One More Win For The Best Supporters In The World!
One of the main feelings I get supporting Everton is 'Déjà Vu'. Whatever happens this week, Evertonians are the best in the world and can walk proud.
One of the main feelings I get supporting Everton is 'Déjà Vu' (same old same old, for some!).Sunday v Brentford — for the life of me, I cannot understand why Lampard did not play Allan for the injured Delph. Like for like, we needed a ball winner and we could have done with man-marking Eriksen out of the game.
Despite that the team starts superbly, gets a goal, and looks to have then won a penalty. Most referees you would think would have given it and the VAR would have backed it up. But step forward Michael Oliver — as soon as I saw he was down to referee the game, alarm bells were ringing in my head. So much so, I immediately uttered the word “Fuck!” Why would that be? Déjà Vu by any chance?
He gets the chance to redress the Branthwaite sending off with the foul for the penalty he had to give… but declined. I wonder why?
The game reminded me of the derby at Goodison when Rodwell was sent off for a perfect tackle on Suarez.
In that game, Everton started really well, and Rodwell was playing great. I was thinking “This is the game when his career could really take off for us.”
What could go wrong?
The refereeing error (deliberate mistake?) was made by Atkinson; the FA admitted he made a mistake, but no action was taken on Suarez for his blatant cheating. Would Atkinson be allowed to referee a derby again? Of course he would.
That decision, just like the no penalty and Mane sending off at Anfield this season, is a game-changer and something that has repeated itself time and time again over the years. Would there be retro punishment for Mane for his vile and dangerous double gouge? Of course not.
Yes, mistakes do happen but it is how the FA handles them that is the tell.
Not soon after the Man City blatant non-penalty, we have Allan sent off for a foul v Newcastle. The referee rightly judged it to have been a yellow but the VAR amazingly steps in. Wouldn't you think after the horrific decision v City (and especially because Shelvey got away with a red in the away fixture) the FA would redress the situation and not ban Allan for the 2 games? Not a chance. Totally unbelievable.
It was a penalty v Man City and Allan's tackle v Newcastle was not a sending-off offence. We beat Newcastle but Allan missing from the away games v West Ham and Burnley was massive. There was no Van de Beek, no Delph, no Allan, no midfield of any merit for two massive games and I think that tipped the balance in those games. With Allan in the team, I think there was a good chance we could have gained at least a point in both games. Even if I am wrong, he should have been given the chance to play.
So back to Allan v Brentford. Having not started with Allan and going in at half-time 2-1 up, I would have thought Lampard would think he must now bring on Allan and bolster the midfield. Just leave Richarlison up top to see if he could nick another goal but get the midfield solid in a 4-4-1 formation. I was baffled and frustrated by the manager.
I personally would have brought on Kenny at half-time too. Asked him to man-mark Eriksen, or at least once you saw Eriksen was taking over the game. You have to do something. But the same things, mistakes, corruption just keep repeating themselves and have been for years and years.
Am I confident that Lampard will get the team selection and tactics right for the Crystal Palace game? No. Am I confident the referee will be okay and we will get our fair share of luck on the night? No.
I am now wondering whether Lampard will start with Gomes again and not play Allan when, if Delph is not fit, Allan is a must. But I also fear it will be revealed Allan is injured or ill.
Also, rather than picking an attacking team and formation, we should start with a solid team formation of 4-5-1, changing to 4-3-3 when in the ascendancy.
Palace are tough to break down and can catch you on the break so we need a solid midfield to protect our defence and push us forward, hopefully giving Richarlison, Gordon etc the opportunity to cause Palace problems. Controlled aggression with attacking intent the order of the day. A point is not good because of Burnley's goal difference and Leeds's point v Brighton but we could rue not getting at least a point if we somehow manage to get a point on Sunday. Hopefully though we get 3 on Thursday.
Before the Crystal Palace game, like most people, I suspect, I will go through my Déjà Vu disaster list:
The ref is okay
The VAR is okay
Nothing mad happens
No sendings off
No injuries (in the warm-up or during the game)
No penalties given away
No own-goals
No Pickford or defensive errors
No conceding an early goal, just before half-time, just after half-time, in injury time…
Nothing silly from the crowd or players (no throwing anything, Richarlison!)
We need one more massive performance from the team, every player giving 100% and more. We have some cracking players, they all now need to show huge strength of character and effort.
My final Déjà Vu, if it can be called that, is my love for Everton, despite the constant mis-management. And I want to say right now, Evertonians are the greatest supporters in the world. I have stood and sat with them during the '70s, '80s, '90s and 2000s, at Rotterdam, '94 v Wimbledon, and they are special. Away games in the '80s were some of the best times of my life.
Opinions may differ; some — like mine at times — may be wrong, but the loyalty cannot be questioned. Even when the crowd isn't singing, they create a special buzz with the constant chatter about the game and other things — and the wit, even during bad times like now, is unbeatable.
Evertonians know how to take the piss out of themselves, know how to take defeat, and know how to win. And the people who run ToffeeWeb and the contributors are brilliant.
Of course, every club has a few idiots, and some as we know only too well, have quite a few. But we seem to be constantly dealt a bad hand and it gets overlooked how well we handle it when it is to our great credit. It is easy supporting some teams but to support Everton does require a special type of character.
How Evertonians have behaved over the last few weeks has been unbeatable and has shown the football world what football should be about.
Whatever happens this week, Evertonians are the best in the world and can walk proud. We are the Goodison Gang — COYB!
Reader Comments (67)
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2 Posted 17/05/2022 at 21:25:18
3 Posted 17/05/2022 at 21:32:36
Just read this week that Vardy has over 130 Premier League goals, that's cracking as he can shoot.
IMO we have 3 very good players: Pickford (who has immensely improved this season), Richarlison, and Mykolenko (who is being a revelation considering Ukraine will be on his mind).
4 Posted 17/05/2022 at 22:34:28
5 Posted 17/05/2022 at 22:59:04
It's a trying time for us all to say the least.
COYB!
6 Posted 17/05/2022 at 23:12:05
Yet still, hope floats, as they say ;. I don't buy in to us having the “ best fans in the world†but I do contend that our fans have stepped up when it has mattered. I think one point against Palace will be enough to keep us up. I also believe we should stick with Frank and support him in all the decisions on sales and signings for the coming season. There is a lot more that is right about our club than the huge negatives of this tortuous season, I feel we need to keep our nerve, unlike the corrupt officials who have cost us a minimum of six, possibly eight points this season.
7 Posted 17/05/2022 at 23:15:25
Niall, how can a point keep us up!? If we get 1 point and zero at The Emirates. a win for Leeds and Burnley will send us down. Burnley can even push us down with 2 draws as our goal difference is worse than theirs!
8 Posted 17/05/2022 at 23:21:54
9 Posted 17/05/2022 at 23:25:10
10 Posted 17/05/2022 at 23:38:32
The Arsenal win probably delayed action being taken earlier but Benitez should have gone after the Derby
Interviewing Lampard for the job with others just wasted time during the January transfer window and instead of securing a commanding ball winner for the midfield which was essential plus a central defender we signed players who are just not suitable for the relegation fight we are in. Patterson aside only Mykolenko has come good.
Soren - thanks for pointing out that as it stands we still need 2 pts to stay up. I still can't believe we didn't finish the job at Watford.
11 Posted 17/05/2022 at 23:43:40
12 Posted 18/05/2022 at 01:48:59
13 Posted 18/05/2022 at 02:00:59
Why is it up to the fans to pull the team through, why can't the team do something for the fans for a change this season?
The emphasis has been put on the paying public, not on the millionaires who are basically inept at their job.
14 Posted 18/05/2022 at 07:45:05
I don't count the "no fans" Covid away victories. No way would they have happened. A roar of a home crowd even sends this lot to jelly Newcastle away they visibly cracked themselves).
I really fear the worst and sometimes it's already written. Hope I'm just panicking. God love them, we all do. From 1969 all the 14 years of heartache with nearly results I never felt this way. I know one ultimate sacrifice will happen. He sits in the main stand. God willing.
15 Posted 18/05/2022 at 09:19:07
I might add that I don't accept the fatalist view that there is no chance at all of Everton getting a result at the Emirates. Okay, it's not a place where we do well generally, but Arsenal we're absolutely terrible at Newcastle, and if Everton can play as they did at Leicester in the second half, we are in with a shout.
Anyway, let's get Palace out of the way first. God help us.
16 Posted 18/05/2022 at 10:41:44
I will be there Thursday, and as long as we do not do anything rash, silly yellow cards early doors etc, I feel we have enough to get the job done, no gimme by any means, but I feel a lot more optimistic and let's not forget Leeds have to win on Sunday, all the pressure is on them.
We could even lose both games, yet still be safe, we have three chances in our favour, win Thursday, win Sunday, or Leeds lose, we are in a very good position, compared to Leeds.
Nothing silly Thursday, do the basics, keep calm heads and take the chances that come our way, tight at the back.
Anyone nervous or pacing the floor, save all that nervous energy for Thursday, we will do it, as per usual the hard way, but we will do it this Thursday, keep the faith.
17 Posted 18/05/2022 at 10:46:22
18 Posted 18/05/2022 at 10:59:11
Would it not be preferable to get into the stadium earlier than usual and get the atmosphere going inside the ground?
I'm not against the fans showing support for the team on their arrival at the ground, but I think tomorrow it's important that Goodison Park is bouncing from the off and throughout the game.
I wasn't nervous earlier in the week, but as tomorrow approaches it becomes more nerve-wracking by the hour, that's not a bad thing I suppose so long as we transfer those nerves into positive vibes as George McKane might say.
Come on Blues one more huge effort to put our fears to rest.
19 Posted 18/05/2022 at 11:07:33
Yes, we should have finished the job at Watford. We should have gone all-out attack on the night.
But it looked like we were going to finish it against Brentford and then the corrupt referee stepped in.
You couldn't make it up!
20 Posted 18/05/2022 at 11:18:34
So we need to beat Palace tomorrow!
21 Posted 18/05/2022 at 11:32:58
Obviously a win tomorrow would help us all sleep better but a draw would not be the end of the world as that would mean a draw at deflated Arsenal would see us safe.
I also am not convinced that Burnley will beat Villa or Newcastle, could easily see them battling to two draws which would not be enough if we get a point tomorrow.
Endless permutations but i'm trying to be optimistic!
22 Posted 18/05/2022 at 11:45:20
23 Posted 18/05/2022 at 11:58:22
Why can't it be Friday morning?
I'm on my way to get the 5:26 am from Lime Street to Euston with tears still in my eyes. Tears of emotional joy. I even stop to talk to those lingering in town that I usually avoid that time of the morning. I even hug one of them.
I get home. The wife frowns. The dogs welcome me and are relieved. We all relax before I head to the Emirates on Sunday. Ticketless but happy.
Then we reset in the summer.
I'm rambling but I did warn everyone.
24 Posted 18/05/2022 at 12:15:50
Because of who manages Villa I can see a Burnley win there.
25 Posted 18/05/2022 at 12:18:03
26 Posted 18/05/2022 at 12:37:53
It's probably a separate discussion, but in my opinion it will need another mindset change and the clubs to change their attitude to supporters.
When I attended as a teenager, it was all about getting into the ground early. We would queue on Gwladys Street way before the turnstiles opened to get our "speck" 90 minutes before kick off. The ground was full long before the game started.
It changed in the Premier League era and the introduction of all seater stadia in my opinion.
Also, the neglect and under-investment in Goodison is a good example. Give the fans a reason to be in the stadium. What incentive is there with sub-standard facilities?
It goes back to my point on making the match day experience different and not just getting supporters in the ground but keeping them there.
I love the pubs around Goodison and the Goodison Supper Bar. But maybe when we move, this is something the club has planned for?
And let us take drinks to our seats. I know I'm a scratched record and that lady in the Upper Bullens probably won't serve me for the umpteenth time this season tomorrow, but if I can carry a McDonalds like cup carrier of beers back to my seat at Schalke and watch the match with them, why not at Goodison?
As it stands, even if in the ground many stay on the concourses before the match, leave before half time and stay there into the 2nd half.
Subtle changes. Treat us as adults. Ironically I can take a hot scolding coffee back to my seat which would be a much more offensive "weapon" than a mildly chilled lager in a plastic cup.
27 Posted 18/05/2022 at 12:48:20
Being a Realist I could not in anyway claim that that I have hope that this depleted squad could once again overcome the three stumbling blocks;
1. Crystal Palace or Arsenal
2. The Referee
3. The Alien who has never seen a game of Football at the VAR shed.
Our Saviour has had a hand in the crucifixion by making the club a laughing stock, he has gone behind the coaches back buying players and hiring managers who HE thinks will be good for Everton. The Law of Beverages says he must get something right before we do a Derby County but holding my breath I aint.
We have over the years had some odd refereeing decisions, has Clive Thomas explained the Bryan Hamilton goal being disallowed yet?, but the current crop aren't even trying to hide their clamour to be the one to sink Everton with decisions their own families would disown them for they even have the brass neck to peddle their treachery on Live tv for all to see.
It is too much too often we get mugged and the FA want to censure the truth that Frank Lampard spoke about bent officials.
The knives in the back aren't covered up they are coming from the top.
28 Posted 18/05/2022 at 13:28:23
I have a couple of mates who are Newcastle fans who tell me that their fans will be snapping up any available tickets for Sunday and will be roaring their team on. They played very well against Arsenal, and I cannot see Burnley's bovine tactics getting them the win. I just hope I'm proved right.
29 Posted 18/05/2022 at 13:48:34
And for anybody wavering about being prepared to stand up and roar the players to a result on Thursday; remember that this could be the last ever Premier League game played at Goodison. A sickening thought isn't it.
If you're going on Thursday how would you want to remember the game if the worst should happen? Sat on your hands moaning about it or stood up shouting about it?
As a crowd we have done so much to get this team over the line. One last collective push on Thursday and we can all enjoy a visit to the Emirates in the sunshine :)
30 Posted 18/05/2022 at 14:08:47
So he thought (as did the players) that home games with Brentford and Palace would give us the needed points. It could still be so, but in fairness, we started v Brentford as if we were going to win 5-2. Events intervened.
Now we have to beat Palace to save several of our supporters from keeling over on Sunday.
Palace on on the beach – we need to go out and have a real go. A hat-trick for Calvert-Lewin please.
31 Posted 18/05/2022 at 14:17:21
32 Posted 18/05/2022 at 15:56:38
33 Posted 18/05/2022 at 16:02:38
The only thing I have left to offer is COYB!
34 Posted 18/05/2022 at 16:14:57
35 Posted 18/05/2022 at 16:26:48
So relax everyone, a draw on Sunday is nailed-on. And Domenic will be an Arsenal player in the Summer.
36 Posted 18/05/2022 at 16:29:18
37 Posted 18/05/2022 at 17:01:53
On a serious note it doesn't take a Brain of Britain to come to the realisation that If Everton, Burnley, and Leeds United lose their remaining games then it's a Status Quo situation, and with Everton having the most points there'll be singing and dancing in the streets.
38 Posted 18/05/2022 at 17:18:46
It's been a nightmare of a season for all sorts of reasons, it has just felt like we've been cursed. The odds are in our favour only because Leeds and Burnley have to gain points while we may not have to.
We also have the Arsenal game to come but we don't often come away from there with anything.
Here's hoping for some good luck for a change.
39 Posted 18/05/2022 at 17:21:49
If we don't win it, we can still go down. We win it, we don't!
40 Posted 18/05/2022 at 17:26:42
Jesus Christ was an Evertonian, please help us Jesus!
41 Posted 18/05/2022 at 17:37:20
42 Posted 18/05/2022 at 17:48:06
Dont expect creasehead to do us any favours. He will love it if we go down.
We have to go all out for 3 points tomorrow as payback for the cup exit.
43 Posted 18/05/2022 at 17:57:39
44 Posted 18/05/2022 at 18:11:33
What I was saying if we, Leeds and Burnley lose all remaining games we stay up anyway.
45 Posted 18/05/2022 at 18:18:50
Its better to assume that they will get maximum points from their games and if we win tomorrow WE ARE SAFE regardless of the other results.
46 Posted 18/05/2022 at 18:20:29
47 Posted 18/05/2022 at 18:22:25
Let's settle it tomorrow, please!
48 Posted 18/05/2022 at 18:40:36
49 Posted 18/05/2022 at 18:57:33
50 Posted 18/05/2022 at 18:58:02
That is the way I always think, Leeds to end up with 38 pts, Burnley end up with 38 or 40 pts. Win tomorrow we are on 39 and safe.
51 Posted 18/05/2022 at 19:11:37
I doubt Lucas Digne will be privy to any match throwing anyway, surely he will be doing all he can to beat Burnley and helping us out.
52 Posted 18/05/2022 at 19:26:11
I'm in agreement that I'd rather not leave it to Sunday and just win on Thursday night.
Just. Win.
55 Posted 18/05/2022 at 19:40:00
Because I have always lived in the proximity I can tell you that I have never bought a drink of any description, a 40-45 minute walk when as a boy I lived in Everton Road, and on the death of my Mother in March 1950, a 10-15 minute stroll when I lived with my Grandma just off Priory Road Anfield, even now living in Skelmersdale it's just over an hour from leaving home to arriving at Goodison. Hopefully the facilities you require will be provided at Bramley Moore, and that the team remains the incentive.
56 Posted 18/05/2022 at 19:45:29
We need to forget the other teams and concentrate on Palace.
57 Posted 18/05/2022 at 20:09:08
58 Posted 18/05/2022 at 20:09:43
I was going to refer to you as “The wise old sage†but realised that it would be discourteous to do so!
Whilst I hope that I am am wrong and that we do get the win tomorrow, I do think that the scenario were we don't get another point but neither do Leeds or Burnley is a distinct possibility.
59 Posted 18/05/2022 at 20:11:01
It's gonna be some night at Goodison Park.
“Whats Our Name?â€
60 Posted 18/05/2022 at 20:18:11
It's become a feature of the modern game that the stadium (or the seats) are relatively empty until just before kick off.
My point is to give incentive to get the fans to their seats early to create the atmosphere.
And although football is the only reason I go to watch, I am determined to get that half-time drink tomorrow!!
61 Posted 18/05/2022 at 20:21:15
62 Posted 18/05/2022 at 20:33:16
Personally, I doubt it.
63 Posted 18/05/2022 at 20:39:27
The last few months have been among the worst of my life and to think that, at best, a poor team has found itself on the brink of relegation or, at worst, a corrupt organisation has engineered some theatre for an afternoon's diversion, is beyond sickening.
I have read on these threads that people have had sleepless nights (me too), drunk more than usual, smoked or vaped more than usual and even eaten too much. And for what? The entertainment of people who couldn't care beyond the off-switch.
I actually feel some sympathy for the Leeds and Burnley fans as well. They will care too and they have to endure the simpering babblings of couch-bound morons with no capability of making an emotional investment into a club. Without genuine fans, football is dead (lockdown games, anyone?).
The article above is spot on about Evertonians. We are something amazing. We have to be. We have been serially abused since Clive Thomas disallowed Bryan Hamilton's goal.
This year it has hit its nadir... I hope. And maybe this will be the catalyst for Evertonians to make a game-changing gesture that will subvert the festering moral bankruptcy of the status quo.
But let's beat Palace first.
64 Posted 18/05/2022 at 20:40:07
65 Posted 18/05/2022 at 20:45:23
66 Posted 18/05/2022 at 20:55:28
67 Posted 18/05/2022 at 21:24:19
Everton are pulling clear so bring in Micheal Oliver, the specialist.
They almost managed to get the big 6 in the Top 6, only for United blowing up it would have happened.
Everton complained about the Big 6 and Super League so they have taken 10 points off us, at least.
And the media guys are loving it.
I have always said never drop into the relegation zone because once you are there it is hard to get out of it.
Decisions will just keep holding you back.
But this season it has gone to a new level. The PL apologise to us for the no penalty v City and then the bad ref decisions just carried on.
I wouldn't wish this on anyone because it is horrendous.
Like you my lack of sleep is a problem. If I wake at 4am that's the time I get up because there is no chance of getting back to sleep as my mind is instantly filled with relegation worries.
Being in the same city as Liverpool who can do no wrong and get everything they want doesn't help. Something Leeds and Burnley fans don't suffer.
I just want us to go safe tomorrow and then there should be a huge debate about the blatant corruption in the Premier League and if they are not prepared to address things we should leave anyway. But there's the rub and I think that is why the PL want us out the way. We carry the most clout outside the big 6. A weakened Everton will not influence things.
COYB!
68 Posted 20/05/2022 at 16:00:40
Best night's sleep for a very long time!
69 Posted 22/05/2022 at 12:21:52
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1 Posted 17/05/2022 at 21:19:54