Everton started with the same team that played against Fiorentina with AJ and Yak playing upfront. For the first 5 minutes, Fulham tried to played the direct ball which posed Everton with some threat.
In the 13th minute, AJ seemed to have sprained his ankle and was replaced by Hibbo. That change disrupted the entire flow of attacking soccer as Fulham started to peck Everton back. Only in the 24th minute that Everton made their first shot albeit off target. Everton did one better but still not score when Yak squeezed his way into the penalty area but his subsequent shot was saved by the opposing goalie.
Fulham seemed to be winning most of the 50-50 balls. Everton chances came in dribs and drabs. Arteta took a free kick in the 37th minute but it came to nought. Yak then created his own chance in the 42nd minute but the goalie once again stopped his powerful shot.
Half time Everton 0-0 Fulham. Would Everton be jinxed again at Craven Cottage or will Everton break that jinx?
In the 47th minute, Arteta won a free kick which he took. The ball floated into the penalty area but it went pass everyone. Neville tried to run through to goal in the 56th minute but was abruptly stopped by Fulham. That was Arteta's territory but his free kick was deflected and the chance was lost.
In 63rd minute, a low pass saw the ball coming into the path of Neville but his shot was blocked. Bainesy came on for the pretty ineffective Pienaar. Very quickly after the substitution, Everton is down by one goal in 66th minute. Everton 0-1 Fulham. What's happening to Everton? Why is the substitution bench without a known striker? So I understand from the commentator that all the known strikers are out injured. Oh boy.
A free header by Yobo in the 70th minute sees the ball fly way beyond the goal post. Everton is pressing right now but is it too late? Yak tried a shot in the 79th minute but once again, stopped by the goalie. Everton nearly went two goals down but the ball was cleared away. Fulham really looked like the hungrier side.
Usually when teams are behind, they will pressure the opposing team in the final 10 minutes. But Everton is not even doing that, and that's a loss for Everton. That possibly means the lost of 4th place as well.
Score: Fulham 0-1 Everton
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Substitutes: Hibbo, Bainsey
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