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
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