COLUMNIST KEN BUCKLEY
From My Seat: Portsmouth (H)
Comments (22) : A whirlwind start saw the Yak earn a free kick near the edge of the box direct from the kick off. Pienaar took the kick for Yobo to get a flick and the Yak pounced to head past James ? all this within the first minute against a side that must have had an average height of eight foot six!
Everton played some pretty football and had Pompey on the backfoot without looking to have the desire to up the pace in the final third and secure what would have been a decisive goal, instead preferring to keep Pompey at arm's length and protect the one-goal advantage. This produced some mundane stuff but we never looked in any danger.
It was somewhat of a shock when we seemed in full control but, 8mins from the break, we allowed a regulation cross by Glen Johnson to wrongfoot the keeper and wend its way into the corner of the net. I can only think Howard thought Defoe was getting on the end of it.
The second half started with Pompey in the driving seat and they appeared faster and more committed than their first half ? showing, perhaps they were looking to give 'Appy Arry' a good 61st birthday present? Their pressing caused some uncomfortable moments for the Blues with shots blocked and saved by Howard, one with his chest, plus some last-ditch defending from Yobo and Jags.
Fourth spot was not looking at all assured at this point and the crowd got restless for a change to be made. The manager obliged on 65 mins when AJ was introduced for the unlucky Hibbo and Neville moved to right back. Within minutes, a pacy run down the right flank by AJ and the crowd came alive, the players seemed to gain a yard in pace and it was from this point that it became a good game.
With the pace of AJ causing concern to the Pompey defence, we were treated to a rare spectacle by Glen Johnson who managed to clear the Gwladys St stand with a wild clearance. I wonder when that was last achieved?
After about 12mins of AJ-inspired pressure from the right we broke the deadlock from the left. A ball into the left channel was well held up by Yak and he fed Pienaar who put in a great and accurate cross that found Cahill's head from close range. James didn't move, the ball found the net, cue celebrations.
The Blues were playing a bit now and Pompey looked all washed up. With 10 mins to go, another pacy run from AJ down that right channel saw him deliver an excellent cross that just bypassed Campbell and found the Yak. Campbell challenged... the Yak turned him inside and then, taking the ball on a-pace, unleashed an almighty right foot shot that almost broke the net ? in fact, it hit the back of the net and bounced out again before James moved.
Game over and the final minutes were played out with the manager subbing the Yak for Big Vic. The Yak left the field to a raucus standing ovation from all assembled. Pienaar was next to go, again to rapturous applause, replaced by Baines. All acedemic really and the clock was run down; final whistle and a thundering rendition of 'If Ya Know Yer 'istory'.
My man of the match was Cahill for his tremendous energy getting around the field and being our most consistent performer over the whole piece. After Jags great performances of late, I thought today Yobo was our rock and I bet all the back four are glad to have Carsley protecting them ? this fella is going to take some replacing when his time is finally called.
Off to Florence next and who knows how that will pan out? One thing's for sure given the form and togetherness of the squad: 'La Viola' will know they have been in a game... UP THE BLUES!!!
Reader Comments
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I agree with you MoM Tim Cahill I also had him as my MoM against City, I thought he was outstanding in both matches. His form is really coming right at the right time. I also agree with Dick on this one, that was some header, if you watch it again you can realise how late he arrived in the six yard box, he just came running in from deep and met the header with such power.
That aside someone mentioned in another thread last week that this Yakubu’s team. While I would not agree with this sentiment whole heartedly, you just know that team are working to get him in space, he needs so little of it and he will score. When he got that ball from AJ I just knew something special would happen, he did not disappoint.
PS
Hope you don’t still want to sell him sean.
Hibbo started the game at RB and was doing fine, even turning one of the Pompey players in the second half. By comparison Neville couldnt pass water in the last few games.
Hibbo looked really disappointed when he was subbed. I think Hibbo on form is a better prospect than PN despite all these leadership claims. We now have enough "other" leaders on the pitch to leave him on the bench. One other point I would like to mention is that its a credit to the other boys that we haven't missed Arteta at all in the last 2 games, in fact the quality of corners and spot kicks has improved no end.
I would pick out Ossie?s corners as much better quality than Arteta?s.
It?s absolute quality and I?m actually enjoying being a football supporter - excited by watching us play, excited about results, excited about teh media coverage - I?ve never experienced this before
Well done Moyes and the lads for being so superb and bringing joy to being an Evertonian!
As for PN, I’ve never been convinced about him although he does give 100 per cent. He wouldn’t be my first choice but then again I’ve disagreed with Moyes tactics and selections many a time and he seems to get it right more often than he gets it wrong. Let’s hope that Hibbert feels he now has a point to prove and starts to fully realise the potential that is undoubtedly there. I know he’s been the subject of a bit of stick but I think its been a bit harsh to be honest.
Not sure I would describe him as a ?decent prospect? as he?s been in and around the first team squad an awful long time!
I would bet given the choice Moyes will play Neville at right back in Italy knowing how reckless Hibbert can be at times.
We need eleven people on the pitch for the whole ninety minutes.
It started great with the early goal, and up until their goal it was a good game. The second half was excellent for Pompey initially, and then we just took over as we have done so often this season and won it comfortably in the end.
Imagine when we get a fully fit and on top of his game Arteta in the mix.
Great performances from all, especially Yobo, Ossie, Cahill, Pienaar and Yakubu. The big man up front makes such a difference - he really is becoming our Drogba.
I’m loving the optimism around the club now. Having supported Everton since the mid-90s I can’t remember actually enjoying watching us play too often. Lets face it - the football hasn’t often been pretty. This season I’m loving it, particularly as after a brief drop in our performance levels through Jan/Feb we’ve picked up again. To me the difference is Yakubu’s hold-up play, letting the midfield get more involved. Some of our one-touch play around the box is sensational.
But what do we have to do to get a bloody penalty?
I am looking forward to Florence on Thursday on channel 5, and with the second leg at Goodison that sits fine with me.
Bring on the Italians, we can hold our own against the best of them, and especially fear nobody.
Yakubu and Johnson look like a staggering partnership in the making.
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1 Posted 03/03/2008 at 05:32:31
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With Cahill’s goal, the ball did not merely find his head, rather it was the result of his uncanny ability to sense opportunities, a brilliant mazy run from deep in defence, a fantastic leap that saw him twist in mid air, out jump much taller defenders and find the net with a powerful and accurate header that would compare with the best ever seen at Goodison.