We went into today's fourth round tie with a lot more pressure on us than in the previous round. Overcoming Swansea was impressive; and the victory entailed an expectation from many that we could easily beat a team in a lesser position than the Swans.
Blackburn's star striker, Jordan Rhodes had travelled up to Middlesbrough amid a move to the North East, which came as a welcome relief to our defence.
This was to be George Baldock's final game for Oxford. The right-back has been recalled by parent club MK Dons to the misery of fans. He has been a revelation for us, I've seen some right-backs in my 12 years as season ticket holder, and he is the best so far, no question about it.
As the match got underway at a full house Kassam Stadium, something felt different. The fans were quieter than usual and the players looked somewhat subdued in the opening stages.
John Lundstram was marked from the off by Rovers' new signing, Tony Watt. The new signing from Celtic prevented the playmaker from spreading the play so successfully as in previous outings. A shrewd move from manager Paul Lambert, who's game plan was clear.
Up front, Jordan Bowery's home debut was miserable in the opening stages, he seemed to lack match fitness. The Rovers centre backs were, in fairness, pretty solid. Every aerial challenge was won and they quelled any Oxford attacks.
With the teams equally uninspiring, it was a foolish push by left-back Joe Skarz which prompted the first talking point of the match on half an hour. The push brought a penalty, which Blackburn's New Zealand international, Ben Marshall confidently dispatched.
You got the feeling that Oxford needed to act, and act quick. A period of frustration followed the penalty, before the debutant Watt scored to kill the tie just before half time. A curved shot from the corner of the box into the opposite bottom corner was the dreaded sucker punch.
It was a first half we hadn't seen this season. Blackburn had come here with a game-plan and for 45 minutes they'd executed it superbly. We would have been able to pass around teams in League Two, but today we looked devoid of finding that killer blow.
A penalty shout early in the second half was as good as it got for us. Bowery was thankfully taken off on the hour, replaced by Danny Hylton. Hylton also failed to make an impact, as he had for a few months, quite different to the workhorse at the start of the season whom terrorised defenders.
Kemar Roofe, our recent hero, was also on the peripheries today, showing maybe he can't cope with the physicality of the bigger boys.
Jake Wright's foul on Simeon Jackson on the edge of the area was debatable. What was also debatable was the wall's desire from the resulting free-kick. Marshall grabbed his second of the game bending the ball over the wall into the lower corner of the net. A jump from the wall would surely have prevented this goal from a set piece specialist.
That was game over for Oxford. It was also game over (for now) for Baldock's Oxford career. Appleton substituted him so he could get the standing ovation he deserved. Despite only being here a year, his playing style and attitude meant he was a fan favourite. It was a standing ovation rarely observed by fans at the Kassam, and as his 'wingman', Alex MacDonald hugged him off the pitch, there went a defender you felt was on to bigger and better things, yet disappointed to leave the U's.
The Full Time whistle meant there was to be no more 'we're going to win all three' chant (a personal favourite of mine). This cup run has been fantastic, today was my first ever experience of the FA Cup fourth round, and I may forget it quickly. But over the last few Cup games, Oxford United may have convinced a lot of part-time fans to maybe invest in Oxford's future.
That Swansea game will live long, very long in the memory.
We will put today behind us and hopefully make some important signings before the transfer window shuts on February 1st. Chris Maguire, who starred vs Swansea will hopefully return from Rotherham.
Onto the JPT area final second leg next vs Millwall.. Wembley is on the horizon!
-Michael
Saturday, 30 January 2016
Sunday, 17 January 2016
Oxford Utd 1-2 Bristol Rovers
Today marked my first league match of 2016. But it wasn't quite back to reality yet, as my Dad had won tickets for seats in a box, something that will be a welcome relief on this bitterly cold afternoon.
On arrival an hour before kick off, we had a buffet whilst watching Man Utd vs Liverpool. Lovely.
As we sit in our comfortable, cushioned seats you can't help but feel detached from the fans we are usually amongst with in the stands. Although the experience in a box for the game was enjoyable and warm, there's no chance of me swapping my North Stand season ticket for a box seat anytime soon.
From the early stages of the game it was clear we had played two matches in the last seven days against opponents in higher divisions. With little squad rotation in those days, the usually reliable core of the team looked understandably tiresome. Lundstram's passing was off, Baldock and MacDonald weren't combining so wonderfully as in recent times.
Chances were few and far between, but Lundstram came closest with a long-range effort that fizzed just past the joint.
Just after the break, still warm from all the free tea and coffee drunk at half time, Roofe put us in front. A low Lundstram cross from the edge of the area was turned in my the man of the moment. His fifth goal in seven days.
You got the feeling at Half Time that there would be only be the one decisive goal in this game, however, that was not to be the case.
Bristol Rovers hit back 15 minutes later as Joe Skarz was convincingly taken on, allowing a fierce cross to come in from the right. The cross was met by the head of Taylor, who finished low past the helpless Sam Slocombe.
The Rovers goal provoked a period of pressure from the away side. Oxford created a similar amount of chances, but the side from the West had a much stronger foothold in the game.
A penalty appeal for Oxford came and went before Rovers were awarded theirs. Easter burst through the defence and was deemed to have been tripped by Slocombe as the striker attempted to take the ball around him.
Harrison drilled the penalty home, and Bristol had the lead.
Oxford pushed on as they had all match, a drilled ball across the six yard box from Baldock was perfect, but none of the strikers gambled and the final chance of the game was gone.
On reflection, a draw would have been a fair result. Oxford definitely didn't deserve to lose the match, their attacks lacked the decisive end product, unlike in recent games.
The Yellows remain third in League Two, but with the pack closing behind them. Next week's match away to Portsmouth looks tricky, and is a game we cannot afford to lose. At this point, I'll take a draw, but with a well deserved week's rest for this team, who knows what could happen.
-Michael
On arrival an hour before kick off, we had a buffet whilst watching Man Utd vs Liverpool. Lovely.
As we sit in our comfortable, cushioned seats you can't help but feel detached from the fans we are usually amongst with in the stands. Although the experience in a box for the game was enjoyable and warm, there's no chance of me swapping my North Stand season ticket for a box seat anytime soon.
From the early stages of the game it was clear we had played two matches in the last seven days against opponents in higher divisions. With little squad rotation in those days, the usually reliable core of the team looked understandably tiresome. Lundstram's passing was off, Baldock and MacDonald weren't combining so wonderfully as in recent times.
Chances were few and far between, but Lundstram came closest with a long-range effort that fizzed just past the joint.
Just after the break, still warm from all the free tea and coffee drunk at half time, Roofe put us in front. A low Lundstram cross from the edge of the area was turned in my the man of the moment. His fifth goal in seven days.
You got the feeling at Half Time that there would be only be the one decisive goal in this game, however, that was not to be the case.
Bristol Rovers hit back 15 minutes later as Joe Skarz was convincingly taken on, allowing a fierce cross to come in from the right. The cross was met by the head of Taylor, who finished low past the helpless Sam Slocombe.
The Rovers goal provoked a period of pressure from the away side. Oxford created a similar amount of chances, but the side from the West had a much stronger foothold in the game.
A penalty appeal for Oxford came and went before Rovers were awarded theirs. Easter burst through the defence and was deemed to have been tripped by Slocombe as the striker attempted to take the ball around him.
Harrison drilled the penalty home, and Bristol had the lead.
Oxford pushed on as they had all match, a drilled ball across the six yard box from Baldock was perfect, but none of the strikers gambled and the final chance of the game was gone.
On reflection, a draw would have been a fair result. Oxford definitely didn't deserve to lose the match, their attacks lacked the decisive end product, unlike in recent games.
The Yellows remain third in League Two, but with the pack closing behind them. Next week's match away to Portsmouth looks tricky, and is a game we cannot afford to lose. At this point, I'll take a draw, but with a well deserved week's rest for this team, who knows what could happen.
-Michael
Saturday, 9 January 2016
FA Cup: Oxford Utd 3-2 Swansea City
In the run up to this fixture nothing but excitement filled the minds of Oxford United supporters. Long-term season ticket holder's such as my self are rarely treated to a cup run, let alone a third round draw against a Premier League team!
Arriving at the ground, the first thing we noticed was tighter security at the hotel we usually park at. Despite being permit holders to the car park we were told we didn't have access for today's game and would be clamped if we parked. We decided to ignore this threat, and duly parked up.
Swansea made 10 changes to the side that played their last Premier League game, with midfielder Jack Cork the only player keeping his place. The likes of Bafetimbi Gomis, Jonjo Shelvey and Jefferson Montero, all established high level players, were starting. With Alan Curtis officially appointed as Head Coach a matter of days ago, we knew the Swansea team would be out with a point to prove to their new manager.
As for Oxford, we have been in stuttering form of late, a fine comeback win away to Notts County last week has improved the feeling though. Key players maintaining their fitness is going to be key if we want to progress, and fortunately there were no injury concerns ahead of the Swansea game.
Instrumental players including Kemar Roofe, George Baldock and John Lundstram have been a breath of fresh air for The U's. With this trio fit, an upset was a definite possibility.
As the game got underway the atmosphere was electric. 'Rise like the Spirit of 86' was the tifo held up before the match in the East Stand, the players and fans alike were certainly rising to the occasion in the opening stages.
It was the home side who made the better start, with Oxford having more possession, similar to their league matches this season.
But Swansea took the lead with a superbly worked goal. Baldock had marked Swansea winger Montero very well all game, but the Ecuadorian showed his class for the opener. A long run down the left bamboozled the defence, and after exchanging passes with Marvin Emnes, Montero backheeled the ball past Sam Slocombe. A truly fantastic goal, one of the best I've ever seen at the Kassam.
The goal was undeserved, and Oxford continued as they started with controlled, patient play. Shelvey continued to look uninterested for Swansea, and hit long-range shots far and wide before Oxford got their equaliser.
Alex MacDonald turned past a lunging Kyle Bartley to earn Oxford a penalty. Oxford's recent form regarding penalties has been inconsistent to say the least. But Liam Sercombe fired the ball level in front of the Fence End to but the League Two side level.
Half time was greeted by a standing ovation from the home fans. A truly fantastic display, with the deserved goal at the end of it. I couldn't believe it.
After the break Oxford quickly capitalised on the momentum they gained before half time. Man of the moment, Kemar Roofe curled into the bottom right corner from the top left corner of the box. A finish that is becoming the youngster's trademark finish. After the game Kemar said he used to watch Thierry Henry finish similarly, and he always wanted to emulate his idol, he certainly had done today.
Suddenly the whole country were tuning in to a potential 'giant killing' on this cold Sunday afternoon. And Oxford continued to press! It was brilliant to watch, we were fearless, something I've never been able to say about us in all my years supporting the club.
As Swansea continued to press they forced a corner, a corner that Oxford broke away and scored their third from. Chris Maguire took the ball up the left side of the pitch before playing in Roofe who was in acres of space in the middle. The defender couldn't touch him, and he shot under the keeper, who got a touch to it, but the ball looped into the net. Cue pandemonium.
The next few seconds were a bit of a blur, but hugging my Dad is what I remember from the celebrations. A French chap who has never been to an Oxford game was sat next to me, "It's always this good" I told him.
The awareness from Maguire to pick out Roofe was terrific. A textbook breakaway goal. The stadium was bouncing.
Swansea hit back in the 66th minute through Gomis, the French international confidently finished across the keeper from a fantastic Jack Cork through ball. Swansea had just demonstrated the Premier League quality they possess and set up a truly tense final quarter of the match.
Oxford rode some sustained Swansea pressure for ten minutes, after which they pressed on and looked for a fourth. Substitute Patrick Hoban had a chance to play in Maguire, but opted to run for the corner flag instead, much to Maguire's disbelief.
And that was it! FULL TIME! We had beaten a Premier League side!
I suddenly had emotions of immense pride. You go through so much disappointment supporting a team in the lower divisions, but a day like today makes it all worth it. Our performance was superb, no one can deny that we were deserved winners. It was the best performance I've ever seen from an Oxford United side.
John Lundstram, Kemar Roofe, Chris Maguire, George Baldock and Liam Sercombe were the stand out performers. Such class from all five of them will surely have higher positioned teams circling in this January transfer window.
Hopefully those in the crowd who are usually part-time supporters of Oxford United will be tempted back in the future after today's entertainment.
We get back to our car and it isn't clamped which is a result.
The next day we are on the back page of every national newspaper - this sort of thing doesn't happen to us! I put every newspaper I can find at work in my bag and take them home to treasure.
Higher league opposition await us next, with a midweek trip to Millwall in the JPT area final.
What an exciting time to support Oxford United.
-Michael
Arriving at the ground, the first thing we noticed was tighter security at the hotel we usually park at. Despite being permit holders to the car park we were told we didn't have access for today's game and would be clamped if we parked. We decided to ignore this threat, and duly parked up.
Swansea made 10 changes to the side that played their last Premier League game, with midfielder Jack Cork the only player keeping his place. The likes of Bafetimbi Gomis, Jonjo Shelvey and Jefferson Montero, all established high level players, were starting. With Alan Curtis officially appointed as Head Coach a matter of days ago, we knew the Swansea team would be out with a point to prove to their new manager.
As for Oxford, we have been in stuttering form of late, a fine comeback win away to Notts County last week has improved the feeling though. Key players maintaining their fitness is going to be key if we want to progress, and fortunately there were no injury concerns ahead of the Swansea game.
Instrumental players including Kemar Roofe, George Baldock and John Lundstram have been a breath of fresh air for The U's. With this trio fit, an upset was a definite possibility.
As the game got underway the atmosphere was electric. 'Rise like the Spirit of 86' was the tifo held up before the match in the East Stand, the players and fans alike were certainly rising to the occasion in the opening stages.
It was the home side who made the better start, with Oxford having more possession, similar to their league matches this season.
But Swansea took the lead with a superbly worked goal. Baldock had marked Swansea winger Montero very well all game, but the Ecuadorian showed his class for the opener. A long run down the left bamboozled the defence, and after exchanging passes with Marvin Emnes, Montero backheeled the ball past Sam Slocombe. A truly fantastic goal, one of the best I've ever seen at the Kassam.
The goal was undeserved, and Oxford continued as they started with controlled, patient play. Shelvey continued to look uninterested for Swansea, and hit long-range shots far and wide before Oxford got their equaliser.
Alex MacDonald turned past a lunging Kyle Bartley to earn Oxford a penalty. Oxford's recent form regarding penalties has been inconsistent to say the least. But Liam Sercombe fired the ball level in front of the Fence End to but the League Two side level.
Half time was greeted by a standing ovation from the home fans. A truly fantastic display, with the deserved goal at the end of it. I couldn't believe it.
After the break Oxford quickly capitalised on the momentum they gained before half time. Man of the moment, Kemar Roofe curled into the bottom right corner from the top left corner of the box. A finish that is becoming the youngster's trademark finish. After the game Kemar said he used to watch Thierry Henry finish similarly, and he always wanted to emulate his idol, he certainly had done today.
Suddenly the whole country were tuning in to a potential 'giant killing' on this cold Sunday afternoon. And Oxford continued to press! It was brilliant to watch, we were fearless, something I've never been able to say about us in all my years supporting the club.
As Swansea continued to press they forced a corner, a corner that Oxford broke away and scored their third from. Chris Maguire took the ball up the left side of the pitch before playing in Roofe who was in acres of space in the middle. The defender couldn't touch him, and he shot under the keeper, who got a touch to it, but the ball looped into the net. Cue pandemonium.
The next few seconds were a bit of a blur, but hugging my Dad is what I remember from the celebrations. A French chap who has never been to an Oxford game was sat next to me, "It's always this good" I told him.
The awareness from Maguire to pick out Roofe was terrific. A textbook breakaway goal. The stadium was bouncing.
Swansea hit back in the 66th minute through Gomis, the French international confidently finished across the keeper from a fantastic Jack Cork through ball. Swansea had just demonstrated the Premier League quality they possess and set up a truly tense final quarter of the match.
Oxford rode some sustained Swansea pressure for ten minutes, after which they pressed on and looked for a fourth. Substitute Patrick Hoban had a chance to play in Maguire, but opted to run for the corner flag instead, much to Maguire's disbelief.
And that was it! FULL TIME! We had beaten a Premier League side!
I suddenly had emotions of immense pride. You go through so much disappointment supporting a team in the lower divisions, but a day like today makes it all worth it. Our performance was superb, no one can deny that we were deserved winners. It was the best performance I've ever seen from an Oxford United side.
John Lundstram, Kemar Roofe, Chris Maguire, George Baldock and Liam Sercombe were the stand out performers. Such class from all five of them will surely have higher positioned teams circling in this January transfer window.
Hopefully those in the crowd who are usually part-time supporters of Oxford United will be tempted back in the future after today's entertainment.
We get back to our car and it isn't clamped which is a result.
The next day we are on the back page of every national newspaper - this sort of thing doesn't happen to us! I put every newspaper I can find at work in my bag and take them home to treasure.
Higher league opposition await us next, with a midweek trip to Millwall in the JPT area final.
What an exciting time to support Oxford United.
-Michael
Sunday, 3 January 2016
PL: Everton 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
My first game of 2016 took me to Merseyside, as Everton hosted Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. A far cry from the League Two football I'm so accustomed to seeing, I was looking forward to the day.
My brother, an avid Spurs fan back in England for Christmas break, stumbled across two spare away seats on Twitter. So that was it, an away day with the Tottenham fans!
It was a miserable drive up to Liverpool, a journey that will be remembered for the intense rainfall and overspending at Burger King in Birmingham Services.
A quick drive around Liverpool on our arrival was all we needed to realise just how dominant football was in this city. One half red, the other blue - simple.
After looking for a parking space for only a matter of minutes, we decided to go into a paid car park, where the nice Scouse lady told us it was £8 to park for the day. At least that's what I thought she said, her accent similar to the one I'd seen Steven Gerrard voice thousands of times in interviews.
Going into Goodison Park, the home of Everton, a great sense of history was present. You just knew this ground had seen a lot of football games, and on the big screen outside the ground, surrounded by burger vans, they showed highlights of famous victories past.
Once inside the ground and finally, we were thrust amongst the Spurs fans, all of which were in fine voice. They really do hate Arsenal.
Once we had got to our wooden seat the excitement kicked in. I'm at a Premier League ground, watching Premier League football! There's something quite surreal about watching a match in front of your very eyes that you know millions of people around the world are watching with such vested interest. I don't experience this very often.
As the game got underway it was clear Tottenham were the superior team, as they dominated possession and created more chances.
Eric Dier's position just in front of centre back pairing Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld was crucial to eliminating any threat Everton could cause down the centre. Ross Barkley was the worry in this department.
But in Romelu Lukaku Everton have someone of genuine quality. Shortly after Harry Kane's effort from the edge of the area had hit the post, it was Everton who took the lead. Lukaku rose highest from a hopeful ball into the box to head down for Aaron Lennon who hit a sweet half volley into the top corner, Hugo Lloris standing no chance.
His celebration was understandably muted, but the goal meant a lot for Lennon, having been on the peripheries of the first team after he signed permanently from Spurs in the summer.
The goal was completely undeserved, and Spurs quickly went back on the attack. Left back Ben Davies rattled the crossbar from 30 yards as Christian Eriksen's short corner caught everyone out.
But Spurs soon got the goal their efforts warranted. Alderweireld's 40 yard lobbed through ball was greeted by the chest of Dele Alli who had the composure to find the bottom corner on the volley. A truly fantastic goal from the young English talent.
Spurs' goal showcased the attacking threat centre back, Toby Alderweireld has. Having played as a defensive midfielder for Southampton last season, he has brought his passing qualities to Tottenham.
Alli took the goal extremely well, the youngster showed extreme confidence and technique. The expectations are set to rise for him, with Spurs' signing from MK Dons looking ever more impressive.
And so that was half time. A half Spurs will feel they deserved to be win in, but will be happy with Alli's strike in injury time.
The second half started brightly for Tottenham, Kane had a glorious chance to stick the ball in the back of the net, but the ball would not fall for him, and John Stones got a superb slide tackle in.
I mentioned Dier's influence earlier, but the presence of Stones in that Everton defence kept the prolific Kane quiet for most of the match. He has the pace and intelligence to deter any attacking threat. You can't help but feel he will be England's first choice centre back for years to come.
With Spurs maintaining their attacking threat, Everton manager, Roberto Martinez looked to the bench. Gerard Deulofeu and Muhamed Besic's introduction changed the game. Besic did the dirty side well, breaking up any Spurs counter attacks and restarting an Everton attack, even forcing a fine save from Hugo Lloris late in the match. Deulofeu provided more width and a service for Lukaku. A terrific cross from the right to the back post wasn't meant by Lukaku, Everton's best chance of the game had gone.
Spurs' attacking threat was still greater than Everton's despite the substitutions, and they continued to press forward, but to no avail. However, Nacer Chadli's return from injury was a welcome sight, despite his clear lack of match fitness.
At Full Time it is Tottenham and my brother that will leave Goodison Park feeling slightly disappointed. A performance far greater than Everton's for large spells of the game did not produce the three points they yearned for.
This result does however cement their position in the top four. As for Everton, it looks like a season in upper mid-table for them.
Back out of the ground now, and the rain has stopped. We expect a lot of traffic on our way out of Liverpool but it is easy to leave. With the stadium amongst the rows and rows of houses in Merseyside, I assume it is only a short walk home for most Evertonians.
A very enjoyable day, with entertaining football, the atmosphere with the Tottenham fans was brilliant. It's just a shame they didn't take all three points back to London with them.
Back to Oxford now, and back to the Kassam next week, we host Swansea in the FA Cup Third Round!
-Michael
My brother, an avid Spurs fan back in England for Christmas break, stumbled across two spare away seats on Twitter. So that was it, an away day with the Tottenham fans!
It was a miserable drive up to Liverpool, a journey that will be remembered for the intense rainfall and overspending at Burger King in Birmingham Services.
A quick drive around Liverpool on our arrival was all we needed to realise just how dominant football was in this city. One half red, the other blue - simple.
After looking for a parking space for only a matter of minutes, we decided to go into a paid car park, where the nice Scouse lady told us it was £8 to park for the day. At least that's what I thought she said, her accent similar to the one I'd seen Steven Gerrard voice thousands of times in interviews.
Going into Goodison Park, the home of Everton, a great sense of history was present. You just knew this ground had seen a lot of football games, and on the big screen outside the ground, surrounded by burger vans, they showed highlights of famous victories past.
Once inside the ground and finally, we were thrust amongst the Spurs fans, all of which were in fine voice. They really do hate Arsenal.
Once we had got to our wooden seat the excitement kicked in. I'm at a Premier League ground, watching Premier League football! There's something quite surreal about watching a match in front of your very eyes that you know millions of people around the world are watching with such vested interest. I don't experience this very often.
As the game got underway it was clear Tottenham were the superior team, as they dominated possession and created more chances.
Eric Dier's position just in front of centre back pairing Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld was crucial to eliminating any threat Everton could cause down the centre. Ross Barkley was the worry in this department.
But in Romelu Lukaku Everton have someone of genuine quality. Shortly after Harry Kane's effort from the edge of the area had hit the post, it was Everton who took the lead. Lukaku rose highest from a hopeful ball into the box to head down for Aaron Lennon who hit a sweet half volley into the top corner, Hugo Lloris standing no chance.
His celebration was understandably muted, but the goal meant a lot for Lennon, having been on the peripheries of the first team after he signed permanently from Spurs in the summer.
The goal was completely undeserved, and Spurs quickly went back on the attack. Left back Ben Davies rattled the crossbar from 30 yards as Christian Eriksen's short corner caught everyone out.
But Spurs soon got the goal their efforts warranted. Alderweireld's 40 yard lobbed through ball was greeted by the chest of Dele Alli who had the composure to find the bottom corner on the volley. A truly fantastic goal from the young English talent.
Spurs' goal showcased the attacking threat centre back, Toby Alderweireld has. Having played as a defensive midfielder for Southampton last season, he has brought his passing qualities to Tottenham.
Alli took the goal extremely well, the youngster showed extreme confidence and technique. The expectations are set to rise for him, with Spurs' signing from MK Dons looking ever more impressive.
And so that was half time. A half Spurs will feel they deserved to be win in, but will be happy with Alli's strike in injury time.
The second half started brightly for Tottenham, Kane had a glorious chance to stick the ball in the back of the net, but the ball would not fall for him, and John Stones got a superb slide tackle in.
I mentioned Dier's influence earlier, but the presence of Stones in that Everton defence kept the prolific Kane quiet for most of the match. He has the pace and intelligence to deter any attacking threat. You can't help but feel he will be England's first choice centre back for years to come.
With Spurs maintaining their attacking threat, Everton manager, Roberto Martinez looked to the bench. Gerard Deulofeu and Muhamed Besic's introduction changed the game. Besic did the dirty side well, breaking up any Spurs counter attacks and restarting an Everton attack, even forcing a fine save from Hugo Lloris late in the match. Deulofeu provided more width and a service for Lukaku. A terrific cross from the right to the back post wasn't meant by Lukaku, Everton's best chance of the game had gone.
Spurs' attacking threat was still greater than Everton's despite the substitutions, and they continued to press forward, but to no avail. However, Nacer Chadli's return from injury was a welcome sight, despite his clear lack of match fitness.
At Full Time it is Tottenham and my brother that will leave Goodison Park feeling slightly disappointed. A performance far greater than Everton's for large spells of the game did not produce the three points they yearned for.
This result does however cement their position in the top four. As for Everton, it looks like a season in upper mid-table for them.
Back out of the ground now, and the rain has stopped. We expect a lot of traffic on our way out of Liverpool but it is easy to leave. With the stadium amongst the rows and rows of houses in Merseyside, I assume it is only a short walk home for most Evertonians.
A very enjoyable day, with entertaining football, the atmosphere with the Tottenham fans was brilliant. It's just a shame they didn't take all three points back to London with them.
Back to Oxford now, and back to the Kassam next week, we host Swansea in the FA Cup Third Round!
-Michael
Saturday, 2 January 2016
My Goal
My goal is to write a match report on every football match I attend in 2016.
I wrote match reports a few years back (www.oufcmatchreports.blogspot.co.uk), but this hobby was soon put on the back-burner once I began University, I was without an Oxford season ticket for the first time 10 years.
Now back at home for a year and with a season ticket, it seems a great opportunity to report on the sport I love.
So here goes, my journey to regain those writing skills, rekindle my passion for writing sport starts now. See you in 365 days.
-Michael
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