In my previous contribution I suggested that Everton would not face such mediocre opposition as AEK Athens in the foreseeable future. I was wrong. Blackburn at least matched, possibly exceeded the standards of mediocrity set by the Greek side, though given that they are managed by the whingeing Mr Allardyce, I probably should not have been surprised. Is there another manager in the Premier League, or even in the known universe who moans quite as much as him? I think not.
I was also wrong last season when I thought it was a mistake to sign Louis Saha. I believed him to be injury prone and well passed his best. Now I find myself glad that David Moyes took the chance because even if he is only available for part of the season his ability in front of goal is probably better than anyone else at the club. This was well illustrated by his first goal today when he skilfully converted a very ordinary delivery into Everton’s opener.
Saha’s second goal, after the break came, came as a result of an excellent cross from Marouane Fellaini and some good movement to find space in the penalty area. Saha was also the cause of the confusion which allowed Joseph Yobo to steer home the Blues’ third from at least 2 feet out.
Whilst Saha played very well up front, for me the Man of the Match was between Jack Rodwell and Steven Pienaar with Rodwell just shading it. His composure and ability to read the game is way beyond his 18 years. He always wants the ball and, more importantly, is always in a position to receive it and pass it on. He almost always finds a blue shirt when he passes (which cannot be said for his colleagues) in fact in the whole of this match I only saw him give the ball away once.
Pienaar was, as usual, was the tireless runner and will undoubtedly cause problems for much better defences than Blackburn’s this season. I must also mention Sylvain Distin. He is a very solid defender and causes trouble for defences from set pieces. He has been yet another of Moyes’ inspired signings and in many ways is a more accomplished player than the one he replaced.
The last of Moyes’ summer signings, John Heitinga, made his full debut at right back though like many Dutch players trained in the philosophy of total football he seems comfortable, indeed is likely to pop up, anywhere on the pitch. He also seems to have a touch of the ‘Psycho’ about him. I like him and I think that he will soon become a favourite of the crowd a la Tommy Gravesen.
The only positive I can see from a Blackburn point of view is that Robinson seems to be regaining the form that made him the England goalkeeper a few years ago. He kept the score respectable with a string of good saves most notably from a vicious strike by Leon Osman late in the game.
Everton FC must have loftier ambitions
(Tue 17/08)
A season with patches of brilliance
(Fri 14/05)
Everton v Chelsea
(Thu 11/02)
A winter of discontent?
(Fri 11/12)
Blues stumped for an answer to Benfica debacle
(Sun 15/11)
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