Everton starts without Arteta, Yobo and Timmy and both teams are trying to settle. Everton has continued on their dogged style. Faddie and AJ are in the starting line-up.
I'm a bit concerned that Jag is playing in the centre and hope he does not fowl up this time round. Everton has to keep that clean sheet. There's a 7th minute scare when Boro was one-on-one with Howard as the latter rushed out to stop the ball. The danger of playing the off-side gamev as seen in full view.
Other than that scare, Everton was still doing alright but needed to press the opponent better. Boro was doing their own pressing in the 16th minute when Valente could not get to the pass but the ball went out of touch for Everton's goal kick. But Boro is pressing Everton back and Cars headed the ball away from goal.
Faddie took a pot shot in the 21th minute but was deflected for a corner. Nothing came out of the corner as Everton tried their best to press. Boro though looked dangerous on the counter.
Valente play was rather sloppy with all the missed passes and with that, placed Everton in quite a bit of pressure. But both sides are still quite evenly matched. Boro attacked well and they nearly scored, but for an off-the-line clearance by Jag. Faddie has somewhat dissappeared from the game and Yak has to come deep to pick up the ball.
It's the 34th minute but still Everton don't really had a shot at goal so far. as Boro seemed to have settled much better. Things looked rather lack lustre.
It's a rather quiet first half as Faddie and Neville posed no threat to the opposing defence, while once again, Everton has to rely on Pienaar to provide that creative flair. Half time 0-0.
No change in the second half, both for personnel and Boro's attack. An opening for Everton in the 47th minute but Yak skied it. We're missing Lescott's run into the opposing penalty area as he'd need to hold fort in the centre of defence.
With no creativity whatsoever, the departure of our African Cup players will bound to take effect on Everton's stay in the top six.
Everton nearly went behind in the 56th minute, and Jag nearly gave away a penalty! Once again! Howard made a tremendous save to prevent Boro from leading. Everton's living by the skin of their teeth. Everton countered by it seemed like they are straining themselves.
Moyes really needs to make the change! Valente, Jag and even Faddie! He has to remove players that are not helping the cause. Somehow Faddie's most dangerous moves were his throw-ins than anything else.
Against the odds, Everton scores in the 68th minute! Yak crossed the ball and was picked up by Pienaar who flicked gingerly to AJ. Pushing the ball past two defenders, AJ tucked the ball into the bottom left of the net. Boro 0-1 Everton.
Everton still has alot to do and they have done it in the 72nd minute. Faddie started a one-two with AJ and the former curled it nicely into the bottom left corner once again. Boro 0-2 Everton.
Once again, it's still not over until the final whistle. Everton needs to run down the clock. Baines now replaced Faddie.
Pienaar looked a little tired now. Moyes should take him off before he makes any mistakes. Vaughany is in for Yak.
Everton was still attacking in the 92nd minute. That's the spirit. Anichebe is on for Pienaar.
Final whistle blows and Everton win without three of their important players in the first XI. Boro looked beat without a prolific goalscorer, but still looked like a difficult team to beat.
Well, Arteta will not be around for two more matches and Everton just have to play above themselves to seal any future victories. No matter, it's still three points gained and my prediction of winning after losing the last macth, came true.
Score: Boro 0-2 Everton
Scorers: AJ, Faddie
Assists: Pienaar, AJ
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