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Poor first half... Fantastic Second!

By Michael  Kenrick :  07/05/2011 :  Comments (76) :

A game of two halves for what turned out to be a rampant Everton, who dispensed with high-flying City in great style after a very poor first half showing.

Perhaps David Moyes selected Anichebe so that the boos for him starting another game could not be distinguished from the inevitable catcalls for Joleon Lescott, returning to Goodison for the first time since his acrimonious departure nearly two years ago.  Everton won the toss and chose to play toward the Gwladys Street with the bright sun behind him.

Arteta pulled off a great dive from a nothing Zabaletta challenge early on winning an early free-kick that Baines cut squarely and Osman got three points from the off with a fabulous aerial strike... that cleared the Gwladys Street roof!  Unbelievable. Next it was a hopeless hoofball to no-one from Jagielka. Was this to be the pattern for the game?

Some good midfield possession and passing for Everton ended with a bad pass from Hibbert and Silva ended up lashing a searing drive across Howard's goal and just past the far post: first warning shot! It looked a certain City goal on 11 mins, a beautiful Milner chip over the Everton defence, cut back brilliantly by Silva and blasted over by Viera... only a matter of time, surely, the way City were cutting through the highly vaunted Everton defence. 

Anicebe laid off a nice ball for Osman  that the little man lashed at the corner flag... oh deary me. But Everton won their first corner on 18 mins and Osman delivered a nice deep cross to the far post. Baines took the next one from the right that was even higher and deeper.  Neville won the third corner when he crossed directly to the defender 7 feet away and the Blues worked it better to get a good cross in that was just in front of Distin.

20 mins and Everton started finally to play with some desire and purpose, a great ball in from Arteta drawing a bad foul on Anichebe by Kompany.  Arteta banged the free-kick, just outside the area, into the wall, which prevented it from flying high and wide.  A better Baines delivery from the corner came to nothing but at least Everton had looked more up for the game.

At least Anichebe was getting stuck in to Lescott, much to the pleasure of the Everton crowd, who appreciated the effort.  But Milner looked to break the Everton offside trap and in the next attack, City sliced through all too easily, Silva and Toure combining and Toure firing in from a narrow angle to put them ahead..

Neville was getting better with his Delap throws but with no-one really on the receiving end they were of limited value, Everton still favouring an aerial route that was being easily repelled by the tall City defence. Osman's clever feet were no match for three City marauders and he stayed down after having his ankle troden on. Rodwell was showing some signs of life and not always chosing the safe backwards pass.

Hibbert delivered a great cross, lower and harder, that Anichebe almost got back for Rodwell, but the short corner routines were not really working (although they were probably a better bet than those soft looping floated crosses that never seem to do anything). Silva was causing havoc but the bigger cheer was for Anichebe winning another battle with Lescott.  Arteta wasted the free-kick, though, playing it wide to Hibbert but from a trow-in, Neville crossed well and Rodwell should surely have got a powerful header on target! Chance missed.

Jagielka did brilliantly to deny Toure and what looked a certain City goal, and if not, a penalty, but his touch back to Howard could not have been better. Dowd then overruled his linesman, giving a free-kick against the Blues and then booking Neville for his protest.  Everton had really not done enough to threaten Hart's goal in the first half.

David Moyes decided a change was needed, switching in Jermaine Beckford for Tony Hibbert after the break. Injury or tactical? Arteta moving inside to Osman's place, Osman and Anichebe playing wide.   A free-kick was driven in by Baines, bounced off Anichebe an could not be turned in by Rodwell.  Good corners form either side put real pressure on the City goal. 

But a simple move got Toure free and one-on-one with Howard, the Everton keeper did very well to block away. From a free-kick, Djeko almost scored with a good header. Osman did well to touch a ball on for Baines whose cross Beckford turned on but his shot was weak.  Still, it showed better intent, Everton pressing forward with conviction.

A good move involving Anichebe and Beckford ended in a half-chance that Baines and tripped, with muted screams for an Everton penalty.  But instead it was a free-kick for City at the other end, that Howard came out for and punched away well. 

A great penetrating run down the right by Jagielka saw him put in a brilliant ball cut back but behind both Beckford and Osman... maddening!

Rodwell went in far too hard on De Jong and Komapany reacted stupidly, preciptating hadbags alll round. Yellow cards for both.  Rodwell looked to advance but failed to shoot and instead passed sideways to Anichebe, whose first touch was atrocious, and who then passed across field to nobody.  A good opportunity wasted in classic style by the Big Galloot, but it was Rodwell who came off for Cahill. 

Cahill immediately won a free-kick to set up an opportunity for himself but the wonderful ball from Baines was powered home by Distin, just inside the far post, beyond the reach of Hart, to a great Goodison cheer.  Osman's name then went in the book for crashing late into Zabaletta, then Anichebe got sandwiched and won Everton an advanced for kick that Arteta drove too deep across the City goal.

Fantastic spirited response form Everton since Cahill came on, and a lot of of action as the Blues pushed City hard.  Anichebe won a good ball and slips it to Beckford who had run past Lescott and was offside.

A seemingly nothing move down the right saw Neville loop in a typically lazy looping cross that the diminutive Osman saw early and leapt at like a salmon to meet perfectly, and head home superbly from around the penalty spot despite getting flattened by Kompany in the process, to send Goodison delirious.  A fantastic turnaround by the Blues, and an absolutely top-class goal by Osman. 

Everton almost scored again, a ball lashed in from the right that Hart knew little about, Everton put in one of their best second-half performances of the season before a vibrant Goodison crowd and that bear-pit intimidating atmosphere which Goodison should be famous for.

But with 10 mins left, the pace slackened as Zabaletta and then Anichebe spent time lying on the ground and Balotelli came on for Zabaletta... although he didn't quite get the message!  A free-kick for City wide left was dealt with easily.  But they kept pressing the Everton goal, a Milner shot deflecting up and over the bar.  Bodies thrown to block all shots, and Distin getting a key touch on a deep corner... Everton held on, just.

5 mins left and Anichebe, who had put in a decent shift and got a good round of applause was replaced by Seamus Coleman, who proceeded to tuck in and run at the City left flank, but without enough support or flagging effort from his teammates, resulting in more late pressure on the Everton goal.  But a Miner corner was neautralized as Dowd blew for various City infractions in the Everton area, with just 3 mins of added time that Everton played out competently, ending sweetly with Arteta holding off Lescott down by the corner flag for a good 30 seconds.

A great, great second half. This is Everton playing the Everton Way ? why can't we see more of it???

Reader Comments (76)

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Steve Barr
1 Posted 07/05/2011 at 16:59:10
Couldn't agree more. Why can't they put on more second half shows like that! Great performances by Distin and Osman.
Albert Perkins
2 Posted 07/05/2011 at 17:05:41
This Osman. It's like we have a new player.
Andrew Fair
3 Posted 07/05/2011 at 17:02:48
"Everton goal: That's as good a headed goal as you'll see all season long ? and Everton have completed a stunning turnaround. Mikel Arteta sends Phil Neville away on the right and he curls over a lovely cross to just inside the City box, where Leon Osman, bursting forward from midfield, sends a magnificent header over Joe Hart and into the City net. Get Osman in the England squad ? that was sensational."

From the BBC website. So instead of trying to have a pop at Neville for anything, give credit where credit is due.
Giles Larkman
4 Posted 07/05/2011 at 17:12:52
For technique, bravery and beauty; Osman's goal is up there with Bainsey's free kicks, for goal of the year.

Epic game and a truely Everton second half. That should really be the template of how we play every game.

Still grinning from ear to ear.
Terry Downes
5 Posted 07/05/2011 at 17:14:48
Best game Victor's had for a long long time; never looked like scoring but 100% effort.
James Martin
6 Posted 07/05/2011 at 17:14:37
All because we finally had a strike force with enough power and pace to pressurise their centre-backs rather than letting them waltz 40 yards with the ball to the halfway line without being checked.

Cahill was back in midfield doing what he does best ? breaking up play, intelligent use of the ball and joining the attacks rather than standing between two massive centrebacks hoping for a flick on.

Arteta finally started to look a bit more interested and we looked so much better and balanced when we had one holding midfielder in Heitinga and an attacking three of arteta osman and cahill.

Learn something, Moyes, and stick with the 4-4-2 this time rather than reverting back to 4-5-1 at the soonest convenience.

Kevin Hudson
7 Posted 07/05/2011 at 17:10:56
Another lesson about class versus cash, committed warriors versus soulless mercenaries, tradition versus bandwagon.
Peter Webster
8 Posted 07/05/2011 at 17:06:54
"Perhaps David Moyes selected Anichebe so that the boos for him starting another game could not be distinguished from the inevitable catcalls for Joleon Lescott." ? Cruel but funny, Michael. Made me laugh.

I thought Vic played well in the 2nd half and was pleased for him when he got an ovation.

Ossie ? continues to play out of his skin. Fantastic goal. 'Tater looking good and Neville seemed to have fire in his belly. I'm a very happy Blue.

Gerry Quinn
9 Posted 07/05/2011 at 17:23:28
I have a feeling that if we had of started with that finishing eleven, we would not have had that result. I believe that Moyes got it right ? saturate the midfield and try to stifle them. It did not quite come off, but once we started bringing fresh legs on it worked... perfectly. Well done the boys, and MOYES!
Andy Morden
10 Posted 07/05/2011 at 17:25:23
I turned off and went for a swim at half time ? so poor was the performance. Sounds like a great turnaround. I should have more faith!
Mark Browne
11 Posted 07/05/2011 at 17:27:10
We are truly a Jekyll and Hyde side, and I hope that when Moyes finds the potion to turn "perennial overachievers" into "champions league regulars" he will dispense the potion before each game, and then hide it away until the next game. Still smiling after today and though Ossie was mom
Matt Traynor
12 Posted 07/05/2011 at 17:32:08
I don't think we should underestimate the impact of Cahill as a sub. Their defending, particularly at set pieces, fell apart as soon as he came on. He had two players on him for the equaliser.
Giles Larkman
13 Posted 07/05/2011 at 17:32:45
Can someone tell me what happened at the end? It looked like Phil Neville wanted to teach Mancini something, but what was it all about?
Martin Mason
14 Posted 07/05/2011 at 17:20:42
A really great second half performance and a great team effort all around. So proud of them and especially sweet that it was City who'd looked very good in the first half. I give them all top marks but especially Neville and Howard, Distin is brilliant too but the few mistakes he makes tend to get punished.

I'm especially pleased that Osman is continuing his great run of form and a brilliant goal too. The substitutions were masterful and changed everything and big Vic actually played well when he moved over to the right. Arteta also played much better in CM.

I somehow feel that Beckford has to play, Vic isn't a striker and Beckford's movement really troubles defenders. What really pleased me too was the effort that they all put in in the second half.

Kevin Hudson
15 Posted 07/05/2011 at 17:33:17
Another chuckle derived from Dave "foot-in-mouth," Mathieson!

Cahill/Beckford-not fully fit. Weapons to be employed late on. Rocket science it ain't... And yes ? hindsight is a wonderful thing!!
Ian Kearney
16 Posted 07/05/2011 at 17:51:15
Made up with the shift Vic put in, more of that and he could have a future, he'll never be a goalscore in a million years, but if he can hustle a side as physically big as City then that must tell him something.

Big improvements from Rodwell and Arteta, and Heitinga was efficient, in fact the midfield functioned well, once they got Neville out of the way! A well earned 3 points, won by a header Dixie Dean would've been proud of.
Peter Cummo
17 Posted 07/05/2011 at 17:44:53
It's been a long time since I posted so thanks for the info on my log-in details.

What can you say about yet another J & H performance from the lads? I was ready to call it quits at HT as I am sure we all were, expecting another dismal day but the second half banished all my reds away.

Ossie's form lately has been a revelation but the way the team has pulled together for another great result was marvellous, I think Beckford especially, once he gets his act together, will be a real force next season.

So here's another nice result youv'e gotten us into Dave... roll on Chelski,

Gavin Ramejkis
18 Posted 07/05/2011 at 17:59:30
Back from the game and the article header pretty much says it all, we were absolutely gash first half and stood back giving Man Shitty the run of the pitch showing them way too much respect. Seond half and why oh why can't Moyes grow a pair and play that formation from the start?? I'll hold my hand up and say second half I was impressed by the effort of Anichebe as a battering ram to the aid of Beckford and Osman, second half he did very little wrong, much more of the same please. Coleman's winning of the ball and Osman and Neville hounding down Man City players pretty much summed up the second half when Man Shitty shat themselves and the ground erupted when it smelt blood. A cracker from Osman who must half been taking lessons from Cahill with a great jumping header.

Anyone else see I think it was Balotelli punch Coleman at the end of the game and must surely be done by the FA for it, if not a straight red from the fairly useless Dowd or an FA panel. Neville went to talk to Dowd and Kidd was trying to pull him away so something definitely went on.

A definite game of two halves, only wish it was 90 minutes of the same each week.
Steve Guy
19 Posted 07/05/2011 at 18:04:21
Just listened to Mancini moaning that we played long ball and got two goals from it. Not sure that was the game I've heard about Roberto but even if it was stop whining and learn how to cope with it!

When we get results like this, it just annoys me how we lost loads of points to crap teams this season. Will the real Everton please stand up much more next season.
David Crowe
20 Posted 07/05/2011 at 18:20:27
Maybe I'm a bit soft towards the young ones but no-one cheered Victor louder than I as he came off. I know he's got virtually no real quality but when he puts a shift in, he's a force and he was today. MOYES GOT EVERYTHING ABSOLUTELY SPOT ON as well ? brought the right people on at the right time and had the right first XI out. Our record against them really is sensational now.

And I defy anyone who says they've had a better atmosphere than that at their ground for any game this season, never mind one where there's virtually nothing to play for. No standing area needed today, the place was shaking in it's old foundations.

So proud of our lads ? they're a great bunch which we have to give Moyes credit for. Beating them will never get boring ? no matter how many times we see their smug faces turn to smacked arses. Proud to be a blue today and this season just went up (very slightly) in my estimation.

Amit Vithlani
21 Posted 07/05/2011 at 18:14:10
I badly wanted to beat these wankers and frankly did not give a toss how we did it. At Eastlands we roared out of the blocks and then got battered after going 2-0 up, but hung on and won. Today it was the reverse: shite for 60 odd mins but still in the game and Cahill and Becks come on and we turn the game around.

Game won, double done over a top 4 side with a galaxy of stars and two World Cup winners (Silva, Vieira) and I feel thoroughly satisfied.

Credit to Moyes and the boys.
Andy Crooks
22 Posted 07/05/2011 at 18:29:33
One can whinge, and I am good at it, but I can't wait for MotD tonight. A superb effort against the Billionaires, who had a lot to play for, turned over again. It's days like this that makes us Evertonians.
Sorry, I've just re-thought that. It's days like losing to Reading that makes us Evertonians. Always, always back for more.
Kunal Desai
23 Posted 07/05/2011 at 18:33:18
For all the money in the world, they will NEVER buy class or history, dirty rotten cunts. Hope Stoke do them next week and shut that tit Mancini up. Toss pot.
David Hallwood
24 Posted 07/05/2011 at 18:39:41
I blame Osman!!

Man Citteh, Man Citteh,
Can we play you every week
Can we play you every week
Antony Matthews
25 Posted 07/05/2011 at 18:56:34
Loved it when we went 2-1 up and the chant started, "Lescott, Lescott what's the score?"
John Nelson
26 Posted 07/05/2011 at 19:07:30
Get in Blues! Fucking spot on fightback against them dirty fucking no mark TWATS!

Will be brilliant if Stoke do them over next week so it's yet another season winning FUCK ALL after spending a fortune (and also to see their dickhead fans cry!)

GET IN!!!
Paul Ferry
27 Posted 07/05/2011 at 19:12:44
I'm chuffed to bits, I really am... but I can't bear all these pious Moyes Messiah types now telling us that we must always have faith in him. I respect Moyes but we should not have had to make those substitutions to win the game ? are you happy to take 45 minutes of utter shite for Moyes to admit that he got it wrong in the 1st half when we could all too easily have been two or three behind for Christ's sake???

If Moyes has real nous, it would not have taken him 45 minutes of utter shite like that to try and put it right. We were at home and we should have played that formation from the start. If you're happy to have a risk all 1st half in order to give Moyes plaudits about substitutions then, quite frankly, we will lose more matches than we win.

I'd rather praise Moyes and his tactics from the start, not from the 2nd half on. COYB

Kevin Hudson
28 Posted 07/05/2011 at 19:25:29
Some people think managing a Premier League team is akin to playing Fifa 11 on easy level on X-Box..

Paul: You cannot categorically state that we would have won the game had Moyes taken your advice. Had he done so, and the result was unsatisfactory, you would have found ANOTHER reason to be critical.

Moyes is not a soothsayer, he's paid to plan ? yes; but also to react to how it unfolds. Ultimately, he delivered correctly.
Graham Duffy
29 Posted 07/05/2011 at 19:36:45
Excellent win today!!!! Why can't we have that fire, belief and committment every week?
Amit Vithlani
30 Posted 07/05/2011 at 19:40:03
Paul Ferry I dont give a fuck how we win, as long as we win. In my opinion, if we had lost your criticisms would have been valid but we won 2-1. Save the Moyes bashing for the next defeat.
James Hollister
31 Posted 07/05/2011 at 19:34:33
Today was baffling to the extreme.

The Hibbo sub was forced ? the lad was constantly being skinned defensively. The manager had to do something, anything to get him off at half time.

The most baffling was allowing Anichebe to stay on, while he brought another striker on for a defender, then bringing on Cahill for no obvious reason. He wasn't fit, didn't look fit, and contributed absolutely nothing to the match.

Arteta on the other hand looked a bit better, but at times still tried / unfit?

Distin another quality performance showing our strikers how to actually score, and then little Ossie with a sublime finish... which makes a mockery of our striking options up top.

Shocking first half; sublime second half. Our great record against those Middle easterns goes on!
Paul Brannan
32 Posted 07/05/2011 at 19:45:40
Cahill caused murder when he came on and turned the game around.
Dave Wilson
33 Posted 07/05/2011 at 19:47:01
That will do us.

Does anybody know what went on at the end? I didn't see what kicked it off, but there seemed to be a lot of angry people as they left the pitch...
Paul McGinty
34 Posted 07/05/2011 at 19:33:11
From one Paul to another. You are getting dangerously pious yourself there I think.

None of us know whether we win playing Beckford up top from the start. Whether Cahill could go the whole 90 minutes. He did switch Osman and Rodwell around in the first half. Let's be honest whatever the pros and cons, with what he had available, Moyes seemed to have a better grip of the game than his illustrious Italian opponent.

Colin Malone
35 Posted 07/05/2011 at 19:25:27
Rodwell is not an offensive midfielder. He,s passing and movement off the ball was like Jags, when he was put in midfield= shite.
If the rumours are true that the manc,s are willing to pay £20mill for him, then it can only be for the holding midfield role, which is he,s best position but still needs a to do a lot of work, i.e, start using he,s right foot because he is becomming to left sided. But still a very young lad, so lets improve him in he,s fav position instead of again playing players out of there fav position, which has happened far too many times.
Andrew Gilbert
36 Posted 07/05/2011 at 19:44:56
Just back from the game.

First of all, well done Victor Anichebe. Terrific performance and all we can do is hope for some more of the same, just one bad pass and when Cahill was warming up he looked knackered only to perk up when he realised he wasn't going to be subbed.

Three MotMs today: Anichebe, Osman and Distin.

Gavin, I think it was Kolorov having a go at Coleman. Can't be sure, just saw the bit where Tim steamed in!

That 2nd half even saw the Upper Bullens singing... that's when Goodison really rocks... it's the walking sticks and zimmer frames pounding the wooden floors!
Paul Ferry
37 Posted 07/05/2011 at 19:37:24
Kevin - fair comments - very fair - but Moyes picks the team and chooses tactics from the start - how many of us were happy with the starting line-up/tactics today - were you? - these tactics put us at risk of losing the game = not for the first time by any stretch of the imagination - it was dour, dreary, predictable, negative ultimately - yes Moyes is paid to react as a game unfolds - but he had all week to plan his team and tactics ffs and it all went horribly pear shaped - how often have we barracked Moyes for lack of tactical nous/substitution sense? - credit where credit is due - he changed things round at half time - shitty ought to have been two or three ahead of us by then - yes, Moyes is no soothsayer - but he's paid shitloads to get it right from the start - he does this now and then (shitty away, ironically, being the best case to date this season) - but for the most part he does not - I'd rather not gripe about Moyes - I did say that I would rather PRAISE him from the start, not at some point in the second half - how about this for the proof of the pudding - let's see what line-up/tactics Moyes follows at The Hawthorns next week - or, perhaps better still, Chelski at home two weeks tomorrow COYB
Andrew Gilbert
38 Posted 07/05/2011 at 19:59:50
Oh yes I forgot. I saw one 'EFC for change' scarf. I did look hard too. With respect to those involved I am rather pleased about that.
James Hollister
39 Posted 07/05/2011 at 19:45:33
Kevin Hudson - You're being rather hypocritical aren't you?

You berate someone and accuse them of being a Moyes hater when you come out with nonsense and hypocritical stuff like - Ultimately, he delivered correctly.

In what way did he deliver correctly? I am curious. Bringing on Cahill was so inspired wasn't it, baring in mind he was unfit and contributed practically nothing and could have broken down further while playing in a competitive match (he was clearly not ready to play, therefore the chance of further injury is heightened)... and it was sublime bringing on Coleman who should have started the first half.

Clearly you are a Moyes apologist that can't see past real facts... such as the blunder he made naming the starting squad!
Paul Ferry
40 Posted 07/05/2011 at 19:59:30
and yep you're right Paul M about what was available to him - and as I said Amit I was chuffed to bits - but it's equally legitimate to examine the 1st half as well as the 2nd - and I don't think that i am being unreasonable at all - any one of us would have made changes after that 1st 45 - I, for one, would rather not be put in that position - I think that's fair - as it is to say well done to the boys un blue and the manager and backroom staff for the 2nd half awakening
Ian Kearney
41 Posted 07/05/2011 at 20:05:11
Colin, I agree to some extent, but you can't compare Rodwell's passing to Jags, it may go sideways too often but it still finds a blue shirt, Jags couldn't pass the salt at a dinner table.
James Hollister
42 Posted 07/05/2011 at 20:01:32
Andrew Gilbert - You do remember the lad is supposed to be a striker right? A terrific game for him would be to actually score goals..every player should be able to pass the ball..the fucker is paid enough
James Martin
43 Posted 07/05/2011 at 20:07:59
Rodwell had a bad game simple as. Once both him and Neville were taken out of the midfield we looked a lot better. When will we ever see him use his pace to beat a man then unleash a piledriver. On the upside he's not going anywhere if he keeps playing like this.
Ian Kearney
44 Posted 07/05/2011 at 20:12:44
James, get over your preconcieved predjudices of the lad, he played well, anyone can see it, people have been calling him lazy, well today he made a start to answering those accusations.

He's never gonna be a goalscorer, but was an effective battering ram today, which resulted in a couple of chances and more than a few set pieces won. Maybe Dave Willson is right, maybe some people just have blind hatred toeards the lad.
David Crowe
45 Posted 07/05/2011 at 20:10:11
Paul Ferry - everyone was happy with the team selection at the END of the game. No one cares AT ALL how they felt about it at the start of the game. The team and manager will be judged on the performance as a whole and the final score.

Victor from the start? Great call, Beckford's playing shite atm. Cahill not starting? Right decision, he's nowhere near fit. The subs were spot on and the 4-5-1 initial formation is your only shout really. When it didn't work, however, Moyes changed it. Give him some credit.

Ian Kearney
46 Posted 07/05/2011 at 20:16:49
Didn't think Rodwell did have a bad game, agree entirely with you on the improvement once Nev came out of the midfield, an Hibberts long balls off the pitch aswell. But thought Rodwell looked more like the athlete we saw pre-season, things didn't quite come off for him, but this was definately a bit more like, I still think he's an outstanding talent, and will watch the U21s with interest this summer.
Colin Malone
47 Posted 07/05/2011 at 20:12:41
Ian, I was talking about when Jags was playing in midfield, when Moyes dropped Carsley.

But, if the rumours are true, the Mancs will do a lot of work with Rodwell, as they did with Rooney.

Jags is a fantastic defender but you're right.

Alan Clarke
48 Posted 07/05/2011 at 20:16:14
Kholarov started pushing Coleman. I hear on Jacko's phone-in that the Man City mercenaries were accusing Seamus of using his elbow during the game.

I thought during the game Cahill was really getting stuck in on Lescott. When he first came on, he just ran straight up to Lescott and pushed him and carried on giving him shit for the rest of the game. Well done, Timmy.

Thought Arteta was brilliant today but Ossie was MotM. Brilliant header. He looked a class above the England regular, Milner. Ossie for England!
Dave Wilson
49 Posted 07/05/2011 at 20:16:50
James

A couple of pointers:

If you are going to slag Moyes off, wait until he hasn't just sent a team out to do the double for the second season running against the world's richest club ... it smacks of sour grapes.

And if your going to slag Anichebe for playing badly, you might want to wait for a time when Goodison Park hasn't just risen as one and "hounded him out" by giving him a standing ovation for his performance.
Paul Ferry
50 Posted 07/05/2011 at 20:19:00
Read what I wrote more carefully David ? especially my last sentence. If you're happy to see what happens in the 2nd half and treat the 1st half as "let's wait and see", fine... the 1st half display was in a nutshell appalling and it was the result of a week's careful planning. Anyone who cares about the Blues would have changed things at half-time, with or without £60K each week. Fine, so we won... making what I say irrelevant? I hope not though.
Gavin Ramejkis
51 Posted 07/05/2011 at 20:14:17
I'd like to add I was seething about the line up as the first half went on, the midfield had Heitinga (defensive) running around like a headless chicken and not doing much in that half, Neville (defensive) breaking up some play, Rodwell (defensive) and aimless mooching about the pitch, Arteta sitting way too deep and ineffective and Osman the only midfielder actually going forward. At times the ball play was embarrassing and Silva played the lot of them.

I think the points made above were that given the bench another striker and less defensive midfielders did have a positive effect on the game and certainly helped Anichebe gain a cause and intent. I'm elated with the win but appreciate the point about the starting line up being overly defensive.
Col Noon
52 Posted 07/05/2011 at 20:24:13
Osman was outstanding today, and fully deserved his goal. Its up to Moyes now to drill it into Anichebe that this is the level he HAS to be at. Encourage him, let him see that on his day he can be a handful. His physical presence should be a very effective weapon, and today he was effective I thought. Distin as well, apart from the rash lunge for the goal, was solid. When we up the tempo we are a much more threatening side. City are a superior team technically to us but when we get at them they cannot cope. More of the same please.
David Crowe
53 Posted 07/05/2011 at 20:30:58
Paul F - If we're shite every game and go in 1-0 down and win at the end then I'll be ecstatic so let me be happy about this game, please. If you would also have changed things at half time, why are you moaning?
Paul Ferry
54 Posted 07/05/2011 at 20:34:19
David, I'd much rather drink a bevvy with you than cross swords or split hairs even ? I would have changed things from the start not the 2nd half; I'm as pleased as punch as you are this minute... but we ought not to have been put in that position after 45 mins. The 2nd half taught us, as I have always believed, that we need to always begin a game with two strikers and a less-defensive midfield line-up.
Eric Myles
55 Posted 07/05/2011 at 20:37:19
While I'm pleased Anichebe didn't do his usual 'Bambi on Ice' routines can anyone tell me why he thought his teammates were wearing white? 'Cos that's where all his 'passes' went.

Good that he limited himself to only one ground thumping hissy fit as well as we have another game to play on that pitch and wouldn't want it damaged.
Ian McDowell
56 Posted 07/05/2011 at 20:46:00
Well done to the lads and coaching staff for the turn around today. I actually think the change around in the second half probably had more to do with the roasting Moyes must have gave out.

It doesn't matter what the system is, in the first half we just weren't at the races doing the basics, moving off the ball, closing down, getting stuck in. We were lucky not to be three-nil down. Credit to the lads for showing character though.

Kevin Hudson
57 Posted 07/05/2011 at 20:42:51
James Hollister,

There are two forums currently getting a lot of hits from Evertonians-and you've stunk BOTH of them out.

First you claim that I berated Paul. The man himself didn't take it that way, and in fact responded to me by telling me that my opinions were "fair,very fair."

You then insist that I accused him of being a Moyes hater.. Where?!! Please point me in the direction of this fiction you're attributing to me.

You can't because it doesn't exist!

You go on by accusing me of hypocrisy. Why-when I've only proffered ONE opinion?!

Finally the piece de resistance: I'm a Moyes apologist. Because I thought he made good subs?-Well he did!

If you're one of those unneccesarily argumentative, inexplicably angry kick-off merchants-take your "real facts,"elsewhere..We won! Time for a tinny..
Andrew Gilbert
58 Posted 07/05/2011 at 21:15:25
Does anyone have a link to the live comments from today's game?

I am a bit of a masochist and after a game I sometimes like to see the abuse players get from the 'enlightened' on Toffeeweb!
Andrew Gilbert
60 Posted 07/05/2011 at 22:15:08
It's ok I found it in my history!
John Audsley
61 Posted 07/05/2011 at 22:07:42
I think a lot of the comments made on the "live" section where very fair.

Rotten 1st half with a lot of speculation about the 2nd, then a great fightback and a lot of happy fans.

Just like being at the game, I would say.

We couldn't touch em first half but thank fuck we got sharper and worked much harder 2nd.

We respected them far too much in the first 45, something we've been guilty of doing to certain teams for a while. Gladly Moyes, the players and THE CROWD really turned it on 2nd half.

Main complements to Distin, he was out of place for the City goal but when he scored he REALLY gave it to the City fans, this man understands our club and what being a blue really means.

Something Lescott never understood ? daft cunt.
John Audsley
62 Posted 07/05/2011 at 22:21:29
Andrew Gilbert

We've all enjoyed a fine win from a pretty rotten beginning

You sound very smug with your "enlightened" on TW gag

If you think that your better than the rest of us with opinions, fair play mate

But try not to be too clever/smug, might bite you on the arse one day.

Just a thought.
Chris Butler
63 Posted 07/05/2011 at 22:29:50
What was the confrontation at the end all about?
Andrew Gilbert
64 Posted 07/05/2011 at 22:58:10
John. Totally agree with post 61.

The next bit (62) is a bit off target though, although I can see your point.

It wasn't a dig at anyone or the site in general. It is in fact one of the very few I return to every day. There is a good mix of opinions and ideas on here some refreshing others not.

I do get tired of people slagging off players before kick though.
Andrew Gilbert
65 Posted 07/05/2011 at 23:10:20
That should be 'before kick off!' (63)

Looks like we are nearly last on MotD again!
William White
66 Posted 07/05/2011 at 23:16:31
I thought the crowd were simpy sensational today.
Dick Fearon
67 Posted 07/05/2011 at 23:09:14
Avn't I always said Ossie is a genius, hee, hee.
Dermot Ryan
68 Posted 07/05/2011 at 23:48:29
Osman is certainly silencing his critics (which includes me).
Andy Crooks
69 Posted 08/05/2011 at 00:29:27
Does anyone know what went on between Phil Neville and Mancini?
David Crowe
70 Posted 08/05/2011 at 01:04:11
Felt a bit ashamed at the end when I saw Lescott clapping both the Park End and the Gwladys. I was one of the many that gave him some stick during the game and the look on his face when the 'elephant man' shout came out is one that I regret.

He didn't get involved in any of the handbags and acted oh so professionally. I think we may have gotten the wrong end of the stick with him.

I still believe he was wrong to want to go, but he'll play in an FA cup final in a few weeks and then Champions League football next year so his decision had grounds. Many will disagree but he went up in my estimation a hell of a lot today.

Paul Ferry
71 Posted 08/05/2011 at 01:45:56
I agree with David about JL - saw him smiling in the tunnel before the game - bantering with the blues - I think he misses our dressing room - I was calling him for all sorts at the time - but he handled today very well - one thing I will disagree with David about, however - Lescott will not be a starter for shitty next season - I have a feeling that he will be shipped out - barring that he will be second string
Ernie Baywood
72 Posted 08/05/2011 at 02:31:24
Cracking performance 2nd half and I enjoyed it more than I despised the first half... so I guess that's a win.

Can't shake the nagging feeling that its another missed opportunity, though. Would I rather have 3 points or a better indication of whether Vellios, Gueye, and Beckford are up to Premier League football? 3 points felt great but if it costs us next season when it actually matters then its a bad decision.

Just seems a bit shortsighted to roll out the likes of Anichebe (who had his game of the season, to be fair), Heitinga, and the half fit half arsed Arteta when we already know what they can or can't do. It would have to be better for our squad depth next season to have Vellios and Gueye with a handful of starts under their belt.
Eric Myles
73 Posted 08/05/2011 at 03:17:59
^Actually Ernie, if Anichebe had not played we wouldn't have known what he was really capable of. If he's here next season lets hope he gets treatment for the colour blindness and works on his passing.
John Audsley
74 Posted 08/05/2011 at 08:29:48
Ok Andrew 64

Fair play and in lots of ways think your right

No need to slag players of before the game and it was good to see Vic put in a real stint and Ossie (who has been our best player this year) score a Top class header

I thought you where having a go at people who may have been fucked off at halftime (myself being one of em) and maybe wanted have a go back

I can see i was wrong on that score!
Brian Waring
75 Posted 08/05/2011 at 10:20:20
Great result, especially as my little lads mate and his dad are both Man city supporters, who had been predicting how many they were going to get all week.

One negative, you lads who are saying Moyes got his tactics spot on 1st half, weren't we shit in the ist half, and only for Viera missing a sitter and Toure being out foxed by Howard we could have gone in 3 down.
Phil Bellis
76 Posted 08/05/2011 at 11:28:27
Looked to me like Lescott was belatedly trying to mend bridges with the supporters
Pity he ignored the fans and their support of him before the 1- 6 game; also a shame he didn't respond `professionally' in that match, either
Still, he'll have his diamond-encrusted bogroll holders and 5 cars in the garage to look back on
The look on his face and the panicky shouts to his fellow defenders when he saw Cahill was coming on were priceless

As for Ossie's goal - shades of Sheedy, Gray and Alex Young in that header
Roman Sidey
77 Posted 09/05/2011 at 23:20:09
I'm not going to go back on what I have said about Osman in the past, as he has been average for a few seasons. This second half season though, I am now won over. As someone already said, it's like getting a new player. I think Pienaar leaving gave him the opportunity to get a starting spot back and he was obviously choking at the bit to make the most of it. Good on the little fella.

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