I have seen some other sites do this and figured why not do a man of match poll.  Starting a man of the match poll today seems easier than doing a man of match poll after Reading (when I would have voted for no one). 

 

But hey we won, so let's celebrate.  Personally I think Arteta is the man of match hands down.  He setup Osman's goal on a platter, won the free kick for the second goal, and easily should have setup at least three more goals to Saha and Coleman.

 

Use the comments to support your choice of Man of the Match.  Any suggestions, like if you think I should add more names on the poll list (you probably didn't watch the match) or something else - are welcome.

Poll

Everton's Man of the Match vs Newcastle

71%

Mikel Arteta

5 votes

0%

Leon Osman

0 votes

14%

Phil Jagielka

1 votes

14%

Leighton Baines

1 votes

0%

Louis Saha

0 votes

0%

Other

0 votes

7 votes | Poll has closed

Figured I would start one Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Arteta, Neville, Rodwell, Osman, Saha, Beckford Looks like a 4-1-3-2 Neville at Def Mid, Arteta on the left, Rodwell center and Osman on the left. Bench...Mucha, Heitinga, Anichebe, Bilyaletdinov, Coleman, Duffy, Baxter. Quick Recapt 2-1 Boys in blue We go down 1-0 after Leon Best got on the end of a rebound from a block shot by Howard. Then we go level after Osman slots home an easy one after Arteta picked him out. We take the lead after a free kick by Baines (who should take those) sends a great cross that Jags volleys high off the top cross bar into the net.

On a few different Everton sites there has been discussion about beginning a supporters trust for Everton. Nothing has been set in concrete but here are a couple links discussing the beginning of a supporters trust.  I am having trouble linking the articles so the entire links are listed below.

Oringal Toffeeweb Article

http://www.toffeeweb.com/season/10-11//comment/fan/17021.html

Followup Article

 http://www.toffeeweb.com/season/10-11//comment/fan/17106.html

Another related posting -

http://www.nsno.co.uk/everton-news/2011/02/trust-everton/

I would be willing to join to have some type of voice in regards to Everton.  Something is better than nothing.  Sounds interesting at least.

Moyes was disappointed that Everton did not take 3 points from the Red Shites and things some players were awestruck

There is no change in Pienaar's transfer status as Chelsea's bid for 3 million was accepted, but the Spurs (who Pienaar prefers) have only offered 2 million

Harry Redknapp apparently thinks Chelsea is trying to drive up Pienaar's price or simply trying keep Pienaar away from the Spurs (who knows?)

Distin is disappointed about Pienaar leaving and wonders if Everton will bring anyone to replace Pienaar (who is happy about this other than Pienaar?)

Yak is fitting in a Leicester City after scoring in his debut game (of course kinda wish we sold him to West Ham rahter than give him a few games to become decent)

The Liverpool Daily Post reports James Vaughan could be headed to Cardiff or Celtic for 1 million ----They also report that Everton is interested in 18 yr old Transmere winger Dale Jennings as a potential replacement for Pienaar (with Moyes penchant for not placing under 20 year olds ahead of his known players - like Osman - I think he will see the field as much as Gueye)

Another report has Everton interested in Burnley midfielder Chris Eagles as a potential replacement for Pienaar

Also another report on Arsenal trying to bring in Jags for around 12-15 million.  For 15 million I say sell him and buy Lescott back from Citeh cheap and us the funds to replace Pienaar and get a striker to partner with Becks/Saha.

No thread yet so I will start one. Its halftime and right now we suck. Anichibe plays on the left wing not as a striker. Osman has no chemistry for runs with Baines. Beckford as no accuracy. And Arteta still can't pass forward or take a free kick. On the positive - Fellaini is a beast out there (except for one pass that was horrible and almost lead to a goal), Coleman is challenging Johnson (though still losing the ball to easy). Howard saved shots that could have made it worse.

Snowed in again today so thought I discuss the Everton Transfer rumors while were in the transfer period -

I saw this first in the Daily News but now this rumor has been dispersed to more reputable papers (not rumor creating Daily News).  The Spurs are trying to bring our Captain Phil ('Pip') Neville to White Hart Lane. Liverpool Echo - Apparently Redknapp has been impressed with Pip on the 2 matches this season and is looking to bring in some experience (Guess that explains the Beckham loan wish).  Shutting down Gareth Bale twice will get you noticed.  While I love Pip's heart and leadership, a couple million pounds I could live with it.

But since I started writing this Fanpost Moyes has ruled out any possibility of Pip leaving (ESPN)

Of course the Spurs have long been linked to Pienaar and are rumored to be offering up to two million pounds (Goal Article).  But there has also been a report that Chelsea are interested in Pienaar for up to 3 million pounds - Article.  In full disclosure - this article is credited to the Daily News which has been known to not be the most accurate.

There are of course rumors about other players leaving like the Yak going to Leicester City which is possible since he is apparently Moyes 3rd preferred Striker.  But it will likely be for way less than anything Everton wanted and nowhere near the 10 million paid for Yak.

Apparently Monaco is looking to get Saha but with him finally scoring in the last two matches that will unlikely happen.

We also recetly sign an 18-year midfielder Araz Abdullayev from Azerbaijan who will be coming to train but is waiting on a work permit before moving permanently.   This has been our SOP recently.  Buy under million for a youngster to work through the system but nothing with immediate impact.

Random Tidbits - Also our world-class left back Baines turned down Bayern Munich for a transfer, never used striker James Vaughn is still with Everton somehow after ending his loan with Crystal Palace. 

Everton will be without Leon Osman for the upcoming match vs the Spurs.  And Mikel Arteta is also listed as doubtful with an injury from the Derby match.  Link  Also out are Jack Rodwell, Steven Pienaar, Louis Saha and Marouane Fellaini.  Diniyar Bilyaletdinov will likely start and we may yet see Gueye play for the Blues. 

Our once stacked midfield is looking a bit thin at the moment.  Hopefully this brings out the brillance in Moyes and the Blues for a difficult match away to the Spurs.  COYB

 

There are a ton of stories recently talking about the riff between Sir Ferguson and Wayne Rooney. 

There are also rumors that Wayne has refused to re-negotiate with ManU on his contract (set to expire in the summer of 2012).

Some websites have speculated that Rooney may go abroad (like most ManU players do eventually).  One Toffee website has been discussing the possibility that Wayne may come back home again to Everton.

There has been discussion that if Rooney is sold we get a 25% cut of any profit made by ManU on the sale.  Basically any money over 25.6 million pounds for a Rooney transfer - we get a 25% cut of it.

Also there is the possibility that maybe Rooney wants to return to Goodison. 

Do I think he will return to Goodison Park as a Blue again - no.  Would I welcome it - yes.  I mean he left because Everton was almost regulated in 03-04 and he wanted European football.  Well he has had all that now at ManU and maybe he wants to come back to the club of his childhood.  Once a Blue, Always a Blue.

 

 

Unfortunately Fellaini suffered a hamstring injury during the international break playing for Belguim.  here

Oh yeah Osman and Hibbo sign new deals.

Not looking to good in the midfield with Rodwell, Fellaini, Pienaar all out.  Also Jags and Saha are still out with injuries as well.  Looks like Gueye may finally get some looks in the League matches starting with the Derby.  Hopefully we adjust by playing two strikers up but thats just a wish.  

I would like to see Becks and Yak up top with Cahill in Attacking Mid position.  Arteta the CM pulling the strings with Gueye, Osman (don't really like his play but love his effort) and Coleman.  

Definitely interested to see the lineup tomorrow.

I thought the Fellaini whiff cost them the first goal.  It put Jag on an island to guard the ball and the free man running inside.  

 

Howard 6 - He wasn't at fault for the goal.  Two decent saves put one should have been put in by Albrighton.

 

Hibbo 6 - Solid nothing special but a stepup from Neville.

 

Jagielka 4 - I don't blame him that much for the goal.  But he had a lucky slip.  Lucky because he slipped into the ball's path, otherwise he was out of position.  And he had a dreadful backpass to Distin.

 

Distin 4 - While he made one decent run to support an attack (to lose possession in the box) he was worked by Carew and the Villa forwards.  They dribble straight at him on multiple occasions that made backpedal all the way down the pitch.  I thought he made Villa look dangerous at every counter by not challenging them.

 

Baines 5 - Defensively he was weak but he was good pushing forward.  I really think he needs more chances at the free kicks.  And he needs to look to shot sometimes - he had some looks but always looked to pass.

 

Rodwell 5 - Completely out of position.  Should have been in for Cahill or Fellaini.  Moyes fault IMO.  But he looked bad and got hurt.

 

Fellaini 5 - I thought he looked bad at first.  I blame him for the goal but he got better as the game went on.  They need to get him involved on more corners.  I can only remember him getting in Cahill's way once.

 

Arteta 5 - I thought he played bad.  Playing to deep.  Shoudln't switch places with Fellaini.  And his free kicks sucked, he kept hitting the wall.  Also his corners never really connected (and there were 16 of them).

 

Cahill 5 - Didn't do much, didn't cost us much.  He did fall down once to easily I thought close to the box losing us possession.  Honestly Rodwell should being switching in with him as Moyes alluded to earlier this week.

 

Pienaar 6 - Made alot of runs, almost scored.  Didn't cost us and help put on the pressure.

 

Beckford 4 - Can't recall him really pressuring the Villa defense.

 

Subs -

Saha 5 - Looked way more dangerous than Beckford.  Almost had the stoppage time equalizer.

Coleman 7 - I love the fact he actually took on the defenders.  He had one really good run into the box and had the defenders worrying about him dribbling by him.  Played further back after Heitinga came in but he should be our right winger for now.  Him and Hibbo could be a good partnership on the right with Pienaar and Baines on the left.

Heitinga 5 - No time to really make a difference.  Don't understand why Moyes brought on a Defensive midfield while they were down a goal.  Would have rather seen Bilyaletdinov.  If it worked I wouldn't grip but it didn't.

July is coming to a close and I just wanted to throw out there a few tidbits concerning the Blues prior to the season starting in earnest in two weeks. -

• Arteta and Pienaar's situations have still not settled fully.  Apparently Arteta has yet to sign a deal to make him the highest paid player at EFC.  Also Pienaar has not discussed a transfer yet but there is concern that he will want out and Inter Milan under Rafa is considered his potential suitor.
• Arsenal is still interested in Jagielka.  The Gunners seemingly need another Center-Back since Sol Campbell has signed with Newcastle United.  They are apparently offerring somewhere around 15-18 million pounds for Jags.  Hopefully the Gaffer continues to stand firm about rejecting any transfer.
• The friendly against Preston was last weekend resulted in a 3-0 victory for the Blues.  Saha scored and Beckford added a double for the Blues goals.  Gueye the young Frenchman apparently impressed with his pace and dribbling during the match.
• Marouane Fellaini is working out and estimates to be in top form in the next few weekends adding a veristale midfielder to the Toffee attack.
• Everton spokeout against Dan Gosling's agent story as to how the free transfer of Gosling to Newcastle went down.  Everton made it clear they agreed to a higher wage for Gosling and believed through the words of the agent and Gosling the deal was done.  Gosling's agent made a pretty penny on the signing fee for the free transfer to the Toons (and is a truth spinning windbag in my personal opinion)
• Everton has another friendly against newly promoted Championship side Norwich.  Hopefully the Blues will continue the good form and be ready to start out the gates fast.
• After the 5-2 thrashing the Manure put on the MLS all-stars Landon Donovan spoke about possibly transferring off the LA Galaxy (which after being beaten down by Man U and some Puerto Rican team in consecutive nights would make me want to leave as well).  Chances are Everton has no money for this and would have to be creative or else Donovan would likely end up at City or another club.
• Donovan has also been quoted this week saying that our own Jack Rodwell is the future of the English team and a future world beater.  Good thing he is under contract until 2014.

That's all I have for now but I can't wait for the season and to hopefully see the Blues continue the form from the end of last season.  A trophy this year would be nice.

 

Everton have deflected interest by Sevilla and maybe some other La Liga teams for Mikel Arteta

Mikel to Stay in Premier

Everton have also rejected and hopefully dissuaded Arsenal from bidding on Jagielka

Jags Bid rejected

Man City manager Mancini admit interest in Landon Donovan

Man City eye on Landon

My take on each after the jump

Continue reading this post »

Reports have confirmed that Everton has signed young French Ligue 2 striker Magaye Gueye for a little less than 1 million pounds and a 3 year deal.  This now makes 3 younger strikers that Everton has signed this offseason.  Two are under 21 (Joao Silva from Portugal and Gueye from France) along with 26 year old Beckford from Leeds United.  I don't know if they are gearing to replace Yak and Saha or simply prepping for the future.  I know we won't start that many strikers this year and we still have Vaughn under contract. 

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12874_6236974,00.html 

Perhaps Everton is looking to loan out the young strikers and hoping to catch lightening with one of them.  With the uncertainity surrounding the futures of Arteta and Pienaar with the club I expect them to be on the lookout for attacking minded midfielders sometime soon.  Regardless, I hope these young strikers pan out and we have a vicious strikers for the next decade. 

I don't want this to be true but - Apparently Mikel is requesting a transfer to Spain to be closer to his child who has some medical issues.  This is devastating news for Everton.  Mikel is the best player on the team, crucial in so many ways.  And the request could hamper the amount of a transfer fee Everton will receive.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1289981/Let-home-Mikel-Arteta-stuns-Everton-boss-David-Moyes-request.html?ITO=1490

If this is true this shines a brighter light on the Pienaar negotiations.  Losing either Pienaar or Arteta is bad.  Losing both is shockingly bad.

 J. Heitinga has been discussing moving to bigger clubs like Man City (really?), Liverpool, Barca, and back to Ajax recently.  It could be alot of nothing or it could be Heitinga positioning himself for a Lescott like move who really knows.

I would rather Heitinga not say anything and focus on the Cup and upcoming Club season with Everton.  Which could be fantastic if everyone returns.  We will see where this goes as the summer rumors drag on.  Below are the links.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/everton-fc/everton-fc-news//tm_headline=everton-fc-s-john-heitinga-risks-david-moyes-8217-wrath-with-manchester-city-talk%26method=full%26objectid=26555491%26siteid=100252-name_page.html

http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/39091/Heit_of_stupidity_Toffees_star_shoots_mouth_off_again.aspx

 

According to Goal.com apparently the Hammers are looking to buy Yakubu from Everton for around 7million. 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2565/exclusives/2010/05/26/1943733/everton-striker-yakubu-agrees-deal-in-principle-to-be-avram

 

I don't want to see Yak go, especially considering how much Saha became a non-factor after signing a contract with the club.  Hopefully Anichebe and Beckford will be able to step with the loss of the Yak.