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...

When he signed as a player for Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007, a clause in his contract gave him the option of buying a team for the bargain price of $25m (£15.3m).

Miami's last Major Soccer League team folded more than a decade ago, having reportedly lost some $250m (£153.1m). But that was partly because the team played in nearby Fort Lauderdale, and never had a purpose-built stadium.

The new franchise plans to construct one at a waterfront location, where Caribbean cruise ships dock. It's a new departure for one of the game's biggest stars, not as a player but as an owner.

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SEASON 2013-14 » OPINION » COLUMNS » KEN BUCKLEY
From My Seat: Spurs (A)
By Ken Buckley :: 09/02/2014
Comments (15) jump to end
A trip to the ground where the fans insist they will sing what they want and, by the look of it, wear what they like, as some of the gear was choice – if not a touch racist in their choice of slogans. We came with a belief we could get the points to help toward Champions League and the team played with a belief that they thought so too. Unfortunately, the stats will say we dominated while the all-important scoreline will say we failed.

With the faithful in good voice, we kicked off with Naismith leading the line and Coleman restored to right back, fully mended. Barkley, Deulofeu, McGeady and Traore not considered ready to start.

The game started as it would go on, end to end and open. In the first 10 minutes, Osman was fed by Mirallas and fired just over. Then, at the other end, Distin, playing his 150th game for the club, got in trouble on the by-line and his pass to the keeper put him in trouble but fortunately the Spurs man hit the keeper with his attempted cross and out for a corner. Back up the other end and Mirallas, after a good run across the box, turned and fed Osman who shot well and brought an excellent save out of the keeper.

Then, after good work by Naismith, Osman again was unlucky with his shot. After that 10-minute spell, we were thinking about dominating when Spurs broke forward and Pienaar gave away a free-kick some 25 yards out and Eriksen hit it well and just skimmed the bar. Phew! Naismith, full of running and always showing quickly, closed down the keeper who was forced to kick hurriedly, the ball was picked up by Mirallas who from a tightish angle forced the keeper to save.

20 mins had gone by in hectic, open, even, end-to-end fashion without goals even looking on the agenda which disappointed many in attendance as some of our build up play deserved at least a burst to upset their rearguard, let alone a goal. We only had Osman having a pop and he was having to be creator as well. He set up Mirallas a couple of times but he seemed intent on trying to get the angle he wanted and managed only to get crowded out. The game went on in this fashion but in truth not the greatest game as both teams seemed to realise the importance of the points and both were reluctant to really go for it with fervour. Respecting each other a bit too much perhaps.

Before the break, Coleman raided, cut inside and had a left-footer go straight to the keeper, who cleared, and, from the counter attack, the ball was crossed low across our box and Adebayor would have scored if he hadn’t cut his toenails this morning. Spurs came again but the speedy Lennon was well held up by Jags and the ball eventually cleared.

The final ten minutes of the half belonged to Everton as we put some good stuff together. Mirallas went on a great run and cross shot that was just over. Pienaar and Baines were their old selves down the flank and Osman was the playmaking orchestrator. If we were to get a goal, it should have come in those ten minutes or so. In fact, I think if we had netted then, the points would have been ours.

Half-time and the chat was in the main regarding Liverpool’s mauling of both Everton and Arsenal and how two such respected managers as Martinez and Wenger had failed to have any sort of counter to the Liverpool front three and their familiar fast breaks.

Second half and Spurs looked as though they realised they had been let off at the end of the first half and were at us in quick time and forced two corners in quick succession; both came to nought. Osman and Pienaar combined brilliantly and the quick feet of Osman sent Mirallas in but alas his shot curled just wide.

The game trundled on in the fashion of the first half with a goal nowhere in sight. Both teams pressed in turn, Spurs forced a couple of corners; we played pretty till that final third... but then, on or near the hour mark, a great break down the right between Coleman and Mirallas saw them get to the by-line and three Everton players split and showed themselves in the area but the pass found a Spurs man and a diving header saw the ball cleared. What a chance spurned. Next minute, Baines played a superb ball that the raiding Mirallas was inches off converting. That was close.

Just after the hour mark, Martinez made a sub: Barkley on and Pienaar off. I can only assume that Pienaar had some sort of injury as he was as likely as anyone to open something up. Just after the sub, Spurs got a free kick and our players were totally switched off to Walker's quick kick which found Adebayor goalside of the bewildered Jags and Distin. Although Coleman did make a valiant effort to get around to him, the big man held him off and netted. The faithful gutted. Their first shot on goal in anger and we are one-down and not looking like scoring through our own fault. Going to sleep like that does sometimes happen after a change is made as we adjust but that’s where you need a switched-on captain to bark out the order ‘Stand on that ball!’

We went a little flat after the goal... so, on 70-odd minutes, Martinez sent on Deulofeu and McGeady for Naismith and Osman. I have to say taking Ossie off was a big surprise as he was our creator.

The rearrangements were taking time to settle and those last ten minutes went by with us unable to get the ball down and play and the three lads who came on didn’t look anywhere near the level as the three who went off. Were they back a bit too soon? Or to late coming on? Or the three off injured?

Before the final whistle, we had a big shout for a pen. Coleman got into the box and went past his man and tripped over the defender's leg in the box... From my seat, a nailed-on penalty! Ref said No and I thought surprisingly not much of an appeal from our players. Final whistle and disappointment. We had sung every song in our repertoire, cheered and yelled them on, but the loss of those three points toward Champions League was uppermost in most minds as the players saluted the faithful and left muttering.

MotM – Osman/Coleman

Where does this leave us? Well, mathematically, everything is still possible... so a determination to win as many of the 13 games left as we can. Try and win the FA Cup, so you see we can look forward for some weeks yet and, if our manager can get that bit of luck to get his short term injured back fully fit and up for a challenge, then who knows?

Anyone fancy a guess at why, when we desperately need an out-and-out striker, we have none on the pitch but one on the bench – and don’t use him? The manager will probably have a simple answer for that but chances are he ain’t going to tell us...

Wherever we finish, in my book, it will have been a good season but my main hope is that the club can find the funds to help the manager to build on this framework and make a substantial dent in that ‘Glass Ceiling’. Just think of the kudos for Bill and his board: Real Madrid home and away in the Group Stages.... and Barca in the Final!!

It's not bad ale ‘Darn Sarf’...

See you on Wednesday night – All we are saying, is "Give us a goal!"
UP THE BLUES

Reader Comments
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Jim Harrison
138 Posted 10/02/2014 at 02:29:19 Good report Ken, have to agree with all your points regarding Osman, Pienaar and Traore. I feel all three should have been on the pitch around the 60 minute mark. Barkley looked out of sorts, perhaps needs a little more time.
Bobby's post-match interview with BBC pretty much sums it up, didn't do much wrong, but they converted their only real chance on goal.

In the cold light of day, I have to say, if you stood outside of Everton supporters and looked at the results from the Liverpool and Spurs game, they wouldn't come as a surprise. Millions lavished on their squads against one of the lowest spending teams in the league. Liverpool have a front 3 that pulled the league leaders apart in 20 minutes. Spurs had a striker on the pitch who has Man City, Madrid and Arsenal on his CV and he proved the difference. Whilst soundbites about finding other ways to compete are lovely to hear, they don't ring true. Teams that spend lots on quality players finish higher on average. Everton spend a bit on good value players. Naismith was great yesterday, but hardly of the calibre of Suarez, Rooney, Aguero, Giroud or even Adebayor to name a few.

The season is far from over, but realistically it is going to take an incredible run-in to break into the top 4. I would predict that the teams already in occupancy will stay there, maybe in a different order though. Spurs and Everton to fight it out for 5th?

The Cup still looks attractive. I hope the boss gets a decent kitty in the summer. It cannot be expected that a team with minimal investment will suddenly buck the trends of modern football and consistently out perform the big money clubs to reach the promised land of the Champions League. Even if we were to scrape in this season there is no guarantee of a return the following year.

Man Utd won't make it this year and they will most likely splash the cash this summer. Spurs will invest, they always do. Man City? They have a second team strong enough compete on its own and the wealth of a sheikh to blow. Arsenal have money ready to add to an already impressive squad.

Chelsea? probably the best modern-day coach backed by a billionaire who loves vanity buys. Then our charming neighbors. They seem to have finally got the message that spending on quality reaps rewards. 9 goals in 2 games against close competitors, they look on the up.

What will Bobby get? £10, 20 million?

Matt Traynor
141 Posted 10/02/2014 at 03:09:50 Jim "What will Bobby get? £10, 20 million?"
The only way Bobby will get £20 million is if BK gives him half the Barkley money to spend.

Jim Harrison
145 Posted 10/02/2014 at 03:40:24 Matt, Ha, yeah, what I failed to add was "if he is lucky"!
Phil Walling
161 Posted 10/02/2014 at 08:31:45 Pretty. Predictable. Pointless. Just about sums up our performance and the likely outcome of the season.
But the P we most worry about is Potless – and not just the sort you win at Wembley !

Adam Luszniak
162 Posted 10/02/2014 at 08:47:19 Phil how about 'pessimistic'? Is that a P you are familiar with?
Phil Walling
168 Posted 10/02/2014 at 09:03:09 I think you can add that one too, Adam!
For all the talk of a brave new world, we shall likely finish a place lower than last season – so how is that Progress?

The focus on loan signings and the replacement of a striker with an unknown crock in the January window says it all about where our club is at present and is likely to remain.

But the forthcoming battle with Moyes to better 7th place may provide a modicum of interest.

Jim Bennings
173 Posted 10/02/2014 at 09:19:54 Yesterday was a familiar predictable game that in many ways has been the trademark of Everton over the last few years. We outplay our opponent and create a bag of takeable chances but simply have nobody there to put the ball away or get a decent final ball into the box.
I am disappointed that we have left the January transfer window looking weaker up front than we were in November. I know people will say we are missing Lukaku, but that depends which Lukaku you are talking about – the one from early on or the one of the last two months?

Lukaku himself must be frustrated at how he gets 17 goals coming off the bench at West Brom but at Everton his goals have dried up. Is the service really better here? Or did WBA get the ball into the box quicker than we do? Maybe that's the type of service that suited Lukaku.

It's depressingly familiar that we still struggle scoring goals away from home despite a new manager with the new way of positive thinking. Since the start of November, our away games have read:

Palace 0-0
United 1-0 win
Swansea 2-1 win
Stoke 1-1
West Brom 1-1
Liverpool 0-4 lost
Spurs 0-1 lost

Five goals in our last seven away games is mediocre reading.

The end of last season our last 8 away games read.

Southampton 0-0
Man Utd 0-2 lost
Norwich 1-2 lost
Spurs 2-2
Arsenal 0-0
Sunderland 0-1 lost
Liverpool 0-0
Chelsea 1-2 lost

Four goals in our last 8 away games last season.

I think it's getting pretty obvious where Martinez has to find a way of improving us. It's one thing being hard to beat away from home but I would rather throw in a few more defeats if we could grab a couple more wins. We don't win enough away games.

David Hallwood
195 Posted 10/02/2014 at 11:21:11 Great report as ever, Ken. Because I had a do to go to and I've cancelled Sky, I had to rely on MotD highlights (contradiction in terms really). Reading the posts from various sites, we did enough to get all 3 points, most of them highlighting the fact that the home side had a single shot on target – but that's all you need if it goes in.
Although there is understandably lots of gloom and doom, I'll point out that there plenty of twists and turns (points) left in season. The old cliché "It's not over till the fat lady sings"... well, she hasn't even arrived at the gig yet, and injuries and suspensions can affect other teams regardless of squad. In addition the situation can change quickly.

Look at us; within a month we'd lost the back 4/5 Barkley, Deulofeu, Lukaku. Take any team above us and they may cope with these losses. For instance and without wishing injury on any player, but can you imagine how the RS would cope if Rat boy & Sturridge were injured/suspended at the same time or Hazard & Oscar for Chelsea.

Therefore there's still lots to play for, and to use the other old cliché, take each game as it comes.

BTW Jim Bennings (#173).

Adam Luszniak
208 Posted 10/02/2014 at 11:51:58 Phil, I suppose it depends on how you define progress really? Personally, if you had offered me seventh after Moyes had gone to Utd, and before we had a new manager I would have bitten your hand off. I expected instability in Moyes wake, and I was unsure when we got the new fella in.
So lets say Martinez only gets us 6th, and matches our position from last season. Would that be regarded as progress? I can see from your posts that you don't think so. Personally I would disagree. I have much preferred watching Everton this season. Admittedly our recent performances have lacked the style and finesse of games like the Goodison derby, the Newcastle game, or Arsenal away. But under our former manager, I don't think we ever played like we did at the Emirates this season.

You mention the focus on loan players as a negative. Well, that's a contentious issue, which the media seem to like getting on our back for. Now, of course I would like to have signed our loanees permanently. But, as we all know, that scenario is simply impossible. So if we don't have the money to sign new players like Lukaku permanently, does it make more sense to loan good players, or buy mediocre players? Are mediocre players going to help us push for Champions League? As I see it, Martinez is pushing the envelope of what this club can do with it's finances.

To focus on the loans solely is also only a small part of the picture. What about his permanent signings? Yes, we have seen next to nothing of Kone, and i'm sure none of us leapt for joy when he was signed. But we didn't all scream hurray when Barry was singed, and look at what an affect he has had on our play. Alcaraz too looks like a decent signing to me, despite injury. I think it is harsh to judge Martinez' permanent signings when we really have seen very little of them. Even the best players can get injured, as OFM knows only too well.

Tony J Williams
215 Posted 10/02/2014 at 12:23:12 To be fair Adam, we have a better team this year so we should at least stand still in terms of league placing.
Yes, the teams above have spent for fun so don't expect any joy in trying to overtake them, but we shouldn't be losing ground on the ones below us.

Phil, the drama queen, pretty much nailed the game (not the season) pretty, predictable and pointless.

If we have a 6 foot 8 fella on the bench, who is described as a striker, get him on. If he's not fit enough, why is he on the bench?

Patrick Murphy
269 Posted 10/02/2014 at 16:36:56 Roberto in his pre-match press conference explained that the big guy wasn't ready to play a part at WHL and that he put him on the bench to allow him to experience being part of the squad. I can only assume that only players who are named in the match-day squad are allowed to sit on the bench. Remember when Everton's bench at Villa Park in the Semi-Final was overflowing with injured players who were all in suit and ties celebrating a goal, times have changed.
Brent Stephens
273 Posted 10/02/2014 at 16:51:54 Tony "If we have a 6 foot 8 fella on the bench, who is described as a striker, get him on. If he's not fit enough, why is he on the bench?"
That was probably the most unfathomable part of the game for me.

Patrick, I don't know about only being allowed on the bench if you're in the squad. And does that mean full squad who travel or just the first XI plus subs? (Not that the first XI sit on the bench, but at times it feels as if that's where some are!). And there are all sorts of other club staff "on the bench" (ie in in the area reserved for us). So I'm really not sure why a non-sub squad member couldn't sit there.

Anyway, very curious he didn't get on. And exasperating for me. I'd have loved to have seen him as we would still have had supply coming from Delboy and others.

Linda Morrison
279 Posted 10/02/2014 at 17:21:14 In all honesty apart from a few over the last few weeks most of the players on the bench have not been 100% fit.

Stuffed them first half then shared the second half. Hit the post and bar and had a goal disallowed first half (rightly so) then they get three clear cut chances to win the game second half and blow it.

Best save all season (Gary McCallister) to stop one , second best stop all season to stop another and third I could have scored with my eyes shut but they couldn't afford me and Villa cocked it up

4 points from 3 games in Feb with one to go against Hull. Beat them and we got a chance of staying up , lose and we can kiss the PL goodbye.

Truth .... I don't fancy our chances.

RIP TOM FINNEY - Sadly I was too young to see him play, as ever my Grandad educated me on his merits on the football pitch. A good article in Mail today on his career. I haven't the technical know how to post with pictures.

Extracts from the article.

RIP Sir Tom Finney (2352hrs 14.02.14. updated 0844hrs 15.0214.). By Jeff Powell.

With a last shimmy of the hips, twinkle of the eye and straightening of his tie, the greatest of all English footballers has swerved down the wing to immortality.

The mother country of the world game has lost its finest ever player. Period.

This nation has lost the artisan who became our greatest living Englishman.

Tom Finney, fondly known as the Preston plumber, was more of a gentleman than any born aristocrat. elected politician, charitable tycoon - certainly any sporting millionaire - could possibly aspire to be.

Bill Shankly, who played with Finney at Preston before creating the Liverpool legend, summed up with typical cryptic humour the moderate quality of the team mates his idol carried to prominence. "Tom should claim income tax relief ......for his ten dependants."

Finney bore the burden without hint of complaint. When the Italians of Palermo came knocking on the door of his terrace house in 1952 offering £10,000 signing on fee, £100 a week, a staffed villa on Lake Como and a Maserati - on top of what would have been a record transfer fee of £50,000 - he chose to stay on £12 a week at Deepdale, explaining to his bewildered suiters. "I'm a Preston man, always."

There were never any regrets. Although his last pay packet, in 1961, amounted to £20. He never begrudged the best of the modern players the millions - make that more - he would have earned had he been born half a century later. "Special lads like Giggs and Ronaldo deserve every penny." His only quibble was todays pay "Over rewards rather a lot of footballers who are so ordinary they would never have got into my Preston team. Ridiculous."

On the misbehaviour of some of today's false idols - those caught drunk and brawling in night clubs - he passed this judgement. "They disgrace our profession. If they have the good fortune to play football for a living, you have a duty to respect the game."

Finney never tasted alcohol until years after he hung up those lovingly - dubbed boots with the big toe caps, never swore in his long life and was never booked.

The Greatest English Footballer?

Don't just take my word for it.

Billy Wright, the late great England captain said "No better player ever pulled on the white shirt of our country."

Once, when asked to compare the stars of the late 70's with Finney, Shankly rasped "Aye, they're as good as Tommy now - but then Tommy's over 60." To drive home the point he added ..... "Tommy was the best I ever saw. He would have beaten the finest defenders in the world in any age, while wearing an overcoat."

We talked also of how he fought in World War 11 in Montgomery's eighth army in the deserts of North Africa.

Preston mythology has it that he travelled to home games on Saturday afternoons by bus after augmenting his meagre income by working at the local plumber's foundry that morning.

In fact, he advised me that although he did sometimes board that old omnibus to training, he walked to matches from his own front door - carrying those boots in a brown paper bag.

His iconic statue - The Splash, inspired by a photograph of him rounding Chelsea tackles in a puddle at Stamford Bridge - dominates the approach to Deepdale, where the National Football Museum was located in recognition of Finney's importance to the game.

It is a matter of considerable pride for another of our football knights that Sir Tom, as he became in 1998 - 38 years after he retired - held him in such lofty esteem.

Recalling the day Bobby Charlton overtook his 30 - goal England record, Finney said "If that had to happen, it couldn't have been achieved by a more beatiful footballer or a more perfect gentleman."

Little did he realise, but he was annointing Sir Bobby as his own successor as the greatest living Englishman. Who better than Sir Bobby to pick up the mantle of the greatest living Englishman from Mr Finney - The No 7 for The North End?

Think he got carried away with the 'best team in Manchester' malarkey

Was Ozil sleepwalking last night, or did he think he was in a line-dancing competition?

From my seat: Chelsea (A)
By Ken Buckley :: 22/02/2014
Comments (12) jump to end
An early start saw us reach our destination in time for a bite to eat and a few bevies. They had never heard of Brown/Bitter in that ale house!

The actual team sheet came through on Twitter and it looked strong — plus a very good looking bench. Having gained entry through the usual hassle of overzealous stewards, we contemplated the outcome and most agreed we had nothing to be afraid of. From the off, this seemed to be the case as we pressed Chelsea and forced them back with some excellent joined-up stuff but actual chances of a scoring nature were again absent. Maybe that was due to a last-minute reorganisation when our new man Traore was replaced by Naismith. I heard later it was his ‘hammy’ which is a bit of a blow for the lad and us as I thought he had just got over one of those.

The first half belonged to us with a back five that was resolute and in command, aided by the excellent work of Barry and McCarthy who, along with Osman were more than a match for the Chelsea moneybags midfield. Mirallas, Pienaar and Naismith linked well but, for all the good approach work on the back of some excellent defending, we still managed to be toothless in the art of striking goals.

We made chances but taking them was proving harder than it should have been. Mirallas was set up by some great work from Naismith but the usually deadly strike from the Belgian was no more than a mistimed effort that posed no threat. We forced corners but, when we did win headers, they were either off-target or weak. Jagielka had the best chances but his headers were either mistimed or lacked conviction.

McCarthy was looking a quite different player from last week’s diffident show and, along with Barry, Baines, Coleman and the mercurial Osman, Chelsea were looking anything but title contenders... yet, with all of the first half of Blue dominance, only two real efforts on goal were recorded and, but for the excellent Cech in goal, we would have been two up, as Osman had a scorcher tipped over and another shot very well saved low down to prevent it creeping home.

Half-time: 0-0... and the chat centred on how well we were playing... yet bemoaning the fact that we just could not get a goal. A familiar tale this season, I am afraid, which left many of us being very nervous of shipping one.

Second half and Chelsea made a sub by replacing Oscar for Ramires, thus acknowledging our midfield dominance. For all Chelsea’s money, they had nothing to compare with McCarthy’s box-to-box drive or the insightfulness of Osman. Sadly, it still left us short in that vital goal-area portion of the pitch...Chelsea did up their game in the second half yet our defence made them look as weak as us in the goal scoring stakes.

Both sides had chances, the best of which was a terrific Ivanovic half-volley from close range that Howard blocked away... then Hazard, who — for such a high profile player had been virtually nullified by Coleman, aided and abetted by McCarthy and Mirallas — fired one in that had the danger sign out. Chelsea were, as you would expect, having a mini purple patch and Willian had one on target while at the other end Cech made a worldy when Osman hit one that arrowed for bottom corner.

Just after the hour mark Chelsea made a second sub and we swopped Osman for Barkley. Unless Osman was injured then this was a big mistake as the lad hardly showed in the game and, when he did, his efforts were way below what we were seeing pre-injury.

Chelsea now were on top in terms of forcing us back but some good defensive organisation was thwarting them. Mourinho then played his final card and put on his third sub on 70 mins as they chased the points but their attack floundered on the rocks of our defence and, had it not been for a miss-control by Barkley, Mirallas may have been on his way... As it was, we had to defend again and Coleman saw out the danger. The manager then swopped Mirallas for Deulofeu on 75 mins but he never really got into the game so on 80 mins the manager sent on McGeady for Pienaar.

The clock was ticking down and, with both teams seemingly incapable of creating a goal, I started to think that a point would have to do. 5 mins added went up and, after our subs were made, Chelsea seemed to be looking the likelier... but we still found time to get forward and, on two occasions, promising moves floundered when both Barkley and Deulofeu surrendered possession in alarming fashion.

A minute to go and a free kick is given against Jags just outside the box, Jags remonstrated with the ref but to no avail. Lampard swung it in and from my seat, a Chelsea shirt just seemed to sweep it home. Gutted just doesn’t begin to tell the story of the feelings of the travelling faithful. Final whistle and expletive-ridden devastation abounded.

MotM – McCarthy

That result has given us a mountain to climb to reach 4th but have no doubt that, apart from being a goal-shy side, we are playing stuff that deserves better results and is a treat to watch as we match and at times look better than the moneyed few. The manager said in the week that football is going away from the 20-goal-a-season player.... I tell you what, Roberto: I wish we had one!!

I mentioned both Barkley and Deulofeu in less than glowing terms, but I can only say what I see, and I am baffled how these two great prospects can come back fit from injury and look so poor and shot of any confidence. McGeady, who hasn’t played much, came on for 15 mins including added time and looked a far better proposition than the two youngsters. I am left at a loss as to why... The manager sees them in training and puts them on the bench yet today, I am sad to say, I thought we played the last 10 mins with 9 men.

After playing so well today and losing right on the death, which must be soul-destroying, I hope the manager can lift the players for a good run-in as all is not yet lost... and maybe Lukaku can return in the form of the first few games of the season, as well as Deulofeu and Barkley hitting some form, and confidence that can propel them back to the limelight, and us to a trophy and high finish.

It should be remembered that playing Chelsea away is no easy task and to play them as we did deserves high praise: at times we looked like the home side. I think today we will feel frustration and hurt not because we lost but for being the better side for a long period and then to get done right on the death just because we just can’t seem to score in these sorts of games. We talk a lot about a glass ceiling but, if we could just get the knack of scoring goals, there would be no ceiling at all.

I hope our crowd get right behind the lads on Saturday unlike the Chelsea crowd today who were so quiet for long spells you could almost hear individual conversations.
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


Patrick Murphy
698 Posted 22/02/2014 at 23:17:24 I knew it had been a while... but it is all the way back to Sept/Oct 2005 that Everton last lost 3 consecutive Premier League fixtures away from Goodison. I hope that it doesn't become a habit.
Dave Williams
700 Posted 22/02/2014 at 23:24:42 The best account of what happened today by a country mile! No unwarranted criticism, no "I told you all that this would happen" a good honest account of a very good performance which just lacked a goal.
I remember back to 1983 when the knives were out for Howard Kendall and his team could not score a goal. Gradually, things started to turn... young players like Trevor Steven and Graeme Sharp suddenly found their feet... and the rest is history.

This current side has got potential but this will not be realised whilst we have six starters aged 30 or more. We are crying out for a scorer but, apart from that, we have outplayed Chelsea, Spurs, Arsenal and Man Utd on their own grounds and conceded only 3 goals. The rest will come – just give Roberto a bit more than half a season to do it!

Patrick Murphy
705 Posted 22/02/2014 at 23:41:28 Well those hardy souls like Ken haven't had a great deal to shout about on their away travels and for a club who supposedly punch above their weight 22 wins out of 90 Premier League fixtures is hardly the sort of form that is required is it?
These are the teams we have managed to beat since August 2009 in the PL on their grounds:

Aston Villa x 2
Birmingham CIty
Blackburn Rovers x 2
Bolton Wanderers
Fulham
Manchester City x 2
Manchester United
Newcastle Unitedx 2
Portsmouth
Swansea City x 3
West Bromwich Albion x 2
West Ham Unitedx 3
Wigan Athletic
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Danny Broderick
709 Posted 22/02/2014 at 23:39:56 I agree wholeheartedly about Osman going off for Barkley. Osman had his best game for ages, I thought he had a really good game.
I was very underwhelmed by Barkley's performance. I can handle him making mistakes, he's still a young lad. He also has all the talent in the world, and can be as good as he wants. But he just looks so nonchalant, and UNFIT! He was trotting around the pitch without a care in the world. He should be tearing all over the place at 18 years of age, playing in the Prem...

I wonder if he would benefit from a kick up the arse, rather than an endless stream of praise about how good he is.

Clive Mitchell
719 Posted 23/02/2014 at 00:36:26 Agree with Dave, Ken, an outstanding account of the game. For all Deulofeu's talent the lad is remarkably lacking in situational awareness – but, on the bright side, today McCarthy, Coleman, Baines, Pienaar, Mirallas and Distin were excellent and the rest of the starting 11 not far behind.
Jimmy Hill
722 Posted 23/02/2014 at 00:50:20 Good one Ken about summed the game up perfectly. We just seem to lack that bit of luck and cutting edge in the final 3rd. It will come.
I was impressed at how we stood up to the physical intimidation that seems to be overlooked. Chelsea are a big side and try hard to bully teams. They always leaving a boot in or shoulder. The lads stood up to them today. Shame we had incompetent officials.
Tim should have rolled around in agony and made out terry had made contact... but then, we are not Liverpool, are we?

Chandra Kumar
731 Posted 23/02/2014 at 03:43:29 Thanks Ken for the best match report as usual. Like everyone else, I'm equally baffled by Barkley's performances since the injury. He made a helluva difference in the earlier games. I hope not, but could it have anything to do with contract negotiations?
Ajay Gopal
742 Posted 23/02/2014 at 06:54:55 Ahh.. Ken, a breath of fresh air.. your report, amidst all the doom and gloom on the other threads (one poster actually criticised Osman for 'disrupting' the team, I kid you not!).
I agree, we have had horrendous injury issues with our strikers, and we have not been putting away our chances, but the way we have been playing, I am sure we will soon return to winning ways. I just hope that some of the home grown players turn into world class goal scorers and stay with us for a couple of seasons.
Chandra, I have a bizarre theory about Barkley's horrible performance today - he has just seen a former Everton academy graduate sign a new contract for 300K per week, and I suspect that Moyes has tapped him up to get him on the cheap! I know, it sounds like a far-fetched paranoid theory, but think about it.
Christopher Timmins
751 Posted 23/02/2014 at 08:45:35 Another good performance against another top 6 side but again, as against Spurs we end up with nothing out of the game. The team that Martinez has but together is as good as any up to the opponents penalty box but then we fall down. If the scoring department gets sorted then anything is possible. We are in seventh spot this morning and I can' see anyone from behind catching us up. We have a real chance of moving up a place but the top 5 spots are basically determined if their exact order is still to be worked out. For the 3023/14 season the Cup tie against Arsenal now becomes the crunch game.
Matt Traynor
758 Posted 23/02/2014 at 09:31:15 Excellent report Ken, as ever.
It's a game of fine margins, and yesterday epitomised it for me more than most. Watching in my hotel room on BeIN Sports, we had Andy Gray and Richard Keys as the hosts. Along with Gianfranco Zola and Alex McLeish, who I am convinced had been on piss before - his speech seemed slurred, and he was talking absolute shite (although that could be just pundits disease).

After the game they showed that Osman chance from several angles, the one low to Cech's left. You realise what a good save it was from behind the goal. Mirallas seemed to get a touch on it, and seemed to be already wheeling away, arm aloft, to celebrate "his" goal.

Then the Ramires free kick. No doubt some of our own will be in the "he was touched therefore entitled to go down" camp that pundits often revert to. I must've missed the directive that decreed football to be a non-contact sport. It was never a foul, not at all. And Probert was a twat for getting suckered into giving it - especially given the "form" Ramires has for such behaviour. Andy Gray went as far to say it was Ramires and not Jagielka who should've seen yellow for it.

I know there are those who still say there's points to be won which mean 4th is still there. It's not. It's gone. If it didn't go during that home defeat on Boxing Day, it went during the January transfer window - again - when despite the Martinez Missive we ended up weaker at the end than at the start.

I see some people on the live forum or in some posts are asking "where's the Blue Union?" in all of this? Why? What's changed from last time when they were campaigning? It was never about reacting to short-term troughs in performances, or about the manager. It was about the underlying issues we face under the current ownership. Nothing has changed. Nothing will either.

Jim Bennings
760 Posted 23/02/2014 at 09:49:29 As much as we hate to admit it 4th place went the night we lost heavily at Anfield.

We knew then that the ream looked shot to bits mentally tired and basically the two signings we made havent yet had any impact on changing around our fortunes.
I can see Traore being another Kroldrup to be honest, one or two glimpses before he leaves, now he has hurt his hamstring again and God knows how long it will be before he is ok.

The summer time is a big moment for Martinez.

Osman was outstanding yesterday as were the team, sad fact that his engine due to age means that he cannot last for the ninety minutes. Cannot blame the manager for the performance of the subs, Barkley and Del Boy way off the pace which was dissapointing.

Touch of realism required for some Evertonians though. Never under Moyes did they play with the confidence, skill and self belief as they have done this season at grounds such as the Emirates, Old Trafford, White Hart Lane and the Bridge. At the beginning of the season on Moyes's departure and the carnage of what could have happened to the team, the transformation under Roberto Martinez has been remarkable. Anfield apart which was a nightmare.

Lukaku's return from injury hopefully will be the catalyst to cure the goals starvation so obviously missing and ensure a good end to the season. Lukaku prior to injury was average at best. If as he keeps informing Belgians press he should be playing in the Champions League, he will need to get his arse in gear to not only achieve that aim, but also impress his current employers at Chelsea.

Not a bad draw for England except the Swiss won't be easy, but still the same the Three Lions should sail through.....hard on the Republic of Ireland and the Scots in the "group of death" as people like to call it.......I bet the Germans aren't happy either....they will probably drop points along the way as well.....some away wins will be necessary for all home sides...

I'm a little more optimistic than many about our chances at the next world cup ; it is best to meet the Italians in the group stages rather than in the knockout rounds where they will pick up pace...then it would be very, very difficult to beat them...but straight out... if we hit the ground running : England can beat them....if that happens and we have to go for a win...no holding back...then it is possible to win the group....
If that happened...we could dream a little bit more...Japan in the second round...why not ?.....Holland in the quarters ?...that would be better than Spain....(could be an enormous shock this year with Brazil being put out in the second round...nobody is expecting that...but Spain or Holland for them in that round ?...Ouch !...)...anway...England in the semis this year...dream on RF...
Anway... just to say ; a group win is a distinct possibility...even with Uruguay and Costa-Rica being very difficult to beat...and winning the group is essential ! for further progress...(by the way the former is called : the Eastern Republic of Uruguay !...)...

Wales get a dream draw for the Euro's but we will still manage to cock it up.

Harry - Good result for Norwich today, had a few bob on them to beat Spurs :O)

Unless Suarez and Sturridge get injured, Liverpool nailed on for 4th or even higher. So game on for 5th between Everton, Spurs and Man Utd.

You had money on Norwich to beat Spurs?????? That's a brave call! The fact that Spurs had played a European match probably meant that they were a bit jet lagged, but even so, Norwich haven't got a prolific goal scorer in their ranks, so that's a bet I wouldn't have considered! Corals were offering 5-2 on Norwich v 10-11. I think Houghton would have been happy with a draw!

Take it you watched the match on sky Harry? the scoreline flattered Spurs could have been more :O)

Listened on Radio 5 Live. Really good game, but as usual, Norwich couldn't hit the back of the net more than once even though they had constant opportunities to put the game beyond doubt. I reckon Delia might be asking the question about a new striker in the summer.

Bit like Cardiff Harry. Over ran Hull first half and get hit on the break twice and had 23 shots to Hull's 11 and lose 4-0.

Doomed.

Manu 2-0 down ? so far......can't see the game.....they are hopeless now it seems......Moyes exit will be on the cards if this carries on...

Odds of 5/2 on a Greek victory, easy money :O) In Moyes I trust!