bluekipper.com - Everton v Metalist - Match Report - 2007/2008

Everton: Wessels, Baines, Yobo, Lescott, Hibbert, Carsley, Osman, Neville, McFadden, Johnson, Yakubu

Bench: Ruudy, Stubbs, Jagielka (Carsley), Valente, Jutkiewicz, Anichebe

(Yakubu), Vidarrsson

It’s been a long two years since the nightmare in Bucharest, and even longer since the Rat lifted our one and only European honour back in 1985. Last night the Blues started on the long protracted road to the European outpost that is Manchester, and as ever have given them selves an uphill battle to progress to the next stage.

You knew it was going to be a night of incident and mayhem when the kick off was delayed for half an hour as thousands, and I mean thousands of fans queued for their tickets. We were told of postage problem causing tickets not being delivered to their destinations, or did the Blues just use the Pony Express to send them. After the final whistle the ticket fiasco was the last of our problems as once again were Europe is concerned Everton have everything to do.

The Manager had no Mikky, Tim Howard or the Grav to call on, but man of the moment in the eyes of the Scots, Jimmy Mac was recalled to the starting eleven. Goodison was packed by kick off time, and don’t you just love games under the lights, it adds a special buzz for me, and for the neutral, the game certainly did not disappoint.

The Mentalist’s were on the back foot from the off, as Moyesy deployed a 4-3-3 formation, with thoughts of putting the tie out of sight at Goodison. It was however the visitors who had the best chance of the early despatches when a thirty yarder was superbly tipped over the bar by our James Blunt look a like deputising for Tim Howard.

The Blues eventually stamped their mark on the game, as our chances came thick and fast. Jimmy Mac, Ossie, and AJ all looked lively. A flurry of Everton corners came, and Faddy with one of them picked out Roger who took great pleasure in banging his header into the Mentalists net. One nil to the lads and on possession alone, it was nothing more than we deserved. The Ukrainians seemed not to be phased by Everton’s early goal. They looked calm and assured on the ball, with some slick pass and move football, which at times opened up the Blues. Kepler who was always on his toes was called upon on several occasions to cut the danger out, which he did in some style. He looks more than an able deputy to Tim, and a shrewd signing by Moyesy.

The Blues came back at the Mentalists, Yakuba and AJ should have done better with efforts at the oppositions net, and right on the stroke of half time Ossie fired in a beauty of a cross to which Roger could not direct his header goal bound. The half time break came, and in our unusual spot in the Lower Bullens, which is more suited to the Jimmy Krankie’s of this world, we ventured off for some light refreshments.

Half Time: EVERTON 1 FC Metalist Kharkiv 0

Everton were chasing shadows in the early stages of the second period as the Mentalists passing game was causing our three-man midfield some problems. Moyesy needed a change and once again it was Yakuba who made way for Big Vic. If the Yak carries on giving these ineffectual displays it won’t be long before Big Vic is starting more games than he comes on for, and once he entered the pitch, the game instantly upped its tempo.

As Everton pressed, Roger was yanked down in the area and the Austrian ref pointed to the spot. AJ stepped up after one of the Mentalists got his marching orders for mouthing off. What is fuck in Ukrainian I would love to know, but obviously the Austrian ref knows what it means as off went one of the Mentalists. Goal at last for AJ, as he blasted his spot kick into the centre off the net. Hang on a mo, the fussy Austrian had seen an encroachment, and insisted the spot kick was re taken, shit we thought as the keeper did what we expected and saved the second penalty. Worse was to come as the Ukrainians broke free down the left and cut inside to level up the scores. Roger and Hibbo were left wanting, and once again questions need to be asked of our defending as at least five Blue shirts were in our area, as their boy banged his mis-hit shot into the Park End net.

It was all Everton after that, the Alamo was an understatement. Big Vic went close, as did Joey Yobo and AJ again. With minutes to go, The Blues were awarded another penalty as Big Vic was bundled to the deck. Another sending off came as a consequence, as AJ unfazed by his first miss, stepped up to the plate again. This time he fired over, Chris Waddle style, no doubt the pizza companies are queuing for his signature already. Yes it was one of those nights, Faddy banged one in, and once again the keeper was good for the save. Joey had one disallowed as Big Vic was adjudged to have fouled the keeper.

The ref blew, some of us booed, maybe more at the ref than at Everton’s exertions on this passion filled evening. One thing is for sure we need to go to the Ukraine and score, otherwise our Euro Tour of 2007 is once again over before it really got going. The Mentalists were no pushovers, a solid side, but one we have the measure off. We have the players, the tradition and with 3000 plus of us travelling over they’re the fans also to see us through. Starman goes to Stefan ‘Kepler’ Wessels, who saves in the first half may be crucial come, the return leg in October.
As you know, the Toffee men they never let you down!!

Full Time: EVERTON 1 FC Metalist Kharkiv 1

One Nil

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Fan's Match Report

New exciting chapter, same old story. Report By Mike Connolly

With the injuries Moyes had, many seemed to applaud his brave 4-3-3 formation. Within minutes though, it would seem that only Moyes was blind to the fact that it wasn't gonna work. Mcfadden on the right hand side for a start made no sense, and yakubu didn't have a clue on the right and his head quickly went down and never got back up. AT the back Wessels continues to impress and had to pull off a spectacular save from a long range shot to keep Everton at 0-0. If he keeps playing like he is Howard's place in the starting line up is by no means assured. Big Joleon then headed the Blues into the lead from a clever cross from Jimmy Mac. That goal apart, the blues performance was disjointed with no creativity and it just shows what a poor team we can be if we are without Arteta. It left people crying out for Van Der Meyde cos at least you get five minutes of creativity from him before he needs a pint.

Moyes went 4-4-2 in second half with McFadden on the left and the energetic Osman on the right. Then came the controversy, Everton were given a penalty and the big Russian defender was given his marching orders. AJ steps us and lashes the ball into the roof of the net to mass relief from the Goodison fans. The weird ref then blows us claiming Jimmy Mac had encroached upon the penalty box. Anyone else could see that there were 3 Russian players in the box and also the keeper was 6 yards off his line, surely that rules out McFadden. So AJ re spots the ball and slots it into he corner of the goal to see the goalkeeper palm the ball away.

Anichebe came on for the ineffective Yakubu and many where left wondering why Jagielka wasn't on, but as usual with Davey Moyes something bad has to happen first and it did. Metalist robbed the ball inside the Everton half and strung some nice little passes together before slotting the ball past a helpless Wessels.

The Jags came on and won nearly everything he went for. Everton where denied another penalty when Anichebe seemed to be fouled about three times by one player but the ref just wasn't interested. Cue a Victor hissy fit, for which he received a yellow card. Then all hell breaks lose when AJ gets another chance from the spot after Victor is hacked down again and the ref awarded the penalty and sent off another defender. AJ stepped up and Beckham'd it way over the bar and nearly killed someone in the Gwladys Street Upper tier.

Chance after chance as usual went begging and Everton now face a ridiculously awkward trip to the Ukraine. Moyesy's naivety again was shown up for Everton. He didn't have a leader on the pitch in defense and while Yobo and Lescott are undoubtedly talented, neither is a leader and that led to a number of chances for the opposition. No creativity in midfield, and he seems to have purchased the most lazy person in the planet for 11 million quid. Wessels was solid and had no chance with the goal. Hibbert was awful again. Why can he not pass the ball 3 yards and is only competent tackling someone once they have gone past him. Baines was a credit to himself once again. Head and shoulders above the rest and looked our most creative and dangerous player. Lescott did well for the goal but at times he and Yobo look very shaky together.

Yobo had a decent game again but lack of concentration and positioning could be blamed for the goal. Osman worked his socks off showed some good touches, but still to lightweight and lacks that bit of quality. Neville didn't stop working but is wasn't a great night for Phil. Distribution let him down but few will complain about his commitment. Carsley had off night also not helped by Moyes tactics but should have done better with many passes. Jimmy Mac tried his hardest and tried to fill the creative void left by Arteta. Didn't manage it but ran well and gave it a go. Johnson what can u say? He runs his socks off and then misses two of the biggest penalties of his life. Yakubu needs to get his finger out and fast. He is strong but looks lazy and just happy to play or not. There were even shout of bring back Beattie.

Jags and Victor did ok when they came on. Both won nearly everything and both should have been on much earlier if not starting. If we play like that against Villa at the weekend it will be the most embarrassing defeat of Everton's history. Surely things can only get better, can't they? Mike Connolly

Quotes After The Game

Moyesy says: "It was the first penalty decision but if he has given an infringement for the first penalty for people entering the box then he has got to give it for the second one. But for the first one there were actually more Metalist players in the penalty area than Everton players so to punish us seemed harsh. So instead of going 2-0 up and them down to 10 men and us thinking we were in a good position to go on and get a third goal we don't score and we find ourselves losing a really sloppy goal that puts us under a lot of pressure in the tie. I am sure Andy wanted to correct the first penalty. Of the players on the field, Andy was the designated penalty kick taker and it looked to me that he was keen to correct his mistake from the first miss so you have to applaud him for doing that. But in the end, in hindsight it looks a bad decision."

Off The Ball

* When the portly Metalist physio was walking past the Gwlady's street faithful, and we all stood up and chanted "Rooney, Rooney" ...priceless.

* Where are the corporate punters? A whole section by the Directors Box was empty. Note to Bully, fill the seats, drop the prices. Some money in is better than no money in. (21/09/07)

* As of 3.00pm today there was only 1500 tickets left. Everton have had to open parts of the away section for the home fans, as the Ukrainians have not taken up their full allocation. Sell Out! Get down to Goodison! (19/09/07)

Scores On The Doors

* 3-0 win for Everton. The crowd will be up for it from the start and AJ will break his duck with a hat-trick. Spenner

* Tommy Gravesen to be man of the match and Everton to win 2-0. Goals from The Yak, Arteta and AJ. Billybob.

What The Fans Thought

* Why should I be surprised! Moyes picks a League 2 Right Back yet again, a midfield lacking any ounce of flair or creativity (marshaled by a very average skipper who should be at right back or on the bench), and then wonders why we get no decent service to either of our strikers - one a 'headless chicken' lacking any confidence at present and the other a 'lumbering lump on a course of sedatives' (reminded me of that recent Dr Who episode when those statues only moved when you couldn't see them!) . Don't blame the ref on this occasion - we had our chances from him and blew them. Don't pick on AJ, please (don't let him go the way of Biffa) but at the same time, don't feel sorry for him either! Why was he allowed to take the 2nd, yet alone the 3rd! Will Arteta and the Grave pull us out of this one in a fortnight? It's a long-shot! Will Tim ever return? I wonder what being in the group stage of a Euro competition is actually like? Will I find out in my lifetime?" Paddock Boy

* What the fuck is happening with our fans? No one likes to sing anymore the games are flat and lifeless from our 12th man. Kriss Brown

Everton Team News

Everton play their 50th game in all European competitions and have a few niggles to five players, so Moyesy will leave his selection until late on. AJ, Our Tater, Tim Howard, Tommy Grav and Ste Peanuts are all doubtful.

Moyesy says: "We have several doubts for the game injury-wise but the reason we have brought the likes of Steven Pienaar and Tommy Gravesen is because of their experience that they have had in Europe, and of course Yakubu has experience in Europe as well. Several of those names are a doubt and we may not have them so we will have to hope we can get through. I've not been able to make a decision today (Wednesday) so we will check on them before the game."

Ossie says: "I am not up on my European football but they won't be a soft touch. They have looked really good from what we have seen of them. We have had them watched and seen videos so they aren't unknown but tomorrow's game is about us. Yakubu has not only got experience but he is a really good player. It will be vital for players like him and Phil to show their experience and help us to get through the game."

Suasage's XI To Start: Wessels, Jagielka, Yobo, Lescott, Baines, Arteta, Carsley, Neville, Gravesen, Johnson, Yakubu.

Everton from: Howard, Wessels, Turner, Hibbert, Jagielka, Neville, Yobo, Lescott, Stubbs, Valente, Gravesen, Baines, Arteta, Osman, Pienaar, Carsley, McFadden, Johnson, Yakubu, Anichebe.

Tread Carefully

Ex Everton keeper Nigel Martyn see's no reason why the Blues can't produce a good run in this season's UEFA Cup, but he admits that the Blues will have be more clinical this time around. Nige who was part of the Blues Champions League adventure before his retirement is convinced that this season's Everton will do better thanthe Blues of 2005. Jesus I hope so !!

Nige says: "Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Tottenham have all done well in the Uefa Cup in recent years and the players that the manager has assembled certainly stand comparable to any of those teams. Provided silly mistakes are cut out, I’d be confident that Everton can do well. It’s just a shame that they go into the game on the back of a defeat; the goal conceded against Manchester United on Saturday wasn’t the greatest and the more you look at how Nemanja Vidic got free, the more it frustrates.

It is vitally important that Everton put their tie with Metalist Kharkiv to bed as soon as possible. It’s fantastic that the club is back competing at this level and, all being well, we will be in the Uefa Cup a bit longer than our last experience two years ago; nobody needs reminding about that torrid evening we suffered against Dinamo Bucharest. The huge disappointment we suffered in the Champions League qualifier with Villarreal seemed to have a knock-on effect for the early part of the campaign and we simply did not get going when we travelled to Romania.

Safe to say, then, that the manager will have the lads fully wound up for this meeting with Kharkiv; they may be something of an unknown to many supporters but you can rest assured that David Moyes will have done his homework and knows every little detail about the Ukrainians. Hopefully it will be one of those electrifying nights under the lights at Goodison Park and there is no doubt that the supporters will be up for it; the ideal scenario would be start off with a really big tempo and get a healthy early lead. A goal within the first 10 minutes would be terrific." (19/09/07)

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Lavo's Best Bet

About The Opposition

FC Metalist Kharkiv are a bit of an unknown quanity. They are currently 4th in the Ukranian league, haveing been beaten at home last weekend 3-0.

Mentalists from: Tlumak, Sydorenko, Selin, Babych, Gancarczyk, Mahdoufi, Bordian, Valyayev, Edmar de Lacerda Aparecida, Sliusar, Barilko, Postupalenko, Svitlychnyi, Obradovic, Danilau, Rykun, Gueye, Devic, Kostyuk, Kurilov, Nwoha, Davydov, Jakobia, Zeze, Antonov.

Info On Kharkiv If Like Us Loons You Are Going Out There

Match Reports 2007/2008

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