Well the season got underway at Goodison last night as Everton came from behind twice to fathom out a draw from the jaws of victory. It was a typical pre season encounter with all the players running on 75% gas, apart from Phil Neville who was going into tackles like it was an FA Cup Final. The Blues line up in the first period had that familiar feel to it. Mikky and Tiny in the middle, Roger and Joey at the back. It was good to see Nuno back in action, but me thinks during the Summer he has caught Tony Hibbert disease as it looked like he could not cross a road. In saying that Tony Hibbert must have been putting some extra hours in with his crossing on the training pitch, as he put some fantastic balls for Big Vic and Tiny feed on.

Before the match, Kipper, Sausage and myself (Lavo), were delighted to meet Damon Minchella, considered by some to be one of the top five bass guitarist on the planet. Formally of Ocean Colour Scene, guested with The Who, and now part of Paul Weller's set up, Damon was in town and he wanted to meet us all for a chat. We all wanted to talk about Roger Daltrey, Paul Weller, and alike, while all Damon rattled on about was his beloved Blues. A mention to his mate and other Top Blue Philly, who were both making their few times a season pilgrimage to Goodison. Lets hope as promised our paths meet again, top blokes the pair of them. The reason I am waxing lyrical about this meeting, as it was in fairness apart from Mikky Arteta's solo display of skill and finesse, the highlight of my night, as the game was, well, say it, just poor.

Mikky was the master again on the pitch, his feet perform a dance when he is on the ball, as he constantly left the German players chasing shadows. After a drab first period, lit up only by our beloved Spaniard, the team left a quarter full Goodison with both goals intact.

Moyesy brought on Phil Jagielka for his home debut, and Stubbsey joined him at the heart of the defence, as he gave Joey and Roger a blow. The lack of understanding was there to see when some German called Fritz, or Franz snook in at the near post to give the visitors the lead. Nuno did not come out of it himself with flying colours as the Portuguese defender looked ring rusty to say the least. The Blues did fight back not once but twice, both goals in similar fashion, scrappy but they all count. Jimmy Mac fired low to get the Blues first equaliser past the impressive Bremen Keeper Wiesse, who kept the score respectable for the visitors. Bremen then re took the lead in similar fashion to their opener, and the warning signs may be apparent now, as Everton's defence was pulled apart by some slick movement and passing. Tim Howard let his feelings known to his players, but lets hope the boys get their ring rustiness out of the way before the Pie Eaters visit in ten days time.

Anderson de Silva spared Everton's blushes with a minute to go, when he scrambled his shot in to the Bremen net to send the twelve thousand fans home content enough. A draw, should have been a win on possession and chances alone, but never the less a good run out. Lets hope Ossie, Steven Pienaar, and who knows maybe Leighton Baines (who was in the stands), and Alan Smith can join the ranks and push the Blues further up the table this season.

F-T 2-2

Tiny's Back In The Royal Blue

AJ Looks Like He Need The Loo

 

Lavo Reports from Goodison Park

 

Goal

 

Goal

 

Magnifique