Goals Win Games

Everton 0 - 1 Fulham

Despite the frustration of the result, in hindsight and after a much-needed night's sleep, it wasn't that bad. We created and had the chances but couldn't convert. Defence will get you so far, but you are always testing the law of averages with those tactics. We did test that rule of thumb and got punished in what was otherwise a close game. I think we'll have to get used to it under this manager. There will be a lot of these that may go either way. It reminds me of the Moyes years. Keep it tight and nick one? 

Another long day. Up at 5am, out with the hounds and then off into London. Although delays on the Metropolitan Line caused me to be slightly delayed and I arrived at Lime Street later than I had planned. 

The train was quiet, a few Fulham supporters sat next to me. A father and son, with the son sleeping all the way with his face planted on the table. It was like he was being dragged to the match. I hope his trip back was better. Quite a few travelling Blues also, talking of past glories and missed chances of times gone by. That was to ironically be a theme of the forthcoming match. 

A catch up at The Harlech Castle with a few, meet with Tony, then off the ground with his two lads. Although I had to take the inevitable diversion to the Goodison Supper Bar as they headed in. I had been pre-warned, but there were different people serving. I felt like part of my teenage years had been taken away from me. I was still able to get my usual, although it didn't feel the same. First World problems, I guess. I just made Z-Cars as I headed up the stairs and took my seat next to Michael. 

On the match and performances. I thought Patterson looked steady. I didn't like that Garner seemed to be playing in a wider position. Stick him in front of the defence in what we now call the Number 6 role. I'm not saying he's Peter Reid, but that has to be the best position for him in my opinion. Ashley Williams Young could prove to be an astute experienced signing. 

Doucouré didn't seem to be getting as forward as often, which made him so effective towards the end of last season, although he did miss a gilt-edged chance when he did on one occasion.

We defended well for most of the game but I got very concerned that our midfield was again wide open. Also, how wide apart our centre-backs were on occasions? By all means, stretch the pitch when in possession, but go compact when we don't have possession; otherwise, it's mind the gap and, quite often, I could see their centre-forward sat right in that gap from my viewpoint.

I've defended Onana, and he may have potential, but he needs to stop being anonymous for large parts of the game. With the right focus and attitude, he can have more of an impact on the game and realise his potential. Yesterday, not for the first time, he went missing and left Idrissa with too much to do on his own, especially with Garner seemingly in a wider position. 

I thought we scored a legitimate goal and was confused at the decision. I'm not even going to watch it back. The keeper makes a mistake climbing over Tarkowski and drops the ball in my view. The ref blew it straight away without even thinking about it.

Pickford was hardly challenged throughout the match and their keeper had one of those days. Yes, we can be harsh on Maupay and also Doucoure for missing a number of sitters. I was at the time. But Leno got to everything yesterday and couldn't be beaten. We've had those moments these past couple of seasons with Jordan. If I am being impartial, Leno was Man of the Match and gave them the points. Apart from him, we'd have won that.

In general, a scrappy game between two average sides and one in which we had most of the chances.

The goal was self-inflicted. We put ourselves under pressure unnecessarily and were caught out of shape on the backfoot and opened ourselves up to make it easy for Fulham. I could see it happening as the situation unfolded very quickly. Until then, I didn't think they had a goal in them.

For an opener against Fulham, I thought the crowd done their bit once they got going. It was a bit quiet in the streets during the build-up. Subdued almost.

We know we still need change off the pitch but, on the pitch, this manager needs to make changes sooner when Plan A isn't coming off. I thought it had 0 - 0 all over it even though we should have and could easily have won that. I suppose in his defence, what are the options to change things? But he does seem very hesitant and leaves it late. Very late.

As always, I stayed until all the players had left the pitch. Several of them came over and to be fair, despite a few boos, they got a decent reception from those who had remained. 

Anyway, always a pleasure visiting the home city, catching up with people. Massive thanks to Tony – your boys are a credit to you and your brother a very knowledgeable studier of football to sit next to.

The couple next to us were great. I don't know their names, but as he got more and more agitated, his wife was telling him to calm down and grow up. He finally decided he'd had enough and told her he was going to The Brick with about 10 or 15 minutes to go! Great people though and I spoke to both throughout the match.

Customary trip to the Arkles. A chat with the Barman (Evertonian) and my usual request for him to take down all of those red scarfs, greeted with a smile. A chat to a polite couple from London in their Liverpool shirts who had been on a visit to Lucifer's Den. I swung past Bramley-Moore Dock on the way back as I hadn't made it before the match. The new stadium is looking majestic.

Travelling back on the train, especially after a match against a London club, can be an interesting place, especially when we've lost. Most were fine and I was sat sharing a table with a few young Fulham supporters. Then another barges past and takes offence to the fact I was wearing a Germany top (I just put it on, no reason).

He started giving me an English Defence League style barrage about me being a Scouse Adolf Hitler and calling Liverpool (the city) a shithole. I "calmed him down" and told him where to go, reminding him that he's probably on his way back to some relatively affluent area like Putney. Absolute dick amongst an otherwise very sociable crowd. 

5 am start, 11 pm finish, but always worth it. It's one game. There are 37 more to play for. Without stating the obvious, convert the chances we are creating and we'll be fine. Maybe even compete.  

Aston Villa sold out, I can't make Wolves, and Sheffield United is already sold out. I guess it's Doncaster on a Wednesday night. 

We're going to be okay.

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