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

Everton sees a strong first XI with the bench warmers looking ready to make a difference if neccessary. We have an unchanged line-up from the last match against Birmingham, while Ossie and Saha are on the bench. Neville plays his 200th Premiership game, something to celebrate about.

Everton's first couple of minutes see them floating passes quite aimlessly, and loads of misplaced passes. Anichebe was through on goal in the 4th minute but he just put in one too many touches and the chance was lost.

Everton is starting to turn the screw once again. Anichebe seems to have been injured in a challenge and the boy has been very unfortunate in terms of injury. All within 12 minutes. So sorry for the lad. Bily replaces him and the Russian better show what he is made of.

Neville is making stupid mistakes once again. A signature of what a patchy right back he is. Oh boy. There seems to be no impetus for the boys. You just sense that Saha needs to come in to make that difference.

Nothing more to report about in the 1st half other than Anichebe's injury. Even the tunes to Z car sounds whimpy. Sigh.

Normally steady players such as Jag and even Arteta have been making wrong passes all day. Heitinga puts in the first shot on goal in the 53rd minute! Moyes, we need Saha to be in soon! Don't wait anymore! There he is. Saha is in for Timmy in the 62nd minute. 4-4-2 formation.

A second on-goal effort in the 68th minute. An Arteta free kick headed towards goal by Jag. Saved by the opposing goalkeeper.

Let's change the game! A neat pass by Pienaar in the 70th minute saw Yak running free. But the latter was stopped by an unfair defensive challenge. Bolton's down to 10-man. Free kick for Everton. Lovely, lovely goal by Mikel Arteta!!!!!! The ball curled over the defensive wall and into goal. The goalkeeper was left totally stranded! Everton 1-0 Bolton. An intelligent through pass from Pienaar.

Ossie comes in for Yak, 75th minute. Everton's trying their best to get a second goal, and they need to get it to make their dominance count.

88th minute, a great corner by Arteta, shot by Heitinga, palmed away by the goalkeeper. Ossie picked up the ball and smashed it back towards goal. It beat everyone except the cross bar!

Goal for Everton in the 88th minute! A nice run into the penalty area by Ossie. He danced past a tight defence, passed the ball past all the players in the penalty area. But it did not elude Pienaar who slotted the ball into the net. Pick it out! Everton 2-0 Bolton. Assist: Ossie.

Good to see that the midfielders are contributing goals. Finally a clean sheet, and great three points to help Everton climb the league table.

Score: Everton 2-0 Bolton
Scorers: Arteta, Pienaar
Assist: Ossie
Subs: Saha, Ossie

Actim Players Ranking: 16032010

Top 100 players
Bainsey: 24th (374) - Best position: 24th
Howard: 56th (309) - Best position: 55th
Timmy: 70th (282) - Best position: 60th
Pienaar: 72nd (281) - Best position: 33rd
Heitinga: 88th (269)- Best position: 72nd
Saha: 94th (262) - Best position: 46th

Former Top 100
Felli: 93rd (249) - Best position: 62nd
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th
Distin: 97th (128) - Best position: 96th

Top Scorers
Saha: P(13), E(2)
Timmy: P(5), E(1), F(1)
Pienaar: P(3), E(3)
Rodwell: P(2), E(2)
Ossie: P(2), C(1), F(1)
Bily: P(4)
Yak: P(3), C(1)
Felli: P(2), E(1)
Gosling: P(2), C(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Vaughny: P(1), F(1)
Bainesey: P(1), F(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Distin: E(2)
Donovan: P(2)
Arteta: P(2)
Anichebe: P(1)

Top Assists
Bainsey:P(6), E(2)
Yak: P(4), C(1)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Felli: P(3), E(1)
Timmy: P(3), E(1)
Pienaar: P(2), E(1), F(1)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Donovan P(3)
Coleman: P(2)
Neill: P(2)
Ossie: E(1), C(1)
Saha: P(1)
Jo: P(1)
Hibbo P(1)
Distin: P(1)
Rodwell: P(1)
Neville: P(1)

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

Everton sees the return of Timmy but Saha does not make it into the team. Donovan will be playing his final match for now.

Both sides started cautiously; both trading tender touches; both sides have also won their first corner by the 10th minute. So so close for Everton in the 15th minute. Bainesey somehow bamboozled the opposing defence before passing the ball to Pienaar who curled the ball towards goal. Within the minute, Timmy had a header towards goal once again, but a great stop by the opposing goalkeeper.

Pick it out of the net!!! Power shot by Anichebe in the 18th minute!!!! It started with a great pass from Neville. Anichebe held the ball before launching a thunderbolt into the net. Birmingham 0-1 Everton. Assist: Neville.

Everton's over-running Birmingham. 21st minute. Pienaar picked up the ball in the penalty box after a lovely pass from Arteta, ran against the defence, and chipped in a lovely ball for Yak to score against a back-peddling goalkeeper. Birmingham 0-2 Everton. Assist: Pienaar.

Birmingham pulled one back in the 25th minute. Birmingham 1-2 Everton.

Arteta needs to take more control of the ball. With its tail up, Birmingham is starting to threaten. The opposing goalkeeper kept Birmingham in the game as he palmed away another shot from Bainesey from a free kick. Both sets of players deserve their 15 minutes of rest.

Start of the 2nd half and there was already a call for penalty with a Birmingham defender blocking a goal-bound shot with his hands. But to be fair, the ball was hit with power. Another block with the hand less than a minute later but the referee gave nothing! What is this?

Birmingham scores in the 51st minute from a counter attack. Birmingham 2-2 Everton.

Everton is now being pressed back. They need a creative outlet and I can only see Donovan coming in to stretch Birmingham.Suddenly, all the confidence that Everton had previously seemed to have left them.

Yak is being replaced by Donovan in the 67th minute, while Rodwell comes in for Timmy in the 75th minute. Final replacement, Anichebe is taken out for precaution sake and is replaced by Gosling.

This game was two points dropped. After leading two goals, Everton allowed Birmingham to come back to equalise. Anyway, it's an away match. So to console oneself, a draw is still good.

Score: Birmingham 2-2 Everton
Scorers: Anichebe, Yak
Assists: Neville, Pienaar
Subs: Donovan, Rodwell, Gosling

Actim Players Ranking: 09032010

Top 100 players
Bainsey: 24th (357) - Best position: 24th
Howard: 55th (301) - Best position: 55th
Heitinga: 72nd (271)- Best position: 72nd
Pienaar: 75th (266) - Best position: 33rd
Timmy: 81st (263) - Best position: 60th
Saha: 82nd (262) - Best position: 46th
Felli: 93rd (249) - Best position: 62nd

Former Top 100
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th
Distin: 97th (128) - Best position: 96th

Top Scorers
Saha: P(13), E(2)
Timmy: P(5), E(1), F(1)
Pienaar: P(3), E(3)
Rodwell: P(2), E(2)
Ossie: P(2), C(1), F(1)
Bily: P(4)
Felli: P(2), E(1)
Yak: P(2), C(1)
Gosling: P(2), C(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Vaughny: P(1), F(1)
Bainesey: P(1), F(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Distin: E(2)
Donovan: P(2)
Arteta: P(2)

Top Assists
Bainsey:P(6), E(2)
Yak: P(4), C(1)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Felli: P(3), E(1)
Timmy: P(3), E(1)
Pienaar: P(1), E(1), F(1)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Donovan P(3)
Coleman: P(2)
Neill: P(2)
Ossie: E(1), C(1)
Saha: P(1)
Jo: P(1)
Hibbo P(1)
Distin: P(1)
Rodwell: P(1)

EVERTON (5) vs (1) HULL CITY - FULL TIME

Everton starts the game with Yak leading from the front. Anichebe takes the right wing while the soon-to-be departing Donovan is rested. Killer and Barmby return to Goodison.

Everton had an early scare with Hull trying to strike at goal first. But Howard made a great save. After that, Everton started to control the game. Arteta had two great opportunities and it showed that he has a really hunger in this match.

Yak strikes the post in the 12th minute! A poor pass was intercepted by Ossie who fed Yak. But the ball just refused to go in. But nothing could stop the toffee wave. Yak puts in a lovely cross on the left channel. It floated past all the defence and Arteta was there to finish the ball. Everton 1-0 Hull City. Assist: Yak.

Everton is truly playing flowing football! Even Neville looked hungry and they won themselves a penalty in the 27th minute. Yak has a chance to score but it was saved!

Everton was punished for that miss. Hull scored a goal from a free kick. Everton 1-1 Hull City. It totally silenced the Goodison crowd.

But Everton continued to peg at the goal. Anichebe crossed from the right, picked up by Pienaar who back-flicked it to Arteta who gamely slotted the ball into the right side of the post. Everton 2-1 Hull City. Assist: Pienaar.

Everton's back four seems to be holding on well with Jag and Distin holding the fort. Ossie looks injured and Moyes had to bring in Rodwell. Out he goes again.

An on-form Arteta showed that he can both attack and defend, scoring goals while at the same time, clearing balls away from the goal post.

Coming back for the 2nd half, Everton continued to press. Yak was flagged offside even though he was not in the 47th minute, and thus the goal by Anichebe does not count.

What a chance. Anichebe puts in a ball from the right. Rodwell pulled the ball back before shooting. It was deflected wide. But the subsequent corner by Arteta was headed in by a Hull player in the 50th minute. Thank you. Everton 3-1 Hull City.

Everton moved the ball all over the park and Hull City players were really chasing ghosts. In the 62nd minute, Distin played a one-two and was through on goal. His strike was just like a striker's but only to be saved by the opposing goalkeeper. Unbelievable!

In the 67thminute, Yak even had the odesity to pick the ball up from Everton's third of the field, run the entire length, and even had a strike at goal. Well held by the opposing goalkeeper.

We are getting Donovan on for Anichebe. This is his final match at Goodison and with all his wonderful display in past games, Donovan received the loudest cheer! Oh boy, Fatty Yak missed a sitter in front of goal! This after a nice pass from Donovan in the 73rd minute.

What a goal!!! A one-two between Bainesey and Pienaar saw the former crossing the ball into the penalty area. Donovan was there to smash the ball into goal. Brilliant! Everton 4-1 Hull City. Assist: Bainesey.

Gosling replaces Pienaar and soon after the substitution in the 85th minute, Donovan pumped in a bobbly cross from the right channel but still, Rodwell was there to finish the ball. What a night for Everton. What a night for the fans! Everton 5-1 Hull City. Assist: Donovan.

Total annihilation!

Score: Everton 5-1 Hull
Scorer: Arteta (2), Donovan, Rodwell
Assists: Yak, Pienaar, Bainesey, Donovan
Subs: Rodwell, Donovan, Gosling

Actim Players Ranking: 02032010

Top 100 players
Bainsey: 32nd (334) - Best position: 26th
Howard: 58th (287) - Best position: 58th
Heitinga: 75th (263)- Best position: 75th
Timmy: 77th (263) - Best position: 60th
Saha: 78th (262) - Best position: 46th
Felli: 90th (249) - Best position: 62nd
Pienaar: 94th (248) - Best position: 33rd

Former Top 100
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th
Distin: 97th (128) - Best position: 96th

Top Scorers
Saha: P(13), E(2)
Timmy: P(5), E(1), F(1)
Pienaar: P(3), E(3)
Ossie: P(2), C(1), F(1)
Bily: P(4)
Felli: P(2), E(1)
Yak: P(2), C(1)
Gosling: P(2), C(1)
Rodwell: P(1), E(2)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Vaughny: P(1), F(1)
Bainesey: P(1), F(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Distin: E(2)
Donovan: P(1)

Top Assists
Bainsey:P(5), E(2)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Yak: P(3), C(1)
Felli: P(3), E(1)
Timmy: P(3), E(1)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Coleman: P(2)
Neill: P(2)
Donovan P(2)
Ossie: E(1), C(1)
Pienaar: E(1), F(1)
Saha: P(1)
Jo: P(1)
Hibbo P(1)
Distin: P(1)
Rodwell: P(1)

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

Everton rested Donovan while Saha's injured. The Nigerian duo of Yak and Anichebe came in to lend a hand. Everton started badly with Tottenham socring their first goal as early as the 10th minute. Tottenham 1-0 Everton.

Soon after, Everton was two-goal down by the 27th minute. Tottenham 2-0 Everton. It definitely does not leave a good taste in any Toffee fans' mouths. Is it the Europa League exit that is getting to them? I guess Moyes would have given them a hair dryer treatment to wake the players up.

Came back Everton did and it was from a downward header from the right channel that saw the ball skipped past two defenders for Yak to tap the ball into the net. Tottenham 2-1 Everton. Assist: Rodwell.

But try as Everton did, they could not win this match in White Hart Lane.


Score: Tottenham 2-1 Everton
Scorer: Yak
Assist: Rodwell
Subs: Jag, Donovan

EUROPA LEAGUE: SPORTING LISBON (3) vs (0) EVERTON - FULL TIME

It's once again an ungodly hour of 4am and I'd missed the first half. Yawn! Everton brings a one-goal advantage to Sporting and that means that all the other team had to do was to put in a full 90 minutes of attack, and attack they did. Wave after wave of Sporting's attack seemed to have left the Toffees breathless.

Sporting also seemed to be fighting for every ball ferociously, spreading play across the field while going in hard from the centre. So far, Everton has been on defending mode and the back four have handled pretty well, keeping their opponent away from Howard's goal post.

The time that Sporting went pass Everton was through a free kick but the goal post was there to prevent the ball from going in. Sporting 0-0 Everton.

Everton started the second half defending once again. But just at the start, Sanderos seemed to pull a thigh muscle and this allowed Jag to make his first appearance of the season after a terribly long 10-month layoff through injury. Welcome back Jag!

To be fair, the Sporting boys looked much more creative with all their flowing runs and passes. Everton was totally exposed in the 59th minute with a pin-point cross that saw a marauding player striking the ball towards goal. Howard stood strong to pull off a stupendous save. Bily is being replaced by Rodwell.

Everton had a chance to counter attack in the 62nd minute. A high pass from Donovan, brought down by Saha who laid it for Pienaar but his curler was way off.

Sporting came back even stronger to score a goal! Sporting 1-0 Everton. If the score stays as this, Everton is out of the competition. Everton now have to press the game. Final throw of the dice, Yak comes in for Donovan.

Saha received a good ball whose point blank shot was saved by the opposing goalkeeper. Everton is down by two goal in the 75th minute. We are in the dumps! Sporting 2-0 Everton.

In injury time, Everton conceded the third goal with a wonderful run and a lovely strike that saw Everton collapse in defeat. We played so defensively that we could not come out of our shell to attack. It's Moyes who chooses the tactics. We can't blame him for trying to protect the one-goal advantage.

Anyway, end of the Europa League run. Guess we just have to move along and concentrate on the Premier League now.


Score: Sporting Lisbon 3-0 Everton
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Subs: Jag, Rodwell Yak

Actim Players Ranking: 23022010

Top 100 players
Bainsey: 26th (339) - Best position: 26th
Howard: 60th (281) - Best position: 60th
Timmy: 70th (263) - Best position: 60th
Saha: 71st (262) - Best position: 46th
Heitinga: 87th (249)- Best position: 87th
Felli: 88th (249) - Best position: 62nd
Pienaar: 92nd (245) - Best position: 33rd

Former Top 100
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th
Distin: 97th (128) - Best position: 96th

Top Scorers
Saha: P(13), E(2)
Timmy: P(5), E(1), F(1)
Pienaar: P(3), E(3)
Ossie: P(2), C(1), F(1)
Bily: P(4)
Felli: P(2), E(1)
Gosling: P(2), C(1)
Rodwell: P(1), E(2)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Yak: P(1), C(1)
Vaughny: P(1), F(1)
Bainesey: P(1), F(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Distin: E(2)
Donovan: P(1)

Top Assists
Bainsey:P(5), E(2)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Yak: P(3), C(1)
Felli: P(3), E(1)
Timmy: P(3), E(1)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Coleman: P(2)
Neill: P(2)
Donovan P(2)
Ossie: E(1), C(1)
Pienaar: E(1), F(1)
Saha: P(1)
Jo: P(1)
Hibbo P(1)
Distin: P(1)

EVERTON (3) vs (1) MAN UTD - FULL TIME

Old Man United boys Howard, Neville and Saha welcome their former employer while former wunderkid Rooney returns to his former hunting ground. Well, and one hope that there will be joy at Goodison and hopefully, Rooney gets sent off.

Great shot from Saha inthe 13th minute as he had really no where to go except forward. Good try from distance. But in the 15th minute, Man Utd scored a goal. You just knew it was coming as the attack from the right flank has been incessant. Everton 0-1 Man Utd.

What a goal!!!!! And it was against the run of play! Picking up a defensive clearance in the 18th minute, Bily controlled the ball, swivelled his body to wrong foot two defenders, before putting in a sweet strike that tucked into the bottom right corner of the goal. Everton 1-1 Man Utd.

What an opportunity for Donovan who totally miscued the ball in the 38th minute. But looking at the replay, a Man Utd defender actually handled the ball in the penalty area!

In the second half, the game play was pretty tight and both teams played their hearts out. But both side hardly had a chance at the goal. Young Gosling replaces Bily who had done tremendosuly well in this game.

What a game! What a goal!!! In the 75th minute, Pienaar put in a low cross, Saha dummied, Gosling scores! Simply brilliant! Everton 2-1 Man Utd. Assist: Pienaar.

Moyes replaces Pienaar with Rodwell to give the defence more bite while also ensuring Pienaar is protected as he's alreadyon a yellow card.

We're in seven heaven!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everton scores!!!!!! A lovely sliding pass from Arteta saw Rodwell picking up the ball. He still had alot to do but his fresh legs brought him pass all the defenders to tuck in below Man Utd's goalkeeper! Everton 3-1 Man Utd.

First we beat Chelsea, now we beat Man Utd. I guess Everton can beat any team in the world now!

Score: Everton 3-1 Man Utd
Scorers: Bily, Gosling, Rodwell
Assists: Pienaar, Arteta
Subs: Gosling, Rodwell

EUROPA LEAGUE: EVERTON (2) vs (1) SPORTING LISBON - FULL TIME

I'd hope to catch the match but it was showingat some ungodly hour in Singapore. Here's the link to the goals just in case you've missed the game.

http://theoriginalwinger.com/2010-02-16-everton-vs-sporting-lisbon-highlights-europa-league

Everton scored a wonderfully crafted goal from the right channel. In the 33rd minute, Neville pushed the ball into the path of the marauding Timmy who sprinted alongside a defender. Knowing that his angle has been closed down, Timmy back-flicked the ball into the path of Pienaar who expertly curled the ball into the top right hand corner of the goal. Everton 1-0 Sporting Lisbon. Assist: Timmy.

In the 2nd half, Timmy created havoc once again. Bainesey put in a lovely cross from the corner flag. Timmy was there to distract the goalkeeper and all Distin needed to do was to get the ball deflected off his thighs. Everton 2-0 Sporting Lisbon. Assist: Bainesey.

But it wasn't to be a sweet night for Everton as Distin was sent off for a last-man tug on the opposing player. The opponents went on to score from the penalty spot. Everton 2-1 Sporting Lisbon.

The good thing is that Everton brings to Portugal a one goal advantage.

Score: Everton 2-1 Sporting Lisbon
Scorers: Pienaar, Distin
Assists: Timmy, Bainesey
Subs: Yak, Rodwell, Bily

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

Everton played a largely unchanged team after a bruising match against Liverpool. Arteta and Bily are in for the injured Felli and the suspended Pienaar.

The first 10 minutes sees the players from both teams testing out each other's patience with multiple passes like cobras waiting to pounce. Everton had a very good spell in the 16th minute, but Chelsea went on to score. Poor poor marking by Neville in the 17th minute. Everton 0-1 Chelsea. To be fair, it was on Neville's blind side but still he just has to be that extra bit alert!

Even with five in midfield, Everton's not controlling the match. Saha looked like a lonely man up front. In the 25th minute, Everton just has to clear the ball but Neville made a mess of it and it gave Chelsea the chance to go at Everton. Thank goodness they did not score.

Bainesy had his chance in the 27th minute but the strike was a bit lightweight.

Everton pulls a goal back in the 32nd mniute!!! Lovely corner by Donovan! Saha blind-sided the opposing defence to score with a solid header. Everton 1-1 Chelsea. Donovan assist. I think was a sigh of relief than a sign of confidence.

Penalty in the 43rd minute!!!!!!! Quick feet by Donovan! Saha took the penalty but was stopped by a stupendous save! Everton came so close towards taking the lead.

In the second half, Everton had a couple of good chances and Everton has kept up the pressure.

Rodwell replaced Arteta in the 73rd minute. Hopefully Everton can hold on and so far, yes they can!

A super long ball from Distin in the 74th minute that saw John Terry totally missed the clearance. Saha chested it down and plummelled the ball into the back of the net. Everton 2-1 Chelsea. Distin Assist.

Everton needs to hold the fort as they are under siege. In the 85th minute, Gosling comes in for Bily who looked totally spent. The linesman gave a 5 minutes added time???

Everton has to hold on! Distin has be a total tower of strength as he held back Chelsea with so many flying headers.

Final replacement - Sanderos for two-goal King Saha in the 94th minute. Everton has won the game!!!!!!!! Everton 2-1 Chelsea! Great, great performance! And better still with Liverpool losing! Haa! We really had a scare when Chelsea scored first but Saha's two goals gace Everton the victory. Goodison is fast becoming a fortress once again.

Score: Everton 2-1 Chelsea
Scorer: Saha (2)
Assists: Donovan, Distin
Substitutes: Rodwell, Gosling, Sanderos

Actim Players Ranking: 09022010

Top 100 players

Bainsey: 30th (307) - Best position: 3oth
Howard: 68th (253) - Best position: 63rd
Timmy: 73rd (250) - Best position: 60th
Felli: 74th (249) - Best position: 62nd
Pienaar: 89th (230) - Best position: 33rd
Heitinga: 99th (214)- Best position: 96th

Former Top 100
Saha: 83rd (179) - Best position: 46th
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th
Distin: 97th (128) - Best position: 96th

Top Scorers
Saha: P(11), E(2)
Timmy: P(5), E(1), F(1)
Pienaar: P(3), E(2)
Ossie: P(2), C(1), F(1)
Bily: P(3)
Felli: P(2), E(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Yak: P(1), C(1)
Gosling: P(1), C(1)
Vaughny: P(1), F(1)
Bainesey: P(1), F(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Rodwell: E(2)
Distin: E(1)
Donovan: P(1)

Top Assists
Bainsey:P(5), E(1)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Yak: P(3), C(1)
Felli: P(3), E(1)
Timmy: P(3)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Coleman: P(2)
Neill: P(2)
Ossie: E(1), C(1)
Pienaar: E(1), F(1)
Saha: P(1)
Jo: P(1)
Donovan P(1)
Hibbo P(1)

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

This is one game that I'm expecting blood and gore, and it has not been a disappointment. Distin starts in the place of Senderos while the rest of the squad remains unchanged.

Throughout the 45 minutes, you'd see loads of full blooded jabs, dirty tugs , push whack, etc and you wonder whether this is a boxing match! Both sides showed that they are ready for the match and they are definitely not pulling their punches.

There're not many goal mouth action, but on the field, so many heart-stopping moments. Both sets of players really never gave each other much space, when one player has the ball, two and even three players would close him down.

The highlight of the match is the two footed tackles by Krygiakos and Felli. Both put in horrible, horrible tackles. But without the instant replay, I would have also only seen the Reds tackle. Thus, off the Reds defender! Felli did not return because he injured his shin. Arteta replaced Felli.

The first half ended with a sweet free kick from Gerrard which hits the post.

Second half was as fiesty and in the 54th minute, Kuyt scores with a header, all against the run of play. Liverpool 1-0 Everton. Why must this happen? We are a man up! Make use of the man.

Everton made two further changes in the 71st minute with Yak and Anichebe coming in for Saha and Ossie. Everton seemed to have lost all ideas on how to break Liverpool down.

It's always so true that the referee always want to even things out. Pienaar was sent off.

Forget this game. Forget about any bragging rights! :(

Score: Liverpool 1-0 Everton
Scorer: Forget about it!
Assist: None
Subs: Arteta, Yak, Anichebe

Actim Players Ranking: 02022010

Top 100 players

Bainsey: 31st (297) - Best position: 31st
Timmy: 60th (250) - Best position: 60th
Felli: 62nd (248) - Best position: 62nd
Howard: 63rd (248) - Best position: 63rd
Pienaar: 79th (229) - Best position: 33rd
Heitinga: 96th (213)- Best position: 96th


Former Top 100
Saha: 83rd (179) - Best position: 46th
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th
Distin: 97th (128) - Best position: 96th

Top Scorers
Saha: P(11), E(2)
Timmy: P(5), E(1), F(1)
Pienaar: P(3), E(2)
Ossie: P(2), C(1), F(1)
Bily: P(3)
Felli: P(2), E(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Yak: P(1), C(1)
Gosling: P(1), C(1)
Vaughny: P(1), F(1)
Bainesey: P(1), F(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Rodwell: E(2)
Distin: E(1)
Donovan: P(1)

Top Assists
Bainsey:P(5), E(1)
Bily: E(3), C(1)
Yak: P(3), C(1)
Felli: P(3), E(1)
Timmy: P(3)
Heitinga: P(2), C(1)
Coleman: P(2)
Neill: P(2)
Ossie: E(1), C(1)
Pienaar: E(1), F(1)
Saha: P(1)
Jo: P(1)
Donovan P(1)
Hibbo P(1)

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

I'd always love their black with pink stripes jersey so with that, I'd say they will do something wonderful today. Senderos is thrown into the fray to partner Heitinga in the centre. The team looked every bit a first team, and I do hope they will play like a first teamer.

Everton made so many passes and it ended with Ossie squeezing himeself pass two defenders to put in a shot in the 2nd minute. On target but the shot was a bit weak and was easily saved by the opposing goalkeeper.

The match is fast turning into a scrap and for Everton, they need to stamp their authority a little bit more. Timmy put in a good shot in the 15th minute but once again, a pretty weak shot.

Everton so nearly conceded a goal in the 20th minute but for a wonderful save by Howard.

Oh man! Saha had a strike at goal, only to be deflected by an offside Timmy. Wigan is pressing Everton now and Senderos allowed the player to run, though the final strike was off target.

What a great save from Saha's header in the 27th minute! It's suppose to be a penalty!!! The player brought Saha down in the 30th minute!

Everton's hardly commanding the game. One has to wonder now who else on the bench can make the difference. Half time: Wigan 0-0 Everton.

Everton kicks off the second half. A great save from a Bainsey freekick in the 47th minute and very quickly, Wigan broke away for a quick counter attack. Senderos could not match the pace of the striker and the latter had a free but totally wide shot.

Heitinga nearly conceded a penalty! Just outside the box! So so close. Both the centre defenders are playing rubbish! Donovan and Pienaar has switched sides in hope of at least plundering a goal.

Everton scored a goal but it was ruled offside. WHY WAS IT OFFSIDE??? Sigh! Anichebe comes in for Donovan in the 74th minute.

Stunner!!!!!!!!! Timmy with his header and we are ahead! Timmy is the best header of the ball! From a corner by Bainesy, Timmy rose like a slipery salmon to head the ball into the net. Wigan 0-1 Everton. Assist: Bainesy.

Vaughny comes in for the injured Saha. It was really the last kick for Saha who injured his archilles. Wigan posted a last strike but it smacked off the bar and back into play. So, so close!

We managed to grab all three points and we're catching up with the front runners! That's the way!

Score: Wigan 0-1 Everton
Scorer: Timmy
Assist: Bainesy
Subs: Anichebe, Vaughany

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

Everton had a horrible FA Cup game and they really have to lift themselves out of that and concntrate on the league for now. Sanderos and long term absentees Arteta, Vaughany and Anichebe are on the bench. Yipee!

What a wonderful start! Everton scores with their first attack in the 6th minute. Felli holds the ball just outside the penalty box. He was given loads of time and space to put in a lovely cross that Timmy back-headed into goal. Everton 1-0 Sunderland. Assist: Felli.

The Toffees are fighting for every ball right now and are not giving the opponents much space to breathe.

Everton is scoring without breaking a sweat! Donovan scores his first goal for Everton in the 18th minute! He should definitely extend his stay in Everton! Pienaar puts in a cross. Timmy cushioned it down for Donovan who sprinted away from the opposing defender to score the second goal. Everton 2-0 Sunderland. Assist: Timmy. What a game Timmy is having.

A tremendous turn by Ossie in the 33rd minute and he shoots on goal, saved by the goalkeeper. Everton is giving a very good account of themselves.

Everton is starting to slack off a little and they are not marking their opponents as tightly as they should be. They have to start pulling their weight once again!

Half time: Everton 2-0 Sunderland.

Everton started as how they have ended. They continue in their amazing run.

So close for Everton! Donovan had a sure goal that was cleared off the line in the 57th minute! Everton is pressing for their third goal. Bainsey is making alot of overlapping runs on the left, though his long passes are much left to be desired.

Things are getting a bit messy and I think it's time for Moyes to ring in some changes. Neville is lobbing the ball all over the place. Everton's losing steam. We need to do something quick!

Great! Arteta is in for Donovan in the 74th minute. Good overall play by Donovan! Vaughany is in for Saha in the 77th minute. Even now, Neville is still putting in aimless long balls.

Why are we placed under pressure in the last 5 minutes? We should be pressing them! Wonderful save by Howard. So close to a Sunderland goal. Everton third substitution, we welcome back Anichebe who comes on for Pienaar in the 90th minute. We just need these kind of strength in depth. Howard made another wonderful save to keep his clean sheet.

Great end to the game though once again, Everton seemed to play well in only one half and had won it becaue of their suerior play in the first half.

Score: Everton 2-0 Sunderland
Scorers: Timmy, Donovan
Assists: Felli, Timmy
Subs: Arteta, Vaughany, Anichebe

Actim Players Ranking: 26012010

Top 100 players

Bainsey: 55th (244) - Best position: 31st
Felli: 78th (212) - Best position: 76th
Howard: 81st (208) - Best position: 80th
Pienaar: 87th (204) - Best position: 33rd

Former Top 100
Saha: 83rd (179) - Best position: 46th
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th
Distin: 97th (128) - Best position: 96th

Top Scorers
Saha: P(11), E(2)
Pienaar: P(3), E(2)
Timmy: P(2), E(1), F(1)
Ossie: P(2), C(1), F(1)
Bily: P(3)
Felli: P(2), E(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Yak: P(1), C(1)
Gosling: P(1), C(1)
Vaughny: P(1), F(1)
Bainesey: P(1), F(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Rodwell: E(2)
Distin: E(1)

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

FA CUP: EVERTON (1) v (2) BIRMINGHAM - FULL TIME

Arteta is BACK!!! It's been more than a year since we last saw him play. Everton starts the first half.

What a mess for Everton. Birmngham scored in the 7th minute of the game. Bainsey tried to clear the ball and missed. The opposing striker had the easiest of header to make it 1-0 to the visitors.

Birmingham's going at Everton using route 1. The long, high balls to bypass our defence. The funny thing is that seemingly Everton is playing that way too! Somehow, Donovan is not looking like his confident self and Everton's not bringing Pienaar and Saha into the picture.

And Everton received a sucker punch with their quick movement. Everton 0-2 Birmngham. A real stab in the heart. Everton's crosses are totally terrible!

Half Time: Everton 0-2 Birmingham.

The 1st half lay was so horrible that Moyes must have felt he was in a car crash! Ossie comes in for Bily.

What a lovely goal in the 56th minute!!!! What a lovely dummy by Bainsey on the left flank. He even had time to put in a lovely low cross. Pienaar deftly sliced the ball towards Ossie who curled the ball into the right corner of the goal. Game on!!! Everton 1-2 Birmingham. Assist Pienaar.

Everton's piling the pressure. COYB!!! Saha wins the first ball in the 60th minute but smashed the ball too far left of the goal.

So, so close for Saha in the 63rd minute as his shot hits the bar and bounces out for a goal kick. Bainsey is putting in cross after cross to create a whole host of problems for the visiting team.

Vaughany is in for Saha in the 68th minute. We need two strikers on the field right? Why is Moyes replacing one for another? Good header by Felli in the box but Vaughany totally fluffed it.

Arteta is in for Donovan in the 75th minute!!! So great to say that name!

So so close to an equaliser in the 78th minute by Vaughany. A superb pass by Arteta. I can't believe that Felli's shot was saved! So close!

Totally sickening with the loss to Birmingham. If only Everton had layed like how they did in the 2nd half. If only, the opportunities that came Felli's way had bulged the net. If only.

Score: Everton 1-2 Birmingham
Scorer: Ossie
Assist: Pienaar
Subs: Ossie, Vaughany, Arteta

Actim Players Ranking: 19012010

Top 100 players
Bainsey: 51st (244) - Best position: 31st
Felli: 76th (212) - Best position: 76th
Howard: 80th (208) - Best position: 80th
Pienaar: 86th (204) - Best position: 33rd

Former Top 100
Saha: 83rd (179) - Best position: 46th
Yobo: 85th (73) - Best position: 85th
Distin: 97th (128) - Best position: 96th

Top Scorers
Saha: P(11), E(2)
Pienaar: P(3), E(2)
Timmy: P(2), E(1), F(1)
Bily: P(3)
Felli: P(2), E(1)
Ossie: P(2), C(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Yak: P(1), C(1)
Gosling: P(1), C(1)
Vaughny: P(1), F(1)
Bainesey: P(1), F(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Rodwell: E(2)
Distin: E(1)

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

EVERTON (2) vs (0) MAN CITY - FULL TIME

David Moyes has put out the strongest team as yet, though the players on the bench are anything but experience.

Everton is playing with alot of spirit and they are taking the game to Man City. Both Saha and Donovan had opportunities, but both chances were spurned by the opposing team. Great, great shot by Bily in the 26th minute that forced the opposing goalkeeper to palm the ball away. So far, Everton is controlling the game and their confidence is for all to see.

Beautiful goal by Pienaar!!! A nice free kick curler and the ball just tucks into the bottom left of the goal! Everton 1-0 Man City. It was just coming! Wonderful chest down by Timmy. Bily took it in his stride and so nearly scored a beautiful goal in the 42nd minute.

GOAL!!!!!!! Saha scores. A penalty given to Everton as the opposing defender was tugging at Saha's jersey. Everton 2-0 Man City.

Totally breathtaking game!

Everton started where they end off. Pressure is on! But the second half though seemed a little more scrappy. Coleman is in for the fast tiring Distin who have just returned from injury. Also,
Bily seems to be very interested in today's game somehow.

Man City really didn't know what hit them and the opposing team are just holding on. Felli puts in a good header in the 78th minute but was palmed against the post and back into play. So, so close. Another ball hits the post! Oh boy! Good header by Timmy in the 80th minute.

Vaughany is back in the fray to hopefully cause Man City more misery.

Wow! Felli even had time to do a ballet dance with his fancy footwork! Donovan leaves the field with a big round of applause!

The whistle go, and we are now in the top half of the table. It's been one of the longest wait for Everton fans to see such a free-flow soccer from Everton! Brilliant!

Score: Everton 2-0 Man City
Scorer: Pienaa, Saha
Assist: Nil
Subs: Coleman, Vaughny, Baxter

Actim Players Ranking: 12012010

Top 100 players
Bainsey: 62nd (224) - Best position: 31st
Felli: 98th (189) - Best position: 98th

Howard: 99th (188) - Best position: 84th

Former Top 100
Saha: 83rd (179) - Best position: 46th
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)
Pienaar: P(2), E(2)
Timmy: P(2), E(1), F(1)
Bily: P(3)
Felli: P(2), E(1)
Ossie: P(2), C(1)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Yak: P(1), C(1)
Gosling: P(1), C(1)
Vaughny: P(1), F(1)
Bainesey: P(1), F(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Rodwell: E(2)
Distin: E(1)

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

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

The humiliation of the thrashing meted out by Arsenal on the first day of the English Premier League is still raw. USA's Most Valuable Player Landon Donovan starts his first game, together with other previously-injured returnees in Ossie, Saha and Neville.

These players made a difference. Saha had a first opportunity at goal in the 8th minute with Pienaar's exquisite through ball, only for Saha to fluff it!

But that did not stop Everton from scoring in the 11th minute. Donovan crossed the ball and Ossie rose like a salmon to head the ball into the net! Isn't he one of the shortest player in the Premier League? Arsenal 0-1 Everton. Donovan assist.

Everton's playing great football with loads of pressure play and track-backs. The boys truly attacked and defended a a unit. Sometimes you have to wonder why Everton had to pay wads of money to bring in a player like Bily who then turn around to bite the hands that feed him when you have Donovan who is so much more talented than the Russian on the right channel.

Arsenal struck back. Arsenal 1-1 Everton. But Everton still continued to peg at Arsenal's goal until the end of the half.

Late in the 2nd half, Timmy placed a pass that sliced the defence. Pienaar picked the ball, had a run at the defence and then, make an exquisite chip to send the ball pass the on-rushing keeper. Arsenal 1-2 Everton. Assist Timmy.

Arsenal then scored a late, late goal togain parity. Arsenal 2-2 Everton.

Score: Arsenal 2-2 Everton
Scorer: Ossie, Pienaar
Assists: Donovan, Timmy

Actim Players Ranking: 05012010

Top 100 players

Bainsey: 65th (217) - Best position: 31st
Howard: 98th (184) - Best position: 84th

Former Top 100
Saha: 83rd (179) - Best position: 46th
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), F(1)
Bily: P(3)
Felli: P(2), E(1)
Pienaar: P(1), E(2)
Yobo: P(1), E(1)
Yak: P(1), C(1)
Ossie: P(1), C(1)
Gosling: P(1), C(1)
Vaughny: P(1), F(1)
Bainesey: P(1), F(1)
Jo: E(1), C(1)
Rodwell: E(2)
Distin: E(1)

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

FA CUP: EVERTON (3) vs (1) CARLISLE - FULL TIME

Everton is not taking things easy even when the club is facing an injury crisis. Recently recovered players Neville and Vaughany have been thrown into the fray while Everton's first XI took to the field.

15 Premiership clubs start on Saturday and you surely hope that a few of them will drop away the competition.

Everton led through Vaughany's goal in the 12th minute. What a start this boy is making! Everton 1-0 Carlisle. But very quickly in the 17th minute, the scoreline was brought to parity with a quick counter by Carlisle. Everton 1-1 Carlisle.

Fulham, Sunderland, Burnley, Tottenham, Man City and Burnley all leading; Aston Villa leading over Blackburn, while Wigan leads Hull City. Portsmouth drew parity.

Everton has to win this game against a Division III side.

Most if not all of the Permiership teams are getting the right results and Everton just have to ensure that they profit from this match. Everton's pressing the lower division club but the ball is still not going in.

Everton left it late once again in the 82nd minute! Timmy gave it a good one and Everton lead 2-1, and that was not all. Agard was brought down in the penalty area and Bainsey converted the penalty. Watta game!

In other games, Blackburn and Hull City have crashed out of the competition, while Portsmouth heads for a replay.

Score: Everton 3-1 Carlisle
Scorers: Vaughany, Timmy, Bainesey
Assists: Coleman
Subs: Coleman, Agard

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