Royal Blue Mersey - Leeds United 2 Everton 1 - Blues bow out of Capital One CupIt's a grand old team to supporthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52544/royal_fav.png2012-09-25T23:28:58+01:00http://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/rss/stream/31702392012-09-25T23:28:58+01:002012-09-25T23:28:58+01:00Everton come unstuck at Leeds
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<figcaption>Paul Thomas - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Goals from Rodolph Austin and Aidy White helped Leeds knock a below-par Everton out of the Capital One Cup on Tuesday.</p> <p>Just when we were getting all excited, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> put in a dire display at a soggy Elland Road to tumble out of the Capital One Cup.</p>
<p>Despite all the talk about taking the competition seriously <span>David Moyes</span> made six changes from the side that beat Swansea last Saturday.</p>
<p>But we simply do not have the squad to go making so many alterations, especially for a tie such as this. This was not Leyton orient at home, this was a tough Championship side away on a soggy Tuesday evening – perfect giant killing conditions.</p>
<p><span>Magaye Gueye</span>, Junior and Bryan Oviedo were all thrust into the starting line-up and looked like rabbits caught in the headlights.</p>
<p>Their senior colleagues were not much better; Steve Naismith gave the ball away cheaply after just four minutes, then Jonny Heitinga and <span>Sylvain Distin</span> then kindly opened up a yawning gap in the centre of the defence, allowing Aidy White to gleefully wander into the area before curling the ball beyond the hapless Jan Mucha.</p>
<p>I had only just got to my seat by that point as Leeds, in their infinite wisdom, thought it would be a good idea to have 3,000 Everton fans enter the ground through three turnstiles, causing huge queues outside.</p>
<p>The rest of the half, played in atrocious conditions, was pretty dire. Everton struggled to get any sort of grip in the game. The only chance of the half came when Ovideo was played in down the left and his first time low cross found <span>Victor Anichebe</span>, whose first time side-footed effort went over the bar.</p>
<p>Everton could have found themselves two down just before the break when White’s header was fumbled by Mucha and Naismith cleared the rebound off the line.</p>
<p><span>Phil Neville</span> and <span>Steven Pienaar</span> were beckoned from the bench at half time but things only mildly improved. Pienaar blazed over when well placed, Naismith headed wide when it was easier to get it on target before Anichebe’s smart turn and shot fizzed just wide.</p>
<p>Everton failed to score while they were on top, with Nikica Jelavic thrown on in a final act of desperation.</p>
<p>But it was Leeds who would net next, echoes of last year’s FA Cup semi-final when <span>Seamus Coleman</span> gave away a sloppy free-kick near the corner of the penalty area, the kick taken short to <span>Danny Pugh</span>, whose low shot was deflected in by Rodolph Austin.</p>
<p>That was effectively game over, though Distin made things a little more exciting near the end with a looping header following a free-kick.</p>
<p>If we had have grabbed a dramatic equaliser and forced extra time it would not have been deserved.</p>
<p>Everton were well off the pace and Moyes has once again paid a high price for putting too much faith in young inexperienced squad players, he has to take his share of the blame for a ludicrous team selection.</p>
<p>The league cup represented a massive opportunity to win a trophy, especially as there is no European football to distract them.</p>
<p>Congratulations to Leeds, they deserved their win. As for Everton, this is huge reality check and a massive opportunity missed.</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2012/9/25/3408182/everton-dumped-out-of-the-capital-one-cup-by-leeds-unitedTom Mallows2012-09-25T18:28:11+01:002012-09-25T18:28:11+01:00Leeds v Everton Capital One Cup Live GameThread!
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<figcaption>Alex Livesey - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><span>David Moyes</span> needs silverware. The fans need silverware. The players need silverware. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> need silverware.</p>
<p>This is getting to be ridiculous. We have played quite well during some seasons recently but we have nothing to show for any of it as it is getting tougher and tougher to win silverware (just kidding as <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/birmingham">Birmingham City</a> has a trophy from 2011!).</p>
<p>This will be the start of another campaign to try to get some type of validation on Moyes' success (?) at Everton. And let's be honest, we all hate Leeds. i don't think many people like them in general. And they are not that good with all their injuries and such. So let's just get to work and beat them 4-0 and get on with our (most likely failed) quest for a cup!</p>
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<p><b>Everton Starting XI: </b>Mucha, Coleman, Distin, Heitinga, Oviedo, Naismith, Fellaini, Gueye, Junior, Mirallas, Anichebe</p>
<p><b>Subs: </b>Howard, Jagielka, Jelavic, Neville, Pienaar, Vellios, Duffy</p>
<p><b>Leeds Starting XI: </b>Ashdown, Lees, Pearce, Austin, Becchio, White, Pugh, Brown, Tonge, Diouf, Byram</p>
<p><b>Subs: </b>Rachubka, Drury, Kisnorbo, Varney, Gray, Poleon, Thompson</p>
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<p>As usual, comment below!</p>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2012/9/25/3405984/leeds-united-v-everton-live-gamethreadSibiGnana2012-09-25T15:51:45+01:002012-09-25T15:51:45+01:00Everton at Leeds United: Match Preview
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<figcaption>Paul Thomas - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Match preview for Everton's game at Leeds for a Third Round fixture in the Capital One League Cup today. </p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> are flying high again after a fantastic performance at Swansea on Saturday. <span>David Moyes</span> had his game plan down pat and to a man, the team followed through. Apart from a fifteen minute period in the middle of the game when Swansea almost gained a foothold, the Toffees dominated completely.</p>
<p>While Everton are riding high and sitting in third place in the Premiership, their opponents today are struggling to make an impression in the Championship, at twelfth place though only six points behind the leaders after seven games. Manager <span>Neil Warnock</span> has earned quite a reputation for winning promotion with his teams, having moved up seven times in his twelve-team coaching career before joining Leeds. Today's game could provide Everton a challenge, as they have endured a miserable record at Elland Road, with only two wins in their last forty-two games there, going back to 1953.</p>
<p>While patchy in the Championship, the Peacocks have been impressive in the League Cup, with a 4-0 win over Shrewsbury Town and a 3-0 victory over Oxford United. This should be a good game with Leeds attempting to garner a big-name scalp on their home turf, though the 5,000 or so traveling Blue will make sure they get heard. There has also been news that fans of both sides are planning a tribute to the late Welsh manager Gary Speed, who played for both teams.</p>
<p><b>Team News -</b></p>
<p>Today's game at Elland Road sees Everton playing their first Cup fixture away after ten straight home games, dating back to January 2011. Moyes will be breathing a huge sigh of relief after receiving the good news that injured striker Nikica Jelavic is almost fit again and has been included in tonight's squad. <span>Tony Hibbert</span> and <span>Darron Gibson</span> remain out with injuries. Despite Warnock's apparent attempt at mind games, Moyes has named a full strength eighteen-man team.</p>
<p>Leeds meanwhile are plagued with injuries, missing Paul Green, David Norris, Ross McCormack, Leigh Bromby, Davide Somma,and Ramon Nunez. Captain Lee Peltier and defenders Adam Drury and Jason Pearce could also miss the game, having been injured this weekend. Star striker Luciano Becchio scored the winner against Nottingham Forest despite carrying an ankle injury and is a doubt for tonight.</p>
<p><b>Keys To The Game - </b></p>
<p>Against Leyton Orient in the previous round Moyes handed starts to Jan Mucha, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110473/johnny-heitinga">Johnny Heitinga</a>, <span>Seamus Coleman</span>, <span>Magaye Gueye</span>, <span>Kevin Mirallas</span> and <span>Victor Anichebe</span>. With <span>Sylvain Distin</span> rested over the weekend, he will probably anchor the defence with <span>Phil Jagielka</span> again. Moyes will be well aware of the physically-imposing game that Leeds play and pick his players with that in mind. Expect Everton to come out roaring, holding up the ball in midfield and looking to score first to silence the raucous 30,000-plus crowd.</p>
<p>Warnock has been playing up his Jamaican midfielder Rudy Austin as his version of Marouane Fellaini. Leeds are also strong upfront, with former Premiership striker El-Hadji Diouf and the Argentine Becchio, and supported by <span>Michael Tonge</span> and Dominic Poleon. For Leeds, they will attempt to weather the Blue storm in the first quarter of the game before trying to hit Everton on the counter attack and through setpieces.</p>
<p><b>Match Facts - </b></p>
<ul>
<li>The two teams drew 1-1 in their last meeting in 2004, with England internationals <span>Wayne Rooney</span> and <span>James Milner</span> scored. </li>
<li>Everton have played three away games this year, and had sixty two chances in those fixtures. </li>
<li>Phil Jagielka played for Neil Warnock at Sheffield United.</li>
<li>Leeds United have not conceded a goal so far in their two League Cup games. </li>
<li>Everton last lost to Leeds in 2001, a 3-2 loss at Elland Road. <br>
</li>
</ul>
https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2012/9/25/3404316/everton-vs-leeds-united-match-previewCalvin2012-09-23T04:00:07+01:002012-09-23T04:00:07+01:00Q+A With Through It All Together
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<p>Before our Coca-Cola, sorry Carling, sorry, Capital One Cup tie at Elland Road against Leeds on Tuesday, I caught up with Tom Hill, writer for Leeds' www.throughitalltogether.com and asked him for an insight into a team we seemed to have lost touch with over recent years despite our similarities, and for a look ahead to the tie on Tuesday from a Leeds point of view.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">In February you appointed the outspoken Neil Warnock as manager. Is that an appointment which pleased the fans?</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In all honesty it was a welcomed appointment and that’s something I never thought I’d say. Warnock has always had a fiery relationship with us as fans (we usually abuse him) and for him to come to us was a shock but at the same time we sort of fit hand-in-hand. Nobody really likes him and nobody likes us. We currently have one of the most hated chairman (Bates), players (Diouf) plus the fans and Warnock. He’s the master at getting promoted and is passionate. He wants 100% from everyone and that suits Leeds fans to the ground.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">You had a massive fall from grace a few years ago, is Warnock the right man to put Leeds back into the Premier League?</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If anyone can get us there then Warnock can. He’s done it before and he’s achieved seven promotions so despite his critics he knows exactly what he’s doing. The problem is we have no money but more on that later.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">What are your realistic expectations for United this season?</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I’m a massive football fan but I’m a realistic one at that. I predicted 12<sup>th</sup> before the start of the season and I’m sticking with it. We’ve got a good first team for the Championship but our bench would suit most League One clubs apart from our sub keeper. Most people reading this will know our financial situation and we sold our prize assets and didn’t really replace them for the umpteenth year running. We added ten new players and most went straight into the first team and they’re better than what we had…the squad is the issue. When you play 46+ games you need a squad to be successful. If we get some investment and can bring in some players on loan and in January then maybe we have a chance.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Leeds had a decent start to the season winning all but one game in August; however you haven’t started September too well. Has this been down to the calibre of opponent or have the results not justified the performance?</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Calibre of opponent mixed with our injury problems. Our two new midfielders are both out for a month or two and now our best player McCormack is out until Christmas. Like I said previously you need a squad, especially if you get several injuries.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">What system has Warnock been playing and does he like the ball to be moved about or is he more direct in his preferred style of play?</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He comes with a direct style of play attached to him but in fairness to him we do try and play. It’s a generic thing for Leeds to play route one if we are playing crap so if you start to out-play us which you should then we might panic a little. At times we can ping it about, the one factor we have is we have nothing to lose against you as we’re supposed to lose.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">We’ve both had our share of questionable Chairmen over the years. The much publicised cost of keeping the fish in Mr Ridsdale’s office did make me laugh. What are the fans’ thoughts and opinions of the current Chairman?</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I really can’t stress enough the thoughts of our fans. I couldn’t do it justice in a month of writing never this post. We need investment; he’s the only one preventing it. He’s sold our best players year on year and never replaced them and what makes it worse he’s told us they wouldn’t be sold. We’ve improved a stadium we don’t own and we don’t own our training ground. I hope that sums it up for your readers.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Neil Warnock has said he has been frustrated at the lack of incoming bodies during the current loan market, saying he thinks he might have "more luck on a fishing lake!" Which positions do you need strengthening and what are your strongest positions?</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Well we have the best keeper in the division for me, a solid defence but we could do with another centre-back. We need a new winger probably on both sides and experienced cover in the middle. Probably two more strikers as Becchio is carrying a knock and we’ve lost Ross.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Onto the game then, and obviously drawing Everton means you keep an eye on the opposition’s progress. Plus, we have been on Sky more than most in recent weeks so we have been hard to miss – what are your thoughts on Everton this season?</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I’ve been really impressed and I think it’s great what you’re doing at the moment. The question is…is this year the year you finally reach the potential. I’m sure you’ll all agree that you either start crap or finish poorly. I admire Everton for chipping away despite not having the funds and think Moyes deserves a medal. Some of the players you have now could make that difference and you should have scored 6 on Monday against Newcastle. I’d like you to get Europe this season.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Obviously David Moyes will shuffle his pack, especially with Nikica Jelavic and Darron Gibson being injured, but who do you see as the main threat to Leeds, and who are you looking forward to seeing?</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I aren’t going to lie I don’t look forward to any of your lot playing. If they play and play well we lose and I’m not a happy man haha! Threats obviously Fellaini, Anichebe will probably get a run out and cause chaos with his size and I like Leighton Baines but can’t see all the first-team playing. Mirallas looks good, Naismith can score and you’ve got some solid replacements.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">On the other hand, who do we need to be weary of?</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is hard, really hard. We’ve got so many worries at the moment but we have a few should the gods shine on us and we give it a go. Rodolph Austin is a new tank in the midfield. He’s 6ft+ and just smashes everyone and I’m serious. Watch out for his long range shots too. Kenny could keep us in the game and Jason Pearce at the back is solid and loves a tackle. If Becchio is fit and on song then he could cause you a problem or two.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Finally, give us a prediction for the game on Tuesday.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I’d love an upset but we have that many injuries our form is suffering so 3-0 to you lot.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Oh, where can away fans park their cars?!</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Plenty of car parks around the ground, or city centre is only 15 minute walk away.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">That's me sorted for the car parking then, and Tom's prediction is currently best priced at 18/1, and an Everton win is best priced Evens.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Cheers to Tom for his input, and if you are going to the game don't forget to buy the Official matchday programme to read Tom's article with one of our very own writers!</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/DarrenMelling" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @DarrenMelling</a></p>
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https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2012/9/23/3365062/leeds-united-everton-q-aDarrenMelling