Singaporean-Evertonian

FA Cup: Everton Marches into the Next Round

2012-02-19T00:58:00.003+08:00

Everton puts in a totally wonderful 1st half to earn themselves a place in the final eight.

This was supposed to be the final match for the talismanic Donovan but the sniffles prevented him from playing in this game. It was great to see Wayne Rooney and Duncan Ferguson in the stand. Even Cahill was there with his entire family. Looked like a wonderful reunion of sorts.

As for the team line-up, Hibbo was brought back into the team together with a new-look midfield of Magaye, Neville, Felli, Gibson and Drenthe. Strac continues to lead from the front.

Everton came off the blocks first. With a sweeping move, Magaye took the ball to the left byline before putting in a lovely cross. Felli was first to the ball in the penalty area but was quickly surrounded by players. He then made a pass out to Drenthe who curled the ball into the net. Everton 1-0 Blackpool. Assist: Felli.

That totally unsettled Blackpool who then went on to concede another goal in the 7th minute. A corner taken by Drenthe saw a reverse header by Magaye. The ball placed the Blackpool defence in sixes and sevens. Strac was quickest to the ball to toe-poke it into the net. Everton 2-0 Blackpool.

Howard came into action very effectively in the 18th minute when Neville failed to track the Blackpool striker and the latter had the opportunity to go one-on-one with Howard. The Everton custodian dived bravely to ensure that the ball went anywhere but into the goal.

Strac is putting in his 110% effort as he ran after everything that moved. On the wings, Drenthe needs to remember to keep his play simple. His passes are too over elaborate and he's not picking out his colleagues when they are open.

Still, Drenthe created space for himself and created space for himself. He cuts it back for Felli whose strike was deflected off a Blackpool player. Corner. The ball was throttled into the danger area once again and Strac tried a looping header but just over the top.

Everton totally dominated the 1st half.

In the 50th minute, the hard running of Strac saw him breaching the offside trap. He brought the ball down through the left channel and placed in a lovely chip. Felli and Gibson both got tangled in the penalty area and the chance was lost.

Moyes made an early change in the 56th minute. Coleman in for Magaye. This means more threat on the wings as Drenthe moved back to his preferred left wing while Coleman takes the right.

Immediately, Drenthe was dominating the left channel and his thunder of a strike was palmed away by Blackpool's goalkeeper.

A good set-up by Everton in the 80th minute. Hibbo with a cross, Strac with a back flick, Felli was at the end of the ball. He smashes in the ball only for it to be cleared off the line.

Moyes made his second and third changes in the 83rd and 87th minute minute respectively. Barkley and Vellios in for Gibson and Strac.

Somehow in the 90th minute, Heitinga was adjudged to have fouled a Blackpool player in the penalty area. Penalty. But the Blackpool striker totally skied the ball! What a let-off!

Score: Everton 2-0 Blackpool
Scorers: Drenthe, Strac
Assists: Felli
Subs: Coleman, Barkley, Vellios

Everton: Total Destruction of Chelsea

2012-02-12T00:52:00.000+08:00

Everton 'killed' Chelsea with their strong team play and full commitment. So seldom that you see Everton score two goals, what's more against a supposed strong Chelsea.
Everton takes on Chelsea at Goodison where Pienaar and Donovan occupy the left and right wings. Heitinga and Distin countinued their defensive partnership. Strac keeps his place in the starting XI for his industrous play in the last two games.

The game had barely settled down when Everton took an early lead. Cahill tried to float in a cross but the ball took a big deflection and Pienaar was the first to anticipate the flight of the ball. He controlled using his chest before thumping it into the goal! Everton 1-0 Chelsea. Pienaar truly made a triumphant return with that sweet, sweet strike. Pienaar's fluidity on the field truly looked like he has never ever left the club.

A big mistake in the 17th minute by the Chelsea goalkeeper saw him passing the ball to Donovan who took his chance from distance. Saved by the Chelsea's goalkeeper.

Everton had another chance in the 33rd minute. Instinctive one-two between Pienaar and Bainesy saw the latter with a good chance. He chose to pass to Cahill who was caught offside. The Toffees chased every ball and made life totally difficult for Chelsea.

Everton continued their tough tackling and full pressure. Chelsea was totally frustrated that ther supposed most expensive goal scorer recklessly hacked at Pienaar from the back.

Neville has been shaky throughout the match but his 71st minute hard tackle on Cole sets up everything. Donovan picked up the ball and he fed it to Strac who took two touches of the ball before smashing it beyond the out-stretched hands of the Chelsea goalkeeper. Everton 2-0 Chelsea. Assist: Donovan.

Neville should score like 9 on the rating for taking out Cole too. With the lead, Moyes brings in Drenthe for Pienaar in the 76th minute to continue their torment on Chelsea.
Howard made an important save in the 80th minute as he stopped the ball from getting in. Not today, at least! Everton is running Chelsea down with their wonderful team effort. Moyes brings on Hibbo in place of Gibson in the 88th minute.

Final substitution in the 92nd minute, Duffy comes in for Strac. Total standing ovation!

Everton wins!

Score: Everton 2-0 Chelsea
Scorers: Pienaar, Strac
Assist: Donovan
Subs: Drenthe, Hibbo

Everton: Anichebe Earns The Toffee A Point

2012-02-05T00:55:00.002+08:00

One point earned by a very negative play by Moyes and sub Anichebe had to come on to save Everton.

This is the first game that Everton is playing after bringing in striker Jelavic and midfielder Pienaar. The club and fans all seem to have that extra spring in their step now. Pienaar goes straight into the first XI while Disitin is brought back into the centre half. Neville drops to the bench while Hibbo gets a start for a very impressive game against Man City.

Wigan has been playing with fire in their bellies. Still, whenever Everton goes on the counter, they looked dangerous.

Strac, as the newpapers suggested, may not be the most complete striker. Still, he's willing to run his heart's out. Within 15 minutes, Strac already had two chances on target. Wigan had their first chance in the 18th minute. Howard made a brilliant low dive to divert the ball away from danger.

The game then became as sloppy as the weather. Wigan looked to have played a better 1st half with frequent raids down Hibbo's channel.

Everton had a great chance when Wigan was caught dilly-dallying on the ball. In the 39th minute, Bainesy stole the ball in defence and came through the entire defence. He cuts back the ball into the running path of Gibson. Those hoping for another thunderbolt was utterly dissappointed. Gibson ball was sliced totally off target.

Looking at the first half, Everton don't deserve a draw, let's not even talk about a win. Moyes will need to see how to unlock Wigan and possibly, Drenthe might hold the key.

Moyes makes his first change right at the start of the second half. Neville in for Cahill.

Strac created a chance from the right channel in the 50th minute. A low cross to Felli, but a heavy touch saw him lose that chance. Moyes makes his second change in the 59th minute - Jelavic for Strac.

Everton conceded a weird goal. A terrible deflection by Neville saw the ball spun towards Howard but somehow the ground corraborated with the ball to con Howard as it took a funny trajectory path. Wigan 0-1 Everton.

Anichebe is brought in for Hibbo in the 80th minute and within a minute, he scored! A cross by Bainesy saw Anichebe heading it into the net. Lovely goal! Wigan 1-1 Everton.

Not one of the best game by Everton's standards.

Score: Wigan 1-1 Everton
Scorer: Anichebe
Assist: Bainesy
Subs: Neville, Jelavic, Anichebe

Everton: Best 3 Points of The Season!

2012-02-01T05:57:00.000+08:00

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

Everton: Sucker-Punched and Two Points Lost!

2012-01-22T00:55:00.000+08:00

Everton gave away two points after a good 1st half where Everton pulled ahead with a goal. Goalkeeper error by Howard brought the game to parity.

Everton starts with Duffy once again after their defence line was decimated by injuries. New boy Gibson retains his place. Anichebe is given a start after his lovely goal in the previous match.

As early as the 2nd minute, Donovan incisive cross provided a lovely chance for Anichebe. But the striker mis-timed his kick, but Blackburn had the first clear chance on goal. Their player jinked into the penalty area and none of Everton's defenders dared to make a silly challenge. That gave the opponent the chance to run amok and only Howard stood tall to use his legs to block the shot. So close.

Duffy also had to run across the field to clear the ball. The defence looked rather shaky.

Donovan has been performing way above the standards of any Everton player. A cross by him in the 23rd minute saw Neville slamming the ball towards goal. Corner. Donovan cross arrived at Felli's chest and controlled it with his hands too. Predatory Cahill was there to slot the ball into goal. Finally he scored! Everton 1-0 Blackburn. Assist: Felli.

In the 33rd minute, Cahill made a reverse pass for Donovan who ran through on goal, onlt to smack it beyond the goal. Soon it was Blackburn's turn to try. Felli gave away the ball in the final third and the Blackburn player took the ball and smacked it against Everton vertical. Phew!

A really long throw by Howard sets Donovan off his mazy run. Stopped clumsily by a Blackburn defender. Free kick by Bainesy. Curled away too early.

Everton has been treated with rough-house play by Blackburn.

Half-time, Cahill finally scorces his goal after more than a year of drought. Still, the crowd needs more impetus by Everton to smile.

Moyes has seen enough from Saha. The striker is being replaced by Drenthe with Anichebe moving to the forward position and the winger is making all the right moves with his very direct play.

Messed up defence in the 71st minute! Howard missed the ball and Cahill was there to clear the line but it bounced off a Blackburn player and into the goal. Everton 1-1 Blackburn. Rubbish of a goal.

Second replacement by Moyes in the 80th minute - Vellios for Anichebe.

Duffy came so close to scoring from Bainesy's freekick - hit the woodwork. Final sub: Strac on for Gibson.

Lovely header by Felli in the 90th minute but palmed away. Another malee caused by a corner by cleared once again.

We just did not defend well enough and two points went a bagging.

Score: Everton 1-1 Blackburn
Scorer: Cahill
Assist: Felli
Subs: Drenthe, Strac, Vellios

Everton - A Good Point Away From Home

2012-01-15T00:51:00.000+08:00

Everton gets a point for all their huffing and puffing. A point away from home is definitely a good point.

Everton's squad is wafer thin as injuries blighted the club. Drenthe and Felli were brought back and new signing Darron Gibson is brought straight into the squad. Donovan also played his third game for the club. As for the formation, Moyes continued to play 4-5-1 with misfiring pair Saha and Cahill playing upfront.

As early as the 7th minute, Aston Villa took a stinging free kick that Howard had to palmed away. Close call.

Gibson was lively and he created the first clear chance for Everton. A nicely weighted floater saw Cahill running in blind towards the penalty area, only to hit the ball weakly. To be fair, it was not an easy ball to bring down. Everton had an even better chance in the 17th minute. A free kick by Bainesy saw Saha's skimming header palmed away by Villa's goalkeeper. That should have been 1-0 to Everton!

Saha had another chance when Saha was tugged down in the penalty area. But the striker did not even complain about it. You really have to wonder why.

In the 23rd minute, Villa nearly killed themselves when Villa's defender Stephen Warnock had wanted to help Everton score with a wonderful header, wonder save by the Villa goalkeeper again!

At the end of the 1st half, Everton only had one shot on target and yet we have more of the possession. This is the state of the Toffee's football.

In the 2nd half, Bainesy took a freekick in the 48th minute straight to the head of Felli . The ball was heading into goal, only to be saved by Villa's goalkeeper's chest? How was that possible?

In the 55th minute, Villa broke through Everton's defence to hook in the ball. Villa 0-1 Everton. This is totally saddening.

Suddenly Everton seemed to be in a disarray! The Toffees had to replace Drenthe in the 60th minute. Looks like he is injured. In comes Anichebe and what an introduction.

A sliced pass in the 67th minute by Donovan saw Anichebe lurking just onside. He latched onto the ball and placed it past the on rushing goalkeeper. Goal! Villa 1-1 Everton.

Gibson is taken off after 80 minutes of hard running and lack of match fitness saw him being replaced by Bily.

It all came alive again for Everton in the 85th minute when Donovan, Saha and Anichebe came marauding forward. Final shot by Anichebe palmed away by the oppposing goalkeeper.

Final substitution in the 88th minute - Strac in for Saha.

After 90 minutes, Everton came away with a point. Can't complain about the final score. At least we are climbing up the table.

Score: Villa 1-1 Everton
Scorer: Anichebe
Assist: Donovan
Subs: Anichebe, Bily, Strac

Everton: Sucker-Punched to Defeat

2012-01-05T05:52:00.001+08:00

Everton scores a lovely goal from the length of the field but Everton's luck ran dry with three injuries that left Moyes no choice but to rejig the team. The Toffees could not make any tactical changes and with that, they received one sucker punch after another.

Our talisman of two seasons ago, Donovan is back, and that somehow gave Moyes a belief in wanting to play 4-4-2 soccer. He gave Strac and Donovan a start while dropping Cahill to the bench. The American and Ossie have been placed on both wings with Neville and Heitinga holding the midfield. We do not see Felli and Coleman as they are still out injured.

Right from the onset, Everton looked more threatening in attack as finally Saha has a partner-in-crime.

So far, Strac has shown that he is a willing runner and a good header of the ball. Donovan has also given the team a different dimension. There were more movement along the wings.

The Toffees has more control of the ball in comparison to other games but still they do not look like they are going to score anytime soon. Still, Ossie has been top grade for this game. Tricky on the turns and in the 34th minute, his try on goal went just wide. Best try on goal so far.

Jag had to leave the field in the 39th minute after he allowed the ball to bounce instead of clearing the ball first time. With the ball in the hands of a Bolton player, Jag had to sprint back and he made a full blooded block, where he got himself injured. Rodwell came in as our first substitution.

In the 44th minute, Everton had a chance with Donovan running through towards goal but was fouled by a Bolton player in the box only to be given a corner. Nothing came out of that. But quality running by Donovan.

Even when playing to the crowd with Moyes sending on two strikers, Everton still looked toothless. I'm starting to lean towards the idea that Saha is past his expiry date.

Bolton kicks off the 2nd half. Everton has two corners in succession as early one minute after the start, still nothing came out of those two corners. Suddenly on the counter, Everton nearly conceded with Bolton brash and direct play nearly paid dividends. Only the outstretched legs of Howard prevented Everton for going a goal down.

Moyes was forced to make another change as Ossie has been withdrawn and Magaye entered the fray in the 55th minute. Howard was forced to make a brilliant onr-handed save once again. Everton's substitute Rodwell has been substituted due to injury. Unbelievable!

The next unbelievable thing that happened was that Howard scored a goal from his own goal mouth. The goalkeeper launched the ball up field. Strac was chasing the ball, but when the ball bounced beyond him, and also beyond the Bolton's goalkeeper. Everton 1-0 Bolton.

Everton received a sucker punch with an equaliser in thr 67th minute. Everton 1-1 Bolton. 10 minutes later, The Toffees are now behind. Everton 1-2 Bolton.

Jags departure seemed to have left a gapping hole in the defence. We can immediately see that Everton also needed Ossie to be around as the midfield seemed so devoid if idea without the dimunitive midfielder.

Everton has the chance but Bainesy's free kick struck the post! It's really one of those days.

Score: Everton 1-2 Bolton
Scorer: Howard
Assist: Nil
Subs: Rodwell, Magaye, Cahill

Lucky Three Points

2012-01-01T22:29:00.000+08:00

Everton stole the three points by the skin of their teeth.

Rodwell returns to the team and for the first time, most of the regular defenders were occupying both the defence and midfield - Hibbo, Bainesy, Jag, Distin, Heitinga, Neville and Rodwell. The natural attacking midfielders were all on the bench. It's good to see that Anichebe is back after a long layoff. One other interesting thing is that Everton has no defenders on the bench.

Everton have been moving up the field but they somehow they seem to disintegrate in the final third of the field. Cahill had the opportunity to cross but somehow fluff it. Heitinga and Neville have been to easy to give the ball away as well.

Everton players looked totally static and non-predatory in the opposing half and have spent easily 95% of theor time in their own half, passing the ball around.

Saha had the chance to score in the 33rd minute but he seemed to be more interested to beat the ground to show his unhappiness after his misdirected shot than to really score.

Even when Everton has more of the possession, WBA still looked more dangerous on the break. Everton had another free header in the 39th minute but it went off target.

WBA has shown that they are capable of more serious attack than Everton and the Toffees needed Distin to tap the ball away when the opposing player when teeing himself up for the shot. Both teams entered the changing room with a stalemate, WBA 0-0 Everton.

I can just imagine Moyes's half time speech, " Ok guys, we have killed a half. We just need another half before we get the 1 point. In the 60th minute, I'll bring in Mucha to replace Saha because there's no defenders on the bench. Then we will play 6-4-0. I'll replace Cahill with Anichebe and play him as a defender as well." We have not scored in the first half for seven games now.

Everton started the 2nd half with the same personnel. Everton nearly went a goal down straight from the start but the striker blasted it beyond the bar.

Magaye comes in for Rodwell in the 56th minute who though have been pretty ineffective was still better than some of those left on the field. This is the first time that I see Moyes bringing in the final two reserves at such early time. Anichebe and Strac coming in for Neville and Saha in the 63rd minute.

Finally, Everton forced WBA to make the first save in the 67th minute with a Magaye shot.

In the 87th minute, Hibbo puts in a lovely cross. Two WBA defenders failed to clear the ball, and Anichebe was quickest to the ball to hook it past the goalkeeper. WBA 0-1 Everton and that was the winning goal. Give Anichebe a Chang beer!

Score: WBA 0-1 Everton
Scorer: Anichebe
Assist: Nil
Subs: Magaye, Anichebe, Strac

Everton: Lucky One Point

2011-12-27T00:56:00.001+08:00

The referee and linesman awarded Everton a penalty when actually, there was should not even be a shout.

Everton starts without Coleman who injured himself in the last game. Felli is also out injured and he will be missed.

Everton started the game with much impetus. Holding the ball well and spraying good passes. The first 10 minutes saw Sunderland giving Everton a couple of good chances with poor calls in their defence. Cahill even had the opportunity to run through on goal only to stop by Sunderland's goalkeeper in that one-on-one situation.

The Toffees then had another chance at Sunderland. Bainesy got through in the 13th minute, made a telling cross but was cleared by Bumbling Bramble. Corner taken by Bainesy once again only for Cahill to head it wide. Everton wins a corner in the 15th minute. A lovely floater by Drenthe only for Saha to miss the header altogether. What's more, no one was marking him.

Sunderland had their chances too. It was Sunderland's Bentner who had Hibbo sticking to him like a leech. The Sunderland's striker took a shot but was blocked by Hibbo. Sunderland then made their first forced change with Bramble taken out due to injury.

But against the run of play in the 25th minute, Everton went a goal down. Total defence failure! Jag should have been covering, but he was day dreaming and Distin and Hibbo had to rush in to cover for him, leaving the right channel open. Sunderland 0-1 Everton.

Suddenly, Everton stopped attacking. The wings looked non-existent.

Everton sputtering start to the 2nd half continues. But it was Ossie jinking run in the 50th minute that earned Everton a penalty. What happened? Ossie tripped over his own feet! Bainesy stood up and was counted when he cooly slotted the ball into the top right corner of the net. Sunderland 1-1 Everton.

For the next 20 minutes, Moyes kept to the same team when the fans are calling out for a proper striker. Moyes made a straight swap - Magaye in for Drenthe and in the 83rd minute, another straight change of Vellios for Saha. Final replacement, Faddie in for Cahill in the 86th minute.

Everton could have ended it in such a sweet note if any other players other than Distin was at the end of the ball. At the end, it's a good point for Everton. A very lucky game for the club.

Score: Sunderland 1-1 Everton
Scorer: Bainesy (Pen)
Assist: Nil
Subs: Magaye, Vellios, Faddie

Everton: Important Three Points

2011-12-22T05:55:00.002+08:00

Everton grabbed a good three points with Ossie scoring a lovely header.

Moyes still continues with his 4-5-1 but as the Singaporean Evertonians were discussing last week, it would be best for Cahill to be rested as he has not been able to contribute effectively to the team. Drenthe and Coleman are slotted back into the two wings while Ossie takes the place of Cahill. Strac has impressed the last match and is warming the bench. Other substitutes include Faddie, Distin, Magaye and Barkley.

One thing that this game shows is that there is no weak teams in the Premiership. Swansea came to Goodison fighting and their passing was magnificant while Everton's wings looked a lot more lively. Still, the Toffees lacked the final incisive touch.

The game was played at a pretty breath-taking pace.

Unfortunately, Coleman has to be taken out due to injury and Magaye takes the winger's place in the 30th minute.

Drenthe moved over to the right and immediately, swaggered left and right to create a chance for Saha who headed wide. Everton has been winning free kicks and corners but so far nothing has come out of it.

Everton has a great chance in the 36th minute. It started with a sliced pass by Ossie. Bainesy puts in a low cross for Magaye to smash the ball towards goal. Palmed away by the goalkeeper, only as far as to Magaye who tried to tuck the ball into the net. Stopped by two Swansea defenders, unjustly with the use of hands. But the referee chose not to give Everton the penalty.

Another handball at the edge of the box gave Everton a chance to put in past the goalkeeper via a deadball situation. Bainesy puts it over. Magaye had another try on target but the goalkeeper was equal to it to prevent the winger for scoring. By the end of 1st half, Swansea has not taken a single shot at Everton's goal.

Everton has strong possession - numerous free kicks and corners but are not turning them into goals. The weak link really is the final third whereby the midfielders also need to chip in their fair share of goal, rather than just relying on Saha.

Once again, Everton starts well with loads of flowing passes. The pressure from the front is not there. Strac indeed have to come in sooner than later. Drenthe's pace and control is definitely giving Swansea alot to think about and finally, a Drenthe cross saw Ossie rising like a salmon to head part the goalkeeper. 60th minute goal. Everton 1-0 Swansea. A good mid-way goal. But I guess with this, Moyes will not bring on Strac. Or maybe he will for Saha.

Everton needs to prop up their goal difference and this home game should accord Everton with that. Swansea is now coming back harder and they had the first chance on goal. Howard was not too troubled.

Saha wins Everton a free kick near the box, Drenthe though ballooned it. All the free kicks taken today don't seem to be heading towards the net. Still, Drenthe looked like a good loan deal with loads of running and defending from the front.

Strac in for Saha in the 70th minute and final substitution, Cahill on for the magnificant Drenthe in the 80th minute.

The last 10 minutes or so, Swansea just could not breach the Everton's defence. So a great three points for Everton to bring us into a lovely Christmas!

Score: Everton 1-0 Swansea
Scorer: Ossie
Assist: Drenthe
Subs: Magaye, Strac

Everton: Two points dropped

2011-12-18T00:56:00.000+08:00

This is one game that Everton needs to win but didn't. Two points lost.

Moyes started with Magaye while Bily was left on the bench. Neville comes in for Rodwell in defensive midfield.

Everton dominated the first 25 minutes and you just hope that it would not end up with a score such as the Toffees last match against Arsenal. They need to score to sooth some nerves. So far, the Norwich defence have held well.

So in the 28th minute, the prophesy came true. Heitinga marked the striker so tightly and yet the Norwich striker was able to squeeze the ball into the net. Everton 0-1 Norwich. We control much of the match but don't look dangerous upfront adnd everyone knows that you that if you don't score, you don't win.

Everton starts the 2nd half unchanged but looked totally deflated. Moyes then brings in the second striker in Strac for only so what must have been a rare 4-4-2. The manager just does not like to play two up.

In the 70th minute, Moyes made another change. Drenthe in for Magaye and he delivers.

Drenthe time and time again, ran at the Norwich defence and in the 81st minute, Drenthe made another run at the defence and nobody made any effort to stop him. He released a stinging shot and Ossie came in from the blind side to deflect the ball past the keeper. Everton 1-1 Norwich. Drenthe assist.

What a strike by Drenthe in the 86th minute! Fierce shot the deflected off former Everton goalkeeper Ruddy. Drenthe is really taking it against Norwich on his own!

The substitutes truly made a difference to the team. But still, it's not good enough for Everton.

Final change - McAleny for Saha in the 87th minute. The score still remains in parity.

Score: Everton 1-1 Norwich
Scorer: Ossie
Assist: Drenthe
Subs: Drenthe, Strac, McAleny

Manager Costs Us The Game

2011-12-10T23:02:00.001+08:00

Frustrating game that the manager has to take responsibility for. He managed to somehow take out the only established striker in a 4-5-1 formation and replaced him with Distin. Why in the world would a manager do that?

This is one difficult away game as Arsenal has been on wonderful form. Everton sees the return of Neville while bumbling Bily retains his slot. Saha returns from his injury. Evertonians got to see Arteta in red though.

Both clubs started pretty tentative but in the first 20 minutes, Arsenal had a number of chances and it looked like Everton was living a charmed life so far.

Arsenal's Walcott had so many chances to score against Everton but have somehow been making erronous choices. Instead of shooting he passes. But to be fair, Arsenal as a whole have been rather wasteful. A nicely floated cross appeared to have reached Walcott, only for the offside Van Persie to pick it up. Wasted opportunity.

Even Ramsey who was gifted a chance, went on to spurn it.

Dangerman Gervinho has been giving Everton's defence plenty to think about with his pace. When the Arsenal striker skipped past the entire defence, it was Howard who stood tall, blocking the striker's shot which was destined to bulge the net.

Everton is riding their luck with this first half draw 0-0.

The 2nd half sees Everton defending more than attacking and Moyes puts it one up - He substituted our only striker for a defender. Saha replaced by Distin. So what are we playing now? 5-5-0?

And after that, Everton is down by one goal. Van Persie scores in the 69th minute. Arsenal 1-0 Everton. So what is Everton going to do now without their striker? Maybe Moyes will bring in another defender???

From Everton's point of view, Moyes is really looking for just one point. That's weak!

Double substitution in the 76th minute - rookie McAleny and Magaye in for Neville and Bily.

Rubbish play and this time, it's the manager that did the team in.

Score: Arsenal 1-0 Everton
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Subs: Distin, Magaye, McAleney

Everton: The Referee won the game!

2011-12-04T23:03:00.001+08:00

Moyes's prediction came through. It's a fluke back to back wins that we had. And now we are not that mighty anymore. We may even fall into the lower half of the table.

A one minute cheer for the recently departed Everton midfielder Gary Speed. His team mates were in presence on the field - Unsworth, Stuart and Ferguson among many others. After that, the full concentration was on the game. Vellios and Bily start with no Drenthe and Saha in sight.

Everton controlled the first 10 minutes of the game but there were clear signs that the Toffees were having problems with the long high balls that Stoke were throwing at the defence and it was their first corner that they took a lead against Everton. A smashed shot in the 14th minute after Everton failed to clear that corner. Everton 0-1 Stoke.

Everton was neither attacking nor creating much effort and Stoke nearly punished them once again in the 34th minute from a cross. Fortunately for Everton, no players managed to reach the ball.

There were a few shouts for fouls and penalties but were all rubbished by the referee! Poor game by Everton standards.

The horrendous game continued into the 2nd half Rodwell was brought in for Bily in the 63rd minute. The Russian should never ever be allowed to play for Everton, ever again.

I really can't understand Moyes. Strac for Vellios in the 75th minute when we are a goal down? Final change. Magaye in for Hibbo in the 82nd minute.

A chance with a cross by Bainesy in the 84th minute but all of Everton's players missed the ball.

The referee was impossible!

Score: Everton 0-1 Stoke
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Subs: Rodwell, Strac, Magaye

Everton wins! Two goals and one red card

2011-11-26T23:19:00.001+08:00

Another win by Everton and we goes up the league table! We are climbing. The sent off of Bolton's defender helped and no one in blue would be complaining.

Everton started without their on-loan livewire Drenthe who was bruised and battered in the last game. Neville, Distin and Anichebe continue with their rehabilitation. Bily comes in on the left channel.

Bolton started on a stronger foot with Bolton's Kevin Davies testing Everton's backline as early as the 2nd minute. Everton too, started to grow into the game, especialy the ever wonderful Bainesy who seemed to be mechanically putting in cross after cross.

In the 18th minute, Everton was given a very good opportunity as Bolton has been reduced to 10 men with a poor tackle by a Bolton's defender on Bily.

Everton was then given a free kick after Bainesy was tripped. Heitinga took set-piece but was saved, too easily. Even with one extra player, Bolton do not look any way inferior to the Toffees.

The Toffees started the second half with great dominance and 3 minutes from the start of the second half Bily placed in a cross from the left and Felli was on hand to bulge the net. Bolton 0-1 Everton. Assist Bily.

Coleman has been running himself silly and still, no Bolton players had wanted to mark him. So he ran all the way into the six yard box and shoots but was palmed away.

Everton was let off the hook in the 64th minute when a sliced pass saw Bolton's Klasnic getting on the end of the ball. Instinctive save by Howard.

Everton then goes on the attack with none other than the marauding Bainesy who placed a pass into the path of Bily. The Russian lobbed a high ball and everyone waiting with great anxiety as Cahill was rising as high as a salmon - on target, but too soft as the cross was not placed at a good height.

Coleman is running at the Bolton's defence for the entire night and once again, they backed off from him. The ball arrived at Ossie who took a good pot shot at goal. Saved.

Vellios came in for Saha in the 73rd minute and soon after, he made the Bolton goalkeeper uncomfortable. His strike was saved by the keeper. But not for long. Bainesy delivered a long ball towards goal, Cahill was in full stretch to hook the ball back towards the penalty area and the lurking Vellios was at the right place to finish the ball. Bolton 0-2 Everton.

Barkley comes in for Cahill in the 87th minute. Good substitution! Final sub, Magaye in for Bily.

Score: Bolton 0-2 Everton
Scorers: Felli, Vellios
Assists: Bily, Bainesy
Subs: Vellios, Magaye

A well deserved win!

2011-11-19T22:55:00.001+08:00

A penalty nearly cost Everton, but it was a late penalty that won this match for Everton.

Everton sees a changed backline with Distin and Neville out. In comes Heitinga to shore up the central defence. Good to see both Felli and Drenthe back in midfield. Cahill continues to pair up Saha as the guy in the hole. This is one game that we truly have to win.

Drenthe did not evoke much confidence as he made a dangerous pass in his own half as early as the 1st minute. Thank goodness the danger was averted.

A lovely chance in the 15th minute. Cahill set up a lovely chance for Saha who knocked the ball towards goal. Saved.

Drenthe has been pegging along the left channel and have been creating havoc in that area but putting in cross after cross.

A sweet one-two between Drenthe and Bainesy in the 22nd minute that forced a rushed clearance by Wolves. The corner amounted to nothing once again. It's been awhile since we last saw an Everton player score from a corner kick.

After all the possesion, Everton gave away a penalty in the 37th minute and Wolves is now in front. Everton 0-1 Wolves. Felli made that challenge but I can't blame the referee for giving it as it looked like a penalty. But with the chance of instant replay, Felli looked like he did not touch the Wolves player at all.

Suddenly Wolves started to play flowing football. But against the run of play, Everton won themselves a free kick which was dispatched by Baines. Jag rose the highest and directed the ball into the net. Everton 1-1 Wolves.

In the final minute, Felli struck the ball with so much power that the goalkeeper could not hold on to the ball. Cahill was in but was seemingly pulled back. No penalty? Why? After this incident, the referee quickly blew his whistle, most likely to extricate himself from the field just in case Felli runs him down.

Everton has to make Goodison a true fortress that teams will be afraid to play at. How to do that is to really plummet these teams with all we have.

How did Everton not score? A good run by Coleman. Beats his man, lovely low cross into the penalty area. Saha backheeled the ball for Cahill and he struck the ball sweetly. Stopped by both the defender and goalkeeper. Shortly after in the 70th minute, Drenthe had a chance but it was thumped away.

In the 73nd minute, Cahill is out Vellios is in and it was a pull on him that Everton has been awarded a penalty in the 83rd minute. Bainesy stood up and made it count. Everton 2-1 Wolves.

In the 85th minute, Drenthe out, Bily in. Why oh why is he brought in? Final sub in the 90th minute. Saha out, Strac in.

It does not matter. Everton has taken the three points. That is what matters.

Score: Everton 2-1 Wolves
Scorers: Jag, Bainesy (Pen)
Assist: Bainesy
Subs: Vellios, Bily, Strac

Everton: We Came, We Saw, We Lost, Again!

2011-11-05T22:41:00.002+08:00

Another loss, and Everton now is so close to the relegation zone. We are really in trouble.

Everton is in the dumps as their confidence dipped to their lowest point. It is one thing to play against the big clubs back-to-back, but it's another thing when they did not even take a single point from that match. And now they are facing Newcastle - a club that is now sitting in the top half of the table.

Drenthe is back after his suspension while Heitinga comes in for Distin. Coleman has been moved to the left. Not too sure if he's comfortable with that.

Everton got sucker-punched as early as 12th minute. A cross was mildly deflected by Bainesy and it caught Heitinga in two minds. Before he could say "No!", he fully stretched leg could only direct the ball into his own goal. Newcastle 1-0 Everton.

Everton started to threatened and in succession, Saha and Ossie had their opportunities by then received a second sucker punch. A blazing stike that Howard had not a single chance to save. Newcastle 2-1 Everton.

Everton tried to fight back but when everything went the Toffee's way, the post had to deny Saha his goal. Sigh! To make matters worse, Neville is taken off in the 41st minute and on came Distin.

Everton is down by two goals and the only way to get back on is to score the first goal, and that was just what Everton needed. In the 45th minute, Drenthe curled in a sweet corner which was met by a stinging header by Rodwell. Newcastle 2-1 Everton. Drenthe assist.

Start of the second half. Saha had a glorious chance in the 53rd minute but his shot was deflected wide no less by traitor Gosling with his hands. But the referee did not see that.

Timmy in for Heitinga in the 55th minute and he made jos first contribution with a back header and a shot on goal all within 4 minutes of his entry. Saved by the opposing goalkeeper.

Drenthe has now moved over to the left while Coleman is back in his comfortable right wing.

Final change by Everton - Faddie in for Hibbo in the 80th minute. But in the end, it meant for nothing.

Score: Newcastle 2-1 Everton
Scorer: Rodwell
Assist: Drenthe
Subs: Distin, Timmy, Faddie

Everton: An important 3 points

2011-10-23T22:26:00.002+08:00

Fulham did Everton a favour by not scoring in the dying minutes and Everton made them pay with two goals in injury time.

After hard-nosed Moyes continued to play the same personnel even after their back to back losses, he finally throw in Drenthe and Vellios into the starting line-up while Cahill and Saha have to warm the bench. Neville is also back in the first XI. Andy Johnson faces Everton and hopefully, he will score none.

Everton starts the game with a goal, and it's all Drenthe! In the 2nd minute, a tangle in the final third of Fulham's half saw Rodwell setting the ball up for Drenthe. He then runs with the ball before hammering the ball into the top left corner of the net. Fulham 0-1 Everton.

A lovely cross on the right from Bainesy in the 11th minute, and Rodwell's head was at the end of it. Just flew wide.

Drenthe is really giving his all against Fulham. Another good shot from the right in the 18th minute. Stopped by Fulham's golakeeper. Everton had another chance in the 20th minute. A flick by Drenthe to Hibbo. A juicy cross ensued but the end product by Vellios was poor.

A stupendous save by Howard to palm the ball away in the 24th minute. Total blinder of the shot but a one handed save! Must be the save of the season!

Everton will need to get their second goal in order to arm-twist Fulham to push men forward. Howard made another save in the 29th minute with a tip-over. The next 15 minutes of so was all Fulham. The half time whistle was definitely a good time for Everton to re-group. This is Everton's chance since Fulham has spent quite a bit of their strength playing in Europe during the mid-week.

Fulham starts the second half and Hibbo puts in a good last-ditch tackle to stop them from scoring. another close shave.

In the 50th minute, Everton brings Saha in for Vellios where the latter has done his fair share of running and troubling Fulham. Everton will really need to score one more goal to put the game away.

But instead, Everton was just backing up and are not picking up the attackers and they paid the price for it. Hibbo was totally out of position! Fulham 1-1 Everton.

Coleman and Timmy are in for Neville and Ossie respectively in the 75th minute. How did Fulham missed in the 88th minute? Rounding up Howard, he smashes the ball beyond the bar. Saving grace for Everton. And what happened next was truly a sucker punch for Fulham. Drenthe puts in a reverse header, Saha picked up the ball and slotted it past the goalkeeper. Fulham 1-2 Everton.

In quick succession. Everton wins a free kick on the left channel. A cross by Drenthe, Fulham defender cleared it only as far as Rodwell who drilled in a fine shot beyond the goalkeeper. Wonderful goal. Fulham 1-3 Everton.

Important three points. Everton now moves up the league table. Close, close shave.

Score: Fulham 1-3 Everton
Scorers: Drenthe, Saha, Rodwell
Assists: Rodwell, Drenthe
Subs: Saha, Cahill, Coleman

Everton: Losing Streak

2011-10-16T02:24:00.000+08:00

Yes, Everton have done well against Chelsea over the last couple of seasons, but we have not strengthen our squad and this time, it would be a tricky away game for Everton and results do not lie. The Toffees kept the same team that lost the Liverpool after Rodwell was wrongly sent off.

Everton have soaked in the early pressures well and even had a chance at goal via Saha from the left channel. Chelsea is giving Everton the chance to have a go at them. That would work well for Everton.

The first 20 minutes saw Felli putting in a number of poor first touches and even earning himself an early yellow card. Jag has also not been his usual steady self in the last couple of games. Chelsea has the lion share of the play but Everton is playing the counter attack.

Chelsea totally sliced Everton's defence apart in the 31st minute that resulted in a goal. So much for keeping a clean sheet. Chelsea 1-0 Everton.

Everton players are pretty static and it's worrying to see that we may even have a hard time staying in the top half of the table. Everytime The Toffees are in Chelsea's half, they lose all creativity. There was just a trickle of support from midfield. This is really the situation where you pay peanuts, you get Chelsea stealing even the last nut!

Oh did I say Chelsea scored about just at the half way mark. Chelsea 2-0 Everton. Enough damage for one half.

Second half and Ossie nearly score from the start only to be denied by the post. What luck. Everton then got sliced open once again in the 51st minute but thankfully it ended in nought.

Moyes and the rest of the Evertonians had enough. Drenthe in for Coleman in the 60th minute, and with that change, came Chelsea's third goal. How did that happen? Lightning speed. Chelsea 3-0 Everton.

Second change for Everton - Neville in for Cahill in the 71st minute.

Ossie had a good chance in the79th minute, but the ball did not pick up enough spin towards goal. Final change, Vellios for Saha in the 80th minute, and Vellios scores! How? A reverse header by Felli, Drenthe puts in a very quick cross from the left channel, and in came a sliding Vellios. Chelsea 3-1 Everton.

This game is a full write-off.

Score: Chelsea 3-1 Everton
Scorer: Vellios
Assist: Drenthe
Subs: Drenthe, Vellios, Neville

Everton: The Referee Destroyed the Game!

2011-10-01T21:46:00.000+08:00

Poor poor refereeing that cost Everton the game. Liverpool looked no more dangerous but the referee just had to give them the advantage by sending Rodwell off for a legit tackle.

At the start, this merseyside derby is all that Toffee fans are waiting for. Saha and Cahill lead the line. This is all so rare for Moyes to finally play the 4-4-2 formation. Moreover, it's Saha first start of the season. Still, a win against will put Everton above Liverpool for only the second time this season. We have Reds and Blues fans standing side-by-side. Some families in Liverpool are split down the line. But after 90 minutes, someone will have bragging rights till the next derby game.

Everton started with great fire and in the 2nd minute, it looked as if Cahill was pulled in the penalty area. Penalty not given. The ball reached Felli who shoots, deflected for a corner. Bainesy took the corner but it all came to a nought.

So close for Cahill in the 8th minute where Coleman floats a lovely cross into the penalty box. Cahill as usual, was there to head the ball. It was going in and only palmed away by Reina. In the follow-up ball, Distin came close to scoring. The defender cuts into the six yard box like a striker and lets fly. Just past the horizontal.

There was no contribution from Rodwell and the only thing that we see is a red card for him in the 24th minute. Disaster!!! It was not even a red card!!!!!!!! His tackle was totally fair. Now the referee is not playing fair. Cahill got a yellow for a high challenge when Adams too had a high boot. The referee has spoilt the game.

Jag gives away a penalty. Kuyt took it and Howard saved it!!! What a fantastic save! Right at the end of half time. Not this time Kuyt, not this time. In the last minute of extra time, Adams struck the ball towards goal. Bounced off the bar!

Second half, Everton just have to do it. It's 14 reds versus 10 blues.

Everton setting up a chance for themselves in the 52nd minute. Lovely movement up front that ended with Saha curling the ball beyond the goal. Everton making their first substitution - Drenthe on for Coleman in the 58th minute.

In the 60th minute, nobody wanted to mark Saha who strikes from distance. Missed right. Reina was furious! Neville on for Ossie in the 69th minute.

Pool scores in the 70th minute. It does not matter. Everton truly tried.

Final change. Vellios on for Hibbo in the 78th minute.

Pool scored another goal in 81st minute. Everton's trying everything that they have. Shot from distance, chasing every ball.

Just horrendous refereeing that cost Everton this derby game. Let's dedicate the game to the referee then.

Score: Everton 0-2 Liverpool
Scorer: Referee
Assist: Referee
Subs: Drenthe, Neville, Vellios

Everton: Three Points In The Bag

2011-09-18T00:14:00.000+08:00

Great , great three points for Everton! It's the day of the substitutes. Vellios scored his debut goal. Strac helped to set up the last goal. Drenthe scored his debut goal too.

Moyes seemed so happy with the team that played against Villa that he chose not to make any changes facing Wigan.

Everton started where they left off and they controlled the midfield. In the 5th minute, a one-two saw Bily jinked his way into the penalty area only to be repelled by the defence. The ball reached as far as Bainesy who crossed the ball into the centre.Coleman head made connection with the ball. Palmed away by the goalkeeper. The subsequent corner came to nought.

A love three-man move nearly saw Everton score. Ossie reverse pass saw Bainesy running into the penalty box. He then carve out a low cross to Cahill. Crowded out, Cahill still managed a shot. Booted away by the opposing defender.

Cahill had another chance when the last defender clumsily mispass the ball. But Cahill cuts the ball short, too short to reach Ossie.

And now, Everton is behind after all the good work that pressing for the last 31 minutes. This is what happened when you do not take your chances! Everton 0-1 Wigan.

But within a minute, Jags brought Everton back to parity! Everton 1-1 Wigan. Cahill's strike hits the bar and rebounded only as far as Jag who aplombly directed the ball into the net. Good recovery. Everton better learn from this.

Somehow everything that Bily does, it is not coming through. Every cross, every chip. Take him out! I really don't know why Moyes still plays the Russian.

Everton struggled on for 13 minutes before Moyes was contented to put Drenthe in for ineffective Bily in the 58th minute.

Second substitution comes in the 66th minute - Vellios for Coleman.

Vellios brought Everton forward in the 67th minute. Ossie was open on his right but the striker was a little too selfish and he took the shot himself. One more good chance wasted.

Everton do not seem to be too concerned that they are heading for a draw. Stroking the ball from left to right, and back to the defence.

Strac is brought in to give Everton a bit more impetus. Immediately, Everton is on the offensive. Lovely cross by Hibbo for Vellios to put in a looping header. Debut goal. Great goal. Everton 2-1 Wigan. Hibbo assist.

Wigan tried to came back strong but got super-punched by the Everton boys! In the 97th minute, Strac puts in a back header which eluded everyone except Drenthe who body feint made the goalkeeper commit. He then cleverly slotted the ball beyond the reach of the goalkeeper and Wigan. Another debut goal to cap his wonderful run. Everton 3-1 Wigan. Assist: Strac.

Not the prettiest of win and the result was only clear near the end. Three points for Everton and they truly needed that.

Score: Everton 3-1 Wigan
Scorers: Jags, Vellios, Drenthe
Assists: Hibbo, Strac
Subs: Vellios, Drenthe, Strac

Everton: So Close To Getting All Three Points

2011-09-10T23:58:00.001+08:00

Everton truly played their hearts out and was unlucky to not take all three points at Goodison.

Everton new loanees Strac and Drenthe are both on the bench. This will definitely frustrate the crowd if the Toffees do not score first. The commentator seemed to suggest that Moyes is deploying a 4-4-2 formation with Cahill and Ossie up front.

Within the 1st minute, Everton had their first call for a penalty. Former Evertonian Richard Dunne placed a hard challenge on Ossie in the penalty area. But the referee allowed play to continue.

A great set-up on the left between Bily and Bainesy in the 7th minute which saw the former crossed the ball. Cleared by Villa's defender for a corner. A good cross saw Ossie striking the ball towards goal. Kneed away by the Villa's goalkeeper, cleared by their defender.

So far so good for Everton.

A lovely lovely set up and a wonderful goal! It was at set for an Everton goal with a consistent pressure for the full 19th minute. A sliced ball into the penalty area arrived at the feet of Cahill. He seemed to be dragging the ball away from goal before putting in a reverse pass. Ossie was at the right place at the right spot to slot the ball into the left corner of of the net. Everton 1-0 Villa. Assist: Cahill.

Cahill has been all over the pitch, defending from the front.

Sexy play by Everton once again in the 33rd minutes that involved the giant Felli, Cahill and ended with Ossie shooting on target. Saved by Villa's goalkeeper. Everton is putting pressure on Villa all over the pitch.

Everton has control of the ball and Villa were just encouraging The Toffees to shoot, which Rodwell rifled his shot towards goal. A hefty deflection by a Villan defender saw the ball bounced off the upright for a corner but it came to nought.

Half time whistle goes. Everton looked totally assured with no answers from Villa. A good round of ball possession by Everton.

Everton started their match as they did in the 1st half. Strong call for penalty in the 50th minute when Bainesy was tripped in the penalty area. No penalty? How could it be?

Great defending by Distin who sewed Agbonlahor into his side pocket. A poor clearance by Villa nearly gifted Everton a goal in the 6oth minute. Felli got a header to the ball who saw Jag of all person putting in a stooping header that just flew past the horizontal.

A goal out of nothing from Villa in the 62nd minute. Everton 1-1 Villa. When you don't make your chances count, the opponents will punish you. Moyes needs to do something here!

Penalty!!!! A climb on Ossie after Cahill bullet header was palmed away by the goalkeeper. Bainesy puts Everton in front with the penalty! Everton 2-1 Villa. Let's march on!!! The Everton crowd is now singing.

Everton brings Drenthe on for Bily in the 71st minute. Let's see what can this young boy do. He steals the ball at the left channel and drove himself into Villa's final third. A nice ball to Ossie in the penalty area. The midfielder puts in a good shot only to be blocked by a diving defender.

Barkley comes in for Coleman in the 80th minute. Coleman has really gave Villa alot to think about. Everton got sucker punched again! Everton 2-2 Villa.

Final substitution for Everton Vellios for Cahill in the 84th minute.

Vellios caught out Villa's goalkeeper in the 89th minute but his final opportunistic shot just missed the goal. Barkley was in full run and was covered by three players but still, he managed a pass to Vellios who shot on target but was palmed away by the goalkeeper.

It could have been all three points for Everton but it was just not Everton's day. The positives are that Everton played really well and they truly banished the ghost of Arteta. Youngsters such as Drenthe, Coleman, Barkley and Vellios have shown that they are indeed the future of Everton.

COYB!

Score: Everton 2-2 Villa
Scorers: Ossie, Bainesy
Assist: Cahill
Subs: Drenthe,Vellios, Barkley

Everton Leads a Charmed Life

2011-08-28T00:04:00.000+08:00

Crazy game that Everton really did not deserve to win. In the end, Arteta's penalty made the biggest difference as Everton went on to win the game, barely.

Everton is making three changes and have included the influential Arteta and Felli as Moyes tries to change their fortunes. Anichebe has also been brought in for Becks who sits on the bench.

For the entire 45 minutes, both teams did not really test each other. What is more of a concern is that Everton has not have a shot at goal. Not even a single opportunity. Anichebe as usual, is only interested in falling over or using his body strength to bump the opponents off the ball.

Just at the second half, Everton's darling puts out a trailing leg in the penalty area and his rawness showed. Penalty. This is upsetting. But Howard stood up to the challenge. What a great save. Truthfully, Blackburn took the penalty poorly as well.

That was very well the last contribution for Barkley. Timmy replaces him in the 52nd minute. Barkley tried but had a couple of misplaced passes and for his young soul, might have taken a toll on his confidence.

Moyes brings on the second change - Bily for Ossie in the 62nd minute.

Finally, a shot on goal by Bainesy in the 67th minute. He cuts in from the left and cstruck a blistering ball at goal. Palmed away by Blackburn's goalkeeper.

Unbelieveable miss by Felli in the 69th minute. Anichebe crosses the ball from the left and Felli was there to meet the ball. But his shot was off target.

Everton is really living on a live wire now. From an Everton attack in the 78th minute, it suddenly became a counter attack that Blackburn so nearly scored. It needed Howard to make that save.

Jag puts in a foul in the penalty area. Why oh why Everton. This is truly horrendous! The striker took the penalty. Beat Howard but saved by the woodwork! Incredulous!

Everton made their final substitution in the 84th minute - Becks for Heitinga.

Everton took the lead. Such an undeserving lead. A dodgy foul on Felli in the penalty area. But really, it did not look like a foul at all. Still, the penalty was given to Everton. Arteta stood up and dispatched the ball beyond the reach of the Blackburn goalkeeper. Blackburn 0- 1 Everton.

How Blackburn lost the match is anyone's guess. Twice they struck the post, twice they were given penalty, two key saves by Howard and by now you know that Everton is leading a charmed life.

Everton's season has started.

Score: Blackburn 0-1 Everton
Scorer: Arteta
Assist: Nil
Subs: Timmy, Bily, Becks

Carling Cup: Everton's First Win

2011-08-24T21:43:00.003+08:00

Everton moves into the third round of the Carling Cup after dismantling Sheffield United. It was good to see the return of Felli and Arteta. Anichebe was also brought in while Barkley made this his second start of what seems to be a long enterprising career ahead of him.

Still, things did not start as well for Everton as they fell behind by a goal in the 23rd minutes even after it seemed that Everton had camped in the opponent's half.. The crowd must have felt the deja vu. Will Everton be able to pull themselves back into the game? Everton 0-1 Sheffield Utd.

The Toffees did not allowed that to affect them as within three minutes, Everton drew level. Rodwell came in from the left. A hopeful low cross into the penalty area saw a Sheffield player turning the ball in. Game on. Everton 1-1 Sheffield Utd.

Then Everton turned the screw and soon, Barkley who was so impressive in his debut game, was again instrumental in the second goal. Ossie made a good run from Everton's third before dispatching a pass to Barkley on the right channel. Barkley sliced a delicious pass that Anichebe lapped it up with much pleasure. Everton 2-1 Sheffield Utd. Assist: Barkley.

The third goal was truly a peach of a goal. Lively Barkley cuts from the right and was about to shoot, only to be foiled by the opposing defender. The ball rolled towards Arteta who curled the ball beyond on-rushing defenders and a diving goalkeeper. Everton 3-1 Sheffield Utd.
Ossie even had a chance to score when his thunderous shot smacked the bar and went out of play.

Still, it was a good match and Everton marches forward into the 3rd round of the Carling Cup.

Score: Everton 3-1 Sheffield United
Scorer: OG, Anichebe, Arteta
Assist: Nil
Subs: Saha, Neville, Baxter

Everton: Disastrous Start!

2011-08-20T23:57:00.000+08:00

Mutiny may just happen. No money, no players brought in, no wins.

Everton season starts today and it is really set up in a very good way where we meet a recently promoted QPR. Ross Barkley is roped in for his debut and the crowd left the loudest cheer for him.

The Toffees looked solid and they have to take the lead first to puncture the morale of QPR.

Barkley has such maturity beyond his age. In the 21st minute, he took on one, two, three defenders at the edge of the penalty area and the only way QPR could stop him was to bring him down. Free kick. Bainesy was at the end of it, curling it towards goal. Hits the bar! Everton should have been two goals up by now.

Everton, however, has not struck fear in the hearts of their opponent and even worse, made a mess in defence. Nobody closed the QPR player down and he had placed a sickening curler of a ball past Howard. Everton 0-1 QPR. Total disaster for Everton.

Everton had the opportunity to go level in the 39th minute but Cahill's header flew just wide. Cahill was presented with another chance in the 43rd minute but it went just over the bar.

The referee blew to draw the first half to an end. Total lack of creativity and we truly need a change of personnel. But Moyes kept faith with the team he set off in the first half.

With the manager's voice stinging their ears, Rodwell started the game with an opportunist shot at goal. Smack on target but too meek. Finally in the 54th minute, Arteta is in for Rodwell. The latter had put in many stray passes and made quite a few wrong decisions. Poor, poor game from the number 26.

Felli comes in for Becks in the 63rd minute. So who is the striker now? Felli immediately sets up for Cahill who got his shot on target. Saved by the opposing goalkeeper.

Barkley has displayed numerous sublime touches that truly place the senior players to shame. Final substitution. Saha for Heitinga in the 73rd minute.

The last 25 minutes was sickening. Moyes played 4-5-1 at the start, 4-5-1 when they are losing, 4-5-1 to everything. Why? There were no players to change the game. Is this the start of the end for this club? What a loss at Goodison.

Score: Everton 0-1 QPR
Scorer: Were there even strikers???
Assist: Nil
Subs: Arteta, Felli, Saha

Everton: New Season

2011-08-20T17:58:00.002+08:00

We are a bit of a slow starter as we are one game behind most other clubs due to the riots in London. Nevertheless, Everton fans all over are rubbing their hands eargerly over our first game at Goodison.

Though the club brought in no new players, we still have one young and exceptional player who will definitely play a part in the club's campaign this season - Ross Barkley. Actually, I am quite sure he will play today. Not much has been heard about him previously. But he has shown great character and guile. A decisive through pass here, a jinking run there, this 17 years old lad is making heads turn.

So let the games begin.Let's take three points off QPR.

Triumph Against Bury

2011-07-16T09:22:00.000+08:00

Everton started their pre-season with a game against Bury. Old boy Steven Schumacher was on hand to play against their former club. The fans were in for a treat.

Yak is back for the club - truly bitter sweet as he can perform well one day, but not the next. Still, having him in the squad is better than not since he can be our potential match winner. Felli is also back after a long layoff due to injury.

The first goal for Everton can courtesy of Yak. A lovely cross from Arteta saw the ball bounced around. Felli headed the ball back into the penalty area and Yak need not require a second helping to head the ball beyond the diving goalkeeper. Bury 0-1 Everton. Assist: Felli.

Gueye was having a swell of a time. He smacked one ball towards space. But his subsequent attempt bore fruit. A poor pass by a Bury defender saw Gueye stealing the ball. He sprinted forward and struck the ball. The goalkeeper palmed the ball only for Gueye to pick it up and slotted it into the net. Bury 0-2 Everton.

The third goal came from a good play on the left channel. Neville, wandering aroung the six yard box, make a square pass to Ossie. A Bury defender attempted to slide the ball away but missed. Ossie picked it up, took one look, and launched a unstoppable shot into the top right corner of the net. Bury 0-3 Everton.

Everton had other ideas and the fourth goal was beckoning. Once again Gueye, looking destined to push himself into the first team, moved the ball well, shimmied the defender leaving him on his bum, and then unleashing a thunderous shot that left the goalkeeper grasping air.

All Everton goals came in the first half. Moyes then made four changes during the half time break and Everton, though still in ascendeny, could not make their superiority count.

Eveton's old boy Shumacher exacted a level of revenge as his free kick was a gem, curling into the far post of Mucha.

The result was still sweet for the fans as it ended 4-1 in Everton's favour.

10-man Everton defeats Chelsea!

2011-05-23T00:57:00.001+08:00

This is the final game of the season. Nothing for Everton to really fight for except for pride.

Everton so nearly got ahead in the 6th minute. A corner by Arteta saw Jag rising like a salmon out of the water to head the ball. Only to see it bouncing off the horizontal and out of play.

Becks had a wonderful chance after a good inter-play with Arteta. The striker was through on goal but somehow, it seemed like he could not decide whether to go for a srike on goal or cross. Either way, the ball reached nowhere.

In the final minutes. Howard had to pull two fabulous saves to ensure that Everton stays in the game.

Half time. Chelsea has the personnel to win the game but the thought of the team being disbanded after this final match must be playing on them.

What a cheat. Mikel just wanted to get Coleman sent off after the latter put in a legitimate tackle. Cheat, cheat, cheat! Now Everton has to play with 10-man.

Becks had his chance in the 58th minute but just not clinical enough. A good pass from Hibbo that sliced the Chelsea's defence open. Becks marauded forward but his strike went straight towards the goalkeeper. Everton is still fighting hard, even with 10 men.

Everton takes the game to Chelsea with a good strike by Arteta in the 65th minute. Just wide of the goal. But that does not stop Everton.

From a Chelsea attack, Everton took the initiative right from the penalty area of Howard. Becks took the ball, ran, and ran and ran. Came up against three defenders. Skips past them with a fortunate deflection. All alone against Chelsea's goalkeeper. With his right foot, Becks puts in a sublime chip. GOAL!!!! With 10 men! That's really in the face of Ancelotti. Tata Chelsea's manager! Everton 1-0 Chelsea.

In the 79th minute. Becks is off, and Anichebe is in and Timmy comes in for Arteta in the 89th minute.

Distin has been hoofing everything that looked like a ball. Something that gave good comfort to Howard.

And...Everton wins! With only 10 men. Deservingly! A good end to the season.

Score: Everton 1-0 Chelsea
Scorer: Becks
Assist: Nil
Subs: Anichebe, Timmy

Everton's Mind On Next Season?

2011-04-30T23:57:00.000+08:00

Lack lustre, lack much bite, lack enthusiasm. That's what Everton's team looked like.

Everton in their bright pink away colours, saw three changes in their line-up. The Toffees welcomed back Arteta, while Timmy and Anichebe were brought in after their long bouts of injury as well.

The team that Moyes has lined up is not one that is attack-minded and when you make Anichebe your chief striker, you will usually get more duds than success. Wigan showed good control of the ball and Everton had no answer to their controlled play.

Soon, Everton was down 1-0. Everton was caught playing Wigan's striker on-side in the 20th minute. Howard tried to close down the angle but was hookwinked after the Wigan striker curled the ball beyond Eveton's goalkeeper.

Ossie went for an immediate reply with a large smack on the ball in the 22nd minute. Palmed away by Wigan's goalkeeper.

Ossie made a nuisance of himself again a short corner taken by Bainesy, picked up by Ossie in the penalty area in the 24th minute. Good body feign that caused the Wigan player to tackle him from behind, drawing that penalty. Arteta stood up to take the penalty but was saved! On hindsight, the penalty should have been taken by Bainesy! What a waste!

Come half time, Moyes made no changes. Maybe he felt that they were playing well? He must be watching a different game. Why not bring in Becks?

Everton nearly went two down only for Howard to pull off two wonderful reflex saves in the 59th minute. Toothless!

Becks and Coleman were brought in for Arteta and Cahill. Everton earned themselves a penalty once again. Wigan has been giving Everton all the chances but they have failed to take their chances so far. This time, Bainesy took the penalty with such aplomb! Wigan 1-1 Everton.

Final change for Everton saw Magaye coming in for Anichebe.

Neville had to make his once a game near fatal pass! Overan with attackers but Wigan just had to fluff it!
Everton did not deserve the additional two points and what's more, they have lost their race for 6th position. Sigh. Becks made no impression in the game at all! Sigh. Moyes was also playing so defensively. Sigh sigh sigh!

Score: Wigan 1-1 Everton
Scorer: Bainesy (Pen)
Assist: Nil
Subs: Becks, Coleman, Magaye

Another three points

2011-04-17T00:22:00.000+08:00

Everton 2-0 Blackburn.

My cat deleted my first half report! If you're a teacher and I'm a student, you'd never believe me. But it's true! Talk about Murphy's Law. But thank goodness, nothing much to report in the first half. A try in the 1st minute by Becks who was released by his sheer speed. But he blasted the ball.

Everton then had an injury to contend with in the 14th minute with Heitinga seemingly pulling his hamstring. On came Rodwell. After that, a slew of yellow cards were shown and Everton had another chance by Neville who blasted it over the bar.

Came second half, Magaye is proving to be a handful on the left. His confidence is growing with each match he starts. In the 52nd minute, Everton won a corner. Everton seemed to have practised the corner as Magaye took it short on the right. Ossie picked up the ball, faked a shot that dumbfounded a defender. Ossie pushed the ball slightly before him and took a good hard shot. The ball screamed past the goalkeeper via a deflection. Everton 1-0 Blackburn. Ossie is in lightning form!

Seamus "The Lungs" Coleman has recovered from his injury and has replaced Magaye in the 65th minute. It's always good to see him back and what impact he is making! Coleman earned the team a penalty in the 73rd minute which Bainesy expertly dispatched. Everton 2-0 Blackburn. Bainesy was given so much liberty to run against the defence, which kept backing off. A pinpoint pass to Ossie who was seemingly pushed in the back. Nothing given. But Coleman was quick to pick up the ball and the defence was in total shambles and the only route was to up-end Coleman in the penalty area.

In the 85th minute, Vellios came on for Becks who has been running like a hare all day. Four minutes later, Vellios so nearly scored with a downward header. Only to be palmed away.

But in the end, the game was Everton's. Blackburn did not seemed to have turned up for the game though.

Score: Everton 2-0 Blackburn
Scorers: Ossie, Bainesy (Pen)
Assist: Magaye

Subs: Rodwell, Coleman, Vellios

Everton's Moving Up

2011-04-03T00:16:00.001+08:00

A point from this game means that it is confirmed that Everton will not be heading down. Moyes has to play half fit Coleman while none of the players on the bench are of known names.

Everton started strongly with a chance coming as early as the 8th minute. Becks picked up the ball and ran against the defence. His shot was on target but was parried away by the Villan's goalkeeper.

After that, the game became a little scrappy with Everton earning themselves two yellow cards. Heitinga and Jag for unsporting behaviour.

But Everton did pull ahead in the 37th minute, Bily broke Villa's play in their half. The Russian then placed a lovely pass for Ossie, who did not have to break his stride. His jinking run totally bamboozled Villa's defence. With two defenders sticking close to him, Ossie unleashed a speculative shot. Villa's goalkeeper got a hand to the ball but not enough to keep it out. Everton 1-0 Villa.

Good for Everton. But Moyes has a problem at hand. In the 40th minute, Becks seemed to have pulled his hamstring. Looking at the reserve bench, you have Gueye, Vellios and Mustafi. Know any of these names? Nope! But well, Moyes will have to choose one of them. We'll get to see a young player upfront. A true baptism of fire.

Miraculously, Becks is back on the field with his right hand being wrapped up. Huh? Thought it was his thigh?

Villa took the chance well straight from the 2nd half and got themselves back with a goal in the 47th minute. Everton 1-1 Villa.

We see Gueye for the first time with him replacing Coleman in the 52nd minute.

Gueye's first contribution was from a corner in the 56th minute. Heitinga puts in a blinding header but was palmed away instinctively. Ossie had a chance for himself in the 59th minute but his shot was just wide. To be fair, it was a difficult bal to control. Gueye is showing us that he has a pretty good right feet.

Becks hits the bar and it has crossed the line! But instead, Everton is now trailing by a goal. What a sucker punch! There should also have been a goal line technology! Everton 1-2 Villa. What a mess!

Ossie had a chance from free kick in the 74th minute but he blasted it!

Moyes is debuting Vellios for Distin whi had a tremendous game.

It was Everton pressuring Villa for the last 10 minutes and it has to be Jag who led the way. A wonderful run was somehow halted in the penalty box. Penalty. Cooly taken by Bainesy! Everton 2-2 Villa.

Ossie had a chance again in the 91st minute but once again fluffed the shot. He should have scored a brace of goals right now.

This was one game that Everton should have won. It ended as a draw and the good thing is that we gained a point while Pool got none.

Score: Everton 2-2 Villa
Scorer: Ossie
Assist: Nil
Subs: Gueye, Vellios

Everton's slim win over Fulham

2011-03-20T03:31:00.000+08:00

It was a tight win that could have been so different if Everton had been more disciplined. The chances were there for Everton to romp home. That did not happen. Everton won by a one-goal margin. Fortunate. Still, it meant that Everton is safe from the drop.

Everton seaw the return of Timmy and Neville. Both are war-hardened warriors that would add bite to the Toffees. We may even get a chance to see young Magaye play on the left wing some time during the match.

AJ is back in the fold for Fulham. He had served Everton well.

It is all Everton for the first 10 minutes. Crosses were coming in from both flanks but none have been on target. Everton nearly scored through Saha in the 27th minute through a header. Only to be cleared off the line by a Fulham defender.

Everton needed to turn their supremacy into goals and it happened in the 35th minute.The play was concentrated on the left. Ossie bamboozled two defenders before crossing the ball. The entire Fulham defence remained static and all Coleman had to do was to head into an empty net. Everton 1-0 Fulham. Assist: Ossie.

The rest of the 1st half was pretty much a bore. Still it was good for Everton to have gone into the half leading the game.

Right from the start, Everton pressed Fulham and once again, they were rewarded. Rodwell was bundled over and the referee gave Everton a freekick in a pretty dangerous position. Bainesy and Saha stood over the ball. Saha took the shot and it crept pass the wall and into goal. Everton 2-0 Fulham. Straight off the training ground.

Fulham constantly invited Everton to shoot. It was like a garden tea party. But as quickly as I had made that statement, Fulham scored in the 61st minute. Everton 2-1 Fulham. Suddenly the substitute that Fulham's manager made seemed to be a masterstroke. Suddenly Everton seemed to be all over the place.

In the 68th minute, Moyes replaced Timmy with Heitinga. That will not change the game. You need to bring on Becks to add more pressure rather than soak them in. If you let Fulham play, they would surely play. Moyes, make that change!!! Fulham is getting even more threatening.

Bily replaced Rodwell in the 77th minute? Why?

From a corner in the 81st minute, Jag planted a header towards goal. It was going in only for the Fulham defender to clear it off the line.

Still, Everton looked totally unrecognisable. They are jittery. Saha looked distraught and might have injured himself once again. His full weight was on his right ankle when he landed after a jump.

Finally, we get to see Becks who came in as a replacement for Saha in the 87th minute.

It started like peach but nearly ended as a pear. Very negative play for the last 30 minutes. Everton was made to sweat!

Score: Everton 2-1 Fulham
Scorers: Coleman, Saha
Assist: Ossie
Subs: Heitinga, Bily, Becks

Everton's Creeping up the League Table

2011-03-06T01:01:00.000+08:00

Moyes played a more adventurous 4-4-2 and that drew dividends They only can try to get as far up the table as possible. It is really now or never.

Neville has been pushed up to central midfield while Arteta was asked to operate on the left wing.

The pressure was all even until Arteta came in from the left in the 16th minute. The defenders looked tentative and that encouraged Arteta to shoot. The goalkeeper could only palmed the ball away.

But it was Newcastle who got on the scoresheet. It was a poorly defended ball that Howard could only palmed as far as the opposing striker who headed it into the empty net. Newcastle 1-0 Everton.

Everton defence looked in shambles. Rodwell and Neville are not holding on well. Then the tide changed. In the 31st minute, Ossie covered a whole lot of ground through the centre. He passed the ball to Arteta on the left. The Spaniard had his head up and saw Ossie open. He then sliced the ball into the path of Ossie who had no problems slotting the ball home. Newcastle 1-1 Everton. Assist: Arteta.

Newcastle was caught with their pants down again! in the 36th minute. Bainesy curled in a delicious free kick and the final touch was by Jags! Welcome back! Newcastle 1-2 Everton. Assist: Bainesy.

Everton played well for the next 5 minutes and continued to pile the pressure. However, Newcastle nearly snatched a draw at half time. Just wide of the post. Half time could not come earlier for Everton.

In the 2nd half, Everton lost its captain Neville seemingly from a pulled hamstring. Heitinga came in for the former England national.

Everton attacked with a vengance. In the 53nd minuteArteta instrumental in midfield craved open Newcastle once again. Becks ran into the penalty area and even had a go. Palmed away by the goalkeeper. Becks gave it a go in the 60th minute and that stung the hands of the goalkeeper but the ball did not go past the custodian.

Everton made their second change in the 68th minute which saw 'crybaby' Anichebe coming in for Becks. The young striker has to stop rolling on the floor so much and really try to intentionally win those balls. In the midst of all these, Bainesy saved Everton with a last-minute tackle in the 71st minute.

Everton really let Newcastle off the hook. Arteta ran himself into the penalty area in the 73rd minute but Saha was a tad bit late as he slid in but missed the ball.

Newcastles's Kevin Nolan managed to irritate Anichebe once again with a intentional tap on the striker's ankle. Mr "Short fuse" exploded and both players then earned themselves yellow cards.

Everton placed themselves in a precarious position when Bainesy took a Newcastle player down so near to the penalty area in the 82nd minute. The subsequent free kick went through the wall and so nearly scored only for Everton's defenders to clear at the end.

The Toffees made their final change in the 84th minute - Coleman in for Ossie.

Everton caught Newcastle wide open in the 88th minute. Anichebe jinxed his way into the far left before putting a low cross. The entire Newcastle defence was like a million of miles away when Coleman picked up the ball. The defender turned midfielder gave all he got but was saved by the goalkeeper.

Everton had all the final chances but not scored any more goals. It did not matter this time as Everton took all three points. Just another five points from the last 10 matches and Everton will be safe.

Score: Newcastle 1-2 Everton
Scorer: Ossie, Jags
Assists: Arteta, Bainesy
Subs: Heitinga, Anichebe, Coleman

Everton Out of the FA Cup

2011-03-02T05:23:00.000+08:00

Poor game by Everton. This time, they could not pull the rabbit out of the bag when they went a goal behind.

Moyes has placed the most experience team out to win the match even when this was just an FA Cup. The manager knows that this is one ticket to Europe as the league front has dried up. Two changes made - Bily and Rodwell in for Felli and Becks.

Everton had full control of the match in the first 20 minutes with Coleman coming closest with a downward header that saw the bal skimmed past the post. 25th minute - With their very first foray into Everton's half, Reading scored. It came straight from a corner that was improperly cleared. Everton 0-1 Reading.

Suddenly the pressure was on Everton. A back-paddling Distin in the 28th minute was caught short. The ball was taken off him and Howard was forced to make an important save.

Everton was thought a lesson of making it count when you have the possession. Also, a 4-5-1 formation at home is not too attacking minded, isn't it? Close to the end of the first half, Ossie headed the ball just wide.
Half time whistle brought to a close a rather embarassing half for Everton and was led by a chorus of boos.

Moyes ringed in two changes to prove his discontent. Becks and Anichebe came in for the ineffective Bily and Coleman.

30 minutes in and Everton has nothing to show for. Everton needed to press harder as that allows the visitors lesser space.

Good chance in the 78th minute. Saha moved the ball around in the left wing. He puts in a lovely cross for the incoming Ossie. A sweet first time shot but the ball was palmed away by the opposing goalkeeper. So, so close.

Final change in the 87th minute, Baxter for Neville.

Overall, it was a horrible match that the players an fans should forget about it. Anichebe did not provide many good touches. Bad, bad game that Everton did not deserve to win

Score: Everton 0-1 Reading
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Subs: Becks, Anichebe, Baxter

Easy Win for the Toffees

2011-02-27T00:56:00.000+08:00

It was a clinical win by Everton as Sunderland posed no real threat to the Toffees.

It is always good to see Everton playing a little bit more adventurous - 4-4-2. But the first 5 minutes belonged to Sunderland who even saw a one-on-one opportunity. Fortunately, the Sunderland striker could only slice the ball past the goal post.

Sunderland was undone by Everton in the 7th minute. Ossie puts in a through pass that split the entire defence. Becks was on hand to pick up the pass, intricately chipping the ball into the net. Lovely move. Everton 1-0 Sunderland.

Everton nearly gave away their lead in the 27th minute, but Howard palmed it against the bar and back into play. Coleman, seemingly playing deeper right, does not look too comfortable at all. His overlapping play was terrible.

After Sunderland's threatening run, Everton struck once again in the 38th minute. Arteta, receiving the ball on the left, shimmied his way through the defence before cutting in an incisive pass which Becks so cleverly curled it in. Everton 2-0 Sunderland.

Felli had to be substituted in the 41st minute after he had seemingly sprained his left ankle. In came Rodwell. Coleman has been making horrible passes all day.

Half time, and Everton looked comfortably ahead.

Everton continued the second half with what looks like a slow pressure cooker. They are attacking, but not really in waves. Still, Sunderland has not shown much threat.

Becks seemed to have injured himself and was replaced by Timmy in the 72nd minute and a final substitution of Saha for Bily in the 82nd minute. Moyes played a 4-5-1 with Timmy being pushed up front.

Everton could so nearly be 3-0 up. Ossie rounded the defender, rounded the goalkeeper, curled in a nice shot towards goal but it was cleared off the line! So close.

At the end, the game ended 2-0 to Everton. This is the type of game that Everton should win, and this time they did.

Score: Everton 2-0 Sunderland
Scorer: Becks (2)
Assists: Ossie, Arteta
Subs: Felli, Becks, Saha

Creeping into Relegation?

2011-02-13T23:58:00.002+08:00

Everton was never at the stands. They played a truly forgettable game and many a times, it felt like Everton was playing against 15 players or even more. Passing was poor, finishing negligible.

Everton drew with Bolton in their reverse game with Becks scoring. Today, the club will be without Saha and Rodwell, both tremendous performers. But we have Timmy back and Anichebe has been roped in to lead the pack.

Bolton seemed to play better than Everton and have been pressing for the last 10 minutes, and ultimately they went a goal down in the 10th minute. Bolton 1-0 Everton. A deflection off Heitinga.

Everton were not even able to control the midfield.

So close for Timmy in the 16th minute! Skipped past two defenders but tapped it beyond the post. Everton are not putting enough pressure on Bolton's defence.

No Everton players have impressed so far. But from the other side, Everton's playing some horrible football. no overlaps, poor control, ill-disciplined markings, no incisive runs. Utterly poor!

Bolton started the second half. Bily was really quite useless. Anichebe looked lost, Timmy had brely had a chance, and Arteta's passing continued to fail him. We'd need to see Becks come in.
A throw-in by Bily turned out to be a foul throw. Impossible!

Ossie and Becks in for Bily and Coleman in the 60th minute.

Everton two goals down y 66th minute. Bolton 2-0 Everton. The Toffees don't look like they could fight anymore. Anichebe kept trying to get foul calls that never came.

Anichebe was finally taken out of his suffering in the 77th minute. Replaced by young Baxter.

It's a total wreck of a game and Everton falls even closer to a relegation fight.

Score: Bolton 2-0 Everton
Scorer: None
Assist: None
Subs: Ossie, Becks, Baxter

What A Cracker of A Game!

2011-02-05T22:57:00.003+08:00

Everton 5-3 Blackpool

What a pulsating game. Leading a goal, Everton then trailed by a goal. From there, Everton scored three goals and Saha played a chief role in making sure Everton picked up three points.

Moyes spoke out about not being able to do any business in January. That is totally worrying as there are players who will be out of contract soon and for the fact that Everton has no money to buy, these players may just leave as well. Everton is also short of strikers, thus seeing Moyes play 4-5-1.

Two free kicks in six minutes, both smacked the wall. In the 9th minute, Bainesy stole a low cross into the penalty area only for Bily to over-shimmy and the chance was gone! The ball reached Heitinga who first time shot hardly troubled the goalkeeper.

Third freekick in the 16th minute, plumped into the wall again.

Lovely set-up goal, lovely strike. Pass by Rodwell in the 19th minute, Bily faked two defenders, and the man of the season for Everton, Saha scored! That's what a class striker is all about. Everton 1-0 Blackpool. Assist: Bily.

Rodwell had a great chance. He ghost past a defender, lobbed it past another and he was free in the six yard box. But nerves got the better of him and he missed the shot totally.

Blackpool scored. Fluke goal! When will Everton ever keep a clean sheet? Everton 1-1 Blackpool.

Everton had scored but the referee pulled play back for an earlier foul. What nonsense!!! The referee has played the main role in this game! Too much a part he has played.

Start of 2nd half. And now, Saha scores in the 46th minute. Finally! Good splitting pass by Rodwell. Lovely low cross by Bainesy, and Saha tucked in the ball without missing a step. Everton 2-1 Blackpool. Assist: Bainesy. Saha has been winning all the headers!

Everton needed to score the third goal and Rodwell so nearly scored in the 59th minute! Just can't find that target! A big big mistake by Heitinga. He was not even convincing in the clearance! Everton 2-2 Blackpool.

Felli strikes in the 63rd minute but cleared off the goal line! Counter attack by Blackpool and Everton is behind! What is happening? Everton 2-3 Blackpool.

Everton's defence have totally collapsed!

Off the line once again! Rodwell's ball was well on the way but cleared by a diving defender!
Timmy and Becks are on for Bily and Rodwell respectively.

Saha scores his very first hat trick for Everton in the 76th minute! A cross by Arteta, and no one was marking Saha. Everton 3-3 Blackpool.

Everton takes the lead in the 79th minute!!!!!!! A lovely pass from Bainesy on the left for Becks to tap the ball into the net. Everton leads! Everton 4-3 Blackpool. Assist: Bainesy.

What a roller coaster of a game!

Saha scores again!!!!! Running all the way from midfield, he sprinted past the entire defence to tuck in a wondeful goal. A great through pass from Felli! Everton 5-3 Blackpool. Assist: Felli.

Final substitution in the 86th minute - Jag for Saha.

Convincing win. But defensively, Everton really need to pick up a notch or two.

Score: Everton 5-3 Blackpool
Scorers: Saha (4), Becks (1)
Assists: Bily, Bainesy (2), Felli

Wasted Points

2011-02-02T03:49:00.003+08:00

Arsenal 2-1 Everton

Everton squandered the chance to move up the table as they conceded two goals in a short span of time.

Everton started with the unchanged team that competed against Chelsea in the FA Cup. This means that Bily kept his place , hugging the left lane. Timmy is back in UK but Moyes is giving him the required rest.

Everton are asking the questions for the first 10 minutes with good, crisp passes.

Saha! Saha! He scored!!! In the 24th minute, Coleman cuts inside and ran at the defenders. The through ball looked a little late as Saha was clearly offside. But the an Arsenal defender sliced the ball into the path of Saha who slotted it into the net. Arsenal 0-1 Everton. To be fair, I think Saha should have been called offside.

Everton had another chance in the 38th minute with a nice padded header into the path of Bily who shot first time. Saved by the sprawling goalkeeper.

Half time. Everton need to ensure that they do not collapse like a deck of cards. They have to deny Arsenal that first 10 minutes equaliser and continue to press Arsenal and leave them with no space to play their game.

Everton has survived past the 10 minutes. Neville seemed to be blasting the ball up front without thoughts on whether there are players up front.

Ossie is in for Bily in the 64th minute.

In the 70th minute, Rodwell misplaced his header and Arsenal sneaked a goal! Arsenal 1-1 Everton and soon after, Everton is behind in the 75th minute. Poor, poor marking.

Moyes may need to play 4-4-2 now to salvage anything. Anichebe and Jag in for Coleman and Neville in the 78th minute.

It's not for the lack of trying, but a problem with quality that saw Everton lose this game.

Poor, poor finish.

Score: Arsenal 2-1 Everton
Scorer: Saha
Assist: Nil
Subs: Ossie, Anichebe, Jag

It's a FA Cup Replay

2011-01-29T20:20:00.005+08:00

Everton 1-1 Chelsea

It was not hot, and not cold. But it's lukewarm and that was why Everton did not get a result.

Moyes gave Bily and Rodwell a rare starting place. The Russian has to grab hold of any chance he has as this might really be the lasy few opportunities before Moyes dump him into the rubbish heap. But can the gaffer afford to do that since spending about £8 million on the winger proves to be seen.

It's back to 4-5-1 once again and you really wonder why when it's 4-4-2 that have been delivering the results in those miniscule games that we have won. Anyway, this game is nothing to sweat about as truth be told, it's the league that matters.

The first 10 minutes sees Everton pressing well and not rushing the passes. A short corner, a flicked header by Rodwell but Bily's weak finish came to nought.

In the 25th minute, Rodwell drilled a low ball only to be palmed away by Cech. Good pressure by Felli to win the ball.

Howard made a crucial save in a one-on-one situation in the 30th minute. Two minutes later, Coleman squeezed past two defenders only to shoot wide.

Half time, and the game looked totally muted.

Everton started the second half with little fire but still puts in lots of pressure. Coleman was one of those heroes who have caused havoc to Chelsea's defence and with his pressure, he stole the ball from the Chelsea defence and pumped it to Saha whose acrobatic shot was tipped around the post.

Get it out of the net!!!! Saha scored from a corner! In the 61st minute, Bainesy trodded to the corner flag and he got the Goodison faithful to raise their volume. With his deft cross, it was all for Saha to thump in the ball. Everton 1-0 Chelsea.

What a save! In the 73rd minute, Coleman really run into space to power the ball towards goal. Saved. Coleman ran in again and struck the ball, but was palmed away.

From that corner, Chelsea maurauded forward and scored from a that break away. Bummer. Everton 1-1 Chelsea.

Becks in for Rodwell in the 86th minute. What a mistake by the Chelsea defender, mis-sliced the ball into the path of Becks only to be denied by the goalkeeper.

Everton, with their domination, just could not take the game. Now they have to visit Stamford Bridge.

Score: Everton 1-1 Chelsea
Scorer: Saha
Assist: Bainesy
Sub: Becks

Everton Escaped The Jaws of West Ham

2011-01-22T22:37:00.004+08:00

Everton 2-2 West Ham

Everton sees another draw. The way they played was awful. If it was not West Ham, the Toffees would have been thrashed!

As for the starting line-up, Moyes played an unchanged side that held Pool to a draw last week. Jag and Saha are back on the bench. Anichebe can do damage, but he has to keep his head. Felli will once again put pressure on West Ham's defence.

Everton started the half but was soon pegged back by West Ham who came close to scoring a goal in the 7th minute. Missed the target just by a tad bit - over the bar. The first 10 minutes belongsed to West Ham.

Finally, Everton had the chance to score in the 18th minute but Becks just could not tuck the ball beyond the line. Good sliced pass by Arteta.

In the 25th minute, and against the run of play, Everton conceded a goal. Coleman was slow to cover and that allowed the opposing winger the opportunity to put in a low cross and the rest, as they say, is history. Everton 0-1 West Ham. Oh boy. We are playing a different half of soccer. It's called a terrible half.

The players are not even running and Everton nearly got caught out again in the 37th minute. This time saved by the post! Everton's in a mess! Ossie kept losing the ball. Neville was intent to take the man, and not the ball. Arteta was also not pulling his weight. The corners he took flew everywhere other than to the Everton players.

Half time could not come earlier.

Moyes was then forced to bring in Saha even though he was only half fit. Becks is off. But don't Moyes think he should have two strikers??? We are definitely missing Pienaar on the left. The partnership with Bainesy is now lost.

West Ham placed Everton under pressure once again. They had another good chance in the 56th minute. Everton might as well play dead. Useless performance, and this is against the bottom club!

Arteta continued to play horrendously. Who else to replace him? Bily? Double oh no! Bily on for the ineffective Anichebe in the 68th minute.

West Ham is filling up their half with players and are trying for a quick break away. But Everton finally made it count and Bily scores!!!!!!!!! It's really a heart attack moment. A first time shot. The correct Bily chose to visit Goodison. Everton 1-1 West Ham. Assist: Felli.

Everton was now loading on the pressure and they really need to go for the jagular! Coleman had a golden opportunity but made a mess out of it!!! Gapping goal!!! Will that be a costly miss? And it was. Straight off after that miss, Everton goes behind again! Everton 1-2 West Ham. The striker was crazy enough to jump into the crowd and that earned him his second yellow.

Last substitution in the 85th minute - Rodwell on for Neville.

The opposing goalkeeper saved a sure goal by Saha. Corner. But Felli changed that. A knock down by Rodwell and Felli pushed the ball away towards the right of the defender before slotting the ball to the left of the goal. A very tight angled goal. Everton 2-2 West Ham.

All in, it was a terrible, terrible game!

Score: Everton 2-2 West Ham
Scorers: Bily, Felli
Assists: Felli, Rodwell
Subs: Saha, Bily, Rodwell

Evertons Draws A Point At Anfield

2011-01-16T21:59:00.004+08:00

Liverpool 2-2 Everton

Everton's statistics against Liverpool reads - win one, draw one. That's good enough for me.

When you have Timmy out over in Asia, you would expect Saha to lead the line as before. But He is not even on the bench. Why? Leading the line were Anichebe and Beckford. I really hope that Moyes has not done himself in by cashing in on Yak. Now, we do not have an establised striker.

In quick succession, Coleman in from the centre but his short was off target, while Becks saw himself moving forward after a mis-pass by a pool player, but he tried to lob the ball, off target as well.

The pace of pool's right winger is scary! He ghosted past Ossie then sprinted away from Bainesy. Electrifying pace!

So, so close. Everton nearly went one down in the 17th minute. Hit the post! Really, Arteta needs to make himself 'big' - Play his influential game.

Liverpool 1-0 Everton in the 31st minute. How is Everton going to come back with a one goal deficit, and with the game being an Anfield is anyone's guess.

Half time. Looking at the last 45 minutes, Everton had not even had a decent strike on target.

Oh my, oh my!!! Distin of all people scored for Everton!!!! His first goal for Everton. All within the first minute of the second half! Liverpool 1-1 Everton. Game on! Assist: Arteta.

Everton is in ascendency. They need to make it count. And they did in the 51st minute!!!!!!!! Becks scored a curler of a shot with a beautiful through pass from Ossie. Liverpool 1-2 Everton. Ossie assist. It started from Anichebe's strong header that totally wiped out his defender.

Penalty for Pool. Liverpool 2-2 Everton. Howard was adjudged to have foul their player in the box.

Vaughany replaced Becks in the 72nd minute. Let's hope the former don't get sent off once again. He's prone of doing that with his very rough play. Rodwell is in for Ossie in the 77th minute. Moyes looked set to try to keep that one point. Final substitution, Bily comes in for Anichebe in the 81st minute.

No matter. A vital one point taken off Liverpool.

Score: Liverpool 2-2 Everton
Scorers: Distin, Becks
Assists: Arteta, Ossie
Subs: Vaughany, Rodwell, Bily

A Vital, Vital Win!

2011-01-06T04:08:00.006+08:00

What a great game right from the start. The Everton supporters surely deserve this win for their undying support for the team even when things are not going totally Everton's way.

Moyes finally chose to be a little more adventerous with his line-up. Without Timmy, Moyes had to opt for a traditional 4-4-2 with two proper strikers and that paid dividend. Everton had a bright start. A lovely pass from Bainesy that allowed Saha to trap the ball without missing a step. The red sea of Tottenham's defence seemed to part as Saha was given far too much space and with a laser-liked grounder, the ball accurately rolled into the net. Brilliant! Everton 1-0 Tottenham. Assist Bainesy.

But with such open play, Everton came back down to earth once again as tottenham planted a header to draw parity. Everton 1-1 Tottenham.

Felli had a beautiful chance when he stole the ball from Tottenham's half, bypassed the entire defence before launching a pretty weak shot at the goalkeeper. Saved.

The chances are coming quick and fast. Everton had another raid on Tottenham's goal. Coleman ghost past the defender before putting in a lovely cross. Everton's strikers are cuasing Tottenham all kinds of problems. Saha side-flicked the ball somehow into the path of Becks but he fluffed his lines.

In quick succession, Everton marauded down the right flank, and once again, Neville skimmed past the defenders and was turning the pressure on Tottenham. Coleman had a go at it. Blocked by lunging defenders!

Everton continued their clutch on Tottenham. A mis-comm between the Tottenham defenders saw Coleman stealing the ball. A neat pass to Neville ensued and he puts in a lovely cross only for Becks to head over.

Half time. Coleman has provided alot to attacking impetus on the right flank. This can't be said of Arteta who looks off-form, off-coloured, and thus he needs to be taken off if he does not improves. Maybe Ossie should enter the fray soon.

What a chance! A lovely pass from Saha in Everton's half saw Coleman all alone up front. At least Coleman's shot was on target albeit an easy save.

Howard got Everton out of jail! A lovely diving save! At the other end, Coleman puts in a lovely cross for Saha to smash it at goal, only to be deflected.

Saha has chance after chace and it has all been thwarted by the goalkeeper.

What a fantastic point-blank save by Howard. The ball was going in all the way. But was pushed away by Howard.

Watttaa goooooaaaaallllll!!!!!!!!!!! You see what a two-man strike force can do???

A deep pass saw Saha running against the defenders. A little shimmy saw him losing two defenders. A shot, a save by Tottenham's goalkeeper only for the latter to pick the ball out of the net via a flying header from Coleman!!! Brilliant goal! Everton 2-1 Tottenham.

Becks is replaced by Yak while Pienaar is taken out and is replaced by Ossie. The South African looked tired in the last five minutes so it's a good change.

Good fighting spirit by Yak. That's what he needs to do. Final substitution for Everton - Saha out, Rodwell in.

What a chance for Yak to kill the game! He should have just struck the ball. But no matter! These points are among the most important that they have earned.

Everton moves above Pool!

Score: Everton 2-1 Tottenham
Scorer: Saha, Coleman
Assist: Bainesy
Subs: Yak, Ossie, Rodwell

Heading Towards Relegation?

2011-01-01T22:55:00.003+08:00

Stoke 2-0 Everton

The first game of the year. A fresh start to the 2nd half of the season. The strikers need to start clicking and start scoring. Moyes has brought back Saha in place of Rodwell and he'd better start letting his feet do the talking. But it all went downhill.

Everton made their first quick break as early as the 4th minute. Good forward running by Saha. Stoke also had a route one try on goal in the 9th minute. Wide.

Everton goes behind in the 22nd minute. It's this type of goal that Everton is short of. Stoke 1-0 Everton.

Timmy had a free header in the 26th minute but the ball just flew wide of the goal post. Very dangerous challenge by Stoke's goalkeeper on Saha. That was a high tackle. Free kick but nothing came out of it.

Everton's fraility in front of goal is showing again. They have to be more ruthless! Bring in Anichebe. Even though he may be leaving, he can still contribute a goal or two. Arteta is also not his usual self. Not showing much creativity. Pienaar has also got to be strong on his feet. He seemed to be falling over the ball with every touch.

Pienaar running with the ball in the 46th minute. A neat one two with Saha but the ball was deflected wide by the defender.

Everton goes into the half trailing by a goal. Sigh!

The entire game is going beserk with the referee and linesmen giving all the wrong calls. Coleman was free on the right channel but was brought down by the defender. Free kick. Came to nought.

Moyes needs to make a change. Anichebe will be a good bet. Arteta needs to be taken out! He is off form. Double substitution - Anichebe and Ossie on for Neville and Arteta in the 66th minute.

Everton needs to press for a goal. Somehow Stoke scores from I wonder how. An own goal from Jag. What a freak goal. What nonsense! Stoke 2-0 Everton.

Mercenary players in Everton's rank. How can they be playing happy? Everton is in deep, deep trouble if they don't start winning. They might as well just throw everyone upfield now. Three goals will make no difference. Moyes last throw of the dice. Becks in for Saha in the 79th minute.

Lost cause!

Score: Stoke 2-0 Everton
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Subs: Anichebe, Ossie, Becks

Everton Plays To A Draw

2010-12-29T01:22:00.004+08:00

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

10-Men Everton Beats Champions Wannabe Man City

2010-12-21T04:56:00.005+08:00

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

Everton's a Sick Duck!

2010-12-11T22:46:00.004+08:00

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

Everton Snatches A Point

2010-12-04T22:40:00.005+08:00

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

Screws On Everton Totally Came Off!

2010-11-27T22:59:00.004+08:00

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

No Late Comeback This Time

2010-11-14T22:28:00.003+08:00

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

Becks Saves Everton From Blushes

2010-11-11T04:07:00.006+08:00

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

Coleman Scores Against His Old Club To Draw Parity

2010-11-06T22:57:00.004+08:00

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:

Slim Win for Everton

2010-10-30T21:57:00.004+08:00

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

Everton Continues To Pick Up Points

2010-10-23T23:58:00.002+08:00

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

Cahill and Arteta See Liverpool Off

2010-10-17T20:21:00.004+08:00

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

Cahill's Goal Kick-starts Everton's Season

2010-10-02T22:34:00.004+08:00

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

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

2010-09-18T21:55:00.004+08:00

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

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

2010-09-11T19:45:00.004+08:00

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

Transfer Deadline

2010-09-01T00:15:00.004+08:00

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.

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

2010-08-29T22:55:00.007+08:00

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

2010-08-29T00:25:00.003+08:00

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!

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

2010-08-25T23:20:00.003+08:00

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

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

2010-08-21T23:14:00.006+08:00

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

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

2010-08-14T22:18:00.005+08:00

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

EVERTON 2-0 EVERTON CHILE - FULL TIME

2010-08-05T23:17:00.005+08:00

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

NORWICH 4-2 EVERTON - FULL TIME

2010-07-31T23:39:00.000+08:00

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

BRISBANE ROAR 1-2 EVERTON - FULL TIME

2010-07-17T22:54:00.006+08:00

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

MELBOURNE 0-2 EVERTON - FULL TIME

2010-07-15T22:13:00.007+08:00

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.

SYDNEY FC 0-1 EVERTON - FULL TIME

2010-07-11T15:53:00.004+08:00

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

Three Strikes!!!

2010-07-02T00:53:00.003+08:00

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.

World Cup Updates

2010-07-01T23:28:00.000+08:00

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.

Timmy Signs a 4-Year Extension

2010-05-18T23:12:00.005+08:00

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.

Actim Players Ranking: 11052010

2010-05-11T22:35:00.002+08:00

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)

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

2010-05-09T23:01:00.000+08:00

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

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

2010-05-01T22:31:00.003+08:00

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

Actim Players Ranking: 27042010

2010-04-27T00:10:00.000+08:00

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)

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

2010-04-25T22:02:00.004+08:00

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

Actim Players Ranking: 20042010

2010-04-20T00:17:00.003+08:00

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)

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

2010-04-17T22:04:00.006+08:00

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

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

2010-04-15T04:24:00.006+08:00

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

Actim Players Ranking: 13042010

2010-04-13T00:34:00.000+08:00

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)

Actim Players Ranking: 06042010

2010-04-06T04:54:00.000+08:00

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)

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

2010-04-04T22:54:00.006+08:00

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

Actim Players Ranking: 30032010

2010-03-30T22:49:00.006+08:00

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)

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

2010-03-27T22:49:00.003+08:00

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

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

2010-03-25T03:53:00.005+08:00

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

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

2010-03-20T22:50:00.007+08:00

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

Actim Players Ranking: 16032010

2010-03-16T17:29:00.000+08:00

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)

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

2010-03-13T22:58:00.003+08:00

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

Actim Players Ranking: 09032010

2010-03-09T20:43:00.002+08:00

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)

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

2010-03-07T22:16:00.000+08:00

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

Actim Players Ranking: 02032010

2010-03-02T00:02:00.000+08:00

Top 100 players
Bainsey: 32nd (334) - Best position: 26th
Howard: 58th (287) - Best position: 58th
Heitinga: 75th (263)- Best position: 75th
Timmy: 77th (263) - Best position: 60th
Saha: 78th (262) - Best position: 46th
Felli: 90th (249) - Best position: 62nd
Pienaar: 94th (248) - Best position: 33rd

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)
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)
Rodwell: P(1), E(2)
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(1)

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

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

2010-02-28T22:17:00.006+08:00

Everton rested Donovan while Saha's injured. The Nigerian duo of Yak and Anichebe came in to lend a hand. Everton started badly with Tottenham socring their first goal as early as the 10th minute. Tottenham 1-0 Everton.

Soon after, Everton was two-goal down by the 27th minute. Tottenham 2-0 Everton. It definitely does not leave a good taste in any Toffee fans' mouths. Is it the Europa League exit that is getting to them? I guess Moyes would have given them a hair dryer treatment to wake the players up.

Came back Everton did and it was from a downward header from the right channel that saw the ball skipped past two defenders for Yak to tap the ball into the net. Tottenham 2-1 Everton. Assist: Rodwell.

But try as Everton did, they could not win this match in White Hart Lane.

Score: Tottenham 2-1 Everton
Scorer: Yak
Assist: Rodwell
Subs: Jag, Donovan

EUROPA LEAGUE: SPORTING LISBON (3) vs (0) EVERTON - FULL TIME

2010-02-26T04:54:00.003+08:00

It's once again an ungodly hour of 4am and I'd missed the first half. Yawn! Everton brings a one-goal advantage to Sporting and that means that all the other team had to do was to put in a full 90 minutes of attack, and attack they did. Wave after wave of Sporting's attack seemed to have left the Toffees breathless.

Sporting also seemed to be fighting for every ball ferociously, spreading play across the field while going in hard from the centre. So far, Everton has been on defending mode and the back four have handled pretty well, keeping their opponent away from Howard's goal post.

The time that Sporting went pass Everton was through a free kick but the goal post was there to prevent the ball from going in. Sporting 0-0 Everton.

Everton started the second half defending once again. But just at the start, Sanderos seemed to pull a thigh muscle and this allowed Jag to make his first appearance of the season after a terribly long 10-month layoff through injury. Welcome back Jag!

To be fair, the Sporting boys looked much more creative with all their flowing runs and passes. Everton was totally exposed in the 59th minute with a pin-point cross that saw a marauding player striking the ball towards goal. Howard stood strong to pull off a stupendous save. Bily is being replaced by Rodwell.

Everton had a chance to counter attack in the 62nd minute. A high pass from Donovan, brought down by Saha who laid it for Pienaar but his curler was way off.

Sporting came back even stronger to score a goal! Sporting 1-0 Everton. If the score stays as this, Everton is out of the competition. Everton now have to press the game. Final throw of the dice, Yak comes in for Donovan.

Saha received a good ball whose point blank shot was saved by the opposing goalkeeper. Everton is down by two goal in the 75th minute. We are in the dumps! Sporting 2-0 Everton.

In injury time, Everton conceded the third goal with a wonderful run and a lovely strike that saw Everton collapse in defeat. We played so defensively that we could not come out of our shell to attack. It's Moyes who chooses the tactics. We can't blame him for trying to protect the one-goal advantage.

Anyway, end of the Europa League run. Guess we just have to move along and concentrate on the Premier League now.

Score: Sporting Lisbon 3-0 Everton
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Subs: Jag, Rodwell Yak

Actim Players Ranking: 23022010

2010-02-23T22:40:00.002+08:00

Top 100 players
Bainsey: 26th (339) - Best position: 26th
Howard: 60th (281) - Best position: 60th
Timmy: 70th (263) - Best position: 60th
Saha: 71st (262) - Best position: 46th
Heitinga: 87th (249)- Best position: 87th
Felli: 88th (249) - Best position: 62nd
Pienaar: 92nd (245) - Best position: 33rd

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)
Ossie: P(2), C(1), F(1)
Bily: P(4)
Felli: P(2), E(1)
Gosling: P(2), C(1)
Rodwell: P(1), E(2)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Yak: P(1), C(1)
Vaughny: P(1), F(1)
Bainesey: P(1), F(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Distin: E(2)
Donovan: P(1)

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

EVERTON (3) vs (1) MAN UTD - FULL TIME

2010-02-20T20:35:00.004+08:00

Old Man United boys Howard, Neville and Saha welcome their former employer while former wunderkid Rooney returns to his former hunting ground. Well, and one hope that there will be joy at Goodison and hopefully, Rooney gets sent off.

Great shot from Saha inthe 13th minute as he had really no where to go except forward. Good try from distance. But in the 15th minute, Man Utd scored a goal. You just knew it was coming as the attack from the right flank has been incessant. Everton 0-1 Man Utd.

What a goal!!!!! And it was against the run of play! Picking up a defensive clearance in the 18th minute, Bily controlled the ball, swivelled his body to wrong foot two defenders, before putting in a sweet strike that tucked into the bottom right corner of the goal. Everton 1-1 Man Utd.

What an opportunity for Donovan who totally miscued the ball in the 38th minute. But looking at the replay, a Man Utd defender actually handled the ball in the penalty area!

In the second half, the game play was pretty tight and both teams played their hearts out. But both side hardly had a chance at the goal. Young Gosling replaces Bily who had done tremendosuly well in this game.

What a game! What a goal!!! In the 75th minute, Pienaar put in a low cross, Saha dummied, Gosling scores! Simply brilliant! Everton 2-1 Man Utd. Assist: Pienaar.

Moyes replaces Pienaar with Rodwell to give the defence more bite while also ensuring Pienaar is protected as he's alreadyon a yellow card.

We're in seven heaven!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everton scores!!!!!! A lovely sliding pass from Arteta saw Rodwell picking up the ball. He still had alot to do but his fresh legs brought him pass all the defenders to tuck in below Man Utd's goalkeeper! Everton 3-1 Man Utd.

First we beat Chelsea, now we beat Man Utd. I guess Everton can beat any team in the world now!

Score: Everton 3-1 Man Utd
Scorers: Bily, Gosling, Rodwell
Assists: Pienaar, Arteta
Subs: Gosling, Rodwell

EUROPA LEAGUE: EVERTON (2) vs (1) SPORTING LISBON - FULL TIME

2010-02-17T23:24:00.003+08:00

I'd hope to catch the match but it was showingat some ungodly hour in Singapore. Here's the link to the goals just in case you've missed the game.

http://theoriginalwinger.com/2010-02-16-everton-vs-sporting-lisbon-highlights-europa-league

Everton scored a wonderfully crafted goal from the right channel. In the 33rd minute, Neville pushed the ball into the path of the marauding Timmy who sprinted alongside a defender. Knowing that his angle has been closed down, Timmy back-flicked the ball into the path of Pienaar who expertly curled the ball into the top right hand corner of the goal. Everton 1-0 Sporting Lisbon. Assist: Timmy.

In the 2nd half, Timmy created havoc once again. Bainesey put in a lovely cross from the corner flag. Timmy was there to distract the goalkeeper and all Distin needed to do was to get the ball deflected off his thighs. Everton 2-0 Sporting Lisbon. Assist: Bainesey.

But it wasn't to be a sweet night for Everton as Distin was sent off for a last-man tug on the opposing player. The opponents went on to score from the penalty spot. Everton 2-1 Sporting Lisbon.

The good thing is that Everton brings to Portugal a one goal advantage.

Score: Everton 2-1 Sporting Lisbon
Scorers: Pienaar, Distin
Assists: Timmy, Bainesey
Subs: Yak, Rodwell, Bily

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

2010-02-11T04:10:00.004+08:00

Everton played a largely unchanged team after a bruising match against Liverpool. Arteta and Bily are in for the injured Felli and the suspended Pienaar.

The first 10 minutes sees the players from both teams testing out each other's patience with multiple passes like cobras waiting to pounce. Everton had a very good spell in the 16th minute, but Chelsea went on to score. Poor poor marking by Neville in the 17th minute. Everton 0-1 Chelsea. To be fair, it was on Neville's blind side but still he just has to be that extra bit alert!

Even with five in midfield, Everton's not controlling the match. Saha looked like a lonely man up front. In the 25th minute, Everton just has to clear the ball but Neville made a mess of it and it gave Chelsea the chance to go at Everton. Thank goodness they did not score.

Bainesy had his chance in the 27th minute but the strike was a bit lightweight.

Everton pulls a goal back in the 32nd mniute!!! Lovely corner by Donovan! Saha blind-sided the opposing defence to score with a solid header. Everton 1-1 Chelsea. Donovan assist. I think was a sigh of relief than a sign of confidence.

Penalty in the 43rd minute!!!!!!! Quick feet by Donovan! Saha took the penalty but was stopped by a stupendous save! Everton came so close towards taking the lead.

In the second half, Everton had a couple of good chances and Everton has kept up the pressure.

Rodwell replaced Arteta in the 73rd minute. Hopefully Everton can hold on and so far, yes they can!

A super long ball from Distin in the 74th minute that saw John Terry totally missed the clearance. Saha chested it down and plummelled the ball into the back of the net. Everton 2-1 Chelsea. Distin Assist.

Everton needs to hold the fort as they are under siege. In the 85th minute, Gosling comes in for Bily who looked totally spent. The linesman gave a 5 minutes added time???

Everton has to hold on! Distin has be a total tower of strength as he held back Chelsea with so many flying headers.

Final replacement - Sanderos for two-goal King Saha in the 94th minute. Everton has won the game!!!!!!!! Everton 2-1 Chelsea! Great, great performance! And better still with Liverpool losing! Haa! We really had a scare when Chelsea scored first but Saha's two goals gace Everton the victory. Goodison is fast becoming a fortress once again.

Score: Everton 2-1 Chelsea
Scorer: Saha (2)
Assists: Donovan, Distin
Substitutes: Rodwell, Gosling, Sanderos

Actim Players Ranking: 09022010

2010-02-09T23:03:00.000+08:00

Top 100 players

Bainsey: 30th (307) - Best position: 3oth
Howard: 68th (253) - Best position: 63rd
Timmy: 73rd (250) - Best position: 60th
Felli: 74th (249) - Best position: 62nd
Pienaar: 89th (230) - Best position: 33rd
Heitinga: 99th (214)- Best position: 96th

Former Top 100
Saha: 83rd (179) - Best position: 46th
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th
Distin: 97th (128) - Best position: 96th

Top Scorers
Saha: P(11), E(2)
Timmy: P(5), E(1), F(1)
Pienaar: P(3), E(2)
Ossie: P(2), C(1), F(1)
Bily: P(3)
Felli: P(2), E(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Yak: P(1), C(1)
Gosling: P(1), C(1)
Vaughny: P(1), F(1)
Bainesey: P(1), F(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Rodwell: E(2)
Distin: E(1)
Donovan: P(1)

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

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

2010-02-06T21:04:00.003+08:00

This is one game that I'm expecting blood and gore, and it has not been a disappointment. Distin starts in the place of Senderos while the rest of the squad remains unchanged.

Throughout the 45 minutes, you'd see loads of full blooded jabs, dirty tugs , push whack, etc and you wonder whether this is a boxing match! Both sides showed that they are ready for the match and they are definitely not pulling their punches.

There're not many goal mouth action, but on the field, so many heart-stopping moments. Both sets of players really never gave each other much space, when one player has the ball, two and even three players would close him down.

The highlight of the match is the two footed tackles by Krygiakos and Felli. Both put in horrible, horrible tackles. But without the instant replay, I would have also only seen the Reds tackle. Thus, off the Reds defender! Felli did not return because he injured his shin. Arteta replaced Felli.

The first half ended with a sweet free kick from Gerrard which hits the post.

Second half was as fiesty and in the 54th minute, Kuyt scores with a header, all against the run of play. Liverpool 1-0 Everton. Why must this happen? We are a man up! Make use of the man.

Everton made two further changes in the 71st minute with Yak and Anichebe coming in for Saha and Ossie. Everton seemed to have lost all ideas on how to break Liverpool down.

It's always so true that the referee always want to even things out. Pienaar was sent off.

Forget this game. Forget about any bragging rights! :(

Score: Liverpool 1-0 Everton
Scorer: Forget about it!
Assist: None
Subs: Arteta, Yak, Anichebe

Actim Players Ranking: 02022010

2010-02-02T00:56:00.001+08:00

Top 100 players

Bainsey: 31st (297) - Best position: 31st
Timmy: 60th (250) - Best position: 60th
Felli: 62nd (248) - Best position: 62nd
Howard: 63rd (248) - Best position: 63rd
Pienaar: 79th (229) - Best position: 33rd
Heitinga: 96th (213)- Best position: 96th

Former Top 100
Saha: 83rd (179) - Best position: 46th
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th
Distin: 97th (128) - Best position: 96th

Top Scorers
Saha: P(11), E(2)
Timmy: P(5), E(1), F(1)
Pienaar: P(3), E(2)
Ossie: P(2), C(1), F(1)
Bily: P(3)
Felli: P(2), E(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Yak: P(1), C(1)
Gosling: P(1), C(1)
Vaughny: P(1), F(1)
Bainesey: P(1), F(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Rodwell: E(2)
Distin: E(1)
Donovan: P(1)

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

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

2010-01-30T22:56:00.004+08:00

I'd always love their black with pink stripes jersey so with that, I'd say they will do something wonderful today. Senderos is thrown into the fray to partner Heitinga in the centre. The team looked every bit a first team, and I do hope they will play like a first teamer.

Everton made so many passes and it ended with Ossie squeezing himeself pass two defenders to put in a shot in the 2nd minute. On target but the shot was a bit weak and was easily saved by the opposing goalkeeper.

The match is fast turning into a scrap and for Everton, they need to stamp their authority a little bit more. Timmy put in a good shot in the 15th minute but once again, a pretty weak shot.

Everton so nearly conceded a goal in the 20th minute but for a wonderful save by Howard.

Oh man! Saha had a strike at goal, only to be deflected by an offside Timmy. Wigan is pressing Everton now and Senderos allowed the player to run, though the final strike was off target.

What a great save from Saha's header in the 27th minute! It's suppose to be a penalty!!! The player brought Saha down in the 30th minute!

Everton's hardly commanding the game. One has to wonder now who else on the bench can make the difference. Half time: Wigan 0-0 Everton.

Everton kicks off the second half. A great save from a Bainsey freekick in the 47th minute and very quickly, Wigan broke away for a quick counter attack. Senderos could not match the pace of the striker and the latter had a free but totally wide shot.

Heitinga nearly conceded a penalty! Just outside the box! So so close. Both the centre defenders are playing rubbish! Donovan and Pienaar has switched sides in hope of at least plundering a goal.

Everton scored a goal but it was ruled offside. WHY WAS IT OFFSIDE??? Sigh! Anichebe comes in for Donovan in the 74th minute.

Stunner!!!!!!!!! Timmy with his header and we are ahead! Timmy is the best header of the ball! From a corner by Bainesy, Timmy rose like a slipery salmon to head the ball into the net. Wigan 0-1 Everton. Assist: Bainesy.

Vaughny comes in for the injured Saha. It was really the last kick for Saha who injured his archilles. Wigan posted a last strike but it smacked off the bar and back into play. So, so close!

We managed to grab all three points and we're catching up with the front runners! That's the way!

Score: Wigan 0-1 Everton
Scorer: Timmy
Assist: Bainesy
Subs: Anichebe, Vaughany