Champions league 2014/15 last 16 match previews

Champions league 2014/15 last 16 match previews

NOTE: These predictions were made before the January transfer window opened in order to provide an immediate reaction to the draw.

Paris St-Germain vs Chelsea

Jose Mourinho said he would welcome PSG in the last 16 (most likely because of the win over the French champions in March). The Special One's side is arguably the third most organised (and best) team in Europe this season (behind Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, respectively). Chelsea topped Group G with four wins and two draws and only had their 1-1 draw away to Mairbor to look down on. PSG do boast quality personnel, such as Edison Cavani, Thiago Silva and the mighty Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Although PSG didn't top Group F, thanks to a 3-1 loss at the Nou Camp on the final group stage matchday, they still have talent and are stronger than when they lost to Chelsea in last season's quarter-finals. However, I do think that Chelsea have spent the last two years reaching a point in football were they can confidently and successfully challenge any team, when they need to.

Winner: Chelsea. I think that PSG will be good opponents but will fall at the vital moments over the two games.

Manchester City vs Barcelona
For the second year in a row, Manchester City have been dealt the short straw and will face Barcelona for the second consecutive season in the last 16. The English side clinched second place in Group E by beating Bayern Munich 3-2 (thanks to a superb Aguero hat-trick) and winning for the first time on Italian soil on the final group stage matchday, beating Roma 2-0. Barcelona topped Group F with 15 points and have given promise to their supporters in a quest for fourth European trophy. Although City's progress in the Champions league has been limited when matched up against the money spent on the squad, they feel that will feel that they have nothing to lose and everything to gain when facing the three-time European champions.

Winner: Barcelona. Their team looks poised to go far in the tournament and City doesn't have the players to get past the Catalan club over two legs.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Atletico Madrid
Bayer Leverkusen were tipped for topping Group C but finished second behind Monaco, who finished first despite only scoring four goals in the group stage. Bayer's side is full of a few fine attacking players, such as South Korean forward Son, but lack a side of extreme quality and diversity, which is what you need to sustain a successful Champions league run. As for Atleti, Simeone's men played good, solid and counter-attacking football that lead them to last season's Champions league final against their arch-rivals. They won Group A comfortably and I don't see Bayer being a worthy opponent for them.

Winner: Atletico Madrid. Atleti have a strong unit of players (Koke,Godin and Miranda) and will stroll past Bayer, who aren't knock-out stage quality.

Juventus vs Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund have so far played a very contrasting season on the European and domestic front. They won Group D (even though it was on goal difference) and have drawn one of the less intimating sides in the last 16 draw. However, in the Bundesliga, they are second from bottom before the start of the winter break and could be forced to break the bank to climb back up the table. Juventus played an okay group stage campaign and do actually have a decent pool of players to call upon for a tough game (Pogba,Tevez,Pirlo and Buffon). I think that this will be one of the more evenly contested ties in the last 16.

Winner: Juventus. The two games will be tough but I think that juventus will just edge past Dortmund because of the widespread talent in their squad, which Dortmund are lacking this season.

Schalke vs Real Madrid
Di Matteo's luck in the Champions league has turned sour after drawing the European champions in the last 16. Schalke only just clinched second place in Group G on the final matchday and don't seem to be in a consistent run. Ronaldo and co shouldn't have too much to worry about over the two games.

Winner: Real Madrid. The two teams are very different in both quality and depth and whoever got Real would have an uphill task before a ball was even kicked.

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Bayern Munich
Shakhtar played quite well against the other teams in Group H but didn't finish in top spot because of their slip-up on matchday five away to Atletico Bilbao. However, they have drawn one of the giants of the draw and most use all their abilities to learn from games such as when Chelsea beat Bayern on penalties to win the 2012 final for inspiration and motivation. Bayern look efficient and adaptable to every opponent they play and will look to kill the tie quickly to rotate their team for the Bundesliga.

Winner: Bayern Munich. Shouldn't be a close encounter but Shakhtar have nothing to lose so they might has well give it everything they've got.

Arsenal vs Monaco
Arsenal have finally been handed an even tie in the last 16 after getting Bayern for the past few seasons when they got past the group stages. Arsene Wenger returns to the club that he managed between 1987 and 1994. Arsenal have improved in key areas such as defending from last season (and they have finally bought a striker!) and I think that they can go on a decent run if they play smart and don't get carried away in any game, at anytime. Monaco surprised me greatly as they won Group C, which was down to the defensive set-up of the French outfit. They will fancy their chances against Arsenal but will have to find a goal scoring rhythm to advance past the last 16.

Winner: Arsenal. This tie will be quite even but I think Arsenal will go through because of their attacking options, especially in Alexis Sanchez.

Basel vs FC Porto
Basel edged through to the last 16 by the skin of their teeth and at the expense of Liverpool. Usually when that happens, you get a giant in the next round but Basel were matched up against one of the less intimidating group winners. Porto have had a strong campaign so far and will give Basel a good contest.

Winner: Porto. Basel aren't consistent enough and Porto seem to be having a whirl in this season's Champions league.

Champions league trophy.

Who will win the 2014 Ballon D'or?

Who will win the 2014 Ballon D'or?

On the 12th January 2015, in Zurich, one FIFA nominee will receive the ultimate individual price that football has to offer, the FIFA Ballon D'or. The three contenders are Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Manuel Neuer, some of the greatest players of my generation. In this post, I weight up their achievements and see who I think deserves the 2014 FIFA Ballon D'or.

Lionel Messi

Key achievements of 2014:

• Becoming the first player to pass Raul 71 Champions league goals
• Finishing runners-up in the 2014 World Cup with Argentina
• Becoming the highest goalscorer in Barcelona's history
• Became the highest goalscorer in La Liga history
• Won the 2014 Adidas Golden Ball (at the World Cup)

Messi is up there with the best of all-time. No one can argue against that point. However, football fans have realised that among Messi's spectacular stats and playing style, his stardom hasn't been as big as when he first stormed onto the European stage with Barcelona (winning the 2009 Champions league final against Manchester United in Rome). Messi has won the Ballon D'or four times before but I think that he hasn't reached his height of performance, as his attacking ideas seem to be the same game in game out. 

Cristiano Ronaldo

Key achievements of 2014:

• Won the 2014 Champions league with Real Madrid
• Won the 2013 Ballon D'or in January
• Won the 2013-14 UEFA Best Player in Europe award
• Won the 2014 Club World Cup with Real Madrid
• Scored the most hat-tricks in La Liga history (23)
• Won the 2014 UEFA Super Cup with Real Madrid
• Won the 2014 Copa Del Rey with Real Madrid
• Joint-winner of the European Golden Shoe (alongside Luis Suarez, both tied on 31 goals)

Ronaldo has really come into his own in the past two seasons and this can be proved by the number of individual awards he has gained over the past year. Although some would say that Messi has more goals than Ronaldo in some competitions (e.g. UEFA Champions league), Ronaldo has a much better overall attacking game (e.g. strength, stamina, aggression, and heading). Madrid don't depend on Ronaldo as much Barcelona do on Messi (aside the Spanish capital's transfer policy) and therefore displays that Ronaldo is, at the moment, just edging in the Messi vs Ronaldo saga.

Manuel Neuer

Key achievements of 2014:

• Won the 2014 World Cup with Germany
• Won the 2013/14 Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich
• Only conceding 4 goals before the winter break of the 2014/15 Bundesliga season
• Won the 2014 Golden Glove at the World Cup
• Won the 2014 DFB-Pokal Final with Bayern Munich

It was going to be an event of huge debate among football fans, who would be third on the nominee list behind Messi and Ronaldo. Aguero, Robben and Gareth Bale were among those for the third place on the finalists list but ultimately, FIFA chose Manuel Neuer. The World-cup winner has been in fine form all season for both Germany and Bayern Munich, with a brick-wall like status when playing opponents. Neuer has also become an icon for his midfield-like techniques when his defence play a high-line of attacking football. Although he has achieved alot for a goalkeeper in the modern game, Neuer is not comparable, in my opinion, to Messi and Ronaldo. However, he is definitely one of the best goalkeepers of all-time.

My prediction:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo
2. Lionel Messi
3. Manuel Neuer

The 2014 FIFA Ballon D'or finalists

























Champions league groups review: 9-10 December 2014

Champions league groups review: 9-10 December 2014

 

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the final group stages matches took place in this season's Champions league and for quite a few teams, like Liverpool, it was the last attempt to continue their Champions league campaign. Let's see how the groups finished for this season.

 

Group A

Atletico Madrid and Juventus played out a 0-0 draw in Italy. In the other game of Group A, Olympiakos beat Malmo 4-2 to qualify for the Europa league.

 

Group B

Real Madrid beat Ludogorets 4-0 in a pointless game (as Madrid had already qualified and Ludogorets couldn't qualify for the knockout stages). The holders have won all of their Champions league games, so far. At Anflied, Liverpool drew 1-1 with Basel, meaning that the English side dropped into the Europa league knockout stages. Basel scraped through into the last 16 of the Champions league.

 

Group C

Monaco topped Group C by beating Zenit St Petersburg 2-0. Bayer Leverkusen, who I tipped for topping the group come the end, finished second after a goalless draw with Benfica.

 

Group D

Despite Arsenal's 4-1 in Turkey (which included a sensational strike from Aaron Ramsey), they didn't win the group as Dortmund drew 1-1 with Anderlecht and therefore topped the group on goal difference.

 

Group E

Manchester City qualified for the knockout stage as runners-up of Group E after winning for the first time in Italy, defeating Roma 2-0. Group winners Bayern beat CSKA Moscow 3-0.

 

Group F

Barcelona won Group h after beating PSG at the Nou Camp 3-1. Ibrahimovic scored after 15th minutes but Barcelona's superb South American trio (Messi, Neymar and Suarez) grabbed a goal each. In the other game, Ajax beat APOEL 4-0.

 

Group G

Chelsea beat Sporting Lisbon 3-1 at Stamford Bridge, meaning that Schalke qualified for the last 16 with a 1-0 win over Maribor. Sporting Lisbon qualified for the last 32 of the Europa league.

 

Group H

Group winners Porto drew 1-1 with Shakhtar Donetsk. BATE Borisov lost 2-0 to Alethic Bilbao in Spain.

 

Teams that qualify for the last 16 of the Champions league:

• Arsenal
• Chelsea
• Manchester City
• Atletico Madrid
• Juventus
• Real Madrid
• Basel
• Monaco
• Bayer Leverkusen
• Borussia Dortmund
• Bayern Munich
• Barcelona
• Paris St-Germain
• Schalke
• Porto
• Shakhtar Donetsk

Teams that drop into the Europa league Round of 32:

• Liverpool
• Olympiakos
• Zenit St Petersburg
• Anderlecht
• Roma
• Ajax
• Sporting Lisbon
• Athletic Bilbao

Teams that are out of European competition:

• Malmo
• Ludogorets Razgrad
• Benfica
• Galatasaray
• CSKA Moscow
• Apoel Nicosia
• Maribor
• BATE Borisov

Current Champions league top goalscorers:

• Luiz Adriano (Shakhtar Donetsk)- 9 goals
• Lionel Messi (Barcelona)- 8 goals
• Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) and others- 5 goals

 



 





 







Lionel Messi is currently the highest goalscorer in the history of the Champions league, currently on 75 goals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Everton vs Hull City review: Frustrating game sees doubts arise at Goodison

Everton vs Hull City review: Frustrating game sees doubts arise at Goodison

 

Everton saw their form continue to run sour as they slumped to a 1-1 draw with Hull City in midweek. Hull played well for the first 20 minutes of the game, with pressure high against the slightly cautious Everton back line. Confidence was restored in Everton's ability when Romelu Lukaku scored from ten yards out in the 34nd minute, and the game looked as if it would a case of how well Hull could defend against the Belgian duo of Mirallas and Lukaku. However, the game was very different as it was completely and utterly Everton creating their own problems in not keeping the ball in midfield. They were punished for this when Aluko scored in the 59th minute. Distin didn't cover Aluko and again made people wonder about his place in the team. The rest of the game was extremely dire, with both teams looking like they wanted to gain a point. At the final whistle, Goodison Park rung out with a string of boos, leading to media speculation about the future of 35-year old Tim Howard and 37-year old Sylvain Distin in Everton's first team (not to mention the mini-run of bad form for Martinez's side).

 

 

 

 

Distin had a shocking game for the Toffees, leading to speculation about his future. 

Everton vs Hull City preview: Game can shape both sides short-term form

Everton vs Hull City preview: Game can shape both sides short-term form

Its a used and slightly old phrase in football but I will say it. Everton vs Hull is an important one for both sides. For Everton, its a chance to silence some critics after their 2-1 loss to Spurs at the weekend. Roberto Martinez's side didn't offer the usually attacking minded philosophy, against Tottenham, that the club has been shaped around the last season and a half. I definitely want to see Everton improve on some of the reoccurring points that me and many other supporters have identified that are starting to emerge in our game (e.g. no communication when passing the ball around the defensive area). For Hull, they'll be hoping that everything swings their way and that they can leave Goodison Park with something. Hull have only won one game since the opening day of the season and they really need to start fighting for points otherwise their season will be over before it has really begun. Everton need to win because the defeat to Spurs derailed their unbeaten run in eight games and they'll need all the points they can get if they still want to be in the mix for European football coming towards the end of the season. Overall, this game will shape these two teams' short-term form in the Barclays Premier league.

Steve Bruce's side desperately need a win, as they are fourth from bottom.

Tottenham vs Everton review: Everton fail to gain momentum as Spurs collect vital three points

Tottenham vs Everton review: Everton fail to gain momentum as Spurs collect vital three points

Tottenham and Everton played out a long but exciting game in London on Sunday evening. The two teams needed a result to gain momentum going into the festive period and after 90 minutes, Spurs were the team that walked away with their heads held high. Everton's Kevin Mirallas followed on from his goal against Wolfsburg in Everton's last game as he scored a superb 25-yard strike past Hugo Lloris on 15 minutes. Harry Kane lead Spurs' path back into the game after Mirallas' opener and the young Englishman was rewarded when his shot in the 21 minute was rebounded by a woeful Tim Howard to Christian Eriksen for a tap in. Everton never recovered properly from this goal and didn't press high up the field and therefore couldn't contain Harry Kane- who played his best attacking display for Tottenham since his debut. Aaron Lennon found Soldado just before half-time and the Spanish forward wrong-footed Howard and slotted away for his first league goal since March and Spurs' second of the game. Everton offered very little upfront and this eventually lead to them pinning their hopes of getting something a little handball appeal, which was never going to happen away to Spurs. The same issues keep coming up for Martinez's side and they need to sort them out if they want to be in the top six of the Premier league at the end of May.

Christian Eriksen slots home Spurs' equaliser to cancel out Mirallas' superb strike.

Tottenham vs Everton preview: Early indicator of who wants European football next season

Tottenham vs Everton preview: Early indicator of who wants European football next season

 

Ever since Gareth Bale left Tottenham for Real Madrid in the summer of 2013, Spurs have been through a continuous transition period. They have never played outstanding football and many have said they'd had better off Bale still at the team. In my opinion, Spurs have only bought one good player who can create chances consistently with the £85 million they banked from Bale. That player is ex-Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen, who scored the winner last week against Hull City to give Spurs a much needed three points after a shaky run (which saw them slump to a 2-1 defeat at home to Stoke two weeks ago). A few teams have taken a while to climate to this season's unpredictably but Spurs never seem to make an opposition fear them. This will be the case when Everton visit White Hart lane later today, as the Toffees will want to continue a run that has seen them go unbeaten in eight games, in all competitions.

 

From this game, I can expect both teams to be slightly cautious as to how they keep possession for potential attacks. This game is an early indicator of who wants European football for next season, as both managers will most likely have set that as their primary objectives. The source of who will gain the three points will be from the defence. Everton didn't have a great defensive start to their Premier league campaign, the highlight being the 6-3 defeat to Chelsea at home, and had to take time to gain confidence in their back four again. Yes, there are moments when the Everton defence is clear about what they are planning and sometimes suffer a stupid goal. However, Spurs fans will be more worried about keeping a clean sheet than Everton, as the Londoners have kept one clean sheet in the last ten Premier league matches. They will also want to avoid a third straight home defeat, having happened in May to August of 2008. Everton have only conceded three goals in their current unbeaten run, which reflects the hard work put in by Roberto Martinez to close up the ever-so open gaps in the Toffees defence. This game will be decided on the basis of who wants the three points more than the opposition, to move into the top seven.

 

 

The last time Martinez and Pochettino met, Everton lost 2-0 to Southampton at St Mary's to surrender fourth spot to Arsenal. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Champions league groups review: 25-26 November 2014

 

Champions league groups review: 25th-26th November 2014

 

Tuesday and Wednesday saw the fifth matchday of the Champions league take place with the last 16 in sight for some teams. On Tuesday, groups E-H took centre stage and groups A-D took place.

 

Teams that have already qualified for the last 16:

 

• Atletico Madrid
• Real Madrid
• Bayer Leverkusen
• Arsenal
• Borussia Dortmund
• Bayern Munich
• Barcelona
• Paris Saint-Germain
• FC Porto

 

Group A

Atletico Madrid got revenge on Olympiakos from the first matchday by winning 4-0. Ex-Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic got a hat-trick and scored his second and third goals within three minutes. Despite the loss, it seems likely that Olympiakos will be qualify for the Europa league round of 32 because of Malmo -9 goal difference in bottom place. Malmo lost 2-0 to Juventus as Llorente and Tevez scored one each. The big game on the final matchday (Juventus vs Atletico Madrid) should be a good game even though there isn't really anything to play for.

 

Group B

Real Madrid beat Basel in Switzerland 1-0 as Ronaldo grabbed his 71st Champions league goal. For Real, this game and the final game is just a chance to rotate their squad. Liverpool drew 2-2 with Ludogorets in Bulgaria and Brendan Rodgers is under more pressure after dropping two points. second place looks open for any of the teams in 2nd,3rd and bottom at the moment.

 

Group C

Bayer Leverkusen lost 1-0 to Monaco which is surprising given the form of the Bundesliga stronghold. Zenit secured a big three points against Benfica to give them hope of advancing out the group stages. Monaco vs Zenit looks to shape the final group standings, with Bayer Leverkusen expected to beat Benfica.

 

Group D

Arsenal stopped Dortmund's 100% streak in the Champions league after a 2-0 win at the Emirates. Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez bagged a goal each to qualify for the last 16. Anderlecht beat Galatasaray 2-0 to give them hope of a spot in the Europa league round of 32. It looks likely that Dortmund will finish top as they face Anderlecht at home.

Group E
Manchester City looked like their hopes of continuing in this year's Champions league were over as they were down 2-1 to Bayern Munich. However, Sergio Aguero had other ideas as he levelled the game to give the City faithful some hope. Then, the little Argentine magician threaded through the Bayern defence and slotted past Neuer to give City their first win this season. This game was extremely fast-paced and fun to watch. Roma and CSKA Moscow drew 1-1 in Russia to keep the possibility of any of the bottom three teams to qualify for the last 16 (or the round of 32 in the Europa league).

Group F
PSG's 3-1 win over Ajax means that they stay at the top of the group (for the time being). Edison Cavani scored a brace and Ibrahimovic scored his first goal since returning from injury that kept him out for two months. Barcelona beat Apoel 4-0 as Lionel Messi became the all-time Champions league goalscorer (74) with a hat-trick. PSG and Barcelona will fight it out for top spot at the Nou Camp on the final matchday. A win or draw against Apoel will see Ajax qualify for the Europa league knock-out stages but a win for Apoel will see them jump into third spot and into Europe's second competition.

Group G
Chelsea booked their place in the last 16 with a 5-0 demolition of Schalke in Germany and have also guaranteed top spot. Sporting beat Maribor 3-1 to give the Portuguese outfit some hope of progression. For that to happen, Sporting must beat Chelsea. Maribor can qualify for the Europa league by beating Schalke.

Group H
Group H is really decided before the final matchday, as Porto are group winners with Shakhtar finishing second. The attention will be on who can qualify for the Europa league when Atletico Bilbao play BATE Borisov. Bilbao can qualify through a win or a draw and BATE must win to qualify.

My player of the week
Sergio Aguero. Single-handedly kept Manchester City's hopes of progressing in the Champions league alive by scoring a hat-trick to beat Bayern Munich 3-2.

Aguero scores his first goal on 15 minutes, after being taken down by Benatia in the penalty area.

 



Wolfsburg vs Everton review: Everton top Group H in free-flowing game

Wolfsburg vs Everton: Everton top Group H in free-flowing game

 

At the Volkswagen Arena, Wolfsburg and Everton faced off in a lively and free-flowing game of football. Many thought previous to the match that is game would be more of a contest, compared to the 4-1 win over Wolfsburg by Everton in September. In the early stages of the game, Wolfsburg looked sharp and dominant, with Ivan Perisic putting in dangerous near Everton's goal. Wolfsburg had only lost one of their last ten games, prior to this Europa league contest, and this was shown by pressing high up the pitch and focusing Mirallas to stay out wide. Perisic thought he'd taken the lead on 20 minutes but the linesman on the far side ruled him offside from when ex-Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner played in a cheeky back heel. Shortly afterwards, James McCarthy was forced off with the hamstring injury that has caused tension between Roy Keane and Roberto Martinez in recent weeks. The game continued to have an attacking flow and Everton counter attacked superbly off a Wolfsburg corner on 43 minutes. Mirallas flicked on a lovely pass to Lukaku, who ran towards goal uneasily, and struck the ball calmly into the Wolfsburg goal. Against the balance of play, Everton looking in prime position to top the group.

 

Halftime brought good news for Everton, as Krasnodar against Lille had finished 1-1 meaning that the Toffees would qualify for the round of 32 no matter what the result against Wolfsburg. The game continued to have a huge physical energy about it, with Everton and Wolfsburg really abandoning their defensive priories at times to pursue a goal. Bendtner thought he'd clinched his 4th goal of the season for Wolfsburg but was denied by the offside flag. Everton kept going strong, both defensively and offensively, and were rewarded when Lukaku played in Mirallas to wrong-foot the trailing defender and score to confirm Everton as group winners. Wolfsburg may feel some injustice with the decisions but ultimately they didn't make it count when it mattered. As for Everton, many fans will be thrilled with being unbeaten in Europe and at the chance to again show off what they can do on Europe's second biggest stage.

 

My man of the match: Muhammad Besic

 

 

 

Lukaku runs away to celebrate his 43rd minute strike with the travelling Everton fans. This was his first European goal since October 2010, when he scored for Anderlecht.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Wolfsburg vs Everton preview: Good European run expected of both teams

 

Wolfsburg vs Everton preview: Good European run expected of both teams

 

Heading into the fifth Europa league matchday, Wolfsburg and Everton are in strong positions both domestically and on a European front . After losing 4-1 to Everton on matchday one at Goodison Park, Wolfsburg has recovered fast and have turned around an average start to the season. Everton are unbeaten the group stages so far and this mainly down to Samuel Eto'o, who scored a vital equaliser away to Krasnodar on matchday two. Wolfsburg will look for inspiration from Belgian midfielder Kevin De Byrne and Croatian forward Ivan Perisic in order to make the fight for top spot in Group H interesting. It seems likely that both teams will progress comfortably out the group and for the Europa league. As an Everton fan, getting out the group is an achievement with the string of injuries to our squad and the lack of squad rotation at our fingertips. For Wolfsburg, the quarter-finals would be a great achievement for them, as they have a good team but don't have quality in every position on the pitch. I see both teams going deep into the tournament and I think Everton fans will grateful of a European run. However, up first is finishing the group stage games and this game practically sorts out the winner of the group and the unfortunate runner-up.

Tony Hibbert and Leon Osman will be focused about gaining something from the game against Wolfsburg in order to qualify for the last 32 of the Europa league.

 

Everton vs West Ham review: Average game overshadowed by confrontations

 

Everton vs West Ham review: Average game overshadowed by confrontations

 

 

Everton and West Ham faced off at Goodison Park on Saturday evening and the game was expected to be full of attacking football. This expectation was not helped before the game when Baines, Sahko and Valencia were ruled out. Neither side was at full strength and this was shown by the lack of chances created for both sides. The flow of the game never really got going, as 23 fouls were committed altogether. Anyway, Romelu Lukaku scored a much-debated goal on 26 minutes, taking his tally to five goals this season. Everton didn't help themselves after taking the lead as their defence and midfield kept losing possession from unnecessary long passes. West Ham could and should have been level at half-time, but Everton did enough to protect their lead.

 

West Ham introduced Marco Zarate for Carlton Cole on 51 minutes and the substitution added a slight change to the mentality of both teams. Everton became more defensive of their lead and West Ham charged forward through Zarate's quick dribbling and step-overs. He was rewarded for his hard work by putting his team level through a hugely deflected goal, that came off Everton captain Phil Jagielka. Mirallas then made a decent attempt to get the ball from Amalfitano but resulted in West Ham players pushing Mirallas for trying to injure the ex-West Brom winger. Mirallas and Tomkins exchanged pushes and Tomkins went down holding his face like a three-year old. There is no place for this intentional unsporting behaviour in any sport and Tomkins should really think about what he's doing. Everton then had a second breath as Eto'o started to fix the empty threat on West Ham's goal that had been present for much of the game. A counter-attack was launched on 74 minutes as Lukaku drove into the centre of the pitch and was taken down by James Collins. Advantage was played and Eto'o slid the ball across to Leon Osman to score his 55th goal for Everton, on his 400th appearance for the club. West Ham never recovered and lost for the first time in six league games.

 

Expect the goals and the introduction of Zarate and Eto'o, this game didn't have many fantastic footballing moments to remember and the aftermath of the game was spent talking about both sets of players trying to fight. I suppose not every game can be brilliant.

 

 

 

 

Romelu Lukaku celebrates putting Everton 1-0 up on 26 minutes, taking him to five league goals this season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everton vs West Ham preview: Character and consistency can lead West Ham to finish alongside Everton

Everton vs West Ham preview: Character and consistency can lead West Ham to finish alongside Everton

 

 

Saturday sees the Premier league return to England's top football grounds after a long but encouraging duo of games for England fans. Everton face West Ham in a game which certainly promises a high quality of attacking football. Although many people think that West Ham will slip up a few times before the season is over (and finish mid-table), I think that The Hammers will have a successful season and finish in the top nine. Sam Allardyce's side have collected 18 points from eleven league games and currently sit in fourth, four places above Everton. The summer signings of Sahko and Enner Valencia upfront have spur-headed a team which has developed into a well-balanced squad (which was highlighted by the 2-1 win over Manchester City at Upton Park). It seems that West Ham have decided to play with a sense of no fear and has materialised into a strong run of results, which reflects their work effort. The key to not falling down the league is consistency and if Sahko and Valencia stay fit and in form, the Upton Park faithful will thoroughly enjoy this season.

 

As for Everton, the international break hasn't brought any positives to Goodison Park. Leighton Baines was ruled out for up to two weeks with a thigh injury. James McCarthy was sent home by the Republic of Ireland due to his complaints of an ankle injury. Roy Keane has launched a attack on Roberto Martinez over the handing of Goodison Park's ROI players and I think that Roy Keane needs to think about who Martinez really is, as I really don't see the Spaniard threatening players over international duty. Maybe other managers like Van Gaal and Mourinho, possibly, not Martinez. Everton seem to have taken one step forward this season, only to go two steps back. Injuries have taken a toll on the squad (like it does to any team) but the quality and expectancy of a top six side is to roll with whatever events stand in the way. However, come the end of the season I can see Everton finishing strong and West Ham being alongside them. Character and consistency can lead these two teams to where they want to be.

Follow me on Twitter! @Weston1878

 

Premier league review 2014/15: September- Mid November 2014

Premier league review 2014/15: September- Mid November 2014

Heading into this week's international break, I look back at how the Premier league has shaped up in the first spell of fixtures. After eleven matchdays, many teams haven't been performing to expectations and some teams have played like they have nothing to lose. Summer signings have varied in form, with some players entering the form of their career (where as some know they've had better runs of form).

Surprise teams playing like there is no tomorrow
After Southampton sold most of their star players and had a budget of over £80 million to rebuild their team, many fans and pundits thought that Southampton had had their time in the Sun and that they'd have a dreadful season, no matter who they signed. However, after eleven matches, Southampton have 25 points and have a brilliant +18 goal difference (one better than leaders Chelsea). The reason for The Saints success is that they have bought smart, young players who are more than capable of featuring in this league. Some would say that they have gotten lucky in who they have played but every game is difficult in the Premier league.

On Transfer deadline day, Swansea fans were praying that their star striker Wilfried Bony didn't jump ship to one of the lurking sharks that were chasing his signature (Arsenal and Inter Milan were among those clubs). Bony stayed and helped lead Swansea into 5th place after eleven games. The stand out player has got to be Gylfi Sigurdsson. The Icleand midfilder has scored two goals and provided seven assists for Gary Monk's side, making people wonder why tottenham ever let him go.

Some star summer signings
Diego Costa- Although he may not be the top goalscorer in the Preimer league at the moment, Costa has finally filled the boots of Didger Drogba and become the clincal finisher that Cheslea have lacked in recent seasons. His hardwork and endless running, which he mastered under Altechcio boss Diego Simeone, has set the tempo for Chelsea's steam roller of a campiagn, so far. Many bet that Costa will be the top goalscorer come the end of the season and I am among those people.

Alexis Sanchez- Without Sanchez's eight league goals, Arsenal would be 15th. The Chilean forward swapped the Nou Camp for the Emirates in a £35 million deal and I was shocked by this move. Barcelona have some of the best attacking forwards in Europe in Neymar, Messi and now Suarez but surely Sanchez is worth keeping in your squad?? He does deserve to be starting every game but he needs to be careful not to burn himself out before the season comes to its exciting winter run-in.

Gylfi Sigurdsson- As stated above, Sigurdsson has scored two goals and provided seven assists and has also combined fantastically with Wilfried Bony to give the Welsh club's fans high expectations for the remainder of the season. Hopefully he can continue his fine form as he been the most improved player this season for me (as I'd assume many people would agree with).

Samuel Eto'o- I never thought I'd see the day when Everton signed one of my favourite players of all-time, Samuel Eto'o. The 33 year-old had almost every team in the world knocking on his agent's door this summer, desperate for his signature, but he decided Goodison Park was where he'd write the next chapter of his wonderful career. Roberto Martinez has described Eto'o as a 'gift from the Gods' and as an Everton fan, his class and footballing brain can really help us for the long season a head.

Some teams not playing so well
Liverpool- Brendan Rodgers spent £116 million on 10 players this gone summer and he has bought quantity over quality. Ballotelli has been the most high-profile flop, with 0 goals in the Premier league and has only scored once in the Champions league and the Capital One Cup. it now seems that when you spend big in one transfer window, your squad takes a long amount of time to gel (maybe not in Tottenham's case). However, Brendan Rodgers is a good manager and this is just a bump in the road for the ex-Swansea boss.

Tottenham- Ever since Gareth Bale left White Hart lane for Real Madrid (for £85 million) in the summer of 2013, Tottenham have failed to pose any threaht to the big teams in this league. Having made one good signing (Christian Eriksen, £14 from Ajax) and one average signing (Erik Lamela, £30 from Roma) since Bale's departue, Spurs don't know who their leaders are and what formation to play. This was highlighted by their 2-1 loss to Stoke City in their last game in the Prem and the fact that Abeyador would rather play away from home because of the awful atmosphere in and around White Hart lane.

Manchester United- The summer's biggest spenders (£151 million) and probably the team with the most unbalaced squad. The fact that United had more points under David Moyes at this stage last season than they currently do this season shows the lack of brains behind not buying quality defenders. Although many think that United can stll get into the top four, I think that they need to release that their time in the spotlight is fading rapidly and they need to paln for the next three or four seasons (instead of expecting a quick turn around in one).


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Gylfi Sigurdsson celebrates scoring a wonderful free-kick against Arsenal on 9th November. Swansea won 2-1 against Arsenal, thanks to Sigurdsson's free-kick and Gomis' late header.





Champions league groups review: 4-5 November 2014

Champions league groups review: 4-5 November 2014

 

 

On Tuesday and Wednesday, matchday four took place with four teams qualifying with two games to spare. Group A to D took centre stage on Tuesday and Groups E to H took place on Wednesday across Europe.

 

 

Group A

 

Juventus continued their fine form at home this season as they beat Olympiakos 3-2. Veteran Serie A player Pirlo was making his 100th Champions league appearance in this game and celebrated in with a goal in the 21st minute. Juventus are now third, with a chance of clinching second place. In the other game in Group A, Atletico Madrid playing in Sweden against Malmo. Star man Koke scored and played excellently to lead Simeone's men to a 2-0 win which cemented their place at the top of the group.

 

 

Group B

 

Group B saw Brendan Rodger's side play a conversational line-up against the competition's holders, Real Madrid. Surprisingly though, the result was only 1-0 to Real and Kolo Toure played possibly the best game of his career by keeping Cristiano Ronaldo quiet all game. The win sees Real qualify for the last 16 with two games to spare, and leaves Liverpool needing to win their next two games with a chance of taking second place. Basel rolled to an easy win over Ludogorets after scoring four goals past them at the Saint Jakob Park. Basel climb to second with hopes of staying there and sending Liverpool or Ludogorets to the Europa league round of 32.

 

Group C

 

Bayer Leverkusen's Japanese striker Son struck twice as Bayer won 2-1 away at Zenit St Petersburg. It now seems likely that Leverkusen will finish in pole position, come the end of the group stages. Benfica beat Monaco 1-0 and this was the first goal that Monaco conceded in this season's Champions league. After this win, second place looks possible for Benfica, Zenit and Monaco (who have 4,4, and 5 points respectively).

 

Group D

 

Borussia Dortmund continued their 100% run in this season's Champions league by beating Galatasaray 4-1 at the Signal Iduna Park and qualified for the last 16. Marco Reus got a goal and an assist as Klopp's side continued an amazing run of form, which isn't matched by their league form. Arsenal have been kicking themselves ever since they let a 3-0 lead fall to a 3-3 draw with Anderlecht. 60,000 in the Emirates saw Arteta score a penalty and Sanchez and Oxlade-Chamberlain score inside 59 minutes, only to see them come away with a point. However, Arsenal look set to finish second as they have seven points .

 

Group E

 

CSKA Moscow beat Manchester City 2-1 in the most surprising result of the week's action. Doumbia scored a brace to guide CSKA to their first win this season in Europe's elite competition. City finished the game with nine men, after Yaya Toure and Fernandinho were sent off for two bookable offences each. Bayern Munich qualified for the last 16 by beating Roma 2-0 at the Allianz Arena. Goals from Ribery and Gotze provided a comfortable qualification for the German champions. Like in other groups, Group E's second qualification spot for the last 16 is very achievable for Roma, CSKA or Manchester City.

 

Group F

 

Barcelona beat Ajax 2-0 as Lionel Messi scored two to tie Raul as the Champions league all-time goalscorer. This win unofficially secured Barcelona a place in the knockout stages. PSG beat APOEL Nicosia 1-0 at the Parc des Princes thanks to a Edison Cavani goal in the first minute. This win show PSG join Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid and FC Porto in the knockout stages of the Champions league.

 

Group G

 

Chelsea failed to qualify for the last 16 with two games to spare as Eden Hazard missed a penalty that could have given his side a 2-1 win over Maribor. Sporting beat Di Matteo's Schalke 4-2 in a game which was full of excitement and goals and very similar to the reserve fixture in Germany (without the speculation afterwards). sporting will have high hopes of nicking second place off Schalke with two games to go.

 

Group H

 

Shakhtar Donetsk continued their fine scoring form as they beat BATE Borisov 5-0.Star striker Adriano scored a hat-trick to make him the current leading goalscorer in the competition this season, with nine goals. FC Porto qualified for the last 16 as they beat Atletico Bilbao 2-0 away from home. Colombian striker Jackson Martinez scored in a comfortable victory for the Portuguese side. Group H looks all about rapped up, with Shakhtar and Proto to fight it out for top spot on the final matchday.

 

For more Champions league coverage and fixtures, go to BBC Sport Champions league

 

 

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 Doumbia scores inside two minutes against Manchester City in a game which left many wondering how long it will take for City to adapt to the Champions league.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Bayern Munich vs Borrusia Dortmund review: Close game shows there is some hope for Klopp

Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund review: Close game shows there is some hope for Klopp 

 

 

As the world gathered to watch 'Der Klassier', there was a sense of what this blockbuster of an occasion would produce. Would Dortmund cripple like Bremen did earlier this season at the feet of Bayern Munich? Would ex-players such as Robert Lewandoski and Mario Gotze break Dortmund hearts? Or would Dortmund turn their form around in the biggest game in the Bundesliga?

 

Firstly, Dortmund didn't cripple like so many teams have done over the past year to Bayern Munich. They produced very fast flowing football from the off and added to the argument that form isn't a factor when it comes to derbies. They took the lead on 31 minutes when Aubameyang played a lovely one-two with Kagawa and ran down the wing to find Reus larking in the centre of the Bayern penalty area. The game with littered with chances for both teams, as 74,000 fans in the Allianz Arena enjoyed one of the world's best derbies. Secondly, an ex-player did strike against Dortmund and it was last season's top goalscorer, Robert Lewandowski. The Polish international struck a rebound past Weidenfeller on 72 minutes and pointed to the sky to dedicate the goal to his Father. Finally, Dortmund didn't turn around their form in the Bundesliga as they lost 2-1, thanks to Subtoic bringing down Ribery on 85 minutes. Arjen Robben slotted home the penalty to continue his great goal scoring form against Dortmund (seven in seven games). The positive for Klopp and his men was that for a long period of time, they played without fear and for the Signal Iduna Park faithful, this should be the last time, for a while, that they play well but don't collect the three points.

 

 

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Everton vs Swansea review: Frustating game exposes weaknesses

Everton vs Swansea review: Frustrating game exposes weaknesses

 

 

Everton and Swansea played out a goalless draw in front of 39,000 spectators on Saturday evening. It was a game which had so much potential for goals and great displays of attacking football, but ultimately faded into a frustrating stalemate for both sides. Swansea never really threatened Everton continually through the game and it was only when ex-Lyon player Gomis came on that they showed a hint of recovery. As Everton, it feels that the same issues keep coming up in games like this. Corner delivery was very inconsistent as well as the fact that they didn't seem to drive forward into space when it was available to drive into. There is a growing sense among Everton fans that Martinez's football philosophy sometimes blinds his ability to admit to where his team needs to improve. Having had 66 percent possession and Swansea taking no shots on Tim Howard's goal, Everton will head into the week feeling that seriously need to convert possession into more effective chances.

 

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Romelu Lukaku fails to steal the three points with the last attempt of the game.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everton vs Swansea preview: Both sides looking for another boost

 

Everton vs Swansea preview: Both sides looking for another boost

 

 

In a game which many Everton supporters wouldn't had wanted to see not so long ago, two of the Premier league's best possession sides met at Goodison Park today. Everton's objective now is to slowly but surely build Goodison Park into the fortress it was in the 2013 calendar year. As for Swansea, the objective of this game is to continue their form and ,in particular, to allow the duo of Wilfred Bony and Gylfi Sigurdsson. Sigurdsson has been the surprise of the season so far, with eight assists and one goal from his last nine Premier league appearances. Despite their deadly duo in Bony and Sigurdsson, before beating Leicester 2-0 last weekend, Swansea went on a run of five league games without a win. This relates to my title in the fact that neither team is fully up and running yet and that these three points are huge in terms of confidence and position.

 

Everton will again look for the talent of Ross Barkley and Seamus Coleman to provide them with the attacking mentality that lacked before they played Aston Villa a few weeks ago. Leighton Baines is also back in form as he is one assist away from becoming the defender with the record for most Premier league assists. This is also Roberto Martinez's 200th game as a manager, having managed Swansea from 2007-2009, Wigan from 2009-2013 and Everton since 2013. This game looks to have everything. Star players, great managers and a need for a boost for both teams in the early-mid point of the season. Hopefully it lives up to expectations.

 

As I am going the game today, I predict that the final score will be 1-1, with a solid performance from both teams.

 

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Everton will hope that Eto'o continues his form into today's game after a brace against Burnley last weekend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund preview: Rivalry is becoming less of a concern for Dortmund

Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund preview: Rivalry is becoming less of a concern for Dortmund

 

 

As the clash of the German titans occurs on Saturday evening, the form and morale of these two sides couldn't be more contrasting. Dortmund head into the toughest place to travel in Germany, the Allianz Arena, with four losses in a row and currently sit in 15th in the Bundesliga table. Bayern are top of the tree, after continuing their outstanding form from last season, scoring 21 goals and conceding just two goals. The thing that has always made this derby so globally recognised in recent years is the trio of Robert Lewandowski, Mario Gotze and Marco Reus. They were the stars of Dortmund's time that rose up from nowhere in the 2009/2010 season and won the Bundesliga two years in a row (2011 and 2012). But, as happens in football, players left for a bigger club.

 

 

First went Mario Gotze in the summer of 2013 for  €37m (£31.5m) to Bayern Munich. Many Dortmund fans have felt that Gotze was blinded by money and left the club when he could have offered them so much more. Lewandowski then left in the summer of 2014 but left for free as he left with dignity and respect from the Signal Iduna Park faithful. The final piece of the Dortmund formula would be ex-Borussia Monchengladbach player Marco Reus. It seems however that Reus is one of a rare breed of footballers who seem to be happy with what they've got and has said he doesn't want more than his £35,000 a week salary (which would suit me just fine!). The worldwide media will be all over the friendship between these three players, as the game is being watched in over 200 countries worldwide. In terms of what it means for the overall teams, Dortmund need to come away with something to stop this rut that they're in. It may be easier said than done again Bayern away but this seems like an early test for Jurgen Klopp's men in what their season will amount to.

 

 

As for Bayern, they will turn up with the aim to stop any kind of Dortmund revelation and do so with their cast of star players. I think that this derby may became more about the teams and how the result effects them, instead of how one player feels after leaving for more money and potentially a lot of trophies.

 

 

For more Bundesliga news, go to Bundesliga.com

 

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Marco Reus' response when asked about moving to Bayern Munich.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Burnley vs Everton review: Eto'o shows that class is permanent

Burnley vs Everton review: Eto'o shows that class is permanent

 

 

Going into the game on Sunday, no team felt that they had offered their best efforts to gaining a significant start to the season. Burnley however went into the game without a win in eight games and a sense of growing depression in wanting that vital first win of the season. As for Everton, they had only just started to show signs of starting the form that show them finish fifth last season. This game gave Martinez's side a chance to add to their momentum and gains some goals. The combination of playing both Samuel Eto'o and Romelu Lukaku up front created Burnley a lot of defensive problems and Eto'o showed his doubters, such as ex-boss Jose Mourinho, that he still has pure football excellence by driving home a quality header from a Baines' cross in the 4th minute. His fellow striker Lukaku had a mixed game though. Lukaku gave an awkward backpass which lead to Burnley's goal but did repay the travelling fans by scoring nine minutes after his mistake.

 

The moment of the match came in the 85th minute of the game, when substitute Steven Piennar passed to the eventful man of the match, Samuel Eto'o. Eto'o played it cool and slowly turned towards the goal and curled the ball superbly into Heaton's goal from 25 yards. Watching this goal, I think that many football fans would say that he's been scoring that type of goal since his early playing days with Real Madrid. Any club would let Eto'o join on a free as his footballing class is something that only a few players keep throughout their career.

 

 

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Romelu Lukaku looks to the sky after scoring Everton's second goal of the game to make it in 2-1 in the 29th minute.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Champions league groups review: 21-22 October 2014

 

Champions league groups review

 

 

This week in the Champions league has been one of real competition and big scorelines, such as Bayern beating Roma 7-1 in the Italian capital on Tuesday and Schalke beating Sporting Lisbon 4-3 in an epic encounter, as Roberto Di Matteo returned to the competition which he famously won the with Chelsea in 2012. Which goals and quality players stacked into all clubs across the Champions league groups, I run down the latest happenings in club football's top competition.

Group A

Group A is the only group that features all domestic champions and Atletico Madrid enjoyed a 5-0 home win over Swedish champions Malmo. Barcelona target Koke scored and provided three assists as Diego Simeone's men paved their way into second. The biggest shock of the week was Greek champions Olympiakos beating Juventus 1-0 in Greece. The atmosphere in Greece proved a key factor is moving Olympiakos top of Group A.

Group B

Group B features the current holders, Real Madrid, Bulgarian side Ludogorets, Basel and five time winners Liverpool. Real Madrid beat Liverpool for the first time in history with a 3-0 win at Anflied on Wednesday. Real probably should have had more but Liverpool were never a match for the ten time winners. Ludogorets left it late, until the 93rd minute, to beat Basel on Wednesday night as they became the first Bulgarian team in history to achieve points in the Champions league group stage. Real Madrid sit top with second place not yet decided at all.

Group C

Group C contains Bayer Leverkusen, Zenit, Benfica and big-money bags Monaco. Monaco and Benfica played out a goal-less draw with very little excitement and talking points. Bayer Leverkusen beat Zenit 2-0 to move top of the group. Bayer seem like the only top that reach any form in this group as Benfica, Zenit and Monaco don't look ready for the next round of this competition.

Group D

Group D is topped by Borussia Dortmund after they maintained their 100% record this season in the Champions league after beating Galatasaray 4-0 in Turkey. Dortmund aren't having such a fun time in the Bundesliga as they lost for the fourth game in a row today. Arsenal won 2-1 away to Anderlecht as Gibbs and Lukas Poldoski gave the gunners an unlikely win to gain some momentum in getting out of the group. Anderlecht and Galatasaray have a point each and look out of making a challenge to getting out the group.

Group E

Bayern Munich ripped apart Roma on Tuesday as the German champions won 7-1 in a purely excellent football. Roma are a good side but Bayern are going to be on a quest to win the Champions league after they were humiliated by winners Real Madrid at the Allianz Arena in last season's semis. Manchester City remain winless after drawing with CSKA Moscow in a closed door game. Having been cruising at 2-0 thanks to Aguero and Milner, Doumbia changed the game and scored and won a late penalty to leave the Etihad faithful shaking their heads.

Group F

PSG seem to on their way to potentially winning the group as they won 1-0 over Apoel Nicosia thanks to Cavani's late goal. Even without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, PSG look like a real threat and could go further than expected in this tournament. Barcelona have been slightly ropy lately (which showed in El Clasico on Saturday) but they did win 3-1 against Ajax, meaning they stay on PSG's tail.

Group G

Chelsea absolutely destroyed Maribor 6-0 with club legend Drogba scoring his first goal for Chelsea in the Champions league since he gave them the trophy in 2012. Schalke and Sporting faced off in an epic 4-3 battle, which Sporting have conversationally contacted UEFA over the game being replayed which involved the late penalty that Schalke received to win the game. Never the less, Schalke are two points behind Chelsea in top spot and Sporting and Maribor linger towards the bottom of the group.

Group H

Group H leaders Porto have scored the joint highest goals this season (10, along with Real Madrid) and beat bottom placed Atletico Bilbao 2-1 in remain top. Shakhtar Donetsk tied the highest away victory in Champions league history as they beat Bate Borisov  7-0. Luis Adriano also became the second player in history, behind Lionel Messi, to score five goals in a Champions league game.


For more Champions league news, go to BBC Sport Champions league

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Cristiano Ronaldo opens the scoring for Real Madrid against Liverpool on Wednesday.

 

Lille vs Everton review: Everton secure point in overshadowed game

Lille vs Everton review: Everton secure point in overshadowed game

 

 

Everton secured a point in France on Thursday night after a hard fought game against Eden Hazard's former side, Lille. The game has unfortunately been overshadowed by events before the game in the city of Lille, with two Everton fans being taken to hospital on Wednesday night following an attack by Lille ultras. On the pitch, the game seems to be quite evenly contested, with Lille having a few early drives through the centre of Everton's defence and Liverpool's Origi (on loan at Lille) causing Baines some cause for concern. Samuel Eto'o made Everton get a foothold in the game mid-way through the second half with displays of skill that has seen him win the Champions league three times. The big turning point however was the introduction of Romelu Lukaku. Having had a mixed start to the season, including three Primer league goals, Lukaku added that extra firepower that Everton needed but ultimately the score line reflected the feel of the game, as no side really deserved to take all three points.

 

 

Huge credit to Everton fans as nearly 10,000 fans turned up to support the toffees on a night in which they had claimed their position at the top of Group H after three matchdays.

 

 

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Roberto Martinez watches his side fight to a 0-0 draw against Lille on Thursday night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Club football is back with a bang!

Club football is back with a bang!

 

After what seems like a very long and extremely unexciting international break, club football is back with a bang and in the Premier league there has been a lot of drama and surprises. Southampton's 8-0 demolition of Sunderland added to the growing idea among fans and reporters that Southampton may actually have a successful season after losing some many of their star players from last season. Four penalties were awarded during Manchester City vs Tottenham, which for me raises the question on weather referees feel pressure to give penalties in high profile games. Just a thought. Stoke beat Swansea 2-1 and put in a decent display against a team who have started well to this season. With big games such as Liverpool vs Real Madrid and Galatasaray vs Borussia Dortmund right around the corner, it sure feels good to have the international break done and dusted for the time being.

 

 

 

 



Everton vs Aston Villa review: Everton claim vital win to restore direction of season

Everton vs Aston Villa review: Everton claim vital win to restore direction of season

 

Everton claimed their first Premier league win at home this season with a comfortable 3-0 win over

Aston Villa. Goals from Jagielka, Lukaku and the returning Coleman in the 18th,48th and 76th minutes respectively showed real determination from Roberto Martinez's side to ensure that they recovered from a uneasy start to the season. The atmosphere around Goodison Park was one of nervousness and potential anxiety before and during most of the game but it seemed that Everton kick started their season, in terms of performance.

 

Villa came to Goodison in a current spell of tough fixtures, having faced Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City. They didn't seem to create much when they had short periods of possession and seemed to rely on the recently returned Christian Benteke to provide chances for them. Brad Guzan's poor goalkeeping, which lead to Lukaku's third league goal this season, knocked the little drive and character out of Villa and they were very prone to lacking few numbers at the back when Everton countered in the closing stages of the game. The only positive for Paul Lambert and his side is that they next play teams without extreme depth in quality e.g. QPR and Tottenham.

 

Although Everton have some star players such as Mirallas and Oviedo still injured coming into the winter phase of the Premier league, the return of Barkley and Coleman to first-team action for a long time lifted the sprits of the Goodison Park faithful as they provided the firepower that Everton had been missing upfront in tough matches against Manchester United and Liverpool. There were some defensive concentration slips at times as Tim Howard didn't command his box like he would have towards the end of last season, but a win is a win at the end of the day.