Thank You Sandro

Brought in by Walter Smith, Sandro was an excellent left back who could also play in other defensive areas. Known for his overlapping run and clever defensive techniques, Sandro was also unfortunately regularly injured. He was however playing good football in 2004/05 season where he helped Everton to reach 4th place.

Thanks so much Sandro for being a wonderful servant of Everton.

Stubbs Signs New Deal

Evergreen defender Stubbsy has signed a one year extension. He will continue to give the backline that rock steady support. Ole!

CHELSEA vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

The final match that may not mean much to gaining a UEFA Cup placing, but more for pride. It was of great excitement when Everton took the lead through Vaughny. 1-0. But through a controversial desicion, Chelsea made it 1-1 through Drogba. Even Moyes was forced to sit in the stand after all his protestations.

Anyway, we ended in sixth place as Tottenham overtook us to take the fifth place.

Team Line-up (Ratings) - Not shown on TV

Howard
Lescott, Stubbsy, Yobo, Neville, Hibbo
Ossie, Fernandes, Cars, Arteta,
Vaughny

Subs: Beats, Faddie,

Scoreline: Chelsea 1-1 Everton
Scorer: Vaughny

EVERTON vs PORTSMOUTH - FULL TIME

This game has seen us literally booking a place to Europe. Arteta was in top form - tackling, putting in nicely weighted crosses and even tracking back. The backline was totally rock solid. All the players showed that hunger to repay the Goodison faithful.

Team Line-up (Ratings)

Howard (7)
Lescott (8), Stubbsy (8), Yobo (8), Neville (7)
Ossie (7), Fernandes (8), Cars (9), Arteta (10) ,
Vaughny (8), Anichebe (8)

Subs: Beats (8), Faddie (4), Nayce (8)

Scoreline: Everton 3-0 Portsmouth
Scorers: Arteta, Yobo, Nayce

EVERTON vs MAN UTD - FULL TIME

I know I need to say something about the match, but the way Everton was decapitated was totally disgusting, even if they're without AJ. Turner really have a lot to learn in terms of ball handling, Hibbo made the type of mistake Yobo made a couple of seasons ago when he was younger - making a pass across the face of Everton's goal when the Man Utd troops were attacking the Toffees. Crazy!

Ossie ran around like a headless chicken and the substitutes - Beats, Faddie, and VdM looked totally lost. Were they actually fighting for their UEFA placing? I guess not!

Team Line-up (Ratings)

Turner (6)
Lescott (6), Stubbsy (6), Yobo (5), Hibbo (4)
Fernandes (7), Cars (5), Neville (4), Ossie (2), Arteta (7) ,
Vaughny (6)

Subs: Beats (4), Faddie (4), VdM (4)

Scoreline: Everton 2-4 Man Utd
Scorers: Stubbsy, Fernandes

WEST HAM vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

I was in Vietnam where I was tracking the soccer scores on ESPN. I did not have the opportunity to watch the match but I understand from the next day's report that the team played like they have not turned up at Upton Park. They were in total shambles.

AJ is now out with a sprained ankle, our only fit striker is Beats and he's confidence is sub-zero, and we have the next match against Manchester United. I really fear the worst!

West Ham 1 - 0 Everton

EVERTON vs CHARLTON - FULL TIME

Correct score prediction this week. Charlton was superbly hard to beat. There were not many clear-cut chances, and Charlton seemed to be able to get to those 50-50 balls first. They were controlling the midfield, and we were just soaking the pressure. Just imagine, we are playing in Goodison and it somehow seemed like we were playing away. This was the kind of improvement that Charlton has shown.

Darren Bent seemed so much more dangerous than our front pair of AJ and Beats. Talking about Beats, I don't know whether he still has the drive. He fought really hard, but it was pretty painful to watch him play. I wished so much that he could break his duck, but it seems like I habve to wait much longer. With Faddie scoring by a magnificant volley, I fear that Beat's time is about up.

Even Lescott is popping in goals and his goal tally stands equal to Beat, and yet, Lescott is just a centre-back. He even added one to the goods in this game.

We'll be playing another relegation battler next week - West Ham. We need that points. But back to the game, the Toffees continued to peg at goal even though the opponent was hrad to break down. There was sheer lots of patience and self-belief. Never Give Up! Never Surrender!

Even on this night, Anderson was given the opportunity to play. Good use of the reserves.

Score: Everton 2-1 Charlton
Scorer: Lescott, Faddie

Team Line-up (Ratings)
Howard (7)
Lescott (8), Stubbsy (8), Yobo (7), Hibbo (8)
Arteta (7) , Cars (7), Neville (6), Ossie (7)
AJ (7), Beats (5)

Subs: Nayce (7), Faddie (9), Anderson (6)

EVERTON vs CHARLTON - Preview

One person gain is some else's loss. Both teams need the three points for different reasons. The Toffees need to get all three points to prove that their performance this year is no fluke. Though decimated by injury, we should should have enough within us to beat Charlton.

Howard
Lescott, Yobo, Stubbsy, Hibbo
Arteta, Cars, Ossie, Neville
AJ, Beats

Scoreline: Everton 2-1 Charlton

BOLTON vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

Both teams traded punches with equal force that blunted their effort in gaining three points. Both sides were equally matched in all departments. Lescott made the sorrowful mistake of not moving out and as such, put at least three Bolton players on-side. What was he thinking? 1-0 against Everton.

The Toffees need not wait too long for the equaliser courtesy of Vaughny. Unfortunately, he got injured trying to block a shot by the opponent's defender. Too gory for even battle-hardened Stubbsy and AJ who kept pushing Vaughny's head in anoter direction so that he would not see the battle scar.

Overall, the game was not totally intriguing, but at least we got one point. Now nine more points to go.

Score: Bolton 1 - 1 Everton
Scorer: Vaughny

Team Line-up (Ratings)

Howard (7)
Lescott (6), Stubbsy (7), Yobo (7), Hibbo (8)
Arteta (7) , Cars (8), Neville (6), Ossie (7)
Vaughny (8), AJ (7)

BOLTON vs EVERTON - Preview

We should tie this around our forehead. Well, it's a repetition of what I've said in the Preview of the Toffees vs Fulham match. No retreating; No escaping. We have to fight it all the way to the end., whether it's Bolton or Charlton.

We need to get that 60 points or more. We are still 10 points short. Everton should either draw or win by a narrow margin. Bolton will be a hard nut to crack.

Howard
Lescott, Yobo, Stubbsy, Hibbo
Arteta, Cars, Neville, Ossie
AJ, Vaughny

Scoreline: Everton 1-0 Fulham

EVERTON vs FULHAM - FULL TIME

Everton roared and Fulham succumbed to their mortal mauling. 4-1 is the largest thrashing given by Everton to any of their previous opponents. This is three points with satisfaction. This is three points to announce their desire to play in Europe next season. Great job of turning a goal down to a magnificant victory. I predicted a 3-0 scoreline, but though the scoreline is wrong, the goal margin is indeed three.

One good thing is that if we look at the last two matches, our defenders and defensive midfielder - Lescott, Stubbsy and Cars - have all nicked in a goal, and even youngsters such as Vaughny and Anichebe has also contributed to the goal-scoring effort.

Anyway, to add a little dampener, it's not over until the dust settles. We still have Bolton to contend with, and clubs like Tottenham and Portsmouth are biting at the heels of the Toffees. Like I'd said in my last entry, the Toffees has to start winning matches. They will need at least three wins and a draw to make it a certainty for Europe. Better still, if they can win all six matches.


Score: Everton 4-1 Fulham

Scorer: Cars, Stubbsy, Vaughny, Anichebe

Team Line-up (Ratings)

Howard (8)
Lescott (9), Stubbsy (8), Yobo (7), Hibbo (7)
Arteta (9) , Cars (9), Neville (7), Ossie (7)
Vaughny (8), AJ (8)

EVERTON vs FULHAM - Preview

There's no retreating; There's no escaping. The Toffees either start winning matches like this or they should really forget about going into Europe.

I sense AJ will create havoc in Fulham's defence and Vaughny may just nick in a goal or two.

Howard
Lescott, Yobo, Stubbsy, Hibbo
Arteta, Cars, Ossie, Neville
AJ, Vaughny

Scoreline: Everton 3-0 Fulham

Actim Players Ranking: 200307

Here's the latest Top Players' Listing.

Manure: 11 (-)
Pool: 10 (-)
Chelski: 10 (-)
Bolton: 9 (+2)
Arsenal: 8 (-)
Everton: 8 (-)
Portsmouth: 6 (-1)
Tottenham: 6 (-)
Reading: 5 (-2)
Boro: 5 (-)
Blackburn: 5 (-)
Villa: 4 (-)
Man City: 3 (-)
Fulham: 3(-)
Charlton: 3 (+1)
Newcastle: 2 (-)
Wigan: 1 (-1)
West Ham: 1 (+1)
Sheff Utd: Nil (-)

Everton's list of Top 100 players.

This is the first time that Everton has a player listed in each of the Top five players categories:-
Arteta: 5th (Best Midfielder twice; voted top 5 midfielder 18 times)
AJ: 10th (Highest rated Striker 5th week in a row and six times in total, 14 times in top 5)
Howard: 26th (Highest position for best goalkeeper: 3rd, Voted top 5 goalkeeper 12 times)
Neville: 27th(Voted top five defender six times; Highest position for best defender: 4th)
Lescott: 45th
Yobo: 64th
Timmy: 93rd (Highest Top 100 position: 3rd; Best Midfielder twice; voted Top 10 midfielder 10/11 times)
Cars: 95th

Other stats:-
Most goals scored: 7/20 placing
Most goals conceded: 17/20 placing

ASTON VILLA vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

Somehow, with all the enterprise of Arteta, Everton still could not beat Aston Villa. It was a tale of two halfs. Everton dominated the first, while Aston Vila made their comeback in the second.

With much intense pressing, Everton took the lead through Lescott who scored his first goal of the season. Everything looked like it was in cruise control. But under the guidance of Martin O'Neill, Villa came out in the second half with their guns blazing. They then scored the equalising goal.

Everton needs every win they can pick up to ensure that they will head to Europe for the second time under Moyes.

Score: Aston Villa 1- 1 Everton

Scorer: Lescott

Team Line-up (Ratings)
Howard (7)
Lescott (7), Stubbsy (7), Yobo (6), Hibbo (7)
Arteta (8) , Cars (8), Neville (6), Ossie (7)
Vaughny (7), AJ (7)

ASTON VILLA vs EVERTON - Preview

There's always a fear when there's too long a break in between games. The last game against Arsenal seemed so ancient. Aston Villa may not score many goals, but they sure can push the Toffees to the wire.

Howard
Lescott, Yobo, Stubbsy, Hibbo
Arteta, Cars, Manny, Neville
Vaughny, AJ

Scoreline: Aston Villa 1-2 Everton

AJ & Neville National Prospects?

After watching AJ and Neville play in the two International matches, I could only wish that they do not for they looked like fishes that were out of the water.

AJ could not get any where near the goal post, anf Nville can't defend for nuts. He tried to execute his marauding runs forward but mostly came to no avail.

I'd think they should concentrate on club level soccer, at least for now.

Actim Players Ranking: 200307

Here's the latest Top Players' Listing.

Manure: 11 (-)
Pool: 10 (-)
Chelski: 10 (-)
Arsenal: 8 (-)
Everton: 8 (+1)
Reading: 7 (-)
Bolton: 7 (-)
Portsmouth: 7 (-)
Tottenham: 6 (-)
Boro: 5 (-)
Blackburn: 5 (-)
Villa: 4 (-)
Man City: 3 (-)
Newcastle: 2 (-1)
Fulham: 3(-)
Wigan: 2 (-)
Charlton: 2 (-)
Sheff Utd: Nil (-)
West Ham: Nil (-)

Everton's list of Top 100 players. This is the first time that Everton has a player listed in each of the Top five players categories:-

Arteta: 5th (Best Midfielder twice; voted top 5 midfielder 17 times)
AJ: 11th (Highest rated Striker 5th week in a row and six times in total, 13th week in top 10 since 22 Aug 06)
Neville: 20th(Voted top five defender six times; Highest position for best defender: 4th)
Howard: 27th (Highest position for best goalkeeper: 3rd, Voted top 5 goalkeeper 11 times)
Lescott: 56th
Yobo: 64th
Timmy: 90th (Highest Top 100 position: 3rd; Best Midfielder twice; voted Top 10 midfielder 10/11 times)
Cars: 99th

Other stats:-
Most goals scored: 7/20 placing
Most goals conceded: 16/20 placing

EVERTON vs ARSENAL - FULL TIME

On a day that saw hailstones pound the ground of Goodison, the heros walked out without a scratch.

The boys made sure that not even the weather could have stopped them from nicking all three points from the supposed almighty Arsenal. That reminds me, we have not been defeated by Arsenal for the entire season! Let's give credit when it's due. Everton is doing well this season, whether they make it into Europe next season.

The match saw loads of positives. The colossus Cars; The sublime skills of Manny that saw him bamboozled four Arsenal players; The high work rate of Ossie; The strong headers of Vaughny; and of course, Everton's saviour, AJ! Even Anichebe, who came on as a late substitute, played a huge part in getting the goal.

The game was fairly open with attacks on both sides of the field. Like a boxing match, each team took turns to throw the punches. The goalkeepers of both teams were rarely troubled. Thought that Lehmann got so bored that he had wanted to pick a fight with Vaughny for his over-enthusiastic challenge, which was a 50-50.

Both Cars and Ossie hit the upright. But all was swell when AJ delivered the knock out punch in the dying seconds.

One sign of danger is the uneasiness that Lescott had displayed. He did not look comfortable in the left back position. But Lescott will also have a hard time snatching back the centreback position from the evergreen Stubbsy.

As for the Toffes, bask in the glory now. Soon we have to move on to the next match - We must beat Aston Villa. We have to look over our shoulders and ensure that Tottenham don't beat us to the final European spot. We can't afford to be seventh once again.

Score: Everton 1-0
Scorer: AJ

Team Line-up (Ratings)

Howard (7)
Lescott (5), Stubbsy (8), Yobo (7), Neville (7)
Ossie (7), Manny (8), Cars (9), Arteta (7)
AJ (8), Vaughny (8)

Subs: Anichebe (7)

EVERTON vs ARSENAL - Preview

No Thierry Henry means that it'll be easy for Everton? Keep dreaming. Arsenal is as strong as everas they have depth in their squad. But as we had beaten them in this similar fixture last season, I'd bet that we can do it again. I'd stick with Beats and AJ as strike partners. Beats has to strike some kind of form...soon.


Howard

Nayce, Yobo, Lescott, Hibbo
Arteta, Cars, Manny, Neville
Beats, AJ

Scoreline: Everton 1-0 Arsenal

Arteta Staying?

It was reported that Everton will be offering it's largest contract to date....30 thousand Pounds a week! Everton highest paid...oh boy oh boy oh boy...Arteta may just be packing his bag for a return to Spain.

AJ To Leave?

This is one shocker of a news. It was reported in the British paper that AJ is unsettled in Everton and would want a move to a London.

AJ was quick to dispel all rumours by saying," "If I could sign here for the rest of my career I would do it tomorrow."

Erm...we need a pen and a contract...like now please!!!

The Last Leg

No puns intended, but for Everton's walking wounded, this would be the last stretch of the Toffee's season. Valente is said to up and running; Hibbo has played appeared for the reserves.

Everton's defence should be in good shape. As for the midfield, Manny is doing a fine job. hopefully, he can start filling the shoes of Timmy as soon as possible.

We want fighting fit man to fight the battle against Arsenal on our home soil. We can take them.

Actim Players Ranking: 070307

Here's the latest Top Players' Listing.

Manure: 11 (-)
Pool: 10 (-)
Chelski: 10 (-)
Arsenal: 8 (-)
Reading: 7 (-1)
Everton: 7 (-1)
Bolton: 7 (-)
Portsmouth: 7 (-)
Boro: 5 (-)
Tottenham: 6 (+1)
Blackburn: 5 (-)
Villa: 4 (-)
Man City: 3 (-)
Newcastle: 3 (-)
Fulham: 3(+1)
Wigan: 2 (-)
Charlton: 2 (-)
Sheff Utd: Nil (-)
West Ham: Nil (-)

Everton's list of Top 100 players:-

Arteta: 4th (Best Midfielder twice; voted top 5 midfielder 16 times)
AJ: 16th (Highest rated Striker 5th week in a row and six times, 12th week in top 10 since 22 Aug 06)
Neville: 24th(Voted top five defender five times; Highest position for best defender: 4th)
Howard: 29th (Highest position for best goalkeeper: 3rd, Voted top 5 goalkeeper 10 times)
Lescott: 61st
Yobo: 65th
Timmy: 83rd (Highest Top 100 position: 3rd; Best Midfielder twice; voted Top 10 midfielder 10/11 times)

Other stats:-

Most goals scored: 7/20 placing
Most goals conceded: 16/20 plac

SHEFFIELD UTD vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

Out! Timmy suffers from a metatarsal injury. Tough! That was how much Sheffield United fought for the points. Great! To see that Nayce is playing well.

Difficult match that ended with the sharing of points.

Score: Sheff Utd 1 - 1 Everton

Scorer: Arteta

Team Line-up (Not rated as it was not shown on TV)
Howard
Nayce, Lescott, Yobo, Neville
Arteta, Cars, Timmy, Manny
AJ, Beats

Subs: Ossie, Vaughany

SHEFFIELD UTD vs EVERTON - Preview

A hard match with Sheffield United needing the points to survive the drop. If Everton were to win, I'd say that we'll will win by just an odd goal.

Howard
Lescott, Yobo, Stubbsy, Neville
Arteta, Cars, Timmy Manu
Beats, AJ

Scoreline: Sheffield Utd 0-1 Everton

Actim Players Ranking: 270207

Here's the latest Top Players' Listing.

Manure: 11 (-)
Pool: 10 (-)
Chelski: 10 (-)
Arsenal: 8 (-)
Reading: 8 (-)
Everton: 8 (+1)
Bolton: 7 (-2)
Portsmouth: 7 (-)
Boro: 5 (-)
Tottenham: 5 (+1)
Villa: 4 (-1)
Blackburn: 5 (+1)
Man City: 3 (-)
Newcastle: 3 (-)
Fulham: 2(-1)
Wigan: 2 (-)
Charlton: 2 (+1)
Sheff Utd: Nil (-)
West Ham: Nil (-)

Everton's list of Top 100 players:-

Arteta: 6th (Best Midfielder twice; voted top 5 midfielder 15 times)
AJ: 17th (Highest rated Striker 5th week in a row and six times, 12th week in top 10 since 22 Aug 06)
Neville: 25th(Voted top five defender five times; Highest position for best defender: 4th)
Howard: 32nd (Highest position for best goalkeeper: 3rd, Voted top 5 goalkeeper nine times)
Yobo: 64th
Lescott: 65th
Timmy: 76th (Highest Top 100 position: 3rd; Best Midfielder twice; voted Top 10 midfielder 10/11 times)
Ossie: 93rd

Other stats:-
Most goals scored: 6/20 placing
Most goals conceded: 16/20 placing

WATFORD vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

Emphatic win for the Toffees! They scored three goals altogether but thought that they were losing it when Watford made their substitutions and it all started to click for them. But in came Ossie who made that tad bit of difference.

Everton started the game with full confidence. The wingers - Arteta and Fernandes - looked like mouth-watering prospects with their great control and excellent flair. They bamboozled the Watford defenders with their trickery and gule.

The backline continued to be water-tight and AJ, ran riot upfront. The defenders really did not know how to handle him, which led to AJ being hauled down in the penalty box. AJ returned the favour by putting the ball into the back of the net.

Manny was also on the scoresheet, his first ever goal and definitely not his last. Manu was totally rocking on the right side of the pitch and looked set for an excellent career with Everton is Moyes is given the money to sign him on permanently.

Beats is still a little rusty in the scoring department - he totally missed a sitter - So did Timmy as well. But both gave good accounts of themselves.

Cars remains the quiet but effective guy, and that goes for all four defenders who truly played their hearts out. It was nice to see Nayce playing as well.

Score: Watford 0 - 3 Everton

Scorer: Manu, AJ, Ossie

Team Line-up (Rating)

Howard (7)
Nayce (7), Lescott (7), Yobo (8), Neville (7)
Arteta (8), Cars (7), Timmy (7), Manu (8)
AJ (9), Beats (7)

Subs: Vaughany, Ossie

WATFORD vs EVERTON - Preview

Everton has to win this if they want to stay in the hunt for the final European placing. If they so choose to lose, their entire season would come to a nought.

AJ seems like he'll not be playing due to injury and Beats might once again come in for him. Hopefully Moyes willnot choose to revert to a defensive play.

Howard
Hibbo, Yobo, Lescott, Neville
Arteta, Cars, Timmy, Manu, Ossie
Beats

Scoreline: Watford 1-1 Everton

EVERTON vs TOTTENHAM - FULL TIME

Disaster time! second loss at home, and a sucker punch goal by Jermaine Jenas. I do hope the the Toffees can recover from this and prove me wrong. I feel that it's a wet and slippery downhill slide as the Toffees can start kissing their European dreams goodbye.

So is it a tactical error by Moyes to play so defensively? I guess what he had wanted to do was for the best of intentions, but it fell flat on his face.


Score: Everton 1-2 Tottenham
Scorer: Arteta

Team Line-up (Rating) Not shown in Singapore
Howard
Lescott, Yobo, Stubbsy, Neville
Arteta, Manu, Cars, Ossie
Beats, Anichebe

Subs: Nayce, Hibbo, Vaughany

Give Beats a Chance?

I've always believe that the six million pounds that was splashed out for Beats was worth the money. He has proven himself at this level and he should try to prove himself once again. Last year, he scored 10 goals.

I still recall the beautiful goal he scored against Arsenal. He can deliver, and the time is now. He has to be true to himself and not be concerned about AJ's style of play because he can only score when Beats is playing his own style.

The Dec 06 speculation that Davis was true. I'd also mention that once Beats gets back his confidence, he can deliver once again. I stick by that belief.

Go Beats!

EVERTON vs TOTTENHAM - Preview

Potentially hazardous match as it's against a team that usually blow hot and cold. They may have thrashed Fulham last week, but that does not mean that they can do that again this week. Tottenham's strikers are now coming into form, but they will have to break the resolute defending of Yobo, Lescott, Stubbsy and Neville.

Everton can keep another clean sheet if they keep their focus.

Howard
Lescott, Yobo, Stubbsy, Neville
Arteta, Cars, Fernandes, Ossie
AJ, Anichebe

Scoreline: Everton 1-0 Tottenham

Urgent Nugent Voiced His Intentions

Being a childhood fan of the Toffees, Preston NE's striker David Nugent has mentioned that he hopes to play for Everton. We hope he will come in to replace Beats. Don't think Moyes would want to sell Beats or loan him out? Hopefully he can regain his confidence. I've never once believed that a good player can suddenly play crap.

It has everything to do with team dynamics, your leaders and your stretagy.
Well, Everton is having quite an exciting season already.

Howard & Valente Join Everton!!!

Finally, for three million pounds, we have gotten ourselves a reliable goalie. No more clangers! Glory days are back again!

Latest, we have even extended Valente's contract. The Toffees are definitely building for the future.

Actim Players Ranking: 130207

Here's the latest Top Players' Listing.

Manure: 11 (-)
Pool: 10 (-)
Chelski: 10 (-)
Bolton: 9 (-)
Arsenal: 8 (-)
Reading: 8 (+1)
Everton: 7 (-)
Portsmouth: 7 (+1)
Boro: 5 (-)
Villa: 5 (-)
Tottenham: 4 (-1)
Blackburn: 4 (-1)
Man City: 3 (-1)
Fulham: 3 (-)
Newcastle: 3 (-)
Wigan: 2 (-)
Charlton: 1 (+1)
Sheff Utd: Nil (-)
West Ham: Nil (-)

Everton's list of Top 100 players:-

Arteta: 8th (Best Midfielder twice; voted top 5 midfielder 14 times)
AJ: 27th (Highest rated Striker 5th week in a row and six times, 12th week in top 10 since 22 Aug 06)
Neville: 35th(Voted top five defender five times; Highest position for best defender: 4th)
Howard: 42nd (Highest position for best goalkeeper: 3rd, Voted top 5 goalkeeper eight times)
Yobo: 67th
Lescott: 71st
Timmy: 82nd (Highest Top 100 position: 3rd; Best Midfielder twice; voted Top 10 midfielder 10/11 times)

Other stats:-

Most goals scored: 9/20 placing
Most goals conceded: 16/20 placing

EVERTON vs BLACKURN - FULL TIME

Gamst Pedersen was out! That was the best news all day long. But Hibbo was out once again due to his recurring injury, and Ossie was suspended.

But no matter what, a 1-0 scoreline and that three points is still what we have been chasing. let's take it one game at a time. We'll definitely breach the supposed 40 points safety mark when we win the next match.

Score: Everton 1-0 Blackburn
Scorer: AJ

Team Line-up (Rating) Not shown in Singapore, whether live nor delayed

Howard
Lescott, Yobo, Stubbsy, Neville
VdM, Fernandes, Cars, Timmy,Arteta,
AJ

EVERTON vs BLACKURN - Preview

Hard match but we all do hope that the 12th player - the fans - will help Everton win this match. Ossie is out of this match due to suspension.

Howard
Lescott, Yobo, Stubbsy, Hibbo
Arteta, Cars, Timmy, Fernandes, Neville
AJ

Scoreline: Everton 0-0 Blackburn

Is Arteta leaving?

From the way he replied (If he's not misquoted), he sounds ready to leave in the summber. But anyhoos, no player is bigger than the club. If they want to leave, let them leave. We only need true blue players.

Actim Players Ranking: 060207

Here's the latest Top Players' Listing.

Manure: 11 (-)
Pool: 10 (-)
Chelski: 10 (+1)
Bolton: 9 (-)
Arsenal: 8 (-1)
Everton: 7 (-1)
Reading: 7 (+1)
Portsmouth: 6 (-)
Tottenham: 5 (-)
Boro: 5 (-)
Blackburn: 5 (+1)
Villa: 5 (+1)
Man City: 4 (-)
Fulham: 3 (-1)
Newcastle: 3 (-1)
Wigan: 2 (+1)
Sheff Utd: Nil (-1)
Charlton: Nil (-)
West Ham: Nil (-)

Everton's list of Top 100 players:-

Arteta: 11th (Best Midfielder twice; voted top 5 midfielder 13 times)
AJ: 43rd (Highest rated Striker 5th week in a row and six times, 12th week in top 10 since 22 Aug 06)
Neville: 44th(Voted top five defender five times; Highest position for best defender: 4th)
Howard: 49th (Highest position for best goalkeeper: 3rd, Voted top 5 goalkeeper eight times)
Yobo: 72nd
Lescott: 77th
Timmy: 87th (Highest Top 100 position: 3rd; Best Midfielder twice; voted Top 10 midfielder 10/11 times)

Other stats:-

Most goals scored: 8/20 placing
Most goals conceded: 16/20 placing

LIVERPOOL vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

Throw everything they could, even much more than a kitchen sink, and the Toffees flinched not! Benitez called Everton a "small club" in his post-match interview. But as the dust clears, one thing's for sure, Everton has not been defeated in the two games that we played Liverpool this season. Heck, we even humiliated them with a 3-0 beating earlier on.

Dented hopes of even a whiff at the premiership title, nobody can blame Big Ben for being so livid!

Nuff of Pool jokes, Everton proofed to be a tough nut to crack.

Yobo and Stubbsy were giants in the defence; clearing every high or low balls that Liverpool tried to put in. Neville and Cars defended the back line with fury. Not allowing too many balls to bypass them. Hibbo and Lescott stemmed out the threat of their wingers. Three guys were pushing up, AJ, Ossie and Arteta. They had to jostle for survival in the enemy's territory. This let with Timmy. He was everywhere, in attack, in the middle of the park, even in defence marking bean-pole Crouch.

All in all, Moyes got it right, and cry baby Benitez did not!


Team Line-up (Rating)

Howard (8)
Hibbo (6), Yobo (8), Stubbsy (8), Lescott (8)
Arteta (7), Cars (7), Neville (7), Ossie (6), Timmy (6)
AJ (6)

Substitute
Anichebe (6)

LIVERPOOL vs EVERTON - Preview

Simply put, with AJ - The Toffees to lose 1-0, without AJ, man...3-0? I'm not too sure of the Toffees beating the liverpudians, but they must put up a good show. Sentiments gets a better of me. I'll take a draw.

Howard
Valente, Lescott, Yobo, Hibbo
Arteta, Cars, Timmy, Ossie, Neville
Anichebe

Scoreline: Liverpool 1-1 Everton

Is He a Good Player?

With a departure of Davis (He had never settled into Everton) and the arrival of Fernandes from Benfica, I was wondering if we should rub our hands in glee. World class player? Represented Portugal in nearlyevery age group team, except the national team.

Is he that good? Personally, it'll matter less if he performs a tad bit better than Davis.

We need wingers who can make a difference. Oh, did I say that Davis's Fulham lost in a mid-week match? And he was still saying that his current club should be aove Everton in terms of points.

Remember Killer? He's going down with Wigan...so too will Fulham. They may not be relegated but their season is considered over. They are miles away from the top six teams.

BOURNEMOUTH vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

Ok, nothing much to report about for this friendly match. It ended evens stevens - 1-1. From what I read, the Toffees played like crap. They could not beat a team so many rungs elow them. I fear for our future. Also, reading what Arteta has to say about his future after papers suggested that a Spanish club is interested in him, Arteta seems ready to go.

Anyway, back to the match.

Not a pretty match, but I believe it met its objectives of allowing the players to maintain their fitness.

Wright had a rare start; Anderson Silva made his debut for the Toffees, clinical; Hibbo and Sandro started as well, bringing to an end the injuries that have blighted their season; Youngster Vidarsson and Vaughan started with the former scoring the equalising goal for Everton

So that's enough to cheer about. Next bout, our merseyside rival!

Actim Players Ranking: 230107

Here's the latest Top Players' Listing.

Manure: 11 (-)
Pool: 10 (-)
Chelski: 9 (-)
Bolton: 9 (-)
Arsenal: 9 (+1)
Everton: 8 (+1)
Reading: 6 (-)
Portsmouth: 6 (-)
Tottenham: 5 (-)
Boro: 5 (+1)
Man City: 4 (-1)
Blackburn: 4 (-1)
Villa: 4 (-)
Fulham: 3 (-1)
Newcastle: 4 (+1)
Wigan: 1 (-)
Sheff Utd: 1 (-)
Charlton: Nil (-)
West Ham: Nil (-)

Everton's list of Top 100 players:-

Arteta: 8th (Four times in top 10; Best Midfielder twice; voted top 5 midfielder 12 times)
AJ: 25th (Highest rated Striker 5th week in a row and six times, 12th week in top 10 since 22 Aug 06)
Neville: 39th(Voted top five defender five times; Highest position for best defender: 4th)
Howard: 44th (Highest position for best goalkeeper: 3rd, Voted top 5 goalkeeper eight times)
Yobo: 68th
Lescott: 76th
Timmy: 80th (Highest Top 100 position: 3rd; Best Midfielder twice; voted Top 10 midfielder 10/11 times)
Ossie: 96th

Other stats:-

Most goals scored: 7/20 placing
Most goals conceded: 16/20 placing

WIGAN vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

...and we did. Get the penalty that is. The referees have been doing the Toffees much dis-service. We have been hustled by our opponents and even brought them to ground. But nope, no penalty at all. AJ would have earned eight out of ten for Everton. But it may be a long layoff after today's game, and once again, it should have been a foul by Wigan's goalkeeper who rushed out and tackled AJ without getting to the ball.

AJ is out wth suspected ankle injury and in came Anichebe.

With his strong shielding of the ball, Anichee came on and made that difference. Beats would have felt slighted with Moyes choosing the 18 Years Old over an experienced striker such as him. But Anichebe went out to silence all his critic. Athletically built, Anichebe fought for every ball, and it was his shielding of the ball that led former Evertonian loyal David Unsworth to make the rash tackle within the penalty box. Arteta stood up to take the penalty. 1-0.

Beats came on and made the difference too. From a pass, Beats helped to spread the ball out wide to Neville who's lovely cross met the boots of Arteta. 2-0. Game set.

Score: Wigan 0-2 Everton
Scorer: Arteta (2)

Team Line-up (Rating)
Howard (7)
Lescott (7), Stubbsy(7), Yobo (9), Neville (7),
Davis (6) Ossie (5), Cars (8), Timmy (6), Arteta (7)
AJ (7)

Subs: Anichebe (8), Beats

WIGAN vs EVERTON - Preview

We should have the most ideal midfield back in contention. Arteta and Timmy will hopefully run rings around the opponent's defence. AJ will continue to prod for goals while Lescott will provide that security blanket for Howard.


Howard
Valente, Lescott, Yobo, Neville
Ossie, Cars, Timmy, Arteta
AJ

Scoreline: 3-1

Goodbye Weir

It's a good move for him, but does it mean that there's a shortfall of defenders? At least for the central defenders. I believe Moyes have considered all aspects of the situation before releasing Weir on loan. He's such a great defender but many a times, speed, or the lack of speed may lead to the downfall of a defender.

I don't doubt that Weir's still a good defender and I am gald that he's such a great servant of the club, but I think it's just not fair for him to be benched all the time while the younger defenders are being fielded.

Yobo and Lescott have both formed a pretty decent defensive pair. Talking about that, Syubbsy might then be the next to go....another retiring but good player.

Actim Players Ranking: 160107

Here's the latest Top Players' Listing.

Manure: 11 (-)
Pool: 10 (+1)
Chelski: 9 (-)
Bolton: 9 (-)
Arsenal: 8 (-)
Everton: 7 (-)
Reading: 6 (-1)
Portsmouth: 6 (-)
Man City: 5 (-)
Blackburn: 5 (-)
Villa: 4 (-)
Tottenham: 5 (+1)
Boro: 4 (-)
Fulham: 4 (-)
Newcastle: 3 (+1)
Wigan: 1 (-2)
Charlton: 1(-)
Sheff Utd: 1 (-)
West Ham: Nil (-)

Everton's list of Top 100 players:-

Arteta: 19th (Three times in top 10; Best Midfielder twice; voted top 5 midfielder 11 times)
AJ: 23rd (Highest rated Striker 5th week in a row and six times, 12th week in top 10 since 22 Aug 06)
Neville: 54th(Voted top five defender five times; Highest position for best defender: 4th)
Howard: 55th (Highest position for best goalkeeper: 3rd, Voted top 5 goalkeeper eight times)
Yobo: 68th
Lescott: 78th
Timmy: 89th (Highest Top 100 position: 3rd; Best Midfielder twice; voted Top 10 midfielder 10/11 times)

Other stats:-

Most goals scored: 7/20 placing
Most goals conceded: 14/20 placing

EVERTON vs READING - FULL TIME

What in the world were they trying to do?

Faddie seemed so lost in the park that not only the crowd got sick of him, not only Sly would like to box the daylights out of him, Moyes patience was so overtly stretched that one half of Faddie was all the manager could take. Faddie was totally off colour.

Frustration was boiling over too for Ossie as wherever VdM plays, there's always a gap as he hardly tracks back, leaving Ossie to cover for him on the wing back. This leaves the centre open for counter attacks.

It was great to welcome Timmy back to the team, but we were without influential Maestro Arteta.

Reading literally dominated the first half. Looking at the way the Toffees played, you would have thought that we were the away team. Shortly after, a simple set-play, a deflection, and Everton was one goal down.

Moyes threw on two strikers to supplement AJ - the young Anichebe and Beats. Both did well, with Anichebe nearly scoring if not for the goal mouth clearance. Beats also had a shot on goal that blitzed the palms of Reading's goalkeeper.

It was great to see AJ scoring from a header. But from Moyes point of view, the Toffees have dropped two points.

Score: Everton 1-1 Reading
Scorer: AJ

Team Line-up (Rating)
Howard (6)
Nayce (6), Yobo (7), Lescott (7), Neville (7)
VdM (5), Cars (6), Timmy (7), Ossie (7),
Faddie (2), AJ (8)

Subs: Anichebe, Beats

EVERTON vs READING - Preview

You have got to be pretty studious to go against a club with such a name. We have beaten them 2-0 away, and it's time to do our first double. Don't expect too much from Timmy as he is back in for his first game after a two months layoff.

Howard
Nayce, Lescott, Yobo, Hibbo
Ossie, Cars, Timmy, Neville
AJ, Anichebe

Scoreline: 1-0

Rocky...

Just as the title suggest, our position of being in the top six is totally rocky. Erm, wait a minute, there a phone call...uh-huh, uh-huh. Ohhh....So Rocky Balboa is coming to Everton! Mis-comm there.










Pics: Reuters

So Sly is visiting Goodison Park. Good on him. I thought he looked a little old now. Now now, let's not get into the looks department. But I do hope that more fans will come because of Sly, In that way, the club will get more revenue. Anything goes for now!

EVERTON vs BLACKBURN - FULL TIME (FA Cup)

It's a black black day. Thought my prediction of three goals is bad enough. They just have to better that scoreline 4-1 against The Toffees. What lah!

So now, without any other distractions, we should be in the top 6, right?

EVERTON vs BLACKBURN - Preview (FA Cup)

The Toffees has half a mind on the Premiership, and also with a wafer-thin squad, I don't think they will go far in the FA Cup. Moyes might choose to throw in a few second stringers. Maybe we'll even get to see our latest Brazilian import - De Silva - though it's very unlikely.

Wright
Nayces, Lescott, Weir, Neville
VdM, Ossie, Cars, Davis
AJ, Anichebe

Scoreline: Everton 0 - 3 Blackburn (Esp when Davis is playing)

Actim Players Ranking: 040107

Here's the latest Top Players' Listing.

Manure: 11 (-)
Chelski: 9 (-)
Pool: 9 (+2)
Bolton: 9 (+3)
Arsenal: 8 (-)
Everton: 7 (-1)
Reading: 7 (-)
Portsmouth: 6 (-1)
Man City: 5 (+2)
Blackburn: 5 (+2)
Villa: 4 (-2)
Tottenham: 4 (-)
Boro: 4 (-)
Fulham: 4 (+1)
Wigan: 3 (-2)
Newcastle: 2 (+1)
Charlton: 1(+1)
Sheff Utd: 1 (-2)
West Ham: Nil (-1)

Everton's list of Top 100 players:-

Arteta: 14th (Three times in top 10; Best Midfielder twice; voted top 5 midfielder 10 times)
AJ: 26th (Highest rated Striker 5th week in a row and six times, 12th week in top 10 since 22 Aug 06)
Howard: 46th (Highest position for best goalkeeper: 3rd, Voted top 5 goalkeeper eight times)
Neville: 50th(Voted top five defender five times; Highest position for best defender: 4th)
Yobo: 60th
Lescott: 83rd
Timmy: 99th (Highest Top 100 position: 3rd; Best Midfielder twice; voted Top 10 midfielder 10/11 times)


Other stats:-
Most goals scored: 7/20 placing
Most goals conceded: 14/20 placing

MAN CITY vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

You must be wondering what had happened to Everton. winning 3-0 against Newcastle and then losing 2-1 to Manchester City. One very sore point, we have not won City both home and away.

Moyes tinkered, putting in Beats and Davis. I think these two are below-par players this season. I have never thought that they were bad players, but when you're looking at a panecea for goal scoring and goal creation, these two guys may not have time on their side. I would have just put them in cold storage and hope that they'll start playing well next seaon. But the modern game's much more clinical. Can't perform? You'd be shipped out.

Anyway, we lost. I'm not so keen on the cup games even though that may be our only means into Europe.

Score: Man City 2-1 Everton
Scorer: Ossie

Team Line-up (Rating) Too tired to follow the match as it was shown on delayed telecast

Howard
Valente, Lescott, Yobo, Neville
ArtetaVdM, Ossie, Cars, Arteta
AJ, Beats

Subs: Anichebe, Nayces, Faddie

MAN CITY vs EVERTON - Preview

First and foremost, Happy 2007! Next, Man City will lose to Everton! Well, being without Joey Barton, Man City might just not be able to hold it together. Anichebe is in fine form and the city defenders will have to keep a close tab on him. Enter AJ. He has continued to toil all day though many a times without bearing much fruit. His time has come for him to score.

Moyes should be sticking to his winning team.

Howard
Valente, Lescott, Yobo, Neville
VdM, Ossie, Cars, Arteta
AJ, Anichebe

Scoreline: Man City 0-2 Everton

EVERTON vs NEWCASTLE - FULL TIME

Definitely a great scoreline, and there were just so many "firsts" on the last match of the year.

- VdM started the match and even played well
- Anichebe scored a brace
- Neville scored for the Toffees for the very first time
- Scored 3 goals and yet still managed a clean sheet
- Howard was totally bored still, except the penalty (All he did was to lie on his back and do nothing. Yet, the magpies couldn't score!)

Score: Everton 3 - 0 Newcastle
Scorer: Anichebe 2, Neville 1


Team Line-up (Rating) Not rated as it was not shown on tele but followed on the web

Howard
Valente, Lescott, Yobo, Arteta
VdM, Ossie, Cars, Arteta
AJ, Anichebe

Subs: Beats, Faddie, Davis

EVERTON vs NEWCASTLE - Preview

Sometimes they are a formidable team to reckon with; but sometimes they look like boys playing in the park. That's Newcastle for you and I just do not know who will be turning up at Goodison Park. But like what Neville had mentioned, we have to win the next two fixtures. If not, we may just see ourselves in a relegation dog fight.

Howard
Nayces, Lescott, Yobo,
Ossie, Ossie, Cars, Arteta
AJ, Anichebe

Scoreline: Everton 1-0 Newcastle

EVERTON vs BORO - FULL TIME

Terrible terrible terrible. What should have een as not to be. Two points dropped and it will be of impact when you want to fight for the top 6 position. So what can the Toffees do now? Nothing much but to look ahead to the next game against Newcastle at home.

Score: Everton 0 - 0 Boro
Scorer: Still born


Team Line-up (Rating) Not rated as it was not shown on tele...once again!

Howard
Nayces, Lescott, Yobo, Davis
Faddie, Ossie, Cars, Arteta
AJ, Anichebe

Subs: VdM, Valente, Beats

EVERTON vs BORO - Preview

Both teams won their previous fixtures by two goals. So who will win this fixture? Both my heart and mind tells me it'll be the Toffees. Arteta is in a mighty fine form, and the defensive problems are slowly easing off. Coupled with a quiet but stoic performance by Neville and that it's a home match, we should win by two goals. Faddie should start this game ahead of Anichebe.

Howard
Nayces, Lescott, Yobo, Neville
Faddie, Ossie, Cars, Davis, Arteta
AJ

Scoreline: Everton 3-1 Boro

READING vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

The line-up I chose was totally spot-on, and so was the score, nearly. I'd predicted that Everton would beat Reading by a goal, but two? I'm so not complaining.

This is the start of a good December as we have another two home matches before 2007 comes along.

Score: Reading 0 - 2 Everton
Scorer: AJ (Finally!!), Faddie

Team Line-up (Rating) Not rated as it was not shown on tele!

Howard
Nayce,Lescott, Yobo, Neville
Faddie, Ossie, Cars, Arteta, Davis
AJ

Subs: Beats

READING vs EVERTON - Preview

Everton played well against Chelski last week but still lost. For this week, I'd go for broke. The same team formation, the same cavalier style. If given a choice, I'd never play Davis again. well, maybe I'd put him into the team for one last try. If he deosn't perform, he should go. same for VdM.

Howard
Nayce,Lescott, Yobo, Neville
Faddie, Ossie, Cars, Arteta, Davis
AJ

Scoreline: Reading 0-1 Everton

More Speculation...

So is Davis leaving for Fulham? He is a good player but maybe, just don't fit the mould of the Toffees. Verdict? Should go.

How about Beats? He has now under Jan 07 to prove himself. He has done the job for us last season and once he gets back his confidence, he should be firing on all cylinders once again.

VdM? This guy provides lovely crosses, but is too inconsistent. Yes, he should go.

So if Everton can't purchase players, Moyes had mentioned that maybe we can take a couple of guys on loan.

Hopefully we'll get to see the likes of Alan Smith (Man Utd). Hopefully, our recent signing Silva will prove to be another creative player like Arteta.

Actim Players Ranking: 191206

Here's the latest Top Players' Listing.

Manure: 11 (-1)
Chelski: 10 (+4)
Arsenal: 8 (-1)
Portsmouth: 8 (-)
Everton: 8 (-)
Villa: 7 (-)
Reading: 7 (-)
Pool: 7 (-)
Bolton: 6 (-1)
Wigan: 5 (-)
Tottenham: 4 (-)
Boro: 4 (-)
Man City: 3 (-)
Fulham: 3 (-)
Blackburn: 3 (-)
Sheff Utd: 3 (+1)
Newcastle: 1 (+1)
West Ham: 1 (-)
Charlton: Nil(-3)

Everton's list of Top 100 players:-

Arteta: 19th (3rd time in top 10; Best Midfielder twice; voted top 5 midfielder nine times)
AJ: 24th (Highest rated Striker 5th week in a row and six times, 12th week in top 10 since 22 Aug 06)
Yobo: 49th
Timmy: 51st (Highest Top 100 position: 3rd; Best Midfielder twice; voted Top 10 midfielder 10/11 times)
Howard: 53rd (Highest position for best goalkeeper: 3rd, Voted top 5 goalkeeper eight times)
Neville: 71st(Voted top five defender five times; Highest position for best defender: 4th)
Lescott: 90th
Cars: 100th

Other stats:-
Most goals scored: 6/20 placing
Most goals conceded: 12/20 placing

EVERTON vs CHELSEA - FULL TIME

Three impossible shots that buldged the back of Tim Howard's goal. Arteta was my man-of-the-match but he too, could not stop the rouble-run team from taking pot shots at us. To take the positives, Anichebe did well; Simon Davis was at least chasing the ball; Neville is always good for the team.

Nayce was also on the bench. Definitely our injury list is on the mend.

Score: Everton 2-3 Chelsea
Scorer: Arteta; Yobo

Howard (7)
Lescott (7), Stubbsy(6), Yobo(8), Neville(7)
Arteta(9), Ossie(7), Cars(6), Davis(7)
Anichebe (8), AJ(7)

EVERTON vs CHELSEA - Preview

Coming at this time, it's very difficult for the Toffees to win with it's host of injury. But we must fight on and soon, we'll be back with the best. It may just start today. We will soak in the attacks, but should survive.

With the return of Arteta and Neville, their points on the Optim charts should start to head north.


Howard
Lescott, Stubbsy, Yobo, Neville
Ossie, Cars, Arteta, Faddie
Anichebe, AJ

Scoreline:

Everton 1-1 Chelsea

Actim Players Ranking: 121206

Here's the latest Top Players' Listing.

Manure: 12 (-)
Arsenal: 9 (-)
Portsmouth: 8 (-1)
Everton: 8 (-)
Bolton: 7 (-)
Villa: 7 (-)
Reading: 7 (+1)
Pool: 7 (+2)
Chelski: 6 (-)
Wigan: 5 (+1)
Tottenham: 4 (-1)
Boro: 4 (-)
Man City: 3 (-)
Fulham: 3 (+1)
Blackburn: 3 (+1)
Charlton: 3(+1)
Sheff Utd: 2 (+1)
West Ham: 1 (-3)
Newcastle: Nil (-)

Everton's list of Top 100 players:-

AJ: 16th (Highest rated Striker 5th week in a row and six times, 12th week in top 10 since 22 Aug 06)
Arteta: 20th (3rd time in top 10; Best Midfielder twice; voted top 5 midfielder eight times)
Timmy: 39th (Highest Top 100 position: 3rd; Best Midfielder twice; voted Top 10 midfielder 10/11 times)
Howard: 44th (Highest position for best goalkeeper: 3rd, Voted top 5 goalkeeper eight times)
Yobo: 63rd
Neville: 66th (Voted top five defender 4th best Defender three times)
Lescott: 77th
Cars: 93rd

Other stats:-Most goals scored: 7/20 placing
Most goals conceded: 14/20 placing

Time to Cut & Change

January transfer window is fast approaching. Time to make some changes:-

Currently in the news

Possible Transfer In
Tim Howard - Manchester Utd
Nigel Reo-Coker - West Ham (Straight replacement for Davis)


Possible Transfer Out
James Beattie - To Newcastle (Sad if this goes through, but moyes may need the money)
Simon Davis - Fulham (Should go. Have never reach his potential)

PORTSMOUTH vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

Just like a three-day old opened can of beer - totally stale. I could not even bear to finish watching the entire match. The defence was woeful, the midfield was disastrous, the attack managed little joy.

I can understand that the injury-hit Toffees was down to its bear bones, but the meek display was sick.

In defence, there was no Sandro and Nayce, and influential Hibbo and Neville were injured. In the midfield, the key players were all out:- Arteta, Timmy and Ossie. Only the strike force was still intact but with no one to supply the ammunition, they were just running around like headless chicken.

I think some of the second stringers need to be shipped out in the January transfer window. The likes of Davis and VdM should go for others who are more commited to come in.

Score: Portsmouth 2 -0 Everton
Scorer: None

Team Line-up (Rating)

Howard (5)
Yobo (4), Stubbsy(3), Weir (3), Lescott (3),
Valente (3), Davies (3), Carsley(4), VdM(2),
AJ (5), Beats (3)

Subs: Faddie (5), Anichebe (4), Vaughny (5)

PORTSMOUTH vs EVERTON - Preview

This should have been the "teams from the lower half of the table" match. Don't fancy both teams to be in the top 5, and Everton is missing 9 players. To start off, Everton has a wafer thin squad.

So those has-beens, great potential and possibly to be sold off players should start to prove themselves.

Howard
Valente, Lescott, Stubbsy, Yobo
VdM, Cars, Davis, Faddie
AJ, Beats

Scoreline: Portsmouth 2-1 Everton

Actim Players Ranking: 051206

Here's the latest Top Players' Listing.

Manure: 12 (+1)
Portsmouth: 9 (-)
Arsenal: 10 (+2)
Bolton: 7 (-1)
Everton: 8 (+1)
Chelski: 6 (-)
Wigan: 4 (-2)
Villa: 7 (+1)
Reading: 6 (-)
Pool: 5 (+1)
Tottenham: 5 (+2)
Fulham: 4 (-)
Boro: 4 (+1)
West Ham: 4 (+1)
Man City: 3 (-)
Blackburn: 2 (-1)
Charlton: 2(+1)
Sheff Utd: 1 (-1)
Newcastle: 1 (-)

Everton's list of Top 100 players:-

Arteta: 8th (3rd time in top 10; Best Midfielder twice; voted top 5 midfielder seven times)
AJ: 11th (Highest rated Striker 5th week in a row and six times, 12th week in top 10 since 22 Aug 06)
Timmy: 17th (Highest Top 100 position: 3rd; Best Midfielder twice; voted Top 10 midfielder 10/11 times)
Neville: 37th (Voted top five defender 4th best Defender three times)
Howard: 40th (Highest position for best goalkeeper: 3rd, Voted top 5 goalkeeper eight times)
Yobo: 59th
Lescott: 97th

Other stats:-Most goals scored: 5/20 placing
Most goals conceded: 15/20 placing

Actim Players Ranking: 281106

Here's the latest Top Players' Listing.

Manure: 11 (-)
Portsmouth: 9 (-1)
Arsenal: 8 (-)
Bolton: 8 (+1)
Everton: 7 (-1)
Chelski: 6 (-2)
Wigan: 6 (-1)
Villa: 7 (+1)
Reading: 6 (-)
Pool: 5 (+1)
Tottenham: 5 (+2)
Fulham: 4 (-)
Boro: 4 (+1)
West Ham: 4 (+1)
Man City: 3 (-)
Blackburn: 2 (-1)
Charlton: 2(+1)
Sheff Utd: 1 (-1)
Newcastle: 1 (-)

Everton's list of Top 100 players:-

Arteta: 8th (3rd time in top 10; Best Midfielder twice; voted top 5 midfielder six times)
AJ: 11th (Highest rated Striker 5th week in a row and six times, 12th week in top 10 since 22 Aug 06)
Timmy: 17th (Highest Top 100 position: 3rd; Best Midfielder twice; voted Top 10 midfielder 10/11 times)
Neville: 37th (Voted top five defender 4th best Defender three times)
Howard: 40th (Highest position for best goalkeeper: 3rd, Voted top 5 goalkeeper eight times)
Yobo: 59th
Lescott: 97th

Other stats:-
Most goals scored: 5/20 placing
Most goals conceded: 15/20 placing

CHARLTON vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

It was fortunate that AJ and Timmy weren't playing. If not, we would not have been able to face the day of light if it was a draw. Valente mistake cost us dear. It was the type of mistake that Yobo commited when he was first with Everton.

Valente should have just blasted the ball sky high. Why did he try to outrun Marcus Bent so near to the penalty area?

Score: Charlton 1 -1 Everton

Scorer: Own Goal

Team Line-up (Rating)

Howard (7)
Valente (3), Lescott(6), Yobo (4), Neville (5)
Ossie (5), Arteta (6), Cars (6), Davis (5)
Faddie (6), Beats (6)

Subs: Anichebe (6), Vaughny (6)

CHARLTON vs EVERTON - Preview

This is a game that the Toffees must win. Depleted by injuries, Charlton is there for the taking. Should see a more offensive Everton line-up.

Howard
Valente, Lescott, Yobo, Neville
Faddie, Cars, Arteta, Ossie
AJ, Beats

Scoreline: Charlton 1- 2 Everton

Actim Players Ranking: 211106

Here's the latest Top Players' Listing.

Manure: 11 (-2)
Portsmouth: 10 (-)
Arsenal: 8 (-1)
Everton: 8 (+2)
Chelski: 8 (+2)
Wigan: 7 (-1)
Villa: 6 (-1)
Bolton: 7 (-)
Reading: 6 (-)
Fulham: 4 (-1)
Pool: 4 (-)
Blackburn: 3 (-)
Boro: 3 (-)
Tottenham: 3 (-)
West Ham: 3 (-)
Man City: 3 (+1)
Sheff Utd: 2 (-)
Charlton: 1(-1)
Newcastle: 1 (-)

Everton's list of Top 100 players:-

AJ: 4th (Highest rated Striker 5th week in a row and six times, 12th week in top 10 since 22 Aug 06)
Arteta: 7th (1st time in top 10; Best Midfielder; voted top 5 midfielder five times)
Timmy: 13th (Highest Top 100 position: 3rd; Best Midfielder twice; voted Top 10 midfielder 10/11 times)
Neville: 32nd (4th best Defender twice)
Howard: 44th (Highest position for best goalkeeper: 3rd, Voted top 5 goalkeeper seven times)
Yobo: 58th
Lescott: 89th
Cars: 97th

Other stats:-

Most goals scored: 5/20 placing
Most goals conceded: 15/20 placing

EVERTON vs BOLTON - FULL TIME

The morning air seems so much fresher today. As the saying goes, " A win is a win", no matter how scrappy it was. I'm glad that we have turned the corner somewhat, and that Arteta has started to fill in the shoes of Timmy. Go Toffees!

Score: Everton 1-0 Bolton

Scorer: Arteta. Scorcher of a goal!

Team Line-up (Rating)Not rated as it was not shown on tele!

Howard
Valente, Lescott, Stubbsy, Yobo,
Ossie, Arteta, Cars, Neville
AJ, Beats

Subs: Anichebe

EVERTON vs BOLTON - Preview

Should I start getting pessimistic now? The Toffees are facing the same old problem of not being able to score. The Premiership defenders have grown use to AJ. But it's really his confidence. There're times when he's really unstoppable. Let's hope it's today.

Howard
Valente, Lescott, Yobo, Neville
Ossie, Cars, Arteta, Davis
Beats, AJ

Scoreline: Everton 1-0 Bolton

Actim Players Ranking: 141106

Here's the latest Top Players' Listing.

Manure: 13 (+2)
Portsmouth: 10 (-1)
Arsenal: 9 (+3)
Wigan 8 (+2)
Villa: 7(-)
Bolton: 7 (-)
Everton: 6 (-2)
Chelski: 6 (-1)
Reading: 6(+1)
Fulham: 5 (-)
Pool: 4 (-2)
Blackburn: 3 (-1)
Boro: 3 (-1)
Tottenham: 3(-)
West Ham: 3 (-)
Man City: 2(-)
Sheff Utd: 2 (+1)
Charlton: 1(-1)
Newcastle: 1 (-)

Everton's list of Top 100 players:-
AJ: 5th (Highest rated Striker 5th week in a row and six times, 11th week in top 10 since 22 Aug 06)
Timmy: 7th (Highest Top 100 position: 3rd; Best Midfielder twice; Came in top 10 nine out of 11 times)
Arteta: 17th (4th best Midfielder twice; voted top 5 midfielder four times)
Neville: 35th (4th best Defender twice)
Howard: 53rd (Highest position for best goalkeeper: 3rd, Voted top 5 goalkeeper six times)
Yobo: 66th

Cars and Lescott out of top 100.

Other stats:-
Most goals scored: 5/20 placing
Most goals conceded: 15/20 placing

EVERTON vs ASTON VILLA - FULL TIME

What started out as a dream is fast turning into a nitghtmare. What is happening to Everto? Well, maybe I shouldn't be asking this question. When has Everton ever really challenged the top six. All the close calls and near achievements are clear signs that Everton can't cut it. AJ is losing confidence fast. Beats never had that confidence, and even when they brought on Anichebe, he was full of running but has an empty bucket of confidence.

It is the type of Everton that has been around since the 90s. Some quality but not good enough; some money to buy players but not quite enough. The list go on and on. Sigh. If you still don't get the drift, the toffees lost!

Score: Everton 0-1 Aston Villa
Scorer: (Timmy is out injured. We may not score anymore goals this season!)
Team Line-up (Rating)

Howard(8)
Lescott (7), Yobo(6), Stubbsy(6), Neville(6)
Arteta(6), Timmy(5), Cars(5), Ossie(5), Davis(5)
AJ(5)

Subs: Beats(5), Anichebe(5)

EVERTON vs ASTON VILLA - Preview

Everton needs to stop the rot. They have not played too badly for the matches that they have lost. AJ has and will always e a speed demon. I'll place a wager on him to score tonight. Beats must also start to make a manace of himself.

Howard
Valente, Lescott, Yobo, Neville
Arteta, Cars, Timmy, Osie
Beats,AJ

Scoreline: Everton 3-1 Aston Villa

Actim Players Ranking: 071106

Here's the latest Top Players' Listing.

Manure: 11 (-)
Portsmouth: 11 (-)
Everton: 8 (-)
Bolton: 7 (-2)
Villa: 7(-1)
Chelski: 7 (-1)
Arsenal: 6 (-3)
Wigan 6 (+1)
Pool: 6 (+2)
Reading: 5(-1)
Fulham: 5 (+2)
Blackburn: 4 (-1)
Boro: 4 (-)
Tottenham: 3(-)
West Ham: 3 (+2)
Man City: 2(-1)
Charlton: 2(-)
Newcastle: 1 (-)
Watford: 1 (-)
Sheff Utd: 1 (-)

Everton's list of Top 100 players:-
AJ: 2rd (Highest rated Striker 5th week in a row and six times, 10th week in top 10 since 22 Aug 06)
Timmy: 3rd (Highest position: 3rd; Best Midfielder twice; Came in top 10 eight out of 10 times)
Arteta: 15th (4th best Midfielder twice; voted top 5 midfielder three times)
Neville: 31st (4th best Defender twice)
Howard: 46th (Highest position for best goalkeeper: 3rd, Voted top 5 goalkeeper six times)
Yobo: 61st
Cars: 86th
Lescott: 88th


Other stats:-Most goals scored: 4/20 placing
Most goals conceded: 14/20 placing

EVERTON vs ARSENAL - FULL TIME

Another loss. Everton played well, lost a player in Faddie, and then went a goal down. So out of the Carling Cup we go. So where do we go from here? Try to head up the league table, and maybe, try our hands on FA Cup.

Score: Everton 0-1 Arsenal
Scorer: (Empty once again)

Team Line-up (Rating) Not rated as it was not shown on tele!

Howard
Valente, Lescott, Yobo, Neville
Arteta, Timmy, Cars, Ossie, Faddie
AJ

Subs: Anichebe

FULHAM vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

First they lost their 100% undefeated record, today they lost the 100% goal scoring record. My concern is that they will soon lose their 100% home record. this was definitely not one of their best performance in the blue and white strip.

Think we'd better aim towards not being relegated. Ok, I'll be a little more optimistic, let's take it one game at the time. Sigh!

Score: Fulham 1 - 0 Everton
Scorer: (How I'd wish their was someone)

Team Line-up (Rating) Not rated as I was having seafood in the east side of Singapore
Howard
Lescott, Stubbsy, Yobo, Neville
Arteta, Timmy, Cars, Ossie, Davis
AJ

Subs: Beats, Anichebe

Actim Players Ranking: 311006

Here's the latest Top Players' Listing.

Manure: 11 (-)
Portsmouth: 11 (+1)
Arsenal: 9 (-2)
Bolton: 9 (-1)
Villa: 8(-)
Everton: 8 (-)
Chelski: 8 (-)
Reading: 6(-1)
Blackburn: 5 (-1)
Wigan 5 (+1)
Boro: 4 (-)
Pool: 4 (+2)
Fulham: 3 (-1)
Man City: 3(+1)
Newcastle: 1 (-)
West Ham: 1 (-)
Watford: 1 (-)

Everton's list of Top 100 players:-

AJ: 3rd (Highest rated Striker 5th week in a row, 9th week in top 10 since 22 Aug 06)
Timmy: 5th (Highest position: 4th; Best Midfielder; currently second best midfielder; Came in top 10 seven out of nine times)
Arteta: 14th (4th best Midfielder; voted top 5 midfielder twice)
Neville: 28th (4th best Defender twice)
Howard: 38th (Highest position for best goalkeeper: 3rd, Voted top 5 goalkeeper five times)Yobo: 51st
Lescott: 72nd
Cars: 75th

Other stats:-Most goals scored: 4/20 placing
Most goals conceded: 15/20 placing

ARSENAL vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

A draw at Emirates Stadium. It was a point that was taken off Arsenal in any way possible. not an easy point but it goes a long way to reaching the safety zone - 40 points.

A definite good score for the away team which unfortunately, saw Moyes being banished from the touchline for his over-zealous complaints. Good on ya Moyesy!

Score: Arsenal 1 - 1 Everton

Scorer: Timmy

Team Line-up (Rating) Not rated as match was not shown in Singapore

Howard
Lescott, Stubbsy, Yobo, Neville
Arteta, Ossie, Cars, Timmy, Davis
AJ

Subs: Nil

ARSENAL vs EVERTON - Preview

Tough tough match. Love Everton to bits but don't think they can shave off the odds of losing.

Howard
Lescott, Stubbs, Yobo, Neville
Faddie, Cars, Timmy, Ossie, Arteta,
AJ

Substitutes: Turner, Davis, Beats, VdM, Anichebe

Scoreline: Arsenal 2 - 0 Everton

Actim Players Ranking: 241006

Here's the latest Top Players' Listing.

Manure: 11 (-)
Arsenal: 11 (+3)
Bolton: 10 (+1)
Portsmouth: 10 (-1)
Villa: 8(-1)
Everton: 8 (-)
Reading: 7 (-1)
Chelski: 8 (-)
Blackburn: 6 (-1)
Wigan 4 (New entry)
Fulham: 4 (-1)
Boro: 4 (-)
Pool: 2 (-1)
Man City: 2 (-)
Newcastle: 1 (-)
West Ham: 1 (-)
Watford: 1 (-)

Everton's list of Top 100 players:-

AJ: 2nd (Highest rated Striker 5th week in a row, 7th week in top 10 since 22 Aug 06)
Timmy: 7th (Highest position: 4th; Best Midfielder; currently third best midfielder; Came in top 10 six out of eight times)
Arteta: 19th (5th best Midfielder)
Neville: 22nd (4th best Defender twice)
Howard: 41st (Highest position for best goalkeeper: 3rd, Voted top 5 goalkeeper four times)
Yobo: 42nd
Cars: 69th
Lescott: 76th

Other stats:-Most goals scored: 4/20 placing
Most goals conceded: 15/20 placing

EVERTON vs LUTON - FULL TIME

Moyes was quoted not in verbatim that the players on the field were all the fit players that they had. Some of those who played were walking wounded. Davis, Timmy and Beats were all not feeling well in the final training for the Luton game. But still they played.

Iain Turner was in as the game's goalie, Lescott was playing left back, Davis was used as a right back, Stubbsy and Weir renewed their centre-halfs partnership.

At the end of the day, Everton got their resounding result, thrashing Luton 4-0. All these came at a no better time than an upcoming match against Arsenal this weekend.

Score: Everton 4 - 0 Luton

Scorer: Timmy; own goal; Faddie; Anichebe

Team Line-up (Rating) Not rated as match was not shown in Singapore

Turner
Lescott, Stubbsy, Weir, Davis
Ossie, Timmy, Cars, Arteta
AJ, Faddie

Subs: Hughes, Anichebe, Beats

EVERTON vs LUTON - Preview

C'mon, let's give the other players an opportunity to prove themselves, and that's what I think Moyes will do.

Coming in from a home victory against Sheffield United, Everton will now face Championship club Luton Town on Tuesday. There're a few young players that I'm keen to see in this upcoming match. This is also a good time for some of the first XI players to rest and also to play those who are lacking match fitness.

Turner
Boyle, Weir, Lescott, Neville
VdM, Davis, Timmy, Faddie
Beats, Anichebe

Substitutes:

Howard, Yobo, Cars, Arteta, AJ

EVERTON VS SHEFF UTD - FULL TIME

As predicted in my last posting, it's time for the Toffes to dust themselves off and pick up their game. What raised a couple of eye brows though was the depleted state that Everton was in, especially in the backline. Valente, Sandro, Stubbsy, Hibbo were all out. VdM was not even on the bench. Hopefully, he's not in some pub creating trouble.

So it's the first time you'd see Lescott in the leftback position, Weir may have started his first game of the season, Davis was i on the left flank. The rest of the guys were your usual suspect.

We weren't really controlling the match for the first 10 minutes or so. But a good overlapping run by Neville, which followed-up with a cross, saw Arteta's head guiding the bal into the back of the net.

AJ was also full of running throughout the match. Once again he didn't score, but he proved to be a nuisance when his dartig run into the penalty box was clumsily halted by a Sheff Utd's Claus David, who received a red card for his efforts.

Up stepped Beats who converted the penalty.

Even against 10-man, it was not easy going with the Toffees taking off their foot on the gas pedal.

It helped that Howard was also alert and that the opponent's strikers were misfiring.


Score: Everton 2 - 0 Shef Utd

Scorer: Arteta; Beats

Team Line-up (Rating)
Howard (8)
Lescott (7), Weir (8), Yobo (7), Neville (8)
Davis (7), Cars (7), Timmy (7), Arteta (9)
AJ (8), Beats (7)

Subs: Faddie (7), Ossie (7), Anichebe (7)

EVERTON VS SHEFF UTD - Preview

We have to bite the bullet and stop the bug from hereon. If Everton can do that, they will help lift the crowd after that blemish of a loss last week. I'd shake up the Defence a bit as they have been letting in goals. But don't think Moyes would do that.

Howard
Valente, Yobo, Stubbsy, Neville
Ossie, Cars, Tim, Arteta
Faddie, AJ

Substitutes:
Turner, Weir,VdM, Davis, Beats

Actim Players Ranking: 171006

Here's the latest Top Players' Listing.

Portsmouth: 11 (-)
Manure: 11 (+1)
Villa: 9(-)
Bolton: 9 (+2)
Reading: 8 (-1)
Everton: 8 (-)
Chelski: 8 (-)
Arsenal: 8 (+2)
Blackburn: 6 (-1)
Fulham: 5 (+1)
Boro: 4 (+1)
Pool: 3 (-1)
Man City: 2 (-1)
Newcastle: 1 (-3)
West Ham: 1 (-1)
Watford: 1 (-)

Everton's list of Top 100 players:-

AJ: 1st (Maintains as Highest rated Striker 5th week in a row, 6th week in top 10 since 22 Aug 06)
Timmy: 5th (Highest position: 4th; Best Midfielder; Came in top 10 four out of six times)
Neville: 28th (4th best Defender)
Arteta: 31st
Yobo: 49th
Howard: 52nd (Highest position for best goalkeeper: 3rd, Voted top 5 goalkeeper three times)
Lescott: 90th
Cars: 95th

Other stats:-
Most goals scored: 3/20 placing
Most goals conceded: 13/20 placing

MIDDLESBOROUGH VS EVERTON - FULL TIME

So am I sad that Everton lost? On the contrary, I'm elated! Not that I'm going bonkers, but at least I know two things:-

1. Everton can move on from here on. They should not be too concern about keeping the record of not losing. Why do we want to not lose when we could have either won or lost when we played Machster City?

2. Everton has been playing consistently, even when they lose. Boro? They've won Everton, but when will they next lose? Very soon I guess.

Anyway, I got the scoreline correct. Just that I selected the wrong team to win.

Score: Middlesborough 2 - 1 Everton
Scorer: Timmy

Team Line-up (Rating) Not rated as match was not shown in Singapore
Howard
Valente, Lescott, Yobo, Hibbo
Arteta, Cars, Neville, Timmy, Davis
AJ

Subs: Beats, Faddie, VdM

MIDDLESBOROUGH VS EVERTON - Preview

Bitter-Sweet for Toffee players in the international matches. P. Neville was injured even before he kicked the first ball in the England-Croatia match.

Everton will be playing with a big boy but perrenial flop - Boro. BUT I feel that Everton has enough in them to nick this game.

Howard
Valente, Yobo, Lescott, Hibbo
Ossie, Cars, Arteta, Faddie, Davis
AJ

Substitutes: Wright, Beats, Faddie, Weir, Hughes

Scoreline: 2-1

Congrats AJ!

Without kicking a ball over the last two weeks because of the International matches, AJ was voted the September Man-of-the-match.He's not a wuzz, but it only goes to show that even during the Premier League break, he is still remembered. The impact AJ has made in the first two months was just extraordinary.

Scoring six goals in seven Premiership matches, he is currently the top scorer of the league.

All hail Sir AJ!

Getting Ready for Saturday

We did well in the reserve game against Pool and that Dudek guy must entered the wrong sporting arena. What was he trying to do when he threw a punch at Anichebe? Lunatic!

Anyway, Vaughny and Anichebe did uite alright for the game. Hibbo was also involved in this reserve match to keep his fitness up to speed. So some of the walking wounded and the suspended are now back.

Just crossing my fingers and hoping that the other players on International duty will come back in one piece. So far so good for Timmy.

Othwe players to be involved in International matches are P. Neville, Valente, Weir, Faddie, Cars and Davis.

International Matches

Viva La Scotland!!!

What Manifique results - 1-0 to Scotland. The must have felt that they have won the World Cup. French coach, Domenech had no one else to blame, so he goes for the scruffy little necks of the ball-boys, blaming them for their delay tactics. C'mon DoDo, pick on someone your own size!

Nuff of the Frenchie Panies, Faddie and Weir played their part in this outstanding vitory. Faddie was running riot on the field while Weir put in all he was worth to keep the goal air-tight.

Davis played for Wales but they got thrashed. So let's not talk about that game. Or should we expound it further? Nah, I'll let them wimper at the corner.

AJ should be ready for the Boro's match. Thank goodness none of Toffees players were involved in the England match. It wouldn't have been 0-0 if either AJ or P. Neville had played. Tofee players make the difference!

What positions are we weak in?

January transfer window is not too far away. Everton might want to see how we can bring in a couple of good players to compliment the current squad of players. as for those who are not performing, it's time for them to be offloaded.

I suspect that we are quite weak in the full back positions, both left and right back. Sandro is an efficient player, but if he's out injured most of the time, there's no way that the team can use him. So that leaves us with Nayce and Valante, which means the situation is still not too bad. Right back if a little problematic though. Really, there's only Hibbo. The next person we should bring in should be one that can cover the entire backline. Drop Sandro.

As for midfield, if VdM does not start to deliver the goods, we should then show him the door too. So left midfield is currently quite problematic too. At present, Ossie can play on the left, but it's not a natural fit. VdM to go. One additional left midfielder.

Strike is ok, but Beats may have to go if he does not start to score. We still have Anichebe and Vaughny to be tested out. Maybe the latter can play left midfield. Then we would have solve one problem.

Actim Players Ranking: 031006

Here's the latest Top Players' Listing.

Portsmouth: 11 (-)
Manure: 10 (-)
Villa: 9(-1)
Reading: 9 (-)
Everton: 8 (-)
Chelski: 7 (-1)
Bolton: 7 (+)
Blackburn: 7 (+2)
Arsenal: 6 (New Entry)
Fulham: 4 (New Entry)
Newcastle: 4 (-1)
Pool: 4 (-1)
Boro: 3 (New Entry)
Man City: 3 (-)
West Ham: 2 (-)
Watford: 1 (-1)

Everton's list of Top 100 players:-

AJ: 1st (Maintains as Highest rated Striker 4th week in a row, 5th week in top 10 since 22 Aug 06)
Timmy: 12th (4th best Midfielder, Came in top 10 three times)
Neville: 19th (4th best Defender)
Yobo: 28th
Arteta: 33rd
Howard: 50th (3rd best goalkeeper, Voted top 5 goalkeeper three times)
Cars: 62nd
Lescott: 71st

Other stats:-Most goals scored: 5/20 placingMost goals conceded: 14/20 placing

Players News

I had no inkling that AJ had picked up a hamstring injury during the game against ass-showing Man City.

Fortunately, we are going into a week's break due to the upcoming International matches. I'm a little concerned with Beats onfidence level at the moment. His lumbering style does not warm up well with the Toffee fans. We expect loads of hard work from Beats, and at the same, it'll do him wonders if he'd lose a couple of stones!

Weir and Faddie are both in the Scottish team which will play France, while P. Neville will bring his good club form to the England team.

Today will see a couple of players with first-team experience playing a reserve game against Sheffield United. Players like VdM, Vaughny, Anichebe, Weir and Faddie all need these games to get them back to form.

EVERTON vs MAN CITY - FULL TIME

I wanted to look for someone or something to put the blame on. I looked at the formation, the inclusion of players like Beats and Valante, Howard in goal, the attitude of the players, and even the referee. ut really, there was no one to blame except for the fact the Man City's strike happened at the wrong place, the wrong time.

Everton dominated from the start. Howard, other than a couple of scare where he scuff the ball instead of catching them cleanly, was a passenger for a large part of the game.

Lescott and Yobo dealt with the aerial threats well, while Valante and Neville provide the thrust upfront with their overlapping run. Neville had also provided AJ with the goal assist.

The midfield was full of running with Arteta showing off his deft touches. Ossie, though pushed off the ball a couple of times, was quick to latch on to a couple of balls, before despatching them towards goal. He didn't score though.

AJ scored and Beats was working his socks off but he looked a little rusty. But all looked forgiven when AJ scored with a wicked deflection.

Everything looked to be sealed and delivered, Moyes brought on Davis, Anichebe and Weir to rest some tired legs and also to preserve to one goal advantage.

But I guessed Man City never read the script, scoring in the 94th minute. So we saw another two points going down the drain.

Score: Everton 1- 1 Man City
Scorer: AJ

Team Line-up (Rating)
Howard (5)
Valante (6), Lescott (8), Yobo (7), Neville (7)
Ossie (7), Cars (6), Timmy (8), Arteta (7)
AJ(8), Beats (6)

Subs: Weir (-), Davis (-), Anichebe (-)