EVERTON vs ARSENAL - FULL TIME

Hibbo is back in the team as Tommy is not fit for this match, while Neville is played in the middle of the park beside Cars.

Everton looked ready for a fight as the Toffees tried to close any space that Arsenal had rather quickly. Arsenal seemed to be in control for the first five minutes. Everton started to pile a little pressure in the 10th minutes with a cross by Neville which Almunia saved. In the 15th minute, Pienaar, threaded a pass to Timmy, who back-hilled the ball back to Pienaar. The latter then sliced the ball to Yak who carved the open the opposing defence. But the pass on the ball to Pienaar was a little heavy.

Everton has taken the lead in the 19th minute!!! A cross from Arteta saw a mad scramble by Arsenal's defenders. Both Yak and Timmy were there to ensure that the ball entered the net, no matter what. It was a close call as to whether it was Timmy or Yak who scored, but the ground commentator attributed the goal to Timmy. Everton 1-0 Arsenal.

Everton was not giving them any space whatsoever. In the 25th minute, Everton won another corner, but was subsequently cleared by the Arsenal defence. With such a work-rate from Everton, we will surely need to make use of our three substitutes.

Lescott marauding run into the opposing penalty box in the 29th minute was sheperd out for a corner. It was so weird to see Yobo and Lescott so far upfront as they traded passes along the left channel! Somehow Arsenal looked scared!

Once again, Everton needed to get a second goal to calm the nerves and should not be sitting back. In the 36th minute really saw the touches so many players - Arteta, Hibbo, Yak, and finally it led to an over-the-bar shot by Neville. Half-time Everton leads but don't expect Wenger to take it lying down. Expect changes to the team.

Everton started the second half on the offensive, but Arsenal scored on the counter attack. Jag failed to clear and now it's evens stevens. The price you pay for not taking your chances earlier and this has placed Everton under needless pressure. Everton 1-1 Arsenal.

Yak was all alone in the 56th minute but he could not score when the ball was floated into the opposing penalty area. Everton is now a goal down as he turned Jag and scored an unstoppable goal. Everton 1-2 Arsenal. A total lost of concentration!

Arsenal is now playing long balls to try to hold on to their lead. Think not too long ago Wenger was complaining that we were playing the long ball. Everton needs to take Jag out. Instead, Hibbo was taken out, and AJ was brought in. Neville should now occupy the right back position.

Red card for Bendtner! Everton must fight back now. 15 more minutes to press! C'mon Everton! What a stupid mix-up between Yobo and Howard! Now Everton looked like in a horrible state! Everton 1-3 Arsenal. All their hard work undone; total let-down by the defenders.

Crazy crazy match! Arteta got sent off for an elbow. What an act by the Arsenal player! Lescott's winning all the ball, but just not directing them into the net. We saw a total collapse of Everton. The defence totally leaked the goals.

Score: Everton 1-4 Arsenal
Scorer: Timmy
Assist: Arteta
Substitute: AJ

EVERTON vs ARSENAL - Preview

We have always visited big clubs with much trepidation. But this year the feeling is all so different. Everton somehow seems to relish these big confrontations. Their narrow losses to Man United and Liverpool showed that the Toffees can fight tooth and nail against the top four clubs.

Today's confrontation with Arsenal is no different. There's not much expectation on Everton as they are the under-dogs, but for Arsenal, they are expected to win Everton to stay within striking distance of Manchester United. Pressure to stay within the top two will only leave gaps at the back, and that Everton will exploit the gaps today.

There's just this strange confidence that Everton will win even when others are saying that Everton will not.

Predictor: Everton 1-0 Arsenal

EVERTON vs BOLTON - FULL TIME

Tommy got his first start and that should be exciting while Pienaar who made the mistake in the last game, was retained. Pienaar did performed well in the last game and should rightly continue. Everton would want to keep Anelka and Diouf quiet.

The first two minutes saw the ball in Everton's half, while the next ten minutes was pretty much scrappy. Tommy looked like he needs a little warm-up with all his misplaced passes.

The first shot at goal was from Bolton in the 15th minute, but it was high and wide. Then, everything was dead and quiet once again.

In the 19th minute, Everton broke away with Pienaar on the left channel. Lescott took over the ball and centred the ball to Arteta who thundered the ball towards goal but was deflected wide.

In the 23rd minute, Arteta was fouled just outside the penalty area. Free kick. Time for Arteta special, but was headed away. Everton won themselves another free kick two minutes later but once again cleared by Bolton. Everton was now piling the pressure but still not profiting from it.

Yak was in a good position in the 32nd minute when Arteta's cross came in, but Yak was pressured by the opposing defender to head the ball out instead of into the goal. Yobo's passing also seemed to be failing him as well. Everton will need to play the channels to break Bolton's defence.

Few and far between attacks - Tommy struck the ball well but it was deflected. Yak then scored but was ruled offside. Half time Everton 0-0 Bolton.

With the kick of the ball in the 45th minute, Yak controlled the ball and cut it back for Timmy who tired to place the ball past the opposing goalie but the latter was quick to react to the ball. The subsequent corner saw Lescott missed a wonderfully good chance.

Everton earned two other corners in the 49th minute but could not score. Then came the opener in the 51st minute! From the right channel, Neville delivered a cross which eluded the on rushing goalkeeper and defender. So is it a cross or is it a chip? Does it matter? Everton 1-0 Bolton.

Sigh of relief from the Everton crowd after intense pressure on Bolton.

Arteta then bamboozled three defenders with his mazy run and was then halted by a body-check. Everton has started their flowing moves. Jag then made a crucial block in the 58th minute to prevent a possible strike on Everton's goal. Jag then made three other crucial stops in quick succession.

Everton needs to get their second goal as Bolton. Lescott cleared off the line in the 65th minute! Magnificant clearance!

Advantage played and Everton scores in the 7oth minute!!! Lovely, lovely play. A tackle on Tommy was given the advantage as the ball reached Lescott who played himself onside. Lescott cuts back the ball for the lil jellybean Timmy to slot it past the goalkeeper. Everton 2-0 Bolton.

Timmy and Lescott looked very influential. Even Yak has been standing his ground around the opposing penalty area. Arteta has also started to take pot shots at goal. Tommy goes off and is replaced by AJ.

Bolton might feel a little bit hard done by the referee's decision. But sometimes, things just go the other way. The opposition was then through on goal in the 81st minute but Howard was alert to stop the ball. Neville's off, and Hibbo's on. Everton had a scare in the 87th minute as the ball flew past the left post of Howard's goal.

Final change, Yak off and Vaughany's on. Scrappy play again for the last three minutes but it does not matter as Everton has taken the three points.

Score: Everton 2-0 Bolton
Scorer: Neville, Timmy
Assist: Lescott
Subs: AJ, Hibbo, Vaughany

EVERTON vs BOLTON - Preview

This is the moment Everton should grasp hold of and make sure that the Toffees get back to a winning start.

Their opponent - Bolton - will not be an easy club to face, but at least Everton is playing at home. Well, this the season to be Jolly! Arteta is expected to be back, and if that's so, it'll most likely be the 4-5-1 formation.

Predictor: Everton 4-2 Bolton

MAN U vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

Everton started without Arteta but were still handling well in the first five minutes. Fiesty match that saw two Man U players getting their yellow cards.

In the 9th minute, Man U nearly scored. Howard and Jag could not make a clean clearance and Tevez slid in to nearly score. Everton attacked in the 12th minute with a Lescott low cross but the opposing goalie was up to it. Shortly after, Timmy and Hibbo received their yellow cards respectively. It seemed that the referee was fast losing the control of the game.

In the 22nd minute, Ronaldo scored an unstoppable goal just outside the penalty area. Unstoppable. Man U 1-0 Everton.

Everton fought back and scored!!! From the left channel, Pienaar floated in the ball that saw Timmy raised above two opposing defenders to head the ball past Man U's goalkeeper.

Man U 1-1 Everton.

In the 31st minute, AJ worked the left channel once again and centred the ball that saw Yak set up Neville who skied the ball. Nearly. Shortly after, Lescott had to clear off the line in the 32nd after a good play by Man U's Rooney. Tevez tried his luck at goal in the 38th minute but saw Howard picking up the ball quite easily.

Everton has been hustling the Man U players and have not really given them time to settle. But with a quick counter move, Ronaldo nearly scored.

Half time break came at a well deserved timing as both teams were going at each other for the 45 minutes.

Everton won two corners in quick succession after the break but nothing came out of both the corners. In the 50th minute, Tevez tried but was cleared away. Man U started to press once again and Everton has been soaking in the pressure for the last five minutes. Howard made a wonderful save off Tevez as he caught the deflected ball.

Loads of Man U pressure while Everton just continued to take it in while trying their best to push out of their half. It's the 70th minute and Man U still trying to break Everton. They brought in Saha to add to Man U's firepower. On the 73rd minutes, Hibbo made a school boy foul just outside the penalty area and that gave Ronaldo the opportunity to set up Rooney who nearly bulge Howard's net.

Tommy has come in for Yak and hopes to solidify the midfield. Pienaar seemed to be everywhere and he is the player that is pulling te strings for Everton. The Toffees won themselves a free kick in the 80th minute but once again, nothing came out of it.

Everton made their second change in the 85th minute, taking off harworking Timmy for Anichebe. In the 86th minute, Rooney's thunderbolt shot was pushed away by Howard.

Penalty! Ronaldo scores. Everton has created problems for themselves. Pienaar tripped Giggs in the box. Man U 2-1 Everton. Sickening, sickening game. Sigh.

But good play by Everton all round.

Score: Man U 2-1 Everton
Scorer: Timmy
Assist: Pienaar
Subs: Tommy, Anichebe

MAN UTD vs EVERTON - Preview

Everton is without Arteta, while Man U's Ferdinand does not even make it to the bench because of the Christmas party that went wrong. Alex Ferguson is not perturb by dropping his top players if they cross his path.

though it may look like Everton will profit from this, we should never under-estimate the depth that Man U has.

Even the newspapers, bookmakers and even the television hosts are expecting Everton to lose. We'll see if the naysayers are correct.

Predictor: Man U 1-2 Everton

UEFA CUP: Everton in Last 32

Everton topped the table for their group matches and will now face a team that finished third in their group - SK Brann. If they were to make it through to the next round, they will face either Rosenberg or Fiorentina.

Let's take it one step at a time and look at SK Brann first. A strong team from Norway even though they may have finished third in their group matches. But Everton has won the battles but not the war.

Last 32 is an achievement, but making it all the way would be heavenly!

AZ ALKMAAR vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

Let's forget about the negatives and just look at the positives. It's been years since Everton has had it this good.

Everton left five senior players in England - Yobo, Timmy, Yak, Neville and Arteta - big names that would have affected any team. But Moyes had wanted to show that those players warming the bench were ready to take on the challenge of the current first teamers, and they really showed what they were made of.

AJ was a man on fire as he made sure that his name was on Moyes mind by scoring in the 1st minute. AJ battled his way through the AZ defence and nicely despatched the ball past the stunned opposing goalkeeper. AZ 0-1 Everton.

But a lapse of concentration saw AZ draw parity. Jag was nearest to the opposing striker but could not stop the ball from going in. AZ 1-1 Everton.

In the 43rd minute, Everton won a corner which was taken by Faddie. AJ once again created mayhem in the opposing penalty box. He instinctively cut back the ball which Lescott smashed it goalwards only to see it cleared off the line. But Jag was first off the block as he headed the ball back into the net! AZ 1-2 Everton.

AZ then clawed its way back with a nicely placed header that Lescott could not get the ball out. AZ 2-2 Everton. AZ was definitely not giving up.

Everton had the last say though. With Anichebe picking up a long ball, he moved the ball and saw Vaughany running into space from the blind side. A lovely high pass that saw Vaughany tapping the ball beyond the opposing defender and goalkeeper. Delicate delicate goal! AZ 2-3 Everton.

100% win in the Group stages, 7th consecutive away win, 13 games undefeated. Many records to be broken. What's more, youngsters Anichebe and Vaughany played brilliantly, AJ, Hibbo, Tommy and Faddie also gave good accounts of themselves. Moyes even had time to blood two young players - Vidarsson and 16 year-old Jack Rodwell. Keep the latter name in mind as he is now the youngest player to make his debut in Everton colours, beating Looney Rooney and even Vaughany.

What fine performance! Bring Manchester United on for the English Premier League match this Sunday. We may lose or draw this upcoming game, but Everton will make it difficult for our opposition.

Score: AZ 2-3 Everton
Scorer: AJ, Jag, Vaughany
Assist: Anichebe
Subs: Vidarsson, Vaughany, Rodwell

Actim Players Ranking: 181207

Everton players in the Top 100.

Arteta: 13th (252) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8), (30/10); Best position: 8th
Lescott: 17th (244) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender(18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9), (30/10), (6/11); Fourth Best Defender (9/10), (23/10), (18/12); Fifth Best Defender (13/11), (27/11), (04/11) Best position: 9th
Yakubu: 18th (244); Best position: 18th
Howard: 38th (205) - Fifth best goalie (28/8); Third best goalie (4/9); Best position: 38th
Neville: 57th (186) - Best position: 53rd
Yobo: 74th (167) - Best position: 74th
Pienaar: 76th (164) - Best position: 76th
Ossie: 86th (153) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); Best position: 9th
Cars: 89th (150) - Best position: 87th

Those who have previously made it to the top 100.
AJ: 96th (90) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Hibbo: 100th (89) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Stubbsy: Nil - 80th (78) - Fifth best defender (21/8), (28/8); Best position: 18th
Anichebe: Nil - 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8), Best position: 5th

WEST HAM vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

Everton has remain unchanged and the battle between West Ham and Everton continues.

West Ham started as they did in the previous match and they threatened Everton in the first couple of minutes. The opposition continued to press and they nearly scored in the 14th minute.

Somehow, Yak looked a little lonely up front with minimal support from Arteta and Timmy as they are playing rather deeply. Very little separate the two teams but whenever West Ham attacked with high balls, they looked dangerous. Everton was not closing the opposition quickly enough too.

There were many half chances for both sides but none were converted. But just before half time, the scrooge of West Ham strikes again! A nice cross into the penalty box by Arteta, a return header by Timmy who set up none other than Yak! This man seemed to have the midas touch. Scoring with his left and right legs, now he scores with his head. West Ham 0-1 Everton!

The starting of the 2nd half was a tight one once again. In the 56th minute, Everton won themselves a free kick which was taken by Arteta. The opposing goalie punched the ball away from the penalty area. The ball reached Cars who took a first time chance outside the box. The ball was streaking towards the top left of the net until it was headed away from goal by the opposing defender.

West Ham started to maintain the pressure on Everton in the 60th minute and the crowd was egging them on. Everton seemed to have moved all their players into their own half. Very dangerous play.

Everton nearly scored in the 68th minute when the opposing defenders just switched off as they played Yak off side but Ossie ran in from the blind side and picked up the ball on from an on-side position and chipped the keeper and it just missed the goal.

West Ham does not sit back as they continued to attack. The pressure was on Everton penalty area as West Ham continued their search for their equaliser. But Everton pressed back with Yak's header stopped by the opposing goalie and then the goalie made another save from Cars thunderbolt drive.

The West Ham crowd were getting a little restless with their team's misplaced passes. But the pressure was on once again on Everton but the West Ham players undid everything with further bad passes and crosses.

AJ came on for the tiring Yak and immediately made an impact. While West Ham tried their very best to equalise, Everton hit back and scored a second. With a long clearance from defence, the opposing defender could not get a clean header which AJ gratefully picked it up and coolly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper.

Everton has put four goals past West Ham over the last two matches and the latter really did not have an answer to Everton.

Score: West Ham 0-2 Everton
Scorer: Yak, AJ
Assist: Timmy, Neville
Sub: AJ

WEST HAM vs EVERTON - Preview

Hope this will be a deja vu match as how it was played out on Wednesday.

West Ham will come back strong on two counts. Firstly, they are like a wounded animal ready for revenge. They would not have enjoyed one bit when they lost to Everton the last time, what's more in front of their home crowd.

Secondly, cup-tied players such as Solano will be back to play for West Ham. It'll be a tough match. However, Everton is in rich form and Yak should be up there creating problems for the opposing defence once again.

Predictor: West Ham 0-3 Everton

Carling Cup: WEST HAM vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

Everton fielded a strong team with only one forced change in the left back position where Lescott has slotted in for the injured Bainesy, while Jag moves into central defence.

For the first five minutes. both teams looked cautious and were gingerly testing each other's defence. Somehow, Everton's midfield looked a little flat with Arteta, Pienaar and Ossie not really imposing themselves. Shortly, West Ham scored in the 12th minute with both the central defence pair of Yobo and Jags not pressing the opponents for the ball, and for Howard running to claim the ball, only not to get it! Totally lathargic play! 1-0 down in this away match.

Everton seemed to be losing all the 50-50 chances and headers and have not really string any passes worth mentioning. Even Arteta's perfect crosses were deserting him.

Everytime West Ham breaks, they looked so dangerous.

About 30 minute has past and nothing meaningful has come out of Everton's play. Passes have continued to go astray. Only in the 38th minute that Everton made their first attack but without testing the opposing goalkeeper.

Then Everton woke up! In the 38th minute, Pienaar received the ball in the penalty area, controlled the ball and made a sublime pass to Ossie whose first time strike saw Everton draw themselves back to parity. West Ham 1-1 Everton.

Moyes really have alot to talk to the team about during the half time break and the first thing he might have mentioned in no uncertain terms was that Everton was giving the opposing team too much space and they would really have to close down the opposition.

Everton started much better in the second half. Timmy has started to fight for every ball. The 3,000 strong Everton supporters were really shouting themselves hoarse!

The two teams are battling well. But Everton seemed like they're starting to get lathargic once again. Everton might need to ring in one or two changes to liven things up a little. Timmy has battled hard but may just be in the need for hardworking AJ to toil the ground.

It's not a good sign when the Everton midfield goes quiet once again. Ossie was nowhere to be seen and Everton just can't seem to get the ball off West Ham.

Then West Ham gave a gift to Everton in the 87th minute!

With a high ball, West Ham defenders failed to clear the ball and with the muddle between the opposing goalie and his defenders, Yaks sneaked in to put the ball beyond the bumbling backline. West Ham 1-2 Everton.

That's the final result and Everton's through to the Semi-finals! Yaks scored once again! and 11 matches undefeated.

The irony? Everton meets West Ham this Saturday which the latter will be looking for revenge. Bring it on I say!

Score: West Ham 1-2 Evertom
Scorers: Ossie, Yaks
Assists: Pienaar, Jag

Actim Players Ranking: 111207

Everton players in the Top 100.

Arteta: 16th (237) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8), (30/10); Best position: 8th
Lescott: 22nd (228) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender(18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9), (30/10), (6/11); Fourth Best Defender (9/10), (23/10); Fifth Best Defender (13/11), (27/11), (04/11) Best position: 9th
Yakubu: 29th (207); Best position: 29th
Howard: 48th (185) - Fifth best goalie (28/8); Third best goalie (4/9); Best position: 42nd
Neville: 63rd (170) - Best position: 53rd
Ossie: 77th (153) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); Best position: 9th
Yobo: 80th (151) - Best position: 80th
Pienaar: 83rd (149) - Best position: 83rd


Those who have previously made it to the top 100.

AJ: 96th (90) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Hibbo: 100th (89) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Stubbsy: Nil - 80th (78) - Fifth best defender (21/8), (28/8); Best position: 18th
Anichebe: Nil - 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8); Best position: 5th
Cars: Nil - Best position: 87th (39)

EVERTON vs FULHAM - FULL TIME

So many positives today even though the weather placed a dampener on things.

Both teams were having a go at each other with Lescott making the opposing keeper save as early as the 2nd minute. Baines, Ossie, Cars, Pienaar and Timmy were all very lively in the first 10 minutes. Arteta has also caused mayhem in the opposing area with his pin-point corners and free kicks.

But Everton had to make a change. With a nice one-two that set Bainesy away on the left flank, he slowed to a stop as he had pulled his hamstring and had to be replaced by Jag in the 22nd minute.

Somehow with the change, the nature of the game seemed to lose its fluidity. Yaks looked a bit flat in the first half even though he was a ready runner. Playing as a loner striker, they will just have to find a way to break Fulham down. It was not one sided though Fulham has not made an impact in the final third. Half time.

Second half saw Everton attacking the way they did in the first 10 minutes of the first and it soon led to Everton's first goal. With a high header into the opposing penalty area, Timmy lashed the ball towards goal. The opposing goalie parried the ball only as far as Yaks who placed the ball beyond the goalie. 1-0 to Everton.

The goal has removed the shackles and Everton started to attack with pomp. But it did not mean that Everton did not have their fair share of scares from Murphy and Dempsey.

After an Ossie try that the opposing goalie somehow saved, Arteta once again took a sweet corner which Jag had a flick-on and Yaks headed the ball into the net. 2-0. Yaks seemed to have came alive in the 2nd half. Arteta had been delivering great crosses all throughout the game. Ossie also seemed to be having his better game today.

Jag is also showing what a quality player he is with him popping into the penalty box with headers and creating a nuisance of himself there.

Yaks created an opener in the 68th minute when he broke free from the offside trap and squared the ball to Arteta. The last man recovered in time to tap the ball beyond Arteta. One good chance went bagging.

In the 75th minute, Yaks ran after a high clearance and was behind the opposing defender. He used his body strength well and surged past the defender who made a quick recovery and slid the ball out for a corner.

That did not deter Yaks from scoring the third in the 78th minute. A nice through pass from Pienaar cut the opposing defence into half. Yaks took hold of the ball, cut back from a charging defender, and dispatched the ball nicely into the top right corner of the goal. 3-0! and Yaks has his hat-trick.

Off Timmy and Yaks who have clocked in a good shift. On came AJ and Faddie. This is Everton with depth as the substitutes could walk into most teams in the Premiership.

Faddie made the keeper save twice since coming on. Both AJ and Faddie looked lively too.

Wondering win. The first hat-trick in four years. Everton has also extended their unbeaten run to 10. Moyes is definitely the best manager for Everton in the 21st Century.


Score: Everton 3-0 Fulham
Scorer: Yaks (3)
Assists: Timmy, Jag, Pienaar
Subs: Jag, AJ, Faddie

EVERTON vs FULHAM - Preview

A few ex- Everton players will be in the Fulham team. McBribe who played really well for the club and can still pop in a goal or two. But he's generally being deployed as a substitute. Davis is another player who can pop a few goals. But I believe that Everton dropped them from the books at a good time.

They are no longer the players they were before. But they can prove me wrong in this match. Still, Everton should pip them to the three points. Valente and Hibbo are doubts but generally, the entire team is raring to go.

Predictor: Everton 1-0 Fulham

EVERTON vs ZENIT ST PETERSBURG - FULL TIME

This is the first time ever that Everton has made it to the last 32. The best that Everton has done was to get to the third round, and that was in 1964-65!

David Moyes and Bill Kenwright has definitely brought the club forward.

Everton started the game with fire. In the 2nd minute, Faddie took a throw-in close to the final third. The ball floated into the penalty area. The opponent's defenders failed to clear the ball which then landed in front of Arteta who chipped the ball over the goalie. The ball was subsequently cleared off the line. In the 8th minute, it was Faddie who skipped pass a tackle and tried to centre the ball to AJ who was in the penalty area, only to be cleared nervously by the opposing defender.

Everton was in luck. In the 28th minute, Everton was awarded a penalty as Timmy's goalward shot was deflected off a Zenit defender who was unfortunate. The ball had actually hit the defenders chest, but was sent off by the referee for handball.

Just dessert! Arteta missed the subsequent penalty shot.

Arteta then took a lovely free kick in the 35th minute which would have crept in if not for the acrobatics of Zenit goalkeeper.

Closer too, Cars shot rebounded off the left goalpost!

In the second half, Howard was needed to stop Zenit from taking the lead and Everton somehow went into a lull. The 85th minute changed the entire complex of things. With Arteta's corner, Lescott headed the ball towards goal but was blocked. Lescott had a second bite of the cherry but was blocked by the goalkeeper, and in came Timmy who slided in to put Everton in front.

Everton has taken a big stride in extending their UEFA Cup dream.

Score: Everton 1-0 Zenit
Scorer: Timmy
Assist: Lescott
Subs: Anichebe, Vaughany

Actim Players Ranking: 041207

Everton players in the Top 100.

Lescott: 18th (217) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender(18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9), (30/10), (6/11); Fourth Best Defender (9/10), (23/10); Fifth Best Defender (13/11), (27/11), (04/11) Best position: 9th
Arteta: 25th (207) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8), (30/10); Best position: 8th
Howard: 50th (168) - Fifth best goalie (28/8); Third best goalie (4/9); Best position: 42nd
Neville: 65th (154) - Best position: 53rd
Yakubu: 70th (151); Best position: 66th
Yobo: 92nd (134) - Best position: 84th
Pienaar: 98th (130) - Best position: 85th

Those who have previously made it to the top 100.

AJ: 96th (90) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Hibbo: 100th (89) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Stubbsy: Nil - 80th (78) - Fifth best defender (21/8), (28/8); Best position: 18th
Ossie: Nil - 89th (66) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); Best position: 9th
Anichebe: Nil - 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8); Best position: 5th
Cars: Nil - Best position: 87th (39)

PORTSMOUTH vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

It was a totally uninteresting match between the two teams. This time round, Portsmouth was the better team with more shots on goals and they were also more threatening.

Moyes started with the same team that thrashed Sunderland last week. Valente is slowly claiming his place as left back. This means that Baines was not in the team. Joning Baines were Faddie andTommy.

Many of the Everton players did not perform up to par. Arteta on the left wing found it rather difficult to pass his markers and Pienaar had to resort to fouling his opponents. Everton needed Howard to be in top form to save two near goals. This was one game that Everton would love to forget. Nothing to crow about.

Score: Portsmouth 0-0 Everton
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil

PORTSMOUTH vs EVERTON - Preview

After Everton's emphatic win, they now have to knuckle themselves them and focus on the next match. Redknapp might be facing problems with the police probe, but it does not mean that his team is not dangerous.

Portsmouth is one place above Everton, and they also have home advantage. What's more, they have a deadly striker in the form of Benjani. Yaks may not be the best for Everton, but at least he's scoring now.

Predictor: Portsmouth 1-1 Everton

Actim Players Ranking: 271107

Everton players in the Top 100.

Lescott: 14th (208) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender(18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9), (30/10), (6/11); Fourth Best Defender (9/10), (23/10); Fifth Best Defender (13/11), (27/11) Best position: 9th
Arteta: 18th (196) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8), (30/10); Best position: 8th
Howard: 57th (154) - Fifth best goalie (28/8); Third best goalie (4/9); Best position: 42nd
Yakubu: 66th (146); Best position: 66th
Neville: 84th (135) - Best position: 53rd
Pienaar: 85th (135) - Best position: 85th
Yobo: 94th (124) - Best position: 84th

Those who have previously made it to the top 100.

AJ: 96th (90) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Hibbo: 100th (89) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Stubbsy: Nil - 80th (78) - Fifth best defender (21/8), (28/8); Best position: 18th
Ossie: Nil - 89th (66) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); Best position: 9th
Anichebe: Nil - 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8); Best position: 5th
Cars: Nil - Best position: 87th (39)

EVERTON vs SUNDERLAND - FULL TIME

Everton is in seven heaven!

The Toffees made their intentions known when Timmy and even Valente had shots on goal in the first 10 minutes of the game. Also, Neville looked lively on the right flank.

In the 11th minute, straight from Howard's goal kick, the Sunderland's defender allowed the ball to bounce. Yaks picked up the ball and cooly slotted the ball, albeit a deflection, into the net. Everton 1-0 Sunderland.

Wonder wonder goal by Timmy! Arteta gave the opponent's defence lots to think about. From the nicely weighted pass by Yaks, Arteta took the ball to the right flank, cut the ball back, and slide it to Neville, who then chipped the ball into the penalty area. Timmy controlled the ball and did a grounder sissors kick that saw the ball bulge Sunderland's net. 2-0!

Everton came close with the third goal with a glancing header. Arteta once again showing his class on the right side of the field.

Whenever a Sunderland player gets the ball in the final third of the field, two or three Everton would go in to harass the player, never letting him settle.

Sweet move that led to a wonderful goal. In the 42nd minute, Everton swept upfield through Pienaar. He played the ball to the overlapping Valente and the latter gladly slide the ball into the penalty area which Pienaar took over and displaced the ball nicely into the top right hand corner of the opponent's goal. 3-0!

But kudos to the Sunderland players, they took the fight to Everton and just before half time, pulled a goal back through ever-green Dwight Yorke. 3-1. Something that Moyes have to think about in the dressing room.

Sunderland removed two of their more influential players - Yorke and Etuhu. Wonder why Keano did that.

Everton started a little on their back feet. But Timmy helped change the scene.

From a straight ball from the middle, Yobo's punt saw it reaching Timmy who took it pass the last defender and slotted the ball into the net. 4-1. I was a happy camper as I hade predicted 4-1. But the goals actually continued to flow. Not that I'm unhappy about it. Far from it.

Pienaar and Ossie were creating much havoc on the right side of the field, and through this combination, the ball moved around in the penalty area and Yaks did them a favour by rotating his body and smashing the ball into the net. 5-1. The party has really started.

And we have six! AJ just back from injury sprinted towards the goal after Neville's clearance. Leaving the last man in his shadow, he then placed the ball pass the Sunderland's goalie. Incredible 6-1.

Sunderland was annihilated! Ossie got the ball just after the centre line, and he brought the ball all the way to the opposing penalty area where he put it into the net. What magnificant play. Sunderland's defence was totally napping throughout the 90 minutes of play. 7-1.

That's it. A total thrashing for Sunderland. And on the stands, we still had Faddie, Vaughany, Baines, Hibbo, Stubbsy, Tommy who were not even on the substitutes' list.

Score: Everton 7-1 Sunderland
Scorer: Yaks (2), Timmy (2), Pienaar, AJ, Ossie
Assist: Howard, Neville (2), Valente, Yobo, Ossie

EVERTON vs SUNDERLAND - Preview

Everton's playing at home, and with Sunderland visiting, we should beat them hands-down. Somehow, the critics expect it to be a draw because Keano is the manager. But I really don't see it happening.

Moyes has a full squad to choose from. Arteta is back, while AJ is all ready to bang in the goals.
There are just too many hungry players who want to show why they should be chosen. Thrashing I gather.

Predictor: Everton 4-1 Sunderland

Fast Rising Star - Joleon Lescott

From a Championship League defender to Everton's fast rising star, to now a full England national. If he was in the stock market, Joleon Lescott's shares would have risen from a small company to an international reknowned mega company.

He played for England once again in a useless friendly against Austria, and looks set to start in next week's match against Croatia next week.

Actim Players Ranking: 131107

Everton players in the Top 100.

Lescott: 16th (186) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender(18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9), (30/10), (6/11); Fourth Best Defender (9/10), (23/10); Fifth Best Defender (13/11) Best position: 9th
Arteta: 17th (185) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8), (30/10); Best position: 8th
Howard: 71st (134) - Fifth best goalie (28/8); Third best goalie (4/9); Best position: 42nd
Yakubu: 94th (111); Best position: 89th

Those who have previously made it to the top 100
AJ: 96th (90) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Hibbo: 100th (89) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Neville: Nil - 97th (82) - Best position: 53rd
Stubbsy: Nil - 80th (78) - Fifth best defender (21/8), (28/8); Best position: 18th
Ossie: Nil - 89th (66) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); Best position: 9th
Anichebe: Nil - 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8); Best position: 5th
Cars: Nil - Best position: 87th (39)Yobo: Nil - Best position: 84th

CHELSEA vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

What will happen without Everton's talisman, Arteta? 10 minutes into play and Everton were still holding up well, soaking in the pressure while pushing up twice through their counter attacks.

Pienaar had the opportunity to put Everton one up but missed the ball as he tried to execute a first-timer.

20 minutes and it's still 0-0. Somehow without Arteta, time moved alot slower and Everton seemed to be suffering from the Stamford Bridge onslaught! It seems like the only time Everton could get a breather from Chelsea's wave of attacks was with the injury of Carvalho.

Everton somehow struggled to keep Chelsea at bay, and they needed Howard to save the day for his club. While his opposite number has been a mere passenger at the back. The difference in class is telling and Chelsea has been asking the question.

Everton was let off the hook when Drogba miss a total sitter. Half Time, 0-0. Barely alive and Everton did not even have a shot on goal. Worrying.

Moyes made the change. Neville was taken out and replaced by Faddie. The former was not doing well at all for this game. Also, Yakubu has been taken out in favour of Anichebe.

Another 45 minutes of worry!

Anichebe is holding the ball well to give Chelsea a few moments of concern. 10 minutes of the second half gone. I don't believe I'm counting by the second!

Cleared off the line by Hibbo!!! The pressure was incessant! 20 minutes has past.

Finally Chelsea scored. 1-0. Somehow, a team with talented players seemed to be able to create alot more space for themselves but somehow Chelsea seemed to be seating back and allowing Everton more space to launch their attack. In came Everton's third substitution - Tommy for Cars. The Toffees are fighting back and...

LOVELY, LOVELY GOAL!!!!!!!! Faddie cut in from the right, and he did the right thing by trying from distance. Faddie showed us so many times that he can score from outside the six yard box. But, this time, the ball bobbled into the penalty area and the Chelsea defender tried to clear the ball while Timmy was with him. The ball bounced up, and Timmy whipped the ball into the net with a tremendous bicycle kick!

Chelsea 1-1 Everton! AMAZING! What a late late goal in the 89th minute!!!

Undefeated in six matches! A team that fought without fear! Welcome to a new look Everton.

Score: Chelsea 1-1 Everton
Scorer: Timmy (And what a lovely goal! Enough of the exclamation already!!!)
Assist: Faddie
Subs: Anichebe. Faddie, Tommy

CHELSEA vs EVERTON - Preview

Ok, Chelsea has a group of individually-gifted players. They are also usually the top 4 team in the premier league. What's more Everton is playing them on their home ground. So what is expected of Everton in this match? A loss or a major thrashing? On the contrary.

Everton is no longer the boo-boo boys of the past. Neither do we play much long ball, as Benitez had claimed we do. Everton has flair players in the centre of the park - Arteta and Pienaar. We have Timmy in the form of an attacking midfielder, and "Fatty" who really do need to lose a bit of weight before he can carry himself through the 90 minutes.

So if ever there's a time for Everton to get their sixth win, it's now.

Predictor: Chelsea 2-3 Everton

NURNBERG vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

Playing away was never easy. Moyes knew it, and Everon left it late before they scored two goals. It was not all one-way street and the German club gave as good as they got. But it was Anichebe the substitute who came in to make that difference.

Anichebe was through on goal when he washauled down by the German defence. Arteta came forward and made the penalty count. 1-0. Not to be denied, Anichebe made the next goal his when he calmly slotted the ball pass the keeper. 2-0.

A 100% winning streak for Everton who just needs to win the next home match to go through to the next round.

Score: Nurnberg 0-2 Everton
Scorer: Arteta; Anichebe
Assist: Nil
Subs: Anichebe, Jag, Hibbo

Check out the goals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8gERo84Fec

Actim Players Ranking: 061107

Everton players in the Top 100.

Arteta: 10th (185) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8), (30/10); Best position: 8th
Lescott: 12th (176) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender (18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9), (30/10), (6/11); Fourth Best defender (9/10), (23/10); Best position: 9th
Howard: 68th (125) - Fifth best goalie (28/8); Third best goalie (4/9); Best position: 42nd
Yakubu: 89th (108); Best position: 89th

Those who have previously made it to the top 100

AJ: 96th (90) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Hibbo: 100th (89) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Neville: Nil - 97th (82) - Best position: 53rd
Stubbsy: Nil - 80th (78) - Fifth best defender (21/8), (28/8); Best position: 18th
Ossie: Nil - 89th (66) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); Best position: 9thA
nichebe: Nil - 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8); Best position: 5th
Cars: Nil - Best position: 87th (39)Yobo: Nil - Best position: 84th

EVERTON vs BIRMINGHAM - FULL TIME

Everton played the 4-1-4-1 formation and they started by pumping high balls for Yaks to lay off to other team members or just to terrorise the defenders.

Pienaar has been wonderful on the left wing. It was his low cross that Everton nearly got the first goal through Yaks. It's good to see that the Toffees players are fighting for every ball. It was through Arteta's through pass to Pienaar who slided the ball from the right for Yaks to slot the ball coolly into the opponent's net. Everton 1-0 Birmingham.

Timmy also showed why we missed him with his midfield tackle that gave Everton the extra needed bite. Stubbsy somehow had an injury problem and was replaced by Jag. Everton continued to attack and Yaks nearly got the second with a mistake by the opposing defender which allowed Yaks to go through on goal. But he was aptly stopped by Birmingham's goalkeeper. Timmy, Yaks and even Cars were giving the opposing defence a horrid time everytime they marauded up field.

Pienaar did really well on the left. He was running after every ball. Who needs VdM now? Half-time: Everton 1-0 Birmingham.

Everton started the second half rather flatly with Birmingham piling pressure on the Toffees. But after 10 minutes, Everton started to have a stranglehold of the game. But the sucker punch came with Birmingham equalising. Once you do not kill the game with a second goal, this happens. Everton 1-1 Birmingham.

Moyes had to ring in the changes. In came Vaughany and Tommy in place of Ossie and Pienaar.

Goodison erupts! Cars scored an injury time stunner! And soon after, Cars pumped the ball upfield and straight away, Vaughany scores! It ends Everton 3-1 Birmingham

Score: Everton 3-1 Birmingham
Scorer: Yaks, Cars, Vaughany
Assist: Pienaar, Cars
Subs: Jag, Vaughany, Tommy

EVERTON vs BIRMINGHAM - Preview

Everton is on fire and they now host Birmingham at Goodison. Timmy is banging in goals, Tommy is taking a mickey out of every opponent. Everton just have to win this match to keep pace of the top 6, and there is no better time than now.

This may be the time for Yakubu to show the world why is he such a maligned figure.

Predictor: Everton 3-1 Birmingham

Carling Cup: LUTON vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

So we see the importance of Timmy once again as he lashed in the winner during extra time. Somehow the Toffees could not break down. Somehow when Arteta is not playing, the team seems to stop to tick. But thank goodness for the late entrance of Timmy to change the facade of the game.

This is great as Everton rakes in their third win consecutively.

Score: Luton 0-1 Everton
Scorer: Timmy
Assist: Stubbsy
Subs: Vaughany, Timmy, Tommy

Carling Cup: LUTON vs EVERTON - Preview

This is a bit of a tricky match but there is every chance that the Toffees will win this match. The strikers are fighting for places with the return of Vaughany.

This is also a good time to try out untested players or players who have not been given much opportunity in the first XI. Faddie, Wessels, Gravesen, Vaughany should all play.

Predictor: Luton 0-2 Everton

Actim Players Ranking: 301007

Everton players in the Top 100.

Arteta: 11th (171) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8), (30/10); Best position: 8th
Lescott: 15th (162) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender (18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9), (30/10); Fourth Best defender (9/10), (23/10); Best position: 9th
Howard: 74th (110) - Fifth best goalie (28/8); Third best goalie (4/9); Best position: 42nd


Those who have previously made it to the top 100

AJ: 96th (90) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Hibbo: 100th (89) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Neville: Nil - 97th (82) - Best position: 53rd
Stubbsy: Nil - 80th (78) - Fifth best defender (21/8), (28/8); Best position: 18th
Ossie: Nil - 89th (66) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); Best position: 9th
Anichebe: Nil - 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8); Best position: 5th
Cars: Nil - Best position: 87th (39)
Yobo: Nil - Best position: 84th

DERBY vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

The first five minutes of the game looked tight with much chasing and little passing space. But with the break on both the left and right wing, Everton had started to threatened, with Timmy heading the ball just wide of the post in the 10th minute.

Yaks seemed like a blob of meat out there. totally lazy and really not doing much. It seemed difficult to play 4-5-1 when the striker expects the ball at his feet. Lescott looked in good form as he clears all the high balls.

Everton was soaking in the attacks, and it was one of this counter-attack that Everton scored. Tim Howard rolled the ball out to Jag who then ran half the field before making the pass. Yaks did a step-over that saw the ball roll to Arteta. With no defenders around him. Arteta calmy slotted it pass the opposing goalkeeper. 1-0.

Two things Everton needed to do. Score another goal and keep a clean sheet.

So far, Everton don't look lethal enough and just looked content to soak in the pressure once again. Half time. Easy game, but Everton needed to do much better. Stubbsy replaced Bainesy after hurting his ankle. Moyes should also replace "Fatty" Yaks and bring on Anichebe.

Derby looked edgy whenever they have the ball and the Toffees should be playing with more swagger.

Derby is playing crazy soccer and really looked like they are returning to the Championship once again. Pienaar threaded a pass from the left into the centre of Derby's defence and "Fatty" comfortably slotted the ball through the legs of the goalkeeper. 2-0.

Somehow, the most dangerous winger looked to be Lescott. He has been marauding up and down the left flank, and what do you know, he's a left back! Moyes should start to rest players such as Timmy for the upcoming UEFA Cup game. Bring on Tommy, please!

Anichebe is on for "Fatty", and Faddie is on for Timmy. So no Tommy for today.


Score: Everton 2-0 Derby
Scorer: Arteta, Yaks
Assists: Jag, Pienaar
Subs: Stubbsy, Anichebe, Faddie

DERBY vs EVERTON - Preview

It's always heart-warming to know that players would like to end their career in Everton. These players will go on to be legends. One such player is Timmy who said that if he stays on, he'll be the happiest player ever, and that is enough proof of why he will score tonight.

Other midfield players will prosper with the threat that he brings forth. Arteta will again be giving the free reign to bring terror to the opposition. Derby is no longer the "Dean Saunders" free scoring club, but a recently promoted Premiership club.

There is a sense of excitement with the return of Tommy and Timmy. Can't wait to see them rip Derby apart and start their win of all wins.

Predictor: Derby 0-6 Everton

Impossible is nothing

UEFA Cup: EVERTON vs LARISSA - FULL TIME

An emphatic win after the last sickening loss to Liverpool ( Nothing personal against Pool's fans, just with Benitez and his big mouth).

We do not get to watch UEFA Cup games but the news that filtered through definitely made my day. Tommy and Timmy have returned; Timmy scores; Ossie is back on his scoring trail.

UEFA Cup is played in a very weird way. The Toffees gets to play against four European clubs. Two games at home and two games away. After which, three teams of five will go through to the next round. With Everton winning their first UEFA Cup match, they are poised to go through as long as they win another match. Simple right?

The fans will definitely be more confident with the return of Timmy and Tommy, and will be rubbing their hands in anticipation for the return of AJ and Vaughny.

Score: Everton 3-1 Larissa
Scorer: Timmy, Ossie, Anichebe
Assist: Ossie, Pienaar, Tommy
Subs: Tommy, Anichebe, Stubbsy

Actim Players Ranking: 231007

Everton players in the Top 100.

Lescott: 15th (146) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender (18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9); Fourth Best defender (9/10), (23/10); Best position: 9th
Arteta: 21st (137) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8); Best position: 8th
Howard: 93rd (93) - Fifth best goalie (28/8); Third best goalie (4/9); Best position: 42nd
AJ: 96th (90) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Hibbo: 100th (89) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th


Those who have previously made it to the top 100

Neville: Nil - 97th (82) - Best position: 53rd
Stubbsy: Nil - 80th (78) - Fifth best defender (21/8), (28/8); Best position: 18th
Ossie: Nil - 89th (66) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); best position: 9th
Anichebe: Nil - 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8); Best position: 5th
Cars: Nil - Best position: 87th (39)Yobo: Nil - Best position: 84th

EVERTON vs LIVERPOOL - FULL TIME

Words cannot describe my frustration. It was really Liverpool and the referee, versus Everton. It had never meant to be an easy match, but the referee made it all the more harder. Guess the first red card to Hibbo was questionable to say the least. Yes, yellow and a penalty should be apt. But the referee changed his mind when Gerrard lamented about the tackle. The referee then suddenly changed his mind. From a yellow, it became a red.

We can't say too much of Neville's bravery in between the post though. But he tried, and Lescott was totally molten hot with his foray into the final third of the field. Loads of running, and great set-ups of the balls for his colleagues.

Then Everton was denied two penalty calls. For the second penalty call, the referee was so near the goal mouth tug by Carragher that it seemed so impossible to miss it. But no, somehow the referee some none of that.

At the end, Everton received two red cards. Cool. So Liverpool 2, Referee 2, Everton 1!

Score: Everton 1-2 Liverpool
Scorer: Hyypia (OG)
Assist: Lescott
Subs: Bainesy, Faddie

EVERTON vs LIVERPOOL - Preview

I can understand the rivalry but not feel it like the way the merseysiders would feel. But in the small island of Singapore, the Everton fans do give the Pool fans a fair bit of jibe.

Talking about small, that "cool guy wannabe" Benitez called Everton a small club last year. I'm not sure if he's out of his mind to say that. Truth be told, when you label youself as a big club, you put your own players under pressure. If he meant it to be that way, then good luck to Pool. I'd take it if we're called small club while beating Pool every season. Thank you.

But this is the mother of all clash. Every household in Merseyside that supports soccer will be out in force. Family will be split and fathers may be at logger heads with grandfathers.

Whatever happens, the atmosphere will be electrifying.

Torres is trying to get himself fit for the game so that Yobo can kick him in his butt! Also, Gerrard played horrendously in the Euro qualifyer. Hope his form continues.

Everton will have lil Timmy, Tommy and Vaughny back in the squad. It's alright if they don't make it back to today's team, but at least the guys are back and ready for Europe. We need every player that we have. We can beat Pool even without these players. Bring in the Z Cars; Show them the tradition of what a club rich in tradition is about, and hear the roar of the small club.

Predictor: Everton 352-0 Pool

Oops...My emotions got the better of me.

Euro 2008 Qualifier: Russia vs England

It has been a pretty memorable week for Lescott. After coming on as a substitute in the Estonia match, he did one better with a first XI start against Russia. Unfortunately, England fell to Russia by one goal to the final score of 2-1.

Faddie was also on the losing team after a 2-0 loss to Georgia.

Not good for Everton. But after watching England, Pool's Gerrard looked very flat as well. So maybe, Everton will give Pool the just dessert. To Benitez, Everton's a small club eh? Let's see!

Crazy & Absurd!

I was just surfing the web when I chanced upon three articles - Chelsea interested to buy Arteta; AJ is having problems with Moyes and he'd want to leave; Youngster Kissock has been tracked by a couple of clubs.

Why don't they just say that the entire team is on sale? Heck, even Moyes may leave at the end of the season to Chelsea since they need a coach that badly.

Rumours, rumours, rumours!

Now with some facts.

Fact 1: Everton will beat Liverpool
Fact 2: Torres will not play
Fact 3: Gerard will score one; Arteta will score three

Euro 2008 Qualifiers

All four of Everton's players who were in their various squads played their part in their country's game.

Faddie gave an accomplished display once again and confidence for him is sky high as he scored his third consecutive goal for Scotland, bringing them nearer to their dream qualification. It only bodes well for Everton as Faddie continues on his rich scoring veins.

Lescott and Neville came on in the second half for England. Lescott earned his first England cap as he took over the central defending duty from one Man United defender. He looked a little shaky and because of a ball that he failed to clear, it forced one Chelsea player to make a hasty clearance which caused him to twist his ankles and was substituted by Neville. Lescott was then switched to left back while Neville operated on the right. Neville was definitely the more seasoned of the two and was doing a number of overlaps and providing good cover for the team.

Cars was also involved in the Irish match against Germany wihch ended in a goalless draw.

Eventually, what is most important is that all players return to Goodison without injuries.

UEFA Cup Draw

Everton has been placed in Group A, together with AZ Alkmaar, Zenit St Petersburg, Nuremberg and Larissa.

Dutch club AZ Alkmaar is the Dutch Cup runner-up, Zenit St Petersburg stands in second in the Russian league table, Nuremberg and Larissa are domestic cup holders. So it's not easy meat. But, at least Everton is not in the "Group of Death" - Group B - with the likes of A. Madrid, Lokomotiv Moscow and Panathinaikos.

Everton's matches

October 25 - Larissa (Home)
November 8 - Nurnberg (Away)
December 5 - Zenit (Home)
December 20 - Alkmaar (Away)

Actim Players Ranking: 091007

Everton players in the Top 100.

Lescott: 15th (130) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender (18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9); Fourth Best defender (9/10); Best position: 9th
Arteta: 16th (130) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8); Best position: 8th
AJ: 75th (90) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Hibbo: 77th (89) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Howard: Nil - 89th (89) - Fifth best goalie (28/8); Third best goalie (4/9); Best position: 42nd
Neville: 97th (82) - Best position: 53rd

Those who have previously made it to the top 100

Stubbsy: Nil - 80th (78) - Fifth best defender (21/8), (28/8); Best position: 18th
Ossie: Nil - 89th (66) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); best position: 9th
Anichebe: Nil - 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8); Best position: 5th
Cars: Nil - Best position: 87th (39)
Yobo: Nil - Best position: 84th

NEWCASTLE vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

It was one of those matches that could have gone either way, but somehow, the host took the full three points. The Newcastle substitutions did the trick, both Emre and Owen. It was three upstoppable goals by Newcastle and any team that cannot keep a cleansheet would then find it hard to win matches.

The Toffees tried. AJ managed his first goal of the season, and even the Newcastle keeper Shay given tried to lend Everton a hand by scoring an own goal. Alas, it was one goal to many for Everton to recover from. Well, what we gave Metalist in mid-week, we got it back in return. 3-2.

Score: Newcastle 3-2 Everton
Scorer: AJ, Own Goal (Givens)
Assist: Baines, Arteta
Subs: Ossie, AJ, Yakubu

NEWCASTLE vs EVERTON - Preview

Everton got their first clean sheet in the last domestic match against Middlesborough, not through their solid defending, but by Boro's inept strike force. So it really depends on whether the Toffees can once again keep a clean sheet. But that guarantees no victory as well.

Everton's strike force is stuttering. 19 Million pounds have been spent on AJ and Yakubu with the latter scoring only one league goal. Moyes may finally choose to drop Yakubu as he had continue to exhibit he lazy style of playing that suits none of the players in the team.

Send in the hungrier players. Anichebe is all ready. Faddie is on form and his confidence is sky- high. As for the defence, I can't really put my finger on the problem but it may just be that they need Stubbsy back to provide that stability. He may not have terrifying speed, but his positioning is truly commendable.

Newcastle 1-1 Everton

METALIST KHARKIV vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

This was a game not for the faint hearted and many times, the faith of the Toffees supporters were tested to the limit.

No one expected the game to be simple, and it was made more difficult when Everton went a goal down in the 23rd minute. Before that, Everton had been taking in the pressure and it was not easy going for Tim Howard.

There wasn't really much that Everton could muster in the first half, and the question on everone's lips was whether it'll end like our previous foray into Europe where it ended in tears.

Second half saw a very different team as the Toffees came out fighting. Shortly after the start, Everton's top scorer Lescott put one past the opposing keeper to restore parity.

But Everton then went down to another goal, and this time it felt like it was all over with the aggregate of 3-2.

Faddie saw it differently as the in-form striker made sure Everton had the advantage by scoring the all important goal. 3-3 with Everton having the advantage. All was settled when Anichebe rounded he keeper and put in the final nail in the coffin of Metalist Kharkiv after the opposing defenders made a mess of clearing the ball.

Glorious victory and great that the Toffees have moved on to the group stage of the UEFA Cup.

Score: Metalist 2-3 Everton (Aggregate: 3-4)
Scorer: Lescott, Faddie, Anichebe
Assist: Pienaar, Anichebe

Actim Players Ranking: 021007

Everton players in the Top 100.

Lescott: 9th (127) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender (18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9); Best position: 9th
Arteta: 12th (121) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8); Best position: 8th
Neville: 59th (87) - Best position: 53rd
Hibbo: 66th (85) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Howard: Nil - 74th (81) - Fifth best goalie (28/8); Third best goalie (4/9); Best position: 42nd
Stubbsy: Nil - 80th (78) - Fifth best defender (21/8), (28/8); Best position: 18th
AJ: 86th (76) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd


Those who have previously made it to the top 100

Ossie: Nil - 89th (66) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); best position: 9th
Anichebe: Nil - 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8); Best position: 5th
Cars: Nil - Best position: 87th (39)
Yobo: Nil - Best position: 84th

EVERTON vs MIDDLESBOROUGH - FULL TIME

It's wonderful to see three important players back for Everton. Tim Howard is back in goal while Everton creative dynamo Mikel Arteta is also back in the team. Also, Stubbsy. the rock of Everton's defence has also return to the first XI.

And would you believe it, Everton has taken the lead with the club's top scorer - our defender Lescott. The players had not given boro the time to settle and with the first corner of the game, Arteta curled the ball beautiful into the path of Yakubu who headed the ball towards goal. The opposing defenders cleared the ball weakly and it made it to the head of Lescott. 1-0.

Boro is not lying down. They have made a couple of forays into the Everton goal-mouth. One of their shots even hit the cross bar. Boro continued to pressure Everton and the host seemed to be soaking it in albeit nervously.

The Toffees are not doing themselves any favour by not scoring the second goal.

The second half was no different. Everton somehow did not looked as confident. But against the run of play, Everton scored once again. Pienaar worked doggedly for the team. It was from his retrieval in Boro's half that sparked the attack. A nice pass from Faddie, led to Pienaar flicking the ball to Arteta. The midfielder danced his way into the opposing penalty area and seemed to scare the wits out of Boro's defence. Arteta then dispatched a mice grounder into the penalty area which saw Pienaar sliding in. 2-0.

Two goals up but the performances of some players seemed wanting. Yakubu for one seemed like a lazy blob lumbering around the opposition's penalty area and waiting for the balls to be fed to his feet. The midfield of Neville and Jag had seen many mis-placed passes. They looked totally off-colour.

Moyes brought on Anichebe for Yakubu and the youngster definitely looked more hungry than the lazy blob. Faddie was also taken out for the team to play a 4-5-1 formation. Not very pretty, but clever to congest the midfield area.

The fianl change was to rest Arteta who has been instrumental in Everton's win, with Cars. Also, Howard has to be thanked for Everton's first clean sheet as well. Arteta gets my vote for Man-of-the-match.

Score: Everton 2-0 Aston Villa
Scorer: Lescott, Pienaar
Assist: Arteta (2)
Subs: Anichebe, Yobo, Cars

EVERTON vs MIDDLESBOROUGH - Preview

Everton has been on poor form recently. With the win against Sheffield Wednesday, it is hoped that the club has turned the corner. Also, it's Boro, and not some difficult clubs such as Liverpool or Chelsea. So the club should make full use of home advantage.

Yakubu will be facing his former club and the opposing fans will not give him an easy time. But there is a high chance that he will score, and also Moyes will most likely play Faddie as he is in rich vein of scoring magnificant goals, and also match winners.

BUT! it all depends if Arteta will be back for the team.

Predictor: Everton 1-0 Middlesborough

SHEFF WED vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

Winnging the league is not possible, and the UEFA cup looks to be in the shambles. But at least we won this League Cup game. Some may say that this is not an important game, but it might actually be a morale booster for Everton. We need to start winning in the league, or else we'll be languishing in mid table.

In this match, both Faddie and Yakubu found the net. Faddie was in rich vein as he scored two goals to put Everton through into the last 16.

Score: Everton 3-0 Sheffield Wednesday
Scorer: Faddie (2), Yakubu
Assist: Yakubu, Neville, Faddie
Subs: Baines, Neville, Anichebe

Actim Players Ranking: 250907

Everton players in the Top 100.

Lescott: 19th (93) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender (18/9); Third Best Defender (25/9); Best position: 10th
Arteta: 25th (87) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8); Best position: 8th
AJ: 57th (76) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Hibbo: 84th (68) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Ossie: 89th (66) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); best position: 9th


Howard: Nil - 78th (63) - Fifth best goalie (28/8); Third best goalie (4/9); Best position: 42nd
Stubbsy: Nil - 85th (59) - Fifth best defender (21/8), (28/8); Best position: 18th
Neville: Nil - 100th (55) - Best position: 53rd
Anichebe: Nil - 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8); Best position: 5th
Cars: Nil - Best position: 87th (39)
Yobo: Nil - Best position: 84th

ASTON VILLA vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

Within 15 minutes, Everton was a goal down with Villa's John Carew being the scorer. It came about with a weak clearances by Yobo and Baines, and the goal was conceded. Painful. The midfield has not been able to control the game and without their creative spark in Arteta, they are just a hardworking team without much vision.

The crosses are flying everywhere except to the Everton's strikers. The players were also not able to get the ball past the tall Villa defenders. No penetration whatsoever. Everton's players were also dragged all over the place by the precise passing of Villa. The midfield looked jittery and they team was losing the ball too easily.

Nothing changed in the second half except the score. From a long pass, Agbonlahor controlled the ball and tucked it nicely under Everton's stand-in keeper Wessels.

The Toffees are really going down the table. Oh boy.

Score: Aston Villa 2-0 Everton
Scorer: Nil
Assist: What do you expect?
Subs: Faddie, Yakubu

ASTON VILLA vs EVERTON - Preview

Can Everton score? Can they also keep a clean sheet? Well, as any decent coach would say, "If you can't score, you can't win", and Everton is not in fiery form in front of goal. What's worse than you can't score is when you can't keep a clean sheet. These two ingredients makes a team drop points, and that's what happening to the Toffees.

The news states that Anichebe will partner AJ, and that Arteta and Howard are still out. So it's hard to see how Everton is going to win. But being a die-hard, impossible is nothing.

Predictor: Aston Villa 1-1 Everton

EVERTON vs METALIST KHARKIV - FULL TIME

DISAPPOINTMENT! Now, it's all uphill. Everton is not dead and buried, but they have made things very difficult for themselves. A draw leaves them with two paths if the Toffees want to win. To win at all cost, or draw with a higher margin than one goal.

It's difficult but not impossible. Anyway, it's just painful.

Score: Everton 1-1 Metalist Kharkiv
Scorer: Lescott
Assist: Faddie
Subs: Jag, Anichebe

EVERTON vs METALIST KHARKIV - Preview

First Europrean game since 2005. Many articles belittle the Russian side, so much so that the game should be a whitewash.

In truth, Everton should go on to the next round and it all depends on how the Toffees play.

Actim Players Ranking: 180907

Everton players in the Top 100.

Lescott: 13th (89) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender (18/9); Best position: 10th
Arteta: 15th (87) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8); Best position: 8th
AJ: 39th (72) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Hibbo: 76th (63) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Howard: 78th (63) - Fifth best goalie (28/8); Third best goalie (4/9); Best position: 42nd
Stubbsy: 85th (59) - Fifth best defender (21/8), (28/8); Best position: 18th
Ossie: 94th (57) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); best position: 9th
Neville: 100th (55) - Best position: 53rd


Anichebe: Nil - 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8); Best position: 5th
Cars: Nil - Best position: 87th (39)
Yobo: Nil - Best position: 84th

EVERTON vs MANCHESTER UTD - FULL TIME

It was a pretty ding-dong match for the first half. The pace of Manchester Utd's players caused Everton some pain, but there was no clear incision by the opposition. The threat by the opposition players seemed more threatening, coming from Patrice Evra and even Michael Carrick.

How AJ is shaping up seemed like he is not going to score. He is too reliant on Yakubu and both of them seem to be losing out to the Manchester's tall defenders. Faddie and Pienaar should see some action in the second half to unlock the opposition defence.

The second half saw both teams fighting hard once again. Soon, Everton introduced Victor Anichebe and Steven Pienaar, but it still posed to be a tough match. In came Scotland's hero Faddie, and he so mearly put Everton in front. Only to received a sucker-punch when Manchester Utd scored through a corner.

The result was tough on Everton but who say soccer is fair? Also, Everton is still without a cleansheet after six games. Nuff said.

Score: Everton 0-1 Man Utd
Scorer: Nil
Assists: Nil
Subs: Pienaar, Anichebe, Faddie

EVERTON vs MANCHESTER UTD - Preview

This will be a juicy match. The Toffees are at top form, while the return of Loonie Rooney from his foot injury, and Ronaldo from his suspension means that the Reds has just about their full strength.

Revenge is on the cards for Everton when just last season, Everton scored two goals first but still ran out 4-2 losers in the end.

It's also deja vu for Rooney, Howard and Neville as they had competed on both the opposing teams. Rooney, Everton prodigy turned 'devil' will be the most hated person at Goodison Park for not wanting to continue his play there. Deservingly.

There should be some rough house tackle and also, goals. The Toffees should crush them today. Lest we forget!

Predictor: Everton 2-0 Manchester Utd

Aftermath of the International Matches

It's always interesting how people sees the players after an international match. If they played well like how Faddie scored a scorcher against France, the papers will say that he will come back to Everton piping-hot and ready to roll. But if you have not played such as in the case of AJ, then they will say that the win the rub on by England will rub on and therefore, the player will do well.

I say that whether you play well or not boils down to how consistent a player is. If Faddie continues to be consistent in his performance, he would have been a natural choice in Moyes's first XI.

AJ seems to be suffering the Beats syndrome. He can't seem to be able to score. Not even when Israel had been deflated by three English goals. AJ was not even a threat. In the previous league match, AJ can sure assist, but where's his scoring touch? Even Lescott scored in the game, but not an attacker?

To be frank though, it will be sooner rather than later that AJ scores. He is always dangerous and he always had chances. Now it's just to make it count.

Conspiracy Theory

The last time when Everton played Manchester United, Howard was supposedly left out of the squad because there was some pre-contractual agreement. But that was denied by both clubs. Now, when we are about to face the club in Manchester once again, Howard has a broken finger. Geesh! What a coincidence!

I hope that he will prove the Toffee fans wrong and show that he is willing to face Manchester United like a man.

International Games

A couple of Everton players were up for their games. Faddie coming from the bench, scored the final goal for Scotland over Lithuania.

AJ and Neville came on as subs in England's game against Israel, while Cars played the entire 90 minutes in Ireland's draw against Slovakia.

So really, none of Everton's players played in the losing team. What's more important, none of them are injured and will be fully fit to face Manchester United.

Timmy Making News

So Timmy is out injured, but somehow, made the news when a woman charged him for sexual assault. What is happening here Timmy?

Actim Players Ranking: 040907

Everton players in the Top 100.

Arteta: 8th (86) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8); Best position: 8th
Lescott: 10th (78) - Best defender (4/9); Best position: 10th
AJ: 22nd (68) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Howard: 42nd (63) - Fifth best goalie (28/8); Third best goalie (4/9); Best position: 42nd
Stubbsy: 51st (59) - Fifth best defender (21/8), (28/8); Best position: 18th
Hibbo: 65th (56) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Ossie: 81st (52) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); best position: 9th
Anichebe: 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8); Best position: 5th
Neville: 97th (49) - Best position: 53rd


Cars: Nil: Best position: 87th (39)
Yobo: Nil - Best position: 84th

Lescott Hard Work Pays Off

After his sterling performances and with a goal scoring tally higher than AJ's, Lescott really deserve the call-up to the England squad.

Moyes mentioned that he is still not a finished product, and his overlapping play is still not as strong. But I guess he can only get better.

BOLTON vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

This looks like one of the strongest line-up that Everton has put forward. Moyes has brought in four new signings into his first XI - Yakubu, Pienaar, Baines and Jag.

With more talents being brought into the side, Arteta seems to have an easier time now as the responsiblities does not fall solely on him now. He seems to be very comfortable with the ball, and even have the energy to chase the ball down.

It has also been a long time since AJ had a strong partner in the shape of Yakubu. Built like a bull, he don't seem to be the hardworking sort of player that Everton is made out to be.

Pienaar on the other hand, looks industrious. Running, passing and even terrorising the defence from the right flank. He looked like a good support for the strikers. Fernandes who?

Jag has put in headers both in attack and in defence. But Baines, though playing well, is having a torrid time with Diouf.

Everton seems able to counter-attack with pace and through one of this counter, that Everton scored through Yakubu.

Second half saw Bolton fighting back. Everton had problems clearing those high crossing away from their goal area, and in one of those instance, Anelka got hold of the ball and volleyed it into the net.

Moyes freshened up the side by bringing Ossie, Gravesen, Anichebe.

Gravesen marshalled the field well, and Ossie had a open chance to score but bungled it. It had to be Lescott who score that late, late goal.

Score: Bolton 1-2 Everton
Scorer: Yakubu, Lescott
Assists: Johnson, Gravesen
Subs: Ossie, Gravesen, Anichebe

BOLTON vs EVERTON - Preview

The transfer window has closed and now it's time to buckle down and do the deed.

On Bolton's side, they have fanciful Anelka, irritant Diouf, and evergreen Gary Speed. They do not play as violent as Blackburn but they are still a good side even though they are on the wrong side of the Premiership table.

I believe that if Yakubu starts to prove his goal scoring tally is of real stuff, Everton should see itself going up, and maybe he should show us why he cost us so much by performing in this match.

Predictor: Bolton 1-1 Everton

Three Shining Heads - With Gravesen

Ok, we have Cars and AJ, now we have added one more egg-head, Thomas Gravesen. So he's back, but I guess it is two years overdue.

Tommy played well just before he left Everton - so that the Real Madrid scouts could pick him out, I guess. I take in that Moyes brought him in just in case the midfielder who he still wants to bring in does not cross the finish line, since the transfer deadline is just hours away.

They Sign Yakubu

It's finally done. Yakubu has signed for Everton for 11.25 Million Pounds. Will Faddie keep his place? I'm not too sure about that. Does that mean that Faddie may leave?

What Will Happen to Everton Without Talented Fernandes?

So we missed out on Manuel Fernandes. Is Everton trying to pull a rabbit out of the hat before the transfer window closes end of this month. Hear my views about this topic in my latest Sportingo article.

Actim Players Ranking: 280807

Everton players in the Top 100.

Arteta: 8th (82) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8)
Stubbsy: 19th (59) - Fifth best defender (21/8), (28/8); Best position: 18th
Hibbo: 26th (56) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Ossie: 32nd (53) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); best position: 9th
Anichebe: 39th (51) - Third best striker (14/8); Best position: 5th
Lescott: 54th (48)
Howard: 60th (46) - Fifth best goalkeeper (28/8)
AJ: 67th (43) - Best position: 25th
Cars: 87th (39)


Neville: Nil - Best position: 53rd
Yobo: Nil - Best position: 84th

EVERTON vs BLACKBURN - FULL TIME

Clueless... Moyes and team just could not find a way to breach Blackburn's rough-house tactics. Blackburn came to Everton from all angles. Savage battled for every ball, and literally hounded every player that was closest to him.

Everton's defence were jittery whenever the high balls came in. Neville was not doing anything to defend the back four and Cars had to be sacrifice and Jag was brought in so that the defence could be steeled up a bit more.

The midfield was over-run and Arteta could not conjure his magic. Everything in the team was wrong. AJ was totally marked out by the tall and fast centre defender, Samba. Faddie had always wanted to do something fancy. Keep it simple!

Ossie was non-existent, and when your midfielders are sleeping, forget about striking.

Second half was definitely different. Everton had most of the play but still found it hard to score. Enter Jag and Anichebe. Everton prod and slog as they try to scupper back from a goal down.

With the intense pressure, Everton managed to draw level. A little shimmy by Arteta on the right saw him lose his marker, allowing him to make a cross. Faddie was there to toe-poke it into the net. You could hear the huge sigh of relief of all Evertonians.

Score: Everton 1-1 Blackburn
Scorer: Faddie
Assist: Arteta
Sub: Lescott, Jag, Anichebe

EVERTON vs BLACKBURN - Preview

The reports say that this will be a tough match, and I believe it'll be so. I'm in the mood to look at the opposition. A couple of players in Blackburn have proven to me that they are really MVPs.

American goalkeepers Bred Friedel and Tim Howard are both equally rock solid. Pedersen, Savage, Bentley, Tugay, etc are all very good players. Even Ooijer has settled in. Last season he just could not handle the pace of the Premiership players.

It'll be a mouth-watering match though I believe the Toffees have a slight advantage as they will be playing at Home. I just feel that somebody will get sent off today.

Interesting notes of this match:-
Both clubs have failed to maintain a clean sheet
Blackburn has one of the most yellow and red cards received

Predictor: Everton 2-0 Blackburn

Sojourn of Anderson

Toffees has signed him in 2005 but due to work permit issues, Anderson de Silva had to play in Spain before he was allowed to play at Goodison Park this year. Within two months that he was here, he will now move on to Bansley on loan.

Poor guy, Assistant Manager Alan Irvine said that the lad still has a future in Everton. I don't think so.

Nugent is Too Expensive?

What about Yakubu who is double the price of Nugent? He is a good player who can help take the heat off AJ when they play together. It will also allow Anichebe time to grow into a magnificant player.

As I've said previously, it's not good for Anichebe to play in too many games.

I'm still in disbelief as The Toffees have never spent 11.25 million pounds on one player before. Prior to this, the most expensive player was AJ at 6 million. All hail Moyes!

Though one thing, Yakubu is African and he, together with Yobo will be missing a couple of matches when the African Cup starts.

Everton Purchased Their 4th Player

Moyes brought in a goalkeeper to provide more ample cover in the goalkeeping department. Currently, we only have Howard and no other strong contender as Howard's deputy.

With the arrival of Stefan Wessels, and being a quality player he is, he may not over-throw Howard, but will surely put him under further pressure.

Wessels have been deputising for Oliver Kahn at Bayern Munich and never really had the chance to break into the first XI. He then moved to FC Koln where he saw his club relegated to the lower division.

Hopefully he'll bring us more pleasure than he did at Koln.

Actim Players Ranking: 210807

Everton players in the Top 100.

Stubbsy - 18th (51) - Fifth best defender (21/8)
Hibbo - 19th (51) - Fourth best defender (14/8)
Anichebe: 23rd (49) - Third best striker (14/8); Best position: 5th
Ossie: 29th (46) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); best position: 9th
Arteta: 32nd (45)
Lescott: 35th (44)
AJ: 56th (36) - Best position: 25th
Cars: 57th (36)
Howard: 60th (35)


Neville: Nil - Best position: 53rd
Yobo: Nil - Best position: 84th

READING vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

Everton was totally out-muscled and out-witted in this game. Reading players were fast to close down any gap, and their players were running like there's no tomorrow. No prima donnas, just really hardworking players.

Everton tried to prod but nothing came to fruition.

Anichebe's physical body was there, but he seemed rather dis-interested in the game. Think he was just tired out by the last match that saw him trooped on like a sojourning passenger. He needs a break and this is where Yakubu can come in to give the strikeforce a boost. A 19-years old can't last the entire season.

Arteta was closed down every time he had the ball. Every cross that he tried to conjure seldom see it end up at the end of an Everton players' boots or head. He was totally taken out of the equation.

AJ was out-muscled by the powerful Bikey. Every tackle, every shoulder challenge, Bikey came out tops. Everton was really clueless this time.

Painful loss, but it only means that Everton will have to build themselves up with the next game at home to Blackburn.

Score: Reading 1-0 everton
Subs: Pienaar, Faddie

READING vs EVERTON - Preview

This is the second match in succession that Everton will be playing on an away ground. Everton has not lost to Reading since they were promoted last season, and we are looking at more of the same.


AJ has been a scrouge for Reading and have heaped lots of pain on them with his goal. AJ and Neville have been included in the England squad and they will be out there to show McLaren what they are made of.


We won't kid ourselves by saying that Reading will be routed, even though many of their players are either out injured, or such as Kitson who was sent off in previous match. They will be tough to beat, but the boys will do the job.

Interesting notes of this match:

- Everton has not been beaten by Reading ever since they got promoted to the Premiership
- Former Everton favourite John Oster is currently plying his trade at Reading

Predictor: Reading 0-1 Everton

Can Everton Make It To The Top Four

Everton's doing well now, but can they keep it up? Check out my article on Sportingo.

How Will Fernandes Fit Into The Team?

Fernandes is about to sign for Everton. He's a very good player and would be able to walk into any team if given the chance. But does it signal the possible departure of another player? I really hope it will not be Neville with all the talks of Newcastle being interested in him.

TOTTENHAM vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

We are top of the table for now!

How Everton has matured. They have proved me wrong on a number of counts. Firstly, I thought that Moyes will play 4-5-1, especially against teams that are offensively superior. Instead, Moyes started with the same 4-4-2 formation and the Toffees played with much dominance while Tottenham midfield continues to look flat.

Secondly, the scorers are no longer just Toffee strikers, but the midfield and defence are also contributing goals.

Everton really destroyed Tottenham in the first half with goals from Lescott, Ossie and Stubbsy with a consolation goal by the host. Arteta continues to be influential in this game as he provides the shape and also the creativity in the squad.

Credit to the team for bringing the fight to Tottenham all the way to the end of the game. Also, Ossie is now Everton's top scorer. Unbelievable!

Score: Tottenhan 1-3 Everton
Scorers: Lescott, Ossie, Stubbsy
Assists: Arteta (2)
Sub: Jag

TOTTENHAM vs EVERTON - Preview

One game down, 37 more to go. Nobody could see how Tottenham could be beaten before Saturday, but no one is invincible, and Tottenham is not too.

Sunderland saw how they could frustrate Tottenham. Also, Tottenham had good strikers but their midfield was flat. If Everton can continue to snuff out their defence, Tottenham's players will definitely tear out their hair. Most likely Moyes will be employing the 4-5-1 formation, but will have a little headache as to how he's going to play his striker. If AJ gets the nod, then Everton's goal scorer Anichebe may just have to warm the bench.

Interesting notes of this match:

- Everton won at White Hart Lane for the very first time since 1986. Anichebe was not even born then
- Robbie Keane was one player that Everton was looking at previously

Predictor: Tottenham 2-2 Everton

Will We Get to See Fernandes Today?

Well, at least we hope to see him in the stands, similar to the time where Baines was seen in the stands with Vaughny. This would only mean that the player will be signing for Everton. This would be Everton's sign.

But truthfully, we still need a striker and looking at Ezquerro's scoring statisics, I'm a little concerned.

Actim Players Ranking: 140807

Everton players in the Top 100.

Anichebe: 5th (32) - Third best striker
Ossie - 9 (30) - Fifth best midfielder
AJ - 25 (22)
Arteta - 30 (21)
Hibbo - 34 (20) - Fourth best defender
Stubbsy - 42 (18)
Neville - 53 (16)
Howard - 68 (14)
Cars - 75 (14)
Yobo - 84 (13)

EVERTON vs WIGAN - FULL TIME

Everton has comfortably dispatched Wigan 2-1 when last season, they played to a draw at home against Wigan.

It was great that Moyes started with the team that helped Everton gain an European berth. Pienaar and Jag were on the bench while Baines was out injured.

Last year's revelations proved to be Everton's dangermen in this match:- Arteta and AJ. The creative midfielder and hardworking striker worked tirelessly to make sure that Everton's engine room runs smoothly. The first goal came from a looping header by Ossie that beat Wigan's goalkeeper, who was totally off his line.

Anichebe also open his scoring account with Everton's second goal in the second half. Wigan pulled one back through new signing Sibierski.

Great start to Everton's season.

Score: Everton 2-1 Wigan
Scorers: Ossie; Anichebe
Assist: Hibbo; AJ
Sub: Pienaar

EVERTON vs WIGAN - Preview

Brand new season, brand new opportunities. There will be a couple of gittery feet and nervous shifting of eyes, all to see if Everton's new players will gel with the current players. We have seen how the Galaticos of Real Madrid have flopped even though they have one of the best crop of individual talents within the team.

So to for Everton. We brought in three quality players. Bainesy won't be playing because of a slight niggle, but Pienaar has been cleared to play. Jag is also all ready to rock and roll.

For the opponent, Wigan's defence looks markedly weaker with the loss of Baines to Everton and with the bringing in of Bramble. Their strength is in their attack with the likes of Henri Camara and Aghahowa.

Interesting notes of this match:

- Jason Koumas was one of Everton transfer targets this season
- Former Toffee Midfielder, Killer, now plys his skills at Wigan

Predictor: Everton 2-1 Wigan

My Frist Article For Sportingo

I've started writing for Sportingo. A sports website written by sports fans for sports fans. It has now given us a voice as wannabe reporters. Anyway, do check out my first article about what Everton may need before the start of the season. So check out My First Article written for this online sports site.

Everton gets third signing

When I first entered into the working world, I had to buy my long-sleeved shirts on a cheap because I did not have the budget to buy the Pradas and the Calvin Kleins. Eight years on, I can now afford shirts of better texture and of superior quality than what I had first purchased, though it may still not be of reknown brands.

I find this so similar to Everton's situation now.

From bargain players such Marcus Bent and Kevin Kilbane, to loan players such as Matteo Ferrari and Brian McBride, all these players and more came in without David Moyes needing to break his piggy bank. Of course over Moyes reign in Everton, he also brought in gems such as Joseph Yobo, Mikel Arteta, Tim Cahill and Tim Howard.

Come this new season, each and every player that Moyes has brought in comes with class. Phil Jagielka has been the boiler room of Sheffield United, Steven Pienaar has been compared to the likes of Tomas Rosicky, and the most recent Leighton Baines, who have made the left back position his own in Wigan at a tender age of 22.

Everton will need another one to two more players, especially with the sale of James Beattie. Everton should rely on more than just one Andrew Johnson and young players such as James Vaughan and Victor Anichebe, but also a world class striker act as a role model for the young striking lads.

So I would say, more of the same. Bring in the big guns.

Thanks For The Memories

So finally Beats has left to Sheffield United for 4 Million Pounds. He's one of those hardworking and dedicated player that gave his 100 percent. It's a good move for him as he needs to find his scoring touch and also, to gain his self-belief.

Found this video on Youtube. So to you, thanks for all the wonderful goals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klPb1J3ojuI

One Player Back, One Player Out

It's great to get Faddie back. Who can forget the sublime chip over a Charlton player before dispatching a first time into the top right hand corner of the opposition's goal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-SiRaOpkWY

But with Faddies return, we saw a nasty injury. Toffee's talisman Timmy might be out for a couple of months after just recovering from his metatarsal injury that saw him out of action for the second half of the season.

Wish him well and a superbly quick recovery. Everton needs him.

Everton vs Werder Bremen - Full Time

There I was half expecting the men from the final third to be injured in this match. Instead, it was the Toffees talisman Timmy who got injured.

Bad, especially so when it's the same foot that put him out of action for the last couple of months. Guess let's look it positively and say that we drew a Champions League-quality team.

Howard
Hibbo, Yobo, Lescott, Valente;
Neville, Timmy, Cars, Arteta;
Anichebe, Johnson

Substitutes: Jag, Faddie, De Silva, Ossie, VdM

Score: Everton 2-2 Werder Bremen
Scorer: Faddie, De Silva

Everton vs Werder Bremen - Preview

Tough pre season game that Everton is pitting themselves against. The good thing is that we have Timmy back from injury. The bad thing is that we are still pretty threadbare.

Currently, Vaughny is out injured. So if it happens that either AJ or Anichebe falls prey to injury, then we may need to play unproductive Beats. He still can't score, even during the pre-season matches. Let's cross our fingers and toes and hope that Beats score.

Is Beats Leaving?

If the reports in the rumour mill is true, Beats has accepted a 4 Million Pounds transfer to Sheffield United. That would signal a loss of 2.5 Million Pounds.

Don't think he has repaid that debt to the Toffees as he has been under-performing.

The Gaffer Says So

If Moyes says that we need more players, I can only believe that should be so. When will we see the likes of Alan Smith, Leighton Baines, Johann Vogel and whatever 20 cents kind of players that can help make the numbers?

Watever and Anything!

Our Second Signing is...

Steven Pienaar. Even though it's just a 12 month deal, similar to that of Fernandes contract (Fernandes came and very quickly made that impact), we hope that Pienaar can do that as well.

This deal may be a bit easier if they choose to take him on full time as Pienaar is not valued at 12 Million pounds such as Fernandes. But, more like Arteta's deal where when it works out, we will sign him. Definitely much safer than signing a pre madonna and wondering what we can do with him after that.

Can't say that I am rubbing my hands in glee, but at least he seems like he has the potential to do well.

Real Salt Lake vs Everton - Full Time

Oh no...we lost this match while Chelsea, who's also currently in US, won theirs against Beck's new team.

Two golas down in 60 seconds. The Toffees could hardly fight back. No excuses now, but not only have the team got to buck up, but it is evident that we ma have a good set of players, but if we're really serious about Europe, we had better do something about it. For example, bring in new players fast. We are not like Chelsea. They have not spent much this season, but the last couple of seasons they have, and now have a bevy of solid players.

Real Salt Lake vs Everton

Not all REAL are really good. Sorry for the pun. But if you're not looking at Real Madrid of Spain, but Real Salt Lake of the US. The club is one of the bottom rung clubs of the Western Standings.

So if Publo Angel of Aston Villa fame can be the leagues top scorer when he's firing blanks in the premiership, Everton should and must win this next match.

Anyway, it's the Toffees returns to the US for the third time. Hopefully, they'll bring back fitter players and not walking wounded.

Trivia: Who are the other two Americans who had played with Everton preiously?

Answer: Joe Max Moore and Brian McBride

One Striker Down

Being such a threadbare club, losing one player is like losing 10 points. Vaughny has been influential, espeically at the tail-end of the season. He could hold up the ball, and even direct headers to AJ.

So that aerial strength will be sorely missed.

The game against PNE ended 1-1 with Anichebe scoring. The result is not important, getting our players fit is.

Everton's Second Signing?

Everton Official Website has announced that they may have the second pre-season signing in a day or two.

It seems that Johann Vogel, who's the Swiss team captain, will be signing for the Toffees. I'm not sure if he is very good, but two things are going for him.

1. He will be a free transfer.

Anything that comes free and with experience will be good for Everton. I hope that he does not come as a dud like Per Koldrup.


2. He has European experience.

Having played for PSV, AC Milan and Real Betis, he has accumulated some experience. I believe that if he does well, he should come in as a able replacement of Cars for the future.

Aussie Thrashes Thailand 4-0

One of the main contributor to Australia was little Timmy. He set up three of four goals. He was really in form and controlled the midfield really well, though he only came on as a substitute.

Before Timmy's entry, the game could have gone either way. Viduka scored a brace while Schwarzer gave a very good account of himself. Kewell, the other 2nd half substitute, also showed why pool bought him. Timmy, from the centre of the field and using his outer foot, help place the ball into the path of Kewell. Sprinting pass the defence while controlling the ball, Kewell then went on to coolly slotting in the ball behind the stunned Thai keeper.

Looking at these sizzling skills on display, I'd say that we'll have a mouth-watering time ahead for EPL.

Complaints and More Complaints

I can't understand why Boro fans are getting desperate when they have signed only three players during pre-season. HELLO! We have only signed one.

BUT!!! We should not get into a frenzy. We have never been a top four contender, so what's the worry when all the other clubs are buying?

First Pre-Season Match

Can't wait to find out the results of the two matches that the Toffee will be playing concurrently. No new players will be paraded and some of the key players such as Timmy and Howard are currently away on international duties.

On another front, we have lost out another of Everton's target - Kieran Richardson. Oh boy.

Who Else?

Koumas is now at Wigan, and Nugent has gone to Portsmouth. So should we actually start to panic because Everton is not buyin players by the dozen?

If you believe Moyes's plan, then we should not shudder in our pants. We should not be slave to the inflated fees that clubs are expecting us to pay. But after all's said and done, we will still need players. I'm not sure if Fenandes will stick around Everton, but he's definitely a good help in midfield.