However, he was not named in Capello’s 23-man squad to face Germany on Wednesday, with defender Michael Mancienne, who has yet to make a top-flight appearance, a surprise selection. Continues below[...]

Moyes said in The Sun: “Put it this way, he’s playing as well if not better than he was last season, when he was included in the England squad.

“It’s hard enough picking my own team without trying to tell someone else what to do but Jags has been playing as well as I have seen him.”

“He has been our most consistent player this season and his pace, athleticism and strength have been impressive.”

“Maybe if he keeps that up he will get in again.”

Report written by Max O’ Collins > edited by Ryan Grant > implemented by Ryan Grant

A mixed affair for those watching in blue ended 1-1 thanks 65th minute Yakubu equalizer. The goal canceled out Gary O’Neil’s early finish.

Z-Cars, the players did the pointless hand shakes, a coin toss to select which sides the teams will be defending, a long blast by Howard Webb, and the game was under way.

The first five minutes were rather cagey, both teams eying up their opposite numbers. As the eighth minute came, Everton beginning to find their feet, on the attack, Osman on the right, dispossessed. Then the Boro counter that was going to become a formality as the game went on. Downing down the left played the ball into Tuncay’s path. The England international then took up a place on the edge of the area, and when the ball came to him, his clever reversed pass found Gary O’Neill on the right to coolly finish from 10 yards out. Howard suspect at his near post but a good finish none the less.

Now needing to find a goal the blues looked more threatening as they pushed men forward. A good interchange from the front men gave Yakubu a one on one which the in form Turnbull did well to parry.

Ten minutes later, Lescott played in a looping cross that hit the post, evading the helpless Turnbull. It then came out to Marouanne Fellaini whose shot was blocked from five yards out.

Then a penalty shout, Yakubu appeared to have been upended after he played the ball past Turnbull. Only a corner was given, from which another glorious opportunity. Arteta with the sweeping cross, met by an unmarked Tim Cahill, only for the Australian to head wide. How many chances were the Blues’ going to waste?

Half time was then called by Howard Webb, a real kick up the backside was needed, in terms of finishing that is. Everton had plently of chances, and could of been 3 or 4 - 1 up at the break.

Attacking towards the Gwladys Street added impetus in the second half, and a few half chances started to rise the volume of a rather muted Goodison crowd.

Saha put a diving header past the post after a great first time cross by the impressive Phil Neville.

Everton dominated possession - at one stage the blues’ had over 80% of the possession, and ten minutes later the Goodison Park crowd had something to cheer about. One of Arteta’s best balls all season, pace and curl, evading everyone bar Yakubu’s back. The little deflection took the ball past the despairing Turnbull.

One all, and game on, athough it was Middlesbrough who threatened. Five minutes after the goal and a lay back to Didier Digard was then passed towards goal, Tim Howard having to pull of a strong one-handed save to keep it out via the post. Jagielka then rushed ahead of two Middlesbrough players to play the ball out of play. Jagielka has been world class at times this season, he’s been dedicated and comitted to the blue shirt, he has given his all and has saved us many times this season.

A few half chances for Everton were snuffed out by Middlesbrough. The most notable of which a Yakubu drive from an acute angle, six yards out that hit the corner flag.

An anticlimactic game was drawn to an end, greeted by a mixed round of boos and courteous applause. A good game for the neutral, frustrating for Evertonians and an invaluable point from Middlesbrough’s point of view. ‘Boro defending well, and Everton failed to take their chances. We need to become more ruthless against sides like Middlesbrough if we are to harbour any hope of another European adventure… Another centre midfielder to compliment the impressive Fellaini and some natural width should be the order of the day once the transfer window opens in little over six weeks time. It seems strange we had four central players in midfield today. Arteta and Osman out wide, not surprisingly for Arteta though, Moyes!

Leave your thoughts below in the comment box or discuss the game in the FE Forums.

Everton manager David Moyes felt his Everton side deserved all three points and dominated the game.

Aiyegbeni Yakubu scored against his former club to save his side from embarrassment. The striker had previously been in a goal drought.

“We played better, but I’m disappointed we didn’t get all three points,” said the boss. “We had one or two chances and in the end we huffed and puffed but didn’t really do enough.”

“There’s no doubt the performance was better [than in recent games], so today I was happy with the performance but not happy with the points.”

“If we continue to keep getting draws against the Middlesbrough’s etc, it will become an issue that we’re not getting the points at home.”

“We have to credit the opposition. We scored from a set-piece but I wanted us to score in open play. I think that we had the chances but didn’t take them.”

“I thought the Yak played much better and I think it was a much better team performance. I think Tim Cahill and Fellaini played well. I thought that there were a lot of plusses to come out of the game, but when we conceded early on we were always chasing it and there was a bit of anxiety.”

“Teams are organised in the Premier League and they were a threat on the counter attack so I have to credit our defenders. I thought they did very well and Phil Jagielka had a superb tackle at the end of the game.”

Continue the discussion with a comment below or in the FE Forums.

No new investment, big blue Bill Kenwright is still at the helm, but still certain papers are predicting Everton to make some big money moves in January. The funds required could be obtained by selling some of the current crop of players, those who seem disinterested or who just aren’t performing, (Mikel Arteta? but its hard to believe that Moyes would sell such an influential figure and fan favourite).

Some have predicted that Sunderland could aid Everton’s bid to secure some new signings by injecting 8 million pounds to the cause by purchasing Joleon Lescott. Again, hard to believe that a meagre 8 million pounds would secure the signing of such a prized asset, and one of England’s, if not Europe’s best centre backs. Though Joleon himself may well be interested in such a move as it is well reported that he sees himself as a centre half, he may well be becoming increasingly frustrated playing at left back and this may be contributing to his poor form.

Coming in, there has again been talk of Stewart Downing from Middlesborough for a fee in the region of 8 million pounds. Fabiano Santacroce an Italian U21 defender, unknown too many, but turning out to be a little gem has also been linked. He is currently plying his trade in Serie A with Napoli, he is starting to make a name for himself, attracting attention from Barcelona, AC and Juventus. A 6 million pound move may be enough to secure his services, but would he really choose Everton over other more illustrious clubs?

Discuss more of these topics on the FE forum boards, a friendly community discussion about Everton….

On a freezing cold night in a half empty Reebok stadium (bar the away end), referee Phil Dowd blew his whistle and the game was underway. A very scrappy untidy game was perhaps to be expected; two out of form teams desperate not to lose, and hopeful of a win in any shape or form.

The first twenty minutes were dominated by some silky Everton passing, but for all the possession the Blues couldn’t muster up a goal. There were a few half chances, Saha with both. The first attempt had the ball in the back of the net, only for it to be ruled out due to a handball by Yakubu in the build up. The second was a ferocious shot from outside the area down Jasskelainen’s throat; the Wanderers’ keeper did well to hold onto it.

Bolton failed to really threaten; they only created a few long-range efforts and failed to trouble Howard in the Everton goal. The lack of chances was worrying for a Bolton side that now lie in 19th place. It could have got worse for them before half time if Fellaini had managed to keep his header down from a Phil Neville cross. Phil Dowd’s long blast of the whistle signalled the end of a rather dull first half.

The second half was not much better. In the first 20 minutes neither team managed to create much. Scrappy passing and long-range efforts were the served up. Miidway through the second half Moyes had seen enough. He introduced Tim Cahill for Yakubu to try to snatch a late goal. Yakubu and his strike partner Saha had been ineffective all night. They need to realise that hard work shouldn’t just be saved for the likes of United, they need to turn up week in week out.

Bolton picked up slightly in the final third of the game, creating a few chances that really could have ruined the evening for Moyes’ men. Elmander had a chance put wide, Matthew Taylor got too much on a shot that he needed to guide into the bottom corner. Riga in the 80th minute nearly bagged the winner, only for Howard to save and keep his clean sheet intact.

With 20 seconds left on the clock, we witnessed the winner. Pienaar down the right just about got a ball in, and that man Fellaini, wandering in unmarked and managed to guide his header in via the post. Cue pandemonium. Fans jumped the hoardings to hug Fellaini (not that I condone such behaviour!) and supporters hugged each other in jubilation – no team celebrates a goal quite a vociferously as our support. Everton needed to hold on just for a few more minutes. Anichebe could have put the game to bed but his lack of composure let him down.

Phil Dowds long blast of the whistle for the fourth time in the evening and Everton had won their third game of the season. The first clean sheet for the toffees this season helped them up to 12th in the league, and now a home game against Fulham this weekend is looks very tasty. Although a brace from Andy Johnson last night could spark a goal spree from the ex Everton man.

I’d also like to add it was a nice touch from Neville at the end, bring Fellaini over to the away support to accept his plaudits. Mo looks to be settling in nicely now after a rocky start and could be a massive player for the Blues both now and in the coming years.

FE player ratings:

• 24 Howard 6
• 18 Neville 7
• 04 Yobo 6
• 06 Jagielka 7
• 05 Lescott 6
• 10 Arteta 6
• 25 Fellaini 8
• 21 Osman 6
• 20 Pienaar 7
• 22 Yakubu 7
• 09 Saha 6
• 17 (63) Cahill 7

Bolton v Everton Wednesday 29th October 2008 8:00pm Reebok stadium

Everton make the short trip over to Bolton on Wednesday. They will be looking to pick up a much needed win and will no doubt be buoyed by their second half showing against Manchester United.

FORM GUIDE

Everton picked up what may prove an invaluable point after a battling second half display against Manchester United last Saturday. None the less The Toffees have only picked up a meagre 3 points from the last 15 on offer. Hopefully the draw against the champions can revitalise the team and bring them back to winning ways. With Moyes contract now signed and players looking like they are returning to form the next few games present the opportunity to pick up points.

Having snatched a win away to West Ham after losing all their games in September, Bolton must have thought that their season was going to change for the better. However since then they have only managed a goalless draw at home to Blackburn and the Trotters gifted Spurs their first league win of the season last Sunday. Bolton have had a bad start and lie 17th, 1 point off the relegation zone. Their last game was the 2-0 loss to Spurs. Their last home fixture was the 0-0 draw to rivals Blackburn.

TEAM NEWS

The only fresh news coming out of the Everton camp is that Tim Cahill is available for selection after serving his 3 match suspension. Tony Hibbert may be in contention after failing a fitness test before the United game on Saturday but Yakubu is a doubt. Lars Jacobsen remains a long term absentee with a shoulder injury sustained playing for Denmark.

Cahill, Fellaini or both?

It was apparent on Saturday with the two men up top and 4 in midfield that we were able to create more chances. The front men didn’t have to wait for support from midfield before the attack could develop, and at times Yakubu and Saha managed to just stroll past the United defence passing it about, with the help of a third man, Marouane Fellaini.

Fellaini has been a little hit and miss since joining us – this though is too be expected from a young man joining a new club whilst also needing to adapt to a new culture. Saturday may have given us a glimpse into his capabilities. He played without fear, he was instrumental in the win not only because he was the scorer of the goal, but he put himself about. He broke up opposition play and created attacks. Mo looked every bit the dynamic, physical box to box player we have been crying out for.

Many have said before that Cahill can’t play in a 4-4-2. He is suited to a 4-5-1, playing just behind the front man. Moyes is therefore left in a dilemma. Does he play a 4-4-2 or 4-5-1? Does he revert back to playing a 4-5-1 with both Cahill and Fellaini in the middle? Or does he dare play a 4-4-2 with both Cahill and Fellaini?

We will know by 8.00p.m tomorrow and after then it’ll be history, but it is something to ponder. Whatever formation Moyes goes with hopefully it is the winning formula and the Blues can pick up a much needed win.

Bolton will be without the suspended former Everton player Gavin McCaan who picked up two yellows in the trip to Tottenham. Apart from that there are no new injury worries. It is probably fair to say that we will be in for a physical encounter regardless of who they field. Our backline will have to be up for the stern challenge that the likes of Nolan and Davies provide.

Teams

Bolton (from): Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, Shittu, A O’Brien, Samuel, Gardner, Muamba, Nolan, J O’Brien, Smolarek, Elmander, Davies, Helguson, Riga, Hunt, Cohen, Fojut, Al Habsi.

Everton (from): Howard, Baines, Hibbert, Yobo, Lescott, Jagielka, Arteta, Cahill, Osman, Fellaini, Pienaar, Vaughan, Saha, Anichebe, Yakubu, Nash, Rodwell, Valente, Jutkiewicz, Gosling, Baxter.

FE Prediction:

Optimist: 3-0 - if we can take the second half performance into this game Bolton may be on the wrong end of a walloping.

Pessimist: 1-1 – a dogged Bolton side defending for their lives after taking an early lead, they may well choose to go down their usual route of kicking anything or anyone who moves.

Comment on your predictions and opinions for tomorrow’s game below or why not join our forum?

by Max O’Collins and Paul Lopez

Football dealmaker Chris Nathaniel reportedly held talks with chairman Bill Kenwright on Saturday on the subject of a potential takeover bid of Everton.

The source of the news was the ‘reputable’ paper The Sun!

Nathaniel, who has many clients from Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Nigeria, told The Sun: “There are many people from overseas interested in purchasing Premier League teams.”

It is hard to tell from such a vague and untrustworthy source (Sun) as to whether this story has much substance to it. Although since the breakdown of talks last week from the Dubai group’s takeover of Charlton, rumours have been circulating that the reason why they withdrew is to test the water at Everton.

However some forum members seem to think that Kenwright putting Everton up for sale for 200 million pounds is just to warn off any potential investors, as well as making it seem to Evertonians that he is looking for investment.

For further discussion on the topic follow the link to:
”*CONSPIRACY THEORY*”

Or write a more formal response below.

Everton this week take on Manchester United at Goodison Park (Kick Off Saturday 12pm). Tickets for the game are still available and are now on general sale.

Form Guide:

Everton currently lie 16th in the Barclays Premier League. A mere point separates The Toffees from the relegation zone. The last win for The Blues in all competitions came against Stoke in late August. A worrying stat is that Everton still are yet to record a home win, having picked up only 1 point from the available 12 so far this season. It may still be early days but The Blues need to hit some form quickly or we may find ourselves in real trouble at the wrong end of the table.

Joleon Lescott realises this is going to be a tough encounter but he is quietly confident that we are about to see a change in fortunes; “You want to judge yourself against the best players,” he said. “No doubt Man United are the best team at the moment and they’re champions of Europe and the Premier League. So it’s going to be a massive game and a tough one at that. But again, we’ll go in there confident and know if we play right we can get a result. No one is pleased with the way things have gone so far. But again, the boys are going to be pushing in the right direction to get out of this slump that we’re in, and get ourselves up the league.”

Manchester United have hit hot form and have scored 18 goals in their last 7 games, they are unbeaten since their loss to Liverpool. Their last victory came in midweek against in the Champions League against Celtic at Old Trafford. With Rooney and Berbatov hitting a purple patch our defence will need to recreate some of their form from last season to keep them at bay.

Team News:

Man United, midfielders Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick and Owen Hargreaves all remain sidelined; however both Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra could be available after missing the midweek tie against Celtic.

Everton, David Moyes has indicated that he may drop Yakubu, with Saha in line to start against his former club. Tim Cahill serves the final game of a three match suspension. Lars Jacobson remains side lined with the shoulder injury that was picked up on international duty last month. However David Moyes may be able to recall Joseph Yobo, Segundo Castillo and Victor Anichebe who are all fit and raring to go. Tony Hibbert will have a late fitness test.

Odds: United: 4/7 Everton: 9/2 Draw: 12/5

FE Forums Match Thread:

View Paul Lopez’s forum match thread. (New window).

FE writing team Prediction:

Heart- 1-0: A scrappy win with the Yak bagging the goal in the last minute, let’s hope we show some of the passion and desire that saw us win ‘that’ game in 2005.

Head- 0-3: With us playing so poorly we can’t see anything more than a white wash. Hopefully we won’t have to put up with any histrionics from Wayne if he scores his 100th career goal.

Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Foster, Brown, Neville, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Evra, O’Shea, Ronaldo, Park, Fletcher, Anderson, Giggs, Nani, Rooney, Berbatov, Tevez.

Everton (from): Howard, Baines, Hibbert, Yobo, Lescott, Jagielka, Arteta, Osman, Fellaini, Pienaar, Vaughan, Saha, Anichebe, Yakubu, Nash, Rodwell, Valente, Jutkiewicz, Gosling, Baxter.

Referee: Alan Wiley (Any chance of an unbiased performance eh Alan?)

View Paul Lopez’s forum match thread.

Before you go, please register on our website.

EXTRA : Striking Choices.

Will Louis Saha get the nod on Saturday against his former team?

The Frenchman had an injury hit 4 year spell at United scoring 28 goals in 86 appearances. He was often 2nd or 3rd choice striker behind the likes of Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Wayne Rooney and more recently Carlos Tevez. He will be hoping to get one over on his former team mates and score his first goal in blue colours.

Yakubu started the season on good form hitting 4 goals in 5 games. His last goal was in the home tie against Standard Liege. He is currently 6 games without a goal. Some fans have been calling for him to be dropped ahead of the derby clash against the champions. ‘The Yak’ is known for not performing in the big games having not scored any goals last season in the 12 games against the ‘top 4′ in the Premier League. Yakubu is known to play better with another striker with him or with Tim Cahill behind him and last week’s performance against Arsenal showed that when playing up on his own with no natural second striker supporting him he can become exposed and have no real effect on teams. His work rate must surely be upped?

Many have been calling for Moyes to drop his ‘negative tactics’ against the big sides in which he has gone with one up top. This clearly hasn’t worked as the last win against a ‘top 4′ opponent was in March 2007 when Andy Johnsons last minute winner saw off Arsenal. If he reverted to 4-4-2 it would most probably be Saha and Yakubu with the more than capable backup of James Vaughan and Victor Anichebe on the bench.

If he does go positive, something not known generally associated with Moyes then maybe Man Utd maybe subject of a shock come the final whistle. Here’s hoping!

Amoah said: “If a club offers a few million, then perhaps that will make NAC happy.

“I’ve always dreamed of playing for England. As a boy I always thought about Arsenal. But also hearing about clubs like Everton and Middlesbrough is wonderful.”

Amoah is currently the top scorer in the Eredivisie, and with Everton short of numbers, David Moyes might move in, however it is belived David Moyes’ top target this summer is a pacy winger.

Seems he’s another African taking a leaf out of M’bia’s bank account.