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

Everton starts without their prolific goal scorer Saha, but Yak comes in as his replacement. On the bench, Neville sits together with largely a bunch of youngsters. It's a rather frustrating match as both sides have their fair share of chances. But Everton just don't seem to have the finishing touch.

At this point in time, we actually need two strikers to give us that extra edge, but looking at the bench, Moyes will dread putting Vaughny on as he will definitely run himself to the ground but also, he might just get himself sent off with his over-exuberance, or he will injure his fragile self.

The match goes into half time with Everton's fans hoping that the team can dig in deep and conjure up a goal from somewhere.

Free kick in the 53rd minute, what can Everton do? Heitinga is on target but saved by the opposing goalkeeper. Another free kick in the 56th minute and what happens? Bainsey banged it straight into the wall.

Everton nearly, nearly conceded a goal san for the ball ricoheting off the left upright in the 59th minute. Timmy's injured and now joins the walking wounded. Neville comes in after months of being in the treatment room.

Here's Everton's chance in the 62nd minute with Burnley losing a man for two yellow cards received. Brilliant header by Yak in the 64th minute only to be tipped away by the opposing goalkeeper. Now it's the time to bring in Vaughny.

Another free kick in the 70th minute. Score now and off we go! C'mon! Pienaar needs to take it but instead Bainsey took it and struck the wall once again. Bring in Coleman, bring in anyone!!! Time's running out. Vaughany replaces Bily in the 81st minute.

What a return!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! James Vaughan scores in the 82nd minute. Nice low cross by Felli and Vaughany just needed to tap the ball into the net. Everton 1-0 Burnley. Assist, Felli.

A great great finish to a great game! Finally 2-0! Yak held back the entire defence, slid a lovely pass to Pienaar who came in from the blind side to score the second goal in the 91st minute.

Everton struggled throughout the match until one of Burnley's player got sent off. After that it was one way street.

Score: Everton 2-0 Burnley
Scorers: Vaughany, Pienaar
Assists: Felli, Yak
Subs: Neville, Vaughany

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

I'd wished for Neville to be taken out in his last match and my wish was fulfilled. I'd meant for him to be substituted, not taken out injured. From then, he has been out for about three months. Today, he's back on the bench and all I wish of him is to be able to play again. The rest of the team remained unchanged from the draw against Birmingham.

Sunderland kicked off the first half. Boy oh boy! A delightful chip from Ossie in the 8th minute saw the ball clip the upright. So close to Everton's first goal. Everton are playing the bridesmaid in this game but they are still getting their shots in with Saha trying from distance in the 14th minute. The Toffees don't seem to be as interested in the game somehow. We really need a goal to lift them out of the doldrums but it went the other way instead.

Everton's behind in the 17th minute. Painful. Sunderland 1-0 Everton. What Bily said is correct as even thi particular midfielder is also pumping up the long balls. But what he said might have also hurt the team. He is notperforming to mark at all and seemed to be disinterested in this game, as of some of the other Everton players.

Everton is now camping in their own half, losing all the 50-50s. Do we need Yak to come in this early in the game? Maybe so. I'd rather if Felli trys to score than be entangled in a wrestling match. Everton's a mess in the first half. What's happening. Why are they not in the game? If it continues this way, I don't see Everton coming back in this game.

I really wonder what Moyes is gonna do. Where're the influential players? Bily really needs to be taken off. His heart is really not there. Timmy made a flying save in the 67th minute. Yak replaced Ossie in the 69th minute. Why is Bily still on? Saha strike towards goal is another missed opportunity. So many times he'd tried today but the balls really got no where.

Everton blasted in a goal in the 84th minute! Hibbo's cross saw the opposing defence giving Felli too much who gladly smash the ball into goal. Sunderland 1-1 Everton. Assist Hibbo.

Saha is replaced by Vaughny but the game still end in parity.

It's a game that Everton had a strangle-hold on the match but could not takeall three points.

Score: Sunderland 1-1 Everton
Scorer: Felli
Assist: Hibbo
Subs: Yak, Vaughny

Actim Players Ranking: 221209

Top 100 players

Bainsey: 51st (205) - Best position: 31st
Saha: 83rd (179) - Best position: 46th

Former Top 100

Howard: 97th (114) - Best position: 84th
Felli: 99th (114) - Best position: 99th
Pienaar: 91st (78) - Best position: 33rd
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th
Distin: 97th (128) - Best position: 96th

Top Scorers

Saha: P(10), E(2)
Bily: P(3)
Timmy: P(2), E(1)
Felli: P(1), E(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Yak: P(1), C(1)
Ossie: P(1), C(1)
Gosling: P(1), C(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Pienaar: E(2)
Rodwell: E(2)
Baines: P(1)
Distin: E(1)

Top Assists

Bainsey:P(4), E(1)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Yak: P(2), C(1)
Felli: P(1), E(1)
Ossie: E(1), C(1)
Neill: P(2)
Saha: P(1)
Jo: P(1)
Timmy: P(1)
Coleman: P(1)
Pienaar: E(1)

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

Everton welcome back Faddie and Cars as the Toffees aim to move further away from the relegation zone. Moyes will be happy to see the return of Ossie and the previously suspended Timmy.

What a great start from Everton!!!!!!!! All in five minutes. A throw-in from Hibbo that was chested down by Saha. Bily picked up the ball, ran against the defence and put in a lovely strike. Everton 1-0 Birmingham. Assist - Saha.

The Toffees are pressing Birmingham with strikes from Ossie, Timmy and even a good header from Felli for a good 20 minutes. Suddenly, Birmingham hits back in the 21st minute. You wonder how. Must have been Everton's ugly jersey. Everton 1-1 Birmingham.

Everton's started to play rather sloppily once they have conceded that goal and now, the fans wonder what had happened to their early peacock confidence. Now it seems like they require Yak to come in to change the flow of the game. What happened?

Everton really haveto press the opponents. Let them make the mistakes. Everton also needs to play a bit more offensively. Bring in the Yak. Moyes really need to do something. It's a total scrap in the 2nd half. It's so uneventful that Bainsey even needed to have a go at goal to some how wake the fans up. Yak is finally on for Bily in the 70th minute.

Everton's trying everything but in the second half, the balls are not even hitting the target. This is one game that Everton lost two points.

Score: Everton 1-1 Birmingham
Scorer: Bily
Assist: Saha
Subs: Yak, Vaughny

Europa League Draw

Everton has been paired with Sporting Lisbon and will play the two leg game on 18 and 25 Feb 2010. Can't ask for anything better as any team from here on will be difficult to beat. The opponent's players include ex-Tottenham Helder Postiga and Everton failed target Joao Moutinho.

Dog of War, unite!

EVERTON (0) vs (1) BATE BORISOV - FULL TIME

When your first XI reads Duffy, Agard, Forshaw, Bidewell and your reserve includes Akpan, Garbutt, McAleny, Mustafi, Craig and Nsiala, you know that this isnot even the reserve players. These players are one for the future's future. So it's no shock that Everton lost this game.

Score: Everton 0-1 BATE Borisov
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Subs: Akpan, Mustafi, Craig

Actim Players Ranking: 151209

Top 100 players

Bainsey: 52nd (187) - Best position: 31st
Saha: 68th (175) - Best position: 46th


Former Top 100

Howard: 97th (114) - Best position: 84th
Felli: 99th (114) - Best position: 99th
Pienaar: 91st (78) - Best position: 33rd
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th
Distin: 97th (128) - Best position: 96th


Top Scorers

Saha: P(10), E(2)
Timmy: P(2), E(1)
Bily: P(2)
Felli: P(1), E(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Yak: P(1), C(1)
Ossie: P(1), C(1)
Gosling: P(1), C(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Pienaar: E(2)
Rodwell: E(2)
Baines: P(1)
Distin: E(1)


Top Assists

Baines: P(4), E(1)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Yak: P(2), C(1)
Felli: P(1), E(1)
Ossie: E(1), C(1)
Neill: P(2)
Pienaar: E(1)
Jo: P(1)
Timmy: P(1)
Coleman: P(1)

CHELSEA (3) vs (3) EVERTON - FULL TIME

Why Jo again? Anyway, thank God that Saha is leading the pack. Moyes has put out a very offensive 4-3-3. Chelsea played a pretty tight game and were very quick to close down on Everton's players.

Everton stunned the Stamford Bridge crowd with a goal in the 11th minute. A free kick by Bainsey saw Saha headed towards the goal. The opposing goalkeeper stretched to keep the ball out but instead, it hit his back and the ball rolled into the net. Chelsea 0-1 Everton. Assist by Bainsey.

Chelsea very quickly got themselves back on level terms in the 17th minute. Chelsea 1-1 Everton. So stunning the way Chelsea is playing that Everton is now a goal down in the 23rd minute. Chelsea 2-1 Everton.

Finally, Jo is out injured in the 45th minute. I really don't know if he has the heart to play. Replaced by Yak and what immediate impact! A cross into the penalty area, a flick by Felli and Yak was there to end the move. Chelsea 2-2 Everton. Assist - Bainsey. He's having a whale of a game.

Start of the second half and the game is being turned on its head. Chelsea scored in the 58th minute. Everton keeps trailing! Chelsea 3-2 Everton. The funny game continues. A free kick by Heitinga in the 62nd minute sees a striker clearing the ball only to hit the head of Saha. The ball looped over the sea of defenders and into goal. Chelsea 3-3 Everton.

Totally nail biting and it showed that Everton is back. Not over-rawed but really asking the questions. Everton even had the chance to bring in young Agard. The game finally finished Chelsea 3-3 Everton. Another high scoring thriller!

Score: Chelsea 3-3 Everton
Scorers: Saha, Yak
Assists: Bainsey, Not to sure how to accord the rest. Loads of help from Chelsea's players
Subs: Yak, Agard

Actim Players Ranking: 081209

Top 100 players

Bainsey: 53rd (177) - Best position: 31st
Saha: 67th (165) - Best position: 46th

Former Top 100

Howard: 97th (114) - Best position: 84th
Felli: 99th (114) - Best position: 99th
Pienaar: 91st (78) - Best position: 33rd
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th
Distin: 97th (128) - Best position: 96th

Top Scorers

Saha: P(9), E(2)
Cahill: P(2), E(1)
Bily: P(2)
Felli: P(1), E(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Ossie: P(1), C(1)
Gosling: P(1), C(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Pienaar: E(2)
Rodwell: E(2)
Baines: P(1)
Distin: E(1)
Yak: C(1)

Top Assists

Baines: P(3), E(1)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Yak: P(2), C(1)
Felli: P(1), E(1)
Ossie: E(1), C(1)
Neill: P(2)
Pienaar: E(1)
Jo: P(1)
Timmy: P(1)
Coleman: P(1)

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

It seems like Everton's first team have always been chosen before-hand. It's not about Moyes being decisive over his choice, but the availability of whatever players he have helps him choose the team. You see, Everton has been decimated by injuries and even Yobo and Rodwell 's return were through late fitness tests. That is one reason why you wonder Everton's leaking goals!

Anyway, here we go. Everton needs to give their home crowd something to cheer about.

Moyes tried out Yobo for 14 minutes and after that, the Nigerian had to make way for young Coleman due of injury. In the 21st minute, Coleman's run into the penalty area made it uncomfortable for Tottenham and it needed an opposing defender to clear the ball away.

A lovely ball by Coleman once again in the 27th minute saw the ball reach the fleet-footed Pienaar. He slid the ball into the penalty area only for Jo to fluff the shot.

So far, Hibbo has done very well to keep Tottenham from scoring certain goals. Things were also getting very heated on the field, and that what needs to be. Bring back the dogs of war! So at half time, Everton 0-0 Tottenham.

Just after the kick-off, Everton is down by a goal. Was there even a half-time talk, I wonder. Everton is now faced with wave-after-wave of attacks. Moyes once again will need to do something about it. Bring on Saha!!! And Everton is down by two goals in the 58th minute. Bring on Saha and Yak?

Yak is in for Rodwell while Saha is in for Jo. A stoic look on Moyes's face but he knows that Everton are in deep deep poo-poo! Everton scores in the 77th minute. That's the fighting spirit. Coleman, who have been playing well all evening sneaked past the opposing defender on the right before putting in a lovely cross for Saha to hammer in a goal. Everton 1-2 Tottenham.

Everton equalised! Coleman really scare the opposing defence as he maruaded forward. He made a lovely cross once again that skipped past all the players in the six yard box. Bainsey made a return shot only for Timmy to head in a low, low ball. Everton 2-2 Tottenham.

Howard saves a penalty in the 94th minute!!!!!!!!!!!! What a game! Four goals, saved penalty. You just have everything in this game.


Score: Everton 2-2 Tottenham
Scorer: Saha, Timmy
Assist: Coleman
Subs: Coleman, Saha, Yak

EUROPA LEAGUE: EVERTON 1-0 AEK ATHENS - FULL TIME

Score: Everton 1-0 AEK Athens
Scorer: Bily
Assist:Timmy
Subs: Duffy, Baxter, Yak

Actim Players Ranking: 011209

Top 100 players

Bainsey: 68th (153) - Best position: 31st
Saha: 77th (149) - Best position: 46th


Former Top 100

Howard: 97th (114) - Best position: 84th
Felli: 99th (114) - Best position: 99th
Pienaar: 91st (78) - Best position: 33rd
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th
Distin: 97th (128) - Best position: 96th


Top Scorers

Saha: P(8), E(2)
Bily: P(2)
Cahill: P(1), E(1)
Felli: P(1), E(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Ossie: P(1), C(1)
Gosling: P(1), C(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Pienaar: E(2)
Rodwell: E(2)
Baines: P(1)
Distin: E(1)
Yak: C(1)

Top Assists

Baines: P(3), E(1)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Yak: P(2), C(1) Felli: P(1), E(1)
Ossie: E(1), C(1)
Neill: P(2)
Pienaar: E(1)
Jo: P(1)
Timmy: P(1)

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

This is both the worst time and best time for Everton. Never have I seen a stronger side than the team that Moyes is putting out. Best because we still have mulitple injuries - Jag, Arteta, Ossie, Anichebe, etc, but we still have enough players to make that difference. Liverpool is also without Torres. So the chances are there? Not really. Everton form is down the dumps. They even lost their last match against Hull City. Worse still, playing at home does not conjure up any confidence.

A very good play by Everton in the 7th minute that saw Bily just hitting the ball wide. Pool scores in the 11th minute through a wicked deflection. So, so unfortunate. Everton 0-1 Liverpool.

Bily had an open chance to score in the 16th minute but just fluffed it totally! In the 22nd minute, Bily tried a sissors kick that forced the opposing goalkeeper to make the save. Good flick by Felli in the 27th minute but Jo just did not make a good enough connection.

Wonderful reflex save by Howard in the 41st minute. The ball was definitely heading into the top of the net. Everton had two goals in the net and both scored by Jo, but you know what, both were off side!@#@ The players trodded in for their break, wondering why they are losing.

Everton will need to bring in Yak and Saha for the bumbling Jo, while changing the formation to 4-4-2. Finally, Saha is on for Jo in the 65th minute.

Impossible!!! A wonderful header from Timmy in the 71st minute, saved by the opposing goalkeeper, a return strike by Felli, bounced off the goalkeeper once again. What does Everton need to do to score that goal? Well, Everton is down by two goals in the 80th minute. Everton 0-2 Liverpool. Yak is in for Timmy in the 81st minute. Final sub, Neill for Yobo in the 85th minute.

Final whistle goes. Nothing's going for Everton. It's not the loss that hurts, it's the bruised ego.

Score: Everton 0-2 Liverpool
Scorer: Forget about it
Assist: None
Subs: Saha, Yak, Neill

HULL CITY (3) vs (2) EVERTON - FULL TIME

This was a past 3am kinda game that I did not catch. Everton were trailing by three goals before trying their best to make a comeback with two goals from an own goal and a Saha penalty.

Score: Hull City 3-2 Everton
Scorer: OG, Saha
Assist: Nil
Subs: Jo, Gosling

Actim Players Ranking: 241109

Top 100 players

Bainsey: 68th (143) - Best position: 31st
Saha: 73rd (140) - Best position: 46th
Distin: 97th (128) - Best position: 96th


Former Top 100
Howard: 97th (114) - Best position: 84th
Felli: 99th (114) - Best position: 99th
Pienaar: 91st (78) - Best position: 33rd
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th

Top Scorers

Saha: P(7), E(2)
Bily: P(2)
Cahill: P(1), E(1)
Felli: P(1), E(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Ossie: P(1), C(1)
Gosling: P(1), C(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Pienaar: E(2)
Rodwell: E(2)
Baines: P(1)
Distin: E(1)
Yak: C(1)

Top Assists

Baines: P(3), E(1)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Yak: P(2), C(1)
Felli: P(1), E(1)
Ossie: E(1), C(1)
Neill: P(2)
Pienaar: E(1)
Jo: P(1)
Timmy: P(1)

MAN UTD (3) vs (0) EVERTON - FULL TIME

Didn't manage to catch the match but it was a total wipe-out by Manchester United. They were definitely no match for the Red army. Nuff said.

Score: Man Utd 3-0 Everton
Scorer: Well...
Assist: None
Subs: Hibbo, Jo, Yak

Actim Players Ranking: 101109

Top 100 players

Saha: 62nd (137) - Best position: 46th
Bainsey: 64th (136) - Best position: 31st
Distin: 96th (115) - Best position: 96th
Howard: 97th (114) - Best position: 84th
Felli: 99th (114) - Best position: 99th

Former Top 100
Pienaar: 91st (78) - Best position: 33rd
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th

Top Scorers
Saha: P(7), E(2)
Bily: P(2)
Cahill: P(1), E(1)
Felli: P(1), E(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Ossie: P(1), C(1)
Gosling: P(1), C(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Pienaar: E(2)
Rodwell: E(2)
Baines: P(1)
Distin: E(1)
Yak: C(1)

Top Assists

Baines: P(3), E(1)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Yak: P(2), C(1)
Felli: P(1), E(1)
Ossie: E(1), C(1)
Neill: P(2)
Pienaar: E(1)
Jo: P(1)
Timmy: P(1)

WEST HAM (1) vs (2) EVERTON - FULL TIME

Everton is walking on a tight rope with lynch-pins Pienaar and Arteta still out. Creative flair is thus not in the Toffee's midfield department.

West Ham started the stronger side and they truly played fluently. They totally dominated the first 10 minutes. After that, both team went on a slow cooker mode. Not attacking much, but trying to gain possession in midfield.

In the 26th minute against the run of play, Saha scores! A totally natural scorer. Felli was making a nuisance of himself just outside the penalty area but was cleared by the opposing defender only as far as Timmy. The midfielder rolled the ball towards Saha who stuck the ball so sweetly past the goalkeeper and into the bottom left corner of the goal. West Ham 0-1 Everton. Assist by Timmy.

In the second half, Everton has to survive the dreaded 10 minutes of play that they so often concede goals. Saha is replaced by Yak in the 56th minute. Don't think it's injury, but I guess Moyes is using his personnel sparingly.

What a nonsense of a goal! A great scorcher by young Dan Gosling in the 64th minute. Yak was allowed space to bring the ball into the final third of the field. He protected the ball well and pushed it towards Gosling who scored with a lovely strike. West Ham 0-2 Everton.

West Ham reply was swift. A nice chip in the 64th minute beyond Howard which Hibbo stretched to clear, only to slice it into goal. West Ham 1-2 Everton.

The game is coming alive. Two near chances by West Ham, and Everton continues to live by the skin of their teeth. Gosling is replaced by Neill in the 75th minute. A lovely flying save by Howard from a free kick in the 78th minute.

The final 10 minutes is nerve wrecking! Another 5 minutes of extra time has been added! West Ham is pressing and nearly scored in the 93rd minute.

And the final whistle with Everton earned their hard fought three points with so much of a sigh of relief!

Score: West Ham 1-2 Everton

Scorer: Saha, Gosling

Assist: Timmy, Yak

Substitutes: Yak, Neill

Actim Players Ranking: 031109

Top 100 players
Saha: 66th (121) - Best position: 46th
Bainsey: 67th (121) - Best position: 31st

Former Top 100
Howard: 92nd (88) - Best position: 84th
Pienaar: 91st (78) - Best position: 33rd
Distin: 96th (75) - Best position: 96th
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th

Top Scorers
Saha: P(6), E(2)
Bily: P(2)

Cahill: P(1), E(1)
Felli: P(1), E(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Ossie: P (1), C(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Pienaar: E(2)
Rodwell: E (2)
Baines: P(1)
Distin: E(1)
Gosling: C(1)
Yak: C(1)


Top Assists
Baines: P(3), E(1)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Felli: P(1), E(1)
Ossie: E (1), C(1)
Neill: P(2)
Yak: P (1), C(1)

Pienaar: E (1)
Jo: P(1)

EVERTON (1) vs (1) ASTON VILLA - FULL TIME

This is the time for Everton to make a come back. Finally, there is strength on the bench. Yobo and Bainsey return, and so do Bily and Yak. Saha and Jo were rested. Still, Everton was without a midfield substitute and thus, Heitinga had to fill in the position.

Yak's availability made a difference in the attack as he curled the ball into the penalty area only to be palmed over the bar by the opposing goalkeeper. Felli also gave a good whack in the 14th minute only to sting the palms of the goalie. Yak's 28th minute header just went wide.

Finally, after all our losses, we nosed ourselves forward in the 45th minute! Timmy chased the ball along the right channel, got it under control and very quickly made a cross into the penalty box. Yak, brought the ball down well but somehow he let it roll away. "That's it!" the fans thought. Only for Bily to come from the back to slot it past Villa's seasoned keeper. Everton 1-0 Aston Villa.

Nerves, nerves, nerves! But overall, a great first half.

Everton lost their lead straight from the start of the 2nd half. What a mess! Everton 1-1 Aston Villa. After that goal, Everton has been holding fort but not progressing much. In the 71st minute, Saha came in for Felli.

Ok. Now Everton is down to 10-man as Bily has been sent off. What a rukus. Villa's defender also got sent off shortly after. The game is all so frustrating!!!

Score: Everton 1-1 Aston Villa
Scorer: Bily
Assist: Yak
Substitute: Saha

Actim Players Ranking: 271009

Top 100 players
Saha: 46th (127) - Best position: 46th
Bainsey: 61st (118) - Best position: 31st

Former Top 100
Howard: 92nd (88) - Best position: 84th
Pienaar: 91st (78) - Best position: 33rd
Distin: 96th (75) - Best position: 96th
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th

Top Scorers
Saha: P(6), E(2)
Cahill: P(1), E(1)
Felli: P(1), E(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Ossie: P (1), C(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Pienaar: E(2)
Rodwell: E (2)
Baines: P(1)
Distin: E(1)
Gosling: C(1)
Yak: C(1)
Bily: P(1)

Top Assists
Baines: P(3), E(1)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Felli: P(1), E(1)
Ossie: E (1), C(1)
Neill: P(2)
Pienaar: E (1)
Yak: C(1)
Jo: P(1)

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

Another match that I really don't want to talk about. Injuries has really decimated Everton. Sometimes, soccer is just so cruel. Either that or Everton had better start looking for a godfather soon. We are literally broke. This time, we did noteven have any seniors on the bench.

Fought as hard as the team could, you can't just last for the full 90 minutes.

Score: Bolton 3-2 Everton
Scorer: Saha, Felli
Assists: Neill (2)
Substitute: Coleman

BENFICA (5) vs (0) EVERTON - FULL TIME

Major, major thrashing that brought about nothing but pain and embarassment. But what do you expect from a team who played youngster Coleman at left back, Gosling at right and Hibbo at centre. Also, out of the seven substitutes, the only known name was Saha.

But let's not make any excuses. A loss is always, still a loss.

Score: Benfica 5-0 Everton
Scorer: No where to be seen
Assist: None whatsoever
Substitutes: Saha, Baxter

Actim Players Ranking: 201009

Top 100 players

Bainsey: 45th (118) - Best position: 31st
Saha: 48th (117) - Best position: 47th
Howard: 92nd (88) - Best position: 84th

Former Top 100
Pienaar: 91st (78) - Best position: 33rd
Distin: 96th (75) - Best position: 96th
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th

Top Scorers

Baines: P(1)
Cahill: P(1), E(1)
Distin: E(1)
Felli: E(1)
Gosling: C(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Ossie: P (1), C(1)
Pienaar: E(2)
Rodwell: E (2)
Saha: P(5), E(2)
Yak: C(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Bily: P(1)

Top Assists
Baines: P(3), E(1)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Felli: P(1), E(1)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Ossie: E (1), C(1)
Pienaar: E (1)
Yak: C(1)
Jo: P(1)

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

It's great to see Yobo back in defence, but Pienaar still is still injured. Last season's loan player Castillo in on the bench for Wolves.

Great five minutes where Yobo showed his astute defensive qualities with his strong defensive headers. But Wolves kept up the pressure with four successive corners that immediately put Everton under pressure. For the first 15 minutes, it seemed that Everton was just playing the long ball in hope that Saha would lick up the ball.

Timmy had a good chance in the 15th minute but his strike at goal just flew past the horizontal and a Bily corner that Saha headed above the cross bar once again. So far, Everton's 4-5-1 is not working very well and they do not even have a decent shot at goal in the first half. Nothing that could have set our hearts a flutter. It also looked like Wolves are the home team. How sickening!

Everton should consider bringing in Felli to fight for the ball. Hibbo made way for Yak at the start of the second half.

Saha made an immediate impact with a good downward header that was saved by the opposing goalkeeper. Wolves continued to attack on the counter and they looked totally dangerous.

In the 64th minute, Yak's shotjust flashed past the opposite goal post. Jo replaced Saha in the 72nd minute. Everton conceded a goal in the 75th minute. The entire defence went to sleep!!! Totally frustrating!!! Everton 0-1 Wolves. Felli replaced Ossie in the 76th minutes.

Bily scored his first goal in the 88th minutes. Assist from Jo. Everton 1-1 Wolves.

Forget about celebrating that goal. Poor, poor game by Everton.

Score: Everton 1-1
Scorer: Bily
Assist: Jo
Subs: Yak, Jo, Felli

Actim Players Ranking: 061009

Top 100 players

Bainsey: 37th (112) - Best position: 31st
Saha: 47th (107) - Best position: 47th
Howard: 84th (81) - Best position: 84th
Pienaar: 91st (78) - Best position: 33rd
Distin: 96th (75) - Best position: 96th

Former Top 100

Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th


Top Scorers

Baines: P(1)
Cahill: P(1), E(1)
Distin: E(1)Felli: E(1)
Gosling: C(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Ossie: P (1), C(1)
Pienaar: E(2)
Rodwell: E (2)
Saha: P(5), E(2)
Yak: C(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)

Top Assists

Baines: P(3), E(1)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Felli: P(1), E(1)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Ossie: E (1), C(1)
Pienaar: E (1)
Yak: C(1)

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

Everton sees Saha and Rodwell back in action while Yobo is still out. Beats returns to Everton as part of the Toffees' opposition. We also welcome back Peter Reid.

Both sides trading equal punches until the 15th minute where Timmy planted a nice header towards goal but was saved by the opposing goalkeeper. Everton's midfield is not biting and there's no one to challenge the ball. It's not right that we keep seeing Saha fighting for the header when Felli should be the one doing the job.

Good shot by Ossie in the 38th minute that was palmed away by the opposing goalkeeper. So, so close. Bily has been putting in quite a few misplaced crosses and that's not too good to see.

Start of the second half but still , Bily can't seem to provide any threatening crosses. From nowhere, Everton is now trailing 1-0. Straight from a corner.

Moyes, so what do you plan to do? He may need to change his 4-5-1 to 4-4-2 by bringing in Yak but the gaffer seems to favour Jo more due to the level of fitness. Everton is shooting all from distance as Stoke starts to pack their defence.

STUNNER!!! Ossie scores a wonderful goal in the 54th minute. Ossie played a one-two with Heitinga and then put in a curler of a shot to score a wonderful goal. Everton 1-1 Stoke. Assist by Heitinga.

Everton continued to attack with Timmy planted a nice header in the 71st min, while Rodwell was given a free run in the 73rd before his long shot, finally on target. Jo and Yak replaced Bily and Ossie respectively. Everton is going for broke in this 4-3-3 formation but try as they might, they were not able to break Stoke down even though they had a larger share of possession.

Score: Everton 1-1 Stoke
Scorer: Ossie
Assist: Heitinga
Subs: Yak, Jo

BATE BORISOV (1) vs (2) EVERTON - FULL TIME

Actim Players Ranking: 290909

Top 100 players

Bainsey: 31st (103) - Best position: 31st
Saha: 49th (94) - Best position: 49th
Pienaar: 75th (78) - Best position: 33rd
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th
Howard: 91st (70) - Best position: 91st
Distin: 98th (68) - Best position: 98th

Top Scorers

Baines: P(1)
Cahill: P(1), E(1)
Distin: E(1)
Felli: E(1)
Gosling: C(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Ossie: C(1)
Pienaar: E(2)
Rodwell: E (2)
Saha: P(5), E(2)
Yak: C(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)


Top Assists

Baines: P(3), E(1)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Felli: P(1), E(1)
Heitinga: P(1), C(1)
Ossie: E (1), C(1)
Pienaar: E (1)
Yak: C(1)

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

Did not manage to catch much of the match as I'd some friends over for dinner. Still, I watched the last part and boy was it nail-biting. Everton really hung on to win the watch. Brave fight against Portsmouth. Loads of on the line clearances, and there was even time for Pienaar to get injured by a defender's rough-house tackle.

Score: Portsmouth 0-1 Everton
Scorer: Saha
Assist: Heitinga
Subs: Bily, Jo, Hibbo

CARLING CUP: HULL (0) vs (4) EVERTON - FULL TIME

Actim Players Ranking: 220909

Top 100 players

Bainsey: 34th (88) - Best position: 34th
Saha: 63rd (72) - Best position: 63rd
Pienaar: 68th (70) - Best position: 33rd

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

Everton sees Heitinga starting this match but Bily who had a great game against AEK Athens is out due to groin injury.

It has been a lazy game with both sides not threatening much. It was one of those lazy moments that Blackburn nearly scored. A weak clearance in the 19th minute saw the ball back in the Everton penalty area and the subsequent strike hit the woodwork. Really close shave.

Everton scored in the 21st minute off a free kick. The entire Blackburn defence expected a high ball, but instead it was a low curler from the left channel that saw Saha tap the ball into the left of the goal. Everton 1-0 Blackburn. Assist by Bainsey.

Everton had started to control bit and pieces of the match and they showed with a thunderous shot in the 31st minute by Pienaar. Totally blistering the palms of the opposing goalkeeper. Everton has shown that they have controlled the first half. Will they go on to win it, or end up being the silver spoonist like their last game against Fulham.

Second half sees Everton pressing Blackburn once again. Still, Blackburn made sure that Everton remain on their toes.

In a good counter attack in the 53rd minute, Felli swung a lovely cross into the penalty area and Saha rose majestically to head the ball into the right corner of the post. Everton 2-0 Blackburn. Assist by Felli.

Almost game over for Blackburn when they gave the ball away to Ossie in the 57th minute who hammered the ball only to be palmed away by the opposing goalkeeper. A minute later, Yobo came up first to the ball as he slid it into goal. Everton 3-0 Blackburn.

Everton continues to press their cause though there are players out there with some tired legs. Jo is on for Saha. Great, great game by Saha who scored a brace. Timmy is also rested, Hibbo comes on. Final change - Gosling for Ossie.

Pienaar was a total handful for Blackburn, while Rodwell also gave a good account of himself. Howard also sees a second cleansheet of the season. Everton's also out of the relegation zone. So many positives for Everton as they go into the Carling Cup match against Hull.

Score: Everton 3-0 Blackburn
Scorers: Saha (2), Yobo
Assists: Bainsey, Felli

One in (Neill), One Out (Vaughany)

Why is Everton always linked to free transfer? Well, simple answer, we do not have the money to bring in five star players. Still, free agent Lucas Neill will provide apt cover for Neville who will be out for at least a couple of months.

As one player comes in, we see another leave on loan to Derby. Vaughny who became the youngest player to score for Everton, was sent out to gain match fitness after all his injuries.

EVERTON (4) vs (0) AEK ATHENS - FULL TIME

Great to see Everton win one game, then lose another. Only if the Toffees can spread out their goals a little. Still, it was a good game. Yobo and Distin scored the first two goals. The third was a smasher of a goal by Pienaar, while the fourth came from Jo.

Bily, playing his first full game for Everton, actually showed that he was truly a class player with all wonderful passes and crosses. But he got injured halfway through the game. Bummer! I'll be rubbing my hands in glee if he brings this form into Sunday's premiership game against Blackburn.

Anyway, Saha is the latest player to be sent off after Hibbo was shown the red card in the previous Europa match.

Score: Everton 4-0 AEK Athens
Scorers: Yobo, Distin, Pienaar, Jo
Assists: Bily (3), Yak
Subs: Ossie, Yak, Saha

Actim Players Ranking: 150909

Top 100 players

Bainsey: 80th (57) - Best position: 80th

FULHAM vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

Everton's players who were away on their international matches came back pretty much unscathed. Saha does not play as he's injured but Distin continues in the centre back position. New players Johnny and Billy are on the bench, so too are Yak and Felli. Everton also had the opportunity to be acquainted with former Everton striker - AJ.

Everton had a number of chance all in the 15th minute. A shot, a block, a shot, and then another block. Pienaar, Jo and even Rodwell took pot shots at the opposing goalkeeper.

Everton scored a sweet, sweet goal in the 32nd minute. From a free kick by Bainsey on the left channel, Timmy planted a firm header into the bottom left corner of the net. First time this season that Everton has scored in the first half. Fulham 0-1 Everton. Assist: Bainsey.

It was a lovely penetrating pass by Pienaar in the 42nd minute that saw Ossie creeping into the opposing goal area only to be stopped by the goalkeeper.

The second half was quite a dull but Fulham started to pull the strings. Neville has been making silly challenges and in the 56th minute, he has given one stupid free kick and subsequently, Fulham scored. How idiotic! Take Neville out!!! Fulham 1-1 Everton.

Everton needs to make a change and I got that wish (Not this way for him to leave the field) with Neville being stretchered out after a crunching tackle. Johnny comes in for Neville in the 64th minute. Jo is replaced by Felli in the 69th minute.

Everton has been pegged back by alot of tentative play and I really hope that Moyes is not trying to play defensive here as Everton's without a striker! And here we go. Without a striker, we are down by a goal in the 79th minute. What is Moyes thinking??????? Fuham 2-1 Everton.

Everton nearly scored in the 80th minute. Felli header, palmed away, Yobo hit a rebound but was cleared away. All so close but not close enough. Yak is in for Ossie. A little too late I suppose? Everton nearly scored again but all they have tried to do, has gone to waste!

Score: Fulham 2-1 verton
Scorer: Timmy
Assist: Bainsey
Subs: Johnny, Felli, Yak

Transfer Window Closes

Selling Lescott was truly a blessing in disguise. Not only Everton won their last match, they'd use the the defender's sales proceed to bring in three quality players - Sylvain Distin (Though a tad bit old to have spent £5 million on him), Russian left Diniyar (Billy) Bilyaletdinov, and the final day purchase, versatile defender Johnny Heitinga.

Have a look at the video of Johnny and you'd wonder if this boy is really a defender or is he an attacking midfielder. Or it might have been how the video was edited. If Johnny shows this kind of performance in Everton colour, the fans will forget Lescott's name in a snap!

Actim Players Ranking: 010909

Top 100 players

Still playing badly. No players worthy of the top 100!

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

Everton gave Sylvain Distin his league debut with the other new signing Billy and also Felli on the bench. Timmy had a header on target in the 9th minute. Great composed strike by Rodwell in the 14th minute but was saved by the opposing goalkeeper.

Everton had the better of the first half and Distin also had a pretty safe game. In the 30th minute, nice turn from Rodwell who threaded a pass to Timmy. He pushed the ball to the byline before making a lovely cross for Saha to strike at goal. Only to be stopped by the opposing goalkeeper. Sometimes when things are going your way but you can't score, you really wonder if they will ever score.

In the 2nd half, Everton saw themselves a goal down in the 56th minute but Everton drew within five minutes of that goal. An inswinger cross by Bainsey allowed Saha to squeeze a header into goal. Everton 1-1 Wigan.

Everton is calling the shots but Wigan is still a thorn in the skin with their rough house tactics and counter attacks. Everton nearly went a goal down as they had committed eight players in the penalty box and were caught unawares in a Wigan counter attack. It was a five attack versus two defence and only a well timed stop by Howard prevented Everton from collapsing into a heap!

Everton continued to press in the final minutes of the game and it took a great solo move by Jo who took the ball into the penalty area only for the opposing defender to foul Jo. Penalty! The fans were on their feet. Saha missed a penalty in our last game. Who will be taking the penalty this time round? Bainsey stepped up will everything on his tiny shoulders. And it's a goal! His penalty was of the highest quality. In the 92nd minute too! What a nerve wrecker! Everton 2-1 Wigan. The Latics really stretched Everton who was totally low in confidence. This is Everton's first 3-points. This is Everton's first points of the season.

Score: Everton 2-1 Wigan
Scorers: Saha, Bainsey
Assist: Bainsey
Subs: Felli, Jo, Billy

Europa League: Everton's Opponents

Everton has been placed in Group I and their opponents are Benfica, AEK Athens and BATE.

Moyes reply? He's satisfied with the draw. No doubt it'll be tough Looking at the other groups (Fulham face Roma, Basel and CSKA Sofia), I think we should be truly happy with the draw.

Sylvain Distin In!

Moyes must be desperate to bring in Distin as a cover for the departed Lescott. The gaffer had mentioned that he'd rather keep the average age down, but not with a 31 Years Old. What's more, Everton payed £5.3 million for him.

Even Distin himself wondered why that amount of money was payed for him. Guess Moyes had to fork out that kind of money as he really don't have the time to pander over whether can he get a defender before the close of the transfer window.

I did not really think Distin did well in the last match against Arsenal too. We really need another Centre Back. Any worthy Centre Back.

SIGMA OLOMUC (1) vs (1) EVERTON - FULL TIME

Everton lost Hibbo as early as the 5th minute. But Everton held on and even scored first. Ossie crossed the ball from the right channel for Pienaar to slam the ball into goal. Though The Toffees conceded a goal, Everton still advanced to the next stage.

This match also saw the debut of young defender James Wallace, and the return of Yak.

Score: Sigma Olomuc 1(1)-(5)1 Everton
Scorer: Pienaar
Assist: Ossie
Subs: Wallace, Baxter, Yak

EVERTON BEATS BURNLEY IN A RESERVE MATCH

It's so great to see Yak back in the fray.

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov In!

Everton brought in a long awaited winger - Diniyar Bilyaletdinov. He the second Russian to join the club since Andrei Kanchelskis and was the captain of Lokomotiv Moscow.

"Billy" will operate on the left while Pienaar will most surely be placed on the right.

Actim Players Ranking: 250809

Top 100 players

None! Everton have played that badly.

BURNLEY (1) - (0) EVERTON - FULL TIME

Everton played the same players that were involved in the Europa Cup but as early as the 1st minute, Neville frailty in centre defence showed as he allowed the Burnley striker a free header at goal only to be kept out by the goal post. Straight after that, the opposing team had another free header at Howard. Recently promoted Burnley is really giving Everton a run for their
money. The Toffees were pegged back for the first 30 minutes without even whimpering!

The first opportunity at goal came from a corner. Rodwell headed a weak ball towards goal and the chance was gone. In the 34th minute, Everton was down by a goal. The defence was half hearted in their marking and the opposing player had an easy chance to curl the ball into goal.

Once again, Neville was the defender marking the opposing player. Just too much space! Burnley 0-1 Everton. Sometimes you feel it in the bone that it is not Everton’s day when Felli can’t even win headers! There was no fluidity in the game and Everton had not even made like five decent passes. The confidence is fast fading and it was evident that if Burnley scored another goal, this game is as good as gone for Everton. It is really these types of games that Everton will really have to win.

Everton was quick off the mark in the second half but every quickly, Everton is back into the laggard mode. Not moving too fast; not really sure who they can pass to. Everton needed to bring in Jo to press for goals though he is by no way a prolific scorer! Timmy had a totally quiet game and he should be taken out.

Everton’s totally out of sorts and it needed Timmy in the 58th minute to run half the length of the field and he struck the ball well, though deflected wide. Everton came lucky again when Howard had to tip over a certain goal in the 62nd minute. Jo is in for Felli. Actually, there are many more players who should be benched!

Saha missed a penalty after Hibbo was brought down in the 75th minute! Unbelievable! He did not look like he believed in himself. Everton is pressing but they are not getting anything! And deservingly, as they did not play well for ¾ of the time.

Score: Burnley 1-0 Everton
Scorer: Not even close!
Assist: Neville (Hmm)
Subs: Jo

EVERTON (4) vs (0) SIGMA OLOMUC - FULL TIME

After a 6-0 humiliation by Arsenal, Everton really had to lick their wounds and just move on. This was all very much an important match not solely for the fact that it's Everton's door into the Europa League, but this is one game that was critical to see if they can survive without Joleon Lescott.

Moyes triumphed, showing that no player is bigger than the club.

Check out the clip.



Everton started rather tentative, largely due to the lack of self-belief. Howard even had to make a couple of magnificant saves. The first goal came in the 33rd minute when Felli evaded a defender on the right channel to put in a cross. Saha, who was man-marked by a defender, sliced the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper. Lovely goal. Everton 1-0 Sigma.

Next goal was a cracker. A freekick by Bainsey from the right channel saw the ball rebounded off the opposing defender. It reached the foot of Rodwell who unleased a powerful shot outside the penalty box. It was just too much for the goalkeeper. Everton 2-0 Sigma.

The third goal was the bomb. Similar situation whereby Bainsey floated the ball into the penalty area from a free kick. It was cleared only as far as Rodwell who blasted the ball from 25 yards. The best the goalkeeper could muster was a touch on the blistering-paced ball. Everton 3-0 Sigma.

The fourth came from the right channel once again. A nice pass from Ossie to Saha who brought the ball towards the penalty area. He unleased a low shot that went in to the right of the goalkeeper.

Everton had to vent their anger after our last defeat, and Sigma Olomuc was just at the wrong place, at the wrong time.

Score: Everton 4-0 Sigma Olomuc
Scorer: Saha (2), Rodwell (2)
Assist: Felli, Ossie
Subs: Gosling, Jo, Vaughny

Actim Players Ranking: 180809

Top 100 players

Pienaar: 33rd (21) - Best position: 33rd

EVERTON (1) vs (6) ARSENAL - FULL TIME

Start of the season and Everton has just the platform to show why they are fifth in the table last season. Alternatively, if they lose this match, then it might just be an early signal that we may not be able to compete for the top four position. Everton is playing 4-5-1 with Jo thrusts upfront. Pienaar who had a slight ankle injury during midweek is back in the side. Interesting to see how Lescott performs in what might be his last match at Goodison. Maybe he wants to leave because the new jersey looks horrendous! Anyhow, here goes.

The play's pretty scrappy for the first 10 minute. But the danger for Everton is that they are sitting back just that slight bit. Good stop by Yobo to prevent Arsenal from taking a crisp shot in the 12th minute.

Everton had good possession in the 15th minute with good passing all round but the attack came to nothing. Cahill nearly got clear with a wonderful Pienaar pass in the 21st minute. Still there was not shot.

Ossie was set free on the right but could not get pass the defenders. Very quickly in the 25th minute, Arsenal struck back effectively, putting the ball past Howard. Everton 0-1 Arsenal. Everton has to show character now. Either they fight back or crumble. The singing is now coming from the Arsenal crowd within Everton's ground. The nerve of them!

Everton wins their first corner, and then another in the 32nd minutes. Nearly by Felli but cleared off the line. The crosses are coming in but the Everton players are just not at the right positions. The midfield is for Everton to win but somehow, Timmy is not there to control the game. Open goal for Arsenal in the 36th minute from a free kick. The defence is in shambles! Everton 0-2 Arsenal. Their new defender scored. This is a total insult on home ground. And Arsenal scores again in the 40th minute. Everton 0-3 Arsenal.

The lack of quality players is impacting Everton so early on in the season. Lescott has not look assured in the defence at all. He truly looked unsettled. Total annihilation in the first half. Let's look at our injury list. When's Yak, Arteta and Jag coming back? Hope that they got a hairdryer treatment from Moyes!

Start of the second half and within 2 minutes, they are 4 goals down! Its an onslaught! Score doesn't matter now. It's how they are willing to fight back. Saha needs to come in for the ineffective Jo. As for Ossie? I really don't know if there's a attacking midfielder on the bench.

Ossie, Jo and Hibbo are being replaced by Saha, Rodwell and Gosling. Moyes has tossed in all in coins as he seldom puts in three substitutes after the lesson he'd learnt last season whereby three changes were made early and afterwhich Everton suffered and injury and they had to play with 10 men.

Opening for Rodwell but lashing it wide in the 61st minute. Oh boy, Everton conceded their 5th goal. It's free play by Arsenal. First time I'm seeing fans heading home that early. Arsenal is in devastating form. Saha shoots just wide in the 75th minute. Saha had another chance in the 79th minute but shot wide left. Then it was 6 goals while Saha scored the only consolation goal in injury time. Total disaster!

Score: Everton 1-6 Arsenal
Scorer: Saha
Assist: Nil
Subs: Saha, Rodwell and Gosling

Everton Preview on ESPN Star Sports

So the season starts today and Everton will meet visiting Arsenal at Goodison Park. Check out my comments on ESPN Star Sports http://www.espnstar.com/football/premier-league/news/detail/item306856/ or read from below.

What is the best / worst your club can achieve this coming season?
Back in the 90s, it was a shuddering time for Evertonians as the club seemed only interested in fighting relegation battles. Now, Evertonians are still shuddering because David Moyes always leave it late when buying players to bolster the squad. Yes, we managed to bring back Marouane Fellaini's "twin brother" big-haired Jo, to the club. But there are no other major signings. So finishing in the top four is the best that Evertonians can hope for. The worst that can happen would be mid-table mediocrity.

Who is your key player?
Mikel Arteta with his silky dribbling skills is definitely a key player, but he's currently injured. As of now, it has to be the show-stopper, ball catcher, goal-post protector, Tim Howard. He's been consistent in his performance and last season, he set a club record of keeping 15 clean sheets.

Who is the unsung hero in your team?
I'd say Leighton Baines. He is a class act but in his first season with Everton, he was kept at the sidelines with Phil Jagielka, Joseph Yobo and Joleon Lescott playing extremely well. It was rumoured that David Moyes was ready to offload Bainesy in January 2009. But the saving grace came when Yobo suffered an injury, and lil' Bainsey played his heart out and he had even earned himself two player-of-the-month awards. Thank God Moyes did not sell him!

Who is a waste of space?
I'm fear Phil Neville is fast becoming the chink in Everton's armour. I feel his reading of the game is deteriorating and it seems that in most games last season, he'd either make at least one strong but useless challange that will give away a dangerous free kick to the opposition or, he will just give the ball away.

Describe your best moment of last season.
Any win over our Merseyside neighbour - Liverpool - will bring about euphoria! Evertonians know what I'm driving at - The FA Cup fourth round replay win over Liverpool! Youngster Dan Gosling scored an exquisite extra-time goal. Sweet!

Is David Moyes the right person for the job?
Other than Howard Kendall, no modern day manager has brought more glory and hope to Everton than David Moyes. He gave the fans the belief that we are good enough to stay in the top six.

Which area do you think your team needs strengthening?
It'll be easier to say which area the team needs strengthening if I know whether Lescott and Steven Pienaar is leaving or not. But if I don't take these two players into consideration, I'd say we need to strengthen our midfield. We need a good right winger to put in those crosses. Arteta had operated on the right wing before but he's more effective through the centre. Pienaar can operate in that position but he has made the left wing position his own.

Young player to look out for?
Jack Rodwell! He has been lighting up the stage with his skills and excellent passing. He earned plaudits with his performance during the 2009 European Championship. He even scored a wonderful headed goal in the match against Germany U21. Can't wait to see him back in action with the start of the new Barclays Premier League season.

Can Everton break into the Top Four this season?
Everton in the top four? Only if Arsenal continue to sell their players, and the "galacticos" of Manchester City start to trip over each other. If not, top six would be a reasonable target.

Name your all-time favourite player at the club.
It has and will always be Duncan Ferguson. I love the way he cowed players to submission. Above and beyond that, Ferguson has a knack for scoring wonderful headers. He has a slight height advantage over opposing defenders as he's 6ft4in (1.93 metres).

Which three teams will be relegated this season?
After last season's relegation of Newcastle United, no other Premiership clubs can say that they are too good to go down. Also, with all the financial woes, clubs could increase their chances of relegation by not spending wisely. Also, there's always at least one promoted club that will head back down to the Championship. So here's my pick. 1. Portsmouth - They are literally broke and are selling their top players. 2. Hull - Don't think they have the players to keep their heads above waters. 3. Burnley - They have one of the smallest squads in the league and because of that, I don't think they can last the distance.

Who's Our Europa League Opponent?

Czech Republic's Sigma Olomouc, that's who. We'll be playing them in a home and away match sequence. Our opponent's players are largely homegrown with one Brazilian each in defence and midfield.

No players that I know, but still, for any team to get into the Europa League, this team must be of some decent quality.

BLACKPOOL vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

And so we lost again, no less to a championship outfit.

Score: Blackpool 2-1 Everton
Scorer: Jo

COVENTRY vs EVERTON - FULL TIME

Two goals apiece but somehow, Everton always do rather badly for their friendlies. I'm just concerned as to whether they can even put a decent team together when the season starts.

Score: Conventry 2-2 Everton
Scorer: Timmy, Baxter

Pre Season: EVERTON vs MLS ALL-STAR - FULL TIME

This is Everton's final match in the US of A. Great that we won on 4-3 on penalties after our 1-1 stalemate in normal time.

As the saying goes, a win is still a win, no matter what. So sit back, and watch this match.Gooooaaalllll!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK2sXWJSJjo

Everton This Week

Transfer

Moyes brought in three promising youngsters - 22 year-old American Midfield Anton Peterlin, 17 year-old German Shkodran Mustafi, 16 year-old English Luke Garbutt.

Still, the return of Jo from Manchester City on loan is something to crow about. He did not prove to be a clinical finisher last season but still, he has skills that will come in useful. Afterall, he's a Brazilian!

Friendly

The first friendly of Everton's season ended in a 1-2 defeat by Bury. Everton played quite a number of youngsters while allowing some senior players to have a run-out as well. First teamer Bainsey, Neville, Saha, Vaughny and Gosling started the game, with the rest of the players hailing from the youth team. Saha scored in the first half, and during half time, Everton made a wholesale change of players. All the 1st half first teamers were taken out, while Hibbo, Ossie and Jo had their share of play.

Newcomers Peterlin and Mustafi were also given the opportunity to dirty their boots a little. This is more of a run-out for all players game. Let's see what happens to the other games as we draw closer to the start of the brand new 09/10 season of Barclays Premier League.

Everton's Transfer News: Jo & Mustafi

Everton has closed the deal on talented German teenager Shkodran Mustafi. Singaporean-Evertonian (SE) reported about this deal previously, albeit a bit late. This boy is for the future and Everton is definitely a place for him.

Another player will most likely join Everton on loan once again.

Jo, who had a wonderful loan spell with Everton, has also linked up with the club as they take their pre-season training to Scotland. Welcome back Jo!

Lescott Going?

I've this feeling in my bones that Lescott will be going. When news reports of him moving to Manchester City came up, there was no word from him to rubbish them. When Chelsea's John Terry was courted, he came out to say that he will not be budging.

But not Lescott. Anyway, there's always a price for the players. Pay the club enough and they will budge. Will we see the last of Lescott at Goodison?

Adieu Lars Jacobsen

Fellow Evertonians must be wondering why David Moyes brought a decent Danish International Lars Jacobsen in at the start of 08/09 season only to release him to Blackburn Rovers for free.

The right back joined Everton from Nuremburg for free, injured himself in an International match, played 5 games, inclusive of one FA Cup Final, and now he leaves. He was a pretty decent player. But why did Moyes let him leave? Seemingly, the gaffer could not guarantee Jacobsen a first team place. It seems that Hibbo is still his first choice. Still, there needs to be cover an Hibbo was totally exposed, showing his lack of speed when time and time again during the FA Cup Finals, the marauding Chelsea attackers strolled past him.

One of many gaps that Moyes will have to fill now.

July 1 Transfer: Shkodran Mustafi

Everton has signed Hamburg's promising teenager Shkodran Mustafi at the end of May 09. A German U17 International, the young defender will join up with the rest of the squad when the transfer window opens.

With his 1.84m frame, he seems to be in the mold of Robert Huth.

FA CUP: EVERTON (1) vs (2) CHELSEA - FULL TIME

Everton plays in Wembley in front of 90,000 fans. Lovely, lovely atmosphere. Kofi Annan, FA Cup special guest, heads to the field to shake the hands of both teams. Everton is in their traditional blue and white, while Chelsea is in a banana colour. Let's give this a good go!

What a goal within the 1st minute! What a poor clearance by Chelsea!!! It went as far as Felli who headed the ball back into the opposing penalty area. Saha was left open and he let fly a volley which saw it zing past Cech! Incredulous! Everton 1-0 Chelsea.

Everton are holding well so far. Cross my fingers that it remains this way. So close! Pienaar curled in a lovely ball in the 14th minute. Just missed Felli's bushy head.

Oh no. Drogba scores in the 21st minute. Everton 1-1 Chelsea. Man! It's 42 degrees celcius in UK. Can that be? Hibbo looked wasted as Chelsea continues to attack the right flank. Such a killer of the weather. The players trooped in for their well derserved water break.

Jacobsen replaces Hibbo as all could see the latter had ran himself flat out. Everton is soaking in the pressure and they have to do it for another 40 minutes! It's a little worrying that Everton seems to be losing their shape. So close for Chelsea in the 59th minute.

What good fighting spirit from Timmy in the 61st minute that shot him block a shot from a defender and then smashing the ball from the distance. On target but no goal. Pienaar has been drawing most of the fouls and that provides the team with opportunities. It was one of those free kicks in the 66th minute that Saha nearly scored once again.

Chelsea scores again in the 72nd minute. Everton 1-2 Chelsea. Tough for Everton now. Vaughny replaces Saha. A strike by Chelsea's Malouda saw the ball went pass the line but the goal was not given. It was really only on slow-motion replay that one could see the goal.

Final substitution in the 82nd minute for Everton - Gosling on for Ossie.

Everton have tried their best and their best was not good enough. Dissappointed for an otherwise good Everton season. Congrats to Chelsea. Great job by the Everton boys! Timmy really fought his heart out!

Score: Everton 1-2
Scorer: Saha
Assist: Felli
Subs: Jacobsen, Vaughny, Gosling

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

Ossie scores a brace
Photos courtesy of www.evertonfc.com

Everton is just waiting for the FA Cup Final but Moyes is not letting off. The manager rested Felli, and also Jo, who will be returning to Man City after a wonderful loan stint in Everton.

So the team is still like any first XI that Moyes will put out. On the other side, both former Evertonian AJ and Simon Davis are out of the game due to injuries.

Everton made their intent known with in the 2nd minute where a looping header by Saha rocked the bar. After that, the flow of the game felt like both teams were at a practice match. I was hoping for an exhibition match actually. Both trading cautious passes but Everton soon grasp hold of possession. Rodwell is having a good game in midfield while the tricky Pienaar was a nuisance all over the park.

Everton scores a wonderful goal with Pienaar carving out the brilliant chance in the 44th minute. A nice through pass saw Ossie beating the offside trap, made the goalie commit, then sliced the ball into goal. Fulham 0-1 Everton.

Nearly! Saha was open in the 53rd minute and he basically had a free header, but it was nicely saved by the opposing goalie.

Everton is starting to look a little shaky now but are still holding on.

Gosling replaces Neville in the 75th minute. Castillo replaces Saha in the 78th minute. Moyes has pushed Timmy up front. Maybe he should give youngster Baxter or Vaughny a chance on the field.

Everton was caught sleeping in the 84th minute but Howard made sure the ball does not bulge the net. Final replacement in the 85th minute, Pienaar is replaced by Vaughny.

What a wonderful goal by Ossie! He created his own space in the 87th minute to place the ball pass the diving goalie.

Final whistle goes and Everton is the fifth best club in UK. The other two clubs that will be leaving the Premiership are Newcastle and Middlesbrough.

Score: Fulham 0-1 Everton
Scorer: Ossie (2)
Assist: Pienaar

EVERTON (3) - (1) WEST HAM

Saha scores the team's third goal
Photo courtesy of www.evertonfc.com

Didn't get a chance to watch the match live but great to hear that Everton won their final home match. But here're the details.

Score: Everton 3-1 West Ham
Scorer: Saha (2), Yobo
Assist: Timmy, Pienaar(2)

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

Felli sprinting for the ball
Photo courtesy of http://www.evertonfc.com/

Everton sees two youngsters in the first XI - Rodwell and Gosling, while the Neville fits into the right back position as Hibbo is still recovering for his injuries. Both sides are still tying to settle into the game, but Tottenham suddenly came to life in the 7th minute. In three successive attacks, Spurs placed the Toffees defence under stress but still the Blues are holding on.

The ball is starting to go all over the place with the downpour. Still, Everton has not got hold of the possession. Both Lescott and Yobo have been lazy in their tracking of the opposing players and with the run-up to Tottenham's freekick close to the six-yard box, Lescott and Pienaar both earned themselves yellow cards due to infringements.

Up till the 20th minute, Everton have been pegged back and have not even had a decent chance on goal. Tottenham, on the other hand, split the Everton's defence in the 22nd minute and only Yobo's intervention prevented the ball from going in. Everton looked shell-shocked!

What was Yobo doing? In the 28th minute, the opposing striker strolled into the penalty area and he did not pick him up. Nearly, it so nearly ended with a goal. Are we playing at Goodison??? The Tottenham midfield is just strangling any play out of Everton.

I really have my doubts of how Gosling is playing on the right wing. He has no speed, and somehow no good ability to make good crosses. Good pass in the 40th minute by Pienaar to set Jo free, only to be marked out by two Tottenham defenders. Still no shot on goal. Felli tried a shot in the 43rd minute but it was totally off target.

Good set-up play in the 44th minute with Rodwell shooting just above the bar. The players trudge into the tunnel for pep talk by both managers.

Everton is fighting much harder in the 2nd half but I still think Gosling should go. A great shot by Timmy in the 58th minute but just outside of the goal. Tottenham is starting to make mistakes but still not culminating into goals.

Oh boy! A shot by Gosling deflected away via the post. So nearly scored in the 68th minute. Finally, Ossie is on for Gosling, while Saha is on for Jo. You'd have realised that Moyes will never change three players at one go anymore. Tottenham came very close in the 69th minute. Pienaar had a chance in the 71st minute but the thunderous ball was always going wide.

Two positives in this match - Howard has broken Everton's longstanding record of 14 cleansheets, and also, Everton has confirmed that they will end the season with at least a sixth placing.

Score: Everton 0-0 Tottenham

Scorer: Nil

Assist: Nil

Subs: Ossie, Saha

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

Pienaar scored the first goal and was the man-of-the-match
Photo courtesy of www.evertonfc.com

Everton started with five changes:- Jacobsen for Hibbo, Lescott for the injured Jag, Gosling and Timmy for Castillo and Ossie. Jo also returns as he was not allowed to face his parent club - Manchester City.

The start of play has so far been scrappy but Everton had string together a couple of good passes. In the 9th minute, Timmy was unmarked when he headed the ball towards goal. But being just at the edge of the six yard box, the distance was just too much. Good Timmy shot at goal in the 10th minute.

In the 14th minute, Jo had a chance when Pienaar sliced open the defence but the Brazilian shot just flew across the goal post. Sunderland is starting to grasp hold of the game with their quick counter-attack while Everton is not making any progress upfront. Jo has been trying to win the headers but somehow the shorter Sunderland players are getting to the ball. Also, the right flank, manned by Gosling, has been very quiet. He even blocked a goal bound shot by Pienaar. Gosling needs to be replaced.

Everything else from thereon has been very scrappy, it's pretty close to crappy. Let's take a look at the second half.

What a calm and collected goal by Pienaar in the 48th minute. A pass from Neville on the right to Jo whose pass put Pienaar in. The South African still had to hold back the attention of a defender before toe-poking the ball through the legs of the oncoming goalkeeper. Sunderland 0-1 Everton.

Pienaar is just fighting for every ball like his whole life depended on it. Just after the goal, the whole tempo just headed into the doldrum once again.

In the 64th minute, Felli was about through on goal with Jo's flick but was cleared away by the opposing defender. Pienaar is taking crfeating all the foul opportunities for Everton.

And who else to set up the goal on the right flank? Pienaar! In the 70th minute, Pienaar slip the ball into the centre of the penalty box where Felli was waiting just to tap in the ball. Sunderland 0-2 Everton.

Rodwell in for Jacobsen in the 73rd minute. Everton is grinding out this win in a very clinical style. Pienaar has even played a sweeper role by intercepting passes. Saha in for Jo in the 80th minute. Last sub, Castillo in for Gosling in the 86th minute. Gosling should have gone off way earlier as Pienaar had to do Gosling's mule work.

Everton wins. One word - Clinical.

Score: Sunderland 0-2

Scorers: Pienaar, Felli

Assists: Pienaar, Jo

Subs: Rodwell, Saha, Castillo

Actim Players Ranking: 280409

Everton players in the Top 100.

Lescott: 21st (419) - Third best defender (6/1), (13/1), (14/4), (21/4), Fourth (20/1), (24/3), (7/4), Fifth (3/2), (17/3), (28/4) - Best position: 15th
Howard: 25th (409) - Fifth best goalkeeper (6/1), (13/1), (7/4) - Best position: 23rd
Fellaini: 37th (376) - Best position: 31st
Arteta: 44th (368) - Third best midfielder (10/2), (17/2), (24/2), (3/3), (10/3), Fourth (16/9), (13/1), (3/2), Fifth (2/12), (9/12), (15/12), (23/12), (20/1), (17/3) - Best position: 6th
Neville: 45th (364) - Best position: 35th
Timmy: 47th (362) - Best position: 38th
Jag: 56th (352) - Best position: 38th
Ossie: 60th (347) - Best position: 50th
Baines: 76th (320) - Best position: 69th

Previous Top 100.
Yakubu: 86th (133) - Fifth best striker (23/9) - Best position: 9th
Yobo: 84th (168) - Best position: 76th

Everton is Through to the New Europa League!

Everton need not even kick the ball. Chelsea won their game against West Ham yesterday and thus, the Blues has guaranteed their own place in the Champions League. With this, the runners-up of the FA Cup tie will be guaranteed a european placing.

I hope that with this revelation, the Everton players can still maintain their hunger for the game and give it their best shot to finish fifth in the Barclay Premier League's standing.

COYB!

EVERTON (1) vs (2) MAN CITY - FULL TIME

Everton's mounting list of injury.
Courtesy of http://www.evertonfc.com/

Once again, Everton's match was not shown on cable. I'ts always the "big four" matches that are being shown. Well, too bad I guess.

Anyway, Robinho chose this match to showcase his talents. The Brazilian scored one and set up one. This was Everton's third game in six days and yes, this is not an excuse as to why Everton lost the game. Today, Manchester City was just more hungrier than Everton. They were also putting Everton on the back foot with their fast counter attacks.

Two sucker-punch goals in each half of the game saw Everton reeling. Coupled with the fact that Jag wne out injured after Moyes had made his three substitution, Everton was playing with a man down but was still able to claw a goal back with Gosling tucking in a Pienaar cross...but it only happened in the 94th minute.

Score: Evertom 1-2 Manchester City
Scorer: Gosling
Assist: Pienaar
Subs: Vaughny, Timmy, Gosling

CHELSEA (0) vs (0) EVERTON - FULL TIME

Battle of the two shorties
Photo courtesy of www.evertonfc.com

After a glorious win over Manchester United in the FA Cup Semi Final tie, Everton had to face the mighty Chelsea, whom the Toffees will face once again in the FA Cup Final.

I was half expecting Moyes to field a weakened side due to the exertion of the players in the 120 minute+penalty kick thriller in the cup tie. But it turned out that key players were still included in this squad, with the exception of non cup playing players such as Jo, Castillo, Jacobsen and Yobo.

Everton took the match to Chelsea and they created a whole load of problems for the Chelsea defence. Jo had a host of chances but the opposing goalkeeper was equal to the task. Howard also pulled off a couple of stupendous save to help maintain parity.

Score: Chelsea 0-0 Everton
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Subs: Saha, Rodwell, Jag

Actim Players Ranking: 210409

Everton players in the Top 100.

Lescott: 15th (412) - Third best defender (6/1), (13/1), (14/4), (21/4), Fourth (20/1), (24/3), (7/4), Fifth (3/2), (17/3) - Best position: 15th
Howard: 25th (389) - Fifth best goalkeeper (6/1), (13/1), (7/4) - Best position: 23rd
Fellaini: 31st (369) - Best position: 31st
Arteta: 32nd (368) - Third best midfielder (10/2), (17/2), (24/2), (3/3), (10/3), Fourth (16/9), (13/1), (3/2), Fifth (2/12), (9/12), (15/12), (23/12), (20/1), (17/3) - Best position: 6th
Jag: 41st (354) - Best position: 38th
Neville: 42nd (354) - Best position: 35th
Timmy: 44th (353) - Best position: 38th
Ossie: 64th (323) - Best position: 50th
Baines: 75th (305) - Best position: 69th

Previous Top 100.
Yakubu: 86th (133) - Fifth best striker (23/9) - Best position: 9th
Yobo: 84th (168) - Best position: 76th

FA CUP: EVERTON (4) vs (2) MAN UTD - FULL TIME

Everton wins through penalties
Courtesy of www.evertonfc.com

This is the best chance for Everton with Manchester Utd playing quite a few of their second stringers! Still the opposition backline is pretty impressive - Vidic and Ferdinand.

Felli pt in a beautiful through pass in the 10th minute but the person at the end of the ball - Neville - was far from being a striker and thus, ballooned the ball wide. In the 21st minute, Man U's goalkeeper nearly went suicidal as he took too long to pump the ball out of his penalty box and was caught by Saha but was saved by a fortunate deflection.

Everton is under bombardment at this point. Still, there were one or two chances but other than that, it's a pretty evens stevens.

A good shot by Timmy in the 53rd minutes. Though from a distance, it still troubled the opposing keeper a little. In the 67th minute, the Everton fans shuddered at the thought that Everton has given away a penalty. Jag tried to clear the ball and was somehow impeded by the opposing striker. It was really a 50-50 call for penalty.

Saha replaced by Rodwell in the 69th minute.

Everton are being stretched by the Man Utd youngsters. Everton needs to bring in pace - Vaughny. Man Utd are holding Everton well and it means that the Toffees are burning off their energy. Somehow, the blues look second best even though the players Moyes put out are all first XI. The score still remains 0-0 at full time, and now it'll move to extra time.

The start of the extra time saw Timmy smashing the ball towards goal but was saved by the legs of the opposing keeper. Man Utd is just pulling Everton from left to right. Vaughny really needs to come in. The game is fast going into a walking pace.

Felli is replaced by Vaughny.

Second half of the extra time, Bainsey put in a lovely cross into the penalty box the final touch by Vaughny wasdeflected wide. Ossie came close as well after Rodwell made a nice pass from the left channel. Pienaar has run his lungs out and he'd been tackled all over the park.

Will the match move into penalties? Oh boy, another mistake by Man U keeper. A good block by Vaughny and the keeper chased and pushed Bainsey off the ball resulting in a free kick, but it amounted to nothing. Into the penalties we go.

Timmy - Miss! Everton 0-0 Man U
Howard - Saved! Everton 0-0 Man U
Bainsey - Scored! Everton 1-0 Man U
Howard - Saved! Everton 1-0 Man U
Neville - Scored! Everton 2-0 Man U
Howard - Failed! Everton 2-1 Man U
Vaughny - Scored! Everton 3-1 Man U
Howard - Scored! Everton 3-2 Man U
Jag - Scored! Everton 4-2 Man U!!!!!!!!!!

Everton's through!!!!!!! Such a difficult match! After 14 long years!

Actim Players Ranking: 140409

Everton players in the Top 100.

Lescott: 15th (412) - Third best defender (6/1), (13/1), (14/4), Fourth (20/1), (24/3), (7/4), Fifth (3/2), (17/3) - Best position: 15th
Howard: 23rd (389) - Fifth best goalkeeper (6/1), (13/1), (7/4) - Best position: 23rd
Fellaini: 31st (369) - Best position: 31st
Arteta: 32nd (368) - Third best midfielder (10/2), (17/2), (24/2), (3/3), (10/3), Fourth (16/9), (13/1), (3/2), Fifth (2/12), (9/12), (15/12), (23/12), (20/1), (17/3) - Best position: 6th
Jag: 38th (354) - Best position: 38th
Neville: 39th (354) - Best position: 35th
Timmy: 40th (353) - Best position: 38th
Ossie: 60th (323) - Best position: 50th
Baines: 69th (305) - Best position: 69th


Previous Top 100.
Yakubu: 86th (133) - Fifth best striker (23/9) - Best position: 9th
Yobo: 84th (168) - Best position: 76th

ASTON VILLA (3) v (3) EVERTON - FULL TIME

Villa's Barry scores the equaliser
Photo courtesy of www.evertonfc.com

Everton started with a largely unchanged side with Jo leading the strike once again. The first 10 minutes see Everton soaking in the pressure but Villa have still not really threatened. A great thunder strike by Neville in the 16th minute but was palmed away by the opposing goalkeeper. The subsequent corner was cleared away.

In the 18th minute, Bainsey made a good pass to Jo in the penalty box but the opposing defence, could only clear as far as where Bainsey stood on the left channel. The defender then curled in a nice ball for Felli to tap in the ball. Villa 0-1 Everton.

In the 22nd minute Jo moved the ball into the final third before releasing the ball to Timmy on the left channel who slid the ball towards goal but was . Goal!!! Timmy scored from the corner. From the corner, Timmy got to the ball first but it bounced off the post. It was Timmy once again who went in for a rebound. Villa 0-2 Everton.

Villa strikes back in the 32nd minute. This time Everton defence were in their sixes and sevens. Villa 1-2 Everton. The Toffees have been stung by that goal. Hopefully, they do not go into their shells. Villa are just throwing in the crosses and the long balls for all their big players up front. Half time prove a good reprieve for Everton.

In the 50th minute, a juicy pass from Neville to Pienaar who was given space to shoot from outside the box. Goal! Villa 1-3 Everton. But soon after, Villa pulled a goal back in the 55th minute. Villa 2-3 Everton. I believe Everton needs to bring in Saha soon to stretch the opposition and maybe take Hibbo out as he's on a yellow card.

Villa is applying much pressure on Everton and it's pretty nerve wrecking! Howard is not handling the crosses well enough. It'll be a long 30 minutes. Hibbo is replaced by Jacobsen. Lescott tried to clear the ball but with the Villan player sticking his head in, the referee surprisingly awarded a penalty. Why? How? Villa scored. Villa 3-3 Everton. We need Saha!

It was dive after dive by Ashley Young! What load of crap from this player! Jo is replaced by Saha.

No point saying that Everton should have won. The last penalty did not help but at least Everton picked up a point away from home. Sigh.

Score: Villa 3 - 3 Everton
Scorer: Felli, Timmy, Pienaar
Assists: Bainsey, Neville
Subs: Jacobsen, Saha

Actim Players Ranking: 070409

Everton players in the Top 100.

Lescott: 17th (401) - Third best defender (6/1), (13/1), Fourth (20/1), (24/3), (7/4), Fifth (3/2), (17/3) - Best position: 15th
Howard: 24th (378) - Fifth best goalkeeper (6/1), (13/1), (7/4) - Best position: 26th
Arteta: 28th (381) - Third best midfielder (10/2), (17/2), (24/2), (3/3), (10/3), Fourth (16/9), (13/1), (3/2), Fifth (2/12), (9/12), (15/12), (23/12), (20/1), (17/3) - Best position: 6th
Jag: 35th (348) - Best position: 38th
Fellaini: 36th (343) - Best position: 36th
Neville: 42nd (335) - Best position: 35th
Timmy: 43rd (332) - Best position: 38th
Ossie: 60th (316) - Best position: 50th
Baines: 76th (292) - Best position: 76th

Previous Top 100.

Yakubu: 86th (133) - Fifth best striker (23/9) - Best position: 9th
Yobo: 84th (168) - Best position: 76th

EVERTON (4) vs (0) WIGAN - FULL TIME

Jo scores Everton's first goal
Photo courtesy of www.evertonfc.com

Cahill is back in the first XI and this team looks to be the most complete in terms of shape and form. For the first 10 minutes, Everton had the impetus but failed to put their good ball control into any advantage.

Wigan is doing well on the counter and had put the ball just wide of the Toffee's goal in the 16th minute. Everton look pretty weak in the final third. But a sudden turn and Everton is in the lead. It started with Howard passing the ball to Lescott who put in a long ball. Felli chested the ball, and passed it to Ossie. The latter saw a gap on the left and put in a precise pass to Jo who banged the ball in from the left channel in the 25th minute. Everton 1-0 Wigan.

Quite an even fight but Everton took their one chance well and thus derservingly are ahead at half time.

In the second half, Wigan started their game with much gusto but still fell behind by another goal. In the 46th minute, Neville took a throw-in on the right channel and that started a one-two with Ossie. Neville then put in a crisp cross for Felli to tap the ball past the opposing goalkeeper. Everton 2-0 Wigan.

The Toffees are in ascension now as they continue to dictate the scheme of things and soon, Everton was 3-0 up. In the 50th minute, Pienaar, Ossie and Felli put in some good passes among themselves before Felli struck the ball towards goal. The goalkeeper saved it but it went only as far as Jo who put in a simple tap-in. Everton 3-0 Wigan.

Everton was not done yet. In the 60th minute, Felli took a long pot shot way outside the 6th yard box. The opposing goalkeeper could only palm the ball towards Ossie who made the simplest of all tap-ins. Everton 4-0 Wigan.

With three points in th bag, Moyes made the three substitutions in quick succession. Rodwell, Gosling and Saha came in for Cahill, Pienaar and Felli.

Everton takes all three points and has closed in on Aston Villa. Next week's game against them might be the decider as to who will take fifth position.

Score: Everton 4-0 Wigan
Scorer: Jo (2), Felli, Ossie
Assists: Ossie, Neville, Felli (2)
Subs: Rodwell, Gosling, Saha

Actim Players Ranking: 240309

Everton players in the Top 100.

Lescott: 17th (383) - Third best defender (6/1), (13/1), Fourth (20/1), (24/3), Fifth (3/2), (17/3) - Best position: 15th
Arteta: 19th (381) - Third best midfielder (10/2), (17/2), (24/2), (3/3), (10/3), Fourth (16/9), (13/1), (3/2), Fifth (2/12), (9/12), (15/12), (23/12), (20/1), (17/3) - Best position: 6th
Howard: 29th (355) - Fifth best goalkeeper (6/1), (13/1) - Best position: 26th
Jag: 38th (328) - Best position: 38th
Timmy: 42nd (322) - Best position: 38th
Neville: 44th (319) - Best position: 35th
Fellaini: 63rd (292) - Best position: 50th
Ossie: 81st (276) - Best position: 50th
Baines: 82nd (275) - Best position: 82nd


Previous Top 100.

Yakubu: 86th (133) - Fifth best striker (23/9) - Best position: 9th
Yobo: 84th (168) - Best position: 76th

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

Everton went behind 2-1.
Photo courtesy of http://www.evertonfc.com/

Everton will be without talismatic Timmy for this game and Moyes has been forced to include Saha in his first XI. Jacobsen will also make his first start in the right back position. The entire substitue bench makes up of youngsters! It reads Baxter, Rodwell, Gosling, Wallace and Agard. Only experienced heads come from Castillo and reserve goalkeeper Nash.

Everton starts in marauding form with Saha winning a free kick at the edge of the penalty area. Bainsey scores in the 4th minute!!!! Bainsey curls the ball beyond the wall, and into the net off the post. Portsmouth 0-1 Everton.

Jo is showing some pretty good touches and drawing quite a few fouls on himself. But Portsmouth drew parity from a corner in the 22nd minute. Portsmouth 1-1 Everton. The Toffees just did not clear the line fast enough. Now, Everton are being pressed by Portsmouth.

Currently, there's nobody holding the midfield for Everton. Felli and Neville are not really doing much of a job. Jo had an opener and all the space in the 35th minute, but he blasts it off target. He seems to be losing confidence like a rock dropped into the sea. He seems to be doing Felli's job of setting up the ball when he actually needs to be at the end of it.

Everton start the second half with Jo striking on target but was picked up easily by the opposing goalkeeper. The issue Everton has on hand now is that they do not have someone to change the complexity of the game. Jacobsen is having a pretty good game so far. But not good enough for Everton to draw parity. Portsmouth 2-1 Everton.

There's no one to control Everton's midfield at all. Also, no one on the bench can really make that difference. Bet that Moyes will bring in Gosling. Everton seems very disjointed and even in the last 10 minutes of the game, they are not able to mount a decent attack. Gosling comes on to replace Jacobsen who had a good game. Rodwell is also in to replace Jo who limped off the field.

Poor, poor game by Everton's standards.



Score: Portsmouth 2-1 Everton
Scorer: Bainsey
Assist: Nil
Subs: Gosling, Rodwell