Everton claimed a massive win against Arsenal in the live Tuesday night Premier League game on BT Sport, and although Seamus Coleman bagged a crucial equaliser, it was another Irishman who was the talk of twitter for his overall performance in the game.
James McCarthy has had a vert difficult season, as his well-publicised struggles with Ronald Koeman, which stemmed from his desire to play for Ireland despite lack of match fitness, appeared to be leading him to a move away from the club.
His performance against Arsenal would have reminded Koeman of what he can offer, and he was widely praised for his work in the engine-room of Everton's side. He was also the reason behind the big scuffle between both sides at half-time after he tangled with Mesut Ozil.
Go'ed McCarthy?? @JMcCarthy_16 pic.twitter.com/nzFYdMUjRr
— Molly Harrison (@MollyOHarrison) December 13, 2016
He was taken off in the 85th minute, and recieved a standing ovation from the fans at Goodison Park. Everton fans on social media were also quick to praise his performance, even if they don't really like him as some admitted.
Ey, some fucking fight and look what happens. Bossed the second half and fully deserved. James McCarthy, MOTM. Gana and Ross not far behind.
— Paul Knight (@paul_knight1878) December 13, 2016
Tell you what, James McCarthy has been superb. Winning the ball back, running on and giving options. Excellent stuff.
— Royal Blue Mersey (@RBMersey) December 13, 2016
Pity, but no way @Everton will let @JMcCarthy_16 go to @celticfc or anywhere on this performance. Been huge for them.
— Steven Livingstone (@weblivz) December 13, 2016
James McCarthy outstanding tonight!!!!!! #everton
— Joe Doyle (@Thesparkking) December 13, 2016
James McCarthy is a great player. He also looks like he could do a good job Tarmacing your drive way. #EVEARS
— Chris Gunn (@Therealtopgunn) December 13, 2016
Excellent performance tonight from @JMcCarthy_16 ????
— Toby Robinson (@King_T_Dog) December 13, 2016
#McCarthy & #gueye have been machines in there tonight against one of the best teams in the league @JMcCarthy_16 ?⚪️
— LEsTEr ⚽️?⚪️#efc (@lestereverton80) December 13, 2016
James McCarthy looking like a man who's left everything out there then!
— Matt Hayes (@MattIsLaughing) December 13, 2016
It appears @JMcCarthy_16 is Man Of The Match - well done lad.
— Ann (@LaptopLil1) December 13, 2016
James McCarthy brilliant tonight
— Wayne Hubbard (@wayneh1987) December 13, 2016
Standing ovation for James McCarthy. Well deserved, he's been excellent in this 2nd half. #EVEARS
— GalwayCurva (@GalwayCurva) December 13, 2016
Brilliant second half here, James McCarthy has played well today
— andrew murphy (@murph_cat) December 13, 2016
Funes Mori comes on for James McCarthy who's had a brilliant game??
— Everton1878 (@Everton187841) December 13, 2016
Shouts out James McCarthy. Bouncing back and having a great game today.
— Justin Day ? (@JDayErrday) December 13, 2016
Well done James McCarthy fella, back to his best.
— ㅤ (@Evertxn) December 13, 2016
James McCarthy - man of the match. #EFCvAFC #EVEARS #coyb
— Max O'Collins (@MaxOCollins) December 13, 2016
James McCarthy has done really well today. Worked his socks off
— Ilyas Mohamed (@HowDamnGoodAmI) December 13, 2016
Fuckin hate James McCarthy but got to give it to him. He's been our best player tonight!
— Everton (@Evertonchat7) December 13, 2016
This is the James McCarthy that was so good in Martinez's first season.
— Sean O'Connor (@SeanOConnor23) December 13, 2016
If the Everton fans were loving him, then Arsenal fans were hating him just as much:
Fuck James McCarthy
— Connor (@ctheadcase) December 13, 2016
James McCarthy what a twat
— Ö? (@MesutEra) December 13, 2016
James McCarthy is a fucking cunt
— Hippie Crippler (@gionumber26) December 13, 2016
James McCarthy is a sewer rat
— Oli Rowles (@OliRowles) December 13, 2016
A true sign of a big performance.
That was much more like it from McCarthy, and his performance will no doubt have pleased Roy Keane who was watching from the stands.
