Part Two: Arteta’s return to Goodison – Reaction

Mikel Arteta’s return to Goodison Park was hardly the high-octane, emotional reunion it could have been as Arsenal ran out fortunate but deserved victors in a 1-0 win. Reaction to this one is multifarious to say the least, so it seems best to take it one step at a time.

First and foremost, the reception. Arteta was greeted warmly by all fans, which was pleasing – in fact it was the loudest Evertonian cheer of a quite miserable night.

Acknowledging the home supporters during the game as he was taking a corner was a nice touch from the Spaniard, so go on and prosper with our blessing Mikel, that’s the way to do it.

Next, his performance. You couldn’t fault it. Arteta moved the ball well, pivoted the play and provided an option for nearly every one of his teammates. Watching him intently in research of this post, the close analysis was thoroughly impressive.

Twice I counted more than 20 Arsenal passes from one side to the other and back again, and both times, Arteta had more than 10 touches – every other pass as he brought in the rest of the team alternately.

Control

It really was a masterclass in control though it would be disingenuous to omit mention of Everton’s lackluster showing in the first half. For the entire 45, the Toffees were sluggish, slack and downright lazy, not getting anywhere near close enough to their much more assured counterparts.

It was one of those games at Goodison where you could tell within the first few moments that we were going to concede the first goal.

And so it proved as Thomas Vermaelen rose between four Everton players to head home Robin van Persie’s corner. And though I had practically the best seat in the house to witness the Dutchman’s fantastic technical ability in swinging in the cross – sat in row 3 of the Paddock as I was – he could sod off for all I cared.

One other effect of my pitchside, Paddock location was an ability to monitor closely the performance of the linesman, as one tends to in such seats – which brings me to the game’s main talking point.

Leaving the crowd, my comment to my dad was as follows: “I really hope Moyes says something about the linesmen tonight, it really was disgraceful”. Having arrived home and switched on Match of the Day, the confirmation of that was galling.

Royston Drenthe was not one yard, but two yards onside when he scored what should have been a brilliant Arsenal-esque team goal of an equaliser. I was glad to see Moyes mention it in his post-match interview.

By his count, it was five incorrect offside decisions given against us, and that is so appallingly bad, it is actually quite suspect.

Credit where it’s due

It really is tempting to go into a big ‘officials-should-be-more-accountable’ rant now, but it seems a wiser choice editorially to give Everton some overdue credit. A fair crack of the whip from the men in black in the last two games and we could have secured a place in the Wembley vengeance-fest against Liverpool and possibly beaten an Arsenal side who fully deserve their third place in the Premier League.

In terms of the team, Jelavic was again decent but Wednesday’s performance will much more likely be filed under ‘getting there’ rather than ‘firing on all cylinders’. He went down far too easily though and that didn’t help the cause. Steven Pienaar and Leighton Baines were massively disappointing, especially the former, and for me Moyes continues to mix up Tim Cahill and Leon Osman’s roles.

Osman’s slightly more advanced position requires pace and energy whereas Cahill’s move deeper is not so much a tactical switch but an admission of age. Swap them around Davey! Osman is much more the considered technician we need to see the pass and play it; Cahill has always been about instinct and action. Ossie can’t run and Cahill ain’t savvy -play to their strengths.

The two stand-out performers were Marouane Fellaini and Sylvain Distin, the latter in particular has impressed of late.

Trawling through the internet and learning of Distin’s one-year contract renewal was really the best bit of news in a while. Even when all other 10 players have been abysmal for long spells in recent games, the Frenchman has been a figure of utter class and composure. I would quite confidently suggest that he is worth the ticket price alone at the moment.

More or less perfect

Delving back into a bit of Arsenal analysis, prevailing sentiment echoes the Arteta judgement: you just can’t fault them. The key strengths to the Gunners’ strategy – ball retention, movement off the ball, stretching the play, supporting the wingers, recycling possession – were all more or less perfect, and as for the defence, well that deserves a paragraph of its own.

Laurent Koscielny was neat, efficient – he did not switch off for a second – but in Thomas Vermaelen, Arsenal really have just the player they need. Several times, the Belgian absolutely slammed into tackles clearing out everyone in his path – nothing illegal, simply the aggressive statement of strength that Arsenal have lacked. Both full-backs also attacked and defended expertly for the entire game.

Having witnessed them in the flesh, take it from me that the statistic about Arsenal conceding just four goals in a run of six consecutive league victories is not in any way misleading. Arsenal’s defence looked so powerful, confident, switched on and cohesive that I actually felt sorry for them.

I was left in no doubt: a full-strength squad for the season and Arsenal would have been title contenders given Van Persie’s incredible goal scoring.

If the Dutchman stays next year and Arsenal maintain their first choice back five, with increased opportunities for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and also the return of Jack Wilshere, the Gunners have the makings of a great team. Good luck to them and particularly Mr Wenger on that one, I for one will be delighted to watch.

As for the Blues, well it’s not all doom and gloom, though it may be this Saturday when we face a Swansea side in the form of a fantastic season.

The Arsenal game will have prepared the players well for the long passages they will spend chasing shadows, which a compliment to the them rather than a criticism of us.

In terms of a Moyes report: we need a few tweaks but nothing more. Everything is getting there – at the wrong time admittedly – but we competed with the best team in the league at the moment and essentially, we were robbed, and there is no shame in that.

By Chris Smith

To read ‘Part One: Arteta returns to Goodison – Preview’ click here or to return to the homepage, click here.

Part one: Arteta’s return to Goodison Park – Preview

Mikel Arteta’s return to Goodison Park this week will be of tremendous significance to the way in which David Moyes’ team are perceived.

To honour that as an Evertonian, I will write a two-part series specifically concerning the Arsenal game. This, the first, will take the form of a preview of Wednesday’s game – there’ll be details of the second later.

Before I get stuck in, let me give you  a bit of background. Mikel Arteta used to be my favourite Everton player – one that marked a clear departure from the doldrums of Scot Gemmill and Mark Pembridge-era football at Goodison Park.

His ball retention and dead-ball ability, along with the occasional wonder goal and most importantly, his tendency to make the opposition look foolish and often inferior, rendered him a unique weapon in Everton’s previously weak artillery.

But do not let me fool you the same way, I must inform you, you have already been fooled. Arteta’s departure from Goodison was not the widely-reported hammer blow that seems to have been taken as read.

Detrimental influence

In terms of his influence, well waning wouldn’t do it justice; if not non-existent then probably detrimental given his latter years (yes years!) were defined by a chronic inability to clear the first man.

Hand on heart, I was happy to see him go, and certainly for that price. In terms of his destination, I genuinely feared that the big stage would show him up.

Gladly, that has not been the case and I have no problem admitting that.

But as far as I’m concerned, the lynchpin to Everton’s creative dimension was always Steven Pienaar and if not him then Leon Osman.

Arteta was originally brilliant but ultimately lazy, wasteful, weak, frustrating and unreliable, and for a cynic such as this one, the cracked paint that taints a pretty picture has tainted it forever, and no amount of former glory will ever restore it.

On the subject of how the crowd should greet him, I would lend support to Ian Marshall’s call for Arteta to be given a terrific reception. I certainly hope that is the case. All the hours spent cursing his rubbish corners were, on balance, ultimately worth the screamer against Liverpool, the unbelievable 93rd minute equaliser against Manchester United and the early years when he really was fantastic.

Tremendous form

Best not to dwell on the past though so let’s shift swiftly to the present. Arsenal come to Goodison in outstanding form: five consecutive league victories, eighteen goals scored, just four conceded. To make matters worse, even if Everton manage to take the lead, Wenger’s men will remain confident having come from behind to win the last four games.

As an Arsenal sympathiser, not only have I been impressed with them, I have been delighted. On a personal level, I was really disappointed to witness Andrey Arshavin’s poor form and subsequent loan departure – he was my favourite player in the world once.

Also, Arsenal’s failure to get the fourth against AC Milan was sad to see – it was so nearly the sort of YouTube classic performance that could have single-handedly eradicated their reputation as bottlers.

The ‘one man team’ tag is a slightly false one too. Imagine Liverpool without Gerrard, Manchester United without Rooney, City without Silva.

If Arsenal are a ‘one man team’, then so are all the rest, or are Van Persie and co simply their respective teams’ best players and most consistent match-winners?

And besides, isn’t Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain already (easily) one of the best players in the Premier League?

Fantastic opportunity

Wednesday’s game couldn’t be more important. If Arsenal win, they present themselves with a fantastic opportunity, one almost unimaginable during the miserable start to the season. Win would leave Chelsea with the enviable task of requiring victory away at Manchester City to avoid being left six points behind in fifth place.

Not to mention that three points would demand a home victory against Stoke of Spurs to prevent a side whose superiority seemed not only suggested but established letting slip a 12-point gap and third place.

If the will-he-won’t-he-yes-he-obviously-will Harry Redknapp-saga effect continues and Tottenham let Arsenal overtake them, that would represent a phenomenal accomplishment for the Gunners, given they were widely tip to finish fifth whilst Spurs were touted as title candidates.

For Everton, the message couldn’t be simpler: beat Arsenal and cultivate the uniquely Evertonian momentum that just might get us through against an in-form Swansea next week and most crucially, a buoyant Sunderland in the FA Cup quarter-final replay.

All pretensions at objectivity aside, we’ve got a fantastic chance. Arsenal have been brilliant as an attacking force but despite their decent defensive record of late, they have allowed plenty of chances. And now we have Jelavic.

Duncan Ferguson

Rangers are one of my numerous second teams ever since the days of Duncan Ferguson, and to a much, much lesser extent, Ian Durrant.

That is to say I knew what we were getting when we signed the Croatian and I was delighted. Day by day since his arrival, I have suggested to my dad that we have a great player and goalscorer in our midst and Jelavic is really starting to back that up.

I’d really like to see Leon Osman played inside to match the sort of role that Arteta will play for Arsenal. Not in any way a tactic to combat the Spaniard, merely because I believe the best assets to Osman’s game (article coming soon) can be utilised this way.

A night match at Goodison against one of the top four is just about as perfect an opportunity as you could be presented with to transform what has been a miserable week for David Moyes and his men into the sort of spirit-lifting spectacle that defines his reign at Goodison.

Optimism is certainly possible: Pienaar owes us one after the derby, Baines should take it up a notch as a consequence, but more so than anything, what will have me on the edge of my seat is the new man up front.

So you two on the left, Osman and dare I tempt the most curious of fates to include Royston Drenthe, my advice is simple: just give him a decent chance.

Part two will be a reaction to the game and Arteta’s performance in particular. You can expect it early on Thursday.

By Chris Smith

FA Cup quarter-finals/ Premier League predictions

This week’s set of predictions is poignant for me given the increased importance of        Everton’s fixture. Though a 12:45 kick-off is not the ideal time, Goodison Park is just the location to restore what had been a great run of form.

David Moyes’ apparent ‘a fall comes before pride’ philosophy will forever be a black mark against in my book but he is of course the sort of manager who can channel negativity.

Moving on to a less subjective, more wide-reaching approach, victory for Manchester United at vulnerable Wolves would open up a four-point gap over Manchester City with Mancini’s men facing an arguably-rejuvenated Chelsea in their next fixture.

With the Europa League done and dusted, things are just about to get fascinating and you can bet your bottom dollar that Alex Ferguson is delighted to have the chance to apply the pressure first.

Remember to play along if you can be arsed: one point for a correct result, two for a correct score.

Last week’s score: 4 (Worst so far)

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Saturday March 17, 2012

The FA Cup quarter-finals

Everton 3-1 Sunderland (12:45)

Well if anyone read my David Moyes article from earlier this week, you will know my feelings on this on already, but just to recap: Everton absolutely must win.

The performance has to be impressive also, and with Nikica Jelavic, Royston Drenthe but most importantly, Leon Osman, returned to the line-up, I expect plenty of chances for the Blues.

Sunderland will fight because of course there is an evident spirit there but Sessegnon’s absence through suspension will be key. I think he’s a fantastic player and without his ability to link the play, I see Sunderland being penned back as Everton try to right the wrong of midweek.

Jelavic is just the sort of striker a player with Osman’s vision requires to win a game. Fingers crossed.

Tottenham 3-0 Bolton Wanderers (17:30)

Despite Harry Redknapp’s lack of post-match dignity last week, I’ll admit that Tottenham deserved to beat Everton. And though their form has been really poor of late for a team that were talked about as title candidates earlier this season, if Spurs finish third and win the FA Cup, that would constitute a brilliant season.

Redknapp is a fantastic motivator and his side have so much quality on the ball and in the box that you can only anticipate goals against an admittedly improved though still decidedly woeful Bolton defence. Pacier, quicker in the mind, and far more clinical, I think 3-0 Spurs may actually be  an underestimate.

The Barclays Premier League

Fulham 2-0 Swansea (15:00)

Martin Jol’s side missed a chance last week. Villa were there for the taking and Fulham should have advantage.

A victory would have meant the Cottagers had taken 19 points from the last 21 available; that momentum would have made the visit of a confident Swansea a lot more straight forward.

The enormity of the gulf in resources between Brendan Rodger’s team and Man City really puts that victory in context so credit where it’s due. That said, Swansea are a pretty poor away side and cannot impose themselves like they do at home.

Fulham, the archetypal home side will build up enough pressure, and with Pogrebnyak and Dempsey up front, I really look forward to watching the highlights.

Wigan 1-2 West Brom (15:00)

I would have backed Wigan for three points here if they’d have got their just desserts from the Norwich game, but that opportunity lost  is indicative of their general wastefulness/ lack of composure in front of goal. I like Martinez of course, I mean everyone likes Martinez, but I take issue with this whole he plays’ the right way’ thing people say.

As far as I see it, he plays ‘the right way’ the wrong way in that any quick-paced, slick combination of ball retention and attacking should supplement a solid defence rather than compensate for the lack of one.

Take West Brom, for example. They are unlikely to lose this game as because Roy Hodgson places so much importance on the need to maintain shape and reduce risk.

Call it safe, call it boring, I say that savvy is probably more apt. Given the bags of attacking talent in Peter Odemwingie, Shane Long and increasingly James Morrison means they have a real chance of nicking any game, so I’ll take a punt on this one.

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Sunday February 18, 2012

The FA Cup quarter-finals

Chelsea 2 -0 Leicester City (14:05)

Even though Chelsea beat Napoli convincingly in the end, I wouldn’t say that convinced me. Watching that game, I was struck by a thought that is possibly lacing the dreams of Arsenal fans everywhere: imagine if they drew Barcelona in the quarters. Genuinely, I would expect an aggregate score line of something like 10-2.

The Chelsea of old would have swept the floor with Leicester but I expect the Foxes to compete in this game. Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Birmingham was a decent result and you always have a chance when there is a striker like Beckford up front (let me just stress as an Evertonian, I mean that on a strictly novelty basis given his cup record). Chelsea’s superior ability to defend and convert chances will be the difference.

Liverpool 2-1 Stoke City (16:00)

If I am painfully honest, I’d have to say that Liverpool are probably the best English cup side. For two reasons really: firstly (and obviously), they bloody win loads of them, and secondly, because their games are always fantastic: 5-4 vs Alaves, 3-3 vs AC Milan, 3-3 vs West Ham, and obviously 2-2 vs Cardiff recently.

Liverpool excel in the cup and an away quarter-final at Anfield is as close to a write-off as they come.

I don’t particularly rate this Liverpool side at the moment, but as the general performance and productivity of the squad has improved, I have simply channeled that cynicism into Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson comments. If Stoke can nick a goal and employ those scandalous time-wasting tactics, they have a chance of a result.

My friend Stocky told me a statistic this week that I judge meaningful enough to form the last word, so here’s doing that justice. Liverpool’s record when they have started  Gerrard, Carroll and Suarez: played three, won three, scored 11.

The Barclays Premier League

Wolves 0 -3 Manchester United (13:30)

This is quite simply one the worst possible fixtures for Terry Connor and his side. I really fell sorry for him; the transformation in mentality, belief and momentum that is required is monumental, so his current failure to effect that is hardly a fair indictment. That said, fact is the raw material of the sports journalist and to that end, Wolves are a shaken, weak and beatable team at the moment, and Manchester United, well they want to win the league.

Stung by the lesson they were given for 180 minutes of their Europa League tie with Bilbao, I expect the Old Trafford title machine to find its critical gear. Wayne Rooney’s form has been outstanding but beyond his abundant natural ability, he has shown the sort of relentless desire and clinical efficiency that defines champions. Sub-standard defence vs ruthless attack. No contest.

Newcastle 2-0 Norwich City (16:00)

Newcastle’s unfortunate defeat to Arsenal contained lots of positives, the most important of which for me was the performance of Hatem Ben Arfa. I think he has been impressive all year but of late, has begun to work harder for the team.

He strikes me as the sort of player who can create a chance out of nothing and convert it easily – a godsend of an asset when you consider Newcastle’s two brilliant strikers Ba and Cisse.

Like I said previously, Norwich deserved to be beaten last week against Wigan and as I do not rate Roberto Martinez’s side whatsoever, the Canaries must be out of form as far as I can tell. Newcastle to get back to winning ways with the three said attackers t0 dominate.

By Chris Smith

Follow me on Twitter@cdsmith789 or click here to return to the homepage.

Premier League predictions

If you are a returning reader who has taken to offering me in good faith the slightest slither of the vast pie chart that is your total internet usage, then as this week’s Premier League predictions is a little longer than previous ones, I have a request: ‘please sir, can I have some more?’

Do not fear, there are circumstances far more mitigating than mere self-indulgence and egotism; there is a post-weekend, rearranged Merseyside derby for one thing.

To offer the most minimal, meaningless compensation for my decreased conciseness, I have formatted the page in what I consider to be an infinitely superior format to its predecessor. So if anyone reading this suddenly finds themselves caught in the throes of ‘format-appreciation’ to coin a phrase, then you can consider yourself lucky I’m so pedantic. Enjoy!

Last week’s score: 6

Saturday March 10, 2012

Bolton 2-2 QPR (12:45)
QPR were on the front foot for large parts of the game with Everton, and with a bit of composure, could have taken three points and though I wasn’t too impressed with their performance in truth, I believe the return from suspension of Djibril Cisse will galvanise the side.

Bolton did well against Manchester City in that they were not humiliated which really is an accomplishment considering the mismatch of talent. I expect them to fight here, a win would take them above QPR and possibly out of the relegation. The combination of desperation and crap defending will make for a good old relegation thriller.

Aston Villa 1-2 Fulham (15:00)
Fulham were fantastic against Wolves and the fact that they had 19 shots on target says it all. Talk about a replacement, after only three games, Pavel Pogrebnyak has just two less than Bobby Zamora managed in six months. The impressive victory continues an excellent spell of form for Jol’s men who have followed up defeat at the Etihad with three consecutive league victories.

The fact that Fulham are brimming with confidence (which really does serve as a testament to the sort of effect Martin Jol can have as a manager) and Aston Villa seem weak, incoherent and directionless, is enough to tip it in favour of the form side for me. Fulham victory and plenty of abuse to follow.

Chelsea 3-1 Stoke City (15:00)
This seems a bit of a strange prediction I think, but you know when things just seem to follow an odd pattern in football? I wouldn’t find it the least bit surprising to see Frank Lampard return to scoring action, Fernando Torres to come good and Chelsea to look like a decent side again. Sometimes a change is all that’s needed.

They looked good against Birmingham and a 2-0 away victory against Chris Hughton’s team is a fairly decent result. Juan Mata should have allowed Torres to take the penalty I think. I just expect Roberto Di Matteo and whoever he names on the teamsheet to be greeted with far more optimism than has been shown of late and that really could be the decisive factor in Chelsea’s revival.

Sunderland 1-2 Liverpool (15:00)
Last season, Luis Suarez had one of his best games in a Liverpool shirt at the Stadium of Light. For me, Suarez’s ability to take players on, outpace defenders and get in behind is best showcased away from home as sides tend to sit back and soak up pressure at Anfield. Last year’s 2-1 victory for the Reds was is a case in point. I think that Sunderland will miss Sessegnon as he has that natural ability to link the play and move Sunderland up the pitch.

I know that Nicklas Bendtner scored a penalty against Newcastle, and that some supporters fancy him to get a few goals, but in my opinion, he is such a rubbish striker that, in ironic contrast to the Dane’s peculiar belief that bad luck causes each of his misses, I believe good luck assists all of his goals. Martin Skrtel is one of the best defenders in the league at the moment and alongside Jamie Carragher, Liverpool should have enough protection for Suarez and dare I suggest Andy Carroll to go and win the game.

Wolves 2-1 Blackburn (15:00)
I felt for Terry Connor last week. Having earned a laudable draw at St. James’ Park, the worst thing he could have asked for was a side in the sort of form Fulham were. It’s just another unfortunate aspect of Mick McCarthy’s departure; he had to be sacked after the West Brom game, there is no doubt about that, but two tough away trips to Newcastle and Fulham are the hardly the sort of games you would mark down as confidence-builders.

Blackburn at home is however. Despite Rovers’ impressive away return in terms of goals, they represent a realistic chance of victory for Wolves. Level on points but split by the symbolic dotted relegation graphic of misery, this match couldn’t be better poised. I expect an exciting game and Paul Robinson to play well but Wolves to find just enough spirit for the win.

Everton 1 -1 Tottenham (17:30)
As a Blue, I am in two minds about this fixture. Firstly, the prospect of playing a Tottenham side hurting from the devastating efficiency of Manchester United’s attacking last week is a cause for concern. On the other hand however, a night match at Goodison is always a special occasion.

For perhaps the very first time living memory, Everton have a fully fit squad with long-term absentees Phil Jagielka, Leon Osman, Jack Rodwell, and Seamus Coleman all featuring in the 0-0 reserve derby at Goodison this week. Obviously this is a cue for another injury crisis but hopefully it occurs late enough in the game for us to have already made our mark on a Tottenham side depleted itself after the withdrawals of Michael Dawson and Aaron Lennon against Stevenage.

Sunday March 11, 2012

Manchester United 3-1 West Brom (14:00)
Given his long spell on the sidelines, you could argue that Ashley Young has had to establish himself twice at Old Trafford. It is a real indication of his ability that after a handful of games, he was able to brilliantly score England’s momentary equaliser against Holland, create Ryan Giggs’ 90th minute winner against Norwich and take the game beyond Tottenham’s reach with two outstanding goals. His return to the team will be like a bolt of adrenaline for United, hopefully England too.

I expect a more confident showing from United after a good win at Spurs. West Brom are a great side at the moment, they’ve been on top for every minute of their last three consecutive victories, having scored 10 and conceded just two. United look more like their old selves of late and this game represents a great chance to prove it. Form used to stand for nothing at Old Trafford, so let’s see.

Swansea 0 – 2 Manchester City(14:00)
So poisonous is the chalice that the Chelsea job has become that even a fledgling manager of a Welsh team, an ex-Chelsea coach no less, moved quickly to rule himself. It also speaks well of him. But of course, this is no ordinary Welsh side, this is a really talented, co-operative bunch and one that I personally am looking forward to seeing developed next year.

Despite their home record, Swansea do give away chances at the Liberty Stadium and Manchester City are too good for that, so for me, I anticipate a bit of a cagey game, settled by either brilliance or precision.

Norwich 2- 0 Wigan (16:00)
Despite just one defeat in four games, Wigan look like a relegation side and if we’re all honest with ourselves, they’ve looked like one for a year years now. Martinez is often lauded for playing the game ‘the right way’. For me, he plays ‘the right way’ the wrong way as his sides consistency lack both leadership and finishing ability. Going into a relegation battle bereft of these two assets is like entering a gun fight equipped only with scathing insult: you are going to get your comeuppance eventually.

Since the excellent win at Swansea, Norwich have lost three games in a row but I fancy Lambert’s men raise their game in the knowledge that three points will leave just two short of the magical though contextually irrelevant 40-point mark.

Monday March 12, 2012

Arsenal 3-1 Newcastle United (20:00)
Prior to the AC Milan game, I wrote that an Arsenal victory of any kind could really set them up to secure fourth place (Shameless plug) and I think the experience of Tuesday’s impressive win will bear that out. If Arsenal beat Newcastle, Alan Pardew’s men can give up on the Champions League dream and Arsenal’s concerns for the rest of the season will be focused squarely on London rivals, Tottenham and Chelsea.

Robin Van Persie will want to make amends for his costly miss, not that he needs to. And with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain thankfully having secured his starting-place, I tip Arsenal to earn a comfortable victory.

Tuesday March 13

Liverpool 2-1 Everton (20:00)
I was really tempted to go for a draw here but having backed Everton to get one good result already in this piece, I think its probably wise not to get carried away. And besides, I expect Suarez to be diving left, right and centre, and we all know how that story ends.

Liverpool were unlucky against Arsenal as they have been for most of their home performances as an Evertonian, I must admit I respect the way Liverpool will always be on their game for the derby, especially at home. Without meaning to bleat on, I believe the difference with be that little goofy sod up front through whatever means.

By Chris Smith

Tony Pulis and the karmic quality of football

Another game, another opportunity for Tony Pulis to bemoan his side’s luck. In fairness, the decision to award a red card to Robert Huth was wrong,  but I think the Stoke boss’ calls for the PFA to intervene are way over the top.

Now I’m a fan of Tony Pulis and his team – he is second only to David Moyes in my mind in terms of resourcefulness. I also have a slight bias towards Stoke thanks to Adrian Durham’s irrational dislike of them and my rational dislike of him.

I have admired the way they have continually progressed since getting to the Premier League and I not only respect the way they do things, but frequently enjoy watching them do it.

But if Pulis is to continue his persistent protestation that his team are being unfairly treated or, as was the case with Sunderland’s David Meyler, he is going to accuse others of cheating, then I feel it only fair to add some balance.

Without meaning to defend Meyler – because I think over-reacting like that is fundamentally pathetic – what he did can, however loosely you may think, be described as  ‘gamesmanship’: gaining an advantage for your team to create a better chance of winning. Regardless of how unpalatable it is, can Pulis honestly assert that this form of advantage-gaining is any less favourable than his own brand?

Let me just remind you exactly what that is…

When Stoke came to Goodison Park in December, I noticed that every throw-in, goal-kick, free-kick, corner and substitution took at least one minute more than it should (approx). This was no coincidence, rather it was part of a concerted 95 minute-long effort to waste as much time as possible.

Additionally, nearly every attacking dead-ball opportunity for Everton resulted in what pundits call ‘a bit of manhandling in the box’ – what I call pulling shirts and obstructing runs to prevent goal-scoring opportunities: deliberate fouling. There was even one moment where Marouane Fellaini informed the referee he would be fouled, was duly fouled in plain sight of said referee, and nothing was given.

Speaking to a few Liverpool supporter friends of mine, it was clear that the same sort of gamesmanship (cheating?) had occurred during Stoke’s trip to Anfield, and watching their games more closely since then, well these tactics aren’t specific to Merseyside, let’s put it that way.

Let’s not forget that curious ‘towel-shirt’ that Ryan Shotton has taken to using as well.

Naturally there is the counter-argument I alluded to earlier: resourcefulness. In context, stifling a home crowd and frustrating a home team to create surroundings much more favourable to victory. There is a lot to be said for that, and I do not wish to condemn it – it is an effective strategy that gained Stoke four away points in the games mentioned.

What I would ask though is why does Pulis condemn one form of gamesmanship and not only accept the other but squeeze every painstaking ounce of worth out of it?

Because it suits him and his team, that’s why.

Modern simulation versus good, old-fashioned English oneupmanship, or are they in fact one and the same thing?

Having written that, I sense that I am under the influence of a really good Guillem Balague article I read recently (http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,25212,12087_7460070,00.html) in which he describes the differences between Spanish and English attitudes to football given their natural inclinations.

When I read his response to debate sparked by the article, Balague suggested that a history of authority and law in England has effected a yearning in our game whereby we not only crave but demand the rules to be respected. In Spain on the other hand, where savvy, rebellious characters dominate a much more anarchic folklore, creative players who con officials are sympathised with, and often revered.

The English contempt for divers is matched only by the Spanish displeasure for roughing.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m no fan of play-acting, I think it unfortunate that it’s become so “ingrained in the game” to quote Pulis – a phrase often taken to mean ‘commonplace’. A more honest critique would be to admit it is so ‘ingrained’ because no matter how much we may sneer at unfamiliar, dare I suggest foreign forms of gamesmanship, we will gladly accept anything that benefits our team.

There is a universal desire for advantage – that is the nature of competition – so to begin to define ‘fair’ forms of rule-bending and ‘unfair’ ones surely possesses a large risk of hypocrisy.

Using Everton as an example as I am predisposed to do, David Moyes is a manager who prides himself on his honesty and will not tolerate diving amongst his players. In 2005 however when a victory at home to Manchester United would have all-but secured Champions League football,  Moyes was happy for the extra balls around the pitch to be collected after a crucial Duncan Ferguson goal, and slowing up the game no end.

As I revelled in this rare kink of fortune, there was a knowing acceptance that it  would snap back in my face soon enough. What goes around comes around.

Be that a ridiculous dive,  a referee’s failure to award a blatant penalty, or a last-minute winner from a player who should have been sent off, these things happen. They may not ‘even out’ as is often suggested, but they happen often enough for us all to both cheat and be cheated.

I think if you speak to most reasonable fans, there is a tacit acknowledgement of the karmic quality of football.

Which leaves us with Pulis who quite simply can give but not take it.

By Chris Smith

Boardroom success and team spirit combine for perfect day at Goodison

The last day of the transfer window never fails to be both gripping and ridiculous at the same time.

Fact and nonsense become irrationally blurred as the most tenuous, poorly sourced suggestion temporarily dominates the mind.

The financial restraints at Goodison Park have rendered the last few insufferable: like standing outside the most fantastical sweet shop, peering sadly through thick glass, disgusted and jealous at the gluttony of richer, greedier children.

Well if ever there was an argument for saving up your pocket-money then January 31, 2012 was certainly that.

To quote just about every Evertonian I have spoken to, or overheard, or read: what a day.

Going to sleep with the impending signing of Nikica Jelavic flitting around my head was one thing but waking to the suggestion that Steven Pienaar could rejoin on loan was something else altogether.

I’ve been a fan of the Croatian since his Rapid Vienna days and couldn’t be happier with that, but Pienaar! – Pienaar was my favourite player!

Now in my early experiences of journalism I have learnt that it always pays to make a head-start on your work to buy time  later on.

Which sounds easy enough in theory … completely out of the question however if you happen to be an Evertonian of the cynical persuasion.

Knowing I would be watching the game between seven and ten-thirty, it made sense for me to click ‘Add New’ on the dashboard of this blog and begin “Nikica Jelavic’s signing represents …’  as early as possible.

Well the phrase ‘I’ll believe that when I see it” takes on real significance for Evertonians around this time of year: we refuse even the tiniest amount of credit to suggestion until it is definitively proven beyond any possible doubt.

There is also, like I said, a superstitious part of my mind.

Nothing too outlandish, but suffice to say were the deals which I had been preemptively praising to fail for any reason, somewhere in between delusional perception and emotional logic, I would have held myself singularly responsible for their failure.

My sin would have been selfishness I suppose, putting my free time above the age-old, sacred mysticism of the football fan or some other such bollocks.

The way things have turned out, I think it only fair that I claim personal credit for both signings… only kidding, hats off to Moyes and Kenwright there; I will risk the wrath of dissenting  Evertonians here and put my genuine feelings about Blue Bill below.

Kenwright has often suggested he fights tooth and nail for Everton – something many supporters do not accept.

Without meaning to blanket the other problems at the club, a last-minute deal to re-sign a player we all loved shows he is in touch with the club in a way that most chairman are not, and that he is willing to go the extra mile for the good of the team.

Pienaar arrives at the perfect time.

The brilliant performance against Manchester City was blighted only by the erratic, unproductive play of Royston Drenthe and consequently the burden placed on Leighton Baines.

Baines is currently performing below his exceptionally high standards and I believe the lack of assistance he has received from Gueye, Drenthe, Anichebe and occasionally Bilyaletdinov (good riddance) is at least partially responsible.

The partnership between Baines and Pienaar was not only a mainstay of our team, it was the most effective, most enjoyable aspect of our greatest team in years, a partnership that allowed our two best players to optimize their attacking talents and create chance after chance after chance.

The prospect of having that back with someone of the quality of Jelavic and the enthusiasm of Denis Stracqualursi to finish gives fans real optimism, which has been absent all season.

And let’s not forget the departure of Louis Saha to Spurs which probably ranks alongside James Beattie’s exit in terms of relief.

Saha has been an absolute drain on the team this season; his inability to hold the ball up has restricted the midfield; his ineptitude in front of goal has cost us points; and his terrible work-rate has alienated him from both fans and teammates.

Furthermore, he has been given an incredible amount of time on the pitch compared to Stracqualursi who I have felt for a long time would offer more.

The Argentinian’s performance against City was without doubt the most uplifting individual display of the season, the only thing it lacked was a goal, and even then he was inches away.

From start to finish, he gave the best centre-half in the country and Joleon Lescott the runaround, even getting the latter booked with a neat bit of footwork; he deserved every second of the standing ovation he received when substituted.

The performances of John Heitinga and Tony Hibbert typified the dogged determination we have craved all season. but Stracqualursi played the biggest part in lifting Goodison from the bitter misery of the past few months to the sort of compelling atmosphere that has accompanied and assisted all of our great victories.

For me, this was David Moyes’ best day as Everton boss.

I have long bemoaned the unpleasant goalpost-moving of modern football, and I don’t mean that Ryan Air wally.

Manchester City, a club that outdoes even Chelsea for financial vulgarity, represents everything that Everton do not: wealth, the waste of wealth, and the ability to compete.

The infinite gulf in boardroom power makes Moyes’ tactical victory on the pitch all the sweeter.

To bring in two quality players on the same day, first rate.

I have been throwing the phrase “put that in your pipe and smoke it, Blue Union” around my head throughout this entire writing experience but now that the big moment has arrived, I fear I have changed my mind.

It would be easy to say such a thing, and believe me I probably still will, but it struck me that investment in the squad (Jelavic, Gibson, almost Pranjic) and retention of key stars (Pienaar) are two of the Blue Union’s main gripes.

Now that we have a few decent players in, I don’t anticipate some sort of cheery reconciliation between Dave Kelly and Bill Kenwright (Blue Reunion? – sorry, had to) but I do expect some supporters to get off his back, and the same for Moyes.

Of course there are sections of Evertonians who are simply too far gone in terms of Kenwright, and possibly so too with Moyes (which, now that I’ve mentioned it, is beyond moronic) but no fan can argue that  the performance both in the boardroom and on the pitch on Tuesday gave us the best day we have all had in a long time.

 

By Chris Smith

 

The fragility of the modern footballer in the face of scathing judgment

Everton failed to win at home for the eighth time this season, and quite frankly I am not surprised.

Nor was I surprised to see Blackburn achieve their seventh positive result away from home.

The difference in Saturday’s game at Goodison Park was the pressure of one side playing in front of a disenchanted home crowd, and the freedom of the other having been emancipated from that burden.

It was Blackburn’s third consecutive, impressive away result following victory at Old Trafford and a point at Anfield.

Inversely however, Steve Kean’s men have lost eight of 11 home games, where supporters, much akin to their Evertonian counterparts, are fierce in their criticism of their team’s poor showing this season.

And though the hoards of paying Evertonians disappointed me with their ritualistic slaughtering of Victor Anichebe, and bemused me with their ridiculous condemnation of Leighton Baines – one of only a few who put in a half-decent performance – I by no means wish to blame the supporters for the result, and indeed the season so far.

I find the fragility of the modern footballer when faced with the scathing judgment of an embittered crowd to be absolutely pathetic.

Are they really such a weak and sensitive bunch that they must be encouraged and positively reinforced at every opportunity?

Aren’t they pampered enough without having to be cheered and adored just to get a respectable performance out of them?

Now admittedly, both clubs’ respective situations are unrepresentative, in the sense that public calls for a change of board are unusual.

But Everton and Blackburn are not the only Premier League teams struggling to find any sort of form at home this season.

Bolton, Wigan, West Brom, Aston Villa and most noticeably Liverpool have all performed well below expectations at home, and in all cases, I believe the players have let their clubs down massively.

A failure to do your job at home alienates the crowd more than anything in football, and alienating the crowd is the worst thing a team can do.

Fans are often blamed for the negative atmosphere that follows a terrible run of form, and more importantly, managers are put under pressure (Steve Bruce and Neil Warnock for example).

Yet the players remain relatively unaccountable, for what can you do when your booing is ‘making’ the players perform poorly?

Boo their poor performance?

Louis Saha is a case in point – he can’t score because his confidence is low, so his performances are down, so he is booed, so his confidence low, so he performs poorly and so on and so on.

So what do we do? Cheer him on? Keep our silence? Remember the old days?

Grow up man, pull your socks up and do your job, otherwise give the club its bloody money back and hang your head in shame.

I can’t help but conclude that the helplessness of today’s fan is a symptom of the spoiled nature of modern footballers.

So astronomically disgusting are the wages they are paid that to ask players to earn their pay packet is nothing short of insane, but far more than the money, the attitude in the face of such money is what truly sickens me.

How a screaming crowd of paying supporters, most much less fortunate than their heroes, can not motivate you to find an extra 10% – actually sod that, an extra 100% (excuse the logical impossibility) is beyond me.

Look at Norwich, Swansea, Stoke, Newcastle – what’s so special about all of them?

Put simply, effort.

By Chris Smith

The modern culture of blame in the relentless pursuit of glory

Success breeds contempt

Football fans are a fickle bunch at the best of times.

Individually and collectively, we are all as biased, reactionary and single-minded as each other.

There is however one factor which increasingly divides today’s fans, at least in my mind, and that is success.

I recently read a book celebrating Alex Ferguson’s 25 years at Old Trafford written by Will Tidey, a journalist and United fan who was eight (if I remember correctly) when Sir Alex took over.

It struck me that Will’s team had been so successful during such a formative stage that it would undoubtedly have informed his entire experience of life as a youngster and so on into the rest of his life.

Key points of his adolescence would be marked by Premier League success, or Champions League glory, a Cantona chip or a Mark Hughes volley.

I compared it to how I had found supporting Everton from about 1993 onwards, with three stand-out seasons amidst tedious years of mediocrity and/ or failure all I had to cling to in the way of glory.

The ‘three stand-out seasons’ I refer to are the successful FA Cup run in 1995, finishing fourth in 2005, and making the FA Cup Final in 2009, and they represent the pinnacle of (but by no means the only) achievement for Everton in my lifetime.

I began to wonder how the huge difference between the success of mine and Will’s club would manifest itself in our attitudes towards football and our approaches to life in general, our expectations – even our journalism: could the cynical tone with which I give form to my thoughts be merely laced with the hereditary bitterness of the Blue?

It made me re-examine my expectations, understanding all too clearly that tales such as Will’s,  factual as they may be, appear to me as works of fanciful fiction such is their relation to the current expectations at Goodison Park.

Realistically the gulf is now insurmountable; the capitalisation of football has stacked the odds so far against ‘poor’ clubs that the competitive element is virtually non-existent.

In a time when football is afflicted with an insatiable hunger for accountability and blame, and with fervour for the instant gratification of hope and investment, I began to think of what would constitute pride for your average fan now that nobody really expects to win.

I find myself in the paradoxical position of bemoaning the lack of substantial investment which would allow Everton to seriously compete whilst simultaneously acknowledging that this may represent the death of the club as I know and love it.

Everton’s new signing Darren Gibson is a case in point.

When we finished fourth, or even the seasons we consistently finished in the top  eight, bringing in a player like Gibson would have been curious to say the least, depressing more accurately.

But to hold a similar view now would be to deny the clear changes in circumstances that have taken grip of the club, and to live in the (albeit recent) past.

And that is precisely my point: these endlessly vocal Blackburn protestors, the Arsenal fans calling for Wenger’s head, Everton’s Blue Union, Chelsea supporters ringing in to phone-in after phone-in baying for yet another managers blood – in short, these representatives of the modern culture of blame in the ruthless pursuit of glory, are all short-sighted, or rather blind-sighted,  consumed by photographic recollections of  past success: imagistic, unrealistic triumph.

Which brings me back to Will who sat in the stands for years and saw trophy after trophy arrive, as expected, year on year, and he struck me as one of the select few of the final lucky ones, the last fans to taste victory in its pure form, earned and deserved, before the money sullied and cheapened everything.

And I looked I suppose more objectively at the signing of Gibson, and at his debut at Aston Villa, to see how this scanned with my new-found realism.

The added impetus to pick an incisive pass, and sense of urgency in attack was a breath of fresh in consideration of the tediously fruitless passing-for-the-sake-of-passing we have exhibited of late; his through-ball for Tim Cahill a great sign of potential.

But am I really saying that in the age of corporate football, and quivering in the shadow of Chelsea and Manchester City’s respective billionaires, I am content with a half-decent performance from another club’s bit-part player who arrived at a knock-down price?

Yes, I suppose I am, in the same way that I am content with any little whisper of good news that may blow past Goodison from time to time.

The issue for me is expectation, and like I said, having grown up on a diet of relegation and mid-table obscurity, though my hunger for success is magnified, it is crucially focused into more realistic goals, all veritable indications of ‘success’ in my own terms.

Like bringing through an exciting young player, or having a manager to be proud of, or beating Liverpool, or winning a penalty shoot-out, or simply putting together a good run of form, or making a decent signing,

As I’ve already said, money has moved the goalposts so far for so many that success in terms of winning trophies is realistically only possible for the risk-assessed chosen few.

So I refuse to allow success to be the definitive, divisive factor it has become; success in British football relates to little more than positive reinforcement for those who need it least, a cheapened crowning glory to reinforce the divide.

Because when you think about it, Alex Ferguson is just one man, exceptional without doubt, but no more immortal than the rest of us, and though his legacy will commit the considerable achievements of his career to the permanence of football history, one day his side will fall as all great sides do, and the same for Manchester City, and even Barcelona and so on.

Maybe the bubble will burst and the wave will break, and football will come full circle again, revert to type and rebuild its reputation from scratch – well, we can only hope.

But then again, paraphrasing perhaps the most lovable champion of the underdog, maybe this time next year, we’ll all be millionaires.

By Chris Smith

Moyes should drop old faithfuls to give the side a chance

From time to time, I scroll through various comment sections of online football articles to see what the fans really think.

In truth, I don’t ever really believe I have read ‘what the fans really think’, more often than not it amounts to little more than wild, antagonistic, reactionary outburst, and so the tedious reaction to Everton’s 1-1 away draw with Aston Villa proved.

The game featured a debut for new signing Darren Gibson – that in itself an excuse for an attack from Everton’s dissenting supporters.

In truth Gibson did fine, and so did Everton in general, with loan signing Landon Donovan influential throughout, cutting in to brilliantly lay on substitute Victor Anichebe’s equaliser.

Having been forced to give youngster Shane Duffy his first league start, confidence was restored to a depleted defence as the Irishman’s performance alongside John Heitinga was largely impressive but for a mistake for Darren Bent’s opener.

Everton were unfortunate not to take all three points after pinning Villa back for long periods, but were left to rue the predictable lack of productivity up front.

In fairness, some supporters’ comments are struck a chord with me: Everton need to immediately drop Saha and Cahill and give anyone else a chance, for it is these players who are holding us back the most right now.

For me, the difference between  the successful Everton side which qualified for Europe so consistently and the current side is that one was able to score the first goal and then defend whereas the other simply cannot take the lead.

The key is the ability to give precious little away at the back and convert one of the few chances created.

This sort of performance has been the making of Moyes and has in recent seasons showcased his team’s greatest qualities.

When Everton finished fourth, nine of their 18 victories were 1-0, and of the other nine, a further five were by one goal margins.

Which brings us back to Cahill and Saha…

Their collective failure to apply any sort of pressure to back up consistently decent possession statistics, or work that bit harder to turn a half-chance into a sitter is what is costing Everton at the moment.

After months of criticizing the midfield for the dire sideways passing which has dominated attacking output of late, it is clear now that this anti-play is inevitable when your front two are managing less than five shots a game, and appallingly, no goals a season.

Though Saha has been a changeable character throughout his time here, I have always been an unrelenting Cahill supporter; he has scored crucial goals, late goals, brilliant goals and more to the point, plenty of derby goals.

But enough is enough!

If any new signing, loan or otherwise, were to perform this poorly for so long – and that goes for any youth product or player returning from injury – they would be out of the team immediately and rightly so.

Inevitably the age-old ‘resources are thin at Goodison Park’ line will be clapped out and I understand this – as an Evertonian I even enjoy it – but the simple fact is that resources are not that thin, not by a long stretch!

I would accept that no other Everton attack is capable of completing 90 minutes, but neither are Cahill and Saha, and to be honest, they are less willing.

Anichebe, Stracqualursi, Vellios and McFadden all have fitness problems, but I put it to any Evertonian that their 20/30 minute cameos are each ten times more productive than the hour long shambles of the other two, and for the right now, they are our best options.

Any part Cahill and Saha still have to play for Everton ought to be from the bench; as reluctant as I am to admit it, they are past it.

 

By Chris Smith

 

 

The Blue Union: Every answer is a question

Recently, I have been fair getting my teeth into Liverpool for their disgraceful reaction to the Luis Suarez racism saga, and given the new, depressing development during the FA Cup tie with Oldham, it seemed there is scope for a new attack.

As an Evertonian, I should relish this, but in truth, I am sure the incident at Anfield on Friday represented the actions of an unrepresentative prat rather than Liverpool fans in general, and besides, I am quite sick of the issue now – it has dragged on too long.

And besides, there is a far more pressing concern for me much closer to home regarding Everton.

Trawling through the internet looking for something to write about, I came upon a peculiar video uploaded to toffeeweb.com

The video showed a section of the Blue Union faction of Everton supporters confronting Bill Kenwright as he exited his car outside Goodison Park before Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Tamworth.

The Blue Union were making their usual points/spewing their usual shite (“let go if you love the club”, “where’s the Arteta money, Bill?) through the car park gates as Kenwright’s driver parked right next to them.

A lot has been made of him parking specifically there – complete non-issue, it’s where he parks, that’s why they were there – though Kenwright’s behaviour was altogether wrong.

His appearance bore all the trademarks of the public politician: an undeniably arrogant, fake smile complete with faux joy and mock stiff-upper-lip that simply made him look a detached fool.

Standing ‘flicking through his Blackberry’ (apparently) facing the crowd for a full thirty seconds was a deliberately antagonistic action, and one he ought to regret.

The whole thing was a PR disaster for Kenwright, and exactly the sort of confirmation the Blue Union needs for its claims that Kenwright is not the right man for the club.

But, though I admit Kenwright was wrong, unlike the majority of Evertonians who commented underneath the video, I do not see it as a big deal at all; an ill-judged move by an old man who is  getting sick of being shouted at by angry supporters and nothing more.

I have backed Kenwright a fair bit in the past, and though I’ve developed my own skepticism towards the status quo, I continue to do so, but I have to say Bill, sort yourself out, what are you playing at?

Admittedly, this is not an isolated incident, but Bill, when there is nothing you can say to make it right, say nothing at all, and certainly do not provoke.

I read through the comments intending on using them as a source for this article, but in truth, it did little more than alienate me from Blue Unionists further as I read one inane Kenwright pun after another (Kenshite, Blue Bullshit), and I became bored and then irritated by the self-congratulatory praise for “not swearing” during the encounter.

Repressed yobbishness as a virtue; ‘go and shout at him in the street but keep it clean’.

Distancing myself from the Blue Unionists as I have and will continue to do so, I find their arguments empty and their methods laughable.

The mood of the Blue Union was summed up by the first 60 seconds of that video: every answer they offer is a question.

The harsh truth of Everton Football Club at the moment is that there is no answer; nobody wants to buy a debt-ridden club in a recession-hit area, with completely noncompetitive commercial activity, an aging stadium and no potential for development.

(Obviously).

There is one set of supporters who simply cannot swallow that extremely bitter pill, and put bluntly, it ain’t us.

The bottom line is that the continual blame afforded to Kenwright from the Blue Union not only completely misses the point, and fails to “see the bigger picture” to reference one of its tedious catchphrases, but it also damages the reputation, and thus the value of the club to potential investors.

For me it is no surprise that Everton’s home form has been wretched this term, nor is it a surprise to see Blackburn struggle despite having many decent players.

This sort of thing never helps, it only makes exacerbates an already desperate situation.

I have always viewed the Blue Union as a scar on my club – doing more harm than good – much like the protesters at Blackburn, which I think is the origin of Kenwright’s foolish “your Blue Union really betrayed this club” comment.

One of the hallmarks of Everton for me is unity and ultimately triumph in the face of adversity and this dissent, this division within ourselves is not the Everton I know, and that’s why I have never felt that the Blue Union have spoken for me, despite (and this is a big ‘despite’) having my own frustrations about the way the club is going.

I will end with a bit of advice for the Blue Union, though naturally it will fall on deaf ears.

All Kenwright-bashing aside, I really would drop the “Moyes out” line.

He is without doubt one of the best managers in the best league in the world, and unquestionably the best man for our club, and yes the last few transfer windows have been miserable, and this season has been a joke, but if you know your (recent) history, you will note that seven top eight finishes out of nine including one 4th place and an FA Cup Final appearance really isn’t too bad.

And that’s before the usual excuses have been trotted out.

So be careful is all I am saying; rid us of Kenwright and the rest of us will say ‘okay let’s take it from here’, force Moyes out of the club and we’ll never forgive you.

By Chris Smith