity to get to wembley.
I am sure i will have some optimism back for the 2nd leg but right now its hard to see us getting through.

Colin Wilkes
11 Posted 08/01/2008 at 22:18:49

Well I have to say i agree I don?t hold great confidence for the second leg now. But you never know midweek games always hold an electric atmosphere at Goodison and that could be enough to get us through. I thought Lescott was outstanding yet again tonight and felt really sorry for him in the last few minutes. Did no-one else shaw wright climbing all over his shoulders? Maybe it?s me and my blue eyes again. I said at half time I would be happier with 2-1 than 1-0 so let's take some positives from the game. We got that away goal and hopefully the ball retention will be a lot better in the second leg with Arteta?s return. Also I think Cahill who was quiet tonight will be a different proposition playing behind AJ in Yak?s abscence. COYB

Gavin Alexander
12 Posted 08/01/2008 at 22:19:01

To be fair chelsea were the better team on the day but we still could of drawn the game. I believe this tie is still there for the taking, we just need to be more positive when we play them at Goodison Park.
If they field the same team in two weeks I believe we will be the one?s celebrating, the only worry i have is if they sign Nickolas Anelka he will be able to play for them as he is not cup tied.
Come on moysie time to get the cheque book out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Scott Eaton
13 Posted 08/01/2008 at 22:30:09

I've said for ages the only thing stopping us being as good as the so called top 4 is our concentration levels right up until the final whistle. We battled our way back into the game tonight after being mostly outplayed, then go and lose it in the last 5 minutes. I'm still confident we can turn it round, We gave Chelsea their goals tonight. Can't afford any mistakes at Goodison though,COYB!!!

Carl Rimmer
14 Posted 08/01/2008 at 22:25:34

I for one am very happy with the final score. We got well outplayed for the most of the game until Mikel got sent off. I thought we would be at least 2 goals down before the sending off. As Reidy was saying on SKY Sports, they won’t know what hit them when they arrive at Goodison for the return leg. Semi final night game at Goodison, the times Chelsea have spawned last minute wins against us over the las few years, I think their luck has run out and we will wallop them at Goodison, Tim Cahill as a second striker rather than an anominous centre midfielder, up top with Aj with Artets on the wing... bring it on... Jammy Cockney Gets...

Dan Coultas
15 Posted 08/01/2008 at 22:22:58

Steve Williams has hit the nail on the head.
Until our passing is of Premier League nevermind cup semi-final/european standard what chance do we have?
Abysmal crosses from Neville and constant back passes from half the midfield on the break leaves us utterly useless, what did we have tonight... 2 shots on goal?

Also where the fuck did they get 4 minutes of extra time from? typical case of "play on til the home team scores" there must have been 2 minutes max.

The top 4?s manipulation and domination leaves me exasperated and unhopeful for the future.

Carl Rimmer
16 Posted 08/01/2008 at 22:37:48

Dan, I actually thought Phil Neville, as usual was the driving force behind Everton, not allowing himself to be rolled over by Chelsea cos they are one of the "Big four". I was waiting for someone to have the balls to stand up for themselves rather than allow Chelsea to steam-roll us like a lower league team. By the way... what a cheat Belletti is.. twice diving for Penalties...

Clyde McPhatter
17 Posted 08/01/2008 at 22:37:43

Cahill was obviously slowed by injury, but he couldn’t be subbed off. The Yak was great, and McFadden was maddening, but almost, almost got the 2nd.

I think Timmy should have gotten to that ball in the swirling wind. All credit to the 6,000 traveling supporters. What a club. Undermanned and we held up for 92 minutes. We will the return leg outright!

Eric Holland
18 Posted 08/01/2008 at 22:38:53

Dan totally agree with you , where on earth did the ref find four minutes of extra time from?

Carl Rimmer
19 Posted 08/01/2008 at 22:42:26

Thats more like it Clyde... As Neville has been saying, we need to take it to the next level and not accept defeat as an option, you can tell he has been part of an ultra-successful team not accepting defeat, and hit the nail on the head saying that people were too easily accepting defeat before Moyes arrived...

Simon Temme
20 Posted 08/01/2008 at 22:50:44

To Clyde and Carl - thanks for a bit of positivity, Lescott -MOM, the others perm from commited, dogged, & yes of course a little bit wasteful. However, as I have posted here before this seems to me like Everton cica 1983/84 trials, tribulations but on the up,up,up - IMWT, COYB

Tony Williams
21 Posted 08/01/2008 at 22:58:22

It’s going to be a tough old battle at Goodison in a fortnight, can’t wait to be there.

I agree, where did the 4 mins come from and more importantly why didn’t Howard come for the ball and put SWP AND Lescott into the stands, the ref wouldn;t dare give a pen and would more likely give a free kick to Howard, but the dozy twat steps back on the line giving the ewok (who had both hands on Lescott’s shoulders mind you) more space to aim for.....Doh!!

Howard needs to get over the fear of leaving his line, as he puts us into awkward positions often by not being there, such as the 3rd Arsenil goal.

So frustrating tonight

Dan Coultas
22 Posted 08/01/2008 at 22:49:36

If you saw Avram ?Jabba the Hutt? Grant?s half time whisper and handshake with the referee, he probably got those extra 4 minutes from the 50 grand in his pocket.

Nice touch that, sending a Chelsea player off to make yourself look impartial.
Wright-Phillips was all over Lescott, at the other end of the field that is a free kick.

Phil Neville wasted about 4 fantastic opportunities for crosses from excellent McFadden breaks in midfield.

Paul Lenehan
23 Posted 08/01/2008 at 23:07:06

Everton are hard to watch

Conor Feeney
24 Posted 08/01/2008 at 23:04:06

I must speak up in support of Jimmy Mc. He is a frustrating player, but I thought he did as well as or better than expected today, away to Chelski. He took the wrong options a few times with passes but he also made a few good passes (to Neville in first half and lescott at the end) and he was very unlucky with shot that hit post. Indeed, both Cahill & AJ were hovering and any rebound outward and we’d all be celebrating a famous victory. He was our most dangerous player breaking forward today.

As for the result, remember we had a threadbare midfield and they haven’t been beaten there in 54 matches !

I’d have taken that at the start, and while I think the chance was there for a famous victory, and the last goal was really sickening, we are still potentially 90mins from Wembley, at home, with a packed Goodision.

COYB.

Dave Randles
25 Posted 08/01/2008 at 23:05:43

It seems to be the tone here that Joleon switched off for Shaun Giant Phillips’ equalizer...

Maybe it’s the old Sunday League Goalkeeper in me, but Lescott wasn’t to blame at all. Tim Howard should have taken both their fuckin’ heads off charging out to punch that ball. Lescott never challenged because he was waiting for Howard to come.

I saw someone say on here a few weeks ago he was weak controlling his box and must say I’d never really noticed it before, but Christ it was evident after 92 minutes tonight.

We always, but always give Chelsea a game at home and we are long overdue a victory. If it was a European game, we’d be happy and as well we maybe as aways goals count. Here’s to 1-0 at Goodison in a few weeks.

Mike Oates
26 Posted 08/01/2008 at 22:44:59

There are too many posts just saying "we’ll do them at Goodison" - just need to concentrate , Arteta back ... blah blah.
Well to be able to beat Arsenal,Man U, Chelsea, the players need total belief in themselves - they need that total self-confidence that they can go out and compete and will all the battles and crucially not make mistakes .

Tonight was the prime example that Everton (even though they have improved 100% in Moyes’s time) do not yet have that total belief, self-confidence needed to win the big games.

The 1st half was all Chelsea , we cannot hold on to the ball for more than 2-3 passes - Johnson , and to a lesser extent Yakubu and McFadden cannot control and hold the ball long enough to allow the support players to get forward, and as a result - not one attempt on target.
The support players know that if they bomb forward they run the risk of getting caught out of position when the ball is inevitably lost and the Top teams cut us to ribbons on the couter attack - they have players who can kill and accurately pass the ball quickly - its called class and confidence.

In the 2nd half when Obi Kbnobi was sent off and we managed to equalise ,the game was there for us - we just needed that self belief, that confidence that we could do it - Chelsea were dead BUT we dont have that belief as yet particularly against the Top teams and we dropped back and allowed Chelsea to come back into it. The Arsenal (like against us 4 goals in 30 mins) and Man U would have gone on and buried Chelsea.

You can always acquire confidence - by winning and winning but against the top teams you have to have that self belief ,you need to absolutely 100% sure of your team mates abilities to win all thier battles , that each one does his job properly - and we aint quite there yet .

What worries me more is that I sense the back 4 is getting a wee bit jittery with Howard , particularly his weakness of not coming out and winning the loose balls - tonight , Arsenal - and you need a bloody good defence as a starter for 10.

Carl Rimmer
27 Posted 08/01/2008 at 23:13:58

Dave, you are dead right. Timmy Howard seems to be really edgy coming for crosses lately, you can see why a team like Utd let him go with the levelo of competition they face, although I think he has been a great signing for us. Nobody has mentioned how much Tim Cahill has improved as a central midfielder, although compared with his normal self he is innnocouos, he hasn’t half improved his passing and keeping hold of the ball in centre mid?

Carl Rimmer
28 Posted 08/01/2008 at 23:18:16

Mike, typical defeatist attitutude that is allowing th "Top four" to gain supremecy in this country. How the hell do you think we beat Bayern Munich in ’85? With sheer determination and up and at ’em attitude. It’s opne thing playing at the Bridge, it’s another playing at Goodison on a cup semi final night game...

Tony Williams
29 Posted 08/01/2008 at 23:18:14

Dave Randalls, totally agree mate. The way the ball was looping in the air, every fooker in his way should have shit themselves to how quickly he should have come to collect it.

Especially seeing that the ref refs overprotect the goalies, he could have basically chinned SWP and the ref would have called it a fould on Howard........I still can’t believe he took a step backwards. I mean what does he and Chris Woods practice for minutes on end in the warm up.

That was his ball all the way and I am holding him responsible for the second goal

Carl Rimmer
30 Posted 08/01/2008 at 23:24:19

I know you are all probably sick of my constant postings tonight but I have just had a thought that we may even have Leon Osman back for the return leg? If we have him and Arteta back with Cahill pushed forward to assist Johnson I truly believe revenge will be ours in 2 weeks time. We’ll have the 5 man midfield back with players that can pass and keep possesssion of the ball. And to top it all if we have Fernandes by then ..... Wembley, Wembley...

Tony Williams
31 Posted 08/01/2008 at 23:30:52

I hope you are right Carl, I really do

John Charles
32 Posted 08/01/2008 at 23:35:55

After 30 mins at 1-0 to them I would have snapped your hands off at 2-1.

That said its hard to stomach after maybe looking like we might even win the game outright in itself.

All being said, Goodison on a weeknight for a place in the cup final.

Thats the scenario... Man Utd type atmosphere of 3 seasons ago. Get up, get at them, team and crowd.

Come on you blues.

Brian Waring
33 Posted 08/01/2008 at 23:39:23

Why are some fans moaning about the ref playing 4mins of injury time? If he would have only added 2 mins of time on, Chelsea would have still scored,because the winner went in on 91 mins and so many seconds. Wasn?t it good that he added 4 mins? Because that meant we had a couple of minutes left to try to get the equalizer.

Paul Olsen
34 Posted 09/01/2008 at 00:33:56

Anyone else think Jagielka did really well tonight?For me he was our man of the match,with also Lescott and Carsley doing well.

John Murphy
35 Posted 08/01/2008 at 22:16:43

Well all I can say is GUTTED!! After playing so well in the second half, the smallest man on the pitch scores a last minute header to win the game for Chelsea. Well were does this leave us for the second leg? I still think there is a strong possibility for us to progress to the final, however, we must not allow it to go into extra time, as they will out do us for fitness and strength. Don't even get me started on a penalty shoot out. However, I feel that in order for us to have a chance of progressing to the final, we must get the signing of Fernandes done in time for him to play.

Although the main man is Mikel Arteta, I do feel that Steven Pienaar was a big miss for us today. His constant running and busting a gut would have been a fantastic option for us tonight when hitting them on the counter attack. Heres to hoping on the 23rd. COYB!!!!!!

Mark Franklin
36 Posted 08/01/2008 at 22:36:29

Unlucky tonight if we want to be a a big 4 team must get the players. Tonight showed it again we done the hard work and hit self destruct button. All the big games we seem to do it.

Mick Gillian
37 Posted 09/01/2008 at 00:47:40

Let's start with totally gutted... will chelsea have there big gun's back? I have to comment on the totally biased comentary of Jon Pearce, did anyone hear him say when we were 0-1 down that it is damage limitation for Everton here??? I was utterly amazed at the continued lack of respect in the media towards Everton.

Wayne Smyth
38 Posted 09/01/2008 at 01:49:32

I’ve not been as frustrated with the team since tottenham at home last season.

With the scores equal after 60-odd minutes, chelsea a man short and 6000 fans there I think we missed the best opportunity we are going to get to turn them over.

I had a horrible feeling that they were going to score late on. We had absolutely no ambition to get forward, yobo and jags playing keep-ball when we really needed one of the midfielders to come and demand it.

Chelsea obviously sensed this and were happy to press on and do the attacking since we seemed unwilling.

I’m a firm believer in you reap what you sow and tonight for our lack of ambition and belief I dont feel we deserved anything. We looked scared.

I dont care who we are playing, if we have an extra man we should be taking the game to them, home or away.

That all said, I dont think its over. Hopefully with a few reinforcements for the middle of the park we can turn them over at goodison.

Jay Harris
39 Posted 09/01/2008 at 02:11:29

I thought the lads did really well tonight.They looked dead on their feet in the second half and if we?d have won 2-1 which could easily have happened we?d be raving about a great performance. The only thing I?m upset about is the standard of goals we keep leaking. It?s basic schoolboy stuff.

Everybody left SWP in acres for the first and Howard needs to let people know what he?s doing and dominate his area more. That aside I was pleased with Mcfaddy after the stick he took on Saturday and I thought the Yak wanted to take them on on his own at certain points but I thought the real men of the match were Hibbert Yobo Lescott and Jagielka.We definitely have to beef the centre mid up ASAP cos they walked through us too many times.

Dean Taylor
40 Posted 09/01/2008 at 02:24:57

We’re going to Wembley!
Believe it, we’re 2-1 down at half time, and we’ve got the best little Spaniard coming on for the second half, we’ve got 90 mins not 45 to turn it round. Come on, we’d all have taken a one goal defeat before the game.
We’ve been in tougher positions (Ukraine spings to mind).
Goodison will be rocking. The cockneys can’t cope with the North.
Let’s frighten the f*ck out of them and make some real noise, I’m thinking Bayern!
Get your hotels booked, we’re going to Wembley! And you know what, when we get there, we’ll win it!

Patty Beesley
41 Posted 09/01/2008 at 09:08:29

Have heart and faith guys.... its not all over until Avram Grant sings!!