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.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Sunday, August 27, 2006
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
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.
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.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
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
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
Friday, August 25, 2006
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!
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
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
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
Monday, August 21, 2006
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.
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.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
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.
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
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
Friday, August 18, 2006
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
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!
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!
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
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?
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?
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