We’re off to Goodison. We won’t be saying that again.
Villa and Everton is the most-played top-flight game in the country. Now that’s out of the way we can try and say something new about it.
As you’d expect, us and them have got a lot of history, with almost half of it taking place at Goodison. Tony Morley’s goal of the season, Kevin Richardson punching the ball off the line, Sir Graham’s farewell, Ashley Young’s late, late show and much, much more besides. It’s all happened up there and it’s a bit strange to think that this will be the last time we pay at Goodison as they’re moving to a big shiny identidome next season, just in time for a local derby with Wrexham.
Somehow, I can’t see Wednesday night’s match being an occasion full of lifetime memories, unless we score enough to go above Manchester City on goal difference. They’ll be welcoming back a manager who did well for them despite looking like the sort who’d be in an identity parade for a ne’erdowell who conned old ladies into handing over thousands to get their hedge trimmed. When he was there last time he didn’t win anything, or come all that close, but this is Everton and it’s all about perspective.
Their squad includes Ashley Young, who arrived on the scene at about the same time as decimalisation, Idrissa Gueye, one of Tim Sherwood’s right players at the wrong time, and Tim Iroegbunam. There isn’t a lot you can say about young Tim except an accountant was probably pleased when we sold him. We’ll have Jhon Duran back, a few out and a new signing watching, If that doesn’t get a few of the team moving nothing will.
We’ve been borderline appalling away this season and we can’t afford to drop many more points. So it’s a good job we won’t. Farewell Goodison and thanks for the win.