This article may have been recategorised and is therefore no longer available at this URL.

You can try to find the updated link in the article archive.

Share article:

Reader Comments (119)

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


David Greenwood
1 Posted 20/04/2014 at 15:21:33
Glad Naisy is starting, I think Lukaku plays better when he is beside him.
David Greenwood
2 Posted 20/04/2014 at 15:24:45
That is a team that is there for the taking. Please let us batter them!
James Marshall
3 Posted 20/04/2014 at 15:27:01
Buttner at left back, so we should hopefully play Lukaku wide right again with Naismith up top.
David Hallwood
4 Posted 20/04/2014 at 15:48:15
That's the team I picked, I agree it won't be 4-4-2, may even see us playing with Lukaku wide; I hope not because he can bully Jones and Smalling if he puts his mind to it.
Dave Williams
5 Posted 20/04/2014 at 15:50:53
If he puts his mind to it, sums him up perfectly David. I can't decide if he is scared off some opponents or is just inconsistent but we have to win to keep close to Arsenal and clear of Spurs and Man Utd. If we play as we can, we should win – depends which Everton turns up.
Linda Morrison
6 Posted 20/04/2014 at 16:19:42
Agree that unless Everton win today 4th spot has gone. I think the pressure has got to the players. There was a very interesting article in the sports page of the Observer today about OFM and why his relationship with our club has gone sour.

Unlike the slobbering RS lot on the media the journalist nails the issue on the head. He kept messing BK around re the contract when he knew from the nudge nudge wink wink he got off SAF Xmas 2012 he wanted Moyes for the vacancy. The disrespectful comments about our club and how we were holding back the progress of certain players.

The other piece that really hit home for me was the inclusion of the fact the younger players were terrified of making a mistake under OFM as the knew the reaction they would receive from OFM. Maybe that is why SAF wanted him swap one bully for another.

I expect MU to win today and I had the same feeling on Wednesday I hope I am wrong. No doubt if they do win all the usual suspects will write us off and predict MU for the title next season. Not in a million years will they with OFM in charge. Roberto will be judged over the next few seasons.

David Bryant
7 Posted 20/04/2014 at 18:10:41
Doesn't that mean we're pretty much guaranteed Top 6 and therefore in at least the Europa League? United can only catch us if we lose the last three and United win all theirs, so one more point does it?
Lev Vellene
8 Posted 20/04/2014 at 18:14:58
I feel happiness! I shall not venture into baiting, I'll be too drunk with happiness (and beer,,,). Oh, but this is SO nice! :D
Jim Potter
9 Posted 20/04/2014 at 18:16:45
Great tactics by Bobby. We had less possession but were 100% more dangerous than Utd.

Great save at the end by Tim. The only times this season we have looked dangerous at corners is when Alcaraz goes forward.

Moyes must be gutted!

Phil Walling
10 Posted 20/04/2014 at 18:16:11
Just reading this report on way home. Wasn't the game I was watching. We were magnificent today. Roberto is no one trick pony and this was all about application not tippy tappy.

Well done the Blues !

Eugene Kearney
11 Posted 20/04/2014 at 18:19:51
Wonderful stuff. Simply brilliant. COYB.
Robin Cannon
12 Posted 20/04/2014 at 18:25:49
Yeah, I honestly have no idea what game is being reported on here, doesn't bear any similarity to what just happened. Controlled, incisive on the break, excellent and composed performance.
Steve Brown
13 Posted 20/04/2014 at 18:27:23
McCarthy and Coleman both brilliant, covered every blade of grass. It was a brilliant defensive and counter-attacking display.
Jamie Barlow
14 Posted 20/04/2014 at 18:27:26
Fantastic performance and result.

I'm going getting slaughtered in my Manchester local. Don't know if I'll make it back.

Great picture of The Grim Reaper here http://metro.co.uk/2014/04/20/david-Moyes-stalked-by-grim-reaper-on-return-to-everton-dugout-4704166/

Darryl Ritchie
15 Posted 20/04/2014 at 18:21:49
RM just saying "We need to be adaptable". Man Utd had 60% of the ball, and only 2 shots on target! We had 9 shots on them. Tippy tappy when needed, if not, the counter attack, with our pace, is deadly.

Mark Tanton
16 Posted 20/04/2014 at 18:34:50
I love the way we are learning to play in different ways - we have showed power and pace against Arsenal and Man Utd (and taken ten points of them by the way) and it is becoming clear that Martinez is committed to winning not a certain prescribed style of football.
Alastair Donaldson
17 Posted 20/04/2014 at 18:32:59
Lovely result...first double over them in 40+yrs....thanks Moyes!
What kind of reception did the three stooges get (Moyes, Round & Neville)? Suitably passionate I expect.
Dave Lynch
18 Posted 20/04/2014 at 18:37:59
Stunning display.
On another point I thought Clattenburg had a great game.
Chris James
19 Posted 20/04/2014 at 18:37:22
2-0 today and could easily have been twice as many, if only Naismith had been a little sharper and Lukaku could control a football.

A great performance so I shouldn't be too curmudgeonly, but...I still can't quite get over what could and should have been.

I don't care how well Palace are playing, we need to be able to beat them at home and if we had, not only would we still be clear of Arsenal, we'd be in bloody 3rd place and just 1 win off Chelsea!!

Mark Tanton
20 Posted 20/04/2014 at 18:41:05
If we're being over-critical of the performance - Lukaku couldn't hold up a bank.
Brian Denton
22 Posted 20/04/2014 at 18:50:20
Just back. That was a stroll in the park; amazed how poor United were. They are just not playing for him, and I don't see how he can turn that round. Don't care anyway.

That should pretty much nail fifth. I quite enjoy continental travel, maybe another nice German trip or Switzerland.....

Dan Brierley
23 Posted 20/04/2014 at 18:36:24
What a cool, controlled performance. It seemed even when not in possession, we dictated what was going on. Well played Roberto, you got it tactically spot on today. Moyes looked like a man completely beaten, he is seriously fortunate to have kept his job. It was kind of ironic that his very own £60,000 signing epitomised everything that his side was lacking.

Although I can't help but feel gutted at how we have thrown 4th away with too many poor results this season. So many dropped points have come back to really bite us on the arse, as I cannot see us getting ahead of the Gunners now. Only a miracle can get us 4th now. Having our highest points finish is merely academic if it doesn't get us into the CL and the associated cash that goes with it. But, it does bring back Europa League which might not be particularly good for the club, but as I was well reminded by a fellow blue today, it does bring back european away days which are priceless for us.

Mark Tanton
24 Posted 20/04/2014 at 18:54:07
Thursday nights with Anichebe Super Sub and Arteta used to be a lot of fun. We had some good results last time we were in Europe. If we'd just beaten Fiorentina on penalties...
Lee Hind
25 Posted 20/04/2014 at 18:54:39
Agreed Robin Cannon... unusually it has to be said, match report on here is not reflective of the way we brilliantly snuffed out everything they had to offer, whilst simultaneously provided a lesson in counter attacking football... then, when they were spent, we harried them all over the pitch.

Not perfect – Barkley had one to forget overall, Lukaku's touch deserted him, but a very professional (not to mention very pleasing) result and performance!!

Pat Finegan
26 Posted 20/04/2014 at 19:00:19
Great performance. MotM: McGeady followed closely by the grim reaper.
James Martin
27 Posted 20/04/2014 at 18:57:21
As much as I love watching Everton beat United, this just put Wednesday's performance into context. You could have predicted a win today because Everton are good at winning when it doesn't really matter.

I hope we start next season in this sort of form because we'll definitely be top 4 if we go on these sort of runs.

I wouldn't pay for Lukaku this summer.

Michael Kenrick
28 Posted 20/04/2014 at 18:59:10
I guess it was ME who was a bag of nerves!

Even so, when you only have 39% of the possession, it's not going to look like you really had control of the game. Maybe I should look at it again but we looked to be on the back foot for most of the first half and 10-15 mins of the second.

For me, the margins are so narrow; I was never convinced we had won until that final whistle. I'm so, so glad that we have... what a tremendous relief. There just seem to have been far too many occasions where we get fucked in the end.

Thankfully not today!

Sam Bull
29 Posted 20/04/2014 at 19:06:32
Manure looked like EFC last season, good possession, but taking 10 mins to get from one end to the other, then pass the ball around the box and lose it then counter attacked. :-)
Anthony Burke
30 Posted 20/04/2014 at 18:58:02
Arsenal will slip up, I guarantee it. The Man City game will determine whether we get 4th or not. I’m not worried about Southampton or Hull... COYB!!!
Al Reddish
31 Posted 20/04/2014 at 19:05:15
Agree with others about this report, seems on the negative side. Yes we had less possession, but I think this was part of the tactics Martinez employed, and as has been pointed out we are now in Europe next year as the lowest we can finish is 6th. I think with our ability to retain the ball we can do quite well on the continent.
Dave Lynch
32 Posted 20/04/2014 at 19:08:39
This is not a Moyes team, though, Michael.

I was very confident going into this as I remembered Moyes as being the perennial bottler when it really mattered.

He did it again today, for all their possession they created virtually nothing and as mentioned we controlled how the game was played even when they had possession.

Andy Meighan
33 Posted 20/04/2014 at 19:11:26
MotM — Roberto Martinez!
Dean Adams
34 Posted 20/04/2014 at 19:05:54
Well, I for one am a bit depressed!!! We can no longer win the league.

On a brighter note, what a great result against the former champions. I sincerely hope we manage the same feat next year (beating the champions home and away!!).

Come on ya blues, this time next year, we will be champions ourselves!

Gary Reeves
35 Posted 20/04/2014 at 18:59:49
A comfortable win, never in doubt...

I get the feeling Roberto has been making a judgement call on young Barkley over these last couple of games. He could (and maybe should) have brought him off early in both games but left him on, to very little avail. His best position is really worrying me now.

If we got a £30M bid? ... That would be a big call for RM, as it could buy us 3 new players.

Phil Walling
36 Posted 20/04/2014 at 19:11:52
We've only lost six all season but losses to Sunderland and CP are particularly galling. Also the draws against several of the other s now fighting for Prem survival.

Having said that, RS, Man City and Arsenal -in the Cup- have tonked us so we are very much work in progress.

The quality of our football and the technical progress made by our players has been a joy and a similar leap next season will 'see us in serious contention.'

Have to admit my eyes have been opened although I still think Roberto needs to take care not to sign any more crocks.

Mike Green
37 Posted 20/04/2014 at 19:12:09
I thought we were great in the first half, pretty patchy for first twenty minutes of the second but bossed the end.

Only criticism I have is we had three of four chances to really put the match to bed and didn't take them, which for me is the difference between first and fifth.

Otherwise I thought the match was a great advert for the game, both sides going at it fairly, agreesively and openly.

Quite poetic that it has hopefully nailed European football in some form for us next season, and consigned Man Utd's to the dustbin.

Well done and congratulations to Roberto and the boys for another hoodoo busting performance, and hats off to the whole support there today - Goodison crackling with atmosphere. Fantastic.

Nicholas Page
38 Posted 20/04/2014 at 19:20:47
Incredible tactics by Roberto. Brilliant. Wednesday was unfortunate but he went for it, fair play. All hail Martinez. All hail
Patrick Murphy
39 Posted 20/04/2014 at 19:17:19
I understand what Michael means about never feeling comfortable during the game and that second-half felt like hours rather than 49 minutes. But most of the tension and nerves were mostly down to how Everton have the unhappy knack of kicking you in the teeth when thinks look rosy.

We also have to credit Martinez for having the foresight to conserve his players' energy against a United team that has had 11 days rest. Another bonus from the game was the performance of Alcaraz; I thought we wouldn't be as sturdy at the back when he came on for Distin but everybody worked so hard and stuck to their tasks, it was in the end a pleasurable experience.

I know Coleman got most of the plaudits and he played well but it was Baines and McCarthy who were the real stand-out performers and they led by example. Barkely was again a bit below his own high standards but I'm hoping he rediscovers his form by the start of next season unless he chooses to leave.

This Everton side is a very very good one and if BK can find the money to fund the ambitions of Martinez then we will enjoy a few more results like this next season and who knows where that might take us. Well done, Everton; we have our pride back and can once again play the game the way it should be played by an Everton side.

Colin Glassar
40 Posted 20/04/2014 at 19:18:52
I really can’t wait until next season starts. I know this one hasn’t finished and we’ve still got lots more to play for but next August we will be even more of a Martinez team.

The lads will have had two preseasons and a full season under him. We will have a couple more new players and loanees who are comfortable playing the Martinez way. Happy days are here again.

Colin Wainwright
41 Posted 20/04/2014 at 19:26:22
McCarthy MotM, for me, but great performances all round — apart from Lukaku who is morphing into Brett Angell as we speak.
Dean Adams
42 Posted 20/04/2014 at 19:29:38
If we end up in the Europa League next season, I think we can seriously win it. A bit of silverware and Champions League qualification....... ah but to dream.
John MacDonald
43 Posted 20/04/2014 at 19:31:19
RM tactics today were top class. He totally outwitted Man Ure and Moyes, the guy is a genius. Can't wait for next season.
Peter Z Jones
44 Posted 20/04/2014 at 19:34:49
Still in it!!!
Duncan McDine
45 Posted 20/04/2014 at 19:34:12
As some others have said, this report didn't reflect the game I saw... and the negativity about Mirallas is beyond me – he was unbelievable today. His constant pressure on the Utd defenders was fantastic, and in fairness the entire team hassled them all over the park... they could only resort to passing backwards or losing the ball!!!
Colin Glassar
46 Posted 20/04/2014 at 19:36:59
Dean Adams, our win in the Cup Winners Cup was to be our catalyst to dominate Europe for several years to come. Unfortunately, that was not to be.

You might have a point there regarding the Europa League. I think Roberto will know how to handle the squad and he will love testing himself in Europe. I just hope we get a chance this time.

Brian Waring
47 Posted 20/04/2014 at 19:46:18
My other half's brother is a Man U season ticket holder, as he said, they had all the possession but we controlled the game.
Frank Crewe
48 Posted 20/04/2014 at 19:34:45
Mr Kenrick must have been watching the game in his head because it certainly wasn't the game I was watching. Manure had more possession but outside of the Rooney effort we had all the chances and with a bit more composure we could have had more goals than the two we scored.

The fact is we never looked like we were going to loose that game and just powered them out of it. Fast pacey counter attacks they couldn't keep up with. We just blew them away.

Such a shame we lost to Palace. Oh well onward and upward.

Gavin McGarvey
49 Posted 20/04/2014 at 19:34:15
Great result from not necessarily our greatest performance. Rm had our tacticsspot on, even if we were a bit tough to watch first half. Missed the first 15 min of the second half but I thought we looked much more controlled second half. Still think Arsenal will slip up; we just need to take care of our own business. Coyb.
Kunal Desai
50 Posted 20/04/2014 at 19:46:11
Great result, that's probably one of the worse Man.Utd teams i've seen at Goodison, there only notable shot coming in the final five minutes. Take nothing away from the blues, they were awesome. RM got it wrong on wednesday with the starting lineup I bet he's now kicking himself, still we have to cut him some slack for the overall season we have had under him whatever the outcome this season. I cannot wait for next season now. I can see Arsenal turning over both Newcastle and WBA at home, the decider could well come at Carrow road, especially if Norwich still have to win to stay up. Be it 4th or 5th it's been a great season and in his first season, i've no doubt that next season will be even more exciting.
Sam Hoare
51 Posted 20/04/2014 at 19:50:53
Bloody Palace! 3rd would be feeling very tasty right now. Will be gutting to get 70+ points but not CL football.
Colin Glassar
52 Posted 20/04/2014 at 19:58:46
I’ve seen worst united teams tbh Kunai e.g. The united team that got relegated in 73-74? Some of the 80’s united sides were no great shakes either. The problem for this united team is that they don’t believe in ginger and his stooges and they don’t want to play for him. It sounds like wellbeck has put in a transfer request tonight so they’re falling apart.
I just pray to god that the Newcastle players find their balls against arsenal and show some pride. Fourth is out of our hands now whatever we do. We must believe until the end though.
Chris Corn
53 Posted 20/04/2014 at 19:56:28
Have to say that I share some of the disappointment regarding 'what might have been' regarding the Palace result, however after watching Liverpool and Arsenal I was convinced that today would result in a defeat to really grind our noses in it. We are still in it though, and you never know. Thought today was a brilliant response and showed that Martinez can adapt his tactics, which was an accusation levelled at him not so long ago.
Ste Traverse
54 Posted 20/04/2014 at 19:54:54
Top performance. Could and should have been more. We picked them off time and time again on the break.

Moyes got the reception he deserved and it was great to hear phoney Phil Neville getting stick off us in the Street End, particularly with his snide 'Everton are buckling under the pressure' comment on Friday.

8 wins out of 9 now dickhead.

Nicholas Page
55 Posted 20/04/2014 at 20:11:32
Negativity, my blue friends is our biggest downfall. Get behind the team and get behind Blue Bobby. Sin miedo
Dave Williams
56 Posted 20/04/2014 at 20:01:03
Spot on Patrick Murphy- I thought Alcaraz was absolutely superb - unruffled, great with possession ,no one got past him and even dangerous at corners. If he could stay fit he would be my first choice to play alongside Stone who again was almost flawless. Best I have ever seen from Kevin with great work rate and helped out defensively too. Seamus and James probably the pick of the team but apart from Ross and Lulu they were all superb. Ross needs his summer break and not in Brazil whilst I have had doubts all season about Lulu who flatters to deceive.
Pleased for Paul Ferry who must be flying back home without the assistance of the plane!!
Chris James
57 Posted 20/04/2014 at 20:03:18
I couldn't agree more Sam (762).

As with many of the other posters here, come the summer, I too will doubtless look back happily on a record points haul and a top 5 finish to go with some truly wonderful attacking football, a few new stars and a genuine return to the belief we could win every match we play.

However, once you open the bottle it's tough to get the genie back in and right now I'm still struggling with the Palace result and what could/should of been. If we only started with our strongest, most balanced side we'd surely have got at least a point and probably more and could even be looking down on City now wondering whether a Goodison win would put us in the running for third, or maybe even glancing up at Chelsea and imagining that if they don't get anything from Anfield and are held by Sunderland then 2nd place might not be a total pipe dream.

As it is, we're relying on Arsenal slipping up and with Ramsey back and firing on all cylinders plus options in Ozil and Oxlade Chamberlain, I struggle to see them dropping points in the run-in. They're certainly not going to collapse at home to a toothless Newcastle who are already on their holidays or an all round poor West Brom, so our only real hope is that Norwich are still in with a shout and needing the points on the last day pulling out a cup tie-like effort, whilst the Arsenal boys have their minds half on their own cup engagement.

The fact that we're even in with a shout of course owes so much to Robbie's ambition and tactical nous that it really is churlish to condemn him for one slip, especially when it was an attack-minded gesture. But the fact remains when we needed to step up and turn the screw, we conspired to drop the screwdriver on our own feet first.

Dominic Pitt
58 Posted 20/04/2014 at 20:19:08
Der Kaiser Aus Barnsley
Ian Dickson
59 Posted 20/04/2014 at 20:15:25
3 games to go, starting with Saturday and the chance to go 4th for a couple of days at least – no more incentive needed. Let Arsenal feel the pressure against a Newcastle side who surely have to put in a performance one of these weeks... please let it be next Monday night!!!

Patrick Murphy
60 Posted 20/04/2014 at 20:20:24
I followed the trail of the Grim Reaper and ended up on Manchester Evening News match report and some of the comments took me back to the recent past!

Worst match of this season - and there has been quite a few to choose from. A disgrace! Wonder how much Everton could have won during the last ten years, if Moyes hadn't have been hindering the development at Goodison!? United need not 5-6 new players, but rather 12-15 new top players to stand any chance at all next season!

Brian Denton
61 Posted 20/04/2014 at 20:21:22
Eventually Newcastle are going to get a point from a game. Maybe the Arse-Newcastle game will be it.
Dave Williams
62 Posted 20/04/2014 at 20:22:54
Stones really is a hell of a player and if Ross had his composure......!!
I think we will see a much matured Ross Barkley next season but the question is what is his best position?Personally I thinkNais adds so much to the team I would now see him as first choice behind the main striker so quite where Ross plays I don't know - certainly not wide left where I thought he was pretty well disciplined today hilst never approaching his best form.
John Hughes
63 Posted 20/04/2014 at 20:47:08
By the way - any news on Distin's injury?
Jonny Flynn
64 Posted 20/04/2014 at 20:44:30
Great result couldn’t fault a single player. There was only one team who wanted to win that game and that was us. If we played with that intensity every game wed take some stopping because we sure have the raw materials.

James McCarthy is sensational, his work rate unreal. Fellaini was good for us but watching McCarthy today showed him why hes not been missed. COYB.
Keith Glazzard
65 Posted 20/04/2014 at 20:37:25
Something I'm really pleased about today - when Ossie came on he seemed to introduce dignity into the proceedings. Roberto's strategy had worked a treat so far, and he topped it with the wise head an good feet of a ten year man. Priceless.
Patrick Murphy
66 Posted 20/04/2014 at 21:02:23
John #778 It doesn't sound too promising the OS is saying he needs a scan; Hamstring by all accounts.
Christopher Kelly
67 Posted 20/04/2014 at 21:07:07
Jamie #719

Fucking hilarious. Better than the guy at the Fulham match trying to hand the linesman a blind walking stick! Hahaha, good on him.

Paul Johnson
68 Posted 20/04/2014 at 21:20:57
Just watching the game again and I am watching a young John Stones look like he has been playing at this level for a long time. If we want to be serious moving forward then this lad is someone we keep no matter what. I think I can confidently say that if Davey was in charge this young lad would not have been on the bench let alone played.

Great result, great tactics, great performance. Makes you feel good inside. Next year we will be a force... Why? Because our manager is top draw. Bring it on.

Roger Helm
69 Posted 20/04/2014 at 21:05:19
If we don't get the CL, I'd back us to win the Europa next year. With Gibson, Jagielka, Kone and Pienaar back, plus whatever reinforcements Martinez is allowed to get in, we will have a handy squad and RM's tactical nous will be invaluable in Europe. I wouldn't get hung up on the Palace result. It was a night when we didn't play well, perhaps over-confident after a good run, and came up against a form team who played out of their skins and somehow scored with three of their four attempts. Even so, only Liverpool have lost fewer games than us this term.
Kieran Riding
70 Posted 20/04/2014 at 21:28:34
City to falter.

We stuff em.

We finish 3rd.

Raymond Fox
71 Posted 20/04/2014 at 21:13:06
With regard to the Palace and Sunderland defeats, every team has these sorts of daft/disappointing results each season, at least almost all of them do!

Very ironic result today, swapping managers and doing the double over Utd, I read its the first for 40yrs. Bloody great!

I'm sorry that Alcaraz is not 4 or 5 years younger, he would be some asset, a classy looking player.
Were still in with a shout for top 4, long shot, but you never know.
The city game is giving me the willies already though, going to be tough, but a least its at Goodison.

Whatever the rest of seasons results bring, we now have a top manager, lets hope the board give him some proper money to spend this summer.
Exciting times!

Brent Stephens
72 Posted 20/04/2014 at 21:30:22
Moyes gets some boos but mainly ignored. And the likes of the Palace game we now see as a blip rather than seeing those good performances against Arsenal, MU, Chelsea as blips. That's how far we've come in a season. Forget past managers and players. Have no fear from the other top teams.

Today we had several men of the match - Mirallas, Coleman, Nais, Stones, McCarthy. Macca for me. To think some questioned the millions we spent on him - what an engine, what tackling.

Nais - what a fairy story. From a dunce to a lad who's getting ologies with us. What a turn around. Another great engine.

The calmness of Alcaraz today (and seen every time he plays). And strong in the air.

Stones - some call him for his defensive frailty. But a clean sheet against a team with Rooney, Hernandez, Mata, Welbeck, Kagawa, Nani. The lad played his part and is doing good.

Barks poor today but I guess he'll come good.

John Hughes
73 Posted 20/04/2014 at 21:43:19
Thanks Patrick - fingers crossed then.
Brent Stephens
74 Posted 20/04/2014 at 21:48:41
I loved the way Roberto mixed it up today. We had the patient possession / passing game. We had the long balls out from the initial third. And we had the on-the-ground- lightening fast breaks with 3 or 4 up with the ball.

All in all, keeping the opposition on their toes as to how we were playing it. But I just loved the on-the-ground lightening fast breaks.

Can't wait for MC and then next season. Sod the WC.

Gerry Quinn
75 Posted 20/04/2014 at 21:46:03
Boy, oh boy - 43 years and worth every penny and dollar I spent to get here. Brilliant performance, and I didn't worry half as much as I do when watching the team on the telly. Brilliant atmosphere and the team played to it. No, the whole day has been PHENOMENAL - thanks Roberto
Mike Gaynes
76 Posted 20/04/2014 at 22:04:54
Congratulations, Gerry. I am so happy for you. Well deserved, mate.
Mark Frere
77 Posted 20/04/2014 at 21:58:39
Raymond (791) Lets just worry about the very tough away game at Southampton before we start worrying about Man City. If we lose that one, our top 4 chances could be very slim indeed going into the Man City game.
Denis Richardson
78 Posted 20/04/2014 at 23:32:12
Surprisingly comfortable win in the end. Was worried by the kagawa, Mata and Rooney front three before the off but McCarthy and Barry snuffed out anything in the middle and Howard had f all to do most of the game. Coleman had an excellent game and stones and Mirallas also had good games.

It's amazing to still be in with a shout of 4th with only three games to play but ahhhh, that palace result is such a downer! Just a draw would have been enough to have it in our hands.

Europa League is pretty much guaranteed now at least, which is a plus. Cannot really see us getting 4th now though it's only one point. Arsenal have the barcodes at home next and they are by far the worst team in the league at the minute, their players are already on the beech. Southampton away is not going to be easy for us.

The players have a weeks rest now - all we can do is win our games and hope someone does us a favour. With Ramsey back however, I think arsenal will keep winning....

Still, it's already been a great season and if next year is better then who knows what will happen! This season we've beaten Chelsea, Arsenal and Manu at home and taken 4 points off them away. That's not bad for starter Roberto....

Jamie Crowley
79 Posted 20/04/2014 at 23:58:31
There's just no way we will finish on 78 points and not get CL?

Right?

So happy to see Moyes slither out of Goodison dejected.

Harold Matthews
80 Posted 20/04/2014 at 23:52:48
Gerry. A day to remember. Nice one.
Jamie Barlow
81 Posted 21/04/2014 at 00:25:28
Well pleased for you Gerry, and for Paul F. It's great you were there to witness a performance like that.
Kevin Rowlands
82 Posted 21/04/2014 at 00:25:15
Ste #766, thanks for letting us know Neville was getting stick that is music to my ears, can't stand the 'lets roll our sleeves up, attack the day' prick, thick bastard, 8 out of 9 wins and we're buckling under pressure?, fuck off you Manc twat!
Chris Leyland
83 Posted 21/04/2014 at 00:40:12
Jamie Crowley, to get 78 points and finish outside the top 4 would be a record. In the 38-game Premier League era, the best 5th-placed finish was Spurs who got 72 points last season. To put it in to context, in the 1996-97 season which was played over 38 games and with 3 points for a win, Man Utd won the league with 75 points. The highest points total finishing 4th in this era was 76 by the Shite in 2007-08.
Paul Ferry
84 Posted 21/04/2014 at 01:07:57
Kev - 840 - not far from me today one of us with a great head of hair (!) was giving Neville loads 10 foot from where he was sitting and the fecking stewards ended up ejecting him. But, trust me, Neville heard every word and the laughs and agreement from said boss hair guy's neighbours.

Watching Round, Neville, Woods, and HIM in the dug out today was a treat. Sorry Eds for basking in this but they act as if they are top top top tree at Man Utd and all that and we all know that this time next year the chances of each one of them being at the dream theatre is well, check out the bookies ....

COYB

Kevin Tully
85 Posted 21/04/2014 at 01:00:41
Just walked in the door - I have felt the wrath of Michael & Lyndon for posting whilst pissed, let's just say after a 12 hour bender I'll be barred for 12 months.

What a great day, I couldn't really enjoy the game knowing Gerry Quinn & Paul Ferry had travelled thousands of miles (stay at home in future lads) I was totally desperate to send that corporate behemoth and all that is wrong with football to die. Does anyone know where Tarzan found those old tusks in the middle of the 'escarpment', do you know how difficult that is to type after a Vodka frenzy?

Only arl fellas will who visit this wonderful site will picture Jonny Weismuller crying over the corpse of Man Utd & a ginger wrinkly guy once of this parish.

Paul Ferry
86 Posted 21/04/2014 at 01:16:26
Great stuff Gerry Quinn mate what a cracking day eh! Did you get to the Winslow? Did you get to Crosby and a bevvy in the Crows! Bet your missus had a wonderful time too! All the best to the two of you in your comfy soft Adelphi sheets!
Phil Sammon
87 Posted 21/04/2014 at 01:34:03
Great game for you to get back for, Mr Ferry. I was looking out for a guy in a beret but I never saw you.
Kevin Tully
88 Posted 21/04/2014 at 01:34:10
Ahhh - the Ferry man made it through the day. Hi Paul. Sorry I never made it to the Winslow brother. I bet you glad you took that in today. Why did the grim reaper get thrown out? Just like the eighties in our prime eh? I bet you never had a cocky's hut like you wore today in those days? One thing though mate - I heard there was a guy wearing a Fila tracky and Adidas Mamba in the Winslow?
Jamie Crowley
89 Posted 21/04/2014 at 01:32:04
Chris -

I'm hoping we don't see Everton re-write the history books with a highest-ever-point-total-but-didn't-make-it record.

If you'd a said we were going to finish on 75 points before the season started no one would have believed it. How about finish on 75 and not make CL? Never mind 78 points!

History is usually an excellent barometer for the future. I have to believe if we win our last 3 we are in. No matter how winnable Arsenal's last 3 fixtures look on paper.

Jamie Crowley
90 Posted 21/04/2014 at 01:42:13
Really should mention as others have - very happy for Paul and Gerry seeing such a great game. Hope you two had a fantastic Easter for the ages.
Peter Barry
91 Posted 21/04/2014 at 01:47:10
I hope all the deluded useless 'meejah' pundits and the dwindling number of Moyes Boys on TW are enjoying their 'humble pie'
Peter Barry
92 Posted 21/04/2014 at 01:48:56
If anything exemplified the stark contrast between TGT and Roberto as managers it was this game. Al huff and puff with no threat and no result from TGT's team and skill aggression and ruthlessness from Roberto's. A 'pig in a poke' does not even begin to describe SAF's 'we must have another Jock to succeed me' insanity at Man U.
Peter Barry
93 Posted 21/04/2014 at 01:53:32
Is it just me or do others see something of a 'strolling Bekenbaur' about the confident way 'Alcatraz' plays without any fuss "he keeps them all locked up' .
Paul Ferry
94 Posted 21/04/2014 at 01:51:55
Lovely Jamie. Phil, and Kev – and yes Kev perhaps 10 pounds heavier but I looked a delight if I may say in my ’82 designer gear. The alehouse took a sharp intake of breath when I walked in through the door!

It would be a real treat to spend time bevvying with you lot. Right now I’m at my mate’s in Crosby as the 2 am hour looms just being matey happy! Fecking train to London in 6 hours!

Phil we need to talk about the workers and bosses!

All the best mate(s)!

Phil Sammon
95 Posted 21/04/2014 at 02:10:15
I don't know about the puns Peter, but in Alcaraz and Stones we must have the two most composed centre-backs in the league.

It's also interesting that Alcaraz came on and won 4 headers from corners. We really lack that as a team. When you consider the amount of goals the RS have had from that scary freak at the back. It's an important part of the game we seem to neglect.

Patrick Murphy
96 Posted 21/04/2014 at 02:10:19
I couldn't believe how easily Alcaraz fitted into the team today; he was awesome and looks like a proper footballer - pity he's not as young as John Stones. But if Distin doesn't recover in time let's hope that Alcaraz can fill in just as well in the last three matches.

Peter the Meejah pundits aren't going to change: even if Everton were ten points clear at the top of the league, they have nailed their colours to their particular masts and they ain't gonna change for anyone or anything. It's always been like that for Everton and it always will be. 90% of the match reports I've read today have all been about Man Utd and their failings; I prefer it to be that way to be honest because the more the media ignore us or believe that we are not a threat the better.

I want Everton to go Fourth with the final kick of the season because that is the only time that it counts.

Michael Kenrick
97 Posted 21/04/2014 at 02:35:32
I just watched the 'Grim Reaper' episode again off the live feed. 17 mins in, a steward approaches him and obviously asks him to leave. What a travesty.

How is it that we stamp out such wonderful expressions of scouse humour, while giving in to all this maudlin kopite shite? I despair, I really do...

Paul Ferry
98 Posted 21/04/2014 at 03:19:11
Totally spot on Phil (Sammon) - 862 - not a word wasted mate. Up the workers!
Matt Traynor
99 Posted 21/04/2014 at 04:08:25
Gerry, have to ask, are you still convinced that's your last return to Goodison??
Mike Gaynes
100 Posted 21/04/2014 at 05:09:57
Phil, well in about Alcaraz... I've been spouting for weeks about our miserable corners, and today we finally had someone in blue get his head to a few... including in our our defensive end, where we have given up some poor goals this year.
Peter Bell
101 Posted 21/04/2014 at 07:28:39
Must admit I was a bit sceptical about Alcaraz after the derby, but will acknowledge he was not fit. Looked the dogs B@@@@ yesterday when he came on. Think RM long term phenomenal philosophy is three at the back which will include two ball playing centre backs ( Stones & Alcaraz ) and a Harold Mathews style tough nut in the Brian Labone mold.
As for OFM TGT he is getting his just deserts. He couldnt wait to get over there and get his arse on that seat at Carrington, even when our payuroll.
The Chosen One, looked more like The Frozen One sat on that bench looking clueless at what was going on around him on the pitch
Eugene Ruane
102 Posted 21/04/2014 at 09:05:52
Michael ~ (867) "How is it that we stamp out such wonderful expressions of scouse humour, while giving in to all this maudlin kopite shite? I despair, I really do"

Sorry but the reality is the grim reaper first appeared 'haunting' Moyes at Utd's home leg against Olympiakos and is (probably a student) paid to get the name Paddy Power into the the papers.

In advertising terms, it's part of a 'guerrilla campaign' that (successfully it appears) looks to get free advertising (ie; why pay for a press ad when we can make 'the news' and get our name in the papers for nothing)

http://prexamples.com/2014/04/paddy-powers-grim-reaper-haunts-man-utd-boss/

Brin Williams
103 Posted 21/04/2014 at 09:01:30
Spare a thought for 'poor' Fellaini - stolen from his beloved Goodison only to sit on the bench on his first return - and watch his successor have a blinder.

What a lesson this match turned out to be - 'grass greener' etc - I wonder how many of our young stars will be thinking of 'jumping ship' in favour of the lure of 'improving their game' in more 'glamourous theatres' where their dreams will be shattered.

Rooney - (?) ...nuff said.

Colin Glassar
104 Posted 21/04/2014 at 09:17:47
Brin, Felli seemed alright sitting on the manc bench earning £150k a week and unlimited text messages.
Brian Furey
105 Posted 21/04/2014 at 09:33:06
Delighted the two lads got to experience what I did with my two young kids for the Arsenal game. I only travelled from Dublin but it too was an amazing feeling and best day out with the kids in ages.
There's a lot more at stake when you get up at 4am to fly with Crying Air to come over to a game. However Robbie has already made it a lot more exciting and positive experience. I know he's only a football manager but as I took the kids to the playground in Stanley park I couldn't help but feel what this little man with his fancy shoes has done to this city and the fans beyond. I've had a shitty year on a personal level but boy has he given me great reason to BELIEVE again and find the positives in my life again. Talking to fans as I collected my tickets I could sense the feel good factor was back and not the Moyes fear and dread created. Thanks Roberto. We love you man.
PS I am sober but hung over :-)
James Stewart
106 Posted 21/04/2014 at 11:30:54
Great performance. Alcaraz was great coming on too but let's not forget, United had no pace which can really expose Alcaraz. Lukaku was horrible to watch again. Shocking control don't think he held it up once.
Tony Abrahams
107 Posted 21/04/2014 at 11:11:58
Everton's build-up was to slow and ponderous Michael? Especially for our two goals mate! United had 60% possession and yet I never once felt really threatened when watching yesterday's game, probably because that is how I felt like Man Utd played. Slow and ponderously with little imagination on the pitch and even less off it.

Rooney makes me more sick now than he ever did when he left us, because he hasn't signed his new contract to win more medals looking at United yesterday. It shows you how low our great club had become when a man like Moyes got over ten years in the hot- seat presiding over the only decade in which Everton never won a major honour in their great history.

And isn't it a pity that Greatey Market don't sell pace anymore because it's certainly not in the genes/ jeans of any team that Moyes has ever managed!

Trevor Lynes
108 Posted 21/04/2014 at 13:30:40
Can anyone else see Alcaraz as the perfect rotation player for Barry next to McCarthy? Alcaraz will score goals from corners too!

He could be our utility defensive rotator at either centre back or defensive midfield. He has experience, strength, heading ability plus decent ball control and distribution. I would be happy for him playing with any other centre back or midfield defender.

If Kone, Gibson, Oviedo and Pienaar return fit for next season, we will just need a couple of players to make us a decent, top squad. Personally I would be delighted to really go for Lallana and Puncheon. Plus a striker either to buy or loan if Lukaku leaves us. Bony, Lukaku, Remi or Ba would all do a job for us.

Kevin Tully
109 Posted 21/04/2014 at 14:08:38
It depresses me that we had to endure the last 5 years of that Sunday league manager. He did a right job of convincing 99% of the fanbase and ALL of football he was the very best our fine club could possibly hope for.

Martinez has shown him up to be one of the biggest con-men around. The way he approached that game showed how a tactically astute manager can adapt to surprise the opposition at every turn. We let them have the ball up until the final third – believe me, that was by design and not an accident. We could have won by four or five and to watch us breaking at speed going for a third goal was something beautiful to behold.

That's 20 wins for the Spanish maestro this season, another Premier League record. The Man Utd fans are disgusted at what they are witnessing and the shite the man spouts at every opportunity: "We'll try to get back into that top 4" being a particular favourite of mine. They were the fucking Champions at a canter last season! Is it any wonder the players want out of Man Utd, while our stars cannot wait to play for their inspirational manager, who has a vision for this club from top to bottom.

Goodison selling out and the fans are actually talking of a title challenge next season. You would have been sectioned for even mentioning those words when 'The Woeful One' was planning his raid for our players, as he took in the crowds adoration last May.

I'm loving every game and cannot wait for next season already – now where's me headache tablets?

Julian Wait
110 Posted 21/04/2014 at 14:24:12
Gerry and Paul - very jealous of my stateside brethren who got to enjoy the game, but also very pleased you got home to enjoy it and represent the colonies.

I was out in the Texas Hill Country, dancing and drinking and camping under the moonlight all weekend, had a fabulous weekend; eventually topped by watching the game late on Sunday night (I had managed somehow to avoid the score for 12+ hours and the wait and extra-anticipation was more than worth it!).

Really, it could have been (and mathematically should have been) a Merseyside 1-2 this year, with blue on top of course. Next season?

Gavin Ramejkis
111 Posted 21/04/2014 at 17:05:43
The right result from start to finish, the disrespectful gboshite turns up in a tracksuit when he's been suited and booted for every other game, gets out thought and outplayed by a much better man and manager. His post match interviews a usual sea of self delusion.

So glad we got shut of this clown and his dour crap football and now the rest of the world can see what many of us did, a one trick pony playing the long odds game, a werewolf allergic to silver - only got a charity shield through someone else's work too, fit for mid table mediocrity and nothing more. He's broken stacks of records at Man Utd which nail his true quality to the mast for all to see.

Back to the game, we gave them the ball to fuck fart about with all afternoon and counter attacked at will and with panache, could and should easily have been a lot more goals too. The plan wasn't by chance either, Coleman said they'd be training for that before the game

Andy Walker
112 Posted 21/04/2014 at 17:42:25
Fantastic result, well done players and especially Martinez, he got it right, at last a recognition that at times we may need to sit back and play on the break. Good to see he seems to be developing his tactical awareness following his fuck ups at RS, Spurs, Chelsea, and CP, although the latter was more his casino manager side kicking in when he obviously felt we could flood the team with attack minded players. These were all potentially very avoidable losses and if he'd shown the same thinking as he did yesterday, we'd now be a shoe in for 4th.
As for the 'best ever points total' bollocks this is meaningless if you end up in the same position as normal ie 5-6th. All it is demonstrating is that the majority of teams in the PL are worse than previous years. Just think if we were in a league with RS, Man C, Arsenal, Chelsea, and the rest were made up of league 1 quality teams we would have an even better points total but we'd still end up 5th. It's relative performance that counts. RM still master of spin but maybe becoming master of tactics? We'll see but it does look like he's getting there.
The persistent reference by a section of our fan base to David Moyes after each win makes no sense to me. He's gone, nothing to do with us, get over him, move on, RM is the focus not another team's manager.
Patrick Murphy
113 Posted 21/04/2014 at 18:14:31
Andy I don't get your point about 'The persistent reference by a section of our fan base to David Moyes after each win' I don't remember many references to him in eight of our last nine league games. The only reason it has happened this weekend is because it was the return of our former manager to Goodison.. Now the media may like to constantly remind us of what he did or didn't do during his time here regardless of who we are playing I would think it fair game for Evertonians to air their views on OFM when we are playing Manchester United. I prefer that to the constant references to our neighbours as they have got fuck all to do with Everton and have no ex Everton players or members of staff on their payroll.
Andy Walker
114 Posted 21/04/2014 at 18:54:32
Patrick, 43 references to 'Moyes' in the Fulham fans reaction on TW (and another half dozen to OFM) tells a different story.
Patrick Murphy
115 Posted 21/04/2014 at 19:02:53
Fair enough Andy I must have missed those comments or don't remember reading them at the time so I'll defer to your greater knowledge. I think that your suffering will come to an end pretty soon if the reports of DM's demise come to fruition - unless of course he comes in to replace Roberto.
Andy Walker
116 Posted 21/04/2014 at 20:04:00
Patrick it's not greater knowledge just winds me up so I noticed. Fear for me now is they go after RM.
Patrick Murphy
117 Posted 21/04/2014 at 20:07:40
That is my fear as well Andy - but I don't believe that will happen - mind you Early Bird finishes tomorrow night doesn't it - once a cynic always a cynic. But seriously it will probably be a big name European type manager.
Andy Walker
118 Posted 21/04/2014 at 20:10:41
Hope so!
Gavin Ramejkis
119 Posted 21/04/2014 at 20:42:12
Boys after getting their fingers well and truly burned by the potless (silver) misery, even those barnpot quakers the Glazers will want European pedigree with a track record to get them back onto the gravy train of the Champions League.
Tony Abrahams
120 Posted 21/04/2014 at 23:02:40
Andy Walker (#085) did you really think that Everton losing at both Spurs and Chelsea was down to our manager? Avoidable losses? We dominated Spurs for long periods but just couldn't score and Chelsea scored a last-minute goal from a very dubious free kick. Both of these games we played without a recognised centre-forward on the pitch.

I personally thought it was the most TACTICALLY AWARE performance I have ever seen Everton give at Stamford Bridge and the only fuck up was by Tim Howard in the last minute. Same at Spurs for me when a bit more quality in front of goal would have seen us out of sight by half-time.


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.


About these ads


, placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails', target_type: 'mix' });