molliebennett

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Martinez is working overtime...

By Mollie Bennett (@molliebjourno)

As a 21-year-old Evertonian, Saturday’s defeat hurt – a lot - but it didn’t come as a surprise. In fact, it was all too familiar.

I was five months old when the Blues last won a trophy in 1995 and since then I’ve watched us become the nearly team – the team that the neutrals feel sorry for and laugh at, at the same time – as we continue to collapse when it really matters.

The laughs have increased in the last few weeks as the fans have been humiliated by Everton’s longest run without a win for 20 years. The run, which was compounded by an embarrassing 4-0 defeat at Anfield and a semi-final exit in the last week, has seen the nail hammered into Roberto Martinez’s coffin – well at least from the fans point of view.

The club remains silent though, despite mounting pressure from the outside after two seasons of underachievement. That together with the stubbornness and delusion of Martinez has reached boiling point this week and today it has boiled over.

The Spaniard has appeared to have a swipe at David Moyes, his predecessor, stating: “If I had been given 10 years to work with Everton by being mediocre I wouldn’t accept that.”

This is a new low for Martinez who has clung onto the ‘nice guy’ tag throughout his time at Everton but clearly the pressure is getting to him.

He continued by insisting he is still the right man for the job though, despite leading Everton to their lowest home points tally in a top flight campaign – winning just four league games at Goodison all campaign. 

“I want to believe with the work I’ve done for the last three years there are signs we are challenging for silverware and where Everton should be.” 

Quite what signs Roberto is hinting at, leaves all Evertonians bemused and it’s these comments that have frustrated the Blues all season. It’s the blind faith and constant positivity, despite some truly embarrassing and unacceptable performances.

Although his job would still rightly be under threat, had the Spaniard admitted to Everton’s alarmingly obvious mistakes, and more importantly addressed them; he may just have brought himself more time. As it is, the Spanaird has over stayed his welcome and is now having a negative affect on the players.

In his first season in charge, Roberto gave me the best year supporting Everton that I can remember. I know that is sad, but believe there haven’t been many positives over the last 21 years.

He built on the foundations Moyes had left and brought an attacking style the Blues had been craving.

Since then though, his tactics have become predictable and frustrating, and he has destroyed the work Moyes left after 11 years in charge of the Toffees.

Now I would have no problem with Martinez installing his own philosophy from top to bottom, had it worked – but it’s been quite the opposite.

His comments towards Moyes were out of order and below the belt. Moyes did a good job with limited resources and had a lower budget than Martinez. And this ‘mediocrity’ Martinez is slating, is exactly where Everton remain under the Spaniard’s guidance.  

That said Martinez has built a squad capable of much more than their recent performances suggest and that is maybe part of the problem.

Neither Moyes or Martinez are top managers – both have their strengths and weakness but ultimately neither have delivered silverware.

I will always be thankful for what Moyes did for the club, especially given the state it was when he took over. It’s important to remember the way Moyes left the club though, and that’s why Martinez’s first season was so refreshing. I also admire Martinez’s philosophy and respect what he tried to do for our club.

There is no doubting he is a nice guy with the right intentions, and it is a shame it has all gone so wrong - but football is a results business and they simply haven’t been good enough.

With the new owner Farhad Moshiri in place, and the current squad Everton have in their grasp – there is no better time to make a statement.

Everton have been settling for too long and it’s time for them to bring in a winner. Someone that might spice things up and upset a few people, but after 21 years of nearly men, surely it’s time for a change? 

Jose Mourinho and Manuel Pellegrini have both been linked with the job, along with a long list of others – and what’s to say we can’t appoint a top manager?

It’s time for the club to make a statement, and what better statement than appointing one of the best managers available in world football…

[molliebennett]

Match Preview: Aston Villa v Everton

By Mollie Bennett (@molliebjourno)

Everton return to action tomorrow as they travel to rock bottom Aston Villa, looking to return to winning ways in the league.

The Toffees have had a 16-day break from Premier League football, and haven’t played at all for 10 days.

Evertonians have had plenty to cheer about though, as the club announced a new major stakeholder in Iranian billionaire Farhad Moshiri who has brought a 49.9% stake in the club.

The players have enjoyed a warm weather training camp in Dubai to prepare for the trip to Villa, after their last league outing ended in a disappointing defeat at home to West Brom.

The Toffees bounced back with a win in the FA Cup before departing for the Middle East and Martinez will be hoping the warm-weather camp has rejuvenated his side ahead of the final third of the Premier League season. 

The Spaniard will be without midfielders Mo Besic and Darron Gibson for the trip to Villa, although Bosnian Besic is expected to return at the weekend.

For Villa, Remi Garde has five senior players on the sidelines as Jack Grealish, Libor Kozak (both foot/ankle), Carlos Sanchez (hamstring), Adama Traore (foot) and Jordan Amavi are all out.

Everton will be hoping for a repeat of the last fixture, as the Blues cruised to a 4-0 victory in November.

My Everton 11: Joel; Coleman, Funes Mori, Jagielka, Baines; McCarthy, Barry; Deulofeu, Barkley, Lennon; Lukaku.

Key stats:

- The Toffees have lost just one of their last 10 meetings against Villa.

- The previous five fixtures between the sides have seen 17 goals.

- Romelu Lukaku has scored in his last three appearances against the Villains.

http://www.premierleaguepreview.co.uk/2016/02/match-preview-aston-villa-v-everton.html

[molliebennett]

Match Preview: Everton v West Brom

By Mollie Bennett (@molliebjourno)

Tim Howard and John Stones remain doubts for Everton’s clash with West Brom tomorrow.

The duo missed the Blues emphatic win over Stoke due to knee and hamstring injuries respectively, and Roberto Martinez only offers them “a chance” of featuring against the Baggies.

Midfielder Mo Besic is definitely out for the Toffees, although new signing Oumar Niasse could make his first appearance as they go in search of three successive Premier League victories for the first time in almost a year.

For West Brom, Gareth McAuley, Craig Dawson and Jonny Evans are doubts, while James Morrison and Callum McManaman are still sidelined.

Chris Brunt however, could over come a calf injury in time to feature for Tony Pulis’s side.

Everton go into the game in their best form of the season after recording three 3-0 wins. The Blues have attacked and scored freely all season, but have leaked goals in a worrying manner.

It is a huge incentive therefore, for Joel Robles who could become the first goalkeeper to keep six consecutive Premier League clean sheets, since Everton legend Neville Southall in October/November 1994.

Another Everton record could be broken at Goodison, as Romelu Lukaku is one goal away from becoming the first Everton player to scored 17 goals in a single Premier League season.

West Brom however, will care very little about records as they look to record their first league win since January 2. 

My Everton 11: Joel; Coleman, Funes Mori, Jagielka, Baines; McCarthy, Barry; Cleverley, Barkley, Lennon; Lukaku.

http://www.premierleaguepreview.co.uk/2016/02/match-preview-everton-v-west-brom.html

[molliebennett]

Match Preview: Everton v Newcastle

By Mollie Bennett (@molliebjourno)

Joel Robles is set to make his first Premier League start of the season as Everton host Newcastle tonight at Goodison Park. 

The Spaniard has played back up to Tim Howard who is set to miss the clash with a knock. 

Joel has started just eight-cup games this season, and Everton have lost just one of those games.

He has also kept three clean sheets in those eight games, while Howard has kept just six in 23 league appearances. 

Elsewhere, the Blues are set to be without the infectious Mo Besic who is sidelined for a further two weeks with a hamstring injury, while Kevin Mirallas is also a doubt.

New signing Oumar Niasse is not eligible for the Toffees until Saturday.

For the Magpies, new signing Andros Townsend could make his debut, although Seydou Doumbia is still awaiting a visa.

Jack Colback and Paul Dummett could also return from injury to boost Steve McClaren’s options. 

My Everton 11: Joel; Coleman, Funes Mori, Jagielka, Baines; Barry, McCarthy; Deulofeu, Barkley, Lennon; Lukaku.

Key Stats:

- Ross Barkley’s nine goals and eight assists for Everton this season is a better return than Philippe Coutinho has managed in his professional career. The Brazillian’s best return is eight goals and seven assists - in the 2014/15 season.

- Georginio Wijnaldum is the second highest scoring midfielder in the Premier League this season with nine, behind only Riyah Mahrez.

- Everton have conceded a league-high of 22 goals at home this season. 

- The Toffees are without a league win at home since November.

http://www.premierleaguepreview.co.uk/2016/02/match-preview-everton-v-newcastle.html

[molliebennett]

Match Preview: Everton v Swansea

By Mollie Bennett (@molliebjourno)

Roberto Martinez will be hoping his side can record their first league victory of the year when they host his former club Swansea on Sunday.

The Toffees are without a league win since Boxing Day, and have failed to win at Goodison since November.

Martinez will be hoping to find home comforts again and settle some nerves with a well-needed victory.

The Spaniard insists his team selection will not be influenced by the Toffees’ semi final second leg at Manchester City on Wednesday - and he will instead take Everton’s hectic schedule of five games in the next fortnight, game-by-game.

That would therefore suggest, that Irish duo Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy will not be rushed back into action, despite being deemed medically fit.

Tom Cleverley is however edging closer to match fitness, and is expected to feature in the match day squad as is Bryan Oviedo who picked up a knock against Chelsea.

For the Swans, Francesco Guidolin will take charge for the first time alongside Alan Curtis, and the Italian should have a full squad to choose from.

The Toffees have failed to score in three of the last four meetings against the Swans, while the Welsh side has scored just eight away goals this season.

My Everton 11: Joel; Stones, Funes Mori, Jagielka, Baines; Besic, Barry; Mirallas, Barkley, Deulofeu; Lukaku.

Key stats:

- Since November 28 Everton have dropped a league-high 11 points from leading positions, six more than any other side.

- The Blues have won just three of their last 15 league games and drawing all three in 2016.

- 34-year-old Gareth Barry has run 261.6km in the Premier League this season – only Bournemouth’s Andrew Surman has covered more ground (266.0km).

- Everton have never lost a league games against the Swans, winning 13 and drawing eight of the previous meetings.

http://www.premierleaguepreview.co.uk/2016/01/match-preview-everton-v-swansea.html

[molliebennett]

Match Preview: Everton v Leicester City

By Mollie Bennett (@molliebjourno)

Two of the deadliest duos in this season’s Premier League go head-to-head tomorrow as Everton welcome leaders Leicester to Goodison Park.

Jamie Vardy and Romelu Lukaku are the leagues top scorers, with assist partners Riyad Mahrez and Gerard Deulofeu joint second in the assist table.

The game at Goodison is likely to depend on the performances of the deadly duos as two of three highest scoring teams meet on Merseyside.

Everton will have a task on their hands keeping Vardy and Mahrez quiet, but also protecting Tim Howard’s goal as the Foxes are the only side to score in every league game season.

The Toffees are boosted by the fitness of John Stones though as the star defender is fully fit for the clash despite picking up a knock against Norwich last week.

Roberto Martinez will also be hoping James McCarthy returns from a hip injury in time for tomorrow’s clash, although Phil Jagielka, Bryan Oviedo, Tyias Browning and Tony Hibbert are all still sidelined.

For the Foxes, Claudio Ranieri will be forced to live up to his ‘Tinker Man’ label, as he’ll be without the injured duo of Matty James and Ritchie De Laet, while both Danny Drinkwater and Jeffrey Schlupp are doubts with hamstring complaints.

The Foxes will also be without defender Robert Huth who is serving a one-match ban.

Evertonians will be hoping the Blues get back to winning ways after drawing their last three encounters, while Leicester fans will be hoping to extend their lead at the top.

The last three meetings between the sides have ended in score draws, and I predict another high-scoring game between the attacking sides.

My Everton 11: Joel; Coleman, Funes Mori, Stones, Baines; Barry, McCarthy; Cleverley, Barkley, Deulofeu; Lukaku. 

Five keys stats:

- Everton are unbeaten in their last eight league counters, but have won just one of their last five.

- Both Gerard Deulofeu and Riyad Mahrez have seven assists each, with only Mesut Ozil registering more in the league this season.

- Deulofeu has assisted eight of Romelu Lukaku’s 15 goals in all competitions, including six in the league. 

- Mahrez has assisted four of Jamie Vardy’s 15 league goals this campaign.

- Vardy (15), Lukaku (12) and Mahrez (11) are the leagues leading scorers this campaign.

https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5883587116760673692#allposts

[molliebennett]

Match Preview: Norwich v Everton

By Mollie Bennett (@molliebjourno)

Everton travel to Norwich tomorrow looking to turn one point into three, and record their first league win on the road since September. 

The Toffees have drawn their last two league outings in disappointing fashion and have failed to win on the road since an emphatic 3-2 comeback at the Hawthorns. 

Roberto Martinez will be hoping his side can build on their away resilience of late - losing just once on the road all season - by turning draws into wins and mounting a push for the European places.

The Spaniard will be without the injured Phil Jagielka, Bryan Oviedo, Tyias Browning, Steven Pienaar and Tony Hibbert for the early kick off against the Canaries.

James McCarthy is also doubt with a hip strain, although he will face a late fitness test before the clash.

Leighton Baines is edging ever closer to his first Everton start of the season, but Martinez remains cautious over the defender’s fitness, and with young Brendan Galloway being rewarded a new contract for his impressive start to life at the Toffees, Baines won’t be rushed back into action.

For Norwich, Wes Hoolahan is back in the frame after recovering from a knee injury, but Matt Jarvis remains sidelined.

The Blues have proved stiff opposition this season, and remain unbeaten in their last seven games, although they have won just three of them in 90 minutes.

Evertonians will be hoping their side can record victory at Carrow Road to begin a string of victories over the Christmas period.

Norwich however, will be looking to record a much-needed victory having won just three league games all season.

My Everton 11: Joel; Coleman, Stones, Funes Mori, Galloway; Cleverley, Barry; Deulofeu, Barkley, Mirallas; Lukaku.

Key stats: 

- Everton have lost just one of their last 13 meetings against the Canaries in all competitions. 

- Five of the last seven meetings between the sides have ended in a draw, with the other two finishing a win-a-piece.

- Romelu Lukaku will be looking to become the first Everton player to score in six successive Premier League games.

- The Belgian has scored more league goals (11) than any other player aged 22 or under in Europe’s top five leagues. 

- In fact, of all the players under the age of 25 in Europe's top five leagues, only Neymar (14) has more league goals than Lukaku's 11.

- Ross Barkley has scored more league goals than any other midfielder aged 22 or under in Europe’s top five leagues.

http://www.premierleaguepreview.co.uk/2015/12/match-preview-norwich-city-v-everton.html

[molliebennett]

Match Report: Everton 1 Crystal Palace 1

By Mollie Bennett (@molliebjourno)

Everton were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient Crystal Palace side at Goodison last night. 

The Blues had a golden opportunity to close the gap on the top four and climb up to sixth, but despite Romelu Lukaku’s 50th goal for Everton, Palace held on to earn a point.

The Toffees started well and the first real chance of the game fell to Lukaku in the 20th minute. The Belgian reacted fasted to a loose ball and produced an exquisite turn, however his curling effort crashed against the post and away to safety.

It was a sign of things to come for Everton and Lukaku, as despite dominating the game, the ball just wouldn’t go in for the Toffees, and it really was one of those nights.

Arouna Kone was next to try his luck, however after neat build up play from Seamus Coleman and Lukaku, the Ivorian fired wide when he really should have done better.

Everton’s final chance of the half fell to Gareth Barry inside the Palace box, but his snapshot-volley was straight down the throat of the thankful Wayne Hennessey. 

Tim Howard had to be alert on a couple of occasions to deny Connor Wickham, who caused Everton problems on the break.

The one-way traffic continued in the second half and thirteen minutes after the restart, Everton were frustrated once more as Wickham headed Ross Barkley’s dangerous free-kick against the crossbar.

In the 62nd minute Hennessey somehow got fingertips to an excellent Tom Cleverley volley, as Everton’s evening was summed up once more.

Fourteen minutes later the Toffees were dealt a sucker punch when Liverpudlian Scott Dann headed home unmarked from six yards out to give Palace the lead.

Just seconds later Lukaku almost leveled in stunning fashion but his dipping half-volley beat Hennessey before crashing onto the crossbar.

It seemed like the ball was never going to cross line the for the Blues but Lukaku’s persistence paid off as he drew Everton level with nine minutes remaining.

Gerard Deulofeu delivered a trademark teasing cross and courtesy of a Gareth Barry flick, Lukaku tapped-in at the far post to net his 50th goal on his 100th appearance for Everton.

The Toffees rallied in the dying moments but Palace stood strong to make it three unbeaten at Goodison.

Key Stats:

- Romelu Lukaku has now scored 11 Premier League goals in just 15 games, one better than the total he managed in 35 PL appearances last season. 

- The 22-year-old has equalled Duncan Ferguson's record, becoming the second player to score in five successive Premier League games for the Toffees.

- Everton have won none of their last 15 home games in which they failed to score in the first half.

- The Toffees have failed to win back-to-back league games since April.

- Crystal Palace have won points at Goodison, than any other away Premier League ground.  (13 points from seven games)

http://www.premierleaguepreview.co.uk/2015/12/match-report-everton-1-crystal-palace.html

[molliebennett]

Match Preview: Everton v Crystal Palace

By Mollie Bennett (@molliebjourno)

Everton host Crystal Palace tomorrow looking to close the gap on the top four and move up to sixth in the Barclays Premier League. 

The Toffees have sat and watched a number of surprising results across the weekend and now have the chance to move within five points of Manchester United in fourth place if they overcome Crystal Palace at Goodison.

The Blues will have it all to do against Palace though as the Eagles have won their last two visits to Goodison Park, losing just one of the last four meetings between the sides.

Everton midfielder James McCarthy will face a late fitness test on a hip injury that kept him out of the 2-0 League Cup victory over Middlesbrough in the week.

Phil Jagielka, Tyias Browning, Steven Pienaar and Tony Hibbert are all still sidelined for the Toffees.

In better news for the Blues, Leighton Baines could return to the starting line-up after returning to action as a second half substitute at the Riverside.

For Palace, in-form winger Wilfried Zaha is suspended and fellow winger Bakary Sako and forward Dwight Gayle are out with a hamstring injuries.

The London side will travel to Goodison with confidence, after winning four of their six trips on the road this season, including a victory on their last trip to Merseyside at Anfield.

Everton on the other hand will be hoping to continue their Monday night form, as they are unbeaten in their last 15 Premier League games played on a Monday – winning seven and drawing eight.

The in-form Romelu Lukaku is set to make his 100th appearance for the Blues, and the Belgian will be looking to net his 50th Everton goal in the process.

How Palace deal with the deadly trio of Lukaku, Ross Barkley and Gerard Deulofeu will play a huge part in whether Everton can claim victory and climb from 11th to 6th in the league table – as 15 of Everton’s last 16 goals have been scored or assisted by one of them.

My Everton 11: Joel; Coleman, Funes Mori, Stones, Galloway; Cleverley, Barry; Deulofeu, Barkley, Mirallas; Lukaku.

Key Stats:

- Everton are unbeaten in their last 15 Premier League fixtures played on a Monday night (W7, D8).

- Palace are the only side yet to throw away any points from leading positions in the Premier League this season; winning all seven games that they have led.

- Romelu Lukaku has eight goals in his last eight Premier League games.  

- The Belgian also has two goals in his last two appearances against the Eagles.

- The last two meetings between the two sides at Goodison Park finished 3-2 to Palace.

http://www.premierleaguepreview.co.uk/2015/12/match-preview-everton-v-crystal-palace.html

[molliebennett]

Match Report: Bournemouth 3 Everton 3

By Mollie Bennett (@molliebjourno)

Everton twice fell from a leading position as they were held to a thrilling 3-3 by a spirited Bournemouth side. 

The Toffees took the lead in the 25th minute when Ramiro Funes Mori headed in his first Everton goal from a Ross Barkley corner, as the Blues scored their first set-piece of the season.

Eleven minutes later the Toffees doubled their lead when Romelu Lukaku netted his tenth league goal of the season, to match his tally for the whole of last season.

The Belgian finished excellently to score his eighth goal in as many games, after yet another fantastic assist from Gerard Deulofeu.

Everton were two goals to the good and cruising at the interval, however the second half was a completely different story.

From the off, the Blues sat back and invited pressure from the Cherries and they were eventually punished. 

With ten minutes remaining Adam Smith halved the deficit with a stunning strike to give Bournemouth hope.

Six minutes later the Cherries deservedly drew level when Junior Stanislas struck from just inside the box.

There was another twist in the tale though, as Barkley netted his third goal in two games in the 95th minute to put Everton ahead once more and send the travelling Evertonians into pandemonium.

It looked certain to be the winner as time-ticked on, however unbelievably Stanislas headed in an equaliser in the 98th minute to earn Bournemouth a deserved point.

The Blues will question how they twice dropped two points in a game they really should be winning, as the Cherries secured their second successive league point.

Key stats:

- 13 of Everton’s last 14 goals have been scored or assisted by one of Barkley, Lukaku or Deulofeu.

- Five of Deulofeu’s last six assists have been finished by either Lukaku (3) or Barkley (2). 

- The Spaniard has assisted 50% of Lukaku’s 10 league goals this season.

- Ross Barkley now has five Premier League assists, three more than the previous four seasons combined. The midfielder also has three goals and two assists in his last two games. 

- Everton have scored 14 goals in their last four Premier League games.

http://www.premierleaguepreview.co.uk

[molliebennett]

Match Preview: Bournemouth v Everton

By Mollie Bennett (@molliebjourno)

Everton travel to Bournemouth tomorrow looking to record back-to-back league victories for the first time this season.

The Toffees made light work of Aston Villa last weekend and Evertonians will be hoping for more of the same, as they make the long trip down to the South Coast for the first ever league meeting between the two sides.

The Blues have largely enjoyed their travels this season - losing just once on the road at the Emirates – and tasting defeat just twice in their last 10 Premier League fixtures away from home.

Roberto Martinez will be hoping the trend continues as he takes his side to the Vitality Stadium, for a fixture the Blues have never lost.

Martinez however, is still without captain Phil Jagielka, defender Bryan Oviedo, and long-term absentees Tony Hibbert and Steven Pienaar. 

Youngster Tyias Browning is also a doubt for the clash with a knee problem.

In more positive news, Leighton Baines has now physically recovered from an ankle problem - which delayed the start of his season – however Martinez will wait until the last possible moment before deciding if Saturday’s game is the right time for the defender to make his first-team return.

The Spaniard is spoilt for choice in the midfield area though, as Tom Cleverley and Mo Besic are both fully fit and ready to fight for their places.

For the hosts, Eddie Howe has an ever-growing injury list as Tommy Elphick, Max Gradel, Callum Wilson, Tyrone Mings and ex-Everton loanee Christian Atsu remain on the sidelines.

Artur Boruc, Marc Pugh and Lee Tomlin are also doubts for Saturday’s clash.

It is an unfamiliar surrounding for the Blues as they travel to Bournemouth for the first time in 20 years.

The Toffees arrive in high spirits though, with the best chance conversion rate in the league, scoring with one in five of their attempts at goal.

The 20% conversion rate is largely down to the young attacking trio of Ross Barkley, Gerard Deulofeu and Romelu Lukaku, who have sparked up an impressive chemistry.

Everton will be hoping to leave the South Coast with three points for the second time this season, although Howe’s men will make it a tough task as they go in search of their first league win for over two months.

My Everton 11: Howard; Coleman, Funes Mori, Stones, Galloway; Barry, McCarthy; Kone, Barkley, Deulofeu; Lukaku.

Key stats: 

- Romelu Lukaku needs just one goal to match his league tally for the whole of last season.

- Should Tim Howard start as expected, he will climb above Gordon West into third in Everton’s all-time goalkeeping appearance chart with 403 appearances, behind only Neville Southall (751) and Ted Sager (497).

- The American will be hoping to help his side keep back-to-back league clean sheets for the first time this season.

- Everton have scored the joint-third most goals in the Premier League this season (24). Only Leicester (28) and Manchester City (27) have scored more.

- Former Everton, and now Bournemouth player Sylvain Distin has made the most Premier League starts (450) of any non-English player.  

http://www.premierleaguepreview.co.uk/2015/11/match-preview-bournemouth-v-everton.html

[molliebennett]

Match Report: Everton 4 Aston Villa 0

By Mollie Bennett (@molliebjourno)

Braces from Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku fired Everton to an excellent 4-0 victory over Aston Villa. 

The Toffees were unchanged from the side that drew at Upton Park before the international break, and they controlled the game throughout.

In the 16th minute Barkley gave his boyhood club the lead with a simple finish from a slick Everton move, which began with the ever-impressive John Stones.

Nine minutes later Brad Guzan made an excellent save to deny Arouna Kone before the Blues doubled their lead.

Lukaku showed every bit of his quality with a brilliant improvised header and entered the history books as the first Belgian to score 50 Premier League goals. 

The 22-year-old also joined Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen, in becoming only the fifth player to score 50 Premier League goals before the age of 23.

Everton continued to impress and added a third, four minutes before the break through Barkley’s fifth league goal of the season.

The Everton academy graduate fired home after a goalmouth scramble, to complete Everton’s phenomenal first-half display.

Ten minutes into the second half, Howard had a rare moment of action as he raced out to deny Jordan Veretout.

From then on, Everton’s one-way traffic persisted, as the superb Gerard Deulofeu, continually caused Villa problems.

It was no surprise that the Spaniard was involved in Everton’s best move of the game, which led to the fourth goal at Goodison Park. 

Stones, Deulofeu, and Barkley exchanged slick first-time passes, and the latter fed Lukaku, who finished off a superb team move with a precise first-time finish.

Young Brendan Galloway almost netted his first Everton goal in the 76th minute, but substitute Kevin Mirallas couldn’t get out of the away of the defender’s goal bound effort.

Mirallas then had a chance of his own, but despite a great effort the winger’s side-foot volley flew just over the bar. 

It was an excellent team performance from the Blues, as Everton’s in-form, young attacking trio of Barkley, Deulofeu and Lukaku netted four goals, and shared two assists between them.

Roberto Martinez summed up the excellent form of Everton’s youngsters, commenting after the game: “We have young footballers with the world at their feet.”

The Spaniard will be hoping to build on this performance as the Blues travel to the South Coast to face Bournemouth on Saturday.

Key stats:

- Everton have scored 11 goals in their last three Premier League matches. 

- Romelu Lukaku has netted seven goals in his last seven league appearances.

-  The Belgian has been directly involved in 13 goals - nine goals and four assists - in 13 PL appearances this season.

-  Only Sergio Aguero (54) has scored more Premier League goals than Romelu Lukaku (45) since January 2013 

- Just 13 games into the Premier League season, Ross Barkley has already been involved in more goals (nine - five goals, and four assists) than in any of his previous PL campaigns.

- Tim Howard’s kept his 113th league clean sheet for the Toffees – climbing above Blues legend Ted Sager, who has 112.

http://www.premierleaguepreview.co.uk/2015/11/match-report-everton-4-aston-villa-0.html

[molliebennett]

Match Preview: Everton v Aston Villa

By Mollie Bennett (@molliebjourno)

Everton welcome Remi Garde’s Aston Villa to Goodison Park tomorrow looking to build-up form going into the pre-Christmas period.

The Toffees welcome Tom Cleverley back to the first team frame after three months on the sideline with an ankle injury.

Fellow long-term absentee Mo Besic is also back in contention after making his comeback from a hamstring injury during a second-half cameo for Bosnia in the week.

Leighton Baines faces a late fitness test ahead of the Villa game, and Roberto Martinez will be hoping he is passed fit to play his first competitive game of the season.

The Spaniard could be left scratching his head if Baines is deemed unfit, as youngsters Brendan Galloway and Tyias Browning are both doubts for the Blues.

Captain Phil Jagielka, Tony Hibbert and Bryan Oviedo are all still out for the Toffees.

Meanwhile, Remi Garde will be hoping to build on the point his side picked-up against Manchester City last time out, but the Frenchman was dealt a blow when Jordan Amavi suffered cruciate ligament damage playing for France U21s in the week.

Jores Okore and Gabby Abgonlahor are also doubts for Garde’s first away game at the helm.

Ashley Westwood and Rudy Gestede are also struggling with knocks but both are expected to be available if they are called upon.

The Toffees will be hoping to kick-start their season after a tough opening to the Premier League campaign.

The Blues have faced eight of last season’s top ten so far this season, but now have a kind run of fixtures leading into the Christmas period.

Martinez has stated the importance of Everton’s forthcoming fixtures and believes it is a vital period for his side’s European ambition.

Evertonians will be hoping for a victory against rock-bottom Villa, but will be aware of the threat the Villans face under new manager Garde.

The fixture is the most played in English football league history, with both sides leading the way in the number of season’s in the top flight.

Historically it is tough to split the sides with 80 wins apiece going into the 218th meeting between the two sides in all competitions. 

There have been goals-a-plenty since the opening fixture in 1888, with eight in two meetings last season.

I am expecting a tight game between the two sides but believe Everton will use their home advantage and claim victory.

My Everton 11 (depending on fitness): Joel; Coleman, Stones, Funes Mori, Galloway; McCarthy, Barry; Deulofeu, Barkley, Kone; Lukaku. 

http://www.premierleaguepreview.co.uk/2015/11/match-preview-everton-v-aston-villa.html

[molliebennett]

Match Report: West Ham 1 Everton 1

By Mollie Bennett (@molliebjourno)

Romelu Lukaku scored his seventh goal in seven games against West Ham to rescue a point for the Toffees in their final league game at Upton Park.

The Hammers took the lead in stunning fashion when Manuel Lanzini curled an excellent effort into the top corner on the half hour mark.

Two minutes before the break, the Toffees drew level when the deadly duo of Gerard Deulofeu and Lukaku linked up to devastating effect once again.

The young Spaniard played an excellent defence-splitting pass through to Lukaku, and the Belgian finished calmly to net his seventh Premier League goal of the campaign.

The Belgian’s strike sent him into the Everton record books as 22-year-old followed in the footsteps of Blues legend Dixie Dean, to become only the second Everton player to score in seven successive games against the same club.

The Blues would have been hoping to build on their equaliser and come behind to claim victory at Upton Park for a fourth successive league game. 

However, the second half had an even theme to it as both sides looked for a winner, without really testing either goalkeeper. 

Just after the hour mark, Howard diverted Lanzini’s fizzing effort away from goal, before Deulofeu’s effort was deflected off target.

Ramiro Funes Mori and Winston Reid both had chances from corners, but neither capitalized as both defenders failed to hit the target.

Lukaku almost won it for the Toffees with five minutes remaining, however he poked Brendan Galloway’s cross narrowly wide of the post.

It’s a point the Toffees will gratefully take back to Merseyside ahead of a kind run of fixtures after the international break, however Evertonians would have been hoping for a repeat of recent victories in their final trip to the Boleyn Ground.

The point means Everton’s unbeaten run against the Hammers extends to fifteen league games though – a run that goes back to April 2007.

It was farewell to a happy stomping ground for the Blues, as they departed Upton Park with a point to climb to eighth in the table.

Five key stats: 

- The Deulofeu-Lukaku combination - which cost Everton a combined £32M – has now led to four Premier League goals this season, the joint most in the league alongside Lukaku to Arouna Kone, and Mesut Ozil to Olivier Giroud. 

- Romelu Lukaku has been directly involved in 11 Premier League goals this season, only Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez have been involved in more. 

- Gerard Deulofeu has more league assists (five) than any other U21 player in Europe’s top five leagues.

- The 21-year-old has registered two goals and seven assists in just six starts (13 appearances) for Everton this season, including being directly involved in five Premier League goals in his last three games.

- Despite conceding first in their last five visits to Upton Park, the Toffees remain unbeaten at the Boleyn Ground in seven league outings.

http://www.premierleaguepreview.co.uk/2015/11/match-report-west-ham-1-everton-1.html

[molliebennett]

Match Preview: West Ham v Everton

By Mollie Bennett (@molliebjourno)

Everton travel to Upton Park on Saturday looking to record back-to-back league wins for the first time this season.

The Toffees have enjoyed their recent trips to the Boleyn Ground, losing just once in their last nine outings in all competitions in East London.

The Blues will also be boosted by their excellent attacking display against Sunderland last week, when they notched six Premier League goals for the first time in eight years.

Romelu Lukaku, Arouna Kone and Gerard Deulofeu all shone for the Toffees and Roberto Martinez will be hoping they can carry their form into Saturday’s clash with high-flying West Ham.

The Spaniard will be without Bryan Oviedo who picked up a hamstring injury against the Black Cats, while Phil Jagielka and Tony Hibbert are still long-term absentees. 

Leighton Baines, Tom Cleverley and Muhamed Besic have all returned to full training, and although Baines is set to miss Everton’s final league trip to Upton Park, Cleverley and Besic could return to the match day squad.

The Hammers will be without Diafra Sakho (thigh), Alex Song (ankle) and James Collins (suspension), although they will be boosted by the return of centre half Winston Reid. 

Elsewhere Enner Valencia and Angelo Ogbonna could also return in time for the clash.

Romelu Lukaku will be hoping to improve his excellent record against West Ham, scoring six goals in his last six games in a Blue shirt.

He, and Everton will be aware of the threat West Ham pose under former-Everton player Slaven Bilic though, and will have to work hard to extend their winning run against the buoyant Hammers.

My Everton 11: Joel; Coleman, Stones, Funes Mori, Galloway; Barry, McCarthy; Kone, Barkley, Deulofeu; Lukaku.

Five key stats:

- Everton haven’t lost to West Ham in the league since April 2007.  

- The Blues have lost just once in their last 17 games against the Hammers in all competitions – (FA Cup Third Round defeat, on penalties, in January)

- It has been 17 games since Everton failed to score against West Ham - (one nil loss in April 2007)

- Lukaku has scored the winner in Everton’s last two league trips to Upton Park.

- It has been eight years since either side has kept a clean sheet in this fixture at Upton Park – last time was when Everton won 2-0 in December 2007.

http://www.premierleaguepreview.co.uk/2015/11/match-preview-west-ham-v-everton.html

[molliebennett]

Match Report: Everton 6 Sunderland 2

By Mollie Bennett (@molliebjourno)

Arouna Kone’s clinical hat-trick helped Everton to an emphatic win over Sunderland at Goodison Park. 

The Ivorian helped himself to three goals as the Blues ran riot, scoring six Premier League goals for the first time in eight years. 

In a free-flowing game, it was the visitors who threatened early on, hitting the woodwork twice in the opening 15 minutes. 

It was the Blues who opened the scoring though, when the impressive Gerard Deulofeu finished confidently from Kone’s excellent lofted through ball in the 19th minute.

Eleven minutes later the Toffees doubled their lead as Kone linked-up with strike partner Romelu Lukaku, before firing into the top corner to put the Blues in control. 

Everton were in the box seat and in all honestly cruising to half time until a defensive error gifted Sunderland a way back into the game, right on the stroke of half time.

Some slack defending from John Stones allowed Jermaine Defoe a sight at goal and the forward finished excellently with the aid of a slight deflection off the Everton man.

Five minutes into the second half the Black Cats drew level when Everton failed to deal with yet another cross into the six-yard box and Steven Fletcher rose highest to head Sunderland level.

Goodison was stunned into silence, but it didn’t take long to rejoice again as Everton went goal crazy, scoring four times in the space of 21 minutes.

In the 55th minute, the Toffees took the lead again through a Sebastian Coates own goal, as the defender turned Deulofeu’s brilliant centre into his own net.

Five minutes later, Deulofeu released Lukaku with one of the assists of the season, and the Belgian deservedly got himself on the score sheet.

Kone added his second two minutes later finishing excellently from James McCarthy’s disguised pass.

The Ivorian grabbed his hat-trick largely thanks to an exquisite cross from Lukaku, as the striker headed home to complete the rout.

The partnership of Lukaku and Kone was excellent throughout and although Kone grabbed the headlines with his excellent trio, his Belgian strike partner has now notched up 10 goals and assists in the Premier League this season.

It was Kone’s day though as he became the fifth Ivorian to score a Premier League hat-trick, securing a 12-month contract extension with Everton in the process.

The result was a lift the Blues needed as they won only their second game in six league matches at Goodison Park.

Five key stats:

- Arouna Kone and Steven Naismith became the first two players to score Premier League hat-trick’s for Everton in the same season.

- It’s the first time since 1986 that three different Everton players – Lukaku, Naismith, Kone – have scored hat-tricks in the same calendar year. Graeme Sharpe, Gary Lineker and Paul Wilkinson were the last to score trios for the Blues in the same year.

- Gerard Deulofeu has registered two goals and six assists in just five starts (12 appearances) for Everton this season.

- Everton have scored 18 goals in 581 minutes when Gerard Deulofeu is on the pitch – a goal every 32 minutes. Without the Spaniard, the Blues have managed just nine in 739 minutes – a goal every 82 minutes.

- Lukaku to Kone is the Premier League’s joint leading goal combination with four goals so far this season, level with Giroud and Ozil. Deulofeu to Lukaku is joint second, on three goals.

http://www.premierleaguepreview.co.uk/2015/11/match-report-everton-6-sunderland-2.html

[molliebennett]

Match Preview: Everton v Sunderland

By Mollie Bennett (@molliebjourno)

Everton will be hoping to pick up their first league win in over month on Sunday, when they host Sunderland at Goodison Park.

The Blues have suffered back-to-back league defeats to Manchester United and Arsenal, shipping five goals in the process.

Before that, the Toffees were undefeated in five league matches and Evertonians will be hoping to return to winning ways this weekend.

In a game that Everton are expected to win, they will be without Seamus Coleman, who is suffering from a stomach bug. 

Captain Phil Jagielka is also out of contention as he faces up to nine weeks on the sideline with knee ligament damage.

In more positive injury news, Leighton Baines and Muhamed Besic have both returned to training although Sunday’s game is expected to come too soon for the duo.

Roberto Martinez also confirmed that Tim Howard will return to the Everton goal, despite Joel’s heroics in the Capital One Cup, and the American’s poor performances in recent weeks.

For the Black Cats, Sam Allardyce is hopeful at least one of Fabio Borini, Younes Kaboul, John O’Shea and Ola Toivonen will recover from injury in time to face the Toffees, with Borini and Kaboul the most likely.

Elsewhere, Everton academy graduate Jack Rodwell is expected to return to the squad against his former club, as Sunderland look to record back-to-back league wins for the first time since their last visit to Goodison Park in May, when they won 2-0.

My Everton 11: Joel; Browning, Mori, Stones, Galloway; McCarthy, Barry; Mirallas Barkley, Deulofeu; Lukaku.

http://www.premierleaguepreview.co.uk/2015/10/match-preview-everton-v-sunderland.html