There was one story from the game today and it wasn’t on the pitch. Regardless of any result, the 1878’s ensured that the fans had a day to remember. The group worked tirelessly all week in the stadium, with some help from club captain Seamus Coleman, and created a display that will go down in history.
On the pitch, Moyes could afford to experiment. With Carlos Alcaraz’ obligation to buy clause expired, the manager started the Argentinian, as well as Beto, keen to find his goalscoring boots once more. Jake O’Brien had another opportunity in his favourite position, and out of contract striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin was named on the bench as he returns to fitness. Dwight McNeil was fit enough to start.
Everton started the game with intent, keen to control proceedings. A couple of threatening corners from McNeil early-on gave the fans hope, especially after recent criticism of the blues failing to score from set pieces despite the aerial threat the squad posed. One of those threats – Beto – got himself on the scoresheet, after Vitalyi Mykolenko’s blocked cross was picked up from Alcaraz, who found Beto with a pinpoint cross in to the box. Few defenders handle the forward when he’s firing, and he thrusted a header to the bottom corner, giving fans hope of a result to match the occasion. Everton target Liam Delap, who was pictured interacting with fans after the game, wanted to leave his mark, and scuffled with O’Brien. Both got booked, and Delap was perhaps fortunate not to be sent off after another collision with Jarrad Branthwaite shortly after. The toffees ended the half strongly, with a trademark ‘paintbrush’ finish from McNeil. He found himself in space on the edge of the box on the right and had one thought. The ball swerved to the opposite corner, leaving the hapless goalkeeper stranded. Everton looked comfortable, and so did the fans, until Ipswich attacker Julio Enciso’s special effort halved the deficit. The Paraguayan rifled a shot in the top corner from 30 yards, and was rightly applauded by Jordan Pickford. This wasn’t the crowd’s first rodeo, and they sensed what was coming.
The goal before the half changed the momentum, and Ipswich began the second half with confidence, but Everton were still dominant. A goal was needed to kill the game, with Illiman Ndiaye, Alcaraz and McNeil looking most likely to create a chance. The latter sent a delicate cross towards the back post, only for the goalkeeper to claw the ball away for a corner. The winger was enjoying his afternoon, and reminded the fans of his quality on the ball.
Goodison is synonymous for many things, some good, but some bad. One thing that won’t be missed is the sense of impending doom the ground generates. Of course, its the players on the pitch who controls the destiny. However, I’m sure if you spoke to the match-going faithful, they would tell you that Everton is cursed. Before today, three times the blues gave away a 2-0 lead this season, and George Hirst made it four. After good work from Omari Hutchinson down the right, his deflected cross was nodded in, confirming the crowd’s theories. In reality, it wasn’t anything but the players lacking a cutting edge to secure a win.
Two-nil, and you f***** it up chanted the away supporters, and they were right. Yet, as mentioned, today wasn’t about what was happening on the pitch. The sheer emotion in the stands was proof that Everton fans remain unmatched, no matter what unfolds in front of them.
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