Crazy old season, eh? Terrible start; gloomy middle; sparking to life in the New Year, and nearly stopped in its tracks by a serious malfunction, before normal service was resumed. All the usual Evertonian drama and heartache then, with glimpses of real quality sprinkled in. The excellence of the last few months was on display again on Sunday, especially during the first half. The Geordie boys came to town needing a win to have a chance to get into the Champions League. All we had was the chance of claiming local bragging rights. Who’d want to win their own little war the most?

Overall, it was the Blues who looked more like the Champions League wannabees. All the Toffees’ goals involved the players who’ve made a massive difference to our performances since January. Little Steven Pienaar scored what at first looked like a classic dipping shot over Tim Krul but turns out was slightly fortuitous with a deflection off Williamson. His performance, though, was outstanding again. It may have been a bit harsh to drop Big Syl Distin but when you see Baines and Pienaar linking up like they do you’re looking at one of the best partnerships in the league. The Pien was all emotional afterwards, apparently. Pienaar in Royal Blue just works. It’s whether old twitchy chops will let him go from Spurs. The Blues need to be smart with whatever cash they have to secure his signature. We might have to sell someone to enable Moyesy to do some trading. Let’s hope it isn’t Bainesy. Young Leighton will probably understudy at the Euros and is still strangely under rated by a lot of your England media types. Unfair, but it may help us keep hold of him.

The second goal was a top striker’s finish by Jelavic. He did brilliant to control Heitinga’s precise long ball and get away a powerful shot. What made it a top finish was how he reacted to Krul’s save – he adjusted his feet and then snotted a right-footer into the net. Most Everton strikers of recent times would have fallen over whilst trying to adjust their footing. Jela loves to score and celebrate arms aloft – such a difference. Are we having that was another first-time finish? He only touched it once after Krul’s save…Who cares? It’s just great to even have that conversation, although the beer intake in the Park End was kicking in by this time.

Our third goal was created by Gibson – the lad goes under the radar with his simple and effective play – he was unlucky with a few near misses from long range himself and played in a lovely curling ball for our official Player of the Season. Nice way for Johnny to end the week and see himself off to the Euros. A great run to lose his marker and power it in. Johnny’s composure and organisation and strength – mental and physical – have been superb and it’s since he’s been at the centre of things we’ve picked up. He’s helped solidify our defence. Too often early in the season we’d be playing well but make one balls up at the back to allow some yard dog to score. We never had the ability to score one more than our opponents either.

The riot police we’re momentarily confused when Hibbo coolly slotted a header into the Park End net – passed a clearly limping Tim Howard. One departure this summer must be Jan Mucha. If Moyesy won’t bring him on when Howard’s left leg was giving him gip, he mustn’t rate him at all. Maybe the answer was to put Jags in goal and let Distin partner up with Johnny? Howard did well to drop on a couple of Newcastle chances although Hibbo steered his header to his bad side so giving the keeper little chance.

Newcastle stepped it up in the second half and looked more like the team who’ve had a great season – particularly when a lot of clever sods in the press had them as going down. Cisse probably should have scored very early in the second half when Howard dived too soon and left the goal gaping but he dragged his shot wide of the near post. Cisse, Ba and Ben Arfa all showed a few menacing touches and made Everton work hard to keep them out. The Geordies will have to settle for the Europa League then…and we’re as jealous as hell. They do still irritate – it’s in their genes – and their Thunderbird puppet-faced get of a manager is perfect for them. He was striding onto the pitch at the end – all the way over to the fracas as Cahill got his red card for trying to straighten out that nark Cabaye. Picking on ball boys is it? What Pardew thought he was doing isn’t clear. There didn’t look like a nine point gap between the teams in this one but Newcastle have earned their place with a couple of excellent winning runs. It’ll be interesting to see how they get on next season.

For the Blues, what we’ve got is the spine of a cracking team – include Fellaini alongside those we’ve already discussed. It’s all about whether we can keep that spine together…and even add to it. Since the pot we’re peeing into has a crack in it that’ll be a big challenge. Moyesy’s future is also unclear with only 12 months left on his contract. He’s acknowledged he’ll sit down with Uncle Bill in the next couple of weeks. The smoke signals coming from that may tell us a lot about what’s in store for the Blues. If Moyes is seen with a big titty lip it may be another depressing summer. This week though we should celebrate a good win against a decent Newcastle team and those local bragging rights. Still would’ve swapped places with them horrors if we’d won a cup and got into Europe. What do you reckon?

So can the non-existent curse of the Premier League Manager of the Year strike as Newcastle’s probably forlorn bid to get a Champos League spot comes to a close.  The (car) Toon army will be in Europe though, which is enough for any blue to give them a slightly envious look. 

More on them in a minute.

After the excellent win over Fulham, the last two away draws (in games we could have reasonably expected to win) have been a little bit of a disappointment.  Our season is meandering to a close with only the scant consolation of finishing above them to play for.  It is scant consolation, but would still mean a lot for most Evertonians.  Gone are the days when finishing above the Scarlett Might meant you were guaranteed to win the league (or even get a Champions League berth) but it would still be nice like.

All in all it’s turned out to be a good season for the Blues, with the team largely punching above their (financial) weight, most notably in the second half of the season.  The zenith (not in the data systems sense you understand) being Sunderland away and the consecutive home wins against City, Chelsea and Spurs. Three defeats against Liverpool, especially the last one, being the obvious nadir.  If you talk to ‘neutrals’ about the semi, they just don’t understand why Everton didn’t tear them a new one.  Maybe we don’t either but it certainly had a feeling of inevitability about it.

Of course the one team who have made more of their resources than Everton are tomorrow’s opponents.

The shiny suited Alan Pardew has been a surprise success story. When he was appointed it looked like a classic case of picking any old horse off the proverbial managers’ merry-go-round. Pards has the air of a used car salesman but certainly doesn’t appear to lack self-belief. The man who got in a bit of bother for using the term ‘raped’ to describe a tackle on MOTD2 has to be given credit for doing a great job. More that it’s with what looks like a workmanlike bunch of players with a smattering of top quality.

Oh you know that ‘raped’ comment. It was about a tackle by Essien wasn’t it? On a Man City player……And the City player concerned……….yup, you’ve got it……..one Chedwyn Evans, the very same.

Back to the action and a lot has been made of their scouting network and you have to say that Cisse, Cabaye and Ben Arfa look like excellent players.  The keeper Krul looks decent too, having been jettisoned into the limelight by a typically half-witted challenge by Jermaine Beckford on erstwhile bench-warmer Steve Harper on the last Geordie visit to Goodison.

Hughton’s Newcastle were excellent that day with the Nolan/Barton axis in midfield far too strong for Everton. They’ve (been) moved on now, presumably to earn more money but the change hasn’t done The Mags (as they are weirdly apparently affectionately called by Sunderland) any harm at all.

That said, there is no reason why Everton, who apart from the Arsenal game have been pretty tasty at home in 2012, can’t beat them.

Moyesy will have some interesting selection decisions to make with Baines (thought by many to be off to United), Gibson and Neville (cast off by United) all assumed to be available for selection.  Of those these, Leighton would seem the most likely, creating an interesting dilemma for the manager.  Despite his Wembley aberration, Distin deserves to maintain his place in the side against his former club, leaving natural justice to suggest that ‘star-pupil’ Jagielka should step down.  Don’t be too surprised if Big Syl gets thrown the fluorescent bib instead.

Midfield wise, Gibson’s unerring knack of making Fellaini play better could mean a return for him.  Whether Moyesy is prepared to cut ‘Assist King’ Hibbo in favour of Captain Phil seems less likely really.  I think we all know that tomorrow is the day that Tony will finally break his duck.  Spurs away cancelled because of a riot at the start of the season, Newcastle home abandoned because of one at the end.  Perfect.

A sell-out Goodison should be a good spectacle tomorrow, with the pressure off the home players and fans. A bit surreal the last day really. Maybe it was the Wimbledon/Coventry games but there’s a sense of the macabre about it. Beckford’s comedy goal (which would have made more real by The Benny Hill Show music coming out of Goodison’s surround sound speakers) was strange, as was Mike Riley’s determination to give van Nistelrooy a penalty one year, for nothing.

Big Dunc’s perfect send off was a little bit strange too – with ‘I’m not a super sub but struggle to last more than 20 mins’ Big Vic also scoring late.

There’s also a soul destroying defeat by Chelsea, possibly featuring an early vintage ‘dreaded up’ Danny Cad. Think it rained that day.

Anyway, Goodison’s been a significant place for Newcastle. They lost the 95 Cup Quarter there thanks to Big Dave Watson and what looked like a shocking miss from Ruel Fox. They were beaten by the Blues on Shearer’s debut – Big Dunc and one Gary Speed RIP conspicuous in that display. Old Mrs Poppins herself sustained a career changing injury in one of them pre-season tournies we used to have – probably about half an hour after most Blues had left the ground.

Was that the same day as we beat PSV? If it was, our victory featured the only bit of aforementioned Ruud’s UK based footage, a near miss at the Street End, repeated approximately 75,000 time by Sky Sports News. Approximately.

Anyway, this is turning into a bit of a ramble now – it’s been a long season for us all.

A few beers, a bit of sunshine and three points would do nicely tomorrow.

Is that really too much to ask? Course not, we’re Everton aren’t we?

The uninspiring midweek draw in the Potteries provided a few pointers going into our last away game of this season. The obvious one – and a reminder of our pre-Christmas form – we still struggle against big grock sides. We didn’t create clear chances for Jelavic and left him isolated at times – we had to rely on another Hibbo cross causing mayhem in the opposition penalty area for our goal. He’ll be claiming his assist bonus. We never got a proper chance to see if Anichebe could support Jelavic against Stoke’s dogs as Big Vic only lasted 20 minutes. He might be unlucky, and Stoke fans showed their lack of class for the way they gave him stick just for getting injured, but for such a big lad he’s as delicate as a china cup. He doesn’t like the super sub tag but until he gets himself fit enough to play well for a consistent run in the team, that’s all he’s ever going to be.

Darron Gibson’s unobtrusive work in the midfield was missed and Phil Neville’s steel and organisation might have helped when Stoke made three subs and scored almost straight away. Jags was able to get in his usual last-ditch deflection so Cameron Jerome’s shot definitely evaded Tim Howard. Magy Gueye had the misfortune to be a sub subbed. We’ve seen a bit of the lad now and Ian Marshall’s Matters doesn’t like to rush to judgement…but is he good enough? Whilst he wasn’t the only one to go missing at Wembley – there are players who’ve played over 300 games for the Blues who he shares that distinction with – is it just he’s a bit one dimensional? To get over the team of giants that is Stoke you need a bit of something different in your locker. Maybe he’s a slow burner like Leon? Wolves away could be just the game for the Frenchman but it’ll depend on injuries for him to get a look in.

Playing Wolves is like playing a weaker Stoke side. We’ve had a look at the real deal and should go into this one being confident we can dominate and stamp our authority on the game. The club are proudly celebrating the 25th anniversary of our last title which puts our current situation into perspective. Win our last two games and we’re guaranteed to finish seventh. No matter how small, it’d mean we finished above the cup finalists for only the second time in 25 years.

Your correspondent doesn’t know much about this year’s Cup Final but hopes that Carroll chance really did cross the line…tough titty. All it does is bring back memories of the semi  – it could’ve been us getting narrowly beaten by Chelsea…The Rent Boys visit the Tin Mine on Tuesday so fully expect their focus to be on the Champions League and hand over the three points. That makes a win at Wolves imperative if we want to all but secure seventh spot. Newcastle could be going full tilt for a top four spot at Goodison on the last day and will make it difficult for us.

It seems Baines is back training but unlikely to make this one so the back four should be unchanged – Distin to keep up his excellent form at left back. Late fitness tests will determine the blend in midfield. Whatever it is, we need to make sure we keep our passing and possession game together which has been such a huge part of our improved recent form – big game bottling it aside – which has all come together with the finishing of Jelavic. Nice little accolade for April’s player of the month. We need to keep the link with Jela – if Gibson is fit then Fellaini can continue his recent attacking threat – with Pienaar and Osman being able to support at will. Cahill may continue if Neville is still out.

Wolves will be desperate to finish off at home with a win for Terry Connor. He comes across as a really nice fella does TC. A bit of a rabbit in the headlights who was left to pick up the pieces as Wolves made a bollocks of getting rid of Mick McCarthy though. Hopefully, the main thing Everton’s Prozone analysis showed this week was how we should be able to play through Wolves’ defence and create plenty of chances for Jelavic. Wolves worked hard last week to earn a 4-4 draw at Swansea but they’re bottom of the table for a reason. Surely, they won’t be able to handle Hibbo’s crosses? No doubt.

Come on Blues Boys, let’s finish on a high.

We playing again, already?

Yes it seems. This is the rearranged fixture from the FA Cup semi finale defeat which is looking more and more out of character (frustrating ain’t it) for the resurgent Blues.

More on The Blues shortly but a couple of wider issues first.

Many Evertonians are a little uncomfortable with the idea of Man City winning the league but you have to give The Citizens a lot off credit after last night. They were they one team taking an attacking approach to winning the game and United seemed to have it all wrong. There’s not a lot to admire about the way City have done it (oil dosh) but they were pretty impressive when it mattered. And United may be stuck on 19 titles for a while now. But at least that is (last time we checked) exactly one more than eighteen. Are you happy that Everton played a part in their downfall?

Steven Pienaar ‘celebrated’ that particular point by ‘going through a red’ – not necessarily a bad thing – possibly invoking the three (or was it four?) second rule of traffic light use. During the court proceedings, the chair of the bench (so the kind of Big Vic role) pretty much said ‘Google it dickhead’ when the prosecution couldn’t access the God loving South African’s date of birth.

When Stoke annoyingly ground out a win at Goodison, Stevie P was the sort of player we were missing to help unlock a defence containing about 8 centre-backs – average height seven foot. He effectively assisted all four goals on Saturday and may well have been the missing ingredient at Wembley. Very strange that he couldn’t get on the bench for the Spurs team managed by everyone’s favourite illiterate.

Not that Blues are traditionally interested in England, but hats off to the FA in their apparent avoidance of ‘appy ‘arry. As soon as it seemed likely that he was wanted by England, Spurs rustled up a fat new contract and Redknapp signed it (well put an ‘X’ or thumbprint) so tough shit. Both got greedy and got what they deserved. Apparently, En-ger-land fans should purely be swayed by what a bunch of incestuous journos think. Oh and the fact that Woy couldn’t cut it at the Scarlett Might.

Enough. The aforementioned RS have Fulham at home tonight, so three points is a must for The Blues. Unless there are some injuries (Gibson maybe?) there seems little point in making changes to a team that looks imperious right now. We owe Stoke big time (01/01/2011 still sticks in the mind and throat) and despite wide admiration for Pulis, they are horrible opponents with their deliberate (and very early) time wasting.

Hopefully, the best Big Croat we know will keep his mad scoring run going and equal another record (equalling on William Ralph Dean.)

Take as many touches as you like Big Man.

Is it possible to have a routine 4-0 win?  Dunno, but if there is, this was it.

Weird all this really.  You get the feeling that if the season continued for another month we could overhaul the likes of Newcastle and Spurs and finish well up the league.  In mid-December, we’d have probably taken 40 points and 13^th place or something. 

Oh and the records are tumbling too.  We’ve scored four goals in three consecutive league games for the first time since 1964 and Jelavic, who looks better with every single game, has taken just 910 minutes to get his first 10 Everton league goals. This is the best in 100 years and means he’s third all-time behind Geary Southworth (yes, THAT Geary Southworth) and Tom Browell (kudos to @GavinBuckland1 for this factoid.)

He’s already shown that he’s our best striker since Lineker, best all-round striker since Sharp.

The Blues started brightly and the presence of Osman and Pienaar in the midfield now means that there are always a number of options for the man on the ball.  Gibson and Fellaini add further steel to this and the Blues ‘enjoyed’ more than 2/3rds of possession during the game.

It was Pienaar who tricked a Fulham player into a little push and the man who got done for speeding twice on the same street in the same week (not many Aston Martins around Cape Flats ay Steve?), went to ground (not in the avoiding arrest sense).

Jelavic, who was always going to hit it or he should’ve been in the box, drove an OK looking free-kick which hit Pogrebniak on the arm.  He appeared to be shielding his face.  There did used to be some playground rule around ‘self-defence’ if you were putting your hand up to protect your face? Anyways, it looked a soft one to the Park End doyens but Referee George O’Dowd was happy to point to the spot and despite protestations, led by former (shite) Blue and gormless looking Senderos, a peno was the right call.

There was no Baines so Nikica stepped up and drilled it, no bother.  And then he went a little bit bonkers afterwards too, which is nice to see.  He probably gets a goal bonus at Everton like, less likely at Rangers.

Fulham looked pretty handy in possession and are clearly a decent side but they were largely being overrun.  Two minutes later the Park Enders were nodding sagely to each other saying ‘that was!’ as Osman went down in the box for what looked like a definite penalty (or pelanty as Chris Waddle would say, his speech impediment caused by Turin trauma in 1990)

The Blues continue to pour forward and despite rather half-hearted doing the ‘two hands raised’ thing in preparation for delivering the corner, Piennar found Fellaini in the box and he headed in no problem. Damian Duff, one of the most tired looking players in football, gave some scant consideration to clearing it off the line and then decided against it, beaten by the ‘steepling bounce’ from the big man’s header.

Another enthusiastic goal celebration, this time possibly playing a ‘violin’?

Easy.

Then Fulham had a genuine chance.  Dempsey, who’d be a decent acquisition for The Blues, had a shot which Johnny could only deflect. Yankee Doodle teammate Howard arched his back and got as much of a hand on it as he could, taking it on to the bar.  From behind the play, it looked like Pogrebniak was about to head home into an empty net.  But no, the ball hit the bar and then went over.  As with his injury time effort in Manchester, a great save.

Not long after, Pienaar, who can claim an assist in all four goals really, sent Jelavic clear.  The Croat looked offside but no matter.  Schwarzer did the right thing by staying on his feet and forcing Jelavic wide.  Then, quick than you could shout ‘you greedy get’, Nikica slotted through the angular faced Aussie’s legs and it was 3-0.  Liked the pen, he drilled it.  Ace.

This was the first time he’d taken more than one touch in scoring for The Blues. So there.

The second half saw Tim Cahill replace Gibson.  How good a signing has he been so far?  Most of us groaned at the prospect of a 3^rd string United player (we do after all usually get 2^nd string) but he’s been great in a very understated way.  Hope he’s back for Tuesday.

Understandably, the second half was less compelling with only a few moments of note happening.  And as you can fully imagine, TH2 was at the heart of some of it, more on him in a minute.

The goal we got was a beauty, Pienaar yet again the creator, with a scoop over the back four, allowing the Blue Kangaroo to slide in and then start knocking the corner flag around.  Prefer that one to the handcuffs one really.

Fulham bought on Murphy for some comedy boos. He helped by insisting on playing a couple of one-twos with Riise, both of them former RS scorers at Goodison. 

We also got to see Ross Barkley again.  He looks like he’s bulked up a little bit, possibly borrowing Bily weights as he wasn’t prepared to pay baggage on them.  Apologies for the obscure reference but the avid Ian Marshall’s Matters reader will know that after signing for the Blues, the Russian winger was sent to ‘bulk up’ in the gym.  And how it paid off as he brushed aside all-comers.

Anyway, Ross looked handy in what appeared to be a ‘Number 10/in the hole’ type role.

Now for ‘assist-king’ Tony Hibbert.  After his creativity heroics at Old Trafford, some normality was resumed. There was a beautiful moment when Tony and Syl ‘exchanged’ ridiculously over-hit crosses at the Street end, each trying to outdo the other. We also saw his more delicate side as he ‘caressed’ a back-pass to Howard off the instep of his standing foot.  Superb.

Finally, he made a run forward which can only be described as ‘marauding’ in the last few minutes.  Or maybe surging.  Luckily, his team-mates, who have seen him play before, ignored him and gave the ball to the lads who can play.

So a great win towards the end of a season we didn’t want to start, then wanted to end and now don’t want to end.

Next up we have the pleasures of a Tuesday night in the Potteries next, it’d be great if we can keep the run going.  We owe them for the grim spectacle and defeat at Goodison in the dark days of 2011.

All clear Operation Goodison

An end of season affair normally doesn’t attract much attention, never mind have anything riding on it. Everton v Fulham has two in-form teams up against each other, ok we’ll discount the no-show at Wembley, but these two are close enough in the league to give it some meaning. It’s called being professional really, however, staying in that seventh spot would provide a little moral victory for the Blues. It’ll make the summer that bit easier to stomach when the speculation over Moyes and several of our players starts.

That end of season feel is creeping in already with talks of current players’ futures and even a few links to incoming players dominating the build up to the match. Diame at Wigan and more excitingly Clint Dempsey of Fulham have been mentioned. There’s sure to be plenty of interest in the Yank after the season he’s had. It’d be a coup for the Blues if he did come here – he’s such a Moyes-type: a hard-working Yank who can play in more than one role. Apparently, Denis and McFadden are playing for their Blues’ future over the remaining games of the season. They may not get much of a chance to shine in reality, although McFadden had a bright cameo at Old Trafford last Sunday. Getting someone like Dempsey would probably mean at least one of them would be released. One player we’d love to stay is little Steven Pienaar. It seems we haven’t begun formal talks yet and that’ll only be done after the season finishes. It’s clear he loves it here – and we love him – so that can only help. Spurs will want more than they paid for him due to the remaining length of his contract. That’s the first hurdle and any interest from other clubs to bid the price up could be our equivalent of Becher’s Brook. Let’s hope there’s an understanding between club and player to get a deal done and no issues over wages. Peanuts – not just his nickname but what he thought we offered him last year. Maybe that couple of hundred grand extra for finishing higher up the league could come in really handy.

The Fulham game could be a dual between the two fastest gun-fighters in the Premier League. Pavel Pogrebnyak has scored six goals from six shots on target this season. He’s looked decent since they brought him in. He’s a big unit and Heitinga and Jags will have their work cut out with him and Dempsey. Pavel’s figures are small fry compared to Jelavic’s – the Echo is quoting figures of 47 touches to net 44 goals for Rangers and Everton since May 2011 – and his last 27 have all been one-touch finishes. Louis Saha used to take that many touches inside the box. We played really well last Sunday knowing that we’ve got a player who can score from any angle. That header from Hibbo’s typical back post cross was brilliant. How did that get in and De Gea didn’t get anywhere near it.

A word on Hibbo – two assists at Old Trafford. Excellent. He has worked on his crossing and it has improved from where it was say five years ago. He deserves to get the praise he’s had this week. Not quite a riot, more of an earth tremor. He always gives it 100% and never flinches from getting stuck in – even if he is getting roasted and Moyesy has had to rescue him a couple of times (half time in the Cup Final being the most painful).

Baines and Rodwell are still out injured and Drenthe just seems out of it. That’s one deal unlikely to be done this Summer. Everton and crazy Dutch wingers – we just love them. It means there’s a chance the Blues will be unchanged for this one. Moyesy may change it up a bit as it’s a home game but the players will be buzzing after last week. Distin at left-back should get a sympathetic reception on our first return to Goodison since Wembley.

Fulham are on a decent run of their own and have kept it very tight in recent away games. That’s where Jelavic comes in…Pienaar, Osman and Fellaini have all slotted recently so there’s goals out there for us. A tight game is on the cards but if the Blues can get an earlyish goal then we can relax into some of our better football. It’ll make the game more memorable for the performance than just the Supporters’ Clubs flag parade before kick off…

So having taken the lead at Old Trafford, Everton shipped three goals either side of half-time to lose in all to familiar fashion. No wait, scratch that.

Having fought back twice to narrow United’s lead to just one goal, plucky Everton just missed out on a deserved point against the Champions. Nope sorry, start again.

After the gloom of Wembley, you never saw that coming, did ya?

Those of us who lived through the 80s would have found a point at OT a bit of a disappointment – The Blues won there as often as United blew big money on the latest big signing who was going to be the final piece in their expensive jigsaw. In fact, you’ll just have to believe us when we say this kids, United were very much the ‘LFC’ of the top flight back then.

Whichever way you look at yesterday’s game – The Toffees were pretty damn impressive.

The prospect of playing United is never a pleasant one really – doing so after a massive disappointment and when they’re homing in on a 20th title – worse still.

Team news wise, we knew that Baines was out and that Pienaar would definitely come in. Moyesy’s selection policy has become clearer recently (in a good way) and despite leaving so called ‘big four away goal specialist’ Tim Cahill on the bench – he got it spot on yesterday.

A word on Leighton. It’s great that he got in the PFA XI, despite having, according to many, a slightly inferior season to last time. Weird to reflect that he didn’t look like getting in the side at all when Lescott looked imperious at left back. Also interesting to note that this full-back ‘partner’ in the side very nearly signed for Everton – before The Blades got greedy and wanted us to take two players on (in an obscure link to the Premier Inn, Rhyl).

Anyway, Distin, as opposed to Neville or Hibbert, played left-back and despite last week’s howler and a ridiculous booking, kept Valencia as quiet as he’s been for a while.

Everton started really well, playing a short passing game with the very influential Pienaar and Fellaini looking really in the mood. The first chance fell to Jelavic, who shot relatively tamely at the poorly looking De Gea. First time effort from Nikica like, think he had seven goals from seven touches at start of play yesterday (9 from 9 at the end).

After a decent start, it seemed normal that United would score first and suddenly we’d be up against it – but wait, what’s this?

It takes a special player to have a football ‘trick’ named after them…….the Cruyff turn, the Suarez bite, that weird Blanco thing………….for the next, arise assist King Anthony James Hibbert. For season after season, in what appears to be over 300 games for Everton (despite not being first choice that much), Hibbo has mastered one skill above all others – the over hit cross.

He’s been clearing team-mates by miles for 10 seasons now, but yesterday’s ended up being a far post classic. He gave Jelavic loads to do but the best big Croatian we know scored with a superb, geometry-defying header. Brilliant, we just need to hold out until half time now.

Sadly, Tony’s fellow academy graduate Rooney scored with a good header (although it looks on further inspection like it hit him in the face). Frustratingly, the cross for the goal cleared Phil Neville by the official yet proverbial distance of ‘one cock hair’. Understated celebrations from little Wayne, none of that badge kissing shite for what was his first goal against The Blues at the Theatre.

Not for the first time recently, Everton began the second half slowly and in no time United were two ahead. The first one came with Pienaar on the deck and smacked of double standards from whatever that gurning ref’s called? Mike Jones. When Antonio Valencia and Craven Cottage statue lookalike Luis Nani made it three, game over. Typical Everton. McFadden (who kinda did OK) came on and the anti-Moyes brigade were in full flow. Understandably so. One Evertonian had actually appointed Martinez as his replacement at this stage.

A comeback seemed a ridiculous notion until Hibbo unleashed his ‘wand’ of a right foot and a surprisingly free Felli volleyed in expertly and did that weird goal celebration when he looks mad, like really mad (in the insane and angry senses of the word).

Then Rooney got one and the prospect of getting stuffed and seeing his first hat-trick against the Blues was a very realistic one. Oh and just to ram home the feeling that we were about to get gubbed Evra hit the post.

Somehow we scored again. Isn’t it just brilliant to have a proper centre forward? Saha and Yakubu have had spells of looking like the real deal but Jelavic looks great, just great. Once the ball fell to him, there was never any doubt. On the day Big Dunc’s big interview aired, quite fitting that another ex-Rangers man bagged a brace.

Then it all went a bit bonkers. Fellaini often looks less effective when he pushes forward, probably because he gets aimless long balls and isn’t that good a header of the ball. Yesterday, he was irresistible, outstanding and would not be denied. After tidy feet and a neat turn, he rolled a perfect pass in for Pienaar, who isn’t the best finisher, to slot. God it was great.

Tim Howard’s save from the (presumably webbed) foot of Ferdinand meant The Blues stood firm and survived Fergie time.

Heroic stuff from Everton and an excellent response from the players. Well done to all concerned.

In a week when many Blues wanted to bemoan the man in the Rovers Return – Woy’s Weturn meant that Everton unexpectedly extended their lead over the Scarlett Might. Great that.

The prospect of Fulham at home or even a rainy night in Stoke doesn’t seem quite so bad now.

OK we didn’t win but never felt more like singing the blues.

We’re on the march with Moyesy’s army…no, sorry, that was last week. Forget that one. The Blues’ trip to Old Trafford gives us another opportunity to play on a big stage and show what we can do.

What was so disappointing about last week was the conservative, risk-averse mindset as half time approached which became fatal as we couldn’t change gear in the second period. Maybe if Distin hadn’t made that error we could have held out. Maybe. It would have been hanging on by our fingertips. In the end we got what we deserved and have to take it straight on the chin. The league defeat at their place was almost more galling. The team selection that night has been done to death but consider the respective form of each team going into that game. That was surely a great opportunity to beat them at Anfield. Imagine if we had done? Surely, the players would have had more belief they could go on and make it 2-0 last week…

This is the one area of Moyesy’s reign – those defining games – mostly away from Goodison – where the Blues haven’t been able to rise to the occasion. This is the crux of it. Do the players have the mindset to win one of these? Rolling up at Old Trafford when United are going for the league doesn’t augur well. Our first Premier League game there was a classic 3-0 win but it’s been pretty grim ever since – one Duncan Ferguson inspired evening apart which nearly broke the pattern.

Moyesy will have a job on to get the players up for this one. The talk is of finishing the season strong and keeping above Liverpool. Scant consolation but it is something to hang onto. The first dilemma for Moyesy is – who is our stand-in left back? Bainesy has been such a reliable performer it’s not been something to consider since Lescott was here. A couple of younger likely candidates are out on loan so the options appear to be Distin, Neville or Hibbert. It could be ugly with Valencia bombing down the right wing so we’ll need a good left-side combination, assuming Pienaar slots straight back in. It is the type of game where Phil Neville’s strength of character will get him a start. It was notable several times in the second half last week he was giving it the windmill to urge his team mates on. Obviously, it didn’t work but he is a reliable performer in big games, but get him in at right back please Moyesy. Big Syl showed how big and honest he really is by holding his hand up straight after the semi. He’s been great all season and he deserves to play and his natural left-footedness (?) should see him move over and allow Jags in alongside Johnny Heitinga. It might be the type of game for some Jags style last-ditch defending. Hibbo always gives it 100% but it’s asking a lot to slot in at left back at Old Trafford.

The next dilemma for Moyesy is the midfield. Overall, it was poor last week. There were glimpses of good stuff, some stretches of nice passing, but no end product saw Brad Jones have far too easy a game. Darron ‘Gibbo’ Gibson wants to unleash one of his rockets – he’d love to slot one and show some of those Man United internet and twitter snides, who gave him a load of abuse, a thing or two. Him and Fellaini in the middle with Pienaar on the left should be definite. Where to play Leon? He’s at his best in the middle – pushing forward to support Jelavic. Traditionally this is the Cahill role but at what stage does Moyesy see Cahill as the cavalry coming on rather than starting? Who to play on the right if not Leon? Drenthe isn’t being considered – we might have seen the last of Royston Ricky which is a shame but he’s been trouble wherever he’s been at – and Coleman was poor last week. Fair play to him he also held his hand up for the rash challenge which led to the free kick which caused the late winner. Magy Gueye? Poor last week again – he didn’t seem able to cope with the pressure. On balance then, Moyesy will probably have Cahill in the middle with Leon on the right.

And Jelavic up front. A classic goal-poacher’s finish last week. If we can give him the chances he’ll slot. We need to have the conviction to get up and support him though.

Come on Blues – give us something to shout about. We’re fed up of having the hope kicked out of us. This one fits in with our preferred mindset – underdogs. A point would be good but when are we going to upset Sir Alex? The pressure’s off as every man and his dog expects us to get beat. Let’s hope Uncle Bill has tears of joy in Manchester this weekend, rather than the tears of sadness he’s had all week.

So the thing we all feared would happen, happened. And the very outcome we all hoped and craved for, was a possibility for a fleeting period of time, was abruptly snatched away by KKKing Kenny’s 57 million quid strike force.

More on that in a bit.

Wembley was great yesterday. it’s probably fair to say that most (if not all) football fans thought the idea of having semis at Wembley was a terrible idea. The thinking behind it (to pay for a ludicrously expensive stadium) is vile – the actually outcome is positive. For most Blues, this probably changed after the United semi after a great day was had by all.

Unlike the United fans, the LFC fans were in evidence early on Wembley way – with a 50:50 split in evidence. Speaking of 50:50, travellers to Wembley Park were greeted by those mad ‘half and half’ scarves. More incredible to report – some people actually bought and wore them. Unfathomable.

Anyway, the ‘GCGP’ approach (Get Cans, Get P1ssed) was working superbly for thousands of fans. Despite the surreal time (many of us only imbibe alcohol at 9am in an airport), a good atmosphere/vibe was slowly building.

There had been talk of ‘alcohol free zones’ or some such unenforceable stuff, but unlikely to happen,

Then – out of nowhere it seems – one copper decided to try to enforce it. He started to confiscate cans and explain that he may as well take any full ones as we ‘wouldn’t be able to take them in the ground’. No shit Chief O’Hara.

Anyway, just as he was going to make a massive scene (and a Police Academy error) one of his wiser colleagues had a quiet word and sanity was restored. We were looking at a ‘lone nut’.

The EFC/LFC rivalry is a complex, multi-headed, many-faceted, sometimes ugly beast, but it was no shock that the (danny) camaraderie was fine. For many Evertonians, the prospect of a minute’s silence was a worrying one. Would there be just one drunken tool, who’d blurt something out and concede the moral high ground. As it turns out, no problem, is was the proverbial ‘immaculately observed’ silence. And definitely went the full minute (felt like more).

Perversely, there’s nothing better than a sombre minute’s silence to build the atmosphere. The sheer explosion of volume (where there was previously none) is a pulse-racing moment.

Ian Marshall’s Matters vantage point was pretty good, behind the goal, so it was a decent spec. To provide any meaningful tactical insight would be pretty crass really (especially viewing through eyes pickled in lager and others). And there ain’t gonna be any tv highlights corroboration neither.

However, Liverpool started the game the brighter, looking more purposeful and confident. The Blues, who started with the expected line up, (our team from the game. The only selection debate being removed by Royston rumoured return to the Netherlands?) looked a little hesitant but still in the game. Suarez seemed to be diving around as per usual and getting free-kicks and players booked. More on him later.

Then the Blues started to play their game, confident in possession and just playing the ball around, imposing their will.

Then the goal.

We’d had an ok spell and everything seemed to stop in their area – and then Jelavic (who one wise evertonian sage pointed out only scores one touch finishes), rolled it in easily. And then.

Everybody just went MENTAL.

This wasn’t a ‘stranger hugging’ moment – it was a ‘stranger punching, slapping, shaking’ moment. Beautiful. After 15 seconds, quick look at the linesman – and then go bonkers some more. Whatever happened after that – so be it. It was still an exhilarating moment – made you glad to be alive.

Jela-Jelavic rang around the new Wembley and maybe, just maybe, this time is WAS our turn.

Nope.

The Jelavic goal will be remembered and reviewed in the same was as Lineker’s in ’86 – bitter sweet.

The game went a bit like that too.

We were fine up until half time but the second half would be the acid test – and the wembley litmus paper turned red not blue.

Everton probably did lack aggressive or offensive intent in the second half and the game plan looked clear – what we have we hold.

Carroll nearly scored (incident completely missed due to the morass of the ‘New’ Wembley toilets) at the start and we were looking OK when Big Syl made his error. He’s been colossal this season – his performances against Spurs and City, plus his display at Sunderland. He’s been a key player.

The mistake could happen to anyone. It let Suarez through on Howard. It didn’t have to be but that was the game – right there. Miss? We’d have thought we could withstand anything, that it was our day. He scored and the day was on it’s head.

The pressure intensified and Liverpool assumed control. The Blues manfully fought to repel them but criminally didn’t test Jones in their nets enough.

We were hanging on. The goal stemmed from a free-kick conceded by Seamus. Impossible to tell from the other end whether it was a rash challenge.
Anyway, (M)Andy Carroll headed in.

A lot of us have had fun at the Carroll thing and his transfer fee was a fucking joke. But anyone who saw him in Newcastle’s win at Goodison last season (?), would know he’s not a total mug. Still a very disappointing way to lose the game.

And we knew that was it.

4 minutes injury time passed without a whimper, they sang that song and half of them managed to hold their scarves the right way up. Well done you.

And unlike a cup final (where you should stay behind and salute the winners), you just get out of there. And out of their way.

Just a little bit on Suarez. Obviously he can play the game and was a total nuisance all day – but really, could/would we have a ‘hero’ like that? Would we accept the crimes against football, the racism, even the dentistry (those teeth are made for biting). Maybe we would. But just maybe we wouldn’t, we prefer our heroes a little more……..well…….heroic.

Blues will blame Kenwright, Moyes, Distin, Coleman, Baines and anyone else they can. And Howard Webb – who seemed a little too chummy with the reds. Perhaps an inferiority complex is exactly what Everton have. Still a great day to be a Blue though.

Wembley Way was like a massive reunion. Thousands and thousands getting re acquainted – time to spare and chew the ‘Everton fat’ rather than ambling up half way through Z cars.

Course there’s plenty of despair now and there’s loads of time to wallow in it. What might have been? We’ll dwell on that when we ‘look forward’ to the United game on here.

For the team, they should go out and give us that scant consolation of finishing above them. Turn up at Old Trafford for a change, Sweep aside Fulham, Wolves and Stoke. Test Newcastle’s credentials and beat them too.

Having looked like relegation fodder in December, the season has been unexpectedly good.

Don’t let it fizzle out, Fizzer.

Onward Evertonians.

How are you feeling? Tense? Nervous? This is the preview that doesn’t want to be written. It means thinking about the game…It’s got to the stage we’re it just needs to happen – let’s get into them Everton!!

For the players, it’s to be hoped they treat it as a normal match and don’t get overawed by the occasion and can play like they have done over the last few weeks. There is one game in that period which became a low watermark for Moyesy and the Blues this season and this one allows us to wipe that out and create a fresh memory to show what this group of players are all about. It’s not about being good enough to get to the semi, battle away only to be plucky losers and go home being patted on the head by our beloved neighbours. No way. This is a game to be won.

Let’s get a couple of things straight first off. Before the game it is about paying respect to those who died at Hillsborough 23 years ago. Some Blues get a bit twitchy over this as it makes it all about Liverpool, giving them a strong emotional reservoir to draw upon, naturally, due to the nature of what happened. Some Evertonians fear playing the bridesmaids again, like we have done at Wembley too many times before. We should remember Hillsborough is a family tragedy for all those wanting justice for their loved ones as well as a football and political scandal. There’s a great article from David Conn in The Guardian which sheds an interesting light on the role of South Yorkshire police. Let’s hope the real story of that day comes to light soon.

Right then, pay our respects and, as soon as the whistle blows, show our professionalism. It’s about being mentally strong and not crapping one when Stevie G gets on the ball. We’ve got some boss midfield players who can get stuck in and use the ball themselves. One personal plea from your correspondent though – less of the Stevie G baiting song. It’s not visibly affected him yet; seems to inspire him. We’ll brush over they’ve got Bruce Grobbelaar in goal and have sacked some knobhead upstairs for poor results rather than the Grand Wizard himself KKKenny. And are in a poor run of form even though they’ve spent a wedge of cash we can currently only dream about. Yes, they are favourites but this is all about us.

Back to that midfield – no fresh injuries permitting – it looks like Fellaini and Gibson will form the midfield anchor with Cahill darting forward as usual. Neon Leon – can we call him Salt n’ Pepper Leon yet? – will get a berth too and then it’s between Gueye or Drenthe, probably. We’ll miss Pienaar but those are the brakes. Ian Marshall’s Matters has already edged Magy lad ahead of Drenthe but it may depend on what Moyesy has seen in training this week. Who he thinks can handle the occasion. The one who doesn’t start will likely get a run out from the bench.

He rested him on Monday so it’s hoped Jelavic is raring to go. He’s made such a difference already and seems to inspire confidence in his team mates. He makes something of their end product. There’s always Big Denis and Victor to come off the bench. They’ve both offered us an alternative this calendar year.

The final debating point is who plays in defence – will it be Hibbo or Neville? Think we might have to save Hibbo’s screamer for another day, although it would eclipse anything ever if he banged in the winner…Imagine that…well, you must have had a tankful of ale already. Heitinga and Distin have been our tightest pairing this season so Moyesy must be ruthless and put any sentiment aside in the centre of defence.

If we can take the attitude and confidence from the Sunderland replay into this we surely have a great chance. The fans can play our part and inspire the Blue Boys. All the great games have that inspirational support to push the lads on – Sunderland is only the most recent.

The other variable is the referee. Moyesy has made some smart comments this week about Howard Webb. We know they like to feel the world is against them, which goes against every Evertonian grain known to man. A strong and fair ref would make a change from Gerrard and Carragher reffing as usual.

It’ll be a madly early start so – thanks for reading with your bleary eyes – come on you Blues. We Shall Not Be Moved. Not this time.