Everton had to share a point with Norwich and the Canaries really challenged Everton for every ball.
It's great to see a former S-League player - Grant Holt demonstrating his skills in the Premier League. For Everton, Magaye was brought into the team to scour the right channel. Felli and Heitinga were rested for this game while Ossie sits out due to injury. Neville and Jag were brought in to complete the team.
The first 20 minutes saw an equal tempo from both sides but things started to change with Everton's very measured strike. A deep thrust through the centre by Jag, of all persons. He cuts back the ball and Jelavic made a decisive tap into goal. All this out of nothing! Norwich 0-1 Everton. Assist: Jag.
Suddenly, there was spring in Everton's step. Hibbo even nearly scored his first goal of the season. His cross cum shot shook the cross bar! Timmy with a weak follow-up when the goal was totally gapping. Saved by the goalkeeper.
The lead did not last too long as Norwich scored a goal in the 39th minute. Norwich 1-1 Everton.
Bainesy is currently on a yellow and he really has to be careful as he had made a few mis-timed tackles which I'm quite sure that one more wrong tackle, he'd be sent off.
Moyes had to ring in the change and at half time, he brought in Coleman for Magaye as the latter could not adapt to the life on the right. Shortly after, Felli came in for Neville. Everton has shown no stability in midfield and that needs to change.
A good striker makes a big difference and that is what Jelavic offers to the team. After a tackle on Pienaar, the referee chose not to blow for a foul. Everyone just stopped playing except for Pienaar who got back up, picked up the ball from Bainesy who slipped the ball into the penalty area. Jelavic was on hand to tap the ball in once again. Red hot form for Everton's new striker! Norwich 1-2 Everton. Assist: Pienaar.
But Norwich was there to punish Everton's defence once again. A goal that brought Everton back down to earth once again. Norwch 2-2 Everton.
Moyes took a last throw of his dice. Anichebe in for Cahill. I've to sat that Norwich played well and the one point is well deserving for both team. Everton looked tired though and really need to freshen up the team.
Score: Norwich 2-2 Everton
Scorer: Jelavic (2)
Assists: Jag, Pienaar
Subs: Coleman, Felli, Anichebe
Saturday, April 07, 2012
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Everton: Marching On!
Everton continues to climb the table.
Moyes made three changes - Distin, Magaye and Neville were rested while Jag, Hibbo and Pienaar joined the fray.
Everton nearly took advantage of a sloppy WBA's defence line as early as the first minute. Ossie tried to steer the ball into the net as Bainesy, always so reliable with his crosses, curled the ball in so sweetly.
Gibson has a chance from range in the 5th minute. Just screamed beyond the horizontal. Everton is on the up. Hibbo, of all person, outran his marker on the right wing who then puts in a dangerous cross. Nothing came out of it.
After a full 15 minutes of domination, Everton took the lead through a deflection. Ossie picked up the ball after a lovely one-two with Jelavics. The indutrious midfielder looked up and struck a clean ball towards goal. The ball took a massive deflection and the goalkeeper was totally wrong-footed. Everton 1-0 WBA.
WBA nearly drew even only for Howard to make a good stop. On the other end of the field, Felli chested the ball down and hit it towards goal. Palmed away by the opposing goalkeeper. What a golden opportunity.
Bainesy has put in a lovely shift so far, clearing a dangerous ball from a diving WBA striker.
So far for the first half, Everton has 57% of the possession. WBA has not posed much of a danger, and it'll be great if Everton can keep them silent for another half.
Moyes made his first substitute at half time. Magaye in for Ossie. His first few touches saw him holding the ball for a tad bit long and thus losing it.
Anichebe replaced Cahill in the 62nd minute and soon after, we are two goals up. A lovely pass by Pienaar saw Anichebe totally open. He pushed the ball to the right and then struck an unstoppable shot into the top right corner of the goal. Good strike! Everton 2-0 WBA. Pienaar's assist.
Brilliant footbal. Jelavic picked the ball up near the halfway line, ran at the defence before backheeling to the incoming Pienaar who was by now, one-on-one with the goalkeeper. He took a shot but it was well covered by the goalkeeper. Wasted opportunity.
Everton did not play well. But time time round, WBA was horrendous! Good three points.
Score: Everton 2-0 WBA
Scorer: OG, Anichebe
Assist: Jelavic
Subs: Magaye, Anichebe
Moyes made three changes - Distin, Magaye and Neville were rested while Jag, Hibbo and Pienaar joined the fray.
Everton nearly took advantage of a sloppy WBA's defence line as early as the first minute. Ossie tried to steer the ball into the net as Bainesy, always so reliable with his crosses, curled the ball in so sweetly.
Gibson has a chance from range in the 5th minute. Just screamed beyond the horizontal. Everton is on the up. Hibbo, of all person, outran his marker on the right wing who then puts in a dangerous cross. Nothing came out of it.
After a full 15 minutes of domination, Everton took the lead through a deflection. Ossie picked up the ball after a lovely one-two with Jelavics. The indutrious midfielder looked up and struck a clean ball towards goal. The ball took a massive deflection and the goalkeeper was totally wrong-footed. Everton 1-0 WBA.
WBA nearly drew even only for Howard to make a good stop. On the other end of the field, Felli chested the ball down and hit it towards goal. Palmed away by the opposing goalkeeper. What a golden opportunity.
Bainesy has put in a lovely shift so far, clearing a dangerous ball from a diving WBA striker.
So far for the first half, Everton has 57% of the possession. WBA has not posed much of a danger, and it'll be great if Everton can keep them silent for another half.
Moyes made his first substitute at half time. Magaye in for Ossie. His first few touches saw him holding the ball for a tad bit long and thus losing it.
Anichebe replaced Cahill in the 62nd minute and soon after, we are two goals up. A lovely pass by Pienaar saw Anichebe totally open. He pushed the ball to the right and then struck an unstoppable shot into the top right corner of the goal. Good strike! Everton 2-0 WBA. Pienaar's assist.
Brilliant footbal. Jelavic picked the ball up near the halfway line, ran at the defence before backheeling to the incoming Pienaar who was by now, one-on-one with the goalkeeper. He took a shot but it was well covered by the goalkeeper. Wasted opportunity.
Everton did not play well. But time time round, WBA was horrendous! Good three points.
Score: Everton 2-0 WBA
Scorer: OG, Anichebe
Assist: Jelavic
Subs: Magaye, Anichebe
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
FA Cup - Everton: Wembley Here We Come!
It's nothing but Wembley for Everton who convincingly dispatched Sunderland and now are just one step away from the FA Cup Finals!
Everton are without their first choice wingers of Drenthe and cup-tied Pienaar and on paper, it looked a little worrisome. Heitinga and Distin continued their beautiful partnership while Gibson plays his second successive game after a torrid injury layoff.
Everton showed their early intent as they drew an early corner in the 3rd minute. The pace of the game was tremendous and Everton was attacking from all angles. Ossie picked up the ball on the right before crossing it. Jelavic was at the end of the ball, but it went just a tad bit high. Goal kick.
It's good to see Everton pressing the game so early in the game. Magaye is also showing maturity in his play on the left channel. He puts in a chip for Bainesy to pick up but it came to nothing. Cahill was also on song. His header led to a corner where he nearly converted it, only for Sunderland to clear it. Magaye went for the rebound but failed to make it count. In a quick succession, Jelavic and after that, Cahill made the goalkeeper worked really hard. Both well saved by the goalkeeper.
The next try Everton went for the jagular. This time, a combination of a through ball bu Felli and sweet low cross by Magaye, saw the ball ended in the net which was tapped home by Jelavic! Goal! The striker is in piping hot form! Sunderland 0-1 Everton. Assist: Magaye.
Everton was really working the channels with Magaye and Ossie and that is really pushing Sunderland against the wall. It was not all one-way street as Sunderland had their chances as well and they did press well.
Still, Jelavic was picking on scraps all day and he had one lucky break close to the end of the first half. Though the Sunderland players were very quick to close him down. Impressive play all round by Everton.
Everton started where they have ended in the first half, impressive. The Toffees were really up to the game. Gibson is also playing his part. A quiet player that goes on with him game and you'd barely notice him. But his running and smart closing of space were impressively done.
Sunderland then replaced a poor performing defender with an own-goal scoring defender. Martin O'Neill must surely curse himself to sleep tonight!
Felli picked up the drive and drove himself at the defence. He then cuts a lovely through ball t Jelavic who strikes it towards goal. It looked to be going out but only for the Sunderland substitute to mis-direct the ball into goal! What an assist! What a goal! Sunderland 0-2 Everton.
Still, both sets of fans within the stadium were electrifying!
Everton was hungry for a third. A horrendous back pass saw the ball arriving at Cahill's feet. The Australian chugged down the right channel before cutting the ball back for Jelavic. The striker was in the mood as he bamboozled the last defender before curling the ball towards goal. Missed!
Everton kept up the pressure and really put a stranglehold throughout the entire pitch.
Moyes looked to shore up his defence by bringing in Jag for Magaye in the 80th minute before replacing Jelavic and Timmy with Strac and Hibbo in quick succession.
Everton never looked like losing tonight and Sunderland does not look like they can score tonight. And so, Everton marches on to Wembley! Never mind if it's just the semi-finals. Never mind if it's against Liverpool. We'd say bring it on!
Score: Sunderland 0-2 Everton
Scorers: Jelavic, own goal
Assist: Magaye
Subs: Jag, Strac, Hibbo
Everton are without their first choice wingers of Drenthe and cup-tied Pienaar and on paper, it looked a little worrisome. Heitinga and Distin continued their beautiful partnership while Gibson plays his second successive game after a torrid injury layoff.
Everton showed their early intent as they drew an early corner in the 3rd minute. The pace of the game was tremendous and Everton was attacking from all angles. Ossie picked up the ball on the right before crossing it. Jelavic was at the end of the ball, but it went just a tad bit high. Goal kick.
It's good to see Everton pressing the game so early in the game. Magaye is also showing maturity in his play on the left channel. He puts in a chip for Bainesy to pick up but it came to nothing. Cahill was also on song. His header led to a corner where he nearly converted it, only for Sunderland to clear it. Magaye went for the rebound but failed to make it count. In a quick succession, Jelavic and after that, Cahill made the goalkeeper worked really hard. Both well saved by the goalkeeper.
The next try Everton went for the jagular. This time, a combination of a through ball bu Felli and sweet low cross by Magaye, saw the ball ended in the net which was tapped home by Jelavic! Goal! The striker is in piping hot form! Sunderland 0-1 Everton. Assist: Magaye.
Everton was really working the channels with Magaye and Ossie and that is really pushing Sunderland against the wall. It was not all one-way street as Sunderland had their chances as well and they did press well.
Still, Jelavic was picking on scraps all day and he had one lucky break close to the end of the first half. Though the Sunderland players were very quick to close him down. Impressive play all round by Everton.
Everton started where they have ended in the first half, impressive. The Toffees were really up to the game. Gibson is also playing his part. A quiet player that goes on with him game and you'd barely notice him. But his running and smart closing of space were impressively done.
Sunderland then replaced a poor performing defender with an own-goal scoring defender. Martin O'Neill must surely curse himself to sleep tonight!
Felli picked up the drive and drove himself at the defence. He then cuts a lovely through ball t Jelavic who strikes it towards goal. It looked to be going out but only for the Sunderland substitute to mis-direct the ball into goal! What an assist! What a goal! Sunderland 0-2 Everton.
Still, both sets of fans within the stadium were electrifying!
Everton was hungry for a third. A horrendous back pass saw the ball arriving at Cahill's feet. The Australian chugged down the right channel before cutting the ball back for Jelavic. The striker was in the mood as he bamboozled the last defender before curling the ball towards goal. Missed!
Everton kept up the pressure and really put a stranglehold throughout the entire pitch.
Moyes looked to shore up his defence by bringing in Jag for Magaye in the 80th minute before replacing Jelavic and Timmy with Strac and Hibbo in quick succession.
Everton never looked like losing tonight and Sunderland does not look like they can score tonight. And so, Everton marches on to Wembley! Never mind if it's just the semi-finals. Never mind if it's against Liverpool. We'd say bring it on!
Score: Sunderland 0-2 Everton
Scorers: Jelavic, own goal
Assist: Magaye
Subs: Jag, Strac, Hibbo
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Everton: Win Against Swansea Primes Everton for Tuesday Victory
Everton is back to winning ways and all fans are looking forward to Tuesday's 2nd leg game against Sunderland! We can do it!
Everton's away game against Swansea might prove to be a tricky one with the Swans winning their last three matches. Moyes has an eye on the Cup game and has rested Drenthe, Felli and Heitinga. In comes Jag while Neville and Gibson were placed in the centre of midfield. Ossie and Pienaar were tasked to operate the flanks.
Even though Swansea was nly promoted to the Premier League this season, they showed that they can still mix it with the big boys. They have patiently been building up the momentum. Swansea has also been holding the ball well.
Everton's away game against Swansea might prove to be a tricky one with the Swans winning their last three matches. Moyes has an eye on the Cup game and has rested Drenthe, Felli and Heitinga. In comes Jag while Neville and Gibson were placed in the centre of midfield. Ossie and Pienaar were tasked to operate the flanks.
Even though Swansea was nly promoted to the Premier League this season, they showed that they can still mix it with the big boys. They have patiently been building up the momentum. Swansea has also been holding the ball well.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Everton: Linesman Took Centre Stage
Everton was robbed. The linesman ruled the goal offside when it was supposed to be a legitimate try.
It's good that Everton has the full bevy of players who are in contention for this game. Pienaar returned to the first XI after being cup-tied in the last game.
Everton looked to be in sixes and sevens and you just somewhat hope that with Arsenal scoring first, the Toffees will start to settle. Arsenal's passing has been slick and Everton looked to have been over-run by their opponent. So it was not unexpected that Arsenal scored first as early as the 6th minute. A lovely cross from the right and a purposeful glancing header saw the ball bulging the net. Everton 0-1 Arsenal.
Arsenal's workrate was just phenomenal!
Everton had a moment of genius. A block by Pienaar, tapped to Jelavic put pressure on the defence before cutting the ball to Felli. Seeing Drenthe running in on the right, Felli squared it and Drenthe went on to score. But the linesmen waved for off-side and the men in black denied the goal! Drenthe was on side!!!
Everton was coing back into the game but the referee and linesmen seemed to want to throttle their come-back.
Moyes must have given the players his version of the hair-dryer treatment as the players looked at least a tad bit more interested in this game. Very quickly, Bainesy puts in a cross and one of the tallest person on the field. Felli headed the ball towards goal. Saved by the goalkeeper.
Everton made two changes - Magaye and Anichebe in for Ossie and Drenthe nd shortlye after, Strac for Cahill.
Chances are fare and few between and Everton did nothing to show that they deserved any points from this match.
Score: Everton 0-1 Arsenal
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Subs: Magaye, Anichebe, Strac
It's good that Everton has the full bevy of players who are in contention for this game. Pienaar returned to the first XI after being cup-tied in the last game.
Everton looked to be in sixes and sevens and you just somewhat hope that with Arsenal scoring first, the Toffees will start to settle. Arsenal's passing has been slick and Everton looked to have been over-run by their opponent. So it was not unexpected that Arsenal scored first as early as the 6th minute. A lovely cross from the right and a purposeful glancing header saw the ball bulging the net. Everton 0-1 Arsenal.
Arsenal's workrate was just phenomenal!
Everton had a moment of genius. A block by Pienaar, tapped to Jelavic put pressure on the defence before cutting the ball to Felli. Seeing Drenthe running in on the right, Felli squared it and Drenthe went on to score. But the linesmen waved for off-side and the men in black denied the goal! Drenthe was on side!!!
Everton was coing back into the game but the referee and linesmen seemed to want to throttle their come-back.
Moyes must have given the players his version of the hair-dryer treatment as the players looked at least a tad bit more interested in this game. Very quickly, Bainesy puts in a cross and one of the tallest person on the field. Felli headed the ball towards goal. Saved by the goalkeeper.
Everton made two changes - Magaye and Anichebe in for Ossie and Drenthe nd shortlye after, Strac for Cahill.
Chances are fare and few between and Everton did nothing to show that they deserved any points from this match.
Score: Everton 0-1 Arsenal
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Subs: Magaye, Anichebe, Strac
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Everton: What A Wasted Chance
We head to the Stadium of Light for the FA Cup Quarter-Final replay. Sigh!
Moyes have saved the players for this game and Everton will just need to get this correct. Up front, the manager has kept to Jelavic with Cahill supporting behind. The midfield consists of Coleman, Ossie, Felli and Drenthe. Bainesy, Heitinga, Distin and Neville together with Howard complete the team.
First opportunity for Everton in the 2nd minute. A slip by a Sunderland defender opened up acres of space for Coleman to cross. Ossie met the ball but missed the target as the ball was vey much behind him.
Sunderland has been threatening and they came up with a goal in the 10th minute. A quick freekick caught Everton unawares and the final strike saw it flew past the entire defence and into the net. Everton 0-1 Sunderland.
We have barely used the wings and we need to make use of that quick. Everton won a freekick in the 19th minute but Heitinga fluffed it. In the 24th minute, Everton drew parity! Bainesy put in a lovely cross once again and Jelavic heads it towards goal, but Cahill had other idea. He headed the ball into the other end of the goal. That totally wrong-footed the goalkeeper! Game on! Everton 1-1 Sunderland. Cahill really loves scring against Sunderland.
The game play was really fast-paced. In the 34th minute, Cahill header nearly made a difference onluy for the goalkeeper managed to punch it away from the line. The follow-up by Distin was like a defender's clearance.
Drenthe had a great opportunity with his freekick in the 42nd minute, but the crossbar denied him. What a bummer! Ossie tried his luck at goal but was pretty much a weak shot.
Everton has not shown enough guile to say that they should win the game. Sunderland had good control of the game with their rough house tackles but Everton needs to pull themselves together to win this game.
The closest Everton got to the second goal. Coleman squeezed through two defenders in the 53rd minute only to put his shot into the side netting. Another chance gone bagging with Cahill trying to curl the ball into the net. Too easy for the goalkeeper.
Everton seemed to be camping in Sunderland's half but can't get the ball into the net. Jelavic headed the ball towards goal but seemed to have stopped by a Sunderland defender's hands! Penalty not given.
Moyes took the ineffective Coleman out in his place, Magaye. Drenthe moved to his preferred right channel. But the midfielder himself was taken off as he's walking on a tightrope with all his antics and tackles. Strac was brought in.
So close. Heitinga's header was going in. Diving save. Jelavic reacted quickest but saved by the goalkeeper once again.
Score: Everton 1-1 Sunderland
Scorer: Cahill
Assist: Jelavic
Subs: Magaye, Strac
Moyes have saved the players for this game and Everton will just need to get this correct. Up front, the manager has kept to Jelavic with Cahill supporting behind. The midfield consists of Coleman, Ossie, Felli and Drenthe. Bainesy, Heitinga, Distin and Neville together with Howard complete the team.
First opportunity for Everton in the 2nd minute. A slip by a Sunderland defender opened up acres of space for Coleman to cross. Ossie met the ball but missed the target as the ball was vey much behind him.
Sunderland has been threatening and they came up with a goal in the 10th minute. A quick freekick caught Everton unawares and the final strike saw it flew past the entire defence and into the net. Everton 0-1 Sunderland.
We have barely used the wings and we need to make use of that quick. Everton won a freekick in the 19th minute but Heitinga fluffed it. In the 24th minute, Everton drew parity! Bainesy put in a lovely cross once again and Jelavic heads it towards goal, but Cahill had other idea. He headed the ball into the other end of the goal. That totally wrong-footed the goalkeeper! Game on! Everton 1-1 Sunderland. Cahill really loves scring against Sunderland.
The game play was really fast-paced. In the 34th minute, Cahill header nearly made a difference onluy for the goalkeeper managed to punch it away from the line. The follow-up by Distin was like a defender's clearance.
Drenthe had a great opportunity with his freekick in the 42nd minute, but the crossbar denied him. What a bummer! Ossie tried his luck at goal but was pretty much a weak shot.
Everton has not shown enough guile to say that they should win the game. Sunderland had good control of the game with their rough house tackles but Everton needs to pull themselves together to win this game.
The closest Everton got to the second goal. Coleman squeezed through two defenders in the 53rd minute only to put his shot into the side netting. Another chance gone bagging with Cahill trying to curl the ball into the net. Too easy for the goalkeeper.
Everton seemed to be camping in Sunderland's half but can't get the ball into the net. Jelavic headed the ball towards goal but seemed to have stopped by a Sunderland defender's hands! Penalty not given.
Moyes took the ineffective Coleman out in his place, Magaye. Drenthe moved to his preferred right channel. But the midfielder himself was taken off as he's walking on a tightrope with all his antics and tackles. Strac was brought in.
So close. Heitinga's header was going in. Diving save. Jelavic reacted quickest but saved by the goalkeeper once again.
Score: Everton 1-1 Sunderland
Scorer: Cahill
Assist: Jelavic
Subs: Magaye, Strac
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Everton: Let's Move On!
So we lost. We are not chasing the top four position in the league. So it does not matter.
The news of the day is that Moyes has made six massive changes to the winning squad in view of the upcoming FA Cup game against Sunderland. Neville, Heitinga, Cahill, Ossie, Jelavic and Drenthe are all on the bench and in comes Jag, Hibbo, Pienaar, Coleman, Rodwell and Anichebe.
Everton is pegged back right from the start. Very quickly, we concede a free kick, but the end result was nothing for Liverpool to crow about. This looks like how it will be for most part of the match where Everton will soak and counter.
The first and best opportunity came from Liverpool's captain in the 6th minute. A very quick tap of the ball saw Gerrard from the defenders. Lovely piece of skills, with an equally good strike of the ball saw it heading towards goal. Only for Howard to push the ball away from goal. Have to say that Gerrard did well. But Howard did better.
Everton countered with a jinking run down the left by Bainesy that saw him leave his marker behind. The pacy defender then cuts the ball back for Pienaar who balloons the ball.
Howard was called to make a tremendous save again to stop Suarez. The shot stopper was forced to make another save in the 33rd minute but this time he could not hold on to the ball and a weak clearance by Distin saw the ball arrive at Gerrard's feet. His exquisite curler saw it go past the entire defence and into the net. Liverpool 0-1 Everton.
Everton tried to hit back through Bainesy marauding run down the left. His cross was met by Strac who headed the ball towards goal. Saved by Reina.
The first half goes to Liverpool and I see no different in the 2nd half. Everton has to go for the jugular. Everton tried as they may but Gerrard strike bulge the net in the 50th minute. Liverpool 0-2 Everton.
Moyes had to be moved into action using all three substitutes - Jelavic, Drenthe and Ossie in for Strac, Anichebe and Coleman.
Rodwell has the chance to reduce the deficit but somehow managed to blast it over the bar.
The game is well lost, and Liverpool has the bragging rights. But to Everton, what's more important is the FA Cup game that's coming up.
A slip by Drenthe allows Liverpool to break and for Gerrard to score his hat-trick. Liverpool 3-0 Everton.
Score: Liverpool 3-0 Everton
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Subs: Jelavic, Drenthe and Ossie
The news of the day is that Moyes has made six massive changes to the winning squad in view of the upcoming FA Cup game against Sunderland. Neville, Heitinga, Cahill, Ossie, Jelavic and Drenthe are all on the bench and in comes Jag, Hibbo, Pienaar, Coleman, Rodwell and Anichebe.
Everton is pegged back right from the start. Very quickly, we concede a free kick, but the end result was nothing for Liverpool to crow about. This looks like how it will be for most part of the match where Everton will soak and counter.
The first and best opportunity came from Liverpool's captain in the 6th minute. A very quick tap of the ball saw Gerrard from the defenders. Lovely piece of skills, with an equally good strike of the ball saw it heading towards goal. Only for Howard to push the ball away from goal. Have to say that Gerrard did well. But Howard did better.
Everton countered with a jinking run down the left by Bainesy that saw him leave his marker behind. The pacy defender then cuts the ball back for Pienaar who balloons the ball.
Howard was called to make a tremendous save again to stop Suarez. The shot stopper was forced to make another save in the 33rd minute but this time he could not hold on to the ball and a weak clearance by Distin saw the ball arrive at Gerrard's feet. His exquisite curler saw it go past the entire defence and into the net. Liverpool 0-1 Everton.
Everton tried to hit back through Bainesy marauding run down the left. His cross was met by Strac who headed the ball towards goal. Saved by Reina.
The first half goes to Liverpool and I see no different in the 2nd half. Everton has to go for the jugular. Everton tried as they may but Gerrard strike bulge the net in the 50th minute. Liverpool 0-2 Everton.
Moyes had to be moved into action using all three substitutes - Jelavic, Drenthe and Ossie in for Strac, Anichebe and Coleman.
Rodwell has the chance to reduce the deficit but somehow managed to blast it over the bar.
The game is well lost, and Liverpool has the bragging rights. But to Everton, what's more important is the FA Cup game that's coming up.
A slip by Drenthe allows Liverpool to break and for Gerrard to score his hat-trick. Liverpool 3-0 Everton.
Score: Liverpool 3-0 Everton
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Subs: Jelavic, Drenthe and Ossie
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Everton: Wonderful 3 Points!
What a wonderful win, even though it's only by a goal!
This is a game of many ifs. If Jelavic does well, Strac and Anichebe's place will be threatened as Moyes only plays with one striker. If any of the central defenders were to falter, Jag is ready to take his place. If Everton can't get themselves into Europe, Moyes might just pack his bag and leave.
For 15 minutes, everything seem to be on par for both teams. Everton is biting at their opponents and closing them down with much tenacity. Coleman don't seem to be very comfortable on the left flank. At present, Moyes strategy was to play Drenthe in his preferred right wing role.
Everton made their intent known in the 20th minute when Felli on target shot was deflected away by the Tottenham goalkeeper's out-stretched leg.
Goodison erupts and what a wonderful goal. A nice sliding pass by Bainesy. Picked up by Ossie who ran at the defenders. No one picked him up and he was allowed to put in a lovely low cross. Jelavic was there to direct the ball into the net. Wonderful poacher's goal! Everton 1-0 Tottenham.
Everton's pressure on Tottenham was coming in with quick succession. In the 24th minute, a thunderous shot by Drenthe saved by Tottenham's goalkeeper.
Jelavic showed that he has fire in his belly. He pleaded for the opportunity to take the free kick and his shot blitzed the palm of the Tottenham goalkeeper.
Everton players seemed to be possessed. All ready to run, tackle and take pot-shots at the goal. Felli was also on top of his game. His tackle in the first 10 minutes of the game really showed Tottenham what they should expect for the next 80 mins!
The second half is not going as well for Everton as Tottenham have consolidated their strength and very quickly puts in a meaningful attack right from the start. Everton were just soaking in the pressure. Drenthe has put in his share of hard work. He's being replace by Rodwell in the 65th minute.
Everton had a great chance in the 70th minute where Coleman made a lovely sliding pass to Ossie who shot on target. Palmed away by the Tottenham goalkeeper.
Jelavic was replaced by Strac in the 78th minute. He will run all day. Final change of the day, Coleman is replaced by Jag in the 81st minute.
The last 10 minute was nerve-wrecking. Tottenham continued to attack wave after wave and near the end, Saha's strike should have cost Everton their 3 points, but the ball chose to strike the post!
A wonderful three points for Everton.
Score: Everton 1-0 Tottenham
Scorer: Jelavic
Assist: Ossie
Subs: Rodwell, Strac, Jag
This is a game of many ifs. If Jelavic does well, Strac and Anichebe's place will be threatened as Moyes only plays with one striker. If any of the central defenders were to falter, Jag is ready to take his place. If Everton can't get themselves into Europe, Moyes might just pack his bag and leave.
For 15 minutes, everything seem to be on par for both teams. Everton is biting at their opponents and closing them down with much tenacity. Coleman don't seem to be very comfortable on the left flank. At present, Moyes strategy was to play Drenthe in his preferred right wing role.
Everton made their intent known in the 20th minute when Felli on target shot was deflected away by the Tottenham goalkeeper's out-stretched leg.
Goodison erupts and what a wonderful goal. A nice sliding pass by Bainesy. Picked up by Ossie who ran at the defenders. No one picked him up and he was allowed to put in a lovely low cross. Jelavic was there to direct the ball into the net. Wonderful poacher's goal! Everton 1-0 Tottenham.
Everton's pressure on Tottenham was coming in with quick succession. In the 24th minute, a thunderous shot by Drenthe saved by Tottenham's goalkeeper.
Jelavic showed that he has fire in his belly. He pleaded for the opportunity to take the free kick and his shot blitzed the palm of the Tottenham goalkeeper.
Everton players seemed to be possessed. All ready to run, tackle and take pot-shots at the goal. Felli was also on top of his game. His tackle in the first 10 minutes of the game really showed Tottenham what they should expect for the next 80 mins!
The second half is not going as well for Everton as Tottenham have consolidated their strength and very quickly puts in a meaningful attack right from the start. Everton were just soaking in the pressure. Drenthe has put in his share of hard work. He's being replace by Rodwell in the 65th minute.
Everton had a great chance in the 70th minute where Coleman made a lovely sliding pass to Ossie who shot on target. Palmed away by the Tottenham goalkeeper.
Jelavic was replaced by Strac in the 78th minute. He will run all day. Final change of the day, Coleman is replaced by Jag in the 81st minute.
The last 10 minute was nerve-wrecking. Tottenham continued to attack wave after wave and near the end, Saha's strike should have cost Everton their 3 points, but the ball chose to strike the post!
A wonderful three points for Everton.
Score: Everton 1-0 Tottenham
Scorer: Jelavic
Assist: Ossie
Subs: Rodwell, Strac, Jag
Sunday, February 19, 2012
FA Cup: Everton Marches into the Next Round
Everton puts in a totally wonderful 1st half to earn themselves a place in the final eight.
This was supposed to be the final match for the talismanic Donovan but the sniffles prevented him from playing in this game. It was great to see Wayne Rooney and Duncan Ferguson in the stand. Even Cahill was there with his entire family. Looked like a wonderful reunion of sorts.
As for the team line-up, Hibbo was brought back into the team together with a new-look midfield of Magaye, Neville, Felli, Gibson and Drenthe. Strac continues to lead from the front.
Everton came off the blocks first. With a sweeping move, Magaye took the ball to the left byline before putting in a lovely cross. Felli was first to the ball in the penalty area but was quickly surrounded by players. He then made a pass out to Drenthe who curled the ball into the net. Everton 1-0 Blackpool. Assist: Felli.
That totally unsettled Blackpool who then went on to concede another goal in the 7th minute. A corner taken by Drenthe saw a reverse header by Magaye. The ball placed the Blackpool defence in sixes and sevens. Strac was quickest to the ball to toe-poke it into the net. Everton 2-0 Blackpool.
Howard came into action very effectively in the 18th minute when Neville failed to track the Blackpool striker and the latter had the opportunity to go one-on-one with Howard. The Everton custodian dived bravely to ensure that the ball went anywhere but into the goal.
Strac is putting in his 110% effort as he ran after everything that moved. On the wings, Drenthe needs to remember to keep his play simple. His passes are too over elaborate and he's not picking out his colleagues when they are open.
Still, Drenthe created space for himself and created space for himself. He cuts it back for Felli whose strike was deflected off a Blackpool player. Corner. The ball was throttled into the danger area once again and Strac tried a looping header but just over the top.
Everton totally dominated the 1st half.
In the 50th minute, the hard running of Strac saw him breaching the offside trap. He brought the ball down through the left channel and placed in a lovely chip. Felli and Gibson both got tangled in the penalty area and the chance was lost.
Moyes made an early change in the 56th minute. Coleman in for Magaye. This means more threat on the wings as Drenthe moved back to his preferred left wing while Coleman takes the right.
Immediately, Drenthe was dominating the left channel and his thunder of a strike was palmed away by Blackpool's goalkeeper.
A good set-up by Everton in the 80th minute. Hibbo with a cross, Strac with a back flick, Felli was at the end of the ball. He smashes in the ball only for it to be cleared off the line.
Moyes made his second and third changes in the 83rd and 87th minute minute respectively. Barkley and Vellios in for Gibson and Strac.
Somehow in the 90th minute, Heitinga was adjudged to have fouled a Blackpool player in the penalty area. Penalty. But the Blackpool striker totally skied the ball! What a let-off!
Score: Everton 2-0 Blackpool
Scorers: Drenthe, Strac
Assists: Felli
Subs: Coleman, Barkley, Vellios
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Everton: Total Destruction of Chelsea
Everton 'killed' Chelsea with their strong team play and full commitment. So seldom that you see Everton score two goals, what's more against a supposed strong Chelsea.
Everton takes on Chelsea at Goodison where Pienaar and Donovan occupy the left and right wings. Heitinga and Distin countinued their defensive partnership. Strac keeps his place in the starting XI for his industrous play in the last two games.
The game had barely settled down when Everton took an early lead. Cahill tried to float in a cross but the ball took a big deflection and Pienaar was the first to anticipate the flight of the ball. He controlled using his chest before thumping it into the goal! Everton 1-0 Chelsea. Pienaar truly made a triumphant return with that sweet, sweet strike. Pienaar's fluidity on the field truly looked like he has never ever left the club.
A big mistake in the 17th minute by the Chelsea goalkeeper saw him passing the ball to Donovan who took his chance from distance. Saved by the Chelsea's goalkeeper.
Everton had another chance in the 33rd minute. Instinctive one-two between Pienaar and Bainesy saw the latter with a good chance. He chose to pass to Cahill who was caught offside. The Toffees chased every ball and made life totally difficult for Chelsea.
Everton continued their tough tackling and full pressure. Chelsea was totally frustrated that ther supposed most expensive goal scorer recklessly hacked at Pienaar from the back.
Neville has been shaky throughout the match but his 71st minute hard tackle on Cole sets up everything. Donovan picked up the ball and he fed it to Strac who took two touches of the ball before smashing it beyond the out-stretched hands of the Chelsea goalkeeper. Everton 2-0 Chelsea. Assist: Donovan.
Neville should score like 9 on the rating for taking out Cole too. With the lead, Moyes brings in Drenthe for Pienaar in the 76th minute to continue their torment on Chelsea.
Howard made an important save in the 80th minute as he stopped the ball from getting in. Not today, at least! Everton is running Chelsea down with their wonderful team effort. Moyes brings on Hibbo in place of Gibson in the 88th minute.
Final substitution in the 92nd minute, Duffy comes in for Strac. Total standing ovation!
Everton wins!
Score: Everton 2-0 Chelsea
Scorers: Pienaar, Strac
Assist: Donovan
Subs: Drenthe, Hibbo
Everton takes on Chelsea at Goodison where Pienaar and Donovan occupy the left and right wings. Heitinga and Distin countinued their defensive partnership. Strac keeps his place in the starting XI for his industrous play in the last two games.
The game had barely settled down when Everton took an early lead. Cahill tried to float in a cross but the ball took a big deflection and Pienaar was the first to anticipate the flight of the ball. He controlled using his chest before thumping it into the goal! Everton 1-0 Chelsea. Pienaar truly made a triumphant return with that sweet, sweet strike. Pienaar's fluidity on the field truly looked like he has never ever left the club.
A big mistake in the 17th minute by the Chelsea goalkeeper saw him passing the ball to Donovan who took his chance from distance. Saved by the Chelsea's goalkeeper.
Everton had another chance in the 33rd minute. Instinctive one-two between Pienaar and Bainesy saw the latter with a good chance. He chose to pass to Cahill who was caught offside. The Toffees chased every ball and made life totally difficult for Chelsea.
Everton continued their tough tackling and full pressure. Chelsea was totally frustrated that ther supposed most expensive goal scorer recklessly hacked at Pienaar from the back.
Neville has been shaky throughout the match but his 71st minute hard tackle on Cole sets up everything. Donovan picked up the ball and he fed it to Strac who took two touches of the ball before smashing it beyond the out-stretched hands of the Chelsea goalkeeper. Everton 2-0 Chelsea. Assist: Donovan.
Neville should score like 9 on the rating for taking out Cole too. With the lead, Moyes brings in Drenthe for Pienaar in the 76th minute to continue their torment on Chelsea.
Howard made an important save in the 80th minute as he stopped the ball from getting in. Not today, at least! Everton is running Chelsea down with their wonderful team effort. Moyes brings on Hibbo in place of Gibson in the 88th minute.
Final substitution in the 92nd minute, Duffy comes in for Strac. Total standing ovation!
Everton wins!
Score: Everton 2-0 Chelsea
Scorers: Pienaar, Strac
Assist: Donovan
Subs: Drenthe, Hibbo
Sunday, February 05, 2012
Everton: Anichebe Earns The Toffee A Point
One point earned by a very negative play by Moyes and sub Anichebe had to come on to save Everton.
This is the first game that Everton is playing after bringing in striker Jelavic and midfielder Pienaar. The club and fans all seem to have that extra spring in their step now. Pienaar goes straight into the first XI while Disitin is brought back into the centre half. Neville drops to the bench while Hibbo gets a start for a very impressive game against Man City.
Wigan has been playing with fire in their bellies. Still, whenever Everton goes on the counter, they looked dangerous.
Strac, as the newpapers suggested, may not be the most complete striker. Still, he's willing to run his heart's out. Within 15 minutes, Strac already had two chances on target. Wigan had their first chance in the 18th minute. Howard made a brilliant low dive to divert the ball away from danger.
The game then became as sloppy as the weather. Wigan looked to have played a better 1st half with frequent raids down Hibbo's channel.
Everton had a great chance when Wigan was caught dilly-dallying on the ball. In the 39th minute, Bainesy stole the ball in defence and came through the entire defence. He cuts back the ball into the running path of Gibson. Those hoping for another thunderbolt was utterly dissappointed. Gibson ball was sliced totally off target.
Looking at the first half, Everton don't deserve a draw, let's not even talk about a win. Moyes will need to see how to unlock Wigan and possibly, Drenthe might hold the key.
Moyes makes his first change right at the start of the second half. Neville in for Cahill.
Strac created a chance from the right channel in the 50th minute. A low cross to Felli, but a heavy touch saw him lose that chance. Moyes makes his second change in the 59th minute - Jelavic for Strac.
Everton conceded a weird goal. A terrible deflection by Neville saw the ball spun towards Howard but somehow the ground corraborated with the ball to con Howard as it took a funny trajectory path. Wigan 0-1 Everton.
Anichebe is brought in for Hibbo in the 80th minute and within a minute, he scored! A cross by Bainesy saw Anichebe heading it into the net. Lovely goal! Wigan 1-1 Everton.
Not one of the best game by Everton's standards.
Score: Wigan 1-1 Everton
Scorer: Anichebe
Assist: Bainesy
Subs: Neville, Jelavic, Anichebe
This is the first game that Everton is playing after bringing in striker Jelavic and midfielder Pienaar. The club and fans all seem to have that extra spring in their step now. Pienaar goes straight into the first XI while Disitin is brought back into the centre half. Neville drops to the bench while Hibbo gets a start for a very impressive game against Man City.
Wigan has been playing with fire in their bellies. Still, whenever Everton goes on the counter, they looked dangerous.
Strac, as the newpapers suggested, may not be the most complete striker. Still, he's willing to run his heart's out. Within 15 minutes, Strac already had two chances on target. Wigan had their first chance in the 18th minute. Howard made a brilliant low dive to divert the ball away from danger.
The game then became as sloppy as the weather. Wigan looked to have played a better 1st half with frequent raids down Hibbo's channel.
Everton had a great chance when Wigan was caught dilly-dallying on the ball. In the 39th minute, Bainesy stole the ball in defence and came through the entire defence. He cuts back the ball into the running path of Gibson. Those hoping for another thunderbolt was utterly dissappointed. Gibson ball was sliced totally off target.
Looking at the first half, Everton don't deserve a draw, let's not even talk about a win. Moyes will need to see how to unlock Wigan and possibly, Drenthe might hold the key.
Moyes makes his first change right at the start of the second half. Neville in for Cahill.
Strac created a chance from the right channel in the 50th minute. A low cross to Felli, but a heavy touch saw him lose that chance. Moyes makes his second change in the 59th minute - Jelavic for Strac.
Everton conceded a weird goal. A terrible deflection by Neville saw the ball spun towards Howard but somehow the ground corraborated with the ball to con Howard as it took a funny trajectory path. Wigan 0-1 Everton.
Anichebe is brought in for Hibbo in the 80th minute and within a minute, he scored! A cross by Bainesy saw Anichebe heading it into the net. Lovely goal! Wigan 1-1 Everton.
Not one of the best game by Everton's standards.
Score: Wigan 1-1 Everton
Scorer: Anichebe
Assist: Bainesy
Subs: Neville, Jelavic, Anichebe
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Everton: Best 3 Points of The Season!
Everton played above themselves to score a wonderful win against Man City!
Crazy time for Everton as it's the last couple of hours before the close of the transfer window. Priorities are still with the game against Manchester City. Moyes brings in Hibbo, Strac and Drenthe into the first XI lineup. The young and energetic Duffy made it to the bench as Hibbo, without real height but lots of guile, was brought in to cover the centre-back position.
Everton knows that they are playing a top side as the tempo's of the game was played at break-neck speed.
Still as early as the 3rd minute, Everton threatened with a Strac header only for ex-Everton player Lescott to clear off the line. Man City had also started to pepper Everton's goal with delicious crosses. Howard has to be on top of his game, catching every high ball that comes his way.
After 25 minutes, the game is still end-to-end with Man City settling down in the game and making exquisite passes and creating space through smart overlaps.
Still, the Toffees are willing to chase every ball to make it hard for Man City. Strac, Cahill, and even Donovan were defending from the front, closing their men, and making sure Man City had a difficult time. The defence is throwing themselves in front of every opportunity that opportunity that Man City could muster against us.
Howard was a tower of strength. And when the defence was breached, the crossbar was there to save Everton.
The game was then marred by a crazy fam who handcuffed himself to the goal-post. Play was stopped for 5 minutes. He's truly making a fool of himself.
Everton goes into the 1st half with a 0-0 scoreline. Resolute defending, good attack play. Everton then took the opportunity to unveil Everton's new striker Jelovic.
The Toffees cotinued with the lively play and do not look like second fiddle to Man City. Donovan may not have the best of games but he's still a willing runner.
In the 60th minute, Felli started the ball rolling by stopping the ball at the half way line, taking the man with it. Fair challenge. Drenthe picked up the ball and a quick shimmer, ran pass the entire defence. He then passed it out left to Bainesy who puts in a lovely cross into the penalty area. Donovan was there to lay the ball off for Gibson, who for the last 60 minutes, was pretty anonymous. Gibson took a quick look and he smashed the ball beyond the entire Man City's defence. Great, set-up, great goal. Everton 1-0 Man City.
Strac is really ready for the game. In the 70th minute, Strac ran at the defence and he created a bit of space for himself to make a cross from the left channel. Gibson, filled with confidence after his first ever goal for Everton, took a pot shot. Just slightly off target.
Neville was lucky that a penalty was not given against him for a handball in the penalty area. In quick succession, Drenthe was lucky that he was not sent off for a high tackle. The latter receiving a yellow card. Very quickly in the 77th minute, Moyes removed Drenthe and brought in Baxter just in case he does more damage to himself and the team.
Strac is being replaced by Vellios with much applause from the fans for his very high work rate!
A brilliant scoreline and a wondeful 3 points for Everton!!!
Score: Everton
Scorer: Gibson
Assist: Donovan
Subs: Baxter, Vellios
Crazy time for Everton as it's the last couple of hours before the close of the transfer window. Priorities are still with the game against Manchester City. Moyes brings in Hibbo, Strac and Drenthe into the first XI lineup. The young and energetic Duffy made it to the bench as Hibbo, without real height but lots of guile, was brought in to cover the centre-back position.
Everton knows that they are playing a top side as the tempo's of the game was played at break-neck speed.
Still as early as the 3rd minute, Everton threatened with a Strac header only for ex-Everton player Lescott to clear off the line. Man City had also started to pepper Everton's goal with delicious crosses. Howard has to be on top of his game, catching every high ball that comes his way.
After 25 minutes, the game is still end-to-end with Man City settling down in the game and making exquisite passes and creating space through smart overlaps.
Still, the Toffees are willing to chase every ball to make it hard for Man City. Strac, Cahill, and even Donovan were defending from the front, closing their men, and making sure Man City had a difficult time. The defence is throwing themselves in front of every opportunity that opportunity that Man City could muster against us.
Howard was a tower of strength. And when the defence was breached, the crossbar was there to save Everton.
The game was then marred by a crazy fam who handcuffed himself to the goal-post. Play was stopped for 5 minutes. He's truly making a fool of himself.
Everton goes into the 1st half with a 0-0 scoreline. Resolute defending, good attack play. Everton then took the opportunity to unveil Everton's new striker Jelovic.
The Toffees cotinued with the lively play and do not look like second fiddle to Man City. Donovan may not have the best of games but he's still a willing runner.
In the 60th minute, Felli started the ball rolling by stopping the ball at the half way line, taking the man with it. Fair challenge. Drenthe picked up the ball and a quick shimmer, ran pass the entire defence. He then passed it out left to Bainesy who puts in a lovely cross into the penalty area. Donovan was there to lay the ball off for Gibson, who for the last 60 minutes, was pretty anonymous. Gibson took a quick look and he smashed the ball beyond the entire Man City's defence. Great, set-up, great goal. Everton 1-0 Man City.
Strac is really ready for the game. In the 70th minute, Strac ran at the defence and he created a bit of space for himself to make a cross from the left channel. Gibson, filled with confidence after his first ever goal for Everton, took a pot shot. Just slightly off target.
Neville was lucky that a penalty was not given against him for a handball in the penalty area. In quick succession, Drenthe was lucky that he was not sent off for a high tackle. The latter receiving a yellow card. Very quickly in the 77th minute, Moyes removed Drenthe and brought in Baxter just in case he does more damage to himself and the team.
Strac is being replaced by Vellios with much applause from the fans for his very high work rate!
A brilliant scoreline and a wondeful 3 points for Everton!!!
Score: Everton
Scorer: Gibson
Assist: Donovan
Subs: Baxter, Vellios
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Everton: Sucker-Punched and Two Points Lost!
Everton gave away two points after a good 1st half where Everton pulled ahead with a goal. Goalkeeper error by Howard brought the game to parity.
Everton starts with Duffy once again after their defence line was decimated by injuries. New boy Gibson retains his place. Anichebe is given a start after his lovely goal in the previous match.
As early as the 2nd minute, Donovan incisive cross provided a lovely chance for Anichebe. But the striker mis-timed his kick, but Blackburn had the first clear chance on goal. Their player jinked into the penalty area and none of Everton's defenders dared to make a silly challenge. That gave the opponent the chance to run amok and only Howard stood tall to use his legs to block the shot. So close.
Duffy also had to run across the field to clear the ball. The defence looked rather shaky.
Donovan has been performing way above the standards of any Everton player. A cross by him in the 23rd minute saw Neville slamming the ball towards goal. Corner. Donovan cross arrived at Felli's chest and controlled it with his hands too. Predatory Cahill was there to slot the ball into goal. Finally he scored! Everton 1-0 Blackburn. Assist: Felli.
In the 33rd minute, Cahill made a reverse pass for Donovan who ran through on goal, onlt to smack it beyond the goal. Soon it was Blackburn's turn to try. Felli gave away the ball in the final third and the Blackburn player took the ball and smacked it against Everton vertical. Phew!
A really long throw by Howard sets Donovan off his mazy run. Stopped clumsily by a Blackburn defender. Free kick by Bainesy. Curled away too early.
Everton has been treated with rough-house play by Blackburn.
Half-time, Cahill finally scorces his goal after more than a year of drought. Still, the crowd needs more impetus by Everton to smile.
Moyes has seen enough from Saha. The striker is being replaced by Drenthe with Anichebe moving to the forward position and the winger is making all the right moves with his very direct play.
Messed up defence in the 71st minute! Howard missed the ball and Cahill was there to clear the line but it bounced off a Blackburn player and into the goal. Everton 1-1 Blackburn. Rubbish of a goal.
Second replacement by Moyes in the 80th minute - Vellios for Anichebe.
Duffy came so close to scoring from Bainesy's freekick - hit the woodwork. Final sub: Strac on for Gibson.
Lovely header by Felli in the 90th minute but palmed away. Another malee caused by a corner by cleared once again.
We just did not defend well enough and two points went a bagging.
Score: Everton 1-1 Blackburn
Scorer: Cahill
Assist: Felli
Subs: Drenthe, Strac, Vellios
Everton starts with Duffy once again after their defence line was decimated by injuries. New boy Gibson retains his place. Anichebe is given a start after his lovely goal in the previous match.
As early as the 2nd minute, Donovan incisive cross provided a lovely chance for Anichebe. But the striker mis-timed his kick, but Blackburn had the first clear chance on goal. Their player jinked into the penalty area and none of Everton's defenders dared to make a silly challenge. That gave the opponent the chance to run amok and only Howard stood tall to use his legs to block the shot. So close.
Duffy also had to run across the field to clear the ball. The defence looked rather shaky.
Donovan has been performing way above the standards of any Everton player. A cross by him in the 23rd minute saw Neville slamming the ball towards goal. Corner. Donovan cross arrived at Felli's chest and controlled it with his hands too. Predatory Cahill was there to slot the ball into goal. Finally he scored! Everton 1-0 Blackburn. Assist: Felli.
In the 33rd minute, Cahill made a reverse pass for Donovan who ran through on goal, onlt to smack it beyond the goal. Soon it was Blackburn's turn to try. Felli gave away the ball in the final third and the Blackburn player took the ball and smacked it against Everton vertical. Phew!
A really long throw by Howard sets Donovan off his mazy run. Stopped clumsily by a Blackburn defender. Free kick by Bainesy. Curled away too early.
Everton has been treated with rough-house play by Blackburn.
Half-time, Cahill finally scorces his goal after more than a year of drought. Still, the crowd needs more impetus by Everton to smile.
Moyes has seen enough from Saha. The striker is being replaced by Drenthe with Anichebe moving to the forward position and the winger is making all the right moves with his very direct play.
Messed up defence in the 71st minute! Howard missed the ball and Cahill was there to clear the line but it bounced off a Blackburn player and into the goal. Everton 1-1 Blackburn. Rubbish of a goal.
Second replacement by Moyes in the 80th minute - Vellios for Anichebe.
Duffy came so close to scoring from Bainesy's freekick - hit the woodwork. Final sub: Strac on for Gibson.
Lovely header by Felli in the 90th minute but palmed away. Another malee caused by a corner by cleared once again.
We just did not defend well enough and two points went a bagging.
Score: Everton 1-1 Blackburn
Scorer: Cahill
Assist: Felli
Subs: Drenthe, Strac, Vellios
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Everton - A Good Point Away From Home
Everton gets a point for all their huffing and puffing. A point away from home is definitely a good point.
Everton's squad is wafer thin as injuries blighted the club. Drenthe and Felli were brought back and new signing Darron Gibson is brought straight into the squad. Donovan also played his third game for the club. As for the formation, Moyes continued to play 4-5-1 with misfiring pair Saha and Cahill playing upfront.
As early as the 7th minute, Aston Villa took a stinging free kick that Howard had to palmed away. Close call.
Gibson was lively and he created the first clear chance for Everton. A nicely weighted floater saw Cahill running in blind towards the penalty area, only to hit the ball weakly. To be fair, it was not an easy ball to bring down. Everton had an even better chance in the 17th minute. A free kick by Bainesy saw Saha's skimming header palmed away by Villa's goalkeeper. That should have been 1-0 to Everton!
Saha had another chance when Saha was tugged down in the penalty area. But the striker did not even complain about it. You really have to wonder why.
In the 23rd minute, Villa nearly killed themselves when Villa's defender Stephen Warnock had wanted to help Everton score with a wonderful header, wonder save by the Villa goalkeeper again!
At the end of the 1st half, Everton only had one shot on target and yet we have more of the possession. This is the state of the Toffee's football.
In the 2nd half, Bainesy took a freekick in the 48th minute straight to the head of Felli . The ball was heading into goal, only to be saved by Villa's goalkeeper's chest? How was that possible?
In the 55th minute, Villa broke through Everton's defence to hook in the ball. Villa 0-1 Everton. This is totally saddening.
Suddenly Everton seemed to be in a disarray! The Toffees had to replace Drenthe in the 60th minute. Looks like he is injured. In comes Anichebe and what an introduction.
A sliced pass in the 67th minute by Donovan saw Anichebe lurking just onside. He latched onto the ball and placed it past the on rushing goalkeeper. Goal! Villa 1-1 Everton.
Gibson is taken off after 80 minutes of hard running and lack of match fitness saw him being replaced by Bily.
It all came alive again for Everton in the 85th minute when Donovan, Saha and Anichebe came marauding forward. Final shot by Anichebe palmed away by the oppposing goalkeeper.
Final substitution in the 88th minute - Strac in for Saha.
After 90 minutes, Everton came away with a point. Can't complain about the final score. At least we are climbing up the table.
Score: Villa 1-1 Everton
Scorer: Anichebe
Assist: Donovan
Subs: Anichebe, Bily, Strac
Everton's squad is wafer thin as injuries blighted the club. Drenthe and Felli were brought back and new signing Darron Gibson is brought straight into the squad. Donovan also played his third game for the club. As for the formation, Moyes continued to play 4-5-1 with misfiring pair Saha and Cahill playing upfront.
As early as the 7th minute, Aston Villa took a stinging free kick that Howard had to palmed away. Close call.
Gibson was lively and he created the first clear chance for Everton. A nicely weighted floater saw Cahill running in blind towards the penalty area, only to hit the ball weakly. To be fair, it was not an easy ball to bring down. Everton had an even better chance in the 17th minute. A free kick by Bainesy saw Saha's skimming header palmed away by Villa's goalkeeper. That should have been 1-0 to Everton!
Saha had another chance when Saha was tugged down in the penalty area. But the striker did not even complain about it. You really have to wonder why.
In the 23rd minute, Villa nearly killed themselves when Villa's defender Stephen Warnock had wanted to help Everton score with a wonderful header, wonder save by the Villa goalkeeper again!
At the end of the 1st half, Everton only had one shot on target and yet we have more of the possession. This is the state of the Toffee's football.
In the 2nd half, Bainesy took a freekick in the 48th minute straight to the head of Felli . The ball was heading into goal, only to be saved by Villa's goalkeeper's chest? How was that possible?
In the 55th minute, Villa broke through Everton's defence to hook in the ball. Villa 0-1 Everton. This is totally saddening.
Suddenly Everton seemed to be in a disarray! The Toffees had to replace Drenthe in the 60th minute. Looks like he is injured. In comes Anichebe and what an introduction.
A sliced pass in the 67th minute by Donovan saw Anichebe lurking just onside. He latched onto the ball and placed it past the on rushing goalkeeper. Goal! Villa 1-1 Everton.
Gibson is taken off after 80 minutes of hard running and lack of match fitness saw him being replaced by Bily.
It all came alive again for Everton in the 85th minute when Donovan, Saha and Anichebe came marauding forward. Final shot by Anichebe palmed away by the oppposing goalkeeper.
Final substitution in the 88th minute - Strac in for Saha.
After 90 minutes, Everton came away with a point. Can't complain about the final score. At least we are climbing up the table.
Score: Villa 1-1 Everton
Scorer: Anichebe
Assist: Donovan
Subs: Anichebe, Bily, Strac
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Everton: Sucker-Punched to Defeat
Everton scores a lovely goal from the length of the field but Everton's luck ran dry with three injuries that left Moyes no choice but to rejig the team. The Toffees could not make any tactical changes and with that, they received one sucker punch after another.
Our talisman of two seasons ago, Donovan is back, and that somehow gave Moyes a belief in wanting to play 4-4-2 soccer. He gave Strac and Donovan a start while dropping Cahill to the bench. The American and Ossie have been placed on both wings with Neville and Heitinga holding the midfield. We do not see Felli and Coleman as they are still out injured.
Right from the onset, Everton looked more threatening in attack as finally Saha has a partner-in-crime.
So far, Strac has shown that he is a willing runner and a good header of the ball. Donovan has also given the team a different dimension. There were more movement along the wings.
The Toffees has more control of the ball in comparison to other games but still they do not look like they are going to score anytime soon. Still, Ossie has been top grade for this game. Tricky on the turns and in the 34th minute, his try on goal went just wide. Best try on goal so far.
Jag had to leave the field in the 39th minute after he allowed the ball to bounce instead of clearing the ball first time. With the ball in the hands of a Bolton player, Jag had to sprint back and he made a full blooded block, where he got himself injured. Rodwell came in as our first substitution.
In the 44th minute, Everton had a chance with Donovan running through towards goal but was fouled by a Bolton player in the box only to be given a corner. Nothing came out of that. But quality running by Donovan.
Even when playing to the crowd with Moyes sending on two strikers, Everton still looked toothless. I'm starting to lean towards the idea that Saha is past his expiry date.
Bolton kicks off the 2nd half. Everton has two corners in succession as early one minute after the start, still nothing came out of those two corners. Suddenly on the counter, Everton nearly conceded with Bolton brash and direct play nearly paid dividends. Only the outstretched legs of Howard prevented Everton for going a goal down.
Moyes was forced to make another change as Ossie has been withdrawn and Magaye entered the fray in the 55th minute. Howard was forced to make a brilliant onr-handed save once again. Everton's substitute Rodwell has been substituted due to injury. Unbelievable!
The next unbelievable thing that happened was that Howard scored a goal from his own goal mouth. The goalkeeper launched the ball up field. Strac was chasing the ball, but when the ball bounced beyond him, and also beyond the Bolton's goalkeeper. Everton 1-0 Bolton.
Everton received a sucker punch with an equaliser in thr 67th minute. Everton 1-1 Bolton. 10 minutes later, The Toffees are now behind. Everton 1-2 Bolton.
Jags departure seemed to have left a gapping hole in the defence. We can immediately see that Everton also needed Ossie to be around as the midfield seemed so devoid if idea without the dimunitive midfielder.
Everton has the chance but Bainesy's free kick struck the post! It's really one of those days.
Score: Everton 1-2 Bolton
Scorer: Howard
Assist: Nil
Subs: Rodwell, Magaye, Cahill
Our talisman of two seasons ago, Donovan is back, and that somehow gave Moyes a belief in wanting to play 4-4-2 soccer. He gave Strac and Donovan a start while dropping Cahill to the bench. The American and Ossie have been placed on both wings with Neville and Heitinga holding the midfield. We do not see Felli and Coleman as they are still out injured.
Right from the onset, Everton looked more threatening in attack as finally Saha has a partner-in-crime.
So far, Strac has shown that he is a willing runner and a good header of the ball. Donovan has also given the team a different dimension. There were more movement along the wings.
The Toffees has more control of the ball in comparison to other games but still they do not look like they are going to score anytime soon. Still, Ossie has been top grade for this game. Tricky on the turns and in the 34th minute, his try on goal went just wide. Best try on goal so far.
Jag had to leave the field in the 39th minute after he allowed the ball to bounce instead of clearing the ball first time. With the ball in the hands of a Bolton player, Jag had to sprint back and he made a full blooded block, where he got himself injured. Rodwell came in as our first substitution.
In the 44th minute, Everton had a chance with Donovan running through towards goal but was fouled by a Bolton player in the box only to be given a corner. Nothing came out of that. But quality running by Donovan.
Even when playing to the crowd with Moyes sending on two strikers, Everton still looked toothless. I'm starting to lean towards the idea that Saha is past his expiry date.
Bolton kicks off the 2nd half. Everton has two corners in succession as early one minute after the start, still nothing came out of those two corners. Suddenly on the counter, Everton nearly conceded with Bolton brash and direct play nearly paid dividends. Only the outstretched legs of Howard prevented Everton for going a goal down.
Moyes was forced to make another change as Ossie has been withdrawn and Magaye entered the fray in the 55th minute. Howard was forced to make a brilliant onr-handed save once again. Everton's substitute Rodwell has been substituted due to injury. Unbelievable!
The next unbelievable thing that happened was that Howard scored a goal from his own goal mouth. The goalkeeper launched the ball up field. Strac was chasing the ball, but when the ball bounced beyond him, and also beyond the Bolton's goalkeeper. Everton 1-0 Bolton.
Everton received a sucker punch with an equaliser in thr 67th minute. Everton 1-1 Bolton. 10 minutes later, The Toffees are now behind. Everton 1-2 Bolton.
Jags departure seemed to have left a gapping hole in the defence. We can immediately see that Everton also needed Ossie to be around as the midfield seemed so devoid if idea without the dimunitive midfielder.
Everton has the chance but Bainesy's free kick struck the post! It's really one of those days.
Score: Everton 1-2 Bolton
Scorer: Howard
Assist: Nil
Subs: Rodwell, Magaye, Cahill
Sunday, January 01, 2012
Lucky Three Points
Everton stole the three points by the skin of their teeth.
Rodwell returns to the team and for the first time, most of the regular defenders were occupying both the defence and midfield - Hibbo, Bainesy, Jag, Distin, Heitinga, Neville and Rodwell. The natural attacking midfielders were all on the bench. It's good to see that Anichebe is back after a long layoff. One other interesting thing is that Everton has no defenders on the bench.
Everton have been moving up the field but they somehow they seem to disintegrate in the final third of the field. Cahill had the opportunity to cross but somehow fluff it. Heitinga and Neville have been to easy to give the ball away as well.
Everton players looked totally static and non-predatory in the opposing half and have spent easily 95% of theor time in their own half, passing the ball around.
Saha had the chance to score in the 33rd minute but he seemed to be more interested to beat the ground to show his unhappiness after his misdirected shot than to really score.
Even when Everton has more of the possession, WBA still looked more dangerous on the break. Everton had another free header in the 39th minute but it went off target.
WBA has shown that they are capable of more serious attack than Everton and the Toffees needed Distin to tap the ball away when the opposing player when teeing himself up for the shot. Both teams entered the changing room with a stalemate, WBA 0-0 Everton.
I can just imagine Moyes's half time speech, " Ok guys, we have killed a half. We just need another half before we get the 1 point. In the 60th minute, I'll bring in Mucha to replace Saha because there's no defenders on the bench. Then we will play 6-4-0. I'll replace Cahill with Anichebe and play him as a defender as well." We have not scored in the first half for seven games now.
Everton started the 2nd half with the same personnel. Everton nearly went a goal down straight from the start but the striker blasted it beyond the bar.
Magaye comes in for Rodwell in the 56th minute who though have been pretty ineffective was still better than some of those left on the field. This is the first time that I see Moyes bringing in the final two reserves at such early time. Anichebe and Strac coming in for Neville and Saha in the 63rd minute.
Finally, Everton forced WBA to make the first save in the 67th minute with a Magaye shot.
In the 87th minute, Hibbo puts in a lovely cross. Two WBA defenders failed to clear the ball, and Anichebe was quickest to the ball to hook it past the goalkeeper. WBA 0-1 Everton and that was the winning goal. Give Anichebe a Chang beer!
Score: WBA 0-1 Everton
Scorer: Anichebe
Assist: Nil
Subs: Magaye, Anichebe, Strac
Rodwell returns to the team and for the first time, most of the regular defenders were occupying both the defence and midfield - Hibbo, Bainesy, Jag, Distin, Heitinga, Neville and Rodwell. The natural attacking midfielders were all on the bench. It's good to see that Anichebe is back after a long layoff. One other interesting thing is that Everton has no defenders on the bench.
Everton have been moving up the field but they somehow they seem to disintegrate in the final third of the field. Cahill had the opportunity to cross but somehow fluff it. Heitinga and Neville have been to easy to give the ball away as well.
Everton players looked totally static and non-predatory in the opposing half and have spent easily 95% of theor time in their own half, passing the ball around.
Saha had the chance to score in the 33rd minute but he seemed to be more interested to beat the ground to show his unhappiness after his misdirected shot than to really score.
Even when Everton has more of the possession, WBA still looked more dangerous on the break. Everton had another free header in the 39th minute but it went off target.
WBA has shown that they are capable of more serious attack than Everton and the Toffees needed Distin to tap the ball away when the opposing player when teeing himself up for the shot. Both teams entered the changing room with a stalemate, WBA 0-0 Everton.
I can just imagine Moyes's half time speech, " Ok guys, we have killed a half. We just need another half before we get the 1 point. In the 60th minute, I'll bring in Mucha to replace Saha because there's no defenders on the bench. Then we will play 6-4-0. I'll replace Cahill with Anichebe and play him as a defender as well." We have not scored in the first half for seven games now.
Everton started the 2nd half with the same personnel. Everton nearly went a goal down straight from the start but the striker blasted it beyond the bar.
Magaye comes in for Rodwell in the 56th minute who though have been pretty ineffective was still better than some of those left on the field. This is the first time that I see Moyes bringing in the final two reserves at such early time. Anichebe and Strac coming in for Neville and Saha in the 63rd minute.
Finally, Everton forced WBA to make the first save in the 67th minute with a Magaye shot.
In the 87th minute, Hibbo puts in a lovely cross. Two WBA defenders failed to clear the ball, and Anichebe was quickest to the ball to hook it past the goalkeeper. WBA 0-1 Everton and that was the winning goal. Give Anichebe a Chang beer!
Score: WBA 0-1 Everton
Scorer: Anichebe
Assist: Nil
Subs: Magaye, Anichebe, Strac
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Everton: Lucky One Point
The referee and linesman awarded Everton a penalty when actually, there was should not even be a shout.
Everton starts without Coleman who injured himself in the last game. Felli is also out injured and he will be missed.
Everton started the game with much impetus. Holding the ball well and spraying good passes. The first 10 minutes saw Sunderland giving Everton a couple of good chances with poor calls in their defence. Cahill even had the opportunity to run through on goal only to stop by Sunderland's goalkeeper in that one-on-one situation.
The Toffees then had another chance at Sunderland. Bainesy got through in the 13th minute, made a telling cross but was cleared by Bumbling Bramble. Corner taken by Bainesy once again only for Cahill to head it wide. Everton wins a corner in the 15th minute. A lovely floater by Drenthe only for Saha to miss the header altogether. What's more, no one was marking him.
Sunderland had their chances too. It was Sunderland's Bentner who had Hibbo sticking to him like a leech. The Sunderland's striker took a shot but was blocked by Hibbo. Sunderland then made their first forced change with Bramble taken out due to injury.
But against the run of play in the 25th minute, Everton went a goal down. Total defence failure! Jag should have been covering, but he was day dreaming and Distin and Hibbo had to rush in to cover for him, leaving the right channel open. Sunderland 0-1 Everton.
Suddenly, Everton stopped attacking. The wings looked non-existent.
Everton sputtering start to the 2nd half continues. But it was Ossie jinking run in the 50th minute that earned Everton a penalty. What happened? Ossie tripped over his own feet! Bainesy stood up and was counted when he cooly slotted the ball into the top right corner of the net. Sunderland 1-1 Everton.
For the next 20 minutes, Moyes kept to the same team when the fans are calling out for a proper striker. Moyes made a straight swap - Magaye in for Drenthe and in the 83rd minute, another straight change of Vellios for Saha. Final replacement, Faddie in for Cahill in the 86th minute.
Everton could have ended it in such a sweet note if any other players other than Distin was at the end of the ball. At the end, it's a good point for Everton. A very lucky game for the club.
Score: Sunderland 1-1 Everton
Scorer: Bainesy (Pen)
Assist: Nil
Subs: Magaye, Vellios, Faddie
Everton starts without Coleman who injured himself in the last game. Felli is also out injured and he will be missed.
Everton started the game with much impetus. Holding the ball well and spraying good passes. The first 10 minutes saw Sunderland giving Everton a couple of good chances with poor calls in their defence. Cahill even had the opportunity to run through on goal only to stop by Sunderland's goalkeeper in that one-on-one situation.
The Toffees then had another chance at Sunderland. Bainesy got through in the 13th minute, made a telling cross but was cleared by Bumbling Bramble. Corner taken by Bainesy once again only for Cahill to head it wide. Everton wins a corner in the 15th minute. A lovely floater by Drenthe only for Saha to miss the header altogether. What's more, no one was marking him.
Sunderland had their chances too. It was Sunderland's Bentner who had Hibbo sticking to him like a leech. The Sunderland's striker took a shot but was blocked by Hibbo. Sunderland then made their first forced change with Bramble taken out due to injury.
But against the run of play in the 25th minute, Everton went a goal down. Total defence failure! Jag should have been covering, but he was day dreaming and Distin and Hibbo had to rush in to cover for him, leaving the right channel open. Sunderland 0-1 Everton.
Suddenly, Everton stopped attacking. The wings looked non-existent.
Everton sputtering start to the 2nd half continues. But it was Ossie jinking run in the 50th minute that earned Everton a penalty. What happened? Ossie tripped over his own feet! Bainesy stood up and was counted when he cooly slotted the ball into the top right corner of the net. Sunderland 1-1 Everton.
For the next 20 minutes, Moyes kept to the same team when the fans are calling out for a proper striker. Moyes made a straight swap - Magaye in for Drenthe and in the 83rd minute, another straight change of Vellios for Saha. Final replacement, Faddie in for Cahill in the 86th minute.
Everton could have ended it in such a sweet note if any other players other than Distin was at the end of the ball. At the end, it's a good point for Everton. A very lucky game for the club.
Score: Sunderland 1-1 Everton
Scorer: Bainesy (Pen)
Assist: Nil
Subs: Magaye, Vellios, Faddie
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Everton: Important Three Points
Everton grabbed a good three points with Ossie scoring a lovely header.
Moyes still continues with his 4-5-1 but as the Singaporean Evertonians were discussing last week, it would be best for Cahill to be rested as he has not been able to contribute effectively to the team. Drenthe and Coleman are slotted back into the two wings while Ossie takes the place of Cahill. Strac has impressed the last match and is warming the bench. Other substitutes include Faddie, Distin, Magaye and Barkley.
One thing that this game shows is that there is no weak teams in the Premiership. Swansea came to Goodison fighting and their passing was magnificant while Everton's wings looked a lot more lively. Still, the Toffees lacked the final incisive touch.
The game was played at a pretty breath-taking pace.
Unfortunately, Coleman has to be taken out due to injury and Magaye takes the winger's place in the 30th minute.
Drenthe moved over to the right and immediately, swaggered left and right to create a chance for Saha who headed wide. Everton has been winning free kicks and corners but so far nothing has come out of it.
Everton has a great chance in the 36th minute. It started with a sliced pass by Ossie. Bainesy puts in a low cross for Magaye to smash the ball towards goal. Palmed away by the goalkeeper, only as far as to Magaye who tried to tuck the ball into the net. Stopped by two Swansea defenders, unjustly with the use of hands. But the referee chose not to give Everton the penalty.
Another handball at the edge of the box gave Everton a chance to put in past the goalkeeper via a deadball situation. Bainesy puts it over. Magaye had another try on target but the goalkeeper was equal to it to prevent the winger for scoring. By the end of 1st half, Swansea has not taken a single shot at Everton's goal.
Everton has strong possession - numerous free kicks and corners but are not turning them into goals. The weak link really is the final third whereby the midfielders also need to chip in their fair share of goal, rather than just relying on Saha.
Once again, Everton starts well with loads of flowing passes. The pressure from the front is not there. Strac indeed have to come in sooner than later. Drenthe's pace and control is definitely giving Swansea alot to think about and finally, a Drenthe cross saw Ossie rising like a salmon to head part the goalkeeper. 60th minute goal. Everton 1-0 Swansea. A good mid-way goal. But I guess with this, Moyes will not bring on Strac. Or maybe he will for Saha.
Everton needs to prop up their goal difference and this home game should accord Everton with that. Swansea is now coming back harder and they had the first chance on goal. Howard was not too troubled.
Saha wins Everton a free kick near the box, Drenthe though ballooned it. All the free kicks taken today don't seem to be heading towards the net. Still, Drenthe looked like a good loan deal with loads of running and defending from the front.
Strac in for Saha in the 70th minute and final substitution, Cahill on for the magnificant Drenthe in the 80th minute.
The last 10 minutes or so, Swansea just could not breach the Everton's defence. So a great three points for Everton to bring us into a lovely Christmas!
Score: Everton 1-0 Swansea
Scorer: Ossie
Assist: Drenthe
Subs: Magaye, Strac
Moyes still continues with his 4-5-1 but as the Singaporean Evertonians were discussing last week, it would be best for Cahill to be rested as he has not been able to contribute effectively to the team. Drenthe and Coleman are slotted back into the two wings while Ossie takes the place of Cahill. Strac has impressed the last match and is warming the bench. Other substitutes include Faddie, Distin, Magaye and Barkley.
One thing that this game shows is that there is no weak teams in the Premiership. Swansea came to Goodison fighting and their passing was magnificant while Everton's wings looked a lot more lively. Still, the Toffees lacked the final incisive touch.
The game was played at a pretty breath-taking pace.
Unfortunately, Coleman has to be taken out due to injury and Magaye takes the winger's place in the 30th minute.
Drenthe moved over to the right and immediately, swaggered left and right to create a chance for Saha who headed wide. Everton has been winning free kicks and corners but so far nothing has come out of it.
Everton has a great chance in the 36th minute. It started with a sliced pass by Ossie. Bainesy puts in a low cross for Magaye to smash the ball towards goal. Palmed away by the goalkeeper, only as far as to Magaye who tried to tuck the ball into the net. Stopped by two Swansea defenders, unjustly with the use of hands. But the referee chose not to give Everton the penalty.
Another handball at the edge of the box gave Everton a chance to put in past the goalkeeper via a deadball situation. Bainesy puts it over. Magaye had another try on target but the goalkeeper was equal to it to prevent the winger for scoring. By the end of 1st half, Swansea has not taken a single shot at Everton's goal.
Everton has strong possession - numerous free kicks and corners but are not turning them into goals. The weak link really is the final third whereby the midfielders also need to chip in their fair share of goal, rather than just relying on Saha.
Once again, Everton starts well with loads of flowing passes. The pressure from the front is not there. Strac indeed have to come in sooner than later. Drenthe's pace and control is definitely giving Swansea alot to think about and finally, a Drenthe cross saw Ossie rising like a salmon to head part the goalkeeper. 60th minute goal. Everton 1-0 Swansea. A good mid-way goal. But I guess with this, Moyes will not bring on Strac. Or maybe he will for Saha.
Everton needs to prop up their goal difference and this home game should accord Everton with that. Swansea is now coming back harder and they had the first chance on goal. Howard was not too troubled.
Saha wins Everton a free kick near the box, Drenthe though ballooned it. All the free kicks taken today don't seem to be heading towards the net. Still, Drenthe looked like a good loan deal with loads of running and defending from the front.
Strac in for Saha in the 70th minute and final substitution, Cahill on for the magnificant Drenthe in the 80th minute.
The last 10 minutes or so, Swansea just could not breach the Everton's defence. So a great three points for Everton to bring us into a lovely Christmas!
Score: Everton 1-0 Swansea
Scorer: Ossie
Assist: Drenthe
Subs: Magaye, Strac
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Everton: Two points dropped
This is one game that Everton needs to win but didn't. Two points lost.
Moyes started with Magaye while Bily was left on the bench. Neville comes in for Rodwell in defensive midfield.
Everton dominated the first 25 minutes and you just hope that it would not end up with a score such as the Toffees last match against Arsenal. They need to score to sooth some nerves. So far, the Norwich defence have held well.
So in the 28th minute, the prophesy came true. Heitinga marked the striker so tightly and yet the Norwich striker was able to squeeze the ball into the net. Everton 0-1 Norwich. We control much of the match but don't look dangerous upfront adnd everyone knows that you that if you don't score, you don't win.
Everton starts the 2nd half unchanged but looked totally deflated. Moyes then brings in the second striker in Strac for only so what must have been a rare 4-4-2. The manager just does not like to play two up.
In the 70th minute, Moyes made another change. Drenthe in for Magaye and he delivers.
Drenthe time and time again, ran at the Norwich defence and in the 81st minute, Drenthe made another run at the defence and nobody made any effort to stop him. He released a stinging shot and Ossie came in from the blind side to deflect the ball past the keeper. Everton 1-1 Norwich. Drenthe assist.
What a strike by Drenthe in the 86th minute! Fierce shot the deflected off former Everton goalkeeper Ruddy. Drenthe is really taking it against Norwich on his own!
The substitutes truly made a difference to the team. But still, it's not good enough for Everton.
Final change - McAleny for Saha in the 87th minute. The score still remains in parity.
Score: Everton 1-1 Norwich
Scorer: Ossie
Assist: Drenthe
Subs: Drenthe, Strac, McAleny
Moyes started with Magaye while Bily was left on the bench. Neville comes in for Rodwell in defensive midfield.
Everton dominated the first 25 minutes and you just hope that it would not end up with a score such as the Toffees last match against Arsenal. They need to score to sooth some nerves. So far, the Norwich defence have held well.
So in the 28th minute, the prophesy came true. Heitinga marked the striker so tightly and yet the Norwich striker was able to squeeze the ball into the net. Everton 0-1 Norwich. We control much of the match but don't look dangerous upfront adnd everyone knows that you that if you don't score, you don't win.
Everton starts the 2nd half unchanged but looked totally deflated. Moyes then brings in the second striker in Strac for only so what must have been a rare 4-4-2. The manager just does not like to play two up.
In the 70th minute, Moyes made another change. Drenthe in for Magaye and he delivers.
Drenthe time and time again, ran at the Norwich defence and in the 81st minute, Drenthe made another run at the defence and nobody made any effort to stop him. He released a stinging shot and Ossie came in from the blind side to deflect the ball past the keeper. Everton 1-1 Norwich. Drenthe assist.
What a strike by Drenthe in the 86th minute! Fierce shot the deflected off former Everton goalkeeper Ruddy. Drenthe is really taking it against Norwich on his own!
The substitutes truly made a difference to the team. But still, it's not good enough for Everton.
Final change - McAleny for Saha in the 87th minute. The score still remains in parity.
Score: Everton 1-1 Norwich
Scorer: Ossie
Assist: Drenthe
Subs: Drenthe, Strac, McAleny
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Manager Costs Us The Game
Frustrating game that the manager has to take responsibility for. He managed to somehow take out the only established striker in a 4-5-1 formation and replaced him with Distin. Why in the world would a manager do that?
This is one difficult away game as Arsenal has been on wonderful form. Everton sees the return of Neville while bumbling Bily retains his slot. Saha returns from his injury. Evertonians got to see Arteta in red though.
Both clubs started pretty tentative but in the first 20 minutes, Arsenal had a number of chances and it looked like Everton was living a charmed life so far.
Arsenal's Walcott had so many chances to score against Everton but have somehow been making erronous choices. Instead of shooting he passes. But to be fair, Arsenal as a whole have been rather wasteful. A nicely floated cross appeared to have reached Walcott, only for the offside Van Persie to pick it up. Wasted opportunity.
Even Ramsey who was gifted a chance, went on to spurn it.
Dangerman Gervinho has been giving Everton's defence plenty to think about with his pace. When the Arsenal striker skipped past the entire defence, it was Howard who stood tall, blocking the striker's shot which was destined to bulge the net.
Everton is riding their luck with this first half draw 0-0.
The 2nd half sees Everton defending more than attacking and Moyes puts it one up - He substituted our only striker for a defender. Saha replaced by Distin. So what are we playing now? 5-5-0?
And after that, Everton is down by one goal. Van Persie scores in the 69th minute. Arsenal 1-0 Everton. So what is Everton going to do now without their striker? Maybe Moyes will bring in another defender???
From Everton's point of view, Moyes is really looking for just one point. That's weak!
Double substitution in the 76th minute - rookie McAleny and Magaye in for Neville and Bily.
Rubbish play and this time, it's the manager that did the team in.
Score: Arsenal 1-0 Everton
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Subs: Distin, Magaye, McAleney
This is one difficult away game as Arsenal has been on wonderful form. Everton sees the return of Neville while bumbling Bily retains his slot. Saha returns from his injury. Evertonians got to see Arteta in red though.
Both clubs started pretty tentative but in the first 20 minutes, Arsenal had a number of chances and it looked like Everton was living a charmed life so far.
Arsenal's Walcott had so many chances to score against Everton but have somehow been making erronous choices. Instead of shooting he passes. But to be fair, Arsenal as a whole have been rather wasteful. A nicely floated cross appeared to have reached Walcott, only for the offside Van Persie to pick it up. Wasted opportunity.
Even Ramsey who was gifted a chance, went on to spurn it.
Dangerman Gervinho has been giving Everton's defence plenty to think about with his pace. When the Arsenal striker skipped past the entire defence, it was Howard who stood tall, blocking the striker's shot which was destined to bulge the net.
Everton is riding their luck with this first half draw 0-0.
The 2nd half sees Everton defending more than attacking and Moyes puts it one up - He substituted our only striker for a defender. Saha replaced by Distin. So what are we playing now? 5-5-0?
And after that, Everton is down by one goal. Van Persie scores in the 69th minute. Arsenal 1-0 Everton. So what is Everton going to do now without their striker? Maybe Moyes will bring in another defender???
From Everton's point of view, Moyes is really looking for just one point. That's weak!
Double substitution in the 76th minute - rookie McAleny and Magaye in for Neville and Bily.
Rubbish play and this time, it's the manager that did the team in.
Score: Arsenal 1-0 Everton
Scorer: Nil
Assist: Nil
Subs: Distin, Magaye, McAleney
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