Late drama; never give in

Newcastle United 1 - 1 Everton

Well, what a night of initial frustration followed by emotion that turned to sheer relief at the end. Only Everton can do that to you in 99 minutes of football.

It started with a long journey up from Kings Cross that never seemed to end. A quick one in the bar across from the station. Full of very noisy Evertonians belting out the classics. Given the recent circumstances, the enthusiasm of our supporters never ceases to amaze.

We navigated the streets and took our places in the skies. I have to admit, you get a great view over the city of Newcastle from up there.

For me, the match had everything. Hit wood posts on both sides. Okay, they’re not made of wood anymore but it’s a phrase that I’m sure you all understand.

Once we woke up after the poor first-half performance, we grew a pair and went toe-to-toe, and it was a very open game. Not one for the faint-hearted Evertonian. I wish I’d taken my inhaler and not just because of the height where my seat was located, more to calm the anxiety.

Newcastle used the width. We were more compact. We go a goal down early doors and I was worrying about how we get back in the game given the (until then) under-par performance.

I know I’ve criticised our absent midfield, but I’m not sure the tactics are using them… so should we be blaming them? We just continuously bypass them as the ball flies over their heads.

I had the usual Garner debate with my brother. Centre-midfield or right-back? Is he a Phil Neville type? We disagree. I would rather he was played central. He says right-back. It would be interesting to get other supporters’ views.

Mykolenko often goes unnoticed and does take a bit of criticism. But his defending is often instinctive. That goal-line clearance from his head on the line was unbelievable and breathless. Where was my inhaler? He gets back when he knows the keeper is committed. Some are not convinced, but I see a solid young defender, with more potential to develop.

Onana may not be the most creative, but his recovery tackles and reading of danger are an asset to the team. Sometimes, I worry he’s going to get a red, but mostly his timing is perfect. I just wish he would be involved more. To my previous point about the midfield. We lack creativity and Gomes can't do it for a full game.

Beto may also split opinion but, in that first hour when we were struggling, he was the only one pressing and trying. It is a lonely existence being an Everton striker right now. I think he can come good. Maybe not brilliant, but good. He bullies defences.

For their goal, I initially thought it was Godfrey who had let it go over his head. Turns out it was Tarkowski who got caught flat-footed. It’s hard to tell from up on level 7 at St James’ Park. An unusually poor game for our de-facto captain, who had an off day.

Total respect for Pickford. He didn’t rise to the bait he received from the home supporters. We all do the odd red and white shite chants, but the abuse he received last night was relentless from start to almost finish. Unlike on previous occasions, he kept his head and focus.

As well as the 3 great saves (as I counted them), he deserves the accolade for Everton’s Man of the Match for the way in which he conducted himself and blanked out the constant tirade of abuse –  as much as he did for the performance and saving us from defeat.

On their phantom second. Initially, I thought it was a tight call and held my breath. Once again, note to self: inhaler. But the VAR did his job. It was clear and obvious that two, possibly three of their players were offside when you look at the replay.

The penalty. Why did that need the VAR review for several minutes? It wasn’t even questionable. Most of us could see it without the need for binoculars. The referee was metres away.

Anyway, at that point, I sat down, which most don’t do at away matches. But by now I was a nervous wreck, praying to the Evertonian in Heaven, so sat with my head in my crossed hands staring at the floor. I couldn’t watch.

Then the Everton end and those around me erupted, so I knew it had gone in and the kind lady next to me tapped me on the shoulder and told me to get on my feet. I wasn’t going to argue with her so complied.

I didn’t really see much of the match after that. I had my eyes on the clock ticking away on the big screen to my left, especially when the 9 minutes of additional time went up. It seemed to take another 90 minutes.

The players came over. Obviously no shirt handovers. Jordan was particularly pleased. He should have been.

A worrying spot of trouble as we left when a couple of hundred Newcastle supporters tried to come at us. Fair credit, the Police intervened quickly and charged them away with the horses.

Good job as 3,000 Everton fans were descending. I don’t like that type of behaviour. It has no place. I ended up back at the station with my brother in a bar full of Newcastle supporters. No issues whatsoever.

My final mention goes to all those thousands who packed that upper section and wouldn’t give in at the home of the Sky backed and self-proclaimed best supporters in the land… My arse. It was good to see Neil, albeit briefly when we found each other on the packed concourse at half-time. Sorry, I didn’t catch anyone else.

Back to my brothers and up for the early train. He took me to the station, and it was raining. He's maybe 17 years my junior, but he told me off for being stupid and not having a jacket! A wet journey home, but I just slept all the way.

Burnley, Brentford, Sheffield United and Luton. We may get something out of Chelsea and I will never go into a derby thinking we are going to lose. Anything is possible.

Belief and confidence. It’s not done yet no matter what they throw at us.

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