More mad refereeing sours important win

, 22 December, 109comments  |  Jump to most recent
West Ham United 1 - 2 Everton
Everton remain on the road for their last game before Christmas with another potentially physical and tricky match-up in store against West Ham at Upton Park. Mirallas and Hibbert remain sidelined along with Coleman and Fellaini is suspended but Neville and Anichebe are both named in the starting line-up along with Heitinga, with Barkley and Hitzlsperger on the bench, Jagielka playing right back.

Match Summary

So... Capn Pip back in charge, having missed only six games following knee surgerey. And the less-than effective Naismith benched in favour of the enigmatic Victor Anichebe... will he be playing on the wing?

Some smart ground play by Everton from the kick-off, without the usual hoofball. But again, the final ball wasn't there... Anichebe appeared to be playing as the central target man or at least an equal partner with Jelavic... Everton playing 4-4-2 but his initial hold-up play was poor.

Pienaar was cut down from behind by Tompkins and form the free-kick, Distin watched it all the way but got up too high and headed down into the ground and wide instead of into the West Ham net. First glorious chance gone begging.

Jelavic, on the right wing, won Everton's first corner that Baines swung in deep and there was Osman to head home but incredibly, the flag was raised but the replays showed there was absolutely nothing wrong with the goal. Jaaskelainen was unable to push Anichebe out of his way... so what? No foul, Atrocious decision... or evidence of the new 'crackdown' on goalmouth shenanigans?!?

And so, down at the other end, Carlton Cole evaded Heitinga with ease and slotted past Howard. Normal service resumed.

Jarvis lent into Jagielka to win an easy free-kick wide left of the Everton area, but Howard came out with remarkable confidence to claim the high ball and set off an Everton break that Distin fluffed at the end. Pienaar side-footed a long shot to the top corner but Jaaskelainen had it well covered.

O'Neill dragged down Distin blatantly by the neck, rugby style... but no card, of course. Jagielka did well against Jarvis to win another corner but this one was over-hit.

Heitinga was lucky when his off-ball foul on Cole went unpunished. Osman had a trademark weak shot wide of the goal, Anichebe and Jelavic were both rolling around but at least Everton had a free kick from Gibson defended away.

A beautiful forward ball was played in from Osman for Jelavic on the half-hour but he took two touches and fired wide as the flag came up (wrongly?) for offside. Anichebe tried an overhead kick but caught James with a high boot — significantly unpunished by ref Alan Taylor. Some good play by Pienaar set Anichebe free but this time he was yards offside.

Jelavic had another chance that required a second touch and he fired it well wide. At the other end, A West Ham corner ended in a handball by Carlton Cole, Another corner Howard punched clear decisively.

Pienaar won a fee-kick off O'Neill that Gibson fired in on goal, forcing Jaaskelainen to tip it over for a corner that was defended away. Everton ended the half a bit flat after the bright start, totally deflated by the disallowed goal that rendered all their first half efforts wasted.

Jelavic got himself offside twice in quick succession after the break as Everton struggled to regain the initiative, Osman getting in well, the ball coming through to Jelavic but he was off-balance and could only stab it at Jaaskelainen.

Anichebe and Pienaar worked to get a corner as Everton pressed well but, again and again, the final ball was the breakdown point.

As another Everton attack broke down, substitute Maiga came so close to scoring and Everton were lucky the corner was not called from his deflected shot.

Everton kept pressing but were not really creating any clear chances, and set pieces did not seem to be yielding anything until, following a free-kick finally a ball in from Pienaar was headed in well by Anichebe for the tying goal.

Then, incredibly, Cole was shown a straight red for a high boot, essentially identical to the earlier one catching Baines. Very bizarre. Baines was not even injured and got up straight away. No intent from Cole, yellow card perhaps at best... Ridiculous refereeing.... when will this nonsense ever end?

Everton made quick use of the man advantage, Osman doing brilliant work off a good ball from Pienaar who then ran in and bamboozled the ball in off his hip through Jaaskelainen and a defender to score and put Everton in front.

It was good to see Everton continue to attack in waves after the goal, rather than sitting on their somewhat fortuitous lead, with Gibson commanding in the middle, backstopping the attacking players looking to penetrate the West Ham area.

Nolan came very close with a clever effort that deflected slightly off Heitinga's chest and floated just wide of Howard's post as the Everton relaxed a little, and decided to try keep-ball for the final 5 mins, Naismith replacing Neville.

Osman fired in a good shot and Jelavic looked to score following in but could not scoop his shot over Jaaskelainen, perhaps blocked into the sideinetting by a defender. It was one of those games were nothing went right for the Croatian.

Astoundingly, in added time, Gibson also saw red for the third high boot of the game, this on Noble — another blatantly ridiculous decision, to supposedly even things up. Absolutely incredible PGMOL rubbish!

West Ham: Jaaskelainen, Tomkins, Collins, Reid, O'Brien (81' Spence), Noble, O'Neil (58' Maiga Y:65'), Taylor, Nolan, Jarvis, Cole (R:69').
Subs: Spiegel, (89' Collison) Diarra, Moncur, Lletget.

Everton: Howard; Jagielka, Distin, Heitinga, Baines; Neville (86' Naismith), Osman, Gibson, Anichebe, Pienaar (89' Oviedo); Jelavic.
Subs: Mucha, Hitzlsperger, Barkley, Vellios, Duffy.

Quotes or other material sourced from ToffeeWeb Match Reports



Reader Comments (109)

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Tony Twist
1 Posted 22/12/2012 at 16:07:06
How many defenders do we need in the team to keep a clean sheet???

Rubbish Blues. How can Victor and Neville be match fit?

Unbelievable, Moyes.
James Morgan
2 Posted 22/12/2012 at 16:44:02
Come on blue boys I'm missing this for a pub crawl!!!
Ciarán McGlone
3 Posted 22/12/2012 at 16:50:01
I'll take that.

Spent most of the game trying to figure out where our players were playing.. very muddled structure to the side. We never really looked on top, even after Cole went off.

As for the red cards. I don't think you can get more consistent refereeing than that. Dodgy and dangerous challenges.

Surely Barkley must get a go now?

Barry Earley
4 Posted 22/12/2012 at 16:53:44
Has to be one of the worst performances by the match officials this season. And after the appalling displays by officials in our games so far that's saying a lot.

Great win, very much needed.

Hope we can successfully appeal Gibsons red.

Nick Armitage
5 Posted 22/12/2012 at 16:53:55
Anichebe was shite, but even Victor's shiteness was eclipsed by the ref.
Andy Walker
6 Posted 22/12/2012 at 16:54:51
Great result, awful referring and awful perfromance from Jelavic who should be benched immediately.
Andy Walker
7 Posted 22/12/2012 at 16:59:06
If Anichebe was shite what on earth does that make Jelavic?
Barry Earley
8 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:00:34
Very harsh on Anichebe Nick. Now if you'd made the same assertion about Jelli then there'd be no argument from me.......
Edward Simpson
9 Posted 22/12/2012 at 16:59:56
Challenges from both Gibson and Cole warranted yellow cards at best. I'm confident that we can get it rescinded.

Bizarre game but I thought we played well in places; Pienaar was brilliant today — I even thought Neville had a very good game.

Heitinga was very poor but picked up after Cole was sent off, and Jelavic is hopeless at timing his runs.

A massive three points though, but my goodness was the referee poor.

Gareth Morgan
10 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:00:37
Laughing my head off at Nick Armatige claiming Anichebe was shit, he barely lost the ball in the second half and scored a cracking header. Fair enough to blast him when he's shit but get a grip. Jelavic on the other hand was absolute garbage today.
Andy Walker
11 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:01:14
Vic did one thing infinitely better than Jelavic today; he also put himself about and matched up to their defenders. It's an easy dig to have a go at Vic. He gets stick even after the worst display I have seen from Jelavic since we signed him, he was appalling, lost count of how many times he was OS and his misses........ Jeez!!
Joe McMahon
12 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:02:49
For mins on the pitch Vic has out done Jela by far, give him a break. Jela seems to be just plain crap, what has happened to him?
Brent Stephens
13 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:06:02
The best — Peanuts and Ozzie. The worst — Johnnie and Jelli. I just cannot understand why Jelli gets offside while he's looking across the line; and he still keeps going to the floor in simulation. He's costing us lots of possession. I loved him when he came but I am rapidly changing my opinion.
Paul McGinty
14 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:03:03
Am hoping pienaar is ok .
One of many Nolan challenges did him and he looked uncomfortable limping off. A better second half and with more clinical finishing the game should have been well over before the Gibson red.
Andy Walker
15 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:05:10
Nick Armitage, how do you actually assess the performance of a striker? Obviuosly not based on goals scored, staying onside, or holding the ball up. Intrigued to know.
John Ford
16 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:06:27
I think about how well we played against Fulham, Newcastle and Reading and we dropped points every time, yet we take three after such mediocrity. Still feels good though.

Well done, boys —- an immediate return to pass and move against Wigan please.

Brent Stephens
17 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:10:45
Everton game of the day on Sky tonite.
Andy Walker
18 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:09:51
Ossie was brilliant today, just shaded Pienaar. Neville's presence on the pitch should never be under estimated. Vic to start next match with Jelavic on the bench, he needs a kick up the arse.
Ernie Baywood
19 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:08:49
Was wondering when Ossie might get a mention... he was exceptional today.

Big Vic did a job. Jelly awful. Pienaar excellent.

Both reds very harsh but I think they'll stand. Once they've been given its pretty difficult to rescind on the grounds that they were harsh. The clubs will have to argue they were incorrect - but if they were given for 'dangerous play' then I don't think they can argue that they weren't both dangerous.

Tony Cheek
20 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:06:51
Positives!..... Osman was by far MotM, real class today, Gibson great as usual, really gonna miss him. Distin was good too.

Negatives! Jelavic, looked like a schoolboy playing with men, Heitinga better second half but shit first half. Unforgivable to split up Jags and Distin at the back.

Happy Christmas to Everton supporters everywhere!
Jamie Barlow
21 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:11:33
Nice to see Vic getting some plaudits on here today. The abuse the lad got on the Live Forum for being offside (once) was embarrassing.

I don't know what's happening to Jelly but at least we have one striker who can put the ball away.

There's no chance Gibsons red card will stand so a great result and a good day for me.

Come on The Lilywhites.

Jim Knightley
22 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:12:50
Jelavic is just out of form...and looks tired (understandably). He needs a rest over the Xmas period, but with our missing players, I'm not sure if he will get one. I really hope we get Gibson back, because if we don't we will missing 3 of our 4 best midfielders against Wigan and Chelski.

But fantastic result, and great to see Pienaar getting assists/goals. Him and Osman will be so crucial in the next two matches. Also nice to see Anichebe return, as he will give us something different when fit.

Alexander O'Brien
23 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:13:57
It's beyond me why people come on here and complain having just won a football match. Big Vic put's a shift in and scores a massive goal to get us back in the game, after 6 weeks out. It's a testament to his fitness levels that he lasted the majority of the game. WELL DONE ANICHEBE! and NEVILLE!
Paul Kelly
24 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:13:10
Ossie-sublime today,classy.

Jelly's finishing was nothing short of embarrassing.

Derek Thomas
25 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:13:05
Go on then I'll bite; what's PGMOL???
Alexander O'Brien
26 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:17:40
sorry, person!
Steve Cotton
27 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:12:42
Jelli and Heitinga have got to be benched, both stank the place out today. Gibson could have been MotM if it wasnt for ludicrous refereeing once again...

Ossie goal was a beaut as well; once again, poor officials.
Paul Smith
28 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:12:58
There was a moment in the second half when Jela missed a blatant sitter and West Ham were away down the left straight away; they should have scored. No doubt a side of greater quality would've punished Jela's misses today.

I think he gets too much protection on here sometimes, I know he works hard but his misses are glaring at times and will come back to haunt us in the end.

Michael Kenrick
29 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:19:22
Proffessional
Game
Match
Officials
Limited
Michael Kenrick
30 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:20:19
The operative word being... LIMITED!

Andrew James
31 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:16:11
From what I saw Victor played quite well. He brought the ball down, linked well and took his headed goal very well. He gets a lot of abuse and sometimes the criticism is justified but you cannot really argue with the facts that his goal to game ratio this season is decent.
Brent Stephens
32 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:20:56
Nice one Michael!
Derek Thomas
33 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:18:17
Big Sam's got to appeal the Cole Red and if they recind that one, well Gibbo's has to come off as well...but this is the FA here so both will stand.

I hope that Moyes and Alladyce both get front and centre backing each others claims and with us ( well probabley WHam ) being the main match that the chattering classes of laughingly called pundits get stuck in to the FA

Oh yes and I believe in Santa too

Andy Mack
34 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:20:27
Great to see that win out, I thought we were in for another last minute draw the way we were dominating but sitting back without making a change... Barkley must surely get his chance now, or is it Hitz and hope? Big 3 points though. Jelly truly poor today. Never seen someone lose such a knack so quickly.
Ray Roche
35 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:23:51
Well, we were all doom and gloom when we saw the team, I for one will admit that Moyes just about got it right. The only real underperformers were Jelli and Heitinga. Neville was good, anybody notice him going straight to Moyes for direction when we scored? Osman was superb, fantastic close control, as was Pienaar.. The commentator , Townsend(?) was knocking one off his wrist with admiration. Even Howard didn't deserve any stick.
But, fuck me, the deserves some. Where do they get these guys from? Poundland?
Tony Dove
36 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:24:00
Great result. In view of Moyes' comments this week the only place for Barkley is the Bundesliga [unless Moyes goes there]
Dave White
37 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:27:45
Glad to see so many people shouting down ridiculous criticism of Vic...the lad comes back in the side having very little football and scores a great (away) goal...seriously what else could we want?!!

And I know it has said already but Ozzie was awesome today. Also credit to Howard who looked much more commanding in the air than usual.

Crazy refereeing for both red cards, but I'm sure Jonny was delighted to see Cole go off, gave him a torrid time all afternoon.

Peter Thistle
38 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:26:06
Jelavic is top of the league for being offside in games. Somethin he definately needs to be working on. Hopefully his quality finishing will return soon.

Anyway, good result.

Colin Potter
39 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:34:41
Osman,
Head and shoulders above everybody today.
Kevin Tully
40 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:33:51
That was a brilliant 3 points. Surely the two reds will be downgraded to yellows on appeal. Osman was superb today, he looked likely to beat a man whenever he received the ball - my MOTM.

Four teams on 30 points, it is going to be an exciting fight for that 4th spot. As long as we are in touch after the Newcastle game, we will be in with a great shout.

Jelavic will come good, he is a natural finisher. Let's hope Mirallas can get a run in the side, injuries permitting.

Eugene Ruane
41 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:48:21
Just back from pub. In the bar there was a mix of Everton and Liverpool supporters. I have to say some of the insults screamed after Everton got the winner were absolutely disgusting - real filthy obscene stuff that could have very easily provoked trouble. To be fair, I apologized as I was leaving but I sensed most could sense I wasn't being sincere - COYB!
David Israel
42 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:42:05
Osman had a great game, and so did Pienaar. I'm getting worried about Jelavic's form: he's reminding me of the long line of strikers Moyes has signed and who suddeny disappeared: Beattie, Johnson, the Yak, even Beckford can be counted, although he was never brilliant. On the other hand, Anichebe had a good game and scored a very good goal, so I don't understand all the stick he's getting here.

The red cards were harsh but will stand, I'm afraid.

Good three points to start off the Christmas campaign.

Ian Bennett
43 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:54:16
Happy days. Think I'll put the heating on, well it is Christmas.
Graham Mockford
44 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:46:33
I thought for a while before I posted this... but I think it needs saying: I often wonder about the stick handed out to Victor.

I see a player who has had a terrible run of injuries that has held back his progress. However, the last eighteen months he has started scoring at a decent rate and has put in some really decent performances such as Newcastle, Swansea and today. Yet he regularly gets the most fearful abuse.

The main criticism seems to be one of 'attitude' and that he's 'lazy'. Do I sense a little bit of the 1970s about all this?
Ray Roche
45 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:56:15
It's got nothing to do with the match but I'm in a good mood, if there are any little Blues out there, sons, grandsons etc, send them this, and make it a Blue theme if you can.

www.portablenorthpole

Matthew Salem
46 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:52:09
Just for the record, as I tend to slate Neville when in midfield, he actually was solid today and deserves credit for the 3 points. Osman MOTM, Pienaar, Baines and Gibson were immense. Jelavic needs a rest for sure, but I am not sure what is with Heitinga. Has he had any good game this season?
Andy Meighan
47 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:55:10
Didn't see the game today. But where the fuck are they going for these referees – the moon? Apparently both sending offs and our disallowed goal were an absolute disgrace. Still, the derby apart, when have we had a decision go in our favour this season?

You'd think these things even themselves up. Not if you're Everton they don't. That's not sour grapes — that's a fact. Still, a win is a win and that's all you can ask for... I just hope we don't get too complacent against Wigan because there's no easy games in this league.

Anyway time to get stuck into the booze methinks. All the best to everyone!!!
Mike Powell
48 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:45:23
A great win even though we never played that well. Jella and Heitinga were poor... Big Vic had a good game, as did Ossie

The ref... well, the least said about him, the better... but no Gibbo for three games? We are going to strugle without him and Fellaini.
Derek Thomas
49 Posted 22/12/2012 at 18:05:21
Sorry about the cock up with all the 'offs' It's 4am and it's been a long night, just seen the RS score a semi passable neat 2nd goal so I'm off to bed.

RS, you always get exactly what it says on the tin.

Peter Mills
50 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:54:41
Eugene, your name is close enough to an anagram to say it – genius!

We played very well throughout, controlled the game and, vitally, continued to take the game to the opposition when we took the lead. Osman and Pienaar superb, Victor good, and once again we played better as a unit for the presence of Neville.
Matthew Salem
51 Posted 22/12/2012 at 17:52:09
Just for the record, as I tend to slate Neville when in midfield, he actually was solid today and deserves credit for the 3 points.

Osman MotM; Pienaar, Baines and Gibson were immense. Jelavic needs a rest for sure, but I am not sure what is with Heitinga. Has he had any good games this season?
Andy Walker
52 Posted 22/12/2012 at 18:18:54
In terms of incompetence the display of reffing was only matched by the display from Jelavic. Give him a rest and give Vic a proper run.

Ossie was absolutely fantastic today and Pienaar was a close second, the goal he scored against Spurs seems to have done the trick.

Unlike a midfielder, who can still be effective even if below form, the problem with a striker out of form is you cant keep him in hoping he gets his form back as he's only on the pitch to score and if he's not it'll cost us points. It already has and could easily have done today.

Bench Jelavic, Moyes.

Peter Cummings
53 Posted 22/12/2012 at 18:11:30
I said before the game I preferred Vellios to Vic but was proved wrong.

The disallowed 'goal' was a kick in the teeth for us and could have made heads drop but we're made of sterner stuff these days and came back excellently to deservedly take the points in the end. I can only agree Jeli was garbage but Ossie and Pienaar were brilliant. I couldn't believe Howard actually came off his line to take a cross... will wonders never cease?!?

Well done, the lads.
James Martin
54 Posted 22/12/2012 at 18:26:36
I know we won today but the performance was probably one of the worst of the season. Fortunately, Osman and Pienaar seemingly disregarded Moyes's tactical instructions and came off their flanks and didn't pass to anyone but themselves, the only players in blue who could control the ball today. The pair of them were absolutely outstanding and how anyone has called for either of them to be dropped is beyond me.

The right hand side of Jagielka/Neville/Anichebe was absolutely atrocious, Heitinga was terrible, Baines didn't look interested until we were 2-1 up, Gibson was a bit off colour and Jelavic was having another bad day. What was Moyes thinking with that team selection?

Ironically we had more chances than we do in most games when we're absolutely pounding teams with flowing easy-on-the-eye football. Big win but I wouldn't want to watch that performance every week. Well done Ossie and Pienaar for yet again digging us out of holes.
Andy Walker
55 Posted 22/12/2012 at 18:34:48
James can you let us all know what Moyes said re tactics today please. It's good to have someone on the board with insider knowledge. If you could post before each match it would be even better.
Charles McCann
56 Posted 22/12/2012 at 18:43:35
You're spot on James. Lucky we were playing such a poor team. Hope Coleman not out for too long. Jags was missed from the centre of defence.
Jonathan Tasker
57 Posted 22/12/2012 at 18:45:43
Why do people criticise Anichebe?

His goals record per minutes on the pitch is very good – look up on Guardian website.

It's very annoying that he is always injured and he is more effective when he comes off the bench but give him a break – he scored.

Brent Stephens
58 Posted 22/12/2012 at 18:49:01
James - Osman and Pienaar only passed to themselves?? That's not what I saw.
John Crawley
59 Posted 22/12/2012 at 18:47:02
James think you've got that about spot on. Bizarre team selection and formation. Two players missing which resulted in about 5 changes! Still good win and lets hope for another one on boxing day.
Pat Finegan
60 Posted 22/12/2012 at 18:38:44
Anyone else think Gibson brings the best out of Neville? Thought he had a solid game today.

Anichebe should be starting up front against Wigan. He has been playing much better than Jela.

Fair play to West Ham. When Gibson was sent off they sung "you don't know what you're doing." Hopefully, Cole and Gibson both get their cards revoked.

Si Cooper
61 Posted 22/12/2012 at 18:32:07
Haven't seen game yet but listened to radio and Jelavic is obviously fluffing some chances at the moment.

Thing is, it sounds like he is still trying his utmost and getting into decent positions enough times in most games to make a difference if he rediscovers his touch, which makes me wonder if benching him will solve his (our) problem. A few weeks ago we were all very grateful that he was still on the pitch late on to make the difference.

If he tells the manager he is tired then fair enough, but if not keep starting him to see if he can play through this patch of poor form. A couple of goals and he may shrug off the anxiety that is obviously affecting him. Dropping him may only increase his anxiety and frustration. I trust the manager and player to sort this out between them.

In the meantime, as always, we need other players to chip in with a few goals to help us edge games we might otherwise drop points in. When is Mirallas expected to be available again?

Si Cooper
62 Posted 22/12/2012 at 18:57:21
Pat, Gibson brings out the best in a lot of our players because he is capable of doing a job that no-one else can which allows them to get on with what they do best.
Gerry Morrison
63 Posted 22/12/2012 at 19:01:00
Derek Thomas- That game against Leeds was my first match. Me arl fella had to explain to me that that did not happen every game.
Paul Dark
64 Posted 22/12/2012 at 19:33:03
Amazingly, I thought Osman did well today - probably MoM.

Reading over the post-match reports/comments, I was surprised that most people think we 'edged' it. I thought we were good value for the win. Heitinga had a shocker and should've swapped with Jags (before kick-off!). We looked very shaky at the back.

Jelly had another poor game (he's got to stop missing sitters (he had about two and a half today!)) - but he'll come good.

We really miss our Belgians, not to mention Seamus and Hibbo. Moyes needs to do somehitng about the back four before Wigan.

We deserved to win, no question - but the defence looked worryingly porous. I do feel Gibbo needs to win more ball and assert himself a little more. He sits in a near-vacuum sometimes in front of the back four.

I thought WHU were quite physical and ugly - in a way as does not befit the Academy, but then they are managed by the craft-y but craft-less Allardyce (who was characteristically ungracious after the game).

Based on chances, play etc., the correct score should've been: 2-5.

Peter Warrington
65 Posted 22/12/2012 at 19:53:30
I have to admit it was all a bit of a blur in the Sydney post-2am sultriness. I kept nodding off and we had 8 fullbacks on the field and/or Osman was playing like Maradona!

But I have to disagree with the original poster, I thought Osman's header was rightly ruled out (a) because a 5-foot midget cannot breach the laws of physics by out-jumping a 7-foot lump, lest the Mayan apocalypse be triggered; and (b) Anichebe had his arm around the keeper, he was only there to impede the keeper, and he did. (Other teams do it, too, but that doesn't make it right.)

Re the sendings off, you could argue Cole should have gone for his with his head. Gibson's was more in the contestable zone, however it looked worse. Free kicks at most for mine.

Great win from a strange game and a bizarre team, the worst sleep I have had in decades. Merry Christmas!

James Martin
66 Posted 22/12/2012 at 20:03:57
Andy, obviously I have no idea what Moyes's tactical instructions were. We seemed to set up with Osman and Pienaar on the flanks and Neville and Gibson in midfield. Fortunately for us, Osman didn't seem to stay out there and came infield with Neville seemingly doing nothing.

I cannot understand Moyes's logic of Jagielka at RB. Carlton Cole gave Heitinga problems all game through the middle so why not Heitinga at RB (or Neville) and Jagielka back in the middle? Too many players out of position today; aside from the interplay between Osman and Pienaar in the middle, the football was generally terrible.

Moyes seemed to value Jagileka's height at set pieces to the detriment of the 90 minutes of open play. West Ham were even worse and for once we got away with one.
Phil Brown
67 Posted 22/12/2012 at 20:13:13
Thought that Moyes got the team selection absolutely wrong today. When you're playing against Cole and Nolan you need big strong defenders i.e. Distin and Jags. Heitinga didn't have a chance against Cole, he bullied him from start to finish. Very poor goal to concede; basic rule is don't disturb your centre backs unless you have to.
Ian Bennett
68 Posted 22/12/2012 at 20:20:47
Heitinga has zero pace for right back. If you think he's iffy at centre back, exposing him at full back isn't going to help. Get rid.
Graham Mockford
69 Posted 22/12/2012 at 20:21:12
Phil #468 he's been getting his team selection wrong for ages.

Unfortunately we have lost 2 of our last 27 games which sort of drives a coach and horses through such drivel.

Andy Meighan
70 Posted 22/12/2012 at 20:37:23
C'mon Eugene, what do you really expect from that sad bitter bunch of horrible bastards. Do you think it might have something to do with the fact that were a teensy weensy bit better than them, and have been lording it over them all season?

Gone are the days when the patronising cunts used to pat us on the head after a defeat and say, "Youse wuz unlucky der — shoulda got sometin from dat... seems like eons ago. Oops, forgot it was wasn't it... Get used to it, lads, but you're just not a big club any more are you... Ha! ha!!"

An absolutely horrible bunch of twisted bastards... fact!
Steven Telford
71 Posted 22/12/2012 at 20:36:59
Just Looking at the table now and thinking how vital those 3 points we took off Spurs and Arsenal look to be. Cursing the dropped points against Newcastle, Reading and Norwich......... top 4 is a tall order.
Bjørn-Ivar Pedersen
72 Posted 22/12/2012 at 21:09:41
In a way I am glad the ref disallowed the first goal, and then WH scored first, 'cos it seems like we only win when we go one down.


But where did all the good refs go? They are defiantly not in England at the moment.

Just hope the appeal will be successful.
Keith Glazzard
73 Posted 22/12/2012 at 21:06:57
Has anyone mentioned that when Gibson put his foot up, the opponent's foot was at the same height? It was 50/50 and the brain-dead ref 'compensated' for making one bad decision - sending Cole off - with another.

Where do they find them from?

Barry Rathbone
74 Posted 22/12/2012 at 20:32:52
Excellent result Moyesie me old mate, proved the moaners wrong today.

If you could have seen them when the team sheet went up me old mucka!!.. Oh when will they learn?

liked the new tactic of getting Baines to put his nose near Cole's boot then getting Gibbo sent off late on as a distraction - marvellous touch.

Well done Ossie, Peanuts and particularly big Vic, in fact all the lads.

(As an aside don't listen to moans about Jeli every touch went in last year it's just balancing out.)

Happy xmas to all, especially our blue family members in foreign climes, ex pat blues our Chilean brothers and those "chosen" who've never been to GP. Keep up the missionary work, heroes one and all.

Don't wanna hear the word "fickle" at all.

Colin Wainwright
75 Posted 22/12/2012 at 21:31:40
Osman and Pienaar were amazing today. Not a great all round performance and shocking refereeing (thought Ozzy's goal was sound myself), but a very welcome 3 points. Oh, and shithouse Nolan missed two sitters. Merry Christmas! God bless the blues!
Peter Mills
76 Posted 22/12/2012 at 21:17:56
I think I liked the post from Andy #472 even more than the one from Eugene #433.
And they said irony died the day Henry Kissinger won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Andrew James
77 Posted 22/12/2012 at 20:49:06
Personally I was pleased to see Victor back. Our tiny squad needs bodies and options.

As for Ossie, did you see that sublime moment in the second half when he received a long ball from the back four? He was surrounded by two Hammers and he brought the ball down and got away from both of them with two touches before setting in motion another attack. When people come on here and tell us Osman is a Championship player and only plays because he's one of DM's favourites, have a look at that and you will see why we should be proud of him.

Phil Brown
78 Posted 22/12/2012 at 21:36:15
Graham # 471 Just because we deservedly won doesn't mean that the team selection was not an error. Could have been fatal against a stronger team than West Ham.

Thought that Osman and Peinaar were excellent today and controlled mid field. Would have liked to see Barkley put on when Captain Pip was subbed as we were 2-1 up and they were down to 10 men.

Sat directly behind Moyes today and now know why he's called dithering Davie - what a carry on!

Mark Burr
79 Posted 22/12/2012 at 21:51:31
Phil - Moyes picked the team based partly on who we were playing. Of course against a stronger side that team may not have won, but a different side would have started! I don't actually agree with the 11 picked but I have agreed with some this season and we have lost. Agree Barkley needs game time now.
Graham Mockford
80 Posted 22/12/2012 at 21:51:59
Phil,
Hard to know where to start. We 'deservedly won' yet Moyes picked the wrong team. How does that work?

You then say "Could have been fatal against a stronger team than West Ham." Who was he picking today's team to play against?

You want to expand on the 'dithering Davie' comment? I can't wait...

Ian Campbell
81 Posted 22/12/2012 at 21:50:47
Great result, love the shamless bias in these match report too. Jarvis lent into Jagielka to win a soft free kick? Pretty obvious that it was a clear barge by Jags and a definite free kick but don't let that stop you.

Pretty brutal refereeing for both red cards and not sure what that bucktooth schoolboy linesman was doing for Oman's goal. Hopefully common sense prevails and both cards rescinded but not sure when a decision will be made on that!

Simon Harris
83 Posted 22/12/2012 at 21:53:16
Could have should have would have.

We won and dynamic Dave should get a share of the plaudits -for persevering with Pienaar and Baines down the left, for transforming Ossie in to an England international and for sticking big Vic upfront and not on the flank.

So for today at least (and a bottle of wine later) I say well played David Moyes - a tactical genius

Merry Christmas to all (the lino and mini me Lee Mason ref can both fuck right off)

Brendan McLaughlin
84 Posted 22/12/2012 at 22:18:07
The "dithering" tag referred to Moyes indecision in the transfer market...so how does sitting behind the dugout clarify things Phil #487?
Andrew James
85 Posted 22/12/2012 at 22:12:46
Moyes main tactic today seemed to be to be able to stay with our opposition in terms of physicality hence the return of Victor and Captain Phil. That meant a lot of responsibility on Osman, Pienaar and Baines to create the chances. Fortunately they didn't let us down.

We didn't really notice the absence of Fellaini today but we did lack any real threat down the right. That was due to injuries more than anything else but just imagine how good we'll be when Coleman and Mirallas get a run together.

I remain hopeful for 2013. We do need some new bodies but with a few players returning, we need not be scared of anybody.

Peter Norris
86 Posted 22/12/2012 at 22:19:05
Just got in after getting back from the game. I am amazed at how many people deride Victor. If you had gone the game, a balanced view was he had an average first half but, after his goal, he grew in confidence, held the ball well and was strong against two big centre-backs.

Tony Twist at the start of this trail — "unbelievable Moyes" comment. How can you make comments like that when he sees these guys day-in, day-out. Don't you think he knows something about whether they're ready for action? I think the fact they lasted the game makes your comments "unbelievable"!

Heitinga and Jelly were poor. Gibbo, Ossie and Stevie P were immense and Captain Phil was a steady influence throughout.

Great effort, lads. COYBs.

Colin Wainwright
87 Posted 22/12/2012 at 23:05:24
I've had a few Jamie. Obviously got that wrong. He's still a tit though.
Jamie Barlow
88 Posted 22/12/2012 at 23:21:52
Ha ha, there's no doubt about that.
Andrew James
89 Posted 22/12/2012 at 23:22:54
@Colin

We could do with more pundits like Savage and Claridge because they are very positive about Everton and Moyes. They are a major improvement on people like Garth Crooks or Andy Townsend who just champion the same predictable rubbish...

Colin Wainwright
90 Posted 22/12/2012 at 23:26:53
Andrew, I hear what you're saying, Garth Crooks is the most sanctimonious gobshite to have ever been given a job at the BBC and i'm including DLT in that.

But you can hardly use him as a benchmark to promote Savage. On the universal scale of dickheads, they both score high.

Paul Ferry
91 Posted 22/12/2012 at 23:30:44
What fresh bollocks is this? Oh merciful redeeming Christ: (#412) "Jelavic is just out of form... and looks tired (understandably). He needs a rest over the Xmas period."

Ah, bless... Jelly plays 90 mins each week, and now and then 180, and he's ... 'tired'!?! Oh the poor little love. It's so hard, aint it, pounding up and down the pitch, week-in and week-out... and, lest we forget, those high-amp daily, deary me daily, training stints. Off to bed with ya, Jelly!

What a ridiculous comment, Why does he look tired 'understandably'? What is 'understandable' about his tiredness? He is a high-paid lean professional who works at most for 3 hours each week in public view. But bless, get some zzzzzzzzzzs, Jelly. It's a hard life, ain't it, mate?

Richard Earle
92 Posted 23/12/2012 at 00:47:51
I thought Hansen came out with more shite than Savage. First he reckoned Osman's goal shouldn't have stood and WBA's should even though both forwards were backing into the goalie. So no bias there eh? And then he says every striker has a right to fall over with the slightest touch therefore condoning diving. Great message that sends out just when the FA are trying to curb it. So Hansen is all for cheating as long as you win. Makes me sick!
Phil Smith
93 Posted 23/12/2012 at 02:02:09
Glad there are lots of people lauding little Leon's performance today. He was outstanding! Some of his touches and control were different class. On his day he can be as good as players like Nasri. Hope he get another crack with the England team.
Jim Knightley
94 Posted 23/12/2012 at 02:12:27
By the way, did the Osman disallowed goal remind anyone of the Ferguson disallowed goal against Villarreal?

I was also watching the Football League Show today, and the Crystal Palace goalie, Speroni, made an awful error... it reminded me of the horrendous error he made against us in the season we finished fourth, when we visited Palace.

For those who don't remember (and if I remember rightly), we were one-nil down and, after losing to Arsenal on the opening day, and with several players having left in the summer, I was actually scared we were going to get relegated that season. We ended up winning 3-1 I think, with two goals from Gravesen and one from Bent, and we just averted a car crash on the way home... turned into a great day.

I know this is extremely irrelevant... but it's weird how certain incidents bring memories back. And there were two today which reminded me of events 7/8 years ago.

I also thought Osman looked very good... him and Pienaar are going to be so crucial in the next few matches. Also, I was pleased to see Anichebe back as, despite his faults, I believe he is our second-best striker, and he gives us something different.

And lastly... I'm really proud at how often we are overturning deficits to take points. I can't recall any season in recent memory of it happening so often... and tbh, aside from Man Utd this season, I can't recall many other teams who have managed it quite so often. Shows a great determination.

And lastly... fair play to Anichebe and Neville today. I was annoyed when both were in the line-up, as I didn't expect they would be fit enough... but I was proved wrong.

We have drawn too many games... but two defeats in twenty-seven? Pretty remarkable! If we get a couple of players in in January, we will take fourth down to the wire.

Ian Allaker
95 Posted 23/12/2012 at 02:21:53
Leon had a good performance and should rightly be praised for it, but I do think a few people are going overboard with it especially considering that it was against a poor West Ham side. This was Leon's customary 1 good performance in 5. He needs to show consistency now and not go missing for the next 4 matches.
Mike Powell
96 Posted 23/12/2012 at 02:20:31
Hansen, you ... you bitter twat — we know why you think diving is okay — because the carrot-munching faggot is the best in the world at it.
Roman Sidey
97 Posted 23/12/2012 at 05:58:59
Gavin, I thought the same thing when I saw Barry's late winner. If that wasn't for the win in the dying seconds for a "top" side, that was a free kick if ever I've seen one. You wouldn't even get away with that in Aussie Rules, and that's saying something.

Does anyone else think that maybe the refs are performing poorly as a way to pressure the governing bodies to introduce technological assitance? Seems like the standard is a lot lower than past seasons.

Graeme Jenkinson
98 Posted 23/12/2012 at 08:09:47
I only saw the highlights. How well did we play? Judging from what Moyes has been saying in post match interviews it sounds like we put on one of our better performances. Also, how did we look without Felli? Is encouraging to know we can still perform without our best player.
Jim Knightley
99 Posted 23/12/2012 at 10:49:09
They do seem to be performing very poorly Roman...but I wonder if it seems worse, because this season poor referring decisions have often centered on matches involving us? We've never had seasons during which we get the kind of decisions United do, but I can't recall any in recent memory where we've had so many go against us...A string of clear penalties, goals unfairly disallowed, offsides etc. We've a few go for us: the Cole sending off, The Fellaini goal/butt...but in general we've been consistently the victims.
Brent Stephens
100 Posted 23/12/2012 at 10:54:22
Ian Allaker, I know we've discussed Leon before, but... you say "This was Leon's customary 1 good performance in 5". I've a feeling you say that every game! So each game actually is a good performance!
Ian Allaker
101 Posted 23/12/2012 at 10:59:58
So the last game was a good performance, Brent, where he couldn't hit the target from about 6 yards???
Brent Stephens
102 Posted 23/12/2012 at 11:08:00
Ian. One miss doesn't make a bad performance. Most on here can see and have said that. The press say that. Doesn't make it right of course but I'm going with the vast majority. Hey, lighten up, can't you enjoy the win? Why spoil it with mean-spirited, scrooge-like references to what, anyway, is in the past.
Terry McLavey
103 Posted 23/12/2012 at 12:41:17
Streamed the match... when I saw Anichebe I thought Jelavic had been dropped as my picture isn't brilliant. I couldn't believe it when his name was mentioned after about 35 minutes. I'm not saying he isn't quality but how out of form must you be before your dropped?!

Vellios must be saying "I can do better than that, ffs!" Mind you, how long did Moyes pick Saha for when his form was shite? They shouldn't get paid if they have a shit game — that would perk them up... or performance related pay that would cut the wage bill!

Last word (or two actually!): Ossy... Brilliant!!
Ian Allaker
104 Posted 23/12/2012 at 12:49:57
Brent, I'm not saying one miss makes a bad performance but that miss last week summed his performance up. From what I have seen, the vast majority on here don't rate Leon very highly and think he is lucky to make the starting 11, but because he has finally had a good game, his supporters are out in force — that's why it seems like you are with the vast majority.

As for the scrooge reference, I did enjoy the win and I did enjoy the performance of Osman but I have watched him a long time and I know those good performances are few and far between so I won't be getting carried away like a lot on here.

Brent Stephens
105 Posted 23/12/2012 at 13:13:13
Ian, all I did was to respond to "So the last game was a good performance Brent were he couldn't hit the target from about 6 yards?" I assumed that was all you found fault for in that performance. But now you're implying his whole performance was shit!! Come on, Ian, the rest of his performance in that game that really good.

You say you've watched Ossie a long time – maybe that's the problem – we (me too!) can become blind to things because we see them through the lens of previous experience, rather than seeing what's actually happening now. Let's just disagree, then, about how well he's playing this year.

Paul Dark
106 Posted 23/12/2012 at 13:56:46
593: I'd say Osman's hit rate for good games is far fewer than 1 in 5; nearer 1 in 20. He was good yesterday – in parts – but he is not a PL player of distinction for reasons I've outlined before.
John Crook
107 Posted 23/12/2012 at 15:12:43
Anyone else notice in today's Sunday People that Heitinga (Everton's worse player yesterday) was in the team of the day and Pienaar was given Man of the Match in the match report ahead of the outstanding Osman. What a joke.
Colin Wainwright
108 Posted 23/12/2012 at 20:11:14
No matter what anyone thinks of Osman as a player, you can't deny he was fuckin' brilliant yesterday. Probably one of his best games in a blue shirt, imo.
Will Schoefmann
109 Posted 24/12/2012 at 15:15:56
How did we come out of that one? I took one look at the lineup and said, "Well, playing to loose, I guess..." Jags at right-back with Heitinga in at centre-back — what a shocker!

A number of observations regarding the match:

Johnny H's performance confirmed for me that he is NOT up for it as a defensive player; lacking pace and positioning, I see it hard for him to hold a role in our squad. He didn't even get booked today which tells me his heart is not even in it.

Jeli is still miss firing... severely. Time for a tune-up or a sit-down. I would have taken Naisy over him today in a forward role as Jelli gave the linesmen a good ole work out with all his offsides.

I was very pleased with Osman's work rate and looked great on the ball with superb control (he should have had a goal as well). I was pleased with Vic's performance as he played an entire match, got the equalizer and did his best to bully defenders the way we know he can today. I'm glad to see him back on the pitch!

I was pleasantly surprised at Neville's performance yesterday. He looked a bit rough on the touch but, with the back line out of sorts, I think you could see his leadership and coordination of the players on the field at work there.

Questions remain about why Moyesie put Heitinga at CB. Surely Coleman would have been able to sort the wing out with some help from Neville (who was covering for Jags on many occasions during his "runs" up the wing).

Michael Kenrick
110 Posted 24/12/2012 at 16:18:07
Will (#842) — we had Coleman down as being injured... unless you know different?

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