EDITORS BLOG
Sometimes the win is all that matters
No it wasn't pretty and "winning ugly" doesn't exactly fit in with the School of Science legacy, but when you've lost another three key first-team players to injury and illness, you've got a much-maligned full-back deployed as an emergency centre half, you're on the other side of the Continent playing one of those notoriously tricky eastern European sides, and the rain is lashing down, sometimes the only thing that matters is getting the victory.
And that's exactly what Everton did in Minsk this evening and it is to the Blues' credit that they not only rescued a game that seemed to be drifting away from them midway through the second half but then went on to win it against a mobile and highly capable BATE Borisov side.
David Moyes must have been tearing his hair out when Joseph Yobo strained a thigh in training yesterday leaving him with just one fit and eligible centre half in Sylvain Distin. That mean that Tony Hibbert had to move into central half but it's to his enormous credit that it was he and not his more accomplished central defensive partner who was taking the plaudits at full time for deputising superbly.
Indeed, Everton probably felt hard done-by at half time, having seen Diniyar Bilyaletdinov thump a shot off the post after 11 minutes and then fall behind to Dmitri Likhtarovich's wonder striker from 30-plus yards that looked destined to set BATE on their way to victory.
And when Jo left the field on a stretcher in first-half injury time, it really did feel as though our luck was well and truly out. Even though he returned in the second half, the sight of him and Yakubu both looking less than comfortable leading the line, combined with the increasing propensity of the team as a whole to give the ball away cheaply, it felt that just getting a draw would be beyond us at times in the second half.
Of course, with those key missing players, Steven Pienaar in particular, it wasn't surprising that Everton's performance was, on the whole, sub-par but, if you have to be critical, it was a situation really crying out to Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini to step up and take command in midfield. Dan Gosling was having a torried time at right back and while you wouldn't normally look to Leon Osman to get hold of the ball and keep it, the other two, as established internationals, could have been expected to do better.
But both Fellaini and Cahill came through where it really mattered, though — in front of goal — and that, in the end, is all that matters. To have come away from the Dinamo Stadium with a win under difficult circumstances was hugely satisfying and the boys are full value for the pride gushing their way from the Everton faithful.
Five consecutive victories, 14 scored and just one unstoppable goal conceded, a 100% record in Group I, the growing feeling that this team can find the will and the goals necessary to win when it matters... all we need now is some luck on the injury front and the season really will be firmly on the rails after a disastrous start.
Lyndon Lloyd Posted 01/10/2009 at 20:08:57
Reader Comments
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Editorial Team
2 Posted 01/10/2009 at 23:21:47
3 Posted 01/10/2009 at 23:38:34
I think it’s fair to wager that any of Distin... and then the unavailable Jagielka, Yobo, Heitinga, Neill, Neville or Rodwell would be picked in that position ahead of him.
In that light, it is a very admirable win.
But it is not this result alone that will make this a good season for us... the wins must continue to come... and we must do well when we play against top teams.
That will probably require us to get used to taking games to the opposition - will Moyes be able to step up to the plate???
4 Posted 01/10/2009 at 23:47:18
5 Posted 01/10/2009 at 23:53:34
The performance doesn’t matter. You don’t travel 1,000 miles to play a game on a Thursday, in shocking conditions, without virtually a full team of first choicers, and run flat out trying to play your opponents off the park. It’s about getting a job done with minimum of fuss.
So frankly, given all the factors, tonight was quite sublime. A perfect European away night. Another one in Lisbon (can’t wait for that!!) and we’re almost through.
6 Posted 02/10/2009 at 00:36:37
credit where it is due.
7 Posted 02/10/2009 at 00:48:31
I shall now beat a slightly embarrassed retreat.
Good win though hey?
8 Posted 02/10/2009 at 01:42:43
9 Posted 02/10/2009 at 04:25:48
I am not going to single out Hibbo for praise, for me he has being defending like that for years and years. The difference tonight being that he was not required to also attack, this is unfortunately where his game is lacking. But as a pure defender, he is still one of the best in the league for me. Distin also had yet another good game. Moyes has made yet another wonder buy. He looks in absolutely fantastic shape for his age.
Bainesy delivered yet another goal with his sweet ’hinchcliffe-esque’ left foot. Unfortunately Gosling again proved he is not a right back, nor a right midfielder. I really dont know what to make of him. Its a little sad though to write off a young talent as only a squad player. But I really dont see any attributes that make me think otherwise.
I still havent seen a 9 million pound pacy winger either yet. Pienaar still makes Bily look like a bystander. He seems extremely lightweight, and actually looks like he needs a good feed! Here is hoping he can learn from Pienaars game. He seems to have good feet, but without the zip and pace of Pienaar or Arteta.
Nice to see the Yak given time on the pitch, even though he looked well off the pace. Jo just isnt going to cut for me I am afraid. Agard surely couldnt have been as poor if selected? Thank god Moyes only took him on loan.
5 wins in 5 and odds on to progress into the knockout stages of the Europa now. The fact that there has been no announcement of ligament injury to Pienaar tells me its just been a heavy knock. I cannot wait to see him and Arteta gracing our midfield again. I think once we see Mikky back, you will see a huge improvement in Cahill’s game. Those two seem to link up very well. COYB
10 Posted 02/10/2009 at 10:02:49
Billy isn’t pacey at all...never was...
When he has decetn footballers around him you’ll see what he’s about...neat intricate passing opening up space and playing the strikers into good positions...
a midfield of
pienaar arteta rodwell billy
....................fellaini
will see all these players compliment each other and play good football..
Unfortunately we don’t have many midfield formations that deviate from this that will provide decent joined up football..
11 Posted 02/10/2009 at 10:39:29
I would take Cahill above Fellaini as I think Cahill will score more goals and work harder than Fellaini who’s speed of movement around the pitch and general lethargy of passing is still a concern.
However, great result. In such conditions, the prospect of playing good football is minimal and it is only the result that becomes important, and to have two wins to take into the big games (i.e Benfica and away to AEK) puts us in fantastic stead. Even more impressive considering the amount of talent missing, with which we could virtually construct a whole new outfield team...
Neil at right back, Jags and Yobo centre, neville at left, Heitinga in the middle with Rodwell, Arteta Right, Pienaar left, Saha and Anichebe up top... I never thought I'd say this in view of our restrictions, but we’ve actually got great squad depth...
12 Posted 02/10/2009 at 11:20:49
-----------------
Let’s hope Moyes isn’t of that opinion.
13 Posted 02/10/2009 at 12:54:59
"and when Jo left the field on a stretcher in first-half injury time, it really did feel as though our luck was well and truly out"
I thought our luck was in when that happened. Sorry to be negative about an inspired victory but when every other player plays their heart out, it is difficult to criticise even sub-standard performances (such as Gosling) when that happens and makes you proud to be an Evertonian. Unfortunately and I sincerely hope I get proved wrong (like I did when Hibbo had an absolute stormer at CB) but I think Jo is a complete waste of space.
On positive note, I don’t understand critcism of Bily, he looks quality from what I’ve seen and that is one thing we lack quality footballers comfortable in possession. When everybody is fit, I’d love to see a team of 4-4-2 with Baines, Distin, Jags, Neill, Bily, Pienaar, Arteta, Rodwell, Yak and Saha and see what football we play.
14 Posted 02/10/2009 at 16:53:18
15 Posted 03/10/2009 at 05:06:52
I think City bought a dud (won’t be the first or last), and although I believe our option price is £8M, the way he’s played so far, I can’t see Moyes following that up.
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1 Posted 01/10/2009 at 18:24:47