Everton Player Ratings Vs Swansea City (A) 22nd Sept

I have to admit, this was a game I wasn't looking forward too, despite the fact we have played some good football this season, Swansea have impressed me under Laudrup. Well, I had nothing to worry about, this was one of the most complete Everton performances I have seen for years! Infact, I don't think Swansea could have complained if it was 6 or 7-0! We had 31 shots altogether...hello...31 shots, it has taken us 7 or 8 games in previous seasons to amass that tally.

It's the life of a football fan. We know Everton are notorious for starting slow, but now we sit 3rd in the table (and were momentarily 2nd for a day!). Yes, we have only played 5 games, but again, being a fan, it is exactly the same points to game ratio as to when we qualified for the Champions League. Can we qualify for that again, I honestly don't know, but Europe is definitely on the cards, or is that me just being a romantic fan again!!

After just 2 mins, Everton could have been 2 or 3 up, Mirallas was unlucky, and is looking quite a prospect. And as for Fellaini, thank god the transfer window has shut, because on this form, he will have suitors from all over!

Everton eventually took the lead through Big Vic, who converted after knock down from Fellaini! Replays showed the goal to be controversial, but in real time no one noticed, not even the Swansea players. Everton carried on with the pressure, and Mirallas got his 1st prem goal for Everton, after he finished after a fine move from Neville, Fellaini and Peanuts! I am glad Mirallas scored, but also from the rebound, because I couldn't be doing with another did it cross the line or not scenario!

Swansea had a few chances towards the end of the half, and Howard saved well from the quality named Angel Rangel. Howard was then called into action in the 2nd half as Swansea tried to get back into it. Nathan Dyer on as a sub picked up a silly yellow for dissent, and then a few mins later made a rash challenge of Baines, and 12mins after coming on, he was off for an early bath. Everton again went on the offensive, Big Vic missing an opportunity after Mirallas struck the bar, and Fellaini also missed a sitter. Howard then made save of the match diving low to his right to turn a Ki Sung Yeung shot over the bar.

Everton killed the game off, with a header from Fellaini. Shocking really, we were 2 up, dominating, playing against 10 men, and yet I know what it is like to be an Everton fan, so I was still nervous!! Thankfully, we killed the game off, and got to see Bryan Oviedo make his debut, for all of 5 mins!

Onto the ratings!

8

As a keeper, I know you get days like this, the ball ends up being a magnet to you. However, it also gives the defenders confidence knowing they have a quality keeper behind them!

7

Great to see Seamus start in his natural position! Solid game, nothing spectacular, would like to see him get a run there!!

7

I have a feeling all my reports for Jags will be the same. Honest player, solid again, just wish he wouldn't lump the ball so much!! Pass it on the floor Phil!

7

Great to see Johnny back in the team, though I did think it would have been at the expense of Jags, not Sylvan. I like Johnny, no nonsense, keeps it simple, and shows Jags how to pass a ball rather than a hopeful lump.

8

Mr consistent. Howard said on football focus that Bainesy is an 8 every week, he isn't wrong! We can't lose Leighton, it would be a travesty! 

9

So nearly man of the match, put in a quality performance, and finally we might not have to put everything down the left, though not complaining with Baines and Peanuts!!! Looks a real prospect! Not sure how the so called bigger teams in Europe have missed out on him.

7

Nothing spectacular, but solid. Started the move for Mirallas goal. I think Phil will join the backroom team soon, once his chances of 1st team football diminish!

7

Again, like Neville, solid, but not spectacular. The player I would have thought who is most at danger once we have a full fit team. i.e. Gibson back!

9

Everton Man of the Match. Absolutely unplayable at the moment, his chest control is just stunning! Lucky assist with first goal, but thoroughly deserved his goal. He might want to be box to box, but I am happy with him being in one box at the moment!!

7

Put himself about, but also missed a few chances! Some fans are beginning to wax lyrical, but seriously it is 2 in 2, the first time he has ever done it!! 2 games doesn't make him a success, but it is a nice way to start! Can't help thinking how many we would have had if Jelavic was playing though.

SUBS

All 3 receive a 6 as none of them had time to make an impact. It was good to see Maggie get an outing, even if it was for 5 mins, and same for Bryan Oviedo, who made his debut.

Football round up

Well, now footy season has kicked off, and the fact I have my season ticket, it is making it harder to write my blog, as the reason I started it was to fill in time!! I will still always do my player ratings, but everything else is going to be a monthly round up, unless it is important, to which I will address the issue when necessary!

My 5 a side coverage will also turn to monthly football reports.

To be honest, barring my lovely wife, there aren't many people who read this blog, but for those of you who do, thank you for popping in, and if you ever come back, I hope you enjoy what you read!

Money over Loyalty!

Maybe it is just because I come from a certain era, but I am still a romantic and believe in loyalty to clubs, but my patience us being tested by a number of players who are becoming mercenaries. Unfortunately, loyalty from players seems to be somewhat of a dying art. I suppose you could ask the question, what is loyalty? According to the dictionary definition, it is 'a strong feeling of support or allegiance'.

One club players in a way are heroes, the players who understand what it means to play for their club, the fans club, our club. Matt Le Tissier is the one who always stands out for me, a truly superb player who was just happy playing football for the club he loves. Maybe one or two of the bigger clubs knew he was, lets say not the most energetic, but his desire to stay with his club made it pointless for anyone trying to bid for him.

Gary Neville at Man Utd, and our own Tony Hibbert are also recent one club men, who to be honest, have almost been like the fan who was lucky enough to play football. Does being at one club make you loyal? Well, yes of course, but I don't think it is just about being at one club, it is more about buying into the ethos of the club, and more importantly showing the fans you care. Whilst writing this article, two of the players who spring to mind are, Tim Cahill, he gave Everton 8 years of quality service, he knew what it meant to pull as the royal blue shirt of Everton, so much so, when he left this summer, he left with thanks and praise from fans all over (and not just Everton, but those who appreciate football generally), and he is safe in the knowledge he can come back to Goodison anyday, and be welcomed! Ian Wright,of days gone past, is another, starting his career at Palace, he moved onto Arsenal and bought into the club. Ian went on to play for several other clubs at the end of his career, but he knows, and the fans know, he will always be known to be a Gooner.

So, why is it that players are becoming less and less loyal? Is it just about money, well I guess for some of them it is, but I truly think what hasn't helped is the good old Bosman ruling, which has given the players greater freedom of contracts! In the 'old days', players would have signed their contract and got on with it, then in the last few months of their deal, everything would be sorted, and if they couldn't sort it out, then they were sold on at the end of their deal. Now, clubs have to start renegotiate 18 months to 2 years before the contracts run out, as they are frightened players will hang on a leave on a free knowing they can get a bigger pay day elsewhere. The last year of a contract can just seem to be a extended farcial game of poker, and bluffing!

Chelsea probably started the ball rolling with Abramovich, and now they are counting the cost with Cashley Cole making initial demands which the club do not like. Man City then took it took the next level, as have PSG, and are paying ludicrous transfer fees and paying extortionate wages - all which play into the hands of the mercenaries who are not interested in loyalty, or the clubs, but instead join the club purely for their wage. People will argue they want silverware, and to a point they do, but if they don't get silverware within a short time, they will just move on!

Zenit St Petersburg have taken it to the next level once again (how many more levels are there?!?!). This week they forked out £64m for Hulk and Alex Witsel, who left Portuguese clubs Porto and Benfica respectively! I don't mean to be funny, but Zenit?? Afterall, Porto and Benfica are big named clubs in Europe. At least Man City and PSG have a name you recognise. Yes, Zenit as a name may have started to appear in the last few years, but this is the sideways move of all moves for these two players!! Football is not important to them, simple as!

It is a double edge sword, yes, the money they earn is outrageous, and sometimes disgusting (when held in relation to other normal everyday jobs), but if someone is stupid enough to pay them that money, then so be it (None of us would realistically argue if it were offered to us). I guess what I am saying is that it frustrates me that some players show more desire, and loyalty to them wage packets, then they do to the club they play for.

So, whilst all this goes on, and I get frustrated or annoyed with players who show no desire to embed themselves into a club, we are rescued by one man who has shown loyalty in the biggest way possible! He might be 37 yrs old, but Hermann 'The Herminator' Hreidarsson has gone back to Portsmouth on trial to prove his fitness, and if he earns a contract, he has even offered to play for free!! It's not stupidity or desperation to earn a contract, Hermann just knows what the club means to the fans, and he has bought into the passion and desire of the club and it's fans (even in these desperate times!). I hope his loyalty to the club is rewarded.

Thank you Hermann for proving that some footballers do care!!

Premier League Squads

Well the 25 man premier league squads have been announced! Although the 25 means, 25 of a certain age! Anyone confused on the criteria, here it is!!

* For the 2012/13 season, each club had a deadline on 4 September to submit a squad containing no more than 17 players who do not fulfil the Home Grown Player criteria. The remainder of the squad, up to a total of 25 players, must be Home Grown.

* A Home Grown Player means a player who, irrespective of his nationality or age, has been registered with any club affiliated to the Football Association or the Football Association of Wales for a period, continuous or not, of three entire seasons or 36 months prior to his 21st birthday (or the end of the Season during which he turns 21).

* Changes to the squad list of 25 may be made during the period of a Transfer Window.

* U21 players are eligible over and above the limit of 25 players/squad.

* For the 2012/13 campaign, Under 21 players will have been born on or after 1 January 1991.

Now that is sorted, here are the squads! (Aged 21 and over!!)
(H) - Homegrown

Arsenal: Andre Santos, Arshavin, Arteta, Cazorla, Chamakh, Diaby, Djourou (H), Eastmond (H), Gervinho, Gibbs (H), Giroud, Koscielny, Mannone (H), Mertesacker, Podolski, Ramsey (H), Rosicky, Sagna, Squillaci, Szczesny (H), Vermaelen, Walcott (H).

Aston Villa: Agbonlahor (H), Albrighton (H), Bannan (H), Bent (H), Clark (H), Delph (H), Dunne (H), El Ahmadi, Given (H), Guzan, Herd (H), Holman, Hutton, Ireland (H), Lichaj (H), Lowton (H), Westwood (H), Marshall (H), N'Zogbia (H), Petrov, Stevens, Vlaar, Warnock (H), Bennett (H), Benteke,

Chelsea: Azpilicueta, Bertrand (H), Cahill (H), Cech, Cole (H), David Luiz, Ferreira, Hilario, Ivanovic, Lampard (H), Marin, Mata, Moses (H), Mikel, Malouda, Ramires, Sturridge (H), Terry (H), Torres, Turnbull (H).

Everton: Anichebe (H), Baines (H), Distin, Fellaini, Gibson (H), Gueye, Heitinga, Hibbert (H), Howard, Jagielka (H), Jelavic, Mirallas, Mucha, Naismith, Neville (H), Oviedo, Pienaar, Osman (H), Coleman (H).

Fulham: Baird (H), Berbatov, Davies (H), Dejagah, Diarra, Duff (H), Hangeland, Hughes (H), Kelly (H), Petric, Richardson (H), Riether, Riise, Rodallega, Ruiz, Schwarzer, Senderos (H), Sidwell (H), Somogyi, Stockdale (H).

Liverpool: Agger, Allen (H), Assaidi, Carragher (H), Coates, Cole (H), Doni, Downing (H), Gerrard (H), Gulacsi (H), Henderson (H), Johnson (H), Jones (H), Enrique, Kelly (H), Lucas, Reina, Sahin, Skrtel, Suarez.

Manchester City: Aguero, Balotelli, Barry (H), Clichy (H), Dzeko, Garcia, Hart (H), Kolarov, Kompany, Lescott (H), Maicon, Milner (H), Nasri, Pantilimon, Richards (H), Sinclair (H), Silva, Tevez, K Toure, Y Toure, Wright (H), Zabaleta,

Manchester United: Anderson, Bebe, Buttner, Carrick (H), Hernandez, Cleverley (H), De Gea, Evans (H), Evra, Ferdinand (H), Fletcher (H), Giggs (H), Kagawa, Lindegaard, Nani, Rafael (H), Rooney (H), Scholes (H), Smalling (H), Valencia, Van Persie, Vidic, Welbeck (H), Young (H).

Newcastle United: Amalfitano, Ameobi (H), Anita, Ba, Ben Arfa, Cabaye, Cisse, Coloccini, Elliot (H), Gosling (H), Harper (H), Gutierrez, Krul (H), Marveaux, Obertan, Perch (H), Simpson (H), R Taylor (H), S Taylor (H), Tiote, Williamson (H), Xisco.

Norwich City: Barnett (H), Bassong, E Bennett (H), R Bennett (H), Bunn (H), Butterfield (H), Fox (H), Garrido, Holt (H), Hoolahan, Howson (H), Jackson (H), Johnson (H), Lappin, C Martin (H), R Martin (H), Morison (H), Pilkington (H), Ruddy (H), Snodgrass, Surman (H), Tettey, Tierney (H), Turner (H), Whittaker.

QPR: Bosingwa, Cesar, Cisse, Derry (H), Diakite, Dyer (H), Ephraim (H), Fabio (H), Faurlin, Ferdinand (H), Green (H), Hoilett (H), Hill (H), Johnson (H), Mackie, Mbia, Murphy, Nelsen, Onuoha (H), Park, Taarabt (H), Traore (H), Wright-Phillips (H), Zamora (H).

Reading: Andersen, Church (H), Cummings (H), Federici, Gorkss, Gunnarsson, Gunter, Guthrie (H), Harte (H), Hunt, Karacan (H), Kebe, Le Fondre (H), Leigertwood (H), McAnuff (H), McCarthy (H), McCleary (H), Mariappa (H), Pearce (H), Pogrebnyak, Roberts (H), Robson-Kanu (H), Shorey (H), Tabb (H), Taylor (H).

Southampton: Butterfield (H), Chaplow (H), Cork (H), K Davis (H), S Davis (H), De Ridder, Dickson (H), Do Prado, Fonte, Forte (H), Fox (H), Hooiveld, Lallana (H), Lambert (H), Lee, Mayuka, Puncheon (H), Ramirez, Richardson (H), Rodriguez (H), Schneiderlin (H), Seaborne (H), Yoshida.

Stoke: Adam, Begovic (H), Cameron, Crouch (H), Delap (H), Edu, Etherington (H), Huth (H), Jerome (H), Jones, Kightly (H), Nash (H), N'Zonzi, Owen (H), Palacios, Pennant (H), Shawcross (H), Shotton (H), Sorensen, Upson (H), Walters (H), Whelan (H), Whitehead (H), Wilkinson (H), Wilson (H).

Sunderland: Bardsley (H), Bramble (H), Brown (H), Campbell (H), Cattermole (H), Colback (H), Cuellar, Fletcher, Gardner (H), Johnson (H), Kilgallon (H), Larsson (H), McClean, Meyler, Mignolet, O'Shea (H), Rose (H), Saha, Sessegnon, Vaughan (H), Westwood (H).

Swansea City: Agustien, Britton (H), Chico, De Guzman, Dyer (H), Gower (H), Graham (H), Hernandez, Ki, Lita (H), Michu, Monk (H), Moore (H), Obeng (H), Routledge (H), Shechter, Tate (H), Taylor (H), Tremmel, Vorm, Williams (H), Rangel.

Tottenham: Adebayor, Assou-Ekotto, Bale (H), Bentley (H), Cudicini, Dawson (H), Defoe (H), Dembele, Dempsey, Falque, Friedel, Gallas, Gomes, Huddlestone (H), Jenas (H), Kaboul, Lennon (H), Livermore (H), Lloris, Naughton (H), Parker (H), Sandro, Sigurdsson (H), Vertonghen, Walker (H).

West Brom: Brunt (H), Daniels (H), Dawson (H), Dorrans, El Ghanassy, Fortune, Foster (H), Gera, Jara Reyes, Jones (H), Long (H), McAuley, Morrison (H), Mulumbu, Myhill (H), Odemwingie, Olsson, Popov, Reid (H), Ridgewell (H), Rosenberg, Tamas, Thomas (H), Yacob.

West Ham: Benayoun, Carroll (H), Cole (H), Collins (H), Collison (H), Demel, Diame, Diarra, Henderson (H), Jaaskelainen, Jarvis (H), Maiga, McCartney (H), Noble (H), Nolan (H), O'Brien (H), O'Neil (H), Reid, Spence (H), Taylor (H), Tomkins (H), Vaz Te.

Wigan: Al-Habsi, Alcaraz, Beausejour, Boselli, Boyce (H), Caldwell (H), Crusat, Di Santo, Figueroa, Gomez, Jones (H), Kone, Lopez, Maloney, McArthur, McCarthy (H), Pollitt (H), Ramis, Stam, Watson (H).

Transfer deadline day post mortem!

Why is transfer day so exciting? I love the fact clubs cannot sort anything out over the months of summer, and then in a frantic few hours, sometimes with panic, sign a bunch of players, and even sell some too! Jim White on Sky Sports News is like marmite when it comes to transfer deadline day....you either love his enthusiasm or you don't!!

What makes transfer deadline day so much better is social media now! Whereas I just used to sit and watch the TV, and sometimes trawl the t'interweb, now we twitter, facebook, instagram, personal player web pages etc, all to add to the excitement.

I have put a list up of all the movers and done deals, which is why some names are not on there (plus, the list is from Sky Sports, not just me looking round...lol)

SURPRISES

It's a funny one this, as the surprise deals this deadline day are the fact that clubs haven't signed anyone or people haven't signed! I am surprised that Man Utd, and the Red side from across the park haven't added to their squads, and in particular Clint Dempsey who seem desperate to join the Reds!

Joao Moutinho was another surprise deal, with his move to Spurs not going thru. This seemed to be the typical transfer deadline day deal which is always a case of will he won't he get through his medical, will he won't he sign in time and the club fax his contract to FIFA etc. We knew this one would go past the deadline in terms of us hearing about it, and Spurs even asked for delay (which is apparently allowed with international transfers!). In the end, although the clubs agreed on a £22m fee, they couldn't agree on wages, and the deal was called off!

For me, the 2 transfer which caught my eye, were firstly, Hugo Lloris who moved from Lyon to Spurs (Daniel Levy doing himself no favours it seems, according to the Lyon Chairman!). Lloris is a good keeper, but he won't be going to  Spurs to play second fiddle, but even at 40, there is nothing wrong with Brad Friedel.

The 2nd one to catch was my was Richard Wright, who decided to join Man City as their 3rd choice keeper!! This is the man who joined Preston earlier in the season, but left after 2 weeks, because he was homesick and missing Ipswich! I didn't realise Manchester was so much closer...lol...I am guessing he wasn't homesick, and maybe he had had words with PNE manager Graham Westley.

Anyone remember Craig Gordon, he is still available on a free!!!

The only other surprise for me, was Nigel De Jong joining AC Milan. It isn't the leaving City, or even De Jong that was the surprise, it is the fact he has left for €3m!!

Once all the transfers are done and dusted, I will hopefully find a comprehensive list to blog!

Everton Vs Man Utd player ratings (well, Everton anyway!)

I managed the report earlier on, and so now onto the Everton player ratings, for the magnificent 1-0 win over Man Utd!!

Tom Howard - 8 - Not much to do in the first half, or 2nd for that fact! However, he pulled off a save from Rooney's freekick in the 1st half, and Kagawa in the 2nd, so was reliable when called upon!

Tony Hibbert - 8 - Worth an 8, purely for 2 fantastic blocks in the final 10/15 mins! Also an 8, as he stayed in position for most of the game.

Phil Jagielka - 9 - To be honest, despite scoring for England last week, I thought Johnny was unlucky to lose his place to Jags! Still, Jags will keep his place for a while to come on this showing, he dangled his leg a few times in the first half and was lucky to make 1 or 2 challenges, but he made a couple of stunning last min tackles in the 2nd half, and cleared one off the line.

Sylvan Distin - 8 - Solid as ever, I think the only mistake he has ever made was in a certain FA Cup game. Hurt his back late on, but carried on! Will carry on for years to come I think.

Leighton Baines - 8 - It's a thing of beauty seeing him and Pienaar together! Would have scored from a freekick, had it not been for De Gea having the game of his life!

Leon Osman - 8 - Is what you call an honest player!! Will run for the cause, and like Hibbert, plays with his heart on his sleeve. Should have scored to be honest, with the effort that hit the bar. Not to worry, sure he will pop up with the odd goal this season.

Phil Neville - 8 - May have played for Man Utd once, but blood runs blue now! Reads a game really well, and isn't frightened to put his foot in! Tired of blues moaning about Phil, he is genuine, and never gives less than 100%

Darron Gibson - 8 - Another former Manc, who swung a lovely corner in for Fellaini. Had a quietish game, but did everything asked of him, and made himself a true blue by joining in with the Gladwys St end, and a chorus of, "It's a grand old team"

Marouane Fellaini - 12 out of 10 - absolutely stunning, brilliant, fantastic, marvellous, use whatever superlative you want, he was an absolute giant yesterday, and not just in stature! I don't care who was playing for Man Utd yesterday, no one would have touched him! Thoroughly deserved his goal! Glad he was subbed in last min to get the standing ovation he deserved.

Steven Pienaar - 9 - I don't care how much we had to pay, and how much he earns, I am so glad to see him back permanently. Was unlucky with 2 chances in the 1st half, no thanks to De Gea! A constant thorn in Utd's side, no one could have said he didn't derserve a goal.

Nikica Jelavic - 8 - Had one of his quiter games for Everton, but it so nice (and a novelty) to see a striker run around up front!! Bring on the goals!!

Subs

Seamus Coleman, Steven Naismith (debut) and Johnny Heitinga all came on with mins to spare to help out. Not on long enough really to get a mark, but as they played, and we won, I will be biased and generous - 8...lol

Premiership round up! 18/19/20 AUG

So, the Premiership season has kicked off, and to be honest, it has been a little short on controversy for an opening weekend...lol...although yesterday I said I would be an adopted Baggie, and how they delivered!! In what was probably shock result of the day, the Baggies well and truly beat the red side from across the park 3-0. From the highlights, you can Brendan Rodgers wants them to play football from the back, but not sure Martin Skrtel is completely happy with that, as last season, that ball would have been hoofed out, or played long, but yesterday he dallied (quality word...lol) and gave away a pen as Shane Long made up for a shocking penalty miss just a few mins early. It could have been worse for the reds had James Morrison not missed a sitter after being set up well from Lukaku. Still, I am happy with the end result!!

Not far behind on the shock value was Swansea and Fulham both winning 5-0 against QPR and Norwich respectively. First up QPR will have severely disappointed their fans after a number of summer signings. Rob Green let one slip through his hands to start to rot, and one of Swansea's new signings Michu must be thinking he has it made! His 2nd goal was just pure class, and I expect we might be seeing some more of his lovely touches this season. Swansea have been many people's bets, along with Norwich, to have 2nd season syndrome and struggle. On this evidence of this game, if they carry on playing football this way, they will be fine, but much of that will be if they can keep hold of their players during this transfer window.

Norwich let in 66 goals last season, and it didn't start well for them yesterday as everything fell into place Fulham. I don't think it will change Clint Dempsey's mind, which is a shame, as the way he is leaving the club is showing a little disrespect to a club who have really developed him and put him on the world scene.

Fat Sam led West Ham to a sneaky 1-0 win over the Villa. The goal looked offside, and as much as we criticise referees, and yes I will be do so many times this season (hopefully not tomorrow), but yesterday the decision to allow the 'offside' goal was a good decision by Mike Dean as the ball just glanced of Villa defender Ciaran Clark. Villa seemed to have plenty of possession (from MOTD highlights), but had no killer instinct, and at times, I had even forgot that Darren Bent was playing.

The Sat 3pm kick offs finished with a bore draw between Arsenal and Sunderland, though I expect Mackem fans are much the happier (I would be if Everton got a point there!). The only major highlight seemed to be the poor miss from Arsenal debutant Giroud.

Into the evening, we went to St James, and saw Newcastle Utd take on Spurs and Villa Boas! Newcastle look like they may well keep up their form from last season, and a terrific finish from Demba Ba - only his 2nd goal since Pape Cisse joined - gave the Geordies the lead! Spurs equalised with 15mins to go wth a poacher's goal from Jermaine Defoe (I really rate Defoe, and am surprised he has never been snapped up by a bigger name, no offence Spurs fan, as he is a natural finisher). Ben Arfa scored the winner from the spot, after he won the penalty by wriggling through 2 players on the edge of the area.

Onto Sunday and we started with Chelsea Wigan, and after just 7mins, Chelsea were 2 up through Ivanovic and Lampard. The game ended 2-0 and in a way Wigan did well to keep it to 2, as their fans must have feared the worst. Next up were the Champions Man City against new boys Southampton. For me, the biggest shock was that Jack Rodwell got a start! Aguero didn't last long, and went off with a knee injury, which City are saying doesn't look as bad as first feared, I hope so for their sake, as the look on his face, it suggests he may be out for a good few weeks.

Southampton battled well, and just before half time, Tevez broke the deadlock. To be fair to Southampton, they kept at it, and changed it after half time, and Ricky Lambert, who was unlucky to start on the bench, equalised, and then a complete shock was on the cards, as fellow sub Steven Davis beautifully controlled a shot into the bottom corner. That served to kick City into gear, and then we had to spend the next 20mins with Martin Tyler reminding us of the final game of last season! And what happened? The same, as City came back to win 3-2 to win with goals from Dzeko and Nasri.

So, one game left, and it's the mighty blues who await the visit of Man Utd, and Van Persie!! And several other superstars, but I don't care, as yet again I am hopeful of a good result, and night games at Goodison are a joy to behold!! And we will have an atmosphere tomorrow, especially with the added bonus of our new signing Kevin Mirallas, though he cannot play as he missed the Friday deadline!

Football Forums! What's the point?

There is something addictive about football forums, I love reading what people have to say, much like reading blogs, but whilst I enjoy reading genuine comments, I do get frustrated and angry with the idiots who just go on to rile people or to get reactions! These people just need to F*%$ off!!

I have been reading quite a bit on Portsmouth recently, and every now and again I read comments at the end, and I am staggered at the amount of Scummer fans who are leaving comments, and laughing at what is happening!! For those of you who don't know, Scummer fans, are Southampton fans (for those genuine Southampton fans who may be reading this, I DO NOT include you in that description, as I know you have been through similar dark days and understand what it means. It's a term I use for the ones who really have no idea what football means to someone!)

What I don't understand is why a so called Southampton fan would go on a Portsmouth website, the same goes for my beloved Everton, I was an article the other day, and a few kopites had decided to comment and try be humourous!! I could NEVER go on an arch rivals website, I would just feel dirty typing the words into a google search to start with!

So, boys (and girls), put your energies into your own side, and vent your frustration about team selection, tactics etc with fans of your own team!

Premiership!!

Well, it's the long awaited start of the Premiership, I shall be doing my best to do weekly reports and discuss the controversial decisions! Let's be honest, we know there will be one today!

Yet again Sky Sports have ruined the start of the season though, and I have to wait until Monday to start my season, which just feels like an anti climax, especially with our first game of last season being postponed due to the Tottenham riots!!

So, bar following Pompey today, I am going to have to be an adopted Baggie!! Boing Boing!!

League Two focus!

And finally, the League two low down and all their business!!

ACCRINGTON

Manager: Paul Cook

Position last season: 14th

Nickname: Stanley

Ground: The Crown Ground

Capacity: 5,057

Players in: Toto Nsiala (Everton, free), Bohan Dixon (unattached), Lewis Hatch (Liverpool, free), Luke Clark, George Miller (both Preston, free), Michael Liddle (Sunderland, undisclosed), Aidan Chippendale (unattached), Tom Eckersley (Bolton, free), James Gray (unattached, free), Karl Sheppard (Reading, loan)

Players out: Kevin McIntyre (Rochdale, free), Danny Coid, Liam Willis, Alan Burton, Kurtis Guthrie and Sean Hessey (all released)

Key man: Dean Winnard

Chances: No great expectations on Cook ahead of his first full season in charge with Stanley which is expected to be a transitional one after John Coleman's lengthy tenure.

Sky Bet odds: 66/1

AFC WIMBLEDON

Manager: Terry Brown

Position last season: 16th

Nickname: The Dons

Ground: Cherry Red Records Stadium/Kingsmeadow

Capacity: 4,720

Players in: Curtis Osano (Luton, free), Stacy Long (Stevenage, free), Louis Harris (Wolves, free), Warren Cummings (Bournemouth, free), Pim Balkestein (Brentford, free), Angus MacDonald (Reading, loan)

Players out: Sam Hatton, Jamie Stuart, Chris Bush, Fraser Franks, Gareth Gwillim, Brett Johnson, Reece Jones, Ricky Wellard, Kieran Djilali, Ryan Jackson and Jack Turner (all released)

Key man: Jack Midson

Chances: Brown has been wheeling and dealing on a limited budget as usual but his best piece of business was persuading Midson to sign a new contract. Midson's 20 goals kept the Dons out of trouble last season and they should steer clear again this term.

Sky Bet odds: 50/1

ALDERSHOT

Manager: Dean Holdsworth

Position last season: 11th

Nickname: The Shots

Ground: Recreation Ground

Capacity: 7,100

Players in: Anthony Tonkin (Oxford, free), Ollie Lancashire (Walsall, free), Troy Brown (Rotherham, free), Guy Branston (Bradford, free), Craig Stanley (Bristol Rovers, free), Craig Reid (Stevenage, undisclosed), Sonny Bradley (Hull, loan)

Players out: Darren Jones (Shrewsbury, free), Anthony Straker (Southend, tribunal fee), Bradley Bubb (Woking, season-long loan)

Key man: Peter Vincenti

Chances: Aldershot manager Holdsworth showed his commitment to the club by opting not to join promoted Crawley over the summer. A famous League Cup run was the catalyst for a mid-table finish last term and Holdsworth will be targeting a play-off push this year.

Sky Bet odds: 40/1

BARNET

Manager: Mark Robson

Position last season: 22nd

Nickname: The Bees

Ground: Underhill

Capacity: 6,023

Players in: Sam Cowler, Jordan Brown and Olly Lee (West Ham, free), Freddie Warren (Charlton, free), Ahmed Abdulla (Dagenham, free), Jon Nurse (Dagenham, free), Jake Hyde (Dundee, free), Jonathan Fortune (Exeter, free)

Players out: Izale McLeod, Dean Brill, Sam Cox, Darren Dennehy, Jordan Parkes, Alassane N'Diaye and Mark Marshall (all released), Sam Deering (Cheltenham, free)

Key man: Ricky Holmes

Chances: Barnet made their now traditional final-day escape from relegation last term but have since lost top scorer McLeod, so another tough campaign beckons in what will be the club's last season at Underhill.

Sky Bet odds: 100/1

BRADFORD

Manager: Phil Parkinson

Position last season: 18th

Nickname: The Bantams

Ground: Coral Windows Stadium/Valley Parade

Capacity: 25,136

Players in: Andrew Davies (Stoke, free), Rory McArdle (Aberdeen, released), Gary Jones (Rochdale, free), James Meredith (York, free), Will Atkinson (Hull, free), Garry Thompson (Scunthorpe, free), Stephen Darby (Liverpool, free), Alan Connell (Swindon, free), Nathan Doyle (Barnsley, free)

Players out: Robbie Threlfall (Morecambe, free), Guy Branston (Aldershot, free), Lee Bullock (York, free), Marcel Seip, Rob Kozluk, Luke Dean, Steve Williams, Dean Overson, Andrew Burns, Dominic Rowe and Darren Stephenson (all released)

Key man: Nahki Wells

Chances: Surely poised to launch a serious promotion challenge after big investment in new players during the summer.

Sky Bet odds: 20/1

BRISTOL ROVERS

Manager: Mark McGhee

Position last season: 13th

Nickname: The Pirates

Ground: Memorial Stadium

Capacity: 12,100

Players in: Conor Gough (Charlton, free), Oliver Norburn (Leicester, free), Matthew Lund (Stoke, loan),

Players out: Gary Sawyer (Leyton Orient, free), Craig Stanley (Aldershot, free), Lance Cronin (Macclesfield, free), Byron Anthony, Scott McGleish, Charlie Reece, Charlie Clough, Michael Boateng, Lamar Powell, Darren Jefferies and James Dale (all released), Chris Zebroski (Cheltenham, undisclosed)

Key man: Matt Harrold

Chances: McGhee has experienced promotions with Reading, Millwall and Brighton and after steering Bristol Rovers away from the Football League trap door last season, the vastly-knowledgeable Scot will be looking for another push although a mid-table finish is more likely.

Sky Bet odds: 14/1

BURTON

Manager: Gary Rowett

Position last season: 17th

Nickname: The Brewers

Ground: Pirelli Stadium

Capacity: 6,912

Players in: Robbie Weir (Tranmere, free), Zander Diamond (Oldham, free), Damien McCrory (Dagenham, free), Marcus Holness (Rochdale, free), Ross Atkins (Derby, loan), Dean Lyness (Kidderminster, free)

Players out: Danny Blanchett (York, free), Tony James (Newport, free), Ryan Austin, Adam Bolder, Greg Pearson, James Wren, Kristian Ramsey-Dickson, Andres Gurrieri and Patrick Ada (all released)

Key man: Calvin Zola

Chances: Rowett has freshened things up during the close season but a mid-table finish would represent success in his first full season in charge.

Sky Bet odds: 66/1

CHELTENHAM

Manager: Mark Yates

Position last season: 6th

Nickname: The Robins

Ground: Whaddon Road

Capacity: 7,066

Players in: Sam Deering (Barnet, free), Chris Zebroski (Bristol Rovers, undisclosed), Shaun Harrad (Bury, season-long loan), Billy Jones (Exeter, free),

Players out: Luke Summerfield (Shrewsbury, free), Josh Low (Bath, free), Theo Lewis and Brian Smikle (released)

Key man: Marlon Pack

Chances: Having lost to Crewe in last season's play-off final at Wembley, Cheltenham will hope to quickly erase those memories and progress automatically this time. In what will be an extremely tough division to get out of, the Robins should be up there once again.

Sky Bet odds: 25/1

CHESTERFIELD

Manager: John Sheridan

Position last season: 22nd in League One

Nickname: The Spireites

Ground: b2net Stadium

Capacity: 10,600

Players in: Richard O'Donnell (Sheffield Wednesday, free), Marc Richards (Port Vale, free), Sam Hird (Doncaster, free), Terrell Forbes (Leyton Orient, free), Sam Togwell (Scunthorpe, free), Andrew Byrne (Bradford, free)

Players out: Gregor Robertson (Crewe, free), Jimmy Juan (Chamois Niortais, free), Aaron Downes (Torquay, free), Greg Fleming, Simon Ford, Dan Gray, Jamie Lowry, Alex Mendy, Dean Morgan and Derek Niven (all released)

Key man: Neal Trotman

Chances: Champions the last time they were in the bottom tier two years ago, the Spireites should be eyeing a title tilt once again. Sheridan has made some good signings this summer and the arrival of the prolific Marc Richards could give them the edge over their promotion rivals.

Sky Bet odds: 11/1

DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE

Manager: John Still

Position last season: 19th

Nickname: The Daggers

Ground: Victoria Road

Capacity: 6,078

Players in: Gavin Hoyte (Arsenal, free)

Players out: Gavin Tomlin (Southend, undisclosed), Damien McCrory (Burton, free), Ahmed Abdulla (Barnet, free), Jon Nurse (Barnet, free), Mark Arber, Peter Gain, Phil Walsh, Jonjo Bates, Lee Wootton and Adam Cunnington (all released)

Key man: Brian Woodall

Chances: Having only added former Arsenal defender Hoyte to their squad, Dagenham will do well to stay in League Two this season, after avoiding a second successive relegation last year.

Woodall scored 11 league goals last season and remains the Daggers' key man.

Sky Bet odds: 50/1

EXETER

Manager: Paul Tisdale

Position last season: 23rd in League One

Nickname: The Grecians

Ground: St James Park

Capacity: 8,541

Players in: Rhys Evans (Staines, free), Kevin Amankwaah (Rochdale, free), Pat Baldwin (Southend, free), Arron Davies (Northampton, released), Craig Woodman (Brentford, free), Jordan Tilson (free agent), Matt Oakley (Leicester, free), Jamie Cureton (Leyton Orient, free)

Players out: Daniel Nardiello (Rotherham, free), James Dunne (Stevenage, free), Troy Archibald-Henville (Swindon, undisclosed), Richard Logan (Wycombe, free), Richard Duffy (Port Vale, free), David Noble (Rotherham, free), Lenny Pidgeley, Richard Logan, Chris Shephard, Callum McNish and Luke O'Brien (all released), Jonathan Fortune (Barnet, free)

Key man: Matt Oakley

Chances: Back in League Two after relegation last season, Exeter will be hoping to bounce back at the first attempt. Manager Tisdale has moved to bring in experienced duo Oakley and Cureton, back for a third spell, this summer and those two will be vital to the cause.

Sky Bet odds: 28/1

FLEETWOOD

Manager: Micky Mellon

Position last season: 1st in Blue Square Bet Premier

Nickname: The Cod Army

Ground: Highbury Stadium

Capacity: 5,094

Players in: Dean Howell (Crawley, free), Alex Titchiner (Witton Albion, undisclosed), Chris Maxwell (Wrexham, free), Damien Johnson (Huddersfield, free), Jon Parkin (Cardiff, free), Steven Gillespie (Colchester, undisclosed), Barry Nicholson (Preston, undisclosed), Conor McLaughlin (Preston, free), David Ball (Peterborough, undisclosed), Youl Mawene (Aberdeen, free), Gerard Kinsella (unattached, free)

Players out: Magno Vieira (Forest Green, free), Jamie Vardy (Leicester, £1million), Peter Cavanagh (Rochdale, free), Danny Rowe (Stockport, six-month loan), Kieran Charnock (Macclesfield, six-month loan), Sean Clancy (Chester, free), Keith Briggs (Kidderminster, free), Dave Stevenson, Gareth Sneddon, Paul Lindwood, Matty Hughes, Matty Flynn, Paul Edwards (all released)

Key man: Jon Parkin

Chances: The ambitious Cod Army are a good bet for a tilt at back-to-back promotions, irrespective of whether Joey Barton joins on loan.

Sky Bet odds: 9/2

GILLINGHAM

Manager: Martin Allen

Position last season: 8th

Nickname: The Gills

Ground: Priestfield Stadium

Capacity: 11,582

Players in: Stuart Nelson (Notts County, free), Charlie Allen (Notts County, free), Ben Strevens (Wycombe, free), Tommy Forecast (Southampton, loan), Tom Flanagan (MK Dons, loan), Deon Burton (Gabala FC, free)

Players out: Garry Richards (Luton, free), Dean Rance (Dover, free), Dennis Oli (Wycombe, free), Jo Kuffour, Matt Lawrence, Danny Spiller and Curtis Weston (all released), Paulo Gazzaniga (Southampton, undisclosed), Simon King (Inverness, free)

Key man: Chris Whelpdale

Chances: Confidence is high at the Priestfield ahead of the new season, with new manager Allen looking to improve on Gillingham's eighth-placed finish last season. Former boss Andy Hessenthaler is now director of football at the club who finished just two points off the play-offs last year.

Sky Bet odds: 20/1

MORECAMBE

Manager: Jim Bentley

Position last season: 15th

Nickname: The Shrimps

Ground: Globe Arena

Capacity: 6,476

Players in: Robbie Threlfall (Bradford, free), Andrew Wright (Scunthorpe, free), James Short (trainee), Chris Doyle (trainee), Richard Brodie (Crawley, loan)

Players out: Lawrie Wilson (Rotherham, free), Garry Hunter, Niall Cowperthwaite, Sean Breen and Joe Culshaw (all released)

Key man: Kevin Ellison

Chances: Richard Brodie is a welcome addition to ease the goal burden placed on Ellison as the Shrimps prepare for another season in mid-table.

Sky Bet odds: 66/1

NORTHAMPTON

Manager: Aidy Boothroyd

Position last season: 20th

Nickname: The Cobblers

Ground: Sixfields Stadium

Capacity: 7,653

Players in: Clive Platt (Coventry, free), Alex Nicholls (Walsall, free), Ishmel Demontagnac (Notts Co, released), Chris Hackett (Millwall, free), Joe Widdowson (Rochdale, free), Lee Nicholls (Wigan, loan), David Artell (Port Vale, free)

Players out: Michael Jacobs (Derby, undisclosed compensation), Lewis Young (Yeovil, free), Andy Holt, Freddy Hall, Nat Wedderburn, Michael Built, Jason Crowe and Ryan Gilligan, Arron Davies (all released)

Key man: Clive Platt

Chances: Boothroyd saved Town from relegation last season but after a busy summer and a big turnaround in players, there is a feeling at Sixfields that a play-off push is not out of the question.

Sky Bet odds: 22/1

OXFORD

Manager: Chris Wilder

Position last season: 9th

Nickname: The U's

Ground: Kassam Stadium

Capacity: 12,500

Players in: Sean Rigg (Port Vale, free), Michael Raynes (Rotherham, free), Sean McGinty (Manchester United, six-month loan)

Players out: Oli Johnson (York, free), Asa Hall (Shrewsbury, free), Paul McLaren, Anthony Tonkin, Mark Wilson and Aaron Woodley (all released)

Key man: James Constable

Chances: Oxford were on course for a play-off berth last season before being pipped to seventh place by Crewe, who ended up securing promotion via the play-offs. Wilder's side will be aiming to go one better this time and expect them to be there or thereabouts.

Sky Bet odds: 16/1

PLYMOUTH

Manager: Carl Fletcher

Position last season: 21st

Nickname: Argyle, the Pilgrims

Ground: Home Park

Capacity: 16,388

Players in: Paris Cowan-Hall (Woking, tribunal fee), Rene Gilmartin (Watford, free), Johnny Gorman (Wolves, loan), Rhys Griffiths (Port Talbot Town, free), Jamie Lowry (Chesterfield, free)

Players out: Luke Daley and Damien Johnson (both released), Romain Larrieu (retired), Simon Walton (Hartlepool, free)

Key man: Darren Purse

Chances: Fletcher performed miracles at Plymouth last season when the club, who were also in financial turmoil, came dangerously close to losing their Football League status. In the end they survived by two points but should be in a stronger position this time.

Sky Bet odds: 25/1

PORT VALE

Manager: Micky Adams

Position last season: 12th

Nickname: The Valiants

Ground: Vale Park

Capacity: 19,052

Players in: Darren Murphy (Stevenage, free), Jennison Myrie-Williams (Stevenage, free), Ashley Vincent (Colchester, free), Richard Duffy (Exeter, free), Chris Neal (Shrewsbury, free)

Players out: Lee Collins (Barnsley, undisclosed), Anthony Griffith (Leyton Orient, undisclosed), Sean Rigg (Oxford, free), Marc Richards (Chesterfield, free), Chris Martin, Phil Roe and Paul Marshall (all released), David Artell (Northampton, free)

Key man: Tom Pope

Chances: A slump into administration ended Vale's play-off ambitions last term and, although ownership issues have not been fully resolved, a brighter off-field picture means Adams should be free to craft an unhindered assault on the top seven once again.

Sky Bet odds: 20/1

ROCHDALE

Manager: John Coleman

Position last season: 24th in League One

Nickname: Dale

Ground: Spotland

Capacity: 10,249

Players in: George Donnelly (Macclesfield, undisclosed), Peter Cavanagh (Fleetwood, free), Rhys Bennett (Bolton, free), Josh Lillis (Scunthorpe, free), Ryan Edwards (Blackburn, six-month youth loan), Kevin McIntyre (Accrington, free), Joe Rafferty (Liverpool, free), Phil Edwards (free agent), Dele Adebola (free agent)

Players out: Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro (Tranmere, free), Nicky Adams (Crawley, undisclosed), Gary Jones (Bradford, free), Kevin Amankwaah (Exeter, free), David Lucas (Birmingham, free), Dean Holden (Walsall, free), Stephen Jordan, Joe Widdowson and Marc Twaddle (all released), Joe Thompson (Tranmere, undisclosed)

Key man: Josh Lillis

Chances: Dale are back in the bottom tier after two seasons in League Two and an immediate return would appear to be a tall order.

Sky Bet odds: 28/1

ROTHERHAM

Manager: Steve Evans

Position last season: 10th

Nickname: The Millers

Ground: New York Stadium

Capacity: 12,000

Players in: Daniel Nardiello (Exeter, free), Kayode Odejayi (Colchester, free), Ian Sharps (Shrewsbury, free), Nicky Hunt (Bristol City, free), Kari Arnason (Aberdeen, free), Scott Shearer (Crawley, free), Michael O'Connor (Scunthorpe, free), Lionel Ainsworth (free), Lawrie Wilson (Morecambe, free), David Noble (Exeter, free), Kieran Agard (Yeovil, free).

Players out: Marcus Marshall (Bury, free), Danny Harrison (Tranmere, free), Lewis Grabban (Bournemouth, undisclosed), Ryan Cresswell (Southend, undisclosed), Michael Raynes (Oxford, free) Richard Naylor, Ollie Banks, Luke Foster, Tom Newey, Jamie Annerson, Troy Brown (all released), Paul Warne (retired)

Key man: Michael O'Connor

Chances: Serious automatic promotion contenders and the team to beat in their first season in their New York Stadium.

Sky Bet odds: 100/30

SOUTHEND

Manager: Paul Sturrock

Position last season: 4th

Nickname: The Shrimpers

Ground: Roots Hall

Capacity: 12,392

Players in: Kevan Hurst (Walsall, free), Gavin Tomlin (Dagenham, undisclosed), Anthony Straker (Aldershot, tribunal fee), Ryan Cresswell (Rotherham, undisclosed), Freddy Eastwood (Coventry, free)

Players out: Anthony Grant (Stevenage, free), Pat Baldwin (Exeter, free), Jean-Paul Kalala (released), Christian Dailly (retired)

Key man: Bilel Mohsni

Chances: Southend are among a group of clubs chasing promotion this season after ending last year just one point away from automatic promotion. The Shrimpers were edged out of the play-off semi-final by eventual winners Crewe. Manager Sturrock will be hoping to avoid the end-of-season lottery this time around.

Sky Bet odds: 16/1

TORQUAY

Manager: Martin Ling

Position last season: 5th

Nickname: The Gulls

Ground: Plainmoor

Capacity: 6,104

Players in: Ryan Jarvis (Walsall, free), Craig Easton (free agent), Michael Poke (Brighton, free), Tom Cruise (Arsenal, free), Billy Bodin (Swindon, undisclosed), Aaron Downes (Chesterfield, free)

Players out: Lathaniel Rowe-Turner (Luton, free), Mark Ellis (Crewe, undisclosed), Eunan O'Kane (Bournemouth, undisclosed)

Key man: Billy Bodin

Chances: Torquay are expected to be in the promotion shake-up once again having lost out to Cheltenham in last season's play-off semi-finals. Ling won promotion with Leyton Orient in 2006 and would dearly love to avenge last season's disappointment.

Sky Bet odds: 25/1

WYCOMBE

Manager: Gary Waddock

Position last season: 21st in League One

Nickname: The Chairboys

Ground: Adams Park

Capacity: 10,284

Players in: Gary Doherty (Charlton, free), Matt Spring (Leyton Orient, free), Sam Wood (Brentford, free), Dennis Oli (Gillingham, free), Lee Angol (Tottenham, free), Richard Logan (Exeter, free),

Players out: Steve Arnold (Stevenage, free), Scott Rendell (Luton, undisclosed), Ben Strevens, Anthony McNamee, John Halls, James Tunnicliffe and (all released), Ben Strevens (Gillingham, free), Jason Mooney (Tranmere, free)

Key man: Nikki Bull

Chances: Wycombe are another side bidding to bounce back to League One at the first attempt after relegation last season. Waddock knows what it takes to get out of this division having secured promotion in 2010-11 in the former QPR defender's first full season at Adams Park.

Sky Bet odds: 25/1

YORK

Manager: Gary Mills

Position last season: 4th in Blue Square Bet Premier

Nickname: The Minstermen

Ground: Bootham Crescent

Capacity: 7,872

Players in: Lee Bullock (Bradford, free), Oli Johnson (Oxford, free), John McReady (Darlington, free), Michael Coulson (Grimsby, free), Danny Blanchett (Burton, free), Jonathan Smith (Swindon, undisclosed)

Players out: James Meredith (Bradford, free)

Key man: Matty Blair

Chances: Consolidation will be the key for York as they mark their return to the Football League after an eight-year absence. May not be able to keep up with Fleetwood but should have enough to preserve their status.

Sky Bet odds: 33/1