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 (A)
By Ken Buckley :: 30/03/2014
Comments (9) jump to end
A warm sunny late morning was just right for a walk through a park and stumble across a football ground on the banks of a river. Picturesque setting seemed to fit the bill as many assembled to witness a top v bottom clash that would, in its fullness, both frustrate and hearten in equal measure until final quarter when victory was achieved and outpourings of emotion tumbled down from the terraces and made for lively conversation as we trudged back through the park on a balmy afternoon contemplating the chances of extending our run of five wins on the trot by seven more and so ensuring a place in the much sought-after Champions League.

Most agreed a very tall order but we have momentum plus a large dollop of self-belief allied to large chunks of hope. Throw in a modicum of good fortune and who knows. If we did manage to succeed then a slice of Everton history would be added to that already writ.

The game today was always going to be fraught with both teams knowing only victory would be of major use for each one’s purposes. As far as the first half went then for Evertonians it was a frustrating time as we seemed to be late waking up and were lethargic as we watched Fulham press us quickly, causing us to concede ground and make unforced errors.

Make no mistake, Fulham were the better side and Howard had to be alert and made saves with his feet, chest and arms. He parried away a Richardson shot. Fulham forced corners and Howard again caught quite few of them and was quick to bowl the ball out to try to start quick counters but each time the moves broke down due to, on many an occasion, a lack of movement off the ball leaving the man on the ball surrounded and eventually losing out.

In that first half I noted just one real opening and that was from a Howard save being picked up by Deulofeu in our half and went at speed down the wing leaving players in his wake and then cutting into the box and his shot across the keeper was only denied by an outstretched boot. Lukaku looked less than pleased that he shot instead of a pass to him. Barkley got a kick and was limping for some time and was quite ineffective but to be fair he had not showed much prior to the kick.

The board went up for one minute of time added and I thought well going at 0-0 was a touchfortunate but hoped Roberto could wake the lads up during the break, coinciding with those thoughts Fulham went down our end on the very whistle almost scored, maybe should have scored when 17yr debutant Dembele peeled off our defence to meet a cross from Evertonian Holtby and from point blank range headed straight at Howard who held on.

The whistle went and still zero – zero which pleased me as, in truth, a more clinical outfit could well have been two up as for most of the half it was either last-ditch stuff with Howard prominent or wayward shooting by Fulham that was more of a danger to the fans than the goal. In that first half I thought only Howard, Stones and Deulofeu were anything like on blob. The rest without being awful were shall we say less than productive.

The half time chat centred mostly on our slow start and could Roberto sort it as well as who would you bring on for Ross if he could not continue?

Teams out for second half and we got our answers. Naismith for Barkley and a fast start from us suggesting that words had been spoken as it took less than five minutes for us to power forward and force a corner which was headed out as far as the 18yd line where the lurking Naismith let fly and the ball, although deflected, found the net to send some 7,000 Blues into raptures. With that goal both players and fans were now fully awake. Songs were sung and Chants Chanted. Allez - Allez – Allez Ohhh and ‘Were all going on a European tour’ would now be heard throughout.

Naismith had certainly made a difference, his work rate and ability to leap was prominent and to see him out jump the lanky Hangerland was quite something as Big Rom had been unable to do that all match. Everton were now putting it all together and looking for that second goal that would seal it. Some great moves involving Deulofeu, Naismith and Baines variously got to the by-line and crossed invitingly but each cross seemed to go just beyond an attacker usually Big Rom.

In one interlude Big Rom received the ball on the edge and sort of half dribbled, half stumbled into the box and worked a shooting opportunity and hit a powerful left footer that the keeper did well to block with his foot. We were well in control but you just sensed that second goal was needed as Fulham realising they were in the last chance saloon upped the work rate if not the finesse but never the less were getting at our back line and you just never know.

Then on 71minutes it happened. We all yelled for a foul when our old boy Heitinga wrestled Naismith to the ground but the ref. merely shrugged and signalled play on. The ball was worked out to our right. Coleman lost out to the Fulham winger’s quick turn inside and run into the box, as ever the workaholic McCarthy was backing Coleman up but he slipped to the deck as the winger passed him and hit a rocket and left Howard helpless at his near post. You could not say it silenced our fans as the language was appalling.

We knew a draw was no good to us and neither was it to Fulham but we got right back behind the lads and so did the Fulham fans get behind theirs. It was a bit of a humdinger now and a great chance at both ends occurred, From a Fulham corner Heitinga peeled off the back and was afforded a free header but Howard got to it on the line. Now that looked close. At the other end from a cross McCarthy went all Beth Tweddle and tried a mid-air manoeuvre that went wrong and the ball whizzed back from whence it came.

By now Mirallas was on for Deulofeu and his fresh lags were causing problems for the opposition none more so when on the 79min mark McGeady who had only been on two minutes for Osman received a long ball pass from Howard, controlled it in fine fashion and delivered an inch perfect pass to Mirallas who was between two defenders and he had the pace to move on goal and produce a clinical finish that had the travelling faithful in raptures.

In this shoot out of a second half we had our noses in front. McGeady fed Big Rom who showed strength in holding off two defenders and playing the ball to Naismith who shot just too close to the keeper. Naismith had also hit a post with keeper beaten in a so far excellent performance. John Stones was showing well today and easy to spot with his white headband protecting his cut from Tuesday night as he gathered ball after ball and strode confidently into midfield and beyond to start attacking forays. Pique came to my mind. Maybe not yet but that lad has every chance of really hitting the big time. Jags must be worried.

With how the game was going the manager, players and fans knew another goal would be priceless and put in the necessary fighting spirit and togetherness to try for it without leaving the back door open for a quick break. Baines and McGeady were linking well and with Naismith and Mirallas always on the move chances were coming but each time a few inches always seemed to prevent meaningful contact in front of goal.

Then just before the ninety Naismith fed McGeady who linked with Baines and Big Rom and eventually Baines was but in to the by-line. His cross was met by the stretching leg of supersub Naismith and the net troubled. I imagined TV commentators yelling things like ‘Game over’ Hell it was sweet. We played out the 4mins added without incident and roared at the whistle.
M.O.tM. – Naismith and Stones (Tie)

In the end enjoyable and whilst the performance first half was poor the fighting spirit was not in question so getting the three points satisfied most. I thought the managers handling of subs was very good in putting the right men on to capitalise on Fulham eventually tiring and the role he gave Naismith was excellent and carried out very well by the player.

Every game is a big game now and they won’t come much bigger than our home clash with the Gunners next Sunday lunch. I hope the lads are fully awake by kick off time. If we could get all the fans to pretend it’s a night match under the lights then maybe we can get that ‘Bear Pit’ rocking mood going. Arsenal are still a very good strong experienced side so we will need all advantages possible and our players showing the world we can play too.

Can we really win the next seven games? Heart says a big yes. Head says mmm not too sure about that. I am with Roberto on this: 'Lets get as many points as we can'. See you down Goodison way to find out how many.

UP THE BLUES

Reader Comments
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David Cornmell
241 Posted 31/03/2014 at 05:52:48 Yep, let's get as many points as we can and see how it shakes out.
As a small aside, how many would take fifth with a citeh hiding if it cost our neighbours the league?
Andy Osborne
243 Posted 31/03/2014 at 05:49:59 On another thread, there seemed to be a debate about whether 4th spot is "in our hands", well clearly it is. If we win every game, there is nothing Arsenal can do about it, whether we win, is another thing. The tricky one here is that we play each other next game, if they win all of their remaining game, we can do nothing about it. So both teams have it "in their own hands". Goes without saying, that next game is the biggest of the season so far.
The fact that we have 5 wins on the bounce, and have momentum, when they appear to be faltering, is good news for us. The fact that we are pushing for CL with 7 games to go, is more than I expected at the start of the season.

I don't think we played our best against Fulham, but I don't really care, we took the points, a few of our players showed some great progress, and we kept the momentum going. I hope we win on Sunday, I hope the crowd lift us and deflate them, I'll take a 1-0 deflected shot in the last minute, if it means we get the three points. Who was it that coined the phrase "squeaky bum time", oh yes, the Godfather of Man Utd. There will be 40,000 squeaky bums at Goodison on Sunday.

Paul Ferry
245 Posted 31/03/2014 at 06:07:53 Lovely report, Ken. I love that Thames-side walk through the park to the Cottage, turn left from the Tube to the Everton alehouse, not least knowing that Fulham are a decent bunch and not the Fulham Broadway knobheads.
Away support was immense, thanks Ken and the rest.

Stones MotM - shone in both halves, helping out his 16-year-elder.

We must try and buy Deulofeu.

McCarthy - yes Mr Walling, how do you feel about 7th-ish now - was superb.

Anyone else thinking it's a great first season for the new gaffer and licking their lips about the next window and the next season?

Andy Osborne
248 Posted 31/03/2014 at 07:06:51 Exceeded all my expectations. 7 games to go and 4 points behind 4th with a game in hand, 7 points behind 3rd, played a game more, 9 points behind 2nd, game in hand, 11 points off 1st, game in hand. Can't help thinking if we hadn't given up those silly points at the start of the season, we might be talking more than just 4th.
Mark Palmer
252 Posted 31/03/2014 at 08:03:32 Arsenal's draw wasn't good for us. That's the point they needed which means even if we beat them, we can't necessarily catch them come May.
I'm more worried about Spurs and Man Utd breathing down our necks. It'd be terrible to miss out on Europe cometely given the season we've had.
Andy Osborne
253 Posted 31/03/2014 at 08:07:34 Mark, we have a game in hand. If we beat Arsenal, and winthe game in hand against Palace we are two points ahead. They have an easier run in than we do but if we match their results in the run in, they won't finish above us.
Iain Love
257 Posted 31/03/2014 at 08:29:31 After they equalised it was a bit squeeky bum time, but changes made a difference.
Stones looking like a real diamond, Mgeady looking impressive, still something to play for, happy days.
Paul Smith
258 Posted 31/03/2014 at 08:41:04 Thought we were very lucky to be level after 70 minutes of that match yesterday but that is the biggest difference from last season. Then Moyes would of tried shutting up shop to get a draw or possibly lose but RM brings on two wingers who combine for the 2nd goal and we play our best football of the match in the last 20 minutes and could of even had a couple more goals.
The frustration is just thinking about dropped points from to many draws earlier in the season when we were getting used to a new system.
Jim Harrison
263 Posted 31/03/2014 at 08:58:10 Oh good, glad we get a Moyes mention in early on a post

Long Schnapps!!!!

Chris Carson..........so you really think Rooney is going to shine at this next World Cup?????????????????

Your dafter than I thought if you think yes.

GF - Fact, he will be playing in a better team than Man Utd that's a given. The only worry is he may be burnt out. Hope not because England need him. Either way unless injured he will be on the plane.

Get your money on UTD tonight.

We proved you wrong last time and we'l prove you wrong again.

DAVEY is R leader DAVEY is R leader.

UTD cha cha, UTD cha cha, UTD cha cha.

LOL!!!!

Utd's odds must be the longest I've ever seen for a game at Old Trafford. Without Mata, Rafael, RVP and a really poor defence they will do well to still be in the tie for the return leg. Ironic that the financial BBs worst sporting commentator (gf) believes Utd will win whilst believing their best player, Rooney, to be a liability.

Utd have two hopes, one, Bayern have an off night and or two, Rooney beats them on his own!

Bayern having an off night, created nothing in the first half. But credit to Utd, should be 1-0 up and causing Bayern some problems on the break.

0-0 would be a brilliant result for the Reds

Carson where was this 6-0 Bayern win then...........Aberdeen t--t.

Rooney more balls to Bayern than his own men. Ex everton tos-er.

Would have been 6-0 if they had been playing the toffees.

Yes great defensive display in the first half. Who provided your goal KNOBHEAD! Can Man U play better doubt it. Can Bayern play better at home, away goal advantage? Rely on it. 19th April Goodison, can't wait.

Lets just put it this way Rooney £300 grand per game central defender marking him and put him out of game £72 grand per game. Nuff said.

And lets face it this providing of goal LOL LOl LOL Vidic had to stretch miles with his head for it birdbrain.

Not playing in the Champions League next season, massive clearout who your gonna sign? Van Persie will be history. United had no choice but to try and keep Rooney, without him what have you got?

Martinez and Schweinstwiger suspensions for the 2nd leg may have some bearing on who wins the tie. It's usually the British teams who have players sent off due to foreign divas diving, cheating and influencing referees so nice to see Utd getting the rub of the green for a change.

CC I wouldn't be so sure, I kind of got a sense recently that Utd's season had just got going. They go to Munich still in the tie and just need to score. Man City and Arsenal have proven they're not invincible in their own stadium. 1-1 and penalties for me :)

PS, no point arguing with the football muppet, claims to support Utd and spends all his time slagging of their best player. I bet Utd are delighted to have him as one of their supporters. Lol

MONEY thats what weve got and plenty of it.

Do you really honestly think footballers these days put playing in the champions league before £50grand or more extra per game.

Come off it Chris.

Weve both had a laugh tonight but the morals in football are these days all centred around cash and I think you know that.

Sadly what you have is David Moyes. Bayern have Pep Guardiola nuff said :O)

Do you really think Barklay will be at Goodison come August when UTD have trebled his salary and if UTD dont do it somebody else will.

He'l go to World cup talk to Stevie G and few others of the boys in the squad, find out how much they are getting and he'l be on his way as soon as he hits British soil again wether hes in champions league or not.

Stevie G said he stayed at Liverpool when chelski wanted him because he was loyal to the club....YEAH loyal when hed been offered £75 grand a game more. And remember liverpool werent in the champions league.

Gf - Everton play Arsenal on Saturday, Ozil cost more than Evertons squad. If by some miracle we win our remaining six matches guaranteed 4th place. Barkley has already said that he has learned more under Martinez than he did under Moyes, who incidentaly put him out on loan. So yes, given the choice I think for the time being he would stay at Everton under Martinez's wing and be guaranteed first team football. He would also have seen first hand what has happened to Jack Rodwell at City. Rumour has it Rodwell may come back on loan next season.

No chance, he'l be on his way his head swayed by the jack the lads of the England squad.

Very refreshing to see ManU playing with lots of guts and determination and also, not just with one, but often with two solid defensive lines.

Rooney is a good player but he does give the ball away far too often with clumsy passes. He then often immediately wastes lots of energy in determined runs to try and get the ball back again.

1-1 was a fair result, IMHO, and 'Good Luck' to them in the next leg. Bayern are really going to miss their Schwein Tiger next time round, who was the only one in this match, who managed to get the ball into the net.