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 (-)

Everton vs Man City - Preview

Consistency - that'll be the key to Everton's victory. I believe the three points are there for the picking. AJ is in fine form, defensively-wise, even without Hibbo and Nayce, the Toffees has enough cover to ensure that minimal number of goals will be conceded, maybe even none.

I'd say that Moyes will play the 4-4-1-1 formation. Not that he favours this formation, but the 4-5-1 will not be as feasible due to the fact that even if Cars play, the midfield will still lack another defensive midfielder to cover the back four with Neville moving into the right back position. It will be an open game with the 4-4-2 formation and Everton will do good to keep close tabs of Man City's "Bad boy" Barton and their "soon to be in form but not this season" Samaras.

Oh yes, welcome back Faddie!

Howard
Valante, Yobo, Lescott, Neville
VdM, Cars, Arteta, Ossie
Timmy
AJ

Sustitutes
Wright, Beats, Davis, Weir, Faddie

Scoreline:

3-1 (Never that 1-0 scoreline ever!)

Actim Players Ranking: 260906

Here's the latest Top Players' Listing.

Portsmouth: 11 (-1)
Manure: 10 (-3)
Villa: 10(+1)
Reading: 9 (-1)
Everton: 8 (-)
Chelski: 8 (+1)
Bolton: 7 (+1)
Blackburn: 5 (New Entry)
Newcastle: 5 (New Entry)
Pool: 5 (+4)
Man City: 3 (New Entry)
West Ham: 2 (-)
Watford: 2 (-)


Everton's list of Top 100 players:-

AJ: 1st (Maintains as Highest rated Striker 3rd week in a row, 4th week in top 10 since 22 Aug 06)
Timmy: 5th (2nd best Midfielder, 3rd week in top 10 since 29 Aug 06)
Neville: 27th
Arteta: 28th
Yobo: 33rd
Howard: 41st (3rd best goalkeeper, 3rd wk as a top 5 goalkeeper since 29 aug 06)
Cars: 54th
Lescott: 77th

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

Nayce Possibly Out Till November

Not only have we lost Hibbo for the next match, we have also lost Nayce for at least six weeks. Everton will be wafer thin for its defence.

It's not so much a problem in central defence as Yobo, Lescott, Weir and even the youngster Hughes are all vying for the two positions, but it's the fullback positions.

Nayce immediate replacement would be Valante or even Sandro, while Hibbo's immediate replacement would be Neville, and then no one else. By putting Neville in that rightback position, it is not too much a problem if Everton plays the 4-4-2 formation. But when they want to revert to that 4-5-1 formation, there will be a lack of defending midfielder. We may need to buy another utility player who can play both defence and midfield.

At present, Hibbo will only be away for one game. So that is still not too bad.

NEWCASTLE vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

Am I getting better with my prediction or is Everton fast becoming predictable? I got the team line-up and the scoreline correct but was placed on tanterhooks as Everton, though battling for every ball, looked over-rawed. They were losing most of the 50-50 balls.

No complaints about the results, but not too happy with how the players performed. AJ had to move deeper to retrieve the ball and thus, posed little threat to Newcastle.

We are now two defenders short - Nayce out because of his injuries, and Hibbo out through suspension.

This game was a tale of two red cards, two sending offs, and two points dropped for Everton.

Score: Newcastle 1-1 Everton
Scorer: Timmy

Team Line-up (Rating)

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

Subs: Beats (7) Valante (6)

NEWCASTLE vs EVERTON - Preview

Newcastle has been blowing hot and cold, but this does not mean that the team is not par brilliance.

I've been a constant admirer of Everton former targets like Scott Parker and Emre. Their strikers, even with Michael Owen looks strong.

But I believe that Everton will continue to use the 4-5-1 formation to frustrate the host. We have to for if we give their midfield any space to play with, they will their our defence to shreads.

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

Substitutes
Wright, Valante, VdM, Davis, Beats

Scoreline:
1-1

Carling Cup: Everton vs Luton Town

After narrowly beating Peterborough, Everton will now face Luton Town led by Mike Newell, the former of Everton in the 90s.

Currently, there are 32 teams left. Out of the 20 Premiership teams, 16 teams are left. Three of the Premiership cup-tie, meaning that definitely, three Premiership teams will be out by the next round.

So considering the opponent that has been drwan with Everton, we should have an easier time proceeding to the next round of the last 16. BUT, don't count the eggs before they're hatched.

The game will commence in 23 October 2006.

Actim Players Ranking: 190906

Here's the latest Top Players' Listing.

Manure: 13 (-)
Portsmouth: 12 (-)
Reading: 10 (New entry)
Villa: 9(- 1)
Everton: 8 (-)
Chelski: 8 (+1)
Bolton: 6 (New Entry)
West Ham: 3 (-2)
Watford: 3 (New Entry)
Pool: 1 (-)


Everton's list of Top 100 players:-
AJ: 1st (Maintains as Highest rated Striker 2nd week in a row, 3 weeks in top 10)
Timmy: 7th (3rd best Midfielder, 2 weeks in top 10)
Cars: 27th
Neville: 28th
Arteta: 39th
Howard: 40th (2nd best goalkeeper, 2nd wk as a top 5 goalkeeper)
Yobo: 45th
Lescott: 68th

Other stats:-Most goals scored: 2/20 placing
Most goals conceded: 14/20 placing

PETERBOROUGH vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

Spluttering start, I'd say. But this is not unexpected as the Cup Games is used to work players on some of their fitness. It's also the time where the youngsters get to showcase their soccer talents, and yes, first XI saw a good mix of youth, experience and the returning players who might have been a muscle pool.

Score: Peterborough 1 - 2 Everton
Scorer: Beats, Timmy

Time Line-up (Rating)

Wright (5)
Valante (6), Lescott (7), Hughes (7), Neville (7)
Nayce (6), Cars (7), VdM (5), Davis (7)
Anichebe(8), Beats (7)

Subs:Timmy (8) Arteta (7)

Goalkeeper
Wright was a total mess and should be shipped out as soon as possible together with his jarring mistakes made during the match. His passing was atrocious, he does not communicate well with the team.

Defence
Lescott had to take on the role of mentor for debutant Mark Hughes. Lescott provided Hughes with a stable, frills free but live training on how to handle the strikers. Lescott and Hughes should not have anything to complain about in terms of their performance. Neville was busy on the right while Valante continued where he left off when he was playing for ahile.

Midfield
Somehow, we could not boss the midfield. Nayce is not an out-to-out person to hug the left wing, the centre of the midfield run by VdM and Cars had no clout. As for Davis, he was full of running by then.

Strikers
Beats had to play this match to keep himself fit, while Anichebe drew many admirers with his strong direct approach that saw him assisting Timmy for the winning goal.

PETERBOROUGH vs EVERTON - Preview

This is one game that Everton should not oly not lose, but to test out players that had not much first team play.

I wouldn't try to tinker the team too much, but to start with a strong first XI. Some of these players like VdM and Stubbsy need the run-out, while Beats needs to show why he should be included into the team.


Wright
Valante, Stubbsy, Lescott, Hibbo
VdM, Timmy, Neville, Ossie
Anichebe, Beats

Substitutes

Howard, Weir, Arteta, Davis, AJ

Scoreline: Peterborough 1-2 Everton

EVERTON vs WIGAN - FULL TIME

I missed this match totally due to power failure back at Goodison. What a day! If I'd watch the match, Everton would have won. Once again, I was surprised with Moyes defensive stance. Yes, you should keep the team that won the last match. But you really have to see your opponents. For Wigan, I thought they were in it for the taking.

Score: Everton 2 - 2 Wigan
Scorer: AJ, Beats

I Don't Believe It!

The Everton vs Wigan match was supposed to be shown live. But I think at the last minute, the cable TV station pulled the plug on us. WHY?

Now I've got to rely on Soccernet and Evertonfc for the latest score. Sigh. Anyway, thought that Moyes would use 4-4-2 with Beats and AJ up front. But it seems like it's the same as last week's formation, 4-2-3-1-1 with AJ being the lone striker.

Ah well, maybe it's not Everton's day after all?

Further Irony?

This will be the first game for Killer. But he is no longer in the blue and white. he's now a Wigan player and we are playing them tomorrow.

He is a decent left winger and if AvM can come out of his dreamy state, both of them will provide for a very interesting competition.

But will Killer nick one over us? If he does, it'll be the double irony that we will hope it'll not happen.

Actim Players Ranking: 120906

Ok, so here's this week's count. The number of players from the selected clubs who are in the Top 100 listing.

Manure: 13 (+1)
Portsmouth: 12 (+1)
Villa: 10 (-)
Everton: 8 (+1)
West Ham: 5 (-3)
Chelski: 7 (+2)
Pool: 1 (-)

Another player has made it to the list of Top 100 players:- Joleon Lescott

AJ: 1st (Highest rated Striker)
Timmy: 6th (2nd best Midfielder)
Cars: 10th (3rd best Midfielder)
Neville: 22th
Howard: 32nd (3rd best goalkeeper)
Arteta: 36th
Yobo: 37th
Lescott: 70th

Other stats:-

Most goals scored: 3/20 placing
Most goals conceded: 18/20 placing

Everton Will Under-perform This Season?

A Sports Correspondent from Singapore's main daily, The Straits Times suggest that our life in the top four is short-lived, and that it's a matter of time before the bubble burst.

This guy is a true pessimist who look at the bright cloudless sky and say that it would rain. I'd believe him if he's a weather forcaster. But this guys don't know a toot what he is talking about when it comes to the Toffee.

He brought up the point that Everton is relying on one man to score goals, and that's AJ. So we should have four established strikers, leave one of them to watch some telly at home and get thrashed 3-0? In that case, I'd rather have just one prominent strikers.

Poor Rafa who had such a diificult time choosing the best strikers to play. Cue last season's Real Madrid and Chelsea. Full of wonderful players, but frustrated for the fact that they can't play as many matches as they would like to.

Being a Toffee fan for more than 20 years, I've grown accustom to the fact that it would be near impossible for Everton to lift the Premiership trophy. But I won't deny that they are in with a shout to clinch one of the top six spots.

We will take it one team at a time. If we do well, we'll celebrate and then move one. If not, we'll just have to learn from our mistakes. But never should "The People's Club" be involved in any relegation battle.

Thanks Marc Lim for his "insightful point-of-view. marclim@sph.com.sg

England or Nigeria?

People would always think that the choice is clear. Why would anyone who have lived in England all his life play for Nigeria, a country that he had never really known.

Well for Anichebe, this might just be the decision he is not going to take. Come to think of it, England has been blessed with good strikers. But these strikers are either injured (Does Owen ring some bell), retired (Shearer was great. And the word is "was"), or dropped by inept coaches (AJ and Defoe are just two of many).

Given these choices, I'd rather play for Nigeria where I'd get a confirm berth in the First XI and at the same time, get to know my roots better.

So ain't this much of a no brainer? Go Nigeria!

EVERTON vs LIVERPOOL - FULL TIME

What sweet revenge! Liverpool never did knew what hit them today. So how many did AJ scored? Two goals. And how many did Crouch scored? None. what's more, he got substituted! So much for the England International with AJ being the regular substitute.

Many people will question the players selection by Benitez, but I will not go towards that direction. Let's look at how the game went. I was a tad surprised that Everton started with a 4-5-1 formation. Moyes played a more cautious game, but he knew that AJ would make that difference in terms of speed. Something that Beats would not be able to provide. AJ's work rate was totally awesome while Liverpool suffered a thorough thrashing!

Score: Everton 3 - o Liverpool
Scorer: Timmy, AJ (2)

Time Line-up (Rating)

Howard (8)
Nayce (8), Lescott (8), Yobo (8), Hibbo (9)
Ossie (8), Timmy (9), Cars (9), Arteta (9), Neville (9)
AJ(10)

Subs:Beats (-) Valante (-)

Goalkeeper

My Take
Howard will always be the first choice from now on. A very good move by Moyes. Not too sure if Alex Ferguson would let him go though.

90 minutes
Howard was every bit prepared for this game. He made all the critical saves like the sure goal against Luis Garcia. For those balls that flew past him, he either didn't need to make those saves, or it was totally inevitable. But nonetheless, it didn't matter as no balls bulged the net of Everton. Great goalkeeping display.


Defence

My Take
The defensive pair of Lescott and Yobo has solidified. I believe they are now a defensive pair for all the premiership strikers to beat. Great to see the return of Hibbo; the quiet right back that does more than his fair share of work.

90 minutes
Solid. totally solid! With great cover support provided by Nayce and Hibbo. What's more, the left and right backs were able to maraude forward. Whenever there was a Red counter-attack, Cars and Neville was full of running and were on hand to help the defenders take out the thrash.
Midfield

My Take
A strong five-men midfield was in place to halt any possible onslaught by Liverpool. The likes of Cahill, Arteta, Cars and Ossie are growing well together. They are willing to put their limbs on the line.

90 minutes
A stranglehold in the middle of the park. Cahill continued his scoring contribution from midfield. Arteta was no longer showing off his dribble, but his passes were effective and had to be quick to pick out AJ. Ossie, with his small build, was buzzing around the entire field. Cars, well he was the creator of two goals.


Attack

My Take
AJ continues his hard running against the opponent's defence. He was once again played as a lone striker but has shown what a great asset he is.

90 minutes
AJ is all about being enterprising and a work horse for the team. He is also a continuous thorn in th butt for Liverpool. AJ scored two fabulous goals. Fabulous can also be seen from Liverpool's boo-boo. First, Carragher failed to clear the ball and AJ crept behind him to slot the ball neatly pass Reina. Second, Reina himself gifted the ball to AJ. Palming it like he was playing volleyball, Reina tried to catch Cars long shot but was all buttered finger. AJ came sneaked in to head the ball into the net. Liverpool was in total disarray!

EVERTON vs LIVERPOOL - Preview

Get ready your battle gear, focus and let's dish out some misery for Pool on our home ground. This game is where emotion runs high. Even my emotions will get the better of me. I'm confident to say that I'm willing to lose other matches. But definitely not this!

I expect to see Everton playing the attacking game. Their tails are up and will be ready for the fight.

Weir, Neville, AJ, Faddie, Valante, Davis and Nayces are all back, but Faddie is out with a hamstring injury and may not be able to recover for tomorrow's game. Stubbsy is back in contention but together with weir, they may be on the subs bench.

With a fast Pool attack, we might need to go for a young and spritely defence.


Howard

Nayce, Lescott, Yobo, Neville
Arteta, Timmy, Cars, Ossie
AJ, Beats

Substitutes
Wright, Weir, Anichebe, Davis, Valante

Scoreline: Everton 2 - 2 Liverpool

How Many Wins Left?

My policy for Everton is always try to reach the safety zone first. Any other points after that is really a bonus.

So what does safety means? 40 points or 10 wins and 10 draws. So far, the Toffees has achieved 7 points or 2 wins and 1 draw. So simply put, we need another 8 wins and nine draws, and that addtional feather in the peakcap with be the defeat of the Kops!

Well, that win will do wonders for Everton's future matches as their confidence will then be sky high. So let's blow them away!

Is Everton Short of Left Wingers?

Ok, first we sold Killer. now Moyes have came up to say that he might actually use Nayce as a left winger? I do surely pray that VdM come back quick. Actually, VdM has to handle more than just his injury or fitness. I think, psychologically, his spirit is miles away. Maybe it's at some pub in Netherlands!

I don't doubt that Nayce can play the flanks, but I don't see him as a creative player ala Ginola or even Gazza. It's like asking Hibbo to play right flank!

Don't think we should start panicking now...erm...maybe soon!

Players on International Duties

So how did the Toffees on International duties fared?

Scotland
Weir - Captained the side
Nayce - Did quite ok in the 6-0 drubbing of Faroe Islands
Faddie - Assisted in the setting up of one goal, scored one, and had one off the post

England
AJ - Came on for the last 20 minutes. Seemed to have the jitters
Neville - Steady performance as a right back, lots of movement, but not among the top england players

Wales
Davis - Carried his fine form for Everton to the International game. But all his efforts came to naught.

There'll be other International games on Thurs. Hope the players would have recovered by Saturday. But of course, Moyes may want to take this opportunity to further rotate the squad.

Actim Players Ranking: 290806

Nowadays, every single pass and tackle can be counted and be tabulated in a table of statistics. One accurate statistics counter would be the Actim Index. So here are the number of players from the selected clubs who are in the Top 100 listing.

Manure: 12
Portsmouth: 11
Villa: 10
West Ham: 8
Everton: 7
Chelski: 5
Pool: 1

The seven Everton players that made it to the Top 100 list are:-

AJ - 4th (4th highest rated Striker)
Neville: 17th
Timmy: 23rd
Arteta: 28th
Howard: 45th (3rd highest rated Goalkeeper)
Yobo: 46th
Cars: 58th

Other interesting stats includes:-

Most goals scored: 5/20 placing
Most goals conceded: 16/20 placing

Time is about up

All the names that have been tossed around. So will there be any last minute ins-and-outs?
The rumoured transfers are all coming to light.

Tommy Gravesen - Celtic
Steed Malbranque - Spurs

Killa - Heading to Wigan? Highly likely to be a done deal. Was that the reason why he played so badly in the last game? I never remember Killa being such a clumsy player. Being a left flank player, I also don't expect him to do much of the tackling. Hmm...Moyes must have other ideas, I guess.

So the other question is whether our player De Silva, who is currently on loan in Spain, will be at Goodison Park by the transfer deadline? I think it'll be good of him to be here as he will be able to learn much with a wafer-thin team that the Toffees has.

Tomorrow, all will be revealed.

Carling Cup: Peterborough vs Everton

After yesterday's win, Everton next match will be against our bitter mersey rival, Pool. Also over the last couple of days, Everton was picked to play against Second Division Peterborough. This Cup, though is not as glamorous as the Champions League, proves to be another avenue for clubs to get hold of some silverware.

Everton's squad is much stronger this season and thus, should use this opportunity to not only try out the youth, but also to put some players back to their paces.

I suggest playing the likes of:

Wright
Sandro, Weir, Hughes, Hibbo
VdM, Neville, Ossie, Davis
Anichebe, Faddie


Subs: Turner, Boyle, Vidarsson, Vaughany, Stubbsy

TOTTENHAM vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

Everton has made it one of their best starts of the season with a collosus 2-0 win over mighty Tottenham!

As expected, Moyes played a 4-5-1 formation with AJ playing that lone striker role. Beats was finally relegated to the bench after two lazy performance. (Beats: Don't you ever think of playing for the England team with that kind of performance!). The line-up was much similar to the last game except that Timmy was given a starting role in this game.

Score: Tottenham 0 - 2 Everton
Scorers: A Tottenham Own Goal, AJ

Team Line-up (Rating)

Howard (7)
Nayces (7), Lescott (8), Yobo (9), Neville (8)
Killer (6), Timmy (7) Cars (8), Arteta (7), Ossie (8)
AJ (9)

Sub: Weir (7)


Goalkeeper

My Take
Howard is currently growing from strength to strength. He has taken off where Nigel Martyn had left off. what's more, Howard has many years ahead of him.

90 Mins
Howard was never really tested. Those shots that were on target were never troubling him too much.

Defence

My Take
Nayces continued his return to fitness with another start. Yobo was paired with Lescott and this would really test Lescott as it'll be his first start for Everton. Neville continued to marshal the boys from the right.

90 Mins
From the first whistle on, Tottenham was totally lost at sea. Every single chance they tried to penetrate the defence, the midfield in the form of Cars, and even AJ would be back to help mark the players. Nayces has been increasing in confidence as he prowl the left side of the field, while Yobo and Lescott seemed to have hit a purple patch in terms of defending their goal post. Neville showed much more stability during this game. It was not only stoid defending, but they only caused havoc in the Tottenham 18-yard box. Lescott was a nuisance in the penalty area which ultimately led to an own-goal by Tottenham's defender Davenport. Neville also provided the killer assist for AJ to slice in the second goal.

Midfield

My Take
Did not expect Killer to be involved in this game, but the other players, like Cars, Timmy, Arteta and Ossie, were the regular suspects.

90 Mins
Everton outplayed and outgunned Tottenham. This midfield was THE team of old where they ran their opponents ragged and had a stranglehold of the centre of the park. This was what they did with precision today. The Toffees had played a pretty tight game until Killer got sent off. After that, the team started to play for each other. Each knowing their roles well, and each helping out not only in defence, but also in attack. Timmy, Arteta and Osman supported strongly in attack. Timmy was a great assistant to AJ as he kept the ball in the final third of the field and gave the opposing defenders alot to think about. Arteta was not his tricky self yet, but still managed the ball pretty well, and Ossie accosted himself well with a great perfromance on the right side of the field. With his low centre of gravity, he slid in and out of a very crowded midfield with ease. Cars continued to play a critical role of protecting the back four. He made many interceptions which might have led to golas if they were to be played into Everton's penalty area. When killer was sent off, Arteta was moved to the left, which he was pretty much comfortable in that role.

Strike

My Take
AJ was recalled to the England side less than 24 hours to the game at Tottenham. Much was expected of him as his speed has gotten Everton out of a number of dicey situation.

90 mins
AJ was totally amazing. His work ethics was par excellence! He literally covered every single blade of the field. This was what Everton was lacking last season. AJ could release some steam through his pacey counter-attacks. He even tracked back to defend for Everton. The goal he scored also showed his opportunistic side where went between two Tottenham defender and sliced in a shot pass England International's Goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

TOTTENHAM vs EVERTON - Preview

We should move back to our tried and tested 4-5-1 or 4-4-1-1. But if we play 4-4-2, the left flank must improve. I suggest we put Faddie in that position. Man for man, we will not be able to match Tottenham. Strong in all areas of the field, it'll be more of containment and doing the counter-attack as far as I see it. Everton must not fall victim to an early goal. Or else, I believe the flood gates will be opened.

We need an experienced centre-half but Weir is still a tad bit off in terms of fitness. Or else, he would have been a direct replacemewnt for Stubbsy. Experience in defence is required here, especially in dealing with Tottenham's troublesome strike force. If Hibbo plays, then Neville will replace Cars as he had played the last two match and may be calling out for a rest.


Howard
Valante, Lescott, Yobo, Neville
Faddie, Timmy, Cars, Arteta
AJ, Beats

Subsitutes
Wright, Beats, Davis, Hibbo,

Scoreline
Tottenham 0 - 2 Everton

Near full squad for the first time?

Moyes will have almost a full squad with him when he visits Tottenham tomorrow. Weir, Valante and Hibbo has shaken off their injuries and illness, but I think only Valante looked the most likely to return to the first IX. Stubbsy may not be able to join the party.

Davis is going back to his former hunting ground but I suspect that Ossie, with his superlative performance in the last game, will keep Davis out of the team.

We will also need to put up an advertisement to locate VdM. where in the world is he? He's a good player but I'm afraid that he's getting caught up in his knickers while partying his time away.

Once again, the midfield needs to be packed up. I think Beats, if he plays, needs to take a deeper role. He didn't seem to be winning any headers during the last match though. I thought he is a good header of the ball. Anyhow. icliverpool.co.uk suggests that Beats should be dropped and be replaced by Faddie. I totally agree!

BLACKBURN vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

The Toffees drew this match by the skin of their teeth. The midfield was totally swamped. Problems, problems. Though I'm happy with the results, I'm a bit concerned that we can't hold it when we have four midfielders instead of the five we played last season. And Timmy, stop dreaming that we can have won. The truth of the matter is that we nearly lost! Everton just have to learn how to manage with four in the midfield instead of their normal five across.

Score: Blackburn 1 - 1 Everton
Scorer: Timmy

Team Line-up (Rating)

Howard (7)
Nayces (6), Stubbsy (6), Yobo (8), Neville (6)
Killer (5), Cars (6), Arteta (5), Ossie (7)
AJ (8), Beats (5)

Sub: Lescott (5), Faddie (7), Timmy (7)

Goalkeeper

My Take
Howard made many of the saves look simple. Any spills and the Blackburn attackers would have toe-pocked the ball into the net.

90 Mins
He accounted himself very well. Even coming up tops in a 1-on-1 decision. The conceded goal was also not any fault of Howard.

Defence

My Take
Surprise appearance of Nayces after a long lay-off. Stubbsy will usually struggle if the strikers are way too fast or if he has to cover for a left back, such as Nayces, who does not seems to be back to his best after his long layoff.

90 Mins
Neville was not his normal composed self. Stubbsy struggled against the likes of pacey Marlon King. Nayces was not fully fit. So the large part of the clearing, sweeping and backtracking was done by Yobo, who has underlined his importance to the team. He prevented a sure-goal by a toe poke and cleared numerous balls away from the goal. He has also learnt his lesson from last season of not passing diagonally across the park when he's in defence. He was the rock in defence.


Midfield

My Take
Killer and Ossie finally made their appearance as Moyes chose to rotate the midfield by placing Timmy on the bench, which was a surprise.

90 Mins
The midfield once again failed the team. Arteta was nowhere to be found, especially in the first half. Their passing were rushed by the opposing midfield, which most often meant long balls and misplaced passes. Cars was sitting back in defence of the midfield and was helping to soak the pressure. Killer was not effective on the left. He has bascially continued where he left off in pre season. That is his below par performance. The only bright spark in midfield was Ossie, who in my mind, deserve a starting line-up one again tomorrow. Totally enterprising and causing Blackburn much headache on the right midfield. Timmy came on as a second-half substitute and he made an impact by scoring Everton's only goal. What will we do without Timmy?

Strike

My Take
I'd expected Moyes to rest Beats even though he helped to set up the goal for AJ, but he continued to play.

90 Mins
AJ has totally changed the way Everton played this season. He speed helped the team in a swift counter-attack. He's never-give-up attitude earned Everton free kicks and corners when Everton were constantly battered by Blackburn. He was the key man. As for "Mr Groany Moany" Beats, he seemed to be complaining about everything and nothing about the fact that he has not scored a goal. Faddie came on as a substitute and created a whole lot of problem which ended up with him setting up a goal for Timmy.

BLACKBURN vs EVERTON - Preview

It ain't the same if you no longer have your speedy top scorer in the form of Craig Ballamy. But no premiership team that's worth it's salt would get a thrashing from another Premiership side. Ditto Fulham. But that's another story altogether.

Everton will need to be on its full alert to repel the attacking force of Benni McCarthy, Shefki Kuqi and Under-21 international David Bentley. The other player that I wouldn't mind joining Everton is their free-scoring midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen.

As for today's line-up, Moyes had vowed to change the team to keep them fresh for the next away game on Saturday against the mighty Tottenham. Well, it's not the time to talk about the Saturday's game. Let's take it one step at a time. But reflecting on what Moyes had mentioned, my take of Everton's line-up goes like this.

Howard
Sandro, Yobo, Stubbsy, Neville
Arteta, Cars, Timmy, Ossie
AJ, Faddie

Substitutes
Wright, VdM, Beats, Lescott, Davis

Scoreline
Blackburn 1 - 1 Everton

Nodding In Agreement

Cars, AJ look-alike, totally agreed with my assessment of Everton's midfield performance last Saturday. AJ was playing the mule's role while the wingers were like some artistocrats, relaxing under the cool breeze, sipping on their red wine.

Like I've mentioned, I can't fault the Toffees for their enthusiasm, but they still have not attained the "Dogs of War" of '95 status. Players like Joe Parkinson, Barry Horne and from the Everton academy, John Ebbrell, could really "bite" their opponents. They were as popular as the Crazy Gang of Wimbledon!

The current midfield has to work a whole load harder.

Latest Updates:

Cars has chosen to stay even when Wolves was trying to get his signature. Good on ya, Cars! Let's stick together and try for the top six position!

Valante is fighting hard to be fit for Wenesday's away game against Blackburn after a nasty bruise on his thighs.

EVERTON vs WATFORD - FULL TIME

To get it off my chest, Everton 2 - 1 Watford. It was a little messy in terms of play but at least the Toffees got their first three points of the season. Now to look at the next match. Everton will be away to Blackburn, who had just lost their opening match.

So Everton just needs another nine more wins and ten draws to stay up. Let's concentrate on that first before we talk about further glory.

Score: Everton 2 - 1 Watford
Scorer: AJ, Arteta

Team Line-up (Rating)

Howard (6)
Valante (6), Stubbsy (6), Yobo (7), Neville (6)
Arteta (6), Timmy (6), Carsley (6), Davis (5)
AJ (8), Beats (6)

Sub: Lescott (5), Faddie (5), Anichebe (6)

Goalkeeper
My Take
I'd expected Howard to play as he is a good goalkeeper who makes the occasional gaff. But which goalie doesn't?

90 Mins
Safe pair of hands. Though non of Watford's goal really did threatened, he made sure that he did not spill any of the simple catches.

Defence

My Take
The selection of the back four was quite expected. My initial take that Lescott would not start was correct. I sensed that Moyes would have felt that the team needed a litle bit of experience behind, and Stubbsy would be that stabilising ballast. Valante inclusion was a little surprising not because he performed badly during pre-season, but because he had exhausted himself quite a bit during the World Cup.

90 Mins
Valante was a shadow of himself. The usually marauding play of his was missing. Watford's attack were more direct and thus, both Valante and Neville had to move into the centre constantly to protect the centre backs. Neville was clean with his clearance but not the type of overlapping right back that you would expect, the type of service that Hibbo would have provided. Yobo and Stubbsy held the fort quite well, with Stubbsy scoring an unfortunate own goal near the end of Full Time. Valante suffered a knock and was replaced by Lescott.

Midfield

My Take
The selection of the players in the middle of the park was a tad bit more defensive than what I'd expected. Timmy, Arteta and Davis were in the line-up, together with Cars would took on the holding midfield role.

90 Mins
The midfield left many gaps for Watford to exploit. It seemed that the field was way too big for these players. There was no flow on the wings as both Arteta and Davis provided the strikers with little service. Arteta was not a running flanker but he was in the team to provide the deadly free kicks. One of which would have translated into a goal if not because of the crossbar. However, he scored a goal from a different type of dead ball situation - A penalty kick, albeit that it should not have been a penalty. Davis was full of running, but could only make that few telling passes. The midfield were basically bypassed by Watford's direct play. Carsley sat in well but Timmy had a rather quiet game. I'd expected Faddie to come in a little earlier but I believe Moyes had wanted to get the midfield to settle. But it was pretty harrowing for the fans though.

Strike

My Take
No surprise in the selection of the two strikers in AJ and Beats. The toffee supporters were rubbing their hands in glee with the combination of these two players.

90 Mins
It has been a long time since Everton scored a goal in the early parts of the first half. It has also been a long time since Everton scored two goals. So when AJ did a double one-two with Beats to put the ball into the net via a deflection, the goodison crowd went ballistic! That happened in the 15th minute. AJ was a joy to watch. Helping in defence, breaking for a quick counter attack, playing on both flanks, drawing the foul in and around the penalty box, and even scoring a magnificant goal. Dosen't matter it was going out in the first place. Beats was his partner-in-crime, setting up the goal for AJ. The only problem was, nobody could keep up with AJ. So Everton was very much stretched out trying to keep pace with the speedy AJ. Much need to be done to complement AJ's style of play.

EVERTON vs WATFORD - Preview

Everton has not lost at home to Watford in the last five meetings. But things are different now. Watford is on a high after joining the Premiership this season. So can Everton make that difference?

Possible line-up

Howard
Nayce, Yobo, Stubbsy, Neville
Killer, Timmy, Arteta, Davis
AJ, Beats

Subs
Wright, Lescott, Faddy, Ossie, Anichebe

Scoreline

Everton 1-0 Watford

Striking Option

So Faddy had signed a three-year contract. We also have the strong and spritely Victor Anichebe waiting on the wings. Vaughan has also started his training.

I can't say that the strikers on the wings are world class, but at least they MIGHT be able substitutes for AJ and Beats. I actually like the enterprising AJ. Can't say the same for Beats though. The former looks so much more hungrier than the latter.

So for the Watford game this Saturday, I'd choose AJ and Anichebe to start. Why Anichebe? Coz I believe he can score the goals. Let him start with Watford, and when the harder opponents come along, he'll not face too much of a culture shock.

Cable Showing Everton-Watford Match

Everton matches have never been a TV person's best friend. Given the numbers of supporters from the other club, Everton supporters in Singapore fall short of those who support Pool, Chelski and Manure.

But guess what, they are showing toffee's matchup this Saturday, and it's live! So do your sums as to why the TV person is doing that.

As for the game, well, don't think we should get our hopes too high until the final whistle is blown. As the saying goes, "Don't count your chicken before they are hatched."

So 1.6 million pound man Faddie has signed a contract extension. Things are looking a little rosier at Goodison Park these days. In the past, you'd expect players to leave when their contract ends. This is a first for a long time that a player who have not been a regular fixture in the squad is staying back to fight for his place.

Miracles do happen!

So Are we Ready?

We have played a handful of warm-up matches, no European competitions to worry about, and a recently promoted Watford as our very first opponent. So Watford is definitely in for the taking. To be truthful to myself, I don't think so!

In the handful of warm-up matches that Everton played, they have not been impressive. Neither was the last warm-up game against Atletico Bilbao. 13 Million Pounds spent on new signings, 15 Million Pounds between the two strikers AJ and Beats, and how many games have we won during the pre-season? How many goals scored and conceded?

P W D L F A

8 3 3 2 10 7


Scorers

Victor Anichebe 4
Mikel Arteta 2
James McFadden 1
Kevin Kilbane 1
James Beattie 1
Tim Cahill 1

Summary

AJ & Beats - 1 goal in total
Anichebe - 4 goals
Midfield contribution - 5 goals

Hmm...Let's look into my crystal ball

Attack
Moyes will choose AJ & Beats as strike partners, while Anichebe, who have scored more goals that the 15 million Pound men combined, will serve as a substitute until Moyes realises that Beats has the Ronaldo syndrome, he's kind of overweight. Faddie is an on-off player. Many a times when he's on the field, he's either offside or off form. Let's hope he makes in good this time. Vaughan is just back from a one-year layoff. So lay off that guy until we see the better of him.

Midfield
I like the likes of Cahill and Arteta. They will contribute goals and that's what good midfielders are all about, score goals while easing off the pressure of the strikers. Kilbane is more of a super-sub, while his replacement, VdM has too many off the field problems. The latest is that someone kidnapped his pooch. Not too sure how is he ever going to settle at Goodison Park. There's been good reviews about Simon Davies. Please continue that form, I beg of you. He was much a bit-part player last season. Ossie is the other attacking midfielder. I have a soft soft for him though I still feel that he has to play beyond himself to maintain his goal scoring record of last. As for Neville, he'll need to keep away from the red mist! Cars, I feel, will play a limited part in this campaign.

Defence
Leaky leaky! Weir and Stubbsy were good but slow last season. They come in with a combined age of more than 70! It's another season and these guys are not getting any younger. So go do the Math. Yobo is fast but he just has to learn how to clear the ball just as fast. He got caught out a couple of times last season. BUT he bailed the team out just as many times. From the looks of it, Lescott seems like a good buy. Sandro is aging and may be another bit-part player together with Nace while Valente is a good left back, but is just coming back from the World Cup. May be a bit lathargic. Hibbo may take awhile to come back because of his illness. Wishing him all the best. He is a solid right back. No frills!

Goalkeeper
Tim Howard? Hmm...let's see if he can hold up during the campaign. Moyes will most likely go for him as we have a butter finger as our No 1 goalie - Wright, right!

If we lose Watford, the writing then might already be on the wall. It might be the start of our fight against relegation. So what's new?