Royal Blue Mersey

Everton Classics: Everton 1 Man Utd 0

2012-02-21T20:31:58Z

As part of our continued look at Everton’s history I had a delve into the archives to find a Premier League rarity – an Everton win over Manchester United – and one of the moments Duncan Ferguson will always be remembered for.

Seventeen years ago this coming Saturday - February 25 - Manchester United arrived at Goodison Park entrenched in a title battle with Kenny Dalglish’s big spending Blackburn Rovers.

Alex Ferguson’s men – double winners the previous year - had also reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup thanks to a 3-1 win over Leeds United six days earlier. Everton had also booked their place in the last eight with a thumping 5-0 victory over Norwich.

But with the league back on the agenda it was the battle against relegation that was at the forefront of Everton’s mind as they took to a muddy Goodison pitch that had clearly suffered through the harsh winter.

With no Paul Rideout in the side manager Joe Royle had opted for a 4-5-1 formation, with Stuart Barlow and Anders Limpar pushed wide to try and supply the crosses for Duncan Ferguson in the middle.

Despite being isolated for much of the game, Ferguson as a constant menace, never giving United centre-backs Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister a moment's rest.

In the middle of the park Royle’s ‘dogs of war’- Barry Horne, Joe Parkinson and John Ebrrell – worked like terriers to close the United players down.

In my opinion those players had a lot more skill then people gave them credit for. The ‘dogs of war’ tag, coined by Royle, painted an unfair picture – in particular on Parkinson, who I feel was close to an England call-up before his career was cruelly ended by a serious knee injury in 1997.

Critics liked to accuse the players of playing anti-football and while Royle’s tactics were designed to disrupt the rhythm of a more skillful opposition, it was hardly the thuggish tactics some made it out to be.

It was Ebbrell who arguably had the best chance of the first half, but with almost too much time and space inside the box, he hesitated and his eventual scuffed shot rose agonisingly skywards and over the bar with the goal gaping.

At the other end, United were starting to show why they were one of the best teams in the country. Ryan Giggs in particular was causing problems down the left and while Andy Cole had not enjoyed the best of start to his United career, the Everton fans carried the constant fear that this was the afternoon he got back on track. Still, Everton were quietly satisfied heading into the half-time break.

The second period continued the theme of the first half, United having the bulk of possession but struggling to wrestle free of the Blue bodies that swarmed around them whenever they got near to the Everton penalty box.

It was Everton who had another great opportunity though; Barry Horne's unleashing a fizzing effort from 25 yards that cannoned off the crossbar, briefly evoking memories of his famous strike against Wimbledon the previous year.

Meanwhile, Limpar was having one of his more exciting afternoons, buzzing down the left flank and keeping United full-back Denis Irwin pinned back.

It was from one of his crosses caused panic once again in the United box, with Bruce seemingly hauling back Ferguson as they stretched for the ball at the far post. Much to the Toffees players’ and supporters’ frustration the referee only gave a corner, but that frustration would turn to joy moments later.

Andy Hinchliffe’s corners had developed into a formidable weapon during that season – think Rory Delap’s long thows but with more success and greater skill. His in-swingers were the most threatening, curling viciously in towards the goalkeeper who would see two or three Everton players converge on him right underneath his cross bar.

On this occasion though Hinchcliffe opted for the far post, but it did enough to outfox Peter Schmeichel, who thought about coming for the cross but then hesitated, leaving him stranded off his line. Ferguson meanwhile had got the run in on his marker and rose to power home the header at the far post, beyond a helpless Schmeichel, and a leaping Paul Ince, who found himself tangled in the Gwladys Street net.

While Ince was busy untying himself from the goalmouth Ferguson ran celebrating long the side of the Family Enclosure in one of the most iconic images of Everton’s recent history – shirt off and twirled above his head before showing his Everton tattoo to the Goodison faithful.

With 30 minutes of the game to play it was not the time to sit back and to be fair Everton doggedly tried to keep pushing forward. But the temptation often proved too much and with the Toffees backline retreating, United gained more possession. This was increased when the speedy Andrei Kanchelskis came on, offering them a twin threat down each flank.

Their best chance fell to new-boy Cole, but despite being in space inside the area his scuffed, low sidefoot shot was poor and one befitting that of a player with low confidence. Southall was able to stick a boot out and deflect the ball away.

In the end Everton dug in to claim a memorable win which gave them the platform to successfully beat the dreaded drop that had looked inevitable when Royle took charge back in November.

For Ferguson it perhaps cemented his position as an Everton legend, even if such moments of magic in the future were less frequent than we had all initially hoped for.

Little did we know at the time but it would not be the final time the two sides would meet that season, with the 1995 FA Cup final also being contested between the two sides. And perhaps this result gave the players the belief that they could defeat the Red Devils on a greater stage.

Everton: Southall, Barrett, Watson, Unsworth, Hinchcliffe, Ebbrell ( Samways 71), Horne, Parkinson, Limpar, Ferguson, Barlow.

Manchester United: Schmeichel, Irwin, Bruce, Pallister, Sharpe, Ince, Keane, McClair (Kanchelskis 66), Giggs, Cole, Hughes.

Monday rant - QPR: Who do you think you are?

2012-02-21T00:58:25Z

Having attended every home game since around the age of five, and since the age of twelve only missed a handful of away matches here and abroad, I feel that I can write this piece with some justification given the recent announcement by Everton that they have made the decision to take a reduced allocation of tickets for our fans for our next fixture at Loftus Road on March 3rd.

This season, taking an average ticket price of £32 per game which is a reasonable price for an adult ticket to watch a top flight football match I will spend around £608.00 on match tickets for away matches alone. Throw in travel costs and before I even begin to take into account food and drink costs whilst away I am looking at a spend of around £1500.00 plus to see my beloved Everton play away from home.

Don't get me wrong here, everyone reading this will probably ask "well why do you do it? You don't have to do you?" and I won't disagree. But, I want to. Everton Football Club are a way of life for me. Everything in my life revolves around Everton from my holidays, what I do at weekends, everything. Plus, I actually really enjoy it - the travelling, the banter with the lads, seeing weird and wonderful places that I never would have known existed were it not for Everton. Finally, the loyalty rewards. We are 90 minutes away from Wembley and obviously there will be some sort of ticketing priority scheme as there were in 2009.

Anyway, Queens Park Rangers.

Last week, Everton released this statement clarifying the decision to take 1,700 tickets for the game at Loftus Road one week Saturday. The way the ticketing arrangement works between clubs usually is the away side purchase a full allocation of tickets offered by the home side. Then, any tickets which are not sold by the away side are sent back to the home side for re-sale to home fans/away fans who travel on the day etc. and the monetary difference is sorted automatically between clubs. QPR have decided this isn't going to be the case.

What QPR have done is told Everton that any tickets we decide to take to sell to our fans would be given on a "guaranteed sale only basis." This means any unsold cannot be returned and not refunded. The away end at Loftus Road is two-tiered. The upper tier holds 1,700 supporters and the lower 1,300. If that's their perogative then fine, but then you go and put a price on each ticket of.......... £45.00. Not only that, but you then try and mask it by saying for every adult attending an Under 8 can go for free. Get a grip!

First of all, I only expect to pay above £40.00 for "big" games, i.e. Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea - established Premier League teams with good grounds which Everton fans want to go to. And that is just above £40.00.

Secondly, I really don't know who QPR think they are!! They were promoted in May after years out of the top flight. They are not a West Ham United or a Wolves, a yo-yo club, they left the Premier League in 1996 (when I was 13) and sunk even lower before finally returning by winning the Championship FIFTEEN years later (I was 28 when they won the league last season). Most of the current Premier League clubs don't even dream of charging what they are charging away fans to attend a game. The most expensive in the league are Chelsea, which is probably to be expected given they are located in the "richest" part of the UK, Arsenal, which is again to be expected given their location, history, and fantastic new stadium, and West Brom, which is unexpected but then its only just over an hour away.

The ground itself I went to back when Craven Cottage was being rennovated. Its an old style ground which is very tight, close to the pitch and creates a good atmosphere - the sort of ground I look forward to going to. However, thats about it. Theres obstructed views everywhere, the access to it is poor, and at six foot five inches tall I dont reckon I'll be fitting into them seats without the poor chap in front of me having his shoulder blades replaced by my knee caps!

The train fare on 3rd March from Liverpool Lime Street to London Euston was at cheapest £78 return making the trip to watch my team cost the sum of AT LEAST £128.00. Add on food, drink, travel in London and you're touching £200.00.

I really hope QPR go down this season. I don't like Mark Hughes. I don't like their new owner and his obsession with Twitter and the media, I don't like Paddy Kenny, Anton Ferdinand and I think Shaun Derry is just weird. And I don't like being ripped off. So, QPR, I hope a reality check is in order this season, you dive like a kamikaze World War II pilot into the Championship and see if the likes of Scunthorpe, Burnley, and Bristol City will stump up £45.00 each.

As always, leave your comments below.

Follow me on Twitter - @DarrenMelling

FA Cup draw: Everton to host Sunderland in FA Cup quarter-finals

2012-02-19T16:58:17Z

FA Cup draw: Everton to host Sunderland in FA Cup quarter-finals

Not the worst draw, especially since it is at Goodison. Definitely a winnable match.

Everton 2 Blackpool 0

2012-02-18T21:26:04Z

Though we watch football for the thrills of a tense, back-and-forth contest, sometimes a leisurely afternoon at the park is a nice change of pace. And when at the end of the day you find your team a win away from Wembley and three wins away from lifting the FA Cup... well, that makes things even nicer. Everton notched perhaps their most comfortable victory of the season on Saturday, ensuring their place in the hat for the sixth round. Sure, there were concerns about the lack of a killer instinct, and if Blackpool had converted a late penalty the last couple of minutes could have been overly interesting, but all in all it was a good day for the Toffees.

Game thoughts...

- All season long Everton have been especially futile offensively in the first half, but they reversed that trend in a big way against Blackpool. It was a novel experience to be up 2-0 inside of ten minutes, and it meant the rest of the match was basically stress-free. With several new faces in their starting eleven, it was no surprise that Blackpool looked unfettered and disorganized in the early going, and Everton took full advantage. The amount of space available for the midfielders to roam was criminal, so grabbing that early lead was huge.

- Landon Donovan unfortunately missed out on his going away party with illness, but along with Steven Pienaar being cup-tied it presented a terrific opportunity for Royston Drenthe, and the Dutchman didn't disappoint. He first made his presence known less than sixty seconds into the match with a beautiful curling effort into the corner of the goal, then spent the rest of the game terrorizing the visitors with a variety of mazy runs and eye-popping crosses. As always, Drenthe wasn't perfect and had his sloppy moments, but it might have been his best game in a blue shirt.

- With Donovan leaving, there's going to be an opening on the wing and Drenthe certainly made his case. A lineup with Drenthe on the right wing and Steven Pienaar on the left wing could be interesting, though Magaye Gueye also made a decent showing. Seamus Coleman returned to the squad as well, and Ross Barkley is waiting in the wings. It's good to have some options in any case.

- The rest of the match was just satisfactory, as Everton were unable to put the game to bed while Blackpool never seriously threatened to get back into the game. There were plenty of openings to snatch a third goal that went begging, and Marouane Fellaini was the main culprit. I have to admit that during some of the leaner times earlier this year I've called for David Moyes to play Fellaini in an advanced role, but while he created chances he was snake-bitten in front of goal.

- Honestly, I don't have a lot more to say about this game. There was a penalty for Blackpool that probably shouldn't have been called in stoppage time, but the spot kick was ballooned over the bar. It was a relatively easy win, although it could have turned out differently if Blackpool would have had a full-strength roster to work with. The real significance was of course the fact that Everton are further into the depths of the FA Cup than they have been since the fateful 2009 run to the final. Fans are starting to wonder if this just might be the Toffees' year, although the draw on Sunday will have a lot to do with the team's chances.

Player Ratings

T. Howard - Actually called into action on a couple of occasions and made some very nice saves, especially his diving lunge to deny LuaLua. 7
T. Hibbert - If someone wanted to see the quintessential Tony Hibbert game, this was it. Unremarkable but mistake-free. 6
J. Heitinga - Can't really fault him for giving up a dubious penalty; otherwise fine. 6
S. Distin - Totally at ease all day long. He seems to bring a calmness to the defense that can go missing when he is absent. 7
L. Baines - Enterprising work at both ends of the pitch as usual. 7
M. Gueye (Coleman 56) - Involved in the first goal and generally had the motor running from the start. With Donovan gone, he could be asked to contribute more often. 6.5
D. Gibson (Barkley 81) - Perfectly adequate today. Paired surprisingly well with Neville to disrupt the flow of the opposition. 6.5
P. Neville - The rare game that actually suited him as a midfielder; did a fine job both defensively and keeping the ball moving toward the Blackpool half. 7.5
M. Fellaini - Could have easily had a hat trick on another day, so he must have been doing something right. Questionable finishing but still managed to leave his mark on the game. 6.5
R. Drenthe - Worked his socks off and was rewarded with a lovely goal and an all-around fantastic performance. A few blips in possession are all that bump him down a rating. 8
D. Stracqualursi (Vellios 87) - Another good showing overall. His goal was served on a platter, though he became stranded as a lone striker at times the rest of the way. 7

S. Coleman (substitute 56) - Great to see him back healthy; that was the important thing to take away from this appearance. 6
R. Barkley (substitute 81) - Just a cup of coffee, but he showed some skill. I wish Moyes would allow him more substantial minutes from time to time, even if it's just a half hour here and there. 6.5
A. Vellios (substitute 87) - Can't rate; not on long enough. N/A

Man of the Match: Royston Drenthe

This graph explained

GOAL VALUES:

Drenthe (Everton) 1: +25.8% to win, -8.9% to draw, -17% to lose
Stracqualursi (Everton) 6: +17.2% to win, -9.9% to draw, -7.2% to lose

COYB

Everton v Blackpool: Live GameThread (FA Cup)

2012-02-18T12:26:03Z

I am not going to continue the Bizarro series because this is the FA Cup and it is an altogether different monster than the normal Premier League (which kind of makes it perfect for Bizarro world if you think about it).

But on to Blackpool. They were by far the most exciting club to watch last season, and are also the most exciting club in the Championship this season.

Hopefully, this will open up our attacking and we just don't sit back without the likes of Pienaar, Jelavic, and possibly Donovan.

Counter-attacking is key in this match mainly because Blackpool tend to leave themselves exposed while consistently attacking with everyone on the pitch. We need to adapt and actually push forward rather than wait for everyone to set back up on defense.

This is key. As is putting the ball in the back of their net. Hopefully, we can do this important thing that people call "scoring goals". Yes, it's a foreign phrase to me as well.

As always, comment below.

Everton vs. Blackpool: Match Preview

2012-02-18T02:42:18Z

Everton will host Blackpool in the Fifth Round of the FA Cup on Saturday with their confidence boosted after outplaying Chelsea's millionaires in a Premiership fixture last weekend. Rumours continue to swirl around Goodison regarding the future of manager David Moyes, but that has been a constant at the club the last couple of years. At stake this weekend for the Toffees is a spot in the quarter finals, representing the sole opportunity for some silverware this season.

This will not be a cakewalk for the home side as the Championship-contending Tangerines remain unbeaten in 2012 and come off a 3-0 hiding of Sheffield Wednesday in the Fourth Round replay. Last season in the Premiership Blackpool proved to be one of the more entertaining squads with their open, attacking style and manager Ian Holloway has maintained that 4-3-3 formation this year. A repeat of last season's 5-3 Everton win could be likely if Moyes decides to be brave and venture to a more attack-minded gameplan.

This fixture will also mark the last game for Landon Donovan at Everton as his loan period ends and he returns to LA Galaxy in preparation for the beginning of their new season. However Donovan reportedly has the flu and might miss out on a home farewell. He has restated his interest in returning to play for the Toffees again in the future which will come as good news to the fans. Donovan has managed to change the mindset of the team with his hard running and offensive vision, and the one-two punch that he and Steven Pienaar offer will be missed. Meanwhile, new Everton signing Portugal Under-21 midfielder Francisco Junior has already joined his new teammates at the Finch Farm training ground. Moyes expects the former Benfica and Manchester City prospect to compete for a starting spot very soon.

Team News

The big news for Moyes is that Seamus Coleman is fit again and hot the ground running scoring in the reserves game this week. Phil Jagielka, Leon Osman and Jack Rodwell remain sidelined while the other new signing Nikica Jelavic missed the last game with a strained muscle and is doubtful this week while Pienaar is Cup-tied.

Forward Matt Phillips has been in sparkling form for Blackpool as they have marched up the Championship table but missed Tuesday's 3-1 win at Doncaster with a thigh strain and could be a game-time decision for Holloway. The Seasiders have had good fortune on the injury front with Phillips being the only doubt.

Keys To The Game

Without midfielders Pienaar and possibly Donovan, this could be a return to the Everton of two months ago that struggled to pose any kind of attacking threat. Moyes might be forced to start off with Drenthe and Coleman as poor man's versions of the wily wingers. Denis Stracqualursi, with his tireless running and resilient persistence, has been worthy of his starting place and his 'Denis The Menace' nickname.

Ian Holloway has gone on record to say that he feels his squad this year is even better than his Premiership one from last season and his aggressive, fear-none attacking approach could make for an exciting match-up against an Everton defence that has heroically staved off the vaunted forward lines of Manchester City and Chelsea in the last few weeks.

Match Facts

Everton have been eliminated at Goodison Park in the FA Cup in four of the last five seasons.
Two of their last three losses in the FA Cup have been against lower division opposition.
The Toffees home form has only improved in recent times, and they are 5-3-5 at home this year.
Blackpool have scored the most goals on the road in the Championship, with 27 tallies.
They have, however, conceded the third-most on the road in the Championship.
Blackpool last beat Everton in 1966, when they were both in the First Division.

He's only a Junior!

2012-02-17T21:46:16Z

By Alex Fitzgerald

Everton this week completed the signing of yet another player for the future - but we may see the Portuguese U-21 international earlier than expected.

Junior, who will wear the number 30 shirt, has shown glimpses of excellence a unnamed source at Everton told a British newspaper.

Junior Also told Daily Post "I feel very happy to have joined Everton. It's a great challenge and now I want to show my talent to the fans.

"My first mission is to try to get into the first team, then it is to win over the fans and to win things with Everton".

More after the jump...

The former Benfica starlet had a 1 month trial at Manchester City at the start of the season where he impressed with his footballing understanding and skill, but was later released as personal terms between the club and player couldn't be agreed (surprising given City's unlimited budget!).

The positive comments continued from the new Blue when he told the Post: "Everton are a big team and normally challenging for cups or winning European places. That is what I aim to do".

He then further described his style of play: "I like to play beautiful football, I like to touch the ball and I like to play both defensively and in attack. I can play both ways and with both feet.

"I'm coming here to show my football in every training session I will give everything and when I have an opportunity to play I will so with lots of heart.

The Everton scouts never ceae to amaze me in their ability to unearth talent, so Junior will definitely be one to watch.

In other news Landon Donovan has apparently 'emotionally' spoken to Evertontv about leaving Everton after Saturday's game.

The American who is on the verge of ending his second loan spell with the Blues after Saturday's match with Blackpool told the official site: "It's bitter sweet in a way. I m going back to LA where I have family and friends but, I see Everton as a family too".

I think a big send off for Landon is in order!

Meanwhile Leon Osman is 'getting there' with his recovery from a long term set back but couldn't put his finger on a date. Phil Jagielka also felt his fitness was coming together, saying: "I feel a little stronger day by day, and I'm lucky because I've had ossie [Osman] to accompany me in the gym and physio room, which helps to keep the moral up".

So while we are set to lose Landon after Saturday's game, the arrival of Junior as well as the immminent return to fitness of Jags and Ossie means there are plenty of reasons to be positive heading into the final third of the season.

COYB!

ToffeeTunes: Go With The Flow

2012-02-16T15:52:54Z

I know we should be happy right now, but I just can't pull myself to completely be happy with our form. Everton did just draw with Wigan a couple of matches ago after all. I actually have a lot of songs for when things turn sour at the club (because I expect it). But for now, I can just go with the flow of things.

Lyrics and analysis after the jump.

She said "I'll throw myself away,

They're just photos after all"

I can't make you hang around.

I can't wash you off my skin.

Outside the frame, is what we're leaving out

You won't remember anyway

I can go with the flow

I would say it doesn't matter (with the flow) matter anymore

I can go with the flow (I can go)

Do you believe it in your head?

It's so safe to play along

Little soldiers in a row

Falling in and out of love

Something sweet to throw away.

I want something good to die for

To make it beautiful to live.

I want a new mistake, lose is more than hesitate.

Do you believe it in your head?

I can go with the flow

I would say it doesn't matter (with the flow) matter anymore

I can go with the flow (I can go)

Do you believe it in your head?

The song kind of captures the state of fans at the club recently. We are very apprehensive in general, but as long as good things happen, we just go with the flow and forget many of the unpleasant things surrounding the club. As is natural to human nature, we tend to forget all the hatred everyone has towards Bill Kenwright when things are going well, even though he is still mismanaging the club. In the end, Moyes will not be able to sustain this level of overall competitiveness and us fans will once again be up in arms about the clubs situation.

It is all quite predictable and tiresome.