Welton Toffee
Player Valuation: £40m
Sheffield United 1-1 Everton
A scrappy game at Bramall Lane finished all square today.
The first half lacked any real inspiration from either side. Referee Mike Riley seemed determined to ruin the little flow the game did have by awarding numerous free kicks. James Beattie was booked early on despite appearing not to have made any infringement at all.
The only real chance of the first half fell to Tim Cahill. Gary Naysmith cut back a chipped cross to the far post which Cahill met well with his head. The ball was goal bound before Claude Davis cleared off the line. Just minutes later Cahill was caught on the foot. He quickly received treatment before being helped off the field to be replaced by Leon Osman. It later turned out that Cahill indeed broke a bone in his foot, meaning he has little hope of playing again this season
The second half was a much livelier affair. Just 12 minutes after the restart Sheffield United took the lead. After a mistake by Gary Naysmith, Kazim-Richards was left free to burst down the right wing. He played the ball inside to Rob Hulse who made no mistake slotting home past Tim Howard. This sparked jubilant celebration from the United fans who were hoping to add Everton to their impressive list of scalps this season.
The hapless Everton needed a lift. David Moyes brought off James Beattie, who failed to impress after his encouraging display against Watford, and brought on youngster James Vaughan. He offered much more of a threat to Paddy Kenny’s goal and twice came close to scoring with a header and a well hit shot.
After 75 minutes Everton finally forced their way back into the game. United keeper Paddy Kenny dropped an easy catch which left Johnson free. In desperation Kenny brought Johnson down and the referee had no option but to give a penalty. Mikel Arteta stepped up to take the spot kick and his effort bounced over the line after coming off the cross bar.
In the last 15 minutes it was Everton who looked the most likely winners. Mikel Arteta had a free kick well saved before Leon Osman’s header went narrowly wide deep into injury time.
However, Everton couldn’t find a second and had to settle for a point. In truth, a draw was probably a fair reflection of the game as neither team took control of a scrappy match.
Man of the Match – Manuel Fernandes
David Robson
A scrappy game at Bramall Lane finished all square today.
The first half lacked any real inspiration from either side. Referee Mike Riley seemed determined to ruin the little flow the game did have by awarding numerous free kicks. James Beattie was booked early on despite appearing not to have made any infringement at all.
The only real chance of the first half fell to Tim Cahill. Gary Naysmith cut back a chipped cross to the far post which Cahill met well with his head. The ball was goal bound before Claude Davis cleared off the line. Just minutes later Cahill was caught on the foot. He quickly received treatment before being helped off the field to be replaced by Leon Osman. It later turned out that Cahill indeed broke a bone in his foot, meaning he has little hope of playing again this season
The second half was a much livelier affair. Just 12 minutes after the restart Sheffield United took the lead. After a mistake by Gary Naysmith, Kazim-Richards was left free to burst down the right wing. He played the ball inside to Rob Hulse who made no mistake slotting home past Tim Howard. This sparked jubilant celebration from the United fans who were hoping to add Everton to their impressive list of scalps this season.
The hapless Everton needed a lift. David Moyes brought off James Beattie, who failed to impress after his encouraging display against Watford, and brought on youngster James Vaughan. He offered much more of a threat to Paddy Kenny’s goal and twice came close to scoring with a header and a well hit shot.
After 75 minutes Everton finally forced their way back into the game. United keeper Paddy Kenny dropped an easy catch which left Johnson free. In desperation Kenny brought Johnson down and the referee had no option but to give a penalty. Mikel Arteta stepped up to take the spot kick and his effort bounced over the line after coming off the cross bar.
In the last 15 minutes it was Everton who looked the most likely winners. Mikel Arteta had a free kick well saved before Leon Osman’s header went narrowly wide deep into injury time.
However, Everton couldn’t find a second and had to settle for a point. In truth, a draw was probably a fair reflection of the game as neither team took control of a scrappy match.
Man of the Match – Manuel Fernandes
David Robson
