After my water breaking incident the day after an emphatic Welsh Cup Final I was advised to try and stay away from live matches which has sort of put me off taking my usual level of interest when I'm not able to see it in real life. However, today the hubby was home so I decided to tune in. I am not convinced in my fragile state that it was one of my best ideas but they do say something about once Everton has touched you....
So my verdict on the game? I am not sure I am with the majority of fans I have seen on Twitter who wish to see the back of Mr Martinez. So maybe I am being a big girl but I would be sad to see the back of him. He has brought us amazing players like Romelu and Gerard, who was outstanding today, team members I do not think would have come to Goodison Park if Mr Moyes was still at the helm. Let's not also forget about the fact we are in a semi-final of a cup I've felt so disappointed over many seasons that we never seem to be able to do anything with. Maybe the pressure of the cup game on Wednesday was more on our minds than a league game against a team we were all expecting to beat. But sadly the Welsh side needed and wanted the three points more. I am always frustrated when we play Swansea, although this was our first defeat against the side I have walked away from Goodison Park feeling defeated against the Swans on more than one occasion after nil nil draws that felt so unjust. I bet a lot of people felt like that today.
We must not forget today that we lost the fire and threat of a Mo Besic who has felt like he has torn up that midfield area, only 48 hours after my favourite Scot was sold to Norwich who I personally feel would have helped in that situation. Closely followed by Mirallas having to come off due to injury. I am not sure how many cards that left Roberto to use when we really needed it. Is it not a compliment to the team that he had the confidence in the team that we would beat a side we have never been beaten by? Everyone saw how much improved the ever lambasted Tim Howard had turned his game around in the City game, who would have envisaged him giving away a penalty today?
Am I being naive? Maybe I am but I just don't think we should do what other clubs do and shoot a bullet in Roberto's direction. Yes we need a new goalkeeper and as I've heard many an Evertonian say why does he keep playing him. But anyone that knows anything about Howard, especially those who have read his book will know he is not going to take Bob dropping him lying down. He is still our first team goalkeeper and I can't imagine him going to that dug out spot without a fight, he has given us a lot of good service which many an Evertonian needs to keep in mind.
But what do we do from here? With no Besic and Mirallas Wednesday's game is going to be a bit more of a challenge. With our away fans behind the team do I think we can seal the deal? I really hope so. I know I wasn't at the game today but I know how passionate we get as fans and you can feel it in the air when things aren't going well. It can't be an easy task to remain positive and calm with thousands of Evertonians breathing down your neck. We saw our Ross Barkley playing at his best when we got behind him, you could see the mistakes creeping back in for the first half but after the fans started to sing at the Gwaldys Street end you could see his crossing improved which then led to what I was expecting to see was a fine goal scoring opportunity.
I do feel rather like I have done nothing but defend my beloved Everton in this piece, but why wouldn't I? I was so disappointed to see us stoop to United fan behaviour booing the team at half time like the Old Trafford tourists did yesterday at full time. I am sure we are as frustrated as they are with our current performance but I am a firm believer that we are called supporters because we are there to show support. That does not come from booing our team. Rant over.
