It is now time to switch to a new Money AM football blog as the world cup is now over and we all look to the future.....World cup 2010 is over, Bravo Espana, and Forlan, once again and bring on the new season !.....I never expected the last thread to be such a success...thanks all.... so this new one might go on for years without the need to edit the title...we shall see...

From My Seat: Fulham (H)
By Ken Buckley :: 14/12/2013
Comments (10) jump to end
With a win at Old Trafford and a draw at Arsenal we turned up to meet lowly Fulham with our only concern being: Who would replace McCarthy?
We entered our hallowed house of Wisdom and Learning and, after ordering, we retired to the Room of Nonsense. In the corner, a tele was muted as it showed Man City v Arsenal; no-one seemed bothered as Christmas cards were exchanged and tales various of trips to Manchester and London were exchanged. Four points out of six away to Sky darlings seemed no more than a precursor to a routine victory at Goodison. Not all seemed normal though as our alehouse was neither full nor buzzing and the crazy scoreline from City seemed irrelevant.

The walk up to the ground in a strong wind was muted at best; although there was a fair queue at the outlets, nothing like a day to savour a possible top four berth come 4:50 pm. A lad said he had been to the fan zone and the ice rink was like using ice skates on wood but the young kids who went loved the give-aways.

As I entered our historical palace of dreams, the Sally Army Band were just coming to the end of their set and were warmly clapped off.

Teams announced and Osman, making his 300th Premier League appearance, replaced McCarthy while Mirallas was dropped in favour of Deulofeu. On the ref's whistle, we set off on what many thought would be a journey of wondrous passing and enough goals to help the goal difference stat. Footy just isn’t like that and we ended up with a game that frustrated the hell out of many assembled as it failed to live up to expectations yet would end in emphatic victory. "If you can’t win well... then just win!" came to mind from a back of the brain memory of a title win many decades ago...

The opening period of the game was best described as non-descript by both players and fans; in that period, you just knew that this game was not going to hit the heights. Players not rousing fans and fans not rousing players was the perfect mix for the game that would unfold.

Almost 20 mins gone without much to write home about and then we put a move of menace together culminating in a play that had quality in pass-and-move ending in an exquisite finish. I bet Martinez dreams of his players putting these together. Distin started it by moving it on to Oviedo who found Pienaar just infield from him and he immediately moved it up to Osman who controlled with one foot and hit home with the other. No euphoric celebrations from fans – just sort of "Well done – good goal". We sat back, anticipating more of the same, but it just wasn’t happening. Deulofeu was seeing a lot of the ball but, although his direct running was eye-catching, his final ball was poor each time.

As time went on, Lukaku was not the force that might be expected and his best contribution came when, from a Pienaar corner, he chested an effort from close range that the Fulham keeper did very well to turn behind. Coleman had an effort thwarted by the keeper; then Lukaku was put through on goal but his pass selection was poor as he really should have gone on himself. I felt for Lukaku though as he made run after run yet none of our players ever looked likely to find him and that must be really frustrating after the energy expended in making them. The half was ticking down and Barkley was just not his Arsenal self so it was left to Osman to carry the threat and he almost made something happen when he hit a dipper just wide after Barkley had made a hash of his attempt.

It was getting a tad boring now but that was lightened when a ball flew out toward the dug outs. The Fulham manager failed to control but our man Roberto trapped, flicked and returned to play – very Barcaesque!!!

As the half drew to a close, I was left to reflect on the passing game that Martinez demands: whilst being pleasing on the eye, it hasn’t yet fully developed a killer instinct – corner after corner was gained rather than an attempt on goal and, but for Distin blocking a shot and Berbatov firing over, we could easily have been level at the break.

Half-time and the chat was centred on the difference today from our exploits that half and the two previous games. That just left season’s greetings to be exchanged: "Are you going to Swansea?" And "See ‘yer Boxing Day"...

The second half commenced and Goodison was quiet... eerily so considering our position. The Fulham manager must have brought the Old Trafford hairdryer with him as his team tore into us. Early doors, both Fulham midfielders, Parker and Sidwell, forced Howard into half-decent saves.

We then had a right let-off when Kacaniklic (I checked the proey for name and number) had a Joe Allen moment and missed an open goal, bad enough to be described as "My missus could have scored that" – and hell, wasn’t he with Liverpool before Fulham???

Our contribution this half so far was getting less by the minute but the players did rouse us when Pienaar put in Oviedo, who had a good shot cleared off the line, but it was the visitors doing all the pressing; the equaliser came, as many thought it might, in that period of play, but it was possibly a bit fortunate as Barry seemed to no more than tangle with the open-goal misser and he needed no encouragement to go down. The ref deemed it a foul only – no yellow card – and Berbatov slotted with consummate ease.

Lots of chat now of how we looked likely to squander the platform gained by our last results – especially as just before, Deulofeu was seen lying on the turf, no idea why... A stretcher was called and the two blokes bringing it on started from the furthest point from him and then proceeded at a pace that would have been overtaken by a man walking underwater. The crowd gave them the hurry up but they must also have been deaf but fair play, some 30 yards from the stricken player, they broke into a three-yard jog which was cheered to the rafters. I hope those blokes are not on duty if a real emergency occurs.

Deulofeu was stretchered off and Mirallas came on. Many were not too concerned about the change as Deulofeu had not been at his best. Things were just not clicking for us but in true football fashion, the game yet again demonstrated what an imprecise sport it is. 20 mins to go and Pienaar, with a twist and turn after showing well for the ball, got to the byeline and pulled it back for the incoming Coleman to crack home. Lead restored and a celebration that said "Relief" as much as "Celebration".

Then, for some time, we went into the bad old ways under Moyes: just taken the lead and didn’t know whether to stick or twist. Passes all over the place, Fulham having a go, and poor movement off the ball stopping us operating on the break. The two players to rise above this malaise, Osman and Pienaar, slowly started to get some midfield control and, after a good joined-up move, Distin put one into the box: from my seat, it was difficult to see exactly what happened but it seemed Lukaku got something on it and Barry headed home. 3-1 – surely game over?

It did cause a few songs being attempted but never as loud by today's 33,000 as the 3,000 at Old Trafford. They did inform everyone though that "We are going to win the league". We were playing it out but you got the sense the players knew it hadn’t been their best day and – fair play to them – looked to put a little icing on the cake. Roberto wasn’t so sure so he swapped Pienaar for Stones with 2 mins to go but we still went forward as Fulham now looked drained and, on 90 mins, Mirallas was put through by Oviedo I think, and he galloped away, steadied himself, and drove one goalwards which eluded the diving keeper, hit the net, and thanks very much for the points. I bet their keeper will not want to see that one on Match of the Day!

MotM – Osman

Overall, I enjoyed the day out; although the game didn’t create much of a spectacle, it was one of those that often happen in a busy period of the season – a time when the result is more important than the performance – especially if you have success in mind...

Today, I thought it was the old guard that got us through – Osman, Pienaar, Barry, Jagielka, Distin and Howard. The younger element will have benefitted from the experience. Fourth in the league and I always take my first interest in league tables around this time; my unscientific method tells me the table changes little from here, maybe two places either way, so we shall see... Don’t put any bets on using my method though!

Next four games come thick and fast and against teams all beginning with the letter S. I wonder if that means anything? I am off back to my Brown over Bitter now and see what depths the conversation has reached in the Room of Nonsense...

Were on the up – It’s in our DNA.
UP THE BLUES

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Reader Comments
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Craig Fletcher
594 Posted 15/12/2013 at 04:14:49 For those of us not fortunate enough to be at the game; as always Ken your reports are something to look forward to.
An odd game, but ultimately the result is what mattered. Let's hope that's our "hangover" game out of the way after the excellent last two away results, and we'll be back on form in Wales next weekend.

The Deulofeu injury is unfortunate for the lad; but in much the same way that Baines' injury allowed a fringe player to really step up, let's hope Gerard's disappointment will bring the best out of Mirallas, and perhaps even Gueye could get some game time off the bench and show what he can do. New Manager, new ideas, so who knows – perhaps we just haven't seen what he can do yet.

Ajay Gopal
595 Posted 15/12/2013 at 04:17:34 Thanks, Ken. Missed your report on the Arsenal game. From the grainy feed on my PC which often froze up and the live forum, I am just relieved we got the 3 points as I am sure many Blues are. It just shows that McCarthy has turned into such an important player for us. An injury to him or Barry, and our season would be truly over.
Lukaku has been having a poor run by his standards and I think he needs a rest - I was surprised Jelavic did not get a run out today.
The injury to Geri was unfortunate - he could have been an important weapon for us in the upcoming fixture list and given Pienaar/Mirallas/Barkley a bit of a breather. Ross, Romelu & Geri are guilty of poor decision making in the final 3rd; but I guess this is part of their learning curve. I only hope that after their apprenticeship with the Blues, they help Everton on to win some silverware!

Paul Johnson
602 Posted 15/12/2013 at 05:35:01 Thanks Ken it is not just the match report it is the experience of the day. For the guys who have never been to L4 Ken paints a seriously realistic picture of being a blue. Just the mention of a brown bitter gets me all teary-eyed.
Roll on, Boxing Day: a few pints of Guinness, a couple of brandies (just for medicinal purposes), and curry and chips, 3 points off Sunderland and hopefully second in the table – a little slice of heaven.

Thanks again, Ken. Also for me, Leon was MotM: a great goal and performance on his 300th appearance. Keep it up, lad – and you may go to Brazil.

Anto Byrne
604 Posted 15/12/2013 at 06:00:13 Funny old game... Fulham have the makings of a good mid-table team with lots of good experienced footballers (Berbatov, Sidwell and Scott). It looks like they are using the '70s Southampton model.

Every credit to Liverpool (even if it does grieve me to say it) without Gerard and Sturridge pulverised Spurs. Taxi in the morning for AVB?

Yep, no surprise!

From paddypower on twitter :

Cardiff chairman Vincent Tan says manager Malky Mackay won't get a single penny to spend in January, so we have to step in!

Dig deep boys and start re-tweeting , got £1.57 so far apparently ... that'll buy half the Burnley team.


... another 50p and we can buy the lot !


:-)

Dig deep boys and start re-tweeting , got £1.57 so far apparently ... that'll buy half the Burnley team.


... another 50p and we can buy the lot !


:-)

Cardiff City: Malky Mackay told to quit or be sacked by Vincent Tan

Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay has been told by owner Vincent Tan to resign or he will be sacked.
In a letter emailed to Mackay on Monday, it is understood Tan listed in depth his grievances with the Scot.
Tan criticised 41-year-old Mackay at length in a range of areas, such as signings, transfer budgets, results on the pitch and style of play.
The Malaysian businessman also questioned the former Watford manager's record as a boss.

Dil? What sort of Fred Carno outfit are you running down there -):

Cardiff City: Malky Mackay told to quit or be sacked by Vincent Tan

Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay has been told by owner Vincent Tan to resign or he will be sacked.

In a letter emailed to Mackay on Monday, it is understood Tan listed in depth his grievances with the Scot.

Tan criticised 41-year-old Mackay at length in a range of areas, such as signings, transfer budgets, results on the pitch and style of play.
The Malaysian businessman also questioned the former Watford manager's record as a boss.

Dil seems to gone into hiding, anyone seen him?

I'm organising the protests :-)

Tan has lost the plot , even the fence sitters regarding the rebrand have turned against him.

Malky has behaved with great dignity throughout this sh*te and whenever he leaves he will leave a hero.

I thought Limpy might have mentioned on BBC business this morning! :-)

Yeah would have been more interesting than what he actually did discuss :-)

Maybe we should have just swapped Managers?

It may well be that the best support for Malky could be no support, ie a boycott of matches by supporters. I know season ticket holders won't want to have paid and then stay away, but their money is in the club coffers already so it won't make much difference to the club financially whether they go or not, but non-season ticket holders ie new money would be missed by the club. --- Just a thought.
2517

Burnley 2 Blackpool 1

SCOTT Arfield provided the present all Clarets fans were looking for to put Burnley on top of the tree at Christmas.

The Scot struck a magnificent, curling winner two minutes into the second half to end a humdinger of a Lancashire derby.

There's talk of a walk out at half time until 10 minutes into the second half GEORGE. This is a more likely scenario as all but a few thousand tickets are either season ticket holders or away fans.

Also chucking the free red scarves given out at a match in Feb onto the pitch at some pre determined time in the match may happen.

I can't see Tan turning up on Boxing Day.

Unofficial but rumour has it the Tan has done a U turn and Malky is staying at Cardiff.

Should still protest about that bloody stupid red kit and badge while we're at it.

Every credit to your fans at Anfield today Dil. Hope the dickhead listened!

PS They actually played better in Blue, especially second half :O)

From My Seat: Swansea City (A)
By Ken Buckley :: 23/12/2013


Comments (12) jump to end A trip to deepest South Wales and a journey that saw four seasons in four hours, weather-wise, for a game that would pit our present manager’s team against the team he built from the ground up. It would be full of emotion for him as today he had to plan their downfall; with two teams playing mirror-image styles, it was never going to be easy.
The Blues saw two changes: Deulofeu and Osman out; McCarthy and Mirallas in. The Blue corner was packed with Blue Santas who soon showed they could sing as well as the Welsh choristers and we definitely had the edge in wit.

We won the toss and elected to play toward our end second half, a good move as it turned out. The start was quiet and box-to-box, the first chance of the match fell to Routledge whose shot, shall we say, was off target as it went out for a throw in! With the game lacking much excitement, the Swans fans launched into a song ‘Cardiff City is falling down’ obviously wallowing in that team's difficulties.

The 20-minute mark was reached with the Blues on top possession-wise but little else until Mirallas was put in on goal after a Swansea cock-up; however, he elected to shoot when a simple pass would have been less selfish... his shot came off the keeper and fell to Barkley who surged forward but the best he got was a corner that came to nought. Mirallas was not having the best of halves and when he gave the ball away near our 18-yard line, we did well to survive. Our crowd had been relatively quiet to that point but that incident upped the noise as they tried to lift the players.

We entered the last 15 minutes of the first period having lost some of our oomph and allowing Swansea a decent spell in which Bony fired over when well placed. With both teams matching each other in shape and style, it left the game with a lack of excitement and it seemed to frustrate us more than them; our passing got a bit loose and a Coleman ill-advised backheel attempt put us in trouble but we managed to get the ball out for a corner which was cleared. But then Distin made a mistake and when the ball came in Bony seemed to miss it altogether for another let-off.

At the other end, Pienaar took a rehearsed corner and found Oviedo on the angle of the box and his excellent cross just evaded the late arriving Jags and Distin at the back post. The returning McCarthy seemed off the pace first half and was caught in two minds too often; as the half ended, he backed off a Swansea mid-fielder too far and afforded him a free shot which thankfully was woeful.

Half-time: 0-0 and many thought we should have done better; many thought Deulofeu would be a big miss in an impact role. Plenty of Christmas cheer about though.

Second half and right away we gave away a free kick in a dangerous position which was well taken but we shuffled it clear. We then started to get to grips with things and this coincided with McCarthy getting into the game and starting to play like his normal self. He got Barkley in on 55 mins and Ross surged on goal with a distinct look of Zidane, he got to within 2 yards of the goal and fell over his own feet! Perhaps not Zidane-like just yet...

Next, Coleman burst from the right, passed two men but when in on goal, over-ran the ball... oohs and aahs were heard and we wondered: Would this be our day? We were well on top now and our crowd were in good voice, Allez-Allez- O struck up as the rain descended like stair rods.

On the hour Mirallas took a good corner and Distin headed up in the air but he was first to the ball again and headed forward for Barry to hook over the bar. We were really dominant now and all the songs you ever knew came out and none were louder than ‘we shall not be moved’ well maybe ‘we are gonna win the league’ rivalled it.

Next, on 65 mins, Barkley burst into life with another surging run past two defenders and a left-footed missile seemed destined for the top corner until the keeper got just enough touch on it to divert it onto the bar and over. Good save that! Coleman was a constant threat down the right and his pace, persistence and all round good dribbling left Swansea nerves a jingling and the play of Oviedo doing similar on the other flank, Kafu and Roberto Carlos came to mind. But still even with total domination we could not fashion that vital goal.

Lukaku looked lost but he wasn’t getting any real service and the way we were playing seemed as though we didn’t need an out-and-out striker as we tried to fashion chances from those running from deep and ignoring the out-and-out striker.

We continued pressing and gained a throw-in on our left which Oviedo took and the ball was shuffled smoothly into mid-field and McCarthy saw Coleman free on the right; he fed him the ball and Seamus set off at pace and – from some 25 yards – let fly... Now from my seat it was but a blur that moved and bulged the net – what a goal! Cue pandemonium and the sight of sprawling celebrating players and the frenzied dance of the Blue Santas.

Swansea came back strong and we had to soak up pressure for a while but then we got a break, Coleman was fed and as he crossed halfway, an almighty roar of ‘SHOOT’ went up... followed by ‘We are gonna win the league’ being roared out.

Swansea were now a different team and we were pushed back but we did seem to be dealing one way or another with their attacks... yet you just knew we needed to be careful. On around 70 mins, we were undone in unfortunate circumstances when a regulation cross that looked harmless came right across the box; from my seat, it looked as though someone slipped (Pienaar?), a shot ensued which deflected and left Howard stranded. 1-1 and silence in the ranks.

The game settled a little and Jags had a hopeful long-range effort go well wide but Swansea had got their tails up and were pushing us. Martinez made two subs: Naismith for Pienaar (who was limping) and Osman for Mirallas (who was ineffective).

Barkley showed his versatility by being asked to play the Pienaar role with Naismith going right and Osman in the hole. This change stemmed the flow and the game went more end to end as both teams had designs on winning. Swansea had the first chance and they got a player in on goal but he chipped softly into the arms of Howard.

The 85th min came around and the much improved McCarthy set of on a lung-busting run toward goal and was unceremoniously tumbled some 25 yards out. Free kick and a booking and I think that was the first yellow of the match. Lukaku and Barkley stood over it, it looked like Lukaku to take but no it was Barkley and the ball flew into the goal via the underside of the bar. An absolute gem of a free kick and the celebrations? Unbelievable. Many a Christmas present was delivered with that strike. How one small corner of the ground could celebrate like that in the prevailing weather conditions was remarkable. Only awayday Blues eh.

Swansea had nothing to lose now and just went for it. We repelled a few then Barkley gave a daft free kick away in a dangerous area... Breath was held, kick came in... and, after a bit of a melee, we headed clear – only for a following-up player to hammer it back and, but for a top-class save from Howard, we would have been undone.

The tension wasn’t over as Swansea again got the ball into the box and we were all delighted when their player mis-kicked right in front of goal, another let-off. "Has that clock stopped?" I wondered... then Barkley brought the ball out and was fouled. "Take yer time" was the yell – they did. Lukaku scored but it was disallowed and no-one cared as the whistle went. Players celebrated with fans, songs were sung. Hugs, hand- shakes and best wishes exchanged.

MotM – Coleman... Barkley the highlight of the match.

A good three points which puts us in a good position league-wise. I thought the game today lacked a little due, in the main, to similarity in style and set-up but none the less absorbing. Win away without hitting any heights is the mark of a team on the up and long may it continue.

With games now coming thick and fast, our medical team will be as vital as the players as our small squad needs to recover well in a short time for a few matches to come. When you look at teams around us, the difference stands out in quality squad numbers so we will end up pushing many of our key players more than managers like... so "Play up, the medics!" Do we have psychologists as well???

Sunderland Boxing day and we should be able to field a team fresh enough to win that one but nothing should be taken for granted. Sunderland are desperate for points.

All the best for Christmas and may 2014 be kind to you. See you Boxing Day. I am bringing the mince pies, Big H is doing the pigs trotters and Tommy is getting them in as Buddy Holly sings "That’ll be the day"...
UP THE BLUES





Reader Comments

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer



Michael Kenrick
193 Posted 23/12/2013 at 02:00:55

A fantastic report, Ken, and I thought that second half was just tremendous football of the highest order in terms of commitment, passion, excitement and belief. Yes, perhaps the clinical quality was not on exhibition everywhere, but I thought we pulled out an absolutely top-drawer win under very difficult circumstances.
Not many of the diaspora on here seemed that moved by it but it sounds like the faithful who were there fully appreciated two goals of stunning quality and execution. All the best to you this Christmas, and let's hope the festivities continue at a packed Goodison Park come Thursday afternoon. Let's make it a true Boxing Day!



Graham McCann
195 Posted 23/12/2013 at 01:56:34

Great report as always, Ken. Spot on about Lukaku and the no apparent need for an out-and-out striker. We don't pump everything forward to the big Belgian bloke, but we need him as a focal point for our play in the final third of the field.
I think that Romelu is tiring a bit now, maybe that's why Vellios was on the bench today? I wouldn't mind betting that Vellios will have a role to play in the coming few games. After all, we have no apparent need for an out and out striker. It's all about the attacking players, barring Howard, Distan and Jagielka, they are all attacking players.

COYB




Cenric Clement-Evans
207 Posted 23/12/2013 at 04:33:37

Everton fans were awesome yesterday after a quietish start. The singing was tremendous with the away end literally bouncing! My 13-year-old had to keep on telling me to behave from our seats amongst the Jacks! I was desperate to join in.
Great report as ever Ken. Happy Christmas Evertonians everywhere!



Mike Gaynes
212 Posted 23/12/2013 at 06:09:34

Ken, your reports are always better than the game itself... thanks from all for your commitment to a long journey and a long day to bring us the inside-the-ground viewpoint. Much appreciated, sir!