You learn quickly as an Everton fan to never get too comfortable. Back in the day, Goodison Park was a tough place to play; it was loud, and the Toffees always played hard. As of recent times, however, EFC have not been playing well, and have lost as many home games already this year (five) as all of last season. So I was cautious to be too excited after a solid win over Fulham last Friday in which Everton played great soccer. Well, today wasn't necessarily great soccer, but it was a flashback to the last couple of years when Goodison was rocking, and the Toffees stepped up their defensive effort as they toppled the league leaders Man City 1-0. Another assist for Donovan and a first (this season) EPL goal for Manchester United transfer Darron Gibson.
Today was the transfer deadline for the EPL, and although we get excited in America when the trade deadline comes in the MLB and NBA, that excitement pales in comparison with the unbridled fervor for the transfer deadline overseas. One difference is that "trades" as we understand them don't really exist. Teams can buy and sell at will, and players can put in requests to be sold as well. The craziest part of this time though, and the most fun to follow, are the rumors. Seemingly, every player is linked with every team. Stars and end of the roster players alike. On Twitter, I saw one writer compare it to a crack addiction. Not far off. Today Everton came away with not only a win, but a Croatian striker and a return (on loan) of a former midfielder who will help the rest of the year. The rest of the year comes quickly, as the fight to get to the top half is on, and today was a great start. A classic Everton win.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Fulham - Don't Tread On Us
Finally! Everton came through big when it really counted, in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup. After going down 1-0 after a penalty to Fulham, the Toffees responded with two goals from Denis the Argentenian and Fellaini off nice crosses from Donovan. EFC now goes into the hat for Round Five and has some confidence after a great home win where they were the better side.
The game featured a rarity in the EPL, three Americans on the field in the same match. Besides Donovan and Tim Howard for Everton, as of late goal scoring machine Clint Dempsey also took the pitch, for Fulham. Dempsey has been scorching as of late, notching a hat trick in his most recent match. The trend of American players in the EPL has been on the rise as of late, and, in my opinion, is a good thing. While I wish success for the MLS, I would much rather see Donovan play permanently at Goodison wearing blue and others in England as well. It can only help the US team internationally. Dempsey is poised to make a move this summer to a bigger club, Howard is one of the top keepers in the game, and players such as Brek Shea (recently transferred to Bolton from the MLS) and Stuart Holden (injured - also for Bolton) are representing America with class and determination. With other young stars on the rise, it's hopefully only a matter of time before the US breaks through in the big tournament, the World Cup. Over there...
The game featured a rarity in the EPL, three Americans on the field in the same match. Besides Donovan and Tim Howard for Everton, as of late goal scoring machine Clint Dempsey also took the pitch, for Fulham. Dempsey has been scorching as of late, notching a hat trick in his most recent match. The trend of American players in the EPL has been on the rise as of late, and, in my opinion, is a good thing. While I wish success for the MLS, I would much rather see Donovan play permanently at Goodison wearing blue and others in England as well. It can only help the US team internationally. Dempsey is poised to make a move this summer to a bigger club, Howard is one of the top keepers in the game, and players such as Brek Shea (recently transferred to Bolton from the MLS) and Stuart Holden (injured - also for Bolton) are representing America with class and determination. With other young stars on the rise, it's hopefully only a matter of time before the US breaks through in the big tournament, the World Cup. Over there...
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Blackburn - Hand Ball?
Another match, another disappointing result at home. Everton drew 1-1 to Blackburn Rovers after going up 1-0 on a Tim Cahill goal in the first half. It was great to see the Australian finally get one; it had been awhile. But Blackburn equalized in the second half, and, to be honest, the Toffees were lucky to escape with one point.
One of the biggest differences in soccer, and I think a real sticking point for the detractors, is the hesitation to go to instant replay. Both goals in yesterday's match were questionable because of possible hand balls. In my mind, Everton's score was clearly precipitated by a deliberate hand ball by Marouane Fellaini. Blackburn's was a bit more dicey, but certainly could have been called back. I believe that's the beauty of the game; you take the bad breaks with the good. For every goal scored by a missed call, Everton have been on the receiving end of some bad ones as well. The difference I think for soccer fans is that they don't go crazy demanding that the absolutely right call be made all the time. I for one am against any instant replay in soccer (and baseball for that matter). It would truly take away from the simplicity and flow of the game.
One of the biggest differences in soccer, and I think a real sticking point for the detractors, is the hesitation to go to instant replay. Both goals in yesterday's match were questionable because of possible hand balls. In my mind, Everton's score was clearly precipitated by a deliberate hand ball by Marouane Fellaini. Blackburn's was a bit more dicey, but certainly could have been called back. I believe that's the beauty of the game; you take the bad breaks with the good. For every goal scored by a missed call, Everton have been on the receiving end of some bad ones as well. The difference I think for soccer fans is that they don't go crazy demanding that the absolutely right call be made all the time. I for one am against any instant replay in soccer (and baseball for that matter). It would truly take away from the simplicity and flow of the game.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Aston Villa - Drawing the Result
Another match, another lack of a chance to watch live. I thought I would just watch the scoreline come in via Twitter, and followed through a first half with no goals, but then realized Fox Soccer was re-playing the game right at its finish at noon. I set the DVR and went out to run some errands, and returned to watch the second half. Whatever good Everton had done in the first half disappeared in the second, as the Villains (seriously their nickname more on that in a later post) took over the contest, eventually pushing through with a goal. I was all set to write today about how the Toffees were uninspiring again, when, just 13 minutes later, Donovan threaded Bic Vic a beautiful through ball and EFC equalized. The game finished at 1-1.
One of the toughest things for Americans to get over in watching soccer is the tie, or draw. We are so accustomed to having a winner and a loser that we can't possibly fathom ending the game even. Which is funny if you think about it, because how often do you hear people say after a hard fought, evenly matched, close contest, "No one deserved to lose that game"? Sometimes we even hear the opposite. But in soccer, a draw can mean a win, and you often hear announcers say a team deserved the draw, or the point (a win gets a team three points, a draw gets each team one point). While it's hard to celebrate a tie, that's exactly what most managers are hoping for in a road match (like today was for Everton). I'm sure David Moyes (Everton's Manager) would have loved to win the match, but his post game quotes will surely speak to how Everton deserved the point and they were happy to get it, especially after going down 1-0. Don't get me wrong, I still find myself urging Tim Howard and the boys to put the ball in play more quickly towards the end of the game, but I have learned, begrudgingly, to be happy to take the point and move forward. But man, another goal would have been great...up the Toffees.
One of the toughest things for Americans to get over in watching soccer is the tie, or draw. We are so accustomed to having a winner and a loser that we can't possibly fathom ending the game even. Which is funny if you think about it, because how often do you hear people say after a hard fought, evenly matched, close contest, "No one deserved to lose that game"? Sometimes we even hear the opposite. But in soccer, a draw can mean a win, and you often hear announcers say a team deserved the draw, or the point (a win gets a team three points, a draw gets each team one point). While it's hard to celebrate a tie, that's exactly what most managers are hoping for in a road match (like today was for Everton). I'm sure David Moyes (Everton's Manager) would have loved to win the match, but his post game quotes will surely speak to how Everton deserved the point and they were happy to get it, especially after going down 1-0. Don't get me wrong, I still find myself urging Tim Howard and the boys to put the ball in play more quickly towards the end of the game, but I have learned, begrudgingly, to be happy to take the point and move forward. But man, another goal would have been great...up the Toffees.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Tottenham - White (not very much) Hart Lane
I was all excited to actually watch a full game without any hindrances. Got home, fired up the DVR, and settled in. That was about as good as it got though, as the Toffees played with little flair, imagination, or heart, losing to Spurs 2-0. I can't think of one really positive thing to say, except for that Royston Drenthe played fairly well. Best (worst) of all is that my wife is a "fan" of Tottenham and proceeded to talk trash when I told her the result.
One of the greatest things about the Premier League is the stadiums, or grounds. And not just necessarily the actual stadiums, but for me the names are so interesting. In the age of corporate sponsorship, especially in America, it's so cool that Everton played at White Hart Lane, home of Tottenham Hotspur, today. This weekend they travel to Villa Park (home of Aston Villa). Throughout the course of the season, EFC will play at venues such as Old Trafford (Manchester United), Craven Cottage (Fulham), and St. James Park (Newcastle). Of course not even the world's game is immune to corporate greed, as evidenced by Reebok Stadium (Bolton). But for every Emirates (Arsenal) you have places such as Stadium of Light (Sunderland), Stamford Bridge (Chelsea), and Anfield (Liverpool) to make you feel like you have stepped back in time to a more comfortable place. And we have Goodison Park. Always Goodison Park. Up the Toffees.
One of the greatest things about the Premier League is the stadiums, or grounds. And not just necessarily the actual stadiums, but for me the names are so interesting. In the age of corporate sponsorship, especially in America, it's so cool that Everton played at White Hart Lane, home of Tottenham Hotspur, today. This weekend they travel to Villa Park (home of Aston Villa). Throughout the course of the season, EFC will play at venues such as Old Trafford (Manchester United), Craven Cottage (Fulham), and St. James Park (Newcastle). Of course not even the world's game is immune to corporate greed, as evidenced by Reebok Stadium (Bolton). But for every Emirates (Arsenal) you have places such as Stadium of Light (Sunderland), Stamford Bridge (Chelsea), and Anfield (Liverpool) to make you feel like you have stepped back in time to a more comfortable place. And we have Goodison Park. Always Goodison Park. Up the Toffees.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Tamworth - How Cool is the FA Cup?
Another match without an ideal way to follow. No TV or real internet, so Twitter is was. The EPL schedule was on a break this weekend for FA Cup matches all weekend. Everton hosted non-league side Tamworth in what could have been a shocking upset, but thankfully the Toffees came out on top 2-0 behind goals from Heitinga and Baines from the spot. The good news is that Landon Donovan assisted on the first goal.
The FA Cup is one of the greatest sporting events in the world. Over 600 or so teams start the competition around August, and over the course of the season the numbers are whittled down in each round. The unique part is that any team can enter. Literally. Any team (as long as they are members of the FA - Football Association). Some if these teams are so small and so far away from the EPL talent wise that it seems an impossibility to even share the same field. What this sets up is the possibility of a giant killer emerging at some point in the tournament. That point usually comes the weekend of the third round, where all the Premier League teams come into the draw. So that's how Everton ends up playing Tamworth, or Tottenham vs. Cheltenham Town. It's also how you get Manchester United facing top of the table rivals Manchester City. The true beauty of the Cup is the draw. Unlike the NCAA tournament or, God forbid, the BCS, anyone can play anyone, home or away. No seeding here. You play who comes out of the hat, and you try to beat them. So simple yet it can provide for such great moments. The fourth round is at the end of January, when 32 teams will remain, hoping for glory. How cool is that?
The FA Cup is one of the greatest sporting events in the world. Over 600 or so teams start the competition around August, and over the course of the season the numbers are whittled down in each round. The unique part is that any team can enter. Literally. Any team (as long as they are members of the FA - Football Association). Some if these teams are so small and so far away from the EPL talent wise that it seems an impossibility to even share the same field. What this sets up is the possibility of a giant killer emerging at some point in the tournament. That point usually comes the weekend of the third round, where all the Premier League teams come into the draw. So that's how Everton ends up playing Tamworth, or Tottenham vs. Cheltenham Town. It's also how you get Manchester United facing top of the table rivals Manchester City. The true beauty of the Cup is the draw. Unlike the NCAA tournament or, God forbid, the BCS, anyone can play anyone, home or away. No seeding here. You play who comes out of the hat, and you try to beat them. So simple yet it can provide for such great moments. The fourth round is at the end of January, when 32 teams will remain, hoping for glory. How cool is that?
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Bolton - From 100 Yards Out
It's not often you see a top level goalkeeper score; in fact it's only happened four other times in Premier League history. But that's what happened in a weird, windy contest today at Goodison Park, Everton's home. Unfortunately, Tim Howard's feat (foot?) was quickly forgotten as Bolton netted two goals after Everton went up 1-0, and the last place Wanderers took the contest 2-1. The loss spoiled American star Landon Donovan's return to the EPL and Everton.
Today's game was "watched" via a shoddy ESPN gamecast, some twitter updates, and a couple of texts with my Charlotte based Everton companion Durk. A year ago in March I was in DC for a fantasy baseball draft, and on the eve of the draft, we all went out to a tap room bar (which is very cool in of itself). By around midnight, Durk and I ended up somehow chatting about sports, then soccer, and then the Premier League. What happened next was part destiny and part pure drunken man love. We both realized we were Everton fans and went nuts. I can't really explain how random this is, but imagine two guys, one from way north in England, the other from the southern coast, who know each other through another friend, meeting at a pub, and late at night finding out they are both fans of the San Diego Padres. Not just fans mind you, but so obsessed and knowledgeable about the team that they argue about who bats where in the lineup, who should be the left handed relief specialist, and can recite every player on the roster. That's what Durk and I found in DC. Almost a year and approximately 1,000 texts later, he is the first person I contact when the Toffees play (and pretty much the only, but who's counting?). We share hope, for a goal scorer, happiness about Donovan coming back, and complete and utter frustration on a day like today.
And I absolutely love it. Thanks Durk, I'm glad we had those beers.
Today's game was "watched" via a shoddy ESPN gamecast, some twitter updates, and a couple of texts with my Charlotte based Everton companion Durk. A year ago in March I was in DC for a fantasy baseball draft, and on the eve of the draft, we all went out to a tap room bar (which is very cool in of itself). By around midnight, Durk and I ended up somehow chatting about sports, then soccer, and then the Premier League. What happened next was part destiny and part pure drunken man love. We both realized we were Everton fans and went nuts. I can't really explain how random this is, but imagine two guys, one from way north in England, the other from the southern coast, who know each other through another friend, meeting at a pub, and late at night finding out they are both fans of the San Diego Padres. Not just fans mind you, but so obsessed and knowledgeable about the team that they argue about who bats where in the lineup, who should be the left handed relief specialist, and can recite every player on the roster. That's what Durk and I found in DC. Almost a year and approximately 1,000 texts later, he is the first person I contact when the Toffees play (and pretty much the only, but who's counting?). We share hope, for a goal scorer, happiness about Donovan coming back, and complete and utter frustration on a day like today.
And I absolutely love it. Thanks Durk, I'm glad we had those beers.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
West Brom - First EPL goal of 2012!
A 7:30 AM start is early enough, but even more so on New Year's Day. For me it meant checking my iFooty app around 10 AM, waiting for the score to pop up, knowing, almost expecting, a disappointing result. Everton are notorious for playing poorly against the weaker teams and hanging tough when going up against the title contenders. This is something you figure out quickly when following the Toffees. So as my phone loaded the score, I had little hope. But then, Big Vic comes through! Everton 1 WBA 0, courtesy of (recently) little used power forward Victor Anchebe. In reading the twitter and EPL site recaps, it was an ugly contest, but three points is three points.
So it's on to another mid week test, this one against Bolton. The big news of course is Landon Donovan, US star, will be back in Blue for EFC, and almost certainly see lots of action. To be honest, Donovan and Tim Howard are two of the main reasons I love Everton. It's fun to support a team and your national players at the same time. Hopefully the Toffees can keep it rolling in 2012.
So it's on to another mid week test, this one against Bolton. The big news of course is Landon Donovan, US star, will be back in Blue for EFC, and almost certainly see lots of action. To be honest, Donovan and Tim Howard are two of the main reasons I love Everton. It's fun to support a team and your national players at the same time. Hopefully the Toffees can keep it rolling in 2012.
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