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...

Russia is a big place rf and they have proposed 13 different cities within Russia to host the games, so I think it's unlikley the venue will change. Plus it's 5 years away.

Nothing to do with the country itself Harrycat or the friendliness of ordinary Russian folk : it's the political situation : in my view it will be impossible for the Russians to host the world cup in four years time due to their Ukranian invasion.....and I'm sure that Fifa will be thinking along those lines....that's if this situation is not resolved within the next six months or so...

From My Seat: West Ham Utd (H)
By Ken Buckley :: 01/03/2014
Comments (13) jump to end
Everton 1 - 0 West Ham United
After two defeats on the bounce on the road, we are home again to face the ‘Hammers’.

We gather in the Room of Nonsense and all are agreed that a win is vital if for nothing more than gaining some confidence for the cup game and to keep a glimmer of hope in the league. The room filled up and, amongst all the chatter and banter, I asked quite a few fans what they thought of the departure of Alan Myers; surprisingly, none knew he had gone and many said "Who?" I asked a couple of stewards I know and just the one knew he had gone but not to where. Strange how match day fans seem less interested in such things compared with the ToffeeWeb site...

Ah well... the walk up was pleasant in the sun and Goodison Road was packed with a portion of the 38 thousand-odd attendees. Good to see the Winslow open again. I noted it is now called The Winslow Hotel – The People's Pub. Good, eh! Into the ground and after the Z-Cars tune, we have that awful dirge for the unnecessary hand shake and then a moment to reflect on our line-up. At first glance, it seemed that most of the first team were on the bench. Osman was captain and our ref today was Jon Moss — and that is never a good sign as the times I have seen him, he seems to mean well but be less than competent, which is why he has had a few relegations to the lower leagues.

Stones at centre-back and he of the mysterious 'muscle fatigue' not even on the bench — even after our manager telling us he is fit, well and ready to go. It sure is a murky world that managers and clubs work in... Naismith up front and Deulofeu on the right; after a slow start, he did grow into the game as it went on, as he gained confidence that a quick sprint didn’t mean another hammy pull.

The first half soon took on a familiar look as early doors we attacked in style but the ball was never quite dropping for us and resulted in Naismith almost getting on one after a good move saw Baines cross one that Osman flicked on but Naismith stretched and glanced a header wide. This started the possession play we now use and indeed we bossed most of the game but, time after time, the West Ham penalty area seemed to be a No Entry zone.

After a while, the players tried to up it but were over eager and over-hit balls were easily defended. West Ham had come with a plan to soak up our efforts and hit on the counter: from one of these breaks, Deulofeu chased the West Ham man at great pace and rescued the situation. The crowd were none too happy with our lack of goal efforts; anytime Barry got the ball, a mighty shout of shoot was heard and on one occasion he obliged but it was of more trouble to the corner flag than the net.

Pienaar was looking lively and causing a few flutters in the West Ham defence with twists and tricks and good links with Baines — but oh the final ball. Deulofeu had a couple of decent runs when he came inside but either ran into defenders or took the wrong option. He then tried the outside of the fullback route but McCartney was equal to him in pace which surprised me.

We were on top but, apart from nearly stuff, we were again toothless. An Oooh went around the ground on the 30-min mark as West Ham took off Carlton Cole and put Carroll on. "Stand by for blasting," I thought... but really he was and remained off the pace.

The half wore on with West Ham making the noise with our lot waiting for something to happen in the box. We clapped the neat build up but cursed the lack of end result. I think most, just like me, would have taken a goal from atrocious play just to get us in front in a game. Deulofeu got down the right and did more step-overs than Ronaldo but he did get a deflection for a corner which brought another corner but both were in truth poor and threatened nothing.

McCarthy was the pick of the midfielders and putting a tremendous amount of work in, linking front with back and no matter how much Nolan tried to nobble him there was only one winner. From his ball-winning, Deulofeu seemed to gain in confidence and went on a Barca-like slalom run into the box, beating man after man, and curling one that just eluded the far post. I would have loved to have seen that go in as it would have been a goal that is remembered.

As it was, we are nearly men again. Bags of possession resulting in clever build-up play but trying to beat a defence that merely funnels back into the area, we seem yet to master. Still, I consoled myself with the thought that, if we keep knocking, then the door will surely open. On the half-time whistle, I retired to the gentleman’s room where not a Blue was happy. Everyone wanted changes but no agreement could be reached as to who for whom...

Second half started with no Blue changes but a chance at either end in the first couple of minutes. First, the visitors broke and a high ball toward Carroll territory had us all holding breath until Howard plucked it from the air. Howard started a move down the left that the Bainaar combo allowed Pienaar a shot on goal: it hit the base of the post and rebounded out to Deulofeu who seemed to be caught by surprise and miskicked into the keeper’s arms. I am not one for stats but the thought that West Ham have the most clean sheets in the Prem was starting to get to me...

The hour-mark approached and surely time for a change? Roberto agreed and Lukaku replaced our captain, Osman. Most wondered which Lukaku would turn up but, from the off, it looked as though it may well be the sharp one. He was putting himself about in the box and was happy to receive the ball from deep and either lay off or turn and run. With time running down and the Blues attacking with purpose, it became a more open affair and both teams had efforts. One for us saw Pienaar fouled and Baines hit a good arcing cross that Distin was first to it but his shot was more of a clearance and the chance gone. Lukaku was playing all along the line trying to drag defenders to where they didn’t want to be but still we could not get that little break that could seal it.

Fifteen left and Deulofeu gives way for McGeady. West Ham attacked but powerful shots from Carroll (2) and Noble missed the target and were mere pot shots at the back row of the Park End.

Ten to go and, at last, a joined-up move saw us get all three points. The ball played down the line for the Bainaar link to find a gap just on the edge of the box for Baines to scamper through and produce a low cross that evaded three defenders and was swept home by a jubilant Lukaku. The crowd at last broke into song. "We only sing when we are winning" taunted the travelling fans then "Allez Allez oh" rang out. Five to go and Barkley replaced Naismith who came off to a standing ovation. He had put in a very good shift.

Many were clock-watching now as Lukaku received a ball with his back to goal, turned and fired a screamer just wide. Pienaar was tripped near their box but the ref waved play on and West Ham attacked and Baines tripped his man in the exact same fashion as Pienaar was tripped but this time he gave the foul which brought abuse tumbling from the stands. I don’t think this ref is on the FIFA list... The kick aimed at Carroll went out harmlessly as Distin ensured Carroll was going nowhere. The game ended with Howard saving one and Lukaku whacking one high wide and handsome.

All were glad to hear the whistle, thus ending our losing spell and the crowd left with a feeling of "A win is a win."

MotM — McCarthy/Barry

A mention for Stones who deputised for Jags. He looked more assured than his full back display and looked quite comfortable when they brought on Carroll. He also sprayed one or two excellent passes. A word for Distin though as he appeared to talk him through much of the game. Stones could have a rewarding future waiting for him.

Overall, a good day out. Not a lot to write home about. We were grateful for the points and hope that this can be the start of points gathering for us.

FA Cup next, and away at Arsenal at that, but hell, if Stoke can beat them, we must have a chance. Then, more winnable home games to come... but I expect those to be played out in similar fashion as today.

Even if the league title is beyond us now, I believe we will top the ‘Hammy pull’ league. See you ‘Up for the cup’!! UP THE BLUES

Reader Comments
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Peter Creer
280 Posted 02/03/2014 at 00:06:32 Another great report, as usual. Couldn't find you last week and hope that it was only car trouble that made you missed the game.
Watched the game live here in Canada and once again sat watching the boys in my Everton shirt. I have to say that your apprehensions around the game were well founded as West Ham arrived with four wins on the trot and confidence brimming. Their plan, sit back and absorb the pressure, which for the first 15 minutes was an incredible 85% possession rate for our boys in blue.

I would have to agree with your MotM pick of McCartney/Barry... they go together and were the rock on which the game was won.

In the first half we were just not making that last pass and Gerard Deulofeu was struggling to make a meaningful contribution. He did grow in the game but I always feel that he is one of those players who needs to make a great play at the start to build on. He is young and that will change as he grows as a player....let's hope we see that growth because he is a talented player.

My last comment will be about the return of Lukaku. It was almost written in the stars. Our team over the last few weeks has been a great team waiting to take off....much like the early season games. We needed a finisher and he arrived again today. Thankfully!

I believe that the team, and Seamus specifically, has been less willing to attack over the last little while and he starting to do that again.

A great win today and there is no doubt that Arsenal is there for the taking next week. COYB!

Jim Harrison
292 Posted 02/03/2014 at 03:24:13 Thanks as ever for your report, Ken, always a nice balanced take on the events.
A win is a win, and although it was getting a bit fraught, the positives still remain. Being able to dominate teams in terms of possession and limiting their scoring chances offers a great platform. Hopefully Bobby will be able to add a few players for next season with a bit of game changing quality (or Barkley will get fit and start playing as he did pre-injury). Lukaku is a proven goal scorer, he came on and scored. The game plan paid off eventually.

It's funny reading the live forum. It's all doom and gloom, told you so, he's shit, he's useless, pretty much from 5 mins in. Games won in the last 5 minutes get 3 points.

For me watching football is almost painful. 90 minutes of gut wrenching tension. But that is also the appeal. It does excite. Sometimes it disappoints too, but generally I like to watch the whole game out before throwing in the towel and stating with absolute disgust that "Pienaar is utter Shite" and "Martinez has to have a look at himself". Game won, out-passed opposition, more shots, more corners. The pressure told in the end.
James Elworthy
304 Posted 02/03/2014 at 09:02:22 This was a painstaking game to watch.
However the arrival of Lukaku revitalised our shot shy troops.
Impressive games for Stones and McCarthy and in some flashes Delboy.
Would be good to see Lukaku paired with the much maligned Traore if he is ever fit.
I am still not convinced by McGeady maybe he is the new McFadden.
The best team won though the ref was poor apart from the reprieve he gave us when Barry took Nolan out.
Michael Evans
305 Posted 02/03/2014 at 09:20:00 'We gather in the Room of Nonsense...'
Thanks Ken - that quote alone made me laugh !

Haven't been to Goodison in years because so many happy memories of going with my parents and Aunty who were lifelong blues. Sadly, all three are no longer with me and it would be too emotionally painful to be there without them.

Ken - Your writing style captures beautifully the matchday experience and for that I sincerely thank you..

I suspect there are a lot out there who read your report and appreciate it but choose not to comment.

When you are no longer doing your report for TW you will be greatly missed.

James Elworthy
310 Posted 02/03/2014 at 09:46:34 I did notice the sign with a painting of Dixie Dean on it outside the Winslow which I had not noticed before.
However didnt notice it had reopened which is good as pubs like that and the old Bluehouse were integral parts of the pre match ritual,
Was 34th anniversary of Dixie's death yesterday I believe. What would he be worth today
Jim Bennings
319 Posted 02/03/2014 at 10:18:34 The game undoubtedly changed when Lukaku came on for Osman.
Up until then it was a carbon copy of Spurs and Chelsea, lots of nice movement but no end product.

The pleasing thing for me is how refreshed Lukaku looked when he was on the pitch, it looked like the guy that was here in September and October, sharp and quick.

I particularly enjoyed the bit when a ball was heading out for a throw in towards the Family Enclosure but Lukaku burst to life with pace to keep it in then outstripped a West Ham player and put a good ball into the box, that was almost a chance out of nothing but what it did was tell me that Lukaku looked totally refreshed.

I did say that in some strange way we could use the injury he sustained at Anfield as an actual holiday for him to get his head sorted and come back looking shiny and new.
The Lukaku of late December and most of January looked so tired and jaded.
It's early days on his return but surely the target for him now is to smash the 15 goal mark.

Special mention today for McCarthy who was truly fantastic and I am struggling to find a better more effective defensive midfielder in the Premier League as good as McCarthy.
He gets about the pitch so well, its now easy to see just why Martinez wanted him so badly.

Pienaar and Stones also deserve praise for their performances.
Stones did well against potentially dangerous strikers and Pienaar was forever busy with the ball and searching for that elusive goal.

Baines too had a very good second half in my opinion.

Oh well on to next weeks Cup Final anyway...sorry I mean Quarter Final.

Chris Sharples
320 Posted 02/03/2014 at 10:19:32 Thanks Ken a great report once again.
I don't care what people say about RL 's form before his injury we've definitely missed him, people tend to forget that he;s only a young boy & most of his goals were scored as a substitute at WBA.
Stones looks quality has absolutely all the attributes to become top class,he will make the odd rick but who doesn't.
Last thing IF we are going to come up on the rails for 4th Arsenal look set to implode as others have pointed out next month is the key!
Jim Bennings
335 Posted 02/03/2014 at 11:21:50 Romelu Lukaku is a quality footballer and a player that will lead the line for the much fancied Belgium at the World Cup in Brazil so in my opinion we should enjoy this lad while we can.
I hope he can go on a scoring run now, with a home match against Cardiff next and Swansea and Fulham after that, there is no reason why he cant add to his goal tally before March is out.

What Lukaku wants is what he got yesterday from Baines, a ball played in first time ripe and early so he can get a clear shooting chance, and the thing I love about Lukaku is just how sweetly he strikes a ball, its always the sign of a good striker when the ball whistles into the net crisply.

It was a typical Lukaku goal which reminded of the one's he got against Southampton and Villa or the many he got at West Brom last term.

If he gets 15 this season, thats two full season's in the Premier League he has scored a good total.

Regarding whether we can catch Arsenal, well the next month will decide that fate.

We have a selection of very winnable matches that if we are serious then we must go on a winning run, its not that difficult, West Ham had won 4 on the bounce before yesterday and they looked very limited.
Arsenal have some hard matches against Spurs and Chelsea so we can live in hope.

Chris Sharples
354 Posted 02/03/2014 at 12:58:07 Agree with most of that Jim. I'm afraid Peanuts is a little bit of a enigma to me, & LB's deliveries until now this season have either been delayed or haven't got past first defender.
Another point is RL thrives on through balls slid in either side of centre backs or indeed over the top (Man City for example), at times we just need to mix it up a bit. The problem being especially in yesterdays case West Ham simply came for a point & until we start scoring earlier they will just sit deep .
James Elworthy
358 Posted 02/03/2014 at 13:38:31 Can anyone confirm if Man City win the league cup today it will open up a Europa League place for 6th in the league.
I understand the FA cup runners up qualify if beaten by a Champions League team but not the League cup runners up.
Mark Frere
360 Posted 02/03/2014 at 13:44:45 Yes it will open up an extra Europa Cup place in the league, James. Runners up in league Cup get nothing.
James Elworthy
366 Posted 02/03/2014 at 14:10:17 Thanks but Sundekand winning, no Enlish in the City team surely Lescott is better than that Demichlis he is total crap
Dave Brierley
369 Posted 02/03/2014 at 14:07:39 Michael Evans (#305) – "I suspect there are a lot out there who read your report and appreciate it but choose not to comment."
Michael is absolutely right, Ken, and I am one of those who always reads your report but don't often comment. As an ex-pat I get only get to about 3 or 4 games a season at Goodison but whichever way I've seen the game, you fill in lots of the gaps and give a really balanced view. Thanks for what you do, it's really appreciated.

How true your comment, "Strange how match day fans seem less interested in such things compared with the ToffeeWeb site.." Couldn't agree more.

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It's not looking good for the world cup in Russia....I reckon Fifa will be forced into a declaration...(probably very Swiss-like...neutral to start with...)...but if things get worse ?......

Liverpool are starting to look impressive this year !..

Joe Say - 27 Feb 2014 07:23 - 2562 of 2574
Oh how those mancs preached to us about manager loyalty (ironic since most blues are Jose through and through), and now look at them

One or two more defeats soon, and they'll be in meltdown


They are loyal to an attacking style of play; it isn't the losing, it's the how. Negative comes to mind with Moyes; lack of numbers forward etc. and his depressing press interviews. Tactical nous? Fulham was a turning point - surely he had to learn from it. The Crystal Palace match got hopes up, but then it is back to Young and Valencia - get it wide lads and lump it in. Up to now he has offered zip; all that is required at the moment is an indication he gets it rather than the odd game being a happy accident.

Cheers,
KidA

That's hardly showing loyalty is it?

Which is what the club has preached (along with Arsenal) for years - it's also what Fergie is calling for now.

And yet when we changed managers for various reasons, the media, mancs and gooners all criticised us - I just love the hypocrisy

but tbh you ain't seen nothing yet - you wait until Wenger goes - sit back and watch the turmoil that'll create

Arsenal will interview, that's +1 to start.

Replacing Ferguson and Gill has been a shambles - the latter should've been asked to stay for one more transfer window - accompanied by Woodward - and allowing the former to pick the next manager concentrated bias; input in a proper selection process, yes, dictating, no.

Ferguson brought the breaking of Rangers and Celtic and success in Europe, Moyes doesn't bring anything like that - something to hold on to in bad times. Not a lot is being asked, just a glimmer he is capable. My preference was for a proven old boy - from wherever - to steady the ship for 4 years with Solskjaer as number 2 and retaining most of the coaching staff. After 2 years, Solskjaer to manage the League Cup and FA Cup teams. If at the end of 4 years Ole has performed, offer him the job. If not, go after people like Simeone and Klopp - they may be happy to move on by then.

Of course Ferguson is calling for loyalty, he chose Moyes. When push comes to shove, I'll take loyalty to attacking style over the manager. Whilst it won't be like Ferguson, it is clear the intention is for a relatively long term boss. It looks like they have screwed up; Moyes may get it together but the past doesn't inspire confidence. If they don't get the next selection right, install the revolving door - failure at board level - and heap the criticism. None of which would negate the digs at Chelsea.:)

Cheers,
KidA

You can have Ole back and Fabio and Zaha anytime plus his 3 Norwegians and Kenwynne Jones if we go down.

He (Ole) has pissed a transfer window and 11 games up against a wall imo but still has a 1 in 10 chance of keeping us up if he plays our best players every game instead of pretending we are Man U / Chelsea and rotating players.

Was never a big fan of Malky , grateful for getting us promoted but the football was dire ... 10-0-1 most games but he would have got us more points than Ole has since he been in charge.

And Tan the clown has done it again ... promises 3.7 million in bonus payments to the squad Saturday night before the Spurs game if we stay up only to find out it's against EPL rules.

No wonder our bloody goalie Marshall was going up for the corner's :-)

Feck it ... EPL . been there done that so lets get back to where we belong , get rid of Tan and start playing in blue again.

Should have been the best year in 50 and has turned out rubbish cos of the off field stuff.

It's tough at the top Dil :O)

We'll never know :-)

Just goes to show all fine and good throwing money at a football club Dil, but there would be riots if some moneybags came into Goodison and changed blue to red. That was a big danger sign for you guys. Lot of stick has been thrown at our chairman Kenwright (Betty Turpins son) but every credit he has protected the club from fruit loops like Tan so far anyway.

Problem we had was the perception that it was red or dead.

I didn't buy into that but we would never have got to the Premier League without Tan's money so I thank him for that .... now he can feck off and we'll take our chances without him in blue !

Dil [Send an email to Dil] [View Dil's profile] - 05 Mar 2014 01:47 - 2579 of 2585
You can have Ole back and Fabio and Zaha anytime plus his 3 Norwegians and Kenwynne Jones if we go down.

He (Ole) has pissed a transfer window and 11 games up against a wall imo but still has a 1 in 10 chance of keeping us up if he plays our best players every game instead of pretending we are Man U / Chelsea and rotating players.

Was never a big fan of Malky , grateful for getting us promoted but the football was dire ... 10-0-1 most games but he would have got us more points than Ole has since he been in charge.

---

Happy to take Ole as number 2, Daehli, and Zaha - provided he knows Championship tricks aren't good enough and is prepared to learn.

From the little I've seen, seems like Cardiff City are playing better football but can't take chances or defend. Defence - Garbage - Goals can keep a club up, but FH! Fair enough if it is going to be built on, but year after year?

Cheers,
KidA

GB v DK, how dull was that?

Did Rooney think he was playing at Twickenham???????????

Make no wonder he was substituted early.

£300,000 a game.......jesus just think how much George Best would be on now.....what£1.5 million per game.

At least.

The Southampton lads stood out. That captain of theirs Lalana is one heck of a good player, get him with Barklay Townsend and Stirling and a couple more youngsters in midfield and we might have a chance in 4 years time or 2 years at the Euros.

KidA - Daehli is 18 years old I think and a class act. Best player I've seen at that age since Aaron Ramsey.

Zaha can beat players and cause mayhem but his final ball / shooting leaves a lot to be desired.

See you in the Championship year after next if you persist with Moyles :-)