Man Utd 1 Everton 1 - Match Report - Premiership 2005/2006

Everton: Wright, Hibbert, Weir

, Yobo, Valente, Osman

, Neville, Davies, Kilbane, McFadden, Beattie.

Bench: Turner, Kroldrup, Bent for McFadden (81m), Ferguson for Beattie (86m), Li Tie.

United out of Europe, next up us Blues, backlash or was it our chance for glory. How many times in your life can you walk away from Old Trafford pissed off you never took all three points, not many, but I did yesterday. Whether United are on the tricky slide to mediocrity or not, the boys in Royal Blue did our club proud. Missing three midfielder's, and our regular keeper, the boys at times had United scratching their heads on how to beat us. Admittedly they had the lions share of possession, but the defence defended stoutly, the midfield never stopped running, and Jimmy and Biffa up front ran their arse's off for the cause.

United were rattled early on, when Biffa had one cleared by duck face, after Van Der Saar messed his kick up. Everton were not deterred, and after ten minutes found themselves one up, after a rocket of an angled shot by Jimmy Mac, found a way past the Dutch keeper at the near post. Old Trafford fell quiet, and it was a joy to behold, as their loyal following started laying into their hero's.

For all their superiority over the years United were not going to go down without a fight, and Rooney should have levelled soon after but mishit his shot wide. Dickie Wright starting his first full ninety since the massacre at Arsenal, rose to the challenge on several occasions, most notably from snarler Alan Smith.

United's early pressure paid off, and they found their equaliser when Giggs met an inch perfect through ball on the half volley, and smashed it past Dickie, who could do nothing about it. You thought that was the beginning the end for the Blues, and as half time came United's dominance was their to see. Everton nowadays are no pushovers, and the 2nd period was proof of that.

H-T 1-1

Everton came out in the second half with no intention of playing out for the draw. They sensed United were there for the taking. Hesitant, nervy, the crowd getting on their backs a bit. Don't get me wrong United had plenty of chances to win it, and a United team of a few years ago, would have torn this under strength Everton side to bits. One thing we seemed to have in abundance that the multi multi millionaires of Old Trafford don't have is a bit of togetherness.

Chances from Faddy again, after great work from Simple should have given the Blues the points. Even late on Benty and Big Dunc were introduced as Moyesy went for the jugular. United countered, Dickie pulling off more vital save's from a Giggs free kick, and also a Rooney deflected shot. Four minutes were added, and by now the game was flowing from one end to the other. Knob Styles blew, we roared, they booed, music to my ears. One defeat in seven now for the Blues as our great run continues.

Everyone played their part. Yobo was outstanding again, Phil Neville a giant on his return to his home ground. Faddy ran his heart out, and with a bit more quality finishing could have won it for the Blues. My bluekipper Starman however goes to Dickie Wright. He has took a lot of stick over the years, some deservedly so, but to go to Old Trafford, after your manager has publicly said he is looking for another keeper, and throw in a display like that, well, well played Dickie. Enjoy the moment, and with a bit more consistency in his game, who knows. Next up West Ham on Wednesday, and our game in hand could hopefully push us up to mid table, At least the table makes easier reading this morning.

F-T 1-1

1-0

Dickie Saves Well From Saha

Report
from
Old Trafford

Blue Kipper Star Man

Great Return

Opener, and Could Have Had More

Giant

Solid Again

Quotes After The Game

Moyesy on Dickie's Performance says: "Richard’s done well today and I’m really pleased for him. He’s had to watch Nigel Martyn be very consistent and today will have done him the world of good. He’s come to Old Trafford, played well and made good saves when he had to. He’s set his standards now.

Moyesy on Phil Neville: "I thought Phil was excellent. He went about his job well, he organised us and done a lot of ‘dirty’ jobs just in front of the back-four when we changed things around."

Moyesy on The Performance says: "I would have taken a point, especially after the week that Manchester United have had, and we started well but then they came into the game and got the goal back. We had to tighten up at the back and make sure that we didn’t concede anything but the longer the game went on the better we got and I am disappointed that we only got one point. We had a one-on-one with the goalkeeper when James went through and we had other opportunities when we needed a bit of composure and a bit of quality to finish it off. But the players done well today. I was delighted with their attitude. There was a real buzz about them today and we were nice and positive." (12/12/05)

Off The Ball

* In our end, the fans singing to the Manc's tounge in cheek, 'Champions League Your 'avin a laff '

Everton Team News

Of all the weeks to have your two best midfielders suspended, then another go down in training. Add in your most consistent goalkeeper since Big Nev, doing his groin in, and you could say Moyesy has had better weeks. Mikky and Tiny are out suspended, but Moyesy was rocked with news today that Andy Pandy will be missing for up to a month after injuring his thigh in training. Marvellous.

Nige will definitely not play, so a first start of the season will go to Dickie Wright, after he came through forty five minutes against Blackburn last week. Better news in the fact that Nuno Valente will be in the mix, and should slot in at left back, freeing up Phil Neville to join Ossie, Killa and Simple in the middle. Moyes will give the Jimmy and Biffa double act another run out, but Big Dunc will at some point be itching to get off the bench.

Phil Neville goes back to the club were he enjoyed many a happy season, and what is now custom should be handed the Captaincy by Moyesy. A sign of things to come hopefully.

Moyesy says: Phil has been terrific for Everton, and it will be a big day for him going back to Old Trafford, that is for sure. He has played so many roles. We brought him here to do a job in midfield, and at the back. He started in midfield, he’s now had to go and play full back because of injuries, and wherever he has played he has done well, he has been very consistent for us.

I can understand why he is in all the England squads, because he is someone who comes in and settles in very quickly. He’s a great lad to work with, and he will play wherever you ask him to play. He will always do his best no matter what. He gets on with things and he’s a terrific all round player and a good lad. He is an Everton player now and we are delighted to have him. His allegiance is with us now and we are very pleased with him." (09/12/05)

Everton from: Wright, Turner, Kroldrup, Yobo, Weir, Bent, Beattie, Ferguson, Davies, McFadden, Li Tie, Kilbane, Neville, Osman, Hibbert, Valente, Hughes, Wilson, Anichebe, Hopkins.

Lavo's Everton XI To Start: Wright, Valente, Weir, Yobo, Hibbert, Neville, Kilbane, Osman, Davies, McFadden, Beattie

Lavo's Bet: £10 a Draw (7/2)

About The Opposition

United found themselves out of Europe before Christmas for the first time in many a moon this week. Then superb news, Everton are next up. We will either be lions to the slaughter, or hopefully cash in on the Manchester giants uncertainty of late. Horses head is out after accumulating five bookings, and Louis Saha is expected to take his place alongside, ex Royal Blue favourite Wayne Rooney. Gary Neville will take up the captaincy after the departure of Everton target Roy Keane, as United go for their fifth successive Prem win. However most of manures points this season have come on the road, with Blackburn taking full points, Shiittteeeh and Spurs holding firm for a draw at Old Trafford.

Darren Fletcher on The Return of Phil Neville: "Phil will get a great reception, and he deserves it. United’s fans are brilliant with ex players, especially the ones that gave such great commitment and service to the club. Phil gave everything to United in a variety of positions and he’s a fantastic professional. He’s missed in the dressing." (09/12/05)

United from: Van der Sar, Howard, Neville, Brown, Silvestre, Ferdinand, O'Shea, Richardson, Ronaldo, Park, Scholes, Smith, Fletcher, Giggs, Rooney, Saha, Rossi.

Last Season @ manure

Match Reports 2005/2006

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