Everton disaster

Another tough game for the lads. When you line up with Nev and Cars centrally, you know that there is not a lot of attacking intent. The Yak was out of sorts and overall we got dominated in the first half. Gerrard, Lucas and Babel should have put them up 3-0 easy in the first half. As Arteta slipped inside, better possession occurred in the second half, but really we never threatened the penalty areas except an Osman header just wide. If Gerrard had played like this for England, they would be amazing.

I am pretty upset that we showed not enough drive and had no subs to use. Baines did well when he came on, but Hibbert is nicht so gut! He has to be on the bench. I know we need to build a squad, but I would rather have Lescott right and Baines or Valente on the left to give us better balance. Everton needs a couple good results against the Brummies and Derby to lock in a fourth spot and Euro football next year. I just don't know how we can accomplish this without a second striker. Get better soon AJ!

Premier League Title Race

We were treated to two amazing games on Sunday. In the first, typical Liverpool showing no attacking invention except two shots by Alonso and Gerrard. Rooney was a force in this game and skinned Caragher repeatedly. Rooney should have had a penalty and really if not for a couple key (bizarre) saves by Reina, this game could have been done before the red card. Mascherano and these other players know that is a ref says enough, it is the same in any language. On the replay, the card looks harsh, but who knows what was said to ref Bennett before that moment. He could have already been on his last warning. I am the last person who wants referees to get away without criticism, but imagine being surrounded at your job, berated and sworn at until you had to do something to relieve the tension. As mentioned in a previous post, I felt Cole should have been sent off last week and he continues this week with his shenanigans. The refs need to be FOR the players, but the players need to understand they get assessed as well. if this is not working, then we need more past players to pick up the whistle and help. ManU then tore a strip off of Liverpool which was very enjoyable to watch as a whole, but will fire up the Reds for our big Derby next weekend.

In the big Chelsea win, Drogba was amazing after a lackluster first half and the introduction of Anelka and Belletti changed the game. Essien is a totally different player in the middle and I think the Lampard was the worst player for Chelsea on the pitch while Terry and Drogba were immense. Essien, Ballack, Cole and SWP or Malouda would allow for Anelka and Drogba to pair up, which could be a very scary combination with pace and power. Applause for the The Grinch (Grant) who pulls off a big win. It looks like Chelsea should now hold onto second with Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton rounding out the top 5.