Everton fielded a strong team with only one forced change in the left back position where Lescott has slotted in for the injured Bainesy, while Jag moves into central defence.
For the first five minutes. both teams looked cautious and were gingerly testing each other's defence. Somehow, Everton's midfield looked a little flat with Arteta, Pienaar and Ossie not really imposing themselves. Shortly, West Ham scored in the 12th minute with both the central defence pair of Yobo and Jags not pressing the opponents for the ball, and for Howard running to claim the ball, only not to get it! Totally lathargic play! 1-0 down in this away match.
Everton seemed to be losing all the 50-50 chances and headers and have not really string any passes worth mentioning. Even Arteta's perfect crosses were deserting him.
Everytime West Ham breaks, they looked so dangerous.
About 30 minute has past and nothing meaningful has come out of Everton's play. Passes have continued to go astray. Only in the 38th minute that Everton made their first attack but without testing the opposing goalkeeper.
Then Everton woke up! In the 38th minute, Pienaar received the ball in the penalty area, controlled the ball and made a sublime pass to Ossie whose first time strike saw Everton draw themselves back to parity. West Ham 1-1 Everton.
Moyes really have alot to talk to the team about during the half time break and the first thing he might have mentioned in no uncertain terms was that Everton was giving the opposing team too much space and they would really have to close down the opposition.
Everton started much better in the second half. Timmy has started to fight for every ball. The 3,000 strong Everton supporters were really shouting themselves hoarse!
The two teams are battling well. But Everton seemed like they're starting to get lathargic once again. Everton might need to ring in one or two changes to liven things up a little. Timmy has battled hard but may just be in the need for hardworking AJ to toil the ground.
It's not a good sign when the Everton midfield goes quiet once again. Ossie was nowhere to be seen and Everton just can't seem to get the ball off West Ham.
Then West Ham gave a gift to Everton in the 87th minute!
With a high ball, West Ham defenders failed to clear the ball and with the muddle between the opposing goalie and his defenders, Yaks sneaked in to put the ball beyond the bumbling backline. West Ham 1-2 Everton.
That's the final result and Everton's through to the Semi-finals! Yaks scored once again! and 11 matches undefeated.
The irony? Everton meets West Ham this Saturday which the latter will be looking for revenge. Bring it on I say!
Score: West Ham 1-2 Evertom
Scorers: Ossie, Yaks
Assists: Pienaar, Jag
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