Everton played above themselves to score a wonderful win against Man City!
Crazy time for Everton as it's the last couple of hours before the close of the transfer window. Priorities are still with the game against Manchester City. Moyes brings in Hibbo, Strac and Drenthe into the first XI lineup. The young and energetic Duffy made it to the bench as Hibbo, without real height but lots of guile, was brought in to cover the centre-back position.
Everton knows that they are playing a top side as the tempo's of the game was played at break-neck speed.
Still as early as the 3rd minute, Everton threatened with a Strac header only for ex-Everton player Lescott to clear off the line. Man City had also started to pepper Everton's goal with delicious crosses. Howard has to be on top of his game, catching every high ball that comes his way.
After 25 minutes, the game is still end-to-end with Man City settling down in the game and making exquisite passes and creating space through smart overlaps.
Still, the Toffees are willing to chase every ball to make it hard for Man City. Strac, Cahill, and even Donovan were defending from the front, closing their men, and making sure Man City had a difficult time. The defence is throwing themselves in front of every opportunity that opportunity that Man City could muster against us.
Howard was a tower of strength. And when the defence was breached, the crossbar was there to save Everton.
The game was then marred by a crazy fam who handcuffed himself to the goal-post. Play was stopped for 5 minutes. He's truly making a fool of himself.
Everton goes into the 1st half with a 0-0 scoreline. Resolute defending, good attack play. Everton then took the opportunity to unveil Everton's new striker Jelovic.
The Toffees cotinued with the lively play and do not look like second fiddle to Man City. Donovan may not have the best of games but he's still a willing runner.
In the 60th minute, Felli started the ball rolling by stopping the ball at the half way line, taking the man with it. Fair challenge. Drenthe picked up the ball and a quick shimmer, ran pass the entire defence. He then passed it out left to Bainesy who puts in a lovely cross into the penalty area. Donovan was there to lay the ball off for Gibson, who for the last 60 minutes, was pretty anonymous. Gibson took a quick look and he smashed the ball beyond the entire Man City's defence. Great, set-up, great goal. Everton 1-0 Man City.
Strac is really ready for the game. In the 70th minute, Strac ran at the defence and he created a bit of space for himself to make a cross from the left channel. Gibson, filled with confidence after his first ever goal for Everton, took a pot shot. Just slightly off target.
Neville was lucky that a penalty was not given against him for a handball in the penalty area. In quick succession, Drenthe was lucky that he was not sent off for a high tackle. The latter receiving a yellow card. Very quickly in the 77th minute, Moyes removed Drenthe and brought in Baxter just in case he does more damage to himself and the team.
Strac is being replaced by Vellios with much applause from the fans for his very high work rate!
A brilliant scoreline and a wondeful 3 points for Everton!!!
Score: Everton
Scorer: Gibson
Assist: Donovan
Subs: Baxter, Vellios
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