A couple of somewhat promising changes that could be construed as modestly adventurous by David Moyes: Osman and Saha benched in favour of Rodwell and Beckford... Rodwell playing in right-side forward attacking role, with Arteta dropping strangely deep, almost alongside Fellaini in front of the back four.
Everton started very brightly, dominating possession, and it looked that they might score when Baines burst in from the left but he could not pull the ball back effectively and nothing came of the corner. Fellaini was majestic in the middle, the ball coming his way almost magnetically.
Richard Dunne fouled Beckford somewhat cynically, earning an early card, and Arteta's free-kick was a bit better than usual, at least on target, but did not fool Freidel at all.
But it was a silly slip by the Big Fella on the first Villa attack that saw the ball end up in the back of the Everton net all too easily, when Ashley Young slipped a pass nonchalantly past Jagielka and into space owned by the advanceing Luke Yonug, who curled a scoring shot past Howard with simply far too much ease. So... an up hill climb yet again.
Beckford and Baines combined well for Pienaar to put in a superb curler that pinged off the angle, a top-class attempt, Freidel well beaten. Beckford was getting involved but his touch, passing and accuracy were all way below the standard required.
Forward moves from Everton were looking better but breaking down far too often at the edge of the Villa penalty area. [Described in classic terms by David Hallwood on our Live Forum as "watching eunuch porn — all foreplay and no penetration!] They won a handful of corners as they cranked up the pressure, but the final ball, as ever, was just not good enough. Fellaini was getting closer and closer to a card, penalised mainly for his own physical presence.
Villa weathered the Everton storm, such as it was, and mounted their own not unimpressive attacks, one good cross needing a strong defensive header from Distin.
Rodwell, who had started wide right, popped up on the left and tried a chipped cross that just drifted wide. At the other end, the youngster Albrighton was doing a pretty good Coleman impression, causing havoc, winning corners, and getting screams for a penalty just before the break when Pienaar was thought to have clipped him as he tried to shoot...
No changes at half-time, of course, despite the scoreline. First real action was Albrighton delivering an excellent cross that Carew headed wide!!! Eveton attacked but it broke down again 0and Ashley Young was on a one-man break against Distin, thankfully shooting wide. While Everton attacked at walking pace again but produced nothing of merit as Pienaar grimaced toward the bench, clutching his knee.
Almost an hour gone... nothing happening... What to do? Inject a burst of life in the form of Coleman, perhaps? Er... no: King Louis: tried and trusted, on for the consistently poor Beckford. Pienaar produced a horrible pass under no pressure that led to a Carew attack and shot. At the other end, something for the scrapbooks, a superb cross from Hibbert on the run, under pressure... but no-ne there. A great corner from Cahill was defended away as Everton applied some pressure. A shooting chance for Fellaini and/or Saha that they contrived to miss, getting in eachother's way.
The impetus swung again as Carew looked to have set up Young but his shot did not connect well and Howard just about pawed it away to safety. Then a good shot from Saha forced a great save from Freidel, then a nice cross found Fellaini but his looping header lacked power. Albrighton went in the book for fouling Baines, and a fantastic delivery from the free kick glanced in dangerously by Rodwell, flew just inches past the post.
The game had a really competitive bite for a spell, with some pulsating stuff end to end, both sides looking like they could score... that was until Everton resorted to hoofing it, courtesy of Distin. But playing it on the ground was no better, Jagielka mystifytingly passing the ball straight to Ashley Young... Lordy lordy! Warnock, with a clear tackle from behind on Rodwell, should have gotten a yellow card but didn't, Rodwell eventually hobbling off.
Cahill looked to dive and won a free-kick in a great position. Coleman came on for Rodwell as Atreta blasted the free-kick at the wall and Saha went for the careeneing ball but got called wrongly for a foul on the defender. Coleman and Hibbert contrived to win a corner that did not beat the first defender but Coleman and Fellaini then tried to walk the ball in through a massed defence. That failed and the Villains were off again Jagielka almost slipping up, conceding a corner.
Young looked to score again, but forced an absolutely brilliant save by Howard, Albrighton fluffing the rebound badly when it looked like he must score. A simply scintillating run by Coleman to the byeline deserved more but no-one really showed for the brilliant cut-back. More good attacking football from Everton, Saha powering in from the right. A fantastic corner headed on by Jagielka, right across the goalmouth! A trendous spell of pressure by the Blues once again delivered nothing.
10 mins left and Hibbert was replaced by Heitinga, final role of the dice but his first contribution was poor although Petrov then fouled Baines to set up another golden free-kick chance but Arteta again hit the wall. Jagielka then headed over from a much better Arteta corner, should have done far better, a glorious chance really. More attacking verve down the left, grate work betweeen Fellaini and Pienaar to get Saha in but his shot blocked for another corner... and another, and another, and another!
The onlslaught Everton mounted in the last 20-30 mins was really very impressive, but the ball just would not get close enough to the Villa net. Injuries to Villa players contrived to ease the pressure and break their momentum approaching the 90-minute mark, as Baines resorted to Route One for Saha but he didn't control it, and 5 mins were added as another perfect-looking ball fell for Saha but he let it bounce rather than taking ownership.
A fantastic move down the left and Saha lashed in the winner... only for it to hit Dunne's knee!! Unbelievable stuff. Saha made another chance but his ground shot was hit just a fraction too slow and Freidel got a desperate fingertip to it. The whistle blew and The Blues had stolen an incredible defeat from the jaws of victory. What was that about Everton lacking goal threat?
Monday 30 August 2010
Sunday 29 August 2010
Aston Villa vs Everton
The League Cup can be a bit of a distraction in the early rounds, particularly when you're forced, as Everton were, to enter at the Second Round stage because of your lack of involvement in Europe. For David Moyes and his teaqm, though, the hammering of Huddersfield Town in the Carling Cup on Wednesday may have provided just the tonic to kickstart their massively disappointing start to the Premier League campaign.
A lacklustre opening-day defeat at Blackburn, followed by an eerily familiar afternoon of frustration at Gooidson Park against Wolves that ended in a 1-1 draw, has put huge question marks over the Blues' top-four credentials... but, if expectations among supporters have been lowered, then perhaps an easing of any perceived pressure will help the players re-find their feet.
Certainly, they looked nothing like the team that surged through the latter half of last season on a run of Champions League-qualifying form, but hopes that Moyes's boys haven't lost their attacking mojo were raised in midweek with the 5-1 demolition of Huddersfield Town.
And they'll take heart from the fact that, though this league fixture is away from Goodison Park, the opposition are in a state of turmoil following the abrupt departure from Villa Park of Martin O'Neill on the eve of the new campaign.
An opening day win for Aston Villa over West Ham has been followed up by a 6-0 drubbing by newly-promoted Newcastle and a swift exit from the Europa League in Thursday at the hands of Rapid Vienna. If ever a team were low on confidence, the team overseen by interim boss, Kevin McDonald, surely are. Whether Everton can capitalise on a ground they've almost always struggled is another question...
Though his side were more attacking and adventurous in the Carling Cup on Wednesday, Moyes has reiterated his defensive outlook and dampened the fervour around Seamus Coleman by publicly pointing out his error that led to the Terriers' solitary goal.
Magaye Gueye, a player who seems to have a gift for lethal crosses if his pre-season form and his display against Huddersfield is any indication, may also have to be content with a place on the bench as the manager's infamous 'pragmatism' makes its expected return in the League this weekend.
Moyes will likely be without his captain, Phil Neville, whose foot injury looks likely to rule him out again. Based on the gaffer's comments regarding Coleman, Tony Hibbert would be the favourite to deputise again.
Phil Neville: A doubt once more after missing two previous games
Victor Anichebe's mystery knee injury will keep him sidelined and his Nigerian compatriots, Joseph Yobo and Yakubu, are also missing with apparent injuries and illness respectively.
If Everton are the top-four material most fans thought they were before the season kicked off, then this is a game in which they should go out and prove it by putting a team in chaos to the sword. It will take far more attacking imagination and incisiveness than they've shown thus far, though. Time for Moyes and his charges to deliver in what is still a fledgeling campaign.
A lacklustre opening-day defeat at Blackburn, followed by an eerily familiar afternoon of frustration at Gooidson Park against Wolves that ended in a 1-1 draw, has put huge question marks over the Blues' top-four credentials... but, if expectations among supporters have been lowered, then perhaps an easing of any perceived pressure will help the players re-find their feet.
Certainly, they looked nothing like the team that surged through the latter half of last season on a run of Champions League-qualifying form, but hopes that Moyes's boys haven't lost their attacking mojo were raised in midweek with the 5-1 demolition of Huddersfield Town.
And they'll take heart from the fact that, though this league fixture is away from Goodison Park, the opposition are in a state of turmoil following the abrupt departure from Villa Park of Martin O'Neill on the eve of the new campaign.
An opening day win for Aston Villa over West Ham has been followed up by a 6-0 drubbing by newly-promoted Newcastle and a swift exit from the Europa League in Thursday at the hands of Rapid Vienna. If ever a team were low on confidence, the team overseen by interim boss, Kevin McDonald, surely are. Whether Everton can capitalise on a ground they've almost always struggled is another question...
Though his side were more attacking and adventurous in the Carling Cup on Wednesday, Moyes has reiterated his defensive outlook and dampened the fervour around Seamus Coleman by publicly pointing out his error that led to the Terriers' solitary goal.
Magaye Gueye, a player who seems to have a gift for lethal crosses if his pre-season form and his display against Huddersfield is any indication, may also have to be content with a place on the bench as the manager's infamous 'pragmatism' makes its expected return in the League this weekend.
Moyes will likely be without his captain, Phil Neville, whose foot injury looks likely to rule him out again. Based on the gaffer's comments regarding Coleman, Tony Hibbert would be the favourite to deputise again.
Phil Neville: A doubt once more after missing two previous games
Victor Anichebe's mystery knee injury will keep him sidelined and his Nigerian compatriots, Joseph Yobo and Yakubu, are also missing with apparent injuries and illness respectively.
If Everton are the top-four material most fans thought they were before the season kicked off, then this is a game in which they should go out and prove it by putting a team in chaos to the sword. It will take far more attacking imagination and incisiveness than they've shown thus far, though. Time for Moyes and his charges to deliver in what is still a fledgeling campaign.
Outside the Box: Tribute to 'Judas' Barmby makes Everton fans cross
Goodison Park has a splendid new photographic timeline running round the outside of the ground, tracing the history of the club and its most famous names. The one player featured whose presence has not gone down well amid such luminaries as Dixie Dean, Alex "Golden Vision" Young and Wayne Rooney is a certain Nick Barmby. The little midfielder is remembered for uttering what the club chairman Bill Kenwright called the five worst words in the English language: "I want to join Liverpool," after which he duly defected. Worse, Barmby's picture is displayed right opposite the door of the Winslow Hotel, a rabid Everton fans' pub. It was defaced, we are told, with the word "Judas" even before it was formally nailed into position.
Friday 27 August 2010
Everton 5 - 1 Huddersfield
Venue: Goodison Park, LiverpoolCarling Cup Wednesday 25 August 2010; 8:00pmEverton 5 1 HuddersfieldFellaini (7')
Rodwell (14')
Beckford (pen:51')
Saha (77')
Osman (84') Half Time: 0-0Heitinga (og:40')Attendance: 28,901Round 2 Referee: Neil Swarbrick Match Summary
Huddersfiled arrived with Gary Naysmith and Peter Clarke, both ex-Blues.
As hoped for by many after the very poor league start to the season, this was at last an adventurous tema selection. Jan Mucha finally given his debut in goal, Coleman at right-back, Heitinga in his rightful place in defence, Rodwell and Fellaini together in midfield, Gueye andopther debutant on the right wing, and Jermain Beckford on his own up front... defineitly with something ot prove.
And it paid off within 7 mins as Gueye delivered a superb cross that Marouanne Fellani planted smartly in the back of the Huddersfield net.
The fresh Everton line-up continued the good work with a top class goal from Jack Rodwell: Steven Pienaar laid it off nicely and Rodders lashed the ball into the corner from all of 25 yards.
Huddersfild were rocked but started to come back into it a little as Everton relaxed. They did get an odd free kick but could not do much with it.
Beckford seemed to be tripped by Clarke, but was probably guilty of being a bit clumsy. And five minutes before the break, a silly incident saw the ball come back off the Everton bar and come off Johnny Heitinga's head for a daft own-goal.
Not long into the second half and Rodwell went down in the area, hauled down by Damien Johnson... Penalty! Jermain Beckford strode forward and hammered it home right-footed. Nice way to get off the mark on his Everton account, and shut up the Trotters who were baiting the ex-Leeds player.
Rodwell did well to get the ball out to Beckford who's great shot was tipped over the bar by sub 'keeper Bennett. Colemanwas having a great time going forward, a lovely ball in to Osman was ever so close to the fourth goal.
Bily came on for Magaye, who had played a very good game. Coleman was the next one to win a penalty, Peltier, second yellow card. Beckford stood on the spot waiting to take it but Heitinga rather arrogantly stole the ball off Beckford and, for all his determination to get back for the own goal, could not beat Bennett, who saved it well. Bad Karma!
Pienaar made way for Louis Saha, we desperately needed a goal... and that's just what he did with his first touch off a nice set-up from Beckford, finishing smartly from 18 yards for the fourth goal.
Everton were now really turning on the style. Coleman again, who had caused mayhem going forward down the right, was there to cross deep to the far post where Osman powered a header that bounced off the ground and up into th roof of the net for a fine layer of icing on the cake.
A very satisfactory performance that a fresh and adventurous Everton team domininated for most of the time. That's more like it, Moyes!
Rodwell (14')
Beckford (pen:51')
Saha (77')
Osman (84') Half Time: 0-0Heitinga (og:40')Attendance: 28,901Round 2 Referee: Neil Swarbrick Match Summary
Huddersfiled arrived with Gary Naysmith and Peter Clarke, both ex-Blues.
As hoped for by many after the very poor league start to the season, this was at last an adventurous tema selection. Jan Mucha finally given his debut in goal, Coleman at right-back, Heitinga in his rightful place in defence, Rodwell and Fellaini together in midfield, Gueye andopther debutant on the right wing, and Jermain Beckford on his own up front... defineitly with something ot prove.
And it paid off within 7 mins as Gueye delivered a superb cross that Marouanne Fellani planted smartly in the back of the Huddersfield net.
The fresh Everton line-up continued the good work with a top class goal from Jack Rodwell: Steven Pienaar laid it off nicely and Rodders lashed the ball into the corner from all of 25 yards.
Huddersfild were rocked but started to come back into it a little as Everton relaxed. They did get an odd free kick but could not do much with it.
Beckford seemed to be tripped by Clarke, but was probably guilty of being a bit clumsy. And five minutes before the break, a silly incident saw the ball come back off the Everton bar and come off Johnny Heitinga's head for a daft own-goal.
Not long into the second half and Rodwell went down in the area, hauled down by Damien Johnson... Penalty! Jermain Beckford strode forward and hammered it home right-footed. Nice way to get off the mark on his Everton account, and shut up the Trotters who were baiting the ex-Leeds player.
Rodwell did well to get the ball out to Beckford who's great shot was tipped over the bar by sub 'keeper Bennett. Colemanwas having a great time going forward, a lovely ball in to Osman was ever so close to the fourth goal.
Bily came on for Magaye, who had played a very good game. Coleman was the next one to win a penalty, Peltier, second yellow card. Beckford stood on the spot waiting to take it but Heitinga rather arrogantly stole the ball off Beckford and, for all his determination to get back for the own goal, could not beat Bennett, who saved it well. Bad Karma!
Pienaar made way for Louis Saha, we desperately needed a goal... and that's just what he did with his first touch off a nice set-up from Beckford, finishing smartly from 18 yards for the fourth goal.
Everton were now really turning on the style. Coleman again, who had caused mayhem going forward down the right, was there to cross deep to the far post where Osman powered a header that bounced off the ground and up into th roof of the net for a fine layer of icing on the cake.
A very satisfactory performance that a fresh and adventurous Everton team domininated for most of the time. That's more like it, Moyes!
Wednesday 25 August 2010
Everton v Huddersfield Town
Funny how the Carling Cup always brings out the same old cliched statement that Everton "Will take it seriously", "a trophy is a trophy" "we're determined to go all the way"...
Well, all the talk means nothing; it's on the field where the Everton players, under the direction of their greatly respected manager, need to perform. And with two poor league performances so far this season behind them, they have quite a lot to prove in front of an increasingly scetpical Goodson crowd who has had the burst of pre-season optimism all but driven out of them.
With almopst all his players fit and available, it's as if Moyes has suffered from an embarassment of riches. The excuse of crippling iinjuries that sapped all strength last season is well vanquished, yet still his team inexplicably can't seem to get into the swing of things so far this season.
And the Carling Cup is usually exepected to be an opportunity for Moyes to switch things around a little, although you could argue that has not been the case so much in recent seasons, with Moyes prefering some of his stronger playes in this, the least glamorous of the three trophies Everton are competing for.
Perhaps he might start at the back, where Jan Mucha (supposedly brought in to put pressure on Howard) might be expected to get his senior debut — especially considering the awful gaffe perpetrated by Tim Howard that lost the opening game at Blackburn. But the fact that Mucha played a full game for the Reserves at Chelsea just on Monday (and saved their bacon with a series of excellent saves) would suggest not.
Regarding the defence, Moyes has been surprisingly determined in NOT playing Heitinga in his World Cup Final role, much to the continued bemusement of many fans. Yet we are told by Steve Round that another World Cup centre-back, Nigerian Captain Yobo will be part of the squad for tonight's game, along with his compatriat, Yakubu (although now he is out after banging his shin). Inexplicably, they haven't been involved as yet because of ... "The World Cup". Go Figure.
Other observers expect Moyes to go for "youth" — specifically Silva (20 in May), Gueye (20 in July), Coleman (22 in October). Not quite so youthful, surely... Still others expect Jack Rodwell, England Under-21 star covetted by the very best, to finally get a starting role for his club this season. Nothing quite like being kept "straining at the leash"... the fear of "burnout" must be guarded agaisnt at all costs... or so we are led to believe.
Midfield and attack feature plenty of personnel choices but he must come up with something that actually works and is sufficiently bright enough to counter the physicality that has thwarted much decent play so far. Can he resist the temptation to pick Osman? Surley Gueye is worth a start after his good pre-season...
But it's in attack where arguably the real problems lie. We are not scoriung anywhere near enough goals. Yet the lone striker seems ever more entrenched as the only way forward, despite the fact that few of our strikers can master the role and produce the goods. Beckford needs to score, and would arguably be playing against more fitting opposition — the ideal time for him to break his duck.
It's all very mysterious... and the results of this wealth of riches, from "the best squad assembled at Goodison in over 20 years" have so far this season been decidely underwhelming. Team selection has a myriad of possibilities and we are all trying to second guess the manager but what is really key is that he also instills some self-belief into whoever he selects, imbuing them with confidence in their own ability to play football, and a will to win a majort trophy. Something that in his ninth season, is far too long overdue.
Well, all the talk means nothing; it's on the field where the Everton players, under the direction of their greatly respected manager, need to perform. And with two poor league performances so far this season behind them, they have quite a lot to prove in front of an increasingly scetpical Goodson crowd who has had the burst of pre-season optimism all but driven out of them.
With almopst all his players fit and available, it's as if Moyes has suffered from an embarassment of riches. The excuse of crippling iinjuries that sapped all strength last season is well vanquished, yet still his team inexplicably can't seem to get into the swing of things so far this season.
And the Carling Cup is usually exepected to be an opportunity for Moyes to switch things around a little, although you could argue that has not been the case so much in recent seasons, with Moyes prefering some of his stronger playes in this, the least glamorous of the three trophies Everton are competing for.
Perhaps he might start at the back, where Jan Mucha (supposedly brought in to put pressure on Howard) might be expected to get his senior debut — especially considering the awful gaffe perpetrated by Tim Howard that lost the opening game at Blackburn. But the fact that Mucha played a full game for the Reserves at Chelsea just on Monday (and saved their bacon with a series of excellent saves) would suggest not.
Regarding the defence, Moyes has been surprisingly determined in NOT playing Heitinga in his World Cup Final role, much to the continued bemusement of many fans. Yet we are told by Steve Round that another World Cup centre-back, Nigerian Captain Yobo will be part of the squad for tonight's game, along with his compatriat, Yakubu (although now he is out after banging his shin). Inexplicably, they haven't been involved as yet because of ... "The World Cup". Go Figure.
Other observers expect Moyes to go for "youth" — specifically Silva (20 in May), Gueye (20 in July), Coleman (22 in October). Not quite so youthful, surely... Still others expect Jack Rodwell, England Under-21 star covetted by the very best, to finally get a starting role for his club this season. Nothing quite like being kept "straining at the leash"... the fear of "burnout" must be guarded agaisnt at all costs... or so we are led to believe.
Midfield and attack feature plenty of personnel choices but he must come up with something that actually works and is sufficiently bright enough to counter the physicality that has thwarted much decent play so far. Can he resist the temptation to pick Osman? Surley Gueye is worth a start after his good pre-season...
But it's in attack where arguably the real problems lie. We are not scoriung anywhere near enough goals. Yet the lone striker seems ever more entrenched as the only way forward, despite the fact that few of our strikers can master the role and produce the goods. Beckford needs to score, and would arguably be playing against more fitting opposition — the ideal time for him to break his duck.
It's all very mysterious... and the results of this wealth of riches, from "the best squad assembled at Goodison in over 20 years" have so far this season been decidely underwhelming. Team selection has a myriad of possibilities and we are all trying to second guess the manager but what is really key is that he also instills some self-belief into whoever he selects, imbuing them with confidence in their own ability to play football, and a will to win a majort trophy. Something that in his ninth season, is far too long overdue.
Sunday 22 August 2010
Everton 1 - 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
No Phil Neville, who is injured; Hibbert, Heitinga, Bily and Beckford all start; with Heitinga not in defence but playing the holding role because both Fellaini and Rodwell are on the bench, where they are joined by Osman and Saha from last week's starteres. Rodwell is still overlooked for a starting role but at least Coleman makes the teamsheet. Despite last week's horrendous match-losing blunder, Moyes spurned the chance to really put any meaningful pressure on Howard by failing to give Mucha his debut (no doubt that will come on Wednesday against Huddersfield in the Carling Cup.) remains in goal. Arteta captain for teh day.
The game started with a hoof from Jags that won an early fk which went straight to Hanneman. On the next hoof, from Hibbert, Cahill won another free kick, As Everton looked to attack, Pienaar played in Hibbert welldown the right but his cross was poor. Everton won another free kick when Berra held Beckford and Arteta did far better but Bily lashed the half-cleared ball well over the bar.
Jagielka hoofed it again and it came back to him but he finally played a better ground ball to Arteta and Hibbert's cross was much better, although Bily went down under pressure and could not control his shot. Neat workk from Bily clipped the ball to Baines but his cross was awful. Jagielka gave away a cheap free-kick that went straight to Howard. The next attacjk was full of danger but Arteta could not control it.
Beckford was starting to get more into it after a slow start, but could not get a difficult cross close enough to Cahill. Some silly ness between Henry and Cahill won a free-kick but Arteta's square ball confused everybody, especially Jags, who could only chip it poorly. The match was developing a feisty edgey but Everton were playing it on the ground and an excellent forward move tested Beckford again.
More hoofing down the right, this time from Pienaar, eventually led to some better football, Pienaar getting caught by Henry for an excellent free-kick opportunity that Baines screwed high and wide. Hibererton'st was brightto enough to wim Everton's first cornerr but it canme to nothing. Cahill and Pienaar combined well to win a corner but Bily fired it over everyone.
Some tremndous interpassing finallset up Heitinga in space and his excellent shot stung Hanneman's gloves but Cahill could not keep Arteta's resulting corner below the bar. Another hoof down the right say the ref peanlise Cahill for a high foot. Beckford got spoken too for what looked like an accidental kick on Berra. A lousy pass from Pienaar was greeted with boos but they were really for Masoon who had playeed advantage instead of calling a foul on Beckford. Arteta then got hounded by Jones and evetually lost it afyter a mazey run backward to teh centre-circle.
Everton were really struggling to impose themselves on the constant pressure from their opponents, who were playing the spoiling game well. Another hoof from Distin found Beckford but he could not control it. Finally, Mason got his card out and booked Elokobi for a poor challenge on Arteta. From the kick, Cahill shielded well to set up Pienaar, who had played the entire half down the right side, but his shot was pathetic.
A simple ball in frm Arteta that Beckford smartly clipped on looked to create the first goal but, instead of shooting, Cahill dived over, looking for a penalty that Mason was not interested in. Everrton were attacking better but Beckford's contrl was letting him down repeatdly. A great cross from Pienaar was too far ahead of Bily, Bily lashed at another after Cahill's good shot was blocked.
An unbelievable decision by Mason gave a free-kick outside the box for a clear push on Arteta that was inside the area, three yards in front of the referee!!! Arteta drove it in and Wolves could not clear the ball. Cahill looked to have fouled Cradock but turned smartly and smacked it home brilliantly. The goal stood, despite an animated conversation beween ref and linesman.
Everton had struggled through the half to really impose themselves with confidence despite some good attacking play, but the goal was a tremendous relief.
No changes for the second half as Everton looked to control the game, Beckford playing a little further back. But scapy football, characterized by another Jags hoof, was the pattern that seemed to set in early on. Moore hoofs by Baines only led to Beckford being called for a foul. A great move down the left ended with an awful touch by Beckford, his balance all wrong.
Everton were failing to build on the goal, and letting Wolves get too much of the play since half-time. Passing was not fluid by any means as the Hour of teh Sub approached... who would it be? Saha on for Beckford or Bily? Pienaar was booed again for a horrible pass, possibly on his wrong foot.
Some better stuff saw the bll nodded back by Cahill but a dreadful airsshot form Bily missed glorious chance. Baines and Henry battled away on the byeline and the crowd got more annoyed with Mason. Two Everton players, Arteta and Pienaar, collapsed but Mason delayed stopping the game, getting the crowd even more aggrevated. .
It was nervy stuff without the assurance of a second goal; too many hoofs in the general direction of Beckford, who could not control any of them, and the game was degenerating into quite a poor display of football. Pienaar, since being booed, had been playing in very determined fashin, tracking back and defending well. Beckford got a chance to break but Ward had the measure of him far too easily. The substitution came late today, 71 mins, and it was Saha for Beckford.
A dreadful sequence of play saw Wolves equalize. Silly passing beetwen Saha and Heitinga saw saw Guediura leap in with his studs to get the ball off Heitinga and sacamper away with the ball to set up a break, Heitinga lying prostate. Ebanks-Blake had an easy task to finish the move.
Heitinga, going in for retributive afters on Jarvis, got a stupid yellow for his trrouble as Everton looked more and more uncomfortable, the scrappy football making the Goodison crowd most agitated. Jagielka was repeated under preessure, once when Howard failed to take command. Wolves now had the bit firmly betweeb the teeth, while Moyes dithered over his next substitutions.
Fellaini was the next substitution along with Osman, the Big Fella coming on for Heitinga, Osman for Bily. So... almost back to the Blackburn starting line-up!!!. Baines went on a good run and was hauled don by Halford. Artea's low fired kick was cleared with ease. Cahill looked to get a chance but he was offside from a flick-on.
The subs brightened things up for the final 10 mins, Saha getting in a looping header that came down just the wrong side of the bar. But at the other end, Jarvis went on a dazzzling run that beat Hibberet and required determined intervention from Distin to prevent an easy winning goal. Osman was lively at the other end, but not strong enough to resist the
A very feisty finish from Wolves after they scored underlined a depressingly familiar inability of Everton to put the headlock on poorer teams who play the physical pressing game. This fixture finished 1-1 last season, and went down as one of far too many games that Everton should have won... and would need to win if they were really going to make some progress this season, with "the best squad in over 20 years". But it was once again Same Old, Same Old; not enough invention, confidence, or composure. Two games in and two rather depressingly familiar portents for the season.
The game started with a hoof from Jags that won an early fk which went straight to Hanneman. On the next hoof, from Hibbert, Cahill won another free kick, As Everton looked to attack, Pienaar played in Hibbert welldown the right but his cross was poor. Everton won another free kick when Berra held Beckford and Arteta did far better but Bily lashed the half-cleared ball well over the bar.
Jagielka hoofed it again and it came back to him but he finally played a better ground ball to Arteta and Hibbert's cross was much better, although Bily went down under pressure and could not control his shot. Neat workk from Bily clipped the ball to Baines but his cross was awful. Jagielka gave away a cheap free-kick that went straight to Howard. The next attacjk was full of danger but Arteta could not control it.
Beckford was starting to get more into it after a slow start, but could not get a difficult cross close enough to Cahill. Some silly ness between Henry and Cahill won a free-kick but Arteta's square ball confused everybody, especially Jags, who could only chip it poorly. The match was developing a feisty edgey but Everton were playing it on the ground and an excellent forward move tested Beckford again.
More hoofing down the right, this time from Pienaar, eventually led to some better football, Pienaar getting caught by Henry for an excellent free-kick opportunity that Baines screwed high and wide. Hibererton'st was brightto enough to wim Everton's first cornerr but it canme to nothing. Cahill and Pienaar combined well to win a corner but Bily fired it over everyone.
Some tremndous interpassing finallset up Heitinga in space and his excellent shot stung Hanneman's gloves but Cahill could not keep Arteta's resulting corner below the bar. Another hoof down the right say the ref peanlise Cahill for a high foot. Beckford got spoken too for what looked like an accidental kick on Berra. A lousy pass from Pienaar was greeted with boos but they were really for Masoon who had playeed advantage instead of calling a foul on Beckford. Arteta then got hounded by Jones and evetually lost it afyter a mazey run backward to teh centre-circle.
Everton were really struggling to impose themselves on the constant pressure from their opponents, who were playing the spoiling game well. Another hoof from Distin found Beckford but he could not control it. Finally, Mason got his card out and booked Elokobi for a poor challenge on Arteta. From the kick, Cahill shielded well to set up Pienaar, who had played the entire half down the right side, but his shot was pathetic.
A simple ball in frm Arteta that Beckford smartly clipped on looked to create the first goal but, instead of shooting, Cahill dived over, looking for a penalty that Mason was not interested in. Everrton were attacking better but Beckford's contrl was letting him down repeatdly. A great cross from Pienaar was too far ahead of Bily, Bily lashed at another after Cahill's good shot was blocked.
An unbelievable decision by Mason gave a free-kick outside the box for a clear push on Arteta that was inside the area, three yards in front of the referee!!! Arteta drove it in and Wolves could not clear the ball. Cahill looked to have fouled Cradock but turned smartly and smacked it home brilliantly. The goal stood, despite an animated conversation beween ref and linesman.
Everton had struggled through the half to really impose themselves with confidence despite some good attacking play, but the goal was a tremendous relief.
No changes for the second half as Everton looked to control the game, Beckford playing a little further back. But scapy football, characterized by another Jags hoof, was the pattern that seemed to set in early on. Moore hoofs by Baines only led to Beckford being called for a foul. A great move down the left ended with an awful touch by Beckford, his balance all wrong.
Everton were failing to build on the goal, and letting Wolves get too much of the play since half-time. Passing was not fluid by any means as the Hour of teh Sub approached... who would it be? Saha on for Beckford or Bily? Pienaar was booed again for a horrible pass, possibly on his wrong foot.
Some better stuff saw the bll nodded back by Cahill but a dreadful airsshot form Bily missed glorious chance. Baines and Henry battled away on the byeline and the crowd got more annoyed with Mason. Two Everton players, Arteta and Pienaar, collapsed but Mason delayed stopping the game, getting the crowd even more aggrevated. .
It was nervy stuff without the assurance of a second goal; too many hoofs in the general direction of Beckford, who could not control any of them, and the game was degenerating into quite a poor display of football. Pienaar, since being booed, had been playing in very determined fashin, tracking back and defending well. Beckford got a chance to break but Ward had the measure of him far too easily. The substitution came late today, 71 mins, and it was Saha for Beckford.
A dreadful sequence of play saw Wolves equalize. Silly passing beetwen Saha and Heitinga saw saw Guediura leap in with his studs to get the ball off Heitinga and sacamper away with the ball to set up a break, Heitinga lying prostate. Ebanks-Blake had an easy task to finish the move.
Heitinga, going in for retributive afters on Jarvis, got a stupid yellow for his trrouble as Everton looked more and more uncomfortable, the scrappy football making the Goodison crowd most agitated. Jagielka was repeated under preessure, once when Howard failed to take command. Wolves now had the bit firmly betweeb the teeth, while Moyes dithered over his next substitutions.
Fellaini was the next substitution along with Osman, the Big Fella coming on for Heitinga, Osman for Bily. So... almost back to the Blackburn starting line-up!!!. Baines went on a good run and was hauled don by Halford. Artea's low fired kick was cleared with ease. Cahill looked to get a chance but he was offside from a flick-on.
The subs brightened things up for the final 10 mins, Saha getting in a looping header that came down just the wrong side of the bar. But at the other end, Jarvis went on a dazzzling run that beat Hibberet and required determined intervention from Distin to prevent an easy winning goal. Osman was lively at the other end, but not strong enough to resist the
A very feisty finish from Wolves after they scored underlined a depressingly familiar inability of Everton to put the headlock on poorer teams who play the physical pressing game. This fixture finished 1-1 last season, and went down as one of far too many games that Everton should have won... and would need to win if they were really going to make some progress this season, with "the best squad in over 20 years". But it was once again Same Old, Same Old; not enough invention, confidence, or composure. Two games in and two rather depressingly familiar portents for the season.
Friday 20 August 2010
Everton vs Wolves
Match Preview
To say that Everton's season opener at Blackburn last weekend was a disappointment would be an understatement, not merely because it ended in defeat but also — mostly — because of the manner of it. The Blues were well below their best and could have few complaints at the result.
The first home game of the campaign, though, offers an opportunity to erase the memory of the Ewood Park debacle immediately, get points on the board and make a statement of intent in the process against a team that they really should beat handily. Perhaps significantly, they were stymied by Wolves home and away last season and as David Moyes always, there are no easy games in the Premier League anymore.
How Everton respond, though, is going to be very important. The burden of expectation won't have lifted a bit with last weekend's loss so the pressure to perorm will certainly be on in front of a demanding home crowd.
Much has been made of Moyes's less-than-adventurous team selection last week so it will be interesting to see if there are any personnel changes, particularly in right midfield and up front.
Victor Anichebe, one of the manager's options on the right wing, is still out injured and Yakubu's omission from the squad last weekend perhaps speaks volumes about the likelihood of him staying at Goodison beyond the closure of the transfer window but Moyes has options in the likes of DIniyar Bilyaletdinov, Jermaine Beckford and Magaye Gueye, as well as Jack Rodwell and John Heitinga, neither of whom made the starting line-up against Rovers.
Wolves already have a win under their belts having beaten Stoke City in their first game and they will no doubt feel that all the pressure will be on their hosts' shoulders.
To say that Everton's season opener at Blackburn last weekend was a disappointment would be an understatement, not merely because it ended in defeat but also — mostly — because of the manner of it. The Blues were well below their best and could have few complaints at the result.
The first home game of the campaign, though, offers an opportunity to erase the memory of the Ewood Park debacle immediately, get points on the board and make a statement of intent in the process against a team that they really should beat handily. Perhaps significantly, they were stymied by Wolves home and away last season and as David Moyes always, there are no easy games in the Premier League anymore.
How Everton respond, though, is going to be very important. The burden of expectation won't have lifted a bit with last weekend's loss so the pressure to perorm will certainly be on in front of a demanding home crowd.
Much has been made of Moyes's less-than-adventurous team selection last week so it will be interesting to see if there are any personnel changes, particularly in right midfield and up front.
Victor Anichebe, one of the manager's options on the right wing, is still out injured and Yakubu's omission from the squad last weekend perhaps speaks volumes about the likelihood of him staying at Goodison beyond the closure of the transfer window but Moyes has options in the likes of DIniyar Bilyaletdinov, Jermaine Beckford and Magaye Gueye, as well as Jack Rodwell and John Heitinga, neither of whom made the starting line-up against Rovers.
Wolves already have a win under their belts having beaten Stoke City in their first game and they will no doubt feel that all the pressure will be on their hosts' shoulders.
Wednesday 18 August 2010
Arteta on why he stayed at Everton
Today, Mikel Arteta signs a new five-year contract that will make him the highest-paid Everton player ever. This is what he has said about it: "This is the moment we have been waiting for in the last four or five years. This club has the ability to make you really feel at home... You don't want to move away and that is how I felt about Everton. I want to win things. I want to play in the Champions League and I want to make sure that when I leave this club, they are in the top four at least.”
He added, “If you want to leave a club you can – you have seen that in many cases. If I wanted to leave I would have left. But I said to the club, ‘This may be a good opportunity for you. I’m 28, you bought me really cheap and you can get a lot of money for me’. But they didn’t think about that and that made me realise how much they love and respect me here.
“The manager told me he has been in a similar situation and he also decided to stay.
“Everton have been unbelievable with me, when I was injured or had other problems, so this was the moment to step forward and say it is my time now.”
He added, “If you want to leave a club you can – you have seen that in many cases. If I wanted to leave I would have left. But I said to the club, ‘This may be a good opportunity for you. I’m 28, you bought me really cheap and you can get a lot of money for me’. But they didn’t think about that and that made me realise how much they love and respect me here.
“The manager told me he has been in a similar situation and he also decided to stay.
“Everton have been unbelievable with me, when I was injured or had other problems, so this was the moment to step forward and say it is my time now.”
Sunday 15 August 2010
BLACKBURN 1 EVERTON 0
The first game of a season brimming with expectation for a very good-looking Everton squad. Only Anichebe out injured so some names were inevitably left out of today's 18-man teamsheet. But the side named carried no surprises, it's pretty much as you were for David Moyes, his three new players, Mucha, Gueye and Beckford all on the bench as the 11 starters had a very conventional and "safe" look about them.
The match started in brilliant sunshine, but some poor passing from Everton allowed Olsson to get behind the Everton de fence and attempt to lob Howard, who was out sharply. The Blues looked well flustered early on, hoofed clearances and pathetic passing seemingly the by-words as they struggled to settle under a determined onslaught from Big Sam's bruisers. But better possession soon had them retaining possession better and moving the ball around with more authority.
For Blackburn, Dunn did his groin going in hard on Pienaar and had to give way to Nzonzi before 10 mins were completed. Next off for treatment was Salgado as Everton looked to capitalize but Saha was offside. But a horrendous error by Howard, dropping the ball after what seemed a safe one-hand catch, let Kalinic slide the ball home with ease. Shocking!
Everton looked better on an attack down the right that Osman finished with a good cross but neither Saha nor Cahill in the area could reach it. Another good move nearly ended up on Cahill's boot but he was offside. Some better passing around the area allowed Osman and then Cahill to get a slight sight of goal but both attempts were blocked away. At the other end, Howard had to be alert, punching away a long Pedersen throw. Saha did well to steal the ball off Samba but could not get a decent shot in.
Osman won a good free-kick after getting an ankle-tap as he tried to get through three Blackburn defenders, But Arteta's free-kick came off the wall for Everton's first corner that ultimately resulted in Everton's first half-decent shot, from Pienaar. Pedersen rather nastily stood on Arteta's foot but nothing came of Distin's free-kick. Everton had improved a lot by half-time, but still a stupid goal behind, and a big hill to climb in the second half of a fairly scrappy game.
No changes at half-time (of course!) and Everton continued their lack-lustre performance for the next 15 wasted minutes until Moyes finally decided, on the hour (of course), to bring on Jermaine Beckford for the utterly ineffective Osman. 4-4-2?
Jones barged Arteta over to set up a wide free-kick which he slotted across to Pienaar but the quick moved failed miserably and Blackburn attacked with pace after Saha's shot was well blocked, Howard saving from Diouf who was offside. Blackburn had a stronger spell, Jones thwarted by Distin, and Nelsen missing a good chance from an unmarked position.
Everton got the ball to Saha in a good position but he lashed it over rather than passing to Beckford, who had not touched the ball since coming on 10 mins earlier. Salgado was booked for bringing down Jagielka. A poor corner by Arteta could not be controlled by Saha, and it was his final contribution, Bilyaletdinov coming on with less than 20 mins left.
Pienaar, who had continued his nondescript World Cup form, won a corner taken well by Bily that culminated in a series of half-chances for Everton that no-one could convert. Everton's performance was summed up by the dismal failure of Neville to trap an easy pass on the touchline. Poor in the extreme. An extended spell of Spanish-style short passing showed what Everton could do in possession until Neville spoilt it with a poor ball forward.
Blackburn were defending solidly but an all-too-familiar lack of guile when it comes to constructing attacks that would penetrate the opposition area and create real chances proved to be Everton's downfall when it came to rectifying that horrendous Howard howler. 2 mins into added time and Jagielka produced Everton's first real shot, and Robinson responded with a worthy save.
Simply nothing working for the Blues going forward today in their Shocking Pink away strip. A horrible performance in terms of attacking the opposition goal, and a horrible way start the season
The match started in brilliant sunshine, but some poor passing from Everton allowed Olsson to get behind the Everton de fence and attempt to lob Howard, who was out sharply. The Blues looked well flustered early on, hoofed clearances and pathetic passing seemingly the by-words as they struggled to settle under a determined onslaught from Big Sam's bruisers. But better possession soon had them retaining possession better and moving the ball around with more authority.
For Blackburn, Dunn did his groin going in hard on Pienaar and had to give way to Nzonzi before 10 mins were completed. Next off for treatment was Salgado as Everton looked to capitalize but Saha was offside. But a horrendous error by Howard, dropping the ball after what seemed a safe one-hand catch, let Kalinic slide the ball home with ease. Shocking!
Everton looked better on an attack down the right that Osman finished with a good cross but neither Saha nor Cahill in the area could reach it. Another good move nearly ended up on Cahill's boot but he was offside. Some better passing around the area allowed Osman and then Cahill to get a slight sight of goal but both attempts were blocked away. At the other end, Howard had to be alert, punching away a long Pedersen throw. Saha did well to steal the ball off Samba but could not get a decent shot in.
Osman won a good free-kick after getting an ankle-tap as he tried to get through three Blackburn defenders, But Arteta's free-kick came off the wall for Everton's first corner that ultimately resulted in Everton's first half-decent shot, from Pienaar. Pedersen rather nastily stood on Arteta's foot but nothing came of Distin's free-kick. Everton had improved a lot by half-time, but still a stupid goal behind, and a big hill to climb in the second half of a fairly scrappy game.
No changes at half-time (of course!) and Everton continued their lack-lustre performance for the next 15 wasted minutes until Moyes finally decided, on the hour (of course), to bring on Jermaine Beckford for the utterly ineffective Osman. 4-4-2?
Jones barged Arteta over to set up a wide free-kick which he slotted across to Pienaar but the quick moved failed miserably and Blackburn attacked with pace after Saha's shot was well blocked, Howard saving from Diouf who was offside. Blackburn had a stronger spell, Jones thwarted by Distin, and Nelsen missing a good chance from an unmarked position.
Everton got the ball to Saha in a good position but he lashed it over rather than passing to Beckford, who had not touched the ball since coming on 10 mins earlier. Salgado was booked for bringing down Jagielka. A poor corner by Arteta could not be controlled by Saha, and it was his final contribution, Bilyaletdinov coming on with less than 20 mins left.
Pienaar, who had continued his nondescript World Cup form, won a corner taken well by Bily that culminated in a series of half-chances for Everton that no-one could convert. Everton's performance was summed up by the dismal failure of Neville to trap an easy pass on the touchline. Poor in the extreme. An extended spell of Spanish-style short passing showed what Everton could do in possession until Neville spoilt it with a poor ball forward.
Blackburn were defending solidly but an all-too-familiar lack of guile when it comes to constructing attacks that would penetrate the opposition area and create real chances proved to be Everton's downfall when it came to rectifying that horrendous Howard howler. 2 mins into added time and Jagielka produced Everton's first real shot, and Robinson responded with a worthy save.
Simply nothing working for the Blues going forward today in their Shocking Pink away strip. A horrible performance in terms of attacking the opposition goal, and a horrible way start the season
Saturday 14 August 2010
Blackburn v Everton (Via bbc)
Blackburn v Everton
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Ewood Park Date: Saturday, 14 August Kick-off: 1500 BST
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, commentary on BBC Radio Merseyside 95.8 FM, 1485 MW & DAB, Final Score & highlights on Match of the Day
TEAM NEWS
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce must decide whether to play Nikola Kalinic and Chris Samba, both of whom missed most of pre-season through injury.
Manchester United loanee Mame Biram Diouf is also short of game time, while a calf problem rules out Vince Grella.
Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini has recovered from a long-term ankle injury but lacks match fitness and could begin on the bench.
Tim Cahill is expected to play despite missing Australia's midweek friendly.
Blackburn
Doubtful: Mame Biram Diouf, Kalinic, & Samba (all match fitness)
Injured: Grella (calf)
Everton
Doubtful: Cahill (knee), Fellaini (match fitness)
Injured: Anichebe (knee)
MATCH PREVIEW
Blackburn have finished in the top half of the Premier League table in four of the last five seasons, success built mainly on their consistent home form.
We have put together a side we want to keep. We think we have a pretty good team and we don't want to get rid of it
Everton boss David Moyes
Everton were one of only three sides to take maximum points from Ewood Park in 2009/10, winning 3-2 in April. Sam Allardyce's men have an early opportunity to avenge that defeat, and pull off a repeat of their opening-day win away to the Toffees in 2008/09.
Like Allardyce, Everton boss David Moyes has been fairly quiet in the transfer market this summer, with former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford the most high-profile arrival at Goodison.
Arguably more important is that the Toffees have hung on to key duo Mikel Arteta and Phil Jagielka. Basque playmaker Arteta has demonstrated his commitment by signing a new five-year deal, while England defender Jagielka says he "loves" playing for Everton despite reported interest from Arsenal.
That will be a relief to Toffees fans, who will recall the disruptive impact of Joleon Lescott's protracted move to Manchester City last August. Everton lost three of their first four league games last term, including a 6-1 thrashing from Arsenal on the opening day.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• These two founding members of the Football League first met in November 1888, with Blackburn winning 3-0 at their old Leamington Road ground.
• Everton are unbeaten in their last six league games at Ewood Park, though four have been drawn.
606: DEBATE
Have your say on this match
Blackburn
• Defeat to Everton in April is their only loss in their last nine league games.
• Rovers scored 59% of their league goals last season from set-pieces - the highest figure in the top flight.
• David Dunn was statistically the Premier League's best finisher last season. He converted 31% of his chances last term, a better ratio than any other player who had at least 25 efforts on goal.
• Blackburn used 110 substitutes on Premier League duty last season, more than any other top-flight side.
Everton
• Everton are unbeaten in 11 league matches since losing 2-1 at Tottenham in February, their longest unbeaten run since 1986.
• The Toffees were the only Premier League team who did not concede a goal from a penalty last season. Both spot-kicks awarded against the club were missed.
• Had the Premier League started on 1 January, Everton would have finished third, three points behind first-placed Manchester United.
• Everton and Chelsea both scored a league-high 16 headed goals in 2009/10.
LEADING GOALSCORERS LAST SEASON
Blackburn
Dunn: 10 goals (9 league); Kalinic: 7 goals (2 league)
Everton
Saha: 15 goals (13 league); Cahill: 10 goals (8 league)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Phil Dowd
Assistant referees: Glenn Turner & Patrick Keane
Fourth official: Lee Mason
LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
Blackburn (W1-0 v Aston Villa, a): Robinson, Samba, Givet (Jones 63), Olsson, Salgado, Hanley, Dunn, Linganzi (Pedersen 46), Andrews, Roberts (Emerton 86), Hoilett. Subs not used: Brown, Jacobsen, Grella, Kalinic.
Everton (W1-0 v Portsmouth, h): Howard, Hibbert, Baines, Jagielka, Distin, Arteta (Heitinga 84), Pienaar, Osman, Rodwell (Yakubu 55), Saha, Anichebe (Bilyaletdinov 66). Subs not used: Turner, Yobo, Heitinga, Senderos, Baxter.
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Ewood Park Date: Saturday, 14 August Kick-off: 1500 BST
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, commentary on BBC Radio Merseyside 95.8 FM, 1485 MW & DAB, Final Score & highlights on Match of the Day
TEAM NEWS
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce must decide whether to play Nikola Kalinic and Chris Samba, both of whom missed most of pre-season through injury.
Manchester United loanee Mame Biram Diouf is also short of game time, while a calf problem rules out Vince Grella.
Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini has recovered from a long-term ankle injury but lacks match fitness and could begin on the bench.
Tim Cahill is expected to play despite missing Australia's midweek friendly.
Blackburn
Doubtful: Mame Biram Diouf, Kalinic, & Samba (all match fitness)
Injured: Grella (calf)
Everton
Doubtful: Cahill (knee), Fellaini (match fitness)
Injured: Anichebe (knee)
MATCH PREVIEW
Blackburn have finished in the top half of the Premier League table in four of the last five seasons, success built mainly on their consistent home form.
We have put together a side we want to keep. We think we have a pretty good team and we don't want to get rid of it
Everton boss David Moyes
Everton were one of only three sides to take maximum points from Ewood Park in 2009/10, winning 3-2 in April. Sam Allardyce's men have an early opportunity to avenge that defeat, and pull off a repeat of their opening-day win away to the Toffees in 2008/09.
Like Allardyce, Everton boss David Moyes has been fairly quiet in the transfer market this summer, with former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford the most high-profile arrival at Goodison.
Arguably more important is that the Toffees have hung on to key duo Mikel Arteta and Phil Jagielka. Basque playmaker Arteta has demonstrated his commitment by signing a new five-year deal, while England defender Jagielka says he "loves" playing for Everton despite reported interest from Arsenal.
That will be a relief to Toffees fans, who will recall the disruptive impact of Joleon Lescott's protracted move to Manchester City last August. Everton lost three of their first four league games last term, including a 6-1 thrashing from Arsenal on the opening day.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• These two founding members of the Football League first met in November 1888, with Blackburn winning 3-0 at their old Leamington Road ground.
• Everton are unbeaten in their last six league games at Ewood Park, though four have been drawn.
606: DEBATE
Have your say on this match
Blackburn
• Defeat to Everton in April is their only loss in their last nine league games.
• Rovers scored 59% of their league goals last season from set-pieces - the highest figure in the top flight.
• David Dunn was statistically the Premier League's best finisher last season. He converted 31% of his chances last term, a better ratio than any other player who had at least 25 efforts on goal.
• Blackburn used 110 substitutes on Premier League duty last season, more than any other top-flight side.
Everton
• Everton are unbeaten in 11 league matches since losing 2-1 at Tottenham in February, their longest unbeaten run since 1986.
• The Toffees were the only Premier League team who did not concede a goal from a penalty last season. Both spot-kicks awarded against the club were missed.
• Had the Premier League started on 1 January, Everton would have finished third, three points behind first-placed Manchester United.
• Everton and Chelsea both scored a league-high 16 headed goals in 2009/10.
LEADING GOALSCORERS LAST SEASON
Blackburn
Dunn: 10 goals (9 league); Kalinic: 7 goals (2 league)
Everton
Saha: 15 goals (13 league); Cahill: 10 goals (8 league)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Phil Dowd
Assistant referees: Glenn Turner & Patrick Keane
Fourth official: Lee Mason
LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
Blackburn (W1-0 v Aston Villa, a): Robinson, Samba, Givet (Jones 63), Olsson, Salgado, Hanley, Dunn, Linganzi (Pedersen 46), Andrews, Roberts (Emerton 86), Hoilett. Subs not used: Brown, Jacobsen, Grella, Kalinic.
Everton (W1-0 v Portsmouth, h): Howard, Hibbert, Baines, Jagielka, Distin, Arteta (Heitinga 84), Pienaar, Osman, Rodwell (Yakubu 55), Saha, Anichebe (Bilyaletdinov 66). Subs not used: Turner, Yobo, Heitinga, Senderos, Baxter.
Friday 13 August 2010
Blackburn Rovers vs Everton
Match Preview
Few seasons in recent memory have felt as "make or break" for Everton as the one that kicks off this weekend at Ewood Park.
A surprisingly strong second half to 2009/10 that would have earned the Blues a place in the Champions League if that form had been extrapolated out to cover the first 19 injury-ravaged games demonstrated unequovically that David Moyes has the players and that he has got them playing the right way.
Now, with a virtually fully-fit squad, a sprinkling of new faces, Tim Cahill, Jack Rowell and Mikel Arteta locked into new contracts and Steven Pienaar at least still at Goodison, albeit with a cloud of uncertainty lingering over him, there is a feeling that if ever Moyes's Everton were a position to break into the top four, it's right now.
Many are feeling an unfamiliar feeling of genuine optimism; others are probably supressing it nervously, uneasy at the burden of expectation and fearful of what might happen to the squad that the manager has built —and, indeed, what might become of Moyes himself — if this coming campaign ends with a similarly disappointing Premier League placing as the last.
Of course, the team is by no means complete. Between Louis Saha's injury record and erratic form last term, Yakubu's struggles to regain anything close to the sharpness he displayed before that long lay-off with a ruptured Achilles, James Vaughan's stuttering career, and Jermaine Beckford being untested at top-flight level, there are concerns that the Blues could be hampered by the lack of a genuine 20-goals-a-season attacker.
In right midfield, the failure on the part of both Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Leon Osman to convince as an out-and-out winger, exacerbate the dearth of pace on that side of the pitch and Tony Hibbert and Phil Neville's lack of attacking prowess.
And in defence, Moyes may need to experiment a little to find the best partnership between his three first-choice centre-halves, John Heitinga, Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin and there's no real cover for Leighton Baines at left back.
But there's no denying that on its day with a midfield boasting Marouane Fellaini, Arteta, Rodwell and Pienaar, and the predatory instincts of Cahill behind the lone striker, Moyes's is a team that can beat anyone on its day... as they proved against the likes of Manchester United and eventual Champions, Chelsea.
Naturally, optimism for the new campaign is also tempered by the strength of the other sides vying for the top four. United and Chelsea remain the two favourites for the Title, Manchester City have spent many more millions, Arsenal have strengthened while retaining Cesc Fabregas, and Tottenham will again be strong candidates for a Champions League berth.
Of the top eight, only managerless Aston Villa and Liverpool with a new man at the helm in Roy Hodgson have genuine question marks hanging over them as we kick off the new season but at times from December onwards, Everton showed that their sites should be set higher than those two troubled clubs in 2010/11.
For the trip to Blackburn, Moyes has the rare luxury of being able to take his pick from virtually a fully available squad. Victor Anichebe is missing through injury and there may be doubts over the match fitness of Fellaini, who has completed his recovery from the ankle injury that has kept sidelined since February, and Heitinga is only just back from an extended break following his exploits in South Africa so it's possible neither will start. Cahill, meanwhile, has a minor knee injury that meant he missed Australia's friendly with Slovenia this week as a precaution.
Davey Moyes: could this finally be the season?
Otherwise, there are plenty of options for Moyes as he aims to win a Premier League opener for the first time in three seasons and put another one over on Sam Allardyce on his side's own turf, having won 3-2 at Ewood Park just four games ago in League terms.
Louis Saha is likely to lead the line for the Blues and captain Phil Neville is odds-on to start at right back despite the pre-season form of Seamus Coleman.
Opening day is always a bit of an unknown as teams shake off any rust that's accumulated over the summer and try and hit their stride as quickly as possible. Victory, though, particularly away from home, can provide a tremendous shot in the arm for what promises to be the most competitive Premier League season in years.
Few seasons in recent memory have felt as "make or break" for Everton as the one that kicks off this weekend at Ewood Park.
A surprisingly strong second half to 2009/10 that would have earned the Blues a place in the Champions League if that form had been extrapolated out to cover the first 19 injury-ravaged games demonstrated unequovically that David Moyes has the players and that he has got them playing the right way.
Now, with a virtually fully-fit squad, a sprinkling of new faces, Tim Cahill, Jack Rowell and Mikel Arteta locked into new contracts and Steven Pienaar at least still at Goodison, albeit with a cloud of uncertainty lingering over him, there is a feeling that if ever Moyes's Everton were a position to break into the top four, it's right now.
Many are feeling an unfamiliar feeling of genuine optimism; others are probably supressing it nervously, uneasy at the burden of expectation and fearful of what might happen to the squad that the manager has built —and, indeed, what might become of Moyes himself — if this coming campaign ends with a similarly disappointing Premier League placing as the last.
Of course, the team is by no means complete. Between Louis Saha's injury record and erratic form last term, Yakubu's struggles to regain anything close to the sharpness he displayed before that long lay-off with a ruptured Achilles, James Vaughan's stuttering career, and Jermaine Beckford being untested at top-flight level, there are concerns that the Blues could be hampered by the lack of a genuine 20-goals-a-season attacker.
In right midfield, the failure on the part of both Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Leon Osman to convince as an out-and-out winger, exacerbate the dearth of pace on that side of the pitch and Tony Hibbert and Phil Neville's lack of attacking prowess.
And in defence, Moyes may need to experiment a little to find the best partnership between his three first-choice centre-halves, John Heitinga, Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin and there's no real cover for Leighton Baines at left back.
But there's no denying that on its day with a midfield boasting Marouane Fellaini, Arteta, Rodwell and Pienaar, and the predatory instincts of Cahill behind the lone striker, Moyes's is a team that can beat anyone on its day... as they proved against the likes of Manchester United and eventual Champions, Chelsea.
Naturally, optimism for the new campaign is also tempered by the strength of the other sides vying for the top four. United and Chelsea remain the two favourites for the Title, Manchester City have spent many more millions, Arsenal have strengthened while retaining Cesc Fabregas, and Tottenham will again be strong candidates for a Champions League berth.
Of the top eight, only managerless Aston Villa and Liverpool with a new man at the helm in Roy Hodgson have genuine question marks hanging over them as we kick off the new season but at times from December onwards, Everton showed that their sites should be set higher than those two troubled clubs in 2010/11.
For the trip to Blackburn, Moyes has the rare luxury of being able to take his pick from virtually a fully available squad. Victor Anichebe is missing through injury and there may be doubts over the match fitness of Fellaini, who has completed his recovery from the ankle injury that has kept sidelined since February, and Heitinga is only just back from an extended break following his exploits in South Africa so it's possible neither will start. Cahill, meanwhile, has a minor knee injury that meant he missed Australia's friendly with Slovenia this week as a precaution.
Davey Moyes: could this finally be the season?
Otherwise, there are plenty of options for Moyes as he aims to win a Premier League opener for the first time in three seasons and put another one over on Sam Allardyce on his side's own turf, having won 3-2 at Ewood Park just four games ago in League terms.
Louis Saha is likely to lead the line for the Blues and captain Phil Neville is odds-on to start at right back despite the pre-season form of Seamus Coleman.
Opening day is always a bit of an unknown as teams shake off any rust that's accumulated over the summer and try and hit their stride as quickly as possible. Victory, though, particularly away from home, can provide a tremendous shot in the arm for what promises to be the most competitive Premier League season in years.
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