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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Score: Blackburn 1-0 Everton

Scorer: Nil

Assist: Nil

Subs: Beckford, Bily, Rodwell

EVERTON 2-0 EVERTON CHILE - FULL TIME

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

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

But back to what mattered most - Goals.




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





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

Well done Toffees!

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

NORWICH 4-2 EVERTON - FULL TIME

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

BRISBANE ROAR 1-2 EVERTON - FULL TIME

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



Ok, back to why I'm writing this.

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

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

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

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

MELBOURNE 0-2 EVERTON - FULL TIME

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

SYDNEY FC 0-1 EVERTON - FULL TIME

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Three Strikes!!!

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

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

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

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

World Cup Updates

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

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

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

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

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

Timmy Signs a 4-Year Extension

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

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

Long live Tim Cahill.

Actim Players Ranking: 11052010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Actim Players Ranking: 27042010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, so close.

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

Actim Players Ranking: 20042010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Just two minutes to time came the equaliser! Bummer!

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

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

Actim Players Ranking: 13042010

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

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

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

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

Actim Players Ranking: 06042010

Top 100 players

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Painful to not see Everton win this.


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

Actim Players Ranking: 30032010

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Horrendous result!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yobo is in for Arteta in the 92nd minute.

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Actim Players Ranking: 16032010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Actim Players Ranking: 09032010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Total annihilation!

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

Actim Players Ranking: 02032010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Everton had a horrible FA Cup game and they really have to lift themselves out of that and concntrate on the league for now. Sanderos and long term absentees Arteta, Vaughany and Anichebe are on the bench. Yipee!

What a wonderful start! Everton scores with their first attack in the 6th minute. Felli holds the ball just outside the penalty box. He was given loads of time and space to put in a lovely cross that Timmy back-headed into goal. Everton 1-0 Sunderland. Assist: Felli.

The Toffees are fighting for every ball right now and are not giving the opponents much space to breathe.

Everton is scoring without breaking a sweat! Donovan scores his first goal for Everton in the 18th minute! He should definitely extend his stay in Everton! Pienaar puts in a cross. Timmy cushioned it down for Donovan who sprinted away from the opposing defender to score the second goal. Everton 2-0 Sunderland. Assist: Timmy. What a game Timmy is having.

A tremendous turn by Ossie in the 33rd minute and he shoots on goal, saved by the goalkeeper. Everton is giving a very good account of themselves.

Everton is starting to slack off a little and they are not marking their opponents as tightly as they should be. They have to start pulling their weight once again!

Half time: Everton 2-0 Sunderland.

Everton started as how they have ended. They continue in their amazing run.

So close for Everton! Donovan had a sure goal that was cleared off the line in the 57th minute! Everton is pressing for their third goal. Bainsey is making alot of overlapping runs on the left, though his long passes are much left to be desired.

Things are getting a bit messy and I think it's time for Moyes to ring in some changes. Neville is lobbing the ball all over the place. Everton's losing steam. We need to do something quick!

Great! Arteta is in for Donovan in the 74th minute. Good overall play by Donovan! Vaughany is in for Saha in the 77th minute. Even now, Neville is still putting in aimless long balls.

Why are we placed under pressure in the last 5 minutes? We should be pressing them! Wonderful save by Howard. So close to a Sunderland goal. Everton third substitution, we welcome back Anichebe who comes on for Pienaar in the 90th minute. We just need these kind of strength in depth. Howard made another wonderful save to keep his clean sheet.

Great end to the game though once again, Everton seemed to play well in only one half and had won it becaue of their suerior play in the first half.

Score: Everton 2-0 Sunderland
Scorers: Timmy, Donovan
Assists: Felli, Timmy
Subs: Arteta, Vaughany, Anichebe

Actim Players Ranking: 26012010

Top 100 players

Bainsey: 55th (244) - Best position: 31st
Felli: 78th (212) - Best position: 76th
Howard: 81st (208) - Best position: 80th
Pienaar: 87th (204) - Best position: 33rd

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)
Pienaar: P(3), E(2)
Timmy: P(2), E(1), F(1)
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)

Top Assists
Bainsey:P(4), E(1)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Yak: P(3), C(1)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Felli: P(2), E(1)
Timmy: P(2)
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)

FA CUP: EVERTON (1) v (2) BIRMINGHAM - FULL TIME

Arteta is BACK!!! It's been more than a year since we last saw him play. Everton starts the first half.

What a mess for Everton. Birmngham scored in the 7th minute of the game. Bainsey tried to clear the ball and missed. The opposing striker had the easiest of header to make it 1-0 to the visitors.

Birmingham's going at Everton using route 1. The long, high balls to bypass our defence. The funny thing is that seemingly Everton is playing that way too! Somehow, Donovan is not looking like his confident self and Everton's not bringing Pienaar and Saha into the picture.

And Everton received a sucker punch with their quick movement. Everton 0-2 Birmngham. A real stab in the heart. Everton's crosses are totally terrible!

Half Time: Everton 0-2 Birmingham.

The 1st half lay was so horrible that Moyes must have felt he was in a car crash! Ossie comes in for Bily.

What a lovely goal in the 56th minute!!!! What a lovely dummy by Bainsey on the left flank. He even had time to put in a lovely low cross. Pienaar deftly sliced the ball towards Ossie who curled the ball into the right corner of the goal. Game on!!! Everton 1-2 Birmingham. Assist Pienaar.

Everton's piling the pressure. COYB!!! Saha wins the first ball in the 60th minute but smashed the ball too far left of the goal.

So, so close for Saha in the 63rd minute as his shot hits the bar and bounces out for a goal kick. Bainsey is putting in cross after cross to create a whole host of problems for the visiting team.

Vaughany is in for Saha in the 68th minute. We need two strikers on the field right? Why is Moyes replacing one for another? Good header by Felli in the box but Vaughany totally fluffed it.

Arteta is in for Donovan in the 75th minute!!! So great to say that name!

So so close to an equaliser in the 78th minute by Vaughany. A superb pass by Arteta. I can't believe that Felli's shot was saved! So close!

Totally sickening with the loss to Birmingham. If only Everton had layed like how they did in the 2nd half. If only, the opportunities that came Felli's way had bulged the net. If only.

Score: Everton 1-2 Birmingham
Scorer: Ossie
Assist: Pienaar
Subs: Ossie, Vaughany, Arteta

Actim Players Ranking: 19012010

Top 100 players
Bainsey: 51st (244) - Best position: 31st
Felli: 76th (212) - Best position: 76th
Howard: 80th (208) - Best position: 80th
Pienaar: 86th (204) - Best position: 33rd

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)
Pienaar: P(3), E(2)
Timmy: P(2), E(1), F(1)
Bily: P(3)
Felli: P(2), E(1)
Ossie: P(2), C(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)

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

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

David Moyes has put out the strongest team as yet, though the players on the bench are anything but experience.

Everton is playing with alot of spirit and they are taking the game to Man City. Both Saha and Donovan had opportunities, but both chances were spurned by the opposing team. Great, great shot by Bily in the 26th minute that forced the opposing goalkeeper to palm the ball away. So far, Everton is controlling the game and their confidence is for all to see.

Beautiful goal by Pienaar!!! A nice free kick curler and the ball just tucks into the bottom left of the goal! Everton 1-0 Man City. It was just coming! Wonderful chest down by Timmy. Bily took it in his stride and so nearly scored a beautiful goal in the 42nd minute.

GOAL!!!!!!! Saha scores. A penalty given to Everton as the opposing defender was tugging at Saha's jersey. Everton 2-0 Man City.

Totally breathtaking game!

Everton started where they end off. Pressure is on! But the second half though seemed a little more scrappy. Coleman is in for the fast tiring Distin who have just returned from injury. Also,
Bily seems to be very interested in today's game somehow.

Man City really didn't know what hit them and the opposing team are just holding on. Felli puts in a good header in the 78th minute but was palmed against the post and back into play. So, so close. Another ball hits the post! Oh boy! Good header by Timmy in the 80th minute.

Vaughany is back in the fray to hopefully cause Man City more misery.

Wow! Felli even had time to do a ballet dance with his fancy footwork! Donovan leaves the field with a big round of applause!

The whistle go, and we are now in the top half of the table. It's been one of the longest wait for Everton fans to see such a free-flow soccer from Everton! Brilliant!

Score: Everton 2-0 Man City
Scorer: Pienaa, Saha
Assist: Nil
Subs: Coleman, Vaughny, Baxter

Actim Players Ranking: 12012010

Top 100 players
Bainsey: 62nd (224) - Best position: 31st
Felli: 98th (189) - Best position: 98th

Howard: 99th (188) - Best position: 84th

Former Top 100
Saha: 83rd (179) - Best position: 46th
Pienaar: 91st (78) - Best position: 33rd
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th
Distin: 97th (128) - Best position: 96th

Top Scorers
Saha: P(10), E(2)
Pienaar: P(2), E(2)
Timmy: P(2), E(1), F(1)
Bily: P(3)
Felli: P(2), E(1)
Ossie: P(2), C(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)

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

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

The humiliation of the thrashing meted out by Arsenal on the first day of the English Premier League is still raw. USA's Most Valuable Player Landon Donovan starts his first game, together with other previously-injured returnees in Ossie, Saha and Neville.

These players made a difference. Saha had a first opportunity at goal in the 8th minute with Pienaar's exquisite through ball, only for Saha to fluff it!

But that did not stop Everton from scoring in the 11th minute. Donovan crossed the ball and Ossie rose like a salmon to head the ball into the net! Isn't he one of the shortest player in the Premier League? Arsenal 0-1 Everton. Donovan assist.

Everton's playing great football with loads of pressure play and track-backs. The boys truly attacked and defended a a unit. Sometimes you have to wonder why Everton had to pay wads of money to bring in a player like Bily who then turn around to bite the hands that feed him when you have Donovan who is so much more talented than the Russian on the right channel.

Arsenal struck back. Arsenal 1-1 Everton. But Everton still continued to peg at Arsenal's goal until the end of the half.

Late in the 2nd half, Timmy placed a pass that sliced the defence. Pienaar picked the ball, had a run at the defence and then, make an exquisite chip to send the ball pass the on-rushing keeper. Arsenal 1-2 Everton. Assist Timmy.

Arsenal then scored a late, late goal togain parity. Arsenal 2-2 Everton.

Score: Arsenal 2-2 Everton
Scorer: Ossie, Pienaar
Assists: Donovan, Timmy

Actim Players Ranking: 05012010

Top 100 players

Bainsey: 65th (217) - Best position: 31st
Howard: 98th (184) - Best position: 84th

Former Top 100
Saha: 83rd (179) - Best position: 46th
Felli: 99th (114) - Best position: 99th
Pienaar: 91st (78) - Best position: 33rd
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th
Distin: 97th (128) - Best position: 96th

Top Scorers
Saha: P(10), E(2)
Timmy: P(2), E(1), F(1)
Bily: P(3)
Felli: P(2), E(1)
Pienaar: P(1), E(2)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Yak: P(1), C(1)
Ossie: 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)

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

FA CUP: EVERTON (3) vs (1) CARLISLE - FULL TIME

Everton is not taking things easy even when the club is facing an injury crisis. Recently recovered players Neville and Vaughany have been thrown into the fray while Everton's first XI took to the field.

15 Premiership clubs start on Saturday and you surely hope that a few of them will drop away the competition.

Everton led through Vaughany's goal in the 12th minute. What a start this boy is making! Everton 1-0 Carlisle. But very quickly in the 17th minute, the scoreline was brought to parity with a quick counter by Carlisle. Everton 1-1 Carlisle.

Fulham, Sunderland, Burnley, Tottenham, Man City and Burnley all leading; Aston Villa leading over Blackburn, while Wigan leads Hull City. Portsmouth drew parity.

Everton has to win this game against a Division III side.

Most if not all of the Permiership teams are getting the right results and Everton just have to ensure that they profit from this match. Everton's pressing the lower division club but the ball is still not going in.

Everton left it late once again in the 82nd minute! Timmy gave it a good one and Everton lead 2-1, and that was not all. Agard was brought down in the penalty area and Bainsey converted the penalty. Watta game!

In other games, Blackburn and Hull City have crashed out of the competition, while Portsmouth heads for a replay.

Score: Everton 3-1 Carlisle
Scorers: Vaughany, Timmy, Bainesey
Assists: Coleman
Subs: Coleman, Agard

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

Everton starts without their prolific goal scorer Saha, but Yak comes in as his replacement. On the bench, Neville sits together with largely a bunch of youngsters. It's a rather frustrating match as both sides have their fair share of chances. But Everton just don't seem to have the finishing touch.

At this point in time, we actually need two strikers to give us that extra edge, but looking at the bench, Moyes will dread putting Vaughny on as he will definitely run himself to the ground but also, he might just get himself sent off with his over-exuberance, or he will injure his fragile self.

The match goes into half time with Everton's fans hoping that the team can dig in deep and conjure up a goal from somewhere.

Free kick in the 53rd minute, what can Everton do? Heitinga is on target but saved by the opposing goalkeeper. Another free kick in the 56th minute and what happens? Bainsey banged it straight into the wall.

Everton nearly, nearly conceded a goal san for the ball ricoheting off the left upright in the 59th minute. Timmy's injured and now joins the walking wounded. Neville comes in after months of being in the treatment room.

Here's Everton's chance in the 62nd minute with Burnley losing a man for two yellow cards received. Brilliant header by Yak in the 64th minute only to be tipped away by the opposing goalkeeper. Now it's the time to bring in Vaughny.

Another free kick in the 70th minute. Score now and off we go! C'mon! Pienaar needs to take it but instead Bainsey took it and struck the wall once again. Bring in Coleman, bring in anyone!!! Time's running out. Vaughany replaces Bily in the 81st minute.

What a return!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! James Vaughan scores in the 82nd minute. Nice low cross by Felli and Vaughany just needed to tap the ball into the net. Everton 1-0 Burnley. Assist, Felli.

A great great finish to a great game! Finally 2-0! Yak held back the entire defence, slid a lovely pass to Pienaar who came in from the blind side to score the second goal in the 91st minute.

Everton struggled throughout the match until one of Burnley's player got sent off. After that it was one way street.

Score: Everton 2-0 Burnley
Scorers: Vaughany, Pienaar
Assists: Felli, Yak
Subs: Neville, Vaughany

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

I'd wished for Neville to be taken out in his last match and my wish was fulfilled. I'd meant for him to be substituted, not taken out injured. From then, he has been out for about three months. Today, he's back on the bench and all I wish of him is to be able to play again. The rest of the team remained unchanged from the draw against Birmingham.

Sunderland kicked off the first half. Boy oh boy! A delightful chip from Ossie in the 8th minute saw the ball clip the upright. So close to Everton's first goal. Everton are playing the bridesmaid in this game but they are still getting their shots in with Saha trying from distance in the 14th minute. The Toffees don't seem to be as interested in the game somehow. We really need a goal to lift them out of the doldrums but it went the other way instead.

Everton's behind in the 17th minute. Painful. Sunderland 1-0 Everton. What Bily said is correct as even thi particular midfielder is also pumping up the long balls. But what he said might have also hurt the team. He is notperforming to mark at all and seemed to be disinterested in this game, as of some of the other Everton players.

Everton is now camping in their own half, losing all the 50-50s. Do we need Yak to come in this early in the game? Maybe so. I'd rather if Felli trys to score than be entangled in a wrestling match. Everton's a mess in the first half. What's happening. Why are they not in the game? If it continues this way, I don't see Everton coming back in this game.

I really wonder what Moyes is gonna do. Where're the influential players? Bily really needs to be taken off. His heart is really not there. Timmy made a flying save in the 67th minute. Yak replaced Ossie in the 69th minute. Why is Bily still on? Saha strike towards goal is another missed opportunity. So many times he'd tried today but the balls really got no where.

Everton blasted in a goal in the 84th minute! Hibbo's cross saw the opposing defence giving Felli too much who gladly smash the ball into goal. Sunderland 1-1 Everton. Assist Hibbo.

Saha is replaced by Vaughny but the game still end in parity.

It's a game that Everton had a strangle-hold on the match but could not takeall three points.

Score: Sunderland 1-1 Everton
Scorer: Felli
Assist: Hibbo
Subs: Yak, Vaughny

Actim Players Ranking: 221209

Top 100 players

Bainsey: 51st (205) - Best position: 31st
Saha: 83rd (179) - Best position: 46th

Former Top 100

Howard: 97th (114) - Best position: 84th
Felli: 99th (114) - Best position: 99th
Pienaar: 91st (78) - Best position: 33rd
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th
Distin: 97th (128) - Best position: 96th

Top Scorers

Saha: P(10), E(2)
Bily: P(3)
Timmy: P(2), E(1)
Felli: P(1), E(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Yak: P(1), C(1)
Ossie: P(1), C(1)
Gosling: P(1), C(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Pienaar: E(2)
Rodwell: E(2)
Baines: P(1)
Distin: E(1)

Top Assists

Bainsey:P(4), E(1)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Yak: P(2), C(1)
Felli: P(1), E(1)
Ossie: E(1), C(1)
Neill: P(2)
Saha: P(1)
Jo: P(1)
Timmy: P(1)
Coleman: P(1)
Pienaar: E(1)

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

Everton welcome back Faddie and Cars as the Toffees aim to move further away from the relegation zone. Moyes will be happy to see the return of Ossie and the previously suspended Timmy.

What a great start from Everton!!!!!!!! All in five minutes. A throw-in from Hibbo that was chested down by Saha. Bily picked up the ball, ran against the defence and put in a lovely strike. Everton 1-0 Birmingham. Assist - Saha.

The Toffees are pressing Birmingham with strikes from Ossie, Timmy and even a good header from Felli for a good 20 minutes. Suddenly, Birmingham hits back in the 21st minute. You wonder how. Must have been Everton's ugly jersey. Everton 1-1 Birmingham.

Everton's started to play rather sloppily once they have conceded that goal and now, the fans wonder what had happened to their early peacock confidence. Now it seems like they require Yak to come in to change the flow of the game. What happened?

Everton really haveto press the opponents. Let them make the mistakes. Everton also needs to play a bit more offensively. Bring in the Yak. Moyes really need to do something. It's a total scrap in the 2nd half. It's so uneventful that Bainsey even needed to have a go at goal to some how wake the fans up. Yak is finally on for Bily in the 70th minute.

Everton's trying everything but in the second half, the balls are not even hitting the target. This is one game that Everton lost two points.

Score: Everton 1-1 Birmingham
Scorer: Bily
Assist: Saha
Subs: Yak, Vaughny

Europa League Draw

Everton has been paired with Sporting Lisbon and will play the two leg game on 18 and 25 Feb 2010. Can't ask for anything better as any team from here on will be difficult to beat. The opponent's players include ex-Tottenham Helder Postiga and Everton failed target Joao Moutinho.

Dog of War, unite!

EVERTON (0) vs (1) BATE BORISOV - FULL TIME

When your first XI reads Duffy, Agard, Forshaw, Bidewell and your reserve includes Akpan, Garbutt, McAleny, Mustafi, Craig and Nsiala, you know that this isnot even the reserve players. These players are one for the future's future. So it's no shock that Everton lost this game.

Score: Everton 0-1 BATE Borisov
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Subs: Akpan, Mustafi, Craig

Actim Players Ranking: 151209

Top 100 players

Bainsey: 52nd (187) - Best position: 31st
Saha: 68th (175) - Best position: 46th


Former Top 100

Howard: 97th (114) - Best position: 84th
Felli: 99th (114) - Best position: 99th
Pienaar: 91st (78) - Best position: 33rd
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th
Distin: 97th (128) - Best position: 96th


Top Scorers

Saha: P(10), E(2)
Timmy: P(2), E(1)
Bily: P(2)
Felli: P(1), E(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Yak: P(1), C(1)
Ossie: P(1), C(1)
Gosling: P(1), C(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Pienaar: E(2)
Rodwell: E(2)
Baines: P(1)
Distin: E(1)


Top Assists

Baines: P(4), E(1)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Yak: P(2), C(1)
Felli: P(1), E(1)
Ossie: E(1), C(1)
Neill: P(2)
Pienaar: E(1)
Jo: P(1)
Timmy: P(1)
Coleman: P(1)

CHELSEA (3) vs (3) EVERTON - FULL TIME

Why Jo again? Anyway, thank God that Saha is leading the pack. Moyes has put out a very offensive 4-3-3. Chelsea played a pretty tight game and were very quick to close down on Everton's players.

Everton stunned the Stamford Bridge crowd with a goal in the 11th minute. A free kick by Bainsey saw Saha headed towards the goal. The opposing goalkeeper stretched to keep the ball out but instead, it hit his back and the ball rolled into the net. Chelsea 0-1 Everton. Assist by Bainsey.

Chelsea very quickly got themselves back on level terms in the 17th minute. Chelsea 1-1 Everton. So stunning the way Chelsea is playing that Everton is now a goal down in the 23rd minute. Chelsea 2-1 Everton.

Finally, Jo is out injured in the 45th minute. I really don't know if he has the heart to play. Replaced by Yak and what immediate impact! A cross into the penalty area, a flick by Felli and Yak was there to end the move. Chelsea 2-2 Everton. Assist - Bainsey. He's having a whale of a game.

Start of the second half and the game is being turned on its head. Chelsea scored in the 58th minute. Everton keeps trailing! Chelsea 3-2 Everton. The funny game continues. A free kick by Heitinga in the 62nd minute sees a striker clearing the ball only to hit the head of Saha. The ball looped over the sea of defenders and into goal. Chelsea 3-3 Everton.

Totally nail biting and it showed that Everton is back. Not over-rawed but really asking the questions. Everton even had the chance to bring in young Agard. The game finally finished Chelsea 3-3 Everton. Another high scoring thriller!

Score: Chelsea 3-3 Everton
Scorers: Saha, Yak
Assists: Bainsey, Not to sure how to accord the rest. Loads of help from Chelsea's players
Subs: Yak, Agard

Actim Players Ranking: 081209

Top 100 players

Bainsey: 53rd (177) - Best position: 31st
Saha: 67th (165) - Best position: 46th

Former Top 100

Howard: 97th (114) - Best position: 84th
Felli: 99th (114) - Best position: 99th
Pienaar: 91st (78) - Best position: 33rd
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th
Distin: 97th (128) - Best position: 96th

Top Scorers

Saha: P(9), E(2)
Cahill: P(2), E(1)
Bily: P(2)
Felli: P(1), E(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Ossie: P(1), C(1)
Gosling: P(1), C(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Pienaar: E(2)
Rodwell: E(2)
Baines: P(1)
Distin: E(1)
Yak: C(1)

Top Assists

Baines: P(3), E(1)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Yak: P(2), C(1)
Felli: P(1), E(1)
Ossie: E(1), C(1)
Neill: P(2)
Pienaar: E(1)
Jo: P(1)
Timmy: P(1)
Coleman: P(1)

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

It seems like Everton's first team have always been chosen before-hand. It's not about Moyes being decisive over his choice, but the availability of whatever players he have helps him choose the team. You see, Everton has been decimated by injuries and even Yobo and Rodwell 's return were through late fitness tests. That is one reason why you wonder Everton's leaking goals!

Anyway, here we go. Everton needs to give their home crowd something to cheer about.

Moyes tried out Yobo for 14 minutes and after that, the Nigerian had to make way for young Coleman due of injury. In the 21st minute, Coleman's run into the penalty area made it uncomfortable for Tottenham and it needed an opposing defender to clear the ball away.

A lovely ball by Coleman once again in the 27th minute saw the ball reach the fleet-footed Pienaar. He slid the ball into the penalty area only for Jo to fluff the shot.

So far, Hibbo has done very well to keep Tottenham from scoring certain goals. Things were also getting very heated on the field, and that what needs to be. Bring back the dogs of war! So at half time, Everton 0-0 Tottenham.

Just after the kick-off, Everton is down by a goal. Was there even a half-time talk, I wonder. Everton is now faced with wave-after-wave of attacks. Moyes once again will need to do something about it. Bring on Saha!!! And Everton is down by two goals in the 58th minute. Bring on Saha and Yak?

Yak is in for Rodwell while Saha is in for Jo. A stoic look on Moyes's face but he knows that Everton are in deep deep poo-poo! Everton scores in the 77th minute. That's the fighting spirit. Coleman, who have been playing well all evening sneaked past the opposing defender on the right before putting in a lovely cross for Saha to hammer in a goal. Everton 1-2 Tottenham.

Everton equalised! Coleman really scare the opposing defence as he maruaded forward. He made a lovely cross once again that skipped past all the players in the six yard box. Bainsey made a return shot only for Timmy to head in a low, low ball. Everton 2-2 Tottenham.

Howard saves a penalty in the 94th minute!!!!!!!!!!!! What a game! Four goals, saved penalty. You just have everything in this game.


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

EUROPA LEAGUE: EVERTON 1-0 AEK ATHENS - FULL TIME

Score: Everton 1-0 AEK Athens
Scorer: Bily
Assist:Timmy
Subs: Duffy, Baxter, Yak

Actim Players Ranking: 011209

Top 100 players

Bainsey: 68th (153) - Best position: 31st
Saha: 77th (149) - Best position: 46th


Former Top 100

Howard: 97th (114) - Best position: 84th
Felli: 99th (114) - Best position: 99th
Pienaar: 91st (78) - Best position: 33rd
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th
Distin: 97th (128) - Best position: 96th


Top Scorers

Saha: P(8), E(2)
Bily: P(2)
Cahill: P(1), E(1)
Felli: P(1), E(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Ossie: P(1), C(1)
Gosling: P(1), C(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Pienaar: E(2)
Rodwell: E(2)
Baines: P(1)
Distin: E(1)
Yak: C(1)

Top Assists

Baines: P(3), E(1)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Yak: P(2), C(1) Felli: P(1), E(1)
Ossie: E(1), C(1)
Neill: P(2)
Pienaar: E(1)
Jo: P(1)
Timmy: P(1)