Everton are embarrassed at Anfield prompting significant calls for Roberto Martinez to be sacked.
Match Report via Groucho. The 226th Merseyside derby.
I’ve been spending all week hoping that the law of averages will catch up with this fixture, with our last away win there being 1999. Then I just remembered our 50 year Elland Road jinx.
I mean, five minutes before kick off I fully expected to even lose the coin toss, although when the team was announced the prospect of starting with two wingers pleased me.
No Jagielka meant that the evergreen Gareth Barry had the armband, and I have to say he looks like leader. Everton started reasonably brightly, albeit with a few iffy moments from Oviedo and Robles pulling off a great save.
In what began as quite an open game, Gareth Barry seemed to have knocked about 7 years off his actual age and played very very well, although Oviedo, out of portion in all fairness, was a major worry.
Robles continued his heroics throughout the first half but then, on the cusp of half time, with Oviedo clearly not comfortable at right back all first-half, we give away two easy goals. Why can’t we challenge? Why can’t we prevent crosses?
In a decision which suggested all our eggs are in the cup basket, or simply an injury, Mo Besic replaced Gareth Barry for the second half. Yes, we’ve the semi final at the weekend. However, as usual at Anfield, fate vomits all over us yet again. Funes Mori is sent off for a tremendous challenge. In another player-saving effort, Cleverley came in for Barkley, closely followed by the conceding of a third goal.
Were you looking forward to having a defence on Saturday? Never mind. Besic and McCarthy take over at CB as Pienaar replaces Stones.
Well, what do we expect with one actual defender in position? Fourth goal sails in on 77 minutes. To be fair McCarthy did ok at the back considering he’s a midfielder but this is hardly ideal is it?
I’ll let you decide your own opinion on the manager, however the players also need to look long and hard at themselves for the lack of effort tonight and lately. Has it been Martinez’ Middlesborough moment that Walter Smith had? Has the performance been akin to the Glen Keeley derby? Only time will tell. Fume away blues (but please remain within forum rules).
For me personally, he has to go – round about last week would’ve been great. If anyone from the club is reading this, please, this can’t continue.