First return to a game since SA took over, and another 3 points. Playing a team at the bottom of the league with 12 pts and with only 10 goals surely this was a game we would see the blues play open expansive football.
Swansea lost their main goal threat after about 2 minutes so everything was set up of a goal fest of free flowing football to warm the crowd up on a cold foggy evening. What materialised was utter garbage. Very few passes found their target, limitless back-passes (nothing changed since RK’s days there) and the customary hoof towards a corner in the hope that someone would chase it.
With around 500 Swansea fans the only ones making any noise it really didn’t come as any real surprise when they took the lead. A set piece that was “defended” like a bunch of 5 year old left an old Everton target , Leroy Fer totally unmarked at the back post to thump the ball home. Still nothing from the home crowd.
As half time approached Arron Lennon went down in the box, too far for me to see but it looked a penalty all day long, the ref pointed and we were all happy. Rooney stepped up and the keeper made what looked like a good save, only for DLC to prod home the rebound. At last a cheer from the home crowd, which probably saved the players from a half time boo.
Gylfi produced the only real highlight of the game with a really well struck shot and goal.
This was followed by a trip on JJ, resulting in another penalty. It looked outside the box but who cares. Rooney fought off Gylfi and DLC and with a much better penalty the blues went 3-1 up.
Still nothing from the crowd.
In summary there were a few good performances, DLC and Lennon in particular deserve credit for their effort and attitude, but generally was a return to the Ronald days.
It should be difficult to criticise a manager when the team are unbeaten in 6 games and everyone knows my opinion on SA, and it appears I am not the only one.
Winning is important, but, to some supporters, it is not just about winning, it is about being Everton. It is about everything that is great about the club we love, and doing things the right way. For years, we travel in numbers through thick and thin, win, lose or draw, heads held high with pride.
Now we sit with heads drooped, embarrassed that we have this man in charge. He may have made some dodgy transfer dealings involving his son, he may also have taken some back-handers, he may not, everyone can make their own mind up, but his name will always be associated rightly or wrongly him being corrupt, and with his appointment, so will Everton. The FA realised this and he was quickly removed from his stint as international manger.
This is no longer our Everton, the club we love. The pride we have in our club and of calling ourselves Evertonians has been tarnished, perhaps for ever.
Never did I (or anyone who knows me) think I would no longer want to go to a game. His appointment brings a feeling of betrayal and after many years supporting this club it hurts.
A season ticket holder of over 30 years who normally goes home and away including Europe, had her ticket hidden by her son as she was going to return it to the club in protest. Coincidentally, this was also her first match since he took over.
Another claimed he would rather Everton be relegated and keep our dignity than have SA in charge. While I would never wish that on the club, it is evident this appointment is not been as well received as some claim.
Others openly stated their disgust, but like many other fans say there is nothing they can do, whilst trying to get rid of their WBA tickets as they can’t be bothered (their words not mine).
These are fans who spend thousands of pounds every season following Everton, do their opinions/feelings not count for anything?
Is it not ironic that SA’s last TV appearance (on Sunday night) showed him in possession of another “brown envelope”?
I don’t really want to, but I will be there on Saturday for the Chelsea game, and for the Man Utd game, however, I won’t be going to WBA.
As much as it hurts, travelling to “selected” home games is about as much as I can commit until we once again become a club I can be proud of.