Fan Article One More Win For The Best Supporters In The World! One of the main feelings I get supporting Everton is 'Déjà Vu'. Whatever happens this week, Evertonians are the best in the world and can walk proud. Jim Wilson 17/05/2022 67comments | Jump to last One of the main feelings I get supporting Everton is 'Déjà Vu' (same old same old, for some!). Sunday v Brentford — for the life of me, I cannot understand why Lampard did not play Allan for the injured Delph. Like for like, we needed a ball winner and we could have done with man-marking Eriksen out of the game. Despite that the team starts superbly, gets a goal, and looks to have then won a penalty. Most referees you would think would have given it and the VAR would have backed it up. But step forward Michael Oliver — as soon as I saw he was down to referee the game, alarm bells were ringing in my head. So much so, I immediately uttered the word “Fuck!†Why would that be? Déjà Vu by any chance? He gets the chance to redress the Branthwaite sending off with the foul for the penalty he had to give… but declined. I wonder why? The game reminded me of the derby at Goodison when Rodwell was sent off for a perfect tackle on Suarez. In that game, Everton started really well, and Rodwell was playing great. I was thinking “This is the game when his career could really take off for us.â€What could go wrong? The refereeing error (deliberate mistake?) was made by Atkinson; the FA admitted he made a mistake, but no action was taken on Suarez for his blatant cheating. Would Atkinson be allowed to referee a derby again? Of course he would. That decision, just like the no penalty and Mane sending off at Anfield this season, is a game-changer and something that has repeated itself time and time again over the years. Would there be retro punishment for Mane for his vile and dangerous double gouge? Of course not. Yes, mistakes do happen but it is how the FA handles them that is the tell. Not soon after the Man City blatant non-penalty, we have Allan sent off for a foul v Newcastle. The referee rightly judged it to have been a yellow but the VAR amazingly steps in. Wouldn't you think after the horrific decision v City (and especially because Shelvey got away with a red in the away fixture) the FA would redress the situation and not ban Allan for the 2 games? Not a chance. Totally unbelievable. It was a penalty v Man City and Allan's tackle v Newcastle was not a sending-off offence. We beat Newcastle but Allan missing from the away games v West Ham and Burnley was massive. There was no Van de Beek, no Delph, no Allan, no midfield of any merit for two massive games and I think that tipped the balance in those games. With Allan in the team, I think there was a good chance we could have gained at least a point in both games. Even if I am wrong, he should have been given the chance to play. So back to Allan v Brentford. Having not started with Allan and going in at half-time 2-1 up, I would have thought Lampard would think he must now bring on Allan and bolster the midfield. Just leave Richarlison up top to see if he could nick another goal but get the midfield solid in a 4-4-1 formation. I was baffled and frustrated by the manager. I personally would have brought on Kenny at half-time too. Asked him to man-mark Eriksen, or at least once you saw Eriksen was taking over the game. You have to do something. But the same things, mistakes, corruption just keep repeating themselves and have been for years and years. Am I confident that Lampard will get the team selection and tactics right for the Crystal Palace game? No. Am I confident the referee will be okay and we will get our fair share of luck on the night? No. I am now wondering whether Lampard will start with Gomes again and not play Allan when, if Delph is not fit, Allan is a must. But I also fear it will be revealed Allan is injured or ill. Also, rather than picking an attacking team and formation, we should start with a solid team formation of 4-5-1, changing to 4-3-3 when in the ascendancy. Palace are tough to break down and can catch you on the break so we need a solid midfield to protect our defence and push us forward, hopefully giving Richarlison, Gordon etc the opportunity to cause Palace problems. Controlled aggression with attacking intent the order of the day. A point is not good because of Burnley's goal difference and Leeds's point v Brighton but we could rue not getting at least a point if we somehow manage to get a point on Sunday. Hopefully though we get 3 on Thursday. Before the Crystal Palace game, like most people, I suspect, I will go through my Déjà Vu disaster list: The ref is okayThe VAR is okayNothing mad happensNo sendings offNo injuries (in the warm-up or during the game)No penalties given awayNo own-goalsNo Pickford or defensive errorsNo conceding an early goal, just before half-time, just after half-time, in injury time…Nothing silly from the crowd or players (no throwing anything, Richarlison!) We need one more massive performance from the team, every player giving 100% and more. We have some cracking players, they all now need to show huge strength of character and effort. My final Déjà Vu, if it can be called that, is my love for Everton, despite the constant mis-management. And I want to say right now, Evertonians are the greatest supporters in the world. I have stood and sat with them during the '70s, '80s, '90s and 2000s, at Rotterdam, '94 v Wimbledon, and they are special. Away games in the '80s were some of the best times of my life. Opinions may differ; some — like mine at times — may be wrong, but the loyalty cannot be questioned. Even when the crowd isn't singing, they create a special buzz with the constant chatter about the game and other things — and the wit, even during bad times like now, is unbeatable. Evertonians know how to take the piss out of themselves, know how to take defeat, and know how to win. And the people who run ToffeeWeb and the contributors are brilliant. Of course, every club has a few idiots, and some as we know only too well, have quite a few. But we seem to be constantly dealt a bad hand and it gets overlooked how well we handle it when it is to our great credit. It is easy supporting some teams but to support Everton does require a special type of character. How Evertonians have behaved over the last few weeks has been unbeatable and has shown the football world what football should be about. Whatever happens this week, Evertonians are the best in the world and can walk proud. We are the Goodison Gang — COYB! Share article: Reader Comments (67) 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 John Raftery 1 Posted 17/05/2022 at 21:19:54 I assume Allan wasn't fit enough for more than a brief cameo role. John Raftery 2 Posted 17/05/2022 at 21:25:18 Jim, I don't think we have anywhere near enough cracking players. Richarlison and Pickford merit that description and arguably the Calvert-Lewin of last season. None of the others merit that description. Joe McMahon 3 Posted 17/05/2022 at 21:32:36 John, even Calvert-Lewin being a poacher last season, I wouldn't class that as 'cracking'. He's good in the air though. Just read this week that Vardy has over 130 Premier League goals, that's cracking as he can shoot. IMO we have 3 very good players: Pickford (who has immensely improved this season), Richarlison, and Mykolenko (who is being a revelation considering Ukraine will be on his mind). Robert Tressell 4 Posted 17/05/2022 at 22:34:28 Good man Jim. That's the right sentiment. I can't bear it right now so I'm not going to get into the detail. Most important statement is COYB. Jim Wilson 5 Posted 17/05/2022 at 22:59:04 I'm not getting much sleep at the moment, Robert, so I have to keep myself busy (I've never done so much gardening!). Same thoughts and what-ifs constantly going round in my head.It's a trying time for us all to say the least.COYB! Niall McIlhone 6 Posted 17/05/2022 at 23:12:05 Jim: This season has been a strange mix of odd circumstances, coupled with a schism in the boardroom, where the owner was (reportedly) sold on the pitch by Benitez that he could deliver with minimal cash for buying players. If reports are to be relied upon, Bill did not want Rafa, and so we had a toxic situation. The narrative now being touted is that Rafa was not aware that he had no transfer kitty when he took the job. That, to me, is the crux of the problem. Moshiri backed the Benitez appointment. I bought into this personally, thinking he would aid our transition, but it soon became clear that Rafa had reached the limit of his capability to deliver., and we has a wildly unbalanced squad with no coherent plan. For me, the banishing of James, and the woeful away performances at Norwich and Brentford, plus the disgraceful collapse to Watford at home, we're defining moments of this wretched season. Yet still, hope floats, as they say ;. I don't buy in to us having the “ best fans in the world†but I do contend that our fans have stepped up when it has mattered. I think one point against Palace will be enough to keep us up. I also believe we should stick with Frank and support him in all the decisions on sales and signings for the coming season. There is a lot more that is right about our club than the huge negatives of this tortuous season, I feel we need to keep our nerve, unlike the corrupt officials who have cost us a minimum of six, possibly eight points this season. Soren Moyer 7 Posted 17/05/2022 at 23:15:25 Jim, same here. Had a nightmare about it last night. Then woke up and couldn't get back to sleep! Its terrible.Niall, how can a point keep us up!? If we get 1 point and zero at The Emirates. a win for Leeds and Burnley will send us down. Burnley can even push us down with 2 draws as our goal difference is worse than theirs! Jim Wilson 8 Posted 17/05/2022 at 23:21:54 I had to laugh, Soren. All I can say is "Snap" and be sure, if it's happening to us, it's happening to many others. No comfort, I suppose but hang on in there, mate! Soren Moyer 9 Posted 17/05/2022 at 23:25:10 It's like a gradual and steady torture, Jim. God help us if that happens! We won't bounce back soon, I'm afraid. Jim Wilson 10 Posted 17/05/2022 at 23:38:32 Niall - what you say makes sense. The Watford result was the big alarm bell and after the Brentford and Liverpool games enough was enough.The Arsenal win probably delayed action being taken earlier but Benitez should have gone after the DerbyInterviewing Lampard for the job with others just wasted time during the January transfer window and instead of securing a commanding ball winner for the midfield which was essential plus a central defender we signed players who are just not suitable for the relegation fight we are in. Patterson aside only Mykolenko has come good.Soren - thanks for pointing out that as it stands we still need 2 pts to stay up. I still can't believe we didn't finish the job at Watford. Jim Wilson 11 Posted 17/05/2022 at 23:43:40 I can't disagree, Soren. The Gwladys Street and the Park End need to suck the ball into the net for the team on Thursday. Preferably several times! Soren Moyer 12 Posted 18/05/2022 at 01:48:59 Agree Jim. How didn't we go all in for 3 points at Watford is probably our biggest mistake in the club's history! Even Norwich came away with 3 points from there, for crying out loud!!! Dave Lynch 13 Posted 18/05/2022 at 02:00:59 Maybe I'm just cynical...or fed up with the whole sorry car crash that is Everton. Why is it up to the fans to pull the team through, why can't the team do something for the fans for a change this season?The emphasis has been put on the paying public, not on the millionaires who are basically inept at their job. Brian Murray 14 Posted 18/05/2022 at 07:45:05 One thing is certain with Everton: it's all down to tomorrow – forget Arsenal away, we don't win at them places. I don't count the "no fans" Covid away victories. No way would they have happened. A roar of a home crowd even sends this lot to jelly Newcastle away they visibly cracked themselves). I really fear the worst and sometimes it's already written. Hope I'm just panicking. God love them, we all do. From 1969 all the 14 years of heartache with nearly results I never felt this way. I know one ultimate sacrifice will happen. He sits in the main stand. God willing. Niall McIlhone 15 Posted 18/05/2022 at 09:19:07 Soren & Jim: my logic is that Leeds will not win at Brentford though I accept that anything could happen on the frantic final day of the season. I might add that I don't accept the fatalist view that there is no chance at all of Everton getting a result at the Emirates. Okay, it's not a place where we do well generally, but Arsenal we're absolutely terrible at Newcastle, and if Everton can play as they did at Leicester in the second half, we are in with a shout. Anyway, let's get Palace out of the way first. God help us. Brian Wilkinson 16 Posted 18/05/2022 at 10:41:44 Surprisingly I am very relaxed before a game, for a change.I will be there Thursday, and as long as we do not do anything rash, silly yellow cards early doors etc, I feel we have enough to get the job done, no gimme by any means, but I feel a lot more optimistic and let's not forget Leeds have to win on Sunday, all the pressure is on them.We could even lose both games, yet still be safe, we have three chances in our favour, win Thursday, win Sunday, or Leeds lose, we are in a very good position, compared to Leeds.Nothing silly Thursday, do the basics, keep calm heads and take the chances that come our way, tight at the back.Anyone nervous or pacing the floor, save all that nervous energy for Thursday, we will do it, as per usual the hard way, but we will do it this Thursday, keep the faith. Jack Convery 17 Posted 18/05/2022 at 10:46:22 Imagine going to the theatre and its the audience that puts on the show !!! Everton, we love you but you make it so miserable at times, its untrue. Do it Thursday. Get the 3 points and we can put this horrid season to bed, once and for all. COYBs. Barry Hesketh 18 Posted 18/05/2022 at 10:59:11 I see there are plans to replicate the reception for the team bus for tomorrow, I feel that it was counterprouductive on Sunday as the fans wore themselves out, whilst waiting for the coaches to arrive. Would it not be preferable to get into the stadium earlier than usual and get the atmosphere going inside the ground? I'm not against the fans showing support for the team on their arrival at the ground, but I think tomorrow it's important that Goodison Park is bouncing from the off and throughout the game. I wasn't nervous earlier in the week, but as tomorrow approaches it becomes more nerve-wracking by the hour, that's not a bad thing I suppose so long as we transfer those nerves into positive vibes as George McKane might say. Come on Blues one more huge effort to put our fears to rest. Jim Wilson 19 Posted 18/05/2022 at 11:07:33 Soren - It's that double-edged thing again.Yes, we should have finished the job at Watford. We should have gone all-out attack on the night.But it looked like we were going to finish it against Brentford and then the corrupt referee stepped in.You couldn't make it up! Jim Wilson 20 Posted 18/05/2022 at 11:18:34 Niall - I can't help thinking Burnley will get a win or 2 draws and Leeds will beat Brentford. I just don't think Brentford are that good and when you take the game to them they leak goals. And Leeds will go at them right from the off.So we need to beat Palace tomorrow! Sam Hoare 21 Posted 18/05/2022 at 11:32:58 Jim, Brentford are pretty decent. They are 3rd in the form table at the moment and have beat Southampton, West Ham and Burnley at home in 3 of their 4 last matches. The other was a draw with Spurs. So I think its fair to say that Leeds will have to be at their best to get 3 points there. Possible of course and they will be fighting for their life.Obviously a win tomorrow would help us all sleep better but a draw would not be the end of the world as that would mean a draw at deflated Arsenal would see us safe.I also am not convinced that Burnley will beat Villa or Newcastle, could easily see them battling to two draws which would not be enough if we get a point tomorrow. Endless permutations but i'm trying to be optimistic! Ernie Baywood 22 Posted 18/05/2022 at 11:45:20 What odds the Villa manager rests a few against Burnley... ahead of a match against Man City? Danny O’Neill 23 Posted 18/05/2022 at 11:58:22 If we win Ernie it doesn't matter.Why can't it be Friday morning?I'm on my way to get the 5:26 am from Lime Street to Euston with tears still in my eyes. Tears of emotional joy. I even stop to talk to those lingering in town that I usually avoid that time of the morning. I even hug one of them.I get home. The wife frowns. The dogs welcome me and are relieved. We all relax before I head to the Emirates on Sunday. Ticketless but happy.Then we reset in the summer.I'm rambling but I did warn everyone. Jim Wilson 24 Posted 18/05/2022 at 12:15:50 Sam @ 20 hope you are right about Brentford mate.Because of who manages Villa I can see a Burnley win there. Jim Wilson 25 Posted 18/05/2022 at 12:18:03 Barry @ 17 I agree. Getting the atmosphere in the ground buzzing is more important and I'm hoping being a night game it will be the best yet. Danny O’Neill 26 Posted 18/05/2022 at 12:37:53 I meant to comment earlier on the in the ground view.It's probably a separate discussion, but in my opinion it will need another mindset change and the clubs to change their attitude to supporters.When I attended as a teenager, it was all about getting into the ground early. We would queue on Gwladys Street way before the turnstiles opened to get our "speck" 90 minutes before kick off. The ground was full long before the game started.It changed in the Premier League era and the introduction of all seater stadia in my opinion.Also, the neglect and under-investment in Goodison is a good example. Give the fans a reason to be in the stadium. What incentive is there with sub-standard facilities?It goes back to my point on making the match day experience different and not just getting supporters in the ground but keeping them there.I love the pubs around Goodison and the Goodison Supper Bar. But maybe when we move, this is something the club has planned for?And let us take drinks to our seats. I know I'm a scratched record and that lady in the Upper Bullens probably won't serve me for the umpteenth time this season tomorrow, but if I can carry a McDonalds like cup carrier of beers back to my seat at Schalke and watch the match with them, why not at Goodison?As it stands, even if in the ground many stay on the concourses before the match, leave before half time and stay there into the 2nd half.Subtle changes. Treat us as adults. Ironically I can take a hot scolding coffee back to my seat which would be a much more offensive "weapon" than a mildly chilled lager in a plastic cup. Len Hawkins 27 Posted 18/05/2022 at 12:48:20 With the name calling the "DOOM merchants" = Realists and Pessimists, are being vilified after Chelsea and United. The Optimists think that this team can once again come good in one of the two remaining matches.Being a Realist I could not in anyway claim that that I have hope that this depleted squad could once again overcome the three stumbling blocks;1. Crystal Palace or Arsenal2. The Referee3. The Alien who has never seen a game of Football at the VAR shed.Our Saviour has had a hand in the crucifixion by making the club a laughing stock, he has gone behind the coaches back buying players and hiring managers who HE thinks will be good for Everton. The Law of Beverages says he must get something right before we do a Derby County but holding my breath I aint.We have over the years had some odd refereeing decisions, has Clive Thomas explained the Bryan Hamilton goal being disallowed yet?, but the current crop aren't even trying to hide their clamour to be the one to sink Everton with decisions their own families would disown them for they even have the brass neck to peddle their treachery on Live tv for all to see.It is too much too often we get mugged and the FA want to censure the truth that Frank Lampard spoke about bent officials. The knives in the back aren't covered up they are coming from the top. Niall McIlhone 28 Posted 18/05/2022 at 13:28:23 The Burnley fixtures are tough, Jim: Villa will be intent upon finishing their home fixtures on a positive note tomorrow, and as for the home game against Newcastle, there will be upwards of 5,000 Geordies going to Turf Moor.I have a couple of mates who are Newcastle fans who tell me that their fans will be snapping up any available tickets for Sunday and will be roaring their team on. They played very well against Arsenal, and I cannot see Burnley's bovine tactics getting them the win. I just hope I'm proved right. David Graves 29 Posted 18/05/2022 at 13:48:34 The wise sage John Mac raised the question on another thread - What are the chances of us, Leeds and Burnley not getting another point before the end of the season and the table staying as it is?And for anybody wavering about being prepared to stand up and roar the players to a result on Thursday; remember that this could be the last ever Premier League game played at Goodison. A sickening thought isn't it.If you're going on Thursday how would you want to remember the game if the worst should happen? Sat on your hands moaning about it or stood up shouting about it?As a crowd we have done so much to get this team over the line. One last collective push on Thursday and we can all enjoy a visit to the Emirates in the sunshine :) Eddie Dunn 30 Posted 18/05/2022 at 14:08:47 The treason we didn't go all-out for the win at Watford is that Frank had earmarked which games we were likely to win and had two bonus results at Leicester and against Chelsea. I also had those down as unlikely wins. So he thought (as did the players) that home games with Brentford and Palace would give us the needed points. It could still be so, but in fairness, we started v Brentford as if we were going to win 5-2. Events intervened.Now we have to beat Palace to save several of our supporters from keeling over on Sunday.Palace on on the beach – we need to go out and have a real go. A hat-trick for Calvert-Lewin please. Sam Hoare 31 Posted 18/05/2022 at 14:17:21 David, that's a good point that weirdly hadn't occured to me. The last ever game PL game played at Goodison? Let's hope not. I'm sure the crowd will be up for it. Jim Wilson 32 Posted 18/05/2022 at 15:56:38 Niall @ 28 You have cheered me up a bit mate. I am a little more optimistic now. Thanks for that! Jim Wilson 33 Posted 18/05/2022 at 16:02:38 Len @ 27 Brilliant mate. Right out of the Evertonian reality book. There are things I could say but I have become so superstitious because of everything that has happened to us this season I have to keep it to myself.The only thing I have left to offer is COYB! Rob Halligan 34 Posted 18/05/2022 at 16:14:57 Mike Dean is on VAR duties tomorrow night. If he wants to remain safe and free to wander around the pubs and restaurants of The Wirral, then I suggest he gives some dodgy VAR decisions all in our favour! Eddie Dunn 35 Posted 18/05/2022 at 16:26:48 After watching Frank's latest presser, it dawned on me that he has set the scene for a draw on Thursday and a point at Arsenal on Sunday. One could speculate that leeds won't get the win they crave but then I remembered Domenic Calvert Lewin. So relax everyone, a draw on Sunday is nailed-on. And Domenic will be an Arsenal player in the Summer. Brian Murray 36 Posted 18/05/2022 at 16:29:18 rob. we have easily the worst most incompetent refs and idiots in the van in the whole of europe so I doubt it will be trouble free tomorrow for us. As for an agenda against Everton that's for another day after tomorrow. Case in point imagine that richarlson one on one v spurs getting a pen then man in van over ruling. No way that would ever happen over the park in this lifetime. Anyway cool heads tomorrow even if we denied stonewalls or anything just stay in the game. John McFarlane Snr 37 Posted 18/05/2022 at 17:01:53 Hi David [29] the words "Wise sage John Mac" although they sound pleasant are [I'm informed by some] not applicable, however I could nominate you for the 'Wise sage John Mac' fan club. In fact because you would be the lone member there's a good chance that you could select your own title, and you could bask in any glory that comes with our association.On a serious note it doesn't take a Brain of Britain to come to the realisation that If Everton, Burnley, and Leeds United lose their remaining games then it's a Status Quo situation, and with Everton having the most points there'll be singing and dancing in the streets. Raymond Fox 38 Posted 18/05/2022 at 17:18:46 I hope we don't have to win this game tomorrow, because I can't say that I am confident we will. When was the last time we played well against this level of team?It's been a nightmare of a season for all sorts of reasons, it has just felt like we've been cursed. The odds are in our favour only because Leeds and Burnley have to gain points while we may not have to.We also have the Arsenal game to come but we don't often come away from there with anything.Here's hoping for some good luck for a change. Brian Williams 39 Posted 18/05/2022 at 17:21:49 Raymond. We do have to win it to guarantee our Premier League survival.If we don't win it, we can still go down. We win it, we don't! David Currie 40 Posted 18/05/2022 at 17:26:42 Jim 20, Agree and think we need to win tomorrow even though 2 draws will be enough. None of us want it to go to the last game. Time to take care of our own games, I feel exhausted watching and praying every week that Leeds and Burnley don;t win! When I was a kid in the 1970's the Everton fans used to sing Jesus Christ was an Evertonian, please help us Jesus! Soren Moyer 41 Posted 18/05/2022 at 17:37:20 Villa just said they're resting some of their players for tomorrow such as their keeper and a couple of their midfielders ffs! Jay Harris 42 Posted 18/05/2022 at 17:48:06 Soren,Dont expect creasehead to do us any favours. He will love it if we go down.We have to go all out for 3 points tomorrow as payback for the cup exit. Soren Moyer 43 Posted 18/05/2022 at 17:57:39 I know Jay. We simply HAVE to win this. Last chance saloon IMO! Why not go for a comfortable win while it is in our OWN hands!? Raymond Fox 44 Posted 18/05/2022 at 18:11:33 Brian a win tomorrow and our troubles are over I know that.What I was saying if we, Leeds and Burnley lose all remaining games we stay up anyway. Soren Moyer 45 Posted 18/05/2022 at 18:18:50 Raymond, there are other scenarios too such as if one of Burnley and Leeds lose their remaining games we'll be safe even if we lose our next too, If both Burnley and Leeds DRAW their games and we lose both our games then we won't get relegated either. But why count on others to do us a favor when we have our destiny in our own hands!!?Its better to assume that they will get maximum points from their games and if we win tomorrow WE ARE SAFE regardless of the other results. Jim Wilson 46 Posted 18/05/2022 at 18:20:29 David @ 40 - Yes the ‘70s look brilliant to me now. Even in 71-72 and 72-73 I never felt we were in much danger of going down, and I did think Jesus was an Evertonian, despite setbacks! Brent Stephens 47 Posted 18/05/2022 at 18:22:25 Raymond #44 that's a great destination but one hell of a journey!Let's settle it tomorrow, please! Ed Prytherch 48 Posted 18/05/2022 at 18:40:36 Gerrard would lose all credibility and respect from his players and the Villa fans if they saw that he were trying to throw the final home game of their season. Tony Abrahams 49 Posted 18/05/2022 at 18:57:33 Steven Gerard won't be caring about Everton, but if this is true, it's within his rights, and although it's obvious he'd sooner help Liverpool rather than Everton, his team couldn't be accused of not trying to get something out of last weeks game against his former club either. The only solution is for Everton to go and win tomorrow, forget about everything else because we have no control whatsoever over anything but our own fight. David Currie 50 Posted 18/05/2022 at 18:58:02 Soren 45,That is the way I always think, Leeds to end up with 38 pts, Burnley end up with 38 or 40 pts. Win tomorrow we are on 39 and safe. Rob Halligan 51 Posted 18/05/2022 at 19:11:37 I think if Gerrard was contemplating “Throwing the game†tomorrow, wouldn't he have been better doing it the other week when Villa won 3-1 at Burnley? I doubt Lucas Digne will be privy to any match throwing anyway, surely he will be doing all he can to beat Burnley and helping us out. Bill Hawker 52 Posted 18/05/2022 at 19:26:11 While Everton beating Palace at home isn't a given, neither is us losing at Arsenal nor Leeds beating Brentford away.I'm in agreement that I'd rather not leave it to Sunday and just win on Thursday night.Just. Win. John McFarlane Snr 55 Posted 18/05/2022 at 19:40:00 Hi Danny [26] I appreciate that our situations are different, and it's easier for me to attend games, which eliminates the need to purchase refreshments at the ground. You posted 'Give the fans a reason to be in the stadium' and posed the question, "What incentive is there with sub standard facilities?" I'm not being flippant but in my opinion the incentive is not in the quality of the refreshments, it's the quality of the team that would be my main concern. Because I have always lived in the proximity I can tell you that I have never bought a drink of any description, a 40-45 minute walk when as a boy I lived in Everton Road, and on the death of my Mother in March 1950, a 10-15 minute stroll when I lived with my Grandma just off Priory Road Anfield, even now living in Skelmersdale it's just over an hour from leaving home to arriving at Goodison. Hopefully the facilities you require will be provided at Bramley Moore, and that the team remains the incentive. Neil Copeland 56 Posted 18/05/2022 at 19:45:29 Slippy G doesn't have it in his personality to throw a game. He has a want to win every game mentality and will certainly want to finish on a high at home. If Burnley win, it will be because they deserved too.We need to forget the other teams and concentrate on Palace. Peter Carpenter 57 Posted 18/05/2022 at 20:09:08 Gerrard will want us to stay up. He's wanted to beat us in the derby all his career. He wants Liverpool to carry on doing it and wants to do it himself. And his own situation isn't as good as it might be. He needs points to keep his own board happy and certain that they've got the right man. David Graves 58 Posted 18/05/2022 at 20:09:43 Hi John,I was going to refer to you as “The wise old sage†but realised that it would be discourteous to do so!Whilst I hope that I am am wrong and that we do get the win tomorrow, I do think that the scenario were we don't get another point but neither do Leeds or Burnley is a distinct possibility. Paul Birmingham 59 Posted 18/05/2022 at 20:11:01 Neil, and as many have said, spot on, let's forget the rest and focus on Everton winning tomorrow night.It's gonna be some night at Goodison Park.“Whats Our Name?†Danny O’Neill 60 Posted 18/05/2022 at 20:18:11 John Senior, I'm not disagreeing.It's become a feature of the modern game that the stadium (or the seats) are relatively empty until just before kick off.My point is to give incentive to get the fans to their seats early to create the atmosphere.And although football is the only reason I go to watch, I am determined to get that half-time drink tomorrow!! Joe McMahon 61 Posted 18/05/2022 at 20:21:15 Neil @56 correct. Gerrard is a winner and wants to win every game, Burnley have to do it themselves. Unfortunately for us, he would have loved Villa winning at Goodison this season and particularly as Dunc was the temporary manager. Barry Rathbone 62 Posted 18/05/2022 at 20:33:16 Given the long-standing irrelevance of Everton to Liverpool, I can't see Slippy giving us a second thought. Winning to bolster his own reputation is everything; the only issue is can his players match the ferocity of a Burnley fighting for their lives?Personally, I doubt it. Tim Welsh 63 Posted 18/05/2022 at 20:39:27 What is really racking me off at the moment is the glib reporting by the media that somehow an exciting climax to the season is like some kind of fairground sideshow. As if everyone is a 'neutral'. The last few months have been among the worst of my life and to think that, at best, a poor team has found itself on the brink of relegation or, at worst, a corrupt organisation has engineered some theatre for an afternoon's diversion, is beyond sickening. I have read on these threads that people have had sleepless nights (me too), drunk more than usual, smoked or vaped more than usual and even eaten too much. And for what? The entertainment of people who couldn't care beyond the off-switch. I actually feel some sympathy for the Leeds and Burnley fans as well. They will care too and they have to endure the simpering babblings of couch-bound morons with no capability of making an emotional investment into a club. Without genuine fans, football is dead (lockdown games, anyone?).The article above is spot on about Evertonians. We are something amazing. We have to be. We have been serially abused since Clive Thomas disallowed Bryan Hamilton's goal. This year it has hit its nadir... I hope. And maybe this will be the catalyst for Evertonians to make a game-changing gesture that will subvert the festering moral bankruptcy of the status quo.But let's beat Palace first. John McFarlane Snr 64 Posted 18/05/2022 at 20:40:07 Hi Dave 58] I don't consider you being discourteous I find it quite amusing, I will repeat what I've said for some considerable time "Anything can happen in a game of football, each game is unique, it's never been played before and will never be played again", that's why I go to games with an open mind. I'm not quite sure if that merits the description of 'Wise Sage'. I feel that you are doing yourself a disservice, in your original post the word 'Old' never appeared, had it done so it would have been the only word you got right. Neil Copeland 65 Posted 18/05/2022 at 20:45:23 Interesting comment from one of the pundits at the Eintracht vs Rangers game. “Rangers were struggling a bit, the fans recognised that and raised the volume. The players felt it and raised their game. That's when you need the fans the most†Jim Wilson 66 Posted 18/05/2022 at 20:55:28 Joe @ 61 - if Gerrard wants to win every game he will play his strongest team tomorrow. It is as simple as that. His team selection will tell us if he is bothered or not. Jim Wilson 67 Posted 18/05/2022 at 21:24:19 Tim @ 63 - spot on mate. It is like SKY and the PL are orchestrating everything. The referees are making decisions to tweak were teams are finishing.Everton are pulling clear so bring in Micheal Oliver, the specialist.They almost managed to get the big 6 in the Top 6, only for United blowing up it would have happened.Everton complained about the Big 6 and Super League so they have taken 10 points off us, at least.And the media guys are loving it. I have always said never drop into the relegation zone because once you are there it is hard to get out of it. Decisions will just keep holding you back.But this season it has gone to a new level. The PL apologise to us for the no penalty v City and then the bad ref decisions just carried on.I wouldn't wish this on anyone because it is horrendous.Like you my lack of sleep is a problem. If I wake at 4am that's the time I get up because there is no chance of getting back to sleep as my mind is instantly filled with relegation worries.Being in the same city as Liverpool who can do no wrong and get everything they want doesn't help. Something Leeds and Burnley fans don't suffer.I just want us to go safe tomorrow and then there should be a huge debate about the blatant corruption in the Premier League and if they are not prepared to address things we should leave anyway. But there's the rub and I think that is why the PL want us out the way. We carry the most clout outside the big 6. A weakened Everton will not influence things.COYB! Jim Wilson 68 Posted 20/05/2022 at 16:00:40 They did it… Unbelievable!Best night's sleep for a very long time! Ray Robinson 69 Posted 22/05/2022 at 12:21:52 Does anyone know how many season ticket holders renewed before the deadline on 29 April, when it looked like we'd be in the Championship next season? I'll bet it was 90+%. Magnificent supporters. 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' }); Find out how to browse ad-free and support ToffeeWeb © ToffeeWeb