Friday, February 22, 2008

UEFA CUP: EVERTON vs BRANN (2ND LEG)

Everton come into this match with a two goal lead but Moyes selection of players suggested that the Toffees are not resting on their laurels. In comes Arteta and Pienaar. So we should expect a little bit more creativity from Everton as they have taken up a 4-4-2 formation.

The opening five minutes saw both teams trying to settle though Everton is starting to control more of the game. In the 5th minute, Brann was through but their striker was seemingly fouled by Cars outside the penalty area, but the referee said play on. Don't think it would be dangerous but definitely it would have been uncomfortable.

Low shot by Brann in the 10th minute and it was dealt very cleanly by Howard. Once again, Everton seemed to be soaking in the pressure while going on a counter attack.

Cars is controlling well from the centre and have continually placed the ball into the penalty area and that allowed Everton to earn their first corner, but it came to nought. This, like the game in the first leg, looked to be a pretty tight affair.

Brann was not really threatening, but Everton was also not. Everton's final third are losing too many balls. Also, too many misplaced passes by the midfield and this only showed what tight defence Brann had.

From a save from Howard, to a goal at the other end. In the 35th minute, Pienaar made a pass to Timmy, who flicked it on to Yak who did a one-two with Timmy and the former then nicely curled the ball into the net. Assist by Timmy. Everton 1-o Brann.

Everton is turning this into a display match. In the 42nd minute, AJ picked up the ball and was sheperded to the right of the field, That did not stop AJ from taking a shot that went past the opposing goalkeeper and into the net. Everton 2-0 Brann.

Half time. Think Moyes may want to bring in Anichebe for a run in the last 20 minutes or so to rest those tired legs of either Yak or AJ.

Moyes has moved faster than I thought for the substitution. Cars and Timmy are out, and Hibbo and Fernandes are in.

Everton nearly had their thrid with AJ breaking through but the upright saved Brann from further embarassment. With Fernandes in, Everton looked so much more dangerous and soon enough, Everton scored again in the 57th minute. Pienaar passed the ball to Yak, who strode into Brann's half towards goal. With a little turn of his body, he left two defenders on their butts, and then curled the ball nicely into the net once again. Sheer class. Everton 3-0 Brann.

Brann came back to score from no where from a free kick, aided by a bumpy ground. Everton 3-1 Brann. Everton are starting to commit silly fouls.

But a couple of passes and Everton scored another goal in the 69th minute. A pass from AJ, to Pienaar, who passed to Yak. He controlled the ball and swept it to the path of Arteta who took a shot and scored through a massive deflection by the opposing defender. Everton 4-1 Brann.

Yak scores his second hat-trick for Everton in the 71st minute. Pienaar centred the ball. It bypassed all the opposing defender but not Yak, who went on to score an easy goal. Everton 5-1 Brann. Pienaar assist. That was the last contribution by Yak who was replaced by Anichebe. Potent display by Yak.

Everton is still not letting up as they continue to chase the ball.

Oh so close. Anichebe brought through on the right and made a telling cross. Arteta then went on to set Pienaar up who tried to place the ball beyond the opposing goalkeeper. Once again, the upright saved Brann. Everton too was saved by the post as Brann tried to get their consolation goal.

And what a late goal by AJ as he inflicted more pain to Brann's all so painful wound. Picking up the ball from the left, AJ released a thunderous shot that bulged the net. Everton 6-1 Brann.

Brann was just clinging on and hoping for the referee to blow his whistle, which he did to end their suffering. What a game, what a thrashing!

Everton will now go on to meet Fiorentina.

Score: Everton 6-1 Brann (Aggregate: 8-1)
Scorer: Yak (3), AJ (2), Arteta (1)
Assist: Timmy, Pienaar

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