St
Domingo's. He gives his views on the
game, Moyes, Martinez, the Baggies and much more. You can also find St Domingo's on
Twitter at
@StDomingos1878
Last season
was another good one for Everton, finishing in 6th place, ahead of arch-rivals
Liverpool, that must have been pretty pleasing?
Last season
was a typical season under David Moyes, the team played an exciting brand of
football, especially in the first half of the season but threw away too many
points by conceeding late goals. Unfortunately we fell short of our two main
targets, European football and finally ending a trophy drought which has lasted
18 years. It is always nice to finish ahead of the reds.
Highlight
of last season?
The first
two games of the season. We destroyed United in the opening match and then
outclassed Villa in the second. We were 3-0 up at half time at Villa Park and I
genuinly thought we had a team capable of challenging the top 4.
Low point
of last season?
Most
definitely the FA Cup quarter final defeat to Wigan. We were terrible from start
to finish and got exactly what we deserved. It was even more frustrating to then
see Wigan draw Millwall in the semi and go on to lift the cup.
Player of
last season?
Leighton
Baines without a shadow of doubt. The best left back in the Premier League, he
performs each and every week. He created more chances than any other player in
Europe last season and takes a mean free kick. He is also deadly from the
penalty spot, calm as you like. With Manchester United offering just £12 million
it makes most Evertonians sick. It really is an insulting amount and Moyes
should know better.
Villain of
last season?
I don't
like to be too critical of individuals, but a few of our international players
fell below their high standards. Jelavic dried up in front of goal, but looks
back on form in pre-season and Johnny Heitinga went from Player of the Year to
boo boy in less than 6 months.
Did David
Moyes leave with the best wishes of Everton fans considering where he has ended
up?
Just about
every Evertonian sent Moyesie off with their best wishes. The scenes on the
final home day of the season will live long in the memory. Very emotional and
truly deserved for a very dedicated Blue. Unfortunately that relationship has
already soured and I would expect a frosty reception when he returns. His
derisory offers for Baines and Fellaini have upset everyone from the Boardroom
to the terraces. I think in the long term he will be remembered affectionately
but it is hard to love anyone while they are manager of Manchester United.
Were you
happy with the choice of the club’s new manager and the big question… can
Roberto Martinez replicate Moyes’ success?
I was
delighted. For me there was only ever two names in contention, Martinez and
Vitor Peirrera who was with Porto at the time. Peirrera would have been a huge
gamble and having been fortunate to have met Martinez for a very brief 5 minutes
I can understand how Bill Kenwright was convinced to make the appointment. He
oozes charisma and knows football inside out. He is incredibly positive and in a
short space of time has transformed us into a good footballing side.
What have
the club’s transfer dealings been like this summer and are you happy with them?
Happy up to
now. If we can fend off interest in players and add a couple more loan signings
I would be delighted. Kone gives us options up front, Alcaraz depth at the back
(if he is ever fit), Joel had an excellent second half of last season at Wigan
and will provide genuine competition for Tim Howard. The most exciting of all is
Gerard Deulofeu who has signed on loan from
Barcelona. He is just 19 years old but is highly rated and expected to
star for Barcelona
and Spain for years to come. We have only seen a glimpse so far but he has
blistering pace and a good eye for goal.
How did the
club perform in pre-season?
We had a
good pre-season with mixed results. The level of opposition was exceptionally
high, but we acquitted ourselves well, especially when you consider the players
were developing a new playing style. Wins over Juventus, Real Betis, Blackburn
and Accrington were offset with narrow defeats to Real Madrid, Valencia and
Austria Vienna.
Player to
watch this season?
The cat is
already out of the bag on this one. At 19, Ross Barkley is ready to take the
Premier League by storm and he produced a man of the match performance on the
opening day at Norwich.
He has matured from the 17 year old given his debut by Moyes, but in Martinez he
has a manager who trusts him 100% and is playing him in his favoured position at
the peak of a midfield triangle.
Prediction
for Everton’s season?
Sixth again
and hopefully a stab at the cups.
Prediction
for Albion’s season?
Top 10. You
have become an established Premier League side but at the moment I am struggling
to see where the goals will come from now that Lukaku has returned to Chelsea.
Premier
League Champions?
Chelsea,
no stopping Jose.
Relegated?
Palace,
Hull and one other from a host of teams.
Prediction
for Saturday’s game?
I think Everton will win but it will be a close game. I would go 2-1 with the
Martinez factor playing a Huge part. Goodison is a difficult place to play and I
would expect an electric atmosphere, especially if Everton score early.
