CAPTAIN'S NOTES
We come into this game on the back of two successive wins and a couple of clean sheets. Monday’s win at Old Trafford against Manchester United was particularly pleasing for us on a number of levels. First and foremost was the fact we came away with all three points after playing most of the game with 10 men.
And I’ll address that incident first. Idrissa should not have reacted in the manner he did but he was man enough to face the squad after the match and hold his hands up. His apology was heartfelt and was immediately accepted. He’s been brilliant for us this season and he will be missed while he’s out. And all credit to
Michael Keane, too. The incident could easily have affected him, but he went on to give another outstanding performance.
I actually agreed with what the manager said after the game about there being no harm in players pointing the finger at each other or having a go about something, but obviously it needs to be channelled correctly.
Thankfully, it didn’t cost us the game and the incident was quickly forgotten about.
On a personal level, I was disappointed to come off so early in the game, especially after playing in some high-intensity international matches with no adverse reaction. To leave the field at Old Trafford was tough to take, but that’s football and it can happen.
I was just absolutely delighted the lads dug in and got the win we deserved. As well as defending superbly, I thought we played some really good football and it was a great night for us all. I was so pleased for our travelling fans who really made themselves heard, which is no mean feat when you play Manchester United away.
The Fulham game wasn’t without its incidents, either. I don’t recall playing in a match that saw one team have three goals disallowed. The frustration could have thrown us off balance a bit, but our game management was first-class and it was another deserved three points.
I enjoyed a really good night at the Everton in the Community Blue Base recently in the company of Snods and Diamond! We were part of a fundraising evening and it was great to spend time with them and the supporters who turned up to see us. We are all very proud of the work that Everton in the Community does and it’s so important to make sure facilities like the Blue Base continue to thrive. Snods and Diamond told some great stories and I certainly learned a bit more about what life was like at Everton in the ’80s and the ’90s!
This evening’s game will be another tough one. Newcastle’s Premier League season might not have started in the way they either wanted or expected, but they’ve shown they can be more than a match for any team. We’ll need to be at it again from the first whistle and play with the same intensity we did at Old Trafford.
Enjoy the game.
Seamus