Welton Toffee
Player Valuation: £40m
Everton 3-0 Portsmouth
Everton clinched their place in next season’s UEFA Cup after a fabulous win over Portsmouth at Goodison Park yesterday. A Mikel Arteta penalty, along with headers from Yobo and Naysmith confirmed the three points for the blues.
The first half was a fairly tight affair. With both teams having similar European dreams, a loss for either side would have been disastrous. Nerves were clear with neither side managing to take control. However the first chance of the match fell to Everton after a quarter of an hour. Tim Howard’s clearance found Victor Anichebe who flicked on well with his head. James Vaughan raced onto the ball, only to slice a glorious chance just wide of David James’ goal.
Fans had to wait until a minute before the interval for any more chances. Firstly, a Mikel Arteta cross found Lescott unmarked in the box. He struck the ball well on the volley only to see James make the save. Portsmouth then mounted their first real attack of the match. Benjani’s delicate through ball found O’Neil in acres of space. He hit it first time but his shot failed to trouble Howard. Just seconds later the referee blew his whistle to end what was a fairly uneventful first half.
The second half could not have contrasted greater. David Moyes’ men came out of the dressing room full of confidence and instantly started playing stylish football. Just three minutes after the restart Everton could, and should, have taken the lead. After some neat footwork Arteta crossed to present Carsley with what looked an almost perfect chance. However the Everton veteran’s shot went agonisingly wide.
Portsmouth failed to take advantage of that let off and Everton pressed for the opening goal. On 57 minutes young Everton striker James Vaughan powered his way through the Portsmouth defence. Glen Johnson desperately tried to win the ball but only succeeded in bringing down Vaughan. Howard Webb pointed to the spot, sparking what was to be the first of many deafening cheers from the Goodison faithful. The pressure fell on Spaniard Mikel Arteta to take the spot kick. He coolly stepped up and placed the ball past the diving David James.
Everton had the lead, but they weren’t prepared to stop there. Less than five minutes later they doubled their advantage. Manuel Fernandes whipped in a corner and centre back Yobo powered a header past the helpless James. More jubilant celebrations followed from Evertonians all around the stadium. The atmosphere was electric for the rest of the afternoon with seemingly endless singing and chanting.
After a string of chances to increase their lead, Everton looked to have settled for the two goal win when they won a corner late in injury time. Only three or four Everton players were in the box. However, Arteta found James Beattie with the corner. He flicked on to find fellow substitute Naysmith whose diving header flew over the line for an unlikely goal.
Other results meant that the three points confirmed Everton’s European place for next season. It is exactly what the Everton players deserve after a fantastic season.
By David Robson
Everton clinched their place in next season’s UEFA Cup after a fabulous win over Portsmouth at Goodison Park yesterday. A Mikel Arteta penalty, along with headers from Yobo and Naysmith confirmed the three points for the blues.
The first half was a fairly tight affair. With both teams having similar European dreams, a loss for either side would have been disastrous. Nerves were clear with neither side managing to take control. However the first chance of the match fell to Everton after a quarter of an hour. Tim Howard’s clearance found Victor Anichebe who flicked on well with his head. James Vaughan raced onto the ball, only to slice a glorious chance just wide of David James’ goal.
Fans had to wait until a minute before the interval for any more chances. Firstly, a Mikel Arteta cross found Lescott unmarked in the box. He struck the ball well on the volley only to see James make the save. Portsmouth then mounted their first real attack of the match. Benjani’s delicate through ball found O’Neil in acres of space. He hit it first time but his shot failed to trouble Howard. Just seconds later the referee blew his whistle to end what was a fairly uneventful first half.
The second half could not have contrasted greater. David Moyes’ men came out of the dressing room full of confidence and instantly started playing stylish football. Just three minutes after the restart Everton could, and should, have taken the lead. After some neat footwork Arteta crossed to present Carsley with what looked an almost perfect chance. However the Everton veteran’s shot went agonisingly wide.
Portsmouth failed to take advantage of that let off and Everton pressed for the opening goal. On 57 minutes young Everton striker James Vaughan powered his way through the Portsmouth defence. Glen Johnson desperately tried to win the ball but only succeeded in bringing down Vaughan. Howard Webb pointed to the spot, sparking what was to be the first of many deafening cheers from the Goodison faithful. The pressure fell on Spaniard Mikel Arteta to take the spot kick. He coolly stepped up and placed the ball past the diving David James.
Everton had the lead, but they weren’t prepared to stop there. Less than five minutes later they doubled their advantage. Manuel Fernandes whipped in a corner and centre back Yobo powered a header past the helpless James. More jubilant celebrations followed from Evertonians all around the stadium. The atmosphere was electric for the rest of the afternoon with seemingly endless singing and chanting.
After a string of chances to increase their lead, Everton looked to have settled for the two goal win when they won a corner late in injury time. Only three or four Everton players were in the box. However, Arteta found James Beattie with the corner. He flicked on to find fellow substitute Naysmith whose diving header flew over the line for an unlikely goal.
Other results meant that the three points confirmed Everton’s European place for next season. It is exactly what the Everton players deserve after a fantastic season.
By David Robson
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