Anyone Else Won Over?
Paul reports from the 4-0 hammering of Stoke City at Goodison
The last Saturday in November and the day after pay day signaled an early start for Christmas shopping on a beautifully sunny Autumn morning in Liverpool. I arrived in Liverpool City Centre at 9:20am and surpassed my own expectations in purchasing all my gifts by around 11am. After a coffee and an early lunch, I let the better half depart with the shopping and the car and went to the already bustling Ship & Mitre for a pint before Ste picked us up and drove us on to Goodison Park…Welsh Gaz was ahead of us and already propping up the bar in the pub which was then empty though packed before long with Simon, Gary and Sue all joining us… everyone in good form, good spirits and optimistic of three points.We were all a little surprised by the team news with Leon Osman and Gerard Deulofeu both given starting births ahead of arguably last weekend's top performers in Kevin Mirallas and Ross Barkley. I was also a little surprised, though pleased, to see Bryan Oviedo start the match in Leighton Baines's absence as I expected Gareth Barry to fill in at left back. The walk to Goodison Park was eerily quiet though the crowd was noisy and boisterous once we got inside Goodison Park… with Z-Cars sounding out just as we got to our seats.
The first half was rather forgettable in the main. One criticism I would have of Everton at present is our inability to begin games on the front foot. We had some near moments though Stoke were defending their goal and their penalty box well at this point, even if they were next to useless with the ball. I remember watching Everton vs Stoke City last season and almost disappointedly repeatedly turning round to Ste to bemoan how terrible Stoke were with the ball… it was a similar situation in this fixture, especially so in the second half.
The first half was that drab and so confident was I that nothing further was to happen in the half that, on 37 minutes, I made the unusual step of going for a half-time pint with Gary, and so it was inevitable I was to miss a goal… and a good one it was too, Deulofeu dancing past a few challenges and hitting the ball home to give Everton the advantage just before the break. It was funny witnessing the goal downstairs. About five seconds before the goal went in on TV you heard a loud cheer from the crowd and so you didn’t need to be a master-mind to know we had scored. Regardless, it was great to see it on the monitor and enjoy my half-time beer in the knowledge we were a goal to the good.
This really gave Everton the foundation to zip into the second half at full tilt and, right from the off, Everton were on the front foot. You could almost sense the panic in Stoke City when Glenn Whelan unnecessarily hauled back Lukaku to collect a booking just 30 seconds into the half. Everton were going for the kill. Stoke had no answers. The crowd scented blood and Everton delivered in spectacular style, Seamus Coleman netting just four minutes in with the most fortuitous of miss-hits as we doubled our money.
We were comfortable at this point, stroking the ball around nicely and forcing mistakes from Stoke; however, Everton’s third was not really down to Stoke’s ineptitude and more so a piece of unexpected individual quality from Bryan Oviedo. The Costa Rican has played well but, as he took on the ball from a short corner and shaped to shoot right-footed, I doubt one single being inside the ground expected him to find the net. I was even ready to say “He’s no idea what he’s doing” but, sure enough, he surprised everyone – not least Begovic – to put Everton 3-0 ahead. Players and supporters alike now in party mood.
Stoke’s solitary opening of note was rebuffed by Howard from Crouch as Everton looked to upset Stoke more on the break with Deulofeu’s wizardry central to a lot of our attacking threat. He had quite a phenomenal game. Stones was given game time and with 10 minutes remaining Jelavic was getting readied for an appearance when Lukaku stroked home to get amongst the goals and put us 4-0 ahead. The giant Belgian went mental in celebration and was then substituted… Jelavic then failing to put even further gloss on the scoreline when his effort was blocked by Begovic when put through on goal. Poor Jelavic, it just won’t go in for him at all.
Everton wrapped the game up nicely with Stoke demoralized and we all went home with smiles on our faces. Asmir Begovic even applauded the Gwladys Street on the full-time whistle. A job superbly and professionally done, players rested, our goal difference drastically improved and (before Sunday’s fixtures at least) we sit fourth in the league ahead of all-of-a-sudden not so daunting trips to Old Trafford and The Emirates Stadium.
Is anyone else won over? Well, it’s taken me time but I’m very encouraged by the last two games in particular. You see Everton more comfortable in possession in defence and with much more belief and purpose in attack. Let’s see where we are after the next two fixtures but I for one am really beginning to believe in Roberto Martinez: now let's go and have a good crack at the big boys.
We’ve nothing to fear – that’s for sure.
Player Ratings:
Howard: He would be hard pushed to have an easier game than that but was there when required, I suppose. 7
Oviedo: I was pleased he played and pleased he played well. OK, he’ll have tougher tests over the next week but he did very well particularly offensively and got himself on the scoresheet with an excellent right-footed strike. Can he make the position his own? Well the opportunity is there for him. It’s up to him to take it. 7 Distin: Fine. Kept them out with no major problems. 6
Jagielka: Slightly the better of the two and got forward to reasonable effect a couple of times. 7
Coleman: Still a little rugged defensively at times but generally sound and got on the scoresheet of course, albeit fortuitously. 7
Barry: Had a very sound game in defensive midfield, broke things up very well and made it very difficult for Stoke to play. Seems to get better and better game by game. 8
McCarthy: Did well. Covered a lot of ground before being rested for the last 15-20 minutes. 7
Pienaar: Had a very busy and effective game. Was probably at his best when we had our swagger in the final 20 minutes, particularly as Stoke were committing men forward and we picked them off on the break. 7
Deulofeu: My man of the match. Mesmerizing and almost Messi-like at times (outrageous comparison I know). He deserved his goal and effectively ran the show at. The thought of he,
Mirallas, Barkley and Lukaku in the same team excited me. 9
Osman: Had a good game. Was busy throughout. 7
Lukaku: One less goal than last weekend but a better performance in my opinion. He seemed genuinely thrilled to score today and did cause Stoke big problems throughout. 7
Stones (for McCarthy): I think he settled into right back with Coleman pushed further up the field. Did OK if not spectacular. Martinez must like what he sees as he seems to be trying his best to give him game time where possible. 6
Jelavic (for Lukaku): Romelu made it difficult for Jelavic by scoring with his last touch before he was substituted. “How can I follow that?” I bet he thought. Well he could have and should have by scoring with that chance. It’s a shame he missed the target. You just struggle to back Jelavic to score at the moment but everyone wants him to come good again…fingers crossed it will happen sooner rather than later. 6
Mirallas (for Pienaar): Was lively and got involved. 6
Reader Comments (34)
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2 Posted 01/12/2013 at 08:32:45
I think Martinez has evolved the team ahead of my expectations in terms of time. After only being at the club for a few months, we are at a level I expected us to be at in maybe February?
The way we attack could lead to teams being beaten before the game even starts! (I wanted to say that since the '80s.)
I like the way Martinez is so calm, he doesn't get overly excited for goals scored or conceded. A calm head in sport is crucial for decision-making: make the right decisions and your halfway there.
David Moyes is full of fear, you can see it in his face! I don't think he will sleep much these next couple of days... bet he's dreading playing us on Wednesday.
3 Posted 01/12/2013 at 10:11:39
4 Posted 01/12/2013 at 10:25:36
However, there is no way on earth that Moyes would have signed Deulofeu or Lukaku on loan. No way would Barkley have had an extended run in the team. When we go behind now, there is no longer a resignation that we are beaten! We actually go for it. We don't take the lead and try to desperately defend a one goal advantage. We try to kill games.
It's so refreshing to have a positive manager. If only we could have beaten Norwich and West Brom we'd be storming it this year!
I've never been more happy to be wrong, I hope MartÃnez stays with us for a very long time.
5 Posted 01/12/2013 at 10:49:09
6 Posted 01/12/2013 at 11:08:58
7 Posted 01/12/2013 at 12:30:03
Yes, continuing to be won over. The Palace game was frustrating, and his bullishness about maintaining the passing game I think was misread. He didnt mean keep passing pointlessly, he meant keep playing the passing game but get better at it!! Spells in the second half were quite stunning. Even Jags and Distin had a couple of surges forwards.
8 Posted 01/12/2013 at 13:12:22
9 Posted 01/12/2013 at 13:53:31
Were only going to get better as the season progresses, barring injuries.
10 Posted 01/12/2013 at 14:22:35
11 Posted 01/12/2013 at 15:32:48
I'm happy with Martinez too, but that particular criticism of Moyes is way off target.
12 Posted 01/12/2013 at 15:56:22
13 Posted 01/12/2013 at 17:14:13
Won over? Well he wouldn’t have been my first choice, but he’s proved that if something isn’t working he’s prepared to change it, he’s found a way of ditching that awful fucking about at the back without sacrificing his passing philosophy. He’s also lengthening the leash on his full backs. That’ll do me.
Must say victories are so much more enjoyable now, We’d have won this game last season but not in this manner.
14 Posted 02/12/2013 at 07:50:00
Now, Bill... time to get working on the next chapter: How to pay for the future [when loanees go home and we need CL footie..] COYB
15 Posted 02/12/2013 at 17:46:47
It's results that matter and RM has done well.
Top 4 looks there for the taking as, if the RS are contenders, then we surely are.
RM comes across well but I'm always sceptical of talkers. Still, he seems to be backing his words up and not coming up with negative excuses and psychology before we've kicked off.
If a Beatles song could sum things up for me right now, my choice would be "Getting Better". (For ofm it would have to be "Should Have Known Better").
First win away at a "Sky 4" club would be oh so sweet on Wednesday...... :)
16 Posted 02/12/2013 at 18:01:25
It will be just as hard this season as ever it was in the past. Looking at the table today, you have to say Arsenal and Chelsea are odds on and it will be a major surprise if the two Mancs don't fill the other two places. After all, they have the players - and resources to get them - regardless of who their managers are.
No, I see us scrapping for 5th with Spurs, Barcodes and, maybe, Saints. My betting money has gone on another 6/7th finish if only because that's where we always finish!
17 Posted 02/12/2013 at 18:11:46
That's Moyes Talk.
We're on the up.
18 Posted 02/12/2013 at 18:25:36
Reality may be a little more demanding. But we'll get to 40 alright !!!!!
19 Posted 02/12/2013 at 18:30:04
But he's definitely exceeding expectations for me.
After a 4-0 win I think we should be positive going up against Man Utd (who'll be bringing a penknife to a gunfight on Wednesday)
20 Posted 02/12/2013 at 18:40:49
Expectations have been raised with two consecutive excellent performances. But further weaker performances will probably come.
If we get a win against MU, highly satisfied. A point, still satisfied. We'll need to shore up the left flank defensively Wednesday. They'll attack that.
21 Posted 02/12/2013 at 18:47:24
Were 13/2 to be in the top 4 but only 6/4 to finish top 6.
I've not given up all hope on a top 4 spot, but agree its unlikely.
Phil's opinion has definitely mellowed on our esteemed manager though, and hasn't mentioned Wigan once lately!
22 Posted 02/12/2013 at 18:56:07
23 Posted 02/12/2013 at 20:41:02
Macca? The loan transfers? Shit judgement, eh.
24 Posted 02/12/2013 at 20:57:04
Kone, Alcaraz, Over paying on macca, so yes, shit judgement on 50% of the outfield players he has signed in his first transfer window.
25 Posted 02/12/2013 at 21:15:41
Ridiculous.
I'll take as much more of his "shit judgement" as we can get.
26 Posted 02/12/2013 at 21:20:47
27 Posted 02/12/2013 at 21:14:53
As far as buying Kone and Alcaraz, he knew exactly what these players could do on the field, if not seeing into the future is a fault as far as the injuries are concerned I would think he's in the majority there.
Notice you didn't mention his faults when making loan signings, very convenient omission!
28 Posted 02/12/2013 at 21:29:58
Kone is settling in to a new team and now has a bad injury.
How many times have you watched Alcaraz to consider him a shit signing?
Macca? What we overpaid?
You won't get many backing you on that one.
29 Posted 02/12/2013 at 22:30:00
30 Posted 02/12/2013 at 22:49:31
The only concern still is the defensive steel that is needed when necessary. However there are signs that this is coming along despite the set piece goals conceded against Redshite.
Everton have a real chance of beating Manure on Wednesday especially with the great form of Pienaar, Barry and McCarthy.
Whilst the only loss was at City, Everton had the lead and couldn't defend it but I believe they are a better co-ordinated side now.
They need to be patient and frustrate Rooney as he is Manure's inspiration at present. Now is the perfect time for the Blues to show the world they have ''arrived'' on the big stage by winning at the ''Theatre of Dreams''.
31 Posted 03/12/2013 at 12:10:40
I thought it although I tempered that thought with the knowledge that Martinez knew what the lad could do and I decided to run with his judgement and he is being proven correct, McCarthy is getting better and better and we are starting to see the benefits.
Kone and Alcaraz are players that Martinez knows extremely well too and as said earlier, without the benefit of clairvoyance no one saw the injuries coming, the good news however is that Alcaraz is back up and running and I am looking forward to seeing him in action, a few friends in work are Wigan fans and they rated him extremely highly, even going so far as to say that he would have kept them up if he hadn;t gotten injured, as for Kone, well shit happens and it did to him, I have faith he'll be class once he's fit again.
Martinez is exceeding my expectations so far, I was at Goodison for the Chelsea and Newcastle games and I am hoping to get to more before the season is out, the gloom I always felt during the latter years of OFM's tenure is gone and in it's place is a wonderful and cheery atmosphere, a genuine sense that the fans are enjoying things, almost party like at times.
I remember the glory days of the 80's, the misery by and large of the 90's with 95 being a notable exception, and I am hoping against all hope that we can recapture some of that 80's magic again and with Martinez I really think we can, let's not forget that he's done what he's done so far with OFM's team in the majority, wonder what will happen when he gets the chance to shape it more to his liking......?
As a final note, to those saying we can't make the top 4 nor win the league, let's not forget that a certain Mr Brian Clough acheived something remarkably similar with Nottinghan Forest by having an actual team of player who would literally break bones for each other, that in the long term is worth o much more than money, team spirit will always win out over the mercenary individuals that populate the Sky 4 teams, shit I'm gonna call it, a 2-1 win for the blues at the theatre of knobs, I called a 4-0 win over Stoke last Friday and I got that right didn't I....?
Keep the faith, COYB....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
32 Posted 03/12/2013 at 16:26:18
Martinez starting it off by having a crack at Big Daves record at the big grounds and the lack of a win in 11 years. He specifically used the exact timescale of ginger balls tenure at Everton to ensure there was no confusion with previous managers.
Then Moyes comes back with a few of the most belittling and condescending statements. This was the pick of the bunch.
Moyes - “He is doing a very good job. He has very good players there. I always told them they could play without a manager because they are very well organised. But Roberto is doing a really good job keeping it going."
34 Posted 03/12/2013 at 17:09:58
35 Posted 03/12/2013 at 16:45:08
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1 Posted 01/12/2013 at 06:12:43
Deulofeu is incredibly exciting to watch, and finished one of his chances excellently, but he also had a couple of odd choices in the area. In addition to the best goal of the day, Oviedo also set up Lukaku's goal to perfection, and he added in an elegant backheel pass. So he shaded MOTM for me. On the live board, I also saw deserved nominations for Delo, McCarthy, Barry, Pienaar and Osman..
Obviously a wonderful day.