Pienaar scored the first goal and was the man-of-the-match
Photo courtesy of www.evertonfc.com
Everton started with five changes:- Jacobsen for Hibbo, Lescott for the injured Jag, Gosling and Timmy for Castillo and Ossie. Jo also returns as he was not allowed to face his parent club - Manchester City.
The start of play has so far been scrappy but Everton had string together a couple of good passes. In the 9th minute, Timmy was unmarked when he headed the ball towards goal. But being just at the edge of the six yard box, the distance was just too much. Good Timmy shot at goal in the 10th minute.
In the 14th minute, Jo had a chance when Pienaar sliced open the defence but the Brazilian shot just flew across the goal post. Sunderland is starting to grasp hold of the game with their quick counter-attack while Everton is not making any progress upfront. Jo has been trying to win the headers but somehow the shorter Sunderland players are getting to the ball. Also, the right flank, manned by Gosling, has been very quiet. He even blocked a goal bound shot by Pienaar. Gosling needs to be replaced.
Everything else from thereon has been very scrappy, it's pretty close to crappy. Let's take a look at the second half.
What a calm and collected goal by Pienaar in the 48th minute. A pass from Neville on the right to Jo whose pass put Pienaar in. The South African still had to hold back the attention of a defender before toe-poking the ball through the legs of the oncoming goalkeeper. Sunderland 0-1 Everton.
Pienaar is just fighting for every ball like his whole life depended on it. Just after the goal, the whole tempo just headed into the doldrum once again.
In the 64th minute, Felli was about through on goal with Jo's flick but was cleared away by the opposing defender. Pienaar is taking crfeating all the foul opportunities for Everton.
And who else to set up the goal on the right flank? Pienaar! In the 70th minute, Pienaar slip the ball into the centre of the penalty box where Felli was waiting just to tap in the ball. Sunderland 0-2 Everton.
Rodwell in for Jacobsen in the 73rd minute. Everton is grinding out this win in a very clinical style. Pienaar has even played a sweeper role by intercepting passes. Saha in for Jo in the 80th minute. Last sub, Castillo in for Gosling in the 86th minute. Gosling should have gone off way earlier as Pienaar had to do Gosling's mule work.
Everton wins. One word - Clinical.
Score: Sunderland 0-2
Scorers: Pienaar, Felli
Assists: Pienaar, Jo
Subs: Rodwell, Saha, Castillo
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