Everton 0 Leeds United 0

Last updated : 04 March 2002 By Austin Rathe

Leeds set their stall out early in this game, they intended to play a tough physical and some would say dirty game from the outset. It was always going to be a scrappy affair, and I can understand why Leeds fans get so frustrated, they have a great squad, but they have to watch their team play as badly as they did, knowing they could do much better. It was also a sad reflection on the game that the referee was the centre of attention.

Dominic Matteo was the player to receive his marching orders from Mr D'Urso, and it was the one decision that no one could argue with. Matteo's first foul was a needless shove on Tomasz Radzinski, and nine minutes later he left referee D'Urso with little option when he clattered into Campbell from behind. After that point Everton's job was, ironically, made harder as Leeds seemed determined to do nothing other than sit back and absorb pressure. Its seemed a strange decision, if they are to have any chance of Champions league football, they need to win every game they have.

The first half was a dire affair. Leeds went closest when Simonsen saved well from Kewell, and Fowler should have made more of a through ball, but his touch let him down. At the other end the best Everton chance came from Radzinski, who's close range shot went straight at Martin. Stubbs also had an effort cleared off the line.

The second half was more fun, but not for the good football. Having sent Smith off earlier in the season D'Urso showed him his sixth yellow card of the season for a foul on Lee Carsley.

Everyone was amazed when he was not sent off three minutes later for kicking Scott Gemmil. The referee, from this point on, decided not to make any decisions at all, and this was unfair on both sides. People like Andy D'Urso should not be paid, if I was that bad at my job I would be sacked.

Everton were the better team, Linderoth and Blomqvist both went close as the blues pushed forward. The introduction of Ginola late on opened things up, but he should have been brought on much earlier, and responsibility for that lies firmly with Walter Smith. The Frenchman went close with a long range effort, but Everton's attack was not good enough to beat 10 men whose sole intention was to defend. But we climbed two places on this game, and we should be pleased with that, if not a lot else.