January 2013 Archives

by Greg O'Keeffe

EVERTON had to be content with a point at Goodison after wasting a string of chances to continue their winning streak against Swansea.

The Blues have still never been beaten by the Welsh club but missed the opportunity to claw back ground on fourth-placed Tottenham, as they were left to rue off-target headers from Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin which ultimately resulted in goal-less stale-mate on Merseyside.

David Moyes made just one change from the side which had brushed past Cheltenham in the FA Cup on Monday night, but his men were left frustrated despite dominating possession.

THERE cannot be a football fan in the land who didn't read about Manchester City supporters' boycott of Arsenal's exorbitant £62 ticket price for the game at the Emirates on Sunday without a sense of quiet satisfaction.

It is a sense that amid the ever-spiralling financial juggernaut which is the Premier League, finally the ordinary supporter has put his foot down and said enough is enough.

For those who haven't seen the story, City fans returned almost a third of their allocation for Sunday's game which sees Roberto Mancini's champions face a huge game in north London as they try to claw back ground on leaders Manchester United.

by Greg O'Keeffe

THOSE who study the evolution of modern top flight footballers can find no more apt a case study than Leon Osman.

The midfielder who today celebrates 10 years since he made his Everton debut has gone from un-sung utility man to acclaimed international maestro, and David Moyes believes that transition reflects how the game has changed.

Osman - who is close to agreeing a new contract to keep him at Goodison for the rest of his career - will start against Swansea at Goodison today with the glowing praise of his manager ringing in his ears.

And he too will know that there has never been a better time to be himself.

by Greg O'Keeffe

EVERTON must cope without the attacking prowess of Kevin Mirallas again today, as they bid to stay in the mix for Champions League qualification.

The exciting Belgian forward scored his only goal in the Premier League so far against this afternoon's opponents, Swansea, at the Liberty Stadium in September, but has been unable to recover from a hamstring problem in time to face Michael Laudrup's side in the return fixture at Goodison.