Everton finally lose!

The unbeaten run has ended care of a ronaldo penalty shot. I guess it is only fitting that the player whom Phil Nev tackled to inspire the team to our turning point would put us a away with a fearless penalty shot.

We didn't really show a lot in this game and after a run of three draws in a row twice at liverpool and once to Arsenal, this was a lot to ask of a small squad. Now we lose 1-0 to Man U and then back to Goodison with Liverpool.

Ronaldo was playing well, hitting the post with a toe poke and Tevez was shifty. Their movement is much better than any other team in the league and they drew us out well. Arteta's penalty was weak and reminded me of Peinaar's last year. A tough way to lose. We always battle well, but legs have to be getting tired with most players in the squad playing 90 minutes a game. It will be great if we get the two players in from Rennes, but they have shown an unwillingness to actually get the players to us so I don't know how that will go. Here's to another tough one this week v the Pool!

Blues Draw Old Foe

I have to say that overall I thought Liverpool dominated the second half, but never in a threatening way. I thought on the balance of play that we created as many good chances if not more than Liverpool. Two Cahill headers brought out excellent saves from Reina, Anichebe went close and then Osman had a decent chance as well plus the goal. Liverpool had the Torres breakaway, the Gerrard goal, Reira's close shave as well as the strike that Howard saved. I am extremely happy with the overall workrate but really we gave the ball away too easily to be effective. Great job by Moyes, but when will we see the youngsters really play?

Everton Player Breakdown

Always wanted to run through Everton's lineup and have my say on the season and upcoming and what they should do with players.

Stars
Arteta- So glad they resigned him. The creativity on the right and ability to draw FK is amazing. Has not scored near enough this year and would like to see him more forward and less defending.
Lescott- What a player, scores, defends, gets forward, how is he not past Ashley Cole on the England depth Chart, see next blog.
Cahill- Adds another dimension to the team, passion and has amazing springs. If we continue 4-4-1-1 that is his spot and hopefully we will convert Vaughan to a winger for playing time.
Yak-I add him here because of what he could be and that is a devastating striker. He has great control, good 1v1 and is an above average passer of the ball. He has a great partnership with Pienaar especially and brings all players into the game. His shooting is subpar for a top striker, but he finishes breakaways and in the box. I feel like AJ could play there, but not if we are playing to feet, then he becomes waste. With more consistency, he can be even better, but he is still a stud.
When any of these four players are out, plus Carsley, we struggle.

Top Players
Yobo- So solid, only remember two big mistakes this year.
Howard- breakthrough year for him, been very consistent and except for the Arsenal thrashing he has been great and made timely saves. No more lobs like last year.
AJ-Can perform at this level as he showed last year. A full year with Yak would be good and with these four strikers we can have impact in all competitions.
Jagielka- Solid defender and could see him being a backup for England. His timing has been superd through the second half of the year.

Going to break through
Anichebe/ Vaughan- Love both these players and could be a combo for the future but I am sure one will get raided by a big club and then break down ala Frannie Jeffers.
Leighton Baines- He is a strong player defending and above average going forward, he was in the England Squad.

Squad
Pienaar- Great one touch player but does a lot of careless thing such as tackle backwards. Worth signing for $3.5 million.
Carsley- Seem to lose our shape without him. This has been his best year, but he is still prone to some gaffes. He has gotten much better on the ball this year, probably a good run in the squad has done him well.
Neville-Long had I hated him, but he is a top pro (read average player that says the right things and trains hard) plays hard for the squad and I think should be starting right back.
Hibbert- I guess we need a third choice right back, but I would feel better without him, love to see a big signing there.
Valente- Good backup leftback, get forward well.
Ossie-Love his guile and creativity, fits in well with this squad, but not a star midfielder iun this league.
Fernandes- Gotta keep him for depth. I think from what I have seen he can make a mark.
Wessels- Seems like a god quality backup and squad keeper. Be interesting to see when the young lads come up.

?
Rodwell- No idea yet.
Anthony Gardner- squad defender
Young players- I have not seen anything of the lads this year and hope we have some quality coming through in the midfield.

Need to add: Right back, Class CM, LW- unless these players are coming through the ranks. Lets give them a run.

Need to go
Gravesen- I like him as a player, but we need someone else
Vandermeyde- Time to get $500,000 for him in Spain