Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Everton Plays To A Draw

West Ham 1-1 Everton

We hope to see a fresh Everton side since they did not play on Boxing Day due to the bad weather. Everton will need to play their hearts out tonight. The club is facing such a horrendous striker crisis that Timmy has been directed by Moyes to play up front. Not that we lack strikers, it is just that they can't score for nuts!

Everton is starting to pile the pressure as early as the 5th minute - Rodwell winning the corner. Distin of all person was at the end of the ball and what we saw was a defender's clearance rather than a strike on goal.

But West Ham came back strong and in their first try, they scored through a major Hibbo deflection! West Ham 1-0 Everton.

Corner in the 17th minute, and it landed with Distin who fluffed the shot once again. Everton is somehow struggling. They don't seem fast enough getting to the ball and they seemed to have too many midfielders who do not know what to do in the final third. Once again, you must be wondering if they plan to walk the ball into the net.

Great buildup, great goal! In the 43rd minute, Timmy launched a long cross from the left channel. It went pass the entire West Ham defence but not Coleman who sliced the ball into the net. West Ham 1-1 Everton. Can't say that the goal was deserving from the way that Everton had played.

So all is even in the first half.

Everton started well and Pienaar puts in a nice curler in the 51st minute. Off target.

Finally in the 61st minute, Moyes is willing to bring in a striker - Yak for Rodwell. Hope this will be a magical move. Everton, though calling the shots, are susceptible to the quick counter attacks of West Ham. The Toffees had better score to give themselves a cushion.

Good build-up, good strike by Timmy in the 79th minute. Saved by the goalkeeper.

A great corner by Arteta in the 82nd minute, and an even greater header by Felli only to be saved by the goalkeeper. Next came Timmy with a dis-allowed goal. Offside. Sigh!!!

Becks comes in for Pienaar in the 89th minute and Bily is in for Arteta in the 92nd minute.

What a nonsense of a match. Everton could have won the game, but they once again seemed to lack that final kill.

Score: West Ham 1-1 Everton
Scorer: Coleman
Assist: Timmy
Subs: Yak, Becks, Bily

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

10-Men Everton Beats Champions Wannabe Man City

Man City 1-2 Everton

Everton came to Manchester City with two points off the relegation zone. Personnel-wise, Everton is also more than a little short in midfield with Pienaar and Arteta out with injury and suspension respectively. Manchester City do not have this sort of problem with all 11 players stabds for the who and who of football.

Everton had chose not to read the opening script as within 4 minutes, the Blues scored. Bainesy galloped down the left channel and puts in a totally lovely cross. Anichebe tried to cushion the cross but was cleared by Man City defenders. Then shockingly, Man City seemed to stop playing and was hoping that the ball rolls out for a corner. Coleman though did not et the ball rest. Picking the ball up just before it goes dead, he crosses the ball back into the penalty area where Timmy was lurking unmarked and all he had to do was to steer the ball into the net. Man City 0-1 Everton.

The second came in the 18th minute. A nice 1-2 between Bainesy and Timmy saw the former curling the ball into the bottom right of the net. Man City 0-2 Everton.

Everton came out in the 2nd half ready to defend, and that was what they did with large dose. Things were not made easier with Anichebe getting himself two yellow cards in quick succession. That is part of Anichebe's game, brut force but sometimes, not thinking of the consequence/ There was still 30 minutes on the watch.

Heads, bodies, shoulders, Everton threw everything in, including their kitchen sinks. Fearless!

Manchester City made their comeback. A deflected goal in the 72nd minute. Man City 1-2 Everton. Things really looked back when Jag was substituted.

But Everton put up a fortress - absolute defending. Man City mad it a little simpler with one of their players being sent off. At the end, Everton limped away with the three points. Totally wondeful team play.

Score: Man City 1-2 Everton
Scorers: Timmy, Bainesy
Assists: Coleman, Timmy
Subs: Bily, Saha, Hibbo

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Everton's a Sick Duck!

Everton 0-0 Wigan

Another poor game by Everton. Not only are they not going to be in the top six, they might just end up in the bottom three if they are not careful.

The starting lineup for Everton looked reasonably well balanced. When one hears that Pienaar is fit to play, one should be happy. But when his contract has not been ironed out and we are not sure if he will put in his best, then it is a cause for concern. Coleman is brought back in to give the right channel a bit of a tease. Moyes is placing his trust once again on Saha to come up with the goods.

Playing at Goodison Park, Everton really have to give it their all. One win and they will be at mid-table.

Once again, Everton got the game started with Timmy chesting the ball down but not quick enough to put the ball away.

Felli had a great chance in the 10th minute with an open header but the ball just flew beyond the cross bar. This plus a few other chances, Everton are just not scoring. They need to fight for every ball! They have to remember that they are on home soil!

The header by Rodwell was destined for the back of the net but a reflex header by a Wigan defender deflected the ball wide.

Everton needs a crazy man who will run at Wigan's defence. The Toffees are all too meek. Nobody dares to try for goal. Why???

The 1st half ended with both clubs drawing parity. Very frustrating match to watch! I look at the bench and what do I see? More sighs!

Start of 2nd half. Pienaar lets fly in the 47th minute, stinging the palms of the opposing goalkeeper.

Bainesy puts in a good cross in the 48th minute and Jags cleverly taps the ball towards goal. Saved by the Wigan's goalkeeper.

Another lovely move in the 51st minute. Coleman one-two with Timmy, who then pass the ball to Saha who set up the ball for Timmy to strike. Off target.

Saha was through in the 58th minute but a toe-poke was blocked! Timmy header hits the upright straight after that!!! Then Coleman made a jinking run into the penalty area. Shot. Blocked. Pienaar had the ball, blasted it wide!

Becks comes in for Saha in the 59th minute and Anichebe comes in for Pienaar. Seems like an ankle injury. Everton's barely fighting for a win - they now looked lost of idea.

Draw! Two points down the drain!

Score: Everton 0-0 Wigan
Scorer: NA
Assist: NA
Subs: Becks, Anichebe

Saturday, December 04, 2010

Everton Snatches A Point

What a match! Everton going to Stamford Bridge should not have stand a chance in even getting a single point. But we did!

This is as tough a game as Everton can get. Aging players that Chelsea have but still potent. Everton sees the suspension of Arteta though another hot-head returns - Felli.

The Toffees need all the hands that they can get, so please, no more send-offs. Coleman, Neville and Rodwell are the other changes. This is a nervy game for Everton but I really hope that all the players are up for the game. If they need some motivation, they only have to look at the league table - We are 16th for crying out loud.

Straight off the kick-off, Saha grabbed hold of a good pass to strike the ball towards goal only to be palmed away by the goalkeeper.

After that initial scare, Everton were being pegged back for the next 15 minutes. Everton did have one or two forays but they just fell flat coming into the final third. Close close shave in the 27th minute where the final shot came off Howard's post.

Everton looked dangerous with their crosses from either wings, one of which Timmy picked up in the penalty area but was not quick enough to get it away towards goal.

What in the world was Neville thinking???? A blind backpass that was picked up by a Chelsea striker which Howard had no choice but to bring the striker down. Penalty and they scored. Chelsea 1-0 Everton.

Everton was soaking in the pressure well until that happened. Now Chelsea are just playing holding ball. Neville is making news in this game. Earned a yellow card and then earned a penalty for Chelsea!

Chelsea starts the second half. Everton seemed to have stopped any possible gaps as they go in search of the equaliser. Still, they seemed short of idea.

Becks comes in for Saha. What does Moyes see in this lad?

So close for Everton in the 59th minute!!! Cross from Bainesy, header by Rodwell only to be denied by the upright. That is not good enough. Close is still not close enough!

Whattaaaaaa goal!!!!!!!

Bainesy galloped past four defenders to get himself free. His pinpoint cross was met by Timmy who headed the ball back towards goal. Becks was on hand to head the ball into goal. Since he has scored for Everton, I'll forgive him this time. Chelsea 1-1 Everton. Assist: Timmy.

Bily comes in for Pienaar.

What a heart attack! Everton could have won at the end of the game with the pressure they laid on Chelsea but both teams take a point each.

Score: Chelsea 1-1 Everton
Scorer: Becks
Assist: Timmy
Subs: Becks, Bily

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Screws On Everton Totally Came Off!

Everton 1-4 West Brom

This is the time for Everton to extend their lead. This is the time to make that difference, especially since they are playing against a club that lies 16th in the league table. Anichebe returns after a long injury spell. Joining him in the first team are Hibbo and Yak.

Everton was on the ascendency right from the start. A lovely cross in the 2nd minute from Bainesy towards the penalty area saw the ball zip past all the forward players.

In the 6th minute, Anichebe skipped past the defence and placed in a good shot to force a save from the goalkeeper.

Everton trails in the 15th minute. A header. Sigh. Everton 0-1 West Brom. When you think that Everton should win this match, the bogeyman comes to haunt you.

Yak wins Everton a freekick in the 23rd minute - taken by Arteta but once again palmed away by the goalkeeper. Will the goal come?

Yes, but from West Brom. Lovely free kick. Everton 0-2 West Brom. The visitors seem to be running the roost. Everton is playing some really tentative football and you wonder when will they ever look superior to ANY teams when they play. Horrible first half!

Saviour! Everton's Saviour! A corner from Bainesy in the 42nd minute and from nowhere, a tall, tall header from Timmy. Everton 1-2 West Brom. Everything was going against Everton until now.

Everton is calling the shots now. Cross by Bainesy on the right but the ball totally skipped past all the players.

The Toffees better fight harder in the 2nd half! It feels like the cold is getting to them. C'mon, run for every ball!

Anichebe looked to be quite worn out already. Moyes should think of replacing him so that he can get some rest. Bring on Coleman! Moyes should be brave enough to play 4-4-2 right from the start. He is now ewplacing Heitinga with Beck and Yak for Saha. Why is Anichebe still on???

Arteta is sent off for a stamp on the opponent in the 56th minute. Why was the super illegal challenge on Bainesy before Arteta's stamp not picked up?

Rodwell on for Anichebe. Everton now needs to fight, and really hard! Beck blew the chance in the 72nd minute when he had an open shot! Ok, it's a bit tough to shoot on the volley.

West Brom scores in the 75th minute. Game, set, match? Everton 1-3 West Brom. Is it time for Everton to collapse? Disaster!

Beck strikes left, strikes right, but no matter what, it does not enter the net. He's good for the Championship league!

Everton destroyed. Everton 1-4 West Brom.

This game totally sucks!

Score: Everton 1-4 West Brom
Scorer: Timmy
Assist: Bainesy
Subs: Saha, Beck, Rodwell

Sunday, November 14, 2010

No Late Comeback This Time

Everton 1-2 Arsenal

Everton gave Arsenal too much respect. Either that or Arsenal was just too strong for them. Where is the belief? So now, they are languishing in the middle table - 13th position to be exact.

Moyes sent out the same team from the last game, san Felli who had foolishly kicked out at the opposing player. Now, he's out for three games.

Both teams were testing out each other. But even though the score's 0-0, Arsenal still look the more likely to score with their penetrating runs, and crisp passes.

Arsenal scores an improbable goal in the 35th minute. Howard blocked the first ball. It was picked up by the opposing striker, which from a tight angle, struck the ball into the net. Everton 0-1 Arsenal. There were just holes in the defence that Everton were not able to peg.

Everton is fighting hard to gain parity. Coleman's abrasive run nearly bore fruits in the 42nd minutes as he twisted and turned the defence only for the latter to clear the ball away.

A deep Arteta cross saw Saha heading towards goal, only for the goalkeeper to block the shot, unwittingly as the ball ricochet off the back of the keeper to bounce away from the goalpost.

Everton's not over-rawed, it is just that they are unable to score. Rodwell is in for Heitinga in the hope that the midfield would be shored up a little. But the start of the 2nd half was a disaster for Everton.

In the 48th minute, Everton conceded another goal. Everton inferior front line is showing. Everton 0-2 Arsenal.

Bainesy puts in a free kick in the 49th minute but was saved by the goalkeeper. Everton needs to bring in a second striker to give Arsenal a run for their money.

A one-on-one situation in the 56th minute saw Jag tackling back to save the day for Everton. The ball then went back to the end of Arsenal where Pienaar skipped past a defender to set up the strike for Rodwell. The young midfielder could only curl the ball beyond the post. His rustiness was showing.

Yak and Becks enter into the fray in the 69th minute for Arteta and Neville. First time we are seeing Moyes playing three strikers. So it is 4-3-3? Arsenal's close passing is making it difficult for Everton to even get the ball.

A good strike from Pienaar in the 83rd minutes. Scorched the palms of the goalkeeper. Saha's shot in the 87th minute. Saved. 88th minute. A cross by Pienaar, Saha knocked the ball down, and it has to be Timmy who nicked the ball into the net. Everton 1-2 Arsenal. Assist: Saha.

Too little too late. The players did not looked like they were on the pitch for the first 80 minutes. The game also seemed to be a tad bit early for the returning Rodwell.

Score: Everton 1-2 Arsenal
Scorer: Timmy
Assist: Saha
Subs: Rodwell, Yak, Becks

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Becks Saves Everton From Blushes

Everton 1-1 Bolton

Moyes rested a couple of players who played in the last game. In came Felli after shaking off his injury. Bily replaces the impressive Coleman.

For the first five minutes, both teams went for each other's jagular. The fanatical pace of the game saw Bolton attacked with intent. Twice, they breached the defence and both times, Distin and Jag were there on two separate occasions to save the day.

Everton also had their opportunities though none materialised into any meaningful shots on goal.

Everton had a good chance in the 16th minute when Bainesy placed in a good cross from the left channel. The defender failed to clear, while Bily failed to connect.

In the 23rd minute, Saha created space for himself, drifted past two defenders before smashing the ball towards Bolton's goal. parried away by the keeper, who made another magnificant save from Timmy. Nothing amounted to the subsequent corner.

In the 32nd minute, Arteta placed in a short pass from the corner, Neville curled the ball into the centre, cross met by outstretching Saha. Palmed away by the goalkeeper. Arteta puts in the ball once again. This time, Saha powered in a strong header, cleared off the line. What a chance.

Everton controlled the game with assured passes all round but must be wondering why the game is still goalless at half time.

Moyes needs to bring in willing runners and Coleman fits just that role. With Everton in asendency, the gaffer also needs to be more adventurous. Play 4-4-2. Bring on Yak.

Everton comes out in the 2nd half unchanged. They need to change! Bily can't seem to stand for strong challenges and has been drifting about quite aimlessly. Take him out!

Howard made a terrific save in the 50th minute to keep the ball away. A long punt forward saw Timmy laying the ball off for Bily to strike the ball towards goal. Saved by the keeper. Not good enough Bily. He missed another shot on goal and then dallies on his cross. The Russian is not really doing too much and also don't seem to have any urgency. I'm very sure that Coleman will make a big difference.

Fantastic turn and shoot by Saha in the 64th minute. Palmed away by the keeper. I'm elated with the replacement in the 65th minute. Coleman for Bily. Already Coleman picked up the ball along the right channel, ran against the defender, bamboozled one, skipped past another before sending the ball towards goal. Saved by the keeper.

Coleman showed his class once again in the 78th minute as he pushed the ball passed the defender, but cleared for a corner. Came to nought.

80th minute - From a mistake by Jag, Everton is a goal behind. Everton 0-1 Bolton. Sloppy, sloppy defence. Two strikers are brought in - Yak and Becks for Saha and Neville.

Felli gets sent off for retaliation. His fiery has cost the team. Things are getting from bad to worse!

Then out of the magic hat came Becks with a wonderful debut goal. Bainesy never gave up as he hustled the midfielder into losing the ball. Bainesy then pushed the ball into the path of Becks. The striker stood strong against the challenge of a defender, turned, took a couple of steps forward before curling a lovely ball into the net.

Everything that could go wrong for Everton, went wrong and only an injury time goal saw the Toffees claw back a point.

Score: Everton 1-1 Bolton
Scorer: Beck
Assist: Bainesy
Subs: Coleman, Yak, Beck

Saturday, November 06, 2010

Coleman Scores Against His Old Club To Draw Parity

Score: Blackpool 2-2 Everton

It was a good end-to-end stuff from both teams. This was one game that both sides did not deserve to lose.

Moyes has chosen to keep to his winning side, not that anyone can blame him. Coleman who returns to his surrogate club - Blackpool - who took him on loan last season.

Everton is putting themselves in alot of pressure in the first five minutes - a mis-pass here and a careless marking there and in then in the 9th minute, Blackpool scores from a free kick. What a start that Everton so do not want. Blackpool 1-0 Everton.

Everton hits back in the 12th minute! What a play. A foul on Bainesy, who took it quickly. Distin became a temporary left winger as he puts a low ball into the penalty area after a sweet one-two with Pienaar. Yak put in a good first touch to dislodge himself from the opposing defender. A sweet header-height cross was met by who else but Timmy! Lovely team goal. Blackpool 1-1 Everton. Assist: Yak.

So close. In the 23rd minute, a long punt from defence, Timmy headed down ball down to Yak, who laid it off for Timmy to blast towards goal. Not strong enough a shot.

Everton is starting to turn the screw on Blackpool. A neat one-two in the 25th minute saw Pienaar releasing Bainesy into the penalty area, only for the defence to clear it away.

A pass from Pienaar in the 29th minute saw Yak open on goal. But just that one extra touch saw him lose the ball via a defensive tackle. Nice first timer by Coleman in the 35th minute after a stupendous cross by Neville. Lovely shot but the goalkeeper had it covered.

Another close, close shot by Coleman in the 40th minute. He passed one defender, did a little shimmy to pass the second before putting in a lovely shot. Missed left. Coleman is causing all kinds of problems on the right wing today.

It all ends in parity for the first half. Everton is in the ascendency. So can they snatch all three points at Blackpool?

Second half, straight from the start, Blackpool scores again. Sigh! Blackpool 2-1 Everton.

What a goal!!!!!!!! Everton hits back and the writing was on the wall. In the 50th minute, a long ball to Coleman who had to challenge for the ball. With the ball in the air, and the defender not knowing where the ball was, Coleman was the first to pick up the ball, ran straight towards goal and smash the ball below the reach of the keeper. Blackpool 2-2 Everton.

Coleman can continue to stay in the team if he continues to deliver the goods.

The game feels like a ping-pong match already. I score first before you score.

Bainesy nearly cost Everton in the 62nd minute when he tried a jinking run against like what, three defenders.

So nearly again from Everton in the 67th minute. A nice one-two between Timmy and Pienaar saw the latter go through on goal. Weak shot.

Arghh!!! Saha was in the penalty area in the 71st minute but just dragged his effort wide. So close!

Bily comes in for Pienaar in the 75th minute, while Beck comes in for Heitinga in the 76th minute. It's really end-to-end stuff and Blackpool had the ball in the net but was ruled offside. Wrong call. But Everton looked totally drained and that's where the 12th player - the crowd - makes a difference.

Everton is just hanging on.

Phew. Everton nearly lost it! The turning point was when Heitinga left the field. Not that he was superbly influential, but the players knew that it was the final substitution and they just have to fight on for the last 10 minutes.

Score: Blackpool 2-2 Everton
Scorer: Timmy, Coleman
Assist: Yak
Subs:

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Slim Win for Everton

Everton 1-0 Stoke - FULL TIME

Goodison Park is buzzing once again as the club starts to rake up wins. It's great to see Pienaar and Arteta back in the squad. What's even more heartwarming is that Rodwell is back in the squad though it is only on the bench.

Everton are not getting to the headers and are losing out the 50-50s for the first 10 minutes.

What a run by Yak in the 14th minute on the left channel. Yak overlapped the opposition and placed a strike towards goal. A weak one though.

Now, Everton's passing the ball all over the place except to the feet of the players.

In the 24th minute, a pass from Arteta saw Yak flicked the the ball into the path of Pienaar whose strike was stopped by the opposing goalkeeper. Everton's started to get desperate as Timmy had to put in a long shot rather than using his header. The end result is a sky-high ball.

Everton has been playing into Stoke's hands. It's just a dull game on a dull day. The teams head to the dressing rooms with a 0-0 scoreline.

In the 2nd half, Everton kick-off.

Coleman made a jinking run through the opposing defence before dispatching a shot. Caught by the oposing goalie.

So close! Bainesy pulls the ball back, and made a lovely pass to Arteta just outside the penalty area, only to be cleared by kamikaze-diving players. It's a messy game with tugging of shirts in the penalty box, and even a disallowed goal.

Moyes is going for 4-4-2 with Saha coming in for Coleman in the 61st minute.

Yak scores his first goal of the season!!! That's why we need him! Timmy's strike saw the ball rebound off the post only as far as to Yak. The striker shimmied, move the ball coolly to the left and with one thunderous strike, nearly tore the roof of the net! Everton 1-0 Stoke. Assist: Timmy.

Second substitution - Bily for Yak in the 85th minute.

Super hard-fought Everton win. We are moving up!

Score: Everton 1-0 Stoke
Scorer: Yak
Assist: Timmy
Subs: Saha, Bily

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Everton Continues To Pick Up Points

Didn't manage to watch this match as I'd to pick my mother from the airport. But an away draw is always welcomed.

Score: Tottenham 1-1 Everton
Scorer: Bainesy
Assist: Nil
Subs: Hibbo, Saha, Beckford

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Cahill and Arteta See Liverpool Off

Everton 2-0 Liverpool - Full Time

Every win in the Merseyside derby feels that the Blues have won the championship! It's truly a bonus to see Gerrard dredging his feet on the field and most likely, he's mulling over which club he should move into.

So all of Liverpool's problems seemed solved, and now they take a short trip over to Goodison Park. Felli, Pienaar, Rodwell, Anichebe and Saha are all out and sometimes you wonder how many players do Moyes have on hand.

Liverpool are playing square passes largely within their own half and have not really threatened. But Everton too are not doing much when they have possession in the first 10 minutes.

Everton wins their first free kick in the 10th minute with Yak being pulled down just outside the penalty area. Arteta's free-kick hits the wall, and the entire pinball back-forth between players before Jag blasted the ball to kingdom come.

Interesting, in the 13th minuteYak turns in a cross, with Distin (Why is he in the penalty area?) trapping the ball and striking the ball just above the bar.

Great shot!!! Yak was all alone in the 27th minute. Twisting and turning, in came Timmy to create more havoc for Lierpool. He held the ball long enough to create a little space for Yak who then strike for goal. Piked up by the goalkeeper.

I'm happy that Liverpool looks dis-jointed.

WHAT A GOAL!!! Get it in!!! In the 33rd minute, Coleman made a jinking run into the penalty area with two defenders in tow. Coleman then puts in a mouth-watering low cross and Timmy was there to smash the ball into goal. Everton 1-0 Liverpool. Assist: Coleman.

Ossie looks injured but for the saving grace of the entire world, no Bily. I'm no fan of his. Ossie seems to be running comfortably once again and he placed in a good shot in the 44th minute.

Everton owns the first half! Kevin Campbell came on, no not to play, but to show his thanks to the Goodison faithful.

Bily, the player I'd hope not to appear, is on the pitch for the 2nd half. Ossie has sustained an injury.

Everton needs to get a second goal to keep them away from the final minutes onslaught.

Goal!!!!! Arteta from outside the penalty box in the 49th minute!!! From a corner, the ball was cleared by Pool's defender only as far as Arteta. No one was marking him! His strike saw the ball swivel into the net! Everton 2-0 Liverpool.

Everton is allowing Pool to attack and that should not be the way. moyes is bent on attacking as he replaces Arteta with Beckford. Looks like an injury. C'mon Beck, show us what you've got.

Distin is clearing the ball all day and to me, he's the man of the match.

Beck first strike of the ball. He has to focus on scoring and not making a fool of himself. Heitinga off and Hibbo on.

Good pressure by Distin to make the Pool striker flop in front of goal.

And it's a win by Everton! A very magnificant one that sees Everton move up the table.

Score: Everton 2-0 Liverpool
Scorers: Timmy, Arteta
Assist: Coleman
Subs: Bily, Beckford, Hibbo

Saturday, October 02, 2010

Cahill's Goal Kick-starts Everton's Season

BIRMINGHAM 0-2 EVERTON - FULL TIME

Everton is under siege. When have you seen the club at the bottom of the league table? Should they be desperate? The club has not played too badly but somehow they just cannot score. And when you can't score, you have to defend well. The Toffees did not do that badly but they are losing by one goals, and if you can't defend that, you lose.

Neville has slotted in as right back while Coleman has been pushed to the right wing. Ossie has came in for Pienaar who is injured.

Everton started with gusto once again and hardly looked like a team at the bottom.

As early as the 3rd minutr, Everton showed much menace as Bainesy's cross met the head of Coleman. Saved by the opposing goalkeeper. Timmy was fuming as he was in a better position to head the ball.

Everton had a clear penalty claim but it was not given by the ref. Bainsey was bundled over. So why was it not a penalty?

In the 24th minute, a hopeful punt forward saw a Birmingham striker going one-on-one with Howard. But he fluffed his shot. What a miss, but what a let-off for Everton.

Everton though, pressed forward. In the 26th minute, a mistake by a Birmingham defender allowed the ball to roll to Yak, who curled the ball towards goal. The opposing goalkeeper could not reached the ball, but was saved on the line by a defender! Will Everton ever score?

Bainesy was showing how dangerous he is. He swashbuckling style saw him shimmering into the penalty area. He's tripped by the defender in the penalty area!!! No penalty again!!!! Is there really such a thing as no luck?

Second half sees Everton on the ascension. What a great own goal in the 53rd minute!!! After they pressed and they pressed. A cross by Ossie only for a Birmingham defender to put it past his own keeper. Whatever way, I'd say. Birmingham 0-1 Everton.

Everton needs to hold on for 15 more minutes to garner their first win. C'mon! They have to do it. Heitinga is in for Yak in the 79th minute. Huh? Playing defensively? They need to bring on Beckford then. They can't play that defensively. Moyes got to get a striker out there. Not when Timmy himself is tired. He can't be that striker.

Bily the mis-firing midfielder coming on for braveheart Coleman in the 86th minute. Well done for the young lad. Timmy looks tired. C'mon, get him off.

GOAL!!!!!! The last minute of play! 93rd minute! Bainesy wanted to hold the ball, but was forced to move into the penalty area. Since he was given that space, he made that superb cross for Timmy to score with a stooping header! Great goal.

Everton season has finally started! Birmingham did not look threatening at all.

Score: Birmingham 0-2 Everton
Scorers: og; Timmy
Assists: Ossie, Bainesy

Saturday, September 18, 2010

EVERTON (0) vs (1) NEWCASTLE - FULL TIME

Everton is beaten once again, albeit playing at Goodison Park. What will Moyes be saying now? Yak has been so threatening upfront, even when Moyes claim that he's not totally fit. Moyes has gone bonkers just relying on Beckford. He truly needed to bring in a striker but he brought in one that's untried.

Jag's take on how Everton has played so far truly sums up everything. The Toffees are just too tense; everyone has expected loads from them, and they have not delivered. Timmy is out injured and thus, Beckford is back in the squad. I really wonder why. Still no starts for Coleman and Yak.

Everton started strongly but after five minutes, they seemed to be out of ideas once again. Beckford is still not pulling his weight and it's adding pressure to the entire team.

The Toffees are just making it more and more difficult to even draw with all their mis-passes! The entire 25 minutes after that, it was Newcastle all the way. Moyes, are you watching the match at all??? What are you doing about it? You are really a stubborn ol goat! Bring in Yak!

Pienaar told the dailies that he is getting back to form, but looking at how he's playing today, it really seems far from it.

Ossie had a chance in the 38th minute but it was just a soft stroke towards to the goalkeeper.

Oh my goodness! Tim Howard is also making school boy's error! Thankfully, the ball did not end up in the net. But sooner than later, Everton is now down by a thunderous goal. Everton 0-1 Newcastle. 45th minute.

You need to play from the front and the team is not even holding the ball well.

Second half - Hibbo and Beckford are off and Coleman and Yak are in. The obstinate old man should have done that right from the start! But he needs to put in two strikers! I don't fancy Bily, but he may just need to be brought in. Totally unpredictable both in skill and play.

And you see, Bily is on for Heitinga in the 73rd minute. Coleman made a last ditch tackle when the opposition was one-on-one with Howard.

It seems like everything is going wrong for Everton. Yak hits the bar, Felli missed the ball totally in front of goal. Everton is in deep, deep trouble.

Score: Everton 0-1 Newcastle
Scorer: Nuttin'
Assist: Nil
Subs: Coleman, Yak, Bily



Saturday, September 11, 2010

EVERTON (3) vs (3) MAN UTD - FULL TIME

Everton has been outplayed, outgunned. Two goals down, looking forlorn and final minute in the game. Everton came back to draw the match. Wonderful game! Everton came back from the dead.

Everton started the game without an established striker. Injuries had also struck again but at least, things do not look as bad just yet. Saha and Rodwell are out of the game, while Vaughany has already been loaned out to Crystal Palace. Moyes is smart enough to realise that Beckford has not done himself any justice for not scoring or even causing much problems in the last three games that he has started.

Interestingly, wife-cheater Rooney is not included in Man U's squad.

Everton seems to be willing to fight for every ball and had Arteta threatened Man U's goal through his brilliantly taken free kick in the 6th minute. Saved by the deflection off the bar.

The Toffees are pressing Man U but when the Red Devils attack, they tend to look more dangerous.

What a wonderful save by Howard! An outstretched leg that prevented a sure goal in the 33rd minute. We even had the chance to watch Hibbo change his torn shorts - his ghostly white legs for all to see!

Another fabulous save in the 38th minute by Howard! A one-handed stop!

What a dumb clearance! In the 38th minute, Evra tried an overhead kick but failed totally! Arteta picked up the loose ball and was one-on-one against the opposing goalkeeper. Arteta dispatched the ball towards goal but was scuppered by the opposing goalkeeper. Only for Pienaar to plant in the goal. Everton 1-0 Man U. Assist: Ossie.

But in 42nd minute, Man U put themselves back into parity with a quick goal. Everton just switched off for that moment and got bashed in the face. Everton 1-1 Man U. Half time. Even a writer such as me needs a breather!

From a draw to one-goal down in the 47th minute. Where are the Everton players??? Everton 1-2 Man U. They have to bring a striker on NOW!

Howard saved Everton again in the 63rd minute. With him playing so well, it needs to be now that Everton should press for the goal. But instead, Everton conceded another in the 65th minute! Distin committed, missed. Berba took control of the ball and scored. Everton 1-3 Man U.

Double substitution. Yak in for Heitinga, and Coleman in for Hibbo.

Yak is showingthat he can make that difference but I guess that Moyes just can't stand the African players as they are taken away for their games in Africa once too often. And that is why Yobo has departed Goodison Park for Turkey.

Timmy scores in the 90th minute. Floating cross from Bainesy and Timmy hanged in the air the longest to score that goal. Everton 2-3 Man U. Assist: Bainesy.

WHATTTTAAAAA GAME!!!!! Final minute in extra time!!! Bainesy crosses, Timmy headed in down, Arteta slotted in a lovely, lovely ball!!! Everton 3-3 Man U. Assist: Timmy.


Incredulous score! COYB!

Score: Everton 3-3 Man Utd
Scorers: Pienaar, Timmy, Arteta
Assists: Ossie, Bainesy, Timmy
Subs: Yak, Coleman

Wednesday, September 01, 2010

Transfer Deadline

Ok, so Everton is close to bankrupt. We don't have the money to bring in quality players or to be more optimistic, a single quality player. Each season, we have managed to bring in one - Felli, Yak, AJ, Bily. But can they bring in one this season?
First and foremost, let's see where Everton needs strengthening....ok, that's quite hard to abswer. I'd better change my question a little, which department would Everton needs no strengthening....I can't answer that too.
Well, the deal so far is that Yobo is heading for Turkey. Hey, is anyone coming in our direction? Why are we releasing players. I suspect that Moyes has enough of African players. Their African Cup always seems to be in the way of the league games.
Will Bentley be joining Everton? Apparently not.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

ASTON VILLA (1) vs (0) EVERTON - FULL TIME

Nervous is the word that is on the lips of all Everton supporters. We have all the players required, we have the support of the crowd. But do we have the zeal to get all three points. Rodwell is brought into the squad together with Felli back in midfield. Beckford is still preferred to Saha, which I wonder why. But I'm pleased that Bily is not playing.

Bainesy should have taken the shot in the 4th minute. Jinking run into the penalty area only to be stopped by the opposing defender.

A total disaster for Everton after doing so well for the first eight minute. Felli mis-cleared the ball that opened a gapping hole which the Toffees defenders could not plug. Villa 1-0 Everton. They are down so early in the game. C'mon! Everton should start dismantling Villa.

What luck! Pienaar hits the post in the 16th minute!

Everton has all the impetus but the ball is still not in the net. What must they do to score a goal.

The first 10 minutes of the second half yield little for Everton to cheer about. To make it known, Moyes is finally making an early change. Saha is on for Beckford in the 55th minute. Why is Moyes always using him when he has not even proved himself in the top flight soccer.

Howard, had little to do until the 58th minute where he had to claw away a sure goal. Soooo close for Everton! Saha so nearly scored in the 59th minute.

So close for Everton once again. A glancing header by Rodwell so the ball just roll past the upright. It was really that close. Oh no, Rodwell's injured and is replaced by Coleman in the 70th minute.

Hibbo out and Heitinga in - 80th minute.

Terrible, terrible game. Even after Everton had played so well. Another player to put away - Beckford. Why did Moyes not play Saha? I really

Score: Villa 1-0 Everton
Scorer: Forget about it!
Assist: Nvm!
Subs: Saha, Coleman

CARLING CUP ROUND 3 - EVERTON vs BRENTFORD

This is a given. Everton needs to grasp hold of this opportunity and give it a go.

Elsewhere, Chelsea hosts Newcastle, Villa against Blackburn, Tottenham vs Arsenal and Sunderland faces West Ham. For these games, someone just have to go, muchto Everton's joy!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

CARLING CUP: EVERTON (5) vs (1) HUDDERSFIELD - FULL TIME

This was one match that was not showing in Singapore. But what a result it was knowing that Everton had scored six (Five legitimate goal, and one own goal!).

The Toffees, with six changes to the team that last played, took on their League One opposition with much guile. Young Gueye was making the left channel his as his cross was met with a strike by Felli but it was blocked. But in the 6th minute, the same pair came together and that culminated in a different result. Gueye crossed the ball from the left channel for Felli to head in a thunderbolt! Everton 1-0 Huddersfield. Great goal. Assist: Gueye.

The second goal scored in the 13th minute was even better. Rodwell, who is pushing for a English international call-up, picked up the ball, cut back, and unleashed a fiery shot for a distance that saw it went past the goalkeeper. Everton 2-0 Huddersfield.

But Huddersfield pulled one back in the 39th minute with an unfortunate Heitinga goal. Everton 2-1 Huddersfield.

In the second half, Everton continued their fine form and in the 48th minute, and was awarded a penalty when Rodwell turned the defender who in turn, brought Rodwell down in the penalty area. Beckford went on to score the penalty. Everton 3-1 Huddersfield.

Everton won another penalty in the 70th minute after Coleman was plled down in the penalty area. However, Heitinga took the shot but it was saved. Still, Everton made it four in the 76th minute. Saha scored with his first touch of the ball. Beckford setting him up. Everton 4-1 Huddersfield.

The evening was complete with Ossie scoring a header from Coleman's cross. Everton totally dominated the ir opposition.

Still, this is not good enough. Everton must still replicate their form for the Premier League.

Score: Everton 5-1 Huddersfield
Scorers: Felli, Rodwell, Beckford, Saha, Ossie
Assists: Gueye, Beckford, Colema
Subs: Hibbo, Bily, Saha


Saturday, August 21, 2010

EVERTON (1) vs (1) WOLVES - FULL TIME

David Moyes has made massive changes to the team that last lost to Blackburn. Hibbo replaces the injured Neville, Beckford for Saha, Heitinga for Felli and Bily for Ossie. Arteta has been given the captain's armband and truthfully, I hope that he can lead them to a winning start at Goodison.

Everton had the early initiative and have kept up the pressure for the first 20 minutes. Much of the attacks are coming from the right channel with Hibbo attempting to make two crosses. In the 22nd minutes, Tiimy should have just shot but he laid the ball off to Pienaar who had the ball cleared by the opposing defenders.

Thunder shot in the 25th minute by Heitinga but was palmed away by the goalkeeper. What a great shot. Eveton tried and tried but they just can't score. Beckford, Bily, Timmy; everyone's trying but just not testing the goalkeeper.

Moyes needs to play a 4-4-2 position and not be defensive on home ground. The team is not struggling but they are not threatening either. WHAT!!!?? The referee was just standing one metre away, was a clear penalty and he didn't give it???

Everton scores!!!!!!!!! That at least appeases the Everton crowd. Arteta's freekick ricochet off the wall, the ball somehow got stuck in the sea of Wolves players within the penalty box and Timmy was there to smash the ball home. Everton 1-0 Wolves.

Everton ends the first half on the high note. I really think Bily needs to be taken off as he is really not pulling his weight. Bring on Saha please. Bily totally missed a shot in the 60th minute. TAKE HIM OUT!!! Moyes needs to make that change. Quick! And Bily didn't take his chance again! C'mon Moyes!!! Hibbo looks tired too.

FINALLY!!!!! Saha replaces Beckford in the 71st minute. How about Bily??? You need to take him out. Bring in Felli or Gueye. And now Wolves have drawn parity in 74th minute. Everton 1-1 Wolves.

WHAT IS MOYES DOING??????? Why is he not making further change???All in the 81st minute!!! Frustrating. Felli for Heitinga and Ossie for a totally ineffective Bily. I really don't think we need to see that Russian again.

It's a draw, and I really think it's Moyes indecision that led to this unwanted draw at Goodison. Sigh!
Score: Everton 1-1 Wolves
Scorer: Timmy
Assist: Nil
Subs: Saha, Felli, Ossie

Saturday, August 14, 2010

BLACKBURN (1) vs (0) EVERTON - FULL TIME

Everton looked totally out of sorts. They can't seem to even string proper passes. Previously, there was Yak that they could rely on. Now, it's Beckford who is into his first premier league season. Where are the seasoned strikers?

Everton sees itself starting with the best XI in as many seasons. I like the back four except for Neville in right back. I'd really prefer Coleman. Midfield looks strong too while in the final half, Saha is the lone striker.


Everton struggled to clear ball after ball in the first couple of minutes as Blackburn made a tremendous start and with all the impetus, Blackburn took the lead in the 14th minute. It was an unsure moment for Howard who dropped the ball only for the opposition to stab it in. Why? I think bringing in reserve goalkeeper Mucha during the close season might have placed too much pressure on him. Blackburn 1-0 Everton.

After that howler, Everton took the game a little more to Blackburn. But still the opposition held on and kept up their pressure. They are definitely not letting Everton settle into the game. The Toffees looked pretty dis-jointed at this point. Have they truly came out of the pre-season? Poor, poor game.

Everton seemed to be struggling. We need youthful exuberance. Players such as Anichebe or Vaughany. But none of them are on the bench. Moyes replaced ineffective Ossie with Beckford. Actually, the entire team seemed rather ineffective with the way that they are playing. In the 72nd minute, Bily replaced Saha andin 75th minute, Rodwell replaced Felli.

Everton pressed Blackburn within their penalty area but the opposition just hung on. Pienaar looked totally distracted and forlorn.

Junked out match! The players looked totally dis-interested. What is happening to this team? What a horrible start.

Score: Blackburn 1-0 Everton
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Subs: Beckford, Bily, Rodwell

Thursday, August 05, 2010

EVERTON 2-0 EVERTON CHILE - FULL TIME

No, your eyes are not playing a trick on ya. Both teams are named Everton but what mattered was that the Goodison team walked away with the win. This was really history in the making as Eveton Chile truly born out of the fact that the British club visited Chile in 1916. The two founding members then took on the British club's name and there you have it, Everton Chile!

On with the match. It was great to see that Goalkeeper Mucha put in a sound game. It also seems that Coleman is now coming of age and with his level of performance, he has surely outdone Hibbo. What is of great joy was also seeing Felli mixing with the rest. It's been a long hard six months.

But back to what mattered most - Goals.




The first came from the left channel. Bainesey held the ball well. A gave a little shimmy before releasing the ball to Gueye. The young french midfielder had world of the time to cross the ball for Beckford who rose gloriously to head a looping ball into the net. Lovely, lovely goal. You can just see that Beckford and Gueye will have a promising season ahead. Everton 1-0 Everton Chile.





The second goal came from a corner. A cushioned header down by Felli which Bily gave it a good first timer. Lovely goal. Everton 2-0 Everton Chile.

Well done Toffees!

Score: Everton 2-0 Everton Chile
Scorers: Beckford, Bily
Assists: Gueye, Felli

Saturday, July 31, 2010

NORWICH 4-2 EVERTON - FULL TIME



Score: Norwich 2-4 Everton
Scorer: Timmy 3, Bil 1
Assists: Coleman, Pienaar, Neville

Saturday, July 17, 2010

BRISBANE ROAR 1-2 EVERTON - FULL TIME

Writing this report reminds me of the time when we could only catch the English Premier League though BBC. There was no cable channel. Well, the three matches that were played in Australia made me felt this way once again but still it was much better than in the past. The only way of getting the score is through the internet and how I catch the goals are when some good souls actually upload the news on Youtube.



Ok, back to why I'm writing this.

Everton made it a three-out-of-three-wins by beating Brisbane Roar 2-1. Rodwell, who have started playing in a more advanced role behind the strikers, scored an exquisite goal in the 49th minute. Trapping the ball just outside six yard box, Rodwell thumped the ball well beyond the keeper. Superb goal.

Brisbane drew parity in the 66th minute with a goal coming from a pretty tight angle. But Everton replied. Young Baxter made picked up the ball on the right channel and made a low cross into the penalty box. None of the Brisbane players could clear the ball, and neither could the opposing keeper get to the ball. Everton's latest recruit Gueye was there to slip the ball into the net.

Two great goal and truly, Everton should look ahead for a tremendously good start to its Premiership games.

Score: Brisbane 1-2 Everton
Scorers: Rodwell, Gueye
Assists: Bily, Baxter
Subs: Baxter, Anichebe, Gueye, Vaughany

Thursday, July 15, 2010

MELBOURNE 0-2 EVERTON - FULL TIME

Two win in two games. Guess these are not too difficult to win. But what is interesting is that Everton players who were involved in the World Cup are not back in the team.

One other thing I was just reading about, Everton has no money to buy players. Oh boy. They must be starting to regret not hooking Gosling to a contract. Four million pounds.

Anyway, back to the second friendly that Everton played against Melbourne. New players Gueye started the game while young Coleman in defence. Talking about Coleman, he is the man with a mission and looks to be a natural replacement for Hibbo, who have been in and out of the team through injuries.

Coleman ran all the way into the penalty area in the 2nd minute and was tripped in the box but Saha squandered the penalty. Guess the team was still warming up? But Coleman of all person, had been threathening all night. His overlap play and cross in the 34th minute was met by Rodwell who scored his first goal of the season. Melbourne 0-1 Everton. Assist Coleman.

In the second half, wholesale changes were made. New players Beckford and Silva came on, together with Neville, Timmy, Baxter, Jutkiewicz and Mustafi.

The second goal came courtesy of Saha who blasted in the ball from distance.



Score: Melbourne Heart 0-2 Everton
Scorers: Rodwell, Saha
Assist: Coleman
Subs: Beckford, Silva, Neville, Timmy, Baxter,Jutkiewicz and Mustafi.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

SYDNEY FC 0-1 EVERTON - FULL TIME

Usually games like these are not broadcast to the world. So far, 40,000 Aussie spectators and a handful of online viewers caught Everton's match against Sydney.

In this game, there was no Howard, Neville, Yobo and Yak. In came the likes of goalkeeping deputy, Turner while the rest of the team are pretty much the regular players. It's also good to see Vaughany playing again after series of injuries.



Here're the highlights that I've picked up from an Australian news broadcast.

In the 5th minute, a Bainesey MISTAKE nearly cost Everton a goal. A blind pass saw the opponent picking up the ball and rifling in a long shot, only to be caught by Turner. Bainesy, Bainesy, Bainesy.

A minute later, Vaughany pacey run took him pass two defenders, but his final shot was too weak and did not trouble the opposing goalkeeper one tiny bit.

In the second half, crowd fav Timmy came on to substitute Vaughany, while newcomer Gueye took the place of Rodwell. Soon after, Everton was a goal up. A clean pass from Arteta to Bainesy who then placed the ball squarely into the box.

Anichebe still had much to do. He trapped the ball, swiveled his body, pushed the ball forward and then smashed it into the top corner of Syndey FC's net. Well taken goal.

After that, Saha and young Baxter were given a chance to have a go against the Australian club. A good outing for the boys in blue (Or actually in pink!)

Score: Sydney FC 0-1 Everton
Scorer: Anichebe
Assist: Bainesy
Subs: Timmy, Gueye, Baxter, Saha

Friday, July 02, 2010

Three Strikes!!!

Everton seems to be building for the future with their current purchase. The Toffees first brought in high media profile - Jermaine Beckford from Leeds. Untested in the top league but no money exchanged whatsoever, this might just be the best move in Moyes's history if everything turns out well.

Everton then brought in a second striker in Joao Silva. Young but unproven striker who might just be loaned out to allow the player to gain experience. The latest is the third striker - Magaye Gueye from France. He is also for the future.

Finally, Slovakian first choice goalkeeper has join the ranks, thus offering Howard a pretty stiff competition.

Can't wait to see who else is Moyes recruiting/ releasing. Well, July/Aug will prove to be interesting.

Thursday, July 01, 2010

World Cup Updates

So the dust has largely settled, and the boys have been separated from the men. Everton had six players who made it to the largest fottball stage, the World Cup. Now, there're only eight teams left in the competition.

South Africa's Pienaar, Australia's Timmy, Nigeria's Yak and Yobo, all did not make it through to the second round. USA's Howard put in a pretty good show to propel the North American team into the final 16. They were top of Group C, pipping England to that spot. Still, they lost 2-1 to Ghana in the final 16 match.

Crazily as it sounds, I'm happy that players such as Pienaar and Yak had a pretty unsuccessful World Cup, but this means that they will not be asking for sky high salaries that comes together with their inflated egos.

So far, Heitinga the inflated ego man (With his silly comments about wanting to join a bigger club) is the only Everton representative in the World Cup. So yea, hope Netherland loses too. Then the players will all be back for training early. No World Cup hand-overs.

Interestingly, new signing Jan Mucha was playing for Slovakia. They were eliminated by The Netherlands. So let's see if finally, all Everton players are out of the World Cup. I hope that will happen.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Timmy Signs a 4-Year Extension

Timmy has just written himself into the folklore of Everton. He has shown what a combative player he is and how much he desires to fight for the club.

- Signed for Everton in 2004 for £1.5million
- Played a total of 209 games and scored 56 goals
- Top scorer in the 2004-05 debut season
- Has been deployed as a striker during Everton's injury crisis in the 2008-09 season

Long live Tim Cahill.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Actim Players Ranking: 11052010

Top 100 players
Bainsey: 19th (504) - 4th best defender (27/4), (11/5), 5th: (30/3), (20/4) - Best position: 19th
Howard: 33rd (429) - Best position: 33rd
Timmy: 35th (423) - Best position: 30th
Pienaar: 47th (397) - Best position: 33rd
Distin: 64th (372) - Best position: 64th
Heitinga: 93rd (332)- Best position: 60th

Former Top 100
Saha: 96th (279) - Best position: 46th
Felli: 93rd (249) - Best position: 62nd
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th

Top Scorers
Saha: P(13), E(2)
Timmy: P(9), E(1), F(1)
Pienaar: P(4), E(3)
Arteta: P(6)
Bily: P(6)
Yak: P(5), C(1)
Rodwell: P(2), E(2)
Ossie: P(2), C(1), F(1)
Felli: P(2), E(1)
Gosling: P(2), C(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Vaughny: P(1), F(1)
Bainesey: P(1), F(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Distin: E(2)
Donovan: P(2)
Anichebe: P(1)

Top Assists
Bainsey:P(9), E(2)
Yak: P(5), C(1)
Timmy: P(4), E(1)
Bily: P(1), E(3), C(1)
Felli: P(3), E(1)
Pienaar: P(2), E(1), F(1)
Heitinga: P(3), C(1)
Donovan P(3)
Ossie: P(1), E(1), C(1)
Coleman: P(2)Neill: P(2)
Rodwell: P(2)Saha: P(1)
Jo: P(1)
Hibbo P(1)
Distin: P(1)
Neville: P(1)
Anichebe: P(1)

Sunday, May 09, 2010

EVERTON (1) - (0) PORTSMOUTH - FULL TIME

I did not catch the final match as the tv station showed all matches except this. Thanks alot!
But I'd managed to catch Bily's exquisite goal on youtube.

With this win, Everton earned itself a record 11-game unbeaten run.

Score: Everton 1-0 Portsmouth
Scorer: Bily
Assist: Heitinga
Subs: Heitinga, Yak, Bily

Saturday, May 01, 2010

STOKE (0) vs (0) EVERTON - FULL TIME

Everton just blew whatever slim chance that they had to get into Europe. Jag got the ball into the net but it was ruled offside. What nonsense!

Anyway, Everton sees the return of Yobo and Ossie while Anichebe secures his place on the team with his hard running in the previous game. Pienaar is finally out of the game after a great spell with the team.

For the entire first half, Everton barely threatened. Actually, both teams did not make much of their possession. The closest that Everton got to scoring a gall was a thunderous strike by Bainsey in the 38th minute. The ball was goal-bound but was deflected away by his fellow team mate, Anichebe. Both teams enter the tunnel without a goal at half time.

What a miss by Stoke in the 47th minute! Everton's defence was totally in shambles then and the Stoke player totally miss the goal. What a let-off. Everton will need to bring in Yak or Rodwell to hopefully add to the excitement. I'm falling asleep here! The team is just playing some horrendously boring football. So close for Anichebe in the 70th minute! Yak and Rodwell are in for the pretty ineffective Saha and Ossie respectively.

Oh bummer! Jag got the ball into the goal in the 73rd minute but the linesman suggests that the cross has gone out of play before the headed goal. Sigh!

Everton's defence looks stretched with Jag and Distin looking beat. Bily is in for Anichebe. Why not Jag when he looks so bushed?

Anyway, the team did not play well enough to win the match. We can only look forward to the start of next season.

Score: Stoke 0-0 Everton
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Subs: Yak, Rodwell, Bily

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Actim Players Ranking: 27042010

Top 100 players
Bainsey: 19th (479) - 4th best defender (27/4), 5th: (30/3), (20/4) - Best position: 19th
Timmy: 30th (415) - Best position: 30th
Howard: 35th (398) - Best position: 35th
Pienaar: 41st (387) - Best position: 33rd
Distin: 70th (345) - Best position: 70th
Heitinga: 89th (323)- Best position: 60th

Former Top 100
Saha: 96th (279) - Best position: 46th
Felli: 93rd (249) - Best position: 62nd
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th

Top Scorers
Saha: P(13), E(2)
Timmy: P(9), E(1), F(1)
Pienaar: P(4), E(3)
Arteta: P(6)
Yak: P(5), C(1)
Bily: P(5)
Rodwell: P(2), E(2)
Ossie: P(2), C(1), F(1)
Felli: P(2), E(1)
Gosling: P(2), C(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Vaughny: P(1), F(1)
Bainesey: P(1), F(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Distin: E(2)
Donovan: P(2)
Anichebe: P(1)

Top Assists
Bainsey:P(9), E(2)
Yak: P(5), C(1)
Timmy: P(4), E(1)
Bily: P(1), E(3), C(1)
Felli: P(3), E(1)
Pienaar: P(2), E(1), F(1)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Donovan P(3)
Ossie: P(1), E(1), C(1)
Coleman: P(2)Neill: P(2)
Rodwell: P(2)Saha: P(1)
Jo: P(1)
Hibbo P(1)
Distin: P(1)
Neville: P(1)
Anichebe: P(1)

Sunday, April 25, 2010

EVERTON (2) vs (1) FULHAM - FULL TIME

What a great victory. Right at the end of the game! Arteta scores a great penalty to keep the pressure on for Pool.

Everton sees Yak replacing Saha. Hibbo takes his rightful right back position while Arteta is back to hold the middle ground. Timmy is starting his 200th game for Everton. Great job!

Fulham seems to be preserving their team for the upcoming Europa game. Everton is in the ascendancy for a good 10 minutes. Everton even threatened as early as the 2nd minute. A great first timer by Bily saw the ball ricocheting off the upright.

Everton has the ball all over the park but they are just not putting any pressure on the opposing goalkeeper. Yak had a chance in the 20th minute when a Fulham defender took his eye off the ball. Yak picked the ball and smashed it wide of goal. Timmy's turn to try in the 22nd minute. Wide right.

What was Bainesy thinking? Poor, poor back pass in the 36th minute! How could he have passed without even looking who is behind him? Everton 0-1 Fulham. Are they really interested in the game or are they just being too complecent? Yak nearly scored in the 39th minute but just to soft the shot. Everton better fight on. They'd better not think it's an easy match!

Everton's game is in a mess. Arteta is out to get himself sewn back. Half time couldn't have came earlier. Arteta is back after getting seven stitches.

Once again, Bily is taken off as he has been totally ineffective. Anichebe comes in for him. Great job!!! Everton is back. A cross from Arteta on the left saw Anichebe heading into goal off a deflection. Everton 1-1 Fulham. Assist: Arteta. It does not matter how it enters, so long as it's in. Everton is once again creating spaces for themselves. Timmy's goalward header in the 52nd minute was saved! Point blank!

Saha is in for Neville in the 60th minute. He has also made a couple of mis-passes today. What's new right? Pool is leading. So the chance of getting 7th place is slipping away from the Toffees.

Another player bleeds for the game:- Pienaar got a cut along the side of his head. Great play but a good block to prevent Timmy from scoring in the 79th minute. Even if Everton can't get 7th, they will still need to win this match!

Yak is being replaced by young Baxter in the 86th minute. Saha so nearly scored in the 90th minute! Side netting.

Unbelievable! 93rd minute, Everton took a final throw-in on the right of the field. Everton put in the ball. The onrushing Timmy was stopped abruptly in the penalty box. Nerve-wrecking moment for the entire team. Arteta stepped up, took a few step forward and curled the ball to the left of the goal. Goal!!!!! Everton 2-1 Fulham.

So, so close.

Score: Everton 2-1 Fulham
Scorer: og, Arteta (Pen)
Assist: Nil
Subs: Anichebe, Saha, Baxter

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Actim Players Ranking: 20042010

Top 100 players
Bainsey: 21st (463) - 5th best defender (30/3), (20/4) - Best position: 20th
Timmy: 36th (387) - Best position: 36th
Howard: 39th (385) - Best position: 39th
Pienaar: 51st (365) - Best position: 33rd
Distin: 73rd (329) - Best position: 73rd
Heitinga: 80th (323)- Best position: 60th

Former Top 100
Saha: 96th (279) - Best position: 46th
Felli: 93rd (249) - Best position: 62nd
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th

Top Scorers
Saha: P(13), E(2)
Timmy: P(9), E(1), F(1)
Pienaar: P(4), E(3)
Rodwell: P(2), E(2)
Ossie: P(2), C(1), F(1)
Yak: P(5), C(1)
Bily: P(5)
Arteta: P(5)
Felli: P(2), E(1)
Gosling: P(2), C(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Vaughny: P(1), F(1)
Bainesey: P(1), F(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Distin: E(2)
Donovan: P(2)
Anichebe: P(1)

Top Assists
Bainsey:P(9), E(2)
Yak: P(5), C(1)
Timmy: P(4), E(1)
Bily: P(1), E(3), C(1)
Felli: P(3), E(1)
Pienaar: P(2), E(1), F(1)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Donovan P(3)
Ossie: P(1), E(1), C(1)
Coleman: P(2)
Neill: P(2)
Rodwell: P(2)
Saha: P(1)
Jo: P(1)
Hibbo P(1)
Distin: P(1)
Neville: P(1)
Anichebe: P(1)

Saturday, April 17, 2010

BLACKBURN (2) vs (3) EVERTON - FULL TIME

I've two words for this game - Totally nail-biting. Is that three words? Anyhoos. With every goal that Everton scored, Blackburn scored back. It looked like Everton was heading into our fourth draw only for Timmy to change that scene totally with a goal to garner a win over Blackburn on their home soil.

It was a dream line-up for Everton with Arteta and Hibbo back in the first XI. Anichebe is also on the bench. What a great line-up. What a great start that Everton is having. In the 2nd minute, Bainesy puts in a lovely cross from the left channel to an unmark Arteta. An on-rushing defender took him out in the penalty box as Arteta shifted the ball so quickly and all the defender saw was air. What a magical move.

Arteta took the ball, placed it on the field and despatched a lovely ball into the net. Blackburn 0-1 Everton. Great penalty.

Blackburn so nearly scored but for a wonderful Timmy's clearance in the 12th minute. It's not all-Everton, this game.

Arteta nearly lose the plot! What was he thinking when he started poking players in the eyes. That's a red card offence. The boy is lucky to get just a yellow. He has to calm down. Everton needs to extend that lead as over the last couple of games, they were pretty prone to letting in equalisers!

Blackburn nearly scored in the 38th minute and again in the 40th minute. Howard can't seem to catch these balls. It seems that Everton is not able to deal with those long throws, corners and high balls. On top of that, Everton is making it difficult for themselves with nearly suicidal passing by who else but Neville, while Bily is making all the wrong passes at critical moments in the game. Crazy game!

The team is not using the overlapping play enough. Bainesy and Hibbo are not going up enough. That's what they'll need to do in the second half. Anichebe should also be brought in for the uncommital Bily!

Great, great chance by Timmy in the 56th minute but headed above the bar! Anyway, Bainesy seems to be a better crosser than Bily. What a power shot from Bainesy in the 67th minute! Bounced off the left upright and out of play. Anichebe in for the ineffective Bily in the 68th minute.

Blackburn has now scored. Blackburn 1-1 Everton. We are going through rubbish again!!! That is what is happening to Everton for the last couple of matches! Yak is on for Hibbo in the 78th minute. Meaning that Neville will head into right back.

What a change!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yak scores in the 78th minute without breaking a sweat! Long throw, back header by Anichebe and Yak was there to nod the ball home! Tremendous substitution! Blackburn 1-2 Everton. The Toffees need to go for the jagular! C'mon Everton! Blackburn scores against Everton. Blackburn 2-2 Everton.

You really wonder why it's so difficult for Everton to win their games.

Everton leaaaaaaaaaads!!!!!!! Pick it up!!! Bainesy passes the ball to Yak. A deft touch and he was free from hi defender. Open, he puts in a low cross for Timmy to tuck it in. Blackburn 2-3 Everton. Assist: Yak.

Everton needs to hold on to that lead and that is what they did! So tight a match, and I've finished biting my nail. Finally, no longer a silver spoonist. Great subs, great ending.


Score: Blackburn 2-3 Everton
Scorer: Arteta (Pen), Yak, Timmy
Assists: Anichebe, Yak
Subs: Anichebe, Yak

Thursday, April 15, 2010

ASTON VILLA (2) vs (2) EVERTON - FULL TIME

Can't bear to write alot as it was so, so close for Everton to take all three points. This is the third game consecutively that Everton has drew. We were always leading. First it was 1-0 to Everton. Bainesy puts in a cross for lil Timmy to put in a header in the 21st minute. Assist: Bainesy.

Villa came back in the 71st minutes to neutralise the score. But a minute after kick-off, Everton was in front again. A cross from Bily met the head of Timmy once again. 2-1. But the unfortunate thing had to happen.

Just two minutes to time came the equaliser! Bummer!

When the referee blowed the whistle, you just know that this season is not Everton's. The injury to key players and the departing of a few meant that Everton was not given a fighting chance right from the start. Also, the chance for Europe seemed to have been lost with this draw.

Score: Aston Villa 2-2 Everton
Scorer: Timmy (2)
Assists: Bainesy, Bily
Subs: Yak, Heitinga

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Actim Players Ranking: 13042010

Top 100 players
Bainsey: 21st (434) - 5th best defender (30/3) - Best position: 20th
Howard: 44th (362) - Best position: 42nd
Pienaar: 52nd (346) - Best position: 33rd
Heitinga: 70th (322)- Best position: 60th
Timmy: 73rd (318) - Best position: 60th
Distin: 84th (305) - Best position: 79th

Former Top 100
Saha: 96th (279) - Best position: 46th
Felli: 93rd (249) - Best position: 62nd
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th

Top Scorers
Saha: P(13), E(2)
Timmy: P(6), E(1), F(1)
Pienaar: P(4), E(3)
Rodwell: P(2), E(2)
Ossie: P(2), C(1), F(1)
Bily: P(5)
Yak: P(4), C(1)
Arteta: P(4)
Felli: P(2), E(1)
Gosling: P(2), C(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Vaughny: P(1), F(1)
Bainesey: P(1), F(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Distin: E(2)
Donovan: P(2)
Anichebe: P(1)

Top Assists
Bainsey:P(8), E(2)
Yak: P(4), C(1)
Timmy: P(4), E(1)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Felli: P(3), E(1)
Pienaar: P(2), E(1), F(1)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Donovan P(3)
Ossie: P(1), E(1), C(1)
Coleman: P(2)
Neill: P(2)
Rodwell: P(2)
Saha: P(1)
Jo: P(1)
Hibbo P(1)
Distin: P(1)
Neville: P(1)

Tuesday, April 06, 2010

Actim Players Ranking: 06042010

Top 100 players

Bainsey: 21st (434) - 5th best defender (30/3) - Best position: 20th
Howard: 43rd (362) - Best position: 42nd
Pienaar: 51st (346) - Best position: 33rd
Heitinga: 67th (322)- Best position: 60th
Timmy: 69th (318) - Best position: 60th
Distin: 79th (305) - Best position: 79th

Former Top 100
Saha: 96th (279) - Best position: 46th
Felli: 93rd (249) - Best position: 62nd
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th

Top Scorers
Saha: P(13), E(2)
Timmy: P(6), E(1), F(1)
Pienaar: P(4), E(3)
Rodwell: P(2), E(2)
Ossie: P(2), C(1), F(1)
Bily: P(5)
Yak: P(4), C(1)
Arteta: P(4)
Felli: P(2), E(1)
Gosling: P(2), C(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Vaughny: P(1), F(1)
Bainesey: P(1), F(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Distin: E(2)
Donovan: P(2)
Anichebe: P(1)

Top Assists
Bainsey:P(8), E(2)
Yak: P(4), C(1)
Timmy: P(4), E(1)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Felli: P(3), E(1)
Pienaar: P(2), E(1), F(1)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Donovan P(3)
Ossie: P(1), E(1), C(1)
Coleman: P(2)
Neill: P(2)
Rodwell: P(2)
Saha: P(1)
Jo: P(1)
Hibbo P(1)
Distin: P(1)
Neville: P(1)

Sunday, April 04, 2010

EVERTON (2) vs (2) WEST HAM - FULL TIME

Everton played to a draw and that means that they have dropped two points in their chase for a chance to play in Europe. West Ham fought hard for their points and that is what you get when you play against a relegation-threatened team.

Everton sees Bily coming into the team for Arteta who has a slight strain. Heitinga has been moved into a holding midfielder role, which he is slowly making it his own. Senderos is also back from his injury and occupies the a place on the bench. It is now or never for Bily to shine. Donovan made such an impact and if Bily does live up to his livewire tag, he may be benched for a long time to come.

Everton has control of the first eight minutes but seems to be dilly-dallying in terms of the attack. Distin is basically in West Ham's half most of the time but his crosses into the penalty area both went straight to the opposing goalkeeper.

Jag made a near critical error in the 19th minute with a pass that went to the opposing team. Blocked shot by Heitinga.

With Everton's dominance, the first goal just had to come. A nice cross from Bainesy in the 24th minute saw the ball cleared by a West Ham defender. But only as far as to Timmy who headed the ball back towards goal. Bily was there to guide the ball into goal. Everton 1-0 West Ham. Assist: Timmy.

The pressure on West Ham continues. Everton needs another goal to open the lead. Timmy tries a shot in the 33rd minute. Missed left. The West Ham defence is in sixes and sevens.

What nonsense! Everton conceded a penalty in the 36th minute. A foul by Distin! But Howard saved the penalty shot! Brilliant piece of individual skill! Everton knows that they were so close to losing their lead.

In the second half, West Ham is fighting back. Everton really need that second goal badly. So-so close for West Ham. The ball clipped the bar and was cleared by Everton but still, West Ham managed to squeeze the ball into the net in their next try. Everton 1-1 West Ham.

Everton needs a change of strategy. Yak is in for Bily in the 65th minute. We need to make that difference, and we are on home ground. Sheesh!!!

A penalty not given to Everton in the 69th minute! Everton needs to keep up the pressure. They are playing well only in one half and that's not good enough. Rodwell needs to come in to make that difference. Also, one point won't help Everton in any way at this juncture.

Rodwell is in for Ossie in the 82nd minute. Pressure off!!!

Good block by Timmy in West Ham area. The ball goes towards Pienaar and Rodwell who pushed the ball to the left channel. Bainesy looked up, made a cross and Yak was there to score in the 84th minute. Everton 2-1 West Ham. Assist: Bainesy.

West Ham hits back in the 86th minute. Everton 2-2 West Ham. Argh!!!

Painful to not see Everton win this.


Score: Everton 2-2 West Ham
Scorers: Bily, Yak
Assists: Timmy, Bainesy
Subs: Yak, Rodwell

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Actim Players Ranking: 30032010

Top 100 players
Bainsey: 20th (422) - 5th best defender (30/3) - Best position: 20th
Howard: 42nd (356) - Best position: 42nd
Pienaar: 51st (335) - Best position: 33rd
Heitinga: 60th (317)- Best position: 60th
Timmy: 69th (307) - Best position: 60th
Distin: 81st (295) - Best position: 81st
Saha: 96th (279) - Best position: 46th

Former Top 100
Felli: 93rd (249) - Best position: 62nd
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th


Top Scorers
Saha: P(13), E(2)
Timmy: P(6), E(1), F(1)
Pienaar: P(4), E(3)
Rodwell: P(2), E(2)
Ossie: P(2), C(1), F(1)
Bily: P(4)
Arteta: P(4)
Yak: P(3), C(1)
Felli: P(2), E(1)
Gosling: P(2), C(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Vaughny: P(1), F(1)
Bainesey: P(1), F(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Distin: E(2)
Donovan: P(2)
Anichebe: P(1)

Top Assists
Bainsey:P(7), E(2)
Yak: P(4), C(1)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Felli: P(3), E(1)
Timmy: P(3), E(1)
Pienaar: P(2), E(1), F(1)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Donovan P(3)
Ossie: P(1), E(1), C(1)
Coleman: P(2)
Neill: P(2)
Rodwell: P(2)
Saha: P(1)
Jo: P(1)
Hibbo P(1)
Distin: P(1)
Neville: P(1)

Saturday, March 27, 2010

WOLVERHAMPTON (0) vs (0) EVERTON - FULL TIME

Everton has no Arteta who's ruled out because of a groin strain. Rodwell comes in for the Spaniard. Howard, who seemed to be injured in the last match, looks ready for this match. On the bench, we have Yak, and Yobo who can run the length of the field.

What a wasted chance in the 5th minute! Pienaar ran aganist the defenders. Played a one-two with Saha before finding a free Ossie whose shot seemed rather uncommital! SAved by the goalkeeper. So close to getting Everton's first goal. Ossie has a second chance in the 8th minute but he shoots wide. Sigh! Ossie has his third try in the 15th minute. Weak shot. Oh boy.

Suddenly, both teams seemed to be contented with putting in mild punches to see who flinches first. Everton's first shot on target by Bainesy, in the 30th minute. You just feel that Everton's missing Arteta orchestration in midfield.

What a power shot by Saha in the 37th minute. It was struck so hard that the ball hit the goal post and it went into orbit. Timmy has also shot two balls into orbit! What a wasteful game from Everton's point-of-view. Half time: Wolves 0-0 Everton.

The second half sees chances again but Everton are wasting all their chances. Saha had an opportunity to plany a header in the 52nd minute but somehow heads it beyond the goal. We have to keep it on target.

This is getting too predictable. Heitinga had a shot in the 60th minute but it was just too soft. If Moyes want to win this match, he'll need to make some changes soon. Saha is dissappointing once again. Ossie is also not playing to his creative ability. ANOTHER light touch by Bainesy in the 67th minute. All he had to do was strike it hard and Everton would be leading like 27-0!

WHAT IS EVERTON GONNA DO??? Ossie is shooting crap! Another mis in the 76th minute. Yak is in for Saha. Looks like Moyes is not changing his formation. Change! Change! Change! Bily should come in to prove himself! Pienaar has struck two balls but all mis-cued shot! I've used enough of exclamation! Gosling is in for Ossie in the 83rd minute. Bily replaces Rodwell in the 87th minute.

Gosling is injured but chooses to stay on the field. Everton now only has 10 1/2 men! Timmy sooo nearly scored with a overhead kick in the 95th minute, but was cleared off the line!

Horrendous result!

Score: Wolverhampton 0-0 Everton
Scorer: No Arteta, No goals
Assist: Nil
Subs: Yak, Gosling, Bily

Thursday, March 25, 2010

MAN CITY (0) vs (2) EVERTON - FULL TIME

Everton sees a largely unchanged side with Saha coming in for Yak. Both teams are playing from field to field for the first 10 minutes. Both sets of players are also playing a pretty tight match. But in the Man City culdron, it'll ne great if Everton can pick up three points.

You can see the commitment of both side when from a Man City cross, three players got injured. A Man City flying header, a diving attempt by Bainesy to stop the ball, and Howard pumping out the to keep that clean sheet but bumping into his upright.

Man City is slowly piling the pressure on Everton with all their overlapping runs and clean passes. Howard had to put in two good stops already. Distin has also put in a good show thus far. His strong frame has seen out many physical attacks by Man City players.

Everton leads!!!!!!!!!!! In the 32nd minute, Arteta free kick just at the edge of the box sees Bainesy striking the ball towards goal. The sneaky Timmy was there to deflect the ball towards the other end of the goal which totally wrong-footed Man City's goalkeeper. Man City 0-1 Everton. Assist: Bainesy.

The teams are back from half time with Everton having a slender lead. Everton needs to kep a clean sheet for the next five to ten minutes to put the sky blues under pressure. So close to a second goal in the 49th minute from Ossie but it was deflected for a corner. Nothing noteworthy came out from that.

Another lovely try by Timmy in the 53rd minute with an exquisite chip to try to catch the opposing goalkeeper off his line. So, so close.

Everton players such as Saha and Timmy seem to be tiring and we may thus see fresh pairs of legs, and we see that Howard is injured too. Oh my. Man City smell blood because of the injury and are attacking Everton incessantly.

Moyes is playing safe with Rodwell in for Saha in the 71st minute. Timmy might play up in attack. But I thought Timmy himself looks tired? And Moyes is not changing Howard? The pressure is still on and it looks to get only tougher.

Everton is pushing out and trying to keep the pressure off their defenders. 10 more minutes to hold on to that lead. Howard landed very uncomfortably but he just wants to continue.

Everton scores on the counter attack!!! Lovely trickery by Rodwell on the right channel. He cuts back the ball and put in a low cross. Timmy dummies the ball and Arteta was on hand to slot in the goal. Man City 0-2 Everton. Assist: Rodwell. Eat that, Lescott!!!

Excitingly, there was even an altercation between the two managers with Man City manager pushing Moyes. Wow!

Yobo is in for Arteta in the 92nd minute.

A good away win! We are going up the table. Yeah!


Score: Man City 0-2 Everton
Scorers: Timmy, Arteta
Assists: Bainesy, Rodwell
Subs: Rodwell, Yobo

Saturday, March 20, 2010

EVERTON (2) vs (0) BOLTON - FULL TIME

Everton sees a strong first XI with the bench warmers looking ready to make a difference if neccessary. We have an unchanged line-up from the last match against Birmingham, while Ossie and Saha are on the bench. Neville plays his 200th Premiership game, something to celebrate about.

Everton's first couple of minutes see them floating passes quite aimlessly, and loads of misplaced passes. Anichebe was through on goal in the 4th minute but he just put in one too many touches and the chance was lost.

Everton is starting to turn the screw once again. Anichebe seems to have been injured in a challenge and the boy has been very unfortunate in terms of injury. All within 12 minutes. So sorry for the lad. Bily replaces him and the Russian better show what he is made of.

Neville is making stupid mistakes once again. A signature of what a patchy right back he is. Oh boy. There seems to be no impetus for the boys. You just sense that Saha needs to come in to make that difference.

Nothing more to report about in the 1st half other than Anichebe's injury. Even the tunes to Z car sounds whimpy. Sigh.

Normally steady players such as Jag and even Arteta have been making wrong passes all day. Heitinga puts in the first shot on goal in the 53rd minute! Moyes, we need Saha to be in soon! Don't wait anymore! There he is. Saha is in for Timmy in the 62nd minute. 4-4-2 formation.

A second on-goal effort in the 68th minute. An Arteta free kick headed towards goal by Jag. Saved by the opposing goalkeeper.

Let's change the game! A neat pass by Pienaar in the 70th minute saw Yak running free. But the latter was stopped by an unfair defensive challenge. Bolton's down to 10-man. Free kick for Everton. Lovely, lovely goal by Mikel Arteta!!!!!! The ball curled over the defensive wall and into goal. The goalkeeper was left totally stranded! Everton 1-0 Bolton. An intelligent through pass from Pienaar.

Ossie comes in for Yak, 75th minute. Everton's trying their best to get a second goal, and they need to get it to make their dominance count.

88th minute, a great corner by Arteta, shot by Heitinga, palmed away by the goalkeeper. Ossie picked up the ball and smashed it back towards goal. It beat everyone except the cross bar!

Goal for Everton in the 88th minute! A nice run into the penalty area by Ossie. He danced past a tight defence, passed the ball past all the players in the penalty area. But it did not elude Pienaar who slotted the ball into the net. Pick it out! Everton 2-0 Bolton. Assist: Ossie.

Good to see that the midfielders are contributing goals. Finally a clean sheet, and great three points to help Everton climb the league table.

Score: Everton 2-0 Bolton
Scorers: Arteta, Pienaar
Assist: Ossie
Subs: Saha, Ossie

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Actim Players Ranking: 16032010

Top 100 players
Bainsey: 24th (374) - Best position: 24th
Howard: 56th (309) - Best position: 55th
Timmy: 70th (282) - Best position: 60th
Pienaar: 72nd (281) - Best position: 33rd
Heitinga: 88th (269)- Best position: 72nd
Saha: 94th (262) - Best position: 46th

Former Top 100
Felli: 93rd (249) - Best position: 62nd
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th
Distin: 97th (128) - Best position: 96th

Top Scorers
Saha: P(13), E(2)
Timmy: P(5), E(1), F(1)
Pienaar: P(3), E(3)
Rodwell: P(2), E(2)
Ossie: P(2), C(1), F(1)
Bily: P(4)
Yak: P(3), C(1)
Felli: P(2), E(1)
Gosling: P(2), C(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Vaughny: P(1), F(1)
Bainesey: P(1), F(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Distin: E(2)
Donovan: P(2)
Arteta: P(2)
Anichebe: P(1)

Top Assists
Bainsey:P(6), E(2)
Yak: P(4), C(1)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Felli: P(3), E(1)
Timmy: P(3), E(1)
Pienaar: P(2), E(1), F(1)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Donovan P(3)
Coleman: P(2)
Neill: P(2)
Ossie: E(1), C(1)
Saha: P(1)
Jo: P(1)
Hibbo P(1)
Distin: P(1)
Rodwell: P(1)
Neville: P(1)

Saturday, March 13, 2010

BIRMINGHAM (2) vs (2) EVERTON - FULL TIME

Everton sees the return of Timmy but Saha does not make it into the team. Donovan will be playing his final match for now.

Both sides started cautiously; both trading tender touches; both sides have also won their first corner by the 10th minute. So so close for Everton in the 15th minute. Bainesey somehow bamboozled the opposing defence before passing the ball to Pienaar who curled the ball towards goal. Within the minute, Timmy had a header towards goal once again, but a great stop by the opposing goalkeeper.

Pick it out of the net!!! Power shot by Anichebe in the 18th minute!!!! It started with a great pass from Neville. Anichebe held the ball before launching a thunderbolt into the net. Birmingham 0-1 Everton. Assist: Neville.

Everton's over-running Birmingham. 21st minute. Pienaar picked up the ball in the penalty box after a lovely pass from Arteta, ran against the defence, and chipped in a lovely ball for Yak to score against a back-peddling goalkeeper. Birmingham 0-2 Everton. Assist: Pienaar.

Birmingham pulled one back in the 25th minute. Birmingham 1-2 Everton.

Arteta needs to take more control of the ball. With its tail up, Birmingham is starting to threaten. The opposing goalkeeper kept Birmingham in the game as he palmed away another shot from Bainesey from a free kick. Both sets of players deserve their 15 minutes of rest.

Start of the 2nd half and there was already a call for penalty with a Birmingham defender blocking a goal-bound shot with his hands. But to be fair, the ball was hit with power. Another block with the hand less than a minute later but the referee gave nothing! What is this?

Birmingham scores in the 51st minute from a counter attack. Birmingham 2-2 Everton.

Everton is now being pressed back. They need a creative outlet and I can only see Donovan coming in to stretch Birmingham.Suddenly, all the confidence that Everton had previously seemed to have left them.

Yak is being replaced by Donovan in the 67th minute, while Rodwell comes in for Timmy in the 75th minute. Final replacement, Anichebe is taken out for precaution sake and is replaced by Gosling.

This game was two points dropped. After leading two goals, Everton allowed Birmingham to come back to equalise. Anyway, it's an away match. So to console oneself, a draw is still good.

Score: Birmingham 2-2 Everton
Scorers: Anichebe, Yak
Assists: Neville, Pienaar
Subs: Donovan, Rodwell, Gosling

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Actim Players Ranking: 09032010

Top 100 players
Bainsey: 24th (357) - Best position: 24th
Howard: 55th (301) - Best position: 55th
Heitinga: 72nd (271)- Best position: 72nd
Pienaar: 75th (266) - Best position: 33rd
Timmy: 81st (263) - Best position: 60th
Saha: 82nd (262) - Best position: 46th
Felli: 93rd (249) - Best position: 62nd

Former Top 100
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th
Distin: 97th (128) - Best position: 96th

Top Scorers
Saha: P(13), E(2)
Timmy: P(5), E(1), F(1)
Pienaar: P(3), E(3)
Rodwell: P(2), E(2)
Ossie: P(2), C(1), F(1)
Bily: P(4)
Felli: P(2), E(1)
Yak: P(2), C(1)
Gosling: P(2), C(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Vaughny: P(1), F(1)
Bainesey: P(1), F(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Distin: E(2)
Donovan: P(2)
Arteta: P(2)

Top Assists
Bainsey:P(6), E(2)
Yak: P(4), C(1)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Felli: P(3), E(1)
Timmy: P(3), E(1)
Pienaar: P(1), E(1), F(1)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Donovan P(3)
Coleman: P(2)
Neill: P(2)
Ossie: E(1), C(1)
Saha: P(1)
Jo: P(1)
Hibbo P(1)
Distin: P(1)
Rodwell: P(1)

Sunday, March 07, 2010

EVERTON (5) vs (1) HULL CITY - FULL TIME

Everton starts the game with Yak leading from the front. Anichebe takes the right wing while the soon-to-be departing Donovan is rested. Killer and Barmby return to Goodison.

Everton had an early scare with Hull trying to strike at goal first. But Howard made a great save. After that, Everton started to control the game. Arteta had two great opportunities and it showed that he has a really hunger in this match.

Yak strikes the post in the 12th minute! A poor pass was intercepted by Ossie who fed Yak. But the ball just refused to go in. But nothing could stop the toffee wave. Yak puts in a lovely cross on the left channel. It floated past all the defence and Arteta was there to finish the ball. Everton 1-0 Hull City. Assist: Yak.

Everton is truly playing flowing football! Even Neville looked hungry and they won themselves a penalty in the 27th minute. Yak has a chance to score but it was saved!

Everton was punished for that miss. Hull scored a goal from a free kick. Everton 1-1 Hull City. It totally silenced the Goodison crowd.

But Everton continued to peg at the goal. Anichebe crossed from the right, picked up by Pienaar who back-flicked it to Arteta who gamely slotted the ball into the right side of the post. Everton 2-1 Hull City. Assist: Pienaar.

Everton's back four seems to be holding on well with Jag and Distin holding the fort. Ossie looks injured and Moyes had to bring in Rodwell. Out he goes again.

An on-form Arteta showed that he can both attack and defend, scoring goals while at the same time, clearing balls away from the goal post.

Coming back for the 2nd half, Everton continued to press. Yak was flagged offside even though he was not in the 47th minute, and thus the goal by Anichebe does not count.

What a chance. Anichebe puts in a ball from the right. Rodwell pulled the ball back before shooting. It was deflected wide. But the subsequent corner by Arteta was headed in by a Hull player in the 50th minute. Thank you. Everton 3-1 Hull City.

Everton moved the ball all over the park and Hull City players were really chasing ghosts. In the 62nd minute, Distin played a one-two and was through on goal. His strike was just like a striker's but only to be saved by the opposing goalkeeper. Unbelievable!

In the 67thminute, Yak even had the odesity to pick the ball up from Everton's third of the field, run the entire length, and even had a strike at goal. Well held by the opposing goalkeeper.

We are getting Donovan on for Anichebe. This is his final match at Goodison and with all his wonderful display in past games, Donovan received the loudest cheer! Oh boy, Fatty Yak missed a sitter in front of goal! This after a nice pass from Donovan in the 73rd minute.

What a goal!!! A one-two between Bainesey and Pienaar saw the former crossing the ball into the penalty area. Donovan was there to smash the ball into goal. Brilliant! Everton 4-1 Hull City. Assist: Bainesey.

Gosling replaces Pienaar and soon after the substitution in the 85th minute, Donovan pumped in a bobbly cross from the right channel but still, Rodwell was there to finish the ball. What a night for Everton. What a night for the fans! Everton 5-1 Hull City. Assist: Donovan.

Total annihilation!

Score: Everton 5-1 Hull
Scorer: Arteta (2), Donovan, Rodwell
Assists: Yak, Pienaar, Bainesey, Donovan
Subs: Rodwell, Donovan, Gosling