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...

You're a hot choccy Skinny !...

PVM Dil

Dil,

Zaha; something is wrong - with his attitude, current state of mind, understanding of his role - attack/defence, or a mix of the lot. Whatever, something is up.

The OGS song, was it sung in jest or do they want to keep him?

---

Manchester United:

Second half; some of the players overcame the fear of shock treatment for crossing the half way line - got numbers forward, there was movement, and the passing was shorter and faster. It was against Norwich City - their supporters must be livid at the level of fight - but it is a start.

Cheers,
KidA

Lol the Positive Village Mentality went out the window months ago M it's been disaster after disaster the whole season.

KidA , everyone is 100% behind Ole but there are plenty who believed he was the wrong choice when appointed and still do.

Stan , that wasn't a miracle as you and Leicester (one of my tips) ran away with it from start to finish and both deserve to go up.

It was Man U and Liverpool this season while next season we can look forward to Bournemouth and Brentford !

Dil,

Well it's been a fantastic season as I think Burnley were something like 5th favourites to go down according to some.

Dyche really has worked wonders since he's arrived, think he's only been their for something like 18 months. Also the way they play the game has been attractive to watch which is another bonus.

Goal of the season? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6MJ8wSoLIk

Meh, doesn't run and wave his shirt around like a loon. :)

I'll take that as a yes then KA -):

The dreaded away goal(s)....I doubt Bayern will qualify now....Chelsea will have to be extra-careful tomorrow night....they will also have to go for several goals no doubt...

Wow Real! Wish I had some money on that result!

"goldfinger - 09 Apr 2014 18:29 - 2805 of 2912

What about that lad at Burnley Danny Ings??."

No goals in 4 games since his return from injury, so absolutley useless.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ut4bqoXs9HU

Mind you that doesent mean he won't get back to normal service for a club that have got a spare 25 million to give us -):

More honours for Burnley F.C.

Sean Dyche named Championship Manager of the Month

Burnley manager Sean Dyche has been named the Championship Manager of the Month for April.

Dyche instilled belief in his side and stayed calm as they gained 13 points from six games to clinch automatic promotion.

Dave Bassett, who chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel, said: "Sean had to cope with injuries to key players during the month and the pressure of sustaining a remarkable push for promotion.

"He kept the momentum going in a series of closely contested matches throughout the month."

Sports Football League pundit Don Goodman said: "Sean is one of the managerial success stories of the season.

"He has got the best out of every player and moulded the group into a team with real spirit and lots of quality.

"Allied to that, he's got his tactics spot on most of the time and that's a recipe that brings success."

Head of Football Paul Wiggins said: "Four wins in April gave Burnley and Sean Dyche the promotion they never dreamed of back in August.

"It's been a fantastic effort from everyone involved at Turf Moor and none more so than Dyche who has built a hardworking and creative team."

For all the latest news on Burnley please click here

Stan R4 interesting atm.

Thanks Skinny, Yes I'm on it.

Are well Dil at least you have the conciliation of knowing that the other Welsh team are staying up.
We may yet be with you but Norwich are going to have to perform miracles to get 6 points out of Chelsea and Arsenal.

From My Seat: Man City (H)
By Ken Buckley 04/05/2014 Comments (23) jump
More recent articles

Que sera sera
From My Seat: Man City (H)
Brilliant Barkley strike counts for nought
Memory Lane - Match 37
The Not-So-Beautiful Letdown
Blues self-destruct with two own-goals
Everton 2 - 3 Manchester City
3 May 2014 was a strange day in the history of Everton Football Club. With a Champions League place to play for and only two games to go, about a quarter of the fanbase wanted us to lose all because, if Manchester City won, Liverpool may not win the title. This game decides nothing as Man City and Liverpool play two more yet... and football results are never straight forward, so who knows? It is still possible for the neighbours from hell.

The atmosphere was flat for large portions of the game due I believe to the fact we had already secured 5th place without kicking a ball prior to our kick-off time... and many thought that is where we will finish so not so much on this game when really there may have been. I have to nail my colours to the mast and say that I have witnessed Liverpool win Leagues, cups and European Cups, as well as piping us to league titles and cup finals. I have taken the taunts and nasty patronisation and I long for the day when we can again lord it over them... but never would I want my team to lose a game so that a team other than Liverpool can win the league. Hell, I want us to win leagues and cups and we won’t do that with a mind-set that worries more about them not winning than us winning!!!

The walk to the ground was in the company of fans in great numbers and in seemingly relaxed mood; no singing or chanting today and, even though the game was a sell-out, the queues at the ‘Fat Van’, ‘Blue Dragon’ and ‘The Chippy’ were small. On entering the ground, all fans were presented with a glossy magazine entitled ‘Your Everton’ with Kevin Mirallas on the cover; it depicts the season mainly in pictures. Quite impressive, I thought.

Z-Cars and a fine Goodison Roar to welcome the teams. City won the toss and elected to play toward the Park End and their own fans which led me to wonder if they were going for it early and putting the game to bed before the break. If that was the case, it didn’t work too well as, within 10 minutes, we were one up. We had started the game in "keep-ball, build up slow" mode and from such a move, which saw Baines and Naismith link up to feed Barkley some 25 yards out, in the blink of an eye he hit a looping shot with laser like accuracy over keeper Hart and into the top corner for a goal that had my mind wandering back to 2002 and that Rooney strike v Arsenal. It was replayed on the big screens about four times and seemed to get better each time.

Barkley was right up for this game and his next moment of note was when he surged and went passed City players posing as statues and into the area only to be unceremoniously dumped to the deck by Kompany which drew a mighty yell of ‘Penalty’ from players and fans alike but, in keeping with present day refereeing, fouls rarely take place in the box and this was reinforced a few minutes later when he was dumped again but this time some 15 yards shy of the penalty area and the ref had no hesitation in giving a foul. For those interested, our referee today was Lee Probert.

City were stung into action and put us under some pressure and I thought: "If we can see the next 10 minutes through, we can start to play again." Well, we got through the 10 okay... but just one minute later some slack defending allowed Aguero to get in at goal, but at a tight angle, yet he managed to smash it past Howard on his near post. They don’t show replays of opposition goals on the big screen but, from my seat, I thought Howard should have at least blocked the hole between him and the post; he didn’t... so 1-1 and then the scorer went down, limped off after treatment, and that was his job done for the day; Fernandinho took his place.

City now took the game more to us but we were coping well as the clock ticked to the break and I thought "If we can go in at 1-1, then the manager may consider his options..." as both Lukaku and Alcaraz were at best substandard; however, that went up in smoke as, just a minute to half-time, the hard-working Milner jinked down to the by line and crossed for Dzeko to head home. Not a bullet header by any means but Howard seemed to react late and the ball nestled. What a downer as the half-time whistle blew.

During the break we had the Under-9s Academy team presented and they were duly soaked by the jets of water from the sprinklers. At the Street End a ‘Hit the bar’ contest took place with the prize being a season ticket for next term and two of the lads did it to generous applause.

Second half started with a bang when the excellent Barkley surged again leaving defenders in his wake and his precise pass to the ever willing Naismith, who’s shot for the far corner was expertly fingertipped away by England’s Number One. That was close and brought the crowd to their feet; before they could sit down, a quick City break got at our back three and Nasri crossed for Dzeko unattended to hit home. The scoreboard said 1-3 but I consoled myself with the thought that we had all the half to mount a rescue mission. The City fans thought it was game over and entertained us with risqué songs regarding Gerrard’s slip and Ba’s goal.

The half wore on with us having the edge in possession but City looking dangerous going forward. Lukaku was looking pitiful up front and some were calling for change but none was forthcoming. Our build up was a little ponderous which in turn limited our effectiveness in the box until Baines abandoned the tippy tappy build up and headed for the by-line, crossed and the diving Lukaku connected and sent the ball to net via post. The roar was heard and the boisterous City fans were quieted as a draw was not what they wanted.We wanted a win so Jags was withdrawn and replaced with Deulofeu. We were going for it and City were rocked a little but they did attack when they could and, in one move that got into our box, caused mayhem as shots were blocked but we survived.

Barkley came away with the ball and Dzeko seemed to fall as Barkley eluded him and lay motionless on the pitch; the Ref signalled 'play on' and told Dzeko to get up. He remained lifeless so Everton kicked the ball out. The ref seemed to be imploring Dzeko to get up; he wouldn’t so, after a standoff, the ref signalled the City medics to enter the field followed by two stretcher bearers. Eventually he got up, walked off clutching his shoulder, then straight back on and was running about unimpeded. The Ref did show him yellow but really for that performance it should have been red. The lengthy shenanigans did however allow Roberto to have a team meeting amid much waving of arms. Also Osman was swopped with McGeady. The Dzeko theatrics had the desired effect and the game was sluggish and disrupted for a short while but he was vociferously booed each time he went near the ball.

As the clock ticked City were edgy as Everton strived to at least salvage a point and none more so than Barkley who was having the best game I have seen him have this season. He again ran with pace and power at the City rearguard and fed Deulofeu who with his one piece of magic in his cameo he jinked passed defenders in the box and shot from a tight angle but England’s Number One showed USA’s Number One how to do it and covered the near post and deflected the ball behind; so near yet so far.

Six minutes added time went up on the board and we redoubled our efforts but City were very adept at the "waste time, run the clock down" ploys and, even with one more minute added for time wasting, we never looked like getting the leveller. Final whistle and for me at least, sheer disappointment. We did manage a rousing Allez-Allez Oooh as well as a thunderous If yer know yer 'istory.

MotM:– Barkley

We were then invited to remain and the players would return to the arena to salute and thank the fans for their season-long support. They duly appeared with many bringing their children to parade with them. Roberto had the biggest cheer as he waved to the crowd whilst holding his new baby. His circuit of the ground was well received and he had the added bonus of his baby being fast asleep as he finished his circuit.

Overall, I enjoyed the game and the fact that we matched a very expensively assembled team as well as gaining the respect of the City management as witnessed by their team selection and wild joy when they made it 3-1. Although we see City having a large squad that can do battle on multi-fronts, it was interesting to note on checking both our and their squads on the back of the proey we have 32 listed players and they have only 25... so it seems we have a much bigger squad than them. Mind you, on closer examination, all theirs are high quality top-of-the-range players whilst many of ours have yet to play first team football.

Hull City next for the final game of this term and, whilst our place in the Europa League is assured without a qualifying match through our 5th place finish, and we can neither move up nor down the league, it would be nice to increase our points tally to 72 for the season... so I will see you there to roar them on to a Premier League record.

I hope they have more practice at playing three at the back as today it looked more ‘belt and braces’ than an ‘oiled machine’ with the participants looking more bemused than amused. UP THE BLUES

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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


Dick Fearon
1 Posted 04/05/2014 at 01:40:47 Ken, you just about covered my thoughts and echo your dislike of throwing a game just to spite our NFH.
From afar, I wholeheartedly add my congratulations to Roberto and his/our players.

I also Include in my applause our much maligned yet much improved backroom staff.

Kieran Kinsella
3 Posted 04/05/2014 at 02:57:20 I don't get these sad people who delight in seeing others fail. What happened to Nil Satis Nisi Optimum? Or do we need to change the motto to "who cares if we lose just as long as Liverpool do too"? Bunch of losers.
Despite that, I thought we did fairly well although the defense was all at sea with the City goals.

I am a bit nervous about the summer transfers. I hope we hold onto Barkley, Stones and McCarthy. I hope we bring in some new blood to improve the quality and quantity but I am on the fence about keeping the loaners. However, I am optimistic based on Bob's first season in charge.

Eric Holland
4 Posted 04/05/2014 at 03:08:11 (I don't get these sad people who delight in seeing others fail.)
Yes Kieran and you never will.

Mike Gaynes
6 Posted 04/05/2014 at 04:37:46 Interesting that to those in attendance, the atmosphere at Goodison seemed flat... the NBC broadcasters took note of the "oddness" but made it sound tremendously exciting, particularly Arlo White after Barkley's goal:
"I defy any Everton fans, regardless of your desire to deny Liverpool a title, to not stand up and cheer at the top of your lungs at that moment of absolute magic from Ross Barkley."

Summarized it pretty well, I think!

Andy McNabb
7 Posted 04/05/2014 at 06:15:18 Thanks Ken - I missed your report on the Southampton game - although the least said was probably best.

I awoke at 5am and looked at my phone. Any lingering doubts over my possible desire to see Everton lose this one were dispelled in a second. I was really disappointed to see we hadn't added to our points tally, although I had joked last week with some Man City friends over here that I would accept an "entertaining 2-3 defeat."
Be careful what you wish for, Andy
Andy McNabb
8 Posted 04/05/2014 at 06:23:31 Now let's get Hibbo some game time against Hull.
Mark Andersson
9 Posted 04/05/2014 at 06:11:30 All in all it was a good game, Roberto had a experiment and will have learnt a few things. The big guy who has the worst first touch I've seen in many a year scored a good goal and that was IT. He will be off to pastures new and I wont miss the frustration he causes me.
Barkley was on fire for most of the game and his goal was a contender for goal of the season.

All in all a good result for those fans who wanted to be beaten. For the fans who with more dignity the performance was not too shabby and we certainly gave the shitty fans some nail biting moments.

I hope that next season Roberto and the boys can build on this season and hopefully the future looks good.

Craig Fletcher
10 Posted 04/05/2014 at 07:04:07 Would love to see young Ledson get a run-out against Hull; possibly even the likes of Garbutt or Browning. I have a feeling they, along with the likes of McAleny, will be seen more and more on the field next season, especially in the Europa League. If they're good enough, they're old enough.
Craig Fletcher
11 Posted 04/05/2014 at 07:08:31 By the way Ken - thanks for your fantastic reports throughout the season. When we don't see a report from you after a match, something always seems to be missing. Keep up the brilliant work.
Dave Long
12 Posted 04/05/2014 at 07:21:43 Yeah thanks Ken, cant get to the game cos Im in Japan. I always read your report for the "full story",
Peter Healing
13 Posted 04/05/2014 at 07:39:25 Hi Ken Do you know were I can get a copy of Your Everton magazine?I live in New Zealand.Cheers
Robert Workman
14 Posted 04/05/2014 at 08:18:02 I feel that, as reported above, the main difference between the teams was the goalkeepers.
Hart made a fantastic save from Naismith that prevented it from going to 2-2 just seconds before City scored what proved to be the winning goal. He also made a good block late on from Deulofeu.
Whereas Howard really made little effort to prevent the first two goals. I accept that there was some poor defending prior to these efforts but, when that happens, you hope that your goalie can make a save - in this instance one, if not two.
Peter Mills
15 Posted 04/05/2014 at 08:28:32 Mike#6, at the match I did indeed leap up and cheer at the top of my lungs at Ross's goal. Then, within about 3 seconds, it hit me that Liverpudlians around the world would be doing the same thing which was just, well, alien to me. An odd match indeed.
Ken Buckley
16 Posted 04/05/2014 at 08:43:29 Peter@13.
E.mail the club ASAP they may have some left.
Tony Dove
19 Posted 04/05/2014 at 10:15:32 Thanks for your great reports all season. They are an oasis of good sense humour. To think how good Barkley could become is mind blowing and Stones isn't that far behind. Stones may well be too talented for just a central defender's role.

From My Seat: Man City (H)
By Ken Buckley 04/05/2014 Comments (23) jump
More recent articles

Que sera sera
From My Seat: Man City (H)
Brilliant Barkley strike counts for nought
Memory Lane - Match 37
The Not-So-Beautiful Letdown
Blues self-destruct with two own-goals
Everton 2 - 3 Manchester City
3 May 2014 was a strange day in the history of Everton Football Club. With a Champions League place to play for and only two games to go, about a quarter of the fanbase wanted us to lose all because, if Manchester City won, Liverpool may not win the title. This game decides nothing as Man City and Liverpool play two more yet... and football results are never straight forward, so who knows? It is still possible for the neighbours from hell.

The atmosphere was flat for large portions of the game due I believe to the fact we had already secured 5th place without kicking a ball prior to our kick-off time... and many thought that is where we will finish so not so much on this game when really there may have been. I have to nail my colours to the mast and say that I have witnessed Liverpool win Leagues, cups and European Cups, as well as piping us to league titles and cup finals. I have taken the taunts and nasty patronisation and I long for the day when we can again lord it over them... but never would I want my team to lose a game so that a team other than Liverpool can win the league. Hell, I want us to win leagues and cups and we won’t do that with a mind-set that worries more about them not winning than us winning!!!

The walk to the ground was in the company of fans in great numbers and in seemingly relaxed mood; no singing or chanting today and, even though the game was a sell-out, the queues at the ‘Fat Van’, ‘Blue Dragon’ and ‘The Chippy’ were small. On entering the ground, all fans were presented with a glossy magazine entitled ‘Your Everton’ with Kevin Mirallas on the cover; it depicts the season mainly in pictures. Quite impressive, I thought.

Z-Cars and a fine Goodison Roar to welcome the teams. City won the toss and elected to play toward the Park End and their own fans which led me to wonder if they were going for it early and putting the game to bed before the break. If that was the case, it didn’t work too well as, within 10 minutes, we were one up. We had started the game in "keep-ball, build up slow" mode and from such a move, which saw Baines and Naismith link up to feed Barkley some 25 yards out, in the blink of an eye he hit a looping shot with laser like accuracy over keeper Hart and into the top corner for a goal that had my mind wandering back to 2002 and that Rooney strike v Arsenal. It was replayed on the big screens about four times and seemed to get better each time.

Barkley was right up for this game and his next moment of note was when he surged and went passed City players posing as statues and into the area only to be unceremoniously dumped to the deck by Kompany which drew a mighty yell of ‘Penalty’ from players and fans alike but, in keeping with present day refereeing, fouls rarely take place in the box and this was reinforced a few minutes later when he was dumped again but this time some 15 yards shy of the penalty area and the ref had no hesitation in giving a foul. For those interested, our referee today was Lee Probert.

City were stung into action and put us under some pressure and I thought: "If we can see the next 10 minutes through, we can start to play again." Well, we got through the 10 okay... but just one minute later some slack defending allowed Aguero to get in at goal, but at a tight angle, yet he managed to smash it past Howard on his near post. They don’t show replays of opposition goals on the big screen but, from my seat, I thought Howard should have at least blocked the hole between him and the post; he didn’t... so 1-1 and then the scorer went down, limped off after treatment, and that was his job done for the day; Fernandinho took his place.

City now took the game more to us but we were coping well as the clock ticked to the break and I thought "If we can go in at 1-1, then the manager may consider his options..." as both Lukaku and Alcaraz were at best substandard; however, that went up in smoke as, just a minute to half-time, the hard-working Milner jinked down to the by line and crossed for Dzeko to head home. Not a bullet header by any means but Howard seemed to react late and the ball nestled. What a downer as the half-time whistle blew.

During the break we had the Under-9s Academy team presented and they were duly soaked by the jets of water from the sprinklers. At the Street End a ‘Hit the bar’ contest took place with the prize being a season ticket for next term and two of the lads did it to generous applause.

Second half started with a bang when the excellent Barkley surged again leaving defenders in his wake and his precise pass to the ever willing Naismith, who’s shot for the far corner was expertly fingertipped away by England’s Number One. That was close and brought the crowd to their feet; before they could sit down, a quick City break got at our back three and Nasri crossed for Dzeko unattended to hit home. The scoreboard said 1-3 but I consoled myself with the thought that we had all the half to mount a rescue mission. The City fans thought it was game over and entertained us with risqué songs regarding Gerrard’s slip and Ba’s goal.

The half wore on with us having the edge in possession but City looking dangerous going forward. Lukaku was looking pitiful up front and some were calling for change but none was forthcoming. Our build up was a little ponderous which in turn limited our effectiveness in the box until Baines abandoned the tippy tappy build up and headed for the by-line, crossed and the diving Lukaku connected and sent the ball to net via post. The roar was heard and the boisterous City fans were quieted as a draw was not what they wanted.We wanted a win so Jags was withdrawn and replaced with Deulofeu. We were going for it and City were rocked a little but they did attack when they could and, in one move that got into our box, caused mayhem as shots were blocked but we survived.

Barkley came away with the ball and Dzeko seemed to fall as Barkley eluded him and lay motionless on the pitch; the Ref signalled 'play on' and told Dzeko to get up. He remained lifeless so Everton kicked the ball out. The ref seemed to be imploring Dzeko to get up; he wouldn’t so, after a standoff, the ref signalled the City medics to enter the field followed by two stretcher bearers. Eventually he got up, walked off clutching his shoulder, then straight back on and was running about unimpeded. The Ref did show him yellow but really for that performance it should have been red. The lengthy shenanigans did however allow Roberto to have a team meeting amid much waving of arms. Also Osman was swopped with McGeady. The Dzeko theatrics had the desired effect and the game was sluggish and disrupted for a short while but he was vociferously booed each time he went near the ball.

As the clock ticked City were edgy as Everton strived to at least salvage a point and none more so than Barkley who was having the best game I have seen him have this season. He again ran with pace and power at the City rearguard and fed Deulofeu who with his one piece of magic in his cameo he jinked passed defenders in the box and shot from a tight angle but England’s Number One showed USA’s Number One how to do it and covered the near post and deflected the ball behind; so near yet so far.

Six minutes added time went up on the board and we redoubled our efforts but City were very adept at the "waste time, run the clock down" ploys and, even with one more minute added for time wasting, we never looked like getting the leveller. Final whistle and for me at least, sheer disappointment. We did manage a rousing Allez-Allez Oooh as well as a thunderous If yer know yer 'istory.

MotM:– Barkley

We were then invited to remain and the players would return to the arena to salute and thank the fans for their season-long support. They duly appeared with many bringing their children to parade with them. Roberto had the biggest cheer as he waved to the crowd whilst holding his new baby. His circuit of the ground was well received and he had the added bonus of his baby being fast asleep as he finished his circuit.

Overall, I enjoyed the game and the fact that we matched a very expensively assembled team as well as gaining the respect of the City management as witnessed by their team selection and wild joy when they made it 3-1. Although we see City having a large squad that can do battle on multi-fronts, it was interesting to note on checking both our and their squads on the back of the proey we have 32 listed players and they have only 25... so it seems we have a much bigger squad than them. Mind you, on closer examination, all theirs are high quality top-of-the-range players whilst many of ours have yet to play first team football.

Hull City next for the final game of this term and, whilst our place in the Europa League is assured without a qualifying match through our 5th place finish, and we can neither move up nor down the league, it would be nice to increase our points tally to 72 for the season... so I will see you there to roar them on to a Premier League record.

I hope they have more practice at playing three at the back as today it looked more ‘belt and braces’ than an ‘oiled machine’ with the participants looking more bemused than amused. UP THE BLUES

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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


Dick Fearon
1 Posted 04/05/2014 at 01:40:47 Ken, you just about covered my thoughts and echo your dislike of throwing a game just to spite our NFH.
From afar, I wholeheartedly add my congratulations to Roberto and his/our players.

I also Include in my applause our much maligned yet much improved backroom staff.

Kieran Kinsella
3 Posted 04/05/2014 at 02:57:20 I don't get these sad people who delight in seeing others fail. What happened to Nil Satis Nisi Optimum? Or do we need to change the motto to "who cares if we lose just as long as Liverpool do too"? Bunch of losers.
Despite that, I thought we did fairly well although the defense was all at sea with the City goals.

I am a bit nervous about the summer transfers. I hope we hold onto Barkley, Stones and McCarthy. I hope we bring in some new blood to improve the quality and quantity but I am on the fence about keeping the loaners. However, I am optimistic based on Bob's first season in charge.

Eric Holland
4 Posted 04/05/2014 at 03:08:11 (I don't get these sad people who delight in seeing others fail.)
Yes Kieran and you never will.

Mike Gaynes
6 Posted 04/05/2014 at 04:37:46 Interesting that to those in attendance, the atmosphere at Goodison seemed flat... the NBC broadcasters took note of the "oddness" but made it sound tremendously exciting, particularly Arlo White after Barkley's goal:
"I defy any Everton fans, regardless of your desire to deny Liverpool a title, to not stand up and cheer at the top of your lungs at that moment of absolute magic from Ross Barkley."

Summarized it pretty well, I think!

Andy McNabb
7 Posted 04/05/2014 at 06:15:18 Thanks Ken - I missed your report on the Southampton game - although the least said was probably best.

I awoke at 5am and looked at my phone. Any lingering doubts over my possible desire to see Everton lose this one were dispelled in a second. I was really disappointed to see we hadn't added to our points tally, although I had joked last week with some Man City friends over here that I would accept an "entertaining 2-3 defeat."
Be careful what you wish for, Andy
Andy McNabb
8 Posted 04/05/2014 at 06:23:31 Now let's get Hibbo some game time against Hull.
Mark Andersson
9 Posted 04/05/2014 at 06:11:30 All in all it was a good game, Roberto had a experiment and will have learnt a few things. The big guy who has the worst first touch I've seen in many a year scored a good goal and that was IT. He will be off to pastures new and I wont miss the frustration he causes me.
Barkley was on fire for most of the game and his goal was a contender for goal of the season.

All in all a good result for those fans who wanted to be beaten. For the fans who with more dignity the performance was not too shabby and we certainly gave the shitty fans some nail biting moments.

I hope that next season Roberto and the boys can build on this season and hopefully the future looks good.

Craig Fletcher
10 Posted 04/05/2014 at 07:04:07 Would love to see young Ledson get a run-out against Hull; possibly even the likes of Garbutt or Browning. I have a feeling they, along with the likes of McAleny, will be seen more and more on the field next season, especially in the Europa League. If they're good enough, they're old enough.
Craig Fletcher
11 Posted 04/05/2014 at 07:08:31 By the way Ken - thanks for your fantastic reports throughout the season. When we don't see a report from you after a match, something always seems to be missing. Keep up the brilliant work.
Dave Long
12 Posted 04/05/2014 at 07:21:43 Yeah thanks Ken, cant get to the game cos Im in Japan. I always read your report for the "full story",
Peter Healing
13 Posted 04/05/2014 at 07:39:25 Hi Ken Do you know were I can get a copy of Your Everton magazine?I live in New Zealand.Cheers
Robert Workman
14 Posted 04/05/2014 at 08:18:02 I feel that, as reported above, the main difference between the teams was the goalkeepers.
Hart made a fantastic save from Naismith that prevented it from going to 2-2 just seconds before City scored what proved to be the winning goal. He also made a good block late on from Deulofeu.
Whereas Howard really made little effort to prevent the first two goals. I accept that there was some poor defending prior to these efforts but, when that happens, you hope that your goalie can make a save - in this instance one, if not two.
Peter Mills
15 Posted 04/05/2014 at 08:28:32 Mike#6, at the match I did indeed leap up and cheer at the top of my lungs at Ross's goal. Then, within about 3 seconds, it hit me that Liverpudlians around the world would be doing the same thing which was just, well, alien to me. An odd match indeed.
Ken Buckley
16 Posted 04/05/2014 at 08:43:29 Peter@13.
E.mail the club ASAP they may have some left.
Tony Dove
19 Posted 04/05/2014 at 10:15:32 Thanks for your great reports all season. They are an oasis of good sense humour. To think how good Barkley could become is mind blowing and Stones isn't that far behind. Stones may well be too talented for just a central defender's role.

I feel sorry for Liverpool.....they will just miss out by the look of things....the teams from the Iberian peninsula are the best in Europe this year...so hats off to them...!...god knows what the world cup will bring but there might be a few surprises....

Everton FC Analysis: For all Manchester City's millions, the Blues put up a fight they can be proud of





May 04, 2014 16:44
By David Prentice
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David Prentice on Everton 2-3 Manchester City


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Everton v Manchester City FC

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Ross Barkley 's swashbucklingly wondrous strike, Brazilian in its execution and perhaps its reward, was the 21st time Everton have taken the lead in a Premier League match this season.

For only the second time, they lost.



And the identity of the opposition on each occasion was the same – Manchester City.

There's a very good reason for that. Everton have won 18 of those 21 matches in which they have scored first.

City are the only team who have managed to break down the Blues once they've got their noses in front.

Because Manuel Pellegrini has the kind of expensively-assembled squad at his disposal that no other coach can call on. While he can call on players who can conjure up goals from losing positions – Everton have been losing more and more players in recent weeks to injuries, strains and fatigue, and on Saturday those differences told.

Sergio Aguero, a £35m acquisition, drilled in an equaliser. When he limped off, £30m summer signing, Fernandinho, trotted on.

Edin Dezko, a £27m purchase, showed that for all his cumbersome appearance he is an adroit finisher in and around the six yard box.

YaYa Toure, a £24m swoop from Barcelona pushed dangerously further forward in Aguero's absence, while another £24m acquisition in David Silva was only needed for the final 16 minutes.

That kind of spending power offers decisive quality where it matters most. It was decisive each time the two teams clashed this season.

And it is what Everton will be up against next season when they try to build on Roberto Martinez 's richly promising first season at the Goodison helm. Predictably Martinez sees it as a testing challenge to be overcome rather than a barrier to progress.

Perhaps he is looking at an example from his homeland where Atletico Madrid, relegated in 2002, regularly forced to sell players of the quality of Radamel Falcao, Fernando Torres and Sergio Aguero, and perennially dwarved by the spending power of giants like Real and Barcelona, are now La Liga champions elect and anticipating a first European Cup final for 40 years.

Martinez might have been mimicking Diego Simeone when he said: “I kind of enjoy the challenge of trying to compete against these sides without having the same sort of finances. I don't see it as a problem. I think the fair play ruling in the Champions League is a positive one.”

He added: “I see it as part of being in the best league in the world. I really quite enjoy having a team facing a team of such spending power and finding ways to compete with them on a football pitch and I think we have done that this season.”

With a Premier League record points haul of 69 – despite a slow start when players adapted to Martinez's new philosophy – Everton have certainly competed.

They competed on Saturday, too, despite Kevin Mirallas, Sylvain Distin, Steven Pienaar and Gareth Barry all missing from the certain-starters roster, Phil Jagielka back in for his first match in months, while useful squad players like Bryan Oviedo, Darron Gibson and Arouna Kone remained on the long-term injury list.

They scored an opening goal of outstanding quality, pulled back another in the second half when City led, and were a late Joe Hart block away from snatching an equaliser.

City had top class, expensive, quality when it mattered most, while Everton didn't get the slice of luck their neighbours enjoyed when City last visited Merseyside.

That afternoon Ya Ya Toure limped off early at Anfield, then when City were dominant and looking more and more likely to score, Vincent Kompany made an uncharacteristic error of an imperious campaign.

City made no errors on Saturday. Indeed quite the opposite. With Everton starting the second half like a train and looking likely to level up the scores, Joe Hart made a stunning fingertip save from a goalbound Steven Naismith shot.

Seconds later City scored a decisive third. There are still a handful of conspiracy theorists, including some in the media who really shouldn't allow their partisanship to cloud their judgement, who believed Everton lacked intensity against their visitors.

That's a blinkered analysis, borne of title-slipping disappointment. I've been at grounds where Everton have downed tools for the summer.

The final match of the 1998/99 season when the Blues rolled over at The Dell and allowed Southampton a free pass into the top flight was disgraceful.

A 5-1 hiding on the last day at Manchester City in 2004 was almost as bad. While a lack of quality, pure and simple, allowed Arsenal to romp to the title with a 4-0 stroll in 1997/98.

This was nothing like any of those.

Everton were committed – 59 per cent possession compared to City's 41, forcing more corners than their visitors and enjoying almost as many shots on target – while Goodison was noisy and raucous.

If it wasn't as intense and intimidating as it had been two weeks previously that was because David Moyes wasn't in the opposite dug-out - and the prospect of Champions League football had slipped significantly since that afternoon.

But those that believe Everton laid an invitation out for City to accept three points – on and off the pitch - are deluded.

The crowd reaction certainly wasn't a repeat of the 1995 experience, when Liverpool were in with a chance of handing the Premier League title to their arch rivals.

That afternoon Liverpool beat the champions elect, Blackburn Rovers, with Jamie Redknapp scoring a goal that opened up an opportunity for Manchester United to take the title at West Ham.

They didn't take it. But Redknapp recalled an odd atmosphere at Anfield.“I’ve never heard the Kop so quiet after a Liverpool goal,” he said. “It was eerie. Everybody thought my goal had just handed the title to Manchester United, and it didn’t sit quite right with the fans.”

If the title-winning implications were similar at Goodison on Saturday, the celebrations were not.

Evertonians celebrated their goals with an enthusiastic fervour. They weren't match winning celebrations because Manchester City boasted the kind of quality that only title-winning money can buy.

But Roberto Martinez will talk of challenges rather than barriers, and he will try again next season.

Martinez believes that imaginative coaching and tactical acumen can compete on an equal footing with financially superior rivals, and that is something to be celebrated on both sides of Stanley Park.

More Everton FC stories

Barkley and Stones may be ready for World Cup, but we should look after them

What we learned from defeat to Manchester City