Everton starts the game without playmaker Arteta and with AJ on the bench as they revert to a 4-5-1 formation. The Toffees looked to soak in the early pressure. Somehow, the Toffees don't look like a side who are capable of controlling the game with their passes and it is up to them to prove the fans wrong.
In the 5th minute, Pienaar's cross carved out an opening for Yak who toe-poked the ball towards goal but was cleared out for a corner. Shortly after, Everton further threatened Man City's goal with the likes of Yak and Timmy, but the final ball was ballooned by Hibbo.
Good interception by Pienaar who robbed a ball off a Man City midfielder and was on the way forward but was aptly stopped by the opposing defence. Man City looked to control the game while Everton are covering well for each other. Man City continues to peg Everton back whenever they have the ball but Everton is still playing well as this game needs a goal to open up the game a little bit more.
In the 27th minute, a route one ball floated into the path of Timmy who passed the ball out to Pienaar. The latter's immaculate chip saw the ball clip the upright. What a close call.
Everton is in the lead! In the 29th minute, Everton movement outside the sixth yard box saw the Toffees trading passes among Yak and Timmy. The latter then sent a low cross into the penalty area and Yak was there to put the ball into the net. Everton 1-0 Man City.
What a blunder by the Man City's defence in the 37th minute. From an Everton's cross, the ball was cleared out of Man City's goalmouth. Cars got hold of the ball, and crossed the ball back in for Lescott to score with a header. Everton 2-0 Man City. A good half time result for Everton.
The start of the second half saw Everton and Man City and trading blows once again. Lots of running by the spritely Pienaar who has played the creative role well. Everton will need to score a third to put the game beyond Man City's reach. Everton nearly did that with Timmy sliding in on Yak's low cross, only to be cleared by the Man City's defence.
Pienaar is being replaced by Manny in the 54th minute. Seemed like Pienaar has suffered a slight strain. Man City is trying to claw their way back as Everton backline continues to give Howard adequate cover.
The substitute Manny has been replaced by AJ because of injury. Manny don't look too impressive in his second stint with Everton. A stupid handball by a Man City just outside their penalty area nearly cost them. But the danger was cleared. Surprising shot by Cars from a free kick when everyone just stood still and waited for the referee to blow his whistle.
The game now is end-to-end as Man City, looking for the elusive goal, has fully stretched themselves for Everton to exploit. Neville is not doing Everton any credit with his continued mistakes game after game.
A cross by Lescott in the 83rd minute saw AJ pounced on the ball, only to be saved by the reflexes of the opposing goalkeeper. Soon, the action was over at the Everton's side as Howard made an important save.
Everton has now proven to be a top side that's pushing Liverpool, and maybe Chelsea to the wire.
Score: Everton 2-0 Man City
Scorers: Yak, Lescott
Assists: Timmy, Cars
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
UEFA CUP: EVERTON vs BRANN (2ND LEG)
Everton come into this match with a two goal lead but Moyes selection of players suggested that the Toffees are not resting on their laurels. In comes Arteta and Pienaar. So we should expect a little bit more creativity from Everton as they have taken up a 4-4-2 formation.
The opening five minutes saw both teams trying to settle though Everton is starting to control more of the game. In the 5th minute, Brann was through but their striker was seemingly fouled by Cars outside the penalty area, but the referee said play on. Don't think it would be dangerous but definitely it would have been uncomfortable.
Low shot by Brann in the 10th minute and it was dealt very cleanly by Howard. Once again, Everton seemed to be soaking in the pressure while going on a counter attack.
Cars is controlling well from the centre and have continually placed the ball into the penalty area and that allowed Everton to earn their first corner, but it came to nought. This, like the game in the first leg, looked to be a pretty tight affair.
Brann was not really threatening, but Everton was also not. Everton's final third are losing too many balls. Also, too many misplaced passes by the midfield and this only showed what tight defence Brann had.
From a save from Howard, to a goal at the other end. In the 35th minute, Pienaar made a pass to Timmy, who flicked it on to Yak who did a one-two with Timmy and the former then nicely curled the ball into the net. Assist by Timmy. Everton 1-o Brann.
Everton is turning this into a display match. In the 42nd minute, AJ picked up the ball and was sheperded to the right of the field, That did not stop AJ from taking a shot that went past the opposing goalkeeper and into the net. Everton 2-0 Brann.
Half time. Think Moyes may want to bring in Anichebe for a run in the last 20 minutes or so to rest those tired legs of either Yak or AJ.
Moyes has moved faster than I thought for the substitution. Cars and Timmy are out, and Hibbo and Fernandes are in.
Everton nearly had their thrid with AJ breaking through but the upright saved Brann from further embarassment. With Fernandes in, Everton looked so much more dangerous and soon enough, Everton scored again in the 57th minute. Pienaar passed the ball to Yak, who strode into Brann's half towards goal. With a little turn of his body, he left two defenders on their butts, and then curled the ball nicely into the net once again. Sheer class. Everton 3-0 Brann.
Brann came back to score from no where from a free kick, aided by a bumpy ground. Everton 3-1 Brann. Everton are starting to commit silly fouls.
But a couple of passes and Everton scored another goal in the 69th minute. A pass from AJ, to Pienaar, who passed to Yak. He controlled the ball and swept it to the path of Arteta who took a shot and scored through a massive deflection by the opposing defender. Everton 4-1 Brann.
Yak scores his second hat-trick for Everton in the 71st minute. Pienaar centred the ball. It bypassed all the opposing defender but not Yak, who went on to score an easy goal. Everton 5-1 Brann. Pienaar assist. That was the last contribution by Yak who was replaced by Anichebe. Potent display by Yak.
Everton is still not letting up as they continue to chase the ball.
Oh so close. Anichebe brought through on the right and made a telling cross. Arteta then went on to set Pienaar up who tried to place the ball beyond the opposing goalkeeper. Once again, the upright saved Brann. Everton too was saved by the post as Brann tried to get their consolation goal.
And what a late goal by AJ as he inflicted more pain to Brann's all so painful wound. Picking up the ball from the left, AJ released a thunderous shot that bulged the net. Everton 6-1 Brann.
Brann was just clinging on and hoping for the referee to blow his whistle, which he did to end their suffering. What a game, what a thrashing!
Everton will now go on to meet Fiorentina.
Score: Everton 6-1 Brann (Aggregate: 8-1)
Scorer: Yak (3), AJ (2), Arteta (1)
Assist: Timmy, Pienaar
The opening five minutes saw both teams trying to settle though Everton is starting to control more of the game. In the 5th minute, Brann was through but their striker was seemingly fouled by Cars outside the penalty area, but the referee said play on. Don't think it would be dangerous but definitely it would have been uncomfortable.
Low shot by Brann in the 10th minute and it was dealt very cleanly by Howard. Once again, Everton seemed to be soaking in the pressure while going on a counter attack.
Cars is controlling well from the centre and have continually placed the ball into the penalty area and that allowed Everton to earn their first corner, but it came to nought. This, like the game in the first leg, looked to be a pretty tight affair.
Brann was not really threatening, but Everton was also not. Everton's final third are losing too many balls. Also, too many misplaced passes by the midfield and this only showed what tight defence Brann had.
From a save from Howard, to a goal at the other end. In the 35th minute, Pienaar made a pass to Timmy, who flicked it on to Yak who did a one-two with Timmy and the former then nicely curled the ball into the net. Assist by Timmy. Everton 1-o Brann.
Everton is turning this into a display match. In the 42nd minute, AJ picked up the ball and was sheperded to the right of the field, That did not stop AJ from taking a shot that went past the opposing goalkeeper and into the net. Everton 2-0 Brann.
Half time. Think Moyes may want to bring in Anichebe for a run in the last 20 minutes or so to rest those tired legs of either Yak or AJ.
Moyes has moved faster than I thought for the substitution. Cars and Timmy are out, and Hibbo and Fernandes are in.
Everton nearly had their thrid with AJ breaking through but the upright saved Brann from further embarassment. With Fernandes in, Everton looked so much more dangerous and soon enough, Everton scored again in the 57th minute. Pienaar passed the ball to Yak, who strode into Brann's half towards goal. With a little turn of his body, he left two defenders on their butts, and then curled the ball nicely into the net once again. Sheer class. Everton 3-0 Brann.
Brann came back to score from no where from a free kick, aided by a bumpy ground. Everton 3-1 Brann. Everton are starting to commit silly fouls.
But a couple of passes and Everton scored another goal in the 69th minute. A pass from AJ, to Pienaar, who passed to Yak. He controlled the ball and swept it to the path of Arteta who took a shot and scored through a massive deflection by the opposing defender. Everton 4-1 Brann.
Yak scores his second hat-trick for Everton in the 71st minute. Pienaar centred the ball. It bypassed all the opposing defender but not Yak, who went on to score an easy goal. Everton 5-1 Brann. Pienaar assist. That was the last contribution by Yak who was replaced by Anichebe. Potent display by Yak.
Everton is still not letting up as they continue to chase the ball.
Oh so close. Anichebe brought through on the right and made a telling cross. Arteta then went on to set Pienaar up who tried to place the ball beyond the opposing goalkeeper. Once again, the upright saved Brann. Everton too was saved by the post as Brann tried to get their consolation goal.
And what a late goal by AJ as he inflicted more pain to Brann's all so painful wound. Picking up the ball from the left, AJ released a thunderous shot that bulged the net. Everton 6-1 Brann.
Brann was just clinging on and hoping for the referee to blow his whistle, which he did to end their suffering. What a game, what a thrashing!
Everton will now go on to meet Fiorentina.
Score: Everton 6-1 Brann (Aggregate: 8-1)
Scorer: Yak (3), AJ (2), Arteta (1)
Assist: Timmy, Pienaar
Thursday, February 14, 2008
UEFA CUP: EVERTON vs BRANN (1ST LEG)
Everton starts the first leg of the last 32 teams in UEFA Cup. Yak is now back into the team and will partner AJ in a 4-4-2 formation. The Toffees though will be without two creative players - Arteta and Pienaar.
Everton kicks off and Yak has the first shot on goal in the 43rd second. Everton are passing the ball around well enough and Brann are trying to keep pace with the Toffees. Brann came fighting back in the 9th minute after a clumsy challenge by Fernandes. Brann took the free kick and the header just skimmed the cross bar. Brann is definitely not an easy opponent.
Timmy still looked singed as he had made a couple of bad passes and clumsy tackles. Jag did well in th 16th minute with an important lobbed clearance. Brann is still doing well at the back with former Leeds defender Eirik Bakke marshalling his backline. Once again, Jag made a crucial tackle to ensure that parity was maintained. I'm still waiting for Everton to win their first corner. That's where they can threaten.
The opposing defence was tight and it looked difficult to unhinge their back four. Everton wins their first corner in the 29th minute but Cars took a wild shot that suits rugby more than soccer! Somehow, Everton's defence seems to look more fragile than their opponents and Brann has a couple of pacy attackers to trouble Everton.
Nice curler in the 32nd minute by Ossie, forcing the opposing goalkeeper to make a one-handed save. Still, I'm not convinced with Everton's midfielders. Neville is creating quite a bit of problem for themselves with his bad passes and he gave the ball again to cause more worries for Everton.
I'm starting to wonder if VdM will make a difference if he is ever brought in. The Everton midfield looks pretty dead. Fernandes does not create enough for the strikers, Timmy having his off day, Cars is ballooning every ball he receives. Only Ossie looks interested in the game. Even the Everton defence are also making quite a few unforced errors. Drama at the end of the first half as the ball was bundled into the net but the referee disallowed it for a foul on Howard. That was close.
Both teams enters the dressing rooms at the halfway mark. Brann showed that even though they are off-season in their league, they are still playing with alot of gusto and have done better than the Toffees so far. Believe that Moyes will give them some dressing down for their slack play.
Everton has to play better than the first half and they won two corners in succession but but came to nought. The Toffees are definitely missing Arteta's holding ability and pin-point crosses. If this persist, Moyes may have to remove a striker and add a midfielder to stranglehold the centre of the field. Timmy finally came to life in the 52nd minute as his long shot bounced off the left post.
Everton continues to wallow in their under-par performance as they could not even deliver a simple cross with Neville one of the culprits once again.
Everton scored through Ossie in the 58th minute and what a placement of a shot. A clearance by the opposing defender saw Ossie latch on to the ball and his shot curled beyond the outstretched hand of the goalkeeper. Brann 0-1 Everton. Ossie has been a real handful for Brann.
Again, everton goes into slumber. The defence are waiting for the ball to come to them and are not closing down the opposition quickly enough. Timmy looks really tired and may need to be substituted. Anichebe is in, AJ is being substituted.
Fernandes took a pot-shot in the 76th minute. The ball bounced akwardly in front of goal but was well saved by the opposing goalkeeper. Good try.
Howard made a tremendous save in the 82nd minute to punch the ball away for a corner and Brann nearly profited from it. Brann is really pressing for the equaliser but Everton is trying to slow the pace of the game down and then Everton struck. Lescott marauding run on the left was left unchecked for quite a bit. He was allowed to make a cross into the penalty area which Anichebe gladly pounced on to score Everton's second goal. Brann 0-2 Everton. There was a tinge of offside though. Everton was lucky to be given that goal.
Baines is in, Yak is substituted. The referee blows the final whistle and Everton is one step closer to the last 16.
Score: Brann 0-2 Everton
Scorer: Ossie, Anichebe
Assist: Lescott
Everton kicks off and Yak has the first shot on goal in the 43rd second. Everton are passing the ball around well enough and Brann are trying to keep pace with the Toffees. Brann came fighting back in the 9th minute after a clumsy challenge by Fernandes. Brann took the free kick and the header just skimmed the cross bar. Brann is definitely not an easy opponent.
Timmy still looked singed as he had made a couple of bad passes and clumsy tackles. Jag did well in th 16th minute with an important lobbed clearance. Brann is still doing well at the back with former Leeds defender Eirik Bakke marshalling his backline. Once again, Jag made a crucial tackle to ensure that parity was maintained. I'm still waiting for Everton to win their first corner. That's where they can threaten.
The opposing defence was tight and it looked difficult to unhinge their back four. Everton wins their first corner in the 29th minute but Cars took a wild shot that suits rugby more than soccer! Somehow, Everton's defence seems to look more fragile than their opponents and Brann has a couple of pacy attackers to trouble Everton.
Nice curler in the 32nd minute by Ossie, forcing the opposing goalkeeper to make a one-handed save. Still, I'm not convinced with Everton's midfielders. Neville is creating quite a bit of problem for themselves with his bad passes and he gave the ball again to cause more worries for Everton.
I'm starting to wonder if VdM will make a difference if he is ever brought in. The Everton midfield looks pretty dead. Fernandes does not create enough for the strikers, Timmy having his off day, Cars is ballooning every ball he receives. Only Ossie looks interested in the game. Even the Everton defence are also making quite a few unforced errors. Drama at the end of the first half as the ball was bundled into the net but the referee disallowed it for a foul on Howard. That was close.
Both teams enters the dressing rooms at the halfway mark. Brann showed that even though they are off-season in their league, they are still playing with alot of gusto and have done better than the Toffees so far. Believe that Moyes will give them some dressing down for their slack play.
Everton has to play better than the first half and they won two corners in succession but but came to nought. The Toffees are definitely missing Arteta's holding ability and pin-point crosses. If this persist, Moyes may have to remove a striker and add a midfielder to stranglehold the centre of the field. Timmy finally came to life in the 52nd minute as his long shot bounced off the left post.
Everton continues to wallow in their under-par performance as they could not even deliver a simple cross with Neville one of the culprits once again.
Everton scored through Ossie in the 58th minute and what a placement of a shot. A clearance by the opposing defender saw Ossie latch on to the ball and his shot curled beyond the outstretched hand of the goalkeeper. Brann 0-1 Everton. Ossie has been a real handful for Brann.
Again, everton goes into slumber. The defence are waiting for the ball to come to them and are not closing down the opposition quickly enough. Timmy looks really tired and may need to be substituted. Anichebe is in, AJ is being substituted.
Fernandes took a pot-shot in the 76th minute. The ball bounced akwardly in front of goal but was well saved by the opposing goalkeeper. Good try.
Howard made a tremendous save in the 82nd minute to punch the ball away for a corner and Brann nearly profited from it. Brann is really pressing for the equaliser but Everton is trying to slow the pace of the game down and then Everton struck. Lescott marauding run on the left was left unchecked for quite a bit. He was allowed to make a cross into the penalty area which Anichebe gladly pounced on to score Everton's second goal. Brann 0-2 Everton. There was a tinge of offside though. Everton was lucky to be given that goal.
Baines is in, Yak is substituted. The referee blows the final whistle and Everton is one step closer to the last 16.
Score: Brann 0-2 Everton
Scorer: Ossie, Anichebe
Assist: Lescott
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Actim Players Ranking: 120208
Everton players in the Top 100.
Lescott: 9th (386) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender(18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9), (30/10), (6/11), (5/2), (12/2); Fourth Best Defender (9/10), (23/10), (18/12), (8/1), (15/1), (22/1), (29/1); Fifth Best Defender (13/11), (27/11), (04/11) Best position: 9th
Arteta: 19th (347) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8), (30/10); Best position: 8th
Howard: 29th (320) - Third best goalie (4/9), (12/2); Fourth best goalie (15/1), (22/1), (29/1), (5/2); Fifth best goalie (28/8), (8/1); Best position: 32nd
Neville: 31st (313) - Best position: 34th
Yakubu: 65th (253) - Best position: 18th
Jagielka: 73rd (245) - Best position: 73rd
Timmy: 85th (233) - Best position: 71st
AJ: 87th (233) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Yobo: 94th (224) - Best position: 74th
Those who have previously made it to the top 100.
Cars: 97th (214) - Best position: 87th
Pienaar: 90th (216) - Best position: 62nd
Ossie: 86th (153) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); Best position: 9th
Hibbo: 100th (89) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Anichebe: 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8), Best position: 5th
Lescott: 9th (386) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender(18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9), (30/10), (6/11), (5/2), (12/2); Fourth Best Defender (9/10), (23/10), (18/12), (8/1), (15/1), (22/1), (29/1); Fifth Best Defender (13/11), (27/11), (04/11) Best position: 9th
Arteta: 19th (347) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8), (30/10); Best position: 8th
Howard: 29th (320) - Third best goalie (4/9), (12/2); Fourth best goalie (15/1), (22/1), (29/1), (5/2); Fifth best goalie (28/8), (8/1); Best position: 32nd
Neville: 31st (313) - Best position: 34th
Yakubu: 65th (253) - Best position: 18th
Jagielka: 73rd (245) - Best position: 73rd
Timmy: 85th (233) - Best position: 71st
AJ: 87th (233) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Yobo: 94th (224) - Best position: 74th
Those who have previously made it to the top 100.
Cars: 97th (214) - Best position: 87th
Pienaar: 90th (216) - Best position: 62nd
Ossie: 86th (153) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); Best position: 9th
Hibbo: 100th (89) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Anichebe: 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8), Best position: 5th
Sunday, February 10, 2008
EVERTON vs READING - FULL TIME
Everton really looked out-of-sorts today. It's easy to find a scapegoat and definitely we have one - Yaks. But beyond that, everton seemed weak in all departments. I tend to believe that other teams have figured out AJ, and thus nullifying any threats. I missed the 1st half and I found out that I didn't miss much. So here's the 2nd half.
A great cross by Arteta in the 60th minute, and the Reading defence cleared it out of the box reaching as far as to Ossie. The defence closed in on him rather quickly and Ossie had little choice but to pump the ball back into the penalty area. The Reading defence played Jag in whose looping header saw it beat the opposing goalkeeper. Everton 1-0 Reading.
Everton came to life after that goal. In the 66th minute, Ossie struck the cross bar with a lovely cross shot. So close. Once again, Everton will need to score another goal to make sure they win.
Neville has been giving away a whole lot of balls and that's not too good a sign, and he gave the ball away! again!! Neville has wasted so many attacking opportunities.
Vaughny tried an overhead kick on the 76th minutes and was saved by the opposing goalkeeper. Great shot! Everton nearly conceded. Lescott missed the clearance and it was one-on-one with Howard. But Jag sliding tackle ensured Everton maintains their lead.
One of the worst game I've ever seen Everton play.
Score: Everton 1-0 Reading
Scorer: Jag
Assist: Ossie
Sub: Vaughny
A great cross by Arteta in the 60th minute, and the Reading defence cleared it out of the box reaching as far as to Ossie. The defence closed in on him rather quickly and Ossie had little choice but to pump the ball back into the penalty area. The Reading defence played Jag in whose looping header saw it beat the opposing goalkeeper. Everton 1-0 Reading.
Everton came to life after that goal. In the 66th minute, Ossie struck the cross bar with a lovely cross shot. So close. Once again, Everton will need to score another goal to make sure they win.
Neville has been giving away a whole lot of balls and that's not too good a sign, and he gave the ball away! again!! Neville has wasted so many attacking opportunities.
Vaughny tried an overhead kick on the 76th minutes and was saved by the opposing goalkeeper. Great shot! Everton nearly conceded. Lescott missed the clearance and it was one-on-one with Howard. But Jag sliding tackle ensured Everton maintains their lead.
One of the worst game I've ever seen Everton play.
Score: Everton 1-0 Reading
Scorer: Jag
Assist: Ossie
Sub: Vaughny
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Actim Players Ranking: 050208
Everton players in the Top 100.
Lescott: 10th (370) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender(18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9), (30/10), (6/11), (5/2); Fourth Best Defender (9/10), (23/10), (18/12), (8/1), (15/1), (22/1), (29/1); Fifth Best Defender (13/11), (27/11), (04/11) Best position: 9th
Arteta: 19th (333) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8), (30/10); Best position: 8th
Howard: 32nd (303) - Third best goalie (4/9); Fourth best goalie (15/1), (22/1), (29/1), (5/2); Fifth best goalie (28/8), (8/1); Best position: 32nd
Neville: 40th (291) - Best position: 34th
Yakubu: 59th (253) - Best position: 18th
Timmy: 81st (226) - Best position: 71st
AJ: 88th (221) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Pienaar: 90th (216) - Best position: 62nd
Cars: 97th (214) - Best position: 87th
Those who have previously made it to the top 100.
Yobo: 95th (200) - Best position: 74th
Ossie: 86th (153) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); Best position: 9th
Hibbo: 100th (89) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Anichebe: Nil - 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8), Best position: 5th
Lescott: 10th (370) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender(18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9), (30/10), (6/11), (5/2); Fourth Best Defender (9/10), (23/10), (18/12), (8/1), (15/1), (22/1), (29/1); Fifth Best Defender (13/11), (27/11), (04/11) Best position: 9th
Arteta: 19th (333) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8), (30/10); Best position: 8th
Howard: 32nd (303) - Third best goalie (4/9); Fourth best goalie (15/1), (22/1), (29/1), (5/2); Fifth best goalie (28/8), (8/1); Best position: 32nd
Neville: 40th (291) - Best position: 34th
Yakubu: 59th (253) - Best position: 18th
Timmy: 81st (226) - Best position: 71st
AJ: 88th (221) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Pienaar: 90th (216) - Best position: 62nd
Cars: 97th (214) - Best position: 87th
Those who have previously made it to the top 100.
Yobo: 95th (200) - Best position: 74th
Ossie: 86th (153) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); Best position: 9th
Hibbo: 100th (89) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Anichebe: Nil - 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8), Best position: 5th
Saturday, February 02, 2008
BLACKBURN ROVERS vs EVERTON- FULL TIME
Both teams are fighting for a European place and the first three minutes looked good for Blackburn with a corner and even a try on goal. Everything still very sterile at 8th minute as both teams did not have any good tries on goal.
Nice Everton cross in the 14th minute but nicer save by Blackburn's goalkeeper. Both Everton's wingers Arteta and Fernandes were not getting any service whatsoever, while AJ could only run after direct balls from defence.
Lovely football in the 28th minute by Arteta who took the ball from the right side of the field, played a one-two and strode towards goal before releasing a placed shot the opposing goalkeeper pushed out for a corner. Quickly taken, Ossie saw his shot went wide of the goal.
Everton had won themselves a couple of successive corners and have kept the pressure. Close to half-time, Everton nearly got themselves into the lead as Jag's header flew towards goal but was cleared off the line.
Blackburn started brightly once again as they Howard made the save. Everton quickly countered with AJ pushing the ball forward. He then passed it to Arteta who crossed the ball. Fernandes came in from the blind side to hit the ball towards goal. Great save by the opposing goalkeeper. Fernandes don't look lively at all.
Good Everton possession in the 57th minute that ended with Ossie heading pass the Blackburn's goal. Arteta is controlling much of the right flank now. Fernandes took a lovely free kick in the 62nd minute but the right upright saved them! What a chance!
Some Everton players are not really playing up to mark. The likes of Fernandes, Timmy and Ossie are not as lively as they should be. Everton won themselves another free kick in the 66th minute but Arteta could not curl the ball into the goal.
Everton will need to bring in another striker to help AJ who has toiled non-stop if they want to win the game. Defensively, they were still pretty sound.
Blackburn attacked well but once again, the defence repelled their attack. Finally, Ossie is taken out and Vaughny is in. It's a shaky end for both sides. Everton had the ball in the net but it was ruled offside! It was not at all! Think the linesman is playing himself too much into the game.
Two points dropped! Taken away by the linesman.
Score: Blackburn 0-0 Everton
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Sub: Vaughny
Nice Everton cross in the 14th minute but nicer save by Blackburn's goalkeeper. Both Everton's wingers Arteta and Fernandes were not getting any service whatsoever, while AJ could only run after direct balls from defence.
Lovely football in the 28th minute by Arteta who took the ball from the right side of the field, played a one-two and strode towards goal before releasing a placed shot the opposing goalkeeper pushed out for a corner. Quickly taken, Ossie saw his shot went wide of the goal.
Everton had won themselves a couple of successive corners and have kept the pressure. Close to half-time, Everton nearly got themselves into the lead as Jag's header flew towards goal but was cleared off the line.
Blackburn started brightly once again as they Howard made the save. Everton quickly countered with AJ pushing the ball forward. He then passed it to Arteta who crossed the ball. Fernandes came in from the blind side to hit the ball towards goal. Great save by the opposing goalkeeper. Fernandes don't look lively at all.
Good Everton possession in the 57th minute that ended with Ossie heading pass the Blackburn's goal. Arteta is controlling much of the right flank now. Fernandes took a lovely free kick in the 62nd minute but the right upright saved them! What a chance!
Some Everton players are not really playing up to mark. The likes of Fernandes, Timmy and Ossie are not as lively as they should be. Everton won themselves another free kick in the 66th minute but Arteta could not curl the ball into the goal.
Everton will need to bring in another striker to help AJ who has toiled non-stop if they want to win the game. Defensively, they were still pretty sound.
Blackburn attacked well but once again, the defence repelled their attack. Finally, Ossie is taken out and Vaughny is in. It's a shaky end for both sides. Everton had the ball in the net but it was ruled offside! It was not at all! Think the linesman is playing himself too much into the game.
Two points dropped! Taken away by the linesman.
Score: Blackburn 0-0 Everton
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Sub: Vaughny
BLACKBURN ROVERS vs EVERTON- Preview
Everton has shown great strength to keep getting points even without their African Cup-tied players, winning two and drawing one in the League. The Toffees still have to wait a bit more as Nigeria has gone through to the next round of the Cup game.
Timmy and Ossie are both back for this game but Pienaar misses this game even though he is back from the African Cup. I do hope AJ can start scoring as he has truly worked very hard for the team.
Predictor: Blackburn 1-0 Everton
Timmy and Ossie are both back for this game but Pienaar misses this game even though he is back from the African Cup. I do hope AJ can start scoring as he has truly worked very hard for the team.
Predictor: Blackburn 1-0 Everton
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Actim Players Ranking: 290108
Everton players in the Top 100.
Lescott: 14th (350) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender(18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9), (30/10), (6/11); Fourth Best Defender (9/10), (23/10), (18/12), (8/1), (15/1), (22/1), (29/1); Fifth Best Defender (13/11), (27/11), (04/11) Best position: 9th
Arteta: 18th (321) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8), (30/10); Best position: 8th
Howard: 33rd (281) - Third best goalie (4/9); Fourth best goalie (15/1), (22/1), (29/1); Fifth best goalie (28/8), (8/1); Best position: 32nd
Neville: 36th (274) - Best position: 34th
Yakubu: 53rd (253) - Best position: 18th
Timmy: 72nd (220) - Best position: 71st
Pienaar: 75th (216) - Best position: 62nd
Yobo: 95th (200) - Best position: 74th
AJ: 97th (199) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Cars: 99th (198) - Best position: 87th
Those who have previously made it to the top 100.
Ossie: 86th (153) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); Best position: 9th
Hibbo: 100th (89) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Stubbsy: Nil - 80th (78) - Fifth best defender (21/8), (28/8); Best position: 18th
Anichebe: Nil - 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8), Best position: 5th
Lescott: 14th (350) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender(18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9), (30/10), (6/11); Fourth Best Defender (9/10), (23/10), (18/12), (8/1), (15/1), (22/1), (29/1); Fifth Best Defender (13/11), (27/11), (04/11) Best position: 9th
Arteta: 18th (321) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8), (30/10); Best position: 8th
Howard: 33rd (281) - Third best goalie (4/9); Fourth best goalie (15/1), (22/1), (29/1); Fifth best goalie (28/8), (8/1); Best position: 32nd
Neville: 36th (274) - Best position: 34th
Yakubu: 53rd (253) - Best position: 18th
Timmy: 72nd (220) - Best position: 71st
Pienaar: 75th (216) - Best position: 62nd
Yobo: 95th (200) - Best position: 74th
AJ: 97th (199) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Cars: 99th (198) - Best position: 87th
Those who have previously made it to the top 100.
Ossie: 86th (153) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); Best position: 9th
Hibbo: 100th (89) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Stubbsy: Nil - 80th (78) - Fifth best defender (21/8), (28/8); Best position: 18th
Anichebe: Nil - 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8), Best position: 5th
Thursday, January 24, 2008
CARLING CUP: CHELSEA vs EVERTON - 2ND LEG
Manny is in for the very first match for Everton and the team went for the jagular straight from kick-off as both teams tried to settle. Chelsea started attacking in the 2nd minute and nearly profited.
Both clubs seemed to be taking shots at each other continuously, trying to test each other's strengths. Everton had a header on target in the 9th minute when Lescott planted a firm header towards the opposing goal, only for the goalkeeper to palm the ball away.
Manny and Arteta looked good as they controlled the midfield well. Everton seemed to be doing a good job shackling their opponent and also causing problems with wave after wave of attacks. Chelsea started to stamp their authority from the 25th minute as they too started their attacks on Everton. Ashot on Everton's goal in the 28th minute but Howard made a good stop.
Everton coming to life in the 38th minute with a shot by AJ, but was deflected wide. The subsequent corner was wasted. No breakthrough for Everton as the boys headed to the dressing room at half time.
Chelsea came out firing all cylinders and nearly took Everton out of the equation, but for the crossbar. Everton will really need to push for a goal! What a shot at goal by Neville and what a save by the opposing goalkeeper. Everton nearly scored again with a Jag back flick.
Everton needs to go for broke by bringing in a second striker. Chelsea scores against the run of play. 1-0.
AJ struck the ball towards goal but was blocked by Chelsea's goalkeeper, and that's really the closest that Everton has gotten to a goal. Everton's dream of a Carling Cup final has come to an end.
Score: Everton 0-1 Chelsea
Scorer: Nil
Subs: Anichebe, Vaughany
Both clubs seemed to be taking shots at each other continuously, trying to test each other's strengths. Everton had a header on target in the 9th minute when Lescott planted a firm header towards the opposing goal, only for the goalkeeper to palm the ball away.
Manny and Arteta looked good as they controlled the midfield well. Everton seemed to be doing a good job shackling their opponent and also causing problems with wave after wave of attacks. Chelsea started to stamp their authority from the 25th minute as they too started their attacks on Everton. Ashot on Everton's goal in the 28th minute but Howard made a good stop.
Everton coming to life in the 38th minute with a shot by AJ, but was deflected wide. The subsequent corner was wasted. No breakthrough for Everton as the boys headed to the dressing room at half time.
Chelsea came out firing all cylinders and nearly took Everton out of the equation, but for the crossbar. Everton will really need to push for a goal! What a shot at goal by Neville and what a save by the opposing goalkeeper. Everton nearly scored again with a Jag back flick.
Everton needs to go for broke by bringing in a second striker. Chelsea scores against the run of play. 1-0.
AJ struck the ball towards goal but was blocked by Chelsea's goalkeeper, and that's really the closest that Everton has gotten to a goal. Everton's dream of a Carling Cup final has come to an end.
Score: Everton 0-1 Chelsea
Scorer: Nil
Subs: Anichebe, Vaughany
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Actim Players Ranking: 220108
Everton players in the Top 100.
Lescott: 12th (350) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender(18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9), (30/10), (6/11); Fourth Best Defender (9/10), (23/10), (18/12), (8/1), (15/1), (22/1); Fifth Best Defender (13/11), (27/11), (04/11) Best position: 9th
Arteta: 17th (321) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8), (30/10); Best position: 8th
Howard: 33rd (281) - Third best goalie (4/9); Fourth best goalie (15/1), (22/1), Fifth best goalie (28/8), (8/1); Best position: 32nd
Neville: 36th (274) - Best position: 34th
Yakubu: 52nd (253) - Best position: 18th
Timmy: 71st (220) - Best position: 71st
Pienaar: 75th (216) - Best position: 62nd
Yobo: 95th (200) - Best position: 74th
AJ: 97th (199) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Cars: 99th (198) - Best position: 87th
Those who have previously made it to the top 100.
Ossie: 86th (153) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); Best position: 9th
Hibbo: 100th (89) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Stubbsy: Nil - 80th (78) - Fifth best defender (21/8), (28/8); Best position: 18th
Anichebe: Nil - 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8), Best position: 5th
Lescott: 12th (350) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender(18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9), (30/10), (6/11); Fourth Best Defender (9/10), (23/10), (18/12), (8/1), (15/1), (22/1); Fifth Best Defender (13/11), (27/11), (04/11) Best position: 9th
Arteta: 17th (321) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8), (30/10); Best position: 8th
Howard: 33rd (281) - Third best goalie (4/9); Fourth best goalie (15/1), (22/1), Fifth best goalie (28/8), (8/1); Best position: 32nd
Neville: 36th (274) - Best position: 34th
Yakubu: 52nd (253) - Best position: 18th
Timmy: 71st (220) - Best position: 71st
Pienaar: 75th (216) - Best position: 62nd
Yobo: 95th (200) - Best position: 74th
AJ: 97th (199) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Cars: 99th (198) - Best position: 87th
Those who have previously made it to the top 100.
Ossie: 86th (153) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); Best position: 9th
Hibbo: 100th (89) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Stubbsy: Nil - 80th (78) - Fifth best defender (21/8), (28/8); Best position: 18th
Anichebe: Nil - 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8), Best position: 5th
Sunday, January 20, 2008
WIGAN vs EVERTON - FULL TIME
Ossie and AJ are back in the squad but Everton is still a little thin in terms of players because of the African Cup. Manny is on the substitute bench though.
The first 5 minutes see both teams testing each other while not really troubling either of the goalkeepers. With Everton playing 4-4-1-1 formation, they looked a little lightweight upfront. Wigan seemed to be giving Everton the shivers with their passing. Everton looked somewhat disjointed.
Cars took a shot on the volley in the 15th minute but it flew past the cross bar.
Everton nearly scored in the 16th minute with some strong running from AJ on the left flank. AJ managed to cross the ball for Arteta who side-footed the ball towards goal, but was palmed away by the opposing goalkeeper.
Wigan nearly scored in the 21st minute but for the cross bar. Former Everton player Marcus Bent nearly put the ball in, and they nearly scored again in the 24th minute, but Timmy intervened with a sliding tackle. I really think that Moyes will really need to bring in Manny and Vaughany. Everton seemed to be suffering in terms of size and were letting Wigan control the game.
AJ had a try on goal in the 33rd minute but he was feeding off scraps.
Thank You Titus Bramble! I would usually not mention the name of the opposition player, but he gift-wrapped the goal for AJ to score. Stupid mistake that allowed AJ to go one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper. Wigan 0-1 Everton.
Everton was under pressure by Wigan until that stupid mistake.
Poor, poor defending in the 40th minute by Wigan that sees Everton lead by two goals. From a corner by Arteta, the ball bobbled around the opposing penalty and Lescott strike the ball into the net. Wigan 0-2 Everton.
The opposing team looked frustrated as they made a double substitution in the first five minutes of the second half.
Own goal by Everton's Jag in the 52nd minute as Wigan fought back. Oh boy. Jag could not get himself out of the way though. Wigan 1-2 Everton. The Toffees will need to score another goal to prevent a fiery ending as the opposing team will throw every together with the kitchen sink at Everton.
Seemed like Everton has gone into slumber once again, and Timmy even tried to fake a penalty. Oh boy. What's happening to Everton in this game. They are playing alot of long balls for AJ to chase.
Ossie nearly scored in the 66th minute but the ball just whizzed past the right of the goal post.
Vaughany came in for Neville and the team looked much more balanced. But it was still Wigan that continued to threaten. In the end, Wigan just fizzled out.
Score: Wigan 0-2 Everton
Scorer: AJ, Lescott
Assist: Jag
Sub: Vaughany
The first 5 minutes see both teams testing each other while not really troubling either of the goalkeepers. With Everton playing 4-4-1-1 formation, they looked a little lightweight upfront. Wigan seemed to be giving Everton the shivers with their passing. Everton looked somewhat disjointed.
Cars took a shot on the volley in the 15th minute but it flew past the cross bar.
Everton nearly scored in the 16th minute with some strong running from AJ on the left flank. AJ managed to cross the ball for Arteta who side-footed the ball towards goal, but was palmed away by the opposing goalkeeper.
Wigan nearly scored in the 21st minute but for the cross bar. Former Everton player Marcus Bent nearly put the ball in, and they nearly scored again in the 24th minute, but Timmy intervened with a sliding tackle. I really think that Moyes will really need to bring in Manny and Vaughany. Everton seemed to be suffering in terms of size and were letting Wigan control the game.
AJ had a try on goal in the 33rd minute but he was feeding off scraps.
Thank You Titus Bramble! I would usually not mention the name of the opposition player, but he gift-wrapped the goal for AJ to score. Stupid mistake that allowed AJ to go one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper. Wigan 0-1 Everton.
Everton was under pressure by Wigan until that stupid mistake.
Poor, poor defending in the 40th minute by Wigan that sees Everton lead by two goals. From a corner by Arteta, the ball bobbled around the opposing penalty and Lescott strike the ball into the net. Wigan 0-2 Everton.
The opposing team looked frustrated as they made a double substitution in the first five minutes of the second half.
Own goal by Everton's Jag in the 52nd minute as Wigan fought back. Oh boy. Jag could not get himself out of the way though. Wigan 1-2 Everton. The Toffees will need to score another goal to prevent a fiery ending as the opposing team will throw every together with the kitchen sink at Everton.
Seemed like Everton has gone into slumber once again, and Timmy even tried to fake a penalty. Oh boy. What's happening to Everton in this game. They are playing alot of long balls for AJ to chase.
Ossie nearly scored in the 66th minute but the ball just whizzed past the right of the goal post.
Vaughany came in for Neville and the team looked much more balanced. But it was still Wigan that continued to threaten. In the end, Wigan just fizzled out.
Score: Wigan 0-2 Everton
Scorer: AJ, Lescott
Assist: Jag
Sub: Vaughany
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Actim Players Ranking: 150108
Everton players in the Top 100.
Lescott: 15th (319) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender(18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9), (30/10), (6/11); Fourth Best Defender (9/10), (23/10), (18/12), (8/1), (15/1); Fifth Best Defender (13/11), (27/11), (04/11) Best position: 9th
Arteta: 19th (301) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8), (30/10); Best position: 8th
Howard: 32nd (267) - Third best goalie (4/9); Fourth best goalie (15/1), Fifth best goalie (28/8), (8/1); Best position: 32nd
Neville: 34th (259) - Best position: 34th
Yakubu: 43rd (253) - Best position: 18th
Pienaar: 69th (216) - Best position: 62nd
Timmy: 81st (207) - Best position: 79th
Yobo: 89th (200) - Best position: 74th
Those who have previously made it to the top 100.
AJ: 99th (184) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Ossie: 86th (153) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); Best position: 9th
Cars: 89th (150) - Best position: 87th
Hibbo: 100th (89) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Stubbsy: Nil - 80th (78) - Fifth best defender (21/8), (28/8); Best position: 18th
Anichebe: Nil - 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8), Best position: 5th
Lescott: 15th (319) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender(18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9), (30/10), (6/11); Fourth Best Defender (9/10), (23/10), (18/12), (8/1), (15/1); Fifth Best Defender (13/11), (27/11), (04/11) Best position: 9th
Arteta: 19th (301) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8), (30/10); Best position: 8th
Howard: 32nd (267) - Third best goalie (4/9); Fourth best goalie (15/1), Fifth best goalie (28/8), (8/1); Best position: 32nd
Neville: 34th (259) - Best position: 34th
Yakubu: 43rd (253) - Best position: 18th
Pienaar: 69th (216) - Best position: 62nd
Timmy: 81st (207) - Best position: 79th
Yobo: 89th (200) - Best position: 74th
Those who have previously made it to the top 100.
AJ: 99th (184) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Ossie: 86th (153) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); Best position: 9th
Cars: 89th (150) - Best position: 87th
Hibbo: 100th (89) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Stubbsy: Nil - 80th (78) - Fifth best defender (21/8), (28/8); Best position: 18th
Anichebe: Nil - 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8), Best position: 5th
Sunday, January 13, 2008
EVERTON vs MANCHESTER CITY - FULL TIME
Everton did well in the first match without their top scorer - Yak, playmaker - Pienaar, and first team defender Yobo.
Arteta showed why the Toffees missed him so much by providing his team-mates with many excellent crosses and free kicks. One of which reached Lescott who tucked the ball past the opposing goalkeeper.
It was not all one-way street as Manchester City fought back. But Everton barely held on and had to thank Howard for his final save just before the referee's final whistle.
Everton needs to now look at staying in the top five, and they have to look at it one game at a time. For now, the players can now have a good rest as they do not have another match until they face Wigan on 20 Jan.
Score: Everton 1-0 Manchester City
Scorer: Lescott
Assist: Arteta
Subs: Vaughany, Bainsey
Arteta showed why the Toffees missed him so much by providing his team-mates with many excellent crosses and free kicks. One of which reached Lescott who tucked the ball past the opposing goalkeeper.
It was not all one-way street as Manchester City fought back. But Everton barely held on and had to thank Howard for his final save just before the referee's final whistle.
Everton needs to now look at staying in the top five, and they have to look at it one game at a time. For now, the players can now have a good rest as they do not have another match until they face Wigan on 20 Jan.
Score: Everton 1-0 Manchester City
Scorer: Lescott
Assist: Arteta
Subs: Vaughany, Bainsey
Saturday, January 12, 2008
EVERTON vs MANCHESTER CITY - Preview
With the African Cup, Moyes will have to put up a changed team for the match against Manchester City. Yobo, Yak and Pienaar have all departed for the African competition.
AJ is also out injured thus leaving the striking department with quite a bit of headache. Arteta is back in the squad and hopefully, he will help make that difference.
Faddy and Anichebe will make up the front two strike force, while Valente comes in for the Yobo.
Everton does not look as strong at home as the start of the season. So with this depleted team, I'm expecting a draw of a loss.
Predictor: Everton 0-0 Manchester city
AJ is also out injured thus leaving the striking department with quite a bit of headache. Arteta is back in the squad and hopefully, he will help make that difference.
Faddy and Anichebe will make up the front two strike force, while Valente comes in for the Yobo.
Everton does not look as strong at home as the start of the season. So with this depleted team, I'm expecting a draw of a loss.
Predictor: Everton 0-0 Manchester city
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
CARLING CUP: CHELSEA vs EVERTON - 1ST LEG
This is one of Everton's biggest match in this two leg games starting at Stamford Bridge. This will also be the final time where Yobo and Yak will play before they link up with their country for the African Cup.
Everton kicks off. First mini scare for Chelsea. Timmy headed the ball down for Yak, who chipped the ball towards goal for AJ. Just a little short and was easily picked up by the opposing goalkeeper.
Cars got a stupid yellow in the 9th minute for complaining about the previous tackle. He living on the tenterhooks now. Chlesea seems to be tightening the screws now as they try to take control of the game. Everton must learn how to pace themselves and not run themselves to the ground in the first half. Faddie has been holding the ball well and has earned Everton a number of free kicks, but Yak has been scuffing quite a few set-up plays.
After 20 minutes, Everton has not had a first shot on goal as this proves to be a very tight game. But Chelsea found the opener in the 25th minute as they carved open Everton's defence. Chelsea 1-0 Everton.
Everton really looked like they are short of a few quality players. Lescott timely tackles have saved Everton quite a number of time now. The teams break off for half time with Everton showing no strength in midfield and hardly for the front pair of Yak and AJ to do anything.
Everton kicks off. First mini scare for Chelsea. Timmy headed the ball down for Yak, who chipped the ball towards goal for AJ. Just a little short and was easily picked up by the opposing goalkeeper.
Cars got a stupid yellow in the 9th minute for complaining about the previous tackle. He living on the tenterhooks now. Chlesea seems to be tightening the screws now as they try to take control of the game. Everton must learn how to pace themselves and not run themselves to the ground in the first half. Faddie has been holding the ball well and has earned Everton a number of free kicks, but Yak has been scuffing quite a few set-up plays.
After 20 minutes, Everton has not had a first shot on goal as this proves to be a very tight game. But Chelsea found the opener in the 25th minute as they carved open Everton's defence. Chelsea 1-0 Everton.
Everton really looked like they are short of a few quality players. Lescott timely tackles have saved Everton quite a number of time now. The teams break off for half time with Everton showing no strength in midfield and hardly for the front pair of Yak and AJ to do anything.
The start of the second half shows Chelsea in ascendency once again. But Chelsea has offered Everton with the chance to fight back as one of their players received a red card in the 54th minute for a tackle on Neville.
Everton is back on track! Faddie took the free kick which Yobo set up the ball for Yak to score with a total blistering shot. Chelsea 1-1 Everton.
Faddie nealy scored in the 68th minute as he danced into the penalty area and took a shot which bounced off the left post. Jag does not look comfortable in the centre-half. He is too eager to commit even when he's the last man. This means that when he misses the ball and take the man, he'll most definitely be sent off.
Chelsea still looks dangerous with their 10-man team. Everton will need a change of personnel as some of the players look beat! Finally, Yak is off and Anichebe is on the field. Faddie's passes are all too fuzzy. He's a good player but nobody knows what is he going to do.
The shortest man from Chelsea scored against Everton. Unbelievable. Chelsea 2-1 Everton.
Score: Chelsea 2-1 Everton
Scorer: Yak
Assist: Yobo
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Actim Players Ranking: 080108
Everton players in the Top 100.
Lescott: 18th (290) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender(18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9), (30/10), (6/11); Fourth Best Defender (9/10), (23/10), (18/12), (8/1); Fifth Best Defender (13/11), (27/11), (04/11) Best position: 9th
Arteta: 29th (267) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8), (30/10); Best position: 8th
Yakubu: 36th (253); Best position: 18th
Howard: 39th (249) - Fifth best goalie (28/8), (8/1); Third best goalie (4/9); Best position: 38th
Neville: 48th (237) - Best position: 48th
Pienaar: 62nd (216) - Best position: 62nd
Timmy: 79th (201) - Best position: 79th
Yobo: 80th (200) - Best position: 74th
AJ: 99th (184) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Those who have previously made it to the top 100.
Lescott: 18th (290) - Best defender (4/9); Second Best Defender(18/9), (2/10); Third Best Defender (25/9), (30/10), (6/11); Fourth Best Defender (9/10), (23/10), (18/12), (8/1); Fifth Best Defender (13/11), (27/11), (04/11) Best position: 9th
Arteta: 29th (267) - Fifth best midfielder (28/8), (30/10); Best position: 8th
Yakubu: 36th (253); Best position: 18th
Howard: 39th (249) - Fifth best goalie (28/8), (8/1); Third best goalie (4/9); Best position: 38th
Neville: 48th (237) - Best position: 48th
Pienaar: 62nd (216) - Best position: 62nd
Timmy: 79th (201) - Best position: 79th
Yobo: 80th (200) - Best position: 74th
AJ: 99th (184) - Fifth best striker (4/9); Best position: 22nd
Those who have previously made it to the top 100.
Ossie: 86th (153) - Fifth best midfielder (14/8); Best position: 9th
Cars: 89th (150) - Best position: 87th
Hibbo: 100th (89) - Fourth best defender (14/8); Best position: 19th
Stubbsy: Nil - 80th (78) - Fifth best defender (21/8), (28/8); Best position: 18th
Anichebe: Nil - 84th (52) - Third best striker (14/8), Best position: 5th
Sunday, January 06, 2008
FA Cup: EVERTON vs OLDHAM - FULL TIME
You wondered "what happened?" Playing at home and against a Division one club, this match should be a no-brainer. But somehow Everton got booted out of England's oldest cup competition.
Things do happen in soccer, but we do hope that this is not the first sign of Everton going into a major slump. Losing 1-0 to Oldham somehow brings about the trend that I've been talking about. Everton wins one, loses one, then its the same cycle once again.
So they should win at Chelsea?
Score: Everton 0-1 Oldham
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Subs: Anichebe, Yak, Lescott
Things do happen in soccer, but we do hope that this is not the first sign of Everton going into a major slump. Losing 1-0 to Oldham somehow brings about the trend that I've been talking about. Everton wins one, loses one, then its the same cycle once again.
So they should win at Chelsea?
Score: Everton 0-1 Oldham
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Subs: Anichebe, Yak, Lescott
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
MIDDLESBOROUGH vs EVERTON - FULL TIME
Everton starts without Arteta, Yobo and Timmy and both teams are trying to settle. Everton has continued on their dogged style. Faddie and AJ are in the starting line-up.
I'm a bit concerned that Jag is playing in the centre and hope he does not fowl up this time round. Everton has to keep that clean sheet. There's a 7th minute scare when Boro was one-on-one with Howard as the latter rushed out to stop the ball. The danger of playing the off-side gamev as seen in full view.
Other than that scare, Everton was still doing alright but needed to press the opponent better. Boro was doing their own pressing in the 16th minute when Valente could not get to the pass but the ball went out of touch for Everton's goal kick. But Boro is pressing Everton back and Cars headed the ball away from goal.
Faddie took a pot shot in the 21th minute but was deflected for a corner. Nothing came out of the corner as Everton tried their best to press. Boro though looked dangerous on the counter.
Valente play was rather sloppy with all the missed passes and with that, placed Everton in quite a bit of pressure. But both sides are still quite evenly matched. Boro attacked well and they nearly scored, but for an off-the-line clearance by Jag. Faddie has somewhat dissappeared from the game and Yak has to come deep to pick up the ball.
It's the 34th minute but still Everton don't really had a shot at goal so far. as Boro seemed to have settled much better. Things looked rather lack lustre.
It's a rather quiet first half as Faddie and Neville posed no threat to the opposing defence, while once again, Everton has to rely on Pienaar to provide that creative flair. Half time 0-0.
No change in the second half, both for personnel and Boro's attack. An opening for Everton in the 47th minute but Yak skied it. We're missing Lescott's run into the opposing penalty area as he'd need to hold fort in the centre of defence.
With no creativity whatsoever, the departure of our African Cup players will bound to take effect on Everton's stay in the top six.
Everton nearly went behind in the 56th minute, and Jag nearly gave away a penalty! Once again! Howard made a tremendous save to prevent Boro from leading. Everton's living by the skin of their teeth. Everton countered by it seemed like they are straining themselves.
Moyes really needs to make the change! Valente, Jag and even Faddie! He has to remove players that are not helping the cause. Somehow Faddie's most dangerous moves were his throw-ins than anything else.
Against the odds, Everton scores in the 68th minute! Yak crossed the ball and was picked up by Pienaar who flicked gingerly to AJ. Pushing the ball past two defenders, AJ tucked the ball into the bottom left of the net. Boro 0-1 Everton.
Everton still has alot to do and they have done it in the 72nd minute. Faddie started a one-two with AJ and the former curled it nicely into the bottom left corner once again. Boro 0-2 Everton.
Once again, it's still not over until the final whistle. Everton needs to run down the clock. Baines now replaced Faddie.
Pienaar looked a little tired now. Moyes should take him off before he makes any mistakes. Vaughany is in for Yak.
Everton was still attacking in the 92nd minute. That's the spirit. Anichebe is on for Pienaar.
Final whistle blows and Everton win without three of their important players in the first XI. Boro looked beat without a prolific goalscorer, but still looked like a difficult team to beat.
Well, Arteta will not be around for two more matches and Everton just have to play above themselves to seal any future victories. No matter, it's still three points gained and my prediction of winning after losing the last macth, came true.
Score: Boro 0-2 Everton
Scorers: AJ, Faddie
Assists: Pienaar, AJ
I'm a bit concerned that Jag is playing in the centre and hope he does not fowl up this time round. Everton has to keep that clean sheet. There's a 7th minute scare when Boro was one-on-one with Howard as the latter rushed out to stop the ball. The danger of playing the off-side gamev as seen in full view.
Other than that scare, Everton was still doing alright but needed to press the opponent better. Boro was doing their own pressing in the 16th minute when Valente could not get to the pass but the ball went out of touch for Everton's goal kick. But Boro is pressing Everton back and Cars headed the ball away from goal.
Faddie took a pot shot in the 21th minute but was deflected for a corner. Nothing came out of the corner as Everton tried their best to press. Boro though looked dangerous on the counter.
Valente play was rather sloppy with all the missed passes and with that, placed Everton in quite a bit of pressure. But both sides are still quite evenly matched. Boro attacked well and they nearly scored, but for an off-the-line clearance by Jag. Faddie has somewhat dissappeared from the game and Yak has to come deep to pick up the ball.
It's the 34th minute but still Everton don't really had a shot at goal so far. as Boro seemed to have settled much better. Things looked rather lack lustre.
It's a rather quiet first half as Faddie and Neville posed no threat to the opposing defence, while once again, Everton has to rely on Pienaar to provide that creative flair. Half time 0-0.
No change in the second half, both for personnel and Boro's attack. An opening for Everton in the 47th minute but Yak skied it. We're missing Lescott's run into the opposing penalty area as he'd need to hold fort in the centre of defence.
With no creativity whatsoever, the departure of our African Cup players will bound to take effect on Everton's stay in the top six.
Everton nearly went behind in the 56th minute, and Jag nearly gave away a penalty! Once again! Howard made a tremendous save to prevent Boro from leading. Everton's living by the skin of their teeth. Everton countered by it seemed like they are straining themselves.
Moyes really needs to make the change! Valente, Jag and even Faddie! He has to remove players that are not helping the cause. Somehow Faddie's most dangerous moves were his throw-ins than anything else.
Against the odds, Everton scores in the 68th minute! Yak crossed the ball and was picked up by Pienaar who flicked gingerly to AJ. Pushing the ball past two defenders, AJ tucked the ball into the bottom left of the net. Boro 0-1 Everton.
Everton still has alot to do and they have done it in the 72nd minute. Faddie started a one-two with AJ and the former curled it nicely into the bottom left corner once again. Boro 0-2 Everton.
Once again, it's still not over until the final whistle. Everton needs to run down the clock. Baines now replaced Faddie.
Pienaar looked a little tired now. Moyes should take him off before he makes any mistakes. Vaughany is in for Yak.
Everton was still attacking in the 92nd minute. That's the spirit. Anichebe is on for Pienaar.
Final whistle blows and Everton win without three of their important players in the first XI. Boro looked beat without a prolific goalscorer, but still looked like a difficult team to beat.
Well, Arteta will not be around for two more matches and Everton just have to play above themselves to seal any future victories. No matter, it's still three points gained and my prediction of winning after losing the last macth, came true.
Score: Boro 0-2 Everton
Scorers: AJ, Faddie
Assists: Pienaar, AJ
MIDDLESBOROUGH vs EVERTON - Preview
It's been a win, then a lost, and afterwhich a win and a lost. If you're going by this sequence, Everton is suppose to win next. But we really do not know which Middlesborough will turn up. Also, Arteta will be out for the next three matches because of his red card.
Thank goodness the next two other matches are not against the big teams and the Toffees should be able to cope with its current depth of players. Yak is going back to his old club and this should be incentive enough for him to demolish them for not treasuring him as a player.
Everton should be bitterly upset that they did not get anything from the Arsenal game. So with much bubbly and good cheer, let's get our New Year on the road and give them a thrashing that they'll never forget.
Predictor: Boro 1-4 Everton
Thank goodness the next two other matches are not against the big teams and the Toffees should be able to cope with its current depth of players. Yak is going back to his old club and this should be incentive enough for him to demolish them for not treasuring him as a player.
Everton should be bitterly upset that they did not get anything from the Arsenal game. So with much bubbly and good cheer, let's get our New Year on the road and give them a thrashing that they'll never forget.
Predictor: Boro 1-4 Everton
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