'Follow the Jelavic road...' we all know how it starts, another convincing performance this weekend against Southampton proved we have still got it, whatever it is. Don't get me wrong, there were points in the game on Saturday where our passing rivalled any world champion (Messi, are you watching?) However, disappointment and frustration greeted Evertonians like an old friend last Tuesday night with what can only be described as a miserable attempt at turning up.
5000 loyal blues made the trek to Elland Road on a cold, wet, miserable night, and unfortunately not much improved after that.
Which begs the question: why can we not perform when it counts?
All Everton fans know that although we're sitting pretty in a Champions League spot, chances are we aren't going to end up there. Which is why me, and so many other fans despair when we see our beloved side crash out in the early rounds of a cup that we really should be challenging for?
Yes it's fantastic we've had our best start since the 2004/5 season, but we aren't a side that can contend with the top four (Kopites not included) our squad simply isn't big-or talented-enough.
We can complain about our money problems until we're blue in the face, but Moyes should be playing our strongest side for cup matches, yes, granted we were playing a championship side, but surely from past cup experience (Brentford anyone?) our best side should be played.
I completely understand Moyes' choice to play our new signings and younger players, but when we play without our 'big guns' Pienaar, Jelavic and Howard we simply aren't good enough to contend with anyone, never mind look like a cup winning side.
In the later stages of the transfer window, it was reported that we were looking for a goalkeeper; many fans questioned this decision-why do we need another goalkeeper when we have Howard?
Judging by Jan Mucha's less than inspiring performance- our back four didn't have a clue what to do without Howard's guidance- maybe it is time we looked for an alternative, and dare I say it, a replacement for our beloved American?
As A die hard Evertonian, I want nothing more than us to win silverware. (the last time we won anything I was two.) We've come painstakingly close in the last few years to clinching the F.A cup, and recently disappointment is a close friend.
Our nick-name as 'The nearly men' needs to stop, but by entering a team to play in the cup that lacked passion, drive and the desire to do well for the club, glory for Everton seems as far away as ever.
Not to sound pessimistic, I'm made up with our run in the league, but I think the only time we'll be considered as serious contenders for anything is by consistently having great runs in cup competitions, and even winning it (gasp!) and driving forward in the league for a Europa league place. Because I, like so many other Evertonians, want nothing more than to hear 'Everton, F.A cup winners 2013!'
Til next time, Toffee Girl.
