2023 has been a testing year for Evertonians, to say the least. Where do I start?
We can start with a miserable January. A home thumping by Brighton at Goodison. Sitting amongst the Man Utd supporters at Old Trafford as they disposed of us out of the FA Cup. Defeat at home to Southampton, and losing at the London Stadium. Surely it wasn’t going to happen again after the previous season?
A mixed February. Two wins and two losses, but we were showing signs.
Into March and the customary dubbing at Arsenal. I dread to think how many goals we have conceded on their patch these past decades.
But the spirit was gathering and we picked up valuable points against the likes of Chelsea with that Simms late goal that sent us into delirium in the Shed End.
A poor April, with the only points coming from a goalless draw at Palace and a point against Tottenham courtesy of a late Michael Keane stunner that ripped the roof off Goodison Park. That miserable match at Goodison against Newcastle. Probably my low point and what felt like the longest trip home. I usually sleep all the way. I couldn’t as my mind went through the match. I couldn’t even drink to console myself.
Into May and it’s getting close, but we still have belief. Joy in the face of adversity at Leicester as Jordon Pickford saves a penalty with us trailing 2 – 1 for us to go on and equalise. Talk about more breathless moments. If that goes in, the unthinkable is becoming a possible reality. Don’t think about it. Absolute euphoria amongst the travelling masses.
If I thought that was going to take some beating, then Brighton away took it to another level. What a night! What a performance!! What an atmosphere!!! Pride in the travelling Blue Army. Relegation? No chance! We’re not letting it happen.
Onto Wolves. Could it get better? Okay, result-wise, maybe not. But when the big Columbian slid that goal in at the last hour, that took what felt like an eternity to digest what had just happened, I honestly thought the away section was going to explode or implode, such was the release of emotion in the crowd. To be there can’t be explained in words.
As for this season so far, despite the initial poor results, I didn’t think most of the performances were that bad. Recently, the results have been coming and even though we went out of the League Cup (again), we didn’t lose over the 90 minutes.
Sean Dyche has got us playing to our strengths. Even when we lose, very few teams are battering us and they are mostly close matches.
Like many, I’ve travelled long and far to follow the blues this year. I dread to think what the miles add up to. But always a pleasure, never a chore, and always great catching up with all of you, as well as talking to those on here.
We were unlucky against Tottenham, fought hard against City and underperformed against Wolves. It’s football.
We still have a lot to play for, starting with the FA Cup next week. Fight the 10-point deduction. Royal Blue defiance in the face of adversity.
Takeovers, the New Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. Stay afloat (we will) and the future is bright.
We Shall Not Be Moved. Spirit. Forever.
Happy Blue Year to all of you. Onto Selhurst Park and then Aston Villa at Goodison Park.