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MIDDLESBROUGH v EVERTON - BRIGGSY'S ANALYSIS 15-10-06
Boro produced a workmanlike performance to beat the Toffees yesterday
at the Riverside. It was Everton's first defeat of the season and they can
have no complaints about it.
Southgate fielded an attacking team which saw the return of influential
captain George Boateng. Robert Huth made his Middlesbrough debut while
Lee Cattermole was tried out as a right midfielder.
It was a very physical and frantic opening with both sides looking
threatening. But it was Boro who broke the deadlock on the half hour
mark.
Euell chased down a nothing ball down the Boro left hand side.
Neville's clearance hit Euell and was deflected into the path of Yakubu, but the
forward was taken down by the onrushing Everton keeper Tim Howard. Mark
Halsey made no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
Yakubu coolly stepped up and slotted home the penalty, sending Howard
the wrong way. Viduka nearly doubled the lead only moments later. A mix up
in the Everton box seemed to have given the Aussie forward a free shot
into an empty net but Everton defender Tony Hibbert was on hand to save
Everton's blushes.
Boro ended the half the strongest and could have had a couple
of goals. A long clearance downfield was pounced upon by Yakubu, the
Nigerian making headway into the Everton box before firing over from close range. He
had to at least hit the target from the potion he was in.
Just as the half finished, slick play from Downing and Viduka presented
Euell with a perfect opportunity to double the lead from just outside
the box. Euell decided to try and place the ball into the net with the side
of the foot, when a power drive would have been the better option. The
shot was cleared from danger by Valente.
Everton pushed hard early in the second half in search of that
equaliser and they showed signs why they haven't been beaten this season. An Everton
corner from Arteta found Yobo, but his header sailed over the bar. Boro
countered with two great crosses from Lee Cattermole which caused
problems for Everton but we couldn't find that clinical touch. It was a really
open game with both sides showing an attacking and physical intent.
On the hour mark a long downfield ball from Mark Schwarzer put Yakubu
in and he was chased by Joleon Lescott. Yakubu advanced into the Everton box
before flicking the ball over the Everton defender, but Lescott had his hands
raised and the ball struck his hand. Helsey again made no hesitation in
pointing to the spot.
For some reason I wasn't confident at all this time
with Yakubu. If the keeper guesses right with any of Yakubu penalty
they'll save it and that's exactly what happened. Howard dived to his right
and put the ball behind for a corner. Suddenly you get that sinking feeling...
not again!
We finally got that second killer goal with twenty minutes to go and
what a goal it was. Boateng picked up the ball in midfield, slid in Viduka
who in turn found Yakubu. The Nigerian picked out Euell inside the Everton
box before setting up Viduka with an excellent pass. The Aussie forward
slid to put the ball home to send the New Holgate into raptures. A goal worthy
of winning any game.
As we know, Everton don't give up without a fight. Tim Cahill scored a
fine individual goal with fifteen minutes to go. Everton pushed hard for
the equaliser and if it wasn't for good defending by Davies to prevent
Beattie with a header they might have got it.
We showed great resolve and stood
strong despite heavy pressure from Everton. And we continued to
attack
down the other end looking for that killer goal.
Viduka nearly capped off a great day deep into stoppage time but his
low
drive was saved well by Tim Howard. It was a really enjoyable game and
Everton can have no complaints about been second best in a closely
fought
contest.
We showed something in yesterday's game that was lacking in previous
games
and that was passion and commitment. It was so refreshing to see. And
we
actually played some good football during the game. It was a whole team
performance from the keeper to the forward line. We can take many
positives
from this game and it will give us a massive boost leading up to a
local
derby next weekend.
We must use this as a platform to go onto bigger and better things.
These
are the types of games that can mould a season. If we can get something
out
of next week's derby game than surely the doom and gloom surrounding the
club
of late will finally be lifted.
TALK ABOUT IT IN THE NEW HOLGATE MESSAGE BOARD
BACK TO BRIGGSY INDEX
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