Everton was without Cars and Ossie, but welcomed Arteta back to the starting line-up. AJ was also in the first XI.
Nothing to note in the first three minutes but AJ has just won his first header! Moyes has asked Everton to forget about the 7-1 thrashing and Sunderland was definitely playing with greater conviction. They are not giving Everton much space and the game was pretty scrappy. Are they suffering from the UEFA Cup hangover?
Somehow, whenever Neville gets hold of the ball, I also kinda shudder as I really don't know what he'd be about to do. Lots of mis-passes recently. In the 25th minute, Lescott brought down the ball well in the penalty area but chose to pass instead of shoot and the chance is gone. There we go, Neville made another unforced error. What's wrong with this guy?
It was also wierd that Lescott seemed to be playing more like a left winger. Neville is not doing himself any use as I'm not even sure which position he is suppose to play. The most exciting thing so far was the foul on Pienaar! We're in the 40th mintue and there's not even a shot on goal. The 43rd minute then saw three consecutive corners, a deflection off the cross bar after Timmy's header, and AJ's follow-up header saw the ball sailing over the bar.
End of first half. What a yawn.
The start of the second half sees Sunderland controlling the match. Everton can't seem to get near the goal at all. Something needs to change. Anichebe should be brought in, and maybe Tommy for the useless Neville.
The game will definitely open up now! In the 54th minute, Arteta crossed from the left and AJ and Timmy both went for the ball. The former somehow scored via a shoulder. But like they always say, it doesn't matter how you score, so long as it's in the net. Sunderland 0-1 Everton.
Sunderland will need to attack now and definitely will not be able to play their ultra defensive game of seeing 10 men behind the ball. In the 65th minute, Everton was nearly caught with their pants down. Sunderland came back with a quick counter attack after a failed free kick set piece at the other end. All the big guys such as Yobo and Lescott were upfield at that time. It was Pienaar who tracked back with all his might to ensure that Sunderland do not trouble Howard.
Everton was split opened by a lovely pass by Sunderland in the 75th minute but Jag cleared the ball. Bainesy is on for the hardworking Pienaar. Then everything is back to scrappy again.
A great joy for the next replacement. The 16 years old Jack Rodwell is in for Timmy, and Anichebe is in for Yak. Sunderland is still pressurising Everton's defence. A superb superb save by Howard in the 92nd minute to keep Everton in the game. The final whistle goes and Everton is now back on par with Pool in the league table.
Not the best game that Everton has played so far.
Score: Sunderland 0-1 Everton
Scorer: AJ
Assist: Arteta
Subs: Bainesy, Rodwell, Anichebe
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