Battling Blues pile more misery on Pardew

, 2 January, 141comments  |  Jump to most recent
Newcastle United 1 - 2 Everton
Everton came back from conceding a sloppy early goal to take all three points thanks to substitute Anichebe's winner on the hour mark. With Ba in talks at Chelsea, Cisse capitalised on poor defending to loop a header home after just 72 seconds but Baines rifled a stunning 30-yard free kick past the impressive Krul to make it 1-1 at half time. A top-drawer move won it, though, when Jelavic collected Fellaini's pass and squared it for Anichebe to convert with his first touch. The Blues back on track!

Match Summary

Jelavic was offside in the first minute and from the free kick, Everton allow the ball too bounce and Cisse calmly nodded it over Howard into the Everton net onside 71 seconds. Astounding!

Cisse could have made it 2 on 4 mins if he'd anticipated a good cross that got right behind the dreamy Everton defence. Baines got in a good cross before Tiote tripped Pienaar, setting up a threatening free-kick that Baines very nearly curled in, forcing a superb save from Krul. A fantastic ball forward from Heitinga had four Everton players looking to profit but Krul was out decisively to deny Baines in a very lively start to the game.

Everton looked to keep possession well until Osman surrendered it very cheaply leading to another Newcastle attack. Distin had to intercept another good cross and from the throw-in Howard needed to be alert.

Everton looked to build calmly but Krul was a match for every cross, while Howard was equally decisive at the other end as the game settled into more of a midfield tussle. Tiote tripped Osman for another free-kick that Baines swung in but no follow-up as Jelavic went wide again to have any possession.

The long ball to Fellaini and nod down to Jelavic wasn't really working too well for a variety of reasons: fouls, offside, timing, as Everton looked for different ways to get behind the Newcastle defence. Another free kick saw Naismith nod down but Krul saved comfortably. Pienaar then played a hard low cross to Fellaini but his brilliant shot was straight at a defender's leg, as the Blues cranked up the pressure...

But a period of pressure by the homeside ended with Perch heading a free kick off the post with Howard beaten. Pienaar got into great space in front of Krul but once again the keeper denied Everton an equalizer their enterprising play deserved.

Big screams for the Toonies for a penalty when Ameobi flung himself at the stationary Neville, bounced off him and collapsed in a heap. Cisse was then booked and another free kick was swung in by Baines and defended away as half-time approached. Baines got another bite of the cherry after Fellaini was fouled and an absolutely fantastic Exocet of a shot from 30 yards out came through the wall and bamboozled Krul, streaking into the back of the net... Brilliant from Baines!

Heitinga got shown the yellow card for a foul and a free-kick that could have been problematic but the wall did it's job as Jelavic struggled against the linesman's flag. He finally did get free but was a tripped by Williamson who collected a yellow, with Fellaini getting called for doing very little from the free kick. Naismith continued to not impress, getting a chance for a cross played straight to a stripped shirt, leading to a crazy goalmouth scrum from the corner.

As Everton flagged a little, David Moyes decided on an early switch (58 mins!), bringing Anichebe on in place of Naismith who had been poor, but not before Ameobi came very close, flicking the ball past Howard and his left-hand post. And seconds later, Anichebe had the ball in the net, a really class goal made by Jelavic's run down the left channel an a perfect ball in that Anichebe converted deftly with his first touch of the game. A very impressive goal to silence the Toonies!

Obertan tried to duplicate Jealvic's run and was forced to shoot, with Howard equal to it. Obertan was then replaced by Bigirimana. Newcastle looked to repeat the play on their goal but this time Everton won a free-kick to end the danger.

Tiote finally saw the yellow his play had merited from the off with a late and dangerous clatter on Baines, whikle at the other end, Cisse had not one but two bites of the cherry, a header at Heitinga and a shot that Howard was very grateful to gather on the line at his feet. The Blues were living a little dangerously until a tricky ball in by Baines kicked up and almost fooled Krul who reacted well to tip it over, and more argey-bargy for the corner, Martin Atkinson struggling to keep order.

Fellaini cleverly stole the ball and went on a run that was illegally and dangerously terminated by Tiote inside the Dee, and another free-kick, this time Baines curling it over the wall and around the post. Tiote was wisely withdrawn, the other Ameobi coming on in his pace With no margin for complacency,

Neville and Anichebe managed to clash heads jumping for the same ball, both requiring extended treatment, and both having to leave the field. A completely ridiculous ruling. A massive chance for Newcastle was thwarted by Howard as Everton rocked a little until Pienaar went on a run and a weak shot. Then Osman was in the right place to block away a shot that had the beating of Howard.

5 mins on the clock saw Everton holding on to their slender lead against more and more desperate attacking from Newcastle, Ranger replacing Perch, with Oviedo replacing Jelavic for 6 mins of added time. Everton played it out with increasing confidence to carry home three more vital points.

Newcastle: Krul, Perch (87' Ranger), Williamson Y:, Coloccini, Santon, Obertan (68' Bigirimana), Anita, Tiote Y:, Marveaux, Shola Ameobi, Cisse. Subs: Elliot, Sammy Ameobi, Ferguson, Tavernier, Abeid.

Everton: Howard, Jagielka, Heitinga Y:, Distin, Baines, Naismith (58' Anichebe), Neville, Osman, Pienaar Y:, Fellaini, Jelavic (88' Oviedo). Subs: Mucha, Hitzlsperger, Gueye, Vellios, Duffy.

Referee: Martin Atkinson

Quotes or other material sourced from ToffeeWeb Match Reports



Reader Comments (141)

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Sean Condon
1 Posted 02/01/2013 at 19:12:22
Just heard that Ba's not playing!
Kevin Day
2 Posted 02/01/2013 at 19:29:03
Neville and Naismith starting, Fellaini straight back in... Anichebe on the bench.
James Morgan
3 Posted 02/01/2013 at 19:28:34
Howard
Jagielka Heitinga Distin Baines
Naismith Neville Osman Pienaar
Fellaini
Jelavic

That's the team, should be enough but this is Everton!

Kevin Day
4 Posted 02/01/2013 at 19:29:56
Oh and Jags at RB again...
Brent Stephens
5 Posted 02/01/2013 at 19:35:34
I must say I feel a bit sorry for Vic (oh please don't go Vic!) as he played well against Chelsea.
John Crawley
6 Posted 02/01/2013 at 19:35:07
I'm glad Neville is in there alongside Osman. I would like to see Duffy given a chance instead of Heitinga and Barkley given a game on the right hand side instead of Naismith. Fingers crossed we actually get some luck tonight playing Newcastle, it's about time we got a win up there.
Jack Okell
7 Posted 02/01/2013 at 20:32:26
Howard scares the hell out of me. Flapping like a sheet in the wind. We NEED to replace him ASAP!!
Jack Okell
8 Posted 02/01/2013 at 20:33:56
Naismith is fucking chronic as well.
Kase Chow
10 Posted 02/01/2013 at 20:45:03
What a goal!!!
Jim Knightley
11 Posted 02/01/2013 at 20:49:56
Incredible freekick. We deserve to be at least level...the better team so far. Baines theoretically could have had a hatrrick!

Naismith has been very poor though.

Damian Braithwaite
12 Posted 02/01/2013 at 20:49:39
We need to take the pressure off Jelavic, Fellaini is playing good but not linking well to get the best out of him. Think the big lad will score tonight, fingers crossed.
Jon Ferguson
13 Posted 02/01/2013 at 20:52:18
I try not to get too badly on the back of players, but Naismith really has been poor. It's rare that I would call for Anichebe to be brought on, but I think his additional physical presence might unnerve their defence second half. Either that or Oveido to provide some pace and trickery. Something needs to be done at half time or soon after. The game is here for the taking.
Damian Braithwaite
14 Posted 02/01/2013 at 21:05:06
Need to get heitinga off, just does not look up for it, costing us too many fouls.
Damian Braithwaite
15 Posted 02/01/2013 at 21:07:14
Moyes must have read my earlier post get in, great goal
Jim Knightley
16 Posted 02/01/2013 at 21:55:12
Thank fuck for that!!
Ian Bennett
17 Posted 02/01/2013 at 21:56:50
Tactical genius Moyes! 9 out of 12, up the ante MOB.
Roman Sidey
18 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:00:13
Would rather celebrate a win together as a club, Ian.
John Audsley
19 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:00:44
I could hardly watch the 6mins of injury time but to be fair we looked really comfy. Top performance after the first minute calamity and a tough place to get 3 points

Big Vic played really well when he came on, no smacking the grass and crying just good, intelligent play... and the Baines free kick — best I've seen from an Everton player in years.

Top team performance and if we can keep seedy little Redshites off the forum that would be a big help too. :)

John Ford
20 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:02:31
Great win. Some unbelievable negativity on the forum tonight.
Steve Smith
21 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:00:33
For sheer character, spirit, never say die attitude, and two fantastic goals, that for me was our best game this season. Yes we rode our luck a bit, but, it's about time we got a little bit of luck, thought we at least deserved a draw against Chelsea, so this more than makes up for it.
Brilliant free kick for Bainseys goal and brilliant build up play for big Vics, never been a fan of Vic but since he's come back into the side, he deserves all the pluadits coming his way at the moment. Well done blues !!!
James Morgan
22 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:04:58
Great result against them twats. You all know it but I'll say it anyhow, Baines is world class. Love him. If we can get players back and new faces, we will be in the hunt.
Shaun Collins
24 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:06:17
Solid win on the road, Moyes winning with very little is impressive, have to get help in transfer window to continue though.
Brendan McLaughlin
25 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:06:25
John #621
Couldn't agree more...just as well the team don't throw the towel in as quickly as some forum contributors
Liam Wilson
26 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:08:28
Bainsy's free kick reminded me of Sheedy....yes, it was that good.
Gergõ Ács
27 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:08:02
Heitinga was shit, Jags is awful at RB, Fellaini was terrible, so many mistakes, and stilll a great win in front of a very negative crowd. COYB
Roman Sidey
28 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:07:03
I know Baines has scored from a few free-kicks in his time, but has he ever scored from a blast like he did tonight? Good to see that the curve is only one of his weapons.
Steven Telford
29 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:03:39
In the first half we were fantastic,
Breath a big sigh of relief at the end of the second.

Unusually, Fellani’s fist touch appeared to be letting him down.
From the starting 11, apart from Bains and Distan, I don’t think anyone really stood out as having particularly strong performance.

Oviedo did well when he came on.

Ernie Baywood
30 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:08:26
Any win is a good win, but there's something very satisfying about beating the barcodes. And it's more than just Pardew's comments.
Brent Stephens
31 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:10:41
Bend it like Bainsey!
Patrick Murphy
32 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:09:34
That's 14 points from our last seven fixtures not bad for a team on the slide is it?
Keep it going Blueboys. I was made up when Bainsey got the equaliser as they had already started time-wasting.

John Ford
33 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:09:01
Aye Brendan if we're not firing on all fronts in the first twenty minutes, it's like someone's just nutted their grandma.
Sam Hoare
35 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:09:38
We have lost and drawn a few games this season that we deserved to win, tonight we won a game that could have gone either way. I'll take it!

If we could get Ofoe in and Mirallas and coleman back then we could be looking very handy indeed.

Steven Telford
36 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:10:50
Sorry in all fairness, should add that SP was not bad, just was not quite as good as what he was at Chelsea.
Brent Stephens
37 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:13:51
Nice one Graham. Vic very good in consecutive games.
John Ford
38 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:13:16
Still prefer Fellaini deeper. Interesting to see what Moyes does with Vic doing the job again. Jelavic was tireless too. Will he play all three from the start?
Ian Bennett
39 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:07:50
Roman - too right, I apologies for my childish gloat.
Brent Stephens
40 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:16:12
On nights like this I can't sleep. Me mam keeps telling me to put the light out and stop tossing and turning... ok I'm waiting for it...
John Ford
41 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:15:40
Brent, more like a Baines bullet. The speed the ball shifted was unreal.
Peter Warren
42 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:15:21
Clawed two points back of Chelsea. I still think we should be aiming for third place. I don't understand why the directors will not loan us money. COYB
Brent Stephens
43 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:20:22
Baines bullet it is John.
Graham Mockford
44 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:19:07
Even at the start of this season I would have had Ashley Cole ahead of Leighton in an England shirt but he has been so consistently good he is now the best left back in the PL by some distance.
The best attacking left back I have ever seen in a blue shirt and at this rate could challenge the peerless Ray Wilson as the best we have ever seen.
Jamie Barlow
45 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:21:26
John@621, you must be used to it by now. It's the same every week.
Douglas Turner
46 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:11:09
Great win but we looked well Shaky at the back! My arse is still killing me from the butt-clenching 6 minutes of added time! My MotM has to go to Tim Howard! Go Team!
Drew O'Neall
47 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:28:09
That wiped the smug grin off Pardew's Cheshire Cat looking Chevy Chase! Muppet!
Anto Byrne
48 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:04:06
Nice to see lady luck with us tonight. Could have so easily have been 3-2 luckily for us they spurned 2 great chances. Still a bit frail at the back. Neville was very good but the big fella shone in the centre of midfield. Oh for Quo-Vadis to play along side and KM out wide.
Barry Rathbone
49 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:17:49
Fantastic result deffo didn't see this one coming.

After Newcastle's recent beatings I thought "here we go.. do the usual, throw a lifeline to a drowning opponent" - but no!

Sidled up there and whipped their stripey arses.

Very encouraging this new Everton, playing well consistently with a bit of resolve.

We won't be better than 6th but fair play this is just the sort of fixture we'd of lost in the past.

Sam Hoare
50 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:31:15
New centre back in january? Forren or Douglas maybe?
Joe McMahon
51 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:28:12
Great win tonight, and at last a good substitution from Moyes to win a game before 70min mark. It's hard to watch us cling to 1 goal leads though.
I do feel that Naismith is just out of his deph, like Kenny Miller & Boyd when they came to England.
Edward Simpson
52 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:28:19
Huge result today, was worried we wouldn't get anything from the game but we hung on at the end and it was an extremely competent team performance.

Baines has my MOM, with Anichebe coming 2nd.
Heitinga didn't look composed at all today, he could of cost us the game.
Also Naismith was very lackluster, poor first touch and passing albeit he does work tremendously hard at times.

Well done lads, Mirallas and Coleman should be back for the Swansea game at home, hopefully we can push on now.

Mark Stewart
53 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:32:47
Did anyone notice that Barkley wasn't on the bench?

Moyes doesn't do hugs for the youngsters, just the cane!

Brendan McLaughlin
54 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:37:30
Our next 4 premier league games are winnable particularly if we can get some of the "walking wounded" back.....here's hoping
Andy Mack
55 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:31:53
still not happy with Jags at RB while Heits is so unfocussed, but all hail Moyes, opts and Vic does it again. So all is good. What was all this crap about Naisey and Jelly having some sort of understanding though? Have they linked yet in any sort of way? Best freekick I've seen this year though, well done Leighton - surely THEE best LB in the business at the moment... £15m? My arse.

So glad we haven't done our usual faltering and letting them back in in the last 10 mins. Onwards!

James Martin
56 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:39:24
Typical Everton that out of the last 4 games the one game we played good football in we lost and the three others were we were generally awful with lots of long balls we won. You can never predict this game, come back from nothing most times at St James' after far better performances and yet we came back with three points from this. Baines aside though, can we have a new back 5 please? Hopefully if we avoid an upset in the cup it should give us some time to get a few more bodies back like Hibbert who has seemingly been the leader of the defensive line for the last ten years.
Andy Walker
57 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:31:54
Well done blues.

Both goals were gems, thought Vic was a true front man when he came on.

I thought Felli put himself about quite well and caused them problems. 3 out of 4 wins is brilliant considering the missing players we've had. Well done lads and Moyes.

Patrick Murphy
58 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:41:11
If it was a straight choice between Anichebe and Naismith, I'd take Victor every time. Naismith offers us very little especially away from home. Well done Victor the winner at WBA at the start of last year and again tonight.

Why can't we finish higher than 6th we're only 2 points behind Chelsea albeit they have a game in hand.

Jack Okell
59 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:34:37
Fantastic result and apologies if anyone was offended by my earlier negative comments. I do standby them though.

Naismith is just awful. 1st touch is crap, tries to put the early ball in too much, opposition get round him far too easily. He's just not cut out for it..regardless of previous injuries.

Howard.....He's just lost it completely. Desperately need Butland.

Still, a superb 3 points away from home. Was anyone else a bit gutted not to see Vic in the starting line up??

Neil Wood
60 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:33:01
Anichebe again proving his critics wrong. Given time and injury free I still see no reason why he can't be a 15 goal a season man and a fantastic support. Don't think he will ever be prolific but he doesn't half scare the life out of folk. He's as strong as Yak but works a lot lot harder!
John Crawley
61 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:36:04
Good overall performance and a deserved win. Thought Neville gave another solid performance in the middle. With Gibson out we look more solid with Neville in there.

I don't understand how Heitinga is still getting a game at centre half what has Duffy got to do to get a game! Lacks pace, poor in the air, gets caught out of position and he has played like that all season.

I wouldn't criticise Naismith too much, he looks as though he is getting played out of position. He works hard but its like playing Osman out there, he's never going to be at his best.

Keep Victor on the bench he looks a lot more effective coming on as a sub than he does starting the game. Finally the board really do have to get their finger out and give Moyes some support this January, he deserves to get some backing for the attempt at getting that 3rd/4th spot.
Brent Stephens
62 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:47:52
Agree, Neil. Victor, seduce me, make me purr. Butter me up.
Brian Abbott
63 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:17:30
That was brilliant. Give away an absolutely stupid goal from a clearance – I could see it was a goal as soon as the ball crossed the half way line- why the hell do we keep looking so amateurish - could it be the Dutch idiot who no longer seems to care?? . He's obviously taking Turkish lessons. I hate critisizing players individually but Steven Naismith is so far off being a Premier League player it's no longer funny – the club surely has a mascot animal who can do a better job. Put it down to experience David and get rid!!!

Otherwise brilliant. Loved Baines free kick just for the look on his face. How many are going to go into Krul's gloves?.. NOT THIS ONE PAL!!!. It was obvious what he was going to do. Pick that one out.!!!

Anichebe eh? Not everyone's favourite but I'd take him ahead of Jelly to put a chance away at the moment. Great if they were both on song but the Slav seems to have lost the song sheet!! Even so it was a great assist!

Pardew in a different league??? That's so funny it's gone beyond sad!!! And he gets wrong off Sir 'I can say what I want' Fergy 'red nose'. If it wasn't so funny you'd blame the refs. (And that one tonight seemed like his brain was in gear and his eyes were pointing forwards!!!!)

All-in-all... 'HAPPY NEW YEAR THE BLUES'

Dennis Shaw
64 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:54:40
Good hard fought win tonight. For me Distin, Baines and Jelavic all outstanding and didn't put a foot wrong loving it when Anichebe keeps proving me wrong.

Naismith has got to be the worse player in the squad slow, poor touch, unfit how he keeps getting a game I will never know lets ship him back up to Scotland and give the other lads a chance.

Nick Waters
65 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:45:59
Andy Walker, get a grip. That's a ridiculous comment, generalisation of the worst kind. The forum was highlighting what everyone could see, some great football, but also some terrible individual performances at times (Neville, Heitinga and Howard in the first half).

And the nature of a live forum is that it is reflective of what is happening at certain points, how people are nervous, and frustrated by needlessly losing possession, and it is very helpful for those not being able to see the game. The possession stats on the BBC are our worst of the season (42%) so a great result but worrying in another sense.
Si Cooper
66 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:43:42
Would have preferred Pip at RB and Jags in central defence, but it all worked out in the end so what the Hell. What does it say about Hitzlsperger's future with us though?

Didn't think Felli was awful as some have said, but it took him a long time to get into the game and it wasn't one he was imperious in. Thought a lot of our play was strangely sloppy; not as though players weren't trying, just that they were unusually clumsy. A sign of fatigue perhaps?

Was Barkley not even on the bench? Unless he is injured it seems like an over-reaction to his mistakes against Chelsea. A fair few players lost possession too easily in tonight's game.

Shaun Lyon
67 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:19:25
Compared to Chelski not a vintage performance maybe but when it comes down to it we had, and have, more than them. Despite them scoring early, after ten minutes I couldn't see us not getting anything from the game. Vic MOTM for me. Can't believe the geordies whistling and jeering for time-wasting as Pip walked away with blood streaming down his face and Vic looking like an extra from Night of the Dead..........
Paul Smith
68 Posted 02/01/2013 at 23:05:50
Emotions and feelings run high when watching the team you have supported all your life, I openly admit to sometimes being a little over the top on the match thread and slinging some abuse (sometimes warranted - sometimes not).

Surely this is part of being a passionate supporter of Everton FC, I want them to succeed and so, when players are not performing, I find it difficult to manage my feelings and hence I vent my frustrations at the said player who in my opinion is not performing.

Having said this, when my beloved Everton are playing well, then I am only to eager to praise and convey my feelings of well-being onto these players and let them know just how well they are doing.

Swings and roundabouts, the site is a great way of letting off steam or indeed affirming to the players through the medium of the internet how much we value Everton and that we are passionate and feeling fans.

Shane Corcoran
70 Posted 02/01/2013 at 23:02:55
Drew O'Neall, I hope you're in bed at this stage.

I thought it was a below par performance but it' s great to pull off a victory from such games.

Very shaky at the back and I thought he should have taken Heitinga off for Hitzlesberger and put Neville to RB.

I've hoped all season that Naismith would improve but I''ve pretty much lost that hope. Santon is a very poor left back and he should have had a much better game.

Victor played well but looks like he has so much more to offer.

I think we'd have taken 9 from 12 at the beginning of the festive period so happy days especially with Rafa's rotation going tits up.

Conor Skelly
71 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:57:39
One of the best free kicks I have ever seen from the best LB in the business. As for Naismith. I only needed half an hour to make my mind up about him when watching him in pre season vs Blackpool. Its a shame because he's clearly a great lad with a great attitude but Everton are a top class side now. It's no shame to not make the grade at Goodison now. I actually think he might be sold for a couple of mill like Lucas Neal was after we got him for on a free. Handy little profit. If we do business in the window our priorities should be at centre half. I'm a Distin detractor. Always have been. He creates uncertainty in the defense which I believe rubs off on those around him. I've been saying this long before the Semi final fuck up. But who? Lescott? Not sure. "Never go back" and all that.
But the problem we have is very obvious to me. We concede far too easily. Improve the defense and we will win those games we have been drawing.
Trevor Lynes
72 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:57:36
I am always apprehensive when Heitinga is in the team.
Our centre backs must always be Jags and Distin, they are both better tacklers, blockers, headers and quicker than JH.
If we don't have a decent right fullback then we should put Pip there and Anichebe on the right until Mirallas is fit to return.
I would try Howard, Pip, Jags, Distin, Baines, Fellaini, Osman, Oviedo and Pienaar with Vic wide right and Jelly up front.
Surely Duffy must be better than a rapidly fading Heitinga otherwise he may as well be allowed to go.

I believe that Baines has become the best left back we have ever had and I am old enough to have seen all Ray Wilsons games.
He has improved out of all proportion and could play with anyone in front of him.
Imagine him behind Bale !!!!!!!!!

Ian Smitham
73 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:48:09
I really think that Moyes has seen something in Big Vic that seems well concealed , but to be fair to the player, he seemed alright tonight and seems to pop up with goals in the games he plays.

Just to be realistic, as you phrase it, it is my opinion, that Naismith is not and never will be good enough, Howard has great strengths but is a liability, Johnny, the hard man, has lost it, the ground at Goodison is poor, dated and needs starting again, and the facilities within it are poor, in Top Balcony it is like in a time warp in terms of customer facilities, no chairs in the area where one is supposed to eat, the toilets, no hot water, and access to those toilets at half time is like a rugby scrum.

The club must be stupid. Allowing clients to take food bought elsewhere in to the stadium, er um, dim. No chips, no curry sauce in the ground, that is where one pays £500 quid a year for a ticket, and please read Ken's contributions about the thriving Blue Dragon and the queues there before that last comment is discounted. They do not even make it easy to spend your hard earned with them.

Brent Stephens
75 Posted 02/01/2013 at 23:14:37
Conor, I can't agree about Distin. I think he's been really solid of late. I think he'd have cut out the goal tonite if Heits hadn't got in his way.
Brian Abbott
76 Posted 02/01/2013 at 23:17:38
Sorry

Forgot to mention

If there is a better left back than Leighton Baines in English football at the moment then wrap me in hessian and dye me purple. He makes that Arsenal poorboy look sad and tired.

Danny Broderick
77 Posted 02/01/2013 at 23:09:40
I have no confidence in Heitinga any more. Time for him to go if we get a decent bid.

Also, while I thought Naismith was crap tonight, he is not a right winger. He seems like a lad who will play anywhere he is asked, & he is likely to get the odd goal, so let's cut him a little slack,eh?

I thought Anichebe was brilliant when he came on - he's scored some really important goals in the last year and a half.

Jelavic looks woefully out of form though. I hope I am wrong,but I have got a nagging doubt that he was on the crest of a wave last year. This year he doesn't look the same player. 6 goals in 21 games I think that is now - we need more from him. Maybe he needs a rest. Hopefully we can do without him at Cheltenham,& he can come back in fresh, because although he set up the 2nd tonight,he did very little else,& didn't even look like scoring again.

All in all, a great win though.
Danny Broderick
78 Posted 02/01/2013 at 23:24:48
By the way, I thought Howard had a good game tonight. He made a couple of important saves, and couldn't have done anything about the goal...
Si Cooper
79 Posted 02/01/2013 at 23:16:21
Sorry Conor, but I can't go along with Distin being the root of all defensive evils. Pretty sure he was not at fault for either of Chelsea's and tonight you could criticise three for their's; Distin for not dropping off, JH for totally missing a ball he should have claimed, and Bainesy for not sticking with Cisse's run.

Even if you accept that Tim Howard is significantly worse than 99% of the current goalkeepers (which I don't) do people really think we have (at least) £5 million to spend on Butland! Please just shut up about this signing. It is never going to happen as it isn't a priority.

Trevor (#690), are you talking to all the Spurs fans currently on Toffeeweb, 'cause there is no way that Gareth Bale is ever going to play in front of Baines for EFC?

David Hallwood
80 Posted 02/01/2013 at 23:36:40
I see we're last on MOTD with the Chelsea match @ top billing
Gareth Hughes
81 Posted 02/01/2013 at 22:51:30
We got a little lucky tonight, or should I say Moyes did with that team selection. Heitinga and his agent are openly talking openly about wanting a move so give him one cos its affecting his performances for us. Duffy could not do any worse although the real problem is Moyes' obsession with Neville in midfield and Fellaini up front. Seriously, although the back 5 look dodgy what protection were they getting from Neville and Osman tonight? Ossie went AWOL second half and Pip just can't get around the pitch. As for Naismith, how bad must Gueye and Oviedo be in training not to get a game ahead of him! It was still a sweet, proud victory tonight
Ian Smitham
83 Posted 02/01/2013 at 23:30:08
Often on here, I feel that many demand one form of undying love for the club from the players; fair enough... just wondering if the players can expect any support back, and for example how would a player feel if they read personal abuse on here? I am not talking about critisism of performance but just plain and simple abuse.

With that in mind, Nick #675, just to be clear, abuse of players is not right is it?

Conor Skelly
84 Posted 02/01/2013 at 23:24:49
I respect your opinion Brent. You are not the only one who thinks Distin is the dogs bells. In fact, most of TW's readership seem to love him. I can see why, given his physical attributes but here's a thought. If he is that good, why in his career have none of the big boys ever been mentioned in the same sentence as him? Newcastle, Man City (old) & Pompey are the teams on his CV. Didn't make the grade at PSG either. I think he's quiet on the pitch and a bad decision maker. Basically a bit dim. He played okay today but I think we need more composure back there, especially when the pressure goes up a notch toward the business end of the season.
Pablo Connelly
85 Posted 02/01/2013 at 23:04:50
I think its worth reflecting that going into the December and Christmas fixtures alot was written on here about a run of fixtures that would make or break our season. The 7 fixtures included Man City, Spurs, Chelsea and some other solid looking away games. I remember a thread prior to the City game and most people thought we would do well to get 10 points. Well 4 wins and 2 draws later and we are 14 points better off. We have done this with injuries and suspensions to key players. After some ordinary results in November this has really turned us around.

Tonight we have won what I think is our hardest league fixture until Man U on 10th Feb. If we can just get Mirrallas fit, get Jelavic scoring goals and one or two loan deals (preferably attacking ones) I can see us scoring the amount of goals our performances have warranted. A few spankings will then take place that really will make the league sit up and take us seriously. The most impressive thing for me is our consistency. Some of our players were running on empty tonight but the effort and quality was still too much for Newcastle. I genuinely believe 70 points is a realistic target this season but we'll see I suppose. This Everton team are starting make a believer out of me.

Jamie Barlow
86 Posted 02/01/2013 at 23:46:16
It's more like Gerrard of The Day.

Total wankfest.

Best to save the best till last.

Roman Sidey
87 Posted 02/01/2013 at 23:36:22
Sticky situation with Jelavic regarding the upcoming Cup game. Naturally you'd think of resting him as Vellios/Anichebe/Naismith should be able to score a goal or two against them, but is this not the sort of game you'd throw a struggling striker in to try and hit a bag?

My stream was very poor, so I'm not sure if this is true, but didn't Jelavic set Vic's goal up? If he's not scoring, cutting back for another player to tap in is the next best thing, so not a waste of space by any stretch.

Some strange criticism on here (well, I never...), but, as I said, my stream was poor as most people on the forum seemed to concur.

Firstly, Fellaini was pretty good for me. His ability to dispossess the opposition is very exciting, albeit against a very poor Newcastle squad.

Is Jags that bad at RB? I acknowledge that he's playing there because Moyes sees Neville as needed in CM (cough cough) and Coleman and Hibbo out leaves us with noone else, but I think he's doing an okay job.

Naismith is not good enough for us, but I can see why Moyes selects him, as he is back to clear and help the defence out quite a bit.

The jury seems to be in on Vic here, and most people are on his side, but I still think starting him is a mistake. He has proven that he can score an important goal (has he scored in a loss yet?), but coming off the bench around the time he did is his forte. Would like to see him assert his size and (apparent strength) more - he's not a kid anymore.

My only criticism/query of the night was why bring Jelavic off with five (10) to go? Surely five minutes extra isn't going to ruin his fitness, and if he's not on the field, he's not going to break his "drought".

Roman Sidey
89 Posted 02/01/2013 at 23:51:51
*Not that Vic's goal was a tap in, but you know what I mean...
John Feeley
91 Posted 02/01/2013 at 23:52:34
For those commenting on Naisy helping the defence - really? I saw him concede a succession of silly fouls (the one from which they hit the post), completely sell himself to Santon and frequently lose possession. He's the sort of player we used to have plenty of in Kendall's third spell.

Hopefully Coleman and Mirallas back in time for Swansea to replace him on the right.

Welldone the lads, great performance..

Si Cooper
92 Posted 02/01/2013 at 23:51:13
Conor, I don't see where you get the idea that being more positive than you are about Distin makes him the dog's bells or a player that the top clubs should have wanted. It is just that we don't see him as an obvious weakest link.

Personally, I think all our defenders (never mind just the centre backs) are capable of a rick or two, so simply replacing Distin will not resolve all our defensive frailties. Of the current available pairings, Jags and Distin seems the most reliable (though that is a relative term).

Roman Sidey
93 Posted 03/01/2013 at 00:05:10
John, please don't think that I meant he was worth it for the "help" he was giving the defence. I just meant that he does track back, and Moyes has made no secret that he values that.
Ian Smitham
94 Posted 03/01/2013 at 00:05:21
Hansen, excellent objective analysis of what we see, almost week-in, week-out. Pienaar has been a bit off it for the past while, but for workrate, he can not be faulted.
Kevin Tully
97 Posted 02/01/2013 at 23:49:54
Never thought Anichebe would win me over, but he is putting in a shift, scoring and holding the ball up well. He seems blow up after 60 mins if he starts though, so a great option from the bench.

Jagielka is fucking awful at R.B, but works well at centre half with Distin - time to wave goodbye to Heitinga, a liability every time he plays.

When people talk about Baines for £15m, they must be on LSD, he is one the best left backs in the world, easily worth £25-30m.

Apart from too much hoofing from Jagielka, we could have easily killed this game off on the counter and got a third, instead of looking to hold a lead for the last 10 mins plus 6 mins added time. You will never see a genuine top 4 side trying to see out a 2-1 with all that time left on the clock. How many times was a break on but we fucked about ? That could have easily bitten us on the arse.

A great result and it leaves the door open for us to really go for it, I just wish we had a board our support deserve.

Si Cooper
98 Posted 03/01/2013 at 00:05:48
FFS, MotD is even more annoying than usual tonight. The RS have a walk in the park against a truly awful Sunderland side and suddenly they are on their way to the top of the table. I mean, I could have have played that ball through for Sewer-rat to score, the channel was ten yards wide and straight through the middle!

We beat Newcastle where they are always hard to beat and the fact that they are missing loads of players gets mentioned time and again. Of course we had all our first choice available..... not!!!!

Worst of all, they run an info-mercial obviously designed to convince one of the super-rich clubs that they just can't live without signing our left back.

Clive Lewis
99 Posted 03/01/2013 at 00:17:02
Anichebe, his movement for the goal was fantastic and the overall buildup. On a negative side how long how we got to put up with Heitinga at centre back, we clearly are missing Jagilka in that position.
Derek Williams
100 Posted 03/01/2013 at 00:08:59
Great result, great stuff from Moyesy, Other than he seems oblivious to the fact that Johnny is playing like a drain and/or isn't especially motivated (or bothered)

I know we're short on numbers but Pip at right back, and Jags and Buzz at centre back must be a more solid set up than tonight's, with a suspect middle and a right back who can't pass or cross a ball.

Pending the return of KM or Seamus I'd be inclined to find a place for Victor on the right, he's done it before and finally looks like he is realising his potential (and the fact that he's a good player)

Ed Fitzgerald
101 Posted 03/01/2013 at 00:11:42
MOTD of the day is the biggest load of RS propaganda going. Fucking Brenda comparing Suarez with Messi the man is deluded. As for Hansen he is a one eyed red neck, can someone tell my why Steven Gerrard is world class objectively?

Sorry guys to rant on I watched the whole Everton game and I thought we deserved to win and played the vast majority of attractive football on show. Find Moyes some money Kenwright and lets finish above these RS arseholes again.

Roman Sidey
102 Posted 03/01/2013 at 00:17:49
Kevin, I'd be bold enough to say that most of our chances for a third goal late on were on the counter. Apart from Oviedo, we didn't have any pace on the field, and to score from the counter you really do need more than one fast player getting involved. I thought it was admirable that we didn't run the ball into the corner as much as some teams would, yet I agree that a third goal would not have been out of place for us.
Clive Lewis
103 Posted 03/01/2013 at 00:20:56
MOTD what is it about Michael Owen, he is clearly deluded, I noticed Hansen suggesting the next 4 games, we will see where they after them. It seems most teams just seem to fall apart against Liverpool recently. After all the performances of the opposition in there last 2 games have been shite. Owen go back to Stoke and get back warming the bench because you should not be biased when on MOTD.
Patrick Murphy
104 Posted 03/01/2013 at 00:30:07
We don't care what the RS say, etc. but as long as we win I really couldn't give a flying fig what they do, I can't watch them in any game they play, not for a single second, unless the're playing the Blues.

I think tonight's result was one of our most important for a long time, problem is, every result between now and the end of season may have something riding on it...let's hope so anyway.

Dean Adams
105 Posted 03/01/2013 at 00:29:11
"I know we're short on numbers but Pip at right back, and Jags and Buzz at centre back must be a more solid set up than tonight's, with a suspect middle and a right back who can't pass or cross a ball."

That being the same RB who crossed for the goal against Chelsea then Derek?

Roman Sidey
106 Posted 03/01/2013 at 00:43:25
Exactly right, Patrick. In a season like this for all involved, if you're not fighting relegation, and you have something riding on the game, it means you're in with a sniff up top. I'd rather break my heart finishing 5th instead of 4th on the last day of the season than know that we were finishing 5th with three games to go.
Derek Williams
107 Posted 03/01/2013 at 00:46:59
Dean, one swallow doesn't make a summer. You'll be trying to convince me he's a right footed Baines next!

A right back he is not!

Paul Mackie
108 Posted 03/01/2013 at 00:42:45
It wasn't a great performance tonight, far too much long ball for my liking, but fuck me those were two cracking goals. The build up play for our second was fantastic and I thought that Anichibe was good tonight in general, not just for his goal.

Naismith however is just not good enough. The sooner Mirallas gets off the treatment table the better as we just have zero threat down that right hand side at present. Would love to see a partnership develop between Kev and Seamus.

Still, 3 more points in the bag and hopefully Moyes can convince Kenwright to take out one more shonky loan to get some squad depth!

James Martin
109 Posted 03/01/2013 at 00:47:21
MOTD was a joke. Only Hansen could spend more time focusing on Baines' defensive shortcomings than his goal of the season. Imagine if Sewer rat had scored that one, probably would have been the best goal he'd ever seen. Before that you have to endure the weekly love in over Suarez and Gerrard who did nothing more than float around in a mid-table scrap. They're apparently mounting their charge for champions league football whilst we supposedly just did alright. Ridiculous, would make it all the more satisfying just for once to ram it down their throats come the end of the season.
John Maxwell
110 Posted 03/01/2013 at 00:49:07
Cant wait for Mirallas to get back, Naismith is shite. He was really awful tonight. Really don't know why Moyes picks him ?

What a goal by Baines, goal of the season contender for sure.

I'm not a massive fan of Anichebe but cant fault the lad for coming on and doing that, he seems to have taken a step up since last season.

Looking at the next few fixtures (famous last words!), we should be able to pick up some point, although hasnt someone said that before ?

Great win just when we needed it.

Colin Wainwright
111 Posted 03/01/2013 at 01:00:08
Exactly what I was thinking James. What a prize gobshite that man is.
Lewis Barclay
112 Posted 03/01/2013 at 00:58:05
Naismith is not a premier league player. Anichebe is beginning to show he might be.
Didn't we play Victor on the right last year? Why not try it again for a few games until super Kevin is back, and play Vellios up to. I'd like to see Vellios and Felli playing up top with Baines's crosses coming in.

Oviedo again looked good for the 10 mins he got to play

Andy Crooks
113 Posted 03/01/2013 at 01:00:09
The criticism of Naismith is unfair. He is being played in a role that is as suitable as playing Pienaar in goal. If he gets a run of games playing behind Jelavic we will see a decent player. Ridiculing a player who gives 100% does no good at all.
Paul Dark
114 Posted 03/01/2013 at 01:02:58
Oviedo should've started in place of Naismith tonight.
David Hallwood
115 Posted 03/01/2013 at 01:01:21
No only that James Martin(#738) they didn't analyse or even reprise the second goal, which was a fabulous team goal; probably because it doesn't fit in with the battling blues they go on about. Also Hansen said that Everton supporters were telling him that we've got the best left side partnership, which sounds like he doesn't agree with it. The other 'expert' was Michael Owen, which must mean that every ex-RS is employed by the media

Andrew James
116 Posted 03/01/2013 at 01:28:47
Big Vic had another excellent game. He's on 5 goals for the season. I say play him up front in the FA Cup and rest Jelavic. In fact, I would play this line up:

Howard; Jagielka, Duffy, Distin, Oviedo; Naismith, Neville, Barkley, Pienaar; Fellaini, Anichebe

That's based on what we've currently got because the right side is struggling, the need to rest certain players (Ossie, Baines and Jelly) and, given that Barkley looked very decent in the Championship, perhaps he should get a game here? Neville would also protect Barkley in the middle of the park. I also think Duffy needs game time. He played ok this time last season and has barely got a look in since.

Peter Warrington
118 Posted 03/01/2013 at 02:17:04
Super win. But I knew we would go behind early, they had won a header endear the box even before that, anD I couldn't stop thinking about their 2 at Goodson earlier.

Was it just me or were they lucky to finish with 11? I thought at least cisse and Tiote committed bootable offences when on yellows already. Tiote's lunge on Jags was a real leg breaker and almost a straight red. Seriously, poor Fellaini, 3 of them hacked and stamped him on the edge of their box and he sat there ruefully, not a card for anyone.

Something like 20 fouls to 10. Nice work to keep focused and playing the ball.

As for their goal, Distin put a nice body check on but I think he thought it was to make it easier for Heitinga to win the aerial ball... Heitinga I think assumed Distin was going for the ball. Rubbish communication and under 9 standard goal :(

Si Cooper
119 Posted 03/01/2013 at 02:21:56
I wasn't really listening to what Hansen was saying, but the drift I got was that it was an effective partnership because Pienaar backs Baines up defensively which liberates Baines as an attacking force. Hadn't seen it as an attack on Baines defensive abilities until reading some comments on this thread.

Would have thought it was obvious to any manager who may be interested in taking it on; if Baines is bombing forward someone has to be prepared to back him up.

Si Cooper
120 Posted 03/01/2013 at 02:28:02
Wouldn't object to Jela sitting out the Cheltenham game, but wouldn't expect one game out to necessarily re-ignite his scoring touch.

Rest him if he wants it and see if Vellios is looking good enough over the 90 minutes.

Anto Byrne
122 Posted 03/01/2013 at 03:19:29
We have this tendency to slag players off as they make the transition to Premiers League life. It took Pienaar a season and a bit to adapt; I don't think Baines set the world on fire at first. Big Vic has taken a year to get over a serious career threatening injury sustained at Newcastle.

Now we are all on Naismith's back yet the boy works his socks off and does the defensive stuff obviously to Moyes's satisfaction. If he continues to improve game by game, then we should give him a chance to come good and maybe win us over. I've seen things in his game that are very good and yes some absolute crap. Remind me how many millions of pounds we paid for him?

Gavin Ramejkis
123 Posted 03/01/2013 at 04:25:22
Hansen is full of shite and begrudged saying anything about Baines other than letting his marker go when they had a chance to score the second, luckily he didn't press it as if the Newcastle player would have crossed to him for a tap in he was offside. The glass ankled mercenary prick didn't say a word about Everton just some pish about Newcastle staying up. It must choke those biased bastards to have to watch our games never mind watch us win them.
Tony Cheek
124 Posted 03/01/2013 at 05:30:57
Stop worrying about the RS. Their next three away games are City, United and Arsenal. Come February, they are down and out.
Guy Hastings
125 Posted 03/01/2013 at 06:48:42
MOTD - football analysis for those who find Match a tad too challenging.
Drew O'Neall
126 Posted 03/01/2013 at 07:41:52
Everton were superb and I don't like to be too negative but one thing I wish they would try to eradicate from their play is the unnecessary 'clearance'.

To be clear I'm not talking about 'hoofball', the long ball has its place, I mean the ball played by a defender in to the opposition half, giving away possession to alleviate perceived pressure.

In my opinion our defenders take this option too willingly when we have players in our midfield (Pienaar, Fellaini and to a lesser extent the others too) who are very capable of receiving and 'screening' the ball, drawing a foul, passing back or even hoofing themselves if absolutely necessary.

We too often gift possession to the opposition which was particularly disappointing against Chelsea because you know we are going to have to endure wave after wave of attack.

If by some miracle we do achieve Champions League football next year, we cannot squander the chance to rest and 'manage' the game.

Sam Hoare
128 Posted 03/01/2013 at 08:27:24
Some people are defending Naismith on here and whilst I would never condone player abuse (some of which has been brought up on this thread) it is fair to criticise players for poor performances just as it is to praise them for good ones.

Naismith excels in work ethic and attitude but last night to me it looked as though his ability was insufficient. Of course thats just one game but it continues a trend. He did win the ball back a few times but he also gave it away lots and was beaten very easily by the winger, as a result we looked shaky on the right whilst simultaneously offering little or no threat from that side.

He seems a good lad and i'm sure he does have more ability in him but at the moment he's not showing it and does not deserve a starting place in my mind when Oviedo, who looked very bright and useful, is sat on the bench. Hopefully Mirallas comes back soon as he is clearly first choice for that spot.

Mike Price
129 Posted 03/01/2013 at 08:26:58
I had to listen to that poison dwarf, Paul Walsh on sportsnet in Canada. Believe me they infest everywhere. Everything he said was always slanted from a redshite eye view, and it is, every time you listen to him, no matter who's actually playing. When you listen for it, it's actually laughable and how he keeps his job is just wrong.
The only one who rises above it is McManaman, boyhood blue, pissed them off with his contract run down, and clearly brighter and funnier than all the other pundit wannabes, he's likeable and credible. However, we do need a slanted or biased voice on our side because this media bullshit spreads its tentacles globally and we always end up with that particular short straw. I'm in Canada but you lot should protest to fuck....get your fingers out!
Dave White
130 Posted 03/01/2013 at 08:47:14
Winning ugly is always a pleasing thing, how many times have Utd done that on their way to titles? I thought we were much better against Chelski.

However I don't think we should underestimate how encouraging it is that we keep coming back from losing positions.

Agreed with comments on Naismith, he really does look out of his depth and without a real strength to hang your hat on as to why he's in the team. If I was big Vic I'd consider I'd earned a start.

Jella is struggling but he was integral in that wonderful move for the second. He was also a whisker away from an equalising header against Chelski. I think he just needs to get through this lean patch.

And several important saves from Howard again (despite his detractors), GK is not our priority to strengthen the team.

Marcus Choo
131 Posted 03/01/2013 at 09:02:25
Regarding Naismith, I don't think many of us are "ridiculing" or "slagging" him off. Most of us appreciate he gives 100% and has been pretty professional whenever he plays or doesn't. It's just quite clear that he isn't a special player and will surely be replaced by Mirallas when he's available. I feel most TW opinions on Naismith have been pretty fair so far - nothing out of the ordinary. Sure we understand everybody needs bedding in for their first season, yet isn't it fair for us to pass some comments on his current performance? It's not like he's on probation or something and not earning a wage while he "beds in". If and when his form improves in the coming months/years, I'm sure people's opinion about him will change for the better. But for now, he really just seems like a passenger most games...
Tony J Williams
132 Posted 03/01/2013 at 09:31:15
It's quite amusing reading posts on how Moyes should have played X instead of Y.......after we have just won the game.

3 points = Something must have gone right, so why do we need to consistently change the formation. The same team, pretty much, have just taken 3 wins out of 4 and the 1 game where we played the better football we lost.

Cheltenham next, I hope that Moyes rests a couple, but not too many, just look at what happened with Leeds.

Graeme Jenkinson
133 Posted 03/01/2013 at 10:26:16
Hansen and Owen were actually pretty complimentary of Everton and the way we are playing. Hansen even went out of his way to mention we were unlucky not to have beaten Chelsea, which surprised me because I hadn't really heard that from a pundit since the game. I mean we outplayed them and should have won but for some poor luck. Having said that, don't get me wrong, MOTD really is utterly shit as is any coverage we are forced to endure on terrestrial TV. The sooner I get Sky Sports at home the better, BBC actually makes me cringe at times.

Dennis Shaw
134 Posted 03/01/2013 at 10:51:14
Antonio 771- the fact is he is not improving game by game he is our weak link slow, poor touch and too clumsy in defence giving away needless free kicks and being turned with ease. Barkley, Oviedo, Anichebe and Velios must be fuming that they all appear to have natural ability but sit on the bench watching Naismith puff and pant on the pitch each week. Let's sell him to a Championship team and spend the £300,000 on fixing the hot water system for the top balcony.
Graeme Jenkinson
135 Posted 03/01/2013 at 11:04:21
Can anyone think of a team that has outplayed Everton this season whether W/L/D?

Man U - W
Arsenal - D (Blues should have won)
Man C - D (Blues should have won)
Chelsea - L (Blues should have won)
Tottenham - W

The only team that have really beaten us is WBA.

This is the best squad we have had in the PL era, I don't think its unreasonable to be expecting at least 4th place finish. One tenth of the man c/chelski type investment and we will win the league. New Years Optimism?

Graeme Jenkinson
136 Posted 03/01/2013 at 11:04:21
Can anyone think of a team that has outplayed Everton this season whether W/L/D?

Man U - W
Arsenal - D (Blues should have won)
Man C - D (Blues should have won)
Chelsea - L (Blues should have won)
Tottenham - W

The only team that have really beaten us is WBA.

This is the best squad we have had in the PL era, I don't think its unreasonable to be expecting at least 4th place finish. One tenth of the man c/chelski type investment and we will win the league. New Years Optimism?

Harold Matthews
137 Posted 03/01/2013 at 10:13:12
Vic scored a great goal and hassled their defence. Sadly he lacks real pace and a football brain.

Was Ossie knackered before kickoff or was he just snuffed out by stronger men? Rarely seen him so quiet.

All-in-all, a good performance where everyone worked their socks off. Oviedo looks sharp and talented.
Sam Hoare
138 Posted 03/01/2013 at 11:14:03
Just when I'm feeling positive the annual accounts are released!!

How do we continue to make such big losses despite such a low net spend on transfers?!! Grrrr. Does not make for a bright future.

James Morgan
139 Posted 03/01/2013 at 11:28:18
Why won't Moyes admit Baines is now far better than Cole? It dumbfounds me because its obvious to everybody that he has everything Cole has and more. And he's not a prick!
Sort it out Moyes, stop down playing little Leighton!
Tony J Williams
140 Posted 03/01/2013 at 11:40:40
James, Cole is at the end of his contract and Moyes is probably hoping that other teams will look to buy Cashley instead of going for Baines.....I doubt that is true but it is a good plan in my eyes.
Brendan McLaughlin
141 Posted 03/01/2013 at 11:53:31
James #815
Baines has developed into a fantastic player under Moyes so when it comes to speaking publicly about Baines I'd suggest Moyes knows exactly the right buttons to push.
James Morgan
142 Posted 03/01/2013 at 12:22:40
Tony, every man and his dog can see Baines is far better than Cole. My hope is Cole's 'name' will see him bought by someone over Baines. I can't see our lad wanting to go to that bunch of dead heads in his place.
Brendan, are you suggesting Moyes is trying to get more out of Baines?
He's that good I don't know how he can get even better!
Brendan McLaughlin
143 Posted 03/01/2013 at 12:39:50
James #826
Yeah I think so. Did you hear Moyes response when asked about the Baines free kick? Basically it was along the lines of "superb but he should be doing it more often". When Moyes response was put to Baines he grinned and said something along the lines of Moyes probably being right.
John Feeley
144 Posted 03/01/2013 at 12:59:45
Where was Dan Gosling when the the Magpies needed him?
Chris Leyland
145 Posted 03/01/2013 at 13:02:24
Just seen this on BBC website - "Everton record a net loss of £9.1m for the 2011-12 season the club's annual results reveal."
Shane Corcoran
146 Posted 03/01/2013 at 13:24:26
Graeme are you really hanging out for Sky Sports? Probably better coverage but man do they talk shite.
At the start of the coverage last night the presenter said "Newcastle begin the game in 15th position, just two points clear of the relegation zone. But with a win they could climb as high as........(pause as he actually looks at the table).........14th.

Don Goodman and Niall Quinn would out-cliche anybody. Some team (can't remember who) were conceding goals for fun the other night.

Gary Neville is a welcome addition but they're largely hilarious.

Lee Smith
147 Posted 03/01/2013 at 13:29:40
http://www.evertonfc.com/assets/_files/documents/jan_13/efc__1357208599_Everton_Financial_Accounts_201.pdf
Sam Hoare
148 Posted 03/01/2013 at 13:15:41
Have been watching the highlight on the OS.

Newcastle had 6 decent chances to score.

1. Their goal. Ball over the head of Heitinga, possibly Distin and Baines might have done better but Heitinga was the one under it initially.

2.Perch header onto the post. He easily outjumps Heitinga who seems to just fall over.

3. Ameobi chance, just past the post. A simple ball over Heitinga who is caught ball watching in no-mans land. In the words of the commentator 'Heitinga's absolutely nowhere'
4. Obertan gets in and runs at Heitinga who back pedals before allowing obertan a clear shot from an angle which Howard saves well.
5. Jagielka misjudges a header which cisse then hits at goal, it hits Heitinga who is in the right place to make a block.
6. A through ball between Heitinga and Jagielka allows in Santon who forces another good save from Howard.

Anyway, a laborious way of saying that Heitinga is not very solid at the moment and is involved in alot of the chances that we are giving up. Never been totally convinced by him and given the high wages he is on I really hope Moyes does a Bilyatedinov and shifts him for some some fresh blood.

John Ford
149 Posted 03/01/2013 at 13:33:20
Shane, don't forget the prematch 'warm up chat' with our very own Peter Reid, Jamie Redknapp....and the presenter bloke who looks like an accountant. Peter is a true blue legend, but jeezus he can bore for England. It pretty much got down to 'yeh hes a good player, yeh this could mean a lot to either side...blah blah. It was dire.

I turned the sound off in the end.

Pete Clarke
150 Posted 03/01/2013 at 15:25:44
Having just watched the highlights of last nights game it is pretty clear that we are have the ability to score more goals and should be finishing teams off instead of playing the game out. Against Chelsea we kept pushing for a goal to the end and were unlucky not to get one (or two) so why do we play this dangerous game of holding on.

All in though, a 2 - 1 away win is great against any side and with the Baines's bullet flying in just makes rounds off a good festive season. talking of free kicks, does anyone remember Johnny Methgod's goal of the season for Notts Forrest in the 90s??
Mike Powell
151 Posted 03/01/2013 at 16:29:11
A great win — well done, Moyes, he got the team spot on with what players we had fit. Heitinga and Naismith are just not good enough. We could do with another CB and a CM. Get Mirallas back then we can have a great shout of getting 4th...
Graeme Jenkinson
152 Posted 03/01/2013 at 17:33:41
Shane/John

Point accepted but listening to lineker and lawrenson et al is actually embarrassing. I know its trivial but fuck me its annoying! Sky Sports is way better, everyone seems to agree on Gary Neville too, a bloke who knows his stuff and is to the point which is what we all want.

Someone I know has subscribed to Fox Sports from USA. Theres some software you can download to change your IP address to US and then you can subscribe, hook your computer up to your tv and watch that.

The pick of any 3pm kick off, full coverage. Probably half the price too. Maybe thats the way to go to avoid the twats.

Anto Byrne
154 Posted 03/01/2013 at 18:12:22
Net loss £9M: add back depreciation and other non-cash deductions or just read the bloody cash-flow statement.
Thomas Windsor
156 Posted 04/01/2013 at 16:00:29
A big thank you to all the Everton fans who went to Newcastle — your support was brilliant as usual.

Victor Anichibe na na na na na
Victor Anichibe na na na na

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