Royal Blue Jersey
Player Valuation: £35m
Been hearing all season about how game x, y or z would have been 'definitely lost last season' (yet another pointless sticking-the-boot-in on our former manager; much like that frankly embarrassing 'Stuck with Moyes' song. Cringe) and all season I've been shaking my head at such misplaced speculation.
Today, that statement felt true to me for the first time. How many times have we crumbled away from home under a fierce home crowd and a pressing game? Distin & Coleman were all over the shop, Baines not much better, but we got through it.
Naismith changed the game, and McGeady did more in 2 minutes than Deulofeu managed in 60. The stick Naismith used to get looks ridiculous now... quite clearly never a winger, quite clearly never given a fair deal by our supporters. I was screaming for McGeady to come on (personally would've withdrew Lukaku and had Naismith upfront but was happy either way) and as usual, am rarely dissapointed by Martinez' substitutions. He made the correct ones at just about the right times; and today our squad won us the game. Mirallas who has been lukewarm all season scores a great goal, McGeady adds some superb touches (great assist) and Naismith was the match-winner.
All in all a fantastic win if not a performance. I think the confidence is just surging through the team an suppporters. I want a cauldron on Saturday. Goodison has, I feel, let down the team at times. We've been silent at others. In short, nowhere near good enough. It's really time to step up and play our part, and make it inhospitable for Arsenal. If we do, 4th might just be within reach.
P.S. Special mention to John Stones, who along with Howard was pretty much our only defence at times. The lad is pure class, and I can't find fault with his game. Pace, balance, intelligence, composure, technique, positioning, bravery, aeriel ability, decision-making... he's incredible. If he survives Jagielka's return to fitness - and he should - I don't think he'll drop out of the team again. He's very close to the first name on the team sheet.
Today, that statement felt true to me for the first time. How many times have we crumbled away from home under a fierce home crowd and a pressing game? Distin & Coleman were all over the shop, Baines not much better, but we got through it.
Naismith changed the game, and McGeady did more in 2 minutes than Deulofeu managed in 60. The stick Naismith used to get looks ridiculous now... quite clearly never a winger, quite clearly never given a fair deal by our supporters. I was screaming for McGeady to come on (personally would've withdrew Lukaku and had Naismith upfront but was happy either way) and as usual, am rarely dissapointed by Martinez' substitutions. He made the correct ones at just about the right times; and today our squad won us the game. Mirallas who has been lukewarm all season scores a great goal, McGeady adds some superb touches (great assist) and Naismith was the match-winner.
All in all a fantastic win if not a performance. I think the confidence is just surging through the team an suppporters. I want a cauldron on Saturday. Goodison has, I feel, let down the team at times. We've been silent at others. In short, nowhere near good enough. It's really time to step up and play our part, and make it inhospitable for Arsenal. If we do, 4th might just be within reach.
P.S. Special mention to John Stones, who along with Howard was pretty much our only defence at times. The lad is pure class, and I can't find fault with his game. Pace, balance, intelligence, composure, technique, positioning, bravery, aeriel ability, decision-making... he's incredible. If he survives Jagielka's return to fitness - and he should - I don't think he'll drop out of the team again. He's very close to the first name on the team sheet.
