Manchester City had a chance to grab first place in the English Premier League with a win on Monday, but Everton played the role of spoiler perfectly.
Led by a dominant performance from Tim Howard, and inspired effort by the Everton defense, the Toffees posted a 2-1 victory against Manchester City on Monday.
Tim Cahill and Leighton Baines scored early in the first half and the Everton defense made the goals stand up, with Howard delivering a handful of top-notch saves to help Everton clinch a vital three points and move to 14th place in the Premier League, five points clear of the relegation zone.
What did you think of Everton's performance? Happy to see Howard post one of his signature performances? Think Landon Donovan needs to join Everton this winter?
Share your thoughts below.
I also watched that play 3-4 times trying to see exactly where the breakdown was.. And your two responses are about perfect. haha.
In the end I think I gave it to Cahill for being crafty and getting between the seams.. though in order of blame I put Company, Hart, Coleman.
I was waiting for my daughter’s flight at the Newport News Airport bar watching the game with other people. First surprising thing was that the game was on the main HD TV. Second, I don’t know which was better; watching Howard or being there with fellow soccer lovers, and strangers at that.
A bit inflated from American fans perhaps?
Timmy was unreal last night. His save and sliding tackle on Balotelli and then flopping in front of Tevez’s shot was amazing to watch. American spirit shown through there. Also, his fingertip save on the Toure rocket was beautiful. Performances like that prove his worth as a top 10 keeper in the world.
Did anyone see this?
Guardian.co.uk readers’ Premier League team of the season so far
Analysis of your player ratings for every league game so far this season ranks Bolton’s Stuart Holden as the No 1
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/dec/21/readers-premier-league-team-season-so-far
Howard was definitely superb last night. Got to give props to the Everton D though. How many stingers did they get last night jumping in front of all those shots?
I think Sky gave Distin “Man of the Match.”
That Donovan, what a Eurosnob…
(just kidding….but what red-blooded American talks that way?)
Great game by Timmy, he made some truly spectacular saves. I surprised no one mention Distin. He was a beast today. It seemed like every time City was getting ready to build on something near the box, Distin was there to clean it up. Absolutely stupid fouls by both Anichebe and Toure to be sent off. Way to make sure you have Boxing Day off!
… you just completed my thought.
The keeper was my next scapegoat, but I don’t think there’s an easy answer there.
But we can all agree that truly great teams rarely (let’s just say never) concede goals like that?
I’m no Man U fan, but can you imagine Vidic, Ferdinand, and Van der Saar looking that inept?
But as you said, what defender leaves Timmy Cahill unmarked in the box awaiting a cross?!?!
Don’t forget Toure’s blast that was on target that Timmy got a finger or two on and pushed wide. Very impressive.
Donovan goes back to Everton, goes to top of table, then goes back to super stocked LA squad – no doubt he feel he still has lots to prove, he’s hungry
Everton should sell Pienaar and buy Donovan.
Awesome game. 🙂 I loved it.
I mean, why not blame the slow-footed goalkeeper that failed to get back across the 6-yard box and on his line? Technically, that ball should be the keepers if he weren’t scrambling back into position. Blame Joe Hart! Then again, maybe the excellent cross and Coleman’s ability to find the right option would’ve beating any team. Joe Hart is no Usain Bolt, right? But then again, what (idiot) defender would leave Tim Cahill alone around the 6-yard box? Now I’m confused…
Still don’t know who to blame for the first goal.
Of course, you can say Company was wrong for marking the wrong person, but it was also the responsiblity of the left back to cut off the crosser, or at least hinder him. I’ve watched the pass (to Cahill) now several times. It all happened so fast. But I guess you have to blame Company.
Timmmmmmmie = Man of Match!
Oh. Just realized. If Everton sell Baines to Bayern Munich, that might just give them the cash to buy Donovan. Unfortunately, they probably don’t want to sell Baines.
Great display by Everton.
You know it’s a great team when everyone contributes so well like that.
I’m surprised no one mentioned Baines’ splendid strike with his weaker foot. Talk about David defeating Goliath. And how Cahill manages to make scoring look so easy is beyond me.
agreed, Saha deserves some credit. he was instrumental in winning long balls and holding it up to relieve pressure off the defense. that being said, it was a great team performance today from everyone. i can’t say how many blocks there were in front of goal, but it’s got to be close to 20, for real. Timmy really stepped up big and showed that he is still one of the world’s best on his day.
also, i couldn’t help but think today, Everton needs Donovan more than ever. judging by his tweets today, i think he’ll go back. he will fit in perfectly with this team. they reminded me of the USMNT today with their fighting spirit with their backs against the wall
It wasn’t just Timmy. Everyone played exceptionally well for Everton (save for Anichebe). I was especially impressed with the hold up play of Saha.
My team!
Tim was a BEAST in goal today, plan and simple….he made a save by body checking one player Balotelli(after the ball deflected off the post from a over head chip from Balotelli), deflecting the ball with his foot that landed in front of Tevez then making a diving save to deflect his shot over the bar……Timmy is Real
Got any footage of Timmy’s saves???
Something tells me the chances of Landon going back to everton on loan just increased… from his twitter:
landondonovan Landon Donovan
Up the Toffees!!!!!
37 minutes ago
City had 25 shots, Everton had 2 shots on target and scored from both, #MCFC 67% possession, #EFC 33%
Moyes needs a player like Donovan to join up. Everton, most definitely, lean to the left.
It was an exciting game and a heroic performance by Everton. And yes I want to see Donovan back in England!
Sir Timmeh was the second half hero for Everton today. Hell of a game.