Everton scores a lovely goal from the length of the field but Everton's luck ran dry with three injuries that left Moyes no choice but to rejig the team. The Toffees could not make any tactical changes and with that, they received one sucker punch after another.
Our talisman of two seasons ago, Donovan is back, and that somehow gave Moyes a belief in wanting to play 4-4-2 soccer. He gave Strac and Donovan a start while dropping Cahill to the bench. The American and Ossie have been placed on both wings with Neville and Heitinga holding the midfield. We do not see Felli and Coleman as they are still out injured.
Right from the onset, Everton looked more threatening in attack as finally Saha has a partner-in-crime.
So far, Strac has shown that he is a willing runner and a good header of the ball. Donovan has also given the team a different dimension. There were more movement along the wings.
The Toffees has more control of the ball in comparison to other games but still they do not look like they are going to score anytime soon. Still, Ossie has been top grade for this game. Tricky on the turns and in the 34th minute, his try on goal went just wide. Best try on goal so far.
Jag had to leave the field in the 39th minute after he allowed the ball to bounce instead of clearing the ball first time. With the ball in the hands of a Bolton player, Jag had to sprint back and he made a full blooded block, where he got himself injured. Rodwell came in as our first substitution.
In the 44th minute, Everton had a chance with Donovan running through towards goal but was fouled by a Bolton player in the box only to be given a corner. Nothing came out of that. But quality running by Donovan.
Even when playing to the crowd with Moyes sending on two strikers, Everton still looked toothless. I'm starting to lean towards the idea that Saha is past his expiry date.
Bolton kicks off the 2nd half. Everton has two corners in succession as early one minute after the start, still nothing came out of those two corners. Suddenly on the counter, Everton nearly conceded with Bolton brash and direct play nearly paid dividends. Only the outstretched legs of Howard prevented Everton for going a goal down.
Moyes was forced to make another change as Ossie has been withdrawn and Magaye entered the fray in the 55th minute. Howard was forced to make a brilliant onr-handed save once again. Everton's substitute Rodwell has been substituted due to injury. Unbelievable!
The next unbelievable thing that happened was that Howard scored a goal from his own goal mouth. The goalkeeper launched the ball up field. Strac was chasing the ball, but when the ball bounced beyond him, and also beyond the Bolton's goalkeeper. Everton 1-0 Bolton.
Everton received a sucker punch with an equaliser in thr 67th minute. Everton 1-1 Bolton. 10 minutes later, The Toffees are now behind. Everton 1-2 Bolton.
Jags departure seemed to have left a gapping hole in the defence. We can immediately see that Everton also needed Ossie to be around as the midfield seemed so devoid if idea without the dimunitive midfielder.
Everton has the chance but Bainesy's free kick struck the post! It's really one of those days.
Score: Everton 1-2 Bolton
Scorer: Howard
Assist: Nil
Subs: Rodwell, Magaye, Cahill
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