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!

Everton Win

What a great win for the Blues. After starting hot with Yakubu, Everton showed that they can match passing with some of the top teams with great buildup including Pienaar, Osman, Yak and Cahill. The African connection has been great together and they really showed an ability to open up one of the leagues better defences. Pienaar is a must to resign for next year as he has developed into a very solid left winger. His defensive ability is weak for Premier League standards as was seen on the goal by Pompey, but with Lescott or Baines behind him, they should be able to take up the slack. Everton always look a better squad with 2 strikers to stretch the backlines. We look very comfortable in the 4-5-1 but against Liverpool and Fiorentina coming up there is going to be a need to play with 2 I think to make that relatively weak backline work on the day. Skrtel has been a good addition for the Reds but I think Yak on his day will do well.

The addition of AJ into the mix proved the decisive coaching move of the day. http://www.evertonfc.com/news/archive/pompey-reaction.html Andrew Johnson has always scared defenders by running at them with pace and causes the lines to backoff Yakubu opening space for him and Cahill. Cahill's goal was class starting with the ball in from AJ to Yak, then Yak to Pienaar who made the space and clipped a beauty to Cahill who gave some props to his brother who just got put in jail. How can you play that well after that??

As usual, the backline was great. Hibbert continues to surprise even though going forward he is weak, but in the last two games has shutdown Elano and Krancjar effectively. Yobo.Jags has been immense and Lescott can play anywhere across that backline, he was solid again. Neville and Carsley have been solid all year and been a consistent base to build upon. I get worried that there is not a lot of depth centrally even with Fernandes and feel that unless we bring another player through the ranks, the Blues will have to splurge for a central player. I hope that we continue to "chivy" other teams but keep trying to play attractive football, this has been my favorite season of Everton in ages. Keep it going Blues.. 4th place and UEFA Semis as the goal!