Fulham 1 - 3 Everton
The title is a loose connection to a song we used to sing and we did so yesterday at half-time:
 
You'll never know just how much we love you,
Please don't ever take our Everton away. 
 
The routine never changes, I was up early and taken for a walk by the Ridgeback. That's how it rolls these days. Then into the capital and out to Putney Bridge to find the Eight Bells without any navigational difficulties, unlike my recent Crystal Palace escapades and challenges. I missed Neil, but caught up with Mark and Martin, bumping into John Raftery as he was on his way out.
 
Good pre-match discussion. All things Moyes and what the summer may bring once we get this godforsaken season done and dusted and the new symbolic Cambridge Blue shirt that has been released got a mention. We've been through the mill this season yet again. We were broadly in agreement that, despite reservations, the manager has done exactly what he was brought into do. He deserves his chance next season. Let's hope he gets the backing to improve the squad and have us competing at the right end of the table.
 
It was a cracking day in West London, with the sun being kind. Sunglasses weather and the Blues in good spirits. We made our way through the park. It may not be as iconic as our new stadium, but Craven Cottage has to be in one of the best locations for a football stadium in the country — on the banks of the River Thames. Once Goodison is no more, it will be one of the last of the traditional stadiums in the top flight as it stands. Maybe Elland Road, Turf Moor and possibly Bramhall Lane from next season. Always a great day out, one of my favourite away trips.
 
We headed in, still at this point oblivious to the team announcement. Mark and I sat behind the goal, where the Everton supporters were, but in the neutral section, which Fulham still do. It's really good, with supporters mingling on the shared concourse before the match. I often find that, in the main, leave supporters to it and they will all get on. 
 
As always at the Cottage, there were quite a few Evertonians smattered amongst the home supporters. I was sat next to an Evertonian and his young daughter, with a few Blues behind us and in front of us. She had brought a paper flag with an Everton crest she had drawn herself the night before. She seemed a bit nervous about showing it. I told her to be proud, hold it up and wave it at the players. Her dad, a London Blue, smiled and winked at me. She waved that flag for the entire first half, even after we went 1 - 0 down. She definitely would have been doing so in the second half, but I wasn't next to them for that as I moved location.
 
The initial team selection caused a few ripples of alarm, but most were caught up in the atmosphere to be overly concerned. Once the boys came on the pitch, I don't think we were too bothered who was playing. I must admit, I liked seeing us in blue shirts, white shorts and blue socks. Very Everton of old, well the '60s — if that can be called old. That's a different debate. You could even throw black socks into that mix.
 
Mostly a dreadful first half. Possibly as bad as I've watched this season — and that is up against some pretty stiff competition. We couldn't string passes together and gave up possession too easily as if half of the players didn't care. We were wide open in midfield and being exposed down the flanks. Mykolenko in particular was continuously getting done on the inside by the cut-in from their wide player. But somehow, we go in level at half-time. Tails up and game on.
 
The atmosphere had been bouncing in the stand, but down in the concourse at half time, it was something special. Young kids bouncing up and down on their dads' shoulders. I did actually get concerned at one point, as one particular father was getting carried away and I was worried about the young lad, so I intervened to steady the ship!!
 
As the second half approached, I was looking around and thought I'd chance it and moved into the 
Everton section. The Stewards were fine when I explained and they told me to stand at the back. They were actually loving the atmosphere themselves, chatting and joking with the Evertonians. In awe, I would say. I genuinely don't think they will have seen anything like that this season; I haven't. Maybe Brighton and Palace were close, but it was genuinely special.
 
 
 
As always, let's go through the players:
 
Pickford: Two crucial saves in either half and looked assured. That landing looked awkward. Some say his shoulder, I don't like the way he landed on his hand and wrist. I hope it doesn't rule him out. On a light note, our stand-in captain ran to his goal in front of us after the formalities of the handshake and I think he forgot he was on skipper duties as he had to be called back to the centre circle for the photo with the officials and mascots!!
 
Young: He's been an important player for us this season. In the absence of Tarkowski, he uses his experience and football brain. He was the one chasing the ref to argue decisions. He was relentless about the potential penalty at the end and wouldn't let it go.
 
Mykolenko: I've defended him many times, but he was having a poor game. I was bemoaning his performance and then he goes and throws us a lifeline. Okay, he got lucky with the deflection, but he did what you would expect any player to do in that situation. Put the ball goal-bound and anything can happen. He is another who seems popular with the players. Initially, I thought he was at fault for their goal, but having now watched it back, I think you have to give Jiminez credit. He timed his run and leap to perfection, leaving Mykolenko and Branthwaite on the floor. It was almost Tim Cahill-esque in its execution.
 
Keane: I've criticised him as much as anyone over the years, probably more than most, and he's worried me a lot. But, credit where due, he was great. Defended stoically, planted a classic forceful header that had the net bulging and at the same time, almost put their keeper into the stand behind the goal. His diagonal passes on more than one occasion were unbelievable. Not just hit and hope channel balls, they were pinpoint. He's actually a good footballer, I just wish he could have concentrated more defensively during the time we've watched him. My Man of the Match.
 
Branthwaite was his usual assured self, but I still think he's missing Tarkowski. I was concerned when he went down, more so the second time a few minutes after he went down from the initial contact. He got back up on his feet, but I suspect he played on with an injury and just hope it's not serious. I know it's only two games, but with our captain out and if O'Brien remains unavailable, we only have Keane as a fit recognised centre-back. This shows the importance of depth in the squad, even in areas where we think we are okay on the surface.
 
Gana keeps going. He proved again how important he is to us. Clone him. He is an example to younger players. It might not always be glamorous, but he is the engine room.
 
Garner: He's played well recently, but had a quiet one today. Nothing to write home about from what I saw.
 
Harrison: I don't really like to comment as I generally don't like to slate players. He just isn't good enough despite all the effort he puts in. The less said the better. Thank him and move on.
 
Alcaraz: He had a quiet first half, but it was like he was on his own trying to make things happen with little support. When the changes were made and he played central, he was excellent. His through ball for Beto's goal was pure vision. He spotted the run and played it early, putting the Fulham defence on the back foot. Get him signed up and surround him with better players or someone else will take him. A real crowd pleaser.
 
Doucoure: Ambled around like he didn't care and gave the ball away a lot. But then he goes and does a Doucoure thing and sets up our Ukrainian left back for a crucial goal. An enigma is an understatement.
 
Beto: Not everyone's favourite. He might be a clumsy oaf. He may lack footballing ability for the highest level. But you can't help not like him. The supporters do. Like any striker, play to his strengths and he will get goals. I believe that's now double figures. An achievement in a misfiring team and considering he didn't really get a run until January. He timed his run to perfection to welcome Charly's pass and slot it home. I don't think there was luck in it and some may question the keeper. No, he got in behind the Fulham defence and took it early to catch Leno out. The best bit was his customary dancing celebration, with which he was joined in by about four other players and some in the crowd!! Let's hope that catches on like the Manchester City Poznan thing, but I'm not sure many of our knees could withstand the pressure.
 
The second-half substitutions made the difference, and the manager rightly takes the plaudits for that. Spotting that whatever he had in his initial thoughts wasn't working, he acted to change it.
 
McNeil added much needed creativity. I've heard many say he lacks pace. Maybe so, but there was a passage of play in the second half where he left the Fulham right back chasing the back of his boots from the halfway line down to their 18 yard box.
 
Ndiaye was his usual self. Importantly, it allowed Alcaraz the freedom to play central and he excelled in that position. 
 
Iroegbunam didn't really get enough time to impress. 
 
Calvert-Lewin being brought on in the 90th minute seemed pointless.
 
The fourth official announced 7 (yes 7) minutes of additional time, so straight away my worry pants kick in. I know I come over as the eternal optimist, but even at 3 -1 after a convincing 2nd half performance, I'm always worried with Everton.
 
On the VAR decisions, I don't have so much of an issue with it as long as they get the decision right. I just wish they wouldn't take so long deliberating it. Surely it's not hard to take a quick look. Fair credit to the referee for standing his ground on the "penalty" at the end. I was more worried about the scrutiny of Keane's legitimate goal. Checking for a foul. Ruled out. Checking for offside. You couldn't make it up. I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but were they trying to find a reason not to allow it?
 
Back through the park, with Evertonians still singing, and to the Eight Bells to meet Mark and Martin. I had a few issues with the doormen, even though I'd been in there before the match. "Away Supporters Only" said the sign. They accused me of being a Fulham supporter. I asked them if I sounded like a Fulham supporter and a kind Evertonian backed me up. They were okay, let me in to be serenaded with a rendition of Danny Boy by Mark. More debates about Everton, football in general, and even political correctness entered the fray. We shook hands with the doormen who wished us well and look forward to seeing us next season.
 
Just when I thought everything had worked well transport-wise, the trains came back to haunt me. As we were leaving the ground, it was announced on the big screens that there was no District Line from Putney Bridge. The contingency plan was to walk across the bridge to Putney mainline, which Mark and Martin were doing anyway to get to Clapham Junction and it got me to Waterloo. But the Jubilee Line was suspended. So my day out to one of the closest Premier League grounds to where I live ended up being longer than expected. Everton and trains have plagued me this season. Maybe both will be kinder to me next time out.
 
An absolutely fantastic away day. And not just the result. I gave Man of the Match to Michael Keane but our supporters never cease to amaze me. We were talking to a lad on the train back to Waterloo. He was only 27, is from Maghull and attends most matches home and away. They put me to shame as do those young kids on their dad's shoulders rattling off all the songs. I'm biased and Everton is in my heart, but no-one else compares to our supporters. Take a bow, Evertonians. I don't think there will be any doubt, but create that in and around Goodison and in the city centre next week and we will be on target for 48 points, which in January seemed unthinkable.
 
It's going to be an emotional weekend next week. Let's put the Old Girl to rest in the best possible way, without the occasion getting to the team, which Moyes stressed in his post-match interview. There is still a football match to be won. If the players and supporters match today, they won't let her down. I'll be home. It will be near impossible to meet everyone, but we will all be there in spirit, wherever we are in the country or the world.

Reader Comments (16)

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 ()


Michael Kenrick
1 Posted 11/05/2025 at 20:48:36
Super report, Danny, well done.

Sorry if you've been looking for it as we had our own day out under the Blue Skies of London today, and I couldn't post it until I got back just now.

No mention for Seamus's brilliant cameo at the end then?

Danny O'Neill
2 Posted 11/05/2025 at 21:08:00
Thanks, Michael. I always forget something.

Great to see Seamus come on. He expectedly looked rusty and I think when he got thrown the armband, he dropped it, which Pickford wouldn't have approved of.

It didn't deter from "60 Grand" ringing out very loudly.

Ted Roberts
3 Posted 11/05/2025 at 21:18:10
Thanks for another superb account, Danny, really good reading. Makes me feel so much a part of it all even though I was sat at home listening to the game on the club website.

I wish all our Blues a great day next Sunday and look forward to a very colourful account, if you can bring yourself to write one, of Goodison's Last Stand. COYB.

Tony Abrahams
4 Posted 11/05/2025 at 21:21:40
A nice report Danny, and speaking to a couple of Evertonians, who made the trip yesterday, we are all in agreement that Fulham, is one of the best away days in the land!

I tried listening yesterday and was bored to tears, so turned the radio off. I got your video of the fans singing, thought to myself, “I don’t know how they do it” and then turned the radio back on towards the end and was delighted for you and every other travelling toffee, when I heard the score.

I can’t get excited but I’m sure this will change over the next few days, when I start taking a bit of time to remember some of the fantastic moments I’ve had inside Goodison Pk💙

Ryan Holroyd
5 Posted 11/05/2025 at 21:26:37
Thoughts on Young and not Patterson playing?
Dave Abrahams
6 Posted 11/05/2025 at 21:36:04
I love your support of our young fans Danny and watching them singing at the end of the match how happy they were and thinking of them travelling to the away games year after year without ever seeing their team win a trophy, along with all their fellow fans of all ages, just great to watch——I think I admire them more than any of the players I’ve watched in the last twenty years or so.

As Danny is fond of saying “ Seeing this support without winning anything for thirty years is absolutely fabulous — what will they be like when we actually do win something”

Roll on that day,

Mark Murphy
7 Posted 11/05/2025 at 22:02:34
Oh Danny boyyyy the pints, the pints were flowing…
A pleasure to share the day with you and Martin Mason yesterday - probably my favourite away day since that Brighton hammering.
I wasn’t so lucky in the “neutral seats”. I was right on the end of a row under the cottage where there were 5 very young and bored stewards. When Keano scored I simply stood with my arms raised and after a bitter discussion, during which I missed our third goal, I was asked to leave. (For my own safety - FULHAM, FFS!) I went into our amazing section and had a wonderful time singing myself hoarse.
I agree - first half was bad - second half we fcuking hammered them!
Lovely to hear the Keano chant - I hope he knows we love him really - but come back Tarks asap please!
The eight bells is a proper away pub - love it. The “beer garden” is the funniest thing I’ve ever seen in my days though. We met some Philadelphia blues before the game who didn't take offence when I slaughtered them for the half and half scarves. I hope they enjoyed the game and “got” my humour.
It was also a pleasure to spend time with Martin. We’ve got a bit of a lucky streak going on in that the Blues never lose when we meet up. Maybe we should go more than 4 or so games a year Martin? To be fair, I think it’s you - I’ve seen more losses than wins this season!
Martin is a very knowledgable and thoughtful Evertonian who has generated uncalled for stick in the past on here because of people’s misguided interpretations of his views and calls for reason based on facts rather than rumour. He’s a good blue through and through. Which brings me into the latest belter!
“He’s a Mackem, and he’s a blue,
And he’s a toffee, through and through,
He hates Newcastle, he hates the shite,
Jordan Pickford, he’s dinamite!
Dur dur dur DUH, dur dur dur DUH
Dur durrer duh duh, duh durrer DUH!
To the tune of Tom Hark
UTFT
Neil Copeland
8 Posted 11/05/2025 at 22:07:50
Cracking report Danny as always.

The only addition I would make is that I thought Tim did well to wrestle back possession from 2 Fulham players after losing it initially. Good to see his fight and determination.

We met a young lad when walking back to the car who had Betos shirt on! About 20 sizes too big but who cares and what a great memory for the lad.

I love going to the Cottage too, very friendly and laid back. It tickles me that their support in the main stand seem to treat the game more like a visit to the theatre.

Had a good chat with a Fulham steward outside while I was waiting for Jay. He was highly amused and full of praise for our support - very entertaining he said.

A brilliant day out all round and probably the best away support performance of the season.

An otherwise awful season has a great opportunity to finish well. Looking forward and dreading Sunday at the same time, see you there.

Then on to the Skunks to sing the JP song, can’t wait for that!

Mark Murphy
9 Posted 11/05/2025 at 22:07:56
Ps - Dave, and Danny, you’re right.
Our away support is abso fcuking lutely out of this world.
I’m so proud to be a blue at away games.
I’m 100% convinced that NO other supporters outside of South America and Bilbao love a football club as much as we do!
UTFT
Martin Mason
10 Posted 11/05/2025 at 22:43:13
Thanks so much Danny and Mark, I love you both for such a magic day out. Greetings too to those great Blues from Brighton that we met at the station and on various trains in and out of London, so good to see so many young Blues. I laughed so much at the Evertonian lads in my corner that were giving the bird to the Fulham supporters leaving with 10 minutes to go but the Fulham fans were amazing really taking it so well. What a great ground to go to.
Danny O'Neill
11 Posted 12/05/2025 at 06:10:18
Sorry, Ryan, just coming back on this.

In fairness, I think Moyes has tried Patterson, but like many, maybe he just doesn't rate him and opted for experience.

The player can't be faulted for his effort, but we have a few of them.

Like always, I have no idea, but I could see him going back to Scotland, or maybe to one of the promoted clubs.

Failing that, we need a new right-back and he would be handy to have as backup.

Steve Brown
12 Posted 12/05/2025 at 06:43:00
Danny, that is your best report yet.
Paul Washington
13 Posted 12/05/2025 at 06:47:05
Thanks, Dan.

As Ted #3 says, you really feel that you were a part of it, reading your notes.

Ajay Gopal
14 Posted 12/05/2025 at 08:00:06
Terrific report, Danny. Tim Iroegbunam was on for less than 10 minutes, but he made some crucial tackles (especially 1 heart-in-mouth tackle inside the penalty box, which resulted in some quite violent back slapping by his team mates!), and helped repel the few desperate attacking forays by Fulham. Iroegbunam, Armstrong, Garner would hopefully form a good midfield core for a good few years.

So, Danny will you not be at GP for the last game? That's a shame given how much you love Everton and the Grand Old Lady. One of my lifelong regrets is not being able to see a live football match there. Just didn't happen, but hope to be there at the new stadium soon.

Dave Williams
15 Posted 12/05/2025 at 09:11:37
What a great report Danny- nice one!
Can’t believe you can’t get to GP on Sunday- can you do one of your armchair reports?
Danny O'Neill
16 Posted 12/05/2025 at 09:27:54
It won't quite be an armchair one Dave as I'm going to be in the city and around Goodison.

It will be the last time regardless if I get in or not. I don't want to see her after next Sunday. Maybe one day I will take the grandchildren I hope to have.

I just want to remember her for the memories she gave me since I can remember. The first time I walked in, I didn't need any further convincing from my father. That was me for life.

I'm going to try and not think about it until next week, but I think that will be impossible.

Ajay, you have to get to the new stadium. She is a fitting heir to the throne.

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.


How to get rid of these ads and support TW

© ToffeeWeb