Everton's season over if Arteta's no better?
Posted by Ian Marshall's Double in Everton | 14 April 2006
it's bad luck to be superstitious. Andrew Mathis
So probably in terms of their merit our least favourite opponents in recent times. We've contrived to find loads of ways of avoiding beating Spurs in the past, and this time they are really quite a decent side.
Add in the fact that one-time Everton target Robbie Keane is in great form and just loves a goal against the Blues. Chuck in the fact that our most creative player is out injured and it's looking a bit grim really. Anyway, things could be worse, we could have Dickov and Jeffers up front!?
That said we really need a gritty display today to avoid this season dissipating into nothing. Lose today and at Chelsea, and 13-15th place looks likely, which would be a waste of the good run we've had after Xmas.
Last time Spurs came to Goodison at Easter a depleted Everton gave them a proper do-ing, with the fleet of foot McFadden and Radzinski giving the lumbering Docherty and Gardner the run-a-round. With the pretty impressive Dawson missing for them today, we need to take advantage of any defensive frailties. The Blues need to get stuck in from the off, reminiscent of the way we played against Arsenal, when Cesc 'isn't everyone getting a bit carried away' Fabregas, got a taste of proper English footy. Today we need Carsley and Cahill letting the likes of Carrick and Jenas know they've been in a game.
Last season game was one if THE most annoying at Goodison, with Everton totally dominant, failing to score and eventually losing 1-0. Proof, if it were needed, that we are indeed cursed against Spurs. It was also memorable for a horrendous tackle on Tim Cahill by Jamie 'even I don't believe he's my real dad' Redknapp. This was made all the more ironic by the fact that he didn't put a meaningful tackle in on several derby days visit when he played for the RS. 'I ain't that koind of playa' bleated Jamie afterwards. Well you were for that split second, you horrible bastard.
That's all for now, fingers crossed we'll turn them over today and then avoid the inevitable 4-1 defeat at Chelsea.
Comments
I fear the worst. With no midfield creativity we aren't going to win many more. I'm desperately trying to think of someone who could take Arteta's mantle.
Andy Pandy needs to step up and create some goals. We need to finish top half to keep up some kind of momentum.
By the way. Was it the highlights or did Ricky Wrong play well?