EVERTON (3) vs (0) SUNDERLAND - FULL TIME

Everton is still playing without a striker as Timmy continues as a stand-in striker. Ossie is back in place of debutant Dan Gosling.

WONDERFUL GOAL! In the 9th minute, Everton won a free kick close to the edge of the 6 yard box. Up stepped Arteta, blasted a swirling ball through the wall and into goal! Everton 1-0 Sunderland.

Timmy nearly scored in the 12th minute but it was deemed a handball by Timmy. The opponent's trying to breach the gap from Everton right, where Hibbo is not the fastest of all players.

Confusion in the Sunderland's defence and goalkeeper in the 25th minute that nearly led to Fellaini scoring. The ball was just nicked away at the right time. Arteta scored again inthe 26th minute!!! Pienaar was fouled close to the 6 yard box once again. Arteta stood in front of the ball, curled into the wall, which ricochet back to Arteta. He gave the ball another blast and the ball took a wicked deflection as it propelled into the net. Everton 2-0 Sunderland.

In the 30th minute, Arteta once again took a free kick on the left channel. Timmy rose the highest and powered the shot just past the goal post. Everton's still inthe driving seat at half time.

It's wonderful to see that Jag has the speed to make sure opposing strikers do not spring ast him in terms of speed. Howard finally had to make his first serious save in the 65th minute. Good shot by the opposing team.

Ossie did well but just missed the goalpost. In the 68th minute, he took the ball down well, turned and took a shot just wide. That was Ossie final shot as he was replaced by Gosling.

Arteta had a chance in the 73rd minute when Gosling was being tackled and the free kick was once again taken just outside the 6 yard box. Just a tad bit too high. Fellaini leaving the field for Anichebe.

Arteta is the man of the match for me as he was just everywhere. Defending, tackling, and fighting for every ball.

And the dream has turned to reality form Dan Gosling! In the 82nd minute, Arteta held the ball on the left wing and made a nice pass to Lescott who was all the way up in attack. You just know that Lescott will not shoot after so many misplaced shots in past games, and he indeed made a pass. An incisive one indeed as Gosling just had to place his foot in and score. Everton 3-0 Sunderland.

Timmy gothis well deserved rest as he was replaced by youngster Jutkiewicz.

Then in the 88th minute, Gosling was there to create another chance with a through pass to Pienaar who was at the end of the ball but it was only the opposing goalkeeper's stop that prevented him from scoring. This is one of Everton's largest win of the season. Great victory as Everton continues their climb up the league table.

Score: Everton 3-0 Sunderland
Scorer: Arteta (2), Gosling
Assist: Lescott
Subs: Gosling, Anichebe, Jutkiewicz

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

This was one match that Singapore was not showing live. So I caught the game only this morning. Why I'd wanted to catch this game was not because of Timmy's goal, but it was because of Dan Gosling who was making his Everton debut. Ossie wasout of this match with a bruising ankle courtesy of the bruiser, John Terry in the previous match, while the entire strike force is out injured.

Anichebe made it to the bench but did not start as Moyes may not want to throw him in the deep end and then risking losing the one and only striker who has just came back from his back problem.

Everton gave a pretty good account of themselves with Pienaar making a nuisance of himself on the left wing. Fellaini earned his customary yellow card once again with multiple man-handling incidents. But the giant Fellaini still made sure he ruled the air above 6 feet. Arteta was his usual enterprising self and created much chaos when he takes his free kicks and corners. He has even added winning headers to his resume. Bainsey has shown why he's such a good player and I really hope Moyes won't sell him off in Jan 09. Hibbo is in his normal dogged style and the defence of Jag and Lescott did not make any major boo-boo. Timmy, toiling on his own, also made sure Everton took the lead.

A sweet cross by Arteta, headed down by Lescott. Timmy took two bites at the cherry - one was blocked by the defender, the second was when the opposing goalkeeper had to pick the ball out of the net. As for Gosling, it was a pretty ok start on the right wing. He chased every ball, and he even tracked back and tackled opposing striker. With more composure, he would have scored three goals with the position that he was in.

Though Boro continued to attack, their moves were mostly muted by the team's good inter-play. Another good win, another away win.

Score: Boro 0-1 Everton
Scorer: Timmy
Assist: Lescott
Subs: Nil

Actim Players Ranking: 231208

Everton players in the Top 100.

Arteta: 17th (238) - Fourth best midfielder (16/9), Fifth (2/12), (9/12), (15/12), (23/12) - Best position: 12th
Lescott: 23rd (233) - Best position: 23rd
Howard: 46th (201) - Best position: 41st
Ossie: 57th (192) - Best position: 56th
Neville: 58th (192) - Best position: 57th
Jag: 74th (176) - Best position: 74th
Fellaini: 83rd (169) - Best position: 83rd
Yobo: 84th (168) - Best position: 76th

Previous Top 100.
Yakubu: 86th (133) - Fifth best striker (23/9) - Best position: 9th
Baines: 82nd (25) - Best position: 82nd

EVERTON vs CHELSEA - FULL TIME

Everton comes into the game without a known striker once again. Chelsea started the game on offensive with ashotthat stinged Howard's palms in the 2nd minute. The passing by the Chelsea players were tremendous, not losing many balls to Everton and even forcing the Toffees to play quick and short balls to move forward. Not much time given to Everton to think when the ball is at their feet.


Everton are frustrating the opponent as the entire 11 players are back defending when Chelsea has the ball. It's 33rd minute and Everton's doing tremendously well. Everton's doing even better in the 34th minute when Terry was sent off for a two-footed challenge on Ossie!


Half time, Everton did better than remain unscatched! They even had opportunities to attack Chelsea's half.


Everton is back in business in the 2nd half. Chelsea's striking ability seemed to have been blunted. In the 52nd minute, Fellaini leaped highest to power the ball towards Chelsea goal. But the ball was caught nicely by the opposing goalkeeper.


Yobo seemed to have pulled a hamstring, and is replaced by Bainsey. Chelsea seems to be complaining about literally everything. They even debated about the wall Everton has set up to defend a free kick. The referee got totally irritated, took his ten paces, showed that the wall was ok, and then flashed a yellow card at the complaining Chelsea player!


Everton came close in the 79th minute. A low hard cross by Bainsey that met Fellaini's foot, but the latter just could not direct the ball into the net. In the 82nd minute, Everton put the ball into the net, but the linesman deemed Pienaar offside. Bummer.

At the end, it's all square. Chelsea might have won Everton if they had their full strength. But one point against the mighty Chelsea is good enough for us as we prod towards the magical 40 point marker.

Score: Everton 0-0 Chelsea
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Subs: Bainsey

Actim Players Ranking: 151208

Everton players in the Top 100.

Arteta: 13th (236) - Fourth best midfielder (16/9), Fifth (2/12), (9/12), (15/12) - Best position: 12th
Lescott: 24th (218) - Best position: 24th
Howard: 41st (190) - Best position: 41st
Ossie: 59th (180) - Best position: 56th
Neville: 62nd (178) - Best position: 57th
Jag: 75th (169) - Best position: 74th
Yobo: 92nd (158) - Best position: 76th
Fellaini: 99th (152) - Best position: 96th

Previous Top 100.
Yakubu: 86th (133) - Fifth best striker (23/9) - Best position: 9th
Baines: 82nd (25) - Best position: 82nd

MAN CITY (0) vs (1) EVERTON - FULL TIME

How is it that all of Everton's strikers are injured? Even Anichebe is out. Timmy is now listed as a striker in the team.

Arteta struck the bar in the 9th minute with his free kick and Fellaini's header follow-up struck the bar and bounced out. In the 13th minute, Howard made a tremendous save from Man City, pushing away the ball that was going into the left corner of the goal post.

Oh boy, Fellaini had a open header in the 17th minute but it missed the target. In the 27th minute, Arteta's thunderous ball was on the way towards goal, but the reflex save of opposing goalkeeper made sure that Everton does not take the lead.

Nearly scored again in the 44th minute! Fellaini nearly reached the the ball in front of goal, but it just flew past the opposing goalkeeper. Everton picked up the ball at the other end and crossed the ball that Fellaini got to it but saved by the opposing goalkeeper! It's ok to get a draw, and so long as the ball is kept at Man City half, I'm a happy man.

2nd half, I can't believe it! Nice cross by Neville, but the opposing defender just did enough to nick the ball out for a corner. Nothing came from that corner. Sigh. After that, it was a lull all the way till the 92nd minute.

Everton won a corner and was taken by Ossie. The cross came in and Timmy was there to settle the score with a lovely, lovely header! Man City 0-1 Everton. Love that boy!

Score: Man City 0-1 Everton
Scorer: Timmy
Assist: Ossie
Subs: None

Actim Players Ranking: 091208

Everton players in the Top 100.

Arteta: 16th (221) - Fourth best midfielder (16/9), Fifth (2/12), (9/12) - Best position: 12th
Lescott: 29th (202) - Best position: 29th
Howard: 61st (171) - Best position: 55th
Neville: 72nd (162) - Best position: 57th
Ossie: 76th (159) - Best position: 56th
Jag: 80th (154) - Best position: 74th


Previous Top 100.
Yobo: 85th (144) - Best position: 76th
Yakubu: 86th (133) - Fifth best striker (23/9) - Best position: 9th
Fellaini: 96th (104) - Best position: 96th
Baines: 82nd (25) - Best position: 82nd

EVERTON (2) vs (3) ASTON VILLA - FULL TIME

Everton is a club under fire. No known strikers other than Anichebe and that'll be tough going for the lone striker role on a young shoulder. The injury list is horrendous enough for VdM to be on the bench after a two years hiatus!

OMG!!! Everton is down by a goal in 34 seconds! Everton 0-1 Villa. The opponent just looks hungrier.

In the 24th minute, a great header by Ossie into the path of Timmy who smashed the ball towards goal, but was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper. Shortly after, Fellaini's headed the ball towards goal but it was not forceful enough.

Sometimes, playing hard is not everything! In the 29th minute, Everton won a free kick from all the pulling, and from Arteta's free kick, Lescott directed the ball pass the opposing goalkeeper. Everton 1-1 Villa.

Anichebe got a shot in towards goal in the 36th minute but it was picked up pretty easily by the opposing goalkeeper. Everton is learning how to give as good as they get now. Villa are indeed a tough customer, but it seems like Everton is biting back. Nearly scored again in the 40th minute with Fellaini's header, but it was cleared off the line.

Start of the 2nd half and Fellaini hits the horizontal bar with his header. But a stupid back pass by Jag and Everton is once again a goal down. Everton 1-2 Villa.

It's the 80th minute now, but I'm really not sure how Moyes will change the game with the crop of substitutes he have. VdM is in for Neville. Lescott scores but soon after, Villa scored in the final second! Everton 2-3 Villa.

Great fight. But totally unfortunate.

Score: Everton 2-3 Villa
Scorer: Lescott (2)
Assist: Ossie, Timmy
Subs: VdM, Bainsey

Actim Players Ranking: 021208

Everton players in the Top 100.

Arteta: 14th (209) - Fourth best midfielder (16/9), Fifth (2/12) - Best position: 12th
Howard: 55th (165) - Best position: 55th
Lescott: 59th (163) - Best position: 49th
Neville: 62nd (162) - Best position: 57th
Ossie: 66th (154) - Best position: 56th
Jag: 74th (150) - Best position: 74th
Yobo: 85th (144) - Best position: 76th


Previous Top 100.
Yakubu: 86th (133) - Fifth best striker (23/9) - Best position: 9th
Fellaini: 96th (104) - Best position: 96th
Baines: 82nd (25) - Best position: 82nd

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

Pienaar is back, giving Everton a bit more width. Yak is the only fit striker available but within 5 minutes, Yak is out of the game as he landed akwardly.

On the break, Fellaini had two bites of the cherry. One was an opening outside the penalty area. The opposing goalkeeper could only perry the ball. A layoff from Ossie saw the ball reached Fellaini once again but was cleared away by the Tottenham defender. 38th minute.

In the 43rd minute, Timmy provided a cross from the left and Saha rose to meet the ball. But it was save albeit unconvincingly by the Tottenham goalkeeper.

What a nonsensical goal! Tottenham was complaining about the freekick given Everton's way. As they spoke, the ball was passed to Pienaar on the left and he struck the ball towards goal. A deflection and the ball went pass the Tottenham goalkeeper in the 50th minute. Tottenham 0-1 Everton.

More pressure in the 6oth minute as Pienaar strikes the ball towards goal, parried by the opposing goalkeeper. Another striker out. Saha just fell to the ground in the 70th minute. Anichebe comes in for Saha.

Great stretch by Howard to push the ball out in the 72nd minute. Final change by Everton on 88th minute. Bainsey on for Ossie. Good pass from Fellaini after using his body strength to win the ball. Fellaini then passed the ball to Anichebe who stuck the ball well, though just wide off the post.

There was further 6 minutes of extra time, and Everton just held on to the solitary-goal lead. Anichebe even had the chance to trouble the opposing goalkeeper just before the final whistle. Solid play by Pienaar and Jag at the back.

Score: Tottenham 0-1 Everton
Scorer: Pienaar
Assist: Arteta
Subs: Saha, Anichebe, Bainsey

Actim Players Ranking: 251108

Everton players in the Top 100.

Arteta: 17th (188) - Fourth best midfielder (16/9) - Best position: 12th
Lescott: 65th (147) - Best position: 49th
Neville: 68th (146) - Best position: 57th
Howard: 72nd (144) - Best position: 6oth
Ossie: 76th (142) - Best position: 56th
Yakubu: 86th (133) - Fifth best striker (23/9) - Best position: 9th
Jag: 88th (132) - Best position: 75th


Previous Top 100.
Yobo: 92nd (122) - Best position: 76th
Fellaini: 96th (104) - Best position: 96th
Baines: 82nd (25) - Best position: 82nd

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

This might be the first time that Everton is using their third jersey - luminous green. With its cheery colour, I hope that it will bring the the Toffees some joy. Pienaar is out injured so I do hope that the midfield can hold the ball.

Everton has the early pressure with deep throw-ins by Neville and deliciously curling corners by Arteta. But Wigan still looked dangerous when they counter-attack. After the 10th minutes, Everton is starting to yield to Wigan. Both teams have now tested the keepers. Timmy has had two headers but both off target.

Everton seemed to have froze in the last couple minutes of the first half and it Howard and his heorics to keep Everton on level terms.

So early in the start of the 2nd half and Everton is now behind. Wigan 1-0 Everton. The Toffees never seemed like they were interested in this match, even with a goal down. Everton needs to ring in some change and two persons I'd remove would be Fellaini, who has not contributed much to midfield, and Yak, who has not only not score, but his passes never reaches his colleagues.

Moyes don't have many seasoned substitutes. One of his young campaigner, Anichebe comes in for Saha. Other than that, I'm not too sure who Everton will throw into the mix. Bainsey is in for Neville. We need attackers but we changed a defender.

What has happened to all the Everton players?

Score: Wigan 1-0 Everton
Scorer: Nobody
Assist: Wished it was somebody
Subs: Anichebe, Bainsey

Actim Players Ranking: 181108

Everton players in the Top 100.

Arteta: 19th (182) - Fourth best midfielder (16/9); Seventh (26/8), (23/9), (07/10), (3/11), (11/11), (18/11); Nineth (28/10); Tenth (19/8), (2/9); - Best position: 12th
Lescott: 53rd (143) - Best position: 49th
Neville: 57th (142) - Best position: 57th
Howard: 64th (139) - Seventh best goalkeeper (3/11); Best position: 6oth
Ossie: 68th (138) - Best position: 56th
Yakubu: 77th (133) - Fifth best striker (23/9); Ninth (26/8), (16/9), (29/9) - Best position: 9th
Jag: 85th (128) - Best position: 75th
Yobo: 92nd (122) - Best position: 76th

Previous Top 100.
Fellaini: 96th (104) - Best position: 96th
Baines: 82nd (25) - Best position: 82nd

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

This was one game that Everton lost their lead early in the game and was forced to chase the game throughout.

As hard as Everton pressed, Boro's defence was no push-over and they continued to soak the pressure while keeping Everton frustrated.

Actim Players Ranking: 111108

Everton players in the Top 100.

Arteta: 19th (161) - Fourth best midfielder (16/9); Seventh (26/8), (23/9), (07/10), (3/11); Nineth (28/10); Tenth (19/8), (2/9); - Best position: 12th
Lescott: 49th (137) - Best position: 49th
Ossie: 59th (133) - Best position: 56th
Howard: 60th (132) - Seventh best goalkeeper (3/11); Best position: 6oth
Neville: 61st (132) - Best position: 57th
Jag: 75th (125) - Best position: 75th
Yobo: 86th (119) - Best position: 76th

Previous Top 100.
Yakubu: 81st (110) - Fifth best striker (23/9); Ninth (26/8), (16/9), (29/9) - Best position: 9th
Fellaini: 96th (104) - Best position: 96th
Baines: 82nd (25) - Best position: 82nd

WEST HAM (1) vs (3) EVERTON - FULL TIME

Sometimes you wonder whether Everton comes into the game with any enthusiasm. Yes, they do not have Yak, who in the first place, has not been a revelation in recent time. Fellaini's also out with suspension.

Other than that, the team has not been deprived of any other important players. But their play was terrible. The midfield with Ossie, Arteta, Rodwell and Timmy do not look convincing at all. The 1st half play brings to the Toffee fans tears of sorrow. West Ham looks to be a more dangerous side, hitting the bar, and threatening to score. While Everton? Not Everton a single shot on target. You really hope for such a spark but it is not happening.

The 2nd half continued to bring no joy for Everton. Are they really interested in playing? West Ham controlled the entire park and rightfully, scored the first goal. Everton was totally in shambles! West Ham 1-0 Everton. Moyes threw Vaughny in for Rodwell to give Everton hopefully more bite.

Then by a sudden coming of senses, West Ham seemed to take their foor off the pedals and Everton started coming to life. Picking up the ball on the right, Saha way given way too much space to put in a cross which Lescott headed it in with much aplomb! West Ham 1-1 Everton. Once again, Everton left it really late again - 82nd minute.

That was just a beginning. Moyes was about to substitute Anichebe with Bainesy, but Anichebe made his final contribution with a low cross into the penalty area that saw Saha putting in a lovely first touch curler into the net. Total striker's goal. West Ham 1-2 Everton.

To further banish the ghost of his injury, Saha put in a lovely long distance curler into the right side of the net with a pass from Timmy. Wonderful, wonderful goal! West Ham 1-3 Everton.

The result was totally undeserving, but if the other teams are willing to offer us the points, we are definitely winning to receive it with open arms.

Score: West Ham 1-3 Everton
Scorer: Lescott, Saha (2)
Assists: Saha, Anichebe, Timmy
Subs: Vaughny, Bainsey, Hibbo

Actim Players Ranking: 031108

Everton players in the Top 100.

Arteta: 27th (147) - Fourth best midfielder (16/9); Seventh (26/8), (23/9), (07/10), (3/11); Nineth (28/10); Tenth (19/8), (2/9); - Best position: 12th
Ossie: 56th (119) - Best position: 56th
Neville: 61st (118) - Best position: 57th
Howard: 63rd (117) - Seventh best goalkeeper (3/11); Best position: 63rd
Yakubu: 81st (110) - Fifth best striker (23/9); Ninth (26/8), (16/9), (29/9) - Best position: 9th
Jag: 88th (107) - Best position: 88th
Fellaini: 96th (104) - Best position: 96th
Lescott: 99th (102) - Best position: 60th

Previous Top 100.
Yobo: 97th (59) - Best position: 76th
Baines: 82nd (25) - Best position: 82nd

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

Everton has been off colour for the first few matches of the season and has dropped many points. Not much have changed. They are still off-colour. But the only thing going for them is that they are now picking up points.

This game is really a tale of former players - AJ and Davis formerly from Everton, and Saha formerly from Fulham. The Toffees started with a 4-5-1 formation which Moyes favoured in the last few seasons.

The game saw Felliani threatening a couple of times, one of his strike even hit the post. But it was not all one way street as AJ made a nuisance of himself. Though everything seemed to play on monotone as the entire play really lack lustre and half time did not come quick enough.

Second half talks did not lift the spirits of the players and the crowd was really getting frustrated. Things got worrying for Everton as Fulham continued to peck at Everton, twice they hit the goal post. It was not like doomsday at the Emirates when Tottenham struck fear in Arsenal, but it felt like a graveyard at Goodison. Yak didn't look any where near scoring form, and Timmy was heading his ball everywhere except into the goal.

It was only in the 86th minutes that Ossie managed to put a lovely ball into the box for Saha to score his first goal with a bullet-like header. So so fortunate! Everton sees their second clean sheet and their first win at home.

Score: Everton 1-0 Fulham
Scorer: Saha
Assist: Ossie
Subs: Saha, Anichebe, Vaughny

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

Finally! A clean sheet. Not letting in goal will bound to increase the club's chance of winning. But of course you'll have to score goal, and Everton did just that.

The Toffees started with a 4-4-2 formation with Yak and Saha spearheading the attack. Everton did well in the first half but gained nothing from her toil. While still maintaining parity, Moyes chose Timmy to replace Yak, while Saha was replaced by Anichebe. Everton continued to press for a goal but it was only in the 89th minute that Fellaini planted a header into the net. Everton leads by 1-0.

Time for Everton to start climbing the league table.

Score: Bolton 0 - 1 Everton
Scorer: Fellaini
Assist: Pienaar
Subs: Timmy, Anichebe, Rodwell

Actim Players Ranking: 281008

Everton players in the Top 100.

Arteta: 31st (120) - Fourth best midfielder (16/9); Seventh (26/8), (23/9), (07/10); Nineth (28/10); Tenth (19/8), (2/9); - Best position: 12th
Ossie: 89th (73) - Best position: 89th
Yakubu: 98th (83) - Fifth best striker (23/9); Ninth (26/8), (16/9), (29/9) - Best position: 9th

Previous Top 100.
Neville: 96th (59) - Best position: 57th
Yobo: 97th (59) - Best position: 76th
Lescott: 90th (41) - Best position: 60th
Baines: 82nd (25) - Best position: 82nd

Actim Players Ranking: 211008

Everton players in the Top 100.

Arteta: 24th (112) - 4th best midfielder (16/9); 6th (21/10); 7th (26/8), (23/9), (07/10); 9th (28/10); Tenth (19/8), (2/9); - Best position: 12th
Yakubu: 81st (80) - Fifth best striker (23/9); Ninth (26/8), (16/9), (29/9) - Best position: 9th
Ossie: 93rd (76) - Best position: 93rd

Previous Top 100.
Neville: 96th (59) - Best position: 57th
Yobo: 97th (59) - Best position: 76th
Lescott: 90th (41) - Best position: 60th
Baines: 82nd (25) - Best position: 82nd

Actim Players Ranking: 071008

Everton players in the Top 100.

Arteta: 17th (105) - Fourth best midfielder (16/9); Seventh (26/8), (23/9), (07/10); Tenth (19/8), (2/9); - Best position: 12th
Yakubu: 44th (87) - Fifth best striker (23/9); Ninth (26/8), (16/9), (29/9) - Best position: 9th

Previous Top 100.
Neville: 96th (59) - Best position: 57th
Yobo: 97th (59) - Best position: 76th
Lescott: 90th (41) - Best position: 60th
Baines: 82nd (25) - Best position: 82nd

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

Everton has one of the strongest line-up so far this season. Hibbo and Pienaar are back and I expect the latter to cause some trouble. Yobo has been dropped to the bench and Jag now takes his position. We have one of the shortest left and right back in the form of Bainsey and Hibbo respectively, but we have speed. Let's make use of it. Everton start off with a 4-4-2 formation.

Opening chance in the 1st minute by Saha, but missed right. Pressure on for Newcastle. Everton has a freekick in the 4th minute but Arteta scoops it over. Yak has a chance with a layoff by Felliani but missed right. Everton needs to score the first goal to calm their nerves.

Everton wins a penalty in the 16th minute with a clumsy tackle on Bainsey! Everton 1-0! Scored by Arteta! COYB! Let's break Newcastle down. Newcastle is now taking the game to Everton and they nearly scored if not for the goal line clearance of Bainsey.

Everton's cruising. 34th minute and Everton is two goals up. A back flick by Pienaar reached Bainsey who crosses the ball for Felliani to score his first ever goal for the Toffees. Everton 2-0 Newcastle.

No cleansheet once again! From a ball without danger, Everton just had to concede this very soft goal. Everton 2-1 Newcastle. I was still wishing that Everton will run away with the score. Bummer!

Straight away from 2nd half, Everton concedes a goal! Loads of expletives that I'll use! It's just so frustrating the way they are defending! All their good work gone to waste and everything has gone flat. Everton's playing on home ground for crying out loud! Everton 2-2 Newcastle.

Ossie tries in 64th minute and it was a good save. Anichebe is in for Saha in the 71st minute. A block on the line by Everton in the 77th minute. I really can't believe what I'm watching! Vaughny is in for Pienaar in the 83rd minute.

Good try by Anichebe in the 86th minute but miss right.

So two goals ahead, and then, lose their focus, and Everton nicks a draw, barely. What's wrong with them? Sigh!

Score: Everton 2-2 Newcastle
Scorer: Arteta, Fellaini
Assist: Bainsey
Subs: Anichebe, Vaughny

STANDARD LIEGE (2) vs (1) EVERTON - FULL TIME

A total disaster for Everton as their European foray came to a sudden halt. Since this is my blog, I am choosing not to write anything about this match. At least we scored a goal, but gave away two.

Score: Liege 2-1 Everton
Scorer: Jag
Subs: Pienaar, Yobo, Anichebe

Actim Players Ranking: 290908

Everton players in the Top 100.

Yakubu: 23rd (89) - Fifth best striker (23/9); Ninth (26/8), (16/9), (29/9) - Best position: 9th
Arteta: 30th (83) - Fourth best midfielder (16/9); Seventh (26/8), (23/9); Tenth (19/8), (2/9); - Best position: 12th
Neville: 96th (59) - Best position: 57th
Yobo: 97th (59) - Best position: 76th

Previous Top 100.
Lescott: 90th (41) - Best position: 60th
Baines: 82nd (25) - Best position: 82nd

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

Everton's playing an early match against their merseyside rival - Liverpool. This is one important match that the Toffees has to win. Hibbo is back on the right, allowing Neville to take up the defensive midfield role. The stage is set for Everton to give Pool a beating! COYB!

Liverpool have been controlling the match but Everton had the opportunityin the 13th minute corner, but Timmy could not power the shot towards goal.

Fellaini nearly scored in the 27th minute with his strike, but the referee ruled an infringement against Everton. There's really not much of space for players to move. Timmy had a penalty claim waved away in the 43rd minute.

The first half ain't much of a livewire. Let's see what happens in the 2nd half.

Moyes must be wondering when it'll be a good time to bring in Saha, who has been a threat in the last two games and soon after, Everton trails in the 57th minute. Everton 0-1 Liverpool. Damn, Everton is two down now. Total collapse of Everton's defence in the 61st minute. Everton 0-2. Saha is on for Hibbo.

Everton needs to score to press Liverpool in the final 15 minutes. Chance in the 77th minute but it was not meant to be. Everton's game is getting from bad to worse. Timmy has been sent off for a foul on a Liverpool player. Disaster! Now, I just want the match to end. Even Everton's passes are going haywire!

Imagine! EVerton has not won a single match at Goodison! Sigh!

Score: Everton 0-2 Liverpool
Scorer: Not even in it!
Assist: Painful!
Sub: Saha

Actim Players Ranking: 230908

Everton players in the Top 100.

Yakubu: 9th (82) - Fifth best striker (23/9); Ninth (26/8), (16/9) - Best position: 9th
Arteta: 16th (78) - Fourth best midfielder (16/9); Seventh (26/8), (23/9); Tenth (19/8), (2/9); - Best position: 12th
Neville: 65th (57) - Best position: 57th
Yobo: 76th (53) - Best position: 85th

Previous Top 100.
Lescott: 90th (41) - Best position: 60th
Baines: 82nd (25) - Best position: 82nd

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

I was tracking this match from the web as it wasn't shown on cable and boy, was it nerve wrecking still!

The fans were hoping that Everton will do fine, but the concern has always been the leaky defence.The players are good but Moyes knows the problem was that nobody outside of the team could contest the defence places. Jacobsen was unfortunately injured in his international match and missed his debut for Everton. He would have kept the defence on their toes.

But it was the same start as most of their matches this season - Everton was one goal down in the first half. Disappointed no doubt, but I always felt that Everton stood a chance somehow. Then Everton went behind with another goal just at the start of the 2nd half. Scored by our very own Neville! My heart ebbed to the lowest point. this would have been the worst time for Everton to concede as while you're trying to gain parity, you realised you get kicked in the face with a second goal.

Everton's defence was totally out of sorts and it not until the introduction of Saha that lifted the spirits of the team. The first Everton goal came courtesy of Everton's talisman Timmy. A blast of a shot! The second came six minutes later with Ossie putting one past the opposing goalkeeper. What a miracle. Everton nearly snatched a late winner with Saha prodding through to the goal but his shot was well saved.

Score: Hull 2-2 Everton
Scorer: Timmy, Ossie
Assist: Yak
Subs: Lescott, Saha, Vaughany

http://www.mightyfootball.com/?s=everton%2C+hull

EVERTON (2) vs (2) STANDARD LIEGE - FULL TIME

It was a tough game for Everton. As much as they tried to buy this win by purchasing Standard Liege's better player, Marouane Felliani. The team was happy to see the return of Ossie.

You'd think that with a full complement of the first XI players, Everton should be doing quite ok. But it turned out otherwise. In the 8th minute, Lescott was one of the culprit who could have cleared the ball away. Instead, he dillied-dallied and the ball was tapped beyond him. A cross and a goal. Everton was down 1-0.

In the 22 minute, Everton maintained parity with Yak scoring from a lovely pass from Ossie. Wonderful contribution, and wonderful sweeping goal.

But Everton was on a backfoot again when an innoculous ball that was floated across the Everton penalty box was slotted in by Yobo. Own goal!

But in the 37th minute, Castillo tried to prove why Moyes should consider taking him in on a permanent basis when he blasted the ball into the net! Everton 2-2 Standard Liege and it ended with this score.

Everton will have the unenviable task of needing to score to win in the 2nd leg. It'll be tough. Well, I guess we might as well focus on our Premiership.

Actim Players Ranking: 160908

Everton players in the Top 100.

Arteta: 12th (75) - Fourth best midfielder (16/9); Seventh (26/8); Tenth (19/8), (2/9); - Best position: 12th
Yakubu: 16th (67) - Ninth best striker (26/8), (16/9) - Best position: 16th
Neville: 75th (45) - Best position: 75th
Yobo: 85th (41) - Best position: 85th
Lescott: 90th (41) - Best position: 60th


Previous Top 100.
Baines: 82nd (25) - Best position: 82nd

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

Timmy is back!!! Hope that he'll hold on fine. Also, there're starting places for Fellaini and Castillo. First time in a very long while that Moyes could play 4-4-2.

Very quickly, Everton gave away a free kick just at the edge of the penalty box. Somehow, Everton is not settling down as fast they would like to. Stoke seems to be controlling the game for the first 10 minutes of the game. Good stop by Howard in the 12th minute. The ball was actually going in.

Everton's playing rubbish while Stoke's defending really well. Can't really understand why Everton players are always fighting for the same ball as well. Really not enough communication on the field; very patchy. It's 32nd minute and Everton has not even tested the opposing goalkeeper.

From nowhere, Everton's in the lead in the 40th minute. A long ball trapped by Arteta who one touch reached Cahill. With another nice one touch, the ball came into the path of Yak who made no mistake anywhere around the penalty box. Stoke 0-1 Everton. Timmy's assist.

Everton nearly scored through a counter attack but a nice tackle on Cahill saw the ball being cleared away. Half time. Everton really needs to play better than that looking at the players we have at our disposal.

Second half sees a sluggish start once again. But Everton put in another goal from Arteta's free kick. No one closed Anichebe who flicked the ball beyond anybody's reach. Stoke 0-2 Everton. Arteta's assist.

Stoke scores one from a bullet volley. Stoke 1-2 Everton. Stoke scored again but was denied because of a foul on Yobo. But Stoke really scored this time. Stoke 2-2 Everton. Rubbish defence once again. Everton really don't know how to handle Stoke. In the 72nd minute, Everton was supposed to be awarded a penalty but instead, they were given a free kick and the chance has past.

And now, a miracle has happened!!! Everton scores from a corner!!!!! Timmy heads in a thunderbolt in the 77th minute! Crazy! Coming back from a six months layoff, and now he scores. Stoke 2-3 Everton. Timmy is taken off, Rodwell replaces him. Assist by Arteta.

Suddenly, everything comes alive. Both sides were going at each other's necks and it was edgy stuff! But Everton managed to crawl to the finishing line, barely. Timmy made a big difference tonight.

Score: Stoke 2-3 Everton
Scorers: Yak, Anichebe, Timmy
Assists: Arteta 2, Timmy
Subs: Rodwell, Vaughany

Will We Get To See Our New Buys?

So the dust of the transfer market has settled and Everton has brought in five players. So will they play?

Much news has surrounded the Toffees most expensive player, Marouane Fellaini. Will he be our midfield maestro? Will Segundo Castillo be able to replace Cars? Will we see Louis Saha and Lars Jacobsen play in the next couple of months?

Tomorrow's match will tell.

Actim Players Ranking: 020908

Everton players in the Top 100.

Arteta: 26th (47) - Tenth best midfielder (19/8); Seventh (26/8); Tenth (2/9) - Best position: 17th
Yakubu: 44th (32) - Ninth best striker (26/8) - Best position: 25th


Previous Top 100.
Lescott: 60th (29) - Best position: 60th
Baines: 82nd (25) - Best position: 82nd

Transfer Deadline

So finally, Moyes promise of bringing five to six players has come true. The fourth player to join Everton is our current record breaker Marouane Felliani. It's claimed that the club has been tracking him for the past two years and Felliani's stock has sky-rocketed and now he has cost Everton 15 million pounds. There're two fronts on how Felliani will handle the Premiership:- Learn the physical way of handling the defenders, or sink. I hope that we have not purchased him on impluse because of Moyes's promise to bring in players.

The fifth signing is ex-Wigan shot stoppoer Carlo Nash. Nothing to crow about, but he's brought in as a cover to Howard and guess what, he's been given the No. 1 jersey. But is he really No. 1?

So all in all here're the make-up of the new players:- A perpectually injured striker, a second rated goalkeeper, a free transfer defender, a south american so-so midfielder and a 15 million pound youth.

So will Everton compete in the top five at the end of this season. With much luck. I hope I'm proven wrong. I really hope I am.

A Striker Checks In!

Louis Saha has arrived! All you wish for him is to be fit, at least for 10 games in a season. Saha is a good player, but he's as fragile as toothpicks. On his good day, he would match any world class striker. Just cross my knickers and hope everything holds up.

Truthfully, we need another few other players, but we are really just a couple of hours away before the the transfer deadline. So can Moyes pull through a few more loan deal?

We'll see.

EVERTON (0) vs (3) PORTSMOUTH - FULL TIME

So now, Everton's strikeforce looks much healthier with the return of Vaughny who is starting, and Anichebe who is on the bench. The game against Portsmouth will prove to be a test for Everton. The Toffees have started brightly but it's still quite even plain.

But suddenly, Portsmouth is in front with a Defoe goal. Everton 0-1 Portsmouth. Everton has been bamboozled by the joint strikeforce of Defoe and Crouch. Pressure!

Ossie had a long distance shot in the 18th minute by it was rising into the terraces. Nearly in the 20th minute!!! Yak made a cross from the left channel and Arteta stuck it sweetly only for the opposing goalkeeper to palm the ball away for Arteta to go for a rebound. But it was saved!

Another save by Portsmouth in the 31st minute! Yak thought that he was going to score only to see the opposing defender hook the ball away. But suddenly, Everton is down by two goal. Everton 0-2 Portsmouth.

Great start to the second half. Penalty given for a foul on Vaughny in the 45th minute! But it's saved! Yak could not score! Gifted chance but can't score! Oh boy. Fight Everton fight! Ossie strike on goal in the 56th minute but saved. Vaughany replaced by Anichebe. C'mon!

And now Everton is down by three goals. Everton 0-3 Portsmouth. Baxter on for Ossie. It's not for Everton's want of trying, but Portsmouth was playing above themselves. Anichebe tries in the 74th minutes. Saved again. No way through to Portsmouth goal.

Nothing the team could do. Sigh.

Score: Everton 0-3 Portsmouth
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Subs: Anichebe, Baxter

Defensive Midfielder Checks In

Great! Two players within a week, and a third might be coming in. Ecuadorian international Segunda Castillo will take over the role that Cars has vacated. Wait a minute, if Jacobsen takes over Neville temporary role of a right back, while Castillo takes over Neville actual role as a defensive midfielder, what role will Neville play?

Hmm, I wonder.

Actim Players Ranking: 260808

Everton players in the Top 100.

Arteta: 17th (40) - Tenth best midfielder (19/8); Seventh (26/8) - Best position: 17th
Yakubu: 25th (37) - - Ninth best striker (26/8) - Best position: 37th
Lescott: 60th (29) - Best position: 60th
Baines: 82nd (25) - Best position: 82nd

Right Back Checks In!

Hot from the press! Danish right-back Lars Christian Jacobsen will be Moyes's first signing of the season. A seasoned campaigner and an International, the 28 years old Jacobsen will provide good cover on the right, with Hibbo still out injured.

No more "giveaway penalties" from Neville. He can now move to the midfield and take up Cars's role as a defensive midfielder.

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

Today's team looks more balanced with two seniors on the bench. Last match as you remembered, was fear-inducing - The entire bench were filled with youngsters. This game also sees a young striker Jose Baxter eclipsing James Vaughan to become the youngest player to start a game. All of 16 years and 198 days.

Everton starts the game looking a little bit more confident but it was WBA that pegged the Toffees back with their quick inter-play. But so far, Everton has accounted themselves quite well though with Baxter and Rodwell being pretty composed. That bodes well for the future. Lescott and Arteta are also influencing the game.

Arteta made a change to the centre of the field in the middile of the first half as he had no breath to play on the right. Rodwell switched to the right, while Baxter has to be pushed to the left, leaving Yak to play alone upfront.

Not much of a threat and the game looked to be patering off even before they have started. WBA is having a good stranglehold of the game and even with Ossie's direct play through the centre, he would very quickly be surrounded by four or five WBA players. This literally left Yak stranded. The only channel to a possible goal was through dead ball situations led by Arteta. But so far, it has not reaped any dividends.

In the second half, Everton started on the back foot once again. A good pass carved Everton's defence open and the opposing striker was one-on-one with Howard who made himself big and ensured that the ball did not end up in the back of the net.

Moyes just had to do something and fortunately, he has in his arsenal James Vaughan who was not even considered fit on Friday.

He was thrown into the thick and he made the difference, running and chasing every ball.

In the 62nd minute, Rodwell placed the ball in the goal but the referee said no. Truly so no reason why. Then within a minute, Everton is ahead. Arteta trodded up the right channel, placed the ball nicely into the path of Ossie, who then did a little shimmy and tucked the ball neatly into the left corner.

But WBA has not given up and they continue to peg at Everton's goal. But Ossie tried from outside the box from the corner nearly putting the ball into the goal.

In the 75th minute though, Everton gave WBA a bitter pill to swallow when Lescott dispatched a long ball from defence for Yak to chase. The opposing defender allowed the ball to bounce and Yak nipped in to head the ball pass the opposing keeper. WBA 0-2 Everton. Two headed goal by Yak in as many games. Yak was then replaced by Valente to allow him a well deserved breather.

Even when WBA reduced the deficit in the 88th minute through a penalty, Everton was already smiling all their way to the bank.

Score: WBA 1-2 Everton
Scorers: Ossie, Yak
Assists: Arteta, Lescott
Sub: Vaughany, Valente

Moyes Has To Get Everton Out Of This Mess

When a manager says he takes responsibility of the wrongs that is happening to the club, it does not offer much confidence to both players and fans alike.

What scares me more is that if Everton loses their matches against supposedly smallers teams such as West Bromich Albion and Hull City, it'll be mayhem at Goodison Park! Players' self-believe will start to plummet and fans, who were on the backs of the Toffees during their first game against Blackburn Rovers, will continue booing them. This will be disastrous to Everton's 08/09 campaign.

As much as a prideful manager who wants to bring in quality players, the squad is bleeding because there is no quantity. Names of players have been tossed around for the entire close season - Andrei Arshavin, Zoltan Gera, Jimmy Bullard, Vagner Love, Stephane M'Bia, Joao Moutinho, Tiago Mendes, Diego Milito and many more.

When the club mentioned that they were interested in bringing in injury-prone Alan Smith and Freddie Ljunberg, it brought a cautious smile to the faces of the Evertonians. But it seems like even these fast retiring players are not even coming to Everton.

Prior to this transfer debacle, Everton has placed themselves in a very favourable position. Finishing fifth in the Barclays Premier League, did well in the UEFA Cup, and even booked their place in the upcoming UEFA Cup. With so much excitement and the opportunity to build on a strongly bonded team, surely quality players will want to join the club.

But David Moyes has now conceded that its not only about the opportunities to win medals, but it's also the money. Things have changed tremendously. What you can buy with one million pounds in the 80s is now just spare change. Also, players' salary has sky-rocketed.

There is not much time left to salvage the issue of the lack of players, and there is no way to bring in the big names now. But Moyes has done well bringing in players from the the championship divison - Joleon Lescott, Andrew Johnson, Phil Jagielka and Tim Cahill. He should continue with this transfer policy to keep Everton above water. Also, continue to bring in loan players. Mikel Arteta and Steven Pienaar proved to be gems for the club as they showed great influence in proping Everton up to fifth place last season.

This will ensure that there are players to cover each department for now. The big names can wait.

Actim Players Ranking: 190808

Everton players in the Top 100.

Arteta: 18th (24) - Tenth best midfielder (19/8); Best position: 18th
Yakubu: 62nd (16) - Best position: 62nd

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

Everton will start their 08-09 season with a bench filled with only youngsters. Even for the first XI, we don't even have 11 first team senior players. Moyes had to throw in Rodwell and left back Valente, who's usually not in Moyes's first team. I suspect that the manager might have to throw in Baxter later on.

Rodwell took his first shot in the 3rd minute and it was on target albeit a bit weak. But very quickly when the ball was in play, Rodwell gave the ball away without being under pressure. We look really thin in the midfield.

It's the 9th minute and Yak has barely touched the ball while Blackburn looks like they have settled in much better than Everton. The opposing striker, Santa Cruz has threatened the Everton goal twice with his headers. Everton better beware. Somehow, Howard's jersey (Green)and shorts (Grey) colour mismatch might just cause Blackburn to go blind.

Howard showed a pretty safe hands so far as he stopped a good shot in the 16th minute. Ossie created some problem for the opposing goalkeeper when his cross took a deflection that was heading to the top right of the net. Nothing came out of that corner. Everton left channel is a little weak as Bainsey has to take on the role of a left winger.

Ok, Everton is now behind in the 21st minute with a sweetly-taken goal. Everton 0-1 Blackburn.
Once again, Everton is being pegged back. what's more, home soil! Everton is playing so badly that Yak has to play deep to get the ball. Bollocks!

Everton is barely getting a touch of the ball. It's Moyes's inability to sign player that's getting the club into trouble. you can't blame injuries as that's bound to happen. For the midfield, Jag, Rodwell and Bainsey are nowhere near dangrous nor creative.

In the 40th minute, Yak won a free kick for Everton. Arteta clipped the ball over the top of the goal. But five minutes later, Everton won another free kick just on the left edge of the penalty box. Arteta stepped up and curled the ball past Rolly Robinson. GOALLLL!!!! Everton 1-1 Blackburn. Half time. Everton manage to draw parity to the scoreline but the host has to up the pace or face defeat.

Everton made a good start in the 46th minute with Bainsey providing a lovely cross from the left. Yak had a slight touch of the ball but could not direct the ball at goal. The Toffees are playing much better in the second half. Everton wins a corner in the 61st minute. Taken by Arteta, but Jag just planted the header a little too high.

In the 62nd minute, Yak picked up the ball from a long plomp from Howard. the striker went on to turn the defenders and even had the odesity to try for goal though it did not go in. In the 63rd minute, Everton broke quickly with Arteta crossing the ball for Yak to head home. Everton 2-1 Blackburn. Within a minute, Everton paid dearly for a lack of concentration on the part of Lescott. Parity once again. Everton 2-2 Blackburn.

Valente has been replaced by Jose Baxter in the 78th minute. The crowd were on their feet as they know that Baxter is one for the future and a brilliant one in fact - Coming in at a tender age 16.

Exciting! A good cross by Jag in the 88th minute and Baxter was at the end of the ball. The ball however flew wide.

But in the final minute, Everton concedes a goal! Everton 2-3 Blackburn. We lose the 100% home record on the very first day. It really feels sick! I would have settled for a draw, but its not to be. Very, very bitter pill to swallow.

Score: Everton 2-3 Blackburn
Scorer: Arteta, Yak
Assist: Arteta
Subs: Baxter

Start of the Season: Where Will Everton Stand?

Everton's starting their season tomorrow and it brings much concern. Losing players, gaining none. I can't say that I'm convinced with their pre-season as well. Adding salt to injury, the club will be without Pienaar, one of the more influential player during our pre-season.

So we're playing Blackburn tomorrow. Can we win? Of course, silly! We'll win alot of angst!

I really don't see Everton finish anywhere near the top three, but top 10? I believe so.

Let's hope that Yak don't choose to be lazy because if he's deemed ineffective tomorrow, there're no other seasoned striker to replace him. We drew other two games against Blackburn last season. Let's hope that we can win this match.

Prediction: Everton 1-0 Blackburn

Friendlies: Summary

So is Everton ready for the start of the Premiership? Well, let's take a look at how they have performed in their friendlies.

P W D L F A

7 2 2 3 7 10

So was that impressive? By looking at the records, no. With a goal difference of minus three, AvM being injured again after fighting back from serious injury and lost of form. There was even side shows where Yobo's brother got kidnapped in Nigeria and the resignation of the club's CEO, Keith Wyness.

Well it's not all gloom, I guess. Firstly, two youngsters were on the scoring list - Jut and Baxter. Also, the latter has been on an electrifying form. what's promising is that he's only 16 years old. Other youngsters who were thrown into the fold - Kieran Agard, Dan Gosling and Jack Rodwell all performed extremely well.

Secondly, we saw the return of Arteta, Ossie, Bainsey and Vaughny. We need all the players we can get. Thirdly, Pienaar preformed extraordinarily well in the last couple of games.

So Everton may not be in the top four, maybe not even the top six, but what I know is that we will give those supposed top four clubs a run for their money. There's a future!

Friendlies scorers

Jutkiewicz (2), Jag (1), Baxter (1), Ossie (1), Arteta (1)

Anichebe in the Olympics

Ok, there's good news and there's bad.

Anichebe scored a goal against Japan. This puts Nigeria in a good position to go through to the next round of the Olympics soccer. BUT! This means that Anichebe may be at the olympics till the end of August. We are short of strikers, but I hope that with his form, he will bring that form back to Everton, not injury.

Thanks AJ

Dear AJ,

I can understand why you left Everton. Greener pasture? Better opportunities? You're not one of those players whom I'd say "good riddance". You played your heart out for the club, and I truly respect. All the best to you and your Fulham journey.

Signed

Singapore-Evertonian

American Round-up

One lost and one win. As always, a win is always sweet. It was interesting to note that Arteta and Ossie both scored. That was important as these are the players that you would want to do well over the season.

We lost to Chicago Fire without even a whimper. Not even a goal. But we won 2-1 against Colorado Rapids.

The final pre-season game will be with PSV Eindhoven. Guess this will be a truly tough match before we start our season proper against Blackburn at home on 16 Aug.

Sale of Andy Johnson

So it's no longer a rumour. AJ will be sold to Fulham. I hate it when players are sold to teams in the Premier League and afterwhich, they'll come back to haunt you. But if you think about it, if it's not a foreign club, then only Premiership clubs can offer 12 Million pounds for a player.

Anyway, this is a money-making move - profitting to the tune of about 4 Million pounds. So is this a conspiracy? Moyes was saying that he did not want to sell AJ. But seemingly, AJ had wanted a move and this angered Moyes who then sanctioned his move to Fulham.

Sad ending, but with Moyes bent on playing just one striker (And it's not AJ that he's playing)most of the time, it is in every decent player to want to ask for a move.

So AJ, thanks for the memories and the goals against Liverpool. It was truly a beaut!

Friendly: FC SION vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

Say what you must, this is still Everton's first loss of the season. Ominous start to the season? Well, if it be said, most of the seniors were not even in the squad for this match. Howard has still not return from US and other players such as Pienaar, Yak, Anichebe and Yobo (Who's brother has been kidnapped) are also not back in the squad.

Playing in this game were "old hands" Lescott, Jag and Neville. AvM also saw a start in this game. The rest of the team saw a pretty young bunch of players; some as young as 16 years old.

This was a good run-out for the youngsters and hopefully, some of these names will be on the lips of many Evertonians. Anyway, for the records, Everton lost 1-0.

Singaporean-Evertonian is Back

As the team has came back for training, so have I to my blog. I'm a bit rusty as I've not written about Everton for about a month now. But I hope that I'm coming back with more vigour and zest.

But, but but! Has Everton made any signings so far? I guess, only Mr Round as Assistant Manager. Hope his name does not represent things that will be happening in Everton. Everything's going round and round, but heading nowhere!

Transfer Sob!

It's Everton. That's why we lost out Aaron Ramsey to the Gunners. Even Man Utd lost out to Arsene Wenger's team. Well, at least Everton tried a cheeky 5million pounds bid on the youngster. Never expected him to come this way, anyway.

Also, Fulham beat us to Zoltan Gera. Well, really pondering who we will end up with this season.

Nigeria, England Stroll To Victory

Nigeria won 2-0 against South Africa in their World Cup Qualifying match. Four Everton players were in the fold - three for Nigeria (Yak, Yobo and Anichebe) and one for South Africa (Pienaar).

Jag also earned his first cap with England as he helped to ensure his country's win of 3-0 against Trinidad and Tobago. It was a good run out for the players though whenever they played.

Hope to see them back in Everton fit and ready to fight for a good standing in the Premier League table next season.

Surely, Cars is Leaving

Seemingly a former conjoined twin of Tommy (Just kidding!), Cars is leaving Goodison for good, and all for a heartwarming cause. He is heading back to the midlands to care for his down syndrome daughter. A father's love knows no bounds.

Joining Everton in 2002, Cars has been a wonderful servant of the club. After six years and 184 appearances, Cars has signed a two years deal with Birmingham. Even at the age of 34, he has given the club his full 100%. He has been said to be the unsung hero who ensured the back four are well protected. That level of protection will be sorely missed.

Dear Mr Moyes, I think we should give Cars a good testimonial for his dedication, don't you think? Thank you Cars for all the memories.

Ok, can we have some good news after 13 departures?

Is Zoltan Gera Coming?

It's rumoured that West Brom Albion's (WBA) Zoltan Gera is coming to Everton. Zoltan has been a good servant for WBA and has won many accolades along the way. He was named in the end of the season Premiership All Star team in the 2004/05 season and was also the Championship player of the year in the recently completed season.

It would be good if he comes to Everton as when Arteta is out injured, only Pienaar could play that position. So when they push Neville to the right flank, yes he could cross the ball, and yes he did score a goal off a deflection, but he is no winger.

This can then free Arteta to roam the centre of the field when he's available. Zoltan has also performed well ever since his arrival on English soil. He definitely posed threats aplenty when he played against Everton when WBA was still in the Premiership.

Bring him in, Moyes. COYB.

UEFA Cup Here We Come

So the dust has settled and Portsmouth has won the FA Cup. Through to the UEFA Cup next season are Everton, Tottenham, Manchester City and Portsmouth.

The players and fans sure have something to look forward to. As for Aston Villa, they'll be having a long season ahead as they'll have to qualify for the 1st round of the UEFA Cup only by winning in the Inter-Toto. Think they might have to beef up their squad if they are to survive the rough and tumble of the Premier League.

EVERTON vs NEWCASTLE - FULL TIME

90 minutes, one more point before Everton makes it to the UEFA Cup next season. Can Everton do it against Newcastle? I really don't know. All I know is that we might have to rely on Aston Villa losing. Not that I do not trust Everton, but I think they are like a boxer, bloodied after 14 rounds, and at the final bout, they are just blocking shot after shot and hoping that they don't end up being knocked out.

AJ is not playing and there's no striker on the bench. How are we to win? Ok, hold my horses. We can do it...it's home ground and the sound from the fans is terrific!

In the 10th minute, Yak takes a shot after side-stepped two Newcastle players before half-hitting the ball towards goal albeit off target.

It must be Manny who has to make such a stupid cross in the 18th minute when all he had to do was to put in a simple cross and with so many Everton players in the penalty box! Get him out! Everton pressed on from a free kick and the ball was in no-man's land. Jag did a over-head kick but the ball went wide. A number of nice passes ended with Lescott taking a shot a goal, but was deflected back into play by a Newcastle defender.

Everton is asking all the questions now! Finally!!!! Yak scores in the 28th minute! Manny took a lovely freekick and Yak headed in the goal. Yak has made this his 20th goal this season. Everton 1-0 Newcastle. Everton scored through Yak but it was deemed offside. What lovely movement.

Lovely back pass from Anichebe to Manny who took a shot but was plamed away but the opposing goalkeeper. So so close. 36th minute, Anichebe strikes and the ball was tipped away, barely. From the corner, Everton really sticking their heads in with Yobo's powerful header but it was just over the top and very quickly, Ossie forced a save by the opposing goalkeeper. Lovely football by Everton. Half time. COYB!!! They are leading the proceedings. So let's get it out of our bloodstream and get that UEFA Cup placing!

Start of the second half. What's happening here??? Everton has given Newcastle a penalty and they have scored! All in the 45th minute. Everton 1-1 Newcastle. Foul by Yobo. The boys were not focused at all, and now the whole complexity has changed. Manny is now trying to change the game with two very quick freekick which were on target but were palmed away by the goalkeeper.

I'm just fearing that Everton is not fighting anymore while they are literally letting Newcastle back into the game. Everton is going route one from goalkeeper to striker. Don't crumble!!!

Anichebe was open in the 65th minute and was sprinting towards goal and he curled the ball towards goal, but Yak just could not get to the end of the ball. Everton wins a freekick. Michael Owen was still arguing with the linesman in the 68th minute when Yobo crossed the ball into the penalty area. The Newcastle defence failed to clear the ball and Lescott was there to slot the ball into goal! 10th goal of his season. Best goalscoring defender this season. Everton 2-1 Newcastle.

Yak sets Anichebe free in the 74th minute but the goalkeeper came up tops in the one-to-one situation. Finally!!!! Everton has been awarded a penalty! Ossie had actually hit the ball too far front but the Newcastle defender just had to foul him. Penalty taken by Yak and scores! Everton 3-1 Newcastle. No better way for Yak to score his 21st goal.

Manny is creating problems with his accurate long shots but it was parried away by the opposing goalkeeper. Yobo makes way for Bainesy while Anichebe is out for Tommy which will be his final game at Goodison.

Everton should have done enough to win the UEFA Cup placing. Cars is being replaced by young Jack Rodwell. Tommy chased the ball well and even put in a good cross to cause Newcastle some problems. Full time. Everton 3-1 Newcastle.

Great season for Lescott as he received the best player of the season award. Totally deserving. Yak has also came to life in the final game, scoring two goals. Great end to the season. This is the final game for players such as Tommy and Wessels. Both players have definitely done their part in Everton's push into Europe. Wishing Arteta, Timmy and also Hibbo the best in their recovery from their various injury.

Score: Everton 3-1 Newcastle
Scorer: Yak (2), Lescott
Assist: Manny
Subs: Bainesy, Tommy, Rodwell

ARSENAL vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

David Moyes came out to admit that his players are tired, and that why the team started to stutter after their loss to Fiorentina. Yak has also been playing regularly and he too, has started to lose steam. But maybe it's a good thing that Fabregas is not in the starting line-up.

Everton kicked off and very quickly earned themselves a corner that was subsequently cleared by Arsenal. The first 10 minutes was pretty tight, as Everton tries to dominate the midfield with the 4-5-1 formation.

After 20 minutes, there's still no clear shot at goal from either side.

Everton suddenly came to life in the 27th minute with a nice pass from Manny who deftly chipped the ball into the path of AJ. The latter sprinted pass the defender and hit a shot towards goal but was palmed away for a corner. Manny took that corner which saw Jag tap the ball towards goal but was cleared by the Arsenal defence line. Other than that, everything was on a snail's pace. Half time could not have came earlier, but it doesn't matter if Arsenal is not interested to play. So long as Everton gets a point.

Second half was another non-event. Lescott had a off target shot in the 57th minute after Pienaar had put him through with a deft chip. In the 76th minute, everton is trailing 1-0. Sloppy play that did not get the ball out cleanly.

And Everton loses. No matter what, everton has done well this season. If they are in for next`season UEFA Cup, great. If not, so be it as well.

Score: Arsenal 1-0 Everton
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Subs: Anichebe, Yak, Bainesy

EVERTON vs ASTON VILLA - FULL TIME

Did not have the opportunity to write about this match because of a soccer injury that I'd sustained and had to pay a visit to the hospital. I managed to watch the match though and it was all so painful to see Aston Villa draw Everton.

Final Score: Everton 2-2 Aston Villa

Actim Players Ranking: 220408

Everton players in the Top 100.

Lescott: 10th (518) - Best defender (4/9), (22/4); Second Best Defender(18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9), (30/10), (6/11), (5/2), (12/2), (26/2), (4/3), (14/3), (1/4); Fourth Best Defender (9/10), (23/10), (18/12), (8/1), (15/1), (22/1), (29/1); Fifth Best Defender (13/11), (27/11), (04/11) Best position: 9th
Howard: 30th (430) - Second best goalie (26/2), (4/3); Third best goalie (4/9), (12/2), (14/3); Fourth best goalie (15/1), (22/1), (29/1), (5/2), (1/4), (22/4); Fifth best goalie (28/8), (8/1); Best position: 27th
Arteta: 33rd (411) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8), (30/10); Best position: 8th
Yakubu: 36th (403) - Best position: 18th
Neville: 38th (397) - Best position: 30th
Jagielka: 55th (361) - Best position: 49th
AJ: 80th (310) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Yobo: 83rd (309) - Best position: 70th
Cars: 95th (290) - Best position: 72nd
Timmy: 98th (288) - Best position: 64th

Those who have previously made it to the top 100.

Pienaar: 95th (251) - Best position: 62nd
Ossie: 86th (153) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); Best position: 9th
Hibbo: 100th (89) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Anichebe: 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8), Best position: 5th

EVERTON vs CHELSEA - FULL TIME

An elusive goal for AJ to make it his 100 career league goals, another clean sheet to an impressive tally for Howard. How about Yak for his 20 goals? Can the want of breaking their records push these players beyond their abilities? I hope so and for the sake of Everton. But against such a team as Chelsea, the only way if Everton can win is when Chelsea fails to turn up. Everton's still a little short of players and I believe that's why Moyes has to field Mishap Manny...oh boy.

Everton kicks off and the players look lively. Manny had to give the ball away which led to Chelsea earning their first corner but thank goodness the opposition has not really warmed up yet.

Manny curled a beautiful freekick in the 15th minute that forced the opposing goalkeeper to make a reflex save. But both sides are just finding the final third a little congested. Everton's missing Arteta who could help to unlock the opposing team's defence. Everton has two good opportunities as Lescott and Pienaar did a one-two to set Lescott free in the penalty area only for the opposing defence to clear the ball. Then Manny had a chance but he skied it.

Jag slided in to stop a one-on-one situation and aptly cleared the ball in the 35th minute. Ok, Everton is now trailing. Howard has to wait another day. Everton 0-1 Chelsea.

Howard has to make that crucial save in the 42nd minute to prevent Everton from going two goals down. Half time. TAKE MANNY OUT!!! He may have done well in his free kicks, but he has ben giving away balls and creating more problems than neccessary.

Start of second half and Manny is still around. Why can't he make use of his skills a little bit better? Moyes is ringing in the change. AJ is replaced by Tommy and Pienaar replaced by Anichebe. Manny is taking good free kicks and if he can score one, much of his clumsy play would be forgiven. Neville has also started to day dream., and his crosses are not worthy of a captain. What's wrong with him?

I don't think they can even hold on to their possible UEFA cup placing.

Score: Everton 0-1 Chelsea
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Hmm
Subs: Tommy, Anichebe

EVERTON vs DERBY - FULL TIME

Finally, Everton has three fit strikers. Something that we have been lacking for quite a number of matches. But now, the midfield looks a bit flat though hopefully, that would not pose much of a problem.

Manny is in the side but I'm still as concerned with his dilly-dallying ways that saw him lose the ball to an opposing player as early as the 1st minute. Everton nearly scored in the 3rd minute but somehow Everton missed it with the goal wide open. Another ball stolen off Manny in the 5th minute! and it nearly cost Everton. Take him out!

Somehow, Everton seems to be on the back foot. So much for any shock and awe. What a miss!!! Open goal on 16th minute and Yak misses! Yak is human after all. Oh boy. Everton seems like they are already on holiday. So much to fight for, but they are just wasting their opportunity. Neville is another player that is playing horrendously and I don't blame Moyes from taking him out last week. he sucks this week too. I can sense the frustration of the crowd. Am I now too.

Everton is totally switched off. Even till the 41st minute when Everton won themselves a free kick, Arteta can't even score from the edge of the box. A loud boo from the crowd at half time. deservingly so!

Frustrating! Even in the second half. Bring on Tommy, or even Anichebe. Whoever! Manny tried firing a shot in. saved by the goalie. Yak then followed-up but nothing in the end. First shot by Everton in the 53rd minute? Oh boy.

Finally! Lovely pass by Manny in the 55th minute. Ossie is found totally open and he struck the ball sweetly into the goal. Everton 1-0 Derby. Suddenly, Manny seems to be more confident now. Ossie strikes at goal again on 60th minute but saved by the keeper for a corner.

Howard save on 63rd minute when Derby was on a one-on-one situation. Good passing in the 66th minute led to Ossie striking on goal but well save by the opposing goalkeeper. Yak is replaced by Anichebe and Manny is replaced by Jag. Final replacement where Arteta was replaced by Valente.

Nothing exciting after that. They have to buck up after one of their worst performance this season. We need to boost our strike and also our midfield. Manny may not be the answer.

Score: Everton 1-0 Derby
Scorer: Ossie
Assist: Manny
Subs: Anichebe, Jag, Valente

Actim Players Ranking: 010408

Everton players in the Top 100.

Lescott: 12th (468) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender(18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9), (30/10), (6/11), (5/2), (12/2), (26/2), (4/3), (14/3), (1/4); Fourth Best Defender (9/10), (23/10), (18/12), (8/1), (15/1), (22/1), (29/1); Fifth Best Defender (13/11), (27/11), (04/11) Best position: 9th
Arteta: 30th (399) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8), (30/10); Best position: 8th
Yakubu: 32nd (364) - Best position: 18th
Howard: 33rd (390) - Second best goalie (26/2), (4/3); Third best goalie (4/9), (12/2), (14/3); Fourth best goalie (15/1), (22/1), (29/1), (5/2), (1/4); Fifth best goalie (28/8), (8/1); Best position: 27th
Neville: 42nd (369) - Best position: 32nd
Jagielka: 52nd (341) - Best position: 49th
Yobo: 70th (295) - Best position: 70th
Timmy: 78th (288) - Best position: 64th
AJ: 87th (278) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Cars: 91st (272) - Best position: 72nd

Those who have previously made it to the top 100.
Pienaar: 95th (251) - Best position: 62nd
Ossie: 86th (153) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); Best position: 9th
Hibbo: 100th (89) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Anichebe: 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8), Best position: 5th

EVERTON vs LIVERPOOL - FULL TIME

This will be one tough match for Everton. Away game, no Cahill, AJ nor Anichebe. No matter what, the Toffees must give it their all.

First shot off from Arteta in the 1st minute. He found that little space but his tame ball was saved comfortably by the opposing goalkeeper. Everton is slowly pecking Liverpool back but the Reds are causing their own little problems for Everton, and Liverpool has taken the lead in the 7th minute. Liverpool 1-0 Everton. Yak should have just clear the ball.

Everton don't seem to be able to settle. It's always a concern when you do not have a striker on the bench to change the scene if there lies a need to. The Toffees are not threatening Liverpool at all and Yak has shown much frustration for playing the lone striker and one which has been lacking support.

Arteta seemed to have moved into a more central midfielder position, lending Yak a little more help. In the 58th minute, a header by Ossie from Arteta's free kick nearly went in. Nearly is the word. Pienaar is replaced by Fernandes. Oh boy. I'm always concerned about Fernandes's commitment when he's playing. Soon after, Neville is being replaced by Bainsey and he very quickly won a corner for Everton, but it came to nought.

Everton continued to press ahead for the equaliser. Good link play between Ossie, Arteta and Yak to earn themselves a corner. But it was ably cleared by Liverpool.

Everton loses this derby match against Liverpool. But Everton really fought hard for every ball. That's what we as fans would want to see.

Score: Liverpool 0-1 Everton
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Subs: Fernandes, Bainsey

EVERTON vs WEST HAM - FULL TIME

It's the best time for Everton to extend their lead as both 6th placed Portsmouth and 7th placed Aston Villa faltered in both their matches. Timmy and Anichebe are back for Everton, but AJ, Yobo and Pienaar are all out due to injury.

Everton went in search from the word go, but it was West Ham who struck the cross bar first in the 4th minute. Everton then went on the attack but could only put the ball off target via Ossie's header.

Everton has the lead in the 7th minute! A nice back header by Anichebe reached Yak, who shook off the defender, controlled the ball with his head, powered ahead of two other defenders before placing a shot past the opposing goalkeeper. Everton 1-0 West Ham.

Oh no, Timmy is out injured. What's happening to Everton's players in the final few games? He is replaced by Fernandes. But you know things are not doin too bad when even Ossie is winning his headers. Yak scores again, but he was deemed offside. Fernandes seems to be a little tentative in his play. His confidence is a little suspect.

Everton is giving West Ham an uncomfortable time in the 24th minutes as they continue to put pressure on the opposition through back-to-back free kicks and corners. The opposition themselves look like they are disintegrating with arguments between team mates and also, with the referee. But they nearly scored through a mixed up between Arteta and Jag.

Jag is proving to be a revelation with stop after stop to prevent West Ham from troubling Howard. Anichebe was put though on goal by Yak but the goalkeeper made a wonderful save.

What a reflex save by Howard! A free kick by West Ham broke through the wall, deflected off the knee of Lescott but stopped by the foot of Howard. Half time and Everton will need to extend their lead.

Everton start with a full seven minutes of pressure on West Ham. But the opposition also have a punch of their own and through a corner, showed that they could attack too. Everton hit back in the 56th minute but Yak did not have the opportunity to have a clean strike at goal.

Fernandes really looked off form or totally not interested at all. In the 64th minute, the referee played the advantage after the opposing defender had trip him the ball reached Ossie, slide a pass to Bainesy who came one-on-one with the goalkeeper. But the latter made a wonderful save. Then, West Ham came back to score the equaliser. Everton 1-1 West Ham.

Once again, Moyes's hands are tied as he really have no other strikers to go for. They are really looking lost now. Everton won themselves a point, but barely.

Score: Everton 1-1 West Ham
Scorer: Yak
Assist: Anichebe
Sub: Fernandes

FULHAM vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

Everton started with the same team that played against Fiorentina with AJ and Yak playing upfront. For the first 5 minutes, Fulham tried to played the direct ball which posed Everton with some threat.

In the 13th minute, AJ seemed to have sprained his ankle and was replaced by Hibbo. That change disrupted the entire flow of attacking soccer as Fulham started to peck Everton back. Only in the 24th minute that Everton made their first shot albeit off target. Everton did one better but still not score when Yak squeezed his way into the penalty area but his subsequent shot was saved by the opposing goalie.

Fulham seemed to be winning most of the 50-50 balls. Everton chances came in dribs and drabs. Arteta took a free kick in the 37th minute but it came to nought. Yak then created his own chance in the 42nd minute but the goalie once again stopped his powerful shot.

Half time Everton 0-0 Fulham. Would Everton be jinxed again at Craven Cottage or will Everton break that jinx?

In the 47th minute, Arteta won a free kick which he took. The ball floated into the penalty area but it went pass everyone. Neville tried to run through to goal in the 56th minute but was abruptly stopped by Fulham. That was Arteta's territory but his free kick was deflected and the chance was lost.

In 63rd minute, a low pass saw the ball coming into the path of Neville but his shot was blocked. Bainesy came on for the pretty ineffective Pienaar. Very quickly after the substitution, Everton is down by one goal in 66th minute. Everton 0-1 Fulham. What's happening to Everton? Why is the substitution bench without a known striker? So I understand from the commentator that all the known strikers are out injured. Oh boy.

A free header by Yobo in the 70th minute sees the ball fly way beyond the goal post. Everton is pressing right now but is it too late? Yak tried a shot in the 79th minute but once again, stopped by the goalie. Everton nearly went two goals down but the ball was cleared away. Fulham really looked like the hungrier side.

Usually when teams are behind, they will pressure the opposing team in the final 10 minutes. But Everton is not even doing that, and that's a loss for Everton. That possibly means the lost of 4th place as well.

Score: Fulham 0-1 Everton
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Substitutes: Hibbo, Bainsey

Actim Players Ranking: 140308

Everton players in the Top 100.

Lescott: 8th (458) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender(18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9), (30/10), (6/11), (5/2), (12/2), (26/2), (4/3), (14/3); Fourth Best Defender (9/10), (23/10), (18/12), (8/1), (15/1), (22/1), (29/1); Fifth Best Defender (13/11), (27/11), (04/11) Best position: 9th
Arteta: 28th (376) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8), (30/10); Best position: 8th
Howard: 29th (375) - Second best goalie (26/2), (4/3); Third best goalie (4/9), (12/2), (14/3); Fourth best goalie (15/1), (22/1), (29/1), (5/2); Fifth best goalie (28/8), (8/1); Best position: 27th
Yakubu: 32nd (364) - Best position: 18th
Neville: 34th (355) - Best position: 32nd
Jagielka: 49th (332) - Best position: 49th
Timmy: 65th (287) - Best position: 64th
Yobo: 70th (283) - Best position: 70th
AJ: 76th (278) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Cars: 82nd (266) - Best position: 72nd
Pienaar: 95th (251) - Best position: 62nd

Those who have previously made it to the top 100.

Ossie: 86th (153) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); Best position: 9th
Hibbo: 100th (89) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Anichebe: 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8), Best position: 5th

UEFA CUP: EVERTON vs FIORENTINA (2ND LEG)

Timmy s out injured but still Everton came out firing on all cylinders. A cross by Arteta and a threatening shot at goal by Ossie. Both sides are attacking but it was good to see even AJ and Ossie fighting for headers.

It's the 12th minutes and Everton has not scored an early goal. But the good thing is that they are pegging back their opposition. And Everton scores from a free kick!!! Arteta made a short pass for Pienaar to pick up the ball on the left who managed to cross the ball. Yak made a nuisance of himself in the opponent's penalty area and the goalkeeper missed catching the ball. AJ was just behind to tuck the ball into the goal via his chin. It really does not matter how Everton scores. So AJ has used his shoulder, and now his chin! Everton 1-0 Fiorentina.

Arteta is on song today with much to prove. He took a lovely free kick in the 19th minute that was creeping in san a save from the goalkeeper. Everton was closing them down very fast and not letting them settle.

Ossie is fighting and shielding every ball and he's drawing quite a number of fouls on himself. A quick free kick in the 34th minute saw Arteta threading a ball to Yak who shook off a challange by the opposition's last defender, but was saved by the goalkeeper. AJ was through in the 42nd minute but a last minute tackle ensured that the striker does not score. Half time.

Everton continued their quest for goal in the seocnd half. The opposition is trying to come back but Everton needs to continue to push them back. The worry is Everton might start to leave gaps. In the 63rd minute, AJ managed to get in a cross in for Yak to turn and shoot, but it was blocked.

What a goal!!!! Everton, with Yak tracking back to tackle, brought the ball forward. He checked back and passed the ball to Arteta, who strode forward without any opposing defenders marking him. Seeing that opening, Arteta took a shot from distance and the ball just flew past the diving goalkeeper. Everton 2-0 Fiorentina.

What a great double save! One was cleared off the goal line, and the other was a save from a flying header of Yak. A great save in the 76th minute as Howard, who has been rather erratic with his kicks, made a tremendous save off a header by the opposing striker.

Everton needs to get the third goal and they are really pressing hard.

But finally, Everton did not get the third goal, and lost out to penalty kicks. But it was a great game by Everton in all sense. All the fighting, all the teamwork. It only bodes well for Everton and her future.

Score: Everton 2-0 Fiorentina
Scorer: AJ, Arteta
Assist: -

SUNDERLAND vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

Everton was without Cars and Ossie, but welcomed Arteta back to the starting line-up. AJ was also in the first XI.

Nothing to note in the first three minutes but AJ has just won his first header! Moyes has asked Everton to forget about the 7-1 thrashing and Sunderland was definitely playing with greater conviction. They are not giving Everton much space and the game was pretty scrappy. Are they suffering from the UEFA Cup hangover?

Somehow, whenever Neville gets hold of the ball, I also kinda shudder as I really don't know what he'd be about to do. Lots of mis-passes recently. In the 25th minute, Lescott brought down the ball well in the penalty area but chose to pass instead of shoot and the chance is gone. There we go, Neville made another unforced error. What's wrong with this guy?

It was also wierd that Lescott seemed to be playing more like a left winger. Neville is not doing himself any use as I'm not even sure which position he is suppose to play. The most exciting thing so far was the foul on Pienaar! We're in the 40th mintue and there's not even a shot on goal. The 43rd minute then saw three consecutive corners, a deflection off the cross bar after Timmy's header, and AJ's follow-up header saw the ball sailing over the bar.

End of first half. What a yawn.

The start of the second half sees Sunderland controlling the match. Everton can't seem to get near the goal at all. Something needs to change. Anichebe should be brought in, and maybe Tommy for the useless Neville.

The game will definitely open up now! In the 54th minute, Arteta crossed from the left and AJ and Timmy both went for the ball. The former somehow scored via a shoulder. But like they always say, it doesn't matter how you score, so long as it's in the net. Sunderland 0-1 Everton.

Sunderland will need to attack now and definitely will not be able to play their ultra defensive game of seeing 10 men behind the ball. In the 65th minute, Everton was nearly caught with their pants down. Sunderland came back with a quick counter attack after a failed free kick set piece at the other end. All the big guys such as Yobo and Lescott were upfield at that time. It was Pienaar who tracked back with all his might to ensure that Sunderland do not trouble Howard.

Everton was split opened by a lovely pass by Sunderland in the 75th minute but Jag cleared the ball. Bainesy is on for the hardworking Pienaar. Then everything is back to scrappy again.

A great joy for the next replacement. The 16 years old Jack Rodwell is in for Timmy, and Anichebe is in for Yak. Sunderland is still pressurising Everton's defence. A superb superb save by Howard in the 92nd minute to keep Everton in the game. The final whistle goes and Everton is now back on par with Pool in the league table.

Not the best game that Everton has played so far.

Score: Sunderland 0-1 Everton
Scorer: AJ
Assist: Arteta
Subs: Bainesy, Rodwell, Anichebe

UEFA CUP: FIORENTINA vs EVERTON (1st LEG)

My apologies for not writing this report as this game was not shown in Singapore. Anyway, nothing much to write as well since Everton lost 2-0. I appeal to our local cable company to broadcast the return leg. Pleeeaseeee!

Actim Players Ranking: 040308

Everton players in the Top 100.

Lescott: 8th (438) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender(18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9), (30/10), (6/11), (5/2), (12/2), (26/2), (4/3); Fourth Best Defender (9/10), (23/10), (18/12), (8/1), (15/1), (22/1), (29/1); Fifth Best Defender (13/11), (27/11), (04/11) Best position: 9th
Howard: 25th (353) - Second best goalie (26/2), (4/3); Third best goalie (4/9), (12/2); Fourth best goalie (15/1), (22/1), (29/1), (5/2); Fifth best goalie (28/8), (8/1); Best position: 27th
Arteta: 29th (347) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8), (30/10); Best position: 8th
Neville: 32nd (334) - Best position: 32nd
Yakubu: 35th (328) - Best position: 18th
Jagielka: 51st (297) - Best position: 51st
Timmy: 64th (281) - Best position: 64th
Cars: 72nd (262) - Best position: 72nd
Yobo: 75th (260) - Best position: 74th
AJ: 85th (251) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Pienaar: 93rd (243) - Best position: 62nd

Those who have previously made it to the top 100.

Ossie: 86th (153) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); Best position: 9th
Hibbo: 100th (89) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Anichebe: 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8), Best position: 5th

EVERTON vs PORTSMOUTH - FULL TIME

A very tricky match for Everton as Portsmouth has a pretty strong frontline of Defoe and Kanu, while on the bench, we see Baros and Utaka. The Toffees are without Arteta due to injury.

Yak wins Everton a free kick within 15 seconds and they scored all within one minute!!! Pienaar took the free kick. The ball then bounced akwardly into the lurking Yak who headed the ball in. Assist by Yobo who had the last touch before Yak scored. Everton 1-0 Portsmouth.

Yak wins Everton another free kick with some smart shielding, but Cars balloons the ball over the goal. Everton's passing seemed to be much smoother than the last couple of matches. A nice cross by Ossie in the 15th minute but Yak could not make a clean connection. Very quickly, Everton attacked again through a nice one-two that saw Pienaar put a lovely cross into the penalty area. Timmy pounced on it but once again, the connection was a soft one and the ball was subsequently cleared away from the penalty area.

Everton is holding the game well and they definitely need to score a second to ensure that the Toffees will not endure a nervy end in the last 10 minutes. Loads of lovely touches that totally carved open Portsmouth's defence in the 24th minute. Ossie struck the ball but was off target.

The Toffees have been able to both defend and attack as a unit. Everton seems to be able to throw bodies up front with ease and speed. Pony-haired Pienaar has another opportunity in the 32nd minute but the ball flew past the left upright.

Crafty little Defoe has scored against Everton. Everton 1-1 Portsmouth.

Portsmouth are giving Everton some problems in the second half and Moyes might need to bring in a runner, someone who can stretch their opponent. Suddenly, the field looks so big to Everton as they are losing so many balls and are chasing the shadows of Portsmouth's players. Everton needs to get back their self belief.

Hibbo is replaced by AJ in the 65th minute and made an immediate impact. He latched onto the ball and pressed the opposing defenders back. A lovely low cross which Pienaar could not convert.

Finally, Everton takes the lead! Timmy has broken his duck after a tough season of injury. Yak shielded the ball really well and he pushed it back to Pienaar who made a lovely cross for the unmark Timmy to score. What a header. Everton 2-1 Portsmouth.

What a finish!!! A total striker's goal by Yak. A route one by AJ in the 81st minute that saw Yak picking up the ball. A little shimmy created some space between Yak and his marker and the vicious strike by Yak saw the ball whizzing past the opposing goalkeeper. Everton 3-1 Portsmouth.

A lovely header by Yobo in the 87th minute nearly saw Everton extend their lead. Pienaar is replaced by Bainesy. Sheer hard work by Pienaar, who deserves to be in the ranks of Everton.

Score: Everton 3-1 Portsmouth
Scorer: Yak (2), Timmy
Assist: Yobo, Pienaar, AJ

Actim Players Ranking: 260208

Everton players in the Top 100.

Lescott: 8th (424) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender(18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9), (30/10), (6/11), (5/2), (12/2), (26/2); Fourth Best Defender (9/10), (23/10), (18/12), (8/1), (15/1), (22/1), (29/1); Fifth Best Defender (13/11), (27/11), (04/11) Best position: 9th
Arteta: 24th (347) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8), (30/10); Best position: 8th
Howard: 27th (340) - Second best goalie (26/2); Third best goalie (4/9), (12/2); Fourth best goalie (15/1), (22/1), (29/1), (5/2); Fifth best goalie (28/8), (8/1); Best position: 27th
Neville: 32nd (323) - Best position: 32nd
Yakubu: 57th (278) - Best position: 18th
Jagielka: 58th (276) - Best position: 58th
Cars: 76th (252) - Best position: 76th
Timmy: 80th (249) - Best position: 71st
Yobo: 84th (246) - Best position: 74th
AJ: 89th (241) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Pienaar: 100th (227) - Best position: 62nd

Those who have previously made it to the top 100.

Ossie: 86th (153) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); Best position: 9th
Hibbo: 100th (89) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Anichebe: 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8), Best position: 5th

MAN CITY vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

Everton starts the game without playmaker Arteta and with AJ on the bench as they revert to a 4-5-1 formation. The Toffees looked to soak in the early pressure. Somehow, the Toffees don't look like a side who are capable of controlling the game with their passes and it is up to them to prove the fans wrong.


In the 5th minute, Pienaar's cross carved out an opening for Yak who toe-poked the ball towards goal but was cleared out for a corner. Shortly after, Everton further threatened Man City's goal with the likes of Yak and Timmy, but the final ball was ballooned by Hibbo.


Good interception by Pienaar who robbed a ball off a Man City midfielder and was on the way forward but was aptly stopped by the opposing defence. Man City looked to control the game while Everton are covering well for each other. Man City continues to peg Everton back whenever they have the ball but Everton is still playing well as this game needs a goal to open up the game a little bit more.


In the 27th minute, a route one ball floated into the path of Timmy who passed the ball out to Pienaar. The latter's immaculate chip saw the ball clip the upright. What a close call.


Everton is in the lead! In the 29th minute, Everton movement outside the sixth yard box saw the Toffees trading passes among Yak and Timmy. The latter then sent a low cross into the penalty area and Yak was there to put the ball into the net. Everton 1-0 Man City.


What a blunder by the Man City's defence in the 37th minute. From an Everton's cross, the ball was cleared out of Man City's goalmouth. Cars got hold of the ball, and crossed the ball back in for Lescott to score with a header. Everton 2-0 Man City. A good half time result for Everton.

The start of the second half saw Everton and Man City and trading blows once again. Lots of running by the spritely Pienaar who has played the creative role well. Everton will need to score a third to put the game beyond Man City's reach. Everton nearly did that with Timmy sliding in on Yak's low cross, only to be cleared by the Man City's defence.

Pienaar is being replaced by Manny in the 54th minute. Seemed like Pienaar has suffered a slight strain. Man City is trying to claw their way back as Everton backline continues to give Howard adequate cover.

The substitute Manny has been replaced by AJ because of injury. Manny don't look too impressive in his second stint with Everton. A stupid handball by a Man City just outside their penalty area nearly cost them. But the danger was cleared. Surprising shot by Cars from a free kick when everyone just stood still and waited for the referee to blow his whistle.

The game now is end-to-end as Man City, looking for the elusive goal, has fully stretched themselves for Everton to exploit. Neville is not doing Everton any credit with his continued mistakes game after game.

A cross by Lescott in the 83rd minute saw AJ pounced on the ball, only to be saved by the reflexes of the opposing goalkeeper. Soon, the action was over at the Everton's side as Howard made an important save.

Everton has now proven to be a top side that's pushing Liverpool, and maybe Chelsea to the wire.

Score: Everton 2-0 Man City
Scorers: Yak, Lescott
Assists: Timmy, Cars

UEFA CUP: EVERTON vs BRANN (2ND LEG)

Everton come into this match with a two goal lead but Moyes selection of players suggested that the Toffees are not resting on their laurels. In comes Arteta and Pienaar. So we should expect a little bit more creativity from Everton as they have taken up a 4-4-2 formation.

The opening five minutes saw both teams trying to settle though Everton is starting to control more of the game. In the 5th minute, Brann was through but their striker was seemingly fouled by Cars outside the penalty area, but the referee said play on. Don't think it would be dangerous but definitely it would have been uncomfortable.

Low shot by Brann in the 10th minute and it was dealt very cleanly by Howard. Once again, Everton seemed to be soaking in the pressure while going on a counter attack.

Cars is controlling well from the centre and have continually placed the ball into the penalty area and that allowed Everton to earn their first corner, but it came to nought. This, like the game in the first leg, looked to be a pretty tight affair.

Brann was not really threatening, but Everton was also not. Everton's final third are losing too many balls. Also, too many misplaced passes by the midfield and this only showed what tight defence Brann had.

From a save from Howard, to a goal at the other end. In the 35th minute, Pienaar made a pass to Timmy, who flicked it on to Yak who did a one-two with Timmy and the former then nicely curled the ball into the net. Assist by Timmy. Everton 1-o Brann.

Everton is turning this into a display match. In the 42nd minute, AJ picked up the ball and was sheperded to the right of the field, That did not stop AJ from taking a shot that went past the opposing goalkeeper and into the net. Everton 2-0 Brann.

Half time. Think Moyes may want to bring in Anichebe for a run in the last 20 minutes or so to rest those tired legs of either Yak or AJ.

Moyes has moved faster than I thought for the substitution. Cars and Timmy are out, and Hibbo and Fernandes are in.

Everton nearly had their thrid with AJ breaking through but the upright saved Brann from further embarassment. With Fernandes in, Everton looked so much more dangerous and soon enough, Everton scored again in the 57th minute. Pienaar passed the ball to Yak, who strode into Brann's half towards goal. With a little turn of his body, he left two defenders on their butts, and then curled the ball nicely into the net once again. Sheer class. Everton 3-0 Brann.

Brann came back to score from no where from a free kick, aided by a bumpy ground. Everton 3-1 Brann. Everton are starting to commit silly fouls.

But a couple of passes and Everton scored another goal in the 69th minute. A pass from AJ, to Pienaar, who passed to Yak. He controlled the ball and swept it to the path of Arteta who took a shot and scored through a massive deflection by the opposing defender. Everton 4-1 Brann.

Yak scores his second hat-trick for Everton in the 71st minute. Pienaar centred the ball. It bypassed all the opposing defender but not Yak, who went on to score an easy goal. Everton 5-1 Brann. Pienaar assist. That was the last contribution by Yak who was replaced by Anichebe. Potent display by Yak.

Everton is still not letting up as they continue to chase the ball.

Oh so close. Anichebe brought through on the right and made a telling cross. Arteta then went on to set Pienaar up who tried to place the ball beyond the opposing goalkeeper. Once again, the upright saved Brann. Everton too was saved by the post as Brann tried to get their consolation goal.

And what a late goal by AJ as he inflicted more pain to Brann's all so painful wound. Picking up the ball from the left, AJ released a thunderous shot that bulged the net. Everton 6-1 Brann.

Brann was just clinging on and hoping for the referee to blow his whistle, which he did to end their suffering. What a game, what a thrashing!

Everton will now go on to meet Fiorentina.

Score: Everton 6-1 Brann (Aggregate: 8-1)
Scorer: Yak (3), AJ (2), Arteta (1)
Assist: Timmy, Pienaar