Sunday 6 November 2011

Loan Watch: 6th November

Shane Duffy (above) got another ninety minutes of playing time under his belt as Scunthorpe lost 2-0 at Bournemouth in League One. Scott Malone and Wes Thomas scored the Cherries' goals.

Femi Orenuga was not involved as Notts County drew 1-1 with Wycombe Wanderers.

Jose Baxter missed Tranmere's goalless draw with Colchester through suspension following a red card last time out.

Luke Garbutt helped Cheltenham Town into third place in League Two with a 0-1 away win at Bradford. Robins boss Mark Yates described his side's performance as 'the best of the season'.

James Wallace made his debut for Shrewsbury Town, but only lasted 24 minutes before he was shown red for a lunge on Dagenham & Redbridge's Jon Nurse.

Connor Roberts made his second appearance for Northern Premier League side Burscough and impressed in goal for the Linnets, despite his side going down 2-1 to Frickley Athletic.

João Silva played for Portuguese side Vitória de Setúbal as they drew 0-0 with Gil Vicente on Sunday evening.

Saturday 5 November 2011

Newcastle United 2-1 Everton

An Everton side beleaguered by injuries to Sylvain Distin and Tim Cahill and the suspension of pivotal midfielder Marouane Fellaini travelled to Tyneside to face high-flying Newcastle United, who had begun the season with a very impressive 6 wins and 4 draws from 10 league matches.

Tim Howard, who was this week pipped to the U.S. Player of the Year Award by Fulham's Clint Dempsey, started as usual between the sticks. Sylvain Distin's absence meant a back four of Tony Hibbert, Phil Jagielka, John Heitinga and Leighton Baines.

Phil Neville filled a Marouane Fellaini-shaped hole in midfield alongside Jack Rodwell, Leon Osman, Royston Drenthe and Seamus Coleman with Frenchman Louis Saha on his own up top.

A warm-up injury to Apostolos Vellios meant teenager Ross Barkley was promoted to the bench where he sat alongside Jan Mucha, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, Denis Stracqualursi, James McFadden, Sylvain Distin and Tim Cahill.

It was a slow and sloppy start to the game from both sides and the game’s first goal was scored in bizarre circumstances. A right-wing cross from Danny Simpson was prodded inadvertently by John Heitinga past Tim Howard, who had come out to claim the cross, into the empty net. S-Heit.

When you score an own goal like that there is a feeling that it just isn’t going to be your day. When you concede a second to a stunning volley from the opposition’s full back (Tony Hibbert take note) that feeling multiplies. Ryan Taylor’s 28th minute goal came ultimately as a result of Everton’s failure to properly clear their lines, but one has to admire the technique of Taylor, who, like John Heitinga, gave Tim Howard no chance, hitting a dipping volley into the top right-hand corner.

The game was by no means one-sided, though, and Everton had opportunities through Osman, Drenthe, Coleman and Saha, who turned one shot against Tim Krul’s left-hand post and spooned another into Row Z of the Gallowgate End. Newcastle’s French midfield string-puller Yohan Cabaye picked up an injury and was replaced by a certain Dan Gosling. Talk about rubbing salt into wounds.

On the stroke of half-time Everton halved the deficit. Our two best players from the first half combined as Royston Drenthe’s corner was powerfully headed home by Jack Rodwell for his second goal in three league games. It was a justified reward for Everton’s first-half efforts and put an intriguing spin on a game that had looked out of Everton’s reach.

Just as much as you wanted Everton to come out all guns blazing after the interval, you knew deep down that you were clutching at straws. Everton aren’t we?

The second half was a largely sloppy affair – and credit must go to Newcastle for that. They broke down the few meaningful opportunities we had and proved why their defence has shipped the fewest goals in the Premier League so far this season. As is becoming all too familiar with Everton, we lacked a cutting edge, a penetration, a spark or piece of trickery in the final third. The guile that, say, Mikel Arteta or Steven Pienaar would have provided, had gone.

One player capable of stepping up to fill that void left by our two most creative players is Leon Osman. At times last season he was at his brilliant best, unlocking defences for fun and with apparent ease. But therein lies the problem with ‘Ossie’: when on form he is fantastic; when he isn’t he is less effective than Steven Gerrard’s elocution tutor.

We were, however, denied a clear penalty when Saha’s goal-bound shot was saved by the fingertips of… err… Dan Gosling. Shown by replays to be a clear handball, the former Everton midfielder got away with the offence and the remainder of the game passed without too much incident.2-1, then, the final score.

A(nother) depressing day in the life of an Evertonian. We’ve been beaten by a team with Danny Guthrie and Dan Gosling in the centre of midfield. Ah, well. Same time next week.

Stoke City U18s 1-2 Everton U18s

Goals from striking duo Chris Long and Anton Forrester (above) meant Everton leapfrogged opponents Stoke City in the Academy League table.

Long, who played 45 minutes for the reserves in midweek, struck shortly before half-time and Anton Forrester doubled the lead after the break with a 20-yard effort.

The Potters pulled a goal back through Michael Clarkson but Everton held on for a 2-1 victory.

Everton: Fitzgibbon, Higgins, Heneghan, Dier (c), Barrow, Grant, Molyneux, Jones, Forrester, Long, Hope.

Subs: Taudul, Green, Shannon (Grant).

Stoke City: Bachmann, Roberts-Nurse, Parry, O'Reilly, Hall, Richardson, Clarkson, Dawson (c), Scott, Musungu, Nardiello.

Subs: Richards, Eve, Sinclair, Debayo, Rossi (Roberts-Nurse 89).

Elsewhere, Everton U16s beat their Stoke counterparts by a goal to nil. The match-winning goal was scored by Courtney Duffus, recently signed from Cheltenham Town along with his brother Tyrone, and assisted by Danny O'Brien.

Thursday 3 November 2011

Trio In England U18 Squad

Everton Academy defender Eric Dier has earned a first call-up to the England U18 squad for a fixture against Slovakia in two weeks' time, joining clubmates Hallam Hope and John Lundstram in Noel Blake's 18-man party.

The squad travel to Slovakia on 16th November for the friendly fixture.

Dier, born to English parents, grew up in Portugal after his family moved there when he was young. He came through the ranks at Sporting Lisbon's academy but has spent the last two seasons on loan at Everton.

It is unclear whether Everton will be able to keep hold of Dier after the latest loan spell expires as Sporting are thought to value the player highly.

Thanks to his childhood having been spent abroad, Dier is eligible to play for Portugal, but has in the past stated his desire to play for England, for whom he participated in a promotional photoshoot back in 2008 (above).

Midfielder Lundstram and forward Hope both played at the U17 World Cup in the Summer just gone and both have retained their places in the squad for the Slovakia game.

The trio join Jake Bidwell, Ross Barkley and Jack Rodwell in being called up to various England youth sides in recent days. The future's bright, the future's blue.

Manchester United Res 2-0 Everton Res

Goals from Will Keane and Jesse Lingard saw off an experienced Everton side in this lively encounter.

Everton's travelling party included names such as Marcus Hahnemann, Ross Barkley, Magaye Gueye and James McFadden, as well as players such as Chris Long and Anton Forrester who have been impressing for the U18 side of late.

The Everton line-up was; Hahnemann, Browning, Mustafi, Nsiala, Bidwell, Forshaw, Lundstram, Barkley, Gueye, Stracqualursi, McFadden, with a substitutes bench consisting of Davies, Hope, Dier, Forrester and Long.

United started brightly and found themselves a goal to the good after just 6 minutes when Will Keane jinked through the Everton defence and lashed a shot past Marcus Hahnemann.

Ross Barkley saw an effort fly over the bar, although the majority of the action was at the other end of the field. Davide Petrucci and Jesse Lingard were both denied by Hahnemann, whilst an exceptional sliding tackle from Shkodran Mustafi blocked a goal-bound Mame Biram Diouf shot.

United's England U19 international Larnell Cole was thwarted by Hahnemann, but Everton shaded the final 10 minutes of the first half and both Adam Forshaw and Denis Stracqualursi had opportunities to draw the visitors level.

James McFadden was replaced by Chris Long, rewarded for his fine goalscoring form with the U18s, at the break. The hosts also made a change, bringing on Sean McGinty for Ezekiel Fryers.

With almost an hour on the clock, Everton came within inches of an equaliser. Magaye Gueye smashed a left-footed shot onto the bar with United keeper Ben Amos a spectator.

Ross Barkley showcased his talent with a free-kick and a long-range strike, but it was United who scored the second - and decisive - goal. McGinty crossed and forward Lingard secured the win on 82 minutes.

Wallace Joins Shrews On Loan

Midfielder James Wallace has become the latest player to leave Everton on loan, joining League Two side Shrewsbury Town for a month.

As with the loan deals of Shane Duffy, Jose Baxter and Luke Garbutt, Wallace's stay at the Greenhous Meadow is likely to be extended once the initial one-month deal has expired.

Central midfielder Wallace, 19, is an established member of Everton's reserve team and has been capped at U20 level for England. He already has some experience of playing in the lower leagues, having previously enjoyed loan spells at Bury and Stockport County.

Shrews manager Graham Turner said of his new recruit: "He comes highly recommended by David Moyes both as a player and as a professional."

Wallace could make his debut for Shrewsbury, who currently lie sixth in League Two, against Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday.

Wednesday 2 November 2011

Bidwell Named In England U19 Squad

Young Everton defender Jake Bidwell has been included in the England U19 squad to face Denmark next week.

Last year's Academy Player of the Season Bidwell is a versatile player who can play as a full-back or in the centre of defence, and his good form for Everton's Academy and reserve sides has seen him rewarded with international recognition.

Having previously played for England at U16 and U17 level, he has been named in an 18-man squad for the U19 game against Denmark at Brighton & Hove Albion's Amex Stadium on Thursday 10th November.

The full England U19 squad is:

Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Scunthorpe United, on loan from Manchester United), Connor Ripley (Middlesbrough)

Defenders: Todd Kane (Chelsea), Andre Wisdom (Liverpool), Jack Robinson (Liverpool), Jamaal Lascelles(Nottingham Forest), Jake Bidwell (Everton), Nathaniel Chalobah (Chelsea).

Midfielders: Conor Coady (Liverpool), George Thorne (West Bromwich Albion), Ravel Morrison(Manchester United), Larnell Cole (Manchester United), Luke Williams (Middlesbrough), Nicholas Yennaris(Arsenal).

Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Adam Morgan (Liverpool), Saido Berahino (Northampton Town, on loan from West Bromwich Albion), Will Keane (Manchester United).

Rodwell, Barkley In U21 Squad

Everton duo Jack Rodwell and Ross Barkley have been named in Stuart Pearce's England U21 squad for the upcoming Euro Qualifiers against Belgium and Iceland.

The young Lions kick-off the double-header at the already sold-out Weston Homes Community Stadium (home of Colchester United) with a game against Iceland on Thursday 10th November.

The squad will then travel to the Belgian city of Mons for the second fixture, in the Stade Charles Tondreau on Monday 14th November.

The England U21 squad in full is:

Goalkeepers: Ben Amos (Manchester United), Jack Butland (Cheltenham Town - on loan from Birmingham City), Jason Steele (Middlesbrough)

Defenders: Nathan Baker (Aston Villa), Ryan Bennett (Peterborough United), Matthew Briggs (Fulham), Nathaniel Clyne (Crystal Palace), Craig Dawson (West Bromwich Albion), Lewis Dunk (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jon Flanagan (Liverpool), Martin Kelly (Liverpool), Adam Smith (MK Dons - on loan from Tottenham Hotspur)

Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Jacob Butterfield (Barnsley), Tom Carroll (Tottenham Hotspur), Gary Gardner (Aston Villa), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Jason Lowe (Blackburn Rovers), Josh McEachran (Chelsea), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Jack Rodwell (Everton)

Forwards: Nathan Delfouneso (Aston Villa), Alex Nimely (Middlesbrough - on loan from Manchester City), Marvin Sordell (Watford), Connor Wickham (Sunderland)

Standby List: Joe Bennett (Middlesbrough), Declan Rudd (Norwich City), Jonjo Shelvey (Blackpool - loan from Liverpool), Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur), Dan Gosling (Newcastle United)

Tuesday 1 November 2011

Garbutt Extends Cheltenham Stay

Luke Garbutt has signed a month extension on his loan stay with League Two outfit Cheltenham Town.

The left-back, 19, has been instrumental in Cheltenham's recent fine form, contributing with assists aplenty, and has been handed the responsibility of corner and free-kick taking.

Signed from Leeds United in 2009, Garbutt had established himself as a regular in Everton's reserve team prior to his loan move to Whaddon Road.

Robins manager Mark Yates spoke of his delight after the one-month extension was announced: "Luke has done well during his first month here with the club.

"We are all obviously delighted because Luke has settled right in and has put in some very good performances over the last few weeks. Luke signing another month ensures continuity throughout the whole squad and that is very important.

Everton have been great once again and I would like to thank them."

Sunday 30 October 2011

Loan Watch: 30th October

Everton players had mixed fortunes with their respective loan sides this weekend.

Shane Duffy celebrated his loan extension at Scunthorpe United in style with his side's first goal in a 4-2 victory over Tranmere Rovers. The Irish defender headed home after 20 minutes to cancel out Mustafa Tiryaki's early opener for the visitors.

Jose Baxter was also involved in the fixture at Glanford Park, playing for the visitors, Tranmere Rovers. At least, until he was sent off on 63 minutes for a foul on Scunthorpe captain Sam Togwell.

Femi Orenuga (pictured above, right) made his second substitute appearance for Notts County since joining them little over a fortnight ago. The winger was introduced on 72 minutes - at which point County were already trailing by 3 goals to 1 - and his side went on to lose 4-2.

Luke Garbutt retained his place in Cheltenham Town's starting XI as the Robins' impressive form continued with a narrow 2-1 victory over strugglers Plymouth Argyle. Away side Argyle took a first-half lead but two late goals - one of which was scored from the penalty spot after a foul on Garbutt - were enough to hand Cheltenham the points.

Connor Roberts kept goal for Burscough in their Northern Premier League clash with Buxton. The Everton Academy 'keeper, playing his first game for the non-League outfit, helped his loan side to a 2-2 draw.

João Silva played for Vitória de Setúbal against his previous loan side União de Leiria. Silva, who was with Leiria last year, played the full 90 minutes as Setúbal went down 2-0.

Joseph Yobo played ninety minutes for Fenerbahçe against Karabükspor. Despite going a man down early on Yobo's side ran out 1-0 winners.

Fellaini To Miss Newcastle Trip

Midfielder Marouane Fellaini will miss the away fixture at Newcastle United this weekend through suspension.

The Belgian is ruled out of the game after picking up his fifth booking of the season in Saturday's 0-1 reverse to Manchester United.

Fellaini, booked for a challenge on United defender Phil Jones, will serve a one-match ban, although Everton will be boosted by the return of Royston Drenthe.

Dutchman Drenthe missed the defeat to United through suspension after starring in midweek against Chelsea in the Carling Cup.

Friday 21 October 2011

Goalkeeper Roberts Loaned To Burscough

18-year-old Everton goalkeeper Connor Roberts has joined non-league outfit Burscough on a season-long loan.

The Welshman has found his opportunities in Everton's U18 side limited of late, with James Fitzgibbon ahead of him in the battle for the no. 1 jersey.

Roberts, who joined Everton from Tranmere Rovers as a 15-year-old, could make his debut on Saturday as Burscough take on Salford City in the FA Trophy.

Thursday 20 October 2011

Orenuga Joins Notts County On Loan

Everton winger Femi Orenuga has signed for League One side Notts County on a one-month loan deal.

Orenuga, a fast and skilful winger who signed for Everton in 2009, made his debut for previous club Southend United at the age of just 15, although he has yet to make a senior appearance at Goodison Park.

A regular in the reserves, Orenuga played the last 15 minutes as Everton's second string beat Sunderland 2-0 on Tuesday.

Speaking after completing his loan move, Orenuga said: "I want to get some experience and am looking forward to working with Martin Allen. I'm a fast, tricky player who likes to beat the full-back a lot, so I should be exciting for the crowd."

County are flying high in League One and lie 4th after 13 games. Orenuga could be in line to make his debut against Brentford on Saturday.

Wednesday 19 October 2011

Cheltenham Youngsters Set To Join Everton

Everton are poised to sign two youth players from Cheltenham Town, with talks between the clubs and the boys' parents ongoing.

Robins Chairman Paul Baker (above) said on Tuesday that: "Everton have been first class and it's all going along well, but there are big decisions for the lads and the parents.

"We'll do what's right for the club and we're hopeful of being able to make an announcement in the next couple of weeks.

"If we can make money through our centre of excellence, it is much easier than trying to sell advertising and hospitality and it improves the credibility of what the club does, as well as building up good relationships with top clubs, which has helped with the signing of Luke Garbutt."

The fantastic Everton blog EvertonYouths rumours the signings to be 2 of Courtney Duffus, Tyrone Duffus and Zack Kotwica, whilst Aaron Danks - an Academy football guru - said on Twitter that the signings will be "a CF and his younger brother."

Eyre Helps Wales U17s To Victory

Everton's Jake Eyre helped Wales U17s to a 2-0 Qualifying victory over Lithuania today.

Eyre impressed on the left wing, although his clubmate Gethin Jones sat out the game after picking up an injury against Armenia on Monday. Jones should be fit in time to face Serbia on Saturday in the final group game.

Wales took the lead inside 3 minutes when Cardiff City's Rhys James found the net, and captain Declan Weekes of Wolverhampton Wanderers made sure of the win by scoring a second goal on 70 minutes.

In the other game in Wales' group, Serbia beat Armenia by 2 goals to 1, leaving Wales joint 2nd in Group 9 with one game to go. That game will take place on Saturday against Group leaders Serbia.

Birch In England Victory Shield Squad

Young Everton defender Arlen Birch has been named in the England U16 squad for next week's Victory Shield clash with Wales at Cheltenham.

Manager Kenny Swain named an 18-man squad which included Everton defender Birch, although there was no place for midfielder Danny O'Brien.

Birch, who is from Shropshire and is also eligible to represent Wales, played the second half of England's opening Victory Shield match, a 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland.

The England squad in full is:

Goalkeepers: Dan Atkinson (Leeds United), Alex Palmer (West Bromwich Albion)

Defenders: Arlen Birch (Everton), Max Clarke (Hull City), Niall Heaton (Liverpool), Kodi Lyons-Foster (Tottenham Hotspur), Bryn Morris (Middlesbrough), Ben O’Hanlon (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

Midfielders: Reece Alassani (Crystal Palace), Charlie Cockett (Chelsea), Dan Crowley (Aston Villa), Josh Cullen (West Ham United), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea), Oluwaseyi Ojo (MK Dons)

Forwards: Alex Gilliead (Newcastle United), Alex Iwobi (Arsenal), Alex Kiwomya (Chelsea), Jerome Sinclair (Liverpool)

Tuesday 18 October 2011

Everton Reserves 2-0 Sunderland Reserves

Everton's second string recorded a 2-0 victory over Sunderland on Tuesday afternoon thanks to a late strike from Conor McAleny and an own goal from Sunderland's Liam Marrs.

Marcus Hahnemann started his first game since joining the club and the American custodian was joined in making his reserve team debut by 16-year-old left-back Ibou Touray. German U20 defender Shkodran Mustafi was joined in central defence by Jake Bidwell - a left-back by trade - whilst Tyias Browning played at right-back.

Adam Forshaw and Magaye Gueye operated the flanks with James Wallace and Ross Barkley in the centre of midfield. Argentine Denis Stracqualursi partnered the returning James McFadden up front.

The Everton bench consisted of; Adam Davies, John Lundstram, Femi Orenuga, Conor McAleny and Anton Forrester.

It was midfielder - and Everton captain - James Wallace who had the game's first opportunity, firing wide from 25 yards after 12 minutes. At the other end Tyias Browning was forced into making a goal-line clearance after a dangerous Sunderland corner.

It was Wallace who had the best chance of the opening period. French winger Magaye Gueye sent in a low ball but the resulting shot from the onrushing Wallace was just over the crossbar.

Marcus Hahnemann was called into action to save a half-volley from Sunderland's Jordan Cook, but an exciting first-half was to end on a sour note for Everton as forward Denis Stracqualursi picked up an injury. He was replaced by Anton Forrester, who has been scoring for fun in the U18s.

Scotsman James McFadden was withdrawn at the break and replaced by young Conor McAleny. Everton had the better of the opening second-half exchanges, with substitute McAleny and Gueye both going close.

The blustery conditions almost contrived to thwart Everton as Hahnemann misjudged a cross, but Tyias Browning was there again to clear. Ross Barkley had a shot deflected over before Everton made their third and final substitution as James Wallace made way for Femi Orenuga.

Everton's pressure told when they took the lead on 82 minutes. Adam Forshaw's cross, aimed for the lurking Anton Forrester, hit the unfortunate Sunderland defender Liam Marrs and flew into the net.

A minute later Everton doubled the lead. Conor McAleny capitalised on an error by David Meyler and raced through to put Everton 2 goals to the good.

Marcus Hahnemann made sure his first game ended with a clean sheet with a superb save from Sunderland's Roarie Deacon and the game ended 2-0.

Monday 17 October 2011

Everton Duo Feature For Wales U17s

Everton youngsters Gethin Jones and Jake Eyre both made appearances for Wales U17s against Armenia this afternoon.

Wales led 2-0 thanks to a brace from Cardiff City's Gethyn Hill, but Armenia scored in the dying embers of the game to complete a 3-2 comeback and condemn the Welsh to defeat.

Everton's Gethin Jones started in midfield for Wales but was withdrawn after 22 minutes - presumably through injury. Jake Eyre was a 67th minute substitute, coming on in place of Wrexham's Jordan Evans.

Wales are due to face Lithuania (19th October) before a tough test against Serbia (22nd October).

Parry Wants Baxter Loan Extension

Tranmere Rovers manager Les Parry has revealed his interest in extended Jose Baxter's loan stay at Prenton Park.

The teenager's current one-month loan deal is set to expire next week but, after a series of bright performances that have already yielded two goals, Parry is keen to keep the Everton player for a while longer.

Parry said: "I'll be having a word with David (Moyes) this week and seeing what his thoughts are."

However, the Tranmere boss was unsure whether an extension would be agreed: "I think they sent him out purely to get some games under his belt to be ready for them, so whether we're able to keep him is doubtful."

Baxter has impressed at Prenton Park, scoring on his debut against Preston as well as netting in Saturday's win over Oldham.

The 19-year-old's temporary manager praised the talent of his player: "There was one ball he put in and I didn't see him take the slide rule out of his pocket, but he must have done at some point because it was a magnificent ball.

"He can do that, that's his game."

Gueye "Shaken" After Burglary

Everton's French winger Magaye Gueye is said to be "shaken but unhurt" after he was the victim of a burglary at his apartment in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Gueye, 21, was approached by a group of three men as he went to his car outside his apartment at 01:30 BST on Sunday morning. The Frenchman was forced to let to the robbers into his apartment, where they took "cash, his mobile phone and other items."

An Everton statement said that the midfielder was left "shaken but unhurt" and that he was co-operating with Merseyside Police in their investigations.

McFadden Resigns With Everton

James McFadden has resigned for Everton until the end of the season on a free transfer.

The Scot, who turned down offers from Celtic and Wolverhampton Wanderers and Celtic to return to Goodison Park, underwent a medical and began training with the squad on Monday.

He has signed on a free contract until the end of the season.

McFadden played over 100 games for Everton during a five year spell from 2003 - 2008 before switching to Birmingham City for £5m. Having missed the majority of last season with a serious knee injury, he was released by relegated Birmingham at the end of the season.

Saturday 15 October 2011

Loan Watch: 15th October

A quintet of Everton players featured for their loan clubs this week, here's a round-up of how they did.

Luke Garbutt made his second start for Cheltenham Town on Friday night and impressed again, grabbing another assist in a 0-2 victory at Burton Albion. Cheltenham Town reporter @JPEchoRobins gave this assessment of Garbutt on Twitter: "two league apps, two assists, defended well, great prospect."

Shane Duffy helped Scunthorpe United to a 0-0 draw at Brentford in League One on Saturday. Incredibly, it was Scunthorpe's first clean sheet in 24 games.

Jose Baxter scored another goal for Tranmere Rovers as they beat Oldham Athletic 1-0 at Prenton Park. The youngster's shot may have taken a touch off Enoch Showunmi but Baxter was credited with the goal on Sky Sports.

João Silva played for Vitória de Setúbal on Sunday as they crashed out of the Taça de Portugal, losing 1-0 to SC Mirandela.

Joseph Yobo was in the Fenerbahçe side that won 1-2 against Mersin İdmanyurdu this evening. The victory leaves them 3 points clear at the top of the Turkish Süper Lig.

Chelsea 3-1 Everton

Goals from Daniel Sturridge, John Terry and Ramires condemned Everton to defeat at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.

Substitute Apostolos Vellios added a late consolation 18 seconds after being introduced, but the points stay in London after a largely disappointing performance from the away side.

Prior to this afternoon we had not lost at Chelsea on each of our last 6 visits, although our form had hit a recent trough - indeed, the defeats to Manchester City and Liverpool were our first consecutive losses in over 60 games.

Despite the official Everton Facebook page listing our line-up as having 12 players (Moyesie you caniving bastard!) the eleven that took to the field were; Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Osman, Rodwell, Fellaini, Coleman, Cahill, Saha.

That side was unchanged from the derby defeat, which meant that Royston Drenthe and Apostolos Vellios were again restricted to the bench. They were joined by Mucha, Heitinga, Bilyaletdinov, Stracqualursi and Neville. There was, to the dismay of many supporters, no place in the squad for young Ross Barkley.

Everton started the game reasonably brightly. Louis Saha looked lively up front and had our first real opportunity after about 10 minutes when his shot was blocked by Petr Čech in the Chelsea goal. At the other end Sylvain Distin did well to intervene and prevent Ramires from gaining a clear sight of goal.

Shortly afterwards a fantastic last-ditch tackle from John Obi Mikel denied Marouane Fellaini a shooting opportunity inside the six-yard box, but it was Chelsea who started to take control of the game and who looked more likely to deliver the opening blow.

That's exactly what happened. On 31 minutes Juan Mata played a worldy of a pass into the path of Ashley Cole and England's second best left-back teed up Daniel Sturridge, who could hardly miss with his header from 3 yards out.

Chelsea doubled their advantage on the stroke of half time when John Terry headed in Frank Lampard's free-kick amid some unconvincing goalkeeping from Tim Howard. That was effectively game over with the result a formality from thereon in.

Within 15 seconds of the restart Leon Osman had grazed the post with a quick-fire effort, but that was just about it in terms of our attacking intent for the next 25 minutes.

The ineffective Seamus Coleman was replaced by Royston Drenthe shortly before Chelsea added a third goal. Didier Drogba sent in a low cross for Ramires to have the simple task of slotting home from inside the six-yard box. Game well and truly over - if it wasn't already.

So, 3-0 down. Who's going to score us a hat-trick?

Phil Neville, of course.

In an absolutely baffling managerial decision David Moyes removed Tim Cahill and threw on the constant goal threat that is captain Neville. Baffling.

Moyes' third and final substitution, however, did yield a consolation goal. It was Greek striker Apostolos Vellios who came on - belatedly in the opinion of many a supporter - and made an immediate impact. 18 seconds had passed between his crossing of the white line and the ball crashing into the Chelsea net.

He simply HAS to start next week.

Chelsea almost added a fourth in injury time but 3-1 was how it finished. It's not as if we should have expected anything from the game but the nature of the defeat made for a thoroughly disappointing evening.

StickyToffee Player Ratings: Howard 4, Hibbert 4, Jagielka 3, Distin 5, Baines 5, Coleman 3, Rodwell 4, Fellaini 4, Cahill 5, Osman 4, Saha 5.

Subs: Drenthe 5, Neville 4, VELLIOS 5.

Crewe Alexandra U18s 1-4 Everton U18s

Goals from Adam Thomas, Anton Forrester and Chris Long (2) handed Everton's U18 side a comfortable win against bottom-of-the-table Crewe Alexandra this morning.

Forrester (pictured above) scored his 6th goal of the season to give Everton the lead and the visitors' advantage was doubled before the break by Adam Thomas.

Chris Long, who netted a last minute equaliser in last weekend's academy derby, scored a second-half brace to put some gloss on the scoreline.

Everton U18s: Fitzgibbon, Touray, Dier, Heneghan, Pennington, Thomas, Barrow, Molyneux, Orenuga, Long, Forrester.

Subs: Roberts, Higgins, Hope.

Elsewhere, new signing George Green scored his second goal in as many games for the U16 side, although they lost 2-1 to the same opposition, Crewe Alexandra.

Moyes Confirms McFadden Talks

David Moyes has revealed that Everton have held talks with Scottish winger James McFadden over a possible return to the club.

McFadden, who made over 100 appearances for Everton from 2003-2008, is a free agent after being released from his contract at Birmingham City.

He had been linked with a return to Everton in the Summer and David Moyes confirmed on Friday that there was some substance to the rumours.

Moyes said: "We have been talking to James and the people behind him for the last few weeks. It could happen but I would say it's probably going against that now."

McFadden, 28, has also been linked to Celtic and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Friday 14 October 2011

Recognition For Everton Ladies Duo

Everton Ladies duo Jill Scott and Natasha Dowie enjoyed success at the 13th annual FA Women's Football Awards held in London today.

The women's game in England celebrated a terrific year which saw the inaugural Women's Super League, the hosting of the Women's Champions League Final at Craven Cottage and a successful World Cup campaign in Germany.

Everton and England midfielder Jill Scott picked up the gong for International Player of the Year, an award voted for by her England team-mates.

Elsewhere, forward Natasha Dowie was Everton's sole representative in the WSL Team of the Year, a side selected by the managers of the 8 Super League clubs.

Congratulations Blue girls.

Tuesday 11 October 2011

International Round-Up: 10th & 11th October

The Euro 2012 Qualifying stage drew to a close on Tuesday night with plenty of Everton players in action on the international stage. I'll start the round-up, though, with Monday night's game.

Ross Barkley started for England U21s as they won 1-2 in Norway. Barkley assisted the young Lions' second goal - scored by Jordan Henderson. Jack Rodwell missed out due to a groin injury sustained in training.

Marouane Fellaini scored for Belgium on Tuesday night, although their 3-1 loss at the hands of Germany means that they have failed to qualify for next year's tournament. Which is probably a good thing for Everton. Nice one, Belgium.

Apostolos Vellios recovered from a foot injury to come off the bench for Greece U21s and score their third goal in a 1-3 victory over Belarus.

Ján Mucha's Slovakia will also not be competing in Poland/Ukraine. The Everton back-up keeper played in his side's final group game, which ended in a 1-1 draw against Macedonia, as Slovakia finished 4th in Group B.

Seamus Coleman was an unused substitute for the Republic of Ireland who beat Armenia 2-1 to finish 2nd in Group B and claim a play-off place.

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov scored for Russia in their 6-0 thrashing of Andorra. The Everton man entered the fray after 72 minutes and added Russia's 6th goal on 78 minutes. Russia topped their group and are safely through to Euro 2012.

Shane Duffy was another Everton goalscorer tonight. The Scunthorpe loanee scored Ireland U21s' fourth goal in their 1-4 win over Liechtenstein U21s.

Joseph Yobo played in Nigeria's 0-0 friendly draw with Ghana. It was Nigeria's first match since their failure to qualify for the African Cup of Nations.

Sunday 9 October 2011

International Round-Up: 8th & 9th October

Joseph Yobo captained Nigeria in their crucial and final African Cup of Nations Qualifier against Guinea on Saturday. Nigeria could only muster a 2-2 draw, a result which was not enough to see them qualify for next year's tournament. That news means that Everton will not lose Victor Anichebe for a month in January 2012.

Tim Howard kept goal for the United States as they beat Honduras 1-0 in a friendly match. Fulham's Clint Dempsey scored the only goal of the game, although the US have Howard to thank for keeping the score down at the other end after the Everton keeper pulled off a string of good saves.

Shkodran Mustafi played for Germany's U20 side as they brushed aside Switzerland 4-1 in Pfullendorf. It was the defender's 4th cap for Germany U20s.

Saturday 8 October 2011

Loan Watch: 8th October

A trio of Everton players have been in action for their loan clubs this past week. Here's how they fared:

Shane Duffy's Scunthorpe United suffered a thoroughly disappointing week. The Irish defender played in the 0-1 defeat to Oldham in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy midweek and then in the 2-3 League reverse to Leyton Orient on Saturday.

Jose Baxter also played twice in the week. Tranmere's Johnstone's Paint Trophy match against Accrington Stanley was sadly abandoned due to a horrific neck injury to Stanley's Tom Bender, although Baxter got an assist in the draw at Charlton on Saturday.

Luke Garbutt made his debut for Cheltenham Town in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in midweek as the Robins put in an excellent performance to win 1-3 at Wycombe. And on his first league start, against Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday, he assisted Cheltenham's first goal.

Friday 7 October 2011

International Round-Up: 7th October

It was an extremely quiet night for Everton's players on the international stage.

Tim Cahill
and John Heitinga were injured, Marouane Fellaini was suspended for Belgium's match against Kazakhstan, Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines were unused substitutes and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Seamus Coleman were left out altogether.

That meant that the only Everton player to feature was goalkeeper Ján Mucha. Tim Howard's deputy played for Slovakia in their 0-1 loss to Russia in Zilina.

Thursday 6 October 2011

International Round-Up: 5th & 6th October

Here's your international round-up from the past two days, featuring some of Everton's younger players.

Shkodran Mustafi won his third cap for Germany U20s against Italy on Wednesday night, and the central defender even managed to score his first goal at that age level as the Germans ran out 3-2 winners.

Apostolos Vellios started for Greece U21s in their Euro 2013 Qualifier against San Marino in Athens. The Everton forward was taken off after 58 minutes with a slight ankle injury but should recover very quickly. The Greeks won the game 2-0 thanks to a Charis Mavrias brace.

Jack Rodwell played ninety minutes for England U21s in their match against Iceland and club-mate Ross Barkley came off the bench to play the last quarter of an hour. England won 0-3 thanks to a hat-trick from Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Monday 3 October 2011

15-Year-Old Green Signs For Blues

Everton have beaten off competition from over 20 interested clubs to sign 15-year-old George Green from Bradford City for an initial £300,000.

The midfielder’s fee could rise to almost £2 million based on appearances, new contracts, potential international appearances and a sell-on clause from any future transfer fee.

That figure seems a gamble considering the player’s youth, but so highly rated is Green that David Moyes and the Everton youth coaches decided to take the chance.

Rated as one of the best players in his age group in the country, 27 clubs – including top sides from Germany and Scotland as well as the Premier League – registered an interest in Green.

The player opted to join Everton, a club with an impressive track record of developing youngsters, and the deal was done on Saturday following talks between David Moyes and Bradford head of development Archie Christie prior to the Merseyside derby.

Christie, who has played a huge part in Green’s development, was quick to praise his player, saying: "This is one of the highest deals ever for a 15-year-old from a League Two club. But George is the best I've seen in his position at his age. He could become another Wayne Rooney or Paul Gascoigne."

The price tag is a hefty one for such a young player. Hopefully that is a testament to the kid’s talent.

Welcome to Everton, George Green.

Saturday 1 October 2011

Loan Watch - 1st October

Away from the disappointing events of the 216th Merseyside derby, several of Everton's players were in action for their loan sides this weekend.

João Silva scored for Vitória de Setúbal as they beat Rio Ave 2-1 on Friday night. You can see the Portuguese striker's goal in this video - about 2 minutes in.

Jose Baxter made his second appearance for Tranmere Rovers in their 0-0 draw with Bournemouth at Prenton Park.

Shane Duffy played the full ninety minutes for Scunthorpe United as they won 1-2 at Stevenage.

Luke Garbutt, who only joined Cheltenham Town this week, was an unused substitute as his new side secured a great 1-3 victory at Bristol Rovers.

Joseph Yobo was involved in a great game over in Turkey, where his Fenerbahçe side eventually ran out 4-2 winners over Büyükşehir.

Araz Abdullayev came on as a 74th minute substitute as Neftçi Baku beat Simurq 2-1. The Azerbaijani winger is not on loan - but Everton have first option on him should he be granted a work permit.

Everton 0-2 Liverpool

Sendings-off and penalties have always been commonplace in Merseyside derbies.

That shouldn't mean that the people officiating these all-important games have the remit of showing a red card at the first sighting of a slightly over-the-top challenge. Or, in today's case, a goofy Uruguayan rolling around as if he had been shot.

The 216th Merseydside derby hinged on an absolutely shocking decision from referee Martin Atkinson which saw the dismissal of Everton's Jack Rodwell midway through the first half. Rodwell cleanly won a loose ball on the slide and his momentum caused South American Suarez to tumble over.

The challenge was totally clean, good and fair. I have since been told that Graeme Souness on Sky Sports said that it wasn't even a foul, which tells you just how bad a decision it was. The referee was stood no more than three yards away from the incident. Baffling.

Rodwell's case - which needn't have existed - was not helped by Suarez - who flopped to the floor, held aloft his arm in appeal and, bizarrely, clutched his knee in apparent agony. Suarez, unfortunately, is an excellent footballer and there is no disputing that.

He's also a horrible, slimy cheat.


After returning from the match I saw this thread on the GrandOldTeam forum. Whilst the game is not completely dead on me yet, it is heading that way thanks to the antics of cheating little gets like Suarez.

Assuming a man advantage, Liverpool took control of the game. Our defending, as last week, was resolute and we were rarely threatened. And then Suarez decided he would take a tumble. Penalty.

Phil Jagielka had certainly made contact with the Uruguayan in the corner of the box, and I have no complaints over the award of the spot-kick. Suarez again made up the referee's mind by rolling around a bit and Atkinson pointed to the spot.

Dirk Kuyt - a thorn in our side throughout recent derbies - stepped up to take the penalty, but was thwarted by an excellent left-handed save from Tim Howard.

With an extra 2 men (the referee), Liverpool were again unlucky not to score before the break as Charlie 'goofy' Adam struck the bar with a long-range effort.

The main topic of conversation at the interval was obvious - the question was: could we hold on for a draw or would the inevitable happen?

Sadly, it was to be the latter. Despite having a lot of the play, Liverpool's £50 million strikeforce combined to condemn Everton to defeat.

The first goal came at around the same time in the match as Mario Balotelli had notched last week at Eastlands. It was scored by an equally annoying player.

Andy Carroll, who, up until then, had barely justified a price tag of 35 pence let alone £35 million, easily stuck home a Jose Enrique cross from 6 yards out. It was harsh on Everton, who had defended so stoutly but also continued to pose an attacking threat.

The second came soon after and to rub salt into Everton wounds it was the cheating Uruguayan who added his name to the scoresheet. It was a simple finish after a mistake in the Everton defence, and one which put the game well and truly to bed.

With the result was no longer in the balance, tensions amongst Everton's incensed supporters boiled over. Plastic bottles rained down on Craig Bellamy from the Gwladys Street and Suarez was kindly thrown a 10p piece. There goes our transfer budget.

On a serious note, it is only our own club who will suffer from that type of fan behaviour and it was totally out of order.

As was the story I heard of an Evertonian singing "96 was not enough" to a Liverpool fan amongst the Evertonians. Needless to say, and regardless of anything that ever occurs on a football pitch, that - if true - is utterly, utterly despicable.

There is no place for anything like that, anywhere.

An all-round bad day at the office, then.

Everton: Howard 7, Hibbert 8, Jagielka 5, DISTIN 8, Baines 6, Coleman 5, Fellaini 7, Rodwell 6, Osman 5, Cahill 6, Saha 5.

Subs: Drenthe 4, Neville 4, Vellios 4.

Thursday 29 September 2011

Garbutt Makes Loan Switch

Young Everton defender Luke Garbutt has joined League Two outfit Cheltenham Town on a month-long loan deal.

Left-back Garbutt, who has represented England at U19 level, is yet to make a senior appearance for Everton with his opportunities limited by the consistent brilliance of Leighton Baines.

He joined Everton from Leeds United in 2009 and has featured for both the academy and reserve sides as well as in the pre-season friendly against Bohemians in August.

Cheltenham manager Mark Yates said: "We've got another good young player from a fantastic club.

"He (Garbutt) has been a very good youth player, he's stepped up well to reserve football and now he is looking to take the next step in his career by getting involved in and around our first team.

"He has been around the international set-up and he's a very good player. He has a great left-foot, he's quick and his delivery from set-pieces is very good too.

"He'll add another dimension to our squad down the left hand side. He's young but he is a decent player and I'm delighted to have him here."

The deal may be part of an agreement that will see Everton sign a trio of Cheltenham youngsters, as reported on thisisgloucestershire.com.

Garbutt could be in line to make is Cheltenham Town debut this weekend against Bristol Rovers.

Tuesday 27 September 2011

Duffy Earns Loan Extension

Shane Duffy's loan at League One side Scunthorpe United is set to be extended for another month.

The Irish defender has impressed at Glanford Park, having made four appearances since joining on deadline day. The initial deal is set to expire this week but an extension has been agreed.

Scunthorpe manager Alan Knill was quick to sing the praises of his player, saying that "when the ball comes into the box he (Duffy) really wants to head it - before anyone else. He's a proper centre-half."

Knill continued: "I've spoken to Shane and he is benefiting from playing in someone else's first team. It's better he plays in a competitive team that is playing quite well than in the reserves.

"That's what they sent him to us for, to learn, and that's what he's doing. I think he's getting better."

Duffy, who was instrumental in Scunthorpe's 2-1 victory over Yeovil Town on Saturday, will hope to get some more time on the pitch when the Iron travel to Stevenage this weekend.

Saturday 24 September 2011

Manchester City 2-0 Everton

Everton's defensive stand lasted 68 minutes at the Etihad Stadium before Mario Balotelli and James Milner scored to send their side to the summit of the table.

We shouldn't be too downhearted, though, with a loss to a side whose starting XI cost £189 million to assemble. Indeed, we defended stoutly for a large periods and our opposition needed two players from their £130 million bench to change the game.

The line-up and consequent formation made it clear that our tactics would be to frustrate City's superstars, get men behind the ball and, should we be presented with the opportunity, try to nick a point or three. Tim Howard started in goal as usual, with Leighton Baines, Sylvain Distin, Phil Jagielka and Tony Hibbert in front of him.

Hibbert's inclusion meant Phil Neville was shoe-horned into midfield, where he was joined by Seamus Coleman, Marouane Fellaini, Leon Osman and Jack Rodwell. Cahill started as our lone striker but quickly dropped back into a 4-6-0 formation.

Ján Mucha was preferred to new signing Marcus Hahnemann on the bench. John Heitinga, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, Royston Drenthe, Denis Stracqualursi, Louis Saha and Apostolos Vellios joined the Slovak custodian.

The plan to frustrate City was executed well throughout the first half. Jack Rodwell did a good job man-marking David Silva, Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin limited City to few clear-cut opportunities and Tim Howard stopped anything that managed to breach the defence.

Spaniard David Silva, denied an inch by his shadow Rodwell, resorted to rolling about on the floor to gain his side an advantage. Referee Howard Webb obliged and produced bookings for Rodwell and Neville, before another for Osman after a nudge on Balotelli.

Webb, who refereed the World Cup final and is widely regarded as one of the best referees in the world, did little to enhance his reputation with an awful display of officiating. David Moyes agreed, although he will probably face sanctions for his post match comment of "there were a couple of similarities in a few of the challenges - you'd expect consistency and you'd expect it to be done correctly."

Edin Džeko's skied effort from 10 yards and Sergio Agüero's long-range strike were the closest City went to finding the net in the first period. They were contained well, although Joe Hart could have had a nap in the City goal such was the lack of attacking intent from the visitors.

Nonetheless, Everton would have been satisfied with the half-time score of 0-0.

City looked as if they'd had a larger-than-usual dose of Italian tripe translated by David Platt fed to them during the interval, because they came out for the second period with the bit firmly between their teeth. Richards, Agüero and Silva all went close shortly after the restart but it took a £25 million player to come off the bench and break the deadlock.

Mario 'named after a video game character and can't put a bib on' Balotelli was that man - he curled a 20-yard strike into the bottom right-hand corner via a deflection off Phil Jagielka.

Everton needed to switch to 'plan B'. But before they could do so, with the introductions of Saha, Drenthe and Vellios, City piled on the pressure and could have immediately stretched their lead with a number of chances. Tim Cahill's header flew just over as Everton ventured into the previously undiscovered territory of City's half, although the Aussie's afternoon was ended shortly afterwards by a stamp from Vincent Kompany.

All three substitutes looked sharp. Saha, with a point to prove after last week's twitter outburst, provided an outlet ball. Vellios showed some great touches and hold-up play that will help his cause for inclusion in the starting eleven, whilst Drenthe also looked keen to get on the ball and try to make things happen.

It was Drenthe, though, whose mistake allowed City to put the game beyond doubt. Attempting a simple pass to the left hand side, he gifted the ball to David Silva. The Spaniard still had plenty to do but, capitalising on further sloppy defending by Jagielka and Distin, he held it up and slid through an exquisite pass for James Milner to double City's advantage.

2-0 was how it ended. It's always disappointing to lose but less so when you expect to. Not many sides will win at Middle Eastlands this season, and all we can do now is pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down and stuff our neighbours next week.

StickyToffee Player Ratings: Howard 6, Hibbert 5, Jagielka 6, Distin 7, Baines 6, Coleman 5, Neville 4, Osman 4, RODWELL 7, Fellaini 5, Cahill 5.

Subs: Saha 6, Drenthe 5, Vellios 6.

Man City: Webb 10.

Friday 23 September 2011

Manchester City v Everton

Wednesday's Carling Cup victory over West Brom stretched our unbeaten run to five matches in all competitions, and so it is fair to say that we have enjoyed a rather better start to the campaign than in recent years.

Which is probably just as well, given that our next few fixtures include champions Manchester United and Chelsea. Oh, and a Merseyside derby thrown in for good measure. Ta very much, Mr. fixture computer.

We start this torrid run of games with a Saturday lunchtime visit to Eastlands/City of Manchester Stadium/the Etihad Stadium. I'll go with Middle Eastlands. Its inhabitants, Manchester City, were once a club akin to Everton - an honest team living in the shadow of their more illustrious neighbours. How times have changed.

One day, out of the blue, a Sheikh happened to stop on his world travels, took pity on the Manchester blues and lured with banknotes mercenaries from every corner of the globe. Like a lottery winner, they splashed their new-found riches on some of the game's biggest names. And no, Shaun Wright-Phillips is not what I mean by a 'big name'.

A few years on and they've assembled a squad full of talent that could well challenge their red neighbours for the domestic title. They're competing at the highest level of European competition. And, in their latest exhibit of unnecessary exuberance, they have this week revealed plans to build a new 7,000 seater stadium.

For their academy.

But whilst the likes of Silva and Aguero are an absolute joy to watch - it could be said that City's extravagant spending has put them out of touch with the values of honesty, hard-work and dignity upon which their club was based.

Indeed, they have turned into a brilliant side. But it is a side that just doesn't contain the spirit of a frugal yet proud club such as ourselves. They may well win a trophy this season, but their fans - complete with tea-towel wrapped around their heads - will expect it. Like at United and Chelsea, the arrogance around the club at the moment is tangible.

With an array of talent that allows City to leave £30m players on the bench, 'plucky little Everton' shouldn't stand much of a chance. But that is what was said last year. And the three years before that.

Like in last year's 1-2 victory there, I expect us to try to nick a goal when we get an opportunity and sit back on any sort of result we can muster. We can frustrate our opponents, get men behind the ball and thwart the mercenaries until they get bored and start wondering about what type of caviar they'll enjoy for their post-match meal.

Oh, and Tim Cahill, if you get the chance, one of them header things would be nice.

StickyToffee Prediction: Manchester City 1-1 Everton

Veteran Hahnemann Joins Blues

Everton have announced the signing of 39-year-old American goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann.

Hahnemann, released by Wolverhampton Wanderers at the end of last season, has signed a contract until January at Goodison Park and will provide cover for compatriot Tim Howard and Slovak Ján Mucha.

David Moyes said at a press conference earlier today: "It is difficult when you only have two senior goalkeepers - it only needs one of them to go down and then you are in trouble.

"Marcus is friends with Tim (Howard). It is after the transfer window has closed and we had to look for someone who we knew. I would have liked to have got somebody before the window closed if we could, but there were other priorities at the time.

"It gives me someone who can help in the reserves and if we get an injury to a goalkeeper, he has got good experience of the Premier League and we can use him as a back-up."

Hahnemann, who has previously played in England for Fulham, Rochdale, Reading and Wolves, will wear the number 12 shirt at Goodison.

Thursday 22 September 2011

Baxter To Join Tranmere Rovers

Young Everton midfielder Jose Baxter will complete a switch to League One side Tranmere Rovers in the coming days, once the formalities of the deal have been completed.

In a similar vein to clubmate Shane Duffy, Baxter is expected to sign an initial one-month loan deal.

The 19-year-old, who was Everton's Reserve Player of the Year last season, is Everton's youngest ever player having made his debut at the age of 16 years and 191 days in August 2008.

Since then, however, his progress seems to have stalled and he has not been given a regular chance in the first team. The loan switch may allow him to gain some all-important experience.

He could make his debut for Rovers on Saturday against Preston North End.

Everton 2-1 West Bromwich Albion

A rare goal in extra time from Everton captain Phil Neville secured a place in the next round of the Carling Cup.

Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini had earlier cancelled out Chris Brunt's penalty for Albion as the first ninety minutes ended 1-1. The extra-time victory stretches our unbeaten run to 5 in all competitions as we await the fourth round draw on Saturday.

* * *
Everton made six changes to the starting line-up from the side that beat Wigan on Saturday. Most notably, deadline-day signings Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi were handed full debuts, whilst Ross Barkley and Phil Neville also returned. Sylvain Distin and Tim Howard were rested, with John Heitinga and Jan Mucha their replacements.

The full side was; Mucha, Baines, Heitinga, Jagielka, Neville, Drenthe, Barkley, Fellaini, Rodwell, Coleman, Stracqualursi, and the subs bench consisted of; Howard, Hibbert, Distin, Bilyaletdinov, Cahill, Gueye and Vellios.

A mysterious bug had deprived Albion of the services of striking duo Shane Long and Roman Bednar and Everton will also have been pleased to see that 'bogey player' Paul Scharner started on the visitors' bench.

The first half was an almost entirely uninspiring period as both sides created few notable opportunities. West Brom offered little but had arguably the best chance of the half when Simon Tchoyi sent an effort just over early on. Royston Drenthe, taking over from regular taker Leighton Baines, sent a free-kick just over, and Marouane Fellaini saw his header trickle wide.

Peter Odemwingie spurned another opportunity for the Baggies before the break as the sides went in level at 0-0.

Everton seemed to have woken up at half-time and started the second half really well. First Seamus Coleman shot at Albion 'keeper Fulop and then Stracqualursi's prodded effort was also well kept out by the Hungarian custodian.

West Brom also threatened and earned their chance to take the lead when Peter Odemwingie was felled by Slovakian goalkeeper Jan Mucha as the Nigerian forward sprinted into the Everton box. Chris Brunt (another WBA player who loves playing against us) slotted home the resulting penalty to further frustrate the 17, 647-strong (weak) crowd.

Everton went on the search for an equaliser, bringing on Tim Cahill, Apostolos Vellios and Magaye Gueye and shifting Marouane Fellaini up front. Vellios and Fellaini both had half-chances to find an equalising goal but time was running out for Everton to avoid being knocked out of the Carling Cup at the 3rd round stage for the second year running.

With some fans heading for the exits, Marouane Fellaini collected the ball from a Vellios flick-on, swivelled and fired home an excellent left-footed half-volley from the edge of the box. Those that were half way towards the exits turned back. Game on.

Jack Rodwell could have snatched an improbable comeback in injury-time but his header from Phil Neville's cross bounced just wide. With this weekend's opponents Manchester City safely through after fielding their reserves against Birmingham City, we would have to play an extra half-hour before Saturday's early kick-off.

Fellaini remained up front after salvaging the game in the 88th minute of normal time, with Tim Cahill in midfield. West Brom looked tired as Everton pressed but the visitors could have taken the lead if Tchoyi had found his bearings when well placed inside the Everton box.

After that let-off, Vellios set up Drenthe whose effort was ever so slightly off target. The Dutchman was, however, to play a massive part in what turned out to be the winner. He jinked and dribbled past two Baggies defenders on the right byline before cutting back to skipper Neville, who exquisitely curled into the top corner with his left foot.

It was a rare goal for Neville - his 5th in almost 250 Everton appearances - but they do tend to be special! He looked a bit too shocked to celebrate properly but Royston Drenthe went absolutely mental. On his own. I love him already.

An unconvincing performance but we are through the next round. I'll take another ugly win on Saturday please. Oh, and one against our red neighbours in a fortnight's time. Cheers.

StickyToffee Player Ratings: Mucha 4, Baines 6, Heitinga 6, Jagielka 6, Neville 7, Drenthe 5, Barkley 5, Fellaini 6, Rodwell 6, Coleman 5, Stracqualursi 5.

Subs: Vellios 6, Cahill 5, Gueye 6.

Friday 16 September 2011

Everton v Wigan Athletic Preview

A twist of fixture computer fate handed Wigan Athletic games against all three newly-promoted sides (Swansea City, QPR and Norwich City) in the first three weeks of the season. Draws against the Swans and the Canaries sandwiched a win over Everton's conquerors QPR, meaning that the Latics were unbeaten prior to last weekend's drubbing at Manchester City.

Since then a total of 94 travelling fans watched Wigan exit the Carling Cup at the hands of Crystal Palace in midweek, and so Roberto Martinez's men come to Goodison looking to stop the mini-rot.

Everton's league record thus far reads P3 W1 D1 L1 - not a spectacular start by any means, although not as shambolic as recent years. Indeed, a win on Saturday would leave us with a reasonably healthy 7 points from 4 games. The performance last time out should also breed optimism amongst supporters. We took the game to Villa and they were extremely lucky to leave with a point.

There is also some good news on the injury front. Seamus Coleman produced a wonderful display on his return to action against Villa last week, John Heitinga should recover from a calf injury in time to feature on Saturday, and Royston Drenthe scored his first goal in Everton blue as the reserves beat Aston Villa 2-1 on Tuesday night.

That reserve game also featured Ross Barkley, who scored Everton's first goal, and Magaye Gueye, who impressed on his return from injury with both assists. Argentine forward Denis Stracqualursi also got ninety minutes under his belt, although by most accounts he will need a few more before he is ready to take on the Premier League.

Louis Saha, however, is not expected to be fit (surprise surprise) and so Tim Cahill will probably lead the line as he did so well against Villa. Also pushing for a starting berth is Greek striker Apostolos Vellios, whose impressive substitute appearance last week very nearly yielded two goals, although I suspect if he is to feature it will be from the bench.

Indeed, the squad is so unusually fit (Saha aside) that David Moyes has the welcome dilemma of selecting his best eleven. One of the spots in contention is at right full-back, where club captain Phil Neville and Tony Hibbert, who played well against Villa, are vying for the jersey. And with Leon Osman, Ross Barkley, Marouane Fellaini, Jack Rodwell and possibly John Heitinga available in centre-midfield, it could be a tricky task to select the team.

Anyway, that's what Moyes gets paid for. And slated for if he gets it wrong. Predicted line-up:

_________________________________________________

STAT'S LIFE
Welcome to stat set no. 5 of the 2011/2012 campaign
  • Everton's premier league record against Wigan reads P12 W6 D4 L2.
  • Blues skipper Phil Neville requires one more appearance to reach 200 for Everton in the premier league.
  • Leon Osman and Leighton Baines are the only two Everton players to have scored more than once against Wigan in their Everton careers.
  • Tim Cahill hasn't scored for Everton in 2011. His current 13-game goal drought is his longest in six years.
  • Everton took 24 out of 30 points from their last 10 home matches of the 2010/11 campaign, but are winless are Goodison Park so far this season.
_________________________________________________

On paper this fixture should not represent much of a problem for Everton - but since when have Everton been predictable? We often play poorly against the 'lesser' sides at home and goals may be a problem for a front line hampered by injury.

Despite all that I'm going to predict a home win, with Tim Cahill ending his drought in the process.

StickyToffee Prediction: Everton 1-0 Wigan Athletic