Pie Eaters
Pie Eaters
2
2
Saturday 6th October 2012 3:00 PM
Referee: Kevin 'Not Our' Friend
Attendance: 18,759
Goal Scorers: Jelavic(11m), Baines(87m)
Everton Team: Howard, Coleman, Jagielka, Heitinga (Distin), Baines, Mirallas (Naismith), Neville (Anichebe), Osman, Pienaar, Fellaini, Jelavic
Subs: Mucha, Oviedo, Distin(46m), Duffy, Gueye, Naismith(90m), Anichebe(81m)
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The talk before the game was could we keep this great early league form going. Most were of the opinion that if we keep the first team fit we've got a chance, if not we could slip down the league a bit. Some were comparing this team with the 2004/05 team which was OK, but when some of the younger fans were comparing us to the 85 team they were told 'Go and do one'. Its good at the moment. Long may it continue.

Everton started with the same eleven which did so well against Southampton last week. It was Wigan though who started the better. Everton were second best to nearly every ball in the first few minutes with the defence especially out of sorts. Franco di Santo and Arouna Kone looked lively from the start for Wigan. Within 10 minutes Everton were a goal down. Mirallas, Neville and Coleman together couldn't stop an attack down the right. Maloney did well to cross to the unmarked Kone, who looked yards offside, but his headed goal stood.

Everton replied within a minute. Pienaar took the ball on a run down the left and hit a shot goal wards. As he shot, he got pushed and the ball found its way to the incoming Nikica Jelavic who headed the ball downwards and past Al Habsi for the equaliser. Right we thought lets get this game won. Wrong! For the rest of the half Wigan continued to dominate.

A long clearance up field saw Kone take on Heitinga. Johnny was casual and flicked a foot at the ball to dispossess the Ivory coast forward, but he never got enough on it. The Wigan forward pulled the ball back and Di Santos come storming in to score. 2-1 to The Pie Eaters.

Wigan remained the better side and Howard had to save again to keep the score down. Even when Everton got possession, they and Jags in particular seemed to think that as Fellaini had won a few headers, that he is the new Duncan Ferguson and continued to thump long balls to the curly haired one. Everton continued to give cheap balls away and Wigan continued to press.

The funny thing was Everton broke away twice and should have scored on both occasions. Bainesy who was one of the few Everton players to be in top form, went on a delightful run and toe pocked then ball onto the post. Then Ossie, who had been hopless, hit a shot which got deflected only for Ali Al Habsi to twist and push over the bar. 

On top of that Fellaini was given a yellow card for one of those clash of elbow/arm/head things. Another time and he could have walked.

Half Time: Wigan 2-1 EVERTON

Credit to Moyesy as he changed it at half-time bringing on Distin for Heitinga. He brought Fellaini back into midfield and moved Mirallas up front to partner Jela in a 442 formation. It seemed to work slowly as Everton got on top with Bainesy and Peanuts leading the way down the left. Mirallas benefited twice from the play. On chance in particular saw him sky it over the bar from 12 yards out. The other he got a tongue lashing from Jela, who wanted a pass.

The game seemed to be getting away from Everton and with the referee making some puzzling decisions for both sides, some desperation was creeping into the play. It wasn't helped by Al Habsi wasting time and the not so friendly Kevin waving away a couple of penalty shouts.

It was all Everton for the last 20 minutes and at last we got a break. Mirallas got booted by Figueroa and a penalty was given. Bainesy smashed the ball into the roof of the net. Everton got their reward for a better second half performance.

The best man on the pitch was Leighton Baines, who was head and shoulders above every Everton player. A Lot of the players need to look at the left back's performance and think to themselves. I'll give it my all like Bainesy next time.

Full Time: Wigan 2-2 EVERTON
 

Comments about Match Report
 
8
I've heard a few having a go at Seamus but Mirallaswas a lucky boy not to get the hook at half time. Was awful. Just wandere around where he wanted with no impact on the game leaving Coleman exposed aginst Figueroa and the excellent Maloney all game. Oddly they had little joy in the second half when Ossie moved out there. I think Mirallas is going to be exceptional but he can't just go for a stroll and leave a flank exposed like that
Mike, Broadgreen, 11:55 AM 8/10/2012
 
7
Distribution from the back still a problem; too much hoof and hope. No point having Ossie, Peanuts etc etc if you don't trust them and play the ball to them - thereby KEEPING IT. Lumping it towards Felli means the confrontations and yellow cards are all the more likely. Playing nice footy though, one addition of some class and pace in midfield (i.e.not Darron Gibson) and we'll be a challenge to all of 'em all season.
bleu nez, france, 8:54 AM 8/10/2012
 
6
Bringing Victor and Buzz on for Johnny and Phil, moving Felli back in CM was a master stroke! Felli looked like he'd never left and it actually seemed like we had an extra man on the field! Phil allowed too much space and possession (I know this coz the man on sky telly told me so!) Felli's a closer! Like Gibbo an absolute nuisance in midfield! That's why the RS hate him! He runs the midfield ragged and breaking up runs like a decent holding CM does!! Bainsey got his Chi on and was able to flow more freely down the right midfield even linking up with Kev now and again! Kev is destined to be behind Jelly and although he didn't score, he more than proved his money's worth! Nace can also do a job there or right mid, but Oz will have to go RM when Gibson comes back! The way he's playing, you wouldn't take him off the pitch! Every week, he causes the keeper to make world class saves! Should he get tired in the second, we can always bring on Nace or Seamus if he isn't playing RB!
Doug, Liverpool, 10:30 PM 7/10/2012
 
5
Agree, Poor Phil has been our weak link this season. This is where the trouble comes from & we are getting outrun in the middle. I think he needs to play Fella deeper until Gibbo comes back. Definitely needs to strengthen the middle of the park in January. Phil has been great servant for the club but I think his legs are gone.
John, Limerick, 8:15 PM 7/10/2012
 
4
Heitinga had a disastrous Euro's with Holland, were he was repeatedly beaten with pace and his positional sense was shown up to be poor - he's not recovered and I suspect he wont be given another chance before Jan1st . He is also a bottler as regards tackling. Bye bye Johnny
Mike Oates, South Coast, 7:50 PM 7/10/2012
 
3
I agree with Paul ,warrington and would also say Coleman is not a right back he got ripped all game and that ref he was no friend off ours there first goal was well offside are players were getting kicked all over the park he must off booked everyone in a black shirt I think he even booked our physio
mike, runcorn, 2:28 PM 7/10/2012
 
2
Its time now(with Gibbo on way back) to play jely+kev up top with Felli in midddle /forward role of midfield (bit timmy like role) but Moyesy has got to get another cental midfielder (+another CB, let J,H go in jan) Coleman (pardon the pun) is mustard in the) position which means lots of cover there in Hibbo+ Nev , OViedo will be V.good cover down all the L.H,side but we still looking good and great start 4 us , let's hope we continue after Internationals break AND do the Brenda Boys , , C.O.Y.B. , ps great news on Sheeds , made up 4 him
robertobluenose, planet blue Spain, 1:08 PM 7/10/2012
 
1
I can't make Heitinga out. Great last season and mediocre this time. He's all over the place. Phil Neville's legs have definitely gone as well, can't see him lasting to Christmas never mind the end of the season, been a great buy though!
Paul, Warrington, 11:22 AM 7/10/2012
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