Ice-cold Goodison sees Blues progress

Everton 1 - 0 Crystal Palace

After the rain at Selhurst Park came the Arctic-like cold of Goodison Park. Well, not cold… it was absolutely freezing!

A quiet train on the way up from Euston and no Palace supporters visible in the carriage I was sat in. The usual pitstop in the Northwestern. A curious observation: When did people start queuing in lines at bars or am I just old now? Hasn’t it always been about bar etiquette and knowing who is first? Much to my protests, I got sent to the back by the School Mistress-like barmaid. Anyway, as always, I digress on my first-world problems.

I briefly called in at The Brick but then on to The Harlech Castle to meet up with Derek, Stephen, Brian and Neil. No standing on the pavement on County Road yesterday though. It was definitely a night to stay inside. I grabbed some food (the usual) but didn’t eat facing by the Holy Trinity statue as it was freezing, so I headed straight into the Upper Gwladys. It didn’t make much difference as it was still freezing. I should have taken my gloves. 

I had managed to get a great seat. Unusually for Goodison, absolutely no posts, so a clear and a perfect unobstructed view of all four corners of the pitch. I like that as although I am there to primarily support Everton, I like to watch the football, the shapes and the movement on the pitch. And I have to say, as I looked down, the pitch looked great. Well done to the grounds people.

The match itself was a tough watch. Very scrappy and niggly, which led to a subdued atmosphere for large parts, not helped by a very small away following. But we kept a clean sheet (again) and did look threatening on the break. The most important thing is that we go on to the next round to beat Luton. You can’t ask for more than that in a cup match, however you achieve it.

At one point, Palace made 5 substitutions in a brief period. In a way, that may have played into our favour. For those who have played, in my opinion and experience, it is never easy coming on as a sub and trying to get into the game, let alone when you change half of the outfield players.

At times, we rode our luck and Palace are dangerous on the front foot. Once again, I thought the midfield looked a bit ropey, but we are currently relying on two 22-year-olds holding the fort. But it did free up Gomes. Hopefully Doucouré will be back soon, and we miss Idrissa’s sheer work ethic and tenacity – even if he can’t shoot and plays the odd stray pass.

Yet again, Dominic just needs one to go in. He was unlucky but played well. I’ll come back to Virginia, but their keeper made a couple of very good saves to deny us. I thought the chance from Dobbin was going in and Dominic’s was destined for the top corner.

McNeil did well in the context of what wasn’t really a great team performance. In the last two games, you wouldn’t have thought he got stretchered off a few weeks ago with what initially looked like a serious injury. A few mistakes (it's football), but great effort and energy from him.

Gomes showed the class he has within. The manager is speaking highly of him and seems to be managing him when we thought he was done. What a free kick! It always looks special when it comes off the post. I’m glad to see him back, we just need to rebuild his confidence and know how to use him properly surrounded by the right players. Technically, he is very gifted and creative, which is what we lack.

Branthwaite and Tarkowski were solid as ever. Branthwaite was having a right tussle throughout the match with one of their forwards. They were almost wrestling on a few occasions, and he isn’t shy of a tackle. A good central defensive pairing is developing there.

Virginia has to be Man of the Match. Based on what I’ve seen of him, if we do have to cash in on Pickford, I’m less concerned. He was superb and I was surprised to read that he is only 24.

Eventually the whistle went after what felt like an eternity. I watched them all off, Onana fist-pumping to the Gwladys Street in his usual way. He might not be everyone’s favourite, but you can’t deny his passion. On that note, read Virginia’s interview on the official site. Very interesting views towards Everton.

I opted to walk along Priory Road rather than across Stanley Park before heading up Arkles Lane. I thought I’d made a mistake as the pavement was covered in ice and it was a bit tricky to navigate. But two young lads no older than 10 years old shouting 1-0 at every open door of the Palace coaches made me smile. Your day will come, young men. A very quiet Arkles. Probably due to the lack of away supporters. I think I counted three.

Over 37,000 on very cold night with what I guess were only somewhere between 500-1,000 Palace supporters in attendance. Pretty much a full house apart from the empty seats in the away section. Total respect to all of you. Especially given what is going on off the pitch at the moment. And credit to those few Palace supporters that made the long trip on a very cold Wednesday night.

As the last trains depart around 8pm, once again, it had to be the overnight National Express just before midnight, arriving home a 6am to go straight out with the boy dog. Always worth it.

What is the phrase from the Braveheart film? “You’ll never take our freedom”? Well, they will never take our dignity, desire or belief.

So we march on to the next round and beyond. Not before Fulham away, which I will be attending with my son and Mike.

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