First of all, I'd like to applaud all of you blues that turned out in that freezer last night, I couldn't make it last night for family reasons, but its so unpleasant being so cold, so top one to you all
Secondly, Are we still shit? - I don't know what match the OP was watching last night, but I did not see a shit team play Everscum last night.
Let me make a few observations. Their first goal, we were caught cold, we were uncharacteristically (on this seasons defensive displays) caught out at the back. We had not settled. This is not an excuse, but its not a point to get alarmed about. Our defense is still one of the best in the top 4.
Evertons second goal was a great goal by Baines. Yes, he may of been snubbed out by other players that didnt play last night, but we will never know. One thing I will say is that Joe had nothing else to do for the rest of the night apart from pick the ball out of the net. (Oh, and deal with a weird thigh backpass)
We bossed and totally outplayed Everton. Completely reversed from last years fixture when they outshone us. An earlier post hit the nail on the head that due to their two goal lead early on, allowed them to sit deep and have confident in their defense to keep us at bay. It was a risky plan but they had no other choice. If they had gone for another goal and keep the game open, we would of had the room to get back into it earlier than we did. Don't forget, Evertons defense are no mugs with Distin and Jagielka.
Im not saying we were magnificent last night, because we were not, we had a few players not at 100%. I'd say the worst was Johnson, his touch, decision making and positioning was woeful, and I can see why this lad needs to be educated more before being given an automatic regular start. We pressed, and pressed and kept the ball well in tight positions in the final 3rd but was thwarted by the man of the match Tim Howard. What an incredible game he had. He was the difference in the two sides last night. That guy was on top form. Well done to him.
We have not got anything too much to worry about. We are an improving, growing side that is still in the mix for top honours. We need a certain amount of Tweaking, and bolstering the depth of the squad in quality, then it's TIME and EXPERIENCE we need, not nejerk reactions for a hiccup game.
If you still think we were shit, then take a DeLorian to the late 90's and watch some of the dross we had to endure under the likes of Ball and Clark.
We are on the Cusp of something Big, and nothing will stop us, but reacting with "Are we still Shit" whenever we lose wont help our mindset to go forward.
I don't think any of the top 4 would of come back from a 2-0 setback against Everton last night.
CTID