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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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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.

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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

Everton 2-2 Aston Villa

A late Gabriel Agbonlahor goal saw Aston Villa take home a barely deserved point from a lively draw at Goodison this afternoon.

It was a thoroughly impressive and much improved Everton performance and Leon Osman deservedly opened the scoring after 18 minutes. The home side then had a clear penalty shout dismissed following a quite blatant trip on Leighton Baines.

A moment of magic from Villa's Stiliyan Petrov levelled the fixture shortly after half-time - his stunning 30-yard strike bringing Villa back into a game they did not deserve to be in at all. Everton responded well to that setback, and were awarded a penalty following Fabian Delph's foul on Phil Jagielka.

Leighton Baines made no mistake from 12 yards, but Gabriel Agbonlahor's late header denied Everton the win they deserved.

* * *

The game was preceded by a protest staged by the Blue Union, voicing their collective dissatisfaction at the running of the club. It proved a success for the group, with over 1,000 fans marching from Spellow Lane to the director's entrance to the stadium.

Whether you agree with the protest or not, you have to commend the Blue Union for taking action - and for doing so in the right manner. The protest was done in the right way - peaceful and as dignified as a protest can be. A video of the protest can be seen here.

The marchers sent a message to chairman Bill Kenwright by chanting "let go, if you love the club..." along their route, although his appearance on the big screens during the match was greeted with cheers after an initial chorus of boos.

Anyway, on to on-the-pitch matters.

The side that had stolen 3 points at Ewood Park was shaken up, to say the least. Some of the changes had been enforced, as Victor Anichebe and John Heitinga had picked up injuries whilst playing for Nigeria and Holland respectively. Ross Barkley was on the bench after featuring for England U21s in midweek, whilst Tony Hibbert was selected at right-back in favour of Phil Neville.

In the wake of Mikel Arteta's departure, Phil Jagielka took on the role of captain. Both new signings - Royston Drenthe and Denis Stracqualursi - were only fit enough for the bench. Seamus Coleman made a very welcome and quicker than expected return from injury and Russian winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov was also handed a starting berth.

All that meant that the side was; Howard; Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Coleman, Rodwell, Fellaini, Osman, Bilyaletdinov; Cahill. Both new-boys were listed amongst the substitutes, the full list was; Mucha, Neville, Drenthe, Barkley, Stracqualursi, Gueye, Vellios.

Although starting without a recognised striker, Everton assumed the initiative straight from the off. Leon Osman had a penalty shout turned down inside the first minute, Darren Bent headed off his own goalline from a Phil Jagielka header and Shay Given saved well from Osman.

Our dominance paid off when, after 19 minutes, Leon Osman slotted home a pass from Tim Cahill. Everton were well on top and both Jack Rodwell and Marouane Fellaini went close with long-range efforts. Villa offered very little throughout the first 45 minutes, with a Barry Bannan strike the closest they came to a goal.

Indeed, we really should have been given the chance to extend our lead but referee Michael Oliver failed to spot a blatant trip that brought to a halt a marauding run by Leighton Baines.

The decision not to award a penalty meant Everton headed into the dressing room at the break with a deserved but all too slender 1-0 advantage. We had dominated proceedings, and so it was of course inevitable that Villa would equalise.

And that's exactly what they did. In stunning fashion as well. Bulgarian Stiliyan Petrov picked up the ball 30 yards from goal and sent in an unstoppable strike. 1-1. The goal came after Villa's best period of the game, and they might have scored a few minutes earlier had it not been for an outstanding tackle on Gabriel Agbonlahor by Sylvain Distin.

Everton quickly responded and Tim Cahill, who had one of his best games since before the Asian Cup back in January, saw his header instinctively palmed out by Shay Given. In the resulting scramble, Fabian Delph committed a foul on Phil Jagielka and this time a penalty was awarded.

Leighton Baines tucked away the penalty - never in doubt. 2-1.

A few minutes later Royston Drenthe was introduced to the Goodison crowd, coming on to replace Diniyar Bilyaletdinov. Needless to say, the Dutchman received a rapturous welcome from the terraces and seemed to be buoyed by his reception.

He gave us all a glimpse of his frightening pace, robbing Alan Hutton of possession and tearing down the wing. With Drenthe on one wing and Coleman on the other, it was the first time in a lng while that we had genuine pace on both flanks.

It lasted for about 5 minutes, though, as the impressive Coleman, who had terrorised Villa's left-back, was replaced by Ross Barkley.

The visitors drew level once again on 83 minutes. Marc Albrighton's cross caught out the static Sylvain Distin and Gabriel Agbonlahor rose to head home.

Yeah, whatever Gabby. Doesn't make up for the fact that you have a girl's name.

A third Everton change was made as Tim Cahill was replaced by Apostolos Vellios, and the Greek forward almost snatched the points at the death brought a fine save out of Villa goalkeeper Given.

It finished 2-2, a result that was not reflective of a fluid, strong and impressive performance from the home side. Villa are fast turning into a bogey club for us - and, as the fantastic Mickey Blue Eyes on Bluekipper writes: "It's difficult to avoid the notion that everything about the Brummy club is repellent, most of all the notorious crackpot worst of their fans."

So I guess the good news is, we don't have to play them again for a while. Up next, Wigan Athletic. COYB.

StickyToffee Player Ratings: Howard 6, Hibbert 8, Jagielka 6, Distin 6, Baines 8, Coleman 8, Rodwell 7, FELLAINI 8, Osman 7, Bilyaletdinov 6, Cahill 7.

Subs: Drenthe 6, Barkley 6, Vellios 6.

Everton v Aston Villa Preview

Club football makes a welcome return this weekend after a fortnight-long international break, with Aston Villa the visitors to Goodison as we begin life without Mikel Arteta.

Forwards Jermaine Beckford and Yakubu have also departed since the last-gasp win at Ewood Park, whilst Argie forward Denis Stracqualursi and Dutch winger Royston Drenthe have joined from Tigre and Real Madrid respectively.

Their first match will be preceded by a protest against the stagnation of the club staged by a group of supporters under the banner of 'the Blue Union'. You can find out more about that here, but I'll concentrate on what is going to happen inside the ground.

Supporters wishing to see Stracqualursi and Drenthe make their debuts may have to wait a while as there are doubts over both players' match fitness. Which is understandable, considering that neither have played for over two months.

Victor Anichebe has also been ruled out for three months after picking up a groin injury playing for Nigeria. That news leaves us dangerous short up front with Saha and Stracqualursi doubts and Anichebe out. Cahill and Fellaini it is then...

There is, however, some positive news on the injury front as Seamus Coleman and Magaye Gueye could be available for selection against Villa after recovering from ankle and toe injuries respectively. Leighton Baines, who withdrew from the England squad due to injury, may also make the game, whilst David Moyes revealed on Friday that 'John Heitinga had a bit of a knock but hopefully he will be okay'.

We often struggle against Villa. Indeed, we haven't come out on top in 10 attempts since May 2006. The fixtures do, however, tend to be tight affairs - with Villa's last-minute 2-3 win at Goodison a few years back a prime example. Last campaign's corresponding fixture finished in a 2-2 draw which, but for some poor officiating to disallow Jermaine Beckford's goal, could well have been a home victory.

The second-city claret and blues are unbeaten in three at the start of this campaign, with two Alec McLeish-inspired goalless draws and a home win over Blackburn so far. Like Everton, there is clear frustration amongst fans at Villa, demonstrated by the attendance of under 31,000 for the derby clash with Wolves at Villa Park.

They sold two of their most prized assets (Downing and Young) this Summer but still have plenty of firepower to hurt Everton. Darren Bent is a slight doubt but, although I certainly hope the game comes too soon for him, he is expected to be fit. Jermaine Jenas and Alan Hutton are in line to make their debuts. Oh, and sod's law N'Zogbia scores...

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STAT'S LIFE

Welcome to stat set no. 4 of the 2011/2012 campaign

• Only one of Everton's last eight league games has seen more than 2.5 goals.
• This fixture is the most played top-flight fixture (192). Villa have 72 wins to Everton's 70.
• Tim Cahill has 7 goals against Aston Villa - his highest number against any team whilst playing for Everton.
• If selected, Phil Neville will make his 200th Everton appearance and Leon Osman his 250th.
• This is the 550th league match in the managerial career of David Moyes.

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StickyToffee Prediction: Everton 1-1 Aston Villa

International Round-Up: 6th September

It was a busy night for Everton's international players, here's how they got on:

Victor Anichebe overcame a slight injury that he sustained last week to start for Nigeria in their friendly against Argentina in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Super Eagles were captained by Everton defender Joseph Yobo, who recently completed a loan move to Fenerbahce. Gonzalo Higuain gave the Argentinians the lead (24) and Angel Di Maria scored a second two minutes later (26). Nigeria pulled one back through Chinedu Obasi (46) before an own goal from Uwa Echiejile (65) made it 3-1 to Argentina, which is how it ended.

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov was a 76th minute substitute for Russia in Ireland. The match finished goalless, largely thanks to some incredible defensive play from Richard Dunne and Shay Given.

Shane Duffy, who has joined Scunthorpe United on loan, played the last 15 minutes as his Republic of Ireland U21 side went down 1-0 in Turkey. The only goal of the game was scored by Şahin Aygüneş (10).

John Heitinga's Netherlands all but booked their place at Euro 2012 after a 0-2 win in Finland - the Dutch goals coming courtesy of Kevin Strootman (29) and Luuk de Jong (90). Everton man Heitinga played the full game.

Tim Cahill was left on the bench for Australia against Saudi Arabia after picking up a very slight knock against Thailand. He did come on for the last 5 minutes, by which time the Socceroos had the game tied up thanks to goals from Josh Kennedy (40, 56) and Luke Wilkshire (77). Saudi Arabia did get one back through Al-Shamrani (65) but it proved just a consolation.

Everton's back-up keeper Jan Mucha had a terrible night as his Slovakia side lost 0-4 at home to minnows Armenia. The goals came from Movsisyan (57), Mkhitaryan (70), Ghazaryan (80) and Sarkisov (90). Household names.

Phil Jagielka remained an unused substitute as England beat Wales at Wembley courtesy of a solitary Ashley Young goal. Jagielka's team-mate Leighton Baines withdrew from the squad last week due to injury.

Tim Howard and Marouane Fellaini faced each other as the USA travelled to Belgium for a friendly. Fellaini will have the bragging rights at Finch Farm next week after the Belgians came out on top 1-0 thanks to a Nicolas Lombaerts goal.

International Round-Up: 2nd September

Plenty of Everton's players were in action for their respective national sides today, here's a round-up of how they fared.

Tim Cahill's Australia had to fight hard to overcome minnows Thailand in their World Cup qualifier in Brisbane after the Thais took the lead through Teerasil Dangda. Second half efforts from Josh Kennedy and Alex Brosque handed the Socceroos a precious win. Everton man Cahill played 71 minutes before being replaced by Robbie Kruse.

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov failed to make the starting eleven or the substitutes bench for Russia's Euro 2012 qualifier against Macedonia. In his absence the Russians won 1-0 thanks to an Igor Semshov goal.

Apostolos Vellios started on the bench for Greece U21s in their U21 Euro 2013 qualifier against Cyprus. He entered the fray on 56 minutes, coming on for Thanassis Karagounis, and the substitution had an immediate impact as the Greeks scored just two minutes later through Kostas Fortounis. Everton man Vellios then scored a second in injury time to secure a 0-2 victory for the Greeks.

Marouane Fellaini started for Belgium in their Euro 2012 qualifying match against Azerbaijan in Baku. The midfielder picked up a booking shortly before half-time, meaning he will miss Belgium's next competitive game (against Kazakhstan). A 55th minute Tommy Simons penalty was cancelled out by a late Rauf Aliyev goal as the sides shared the points.

Everton defenders Phil Jagielka and Leighton were both unused substitutes as England won 0-3 in Bulgaria, with the goals coming courtesy of Gary Cahill and Wayne Rooney (2).

John Heitinga played the full ninety minutes as the Netherlands brushed aside minnows San Marino 11-0 in Eindhoven, and the Everton defender even managed to get himself on the scoresheet. In a fixture that made you wonder why they even bothered contesting it, the Netherlands scored 11 without reply through Robin van Persie (4), Wesley Sneijder (2), John Heitinga, Dirk Kuyt, Klaas Jan Huntelaar (2) and Georginio Wijnaldum.

Everton's back-up goalkeeper Ján Mucha played for Slovakia in their crucial Euro 2012 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. Tim Howard's deputy kept a clean sheet as the two sides played out a goalless draw.

Blackburn Rovers 0-1 Everton

It was a case of daylight robbery at Ewood Park this afternoon as a last-minute Mikel Arteta spot-kick stole all three points - this after Blackburn duo Hoilett and Formica had both been unsuccessful with penalties of their own.

Everton have goalkeeper Tim Howard to thank for the undeserved victory - the American custodian saved the first spot-kick, saw the second hit the post and made a number of crucial saves to deny Rovers.

Everton had performed very poorly throughout but referee Lee Mason handed us a golden opportunity to punish Blackburn for their missed chances in the dying moments. Marouane Fellaini was felled in the aftermath of a Phil Neville long throw and Mason pointed to the spot for the third time in the game.

Spaniard Arteta kept a cool head under huge pressure to send the travelling support behind the goal into delirium. A performance as bad as I can remember but a fantastic result.

* * *

David Moyes named a 4-5-1 formation with the line lead by lone striker and midweek goalscorer Victor Anichebe. Tim Howard, rested for Wednesday's win over Sheffield United, took up his usual goalkeeping position behind the regular back four of Leighton Baines, Sylvain Distin, Phil Jagielka and Phil Neville.

A five man midfield consisted of Ross Barkley, Marouane Fellaini, Leon Osman, John Heitinga and Mikel Arteta with Victor Anichebe on his own up front. Louis Saha was not included in the squad - which, I assume, is down to injury - and Jermaine Beckford and Tim Cahill were left on the bench. Jack Rodwell missed out due to illness.

The first half was a totally drab affair notable only for David Dunn's shot, which hit the inside of Howard's right hand post and bounced agonisingly across goal to safety.

Everton's best moment of the opening period was Leon Osman's header from Ross Barkley's right-wing cross, although it failed to trouble Paul Robinson in the Blackburn goal.

David Dunn and Morten Gamst Pedersen both suffered injuries for the hosts, with Mauro Formica and Radosav Petrovic both having to be introduced before half-time.

Half-time: Blackburn Rovers 0-0 Everton

Whilst the first period was a frankly dreadful watch, the second was a bizarre one. Everton started after the interval as if they had just woken up, and conceded a penalty in the first minute after half-time.

Ross Barkley slipped inside the area and Mauro Formica fell over the youngster's trailing leg. Formica certainly made a concerted effort to fall over the outstretched limb but referee Mason didn't hesitate in pointing to the spot.

Tim Howard made a great penalty save low to his left hand side from Junior Hoilett and Everton somehow managed to clear the danger. Undeterred, Blackburn kept on coming and the visitors were struggling to get out of their own half.

The relentless pressure created a few good chances for Blackburn but each time Tim Howard was up to the task. Instinctive saves from Samba and then Formica kept Everton level - although the pressure culminated in another penalty just a few minutes later.

Formica won it after a combination of Jagielka and Distin bundled him over and the same player stepped up to take it. Formica went the opposite way to Hoilett and had Howard beaten... but not the post.

David Moyes withdrew Ross Barkley in favour of the vastly experienced Tim Cahill, a substitution that helped Everton push further forward. Leighton Baines stung the hands of Paul Robinson with a fierce shot from an acute angle.

The same player then turned provider as he teed up Marouane Fellaini, who should really have hit the target with an effort from the edge of the penalty area.

However, Everton were soon on the back foot again and Howard had to be alert to save from Formica. We were hanging on to a point as substitute David Goodwillie then saw his effort clip the top of the crossbar after Formica and Hoilett had carved open our defence with worrying ease.

In stoppage time Everton were awarded a spot-kick of their own when, following a long throw by captain Phil Neville, Chris Samba bundled over Marouane Fellaini just inside the area. It was a dubious penalty but we did not care a jot.

Mikel Arteta, who had looked off the pace in midfield, stepped up, kept composed and rifled the kick into the right hand corner. Unbelievable.

Robbery, theft, luck. But 3 vital points.

StickyToffee Player Ratings: Howard 10, Baines 6, Distin 5, Jagielka 4, Neville 4, Arteta 5, Heitinga 5, Fellaini 4, Osman 5, Barkley 5, Anichebe 4.

Subs: Cahill 5, Bilyaletdinov 5, Beckford 3.

Blackburn Rovers v Everton Preview

Having managed to get our season off to an even worse start than usual at home to QPR last weekend, we now travel to Ewood Park to face the team that beat us on the opening weekend last year, Blackburn Rovers.

In August 2010 a rare Tim Howard error (literally) handed Blackburn three early Premier League points - points which proved to be oh so vital for Rovers come the back end of the season.

Since the end of last season, Evertonians have endured a painful Summer and the loss to newly-promoted QPR did little to apease frustrations. A comfortable midweek cup victory over Sheffield United saved our blushes for the time being, but already in the season the game at Blackburn looks a huge one.

A pair of losses to QPR and Blackburn - two of the pre-season favourites for relegation - would signal an even worse start than usual. It's not a 'must-win game' but frustrations will continue to grow if we come away empty-handed.

Injury wise, there are no fresh concerns for Everton - although there is a lengthy injury list, especially considering the season is still very much in its infancy. Seamus Coleman (ankle) and Magaye Gueye (broken toe) are definite absentees, whilst Tim Cahill (illness) and Jermaine Beckford (knee) both missed Wednesday's Carling Cup tie.

Marouane Fellaini and Mikel Arteta are both nearing full fitness after completing ninety minutes against Sheffield United. Louis Saha also played a part in Wednesday's win although he has had Evertonians worried this morning after tweeting: "I had better mornings #gutted".

There is no indication yet if the bad news is injury related but, if it is, I'm surprised he's lasted two games to be honest. Let's hope he's fully fit - and he was just gutted about not having any milk to accompany his cheerios.

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov is available for selection again after serving his suspension, and so taking everything into account I predict that the team will look something like:

Blackburn should have their man-mountain of a centre-half, Chris Samba, fit again for the game, whilst David 'Junior' Hoilett and new striker David Goodwillie are my ones to watch.

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STAT'S LIFE

Welcome to stat set no. 3 of the 2011/2012 campaign!

• Only one of Everton's last seven league games has seen more than 2.5 goals.
• Blackburn have the worst shooting accuracy of any Premier League side so far this season - just 22% of their efforts have been on target.
• These two founding members of the football league first met in November 1888, when Rovers prevailed 3-0.
• Tim Cahill's current run of 11 league matches without a goal is his longest drought in six years.
• Blackburn have won just 2 of their last 16 matches and have not kept a clean sheet in their last ten.

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With both sides having showcased their defensive frailties so far this season, I'm going to predict that both sides will score. I can't see Blackburn netting more than one against us though, and so I'm going to plump (and hope) for an away win.

StickyToffee Prediction: Blackburn Rovers 1-2 Everton

Everton v Sheffield United Preview

After succumbing to a home defeat at the hands of Premier League new-boys QPR, Everton are quickly back in action in midweek with a Carling Cup tie against League One side Sheffield United.

The Blades have made a rather better start to their league campaign, unbeaten in their opening four games with an impressive 10 points that leave them in third place on goal difference.

As we are Everton, we have already managed to pick up a significant number of injuries from playing our single league game. Jermaine Beckford, Louis Saha (surprise surprise) and Tim Cahill have been labelled doubts for Wednesday's game, whilst Seamus Coleman and Magaye Gueye are definitely out and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov is suspended.

That means that an already struggling forward line could have to rely on youngsters such as Conor McAleny and Apostolos Vellios or out-of-favour duo Victor Anichebe and Yakubu.

My team (assuming the trio of 'doubtful' players do not play) would be:

The tie will see centre-half Phil Jagielka face his old club and he is sure to get a warm reception from all four corners of the ground. A fans' favourite at Bramall Lane, Jagielka won the club's player of the year award three times on the bounce before moving to Everton.

Also facing his former club will be Sheffield United goalkeeper Steve Simonsen (above), who was signed by Everton in 1998 for a fee in excess of £3m, but failed to establish himself as number one at Goodison before moving to Stoke City in 2004.

It is of course a game we should win but given our poor start to the season and recent record in the cups mean we are not as clear favourites as one might assume. David Moyes will surely play a strong team as he bids to win his first piece of silverware in his decade-spanning tenure with the club.

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STAT'S LIFE

Welcome to the second set of stats in this new feature for the 2011/12 campaign:

• Should Everton score once (or more) against Sheffield United, they will have netted 200 goals against the Blades in all competitions.
• Everton's win percentage in matches against Sheffield United at Goodison Park is just over 57%.
• If selected, Tony Hibbert will be making his 250th Everton start.
• This is the fourth meeting of the sides in the League Cup. Everton have won two of the previous three fixtures.
• Everton last exited the League Cup at the second round stage in 2001, when they were beaten on penalties by Crystal Palace.

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We should have enough to beat Sheffield United - although we said the same thing against QPR and in previous cup ties against Oldham and Reading (amongst others). It will not be an easy fixture but I am going to predict an Everton win (before we get beat at Blackburn in Round 3).

StickyToffee Prediction: Everton 3-0 Sheffield United

Cahill In For Socceroos

Everton midfielder Tim Cahill has been called up to the Australian squad for the upcoming 2014 World Cup qualifying matches with Thailand and Saudi Arabia.

Cahill is one of seven English-based players in Holger Osieck's 23-man squad and has the opportunity to break a long-standing Everton record.

After scoring against Wales recently, Cahill's tally of international goals whilst at Everton reached 18 - the same as a certain Dixie Dean.

Cahill will look to break the record against Thailand (September 2) in Brisbane or against Saudi Arabia (September 6) in Dammamm. The squad also includes ex-Everton defender Lucas Neill, who this week joined UAE side Al Jazira.

The full Australia squad is as follows: Tim Cahill, Nathan Coe, Luke DeVere, Brett Emerton, Adam Federici, Brett Holman, Mile Jedinak, Josh Kennedy, Neil Kilkenny, Robbie Kruse, Scott McDonald, Matthew McKay, Mark Milligan, Lucas Neill, Sasa Ognenovski, Adam Sarota, Mark Schwarzer, Matthew Spiranovic, James Troisi, Carl Valeri, Luke Wilkshire, Rhys Williams, Michael Zullo.

Everton 0-1 QPR

New season. Same Everton.

That was the overriding feeling of fans exiting Goodison Park yesterday, after a first-half Tommy Smith strike had compounded a miserable Summer on the blue half of Merseyside.

Many expected QPR to be rolled over following their opening-day hammering at home to Bolton, but an accomplished defensive performance from the visitors combined with a toothless one from the hosts handed the Londoners their first points back in the top-flight.

After last season's home results against the 'lesser sides', coupled with our record at the start of the season, perhaps we were a little overconfident. QPR must be praised for their performance though - they were much more defensively sound than last weekend and inflicted our fourth consecutive opening day defeat, a club 'record'.

With injuries to wide players the line-up was always going to be a case of 'square pegs, round holes', but even so it was an uninspiring one.

The back five picked itself (Howard; Neville, Jagielka, Distin, Baines), but the rest of the side caused quite a shock. Jack Rodwell started on the right wing, with John Heitinga and Leon Osman in the centre and debutant Ross Barkley on the left. Tim Cahill supported Jermaine Beckford up top.

Arteta, Fellaini and Saha were all on the bench. It was to do with a lack of fitness I assume, but it came as a shock after being told that all three were ready for the season.

QPR started the game reasonably well and Tommy Smith went close with a snapshot on the half-volley that flew just wide of Tim Howard's post. Everton responded with a series of crosses, from one of which Beckford attempted an overhead kick - but got it all wrong.

Jack Rodwell went down in front of the Gwladys Street in what looked a decent penalty shout. The referee was having none of it, however, and having seen the replays I am inclined to agree with him. Not a penalty for me, although I have most certainly seen them given.

Everton's best chance came from a familiar outlet - a Leighton Baines free-kick. The left-back was handed the opportunity by the excellent Ross Barkley, who jinked past a host of QPR defenders on the edge of the area before being brought down.

Baines smashed the resulting set-piece against the underside of the crossbar before the ball bounced agonisingly over the Everton players following up.

Just as the home side looked to have a hold on the game, we fell behind. Phil Jagielka squandered possession on the edge of the box and Everton failed to clear before Tommy Smith swivelled and finished instinctively into the bottom corner.

Tim Cahill uncharacteristically missed a header from close-range before the break and Everton could have had another penalty for a push on Cahill by Fitz Hall.

Everton emerged early for the second half and straight-away had a good chance to draw level. Jack Rodwell was sent through after Ross Barkley had cleverly left a pass, but the England U21 midfielder wasted the opening with a weak shot.

David Moyes had the crowd in disbelief as he replaced Jermaine Beckford, meaning that we were chasing the game without a recognised striker.

His replacement, Marouane Fellaini, immediately carved out a chance for Tim Cahill, whose angled shot was saved by Paddy Kenny.

Louis Saha came on for the final 15 minutes, but a Ross Barkley long-range effort was the closest we came to rescuing a point. 0-1 it ended, a fourth consecutive opening day defeat and a thoroughly frustrating afternoon.

But hey, what did we expect? It's the start of the season, after all.

StickyToffee Player Ratings: Howard 5, Baines 6, Distin 6, Jagielka 4, Neville 5, Barkley 7, Heitinga 4, Osman 4, Rodwell 4, Cahill 4, Beckford 4.

Subs: Arteta 4, Fellaini 5, Saha 4.

Difficult Times But Keep The Faith

The week I welcome guest poster Mark Pendleton to the blog. He has very kindly penned an article airing his views on our financial situation and our hopes for the future.

Have we actually got it right?

Now, before I start, let me state that I too am frustrated with the lack of progress in terms of new playing staff and, in particular, a new stadium. Perhaps more concerning are the stories of more deep-rooted financial issues, issues that have put paid to past stadium schemes and even the recent Park End development.

I would also like to state that I am in full support of the manager and I believe we have a great core group of players. I also believe that we have a good man in charge of the club (few rational minds could dispute this, if they take a considered view it's only his commercial acumen they could seriously call into question).

So, why then are we being eclipsed in terms of spending by clubs widely perceived to be smaller than our own - both top-flight newcomers and more recently established Premier League clubs such as Sunderland and Stoke City?

We have an average attendance to rival many clubs in the upper echelons of the league, a bigger "brand name" than many others and a playing squad that, although thin, contains many big-name players.

So how do these other clubs, who all seem to have (or have plans for) a new stadium and who are able to invest in multi-million pound signings year on year, retain the ability to keep on spending?

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Robert Elstone commented that 9% of our corporate facilities remain unsold. Why then do we cite more corporate facilities as a need for a new stadium?

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If we look a bit closer, I think that, despite the frustration that seems to have grown via osmosis in fan groups we have many of the pieces in place (more of that in a sec). The club's debt is something I cannot disagree with in terms of the scale. It is a millstone that we must live with and we need to generate more income to reduce it if we are to live within our means and compete in the long run - rather than adding to it and being pressured into selling the family silver.

I was especially concerned recently with Robert Elstone's comments that 9% of our corporate facilities remain unsold - why then do we cite more corporate facilities as a major reason as to why we need a new stadium?

Ah yes, the pieces we have in place...

We have consistently finished highly in the league over the last few years and any player sales have not been forced on the manager. We have also managed to keep hold of a number of key players by offering them higher salaries.

The clubs we are using as benchmarks in terms of player spend have seen players come and go more readily in my opinion. They do not seem to be able to keep their best players and develop the stable playing squad with the collective attitude that has seen our team achieve a level greater than the sum of its parts.

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Our playing squad has a collective attitude that has seen the team achieve a level greater than the sum of its parts.

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This, I believe, is partly due to their club statures and partly due to the fact that they only invest sporadically in transfer fees whilst we attempt to pay better salaries. In addition, youth development is more of a priority at Everton.

We have a state of the art training ground (whether we "own" it or not) and it attracts and produces some of the country's finest young talent - as does the fact that we are a club renowned for giving young players a chance.

I am far more proud to see the Rodwells, Barkleys and Colemans at our great club than I am some foreign journeyman who we laud the signing of even though we've never heard of him, who's far past his best and who's name we can pronounce.

The players we have largely want to stay and in most cases the reason is not money. The likes of Cahill, Baines, Arteta and Jagielka wouldn't be on long-term deals at the club if it was not a great place to play football - arguably any of the afore-mentioned players could attract a higher salary elsewhere.

Yes, these are difficult times and yes, we need investment. But it's not all bad and there are many clubs with more money than us that, try as they might, simply cannot buy what we have. Keep the faith, we are born not manufactured. COYB.

In memory of my late Grandfather, John Pendleton, a lifelong Evertonian who sadly passed away on 14th August at the age of 89. He grew up watching Dixie Dean and saw the establishment of the school of science. A fantastic footballer in his day and a great man until his end. Sadly missed.

Mark Pendleton

International Round-Up: 10th August

Several of Everton's stars were in action for their national sides on Wednesday, so here's a round-up of how they each fared.

Let's start in Moscow, where Diniyar Bilyaletdinov's Russia took on Serbia in a friendly match. The Everton man started on the bench but was introduced before half-time following an injury to Arsenal's Andrei Arshavin.

Russia went on to win 1-0 thanks to a goal from VfB Stuttgart striker Pavel Pogrebnyak. The Serbian 'keeper spilled a long-range shot and Pogrebnyak was on hand to tap home.

England's friendly with the Netherlands was cancelled due to rioting in the capital - which was probably a good thing for Everton as Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka and John Heitinga would all have risked injuries 3 days before the new Premier League season.

Apostolos Vellios was another Evertonian in international action as his Greece U21 side took on their Belarussian counterparts at the Stadio Zosimades in Ioannina, Greece in a Euro Qualifier. Like Bilyaletdinov, Vellios started on the bench but came on before half-time to replace an injured player.

By the time Vellios had entered the fray his side were already 2-0 down to goals from Oleg Patotsky and Dmitry Khlebosolov. Ioannis Potouridis pulled one back for the Greeks from the penalty spot before half-time.

Vellios had a header wide on 48 minutes as Greece pressed for an equaliser. Then, minutes before the final whistle, Kostas Fortounis grabbed a goal that looked to have earned Greece a point.

Unfortunately for Vellios and Greece, that wasn't the end of the scoring. Belarus won a 94th minute penalty which was put away by Dmitry Khlebosolov and the Belarussians won 3-2.

Jan Mucha kept goal for Slovakia as they won in Austria. Goals from Juraj Kucka and Robert Jez (what a name) secured victory for the Slovaks, despite Erwin Hoffer's header for Austria which threatened to spoil the party.

Closer to home, Tim Cahill represented the Socceroos of Australia in their friendly against Wales in Cardiff. The Australia side, which also included ex-Evertonian Lucas Neill, had the better of the first half and got their rewards just before half time.

Indeed, it was their talisman Cahill that broke the deadlock. Luke Wilkshire crossed from the right and Cahill struck a crisp volley low into the net to make it 1-0. After the break Australia doubled their advantage through Robert Kruse, with Everton man Cahill involved in the build-up.

Blake's header pulled one back for Wales but 2-1 was how it ended.

Cahill was then substituted on 70 minutes and, to the relief of Evertonians, he had come through the game without picking up an injury.

Meanwhile in Slovenia (which, incidentally, sounds like a poor James Bond film), Marouane Fellaini was playing for Belgium. Fellaini started the match as Belgium pressed and they had a goal ruled out but, with the scores level at 0-0, Fellaini was subbed at half-time. The scores stayed the same for the remainder of the match.

Everyone came through injury-free, now for Spurs on Saturday (riots-permitting!)

Everton 0-1 Villarreal

The now traditional home friendly is usually a chance for Evertonians to catch their first glimpse of the club's new signings, although, as we all know, this Summer has been a very difficult one at Goodison Park.

Indeed, our efforts in this year's transfer window were typified by one of the matchday stewards, who quipped "I'm surprised I'm being paid to be honest".

Our efforts on the field also proved to be inadequate, as an excellent Guiseppe Rossi strike secured a friendly win for Villarreal. A nasty injury to Seamus Coleman did nothing to lift the spirits of the frustrated Evertonians.

Tim Howard was re-instated in goal behind a back four of Baines, Distin, Jagielka and Neville. A youthful midfield consisted of Fellaini, Barkley, Rodwell, Coleman and Anichebe, with Louis Saha heading the attack.

Back-up 'keeper Jan Mucha was joined on the bench by Hibbert, Heitinga, Cahill, Yakubu, Vellios, Bilyaletdinov, Baxter and Beckford.

The one major positive this Summer is the emergence of 17-year-old Ross Barkley, who, even at such a tender age, has looked the real deal in Everton's friendlies thus far. That trend certainly continued last night.

In the early stages Barkley showed a few great touches in midfield. He was a the centre of a move that ended with him striking a ferocious volley well over the bar. Minutes later he collected the ball on the edge of the area, feigned to shoot and played an exquisite chipped through ball into the path of Leighton Baines.

Baines was offside and contrived to miss anyway, but it was a moment of genuine quality from Barkley. The youngster didn't stop there - and in the following interchanges he played through Seamus Coleman, only for the Irishman to also be ruled offside.

Barkley also went close himself as he met Baines' cross well, although his half-

volleyed effort went just wide. At the other end, ex-Manchester United man Guiseppe Rossi went close with a free-kick after Fellaini had clipped the ankles of Cani on the edge of the area.

Indeed, Rossi (Guiseppe, not Barkley) was a livewire all evening - a less chubby version of Carlos Tevez. He had a couple of decent snapshots before the half was out, but nothing that Tim Howard wasn't equal to.

Louis Saha saw his effort fly wide via the fingertips of the Villarreal 'keeper, before the half ended on a very sour note. Carlos Marchena slid in needlessly on Seamus Coleman and you could tell straightaway it was a bad 'un.

Coleman went down with his hands on his face and was replaced immediately by Tim Cahill. A later scan thankfully revealed that there had been no fracture to the ankle, although the suspected ligament damage is still likely to keep him out of action for a significant period of time.

That was the last action of the first half but Everton created their best opportunity of the match straight after the interval. Leighton Baines beat the whole right side of Villarreal's defence, played a one-two with Louis Saha and was was one-on-one with the keeper, 10 yards out. His shot was straight at the goalkeeper though and the scores remained level.

Villarreal scored what proved to be the winner on 64 minutes - a superb effort from Guiseppe Rossi. A free-kick on the edge of the area was rolled into his path and Rossi slammed a thunderbolt right into the top left hand corner. Tim Howard had absolutely no chance with the powerful shot, which drew applause from both sets of supporters.

Villarreal took control of the game from that point onwards. They were far superior in possession and didn't let us have much of a kick, with substitute Oriol seeing a good effort saved by Howard. The situation was not helped when our most creative player, Ross Barkley, was taken off. It was another impressive performance from the lad and he was given rapturous applause as he departed.

I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that i hope to see a lot, lot more of him this season.

The remainder of the match turned into a bit of a snoozefest to be honest. Jermaine Beckford gave Carlos Marchena a taste of his own medicine with a two-footed tackle of his own, whilst Tony Hibbert was told to "SHOOOOTTT" from inside his own half.

It ended 1-0, a result that was just about deserved for the Spanish side. The injury to Coleman added further doom to an already depressing evening. Still, at least the Premier League is back next week.

I'll be at Spurs on August 13th fully expecting to be well beaten. Expect the worst and you'll never be disappointed. As an Evertonian, that's becoming more and more a quote to live by.

StickyToffee Player Ratings; Howard 7, Baines 7, Distin 7, Jagielka 6, Neville 6, Coleman 6, Rodwell 5, BARKLEY 8, Fellaini 6, Anichebe 5, Saha 5.

Subs: Cahill 5, Heitinga 5, Hibbert 5, Yakubu 4, Beckford 5.

Werder Bremen 1-0 Everton

Everton stuttered through a thoroughly disappointing 90 minutes in Bremen on Tuesday night, with Sandro Wagner's first half goal enough to see off a disjointed Everton side.

It is only pre-season though, so nothing to worry about. We came through the game without any injuries, which is the biggest positive you can take from any friendly. And we were treated to another glimpse of the talent that is Ross Barkley. Remember the name.

Jan Mucha and Tim Howard shared the goalkeeping duties, with the Slovakian playing the first half before being replaced by the mad Yank at half-time. The back four had a familiar look of Hibbert - Jagielka - Distin - Baines and, in the absence of Phil Neville, Jagielka was made captain.

Teenage prodigy Ross Barkley was handed a starting berth in midfield alongside Leon Osman, John Heitinga and Tim Cahill, whilst Victor Anichebe once again partnered Jermaine Beckford up top.

Alongside Tim Howard on the bench were; Seamus Coleman, Phil Neville, Apostolos Vellios, Louis Saha, Magaye Gueye and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.

Yakubu's exclusion from the squad rang a few alarm bells, although I am now led to believe that he stayed at home to be at the birth of his child. One person who Evertonians were extremely pleased to see in the line up was Phil Jagielka, the subject of two recent bids from Arsenal.

The opening period was pretty even, with Ross Barkley providing a good outlet on the right wing. Indeed, most of Everton's good play came through the youngster, who looked comfortable on the ball and equally so when cutting inside and using his left foot. It's clear we have a special, special talent on our books - something noted post-match by both Tony Hibbert and Sylvain Distin.

Baines also looked lively as ever and put it a peach of a cross for Tim Cahill, whose header was unusually mistimed and off target.

Bremen also had chances - not least the absolute sitter missed by Sandro Wagner. A ball was chipped across goal and Mucha was beaten all ends up. It was a free header, four yards out, but Wagner somehow managed to miss. It wasn't quite on the level of Yakubu at the World Cup, but it's up there.

Wagner did make up for the shocking miss just minutes later, although the opening goal had more than a slice of fortune about it. Back-up 'keeper Jan Mucha flapped at a cross, allowing Wagner to prod home at the second time of asking.

Everton made a couple of changes at the break. Tim Howard swapped places with Jan Mucha and Louis Saha did likewise with Victor Anichebe. Unfortunately, Bremen had also made a few substitutions, which included the introduction of exciting midfielder Marko Marin.

They took control of the game and chances fell to Marin and Aaron Hunt. Louis Saha and Jermaine Beckford were not adequately supported by Everton's midfield, a situation that only got worse when our most creative player, Ross Barkley, was taken off shortly into the second period.

Leighton Baines went closest to leveling the scores for Everton. For once the left-back hit a poor free-kick that cannoned straight into the wall, but Baines hit the rebound thunderously against the post.

The game petered out into a 1-0 defeat, a disappointing result and performance. But hey, it's only pre-season!

StickyToffee Player Ratings: Mucha 5, Hibbert 5, Jagielka 6, Distin 6, Baines 6, Cahill 6, Barkley 7, Osman 5, Heitinga 5, Anichebe 4, Beckford 4.

Subs: Howard 5, Coleman 5, Neville 5, Bilyaletdinov 4, Vellios 4, Saha 4.