Everton 0 - 3 Manchester City
We can still do it. Dunkirk and Rorke's Drift. Anything is possible if you fight and believe.
For at least half an hour, we were in this game. Possibly the best team in Europe went through the gears either side of the interval and that was that. But we didn't play too badly considering the opposition.
Credit where due. They are going to equal our 9 titles and deserve it. It shows what good investment and management achieves. I know it's a different era and footballing landscape, but there are parallels. We were, after all, known as the Mersey Millionaires in the '60s, when we achieved success through financial investment and good management.
I feel dirty and will go to confession, but we needed a favour off Lucifer's children and got one last night. More importantly, we go to Wolves on Saturday and still have control of our own destiny before we take on Bournemouth at the Bear Pit that will be Goodison Park. We take care of ourselves.
A very early start as I had to leave at 6 am for an early train to Liverpool Lime Street. Don't talk to me about the prices. Clearly Eurovision had an impact. Fantastic showpiece for the city, but it grated me that they went and spoiled it by singing that song as well as the BBC Breakfast show going on about it consistently the next day. Felt sick.
Anyway, back on topic. I got to Goodison in decent time. Met Rob at the Holy Trinity to have my Goodison Supper Bar chips, peas and onion gravy. We moved on to have a swift one in The Brick. I then had to go and meet Graham, who had my ticket kindly provided by John. And thank you other John for providing the Wolves ticket. I can't thank you all enough.
I generally do okay with home tickets through my membership, but it has been difficult of late. Away is a non-starter. Bournemouth home is already sold out.
As I said to someone previously, no other supporters. Rent-a-crowd across the park do not compare despite their self-appreciation.
If the rumours are true of tickets for Wolves being "offered" for £300, then shame on you, whoever you are. I hope it isn't true. If so, I hope you get found out and I'd gladly meet you to voice my opinion. I get helped by genuine people who never ask for more than the face value. And I am very grateful. We help and support each other when we can.
We started well and looked lively. I actually thought on the half-hour that we would hold out for a point. But then they showed their class. How times change. 36 years ago, that was us and they were in a worse position than we are now.
As I walked across Stanley Park to do my other ritual of going to The Arkles in respect of my Grandad, I was surrounded by Man City fans gloating. I initially shouted them down and reminded them where they had come from. One day, my mouth will get me into trouble, but we ended up friends and we had a drink together.
I told the barman as he served me that I hate the Arkles decked in Liverpool decoration behind the bar and the cringeworthy "World Famous" signage outside. I explained my reasoning for being there. He told me not to worry. He was an Everton supporter.
What can you say? As well as what I've already said, City are different class. They exposed exactly what a lot of teams have been doing to us for many weeks now. Mind the flanks and watch the full-backs.
Nathan Patterson did his best and played well. He is young and can be developed. But eventually he was overwhelmed.
From my position in the Main Stand, I was screaming at the fact that Foden, one of the best current English footballers, had acres of space getting chalk on his boots by stretching the pitch whilst our full-back was clearly doing what he was told and sitting on the edge of our box and then having to inevitably play catch-up. The nice lady sat next to me joined in, but she ended up being a bit more vocal than me, shall we politely say… Maybe that was my fault for encouraging but it was obvious to see.
I didn't like the reception Holgate got when he came off. Yes, he had a poor game, but he was out of position, out of form, and playing against possibly the best team in Europe who were deliberately exploiting our flanks. I don't like to criticise fellow supporters, I understand passion and venting in the moment, especially in the situation we are in. But as I've said to many, I sometimes wonder if some have actually played football. Only some. Fortunately, most are knowledgeable.
Anyway, the positives.
Gueye did his thing as always, faced with De Bruyne. No mean task. Garner continues to impress me on the ball. He's young and will become a very good footballer.
The centre-backs, faced with that machine, did mostly okay. Gundogan… What a player! A midfielder who makes those late runs into the box. Very difficult to defend. Roy Keane used to do it well.
I'm a bit concerned about Calvert-Lewin. Was it an injury? Is there something else? Or was it game lost and save him for the next two? I hope the latter.
If I call out a Man of the Match, once again, Dwight McNeil for me. Lively and creative. Always looking to do something.
Reader Comments (40)
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2 Posted 16/05/2023 at 10:25:54
I saw him warming up so must've imagined him being on the pitch.
Their bench made me very jealous and those around me.
Apologies for the mistake.
3 Posted 16/05/2023 at 12:54:32
Frank Lampard rather than Roy Keane was better known for those late runs into the box.
We are owed another away day performance, Brighton was only partial payback for the dreadful performances over the season.
Leeds have a decided advantage playing after Forest and us at the weekend. In addition West Ham have a game on Thursday are now safe unless there is an 11-goal swing between them and Leeds over the final two games.
We have it in our hands and in order to keep it that way we must win on Saturday.
A must-win game!
4 Posted 16/05/2023 at 14:01:51
As you say, this is in our hands still. I hate having to hope for results elsewhere to go in our favor, especially when we really need not have been in this predicament again.
Wolves is now a very big game indeed, and I anticipate the most incredible atmosphere for the last day v Bournemouth, getting tingles already...
5 Posted 16/05/2023 at 14:07:34
In all seriousness, I feel like 1998, we will need a hand from a committed professional just like Gianluca Vialli.
6 Posted 16/05/2023 at 14:26:24
My astrological guts are telling me us and the barcodes will relegate Leicester at the weekend and we'll leapfrog Forest.
For me the final relegation spot is between Leeds & Forest, decided on the 28th.
Palace will beat Forest on the final day as they want the kudos of finishing above Chelsea.
7 Posted 16/05/2023 at 14:38:05
8 Posted 16/05/2023 at 15:29:20
I would hate to see Everton relegated, but if you are incapable of solving your own problems and have to rely on other teams loosing at this time of the season.you don't deserve to be in the Premier League.
We are all aware of the major problem in the Club at the top and there does not seem to be any progress made to solve it, what is going to be different next season.
No one myself included wants to see their club relegated, but this relying on 11 players on the pitch is not solving the group of 5s mismanagement of the club, and until then thousands of supporters are made to suffer with no end in sight.
A positive change is needed, and not just paper talk but action. Moshiri has to either take control of this club or find someone who is genuinely willing to do it. It is no use building a mansion if you cant afford to live in it, you will need income from the Premier league to do it.
9 Posted 16/05/2023 at 16:38:19
10 Posted 16/05/2023 at 16:53:14
11 Posted 16/05/2023 at 17:07:33
12 Posted 16/05/2023 at 18:04:09
Just don't trust Spurs with their care taker manager situation and don't think they will be up for it. West Ham are now safe so just see Leeds beating both of them but hope I'm wrong. Lets just beat Wolves and get to 35 and put pressure on the other 3 teams.
13 Posted 16/05/2023 at 18:05:48
14 Posted 16/05/2023 at 18:07:45
I think we will beat Wolves on Saturday and we will be safe then. However, I think we only need 3 more points to be safe anyway (rather than 6) but I'd prefer they come on Saturday instead of a horrible nervy last day.
15 Posted 16/05/2023 at 18:14:10
16 Posted 16/05/2023 at 18:15:26
17 Posted 16/05/2023 at 18:17:34
Usually that scenario can be the kiss of death but the way they came up dividends against a good Brighton team gives us hope that they can do it again.
Certainly a point wouldn't be bad and then a great home performance against the Bees would suffice.
C.O.Y.B.
18 Posted 16/05/2023 at 18:23:41
0/10 for De Bruyne.
19 Posted 16/05/2023 at 18:26:30
At least I will be in the away section this time around and not with the home fans like last time around and get my letter of warning.
20 Posted 16/05/2023 at 18:43:14
21 Posted 16/05/2023 at 21:26:02
UTFT!!
Clap clap clap ad infinitum!!
22 Posted 16/05/2023 at 21:58:48
Belief, courage and discipline, from the Everton squad and management team, can see Everton, over the line with victory against Wolves.
A few weeks ago the odds were heavily stacked against Everton, but using the battle references, analogy, Everton, have held out like the UN forces, at, the Battle of the Imjin, in the Korean War, which contributed eventually to a peace treaty a coupłe of years later.
Let's stick together, belief, and conviction, and hopefully with DCL, available, Everton, can achieve victory and with some luck and West Ham, and Arsenal win, approach the last match with good heart, and security.
Everton, hold their destiny, Everton, must secure at least a point, ideally victory v Wolves, and defeat Bournemouth in the last match of this season.
UTFTs!
23 Posted 16/05/2023 at 22:00:14
and get it done at Molineux.
24 Posted 16/05/2023 at 22:05:52
He is likely to start at the weekend. Time for plenty of crosses and shots at goal, I think.
25 Posted 17/05/2023 at 08:54:42
Will you be in with the Wolves supporters on Saturday, I seem to remember that was you lot last season?
I just hope we get it done at the weekend and avoid another week of torture next week.
26 Posted 17/05/2023 at 09:16:23
The Wolves stand-in keeper had a terrific game.
27 Posted 17/05/2023 at 09:27:43
Even though I chatted with the Wolves fans around me last season, who were friendly enough and got used to me, I got a complaint and warning for my future conduct from Wolverhamton Wanderers. As I had signed up to membership, they warned me of who I gave my ticket to.
Possibly from someone who at the time didn't have the balls to stand up to me for cheering us pulling one back. At least I didn't get ejected.
I was sat with United Fans at Old Trafford this season. I have no problem with it. Nor do the majority of football supporters. We can all get on.
In with the travelling blue army at the weekend.
28 Posted 17/05/2023 at 09:55:06
I'm reminded that many moons ago my youngest decided he was going to support Chelsea (he would have been about 7 or 8 at time).
I took him to the Bridge but could only get tickets in the away section. Chelsea played Everton that day. The rest is history. He's been a hardcore Blue since. He's 25 now.
29 Posted 17/05/2023 at 09:57:43
I sat in with the West Ham fans about 10 years ago down at their place - never, ever again. A terrifying experience, especially when my mate from New Zealand who was with me, thought it would be funny to 'out' me to the locals.
West Ham supporters do not like us one bit, I can assure you.
30 Posted 17/05/2023 at 10:52:31
I am in my very first Everton kit, he in his Liverpool one.
His parents, my mother's sister and Uncle Archie, both from Speke, moved to Battersea in the late 60s.
He converted to being a Chelsea supporter way before they became successful, which I respect. Although I still have that photo!!
James, I have a bad habit of mixing with away supporters. I suppose it goes with the territory when you travel to home games from London. Last season I kicked on the train at West Ham fans when they started singing "we pay your benefits" as we got close to Lime Street.
I shared a taxi with them and took them to the Saddle Inn, where they mixed well.
I told a few Chelsea supporter to shut up with their bigotry at the Taxi rank in Lime Street. We got a Taxi together and I dropped them off at the Abbey.
I debated with City supporters walking across Stanley Park but we ended up having a drink together.
I have mentioned, one day, my mouth will get me into trouble, but I can't hold back.
Ironically, the only ones I can't talk to are the cousins. Apart from at family gatherings.
31 Posted 17/05/2023 at 11:47:06
33 Posted 17/05/2023 at 11:51:03
34 Posted 17/05/2023 at 12:06:47
Listen to Danny, we will ease the worries on Saturday whether with Dominic or not. The score will be bigger if Dominic plays though.
35 Posted 17/05/2023 at 12:21:09
36 Posted 17/05/2023 at 13:05:34
If we go into the last weekend of the season in the Bottom 3, I can't see us staying up this time, especially as Leeds will be playing the most fragile team in the league in Spurs.
It's a cup final. No, it's bigger than that – you don't get relegated if you lose a cup final, you just don't pick up a trophy.
37 Posted 17/05/2023 at 15:34:55
... and all of a sudden they'll win their last 2 remaining fixtures?
I doubt that very much.
38 Posted 17/05/2023 at 15:46:57
DLDLDLLWLLDWLWLLLDLLD.
Sparkling form.
39 Posted 17/05/2023 at 16:04:25
I had the pleasure of going to Bolweyn when Lardiola was leading them to promotion. He got dog's abuse from the home fans all evening and they played well and won.
40 Posted 17/05/2023 at 16:49:06
I was informed at the time "at work from a West Ham fan about the tales of West Ham woes" the lowest they finished with him was 12th. He took over from Grant who relegated them, and Billic was appointed after him, as he was seen a fan choice.
Yes, he was then sacked 2 years later after the club was in the relegation places. Moyes had just been appointed (the first time), and he wasn't over the moon about it.
I'll be honest (and I know I'm on my own), but I'd rather have Big Sam than Dyche in the Everton hot seat.
41 Posted 18/05/2023 at 08:28:59
I do worry about our run in compared to Leeds. I just hope West Ham put out a strong team with it being their last home game. The final is not until the bloody 10th June! If they lose the semi, then try and give the supporters something to be optimistic about for next season.
Wolves have a terrific recent home record. Not even conceded in the last four. I don't think for one minute they will be thinking of holidays. Happy with a point, and yes depending on others, but Arsenal and West Ham do us a favor.
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1 Posted 16/05/2023 at 10:19:02
I never say this because I think it is one of the stupidest things football fans seem to say to each other in the mistaken belief that it reinforces the veracity of their own perceptions… but Danny, you really must have been watching a different game!
Bazinga!