Hatton v Mayweather?

I simply cannot have any complaints about this result. The scoreline reflects two things — some poor defensive mistakes due to lapses in concentration and the fact that Arsenal possess a higher quality of personnel to capitalise on these errors.

In fact the result reminds me of Hatton v Mayweather. A lot of pre-match talk and hot air, an early shock with the opponent reeling then quality and technical ability shining through in the end. Take the analogy further and you have a terrier like opponent (Everton) who simply does not have the technical ability to knock out superior opposition (Arsenal)

After a dominant first half which Everton should have capitalised on they simply didn't concentrate well enough in the second and it all went pear-shaped from the equaliser.

I cannot blame Moyes for this one as the players put out did well enough in first half and not enough in the second. I did regard his decision to go with Neville in midfield again infuriating although his performance in closing down Arsenal players in the first half fully warranted it.

Ditto for HIbbert — I thought he had a reasonable game in the first half. However, I think if you put out one striker at home it sends the wrong message to the opposition and always give them the chance to get back in the game if you can't capitalise on the periods of dominance you have. After the Arsenal third went in you knew it was all over and really time for someone to throw in the white towel.

If only Neville had not ballooned his effort again like against Manchester United. I thought after that one he may have been giving shooting practice. That could have been a knock-out blow.

Everton don't have the personnel yet to get near the top four playing-wise but we are getting tantalisingly close and Moyes just needs the support to go to the next level. My New Year wish is that an investor comes in to push us to the next level, allow Everton to evolve from the terrier to the thoroughbred racehorse, provide the funds to keep Everton close to it's roots in a world class stadium and consign the ridiculous Kirkby idea to the scrapheap.

I can only wish. Who is that bloke with the tash and glasses who seems to be sat next to Kenwright in recent games?

All the best to Evertonians in 2008. Keep the flag flying.

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