A Touch of Spanish Magic

By Luke O'Farrell   ::  25/08/2011

The team showed 5 changes from the QPR defeat with Distin rested, allowing Heitinga to move to centre back with Fellaini filling the gap in made his 250th Everton start at right back. Arteta and Anichebe were the two other changes. That midfield. Mucha was given a start in-goal, Hibbert meant 6 survivors from Saturday with Barkley given another chance to impress. The League 1 visitors had ex-Everton goalkeeper Steve Simonsen in-goal.

There was more determination and drive in Everton?s play as they were positive and pressurised the visitors from the off. The lack of a natural wide man in midfield was actually a blessing; the players interchanged positions and the movement was more fluent. Within 5 minutes, Fellaini and Barkley had both had attempts from distance; neither troubled Simonsen.

After 10 minutes, the first signs of the players clicking into gear became clear. Baines, Osman and Arteta linked up well down the left resulting in Arteta having a shot blocked. A short while later Anichebe produced a smart turn and shot that drifted wide. Barkley tried again from distance and Fellaini also fired wide after good work from Arteta.

Arteta was starting to grow in confidence and become more and more involved. Around the 15 minutes had elapsed when Sheffield United had their first real effort of note. A training ground move resulted in Maguire firing a free kick high into the Gwladys Street.

A Hibbert cross found its way to Arteta on the back post but he could only fire into the side netting; his reaction told us he should have done better. Barkley had another effort from distance after some good build up play; his shot didn?t trouble the target. From the resulting goal kick, United took the lead. Simonsen?s punt was badly misjudged by Jagielka and Quinn raced into the hole in the back line to square for Cresswell who applied the finish. The fans got behind the team as they acknowledged that it was an individual error and the team had played well to that point.

Everton were level within two minutes, putting the fan?s nerves to bed. Rodwell and Arteta played a neat one-two down the left and Rodwell advanced into the area. Simonsen saved his low effort but the ball rebounded off Cresswell into the net. Cresswell had gone from hero to villain within 120 seconds.

With 10 minutes till the interval, Everton took the lead. Osman broke forward from the halfway line and played the ball to Barkley. The youngster?s cross-shot was heading wide until Anichebe steered it into the Park End net. Barkley was heavily involved in Everton?s third on the stroke of half-time. Barkley drifted in from the right with a well-timed tackle stopping him; the ball fell to Arteta who guided the ball into the corner past Simonsen. The finish was perfect and highlighted the class Arteta possesses.

Half time came and it was clear the players seemed much more focused and alert; granted the opposition was weaker but they were taking nothing for granted. Barkley, Fellaini and Arteta had all been prominent in the first half and Heitinga had looked very composed at centre back.

Just after the break, Quinn, easily the visitor?s best player; tested Mucha from distance but the Slovakian got down well to save. Barkley and Osman stung Simonsen?s fingers; Barkley?s effort had his effort beaten away and Osman's shot was well held. Good work from Arteta resulted in a chance that Anichebe put wide of the far post.

Saha came on for Rodwell with 25 minutes left. Good build up involving Arteta and Anichebe resulted in a cut back that Osman drove off the right hand post with Simonsen well beaten. The introduction of Baxter and Neville was to follow, in place of Barkley and Osman.

Maguire forced Mucha into a good save in 89th minute with a well struck 30-yarder and in stoppage time Anichebe missed a chance to make it 4-1; dithering on the ball and allowing the defender to recover with a well-timed tackle.

The players were much more focused and committed than on Saturday. The midfield looks much more threatening with Arteta and Fellaini present; the Spaniard, in particular, was very impressive and everything he did was a class above. Rodwell also performed better in a central role; although he was outperformed by the 4 players around him.

In terms of the defence, Jagielka looked shaky and has been at fault for both goals this season. Distin performed well against QPR and Heitinga did so tonight. With the Dutchman at centre back, the team build from the back and keep possession better. Two passes to Hibbert and Barkley were particularly impressive. Based on the two games so far; Heitinga and Distin will feel hard done by if they don?t start at Ewood Park.

Barkley played well yet has things to learn. He often made the wrong choice but this will improve with experience and the match time will only help his development.

Another plus point was Tony Hibbert. Solid in defence and constantly getting forward, he gave the right side of the team a much stronger feel. His crossing improved and he took one pass on the run, past their full back, in a particularly impressive manner.

Mucha was impressive in what he did; commanding his area and dealing with the attempts on target. Most impressive was his distribution; refusing to punt the ball aimlessly. He continually ordered the centre backs to move into space so he could pass the ball out. Over the 90 minutes, he only hit one long ball. This resulted in better ball retention and we looked better for it; Howard would do well to copy this.

The team and tactics from tonight are needed for Saturday?s trip to Blackburn. Overall, it was a much improved performance, with key players wanting the ball and taking responsibility. Arteta and Fellaini showed their class and got some much-needed game time, Barkley proved that he can do a job on the right whilst Hibbert made a very good case for being first choice.

Next up Blackburn; should the Everton of tonight turn up then it could be a very enjoyable Saturday afternoon.

Ratings: Mucha 7, Hibbert 8, Jagielka 6, Heitinga 7, Baines 7, Barkley 7, Fellaini 8, Rodwell 7, *Arteta 8*, Osman 7, Anichebe 7

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