On a day when the weather was the talk on everyone's lips, Everton blew away last season's Champions League finalists (get it blew away, word play that is yer know) as we carried on our own push for European football. Life also began with Tiny Tim, and it was the first time since that night against Spurs that the Blues have had a home fixture. This time no one can point the finger at Moyesy, as his line up reflected his eagerness to take all the points. Vaughany was given his chance, as the last nail in Biffa's Goodison career was surely now banged in. 4-4-2 against the fast flowing Arse, was a statement of intent, and the boys did not disappoint. Young Vaughany running and energy was a joy to watch, and he probably won more headers in one match than Biffa has won all season. His movement and that of AJ's opened up spaces for the likes of Manny to exploit. The on loan Portuguese midfielder's performance was again a pleasure to witness, and a moment of sheer class half way through the half lifted everyone out of their Goodison seats to applaud such artistry, as he left three Arse players chasing shadows with his magnificent footwork, no doubt a showboat contender on Soccer AM next Saturday morning.

The weather was playing its part, as long balls were the order of the day. Mikky was having one of his quieter days, as was Ossie, but Manny, Vaughany and AJ were pulling their weight to redress the balance. The Blues best chance of the first half, came when Harry Hill unleashed an uncharacteristic shot from twenty odd yards that cannoned back off the upright. Both teams had valid penalty claims, when both keepers were given the benefit of the doubt by the ref, after pulling down opposing strikers. The half ended goalless, and Lard was dispatched for the drinkies, and with the wind blowing it was Bovril's all round, and a bit of extra warmth under the Bullens Road Stand.

Half-Time: EVERTON 0 Arsenal 0

No changes at the half, as Moyesy's was happy with the boys first half showing. Apart from the weather the only other thing ruining this game was card happy Mark Clattenburg, who brandished in total six yellows to the Blues, oh and none to the Arse, fussy was an understatement. Still the boys battled on, and sensed there was something in it for us. It was Ossie's turn now to rattle the woodwork, after a eighteen yard box scramble ended up with Lehman's post saving him from embarrassment once again.

Everton pressed, but Arsenal as ever were always dangerous. Wenger introduced Walcott as he went looking for all the points, but our back four stood firm, panicky admittedly at times, but they cleared everything that was put in front of them. With time running out, and the whole ground anticipating a nil nilller, Moyesy brought off Vaughany and brought on Big Vc. I could see the sense in this, as the little man was dead on his feet, and Big Vic could get in the box and rough up big girls blouse Lehman in the visitors sticks. The game plan worked, and after a late Everton flurry, Big Vic muscled his way into the Arsenal area, and laid off a ball to AJ who fired hard and low into the Arsenal net. The weather by now was awful to put it mildly, but we did not care, as we celebrated like we had won the title, as all the players bar Tim Howard ran to congratulate AJ in the corner of the Street End.

This was a must win game, as with Spurs winning again the boys responded with flying colours. Pompey and Reading drew with each other, notloB seem to be faltering, so what's all the talk about sixth, lets target fifth, and why not. The debates in the pubs, and on message boards has all been about Moyesy of late, as the manager celebrated his fifth year in charge this week. Here's one to ponder on, Arsenal four points out of six this season, the shite four points out of six this season, Chelski just pipped us with two incredible goals back in December, to me that's progress, as a few season's ago we were cannon fodder for these sides. That was also Arsenal's first defeat in the Premiership in 2007, so all in all I would say we are making progress and good progress at that. Lets get behind the team, the manager, and dare I say the board, lets qualify for Europe, encourage better players to Goodison in the Summer on the back of Europe, and push on for the top four place once again next season.

Starman goes to AJ, his running was superb as always, work rate top notch, oh and that goal, get in there. Manny did well again in the first period, as did Vaughany, but AJ get the nod, well played boys.

Full-Time: EVERTON 1 Arsenal 0

Ossie Tussles With Ljunberg	Chase Me, Chase Me, AJ Celebrates
Cameo Performance By Manny	Smiling In The Snow

Lavo Reports from Goodison Park

 

Today's Blue Kipper Star Man

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Hit Woodwork

 

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Corrrrrrrrr

 

What Do you think The Score Will be?     How Will the game pan out?     Who Will Score the goals?   e-mail info@bluekipper.com before the match. Keep it short and to the point.

* Me thinks the score will be 2-1 to us, with AJ scoring first and Manny dancing through the middle to score the winner. I've got a tenner on the 2-1 @ 10/1. C.O.Y.B. Stevie P. KIRKBY.

* Well, seeing as on their last two visits to Merseyside, The Arse stuck 9 past the red shite, So i reckon we`ll teach them how to play and batter them 5-0. I`ll have 50p each way on a 1-1 please Mr bookmaker. Fish

* Everton to win 1-0 with Beattie finally scoring after Arsenal pass the ball around for 90% of the game, making pretty patterns, megging Everton players left right and centre and playing keepie ups. Billy Blue.

* With most results going in our favour yesterday, today's game v Arsenal must be a a 3 pointer for us. With Hibbert hopefully fit, and the rest of the squad having had a very welcome break in the USA, Moyes selection will be crucial, and tactics the same, we must take the game to a very talented team and not allow them to dictate the pace. attack attack attack. I wish? Norman Merrill