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