LeftSideofthePond
Player Valuation: Free Transfer
I've been drawn out of the masses by that fantastic Toffee effort, as I feel compelled, finally, to post a few observations about the Chelsea match and this team. I'm admittedly new to the Everton side, but between the feverish support of the fans and the history of the club, I feel confident I've picked the right Premiership team to support. I write for an American College Football website, so I'm used to writing recaps -- just not usually for this version of football.
As a Yankee and a new fan, forgive me if my musings are a bit myopic:
-Baines was head and shoulders the best player on our side. He seems to be the only player who can consistently swing the ball into the box. Had we any skill whatsoever coming forward, some of those balls today cold have been capitalized on. The free kick was a thing of beauty, and it nearly sent me to the floor, as I kicked my chair out from under me. He was a bit unlucky on the PK, but he should have done better there. That being said, what a left foot!
-Osman is terrible. I mean does anything else need to be said? Sure, he tries very hard, but you tell me, does he have Premier League talent? To my untrained eye, the answer is a resounding no.
-Howard had a monster game in goal. He pretty much singlehandedly kept his side in it during the first half. This team sends a shiver up my spine every time an opponent swings one into the box, and I'm afraid it would have been 2-0 at half without the heroics of Mr. Howard. Well done.
-Heitinga's bump onthat fairy boy Ashley Cole was not only completely awesome and hilarious, but it actually may have led to that horrendous kick. The shoulder bump was the cherry on top of an awesome effort and even better result and really should go down as a classic example of gamesmanship and swagger. I hope that attitude can spread and carry this team down the stretch within the league.
-How desperately does this team need Louis Saha back? Every game he misses it becomes more and more apparent how vital he is to any success this team will have moving forward. Vic has the touch and skill of a Rhinoceros, and Beckford leaves much to be desired. Please get healthy soon, King Louis. This team needs you!
-It is shocking to see just how much better elite teams are towards the front than this Everton team. As an outside observer, this seems to be the only major difference between our side and the better fourth of the league. It would be nice to see that area fortified, but as I'm unfortunately being made well aware, we are a team that doesn't love to spend.
-I continue to be amazed at how well Everton fans travel. Not only do you people show up in great numbers, but with great passion and fervor, to boot. This fan base deserves a team that not only plays hard, but also has the horses to bring Championship level play to Goodison. I hope the day isn't too far off where that vision becomes a reality.
As a Yankee and a new fan, forgive me if my musings are a bit myopic:
-Baines was head and shoulders the best player on our side. He seems to be the only player who can consistently swing the ball into the box. Had we any skill whatsoever coming forward, some of those balls today cold have been capitalized on. The free kick was a thing of beauty, and it nearly sent me to the floor, as I kicked my chair out from under me. He was a bit unlucky on the PK, but he should have done better there. That being said, what a left foot!
-Osman is terrible. I mean does anything else need to be said? Sure, he tries very hard, but you tell me, does he have Premier League talent? To my untrained eye, the answer is a resounding no.
-Howard had a monster game in goal. He pretty much singlehandedly kept his side in it during the first half. This team sends a shiver up my spine every time an opponent swings one into the box, and I'm afraid it would have been 2-0 at half without the heroics of Mr. Howard. Well done.
-Heitinga's bump onthat fairy boy Ashley Cole was not only completely awesome and hilarious, but it actually may have led to that horrendous kick. The shoulder bump was the cherry on top of an awesome effort and even better result and really should go down as a classic example of gamesmanship and swagger. I hope that attitude can spread and carry this team down the stretch within the league.
-How desperately does this team need Louis Saha back? Every game he misses it becomes more and more apparent how vital he is to any success this team will have moving forward. Vic has the touch and skill of a Rhinoceros, and Beckford leaves much to be desired. Please get healthy soon, King Louis. This team needs you!
-It is shocking to see just how much better elite teams are towards the front than this Everton team. As an outside observer, this seems to be the only major difference between our side and the better fourth of the league. It would be nice to see that area fortified, but as I'm unfortunately being made well aware, we are a team that doesn't love to spend.
-I continue to be amazed at how well Everton fans travel. Not only do you people show up in great numbers, but with great passion and fervor, to boot. This fan base deserves a team that not only plays hard, but also has the horses to bring Championship level play to Goodison. I hope the day isn't too far off where that vision becomes a reality.
