Steven Pienaar makes sensational Everton FC return as transfer window slams shut
By Sean Bradbury
Feb 1 2012
STEVEN Pienaar has sealed a sensational return to Everton FC in a last-minute loan move.
Just as the January transfer window was about to slam shut, Everton and Spurs thrashed out a deal which will see the South African midfielder return to Goodison Park until the summer. Speculation mounted on deadline day that the 29-year-old playmaker could be on his way back to the Blues - but his inclusion in the Tottenham Hotspur squad for their home game against Wigan seemed to indicate otherwise. Pienaar - who made 133 appearances and scored 12 goals for the Toffees in his first spell on Merseyside - joins Nikica Jelavic, Landon Donovan and Darron Gibson at EFC after a busy month for David Moyes. Louis Saha departed Everton just before 11pm last night, completing a switch to Spurs on what is believed to be an 18-month loan deal.

Everton FC 1 Manchester City 0: Greg O’Keeffe’s verdict on a fantastic night for EFC
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 1 2012
SOMETIMES it’s not about what you want, but what you already have. David Moyes had bristled at the mere suggestion that he might leave the dug-out during his side’s Premier League clash with Manchester City to chase deadline day transfer deals. The Everton manager has been around long enough to know the most important thing to a football club is always the players on the field.
Although the hysteria of deadline day in the age of social networking, and the hypnotising allure of Sky’s yellow banner convince some that football is all about spending money and chasing glamorous-sounding unknowns, Everton and Manchester City produced a contest, too, that reminded everyone what the game is really about. It had everything. A first Toffees goal for Darron Gibson, a fan hand-cuffing himself to the post, and (gloriously against the script), another Everton win over title-chasing City. It was victory forged by unfancied men who some had written off like Denis Stracqualursi, Gibson (who was mocked by some Manchester United fans as a flop when he left Old Trafford earlier this month), and Tony Hibbert – again proving he can cope with some of the division’s best attackers as a make-shift centre half. Yes, it was a significant morale-boost for the club to see a new striker, £5.5m striker Nikica Jelavic paraded on the pitch at half-time, but what was even more uplifting was the realisation Everton can still produce blood-thumping, odds-beating, defiant nights like this. If the predictable defeat at the Etihad stadium in the reverse fixture earlier this term hinted that the Toffees’ ability to upset the best was over (along with losses to United, Spurs and Chelsea) that theory was torn-up in front of the watching nation. City’s miserable streak of one win in 14 Premier League games at Goodison goes on. Time and time again these encounters end with quick calculations of the disparity of wealth on display. The first and most compelling chance of the opening half came early. Emboldened by that goal against Fulham, Stracqualursi found space at the far post to connect powerfully with Royston Drenthe’s corner. Former Blue Joleon Lescott cleared, as Everton players protested that the ball had already crossed the line, although replays suggested it hadn’t. City responded instantly, with Micah Richards bringing a smart low save from Tim Howard, then the USA goalkeeper dealt comfortably with Edin Dzeko’s far post header from the resulting corner. But despite their personnel issues it was a confident start from the home side, who seemed unbowed by City’s attacking prowess and soon eked out another opportunity for Stracqualursi who planted his header, from Phil Neville’s cross, right at Joe Hart. Although City soon settled into their own ominous stride, stacking up slick moves and half-chances as David Silva and Samir Nasri flickered into life. Again, the Blues responded defiantly. A fired-up Tim Cahill won a free kick from 25 yards that Landon Donovan wasted, but then the American volleyed over after latching onto Neville’s lofted return. Next it was Fellaini’s chance to rifle wide on the half-volley, after good work from Leighton Baines and Cahill. Mancini’s men always looked dangerous in possession though, and Nasri was unfortunate when his audacious 30-yard thunder-bolt slapped back off the corner of the goal. The half ended in the ignominy of that bizarre protest – apparently aimed at budget airline Ryanair’s recruitment policy. But the delay did little to undermine a pulsating match, and the Blues struck 15 minutes after the restart. Impressive on Friday against Fulham, Fellaini was at his commanding best again and kick-started the move by nicking the ball off Edin Dzeko and feeding Drenthe. The little Dutchman carried it 30 yards upfield and threaded a pass to the over-lapping Baines who crossed smartly to Donovan. Instead of blasting it, the canny loan-star slipped a deft ball to Darron Gibson, who reminded everyone of his potential to strike with venom outside the box, and was rewarded when his effort was deflected in off Gareth Barry. Goodison roared like it has done so often against these opponents, and City were visibly shaken. Drenthe, who was suddenly thriving, did well to find Gibson again a few minutes later, but this time the midfielder volleyed wide under pressure. Then Stracqualursi, who simply did not stop working endlessly throughout, battered through the City defence and crossed for Gibson to fire wide again. Drenthe had made his impact, and a dynamic display suggested why his frustrating talent is worth persevering with, but a rash booking for a foul on Micah Richards signalled the end of his night, as academy graduate Jose Baxter handed a chance in his place. Those remaining did enough. City toiled but as throughout were restricted to few shots on target and four agonizing minutes of injury time were survived. The sound of Peter Walton’s whistle has rarely sounded sweeter. This game could so easily have ended up a side-show – but in the end it was the nail-biting, climactic blockbuster on the pitch that was really worth watching.
EVERTON (4-4-2): Howard, Hibbert, Neville (Capt), Heitinga, Baines, Fellaini, Gibson, Drenthe (Baxter, 78) Donovan, Cahill, Stracqualursi (Vellios, 88).
Not used: Mucha, Gueye, Barkley, Forshaw, Duffy.
Bookings: Drenthe
Goals: Gibson (59)
MANCHESTER CITY (4-3-1-2): Hart, Richards, Kompany (Capt), Lescott (Kolaov, 68) Clichy, Barry (DeJong, 86) Nasri, Milner (Johnson, 61) Silva, Aguero, Dzeko.
Not used: Pantilimon, Zabaleta, Johnson, Savic, Razak.
Bookings: Kompany, Lescott
Referee: Peter Walton
Attendance: 29,826

David Moyes hails his best night at Everton FC
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Feb 1 2012
DAVID MOYES enjoyed his best Goodison Park experience of the season last night – then hoped new signing Nikica Jelavic could bring even more celebrations to the Everton FC faithful. The Croatian striker was introduced to the crowd at half-time after signing a four-and-a-half year contract earlier in the day and is in line for his debut at Wigan on Saturday. And Moyes said, after watching his patched up side topple the league leaders: “That’s great news. We’ve been looking for a centre-forward for a while. We just hope now that he can help us score some goals. “On tonight’s performance Denis has done great and Jelavic has now come in, so hopefully it bodes well for the coming months ahead. “He would have seen the hard work that the players put in tonight. He’s coming from one great football club and I think he’s coming to another great football club.
“He really wants it, he wants to play in the Premier League and he wants to play for Everton and that goes a long way. “And he will want to play for Croatia in the European Championships so hopefully that will keep his form good and keep him hungry to score and play well.” Jelavic was an interested spectator as Darron Gibson’s first goal for the Blues fired Everton to a 1-0 victory. Moyes added: “That’s as good as it’s been at Everton for a long time for me, with the team we had out, the players we had missing – it says a lot about the club and how we always seem to go out and do it. The players did great tonight. “We might have played smoother football in other games, but against the side we were facing tonight I think the players deserve a lot of credit. “Manchester City are a terrific team and we had to defend for long periods especially in the second half, but we limited them to not many chances. There’s always a threat with the likes of Silva making a through pass or Nasri with the ability he’s got, but it was a great effort from the players who showed great desire to get a result. “I was frustrated at half-time because thought we hadn’t passed it that well in the first half, I thought that we had given it away quite cheaply, but we had a plan to try and make it hard for Manchester City as much as we could.” On Louis Saha’s departure to Tottenham Hotspur Moyes explained: “It was an opportunity for Louis and it was something we were happy to do at this moment in time.”

John Foley charged by police after handcuffing himself to goalpost during Everton FC v Man City game
By Ben Bryant
Feb 1 2012
Liverpool Echo
A PROTESTER who handcuffed himself to a goalpost during Everton FC’s victory over Manchester City was charged by police. John Foley of Lord Street, Southport, brought last night’s game against City to a standstill. The 46-year-old was charged with going on to the playing area at a football match and bailed with conditions to appear before Liverpool Magistrates Court on February 17.
Foley has regularly protested against his daughter’s alleged unfair treatment by budget airline Ryanair – claims always firmly denied by the company. The incident forced the referee to halt play shortly before 8.40pm. A police officer used bolt cutters to free Foley.

Everton FC: New signing Nikica Jelavic promises to keep up goalscoring record
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 1 2012
EVERTON FC’S new signing Nikica Jelavic hopes to be able to continue his good goalscoring form in England having made the move from Rangers. The 26-year-old, who signed a four-and-a-half-year deal, admits he is making a step up in terms of quality but hopes to be able to maintain the standards he has set for himself. He scored 36 times in just 55 appearances for the Scottish club, having been signed for £4million in the summer of 2010 from Rapid Vienna. “It is a big thing for me and it is a new step in my career, a step forward,” he said. “I am very pleased and very excited, it is a new challenge for me. “The Scottish Premier League is not as high a level as here in England but I think it will help a lot as it is not so much a big difference. “I think I can bring some good football and to score many goals and to try to win some trophies.” Asked what his best attribute was, Jelavic added: “Scoring goals. In the last couple of seasons my record has shown that and hopefully I can continue that at Everton.” The Croatia international becomes manager David Moyes’ third signing of the January transfer window, following a loan for Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan and a permanent deal for Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson. He was introduced to the Goodison Park crowd during half-time of their 1-0 victory over Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester City. And after only learning of the possibility of a move to Everton at the weekend Jelavic is keen to start helping out his new side as soon as possible. “I can promise to the fans and people at the club I will do my best and score as many goals as possible,” he added on evertontv. “I only found out about the move a few days ago and it is a dream come true. I know Everton are an outstanding Premier League club, even thought this season they are not in as good a position.”

Everton FC in deadline day heaven after beating Manchester City and re-signing Steven Pienaar
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 1 2012
EVERTON FC capped a triumphant transfer deadline day – featuring a defiant win over Manchester City – by sealing the capture of Steven Pienaar. The loan signing of the 29-year-old playmaker, who left Everton FC to join Spurs 12 months ago, ended a whirlwind day for David Moyes, who also welcomed £5.5m striker Nikcia Jelavic from Rangers, and allowed Louis Saha to leave for White Hart Lane. Moyes departed the ground after the 1-0 win over Premier League leaders City to finalise the Pienaar deal, which will last until the end of the season. It appeared to have stalled when the South African was named in the Spurs squad that beat Wigan. However, after his side’s 3-1 win, Harry Redknapp conceded he was still possibly willing to sanction Pienaar’s return to Merseyside, and Toffees officials completed the paperwork. Pienaar pushed hard for a move back to the club which helped make him a star name before the 2010 World Cup, and was expected back at Finch Farm today. Elsewhere, Jelavic, 26, was paraded on the pitch at half time after the Croatian international became Moyes' third signing of the window, following deals for Landon Donovan and Darron Gibson.
Earlier this week Everton this week sold Diniyar Bilyaletdinov to Spartak Moscow for £5m.
Jelavic, who watched as the Blues climbed to ninth in the table, will be available to make his first appearance in Saturday's trip to Wigan. Meanwhile, Saha completed a free transfer to North London, which is understood to have helped paved the way for Pienaar’s return. The 33-year-old had six months remaining on his current deal but has been allowed to move to White Hart Lane.
Saha has managed 20 appearances this season but has scored just twice.

David Prentice - Darron Gibson could be the answer to Everton FC’s lack of goals from midfield
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Feb 1 2012
BEFORE last night, Everton FC midfielder Darron Gibson was the answer to a quirky pub question.
His first goal in an Everton FC shirt ensures he's still the answer, but he now has another claim to fame – he scores goals from midfield, too. The former Manchester United midfielder has the longest unbeaten run of any current Premier League player – 18 matches since he last tasted defeat in a league match before last night. And his deflected 60th minute strike ensured that curious claim to fame survived. But while the win was enormously welcome, so too was the prospect of what the strike hints at in the future. Everton FC have craved a regular midfield marksman ever since Gary Speed left for Newcastle. And while Gibson came with a reputation for enjoying a long range shot, his first three Everton appearances saw the sum total of just one scuffed effort across goal in Friday's Cup tie. That all changed last night. Within minutes of wildly celebrating his first Everton goal Gibson miscued another right-footer wide of the target, then a couple of minutes on again connected much more sweetly with a left footed volley which flew narrowly wide. When Jack Rodwell is fit again that will give David Moyes a more testing question to answer, but they're the kind of dilemmas managers crave. The question no-one has come up with the answer to yet is exactly what kind of mood Royston Drenthe is going to turn up in on any given day.
Roberto Mancini left Goodison Park after 63 minutes last Friday night – two minutes before the little Dutchman entered the fray against Fulham. Maybe Mancini felt he knew all he needed to about Everton's erratic but inspirational winger. And little he did in the opening hour told him anything different. But Drenthe makes things happen. And it was his decisive burst which ultimately inspired the opening from which Gibson struck. He showed an explosive burst of pace to carry the ball forward and set City back on their heels, then after sizing up a shot, sensibly passed the ball out to Baines. His cross flicked off a City defender's head to Donovan. The enormously impressive American touched it back to Gibson and his shot skipped off Barry as it flew into the Gwladys Street net.
Of course Drenthe didn't stop there. Sixteen minutes later he kicked out at Micah Richards after an extravagant flick over his head was swiftly closed down by the City defender. He could have received more than a booking, and Moyes decided that would be his last act, introducing Jose Baxter. But regardless of the personnel, Everton FC's enthusiasm and desire was simply unquenchable. And for the second match in succession that was epitomised by the effervescent Argentinian, Denis Stracqualursi. Denied a second goal only by a goalline clearance by Lescott, he led from the front. He fired the crowd up with one robust challenge on Lescott and then another firm but fair challenge on Joe Hart rattled the young City keeper and added to the decibel level.
Occasionally ungainly and off target with a few wild efforts, he gave as accomplished a central defensive duo as Kompany and Lescott an uncomfortable evening. But that's typical of Manchester City's visits to Goodison Park. They say form is temporary, class is permanent. But while City possess the classier players, they just can't get the better of the Blues on their own turf. City have celebrated just two wins in 20 years on the blue half of Merseyside, but even since City started spending money like water they've lost five out of seven at Goodison Park. And once again there was no doubting Everton deserved their victory. Everton showed spirit, enthusiasm, courage and a willingness to run the extra yard – and ultimately that proved more valuable than City's flair, polish and possession. There were heroes everywhere. David Moyes decided that Shane Duffy's youthful naivety was too much of a risk against seasoned international strikers of the quality of Sergio Aguero and David Silva. But if Tony Hibbert and Johnny Heitinga was an unconventional central defensive partnership, it provided a magnificent platform on which this latest victory was constructed.
Marouane Fellaini built on the improved form he showed against Fulham – and even tossed in his trademark pirouette, first paraded against Manchester City two years ago. It must have made for an exciting first impression of his new employers for Nikica Jelavic, introduced at half-time to an enthusiastic welcome and watching attentively from the Main Stand. A victory over the league leaders, and a new centre-forward to look forward to . . . it was a marvellous night for Evertonians.
To use his metaphor from the first meeting between these sides this season, David Moyes took a knife to a gunfight. But it was City who sustained the flesh wounds once again.

Everton FC 1 Man City 0: Fine night for EFC as David Moyes' men shine against City
By Ian Doyle at Goodison Park
Feb 1 2012
WITH a man chaining himself to the Park End goalposts shortly after Everton FC signed a new striker, it wasn’t your average evening at Goodison. But some things don’t change. And, when Manchester City hone into view, it simply brings out the best in David Moyes’s side. With £5.5million signing Nikica Jelavic watching from the stands, Everton defied the odds to halt City’s title charge and breathe further new life into their campaign. Inevitably, it was a former Manchester United player who struck to a blow to the title aspirations of Roberto Mancini’s men, Darron Gibson netting his first goal since moving to Goodison earlier this month. So continues Everton’s remarkable record against City, having now won 11 of their last 16 meetings against the world’s richest club; clearly, money doesn’t always guarantee success. Not a bad way for Moyes to register his 150th Premier League win in charge at Goodison. The Everton manager had drawn criticism in some quarters for his cautious tactics during the defeat at Eastlands earlier in the campaign. But last night both he and his players deserve only praise, most notably emergency centre-back Tony Hibbert and non-stop new fan favourite Denis Stracqualursi. Given the hectic work behind the scenes to complete the Jelavic deal, it would have been easy for Everton minds to drift from the night’s job in hand.
City were in the midst of a run of 11 wins from their first 12 Premier League games when they eventually saw off an obdurate Everton 2-0 at Eastlands back in September. However, their form has dipped significantly from those lofty standards since the turn of the year, losing at Sunderland in the top flight and knocked out of both the FA and Carling Cups. This was Everton’s second successive game under the Goodison floodlights, having booked their place in the last 16 of the FA Cup by coming from behind to beat Fulham on Friday night. Moyes made two changes from that team, Royston Drenthe coming in for Magaye Gueye on the left flank and the experienced head of Hibbert preferred at centre-back to the youthful Shane Duffy. Hibbert has filled in at the heart of defence on occasion in the past, but it’s unlikely he has ever done so in the face of an attacking line-up as powerful as City’s that boasted all three of Edin Dzeko, Sergio Aguero and David Silva.
Both sides had their chances during a keenly-contested first half, with a goal threatened at either end in the sixth minute. Everton were only inches away from taking the lead when, from Drenthe’s corner, Stracqualursi’s header was cleared off the line by Joleon Lescott, with Vincent Kompany clearing before Marouane Felliani could pounce. Immediately at the other end, Micah Richards was released inside the area but Tim Howard repelled his angled drive. As expected, City dominated possession but were too often guilty of overplaying or dwelling on making the final pass.
And even when they did get the edge of Everton’s area, the makeshift home backline was strong enough to protect Howard from any major threat. Aguero’s twisting and turning kept the Moyes’s men on full alert, with the Argentine dragging a shot wide after some typically mesmeric footwork.
The lively Drenthe took the fight to City and Richards in particular, the pair involved in a running battle down the Everton left for much of the first half. Phil Neville, making his 650th career appearance, was required to make a defensive header at the far post with Aguero ready to pounce, and the Goodison crowd began to grow edgy as Everton were pressed further and further back.
But they were roused into life when Stracqualursi, showing far greater appetite following his debut goal against Fulham four days earlier and no doubt mindful of Jelavic sat in the stands, clattered into City goalkeeper Joe Hart. Ten minutes before the interval, the Argentine headed a Leighton Baines cross down into the path of Fellaini, whose first-time shot was dragged narrowly wide.
City’s response was a tremendous 30-yard strike from Nasri that crashed against the underside of the crossbar and bounced back into play. However, just as Everton were building some momentum, a man bizarrely protesting against Ryanair’s recruitment policy handcuffed himself to Hart’s left-hand post at the Park End of Goodison and brought proceedings to a halt for five minutes.
But 15 minutes into the second half, the home side forged ahead. Fellaini robbed Dzeko on the halfway line and, with City claiming a foul, Drenthe saw his chance to race at the visiting backline and feed Baines down the flank. The left-back’s cross dropped to Donovan inside the area, who rolled the ball back for Gibson to strike home via a helpful deflection off Gareth Barry.
City struggled to find a way back. Nasri clipped the top of the bar with a cross, but the visitors continued to be stymied by an insistence on trying to play their way through a solid Everton defence.
MAN OF THE MATCH. Tony Hibbert. An excellent defensive display from the makeshift centre-back
EVERTON (4-4-1-1): Howard; Neville, Hibbert, Heitinga, Baines; Donovan, Fellaini, Gibson, Drenthe (Baxter 79); Cahill; Stracqualursi (Vellios 88). Subs: Mucha, Gueye, Barkley, Forshaw, Duffy.
BOOKING: Drenthe (foul).
MANCHESTER CITY (4-4-1-1): Hart; Richards, Kompany, Lescott (Kolarov 68), Clichy; Milner (Johnson 62), Nasri, Barry (de Jong 86), Silva; Aguero; Dzeko. Subs: Pantilimon, Zabaleta, Savic, Razak.
BOOKINGS: Kompany and Lescott (both fouls).
REFEREE: Peter Walton.
ATT: 29,856.
NEXT GAME: Wigan Athletic v Everton, Barclays Premier League, Saturday 3pm.

Everton FC sign Nikica Jelavic and Steven Pienaar on transfer deadline day
By Ian Doyle
Feb 1 2012
EVERTON FC last night completed a deadline-busting £5.5million move for Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic – as Steven Pienaar made a sensation return to Goodison Park. Jelavic arrived on Merseyside yesterday afternoon for talks and a medical after Rangers accepted a second improved bid for the forward. The 26-year-old, who has signed a four-and-half-year contract, was unveiled at half-time of the 1-0 Premier League home win against Manchester City last night. West Ham United had been interested in signing Jelavic, a Croatia international, only to withdraw on Monday after refusing to meet Rangers’ asking price. But a second bid from Moyes was enough to tempt the financially-troubled Scottish side to cash in on their most valuable asset. Jelavic netted 36 goals in 55 appearances from Rangers after arriving from Rapid Vienna for £4m in the summer of 2010.
He will now go straight into the squad to face Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium on Saturday.
And Moyes also pulled off a coup by bringing back Pienaar from Tottenham Hotspur on loan for the remainder of the season. The South African departed Goodison 12 months ago on a permanent deal to White Hart Lane but has seen his first-team opportunities limited, and jumped at the chance of a return to Merseyside. With Darron Gibson captured from Manchester United and a loan deal for LA Galaxy’s Landon Donovan, it has proven a surprisingly profitable January transfer window for Everton. However, plans to rubber-stamp a £500,000 move for Greece under-21 defender Kostas Manolas from AEK Athens appear to have been put on hold. On a typically hectic transfer deadline day for Moyes, Louis Saha exited Goodison with Tottenham signing the Frenchman in a six-month deal with the option of a 12-month extension. The 33-year-old, who was out of contract at Everton in the summer, had fallen out of favour at Goodison in recent weeks and netted only one in the Premier League this season.

Everton 1 Manchester City 0
By PHIL THOMAS
The Sun
February 1 2012
DARRON GIBSON has finally become an Old Trafford hero — with his first Everton goal.
The Irish midfielder spent seven years at Manchester United without ever coming close to a regular slot, or a place as a terrace legend. So how ironic that Gibson's name was being belted out by United fans last night — as his strike downed Manchester City and blew the title race wide open.
And what a moment it was when he arrived, unmarked and screaming for the ball on the edge of the box, to finish off Landon Donovan's lay-off on 60 minutes. The outstanding Marouane Fellaini had started the move with a crunching, but fair, tackle on Edin Dzeko on halfway which changed the whole momentum of the game. Fellaini fed Royston Drenthe, who in turn swept it wide to Leighton Baines. When the left-back's cross drifted all the way to Landon Donovan on the right side of the box, City's defence was in tatters. The American was tempted to shoot but wisely fed the unmarked Gibson 18 yards out, and his piledriver clipped Gareth Barry before flying into the corner.
Midfielder Barry did not exactly cover himself in glory by turning his back as he tried to block. Braveheart he most certainly was not. Gibson's last United goal came nine months ago — the second in a Champions League semi-final drubbing of Schalke at Old Trafford. The occasion may not have been quite as lofty last night, but the Irishman's strike could ultimately prove to be one of the most crucial of the campaign. In terms of Everton's fortunes it may well be the strike which, on the back of an FA Cup fifth-round place, finally gets a stop-start season heading in the right direction.
In terms of United's, it now sees them level on points with the noisy neighbours, for whom the past month has turned into a disaster. They exited both cups and now their league lead is down to goal difference. City can blame no one but their own sorry selves. Multi-million pound wages guarantee craft and guile but you cannot put a price on commitment, guts and graft. Everton had all three in abundance. Not even a fan bursting onto the pitch and handcuffing himself to the post and causing a four-minute first-half stoppage, could knock them off their tracks. The invader was apparently protesting as part of 'Ryanairdontcare' campaign, against the budget airline's recruitment policy.
It was not the only time the shackles were on last night, as City never came close to the free-flowing, blow-em-all-away style of the early months of the season. Everton could, probably should, have been ahead inside five minutes through Denis Stracqualursi. On Friday, the Argentine bagged his first Everton goal in the FA Cup win over Fulham. Last night he came within a whisker of a second, as he met Drenthe's corner, and Joleon Lescott stooped to head off the line. City, for all of their possession, rarely looked like doing anything with it. Samir Nasri set up Micah Richards on the right but keeper Tim Howard turned the shot behind. On 35 minutes Nasri rattled the bar with a 30-yard blast which bounced down to Sergio Aguero but Howard saved the follow-up. That was pretty much that in terms of close shaves for Everton. And they were not exactly holding on by the skin of their teeth come the final few minutes. After Liverpool's double triumph over the two Premier League pacesetters a week ago, the score reads Merseyside 3 Manchester 0.
And never, ever will they have been so pleased to see that as they are at Old Trafford right now.
DREAM TEAM STAR MAN - MAROUANE FELLLAINI (Everton). Finally fulfilling his promise.
EVERTON: Howard 7, Neville 7, Hibbert 7, Heitinga 6, Baines 7, Donovan 7, Fellaini 8, Gibson 7, Drenthe 6 (Baxter 6), Cahill 7, Stracqualursi 7 (Velios 5). Booked: Drenthe.
MAN CITY: Hart 7, Richards 6, Kompany 7, Lescott 5 (Kolarov 6), Clichy 5, Milner 5 (Johnson 6), Barry 6 (De Jong 5), Silva 7, Nasri 7, Aguero 6, Dzeko 6. Booked: Lescott, Kompany
REF: P Walton 7

Darron day!
The Sun
February 1 2012
United reject puts Fergie level
By MARTIN BLACKBURN
DARRON GIBSON put his old club United level at the top with City as Roberto Mancini accepted the blame for defeat. Old Trafford misfit Gibson hit Everton's winner while Alex Ferguson's side beat Stoke 2-0. City boss Mancini admitted he had underestimated injury-hit Toffees and made mistakes in his preparations. He said: "I thought it would be easier — I probably under-estimated them. I should have known that it's never easy here. "I hold my hand up. Sometimes it is possible to make mistakes. I don't think we prepared very well during the week. "There were some mistakes I made and I know I can't do them again in the next game." Hero Gibson was delighted to do his old United pals a favour. He said: "There might be a few calls coming my way from Manchester. "But I'm just pleased we got the result. To get a goal against the top-of-the-league team is a nice way to win the fans over." United, who won with penalties from Javier Hernandez and Dimi Berbatov, expect to have Wayne Rooney, Nani and Ashley Young back from injury for Sunday's clash at Chelsea.
Boss Fergie was pleased with the display against Stoke but already has the Manchester derby re-match at the Etihad on April 28 circled in his diary as crunch time. He said: "I always see March as the important month and we've got City in April. "It's been a good night. But I'm more pleased about our own performance. I thought it terrific, we kept our composure and were very patient." United threw in rookie keeper Ben Amos, 21, for a league debut in the absence of Anders Lindegaard and David de Gea. Ferguson said: "Anders got injured in training and David got injured at the end of training so we had a right nightmare. "Ben didn't have a lot to do but was confident, composed." Stoke boss Tony Pulis said: "I think the title race is very open. Tottenham are still in it. "But the one thing United have got over them is they've done it before and usually get stronger after Christmas." Mancini added: "United won at home but that changes nothing. We are still on the top and there are 15 games to go. "We knew December and January would be difficult months with injuries and players missing." Everton boss David Moyes said: "That might be one of the best wins I've had at Everton when you consider the players I had missing and who we were playing against."

Roberto Mancini shocked by Everton defeat
James Robson
January 31, 2012
Manchester Evening News
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini made the incredible admission that he underestimated Everton as the Premier League leaders came crashing at Goodison Park. Former United midfielder Darron Gibson’s second half strike stunned City and handed David Moyes his 150th victory in the top flight. And following the 1-0 defeat, Mancini was clearly stunned as the title race took another twist and United moved level with them at the top of the table. "I think maybe I thought it would be easier,” said the Italian. "My players put everything on the pitch but we played a bad game."
City now only lead their fierce rivals from Old Trafford by goal difference following United’s 2-0 win against Stoke. Mancini, whose side play Fulham at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, added: “We are on the top, but it's very important to win the next game from our point of view. “We knew December and January were difficult months.” Moyes savoured the victory, saying: “That might be one of the best I've had. “I thought it was a brilliant effort and a great result for us. What an effort, it was a great result.”

Roberto Mancini admits: I didn’t prepare Manchester City well for trip to 'bogey team' Everton
February 1 2012
Stuart Brennan
The Manchester Evening
Roberto Mancini laid the blame for last night’s defeat at Goodison Park squarely on his own shoulders. The City boss said that he had made mistakes in preparing for the trip to Everton which cost his side as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat, their ninth loss in the last 14 visits to a bogey stadium.
The City boss did not go into detail, but he said that it was his fault: “It was a bad night for me. “We didn’t deserve to lose, but I think there were some minor mistakes in this game. We didn’t play very well in this game and maybe we had a problem. “I acknowledge my mistake. It is important for me to know this because I can’t make the same mistakes in the next game. “I didn’t prepare well for this game. I thought it was maybe easier and I know that here it is never easy, never.”
Mancini has deflected criticism in the past, and also held up his hands if he felt he has contributed to a defeat. But whether it was the Blues’ failure to exploit a small Everton back four by not getting balls in the air to 6ft 3in Edin Dzeko, or another factor, is unclear. He did say that he was not referring to team selection: “No, not this, because I thought all the players played very well. “We didn’t prepare well during the training for the same situations you can find during the game.
“Sometimes it is impossible always to do well. I didn’t (prepare well) during training in the last three or four days” He said that he had no problem with the amount of effort put in by his players: “The players put everything on the pitch but I made some mistakes during the last three days preparing for this game. I didn’t prepare very well. “For this reason we lost this game but I also feel we didn’t deserve it because they had two chances to score and we were so unlucky in the same situation. “When you don’t prepare very well during the week, when you arrive to play in the game you can’t play 100 per cent. The Blues are now level on points with rivals United after a defeat effected, ironically, by a goal from ex-Red Darron ­Gibson. But Mancini admitted he had underestimated Everton, despite having only won once against them since he came to the club, perhaps beause they were missing key players Sylvain Distin, Phil Jagielka, Leon Osman, Seamus Coleman and Jack Rodwell. “We played well against Tottenham, and we won the last three games in the Premier League,” he said. “I thought Everton were without three or four important players, and maybe we did these mistakes. It can happen.” But the Blues have a great chance of opening up a gap again on Saturday, when they take on Fulham at home, while the Reds travel to Chelsea the following day. Mancini said the closing of the gap at the top was irrelevant at this stage. “This is not important,” he said. “We are on the top again. We have 15 games. It is important next Saturday we win the game at home. We have time.” David Moyes, celebrating his 150th victory as a Premier League manager, said: “That might be one of the best I’ve had. “I thought it was a brilliant effort and a great result for us.” Moyes was also relieved to bring in striker Nikica Jelavic from Rangers on transfer deadline day, while letting Louis Saha go on a six-month loan to Spurs. He said: “We’ve been looking to bring in a striker for a long time. To get one done gives us something else.”

Blue Watch: Striking day for Everton FC supporters club do more than press nose against transfer window
The Liverpool Post
Feb 2 2012
EVERTON FC supporters have waited a long time for one of those days – and Tuesday provided us with one. Beating big spenders and Premier League leaders Man City and being active in the transfer market too. One tweet from an Evertonian simply read “I haven’t been this excited since I lost my......” – well I will let you fill in the blank. You can’t blame Evertonians for getting over excited. At one point we were thinking we would need a bigger dressing room with us being linked with Adam Johnson, Steven Pienaar, Kostas Manolas, Alessio Cerci, Guillaume Hoarau and Nikica Jelavic. By midnight, most of them did not end up in an Everton shirt but the most important one has. Pararded on the pitch at half-time, Jelavic could well be the man to fire some much needed goals for the Blues. A proven scorer in the Scottish Premier League, we now hope he can produce the same south of the border. One striker who is becoming a Goodison cult hero is Denis Straqualursi. Everyone in the ground was overjoyed to see him break his duck last Friday and he followed that up with another good performance against City. But it was not just the Argentine – it was a typical David Moyes-inspired display full of running and determination as Everton ground them down. Who gave Tony Hibbert a chance against the likes of Aguero and Dzeko before the game? Surely he deserved the man of the match champers at the end. If the cheers at the Gwladys Street End where loud when Darron Gibson fired home then I’m sure they were just as loud down the East Lancs too. Gibson along with Everton’s own enigmatic Belgian stood tall against Barry, Milner, Silva and co with Fellaini producing another star showing following on from his second half one man match winning game against Fulham. The FA Cup has always had a special place in all Evertonians hearts so making it through to the fifth round draw was pleasing and seeing the draw made it even more so. What does everyone say? A home draw please? Tick. Lower league opposition too? Tick. How about lower league opposition who have bigger fish to fry in going for promotion as their main priority in their respective divisions? Tick again. But for now all Blues will have a big smile on their face – and it’s about time too.

Darron Gibson hails Everton FC’s ‘12th man’
by Ian Doyle, The Liverpool Post
Feb 2 2012
DARRON GIBSON has hailed the “brilliant” Goodison Park crowd and believes Everton FC’s supporters can act as a 12th man for the rest of the season. The famous old stadium reverberated under the floodlights on Tuesday night as Premier League leaders Manchester City were downed 1-0 by Everton FC. Gibson’s first goal for EFC gave David Moyes’s side a second successive home triumph in four days after struggles on their own patch for much of the campaign. And the Republic of Ireland midfielder is confident the intensity of following can help continue building momentum – starting at Wigan Athletic on Saturday. “The crowd showed in the second half on Tuesday,” said Gibson. “They were brilliant. They pushed us on when it looked like we were getting tired, they got up and started shouting and were like a 12th man. It was brilliant. “We have had a few good results over the last week and are starting to get a bit of belief in ourselves. “We can gain a lot of confidence from going to Wigan and winning, and it can help us kick on.” Gibson, who was signed last month from Manchester United, had last scored for his former club in their Champions League semi-final against Schalke almost nine months ago. And the 24-year-old is determined to make the most of the opportunity of regular first-team football at Goodison. I’m here to work as hard as I can and to pay Everton back for playing me,” said Gibson. “They are giving me games. “It is nice to know I’ve got a chance if playing every week, rather than knowing that I haven’t got a chance to be playing to be honest. “I’m gradually getting into things. I think my fitness has a lot to do with that.
“I wasn’t match fit when I arrived, but it’s coming. I’m getting fitter and fitter with every game. Hopefully I can kick on from the goal against City.” Gibson added: “I’m delighted with the goal but we all are – not only with that but the performance. “It’s a great win and a great three points. They are a great side and we know we would have to work really hard to get a result and we did that.
“To be honest, they are that good a team that we knew they would have more of the ball so we had a game plan to combat that. “We went out to keep our shape and work hard. We knew we would get a chance at some stage and luckily we took it when we got it.” Meanwhile, Everton’s FA Cup fifth round fixture has been confirmed as a 3pm kick-off on Saturday, February 18, at Goodison.
Everton will find out their opponents when Blackpool and Sheffield Wednesday replay their fourth round tie on Tuesday.

Steven Pienaar followed his heart to return to Everton FC
by Ian Doyle, The Liverpool Post
Feb 2 2012
STEVEN PIENAAR revealed he followed his heart by returning to Everton FC after admitting: “Sitting so much on the bench was killing my spirit.” Pienaar will spend the rest of the season on loan at Goodison Park from Tottenham Hotspur after David Moyes made a dramatic move just moments before the January transfer window slammed shut on Tuesday. The South African spent three-and-a-half years at Everton FC before moving to White Hart Lane 12 months ago. But he subsequently started just 12 games for the Londoners with only four coming this campaign. And writing on his Twitter account, Pienaar said: “Mixed emotions 2 leave Spurs on loan 2 Everton. “Disappointed I couldn’t get in a playing groove on a regular basis & show the fans the real me. “Manager needs to make his choices, I understand, but I love playing & just can’t sit so much on the bench. It was killing my spirit. “Very thankful that Spurs management allowed me to go on loan and I’m very happy it could be to Everton, a club close to my heart.” Moving in the opposite direction was Louis Saha, who has signed in at Tottenham on a permanent basis. And Saha, who scored 35 goals in 115 appearances for Everton, has hailed Moyes as helping save his career. “I have to say thank you to Everton and particularly David Moyes because they helped me when I really needed it and I will never forget that,” said the Frenchman. “Leaving a great club like Everton is always a bit sad, but things come to an end, and I also want to say thanks to the supporters as there have been good times and bad times but I have always felt supported and loved.”

Blue Boys: Hallam Hope impressing for Everton FC U-18s
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 2 2012
ENGLAND U-18 striker Hallam Hope has benefited from playing with a new-found confidence according to Kevin Sheedy. The Manchester-born academy scholar was on target against Manchester United at the weekend, and Sheedy is thrilled at his ongoing development.
He said: “Hallam has stepped up into the reserve set-up at times this season, but we’ve had him back with us lately and he’s playing with lots of confidence and performing well. “He’s a powerful lad and a good runner who works hard for the team. “Hallam never shirks hard work, he’ll track back and help his defence without questioning and has a very whole-hearted approach to his game.
“He’s great going forward and has started to score goals consistently. “He needs to make the next step soon but he’s doing well for us and we simply want him to continue with that progress.”

Blue Boys: Everton FC U-18s humble Manchester United 4-1 at Carrington training ground
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 2 2012
EVERTON U-18s produced a dynamic away display to humble Manchester United 4-1.
The young Toffees scored four second half goals at United’s Carrington training ground, that left the hosts stunned. But coach Kevin Sheedy insists he wasn’t surprised by the quality of finishing, because his side have been threatening to produce such a display for weeks. “We’ve felt that a result like that has been coming,” he said. “We’ve performed well in recent weeks albeit only really producing consistent 45 minute spells. “Finally the lads put it together and did it for 90 minutes. We just hope to see that happening more often now, because it’s clear what we’re capable of doing to teams.” The Blues opened the scoring through prolific striker Anton Forrester, and then left back Ebou Toure chipped in with a 25-yard volley. Sheedy was particularly impressed with his side’s third, as it followed a 16-pass move before Jasper Johns finished with a delicate strike. The fourth was netted by Hallam Hope, who capped a fine individual display, and further positives came in the form of another 90-minute run-out for first-team star Ross Barkley. Barkley, who was on the bench for David Moyes’ side during their 1-0 win over Manchester City on Tuesday, shone alongside John Lundstram - another midfielder who caught his manager’s eye. “The second half was the best we’ve played yet this season,” said Sheedy. “Obviously with the quality players they have at their disposal it’s never easy to go to Manchester United and get a result, but to go there and comprehensively beat them like we did is a satisfying afternoon’s work and bodes well for where we’re headed.”

Blue Boys: U-18S frozen out of Liverpool Senior Cup action
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 2 2012
A FROZEN pitch prevented Kevin Sheedy’s academy side representing Everton in the Liverpool Senior Cup against Bootle last night. The young blues had been handed the fixture, and Sheedy was looking forward to testing his players against Bootle, but the U-18s will now have to wait until the weekend for their next run-out. Middlesbrough come to Finch Farm on Saturday, and Sheedy says the Teesiders will represent a stern challenge. “Boro have a good reputation and are doing well,” he said.

Everton FC fans jury on beating Man City, new arrivals and transfer window departures
Liverpool Echo
Feb 2 2012
Everton FC juror Tony Scott
FINALLY it looks as though the real Everton has crawled from beneath the grave and is alive and kicking after the Man City win. First of all a lot of Evertonians are doing cartwheels down County Road because we've signed a striker from Scotland and got an ex-player back for 12 weeks.
The club have effectively paid out what they got in from Bilyaletdinov and Saha so just maybe for once the pressure from certain fan groups paid off. Back on the pitch it was an immense performance from the team, especially Fellaini, Donovan, Hibbert and Heitinga. One player I will single out is Denis Stracqualursi who is quickly becoming a cult hero. He may be limited and he may play like a centre-half up front but 100% effort is all that Evertonians ask for and if we can’t kick on from here we never will.
Everton FC juror Cole Fraser
A GREAT win on Tuesday, was topped off with some good transfer deadline day dealings.
I’ll start with the precious three points, picked up against City. We saw a different Everton turn up, against the table-toppers, to upset the odds. It was a really committed and gritty display. We showed much more heart, than our opponents, and that made us deserving of our victory. With the likes of Stracqualursi, Cahill and Donovan running their socks off, we found ourselves creating opportunity after opportunity. The cherry on the cake, was the encouraging moves we made in the transfer market. Despite losing Louis Saha, Big Denis’ new-found hunger could make up for letting a striker go. We’re all aware of what Steven Pienaar can offer us. Hopefully he can link up with Leighton Baines again, immediately. The jury will be out on Nikica Jelavic for a while, as players can take time to acclimatise to the demands of the Premier League. Give us goals, Nikica, and we will worship you.
Everton FC juror Mike Drummond
WHAT a difference a week can make in the life of a Blue! From a poor display against Blackburn, we beat Fulham to get closer to Wembley, then beat multi-million pound City with a hard-working performance. We didn’t have many chances but neither did they and it was all down to our defensive display. Hibbert proved that experience was needed and Heitinga was world class! I need to reserve special praise for Denis though. He’s not the best but that guy doesn’t give up and that alone is all we ask for! Oh, I nearly forgot to mention that we signed someone, yes you heard me, with cash and all, and it was a striker, not forgetting the return of Peanut. It’s good to be positive for a change!
Everton FC juror Debbie Smaje
IT HASN’T been a bad week for Everton really!
The performances against City and Fulham weren’t brilliant, but what was brilliant was a massive increase in the team’s attitude and work-rate, and more than anything, having a real striker up front in Denis Stracqualursi rather than Louis Saha. Big Denis is certainly nowhere near as talented as Saha, but his effort, movement, and the fact we have played to his strengths in those two games has made a huge improvement. And deadline day only improved things further, with Saha leaving and being replaced by Jelavic. I don’t know enough about Jelavic to know how he will fit into the team, but his scoring record speaks for itself. Steven Pienaar on the other hand, we know all about.
The timing couldn’t have been much better, with us looking more and more reliant on Donovan for our creativity.

Everton FC manager David Moyes saved my career, says Louis Saha
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 2 2012
LOUIS SAHA says Everton FC manager David Moyes saved his career by believing he could still perform in the Premier League despite being dogged by injuries. The French striker ended his three-year spell with the Blues on Tuesday, as he moved to Spurs in one of deadline day’s most surprising transfers. Saha scored 35 goals in 115 appearances for Everton FC, and was widely considered as the club’s main striker since joining from Manchester United in September 2008. It was a far cry from what Saha felt prior to that move, that followed an injury-ravaged spell at Old Trafford.
He said: “I have to say thank you to Everton and particularly David Moyes because they helped me when I really needed it and I will never forget that. “Leaving a great club like Everton is always a bit sad, but things come to an end, and I also want to say thanks to the supporters as there have been good times and bad times but I have always felt supported and loved. “Goodison is a special stadium and you can feel the spirit of so many great sportsmen when you go on the pitch. It has been an honour and a privilege as a football player to play there.” The highlight of Saha’s Everton career was scoring after 25 seconds of the 2009 FA Cup final against Chelsea – the fastest ever goal in a cup final. But the 33-year-old prefers to remember the semi-final win over Manchester United that year. “[Scoring in the final] was a great moment but, while I did not score in the semi-final, to be involved in the win over Manchester United was really special,” he added. “The atmosphere in the stadium was fantastic, it was amazing, and I keep victories in mind more than scoring a goal. Playing with those players, with all our spirit, was a pleasure.” As for his move to White Hart Lane, Saha is excited about the challenge ahead, but admits he will miss Finch Farm and the special atmosphere among the players. “Everton is a family club,” he said. “There is a great spirit and it always felt like home. It is a very honest place and people are always straight with you. It has been a pleasure to play for Everton and I always felt the players were ambitious and wanted to improve and when you have that combination you have a great club.” Saha added: “I have a big challenge ahead, which is why I felt it was right to go. I am not going to step down and I think I am joining the most dynamic and exciting team in the country at the moment.” As Saha headed to North London, another hugely popular performer returned in the opposite direction. Everton officials worked right up to the 11pm deadline to push through a late, late move for Steven Pienaar, after the 29-year-old made it clear he was desperate to return to Goodison. And the South African international took to Twitter to express his relief at securing a return to the club he departed only 12 months ago.
He wrote: “Happy days. Look like we just beat the clock. “Mixed emotions to leave Spurs on loan to Everton. Disappointed I couldn’t get in a playing groove on a regular basis and show the fans the real me “Very thankful that Spurs management allowed me to go on loan and I’m very happy it could be to Everton, a club close to my heart. “Looking forward to running rings around @fizzer18 (Phil Neville) in training again. Soon on the road up to Liverpool. Familiar journey! Looking forward.”

Everton FC defender Tony Hibbert backs arrival of £5.5m striker Nikica Jelavic to revitalise Blues
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 2 2012
TONY Hibbert believes the arrival of £5.5m striker Nikica Jelavic will give Everton FC’s dressing room the boost that will revitalise their season. The 30-year-old defender was instrumental in a patched-up Everton FC 1-0 win over Manchester City at Goodison on Tuesday, and says the feel-good factor from once again humbling Roberto Mancini’s Premier League leaders will help rebuild confidence.
Everton rose from lower mid-table to ninth pace after the game, and Hibbert senses that Croatian international Jelavic, 26, can provide the goals that will see their progress up the Premier League continue. He said: “It will definitely lift the dressing room. I haven’t seen much of him but he’s scored a lot of goals for Rangers. “I believe he’s a quality player, and paying what we did for him will boost the club and lift the fans. Hopefully he shows us what he can do. He has proved it in Europe and he’s supposed to be a handful for defenders. We’ve needed a goal scorer so it’s great.”
Hibbert was equally upbeat about the flourishing performances of another Goodison striker, on-loan centre forward Denis Stracqualursi, who produced his second impressive display in four days. “Denis took a few training sessions to really find his feet here,” said Hibbert. “I haven’t experienced going to another country when you don’t speak the language much and it will be very tough.
“Especially coming away from home and what you’re used to into the Premier League must be so hard. It must affect everyone at first. But now he’s showing everyone what he shows us he’s capable of in training. “Denis is all about hard work. I think he’s hit his stride now and the last few games he’s been phenomenal. His work rate never stops.” Not for the first time, right-back Hibbert impressed playing at centre half, and insists the switch comes naturally to him. He said: “I just like defending. It’s my job. When I started playing right back it came naturally to me and the principles are the same. “I think the manager has faith in me there. To throw me in against Dzeko shows that, and I’ll do anything for Everton. “They’ve (City) got to be one of the best sides we’ve played this season. They’re not top of the table for no reason. “We’ve just been lacking that sort of typical Everton spirit a bit lately. “I think it all came together for us against City.”

Mark Lawrenson: Everton FC and Liverpool FC eyeing FA Cup run
The Liverpool Post
Feb 2 2012
BOTH Everton FC and Liverpool FC will be eyeing an Wembley appearance in the FA Cup a little more closely following favourable draws for the fifth round. Liverpool’s tie against Brighton pits two of my former clubs together. Liverpool played the Seagulls twice in the competition while I was at Anfield and we lost them both. The first, in 1983, was at home when Phil Neal missed a penalty late on. The second, a year later, came on a gluepot of a pitch at the old Goldstone Ground. Graeme Souness got a hamstring injury early on and we were never really at the races. Liverpool beat Brighton in the Carling Cup earlier this season, and the thing about Gus Poyet’s side is that they like to knock the ball around, and that means they also let the opposition play. It wasn’t like that in the 80s, when Steve Foster and Jimmy Case were quite happy to help boot you off the pitch. Everton also face lower-league opposition. But Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea are all still in the Cup, so from the quarter-finals it will get much harder for the Merseyside clubs.

Everton FC fans letters on Manchester City, Nikica Jelavic and the difference a week makes
Liverpool Echo
Feb 2 2012
GREAT result from the mighty Blues and the performance was much more like the old Everton with the players giving their all. A special mention for Tony Hibbert who played great at the back and also big Denis who didn’t stop running all night. On top of that, great news getting Pienaar back to add some much needed creativity, getting Jelavic in up front to hopefully knock the goals in and also getting rid of lazy Saha into the bargain!
Hawksy1
GREAT win for the Blues, and well deserved at that. It was great to see the heart and desire back on Tuesday night, now let’s continue in this way until the end of the season and push even further up the table. I am glad that we have brought Pienaar back, let’s hope he can continue where he left of with us and let’s hope the new striker provides the attacking threat we have been lacking recently.
Was also nice to see Gibson on the score sheet, things are starting to look up for the mighty Blues.
BlueHawk
JELAVIC does look like a genuine finisher but he’ll obviously get fewer scoring chances in England compared to Scotland. A big positive though is that Moyes will have taken advice from Davey Weir so he more than likely is good enough (we hope!). Strikers don’t always get the best deal with us because of the system we play so perhaps things are about to change. Dont forget we’ve also got Vellios, Strac and Vic so surely now, we will start playing two up top?
TopBalcony
THIS time last week Everton were a club seemingly going nowhere.
But FA Cup progress, crushing the league leaders and a couple of decent signings whilst getting rid of some dead wood has completely changed the landscape.
Not surprisingly, the merchants of doom are already pointing out we effectively haven’t spent anything.
Who cares?
If the squad can be improved (which it clearly has been) for little or no outlay then that in my book is good business. PS: Tony Hibbert for Prime Minister. Stunning display.
Robert Beard, Walton
A RANGERS mate of mine says it’s the end of the ‘Gers this season if they’ve sold Jelavic.
Hopefully this target man can put them away, Denis has shown again with another impressive outing against City things are starting to look a lot better.
aussieblue
I’M under-whelmed by Jelavic and feel that we’ve overpaid. Watching his goals for Rangers, the thing you keep noticing is just how much time and space he has due to the woeful standard of defending – we’re talking League One standard. His international stats are distinctly poor and already closer to 30 than 20 he’s not going to improve at all before he starts to decline.
At £3million it would have been decent business. Any more and we’re falling for the hype from a cash-desperate Rangers.
Staygold

Mark Lawrenson: Window deals prove Everton FC manager David Moyes is still doing the business
The Liverpool Post
Feb 2 2012
IF ever a manager’s credentials needed underlining, then Everton FC boss David Moyes has just managed that spectacularly during the transfer window. It has been a great few days of business from the Everton manager. To end up with Landon Donovan, Darron Gibson, Nikica Jelavic and Steven Pienaar for a net spend of practically nothing is a clever piece of work. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov would be no great loss, and when he knew Louis Saha was wanted by Tottenham, Moyes must have thought all his Christmases had arrived at once, especially with Pienaar coming the other way.
A lot of clubs looked at Jelavic but Everton were the ones who stuck their neck out to get him.
It’s a massive move for the striker, but no-one can quite be sure how he will do: he has scored goals in Scottish football, but can he do that in the Premier League? Moyes looked at Jelavic for a long time, but there’s no problem with that. You can make a better decision and judgement with more evidence to assess. As a Croatian international, technically the striker should be good enough, but dealing with the pace of the English game is the one issue he must address. Yes, Moyes is taking a gamble. But he has done this many times before. Look at Phil Jagielka, Tim Cahill, Leighton Baines and Joleon Lescott All four were tracked by many clubs, but Everton were the ones who paid the money and took their chance. In each case, they were repaid handsomely – Moyes will hope to do the same with Jelavic. Denis Stracqualusi led the line against Manchester City on Tuesday, and although he tries like a bear and the punters love him, I am not sure he has the necessary quality in the final assessment. But the last couple of results at Goodison have helped transform Everton’s season. And, after lots of gloom and doom, suddenly Evertonians are optimistic and looking forward. Such is the madness of football. The return of Pienaar is massive. Not only is Pienaar good at holding and working the ball, he also goes past people. Now the arrival of the South African and Gibson have perhaps covered the loss of Mikel Arteta. I happen to think Saha will do quite well at Tottenham; they create a lot of chances and he won’t be asked to lead the line whenever fit, which was the case at Goodison. He could prove a useful impact substitute. Everton really got about City on Tuesday night. City are having to deal with being the best team in the league and being the biggest scalp as a result, but in any case, they don’t fancy facing Moyes’s men at all. We saw the good side of Everton. They had quite a few players missing, and it was a real backs against the wall effort. The crowd recognised this and got behind them. It was the kind of game I love that are few and far between these days, and which showed the competitiveness of the Premier League.

Nikica Jelavic denies he forced transfer to Everton from Rangers
Thursday 2 February 2012
The Scotsman
NIKICA Jelavic insists he did not force his transfer to Everton despite claims from Rangers chairman Craig Whyte that he had no choice but to sanction their top goalscorer’s exit on transfer deadline day. The Croatian striker, who netted 17 goals for the Scottish champions this season, moved to the Barclays Premier League club for a fee reported to be around £5.5million. In an open letter to supporters on Rangers’ website as Jelavic was finalising the switch to Goodison Park, Whyte said: “One, the player wanted to leave and there is no point in trying to keep a player who no longer wants to be at Ibrox. “Two, the club is simply not in a financial position to turn down offers for players which give the club a good return on its original investment.” However, Jelavic appeared to contradict those comments by claiming today that Rangers ultimately had the final say in his departure. He said: “My dream was to play in the English Premier League but I never forced my transfer. “I spoke with Ally McCoist and said if the president wants me to stay I’ll stay and if they need money and want me to leave, I’ll leave - the club decided.” Jelavic also expressed concerns over the troubling times his former club is facing but backed Rangers to overcome a difficult period.
The Glasgow giants continue to face financial uncertainty as they await the verdict of a tax tribunal, which could leave them with a bill as high as £49million if they lose the dispute with HMRC.
Whyte this week also issued a denial over allegations he used season ticket sales to fund his takeover of the club in May. Jelavic added: “It is a difficult situation for them I know and I heard inside information about them having problems. “It is still my team and my friends are there and I am worried about the situation but I think they will find a solution because they are a big institution.” Rangers were unable to secure a replacement for Jelavic ahead of Tuesday’s deadline after failing with a bid to sign Norwich striker Grant Holt. But Jelavic believes McCoist’s men can still retain their SPL crown this season despite his departure, while paying tribute to his former team.
He said: “It was difficult for me but we are professional and that is football. “It was difficult because they gave me a beautiful 18 months, two trophies, many goals and it was not easy. This is football and we are all professionals. “I just want to say thanks to everyone from Rangers, they will have a special place in my heart always. “With or without me I don’t see why they shouldn’t win the championship - they are a good team and there are plenty of games to go.”

Steven Pienaar revels in Everton return
2 Feb 2012
London Evening Standard
Steven Pienaar has not ruled out the possibility of his loan spell at former club Everton becoming permanent - but he first wants to get rid of his frustration at not playing. The South Africa international, who left Goodison Park for London a year ago, has made just seven appearances this season, with only two of those as a substitute in the Premier League. With Tottenham flying high in the title race, the 29-year-old has found it difficult to break into the side and so a return to Everton offers him the chance to pick up where he left off last January. "I feel great to be back. I just want to play football and this is a great opportunity to come back and play," he said. "It was a bad start with the groin injury when I joined (Spurs) and I had an operation in the summer and that slowed things down a bit. "Of course if you get injured then when you get back fit and the team is playing really well you just have to wait for your chance. "Hopefully everything is behind me, I have been fit for the last two months so that is a good thing. "I was waiting and eventually had to make a decision. I want to play football and am not getting any younger. I had a word with the manager (Harry Redknapp) and we came to an agreement that I could go. "You never know what will happen in football, things change every day. "If I have a good few months we will see what happens in the summer but let me focus on the first few months and get playing and then see what happens in the summer." Pienaar was a key figure in David Moyes' side first time around but knows he will have to win over both the manager and the fans, having turned down a new contract to stay at Everton a year ago. However, he remained on good terms with many of the players while in London and hopes that will help him settle back in quickly. "I have been speaking to the players a lot and when the manager gave me a call on Tuesday it made things much easier," said Pienaar. "Like all the other players I have to come and fight for my place. I know it is not going to be easy, the team has had two good wins so I will have to come and fight and show I deserve a place. "You could say there is pressure because people will expect the same stuff but maybe I'll have a Landon Donovan effect (who returned to the club for a second loan spell from Los Angeles Galaxy) and do even better than last time."

Nikica Jelavic promises Everton 'goals, goals and more goals'
• Croatia international says he can adapt to Premier League
• 'I don't feel the pressure, I like a challenge'
February 2 2012-02-02 The Guardiian
Everton's new striker Nikica Jelavic is confident he can make the step up from Scottish football to England's top flight. The Croatia international made a deadline-day move from Rangers for a reported £5.5m and does not expect to have too many difficulties adapting to the Premier League.
Asked what he would bring to Everton he said: "Goals, goals and more goals. I know Everton have not scored much this season but I don't feel the pressure, I like a challenge. "I will do my best to score many goals. I am always looking to be better every day and my ambitions are to play well and to be useful for the team and score as many goals as possible. "I know it is a big difference but I think in Scotland you also have to be 100% and they also have tough games. Playing in Scotland helped me a lot and I think I am ready. The Premier League is something on a higher level and I hope it will be good for me. I don't think I will need time to settle." Jelavic scored 36 times in only 55 appearances for Rangers, having been signed for £4m in the summer of 2010 from Rapid Vienna for whom he hit 40 goals in 93 games in three seasons in the Austrian league. The 26-year-old insists he was not forced out by cash-strapped Rangers but admits he is worried about what the future holds for the Ibrox side. "It is a difficult situation for them, I know, and I heard inside information about them having problems," he added. "I spoke with [the Rangers manager] Ally McCoist and said if the president wants me to stay I'll stay and if they need money and want me to leave I'll leave – the club decided." Steven Pienaar has not ruled out the possibility of his loan spell at his former club Everton becoming permanent – but he first wants to get rid of his frustration at not playing. The South Africa international, who left Goodison Park for Tottenham Hotspur a year ago, has made only seven appearances this season, with only two of those as a substitute in the Premier League. With Spurs flying high in the title race, the 29-year-old has found it difficult to break into the side and so a return to Everton offers him the chance to pick up where he left off last January. "I feel great to be back. I just want to play football and this is a great opportunity to come back and play," he said. "It was a bad start with the groin injury when I joined [Spurs] and I had an operation in the summer and that slowed things down a bit. "Hopefully everything is behind me, I have been fit for the last two months so that is a good thing. I was waiting and eventually had to make a decision. I want to play football and am not getting any younger. I had a word with the manager [Harry Redknapp] and we came to an agreement that I could go. "If I have a good few months we will see what happens in the summer." Pienaar was a key figure in David Moyes's side first time around but knows he will have to win over both the manager and the fans, having turned down a new contract to stay at Everton a year ago. However, he remained on good terms with many of the players while in London and hopes that will help him settle back in quickly. "Like all the other players I have to come and fight for my place. I know it is not going to be easy. "You could say there is pressure because people will expect the same stuff but maybe I'll have a Landon Donovan effect [who has returned to the club for a second loan spell from LA Galaxy] and do even better than last time."

Steven Pienaar eager to show Everton fans he deserves to be forgiven
• 'It's like coming home,' says midfielder after Tottenham switch
• Nikica Jelavic denies he demanded transfer from Rangers
Andy Hunter
guardian. Thursday 2 February 2012
Steven Pienaar has said he does not regret leaving the title challenge at Tottenham Hotspur for a return "home" to Everton, but believes he faces a challenge to regain acceptance at Goodison Park having quit the club 13 months ago. The South Africa international rejoined David Moyes's team on a six-month loan on transfer deadline day having pleaded with Harry Redknapp to sanction his exit following Spurs' defeat of Wigan Athletic on Monday night. Redknapp initially refused Pienaar's request, only for the 29-year-old to return to the manager's office at White Hart Lane and eventually secure a transfer that does not include the option of an emergency return to Tottenham in the event of an injury crisis. The midfielder, who has made only two brief substitute appearances in the Premier League for Spurs this season, insists the lure of regular first-team football with Everton outweighed a bit-part role in a team challenging for the championship. "I did think about the title, and I hope Spurs go on to win the league because the guys have played amazing football and deserve it, but sometimes you have to think for yourself as well," Pienaar said. "I wanted to play football. To wait and get an odd game and some minutes here and there was not going to help. At my age you just want to play football and if you don't play more than 10 games you don't get a medal anyway." Pienaar was sold to Spurs for £2.5m last January having entered the final year of his contract with Everton and rejected their offers of an extension. He was left out of a Merseyside derby at Anfield that month having claimed he was not in the right mind to play and, despite his return being greeted enthusiastically by Everton supporters, he admits resentment may linger.
He said: "When I came back in this morning the lads welcomed me with open arms, it's a good feeling and like coming back home. I understand if the fans are angry. It's part of football. One moment you're playing for a club and everyone supports you and the next you just walk out. It's like walking out of your child's life. To get the acceptance back you have to work and show that you do deserve to be forgiven. Hopefully if I can score a goal in the derby then the guys will forgive me."
Pienaar was joined at Everton by the new striker, Nikica Jelavic, who arrived on deadline day from Rangers in a deal worth £5.5m – a £5m payment plus an agreement to play a pre-season friendly. The Croatia international scored 36 goals in 55 appearances for Rangers and yet the club made a profit of only £1.5m on their signing from Rapid Vienna in 2010. Jelavic, however, strenuously denied claims that he demanded a transfer from the Rangers chairman, Craig Whyte, and believes his former club's dire financial state was the reason they sold him in January. "I never met Craig Whyte. I have never spoken with him," the striker said. "Why am I the bad guy? I've done my job for Rangers, I think, with two trophies and with many goals. It was a beautiful 18 months and I won't speak against Rangers because of one man. Rangers will always have a special place in my heart."
Jelavic added: "I never had a piece of paper in my hand telling Rangers I wanted to leave. I still had two and a half years left on my contract with Rangers and so if the club said to me: 'You are staying,' I would have respected that decision. "I never said I am desperate to leave or that I want to leave. It is strange to hear this. Two clubs made an agreement and that is it. What can I do without the clubs' agreement? Nothing." The Croat insisted he can make a smooth transition from Scotland to the Premier League. Asked what he will bring to Everton, Jelavic said: "Goals, goals and more goals.
"It is a step up. I know I need to be better. But Scotland helped me a lot as a player. There are a lot of difficult games in Scotland and it is always 100%; it is just that sometimes maybe the quality is not as high as in England. I know I will need to be better but I am ready."

Everton's new signing Nikica Jelavic vows he will maintain his scoring rate in the Premier league
Nikica Jelavic has insisted he can rise to the challenge of the Premier League and match his scoring feats in Scotland.
By Graham Chase
The Telegraph
February 2 2012
The 26-year-old Croatian forward, who makes his Everton debut at Wigan Athletic on Saturday, arrived at Goodison Park in a £5.5 million deal from Rangers on transfer deadline day and has admitted that he moved to Goodison “because they were the only club that made an official offer”.
After joining Rangers in the summer of 2010 from Rapid Vienna, where he was nicknamed “the flying fortress,” he scored 30 goals in 41 starts in the Scottish Premier League. Jelavic, who has denied suggestions from Rangers owner Craig Whyte that he engineered his exit, acknowledges that he is facing a considerable move up in quality, but is confident that he can maintain his striking rate. He also feels that the aggression and work-rate of the Scottish Premier League has given him some preparation for life in England. “It is a step up,” Jelavic said. “I know I need to be better but Scotland helped me a lot as a player. “There are a lot of difficult games in Scotland and it is always 100 per cent. It’s just that sometimes maybe the quality is not as high as in England. I know I will need to be better but I am ready. I don’t know where my nickname came from but there are many ‘flying fortresses’ in this league." Jelavic fired Rangers to the SPL title last season but admitted that his long-term ambition was to try his luck in England. Asked why he joined Everton, he said: “Probably because they were the only ones who gave me an official offer. “I don’t know much about Everton but I know that it’s a good Premier League club, always in the middle of the table, and I now have a 4½-year contract so I have the time to learn about it.” Steven Pienaar, who has joined on loan for the rest of the season, could also line up for David Moyes at the DW Stadium on Saturday, a year after leaving Goodison Park for Tottenham and just four days after being in the Spurs squad to face the Premier League’s bottom side, Wigan. Having been an unused substitute on Tuesday night, Pienaar, 29, was still in his kit when he persuaded Harry Redknapp to let him leave on loan just minutes before the transfer window closed. Spurs may be just five points off the pace in the Premier League but Pienaar, 29, who has made just two league appearances this season, is adamant that playing regularly is more important than the slim chance of a title-winners’ medal.
He is also sure that he can win round Everton supporters who were upset at his refusal to sign a new contract last season. The South African said: “I am now back here and looking forward to making the most of it and making the people accept me again. “I never regretted the move. As a professional you have to challenge yourself and that’s what I did. But if you don’t play more than 10 games you don’t get a medal so that may have played a big part for me. “In a way it does feel like coming home. One moment you play for a club and everyone is supporting you, the next you walk out. “It is like walking out of your child’s life so, to get that acceptance back, you have to work and show them that you do deserve to be forgiven.”

Nikica Jelavic denies forcing transfer from Rangers but can't wait to prove himself for Everton FC
Phil Kirkbride
Feb 3 2012
NIKICA JELAVIC has poured scorn on claims that he wanted out of Glasgow Rangers - but having signed for Everton FC he is now eager to prove himself in the Premier League. The 26-year-old joined from the Ibrox club on Tuesday night in a four-and-a-half year deal, believed to be worth £5.5m and hopes to make his debut against Wigan Athletic tomorrow afternoon. Selling their leading scorer to the Goodison Park side has angered many Rangers supporters but chairman Craig Whyte insisted Jelavic asked to leave the financially troubled club. However the Croatian striker, speaking from Finch Farm yesterday, refuted the assertion that he pushed for a transfer from the Scottish giants and described his time at Rangers as "beautiful". Jelavic has made it clear he was happy to stay with Ally McCoist's side but admits moving to the English top flight is a dream come true. "The clubs made an agreement and then I made my agreement," he said. "That was it. never met Craig Whyte. I have never spoken with him. Why am I the bad guy? I've done my job for Rangers I think with two trophies andwith many goals. It was a beautiful 18 months and I won't speak against Rangers because of one man. Rangers will always have a special place in my heart. "I never had a piece of paper in my hand telling Rangers I wanted to leave. I still had two-and-a-half years left on my contract with Rangers and so if the club said to me, you are staying, I would have respected that decision. "I never said I am desperate to leave or that I want to leave. It is strange to hear this. Two clubs made an agreement and that is it. What can I do without the clubs' agreement? Nothing. "My dream is to play here because I think the English Premier League is the best league and I want to prove to myself that I can be part of this league." Jelavic acknowledges that moving south of the border will present a significant step up in quality, but one he is confident of meeting. Everton have needed striking reinforcements for some time and given they have paid a sizeable transfer fee for the Croatian, there will be pressure on Jelavic to succeed. But the former Rapid Vienna man only sees a challenge. "It is a step up," he said. "I know I need to be better. But Scotland helped me a lot as a player. There are a lot of difficult games in Scotland and itis always 100%, it is just that sometimes maybe the quality is not as high as in England. I know I will need to be better but I am ready. "There is always pressure but I look on it as a challenge. I know everybody expects things from me but I see that as a challenge tomyself, not pressure. I am motivated to show that I deserve to be here and to play. I want to prove myself." Steven Pienaar, meanwhile, says returning to Everton feels like “coming home”. “In a way it does feel like home,” he said. “When I came back yesterday morning the lads welcomed me with open arms, it's a good feeling and like coming back home.”

January was the month when Everton FC became competitive again
by Ian Doyle, The Liverpool Post
Feb 3 2012
THE cheers continued among the Everton FC supporters long after the final whistle at Goodison on Tuesday night. After all, it was arguably the most exciting, satisfying and encouraging 24 hours of the season for David Moyes’s men. Victory over Premier League leaders Manchester City and serving a reminder – to themselves as much as anyone – that they can compete with the best was impressive enough. But it was the business on deadline day that gave the long-suffering Evertonians some blessed relief from what has become their usual fare of departures and scrimping during the transfer window. Bringing in Nikica Jelavic from Rangers will, Moyes hopes, go some way towards addressing his side’s misfiring forward line with Everton having not scored more than once in their last 11 Premier League games. The exits of Louis Saha and, earlier in the transfer window, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov will benefit both the players and the club, while Darron Gibson and Landon Donovan are already proving the worth of their captures. However, it’s the return of Steven Pienaar, albeit on a temporary loan until the end of the season, that has caused the greatest chatter among the Goodison faithful. Pienaar was hugely influential on the field and popular in the stands during his previous spell at Everton, which was curtailed when the South African accepted a fresh challenge at Tottenham Hotspur. It didn’t quite work out. And, as has been seen with players in the past, it may be that Everton are simply a better fit for Pienaar. The last few days should also brought some perspective to those who remain angry at the way Everton is run. Indeed, that the immediate thought Tuesday’s handcuff-wielding pitch intruder was protesting against the club’s board indicated awareness of the depth of feeling that remains. But that Everton could prise Jelavic out of Rangers for £5.5million when the Scottish club were originally asking for almost double that amount underlines what a cash-strapped club on the brink of meltdown really is. There are further examples closer to home. Aston Villa have spent relatively little of the £60m-plus they have brought in from the sales in recent years of Ashley Young, James Milner, Gareth Barry and Stewart Downing, while Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew hasn’t seen much of the £35m raised by flogging Andy Carroll to Liverpool 12 months ago. Thanks to more creative wheeling and dealing from Moyes, Everton still remain competitive in the transfer market. And that policy of shifting players in and out could be the way forward if the Goodison manager chooses not to cash in on any of his prized assets. But while Moyes managed to hold on to the likes of Jack Rodwell, Ross Barkley and Phil Jagielka in January, that obviously cannot go on forever and there will eventually come a time when he may opt to move someone on to help remould his squad. And, with the club’s banks never far from the phone, it may be necessity rather than choice that prompts a sale or two. Yet despite his detractors, Bill Kenwright also deserves credit. Everton continually leave deals until as close to the transfer deadline as possible in an effort to get the best price for players coming in and out of the club, and negotiations on Tuesday were further evidence of this. The board were also happy for Moyes to reinvest the funds he generated, rather than use them to service the debt as had occurred with the summer sale of Mikel Arteta. Everton, unlike other clubs, also have to shoulder the burden of expectation that comes from an illustrious history. Certainly, they would never be allowed to flippantly shrug off an FA Cup exit as Fulham manager Martin Jol did in the wake of defeat at Goodison last Friday. Had Moyes done the same, there’d be an outcry. But although not possessing the financial clout of the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool, Everton still face the same level of scrutiny and demands from their supporters. Nor should it be any other way.
Everton supporters will have a first chance to see their new-look team in action at the DW Stadium on Saturday when Moyes’s men make the short trip to rock-bottom Wigan Athletic. And Jelavic, who netted 36 times in 55 appearances for Rangers, is keen to start repaying the faith shown in him by the Goodison manager. “This is a big thing for me,” says Jelavic, who will seek out his Croatia international manager and former Everton defender Slaven Bilic for advice on Goodison life.
“It is a new step in my career, a step forward and I can promise the fans and the people at the club that I will give my very best and score as many goals as possible. “I heard Everton were interested in me a few days ago and straight away I wanted to come here – it is a dream come true.
“Everton is a big Premier League club – maybe not having the best season so far – but always in the top eight or at least the top half. “I am very excited to be here. It is a new challenge and hopefully I can play some good football, score some goals and win some trophies.”

Gignac says he turned down move from Marseille to Everton
Daily Mail
3rd February 2012
Andre-Pierre Gignac claims he turned down a move to Everton during the transfer window, but says he would only leave Marseille for a club like Manchester United. The Frenchman has also been linked with Fulham and Newcastle. But he confirmed he wanted to stay on and become a big name in French football. But he said: ‘Everton is a top club in England but for me Marseille is bigger and more attractive. 'I want to play one day abroad but at a bigger club like the Manchester Uniteds of this world. 'I do want to make a name for myself at Marseille. I love the club.'

David Prentice: Worrying background to Steven Pienaar’s Everton FC return
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Feb 3 2012
STEVEN PIENAAR returned to the football club “close to his heart” this week with his Everton FC transfer. And Blues fans rejoiced. They were right to . . . for now. But there’s also a subtext to Pienaar’s comeback which offers more long-term concerns for Blues fans. Because Pienaar’s experience simply highlights the growing differences between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton – differences which may prove damaging in the very near future. Harry Redknapp has resembled a younger sibling copying his older brother in recent seasons – with David Moyes playing the role of big brother. Remember Kyle Naughton? Everton agreed a fee with Sheffield United for their promising right-back and the Blades even told their fans on the club’s official website he was heading to Goodison. Then Arry got wind of the deal. He jumped in, offered a bit more – and Naughton signed for Spurs. The sum total of Kyle Naughton’s Premier League appearances for Tottenham? One – as a 90th minute substitute. Then there was Steven Pienaar. Everton desperately wanted to keep their South African creator and offered a new deal. Arry heard of the offer, topped it – and Pienaar headed to White Hart Lane. The sum total of Pienaar’s Premier League appearances with a cockerel on his chest? Two – as a 78th and 88th minute substitute. Then there was Niko Kranjcar, the Croatian international coveted by David Moyes in the summer of 2009. Spurs also swooped and Kranjcar declared: “Everton is also a big club but, in the end, the tradition and greatness of Tottenham made the difference.” Kranjcar fared better than Naughton and Pienaar, but not by much – just 26 Premier League starts in two-and-a-half years. Maybe Arry genuinely thought he needed Naughton, Pienaar and Kranjcar. But when I think of Redknapp’s transfer policy, I can’t help be reminded of that Spitting Image sketch mocking Ron Atkinson, where a heavily tanned hand stretching from a sheepskin coatsleeve, adorned by a chunky gold bracelet, offers a fistful of £20 pound notes for a copy of the Manchester Evening News and says “Keep the change.”
And that’s where the worries emerge. Harry Redknapp, court case depending (and was his capture of Louis Saha part of a potential insanity plea?) is the next England coach elect. If that scenario plays out, that would leave Spurs seeking another accomplished coach. And David Moyes’ is in the final 18 months of his Everton contract. Would the Blues boss relish the chance of managing a club where he can afford the Naughtons, Pienaars and Kranjcars of this world? Your guess is as good as mine, but Moyes is no mug.

Everton FC comeback kid Steven Pienaar says leaving EFC was like “walking out of your child’s life”
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 3 2012
STEVEN PIENAAR compared leaving Everton FC to ‘walking out of your child’s life’ – and insists his Goodison Park return felt like coming home. The 29-year-old playmaker is excited to be back on loan for the rest of the season after Everton FC beat QPR to his signature, but accepts some supporters could still be angry about his decision to leave for Spurs 12 months ago. Pienaar, who fought to persuade Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp to sanction his last-minute deadline day switch, said: “In a way it does feel like home. When I came back the lads welcomed me with open arms, it’s a good feeling and like coming back home. “I understand (if some fans are still disappointed). It’s part of football. One moment you’re playing for a club and the next you just walk out.
“It’s like walking out of your child’s life. To get the acceptance back you have to work and show that you do deserve to be forgiven.” Pienaar is in contention for a return to David Moyes’ line-up against Wigan at the DW Stadium tomorrow, but is taking nothing for granted. “To be honest, I feel as if I have to fight for my place,” he said. “I still believe I made the right decision (going to Spurs) but in life, things change and I’m happy to be back here. I’m looking forward to making the most of my time here.” Pienaar hopes he can be instrumental in ensuring a successful second half of the season for the Toffees. He said: “Hopefully the guys will go and win the FA Cup. The supporters need something to cheer them up this season and hopefully they can qualify for the Europa League.
One man guaranteed to offer Pienaar a warm reception is Leighton Baines, the player he linked up with to impressive effect during his first spell on Merseyside. And Pienaar says the England defender was keen for him to make the move on Tuesday. “Bainsey texted me and asked me if I was coming back home,” he said. “I haven’t played for a while, but me and him have also had an understanding on and off the field. “That makes it easier and we both want to work hard for each other, so it won’t be difficult to play with him if I get back in the team.” While Pienaar was joined at Goodison on Tuesday by £5.5m striker Nikica Jelavic, other players have since claimed they were close to linking up with Moyes’ squad. Bayern Munich’s Croatian left-back Danijel Pranjic has said he was on the verge of a move until Bayern scuppered it, and Marseille striker Andre-Pierre Gignac claims he turned the Toffees down. However, the ECHO understands that rumours of Moyes chasing former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Alexander Hleb, who is a free agent, are wide of the mark.

COMMENT: Everton FC had no lack of creativity in January transfer window
by Ben Thornley, DPW West
Feb 3 2012
SINCE the departures of Steven Pienaar and Mikel Arteta, a lack of creativity has been Everton’s greatest bugbear on the field. Off it, though – as David Moyes and his chairman, Bill Kenwright, proved last month – it has never been a problem. Money remains in short supply at Goodison but invention does not. In signing Darron Gibson for £2m, Nikica Jelavic for £5.5m and bringing back Pienaar and Landon Donovan on loan, Moyes has addressed the majority of weaknesses evident in his squad at the start of January. That he managed to achieve it while offloading flop Diniyar Bilyaletdinov for £5.5m and Louis Saha – the latter somehow without paying Liverpool City Council to come and remove him – is all the more impressive. Gibson may have failed to secure a regular first-team place at Manchester United but many Red Devils fans believe Everton have paid a bargain fee for an experienced Premier League player who has yet to realise his full potential.
The Republic of Ireland international will add much needed vision, craft and goals to the Blues’ midfield and has already begun to make his mark. Pienaar – who enjoyed a tremendous left-sided partnership with Leighton Baines during his first spell at the club – has been sorely missed since his departure to Spurs a year ago and should provide Jelavic with the service he needs to continue his impressive goalscoring record

Howard Kendall: Let’s hope Everton FC have clause to sign Steven Pienaar permanently in the summer
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Feb 3 2012
IT WAS disappointing for every Everton FC fan when Steven Pienaar left the club, because David Moyes clearly didn’t want to lose him. It’s obvious the Everton manager still rates him highly because he fought hard to get him back on loan until the end of the season, and that will surely bode well in the short-term. What worries me in the long-term is whether Everton will be able to buy the player outright again in the summer or of they risk simply losing him again. One thing you can’t deny is that he brings a lovely balance and work ethic to the team, and with Landon Donovan also in the midfield for another few games, there will be no shortage of hard runners who can also create assists and link up with strikers. It will be interesting to see whether he goes straight back into the team.

Howard Kendall: Splendid night for Everton FC helped by super-spirit and woeful Manchester City
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Feb 3 2012
THE atmosphere at Goodison Park was different class on Tuesday evening, and combined with the boost from signing a new striker and prestigious opponents, Everton FC produced a memorable night. It’s been said after every victory over Manchester City, but nevertheless it really is a remarkable achievement for Everton to beat Roberto Mancini’s side given the vast amount of money they’ve spent. I don't envy anyone tasked with selecting a man-of-the-match for the Blues. It was a classic team performance; from the commitment and work ethic of Tony Hibbert and Denis Stracqualursi, to Marouane Fellaini’s class and Darron Gibson’s goal. The noise which the fans generated clearly helped too, and both players and supporters deserved the delight which three points will have delivered. I’m sure City fans will have been disappointed with their side’s performance. If I had been in Mancini’s shoes I’d have been absolutely livid. His players seemed to lack enthusiasm and for all their talent they produced very little in terms of genuinely dangerous attacks. Not that Mancini is blameless either, though – far from it. The Italian said afterwards that he got his tactics wrong, but if he failed to motivate his side as well it’s a grave error.
Someone should tell him you can alter tactics DURING a game as well mind you. David Moyes is never afraid to switch to Plan B if something isn’t working, but Mancini seemed to freeze.
Surely for his players being top of the league and hot on the heels of a League title should be motivation enough however. It’s baffling. No matter, it was a great night!

Wigan v Everton FC: David Moyes hopes last few days have lifted club
Feb 3 2012
Everton FC manager David Moyes hopes the last few days have given his players and fans a lift which will carry them through to a successful finish to the season. Victory over Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester City for Everton FC on transfer deadline day was accompanied by the signing of Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic for £5.5million and the return of midfielder Steven Pienaar, on loan, from Tottenham. After a month of transfer speculation, discussion about the club’s finances and indifferent results - including defeats to Bolton and Spurs and draws with Aston Villa and Blackburn - David Moyes thinks this week has made a real difference. "It is long time since I have been able to talk positively," said the Scot. "Nearly everyquestion I’ve had has been of a negative nature about what is happening off the pitch or results. "But the players certainly gave the fans something to shout about in midweek and the performance against Manchester City was great - we’ve not had many days like that recently. "What a difference it makes if you win one which maybe you are not expected to and you play above your station and the players respond - it gives everyone a lift.
"Hopefully the last few days shows, with a little bit of cash, we can try to make something work and give the supporters something to be excited about. "It (signing players) definitely gives everyone a lift but if we hadn’t brought anyone in and beaten Manchester City it would still have given everyone a lift. "We don’t always need an awful lot of money at Everton to make things happen and I hope this week proves to be the case. "Obviously we don’t know how Nikica will do, there is no manager in the country who can guarantee when he brings in a player he will work - no matter whether you pay £50million or £5million. "We shouldn’t be asking an awful lot (early on) but over the years we have tended to bring people in and we have tended to spend round about that and if we have we have made something out of it. "I am hoping Steven and Nikica can give us that little bit and keep everyone on a high because we want to try to finish the season strongly and over the years we have tended to do that." Moyes has tried to lower expectations on the new arrivals but would be more than happy to see both reproduce the form shown respectively at Rangers - where Jelavic scored 36 goals in 55 appearances - and in Pienaar’s first spell with the club. "I hope we are getting a centre-forward at the right age who can do numerous things but importantly scores a few goals," said Everton FC boss Moyes. "He has already succeeded in Scotland, which has a British style, so hopefully he doesn’t have any problem settling in. "I hope he hits the ground running - we need it - but if not he is here for the long time and we’ll be gentle with him and give him time to settle in.
"Steven is an important signing for us because he was someone the players held in high regard and getting him back was popular among the lads. "We just hope we have the same Steven Pienaar who left us 12 months ago and if we have we’ll have a decent player. "It takes some doing so I will be hoping it is in him somewhere and he can help us out but he will need some game practice before he is up to speed." Both players are set to be included in the Everton squad to face bottom side Wigan at the DW Stadium on Saturday. Despite beating the team top of the league in City, Moyes is wary about facing the club who are rock-bottom with only one home win, back in August, this season.
"You might think it is a game we should win but far from it," he said. "I watched Wigan the other week against Arsenal and they played really well (but lost 4-0). "There are no rules in the Premier League about how results go."

NIKICA JELAVIC: WHY NOT EUROPE? I HOPE MY GOALS CAN GET US THERE
4th February 2012
By Kevin Francis
Daily Star
NEW boy Nikica Jelavic is hoping his firepower in front of goal can catapult Everton into European contention. The £5.5m signing from Rangers will make his debut at Wigan this afternoon and is aiming to help his new team to their second Premier League win of the week. He signed for the Goodison Park club just before Everton kicked off against Manchester City on Tuesday – transfer deadline day. He then took a seat in the stands and saw the Merseysiders beat table-topping City to move up to 10th place. Now Croatian international Jelavic is setting his sights on helping Everton muscle their way into European contention. The 26-year-old said: “Why not Europe this season? We have a team capable of getting into Europe and my big hope is that we can do it. “From my point of view I hope that my goals can help them get there. I will be doing my best to get as many goals as I can. There are good players here at Everton and I think we deserve a better position in the league. I aim to help Everton do just that.” After scoring 36 goals in 54 appearances for Rangers, Jelavic says that he is hoping to start producing for Everton as quickly as possible. But he is fully aware of the higher standard of football played in the Premier League compared to the standard he encountered in Scotland. He said: “It is a step up and I know I need to be better. But I learnt a lot in Scotland and that helped me a lot as a player. “There are a lot of difficult games in Scotland and it is always 100 per cent. It is just that sometimes maybe the quality is not as high as in England. I know I will need to be better but I am ready. I am used to challenges and I just can’t wait to get on to the pitch and go for goals. “There is always pressure but I look on it as a challenge. I know everybody will be expecting good things from me. I am ready. “I see that as more of a challenge to myself – not pressure. I am motivated to show that I deserve to be here and to play.” He will get that chance when he runs out in an Everton shirt for the first time at Wigan today. He said: “My dream has always been to play here because I think the English Premier League is the best. I have the motivation to score goals here and do well. I want to prove to myself that I can be part of this league.” Jelavic is now hoping that his arrival in the Premier League can boost his chances of securing a trip to the European Championships with Croatia this summer. Croatia are managed by former Everton star Slaven Bilic and he was one of the first people Jelavic spoke to after signing his four-and-a-half year contract with the Goodison club. He said: “I spoke to him and we will have another chat in a few weeks when I am on international duty. I hope this move helps me. “For the past two-and-a-half years I have been involved in the national squad all the time – but this will help me more to fix my place in the first team.” Former Goodison crowd favourite Bilic will monitor the progress of the striker at his old club with particular interest. He said: “I am happy and delighted for both the club and the player. “I am sure the fans at Goodison will take to him. “With the greatest of respects to Rangers, he is at that stage of his career when a move would be good for him and also the national team.”

The Last Word: Stagnant? Moyes reeks of miracles to me
When you have no chance of the title, all that can keep you going is self-respect
Chris McGrath
Saturday 04 February 2012
Indenpedent
However incoherent, Roberto Mancini gives a classic post-match interview. In fact, it is precisely the remoteness that unites his overall bearing and his grasp of English that makes them so good. That way he achieves a far more effective disdain than does Andre Villas-Boas, with all his ostentatious sophistication. The young Chelsea manager has disclosed a broader vocabulary in half a season than Sir Alex Ferguson in 25, but there is something self-conscious about his virtuosity. Mancini, in contrast, has the genuine superiority of someone manifestly without interest in winning over interviewer or audience. It is like wandering round a zoo, and passing from the performing seals to some baleful, brooding predator gazing out of his cage. Mancini causes a corresponding discomfort in his interrogators. He unnerves them with that sardonic, mystified expression as he awaits the end of their ramblings. It's not so much that I cannot understand as that you are making no sense. After a baffled pause, he brushes his fingers through that mane of hair and gives a half-smile. The eyebrows raise, the hand waves. And he says: "Noh." Which is not to suggest he has nothing to say. His Munich interview was one of the most gripping. And on Tuesday, after Manchester City's defeat at Everton, his glassy dejection was more expressive than any thesaurus Villas-Boas might disgorge.
Some remain immune to his fascination; some are even so mean-spirited or envious as to hope that he fails. But the rest of us, surely, can only adore having Mancini around. Even so, the author of his misfortune on Tuesday must be pronounced a hero to us all. At the grass roots, David Moyes is surely the most admired manager in British football. Tempting though it is, following their touchline fracas last season, it would do both men a glib disservice to cast Mancini as some effete foil to a Glaswegian bruiser. Just as Mancini has always had toughness, so Moyes has far more to offer than an unadorned work ethic. It was not as though Everton parked the bus. The team sheets had prompted bewilderment. Tony Hibbert at centre-half? By the end of the evening, the experiment had a hint of revolution. Big, lumbering central defenders date back to the days of the battering-ram No 9. But slick forward interplay, as nowadays favoured by Europe's most progressive coaches, demands a different response. To stem Silva, Aguero and Nasri, you need mobility, not bulk. Dzeko offered physical presence but Heitinga proved an adequate bulwark. Necessity is the mother of invention, and Moyes would doubtless have settled for a more conventional back line had Jagielka and Distin been available. Even if he reverts to two big lads in the middle, however, he will again prove his eye for a defender in Shane Duffy – spotted at 16, and the latest evidence of an unsurprising forte in a manager whose honesty and commitment once served him well in the same role. In fact, Fabio Capello could profitably pick three men moulded by Moyes in his back four: Baines, Jagielka and Lescott. Certainly, the way the latter pair shut out the world champions at Wembley in November bore his unmistakable imprint: so understated and effective, above all when compared with one who mistakes gross egotism for leadership. But this alchemy is by no means confined to the rearguard. Despite Bill Kenwright's destitution, Moyes has again done some inspired business in the transfer window. For one thing, Gibson's goal on Tuesday may foreshadow the sort of improvement he has coaxed from other rejects. At 30, Donovan and Pienaar can only be counted pragmatic expedients. Yet this renewal in midfield – even with injuries, even after losing Arteta in the previous window – allowed Bilyaletdinov to go and freed up cash for Jelavic. The latter's arrival enabled Moyes to discard Saha, nowadays too fragile for the burden of leading the line weekly. And while Tim Cahill has finally ended a 13-month drought, at 32 he will perhaps accept rotation if Stracqualursi (some Italian dish, surely, involving scrambled eggs) can maintain such clamorous endeavour. He may lack Saha's touch, but Goodison on Tuesday loved the way he held up the ball and generally maddened defenders. Stracqualursi is himself on loan; Cahill cost £2m from Millwall. Mend and make do. As such, Moyes is a victim of his own success. Some have questioned his bigger buys, but the fact is that Fellaini is a monster – and still only 24. Yakubu meanwhile was prolific until derailed by injury, and is now confirming at Blackburn why he was a good bet in his prime.
If anything, Moyes has less spending power than ever. Doubtless he will soon be obliged to cash in Rodwell. But he has consistently achieved a rare spike in the graph-lines that notoriously align wage bill and league position. Moyes gives hope to disheartened millions. Some lose heart: what's the point, nowadays, for most clubs? You even hear mutterings among Everton fans, when the players again seem so reluctant to renew their Sisyphean toil at the start of the season. Only a few days ago some pundits were contending that Everton under Moyes had finally stagnated. But when you have no realistic chance of the title, all that can keep you going is self-respect. And, by sticking to working-class principles – in a society that seems ever more decadent – that is exactly what Moyes gives Everton. It would be gratifying if he could gain some reward more lasting than Tuesday's ambush. With both Manchester clubs out of the FA Cup, a home tie against Blackpool or Sheffield Wednesday has a promising look. Today is the first anniversary of Gary Megson's arrival at Wednesday, which already places him at No 50 out of 92 league managers in the long-service table. Moyes, behind only Ferguson and Wenger, celebrates his 10th anniversary at "the people's club" next month. Many wonder whether he has taken Everton as far as he can, and lament that Ferguson will probably be replaced by someone with Champions League éclat. But you never know. Perhaps there is a sheikh or oligarch out there perceptive enough to see that Moyes could obtain that gloss, without necessarily leaving Everton.

Wigan Athletic v Everton FC preview: Blues hoping to build on week that has revitalised season
Ian Doyle
Feb 4 2012
LADIES and gentlemen, Everton Football Club have not left the building. That’s the message booming resoundingly out of Goodison this week after an encouraging few days that may well revitalise the season for David Moyes’s side. A home tie in the FA Cup fifth round and victory over Premier League leaders Manchester City were reason enough for smiles to return to the faces of the long-suffering support. But factor in a transfer window that for once provided hope rather than despair, and the Everton manager can at last approach matters in a different light. “It is long time since I have been able to talk positively,” says Moyes. “Nearly every question I've had has been of a negative nature about what is happening off the pitch or results. “But we are starting to fight back. You can see that. “One game won't change it, we need a series of games to make the change but there were traits of it on Tuesday against City. “It’s not left the building, it’s still there and we need to get to back more often and build on it. “That was against one of the so-called better teams, and over the years we’ve tended to give them our games. “But this year our disappointments have been against the teams we should have been beating. We’ve not done well against the sides we were expected to beat.” Such a shortcoming will be put to the test this afternoon when Everton visit a Wigan Athletic side marooned at the foot of the Premier League table, five points from safety.
And mindful of many a false dawn in the past, Moyes remains pragmatic when contemplating his team’s targets for the remainder of the campaign. “At the moment I’m still thinking ‘let’s get 40 points’,” he says. “Now I know that sounds a bit bland but I do still think you need that in the Premier League. “If we get more than that then we can see if we can catch somebody but let’s get them first then look forward.” The Goodison faithful, though, would be forgiven for eyeing a brighter future after a transfer window that saw the squad bolstered by the signings of Nikica Jelavic and Darron Gibson along with loan deals for Landon Donovan and the returning Steven Pienaar.
With the disappointing Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and listless Louis Saha heading the other way, few could argue Moyes has, on paper, enjoyed a profitable January sales period. Jelavic, who could be handed an instant debut at the DW Stadium this afternoon, netted 36 goals in 55 games with Rangers following a similarly impressive return with Rapid Vienna. Moyes, though, is determined not to place too great a burden on the £5.5million Croatia international. “From what I’ve seen he’ll give us a good team player – someone who’s scored goals,” says the Everton manager. “He’s good in the box from what I’ve seen and he’s got an energy where he can work as well. I think there’s an all-round centre forward there. “Until we get used to him, and he gets used to us, I couldn’t say what will be his biggest plus but once we get him up and running we’ll see how he goes.
“I’ve probably watched him half-a-dozen times. I went to watch him when he was at Rapid Vienna two years ago just before he went to Rangers, and I was thinking about going in for him and decided not to. “I was always aware of him, and when you go to see someone but decide against it at the time, you always keep an eye on it.” Jelavic’s success at Rangers, and his time growing accustomed to the more physical nature of British football, helped sway Moyes’s opinion. “He’s come in and done it,” he says. “You’ve got to remember now he’s matured as well. He’s had two years of maturity, two years more of games and he’s become a Croatian international as well.
“I spoke to Walter Smith a few weeks ago too when I was up in Glasgow. I’ve spoken to a lot of people in Scotland. “I felt bad because Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowell are both my friends at Rangers and I’ve known them for years. I was coming to take their player away from them near enough at the last minute, and that’s happened to me quite recently so I knew what it felt like.
“I did phone them and explain to them – if that helps!” When Wigan were beaten 3-1 at Goodison back in September, substitute Denis Stracqualursi marked his first appearance for the club since his summer loan move from Tigre by providing an assist for fellow debutant Royston Drenthe.
The Argentine, though, subsequently struggled to adapt to English football until fortunes changed during the past fortnight. Stracqualursi broke his goalscoring duck in the FA Cup win against Fulham and earned a standing ovation after running himself into the ground against City. And Moyes adds: “We didn’t know he could work that hard. When he came, we saw him as a goalscorer. He’s come here and he’s picked up on that himself and thought this is what he had to do. “Maybe he lacks certain other abilities but if he makes it up in that way then he’ll make a good career for himself.
“You don’t notice something like that in training. You can’t train like that. “We’ve played him in different cup games and not really shown enough of that. But we gave him another opportunity and he has taken it. “It might just be the settling in period, it might take Jelavic six months to settle in. It took Baines and Jags six months. You can’t expect people to always hit the ground running when they come in.”

Wigan v Everton FC: We must start beating league’s minnows says David Moyes
by Ian Doyle, DPW West
Feb 4 2012
LADIES and gentlemen, Everton Football Club have not left the building. That’s the message booming resoundingly out of Goodison this week after an encouraging few days that may well revitalise the season for David Moyes’s side. A home tie in the FA Cup fifth round and victory over Premier League leaders Manchester City were reason enough for smiles to return to the faces of Everton FC's long-suffering support. But factor in a transfer window that for once provided hope rather than despair, and the Everton manager can at last approach matters in a different light. “It is long time since I have been able to talk positively,” says Moyes. “Nearly every question I've had has been of a negative nature about what is happening off the pitch or results. “But we are starting to fight back. You can see that. “One game won't change it, we need a series of games to make the change but there were traits of it on Tuesday against City. “It’s not left the building, it’s still there and we need to get to back more often and build on it. “That was against one of the so-called better teams, and over the years we’ve tended to give them our games. “But this year our disappointments have been against the teams we should have been beating. We’ve not done well against the sides we were expected to beat.” Such a shortcoming will be put to the test this afternoon when Everton visit a Wigan Athletic side marooned at the foot of the Premier League table, five points from safety.
And mindful of many a false dawn in the past, Moyes remains pragmatic when contemplating his team’s targets for the remainder of the campaign. “At the moment I’m still thinking ‘let’s get 40 points’,” he says. “Now I know that sounds a bit bland but I do still think you need that in the Premier League. “If we get more than that then we can see if we can catch somebody but let’s get them first then look forward.” The Goodison faithful, though, would be forgiven for eyeing a brighter future after a transfer window that saw the squad bolstered by the signings of Nikica Jelavic and Darron Gibson along with loan deals for Landon Donovan and the returning Steven Pienaar.
With the disappointing Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and listless Louis Saha heading the other way, few could argue Moyes has, on paper, enjoyed a profitable January sales period. Jelavic, who could be handed an instant debut at the DW Stadium this afternoon, netted 36 goals in 55 games with Rangers following a similarly impressive return with Rapid Vienna. Moyes, though, is determined not to place too great a burden on the £5.5million Croatia international. “From what I’ve seen he’ll give us a good team player – someone who’s scored goals,” says the Everton manager. “He’s good in the box from what I’ve seen and he’s got an energy where he can work as well. I think there’s an all-round centre forward there. “Until we get used to him, and he gets used to us, I couldn’t say what will be his biggest plus but once we get him up and running we’ll see how he goes. “I’ve probably watched him half-a-dozen times. I went to watch him when he was at Rapid Vienna two years ago just before he went to Rangers, and I was thinking about going in for him and decided not to.
“I was always aware of him, and when you go to see someone but decide against it at the time, you always keep an eye on it.” Jelavic’s success at Rangers, and his time growing accustomed to the more physical nature of British football, helped sway Moyes’s opinion. “He’s come in and done it,” he says. “You’ve got to remember now he’s matured as well. He’s had two years of maturity, two years more of games and he’s become a Croatian international as well. “I spoke to Walter Smith a few weeks ago too when I was up in Glasgow. I’ve spoken to a lot of people in Scotland.
“I felt bad because Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowell are both my friends at Rangers and I’ve known them for years. I was coming to take their player away from them near enough at the last minute, and that’s happened to me quite recently so I knew what it felt like. “I did phone them and explain to them – if that helps!” When Wigan were beaten 3-1 at Goodison back in September, substitute Denis Stracqualursi marked his first appearance for the club since his summer loan move from Tigre by providing an assist for fellow debutant Royston Drenthe. The Argentine, though, subsequently struggled to adapt to English football until fortunes changed during the past fortnight.
Stracqualursi broke his goalscoring duck in the FA Cup win against Fulham and earned a standing ovation after running himself into the ground against City. And Moyes adds: “We didn’t know he could work that hard. When he came, we saw him as a goalscorer. He’s come here and he’s picked up on that himself and thought this is what he had to do. “Maybe he lacks certain other abilities but if he makes it up in that way then he’ll make a good career for himself. “You don’t notice something like that in training. You can’t train like that. “We’ve played him in different cup games and not really shown enough of that. But we gave him another opportunity and he has taken it. “It might just be the settling in period, it might take Jelavic six months to settle in. It took Baines and Jags six months. You can’t expect people to always hit the ground running when they come in.”

David Moyes: I’ve let down Everton FC fans too much this season
by Ian Doyle, DPW West
Feb 4 2012
DAVID MOYES fears he was “letting too many people down” this season – but believes Everton FC can now kickstart their campaign following a memorable week. Four days after securing progress to the last 16 of the FA Cup with victory over Fulham, a revitalised Goodison outfit downed Premier League leaders Manchester City at home on Tuesday night. The same evening, Moyes bolstered his squad with the signing of £5.5m striker Nikica Jelavic from Rangers and the return of Steven Pienaar on loan until the end of the season from Tottenham Hotspur. It provided a major boost to supporters who had seen their team struggle for results for much of the campaign given a backdrop of a debilitating injury list and financial restraints. And Moyes, whose team visit Wigan Athletic this afternoon, said: “I felt I needed it because I was letting too many people down with the performances. “I was feeling pretty limited with who I could play, with the changes in the team I could make. “In truth, I was disappointing the supporters with how we were playing and the teams we were putting out. I think we have just about tried everything. “But I didn’t question how long I could go on for. That didn’t come into it. I just knew I had to find the formula. “A manager at any club has to find the formula to win games. I felt I hadn’t won enough and couldn’t find the formula. “But I feel more confident now. It’s up to me to lift the gloom by getting performances, and the other night (against City) was the best I’ve felt for a long time at Everton. “The Fulham result gave me a great lift. And then to get another good result against Man City made it a great week.” Moyes added: “I am looking at it now and thinking ‘come on, let’s go again’. It can give us a bit of a kickstart again.” Of the new signings, Moyes added: “The big concern out of two boys we brought in is Steven. Nikica is probably more ready to play, even though he had the flu and didn’t play for Rangers last week. “Steven is the one who has had only bits and pieces of football so there is a concern as to whether he is ready for 90 minutes and ready for a regular 90 minutes at the moment.”
“But they tell me when he was a young boy he was a cross country champion in South Africa and as you can imagine that would take some doing! So I am hoping he has still got a bit of that in him.”

Barry Horne: Steven Pienaar deserves credit for coming back to EvertonFC
by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo
Feb 4 2012
STEVEN PIENAAR’S return to Everton FC fills a hole in the team which has existed since Steven Pienaar left last year. Long before his departure it was clear that he was not going to sign a new contract at the club so the Blues did brilliantly well to secure the fee they did at the time they did it.
For whatever reasons Pienaar chose to leave Everton for, it has not worked out in terms of career progression at Tottenham Hotspur. He says he moved for the challenge and to play Champions League football , but that has unfortunately not gone as he planned. Pienaar will be aware that the reception he receives from the Everton fans may not be as warm as it was when he first arrived but what should not be forgotten is that he was a fantastic player for Everton. It should also be noted that he is, in many ways, swallowing his pride by coming back to the club. He is showing character and a strong affection for Everton and I’m certain he will quickly get back into the groove at Goodison Park and that his departure will be swiftly forgotten. Coming back to Everton gives him a second chance to relaunch his career and all credit to him for making such a decision.
It would have been relatively easy for Pienaar to stay on the bench at Spurs and be a fringe player.
Fair play to Steven Pienaar.

Barry Horne: Denis Stracqualursi sets example of work rate required for all Everton FC strikers
by Barry Horne, Liverpool Echo
Feb 4 2012
IT has been one of the better weeks Everton FC fans have had in recent months, such has been the sense of pessimism surrounding Goodison Park of late. It actually doesn’t take a great deal of good news to give everyone at EFC a lift. David Moyes describing the victory over Manchester City as arguably the best of his time here might possible have been an assertion caught up in the euphoria of the win. Nevertheless, it was a fantastic result, one earned and well deserved in a typically backs to the wall Everton display. But the Blues were not particularly pressed on Tuesday night it was just they were without players such as Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka against the most potent attack in the league. Everton were also without Jack Rodwell who had played such an important role in the reverse fixture and of course Leon Osman, the side’s most influential player over the last few months. The most pleasing individual performance was that of Denis Stracqualursi. Against Stoke City this season, Apostolos Vellios started the game but his display was in stark contrast to the performance of Jonathan Walters for the visitors. Walters has made it to the Premier League and established himself in Tony Pulis’ side. He has done so by working very hard on the pitch.
I’ve said many times in this column that Vellios can be a real player but he needs to show the level of work rate Walters shows every week and the work rate Stracqualursi did in midweek.
Everton fans will always appreciate that. Nikica Jelavic must be considered a gamble but he does travel with the knack of being able to score goals, the difference of course is that he may not get as many chances in the Premier League. But he will be aware that the best players in England are the hardest working ones and you get no easy ride here.

Everton FC boss David Moyes has spring back in his step after transfer window ends on high
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 4 2012
AT HIS lowest ebb this season, David Moyes began to fear he was no longer instilling Everton FC fans with pride or passion. The EFC manager who was synonymous with restoring the self-belief of the Goodison Park faithful after years of relegation scraps and mediocrity, sensed he was running out of options. As a lack of signings in the summer started to tell, and injuries began to bite hard, Moyes admits he could not find the right formula to stop the rot. But after a four day period when his side made it to the last 16 of the FA Cup by beating Premier League Fulham, then humbled the mighty Manchester City, the Blues boss has a spring in his step once again. Add to that the completion of some positive business in the January transfer window, and the Scot says he can sense a new confidence in Everton’s camp. “I feel more confident now,” he says, 24 hours after deadline day recruits Nikica Jelavic and Steven Pienaar were introduced to the press. “The new players coming in, Steven coming back, Landon... “We have tried to do something about it, we’ve tried to make it better. I’ve always said It’s up to me to lift the gloom by getting performances, and the other night was the best I’ve felt for a long time at Everton.” Goodison was reborn in the heat of battle against City on Tuesday, and Moyes was relieved to see that battling spirit remains in his players and their supporters. “You could see that,” he says. “One game won't change it, we need a series of games to make the change but there was traits of it on Tuesday. “It’s not left the building, it’s still there and we need to get to back more often and build on it. “That was against one of the so called better teams. and over the years we’ve tended to give them our games. But this year our disappointments have been against the teams we should have been beating. “We’ve not done well against the sides we were expected to.” Moyes admits his initial relief was at progress in the FA Cup.
“The Fulham result gave me a great lift,” he says. “I had thought whatever we do I’ve got to get in the next round of the cup, by hook or by crook I need to get through and then with the week we had - to beat City- was great. “I feel as if I’ve got a spring in my step. I’m looking at it as if we can get a kick-start. “We haven’t got all the players back but I can see a few of them on the horizon even if it’s maybe three or four weeks away at the earliest. “I felt I needed the lift because I was letting too many people down with the performances. I was feeling pretty limited with who I could play, with the changes in the team I could make. In truth, I was disappointing the supporters with how we were playing and the teams we were putting out. “We were very limited. For every selection people have said, we have tried it. We did this, we played this way, or did that, I think we have just about tried everything. “But I didn’t question how long I could go on for. That didn’t come into it. I just knew I had to find the formula. A manager at any club has to find the formula to win games. I felt I hadn’t won enough and couldn’t find the formula. I’d tried all sorts to find the formula.” Moyes was pleased with how he was able to re-invest the £5.5m he received from Spartak Moscow for Diniyar Bilyaletdinov. “We’ve always tried to make this sort of money work well,” he says. “We sold James McFadden and James Beattie and bought someone off that money etc. “When we do get a bit of money we try to make it work the best way we can. “Now it’s yet to be proven but we’re here to see if Jelavic comes up trumps. “I think people will say the last couple of days’ business looks good on paper for Everton.” But has the up-turn in fortunes prompted Moyes to look beyond his previous stated aim this term of Premier League survival? Not just yet. “At the moment I’m still thinking let’s get 40 points,” he says. “Now I know that sounds a bit bland but I do still think you need that in the Premier League. If we get more than that then we can see if we can catch somebody but let’s get them first then look forward.”

Denis Stracqualursi’s infectious work-rate has inspired Everton FC revival, says David Moyes
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 4 2012
DENIS STRACQUALURSI’S infectious work-rate has been key to inspiring Everton FC’s revival, says David Moyes. The mood is upbeat in the Goodison Park camp after victory over Manchester City on Tuesday, then welcoming the arrivals of new £5.5m striker Nikica Jelavic and Steven Pienaar.
But Moyes credits Stracqualursi, a low-key summer loan recruit from Argentinean side Tigre, with getting the ball rolling by helping Everton FC’s progress in the FA Cup and a string of inspirational displays He said: “It’s not just the signings, I think the introduction of Denis has given people a bit of a lift. “We didn’t know he could work that hard. When he came, we saw him as a goalscorer and we’d seen clips. We’d gone to see him over in Argentina and we didn’t come away thinking this was a really hard working centre forward. “He’s come here and he’s picked up on that himself, and thought this is what he had to do. So good on the boy. “Maybe he lacks certain other abilities but if he makes it up in that way then he’ll make a good career for himself.” Moyes, who is likely to ask Stracqualursi to lead his line again today against Wigan at the DW Stadium, believes foreign imports must always be given time to adjust to the Premier League. “You don’t notice something like that in training,” he said of Stracqualursi’s work-rate. “You can’t train like that. We’ve played him in different cup games and not really shown enough of that. “But we gave him another opportunity and he has taken it. “It might just be the settling in period, it might take Jelavic six months to settle in. It took Baines and Jags six months. You can’t expect people to always hit the ground running when they come in.” The Everton FC boss must decide whether to start Jelavic this afternoon, despite the Croatian suffering from flu all week, although he is likely to restore Steven Pienaar immediately to his starting line-up after a 12 month absence. However, Moyes admits he is excited about the qualities Jelavic will bring to his team when he is settled. He said: “From what I’ve seen he’ll give us a good team player. Someone who’s scored goals, he’s good in the box from what I’ve seen and he’s got an energy where he can work as well. I think there’s an all-round centre forward there. Until we get used to him, and he gets used to us, I couldn’t say what will be his biggest plus.
“I’ve probably watched him half a dozen times. I went to watch him at Rapid Vienna, two years ago just before he went to Rangers and I was thinking about going in for him and decided not to.
“When you go to see someone but decide against it at the time, you always keep an eye on it.
“Since then he’s come in and done it. You watch him in Austria but the question is always can he do it in the Premier League. You’ve got to remember now he’s matured as well. He’s had two years more of games and he’s become a Croatian international.” he Everton boss, who was unable to replace Mikel Arteta after selling him on the last day of the summer transfer window, says he has sympathy for Rangers boss Ally McCoist after he moved for Jelavic leaving McCoist in a similar situation this week. “I felt bad because Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowall are both my friends and I’ve known them for years. I was coming to take their player away from them near enough at the last minute, and that’s happened to me quite recently so I knew what it felt like. I did phone them and explain to them - if that helps. “I knew it’d make it difficult for Ally because it was so late on but we’d only got our money from the Bily deal quite late on ourselves.”

Royal Blue: Everton FC fans smiling again after David Moyes won frantic deadline day lottery
February 4 2012 Liverpool Echo
UNITED utilities have been called to investigate fears of water poisoning in certain parts of Merseyside near to Everton FC. Apparently worried family and colleagues reported Evertonians waking up on Wednesday morning babbling about positivity. There is something pleasantly disconcerting about the outbreak of contentment and optimism that has broken out among Blues, after the club’s successful transfer window and victory over Manchester City. It has certainly approached the point when something had to give, even a little. As ever, the initial shift away from gloom was prompted by performances on the pitch. For that alone, the hard-running of Denis Stracqualursi against Fulham – capped by that wonderful header – were priceless. But then when it did come to talking prices in the ensuing days, Everton FC started talking smartly. First Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, a player who split fan opinion, was sold back to Russia for a reasonable fee, albeit at a loss, and the £5.5m Everton FC received was instantly given to David Moyes to spend. Then Moyes played a blinder. Aware that time was running out, he refused to be panicked into giving a contract to triallist Edson Buddle, or show his hand early with Nikica Jelavic. Instead the Everton boss, his backroom team, Goodison’s executives and directors, put into action a complex and industrious plan that saw various players lined-up, deals mooted, and leads followed to ensure the catastrophe of the window passing without reinforcements did not materialise. The club had been there before – in terms of being unable to make permanent signings in the summer – and were not going to let it happen again. Things almost always happen late in transfer windows, it is their nature. Everton could only move when Bilyaletdinov’s exit was finalised, but they moved efficiently and spent reassuringly. Jelavic’s ability to repeat his prolific goal-scoring feats in England are unknown, but he is a Croatian international and nobody should under-estimate the boost that paying good money for a centre-forward of some renown brings to a club. Then, as the clock ticked down on Tuesday, a deal was pushed through against the odds for Steven Pienaar. The balance and rhythm which the South African brought to Everton had been sorely missed. Its return could well prevent this season sliding into mediocrity. Evertonians, so used to suspecting another cloud above every silver-lining, have got a spring back in their step. Back to the football now. Still in the FA Cup with another home tie before the quarter finals, and moving up in the league. Those smiles could linger a while yet.

Final Whistle Report: Wigan 1 Everton FC 1
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 4 2012
EVERTON FC arrived in high spirits after a triumphant week but ultimately had to be content with a point after a 1-1 draw with Wigan at the DW Stadium. David Moyes’ men were desperate to make it the perfect seven days with three points, but couldn't build on their early control and had to come back from behind during a tepid affair in the cold. Failure to win means EFC slip back a place to 11th in the Premier League table, but more vexing for their manager will be the conundrum of why his side can beat title-chasing Manchester City and then struggle to overcome rock-bottom Wigan.
The Blues boss had suggested otherwise before kick-off, but could not resist giving Steven Pienaar an immediate return to the left flank at Royston Drenthe’s expense. And while new £5.5m striker Nikica Jelavic had to make do with a place on the bench, the fit-again Sylvain Distin was restored to the defence ahead of skipper Phil Neville. Pienaar immediately began to make Everton’s midfield tick, with the South African suddenly appearing at the heart of every passing move. A typically industrious run from the 29-year-old in the first minute almost set up Denis Stracqualursi, although the forward had strayed a yard off-side. But Everton’s midfield is full of willing and incisive runners now, and Landon Donovan did well to nip past his marker and slip in the Argentine again moments later, only for Ali Al-Habsi to deal comfortably with his toe-poke. At the other end Tim Howard had to be alert when a long ball over the top caught Everton off guard, and Franco Di Santo unleashed a low strike. And as the half progressed, the visitor’s early dominance faded - and as the pitch deteriorated so did the quality of passing from both sides. Moyes had been fulsome in his praise of Tony Hibbert after that victory over Manchester City, and the full back was at his best near the interval; displaying all his defensive nous to get across Di Santo and draw a foul as the striker seemed poised to pounce. However, Moyes’ men should have gone into the break a goal ahead when Leighton Baines’ over-lapping run produced a superb pull-back but Darron Gibson lashed his first-time shot over. As the hour approached, Jelavic was introduced for the tiring Stracqualursi and instantly began to make an impact, although his new team-mates struggle to change the game’s increasingly scrappy nature. Marouane Fellaini had been pushed into an advanced role as the Toffees struggled to regain their dominance, but his absence left the tired Gibson looking exposed in central midfield alongside substitute Neville. And then the set-back came. Jean Beausejour’s low cross was deflected goalwards by Neville, and as Howard appeared ready to collect routinely, the wet ball squirmed through his hands and squeezed in. It was a particularly infuriating way to fall behind, but Moyes responded with a tactical switch that quickly paid dividends. Victor Anichebe replaced Hibbert, and the powerful striker was only on the field for three minutes before he scored with a bullet header from Baines’ cross. And although that gave them belief they could grab a late victory, the Blues were unable to sneak it even with four minutes of added time.

Victor Anichebe rescues Everton after Phil Neville hands Wigan lead
Jamie Jackson at the DW Stadium
Guardian
Saturday 4 February 2012 17.13 GMT
For weeks now Roberto Martínez has been preaching the need for positivity and for players and fans to "remain focused" despite Wigan Athletic's results. The manager was at it again in his programme notes, pleading: "We mustn't allow the negative talk or comments from people away from Wigan Athletic to distract our focus and desire for perfection in every performance." Forget perfection, what football folk in this pie and rugby league stronghold require is what Martínez called "the only cure to our heartache": three points. His team did not got them on Saturday, failing to add to their paltry three league wins all season, though they appeared to have mugged Everton after 76 minutes when a Phil Neville own goal from Jean Beausejour's ball gave Wigan an undeserved lead.
But Victor Anichebe was thrown on in response by David Moyes and his header, seven minutes later, after Leighton Baines crossed when his corner was served back to him, meant the spoils were shared on a dour afternoon. Before this the game had been a catalogue of technical mishaps and bad shooting. Darron Gibson is one of those players often described in dispatches as "having a shot on him" – as he proved with the 25-yarder that defeated Manchester City last time out – but in the first half a similar long-range attempt was so bad it went for a throw-in. Wigan's Jordi Gómez tried to show him better with a 28th-minute free-kick but his left foot only spooned it high. Steven Pienaar, back on loan at Everton from Tottenham Hotspur, was next up but his awkward right-foot effort from the edge of Wigan's area lacked power and belief. When Leighton Baines decided to end this finishing deficit by launching a Hail Mary that came down on Marouane Fellaini's head six yards from Ali al-Habsi the first goal finally seemed incoming. But the Belgian stooped, headed it backwards, and the ball went safe.

Wigan 1 Everton 1
Wigan Today
Saturday 4 February 2012 17:53
WIGAN benefited from one of the more bizarre goals the Barclays Premier League will see this season but had to settle for a point against Everton at the DW Stadium. It had been a thoroughly forgettable affair until the 76th minute when Phil Neville blocked a Jean Beausejour cross and the ball somehow found its way past Tim Howard for a hugely embarrassing own goal. But the hosts’ lead lasted only seven minutes, substitute Victor Anichebe heading in the equaliser to ensure Everton followed up their win over Manchester City on Tuesday with a point on the road.
Toffees boss David Moyes fielded one of his deadline-day signings, Steven Pienaar, who rejoined the club on loan from Tottenham on Tuesday, but striker Nikica Jelavic had to settle for a place on the bench. Denis Stracqualursi was the man keeping Jelavic out of the team after impressing against City and he had the first decent sight of goal in the 13th minute, but the ball got stuck under his feet and he could only poke it tamely at Ali Al Habsi. Pienaar was making his first start in the Barclays Premier League this season but was quickly up to speed and causing trouble for the Latics, who were just about holding firm. Scoring goals has been a major problem for Wigan and Franco Di Santo could not make the most of a golden chance in the 20th minute. A long ball from Maynor Figueroa caught out the Everton defence but the striker placed his shot too close to Tim Howard.
It was a very scrappy game and Jordi Gomez could only curl a free-kick well over from 25 yards after Johnny Heitinga had hauled down Di Santo, while at the other end Wigan just about managed to scramble a Landon Donovan corner clear. The Latics were failing to capitalise on good positions, with Victor Moses the latest culprit as his control let him down at the crucial moment as he lined up a shot. Darron Gibson was the Everton hero on Tuesday but he spurned a good chance five minutes before the break, sending his shot way over the bar after Leighton Baines had done well to get to the goalline and pull the ball back. Everton made a change at half-time, Neville replacing Tim Cahill, but it did little to improve the quality, with both goalkeepers virtual spectators. Gibson did manage a half-decent effort but it was easily saved by Al Habsi, and on the hour mark Moyes sent on Jelavic for Stracqualursi. The Croatian was prolific at Rangers and his arrival was greeted with a huge roar from the vocal Everton fans. Roberto Martinez had also seen enough and in the 65th minute the Wigan manager made a double change, Rodallega replacing Gomez and David Jones coming on for Ronnie Stam, while moments later Di Santo hobbled off and Albert Crusat entered the fray. The hosts wanted a penalty when Jones’ shot deflected behind off Pienaar’s arm, but referee Anthony Taylor waved their claims away. Wigan have been short on luck this season but they certainly got a huge slice of it in the 76th minute as Everton gifted them the softest of goals. There seemed little danger when Neville got a foot to Beausejour’s cross and the ball headed straight for Howard but the keeper let it bounce and the spin on the ball took it past him and into the net, to the disbelief of players and fans alike. Anichebe came on for Tony Hibbert in the 81st minute in Moyes’ final throw of the dice, and within two minutes he had levelled matters, leaping above the Wigan defence to guide in a header from Baines’ cross after the hosts had not dealt well with a corner.
Wigan pushed for a winner and almost found it from a late corner but they could not force the ball in as it pinged around the Everton box. The point did at least end a run of five successive defeats for the Latics, who remain five points adrift of safety.

Wigan Athletic 1 Everton 1: match report
Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Wigan Athletic and Everton at the DW Stadium on Saturday Feb 4, 2012.
Saturday, February 04
By Telegraph staff
04 Feb 2012
Wigan benefited from one of the more bizarre goals the Premier League will see this season but had to settle for a point against Everton at the DW Stadium. It had been a thoroughly forgettable affair until the 76th minute when Phil Neville blocked a Jean Beausejour cross and the ball somehow found its way past Tim Howard for a hugely embarrassing own goal. But the hosts' lead lasted only seven minutes, substitute Victor Anichebe heading in the equaliser to ensure Everton followed up their win over Manchester City on Tuesday with a point on the road. Toffees boss David Moyes fielded one of his deadline-day signings, Steven Pienaar, who rejoined the club on loan from Tottenham on Tuesday, but striker Nikica Jelavic had to settle for a place on the bench.
Denis Stracqualursi was the man keeping Jelavic out of the team after impressing against City and he had the first decent sight of goal in the 13th minute, but the ball got stuck under his feet and he could only poke it tamely at Ali Al Habsi. Pienaar was making his first start in the Barclays Premier League this season but was quickly up to speed and causing trouble for the Latics, who were just about holding firm. Scoring goals has been a major problem for Wigan and Franco Di Santo could not make the most of a golden chance in the 20th minute. A long ball from Maynor Figueroa caught out the Everton defence but the striker placed his shot too close to Tim Howard. It was a very scrappy game and Jordi Gomez could only curl a free-kick well over from 25 yards after Johnny Heitinga had hauled down Di Santo, while at the other end Wigan just about managed to scramble a Landon Donovan corner clear. The Latics were failing to capitalise on good positions, with Victor Moses the latest culprit as his control let him down at the crucial moment as he lined up a shot.
Darron Gibson was the Everton hero on Tuesday but he spurned a good chance five minutes before the break, sending his shot way over the bar after Leighton Baines had done well to get to the goalline and pull the ball back. Everton made a change at half-time, Neville replacing Tim Cahill, but it did little to improve the quality, with both goalkeepers virtual spectators. Gibson did manage a half-decent effort but it was easily saved by Al Habsi, and on the hour mark Moyes sent on Jelavic for Stracqualursi. The Croatian was prolific at Rangers and his arrival was greeted with a huge roar from the vocal Everton fans. Roberto Martinez had also seen enough and in the 65th minute the Wigan manager made a double change, Rodallega replacing Gomez and David Jones coming on for Ronnie Stam, while moments later Di Santo hobbled off and Albert Crusat entered the fray. The hosts wanted a penalty when Jones' shot deflected behind off Pienaar's arm, but referee Anthony Taylor waved their claims away. Wigan have been short on luck this season but they certainly got a huge slice of it in the 76th minute as Everton gifted them the softest of goals. There seemed little danger when Neville got a foot to Beausejour's cross and the ball headed straight for Howard but the keeper let it bounce and the spin on the ball took it past him and into the net, to the disbelief of players and fans alike. Anichebe came on for Tony Hibbert in the 81st minute in Moyes' final throw of the dice, and within two minutes he had levelled matters, leaping above the Wigan defence to guide in a header from Baines' cross after the hosts had not dealt well with a corner. Wigan pushed for a winner and almost found it from a late corner but they could not force the ball in as it pinged around the Everton box. The point did at least end a run of five successive defeats for the Latics, who remain five points adrift of safety.

WIGAN 1 EVERTON 1: VICTOR ANICHEBE SPARES PHIL NEVILLE'S BLUSHES
Daily Express
Saturday February 4,2012
PHIL NEVILLE was indebted to Victor Anichebe for rescuing his side a point at the DW Stadium, after the Everton skipper's own goal looked to have handed Wigan a precious win. The Latics benefited from one of the more bizarre goals the Barclays Premier League will see this season but had to settle for a point in the end. It had been a thoroughly forgettable affair until the 76th minute when Phil Neville blocked a Jean Beausejour cross and the ball somehow found its way past Tim Howard for a hugely embarrassing own goal. But the hosts' lead lasted only seven minutes, substitute Victor Anichebe heading in the equaliser to ensure Everton followed up their win over Manchester City on Tuesday with a point on the road. Toffees boss David Moyes fielded one of his deadline-day signings, Steven Pienaar, who rejoined the club on loan from Tottenham on Tuesday, but striker Nikica Jelavic had to settle for a place on the bench. Denis Stracqualursi was the man keeping Jelavic out of the team after impressing against City and he had the first decent sight of goal in the 13th minute, but the ball got stuck under his feet and he could only poke it tamely at Ali Al Habsi.
Pienaar was making his first start in the Barclays Premier League this season but was quickly up to speed and causing trouble for the Latics, who were just about holding firm. Scoring goals has been a major problem for Wigan and Franco Di Santo could not make the most of a golden chance in the 20th minute. A long ball from Maynor Figueroa caught out the Everton defence but the striker placed his shot too close to Tim Howard. It was a very scrappy game and Jordi Gomez could only curl a free-kick well over from 25 yards after Johnny Heitinga had hauled down Di Santo, while at the other end Wigan just about managed to scramble a Landon Donovan corner clear. The Latics were failing to capitalise on good positions, with Victor Moses the latest culprit as his control let him down at the crucial moment as he lined up a shot. Darron Gibson was the Everton hero on Tuesday but he spurned a good chance five minutes before the break, sending his shot way over the bar after Leighton Baines had done well to get to the goalline and pull the ball back. Everton made a change at half-time, Neville replacing Tim Cahill, but it did little to improve the quality, with both goalkeepers virtual spectators. Gibson did manage a half-decent effort but it was easily saved by Al Habsi, and on the hour mark Moyes sent on Jelavic for Stracqualursi. The Croatian was prolific at Rangers and his arrival was greeted with a huge roar from the vocal Everton fans. Roberto Martinez had also seen enough and in the 65th minute the Wigan manager made a double change, Rodallega replacing Gomez and David Jones coming on for Ronnie Stam, while moments later Di Santo hobbled off and Albert Crusat entered the fray. The hosts wanted a penalty when Jones' shot deflected behind off Pienaar's arm, but referee Anthony Taylor waved their claims away. Wigan have been short on luck this season but they certainly got a huge slice of it in the 76th minute as Everton gifted them the softest of goals. There seemed little danger when Neville got a foot to Beausejour's cross and the ball headed straight for Howard but the keeper let it bounce and the spin on the ball took it past him and into the net, to the disbelief of players and fans alike. Anichebe came on for Tony Hibbert in the 81st minute in Moyes' final throw of the dice, and within two minutes he had levelled matters, leaping above the Wigan defence to guide in a header from Baines' cross after the hosts had not dealt well with a corner. Wigan pushed for a winner and almost found it from a late corner but they could not force the ball in as it pinged around the Everton box. The point did at least end a run of five successive defeats for the Latics, who remain five points adrift of safety.

Wigan 1 Everton 1
February 4, 2012-
The Sun
VICTOR ANICHEBE came off the bench to rescue a point for Everton and spare the blushes of Phil Neville after the bizarre own goal. Former England utility man Neville blocked a Jean Beausejour cross and the ball somehow found its way past Tim Howard on 76 minutes. But the hosts' lead lasted only seven minutes, substitute Anichebe heading home to ensure Everton followed up their win over Manchester City on Tuesday with a point on the road. Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has frequently bemoaned his side's misfortune this season, but welcomed his side's bizarre strike.
He said: "It was a welcome surprise. "In the second half we had that little bit of luck. We haven't had much luck this season and in the first half there were a couple of situations where you felt the ball was going to bounce into the striker instead of the centre-half but we didn't get that. "I thought the break was what we deserved after the dominance we had and the attacking threat we showed, and the real intent to try to play our football in difficult conditions. "At that time I thought it was the right reward and it looked like it was going to be our day, but unfortunately it wasn't." Everton boss David Moyes said: "We never really sparked. "When we went a goal down we came alive and looked as if we were going to get back in it but we were waiting on it happening today rather than making it happen." Everton boss Moyes threw loan signing Steven Pienaar into the starting line-up but his other deadline day recruit Nikica Jelavic on the bench. Wigan saw midweek goalscorer James McArthur come in for Ben Watson, with Mohamed Diame on the bench after his return from the African Nations Cup. The hosts made a bright start with winger Beausejour looking a threat down the left on his home debut. Denis Stracqualursi, the man keeping Jelavic out of the Everton team had the first decent sight of goal in the 13th minute but could only poke it tamely at Ali Al Habsi. Pienaar was making his first start in the Premier League this season but was quickly up to speed and causing trouble for the Latics. Scoring goals has been a major problem for Wigan and Franco Di Santo could not make the most of a golden chance in the 20th minute. A long ball from Maynor Figueroa caught out the Everton defence but the striker placed his shot too close to Tim Howard. It was a very scrappy game and Jordi Gomez could only curl a free-kick well over from 25 yards after Johnny Heitinga had hauled down Di Santo. At the other end Wigan just about managed to scramble a Landon Donovan corner clear. The Latics were failing to capitalise on good positions, with Victor Moses the latest culprit as his control let him down at the crucial moment when he was about to shoot. Darron Gibson was the Everton hero on Tuesday, but he spurned a glorious chance five minutes before the break when he fired over the bar. Everton made a change at half-time, Neville replacing Tim Cahill, but it did little to improve the quality. Gibson did manage a half-decent effort but it was easily saved by Al Habsi, and on the hour Everton boss David Moyes sent on Jelavic for Stracqualursi. Roberto Martinez had also seen enough, with Rodallega replacing Gomez and David Jones coming on for Ronnie Stam. Moments later Di Santo hobbled off and Albert Crusat entered the fray. The hosts wanted a penalty when Jones' shot deflected behind off Pienaar's arm, but referee Anthony Taylor waved their claims away. Wigan have been short on luck this season but they certainly got a huge slice when a gift from Everton broke the deadlock. There seemed little danger when Neville got a foot to Beausejour's cross and the ball headed straight for Howard.
But the keeper let it bounce and the spin on the ball took it past him and into the net.
Anichebe came on for Tony Hibbert in the 81st minute, and within moments had levelled matters when he covereted a cross from Baines. Wigan pushed for a winner and almost found it from a late corner but they could not force the ball in as it pinged around the Everton box.
Wigan: Al Habsi, Stam (Jones 65), Boyce, Caldwell, Figueroa, Beausejour, McCarthy, McArthur, Gomez (Rodallega 64), Moses, Di Santo (Crusat 68) Subs Not Used: Pollitt, Alcaraz, Watson, Diame
Booked: McArthur,Figueroa. Goals: Neville 76 og.
Everton: Howard, Hibbert (Anichebe 81), Heitinga, Distin, Baines, Pienaar, Fellaini, Gibson, Donovan, Cahill (Neville 46), Stracqualursi (Jelavic 60) Subs Not Used: Mucha, Drenthe, Gueye, Duffy
Goals: Anichebe 83.
Ref: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire).

Wigan 1-1 Everton:
By Derick Allsop
Daily Mirror
Wigan must have thought their luck at home at changed when Phil Neville and Tim Howard presented them with a bizarre late lead. But Everton are nothing if not resilient and substitute Victor Anichebe headed an equaliser that left both teams bemoaning what might have been.
The reality is that neither side deserved to win a match that meandered through 75 tedious minutes of its course before that first goal. The rugby league fraternity in these parts like to wind up the football fans that the last team to win a home match here were Wigan Warriors. Even after going ahead, they lacked the authority and conviction to see the job through and allowed a largely lethargic Everton to retaliate. Everton manager David Moyes had hoped his side were about to “go again” after months of stalling, but this was another afternoon of toil for his players and torment for their supporters. Moyes admits he has “let too many people down” this season, yet events of the past week have given him a huge lift. FA Cup progress and League victory over leaders Manchester City served to complete his satisfaction at signing £5m striker Nikica Jelavic from Rangers and bringing back Steven Pienaar on loan from Spurs. Pienaar went straight into Moyes’ side here, while Croat Jelavic was named among the substitutes. Wigan’s recent recruit, Jean Beausejour, was in Martinez’s starting line-up while Hugo Rodallega, frustrated to have missed out on a January move, was on the bench. Moyes’ earlier loan import, Landon Donovan, injected a little early quality, paving the way for Denis Sracqualursi to give Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi his first exercise.
Tim Howard, in the Everton goal, should have been helpless once Franco di Santo had brought under control Maynor Figueroa’s through-ball, but the American was able to smother the striker’s tame effort. Di Santo glimpsed the prospect of forcing a breakthrough again from Ronnie Stam’s penetrating cross only to be a tad too aggressive for the referee’s liking as he lunged to make contact. Twice more Wigan delivered potentially dangerous centres and twice central defender Sylvain Distin was in the right place at the right time for Everton. Wigan had a genuine let-off when Darron Gibson, spectacular match-winner against City, lofted the ball, rugby league style, high over the bar and into the stand from Leighton Baines’ pull-back. Gibson tried is luck early in the second half and although he was at least on target, Al Habsi gathered with ease. Moyes sent on Jelavic, instantly rousing the Everton fans. Martinez responded by summoning Rodallega - to a mixed reception - David Jones and Albert Crusat. In truth no player seemed capable of making a difference until Beausejour played the ball in from the left, Neville intercepted and the bounce of the ball deceived Howard. Moyes played his last card, in the formidable shape of Anichebe, who equalised with a glancing header from Baines’ cross

WIGAN 1 EVERTON 1: VICTOR ANICHEBE EARNS TOFFEES POINT AGAINST LATICS
Wigan 1 Everton 1
4th February 2012
By Daily Star
PHIL NEVILLE was indebted to Victor Anichebe for rescuing his side a point at the DW Stadium, after the Everton skipper's own goal looked to have handed Wigan a precious win. The Latics benefited from one of the more bizarre goals the Barclays Premier League will see this season but had to settle for a point in the end. It had been a thoroughly forgettable affair until the 76th minute when Phil Neville blocked a Jean Beausejour cross and the ball somehow found its way past Tim Howard for a hugely embarrassing own goal. But the hosts' lead lasted only seven minutes, substitute Victor Anichebe heading in the equaliser to ensure Everton followed up their win over Manchester City on Tuesday with a point on the road. Toffees boss David Moyes fielded one of his deadline-day signings, Steven Pienaar, who rejoined the club on loan from Tottenham on Tuesday, but striker Nikica Jelavic had to settle for a place on the bench. Denis Stracqualursi was the man keeping Jelavic out of the team after impressing against City and he had the first decent sight of goal in the 13th minute, but the ball got stuck under his feet and he could only poke it tamely at Ali Al Habsi.
Pienaar was making his first start in the Barclays Premier League this season but was quickly up to speed and causing trouble for the Latics, who were just about holding firm. Everton keeper Tim Howard sits dejected after Phil Neville's own goal Scoring goals has been a major problem for Wigan and Franco Di Santo could not make the most of a golden chance in the 20th minute. A long ball from Maynor Figueroa caught out the Everton defence but the striker placed his shot too close to Tim Howard. It was a very scrappy game and Jordi Gomez could only curl a free-kick well over from 25 yards after Johnny Heitinga had hauled down Di Santo, while at the other end Wigan just about managed to scramble a Landon Donovan corner clear. The Latics were failing to capitalise on good positions, with Victor Moses the latest culprit as his control let him down at the crucial moment as he lined up a shot. Darron Gibson was the Everton hero on Tuesday but he spurned a good chance five minutes before the break, sending his shot way over the bar after Leighton Baines had done well to get to the goalline and pull the ball back. Everton made a change at half-time, Neville replacing Tim Cahill, but it did little to improve the quality, with both goalkeepers virtual spectators. Gibson did manage a half-decent effort but it was easily saved by Al Habsi, and on the hour mark Moyes sent on Jelavic for Stracqualursi. The Croatian was prolific at Rangers and his arrival was greeted with a huge roar from the vocal Everton fans. Roberto Martinez had also seen enough and in the 65th minute the Wigan manager made a double change, Rodallega replacing Gomez and David Jones coming on for Ronnie Stam, while moments later Di Santo hobbled off and Albert Crusat entered the fray. The hosts wanted a penalty when Jones' shot deflected behind off Pienaar's arm, but referee Anthony Taylor waved their claims away. Wigan have been short on luck this season but they certainly got a huge slice of it in the 76th minute as Everton gifted them the softest of goals. There seemed little danger when Neville got a foot to Beausejour's cross and the ball headed straight for Howard but the keeper let it bounce and the spin on the ball took it past him and into the net, to the disbelief of players and fans alike. Anichebe came on for Tony Hibbert in the 81st minute in Moyes' final throw of the dice, and within two minutes he had levelled matters, leaping above the Wigan defence to guide in a header from Baines' cross after the hosts had not dealt well with a corner. Wigan pushed for a winner and almost found it from a late corner but they could not force the ball in as it pinged around the Everton box. The point did at least end a run of five successive defeats for the Latics, who remain five points adrift of safety.

Wigan 1 Everton 1
February 04, 2012
Manchester Evening News
Wigan benefited from one of the more bizarre goals the Premier League will see this season but had to settle for a point against Everton. It had been a thoroughly forgettable affair until the 76th minute, when Phil Neville blocked a Jean Beausejour cross and the ball somehow spun past Tim Howard for a hugely embarrassing own goal. But the hosts' lead lasted only seven minutes, substitute Victor Anichebe heading in the equaliser to ensure Everton followed up their win over Man City on Tuesday with a point on the road. Denis Stracqualursi kept his place ahead of new Everton signing Nikica Jelavic and he had the first decent sight of goal in the 13th minute, but the ball got stuck under his feet and he could only poke it tamely at Wigan keeper Ali Al Habsi. Steven Pienaar was making his first league start this season after returning to Everton on loan from Tottenham, but the winger was quickly up to speed and causing trouble for the Latics. They were just about holding firm and Franco Di Santo could not make the most of a golden chance in the 20th minute. Maynor Figueroa’s long ball caught out the Everton defence but the striker placed his shot too close to Howard. Jordi Gomez then curled a free-kick well over, while at the other end the Wigan defence just about managed to scramble a Landon Donovan corner clear. The Latics were failing to capitalise on good positions, with Victor Moses the latest culprit as his control let him down as he prepared to shoot. Darron Gibson was the Everton hero on Tuesday but he spurned a good chance five minutes before the break, sending his shot way over from a Leighton Baines cut-back.
Everton made a change at half-time, Neville replacing Tim Cahill, but it did little to improve the quality, with both keepers virtual spectators. Gibson managed a half-decent effort which was easily saved by Al Habsi, while the hosts were denied a penalty when sub David Jones' shot deflected behind off Pienaar's arm. Wigan have been short on luck this season but they certainly got a huge slice of it when Everton gifted them the softest of openers. Anichebe came on for Tony Hibbert in the 81st minute in David Moyes' final throw of the dice, and within two minutes he had levelled matters, leaping above the Wigan defence to guide in a header from Baines' cross after the hosts had not dealt well with a corner. Wigan pushed for a winner and almost found it from a late corner but could not force the ball in. The point did at least end a run of five straight defeats for the Latics, who remain five points adrift of safety. Will the Latics maintain their fop-flight status for another season? Have your say

WIGAN 1 EVERTON 1: STRIKER TO RESCUE AFTER TIM HOWARD HOWLER
ABOVE: Everton's Victor Anichebe celebrates scoring his side's first goal with team mate Darron Gibson
5th February 2012
Sunday Star

By Gary Carter
VICTOR ANICHEBE spared Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard’s blushes after one of the most bizarre goals you could ever see. Wigan winger Jean Beausejour’s effort was so poor, it looked more like a pass across the box than a shot. But it deflected off Phil Neville and as Howard went to coolly collect, the ball spun off the turf, went past the goalkeeper and into the net. It was as unexpected as it was freaky. Until that 75th-minute shocker, neither side looked capable of scoring if they played for 90 hours, let alone 90 minutes. But with his first touch, substitute Anichebe rose above David Jones to head in Leighton Baines’ cross. Of Wigan’s goal, Everton boss David Moyes said: “It was a fluke, a freak goal. We didn’t look like we’d concede but the pitch was very heavy. “We never really sparked and came more alive when we went a goal down but we were waiting on it happening rather than making it happen.” Quite frankly, Wigan did not deserve the luck. They had just one shot on target – and it was not Neville’s unlikely gift. That is simply not good enough for a side battling to stay up. It does not need an expert to pinpoint their main downfall – the DW Stadium, where they have won only once all season. The last home team to win a match there is Wigan Warriors RL team, who have not played there for five months. New signing Beausejour was the brightest light of a grim opening. On 19 minutes, the Latics should have taken the lead when Maynor Figueroa’s long punt forward flicked off Sylvain Distin and into the path of Franco Di Santo but Howard bailed out his side. However, there was almost an air of resignation around the DW Stadium as Wigan plugged away to try to extend their seven-year stay in the Premier League. They should have gone behind on 39 minutes when Baines burst past Emmerson Boyce and pulled the ball back for Darron Gibson. But their midweek hero against Manchester City skied his shot from 12 yards. Moyes shuffled his pack by bringing Neville on for Tim Cahill at half-time, moving Marouane Fellaini up in support of Denis Stracqualursi. That didn’t seem to work either, so on the hour it was time to introduce £5.5million signing Nikica Jelavic. Given the way they took the lead, you would have thought Wigan would give it their all to hold on to three points. Instead they surrendered the lead after just seven minutes by letting Anichebe head in after former Latics ace Baines whipped in a cross. Wigan boss Roberto Martinez said: “Our goal was a welcome surprise to be honest as we haven’t had much luck. But it was what we deserved after the dominance we had and it looked like it was going to be our day.”
Wigan: Al Habsi 6; Stam 6 (Jones (64th) 6), Boyce 7, Caldwell 6, Figueroa 7; McCarthy 7, McArthur 6; Moses 5, Gomez 5 (Rodallega (64th) 5), Beausejour 7; Di Santo 5 (Crusat (68th) 6)
EVERTON: Howard 5; Hibbert 6 (Anichebe 81st), Heitinga 6, Distin 7, Baines 8; Fellaini 7, Gibson 6; Donovan 6; Cahill 5 (Neville (46th) 6), Pienaar 7; Stracqualursi 6 (Jelavic (60th) 6)
STAR MAN: Leighton Baines
Ref: A Taylor

WIGAN ATHLETIC 1 - EVERTON 1: LATE ANICHEBE STRIKE SPARES TIM’S BLUSHES
Sunday February 5,2012
Sunday Express
By Gary Carter
VICTOR Anichebe spared Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard’s blushes after one of the most bizarre goals you could ever see. Wigan winger Jean Beausejour’s effort was so poor, it looked more like a pass across the penalty area than a shot. But it deflected off Phil Neville and as Howard went to coolly collect the bounce, the ball spun off the turf, past the goalkeeper and into the net. It was as unexpected as it was freaky. Until that 76th-minute shocker, neither side looked capable of scoring if they played for 90 hours, let alone 90 minutes. However, with his first touch, substitute Anichebe rose to beat David Jones and head home Leighton Baines’ cross. No one was breathing a bigger sigh of relief than Howard and, frankly, Wigan did not deserve the luck that came their way in a shockingly anaemic performance. They had just one shot on target – and it was not Neville’s unlikely present. That is simply not good enough for a side supposedly battling to stay up. We mustn’t allow the negative talk about the position in the table or any other comments from people away from Wigan to distract our focus and desire for perfection Nonetheless, Martinez remains positive, almost too positive for a manager whose side is in such a perilous position. “We mustn’t allow the negative talk about the position in the table or any other comments from people away from Wigan to distract our focus and desire for perfection in every performance that we go into,” the Spaniard wrote in his programme notes. Forget perfection, victories are what it is all about – and Wigan’s fans do not care how they come. New signing Beausejour was the brightest light of a grim opening and on 19 minutes Wigan should have taken the lead when Sylvain Distin was guilty of turning his back on Maynor Figueroa’s long punt. It flicked off the defender and into the path of Franco Di Santo, but Howard bailed out his team-mate. Steven Pienaar was thrown straight back into Everton’s side following his loan return while £5million new boy Nikica Jelavic was on the bench.
However, the Toffees found themselves on the back foot as Wigan’s passing caused problems, without carving out a chance. There was almost an air of resignation around the DW Stadium as the Latics plugged away, after seven years in the Premier League the Championship is staring them right in the face. Given the way they took the lead, you would have thought Wigan would give it their all to hold on to the three points. Instead they surrendered the advantage after just seven minutes by allowing Anichebe to steal half a yard in their own box as former Latic Baines whipped in a cross.
Martinez said: “Our goal was a welcome surprise to be honest. “We haven’t had much luck this season and in the first half you felt the ball was going to bounce to the strikers and it didn’t.
“It was what we deserved after the dominance we had and the threat we showed. It looked like it was going to be our day. “The situation we’re in at the foot of the table affected them in the last two games but not today. It gives me confidence looking forward to the end of the season.” Everton boss David Moyes said: “It was a fluke, a freak goal. We didn’t look like we’d concede but the pitch was very heavy. “We never really sparked and came more alive when we went a goal down but we were waiting on it happening rather than making it happen. “It was a crucial goal for us as we didn’t deserve to be in that position and credit to the lads for coming back. “But Wigan are playing better than their scores suggest.”

Wigan 1-1 Everton: Howzat? Tim Howard gets done by spinner
Feb 5 2012 Alan Nixon (The Sunday People)
BUT VICTOR CATCHES OUT LATICS IN REPLY
Tim Howard was left as redfaced as an England Test batsman when he was stumped after failing to read the spin.Howard and Phil Neville tried their best to give struggling neighbours Wigan a helping hand with one of the craziest own goals of the season.Everton sub Neville's name was on the scoresheet of shame when he accidentally turned a cross from debutant Jean Beausejour back towards his own net.But the real credit should go to American keeper Howard, who somehow let the spinning ball slip horribly through his grasp.Fortunately for the experienced pair, sub Victor Anichebe came on to spare their blushes with a glorious glancing header from a cross by Latics old-boy Leighton Baines.In truth, neither side deserved three points from a dreadfully drab derby. Wigan were only going to score a freak goal, while Everton needed that jolt to get them going.Toffees chief David Moyes groaned: "I didn't think we would concede a goal and looked comfortable.It was a complete fluke."We never really sparked, we only came alive when we went a goal down. We were waiting for things to happen."The effort they put in physically and mentally against Manchester City took a bit out of them."The pitch was really heavy, too, and that took its toll."Surprise His Latics counterpart Roberto Martinez admitted: "It was a welcome surprise. We had a bit of luck and we haven't had so much."I thought we deserved it after the dominance that we had. I felt we were the better side."The dire game was a reminder why Wigan look short of the quality and threat to survive and that Moyes' men are far from the finished article.The Everton manager had three new men in midfield but it was the same old story.Steven Pienaar was lively on his return from Tottenham but got dragged down by the mediocrity of it all. Landon Donovan and Darron Gibson did not provide much of a spark either, although the real problem remains up front, where there was only a brief glimpse of new-boy Nikica Jelavic.Moyes took off injured skipper Tim Cahill at half time and also subbed Denis Stracqualursi, who was equally ineffective. Only Anichebe landed a punch.On a bad day for strikers, Franco Di Santo got little service and little change out of Everton's backline. His one close-range effort was scrambled away by Howard.Beausejour regularly popped up on the left wing to fire over crosses but the Latics never looked like getting on the end of any of them.Everton also needed more up front, where Marouane Fellaini's awful first touch stopped him taking advantage of a Stracqualursi cross.Benefit Wigan simply do not have enough attacking power. Young James McCarthy failed to put enough power to hit home a weak clearance by Sylvain Distin - and shot straight back at the Frenchman instead.Distin's return after injury and the homecoming of Pienaar gave Moyes something to cheer. He said: "Sylvain is one of our men, it was good to have him. And I thought Steve was our best player - it looked as if he had never been away."Martinez was also pleased with Chilean recruit Beausejour and tipped him to get better as his mates read his left-wing service.He said: "Jean has settled in well. It takes time to get the benefit of his quality. He can find crosses when you don't expect it. We will get there when we understand his qualities."Shiner Baines The class act on the pitch. Provided lovely delivery for the goal and was consistently comfortable on the ball.
Wigan: Al Habsi 6 - Stam 6 (Jones, 64mins, 5), *BOYCE 7, Caldwell 6, Figueroa 6 - Moses 6, McCarthy 6, McArthur 6, Beausejour 7 - Gomez 5 (Rodallega, 64mins, 6) - Di Santo 5 (Crusat, 68mins, 5). EVERTON: Howard 5 - Hibbert 6 (Anichebe, 81mins), Heitinga 6, Distin 6, *BAINES 7 - Donovan 6, Gibson 6, Fellaini 6, Pienaar 7 - Stracqualursi 5 (Jelavic, 59mins, 5), Cahill 5 [Neville, 46mins, 5). REFEREE: A Taylor 6.
Shocker Gomez Wigan fans regularly give the Spaniard a hard time - and on this occasion it was justified as he put in an off-colour display.

Wigan Athletic 1 Everton FC 1: Greg O’Keeffe’s verdict as EFC take away point
Liverpool Echo
Feb 6 2012
NO SOONER had the final whistle sounded after Everton FC’s victory over Manchester City, and the ink dried on the contracts of Nikica Jelavic and Steven Pienaar, Evertonians began to joke that things would go awry in Wigan. It’s one of the truisms of following EFC that a negative inevitably follows a positive, and that when things seem too good to be true, it’s normally because they are. But despite threatening to prove the cynics right at the DW stadium by going behind to a freak Phil Neville own-goal, David Moyes’ men salvaged a point which stopped all the positivity that surfaced during the last seven days from vanishing in the Lancashire sleet. It wasn’t perfect - far from it, but anyone who expected the Blues to steam-roller rock-bottom Wigan into submission must have been relying a little too heavily on a whiskey flask to banish the cold on Saturday. Everton have developed a worrying habit of conceding first in games this season, and too often need to be stung into action by going behind when they’ve failed to capitalise on early dominance of possession. As usual, that was the case against Roberto Martinez’s men, who might be propping up the table but have flashes of quality in their ranks in Victor Moses and Jean Beausejour. In truth that was nothing compared to the ability on paper in Everton’s starting line-up, with Moyes unable to resist re-uniting Leighton Baines and Steven Pienaar down the left-flank, and surprising everyone by starting a fit-again Sylvain Distin. Harsh perhaps for any of the personnel who had figured in that fantastic victory over title-chasing City to be dropped, but few could argue with the pragmatic logic that saw Royston Drenthe and Phil Neville on the bench. Pienaar immediately began to make Everton’s midfield tick. Like he had never been away, the dynamic playmaker combined with Baines to create the majority of the Blues’ chances. A typically industrious run from the 29-year-old in the first minute almost set up Denis Stracqualursi, but the forward had strayed a yard off-side. Everton’s midfield has a few willing and incisive runners now, and Landon Donovan did well to nip past his marker and slip in the Argentine again soon after, although Ali Al-Habsi dealt comfortably with his toe-poke. That was as good as it got for Donovan, who seemed to tire as the game wore on – understandably given his lack of rest since finishing the MLS season and mammoth efforts against Fulham and City. At the other end Tim Howard had to be alert when a long ball over the top caught Everton off guard, and Franco Di Santo unleashed a low strike. Moyes had been fulsome in his praise of Tony Hibbert after that victory over Manchester City, and the full back was at his best near the interval displaying all his defensive nous to get across Di Santo and draw a foul as the striker seemed poised to pounce. However, Everton FC should have gone into the break a goal ahead when Baines’ over-lapping run produced a superb pull-back but Darron Gibson lashed his first-time shot over, an attempt that summed up his luck and accuracy all day. As the hour approached, new-boy Jelavic was introduced for the tiring Stracqualursi and tried to make an impact, although his team-mates struggled to change the game’s increasingly scrappy nature on a deteriorating pitch. Marouane Fellaini was pushed into an advanced role as the Toffees struggled to regain their aerial dominance, but his absence left the tired Gibson looking exposed in central midfield alongside substitute Neville.
And then the set-back came. Jean Beausejour’s low cross was deflected goalwards by Neville, and as Howard appeared ready to collect routinely, the wet ball squirmed through his hands and squeezed in. It was a particularly infuriating way to fall behind, but Moyes responded with a tactical switch that quickly paid dividends. Victor Anichebe replaced Hibbert, and the powerful striker was only on the field for three minutes before he scored with a bullet header from Baines’ cross. It was a glorious finish, which coincidentally makes Anichebe the Blues leading goalscorer with four goals in nine appearance – evidence why Jelavic was so badly needed. It’s not just Jelavic’s capture that could be crucial. Typically Everton hit back through a dead-ball, a cross just after a corner, but lacked any incisive passing into Wigan’s area. It doesn’t seem like it will take Pienaar long to settle in again, and the sooner he begins to deliver killer passes into the striker’s feet, the better for Everton’s attacking fortunes. As for their overall fortune, most would have accepted four points from games against Manchester City and Wigan, combined with those deadline day squad additions.
But the Blues will have to produce their very best to keep the good times going against Chelsea next.
WIGAN ATHLETIC (4-4-2): Al Habsi, McCarthy, Caldwell (Capt), Di Santo (Crusat, 69) Moses, Gomez (Rodallega, 64), McArthur, Boyce, Beausejour, Stam (Jones, 64) Figueroa. Not used: Pollitt, Alcaraz, Watson, Diame.
EVERTON (4-4-1-1): Howard, Hibbert (Anichebe, 81), Distin, Heitinga, Baines, Gibson, Fellaini, Donovan, Pienaar, Cahill (Capt), Stracqualursi (Jelavic, 60). Not used: Mucha, Neville,Drenthe, Duffy, Gueye.
GOALS: Neville OG 76; Anichebe 84
CARDS: Booked – McArthur, Figueroa.
REFEREE: Anthony Taylor
ATTENDANCE: 18,340

Everton FC tried to sign Republic of Ireland striker Kevin Doyle on deadline day, says Wolves team-mate Stephen Ward
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 6 2012
EVERTON FC made a deadline day move to sign Republic of Ireland striker Kevin Doyle, according to his Wolves team-mate Stephen Ward. EFC were heavily linked with a swoop for the 28-year-old forward last Tuesday, with reports suggesting they lodged two bids which were refused by Molineux boss Mick McCarthy. David Moyes had hinted he wanted to sign at least one striker last month, and eventually got his man with the £5.5m capture of Croatian goal-scorer Nikica Jelavic, but Ward claims Everton FC were keen on his team-mate too. Speaking after Doyle rose from the bench to create one goal and score the other as Wolves beat QPR 2-1 at Loftus Road on Saturday, Ward said: “I was delighted for him. It has been tough for Doyler but he is the ultimate professional. “When a club like Everton, who are safe in the division and a big club come in you would be surprised if it didn't affect him but the bid changed nothing. “It is great to have players like him in the squad.”
Everton may yet return in the summer for Doyle, who had long been admired by Moyes before he joined the Black Country outfit in 2009 from Reading. And he appeared to revive that interest last week, but McCarthy was determined not to lose his man, and said: “Whether there is interest or there isn't interest in Kevin, it doesn't matter because he is going nowhere. “I would really be crackers to sell Doyle with two days to go. I'm not crackers.” Doyle played a major part in Wolves surviving their first campaign back in the top flight two years ago but he has struggled to reproduce his best form since a knee injury meant he was sidelined for the final six weeks of last season.
Steven Fletcher has replaced him as McCarthy's first-choice striker, and it was as a substitute that he made his impact on Saturday.

What does Steven Pienaar's return to Everton FC mean for Royston Drenthe?
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo
Feb 6 2012
THE longer Steven Pienaar ploughed a path up and down the flanks of Wigan Athletic’s pot-holed pitch for Everton FC, the more furrowed the brow of Royston Drenthe is sure to have become.
Pienaar was lacking match fitness but Drenthe would not get on in his place as Everton FC chased an equaliser. Tuesday night’s last-ditch swoop for the South African turned a night of delight into something bordering on the euphoric as Everton capped victory over Manchester City with some shrewd dealings on transfer deadline day. Pienaar understands the resentment, which filled some Evertonians upon his transfer to Tottenham Hotspur 12 months ago, may still linger but has vowed to earn back the respect of those who still see him through a cynical lens. Humble yet determined, Pienaar is grateful to be back at Everton and looks unlikely to let anyone down. If there were any doubters amongst the 4,500 in the away end at the DW Stadium on an achingly cold Saturday afternoon, then their numbers will have dwindled after the final whistle. Everton came close to losing at the bottom club but on a day of low-lights, Pienaar’s performance was on a high.
His manager rightly proclaimed the South African as “certainly Everton’s best player” in a game which at times belied its Premier League billing and few would disagree with David Moyes as the second coming of Pienaar never looked like disappointing. The Blues have the play-maker until the end of the season and as one pundit noted this week, his return finally solves a problem his move to the capital created. Others tried to plug the gap but with varying degrees of success.
From the frustrated Diniyar Bilyaletdinov to the talented Leon Osman and Mikel Arteta in between, all have failed to dovetail with Leighton Baines as Pienaar did so wonderfully. Everton arguably had one of the most complete left sides in the top flight but since Pienaar’s switch, it has looked fragmented and has been a microcosm of the side’s inconsistencies. But out of a race against time came the signing of Drenthe in the final hours of August’s transfer window and with it the hope Moyes had landed the man to make people finally forget about Pienaar. However, thoughts of the South African have continued to linger. Drenthe arrived at Goodison Park from Real Madrid, from the air of the Bernabeu he now took in unrest from the stands at Everton but nonetheless was given the opportunity to breathe new life into his career at a club who would give him the opportunity and encouragement to do so. The Dutchman came with the reputation for flair, fire and quick feet, all wrapped up in a mercurial state of mind. On as a late substitute against Aston Villa in September before scoring in his next fizzing performance from the bench against Wigan, the optimism grew that Real’s flying wide man may be the real deal for Everton. Question marks remained over his commitment to the defensive side of life in a blue shirt but his howitzer at Craven Cottage started to convince some his attacking quality could make up for that deficit. Ill-discipline and an ankle injury interrupted any momentum he was trying to build but telling cameos against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Swansea looked like ways towards redemption. Yet inconsistencies have blighted his time on Merseyside and relegated to the bench for the trip to Wigan, having played his part against Man City, where does the signing of Pienaar leave Drenthe? If he cannot force his way into the reckoning at Everton, what hope does he have when returning to the Spanish capital? Should Jose Mourinho quit the Madrid club then Drenthe may hope to impress the new man but further time on the bench is hardly a ringing endorsement of what he has to offer. Pienaar’s arrival can go one of two ways for the man from Rotterdam. He can see the South African as a challenge and the motivation to find his best form when called upon, even finding a way to help solve the dilemma that Landon Donovan’s return to America will bring. Or, of course, he can take it to heart and wallow. Hopefully, the 24-year-old finds the former more to his liking because he could just provide Moyes with the ready-made replacement this summer for when Pienaar goes back to Spurs.
Maybe, just maybe.

Everton FC manager David Moyes hails the impact of the returning Steven Pienaar in draw at Wigan Athletic
by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo
Feb 6 2012
DAVID MOYES wanted to ease Steven Pienaar back into action with Everton FC but circumstances at Wigan Athletic forced him to ask more of the loan signing than he would have liked. The EFC manager intended to withdraw the South African during the second half at the DW Stadium on Saturday but when goalkeeper Tim Howard allowed a deflected cross to squirm through his grasp, Moyes needed Pienaar to help his side draw level. Returning to Everton FC on loan for the rest of the season, Pienaar has come back to Merseyside in search of first team football as injuries and form have severely limited his chances at Tottenham Hotspur. Having played only a bit part this year, it was expected Pienaar would not be selected from the beginning against Wigan over the weekend and would be introduced from the bench with fellow transfer deadline day recruit Nikica Jelavic.
However Moyes picked the former Ajax man from the start and Pienaar played until the final whistle, producing a man-of-the-match display, as Everton fought back to grab a late equaliser through substitute Victor Anichebe. “I think I would have tried to protect him a bit if we were in front,” admitted Moyes. “But I think he was the South African cross-country champion when he was a boy so I hoped he could delve into those resources and help us today. “He was really tired at the end but we needed him. Our best bits of play were going to go through him and I thought at times it did. “There was a spark there. “I thought Steven Pienaar was the best player. “He looked as if he hadn’t been away, he was involved in a lot of bits where we looked as if we were on the verge of making things happen. “You could see signs right away of the things he has done in the past.
“He has come back and we have changed things a bit. We are altering the team around and trying to change it so it is going to take a while to get it completely right. “It was disappointing we didn’t play well overall or make more chances. “But in the Premier League it is hard to get those wins.
“But it keeps our run going. We want to take all three points if we can but it does keep the run going.
“We want to try and keep building on it.” Jelavic was brought on after an hour for the tiring Denis Stracqualursi and Moyes knows it will take longer for the Croatian striker to find his feet at Everton than it has the returning Pienaar. “Even my preparation on Friday I didn’t even have to tell Steven anything,” added the Everton manager. “He knew how things worked. “He knew what we do at set pieces and what his jobs were. “It is different with Jelavic. He is coming from a different situation and it will take him time to get used to things down here. “I will bring him in gradually.
“He is one for the long term and I will bring him in gradually rather than rush him too much.
“He probably doesn’t even know the names of all the players whereas Steven walks in and knows them all.” Moyes was unsure as to the extent of the injury which forced the second half substitution of Tim Cahill, although suspected it was a calf strain.

Everton FC striker Victor Anichebe's debt of gratitude to Louis Saha after grabbing equaliser against Wigan
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 6 2012
VICTOR ANICHEBE credited Louis Saha for helping him develop as a striker – after he scored Everton FC’s equaliser against Wigan. The 23-year-old Nigerian international rescued a point for EFC with a bullet-header in the 84th minute of the 1-1 draw at the DW stadium on Saturday. Anichebe, who was on as a late substitute, became the club’s top scorer with four goals, and believes he has benefited hugely from watching Saha in training. The French striker left Everton FC on a deadline day switch to Spurs last week, and could feature against Liverpool at Anfield tonight, but Anichebe says he was sad to see him depart. “I have learned a lot from him,” he said. “I always say to people Louis is probably one of the best players I’ve seen. Him and Steven (Pienaar) have been up there for me at Everton. “But Louis’ control, pace, the way he uses the ball and even the way he thinks, he just brushes things off, and he’s a great professional. It’s sad to see him go, he’s helped me a lot since I’ve been in and around the teams, even when I was injured. “I’ll still stay in touch with him, and hopefully he’ll do well at Spurs. They’re a great team as well and they might suit him a bit. At least we’ve got Niki (Jelavic) now.” Pienaar (right) went straight back into the team that secured a point against Roberto Martinez relegation battlers, and Anichebe was pleased to see the South African return. He said: “I’m so happy to have him back, he’s really close to me. He makes the team play so much better. “He’s always available for the ball, I don’t even think he gave it away at all. He’s a big player for us.” The arrival of new striker Nikica Jelavic and the improvement of Denis Stracqualursi has increased the competition for attacking places at Everton, but Anichebe is relishing the task. He said: “I’m not looking to fight anyone or whatever. Competition is great for the team. I think we needed another striker, especially with Louis going out and Nikica has a great record in Scotland. “I’ve spoken to him a bit and he’s a great lad. Denis was unbelievable against City, and Tolis is fighting as well. “If you go into every game knowing you’ll play it can be like going through the motions. But if you need to fight, you have to take a chance so it can only be good.”
Although he was super sub again on Saturday, after previously scoring to secure draws at Wigan and Villa and a win at West Brom, Anichebe would like to figure from the start more often. “I tried to rubbish that super-sub tag from the Europa League a few years back but it seems to be following me round. I couldn’t tell if it was my first touch but it was a valuable touch,” he said. “Hopefully I can start a few more games soon. The manager keeps putting me in and then taking me out and just trying to help me really. Obviously I have had the injuries and I hadn’t trained for a few days before Wigan so it is important to be careful.” He added: “It was a tough game. It was a really bad pitch and I think it was always going to be tough after Tuesday night. “The lads put a lot of effort into beating City and Wigan are fighting for their lives and play some good football. We would have liked to have won, but given that we didn’t it was important that we didn’t lose. “Hopefully we can pick ourselves up and do well against Chelsea.”

Wigan Athletic 1 Everton FC 1: missed opportunity for David Moyes's EFC men
By Ian Doyle
Feb 6 2012
AFTER memorable victory against Manchester City, David Moyes declared Everton FC’s battling spirit has not left the building. At the weekend, however, he discovered it wasn’t the only thing still traipsing the Goodison Park corridors. Mere days after downing the Premier League leaders, Moyes’s men found the top-flight’s bottom club somewhat more difficult opposition to master.
Such has been the Everton FC way over recent years, raising their game for the leading lights but unable to show similar form against the strugglers. On a day when the massed travelling army welcomed a new signing and the return of a familiar face, this was a missed opportunity to build on the momentum of FA Cup progress and last Tuesday’s City scalp. In mitigation, this season Everton have largely struggled against more exalted opposition – the win against City was only their second in 14 matches against the top 13 clubs thus far – but still the difficulties with those at the other end of the table have continued, Queens Park Rangers, Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers all avoiding defeat, each time at Goodison. Now Wigan can add their name to that list. Yes, Everton’s unbeaten run now stretches to five games, but these are points dropped against a team that has won only once at home this season and stand five points adrift from safety. Given the wintry conditions, plethora of empty seats and sub-standard on-field fare, Nikica Jelavic’s first impression was probably that English football isn’t all that different to the game north of the border after all.
And in a 30-minute second-half cameo from the bench, Jelavic showed enough promise with his deftness of touch and demanding, probing runs to suggest his £5.5million purchase from Rangers may be a gamble worth taking. Early days, of course, and Moyes has intimated he will use the remainder of the campaign to ease the Croatia international into his new surrounds, a settling-in period that Jelavic can arguably now be afforded given Denis Stracqualursi’s eventual adjustment and the form of Victor Anichebe. For the third away game out of the last four, Anichebe stepped off the bench to ensure Everton headed back to Merseyside with at least some reward. The striker had only been on the pitch two minutes when his header wiped out a freak Phil Neville own goal to earn the visitors a point. While only Anichebe’s 10th Premier League goal in six years, that three have come in the last five weeks indicates that his most recent lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury has given time for the penny to drop with the forward; Anichebe is now starting to deliver on the undoubted potential of his formative career steps. If Jelavic is a curiosity to many Evertonians, there was nothing unusual with Steven Pienaar’s first performance following his sensational return on a five-month loan from Tottenham Hotspur last week. It was as though he had never been away, Pienaar immediately reprising his partnership with Leighton Baines down the left flank and the man through which much of Everton’s attacking forays were funnelled. Moyes’s men have missed such craft and guile since the August departure of Mikel Arteta, with Pienaar’s natural fitness meaning he lasted the distance despite few starts this season. The South African is clearly relishing the prospect of regular first-team football over the coming months, and Moyes will no doubt be already at the ear of Bill Kenwright and the Goodison board to ensure funds are somehow made available to try and lure Pienaar back from White Hart Lane on a permanent basis in the summer. But even with Pienaar flitting around the pitch with intent, Everton failed to impose themselves on a Wigan team that were there for the taking. While perhaps a hangover from the endeavours against City, the visiting midfield was worryingly pedestrian throughout, although a defence bolstered by the return of Sylvain Distin was rarely threatened. Having stated the New Year’s Day win at West Bromwich Albion was not one anyone would hurry to buy on DVD, Moyes would probably contend Saturday’s fare at the DW Stadium was not even worthy of being given away for nothing on VHS. The sum total of incident from the first half saw Wigan striker Franco di Santo draw a decent save from Tim Howard while Darron Gibson shot wastefully over from a Baines pull back. Matters deteriorated even further after the interval, until the game finally sparked into life in bizarre circumstances 14 minutes from time. A cross from the left by Wigan debutant Jean Beausejour deflected goalwards off Neville, but there seemed no danger to Howard until the spinning ball deviated massively off the rutted DW turf and somehow slipped through the goalkeeper’s grasp and into the net.
Everton belatedly woke up and pressed for an equaliser. And it arrived just seven minutes later, Wigan clearing a Baines corner straight back to the feet of their former left-back, who was then given time to deliver a cross that Anichebe glanced into the bottom corner. Wigan, though, looked the more likely to score again, but neither side deserved anything more than a point from a match that will only be remembered by the frozen away fans for the debut of a potential new hero and the return of an old one.
WIGAN ATHLETIC (5-4-1): Al Habsi; Stam (Jones 64), Boyce, Caldwell, Figueroa, Beausejour; Moses, McCarthy, McArthur, Gomez (Rodallega 64); di Santo (Crusat 68). Subs: Pollitt, Alcaraz, Watson, Diame. BOOKING: McArthur and Figueroa (both fouls).
EVERTON FC (4-4-1-1): Howard; Hibbert (Anichebe 81), Heitinga, Distin, Baines; Donovan, Gibson, Fellaini, Pienaar; Cahill (Neville 46); Stracqualursi (Jelavic 60). Subs: Mucha, Drenthe, Gueye, Duffy.
REFEREE: Anthony Taylor.
ATT: 18,340.
NEXT GAME: Everton FC v Chelsea, Barclays Premier League, Saturday 3pm.

Everton FC's Leighton Baines hails Steven Pienaar as best player he has played alongside
By Ian Doyle
Feb 6 2012
Everton FC players, including Steven Pienaar, leap in a wall EVERTON FC left-back Leighton Baines has hailed Steven Pienaar as the best footballer he has played alongside – and revealed spending the last year trying to lure the South African back to Goodison Park. Barely 12 months after leaving, Pienaar made a sensational return to Everton FC last week on loan until the end of the season from Tottenham Hotspur. The 29-year-old was thrust into an immediate ‘second’ debut during the 1-1 Premier League draw at Wigan Athletic on Saturday, where he was reunited with Baines down EFC’s left flank. And Baines admits it was second nature linking up with Pienaar once again. “It is nice to have him back,” said the England left-back. “We didn't take any time to get back into that familiar pattern because he is just a good player. He is a pleasure to work with. “I have been texting him since the day he left to see if he was coming back, not just deadline day. I have been texting him all the time, trying to get him back. “I am made up to have him. He makes a massive difference to us. When he trained for the first time on Friday, he changed training. That shows how good a player he is. “Just his ability to take the ball in any situation, he never loses the ball and the worst case is he wins you a foul if he is struggling. He is such an intelligent player.” Pienaar’s start was his first in the Premier League since May, but he lasted the full 90 minutes and Baines added: “He is probably the best player I have ever played with because he is so selfless as well. “The shift he has put in after not playing very often and training once is unbelievable. He gives everything. “He does all the work you would want him to do and more. Sometimes he was over on the right and trying to make things happen. “When it breaks down he is not the type to take his rest there, he will get back and help out as well.” After Tim Howard was beaten by a freak bounce to gift Wigan a 76th-minute lead when Phil Neville deflected a Jean Beausejour cross, Baines laid on Everton’s equaliser seven minutes later with a cross headed home by substitute Victor Anichebe. “It came back out from a corner and I wanted to put it into a similar area and Victor has managed to glance it in,” said Baines. “I only work at my delivery a bit. I don't take a lot of the free-kicks and corners at the moment. “It was disappointing not to win. At half-time it had been a bit backwards and forwards and still could have gone either way. To concede the goal the way we did, it was a bit of a freak goal, you just wonder at that point if it was going to be our day. “Their goal actually made us step it up a little bit because at 0-0 we had been tentative. “The pitch wasn't great as you could see from their goal. The ball is just coming across and Tim is going to pick it up and it has hit almost a bobble and changed direction completely. “It was almost like someone's foot knocked it in. It just hit a big divot and there were a few on the pitch. Wigan do like to try and pass the ball so it doesn't help them.” Wigan have now gone nine games without a win and remain five points from safety at the foot of the Premier League table. But of his former club, Baines added: “They can get out of it. It can be done but it is going to be difficult. “It is nobody else's job to decide what they should do but they keep trying to play the same way, but maybe you wonder do they have to adapt a little bit and find a way to win games.
“We have had to do that. Earlier on in the season we weren't get any results and so we went back to basics a little bit and that helped us out.”

Everton FC new signing Nikica Jelavic won't be thrown in at the deep end, says David Moyes
By Ian Doyle
Feb 6 2012
NEW Everton FC signing Nikica Jelavic won't be thrown in at the deep end by David Moyes as the striker grows accustomed to English football. Jelavic made his Everton FC debut as a second-half substitute in the 1-1 Premier League draw at Wigan Athletic on Saturday. The £5.5million capture from Rangers on transfer deadline day showed some good touches after replacing Denis Stracqualursi on the hour. And Moyes said: “I will bring Niki in gradually. He is one for the long-term and I will bring him in gradually rather than rush him too much. “Jelavic will score and also bring other things to the team. He will bring other players into the game. “He is a proven international centre forward and the more internationals we can get around the team, it raises the whole level of the team.” Fellow substitute Victor Anichebe earned Everton a point with a header seven minutes from time after Phil Neville’s bizarre own goal that span through Tim Howard’s grasp put rock-bottom Wigan ahead. Everton are now unbeaten in five games but Moyes admits it was disappointing not to build on the momentum of the midweek win over leaders Manchester City. “We didn't play well overall, but in the Premier League it is hard to get those wins,” he said.
“But it keeps our run going. We want to take all three points if we can but it does keep the run going. We want to try and keep building on it. “We were hoping to get a win and feel that we were really pushing behind the other teams but we didn't. “I said at the start of the season that it was going to be difficult and I don't think things have changed because we have made a couple of signings in January and beaten Manchester City in midweek. “It doesn't change it that much but I hope it will go towards making us slightly better.” Steven Pienaar, who has returned on loan from Tottenham Hotspur until the end of the season, played the full 90 minutes for only the fourth time this campaign. And Moyes said: “I think I would have tried to protect him a bit if we were in front. But I think he was the South African cross-country champion when he was a boy so I hoped he could delve into those resources and help us. “He was really tired at the end but we needed him. Our best bits of play were going to go through him and I thought at times it did. “There was a spark there. You could see signs right away of the things he has done in the past. “Even in my preparation, I didn't even have to tell Steven anything. He knew how things worked. He knew what we do at set-pieces and what his jobs were. “It is different with Jelavic. He is coming from a different situation and it will take him time to get used to things down here. He probably doesn't even know the names of all the players whereas Steven walks in and knows them all.” Tim Cahill limped off at half-time with a suspected calf strain. The injury will be assessed at Finch Farm later today.

Ian Snodin: Robbie Rogers can be latest exciting US import to England
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Feb 7 2012
EVERTON have benefited hugely from American imports in recent seasons with Tim Howard and Landon Donovan being the best examples. The Major League Soccer franchise has taken off now, and the standard of the US national team is improving all the time. Last month Leeds United signed a young winger called Robbie Rogers who is capable of achieving big things in this country.
Jurgen Klinsmann gave Leeds a reference for the boy, and I’ll be watching his development at Elland Road with interest.

Ian Snodin: Roberto Mancini showed Everton FC a lack of respect with his comments after Goodison defeat
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Feb 7 2012
WHAT a fantastic night for Everton FC against Manchester City. The ground was buzzing like only Goodison can, but I must admit to feeling a bit disappointed if not irritated by Roberto Mancini’s post-game comments that he took Everton too lightly, and had not prepared his side properly.
Some will insist the Italian was trying to deflect the blame for a bad result from his players, but for me it smacked of a lack of respect and a bit of arrogance. Everton have a tremendous record against City and one that should have ensured Mancini was never going to take victory on Merseyside for granted. He’s either foolish or overly confident. Ask any of the top four or managers like Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger and they’ll say they don’t like coming to Goodison. It is always a game when Manchester United, Arsenal and all the top sides have to be at their very best if they’re going to win. Even though we weren’t at our best last Tuesday, we got at City and made it very hard for them, and ultimately they weren’t good enough on the night, despite having a wealth of top players.
It’s a night we haven’t had enough of lately and for that reason it was special, and capping it off with those two signings was fantastic.

Ian Snodin: Return of Steven Pienaar is major plus from otherwise forgettable Everton FC game
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
Feb 7 2012
IF I’M going to take any consolation from a frustrating draw against Wigan, it’s largely from the return of Steven Pienaar for Everton FC. I’ve said many times that during his last spell at Goodison Park, the midfielder and Leighton Baines became the best left-flank partnership and possibly the most potent of either flank in the Premier League. I’m sure some fans may have misgivings about the way Steven left, but when you think back he was leaving for a potential crack at playing in the Champions League for a club he believed were better placed to win trophies. Okay it hasn’t worked, and it should always be a big deal when a player decided to walk away from Goodison, but I feel Pienaar did nothing wrong in the way he left, and should be welcomed back without any lingering resentment. I’m sure the vast majority of Evertonians will get behind him anyway, and especially so after the influence he had from the start against Wigan at the DW stadium. It’s in Pienaar’s make up to work hard and battle for his team-mates and he’ll always cover for Baines when he wants to get forward to such potent effect. So over all, seeing the South African sparkling again was a major plus against Wigan, and if you’d asked many Evertonians a few weeks ago if they’d take progress into the last 16 of the FA Cup and four points from games against Manchester City and Wigan they’d have taken it without a doubt. If anything the success against Fulham and Man City raised expectations sky high and when next-up is the team which is bottom of the Premier League with a terrible home record, it’s only natural to expect a hat-trick of good results. It didn’t work like that and in the end we had to fight to salvage a point against Roberto Martinez’s men, who didn’t play like a side that believes it’s destined for the drop. Of course we all expected Everton to win, but then you have to consider the thorny subject of motivation. Let me start this by saying no Everton player should, in a perfect world, ever be anything less than 100% motivated to play for the club and represent its amazing fans. But the DW stadium and that awful pitch must be a difficult stage to rouse much passion. If it wasn’t for the travelling Evertonians the ground would have been nearly half empty, and the atmosphere was only saved by those away supporters. The pitch was about as scrappy and chopped-up as you’d expect in that part of the world during February, and it certainly didn’t help Tim Howard when it came to conceding that first goal. Watching it live you’d have thought the American goalkeeper dropped a slippery ball but it took an unbelievable kick off a divot.

Sylvain Distin says Steven Pienaar was irreplaceable for Everton FC as he hails playmaker’s impressive return.
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Feb 7 2012
SYLVAIN DISTIN says Steven Pienaar was irreplaceable for Everton FC as he hailed the playmaker’s impressive return. Distin, 34, who also made a comeback in the 1-1 EFC draw with Wigan after recovering from a hamstring injury, believes the South African’s presence is key to the Blues keeping possession. Pienaar’s link-up play with Leighton Baines also created six out of Everton FC’s seven chances against the Latics, and Distin believes the on-loan midfielder’s presence helps the entire team. He said: “We really missed him when he left and we never really had a player to replace him. He just always wants the ball. Even if he has a player sat on his back he wants the ball.
“That makes it easier for us at the back – we kept the ball a lot better and that was largely down to him. “He’s a great player.” Distin said it was good to be back after returning to his reassuring best at the DW stadium – his first game since the defeat by Spurs on January 11. “I felt good. The end of the game was tough because I have not played much football lately,” he said. “I had an injury and then came back and had another injury and that is the first time I have had two injuries in a season.
“So I was a long time out and it felt good to be back but it was very cold, there was a lot of running and I am 34 now!” Distin insisted a point was an acceptable outcome given the poor state of the Wigan pitch, which he blames for the own goal Everton conceded. He said: “I thought we played quite well but a draw was probably fair. “We came back well and conditions were difficult and the pitch was poor. “I know people expected us to win but the Premier League is tough and a point away from home is okay. “It was not a mistake from Tim, it was a deflection but due to the pitch the ball changed direction at the last second and went into the net.” Distin was equally upbeat about the signing of Croatian striker Nikica Jelavic, who joined Pienaar as a late recruit on transfer deadline day. “I only just saw him at training last week so it’s difficult to judge. He has a good touch and an eye for goal all the time, and he’s looking to shoot and score goals so he’s quite promising.
“It will take him time to get to know us on the pitch and for us to get used to how he plays, but I think he has a good future here.”

Everton Fc defender Sylvain Distin praises Steven Pienaar
Feb 7 2012
SYLVAIN DISTIN says Steven Pienaar was irreplaceable for Everton FC as he hailed the playmaker’s impressive return. Distin, 34, who also made a comeback in the 1-1 EFC draw with Wigan after recovering from a hamstring injury, believes the South African’s presence is key to the Blues keeping possession. Pienaar’s link-up play with Leighton Baines also created six out of Everton FC’s seven chances against the Latics, and Distin believes the on-loan midfielder’s presence helps the entire team. He said: “We really missed him when he left and we never really had a player to replace him. He just always wants the ball. Even if he has a player sat on his back he wants the ball.
“That makes it easier for us at the back – we kept the ball a lot better and that was largely down to him.