Timmy s out injured but still Everton came out firing on all cylinders. A cross by Arteta and a threatening shot at goal by Ossie. Both sides are attacking but it was good to see even AJ and Ossie fighting for headers.
It's the 12th minutes and Everton has not scored an early goal. But the good thing is that they are pegging back their opposition. And Everton scores from a free kick!!! Arteta made a short pass for Pienaar to pick up the ball on the left who managed to cross the ball. Yak made a nuisance of himself in the opponent's penalty area and the goalkeeper missed catching the ball. AJ was just behind to tuck the ball into the goal via his chin. It really does not matter how Everton scores. So AJ has used his shoulder, and now his chin! Everton 1-0 Fiorentina.
Arteta is on song today with much to prove. He took a lovely free kick in the 19th minute that was creeping in san a save from the goalkeeper. Everton was closing them down very fast and not letting them settle.
Ossie is fighting and shielding every ball and he's drawing quite a number of fouls on himself. A quick free kick in the 34th minute saw Arteta threading a ball to Yak who shook off a challange by the opposition's last defender, but was saved by the goalkeeper. AJ was through in the 42nd minute but a last minute tackle ensured that the striker does not score. Half time.
Everton continued their quest for goal in the seocnd half. The opposition is trying to come back but Everton needs to continue to push them back. The worry is Everton might start to leave gaps. In the 63rd minute, AJ managed to get in a cross in for Yak to turn and shoot, but it was blocked.
What a goal!!!! Everton, with Yak tracking back to tackle, brought the ball forward. He checked back and passed the ball to Arteta, who strode forward without any opposing defenders marking him. Seeing that opening, Arteta took a shot from distance and the ball just flew past the diving goalkeeper. Everton 2-0 Fiorentina.
What a great double save! One was cleared off the goal line, and the other was a save from a flying header of Yak. A great save in the 76th minute as Howard, who has been rather erratic with his kicks, made a tremendous save off a header by the opposing striker.
Everton needs to get the third goal and they are really pressing hard.
But finally, Everton did not get the third goal, and lost out to penalty kicks. But it was a great game by Everton in all sense. All the fighting, all the teamwork. It only bodes well for Everton and her future.
Score: Everton 2-0 Fiorentina
Scorer: AJ, Arteta
Assist: -
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