Liverpool FC legend Alan Kennedy and Everton FC legend Kevin Ratcliffe to attend fundraising night at the Florrie
May 1 2013
LEGENDS from Liverpool FC and Everton FC will be the special guests at a fundraising night this week.
Reds great Alan Kennedy and Blues hero Kevin Ratcliffe will be at the Florence Institute on Friday night for a special sportsman’s dinner. Tickets cost £25 per person with all proceeds going to the heritage and youth activity programmes run by the Florence Institute Trust.
The evening includes a meal, guest speakers, a comedian, games, an auction, raffle and the chance to have your picture taken with the European Cup.

Striker James Vaughan on Derby County's wanted list
Wednesday, May 01, 2013
Derby Telegrapgh
STRIKER James Vaughan is on Derby County’s list of transfer targets this summer.
The 24-year-old has hit 13 goals in 36 games for Huddersfield Town this season during a loan spell from Norwich City. Norwich would want a fee for a player they bought for £2.5m from Everton two years ago but I understand it would be less than the £750,000 that has been reported.
Vaughan is a player Derby have admired for some time and they are aware of his qualities having taken him on loan for a brief spell in 2009. He made two starts before a knee injury forced him to return to Everton. His career has been blighted by injury but he appears to have put that behind him this season. This is his best season for games, beating the 31 appearances he made for Crystal Palace during a loan in 2010-11. Vaughan signed a three-year deal when he joined Norwich but injury restricted him to only one start in six appearances in his first season at Carrow Road.
Derby are looking to bolster their striking department and they are keen to sign another Norwich forward, Chris Martin, who is currently on loan at Pride Park. They also want to add Watford’s Craig Forsyth and are in the hunt for Blackpool’s out-of-contract defender Alex Baptiste.

Leon Osman says Everton FC must win at Anfield
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 1 2013
LEON OSMAN admits it’s high time Everton FC broke new ground this century – by finally winning at Anfield. The veteran Blues midfielder insists the reason for his side’s long-running angst across the park is unclear, but they are determined to end their 14-year winless streak at Liverpool on Sunday.
Osman, 31, believes David Moyes’ men go into the fixture more confident than ever in recent years, after opening up a five-point gap on their city rivals in the Premier League table. He said: “It’s certainly something we need to put right. It’s a long time since we’ve gone over there and come back with three points. “It’s a place we need to go to and win. We’ve shown we can win at Goodison Park, but we want to go there and win. “If we knew (why Everton have a poor record at Anfield), we’d have put it right a few years ago. “It’s a game like any other. “It’s a derby at their place and we’ll go there full of the confidence that we’ve got this year. We’re above them in the league and we’ll go there to try to win the game.” Osman admits that maintaining Everton’s push for Europe is more important than establishing city supremacy when the Toffees face Brendan Rodgers’ side in the 220th Merseyside showdown on Sunday. “We’re five points above them at the minute and a win would certainly be great for us,” said the England international. “But we’re still on the coat-tails of the teams above us and we’re trying to win for that reason as well.”

Everton FC boss David Moyes says Germany job is not main ambition, but he admires Bundesliga
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
May 1 2013
DAVID MOYES has cooled suggestions he is intent on managing in Germany – although the Everton FC boss underlined his admiration for the Bundesliga. The Blues boss has previously expressed an interest in working on the continent, with Champions League regulars Schalke linked with a move for his services in the summer. However Moyes, who this week emerged as one of the favourites to succeed Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, insists he is in no rush to work abroad, even if he admits he has been hugely impressed by trips to watch games in Germany. Asked whether a Bundesliga job was his main ambition if he decided to leave Everton after this season, the Scott said: “It’s not the main one. * Read More: "I’ve always said that I wouldn’t have a problem managing abroad and would want that opportunity in time, but it’s not my main ambition or something I feel has to be done.
“For a long time when I’ve been to see games in Germany I’ve been amazed by the atmosphere. People talk about the atmosphere in the Premier League but over there it’s incredible.”
Moyes believes the Bundesliga is the perfect example of a healthy financial model in the European game, which offers value for money to supporters. “The stadiums are full, behind the scenes it works fantastically,” he said. “The ticket prices aren’t outrageous and nearly all the games are completely sold out. The big thing is that they’re nearly all in terrific stadiums too.
“Nearly every club has a modern, up-to-date stadium whether it’s a bowl or a square sided one.
“I just think they’ve really progressed since the World Cup in 2006. I think they’re all important factors in modern life. “If you want to go to the game now you don’t want to pay too much but you also want a good seat with an unrestricted view where you can see the pitch. Generally I think that’s what they do over there.” The Blues boss admitted that the level playing field of the German top flight, which has a wider spread of recent champions than the Premier League, is another positive.“I think that’s encouraging,” he added. “There have been a few different winners of the Bundesliga over recent years. “I know this year Bayern have scaled it but last year Dortmund won it and it wasn’t long ago Schalke won it and Bayer Leverkusen came close. “Their youth teams and the way they develop players has been good so the Germans have been really good in the way they’ve got their league right.”

David Moyes: I've no burning desire to manage abroad
By Ian Doyle
May 1 2013
DAVID MOYES has dampened speculation his next managerial move will be abroad despite again extolling the virtues of German football. Moyes is a fully-fledged fan of the Bundesliga, which thanks to the Champions League exploits of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund has moved ahead of the Premier League and La Liga on the European stage. With the Everton manager out of contract in the summer and yet to make a decision on his future, speculation has increased over a possible move overseas. But asked if his chief ambition was to manage in the Bundesliga, Moyes said: “It’s not the main one. “I’ve always said that I wouldn’t have a problem managing abroad and would want that in time but it’s not my main ambition or something I feel has to be done.”
Given the continued rise in ticket prices and complaints over a lack of atmosphere in English grounds, many football supporters are looking to the German model for inspiration.
And Moyes said: “For a long time when I’ve been to see games in Germany I’ve been amazed by the atmosphere. “People talk about the atmosphere in the Premier League but over there it’s incredible. The stadiums are full, behind the scenes it works fantastically. “The ticket prices aren’t outrageous and nearly all the games are completely sold out. The big thing is that they’re nearly all in terrific stadiums too. “Nearly every club has a modern, up-to-date stadium whether it’s a bowl or a square sided one. I just think they’ve really progressed since the World Cup in 2006.
“I think they’re all important factors in modern life. If you want to go to the game now you don’t want to pay too much but you also want a good seat with an unrestricted view where you can see the pitch. “Generally I think that’s what they do over there.” Bundesliga clubs must adhere to the ‘50% plus one’ rule, which means they are owned by their members, unlike in England, where the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are bankrolled by foreign backers.
It has made the German top flight more open in recent years despite the historic dominance of Bayern Munich. “I think that’s encouraging,” said Moyes. “There have been a few different winners of the Bundesliga over recent years. “I know this year Bayern have scaled it but last year Dortmund won it and it wasn’t long ago Schalke won it and Bayer Leverkusen came close. “Their youth teams and the way they develop players has been good so the Germans have been really good in the way they’ve got their league right.” Meanwhile, reports yesterday that Arsene Wenger may replace Carlo Ancelotti as manager of Paris Saint-Germain prompted bookmakers to slash odds on Moyes becoming the next Arsenal manager.

Everton in confident mood ahead of Merseyside derby against Liverpool
The sides meet at Anfield on Sunday
Sonia Oxley
Wednesday 01 May 2013 Independent
The Merseyside derby takes on added significance this weekend as Everton head to Anfield seeking to finish above bitter rivals Liverpool for successive seasons in the top flight for the first time since 1937. A win on Sunday would ensure David Moyes's side could not be overtaken by Liverpool, although victory in itself would be an achievement as they have not come back from the red side of town with three points for 14 years. After last season's seventh to Liverpool's eighth, Everton would be guaranteed at least a sixth-placed finish with a win. Unfortunately for them, that would still see them miss out on a place in Europe, though they remain with an outside chance of snatching fifth, and entry to the Europa League, and possibly even a top four champions League berth.
"We'll go there full of the confidence that we've got this year," Everton midfielder Leon Osman told the Liverpool Echo. "We're five points above them at the minute and a win would certainly be great for us. But we're still on the coat-tails of the teams above us and we're trying to win for that reason as well." While the European battle is a major focus, for many Everton fans the chance for the right to crow about back-to-back higher finishes is an even tastier prospect. The fact it has taken so long, despite Everton winning the league five times in the period, points to their inconsistency, illustrated perfectly when they followed their 1970 championship-winning season by finishing 14th.
The few years when the clubs did not play in the same division are not counted in the run but there is still a long period where Liverpool can claim to have had the upper hand. After being the dominant force in the English game in the late 1970s and 1980s, Liverpool briefly ceded power to their neighbours. Yet even though Everton won the league in 1985 and '87 - with Liverpool second both times - Liverpool took the honours in between, rubbing it in by completing the 1986 double by beating league runners-up Everton in the FA Cup final. But where Liverpool have managed back-to-back titles several times over the decades, Everton have never strung two together in the nine times they have been English champions. It is perhaps therefore telling that they are on the cusp of ending this 76-year wait under a manager whose name is uttered in the same sentence as consistency as much as gritty and sometimes boring. Moyes has been in the Goodison Park hot seat since 2002, making him the third-longest serving in the Premier League behind Manchester United's Alex Ferguson and Arsenal's Arsene Wenger. The Scot, whose contract expires this summer, has won admirers for building a competitive team on a limited budget and by the end of this season will have led Everton to seven successive top-half finishes and nine in total. Critics point to a lack of silverware as a shortcoming in this period of stability, with defeat in the 2009 FA Cup final the closest they have home to a trophy, and a lack of thrills. While they have enjoyed being something of a bogey team for the bigger teams, with a 4-4 and 3-3 draws against Manchester United and two league victories over them in the past four seasons, some moments on the big stage have been less inspired. In the FA Cup final against Chelsea four years ago, they took an exciting first-minute lead before shutting up shop and losing 2-1, while in the semi-final against Manchester United they went through on penalties after a drab 0-0 draw then lost to Liverpool in the semis last year.
The likes of Marouane Fellaini and Steven Pienaar have injected class into the team but there remains an overriding sense Everton are not fulfilling their promise when it counts - this year's 3-0 home FA Cup quarter-final defeat by Wigan Athletic a case in point. They make the short trip to Anfield at their defensive best, however, having kept five clean sheets in seven games, which is ideal form in which to face a Liverpool who thumped Newcastle United 6-0 last weekend.
Liverpool, without their top scorer Luis Suarez who is serving a 10-game ban for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic, showed they can find goals from elsewhere in his absence and will be motivated to try to close the gap on Everton. "We still have a chance of catching Everton and that's our target," Lucas, whose side are seventh with 54 points to Everton's 59 with three games to play, said in the Echo. "We know we have to win if we want to finish a position higher than we are now.

Anichebe putting international career on hold to focus on Everton
1 May 2013 16:35
Striker concentrating on club football after Nigeria coach claims Toffees ace is not returning his calls
Everton FC striker Victor Anichebe is putting his international career with Nigeria on hold in order to focus on the Toffees. Last week, Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi claimed the 25-year-old was not returning his calls and, as a result, he had not selected him for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers. Victor Anichebe has now revealed international duty has been put on the back-burner as he wants to repay his club for the faith they showed in during a long spell of injury. Two serious knee problems curtailed his availability from 2009 onwards and when he did finally return to fitness, a groin injury playing for Nigeria in September 2011 meant another four months on the sidelines.“I have always been proud to represent my country,” Anichebe said. “But it is becoming more and more evident that with the injuries I have had over the last two years or so, I have to manage my body accordingly. “That’s why I feel the best thing for me at the moment is to concentrate on club football. “Without club football there is no international football and everyone at Everton was with me every step of the way during my injuries and rehabilitation. “So I owe it to the club to manage myself correctly. “I didn’t feel that the Nigerian Football Federation was there for me the in the same manner, which was especially disappointing given that I got the injury representing my country. “But I don’t blame anyone for this nor do I have any issues with anybody from the NFF or Stephen Keshi our coach. “He has done a fantastic job and is building a team that Nigerians can be proud of.” Victor Anichebe was a member of Nigeria’s silver medal-winning Under-23 team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, from where he progressed to the senior side. He has since missed out on selection for a World Cup and this year’s African Nations Cup, which was won by Nigeria. Anichebe added: “The time is just not right for me to resume my international career as of yet but I would certainly love to represent my country in the not too distant future.” The striker, who has become Everton FC's first-choice attacking threat in recent weeks as a result of Nikica Jelavic’s dramatic loss of form, is set to lead the line again in this weekend’s Merseyside derby at Anfield - where the Toffees have not won since 1999. Liverpool will be without their top scorer Luis Suarez, who is serving a 10-match ban for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic, but goalkeeper Tim Howard said the Reds’ most recent 6-0 win over Newcastle proves they are still a threat even without the Uruguay international. “All the talk has been about how Suarez has carried them, maybe rightfully so, but boy have they made a statement and shown everybody that they also can find goals from other places,” Howard said. “They are a threat, we know that, and I think we’ll have mapped out a plan to try and beat them come Sunday.” Everton FC have lost only one of their last eight league matches but that defeat - at Sunderland a fortnight ago - more than likely put paid to their Champions League hopes. They are sixth, just five points adrift of fourth-placed Arsenal, and while Howard admits catching the Gunners will be difficult, he has not yet ruled it out. “I think we’ve always been a dark horse, we’ve always been the outsider in that race, and we still are,” he added. “If we put a few moments of magic together, if we can win out, which is never easy with the games that we have, and we can get some help in and around us, anything is possible.”

Seamus Coleman: Keen as mustard says Ian Snodin
How the Irish utility man has been a revelation for the the Blues this season
May 1 2013, The Daily Post
SEAMUS Coleman has been nothing short of a revelation for Everton in recent weeks.
I remember when he was first moved to right back after making such an impact on the wing when he broke into the team and it was clear that while he had potential he had to work at his defending.
There have been times this season, like against Fulham and Reading, when it’s been clear to see the learning curve the lad is on, but it’s also been clear that he is a fast learner.
Before Colin Harvey sat me down and told me I was going to be playing at right back during my Everton days, I’d never played that role before. Sure I’d been a sweeper or centre half in my time at Doncaster, but right back was totally alien to me. I was 26 then which is a couple of years older than Seamus and it still wasn’t straight forward to simply adjust in the blink of an eye, so I’ve had every sympathy with him at times. I was fortunate enough to be in a team with Dave Watson and Kevin Ratcliffe at the heart of the defence as well, so I had two of the best helping me along, and luckily Seamus has got two experienced heads guiding him too. It’s things like knowing when to cover and when to over-lap, and what positions to take up at different times of the game – things which simply have to be learned. David Moyes knows that Seamus is still young and will still make the odd mistake here and there, but I believe he’ll get better and better from here.
I loved the way he used his nous and body to shoulder barge one of the Fulham attackers in the area on Saturday. It looks as if he is wising up to the canny arts of the full back, and what he offers going forward is fantastic. It’s been said many times before, but it’s worth remembering that we’re talking about a lad who cost the club just £60,000. There are players at Everton who earn more than that in a week. I think his future is so bright he will keep Tony Hibbert out of the team, injury permitting, which is saying something, if he carries on like this. It’s a real plus for the manager to have an experienced, wily campaigner like Hibbert back in contention while also being able to call on the youth and vigour of Coleman. Having both of them is a bit of a boost when you think that the Blues will be losing Phil Neville in the summer as the club captain moves on to pastures new.
I don’t know how the manager will shape his formation next season and whether or not he’ll use wing backs more often like he did against Stoke in March, but most managers in the Premier League would kill to have two quick, athletic individuals like Leighton Baines and Coleman. They’re every inch the modern full backs.

GOODISON DATE IS CONFIRMED
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
May 2 2013
THE Under-21s’ play-off against either Newcastle United or Bolton Wanderers has been confirmed for Tuesday, May 7 at Goodison Park. Supporters will be able to attend the 7pm kick-off, with ticket details to be announced shortly. Having finished top of Group One, after going unbeaten in 2013, Alan Stubbs’ side entertain the winners of Group Two in the knockout phase. Everton will discover their opponents tomorrow evening, almost certain to be Newcastle who host Bolton in the Group Two title decider.

EVERTON’S YOUNG PASS MASTERS ARE HAILED BY COACH KEVIN SHEEDY
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
May 2 2013
KEVIN SHEEDY’S Under-18s are now within touching distance of the end-of-season play-offs, following up Saturday’s impressive 3-1 defeat of Chelsea with a 2-0 victory over Bolton last night.
With the young Blues boasting a superior goal difference to rivals Manchester United, just one point from their final two away games of the season – at Fulham on Saturday and then Crystal Palace on Tuesday – should guarantee a top-three finish and a place in next Wednesday’s Premier Academy League Play-off. After goals from Conor Grant and Matthew Pennington saw off Bolton last night Sheedy spoke glowingly of the efforts put in by his young charges. “Duncan (Ferguson) and myself are delighted with them,” he said. “It was probably our best passing performance of the season and the only disappointment was that we didn’t score more goals. “They really are an outstanding group of lads who give everything for Everton. “They’re running on empty a bit at the moment having played so much football recently and some of them having to play for the Under-21s as well, so we can’t really speak highly enough about them.”

Case for the defence from Everton FC’s Seamus Coleman
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
May 2 2013
THE last time Seamus Coleman captured the headlines in a derby match it was after a dazzling slice of wing-play carved out an opening for Tim Cahill to comprehensively finish. That was in October 2010, when the young Irishman had the insurance policy of Phil Neville sitting in behind him and a licence to thrill. This season Coleman has been asked to defend as much as destroy – and operating as a right-back was named the Blues’ Player of the Month for March. It was form he continued into April and manager Moyes is convinced that Coleman has benefitted from the lengthy run he has enjoyed at right-back with Tony Hibbert injured and Phil Neville struggling for form and fitness. Coleman has played the last 11 matches at right-back – and on Saturday against Fulham provided the assist for Steven Pienaar’s matchwinner, as well as contributing to a fifth clean sheet in seven. “His defensive work’s got much better and that’s come with regular games at right-back,” said the Blues boss. “He’s improved no end. “Seamus is doing great and we’ve got Hibbo’s (Tony Hibbert’s) experience and John Stones who is one for the future that we’re pleased with as well.” Victor Anichebe is another who has benefited from a run of games recently. The powerful centre-forward has started the last seven successive matches, remarkably the longest unbroken spell of consecutive starts in his seven-year, 71-start, Everton career. It is a record he is hoping to improve upon by putting his international career with Nigeria on hold so he can “manage his body accordingly”. Anichebe had been tipped to return to the Nigeria squad for June’s World Cup qualifiers and Confederations Cup, replacing the injured Emmanuel Emenike. But he said this week: “The best thing for me at the moment is to focus on club football. “I don’t blame anyone for this nor do I have any issues with anybody from the Nigerian Football Federation or Stephen Keshi our coach.” Anichebe has been plagued by injuries over the past few years, including a groin problem on his last appearance for Nigeria in a 2-0 win over Madagascar in 2011. He added: “Without club football there is no international football and everyone at Everton was with me every step of the way during my injuries and rehabilitation and so I owe it to the club to manage myself correctly. “I didn’t feel that the Nigerian federation was there for me then in the same manner, which was especially disappointing given that I got the injury representing my country. “But I don’t blame anyone for this nor do I have any issues with anybody from the NFF or Stephen Keshi our coach. “He has done a fantastic job and is building a team that Nigerians can be proud of.” A former England youth international, Anichebe switched allegiance, help Nigeria reach the 2008 Olympics and was then part of the squad that went on to win silver in Beijing.

I’ve got a sneaky feeling Everton are going to end their Anfield hoodoo says Peter Reid
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
May 2 2013
EVERTON legend Peter Reid says he has a “sneaky feeling” that Everton will end their Anfield jinx in this weekend’s Merseyside derby. Everton last tasted victory at Anfield 14 years ago – when Kevin Campbell’s solitary strike was the difference.Reid was in an Everton team which ended a similar 14-year Anfield drought in 1984 when Graeme Sharp’s famous strike secured victory. “Anfield is always a difficult place to go and get a result,” said Reid. “I’ve just got a sneaky feeling this year that it’s Everton’s time to go there and get a result. “It’s about time Everton won one – the law of averages says that we are due a derby victory and there would be no better place to achieve that than Anfield. I get asked quite often where it’s better to win a derby, whether it’s at Goodison or Anfield, and my answer is the same all the time – it doesn’t matter which ground.” Reid was on the winning side on five occasions, three at Anfield, one at Goodison and once at Wembley. “I was fortunate enough to play in a few derby games,” he added. “For someone who was born in Merseyside, it was always a proud moment to be involved in those games. “I remember winning a few at Anfield, games when Sharpy, Lineker and Rats scored. I think there was one derby when Grobbelaar let one through his legs too. “On the other side of the coin, getting beat in them is not the best experience. “When we lost in the Cup final in 1986, I didn’t get on the bus when we went on a lap around the city. “It cost me two weeks wages but I wasn’t bothered because I was so disappointed missing out in the league championship and the FA Cup. I ended up having a few pints of Guinness in the Red Lion instead!”

Tim Howard backs David Moyes to stop free-scoring Liverpool in Merseyside derby
By Ian Doyle
May 2 2013
TIM HOWARD is confident David Moyes will concoct a plan to counter free-scoring Liverpool and bolster Everton’s hopes of European qualification. Moyes’s men go into Sunday’s 220th Merseyside derby aiming to secure their first victory at Anfield in almost 14 years. Neighbours Liverpool warmed up for the game by romping to a 6-0 win at Newcastle United last weekend in their first game without Luis Suarez, who is serving a 10-match suspension. Everton, though, have tightened up in defence in recent weeks with five clean sheets in their last seven Premier League outings.
And goalkeeper Howard said: "All the talk has been about how Suarez has carried them, maybe rightfully so, but boy have they made a statement and shown everybody that they also can find goals from other places. "They are a threat, we know that, and I think we’ll have mapped out a plan to try and beat them come Sunday." A run of only one defeat in eight Premier League games has given Everton an outside chance of crashing into the top four and claiming a Champions League berth.
More realistic, however, is Europa League qualification, with the Goodison outfit three points adrift of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with three games remaining. And of Everton’s top-four hopes, Howard added: "I think we’ve always been a dark horse, we’ve always been the outsider in that race, and we still are. "If we put a few moments of magic together, if we can win out, which is never easy with the games that we have, and we can get some help in and around us, anything is possible."
Moyes will ponder whether to continue with the two-pronged attack of Nikica Jelavic and Victor Anichebe that started last Saturday’s 1-0 home win over Fulham. And Anichebe has decided to put club before country for the moment having become a regular starter in recent months for Everton. That form had prompted strong suggestions he would return to the Nigeria squad for June’s World Cup qualifiers and Confederations Cup in Brazil. But the 25-year-old forward has announced he has put his international career on hold to concentrate on strengthening his position at Goodison.
"The best thing for me at the moment is to focus on club football," he said. "The time is just not right for me to resume my international career as of yet but I would certainly love to represent my country in the none-too-distant future." Anichebe, who won a silver medal with his country in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, was sidelined for almost four months having suffered a groin problem on his last appearance for Nigeria in a 2-0 win over Madagascar in 2011. And the forward added: "Without club football there is no international football and everyone at Everton was with me every step of the way during my injuries and rehabilitation and so I owe it to the club to manage myself correctly. "I didn’t feel that the Nigerian federation was there for me then in the same manner, which was especially disappointing given that I got the injury representing my country.
"But I don’t blame anyone for this nor do I have any issues with anybody from the NFF (Nigeria Football Federation) or Stephen Keshi our coach." "He has done a fantastic job and is building a team that Nigerians can be proud of." Meanwhile, Everton Under-21s’ play-off against either Newcastle United or Bolton Wanderers will take place on Tuesday at Goodison (kick-off 7pm).
Everton will discover their opponents on Friday evening when Newcastle host Bolton in the Group Two title decider.

Everton FC: Phil Jagielka vows to grow up as Everton's captain, starting in the Merseyside derby
The Liverpool Post
May 2 2013
INSIDE the away dressing room at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, Phil Jagielka will go through his normal pre-match routine. He’ll pull his Everton shirt on over his head, straighten his shinpads, slip on his boots and fasten the laces. Then he’ll reach for the captain’s armband. After club skipper Phil Neville last month announced his intention to seek pastures new in the summer, David Moyes wasted no time in confirming Jagielka as his replacement for next season. It was the logical choice. If Leighton Baines represents the creativity, Steven Pienaar the flair and Marouane Fellaini the steel, then there is no doubt Jagielka is the heart of this Everton vintage. With Neville among several players rested for the 3-0 reverse in Everton’s most recent visit to Anfield last March, Jagielka already has experience of leading the team out in a Merseyside derby. But whereas that was a one-off, there will be a sign of what is to come when the 30-year-old centre-back skippers David Moyes’s side in the 220th Merseyside derby this weekend. Indeed, given Neville has not appeared since the FA Cup defeat to Wigan Athletic almost two months ago, the England international has already been made Moyes’s on-pitch lieutenant. But Jagielka says: “It hasn’t sunk in properly, as technically it is not mine yet. “It’s a strange one. Nev is still here and I am still vice-captain. It’s not like he is retired or injured. He is going to play again. Just being captain when he has not been here has been a fantastic honour. “I have been here for a decent amount of time, I pretty much know how the club works and it was brilliant when he pulled me in to confirm it. Different things can happen. New players can come in and they can take it. “So it’s good. It’s strange and it probably won’t hit me until next season when I haven’t got someone else to hide behind. “It’s something that I have got to look forward to... even if I have to sit next to the manager for the team photo!” That sense of humour has been a welcome feature of Jagielka’s Goodison career since arriving from Sheffield United for £4million back in July 2007. But the defender believes that, given he is now in the peak years as a centre-back, the gravitas of the captain’s armband has come at the right time. “Responsibility is something that I need,” says Jagielka. “I’m still a bit of a big kid when it comes to messing around afterwards. “Everyone says what a fantastic captain Nev has been, that he has been such a professional. People sometimes don’t understand that. “He conducts himself right in every aspect, on and off the pitch. Maybe I can be a bit juvenile at times. That’s the character I am, that’s the character he is. “I’m sure that we will be very different captains but hopefully we will have a very similar impact on the squad.” Jagielka adds: “I am 30 now, not 16 and 17, so the time has come for me to grow up! “I’m quite loud around the place. It’s not so much pranks or anything like that... I just basically act like a big kid for five of the seven days a week! “That will still happen but, at the end of the day, if someone has got a problem, or they need help and advice, rather than hiding from it, I will try and help people out.” Following a difficult opening months as an Everton player, Jagielka has blossomed into a regular in defence, his starting role only threatened by a clutch of serious injuries. And asked whether being made captain can help him improve further as a player, he responds: “I think so. The manager thinks that is the next progression and he hopes that will be the case. “Time will tell... If I get sacked after a couple of months, you will know why! “I was vice-captain at Sheffield United when I was a really young lad. I also captained the youth team and I enjoyed that job. “But it will certainly be interesting, as I liked that role. Nobody has said anything but I’m not sure they will just yet. “Right now, I will be standing right alongside Nev It’s not as if he has stopped playing and he deserves to go out on a high.” Everton have infamously never won at Anfield under Moyes, with their last triumph across Stanley Park coming way back in September 1999 thanks to Kevin Campbell’s solitary strike. Should they fail to address that statistic this weekend, it will equal their longest sequence without a league win at Liverpool of 14 games. Victory, however, will keep alive hopes of European qualification and ensure they finish above their neighbours for a second successive season – the first time that would have happened in 50 years.While Liverpool warmed up for Sunday’s match with a 6-0 romp at Newcastle United, Moyes’s men kept their fifth shut-out in seven Premier League games with a 1-0 win over Fulham. “It’s nice to get a few clean sheets on the spin, especially at home,” says Jagielka. “It does ease the nerves a little bit. We were going through a stage where we couldn’t buy one so it’s nice to grab them now.“Hopefully we can carry that on throughout the rest of the season and keep pushing as far as possible.” Everton stand three points off fifth place and a Europa League berth and a further two points behind a Champions League spot. And Jagielka adds: “If we fall a couple of points or games short so be it, but our job is to keep winning games and sneak in there. “It’s been difficult and easy at the same time (to stay in top-five contention). It’s been difficult because the pressure has been on but easy because we have had to go for the wins.”

FC simply have to go for it at Anfield Mark Lawrenson: Everton
The Liverpool Post
May 2 2013
MAKE no mistake. Everton simply have to go for it on Sunday. If David Moyes wants to end his long wait for a victory at Anfield, this would seem as good a time as any. Anything other than victory would realistically end any hopes of European qualification, especially with a trip to Chelsea to come on the final day of the season. It has been some time since a derby has had more riding on it for Everton than Liverpool. And from that point of view, what better way to underline a season of huge improvement than by winning at their most bitter rivals? Everton have to carry a goal threat. It’s all very well going to Anfield and negating what Liverpool do. But I think most Everton supporters would understand if their team were to lose while trying to win the game. A draw is as good as a defeat in terms of aiming for a top-five finish. It’s not the time for Moyes to ask his players to sit back and stop Liverpool playing. They have to win. I look back at Everton’s trip to Manchester United last season. They simply forgot about who they were playing and just went for it.
That’s what they have to do on Sunday, they have to ask Liverpool questions and see how they react. Nothing will be gained from being defensive and later wondering what might have been. Everything is within reason, and clearly I’m not saying Everton are going to throw everything forward from the off. Nevertheless, I could see both Victor Anichebe and Nikica Jelavic starting. That would send a message out to the rest of the team, as well as the supporters, that they are going to have a real go.
Moyes doesn’t have to worry about Everton defensively, his teams always work hard when they don’t have the ball. No matter how many are pressed forward, Everton will be extremely competitive and get their heads down in midfield. The one thing guaranteed is that the derby will be frenetic and mad. A lot will depend on who best keeps their cool. Discipline plays a massive part in these games. Do we really expect there to be 11 v 11 come half three on Sunday? Certainly, Everton will have to change their mental approach. A big deal is made of the fact Moyes, in 11 years, has yet to win at Arsenal, United, Chelsea or Liverpool in the Premier League. And that does start to play on the mind. Why have we never won there? Is it an unlucky ground? Will we ever win there? Is it just because they are better than us? These are questions that will be asked among the Everton squad. Only a win can end all of that. Moyes should just get his players to look at the table. Everton are above Liverpool. They have done better this season. They have the better ‘team’. So why not show that on Sunday? After all, Everton know if they beat Liverpool, they will be guaranteed to finish above them for a second successive season. That alone should be incentive enough.

Liverpool FC to thank Everton FC for Hillsborough solidarity with Kop mosaic at Merseyside derby
John Thompson
May 3 2013
THE Kop will display a giant message of thanks to Everton and their fans for their support over the Hillsborough Disaster. A huge mosaic will be created on the world famous terrace before Sunday's derby in recognition of the part the Blues have played over 24 years in the campaign for justice for the 96 victims. And back in September, Goodison Park staged its own touching tribute, where the Hollies' classic song, 'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother', was played at the request of Kenwright.
That gesture which was accompanied by two young child mascots holding hands and which brought tears to they eyes of many hardened supporters at the time, followed the release of breakthrough findings from the Hillsborough Independent Panel. Before Sunday's 1.30pm kick off fans in the Kop will be asked to raise a card on their seats expressing Anfield's gratitude for Everton's unwavering support for almost a quarter of a century. The idea came from award winning former Liverpool Echo journalist Brian Reade, who now writes for the Daily Mirror and still lives in the city.
LFC managing director Ian Ayre said: "I want to take the opportunity to thank Bill Kenwright and Everton fans for their continued support for the families and victims of the Hillsborough disaster.
"It is the coming together of the families, supporters and the city that has made the huge breakthroughs of the last 12 months possible. "Rivalry on the pitch and banter on the terraces are healthy things and are an important part of being a football supporter in this city. They are an important part of the derby atmosphere. "However, it is the unity of both clubs and both sets of supporters when it's most needed that make our relationship so unique." In preparation for the mosaic, the club is asking for volunteers to help lay the 12,390 cards on the Kop seats on Saturday at 10.30am.

Marouane Fellaini hasn't left Everton FC yet, says Sylvain Distin
By Greg O'Keeffe
May 3 2013
MAROUANE FELLAINI is not guaranteed to leave Everton FC in search of Champions League football this summer, insists Sylvain Distin. Speculation has grown over the past 12 months that the Belgium international will depart Goodison to play at the highest level after the current campaign ends.
But Distin is adamant the 25-year-old midfielder’s exit is not a foregone conclusion, even if the Blues have missed out on the top four. He said: "I want to play Champions League but it doesn’t mean I’m going to leave. If you ask Felli whether he wants to play Champions League then he’ll say yes but it doesn’t mean he’s going to leave. "There are only four clubs playing Champions League football in this country – so it’s not like you’ve got 25 options. He wants to stay in England I’m pretty sure.
"We don’t know if he’ll go – we don’t know if the manager will go. We heard the same last season about Felli – and about Bainsey too but it’s just speculation. "We’ll have to wait and see. I don’t think Felli will play against Liverpool on Sunday with thoughts of leaving in the back of his mind. He always gives his best. That’s his strength. He’s a genuine guy and he always gives 100% no matter what." Distin insists Fellaini’s compatriot Kevin Mirallas will also further highlight his worth at Anfield during the 220th Merseyside derby. "Kevin is the type of player who can change things in an instant," he added. "Maybe you won’t see him for 20 minutes and then in one action he’s changed the game. "The way he can go past players is brilliant. We need what he creates. We know we play well as a team but sometimes we struggle with that last pass or shot. Kevin is a big plus."

Exclusive: Sylvain Distin - I learned a lot from Liverpool FC FA Cup semi-final defeat
By Greg O'Keeffe
May 3 2013
SYLVAIN DISTIN could be forgiven for dreading the prospect of facing Liverpool FC more than most. His personal derby record since joining Everton FC in summer 2009 reads as one win, two draws and five defeats. And while any loss to your fiercest rivals hurts, Distin has suffered the acute agony of directly contributing to one of the most demoralising derby downfalls in recent years.
It was his back-pass at Wembley in April last year that gifted Luis Suarez an equaliser for the Reds, and sparked Everton’s FA Cup semi-final collapse. However the French defender is preparing for Sunday’s Anfield showdown with the same uncluttered, ultra-focused mindset as any game. He has tasted the lows – even seriously considering retirement after that Wembley gaffe – but now Everton’s strong man is stronger than ever, and ready to help David Moyes’ side end their 14-year winless streak across the park. "It’s strange because when people ask me for my highlight of last season I often mention the semi-final," he says after training at Finch Farm. "Some people don’t understand why I’d say that but I learned a lot about myself and my team-mates, the staff here and the fans. You see what people really feel. Also you learn a lot about yourself. "Things like that will happen to a player during their career; big game, big mistake. I came out stronger. "It wasn’t easy. I had a tough few weeks with all sorts of thoughts going through my mind – even should I stop football? It went that far. But I came out stronger and that’s the most important thing. "You learn more when you lose those kind of games. When you win, you just celebrate and then turn the page. When you get beat it stays with you. You analyse what happened more. "I don’t want to lose any more but there can be positives." Distin insists it is pointless to fixate on Everton’s poor record at Anfield too much, although he knows they have to show they can deal with the pressure of winning against their neighbours. "I can’t speak for the times before I signed but yeah it’s the derby, it’s a special game and there is added pressure to do well," he says. "Liverpool have a great team so we can’t expect to go there and win every time, but I don’t know why we haven’t won more often. "I don’t think about the statistics too much. Whether we haven’t won there in 14 years etc – it’s about right now. Every game we have the opportunity to change that and we will see what we can do on Sunday." The veteran defender claims Everton’s players won’t be altering their pre-match routine for a fixture which could make or break their European hopes this term. "The gaffer won’t do anything different," he says. "He keeps us under the same level of pressure all season. Until the last game we’ll do exactly the same; run hard, work hard and follow the tactics. The only difference is we’ll go to the hotel the day before the game just to make sure we’re focused even though the game is in Liverpool. "But training and football-wise it’ll be exactly the same." For the second season in a row Everton have a chance of finishing above their wealthier rivals, and even a home win would not allow Liverpool to leapfrog the Blues. Distin is fully aware that ignominy could spur Brendan Rodgers’ men on. "The points difference might give them extra drive to win because they want to finish above us," he says. "Most of the time it’s the other way round, but this is the second season in a row that we’re doing well and have a good chance of finishing above them. I don’t think you need any special motivation though. The fans let you know how important it is. "You notice the difference from the fans, the media interviews and the people you bump into in the street who want to talk about the game for weeks in advance. "That’s what makes you realise it’s a special game."
He may not have experienced too many highs against the Reds, but Distin has at least scored at Anfield during a 2-2 draw in January 2011. It’s an experience he’d love to repeat – but personal glory is far from his priority. "That was a good feeling," he says. "I don’t score often but I was pleased to get that on my record. "I have had a few headers this season. I’ve gone close but there’s always something like Victor stealing my goal on the line or the goalkeeper making a great save!
"I have to carry on but if I can help the team by chipping in with a few more that’s be great bBut it’s not my main target. I’m prouder when we keep a clean sheet. "We’ve been strong defensively."
The case for Everton’s defence will undoubtedly be helped by the absence of a certain Uruguayan on Sunday, but Distin has mixed feelings on not facing Suarez again. "I like tough opponents. I’ve always said I’d rather have 38 tough games than easy ones," he says. "I came to England for the competition and that’s the reason I stayed. Football wise I’d rather face him on the pitch."

Howard Kendall: Loyalty to managers pays off in the end
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
May 3 2013
THE MALAISE of most of the Premier League’s relegation-haunted sides only sums up why clubs should show more loyalty and patience to managers. Reading changed their manager and are already gone, as did QPR who suffered the same fate despite spending huge amounts in January.
Sunderland got rid of Martin O’Neill and although Paolo Di Canio has lifted them, they’re still not completely safe especially after that thrashing by Villa. Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has stayed loyal to Roberto Martinez and I’d love to see that rewarded with an FA Cup win and safety. We’ll see. Wolves fans will know what I mean. They got rid of Mick McCarthy and now look at them. Loyalty can pay in the end.

Howard Kendall: Nice to see Everton heroes of ’63 remembered
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
May 3 2013
THERE WASN’T much to get excited about on the pitch when Everton beat Fulham last Saturday, aside from a classy goal which certainly gained approval from the watching Alex Young.
The passing and movement for Steven Pienaar’s winner was a delight to behold and bodes well for the football we can play going into the last three games, even if we should have scored more.
But three points were bagged, which is the important thing as Everton continue to keep their chances of Europe alive, even if they are slight. I’d given a few column inches over before the game to the threat posed by Dimitar Berbatov and sure enough he was injured sprinting for the first ball played to him. The lad’s not used to sprinting, so fair enough! I was thrilled to see the reception that the title-winning players from 1963 received and equally delighted to spend some time with them on the day. Men like Mick Meagan, Derek Temple, Tony Kay and the Golden Vision himself deserve their places in the club’s hall of fame, and even though the number of fans who remember their heyday may be dwindling, it’s always important that the club recognises its past and respects its proud heritage.

Chinese dream for Everton FC going Dutch
Liverpool Echo
May 3 2013
EVERTON have teamed up with Ajax to launch a new Chinese TV venture aimed at finding the nation’s next footballing superstars. ‘Football Dream’ is supported directly by the Chinese Government and Global Media Productions (GMP) to recruit and develop young players aged 14-17.
The announcement follows on from Marouane Fellaini’s trip last summer, when he kicked off a club tour of China in which six different cities were visited and 60 youngsters were identified after a series of tests, drills and trials. Those players will now battle to earn a trip to Europe and the chance to experience the workings of either Everton’s prestigious Finch Farm training headquarters or the renowned Ajax Academy. Blues legend Graeme Sharp and International Academy Ambassador Ray Hall were joined in the Chinese capital by former Ajax players Edwin van der Sar, Ronald de Boer and Aron Winter as they all began a gruelling filming schedule with the up-and-coming footballers. Sharp said: “It’s great to be back in China and working with the players again. I have been impressed with what I have seen so far and I am looking forward to seeing more.” Chinese Football Dream will continue filming over the next month and will air later in 2013.

Howard Kendall: Everton FC will provide Reds with far sterner test than woeful Toon Army
by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo
May 3 2013
BOTH of our Merseyside giants go into the derby on the back of wins, but both managers should know things won’t be so straightforward when the whistle goes on Sunday. Everton got the job done against Fulham in a game which was notable for the quality of the goal and very little else, while Evertonians won’t have been too thrilled to see the way their rivals completely dismantled Newcastle that evening. There’s no doubting that Brendan Rodgers’ side are a threat with the pace and movement they have through players like Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho. But he will realise that Everton’s defence won’t be anything like as porous as the shambles that let them waltz past them at St James’s Park last weekend. Newcastle were embarrassing. There was no midfield presence and to call them amateurish at the back would be offensive to some Sunday League teams. So David Moyes won’t have been intimidated by what he saw from Liverpool, even if he will know the challenge he faces to try and get a result at Anfield for the first time in his reign. He has aces of his own up his sleeve in the form of Kevin Mirallas and Marouane Fellaini, of course, but the contest will be finely balanced. What would constitute a result for the Blues? Well there’s no way Everton will go there for a draw, but to come away with the same points gap between Liverpool and in the same position in the table would not be the end of the world by any means. Moyes will want all three points naturally, and he won’t be ready to give up on Europe. But his side have already had a positive season.

Liverpool v Everton FC Preview: Kevin Mirallas can scare Reds defence says David Moyes
Greg O'Keeffe
May 4 2013
THE FOCUS has lingered on the menace that David Moyes’ defence will be glad to miss. With Luis Suarez out of contention for tomorrow’s derby, Everton’s players have been asked countless times about their relief at not having to face the Uruguayan menace. But maybe Liverpool’s rearguard should have pause for thought on a danger they are not going to be able to avoid. Kevin Mirallas asked some uncomfortable questions of the Reds back line at October in Goodison, and Brendan Rodgers’ men were glad when he didn’t emerge for the second half after being kicked out of the contest. Now the 25-year-old is finally beginning to add some resilience to his previously mercurial, if fragile, displays – and is raring to pick up where he left off last time against Everton’s rivals. “He’s got an elusiveness and quickness,” says Moyes, who knows that his summer capture from Olympiakos can make the difference at Anfield tomorrow. “He hardly touches the ground when he runs, so with his ability we’re hoping he comes to the fore and plays as well as he did in the first game. We’ve not always had that type of player who could win you this type of game on his own.” The focus on Merseyside this weekend will be entirely on the 220th clash between two of the world’s most historic clubs – but Moyes concedes the region has dropped behind other Premier League power-bases in the UK. “I think it is at the moment,” he says. “The strength the Manchester clubs have got is overpowering everybody with Chelsea joining in, and Tottenham and Arsenal. “Liverpool have been close to it, not so long ago they finished second in the league with Rafa, so football does change quickly. “Liverpool have obviously been much closer to the Manchester teams than Everton, but we’ve obviously had a longer journey and had to climb further. “We’re closing that gap but not close enough.” Manchester City benefited from the gift of a world-class stadium, while Old Trafford is free to expand without limitations. Moyes knows the contrasting stadium dilemmas of both Merseyside clubs has not helped their slide from their Eighties dominance. “Both the Manchester clubs hold stadiums with over 70,000 for one 50,000 the other,” he says. “They’ve got the council there and then there is the corporate facilities that plays a big part, especially with the FFP (Financial Fair Play) playing a big part so much is going to be about relying on marketing teams and how many (executive) boxes you can sell, season tickets you sell and dinners you sell. “For example, at Everton we have very few rooms to cater and very few boxes to fill. We’re going to find it difficult to keep up because the marketing side is so important.” Everton’s manager is all too aware that his club’s prospects of catching up are not set to improve in the short-term.
“It’s about keeping up and then to catch up is going to be even harder,” he says. “You really have to have a good team to bring the sponsorship to enable you to improve your wage budget.”
However, the Scot admits he is conflicted over the damage done by the collapse of Everton’s stadium plans in Kirkby. “That can be looked at two ways because a lot of people did not want to go to Kirkby for different reasons,” he says. “I do think we’ve got to somehow generate revenue by even thinking about naming rights for the stadium. “Obviously they could do that because they own Goodison. Things like this are going to be relevant to both clubs if we’re going to hang in there with the top teams.” Moyes is quick to point out he can’t talk for the regime across the park, but he remains confident his own chairman is doing his best. “I can only speak about Everton and we’re doing the best we can to look for the best solutions to move us up the league,” he says.
“The chairman gives me as much as he can for the team. The bit we have not been able to do is try to find the new stadium so all the money I’ve had is for the team and we’ve got a bit closer.”
Tomorrow’s game – where both teams are most realistically scrapping for sixth place – may highlight how much the Mersey giants have moved away from the Premier League’s super-rich. But Moyes insists it will also provide a timely reminder of the ties which will forever bind the clubs. As the Kop are poised to display a mural thanking Everton for their support over Hillsborough, Moyes is pleased the mutual respect continues. “There’s been something stronger than football in the last year or two,” he says. “Both clubs know this could have happened to either club, Liverpool or Everton.“I am sure Liverpool would have given Everton the same respect had it been the other way around. “No-one wants to get rid of a right good derby game, which is what this is. Two teams from the same city competing. “There are a lot of mixed families with Liverpool and Everton in the same house, but a lot of what has gone on recently has been good for the city and the respect between the clubs.”

David Moyes insist it’s all about Europe - not Liverpool - ahead of Everton FC’s trip to Anfield
Greg O'Keeffe
Liverpool Echo, May 4, 2013
DAVID Moyes insists his desire to beat Liverpool tomorrow is based purely on Everton’s European ambition rather than a personal mission or local bragging rights. Victory at Anfield on Sunday would end the Blues’ 14-year winless streak across the park, while also guaranteeing they finish above the Reds in consecutive top flight seasons for the first time since 1937. But Moyes is more motivated by grabbing three points to help his club overtake fifth-placed Tottenham in the contention for a Europa League spot. The Toffees boss, who hopes to have Darron Gibson fit to return to the side, said: “For Everton – for the team and the supporters – it will mean an awful lot, but personally, it is not an important thing really. “This is a game which gives us a great chance of finishing in Europe.
“I’m looking forward to trying to get a result for the supporters though. It’s always proved to be a difficult venue for us. “We’ve had some half decent results lately, but we need to keep winning to keep in touch with the teams above. “We had a really tough run-in. Everyone said that. That was with eight left and now with three we’re just tucked in behind Tottenham, not as close as we’d like to be. “We’ve not faltered that much, beating City, drawing at Spurs and Arsenal and winning home games we were expected to. We’re not out of it yet. “Do I want to finish above Liverpool? Of course I do. But it can’t be our sole objective, and I would be surprised if it was Liverpool’s to finish above us.” Moyes believes the stage could be set for Marouane Fellaini to ignite this weekend’s 220th all-Merseyside clash. The Belgian thrives on the grand stages, and Moyes wants him to provide a similar performance to the one which helped Everton topple Manchester United back in September.
“He’s been better in all the big games,” said Moyes. “Let’s hope he does it again. He has been playing well at this moment in time and more of the same would go down nicely.”

David Moyes hoping his Everton FC can prove doubters and get him a first Anfield derby win
Ian Doyle
May 4 2013
DAVID MOYES has urged Everton to continue proving the doubters wrong by keeping European hopes alive with historic derby triumph against Liverpool. Moyes takes his players across Stanley Park tomorrow still seeking his first win at Anfield after more than 11 years in charge at Goodison.
Victory would ensure Everton finished above their neighbours in the top flight in successive seasons for the first time in 76 years. It would also maintain the pressure on Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in the race for European Everton’s claims had been widely dismissed given a closing schedule that included games against many of the teams around them. qualification, with Everton currently only three points adrift of fifth place and a Europa League berth. But having beaten last season’s champions Manchester City and drawn at Arsenal and Tottenham in recent weeks, Moyes is adamant his players can overturn the odds again tomorrow “We've had a really tough run in,” said the Goodison manager. “Everybody said our run-in was hard. “That was with eight games to go, but now we're down to three and we are still in there fighting, still in the running tucked in behind Tottenham. “And you know what, we've not really faltered that much. “We've had good draws at Tottenham and Arsenal, beaten Man City at home and picked up the points at Goodison we were expected to. “So now we are down to three games and we are not out of it yet. Yes they are tough ones, but we are still in there fighting, and we haven't faltered yet. “This is a game that gives us a great chance of finishing in Europe – we have to try and pick up three points if we can. “For Everton – for the team and the supporters – it will mean an awful lot, but personally, it is not an important thing really. “I'm looking forward to trying to get a result for the supporters.”
Everton have not won at Anfield since 1999 but have drawn four of their last seven visits.
And Moyes added: “I've probably thought a lot of times I'm going there with my strongest team ever and it's our best chance but it has always proved to be a difficult venue for us. “We've gone there and had some half decent results. So we'll go there again and see what we have to do, keep winning if we want to try and catch the teams above us.” Phil Neville has made his last appearance in a Merseyside derby after Moyes confirmed he the club skipper will miss out through injury, although Everton could welcome back Darron Gibson after the midfielder sat out of last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Fulham. Everton fought back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw in the Goodison derby last October, although their efforts were hampered by the hamstring injury that forced the excellent Kevin Mirallas off at half-time. Mirallas missed much of the subsequent four months as he struggled for fitness, but has recently rediscovered his best form. And Moyes believes the Belgian winger could help make the difference at Anfield tomorrow. “Kevin Mirallas has got an elusiveness and he's quick,” he added. “He hardly touches the ground when he runs, and that makes him quick across the ground. “He's got great ability, so we will be hoping for him to come to the fore at the right times, and we will be hoping for him to play as well as he did in the first game. “We've not maybe had that type of player like him before, where they could do something on their own, and maybe win the game for you individually. He offers us that, and I'm sure Liverpool will be wary of that.”

David Moyes: Merseyside clubs must fight hard to avoid being left behind
Ian Doyle
May 4 2013
IT was once the case that a Merseyside derby in May could mean only one thing – a trophy was in the offing for either Liverpool or Everton. Yet when the city rivals clash for the 220th time tomorrow at Anfield, the scrap will be over sixth place rather than any silverware. How times have changed. This is only the fifth occasion the sides will have met in May, with the previous four all in the 1980s – the FA Cup finals of 1986 and 1989, and Goodison league meetings in 1985 and 1989. That was a period when the championship was being passed to and fro across Stanley Park while the Merseyside duo were also mopping up many of the other domestic cups. Nowadays, however, English football’s most-contested derby has become a footnote of a campaign in which the region’s fall from prominence has been further underlined. “I think Merseyside is third behind Manchester and London at the moment,” admits Moyes. “The strength the Manchester clubs have got has overpowered everybody. “With Chelsea joining in and Tottenham too, and then obviously Arsenal have their quality, so it is tough ask to compete against that. “But Liverpool have been very close to it. It wasn't too long ago, 2009, they were second, and so football can change very quickly. “Liverpool have been much, much closer than we were to the Manchester teams that we were, but we've maybe had a longer journey to come, we've been climbing from a lot further away, and we have closed that gap. We're not close enough, but we are getting closer.” It’s not just on the field that the Merseyside clubs are being left behind. Finance, as ever, is the key factor. While the five clubs above Everton can all boast significant – and, in the case of Chelsea and Manchester City, seemingly limitless – wealth, the Goodison outfit, much more so than their neighbours, have to work within tight constraints. That the incoming Financial Fair Play rules will put extra onus on marketing and stadium revenue to make up the shortfall, Moyes admits Everton, with their traditional yet antiquated facilities, are already at a disadvantage. “It's getting harder to compete financially,” says the Scot. “Both the Manchester clubs have got stadiums that hold 70 odd thousand and 40 odd, and they've got the corporate facilities that play a big part these days.
“City were helped in their stadium by the council, and with the new rules over financial fair play, all our clubs will be relying very heavily on the marketing team – how many boxes you can sell, how many season tickets, dinners you can sell. “We at Everton have very few rooms to cater, very few boxes, so we are going to find it difficult to keep up because the marketing side of it is going to be very important. “That's the reality, it's going to be hard to keep up, and catching up is going to prove more and more difficult. You are going to have to have a real good team to keep bringing in sponsorship etc to give you the opportunity to improve your wage budget.” Moyes adds: “There are issues like naming rights for stadiums where you could raise money, and probably things like that are going to become more relevant for both clubs if we are going to try and hang in there with the top teams. “But all the money we've had has gone to me to try and improve the team and catch them up – and as I said, we've got a little bit closer, if not close enough.” One aspect that hasn’t changed from those halcyon days in the 1980s is the intensity of the derby, with Moyes tomorrow looking to break his Anfield duck and earn Everton their first victory at their neighbours since 1999.
However, the sense of unity between supporters inside the city has been strengthened in recent years due to the support Everton have shown to the ongoing campaign for justice for the victims of the Hillsborough tragedy. As a sign of acknowledgement, the word “Thanks” will be spelt out in a mosaic on the Kop before kick-off tomorrow. And Moyes says: “I think there's something stronger than football in the last year or two. “Both clubs knew Hillsborough could have happened to either of them, it could easily have been Everton and I am sure Liverpool would have given Everton the same respect if it had been the other way around. “But I don't think anybody wants to get rid of a right good derby game. It's two teams in the city competing. When the game goes away, there's a lot of people on opposing sides going back to the same house. “There are mixed families! What has happened recently has been good for this city, good for the respect in this city, and good for football for this city.”

David Moyes hoping his Everton FC can prove doubters and get him a first Anfield derby win
Ian Doyle
May 4 2013
DAVID MOYES has urged Everton to continue proving the doubters wrong by keeping European hopes alive with historic derby triumph against Liverpool. Moyes takes his players across Stanley Park tomorrow still seeking his first win at Anfield after more than 11 years in charge at Goodison.
Victory would ensure Everton finished above their neighbours in the top flight in successive seasons for the first time in 76 years. It would also maintain the pressure on Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in the race for European qualification, with Everton currently only three points adrift of fifth place and a Europa League berth. Everton’s claims had been widely dismissed given a closing schedule that included games against many of the teams around them. But having beaten last season’s champions Manchester City and drawn at Arsenal and Tottenham in recent weeks, Moyes is adamant his players can overturn the odds again tomorrow “We've had a really tough run in,” said the Goodison manager. “Everybody said our run-in was hard. “That was with eight games to go, but now we're down to three and we are still in there fighting, still in the running tucked in behind Tottenham. “And you know what, we've not really faltered that much. “We've had good draws at Tottenham and Arsenal, beaten Man City at home and picked up the points at Goodison we were expected to. “So now we are down to three games and we are not out of it yet. Yes they are tough ones, but we are still in there fighting, and we haven't faltered yet. “This is a game that gives us a great chance of finishing in Europe – we have to try and pick up three points if we can. “For Everton – for the team and the supporters – it will mean an awful lot, but personally, it is not an important thing really. “I'm looking forward to trying to get a result for the supporters.”
Everton have not won at Anfield since 1999 but have drawn four of their last seven visits.
And Moyes added: “I've probably thought a lot of times I'm going there with my strongest team ever and it's our best chance but it has always proved to be a difficult venue for us. “We've gone there and had some half decent results. So we'll go there again and see what we have to do, keep winning if we want to try and catch the teams above us.” Phil Neville has made his last appearance in a Merseyside derby after Moyes confirmed he the club skipper will miss out through injury, although Everton could welcome back Darron Gibson after the midfielder sat out of last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Fulham. Everton fought back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw in the Goodison derby last October, although their efforts were hampered by the hamstring injury that forced the excellent Kevin Mirallas off at half-time. Mirallas missed much of the subsequent four months as he struggled for fitness, but has recently rediscovered his best form. And Moyes believes the Belgian winger could help make the difference at Anfield tomorrow. “Kevin Mirallas has got an elusiveness and he's quick,” he added. “He hardly touches the ground when he runs, and that makes him quick across the ground. “He's got great ability, so we will be hoping for him to come to the fore at the right times, and we will be hoping for him to play as well as he did in the first game. “We've not maybe had that type of player like him before, where they could do something on their own, and maybe win the game for you individually. He offers us that, and I'm sure Liverpool will be wary of that.”

Barry Horne on the Merseyside derby: Can Kevin Mirallas be the new Andrei Kanchelskis?
May 5 2013
WE have been starved of success at Anfield. It’s 14 years since Kevin Campbell’s goal – and the last time before that was Andrei Kanchelskis’ double in 1995. Statistically runs like that have to come to an end some time, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be this time. Having said that I am still confident for Sunday – and I’m confident for several reasons. If Everton aren’t hitting the heights we know they are capable of they are still very difficult to beat, are producing good results, playing well in patches which means they are capable of scoring goals – and boast a defence which has reverted back to the solidity which has underpinned much of David Moyes’ time. Liverpool, of course, will point to their recent stunning victory which was achieved at the height of Luis Suarez’s most recent affair. It is not unusual, of course, for teams to be galvanised by such circumstances and while any team in the Premier League would be worse off without Suarez there is possibly another effect at work. Daniel Sturridge is a player I have known about for a long time having watched him on behalf of Chelsea many times when he was at Manchester City and someone I never failed to recommend whole- heartedly. With the Luis Suarez ban his standing at the club changed overnight and he knew that for the next four games, barring a disaster, he was going to be the main man. which is something he has always wanted, but never had up to this point of his career. The confidence of most players would benefit from knowing that they’re going to be playing. Having said that Liverpool were faced with some appalling defending last weekend, something I can confidently predict will not be the case on Sunday. It’s a situation we have also witnessed with Seamus Coleman and Kevin Mirallas. In our own camp, of course, we have players who can create and score goals – Baines, Pienaar, Osman, Fellaini who has proved himself to be a big-game player – and there is the rapidly improving Kevin Mirallas. Like Sturridge, Mirallas and Coleman are players who have grown in stature and confidence because they has enjoyed a long run in the team. Both had problems with injuries and David Moyes doesn’t usually throw players straight in. He beds them in, shows them the Everton way and if they don’t buy into it they don’t become Everton players. Working hard, tracking back and playing for the team has to come first, before you put your own individual stamp on top of that. The last time Everton won at Arsenal Andrei Kanchelskis scored the winner. The penultimate time we won at Anfield Kanchelskis scored both goals – and while I’m not comparing Mirallas with Kanchelskis just yet, there’s a feeling that he can bring something unpredictable, a piece of magic and without doubt pace which frightens all defenders. In recent weeks there have been moments when he did little things that gave an indication of both his ability and growing confidence. Hopefully we’ll see a few more on Sunday!
Early kick-offs are not good for derby thrillers
I’M disappointed that Sunday’s derby is a lunch-time kick-off.
I don’t think there is any team which plays its best in an early kick-off and I can’t recall many in the past few years which have been really thrilling. There’s something about an early start which dilutes the intensity and makes them soporific affairs. But this is a Merseyside derby.
It’s a game which could have a big say in who finishes above the other – and it’s about time Kevin Campbell and that Everton team lost that tag of being the last to win there. I was with Kevin the other night and like Radio 5 always ringing me up about the Cup final, it does makes me proud – but it’s a record of achievement you’d much rather pass on.

Liverpool and Everton draw 0-0 in 220th Merseyside derby
Liverpool Daily Post
May 5 2013
Liverpool's Steven Gerrard and Leon Osman of Everton battle it out in the 220th Merseyside derby
Liverpool FC and Everton cancelled each other out in a forgettable 220th Merseyside derby bereft of incident. The draw may have strengthened Everton FC’s chances of finishing above their near-neighbours for the second successive season - something which has not happened since 1937 - but they rarely came close to ending a 14-year winless run at Anfield. Midfielder Marouane Fellaini had the visitors’ best chance, volleying wide from close range in the first half, while Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard saw Sylvain Distin clear off the line after the break. However, just three bookings in a game which has seen 20 red cards in the previous 41 meetings indicated a lack of bite.
Sixth-placed Everton, five points ahead of their near-neighbours, did not have enough in their locker to end their drought on enemy territory and Jamie Carragher, on his 30th and final Merseyside derby before retirement, had one of his quieter afternoons. Similarly, without Luis Suarez the Reds struggled to break down an Everton defence which was brilliantly marshalled by Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin. Liverpool looked to utilise Daniel Sturridge’s pace early on with Jordan Henderson’s superb 60-yard crossfield ball into his path surpassed only by Gerrard’s from the opposite diagonal which resulted in Distin clearing the striker’s cross. Gerrard was making his 36th consecutive league start, equalling his previous longest run set between April 2006 and April 2007, in spite of a long-term shoulder injury. His further participation became a concern when he crashed to the floor in tangling with Leon Osman, and although he moved gingerly for the next few minutes there was little chance of the Huyton-born midfielder dropping out of this one early. Everton took their superiority in the table onto the pitch as they had the better of the opening 25 minutes in which they should have taken the lead. Fellaini had the best chance of the half when he got on the end of Leighton Baines’ 17th-minute free-kick but somehow shot across goal and just wide of the far post from about four yards. By the half-hour Liverpool had regained their composure and only the excellence of Jagielka, superb throughout, prevented a goal. First he blocked Gerrard’s shot from Henderson’s cut-back, with the Liverpool FC captain then curling a free-kick just wide, before an even better effort denied Philippe Coutinho just as he was about to pull the trigger. The slightest error by the Everton captain would have resulted in a penalty or a goal but his timing was immaculate. Fellaini’s afternoon began to get more frustrating, however, highlighted by him marching towards referee Michael Oliver to demand a free-kick - which was subsequently awarded. The official was lenient again with the Belgium midfielder by taking no action when he appeared to thrust an arm towards Gerrard’s face as the two tangled. Coutinho, the mastermind of last week’s 6-0 drubbing of Newcastle, had initially struggled in the frenetic derby atmosphere. However, early in the second half he played a fine through-ball, but Sturridge could not get round Tim Howard in a one-on-one situation and eventually fired into the side-netting. Distin had the ball in the next just before the hour from a Baines’ corner only for Oliver to disallow it after the usual pushing and holding in the penalty area, the referee booking Victor Anichebe for dissent. The Everton FC forward was lucky not to be punished further after an apparent - and pointless - dive midway in Liverpool’s half but, as he had done all game, the official showed leniency. Coutinho opted for delicacy as opposed to power and lifted a shot well over before Gerrard - after a swift passing exchange with Sturridge - was denied only by Distin’s goalline clearance after the midfielder had gone around Howard. Anichebe’s deflected shot ballooned up off Lucas Leiva and Jose Reina had to make a late decision to push it away as it threatened to creep inside the post before the match petered out in a goalless draw.

Liverpool FC 0 Everton FC 0 - final whistle report
by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo
May 5 2013
THE 220th Merseyside derby ended in stalemate as Liverpool and Everton fought out a 0-0 draw in the Premier League at Anfield. Chances came and went at both ends but neither side could provide sufficient quality in the final third to settle a frenetic contest. The Blues will rue referee Michael Oliver's decision to rule out Sylvain Distin's second-half header for a push, while Daniel Sturridge, Steven Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho all went close to securing maximum points for the Reds.
A share of the spoils means Everton look certain to finish above Liverpool for a second successive campaign as they are five points clear of their rivals with just two games to go. However, the Blues' 14-year wait for a victory at Anfield goes on and this was a game they needed to win in order to keep alive their hopes of securing Europa League qualification. Brendan Rodgers named an unchanged side following Liverpool's 6-0 victory over Newcastle as skipper Gerrard overcame a shoulder injury to start. There was just one change to the Everton team which beat Fulham 1-0 a week earlier with Darron Gibson returning at the expense of Nikica Jelavic, who dropped to the bench. Liverpool started the brighter with Sturridge dragging a shot wide from the edge of the box after being teed up by Coutinho. Gerrard stamped his authority on the contest and it was his searching long pass which found Sturridge in space. The striker's first touch took him clear of Phil Jagielka but his cross shot was hacked away by Distin. Sturridge had another opportunity soon after as he cut inside off the right but fired over the bar. Everton survived and were inches away from breaking the deadlock in the 17th minute. Leighton Baines swung a free-kick into the box and Marouane Fellaini held off the attentions of Jamie Carragher to send a volley just past the post from six yards. Referee Oliver showed great leniency on his derby debutant as he kept his cards on his pocket. First Gerrard and then Darron Gibson escaped with a talking to. The Blues grew in confidence as the first half progressed as they pressed high up the pitch and forced the hosts to drop deeper. However, Liverpool created the clearer chances. Just past the half hour mark Jordan Henderson latched on to Stewart Downing's deep cross and found Gerrard. The midfielder's goal-bound strike was brilliantly blocked by Jagielka. Gerrard curled a 25-yard free-kick narrowly wide before some more excellent defensive work from Jagielka prevented Coutinho from slotting home.
Three minutes into the second half the Blues had Tim Howard to thank for remaining on level terms.
Coutinho's defence-splitting pass set Sturridge clear but he opted to go around Howard, who spread himself well and parried his effort away. Seconds later Sturridge turned neatly in the box but blazed into the side netting. It was Everton cursing their misfortune just before the hour mark. Distin rose to nod home Baines' corner at the back post but the referee had already blown up for a push inside the area. Victor Anichebe's angry response to the decision earned him the first booking of the afternoon. Liverpool were soon back on the attack with Coutinho forcing a low save from Howard but there was no way through. Rodgers took action midway through the second half as Fabio Borini replaced Henderson. With 16 minutes to go Gerrard burst on to Sturridge's pass and went around Howard. However, his shot lacked sufficient power and Distin was able to get back and clear it off the line. Moyes brought on Nikica Jelavic for Mirallas, while Liverpool's second change saw Martin Skrtel come on for Downing. Daniel Agger nodded Gerrard's free-kick agonisingly wide before Enrique's low cross just evaded Borini. Everton rallied late on and Pepe Reina had to palm Ancihebe's deflected strike on to the woodwork.

Blues have improved a lot says Gerrard after 0-0 derby draw
Daily Post May 5 2013
Steven Gerrard admits Everton are 'difficult to beat' after Merseyside derby ends in stalemate
Liverpool's Steven Gerrard and Leon Osman of Everton battle it out in the 220th Merseyside derby
Steven Gerrard was disappointed Liverpool FC couldn't win Jamie Carragher's final Merseyside derby - but he credited Everton for their improvement as the sides played out a goalless draw at Anfield.
Everton FC had a Sylvain Distin goal ruled out in a tense clash as the two sides cancelled each other out in a game which marked veteran Liverpool FC defender Jamie Carragher’s 30th and final derby clash. The draw may have strengthened Everton’s chances of finishing above their near-neighbours in the same division for the second successive season - something which has not happened since 1937 - but they rarely came close to ending a 14-year winless run at Anfield. “We all wanted (a goal) at the end, mainly for this fella (Carragher) playing in his last derby,” Gerrard said. “Everton have improved a lot. They’ve had a good season and are difficult to beat and that sums our season up in a way. “We played well but lacked the cutting edge against the sides above us. We’ll take a point but we’re slightly disappointed it wasn’t three.” For Jamie Carragher, who will retire at the end of the season, the 0-0 draw was not quite the fairytale sign-off he had been hoping for against Liverpool FC’s greatest rivals. However, the 35-year-old one-club man believes today’s result was the right one. He said: “It’s a fair result. It wasn’t to be and a draw was a fair result. “There weren’t too many chances at either end. It was a tense derby if you like and credit to Everton. “Coming to Anfield and getting a draw is a good result. I’m slightly disappointed but a fair result in the end I think. “It was a good day. I’ve got a few games left with Liverpool. It was a big game derby and I would have liked to have won it but ultimately we didn’t lose.” Steven Gerrard also thinks Jamie Carragher will be missed in such clashes next season. He added: “You’ve seen his display today. “Since he’s been back in the team he’s been our most consistent player. “I wouldn’t like to be in Brendan Rodgers’ shoes when he’s trying to replace him in the summer.”

LIVERPOOL 0-EVERTON 0: JAMIE CARRAGHER FAILS TO BOW OUT OF DERBYS WITH WIN
Daily Star
And, in fairness, a draw was a fair result in a game where clear-cut chances were few and far between.
6th May 2013
By Kevin Francis
LIVERPOOL and Everton provided the perfect illustration of just why the Merseyside derby has now fallen right down the pecking order. A goalless draw at Anfield confirmed the thoughts of Everton boss David Moyes that this neighbourly get-together is now behind Manchester and anything that London can offer. Mersey derbies were once among the most eagerly-anticipated games of the season but, sadly, that no longer appears to be the case. Liverpool’s fall from grace over recent seasons, where a top four finish is no longer guaranteed, has been a contributory factor. And, while Everton now occupy a higher position than in seasons gone by, neither club is making a major impact on the Premier League scene. After this tussle, Everton are in sixth place on 60 points – five points ahead of seventh placed Liverpool. Everton can still finish above them for the second season on the bounce - something that hasn’t happened for more than 50 years. And, in fairness, a draw was a fair result in a game where clear-cut chances were few and far between. It was Jamie Carragher’s last-ever Merseyside derby and he was involved in the major talking point of the game when Everton had a ‘goal’ disallowed after 56 minutes. The Liverpool stalwart hangs up his boots at the end of the season and he lined up against Everton for the 30th and final time at Anfield.
But he was beaten in the air by Sylvain Distin who headed home what appeared to be a good goal with TV replays showing no obvious offence. Distin was physically stronger than Carragher, while Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina may have been slightly nudged by Victor Anichebe. Anichebe protested fiercely and was booked for his verbal assault by referee Mike Oliver – another harsh decision. The ‘no goal’ decision clearly angered Everton’s players who began to break the Liverpool dominance of proceedings after the incident. They kept the Anfield side on the ropes for lengthy periods in the second half with Anichebe proving to be something of a constant headache for their rearguard.
But Liverpool always did look dangerous, particularly when skipper Steven Gerrard was involved in any kind of attacking movement. Sturridge provided him with a fine pass after 74 minutes and Gerrard moved menacingly around keeper Howard before attempting to slip the ball home. But, just when the ball looked likely to creep over the goal-line, Distin appeared on the scene in the nick of time to clear the danger away. Sturridge, looking particularly on-song, was very effective for Liverpool, especially in an opening spell in which the home team dominated. Some of his interceptions and crosses from either flank were a joy to watch as he regularly caused havoc in the Everton defence. But, despite Liverpool’s control in the early stages, it was Everton who came closest to opening the scoring after 17 minutes. Leighton Baines whipped in a fine free-kick which Marouane Fellaini managed to reached with an outstretched foot at the expense of Carragher.
The ball flashed across the open goalmouth but narrowly missed the mark with a dejected Fellaini holding his head in his hands in despair. The near-miss, though, did inspire Everton to push forward more frequently against a team they had failed to defeat at Anfield in 14 years. Steven Pienaar caused plenty of problems with his incisive runs from midfield which invariably culminated in an opportunity for Fellaini or Anichebe. Liverpool twice came close in the 30th minute with Steven Gerrard at the centre of the action on both occasions. He blasted a pass from Jordan Henderson goalwards, only to see his low shot blocked by Phil Jagielka when a goal looked to be on the cards.
Then, when Jagielka fouled Henderson, England captain Gerrard saw his dangerous free-kick dip just over the bar. Jagielka produced a number of superb tackles, most notably when he brilliantly blocked Philippe Coutinho’s shot after 40 minutes when the Liverpool man had the goal at his mercy.
Coutinho then took full advantage of a terrible attempted back-pass from Fellaini after the interval, intercepting and passing to Sturridge. Sturridge burst through towards the left of the goalmouth but Everton keeper Howard did well to drop down and block what looked likely to be a goal-bound shot. All in all, derby game or not, it was really a neighbourly battle to forget as quickly as possible. Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Jose Enrique,Lucas, Gerrard, Downing (Skrtel 79), Henderson (Borini 66), Coutinho, Sturridge. Subs not used: Jones, Assaidi, Coates, Suso, Shelvey.
Everton: Howard, Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Mirallas (Jelavic 75), Osman, Gibson, Pienaar, Fellaini, Anichebe. Subs not used: Mucha, Hibbert, Heitinga, Oviedo, Naismith, Duffy.

Liverpool 0 - Everton 0: Mersey blues out of tune for Moyes
JAMIE Carragher will remember his last Merseyside derby with a sense of contentment, happy in the knowledge he at least kept those in blue at bay. But for everyone else at Anfield the memories will have already started to fade.
By: Paul Joyce
Mon, May 6, 2013 Daily Express
As befitting a game that, in reality, could only affect the order in which the also-rans finish, there was a low-key outcome that denied either side laying claim to bragging rights. One wait is now likely to end for Everton, who remain five points clear of their neighbours with two games to play as they seek to lord it over Liverpool for successive top-flight seasons for the first time in 76 years.
“We’re looking down on the reds,” sang the away fans, who kept themselves occupied during the frequent lulls by letting off a succession of flares that sent a blue mist around the ground.
Yet the smoke signals hardly represent a changing of the guard. The songs would have been rather more jubilant had the long quest to taste victory at Anfield not been prolonged. It is now 4,970 days since Kevin Campbell’s goal in 1999 secured an Everton success, though David Moyes pointed the finger of blame at referee Michael Oliver for extending that barren run after he disallowed a 56th-minute header from Sylvain Distin after Leighton Baines’ corner. Oliver’s decision to penalise Everton striker Victor Anichebe – who he had warned about jostling with his markers before the set-piece was taken – for an infringement was harsh . “It was a goal, clearly a legitimate goal,” claimed Everton boss Moyes. “The referee said Victor had impeded the goalkeeper, but it was the goalkeeper who ran into him. “You just wonder if he had already made his decision.
“It’s frustrating because people are quite quick to remind me that I have not won here at Anfield, but if you don’t get any decisions it’s very hard.” Other than an effort which went inches wide from Marouane Fellaini, who stuck out his right boot as he tussled with Carragher to reach another Baines’ centre, Everton struggled to seize their opportunity, though that should not be of great surprise. They lack the necessary stardust to push over the line. Hopes of Europa League qualification all but disappeared here and the same problem was evident in the recent stalemates with Tottenham and Arsenal. Remedying such a shortfall is an expensive task. That said, Moyes will have expected more from several of his players, in particular Kevin Mirallas, who flitted around the periphery when he needed to leave an indelible mark. The Belgium winger has scored just twice away from home in the league this season, a poor record which screams must do better.
The same is true of Liverpool. Despite the presence of banned striker Luis Suarez, ensconced in the directors’ box along with his wife and daughter, they lacked bite and either ran into the impregnable Phil Jagielka or one of his team-mates on the occasions they glimpsed goal. Jagielka blocked a Steven Gerrard shot that was sneaking into the corner of the net with his heel before conjuring a superb last-ditch tackle to deny Philippe Coutinho. Jordan Henderson’s clever flick appeared to offer Daniel Sturridge an opening until Seamus Coleman snuffed that out but, when the loose ball rebounded invitingly towards Coutinho, Jagielka launched into a clean, decisive challenge which sent the Brazilian hurtling into the air.

Liverpool 0-0 Everton: Moyes rues disallowed goal
Scotsman .
By CARL MARKHAM
May 6 2013
LIVERPOOL and Everton cancelled each other out in a forgettable 220th Merseyside derby bereft of incident – although Everton manager Davie Moyes was unhappy Sylvain Distin’s second-half header was ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper Jose Reina. The draw may have come close to confirming Everton will finish above their near-neighbours for the second successive season – something which has not happened since 1937 – but they rarely came close to ending a 14-year winless run at Anfield.
Midfielder Marouane Fellaini had the visitors’ best chance, volleying wide from close range in the first half, while Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard saw Distin clear off the line after the break. However, just three bookings in a game which has seen 20 red cards in the previous 41 meetings indicated a lack of bite. Sixth-placed Everton, a comfortable five points ahead of Liverpool, did not have enough in their locker to end their drought on enemy territory and Jamie Carragher, on his 30th and final Merseyside derby before retirement, had one of his quieter afternoons.
Similarly, without Luis Suare, the Reds struggled to break down a defence which was brilliantly marshalled by Phil Jagielka and Distin. Liverpool looked to utilise Daniel Sturridge’s pace early on
Coutinho had initially struggled in the frenetic derby atmosphere. But, early in the second half, he played a fine through ball but Sturridge could not get round Tim Howard in a one-on-one situation and eventually fired into the side-netting. Distin had the ball in the net just before the hour from a Baines’ corner only for Oliver to disallow it after the usual pushing and holding in the penalty area and book Victor Anichebe for dissent, although the goal looked legitimate to a number of observers, including Moyes. “It was a legitimate goal. The goalkeeper runs into Victor Anichebe and it is a goal,” he said. “The referee said Victor impeded the goalkeeper but the goalkeeper ran into him so it can’t possibly be a free-kick. It is not a foul.” Reds boss Brendan Rodgers had a different view of the incident, insisting referee Michael Oliver was right in his assessment.
“I think when you see it again the referee has good sight of it early,” he said.
Distin was lucky not to be punished further after an apparent – and pointless – dive midway in Liverpool’s half but, as he had done all game, the official showed leniency.
Coutinho opted for delicacy as opposed to power and lifted a shot well over before Gerrard was denied only by Distin’s goalline clearance after the midfielder had gone around Howard.
Anichebe’s deflected shot ballooned up off Lucas Leiva and Reina had to make a late decision to push it away as it threatened to creep inside the post. Thereafter, it was left to his colleagues to hold firm. Sturridge was released by Coutinho and rounded Tim Howard – only for his shot to be smothered. Gerrard suffered similar frustration, going past the American but finding Distin perfectly positioned to prevent his angled shot from breaking the deadlock. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers spoke about needing “courage” to play in such games and that it was Gerrard who repeatedly took up the initiative was even more remarkable than normal. A blood-curdling collision with Leon Osman after just seven minutes had left the Liverpool captain wincing, his left arm hanging like a dead weight due to the shoulder injury that will require surgery sooner rather than later. Yet Gerrard is accustomed to inspiring his team-mates single-handedly and the raking passes he proceeded to play were a delight and highlight just how important a cog he remains.
Soon that will no longer be said of Carragher, whose 30th and final derby before retirement looms was like so many of his other displays in a Liverpool shirt. The 35-year-old central defender gave no quarter and was keen to help the referee with almost every decision that he took.
“I thought they were pen pals,” said Moyes. It was a wisecrack which revealed a speed of thought that both sides had lacked.

Fitting farewell? David Moyes has made Everton the local heroes again
May 6 2013 The Daily Mirror
With just two games remaining, the Blues are virtually guaranteed to finish above their neighbours for the second successive season
But this goalless draw means he is set to achieve something over Liverpool that no Everton boss has done since Harry ¬Catterick. With just two games remaining, the Blues are virtually guaranteed to finish above their neighbours for the second successive season. And the last time they did that was more than half-a-century ago in 1962 when Bill Shankly brought Liverpool back to the top flight.
The Everton fans were certainly the happier at the final whistle and as one acerbic Kopite muttered on his way out, “You’d think they had won the league.” Everton may not have Liverpool’s resources, but they are clearly no longer the Reds’ poor relations. If Moyes does leave this summer, and that contract remains unsigned at Goodison, that is not a bad farewell present. Yes, a trophy would be better, a Champions League place or even a spot in the Europa League would be better.
But realistically, this is probably the best he could have managed this season with Everton punching so far above their weight. The Scot clearly has his eyes on bigger prizes though. “The comfort for me would be if we could qualify for Europe,” he said. “That would be my main objective and that hasn’t changed. “Everton haven’t done it that often – finishing above Liverpool – but it’s not something we look out for and I am sure it’s not something that Liverpool look for either. “We’ve very nearly got the best points total we have ever had. I think we got 61 a few years ago when we qualified for the Champions League. We are on 60 now so we’ve had a pretty good season.”

Jamie Carragher proud of Liverpool FC Merseyside derby record
By James Pearce
May 6 2013
Liverpool Echo
JAMIE CARRAGHER admits he will look back on his Merseyside derby record with great pride after insisting a share of the spoils was the “fair result” at Anfield. The Liverpool FC vice-captain, who is retiring later this month, was facing Everton for the 30th and final time in his illustrious career.
“I wouldn’t say I’m pleased with a draw but we’ve gone another one undefeated. I’m pleased with my record in these games. “I’ve always loved playing in derbies. I’ve always said for me it’s the biggest game and I will miss them. “I will be watching them next season and I will probably be even more nervous. When you play you can do something about it, but watching is very nerve racking.”
Daniel Sturridge and Steven Gerrard both went close to grabbing a winner for Liverpool, but Carragher believes the hosts didn’t do enough to secure maximum points. The centre-back also dismissed Everton’s complaints about referee Michael Oliver’s decision to disallow Sylvain Distin’s header from Leighton Baines’ corner in the second half. “To be honest, a draw was a fair result,” he said. “We had a couple of chances with Sturridge and then when Stevie went around the keeper.
“I can’t really remember them having too many chances but they were a danger from set-pieces. “I haven’t seen a replay (of the disallowed goal) but the referee spoke to Anichebe before the corner about getting in front of Pepe Reina. I think that’s what he gave it for. I don’t think it was for Distin on me. “They might be complaining about that but we can bring up the goal Luis Suarez had disallowed late on at Goodison. “We’re disappointed we didn’t win and I am sure Everton will be pleased. Credit to them as obviously it’s a better result for them than it is for us. If you go away from home and don’t get beat in a derby game it’s a good result.” The draw means Everton remain five points ahead of Liverpool with just two games to go, but Carragher shrugged off the significance of David Moyes’ side winning the race for sixth place. And the defender is determined to ensure the Reds sign off the campaign on a high with back to back wins against Fulham and relegated QPR.
“We’ve got two games to go and we can’t be thinking about Everton,” Carragher said.
“We are on a decent run and Southampton is the only defeat for a few months. “We need to keep going and try to finish off with a couple of wins. “Credit to Everton, they’ve had a great season. They have Chelsea away last game and before that West Ham at home. “You’d expect them to win that but you never know. We just need to concentrate on ourselves. “If we can finish above them then great, but as Stevie (Gerrard) said before the game, we shouldn’t be getting too concerned about whether we finish sixth or seventh. If it is was the difference between finishing in the top four or not then of course it would be massive. “But whether we’re sixth or seventh, it’s not the end of the world.”

Everton manager David Moyes blames the referee as Anfield jinx continues after goalless draw with Liverpool
Daily Telegrapgh
By Chris McKenna
May 6 2013
The Everton manager bemoaned the call from Oliver who appeared to blow for a foul by Victor Anichebe for impeding Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina before Distin rose above Jamie Carragher to nod home Leighton Baines’ corner. Moyes, who has been at Everton for 11 years, blamed their poor run that stretches back to 1999 at Liverpool’s famous ground down to bad luck on such decisions rather than any significant difference in class between the sides. “It was a goal, a legitimate goal,” claimed Moyes. “The goalkeeper runs into Victor Anichebe and it’s a goal. The referee said that Victor impeded the goalkeeper but it was actually the goalkeeper who ran into him.
“So it can’t possibly be a free kick. It is frustrating because people are quite quick to remind me that I have not won here at Anfield but if you don’t get any decisions it is very hard to win here. And that is quite a regular occurrence when we come to Anfield. “It was not a foul. It’s disappointing because it is not easy to come here and win. I need to have something going for me, you need to get something. “I have been here a lot and I have drawn here quite a lot. We have not won but maybe what we are coming here with, a draw isn’t that bad a result and maybe we don’t get the credit for that. I thought we had a good chance to win.” Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers saw the incident differently and commended the referee’s decision to act quickly while also dismissing suggestions that the decision was in any way comparable to Luis Suarez’s disallowed goal in the 2-2 draw when the sides met at Goodison Park earlier this season. “When you see it again, the referee has good sight of it early and as ball leaves the corner he blows up for foul. I wasn’t sure at the time if it was for Distin on Carragher or if it was Anichebe on Reina. “The referee saw it early and clear, I thought Michael was very good. He is a young referee who is coming through the game and he was excellent.
“I don’t think we were fortunate [on the Distin goal]. It is one of them ones were if you’re the manager like myself you see it as the correct one. I’m sure David [Moyes] will be disappointed it didn’t stand. “This was different to our decision to when we played at Goodison, that was clearly onside when he scored and if you look at this decision the referee has a clear view, the ball is in flight and before there is any contact [on the ball] he got his whistle blown.” The draw almost ensures Everton will finish above their rivals for a second successive season as they remain five points clear with two games remaining. Moyes insists reaching Europe has been their only concern but that is now almost beyond them as Everton trail fifth-placed Tottenham by five points with the London side having a game in hand. “The only thing that does matter for us is the European picture because we are trying to get back among the bigger boys and play on that stage as regularly as we can,” he said. “I don’t take comfort in finishing above Liverpool, for me it is about qualifying for Europe. That would be my main objective and that hasn’t changed.”

Injust-Dis! David Moyes spots Liverpool bias at Anfield after Distin 'goal' struck off
May 6 2013 The Daily Mirror
David Moyes last night accused officials of favouring Liverpool in derbies at Anfield and claimed Everton were robbed of a winner. Furious Moyes was adamant referee Michael Oliver bungled by disallowing Sylvain Distin’s header for a foul by Victor Anichebe on Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina.
The goalless draw maintained Moyes’ winless record at Anfield and he moaned Everton do not get big decisions here. “It was a goal, a legitimate goal,” said the Blues boss. “The goalkeeper runs into Victor Anichebe and it’s a goal. “The referee said that Victor impeded the goalkeeper, but it was actually the goalkeeper who ran into him so it can’t possibly be a free-kick. “It’s frustrating because people are quite quick to remind me that I haven’t won here at Anfield, but if you don’t get any decisions, it’s very hard to win here at Anfield. “And that is quite a regular occurrence when we come to Anfield.” Brendan Rodgers backed Oliver and claimed his decision was not as controversial as Luis Suarez’s wrongly-disallowed late ‘winner’ at Goodison Park this season. “This was different to our decision when we played at Goodison and that was clearly onside when he scored,” said the Reds boss. “If you look at this decision, the referee has a clear view, the ball is in flight and before there is any contact, he blew his whistle. “I don’t think we were fortunate. I thought Michael was very good today. He’s a young referee, who is coming through the game and he did excellent.”
Jamie Carragher agreed with Rodgers saying: “I felt a nudge in my back, but I’d heard the whistle just before Distin headed it anyway. But don’t forget Suarez at Goodison. “That never got mentioned before the game, but Jesus Christ! So maybe we have had one.”

David Moyes: referee was wrong to disallow Sylvain Distin's header
• Decision denied Everton their first Anfield win since 1999
• 'It was a goal, a legitimate goal,' says Everton manager
Andy Hunter at Anfield
The Guardian, May 5 2013
David Moyes claimed the referee Michael Oliver cost Everton a legitimate first win at Liverpool since 1999 with his decision to disallow Sylvain Distin's towering header at Anfield. The 220th Merseyside derby ended goalless despite the Everton defender converting Leighton Baines's 56th-minute corner, having beaten Jamie Carragher at the back post. The match official, however, blew for a foul by Victor Anichebe on Liverpool's goalkeeper, José Reina, having warned the Everton striker and José Enrique for grappling prior to the corner being taken. "You wonder if he was going to blow up no matter what," Moyes said. Everton's assistant manager, Steve Round, visited the match officials' room after an otherwise tame Merseyside derby, where Oliver confirmed the foul was for Anichebe on Reina, not on Enrique or Distin on Carragher. "It was a goal, a legitimate goal," said the angered Everton manager. "The goalkeeper runs into Victor Anichebe and it's a goal. The referee said that Victor impeded the goalkeeper but it was actually the goalkeeper who ran into him so it can't possibly be a free-kick. It is frustrating because people are quite quick to remind me that I have not won here at Anfield but if you don't get any decisions it is very hard to win here. And that is quite a regular occurrence when we come to Anfield. "It was not a foul. It's disappointing because it is not easy to come here and win. I need to have something going for me; you need to get something. I have been here a lot and I have drawn here quite a lot. We have not won but maybe what we are coming here with, a draw isn't that bad a result and maybe we don't get the credit for that. I thought we had a good chance to win." Moyes was also unhappy with the number of times that Carragher spoke to Oliver during the game. "I thought they were pen-pals," he said. Brendan Rodgers unsurprisingly took an opposing view of the Distin incident but rued the lack of a cutting edge in an otherwise improved second-half display. "I don't think we were fortunate," the Liverpool manager said. "It is one of those where if you're the manager like myself you see it as the correct one. I'm sure David will be disappointed it didn't stand. "This was different to the decision when we played at Goodison [when Luis Suárez was wrongly denied a late winner]. Luis was clearly onside when he scored and, if you look at this decision, the referee has a clear view, the ball is in flight and before there is any contact from Distin he got his whistle blown. The decision was clear and that was Everton's best possibility to score from a set piece. They are strong and aggressive but I thought we coped with that well."

Tim Howard vows Everton FC will keep trying, despite Merseyside derby disappointment
By Greg O'Keeffe
May 6 2013
TIM HOWARD insists Everton will not allow their season to fizzle out – despite the disappointment of a disallowed derby goal which likely ended their lingering hopes of Europe. The Blues were held to a 0-0 draw with Liverpool which will make catching fifth-placed Tottenham unlikely, and the USA international acknowledged that they otherwise didn’t do enough to beat their rivals at Anfield.
Howard was adamant Sylvain Distin’s header – which was ruled out by referee Michael Oliver for a supposed foul in the build-up by Victor Anichebe – should have stood, but the goalkeeper knows his side are now relying on Spurs to drop points if they are to make the Europa League. He said: "I didn’t see it until afterwards when we watched the replay and it was 100% never a foul. It’s hard when the big calls go against you. It’s one thing if we don’t score the goal – say if he’d headed it wide and then the whistle goes for the foul. "But you need that bit of luck for decisions not to go against you in big games. I thought the referee was actually okay and apart from that got most things right. Unfortunately that happens. "Where you finish in the table isn’t about one decision though. We didn’t create enough really clear cut chances to win the game and I think it was a fair result. "As far as Europe is concerned, if we can still do it we need to pick up the last two wins and get them in the bag. We’re relying on Spurs slipping up and we’ve always had to rely on that in terms of this race really. We needed to help ourselves as well but that’s kind of what can happen when you’re in the chasing pack." Howard maintained that there will be no despondency from the Toffees, even if finish above Liverpool for the second successive season is to be their only reward from a promising campaign. And he was quick to emphasis the impressive display from Everton’s backline, who stifled a team that scored six against Newcastle at St James’ Park last weekend. "They scored a lot of goals last week but we always knew that wasn’t going to happen to us," he said. "We get about the pitch really well and played really well defensively. "At this end of the season every game’s a slug-fest and I don’t think you’ll ever get despondency from this team or this manager. In that respect we’ll be fine until the end. "I felt we had most of the first half without maybe dominating but we had some good chances. For the most part we were right in the thick of it. "Second half they came out flying and for the first 10 minutes we couldn’t find any rhythm to get out of it so we had to just dig in and get men behind it. Bbut once it settled down I thought we showed good resilience."

LFC 0 EFC 0 - Blues rue disallowed goal
Liverpool Echo May 6 2013
EVERTON came so close to finlly winning at Anfield as a disallowed goal ensured the Merseyside derby ended in a goalless draw, Sylvain Distin thought he'd scored, only for the referee to decide otherwise. At the other end, Daniel Sturridge, Steven Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho all went close to securing maximum points for the Reds. A share of the spoils means Everton look certain to finish above Liverpool for a second successive campaign as they are five points clear of their rivals with just two games to go. However, the Blues' 14-year wait for a victory at Anfield goes on and this was a game they needed to win in order to keep alive their hopes of securing Europa League qualification.
Brendan Rodgers named an unchanged side following Liverpool's 6-0 victory over Newcastle as skipper Gerrard overcame a shoulder injury to start. There was just one change to the Everton team which beat Fulham 1-0 a week earlier with Darron Gibson returning at the expense of Nikica Jelavic, who dropped to the bench. Liverpool started the brighter with Sturridge dragging a shot wide from the edge of the box after being teed up by Coutinho. Gerrard stamped his authority on the contest and it was his searching long pass which found Sturridge in space. The striker's first touch took him clear of Phil Jagielka but his cross shot was hacked away by Distin. Sturridge had another opportunity soon after as he cut inside off the right but fired over the bar. Everton survived and were inches away from breaking the deadlock in the 17th minute. Leighton Baines swung a free-kick into the box and Marouane Fellaini held off the attentions of Jamie Carragher to send a volley just past the post from six yards. Referee Oliver showed great leniency on his derby debutant as he kept his cards on his pocket. First Gerrard and then Darron Gibson escaped with a talking to. The Blues grew in confidence as the first half progressed as they pressed high up the pitch and forced the hosts to drop deeper. However, Liverpool created the clearer chances. Just past the half hour mark Jordan Henderson latched on to Stewart Downing's deep cross and found Gerrard. The midfielder's goal-bound strike was brilliantly blocked by Jagielka. Gerrard curled a 25-yard free-kick narrowly wide before some more excellent defensive work from Jagielka prevented Coutinho from slotting home.
Three minutes into the second half the Blues had Tim Howard to thank for remaining on level terms.
Coutinho's defence-splitting pass set Sturridge clear but he opted to go around Howard, who spread himself well and parried his effort away. Seconds later Sturridge turned neatly in the box but blazed into the side netting. It was Everton cursing their misfortune just before the hour mark. Distin rose to nod home Baines' corner at the back post but the referee had already blown up for a push inside the area. Victor Anichebe's angry response to the decision earned him the first booking of the afternoon. Liverpool were soon back on the attack with Coutinho forcing a low save from Howard but there was no way through. Rodgers took action midway through the second half as Fabio Borini replaced Henderson. With 16 minutes to go Gerrard burst on to Sturridge's pass and went around Howard. However, his shot lacked sufficient power and Distin was able to get back and clear it off the line. Moyes brought on Nikica Jelavic for Mirallas, while Liverpool's second change saw Martin Skrtel come on for Downing. Daniel Agger nodded Gerrard's free-kick agonisingly wide before Enrique's low cross just evaded Borini. Everton rallied late on and Pepe Reina had to palm Ancihebe's deflected strike on to the woodwork.

LFC 0 Everton FC 0 - Greg O'Keeffe's verdict as Blues Europe hopes go up in smoke
By Greg O'Keeffe
May 6 2013
SMOKE gets in your eyes – well, maybe that was Michael Oliver’s excuse. Perhaps the Northumberland official simply had his sight blurred by one of several smoke bombs which were let off in the Anfield Road by the travelling Blues, when he inexplicably ruled out Sylvain Distin’s legitimate goal in the 220th Merseyside derby. But if Oliver was rubbing his eyes afterwards, in truth, so were many of the spectators who witnessed a largely underwhelming affair that ultimately did nothing for Everton’s already slim chances of making Europe. As the Blues’ ambitions of fifth place are reduced to vapours, it’s a good job they can at least cling to one thing which will provide some garnish to a positive season that is nevertheless unlikely to offer any tangible sign of progress.
City supremacy, rightly dismissed by David Moyes as irrelevant before his side’s trip across Stanley Park yesterday, is now almost certainly all they have to play for – and it will be a small fillip whatever anyone says to the contrary. Moyes was rightly disgruntled afterwards but it would be stretching things to push Oliver into the same bracket as Clive Thomas and Mark Clattenburg. Everton were entitled to feel aggrieved, but there was enough time to right the injustice themselves. The more philosophical of Evertonians will likely concede that their team just didn’t quite do enough offensively to earn their long overdue first victory at Anfield in 14 years. They defended heroically. Nobody could ask for more from a superb backline marshalled by a skipper in Phil Jagielka who must be the most in-form English central defender in the Premier League. But when it counted their final ball was consistently errant, and Victor Anichebe – tasked with roughing up Daniel Agger and Jamie Carragher as he has others so impressively this season – had precious little service. More was expected of Kevin Mirallas. The Belgian forward tormented Andre Wisdom at Goodison last October, but despite initial signs of promise in the early stages he quickly regressed and failed to provide the game-changing moment he has within his capability. At least nobody could accuse the Blues of being defeated before they took to the pitch. So often they are levelled with accusations of negativity in Anfield derbies; stifled by the weight of their onerous lack of success in their rival’s back yard. But Everton started brightly, and played like a team which rightly remains five points ahead of their more expensively assembled neighbours – unfortunately Tottenham remain five points ahead of the Blues, and are showing no signs of slipping up. Brendan Rodgers is likely to have room to manoeuvre in the transfer window this summer to enable his club to further compete next season.
What of Moyes – if he sticks around? That’s for the watching Bill Kenwright to answer, who must fight for his manager to be able to spend as much of the forthcoming new TV money as possible.
In an interview beforehand, Jagielka pointed out that in big games over the years Everton have all too often failed to find a cutting edge up front since Yakubu’s first (and only) prolific season. That remains their most immediate area of concern if they are to truly muscle into the top four. Anichebe has many qualities but he is unlikely ever to be a 20-goal-a-season hit man, and the jury is reluctantly out on Nikica Jelavic’s long-term viability. They might have gone clay pigeon shooting last week as a team-bonding exercise, but when it mattered Everton failed to hit the target again. Distin’s goal aside of course, they had arguably the game’s best chance when Marouane Fellaini volleyed agonisingly wide in the first half. Thankfully their hosts also struggled in front of goal, frustrated by a solid Royal Blue defensive wall. The smell of cordite from the initial smoke bombs had barely faded when the excellent Distin made a crucial block from Daniel Sturridge’s low cross after Liverpool surged down Everton’s right. In turn the Toffees went probing, and Steven Pienaar tried his luck with a snap-shot that fizzed past Pepe Reina’s near post. Sturridge’s pace was a threat, but Everton dealt with it and committed enough men forward to stretch the Reds, with Seamus Coleman an ever willing runner on the overlap. Still, Sturridge scuffed an effort from the edge of the area after Johnson was given too much space to cut inside and find the former Chelsea striker.
Then Jagielka contributed an immaculately timed block to deny Phillipe Coutinho as the gifted Brazilian waited to pull the trigger near the penalty spot. Despite those scares Moyes’ men shaded the first half and might have used the encouragement gained to dominate after the break. Instead they had a dip in tempo as Liverpool became the dominant force, at least until the game’s major talking point arrived with Distin’s disallowed header. It was tough to take but still sparked Everton back into the game, as they regained some momentum and worried Reina with a couple of speculative efforts from Leon Osman and Mirallas. Then Anichebe’s deflected shot almost looped bizarrely past Reina who was forced to push it behind for a corner. Everton had the greater incentive to grab the points but couldn’t create a clear opening. They pressed forward but it wasn’t enough to end a pitiful winless streak or to keep Europe a going concern. A win against West Ham next Saturday is now required to ensure a second successive finish above their arch rivals.
But Everton’s ambitions should remain beyond bragging rights, and they’re going to need to spend in the summer to ensure they can match them.

Liverpool FC 0 Everton FC 0 - little to celebrate for LFC or EFC
By Ian Doyle
May 6 2013
THE dodgy pyrotechnics among the travelling support weren’t the only things off colour at Anfield yesterday. Come the final whistle, Goodison owner Bill Kenwright punched the air in satisfaction and David Moyes led his players to salute their supporters. But as both sets of fans shuffled out into the warm sunshine, the realisation swiftly dawned there was precious little for Liverpool or Everton to celebrate. Indeed, anybody wanting to know why the city’s two clubs, once bastions of the English league, are instead now scrapping over sixth place need only observe the evidence of a tepid and uninspiring 90 minutes. This was a Merseyside derby in name only, one that would most likely face similar scrutiny under the Trade Descriptions Act as the supposedly blue flare that instead spewed purple smoke across Anfield to comic effect. Jamie Carragher, making his 30th and final appearance in the derby, will rightly cherish the occasion, but for everybody else the afternoon will not linger long in the memory banks. With the suspended Luis Suarez sat in the stands, it was a derby that lacked bite in many aspects. Kenwright’s elation at its conclusion was curious. Yes, there was the satisfaction of a draw that makes it almost certain Everton will finish above their neighbours in successive top-flight seasons for the first time in 76 years. But failure to win makes it incredibly difficult for the Goodison outfit to realise their season’s aim of European qualification; the road to the Champions League has now closed while Europa League hopes rely on an unlikely collapse from fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur. Of course, it could be that Moyes’s post-match salute to the away fans was him waving goodbye to the fixture given his future, which remains to be reconciled, was at least partly dependent on European football. Should he leave, he will do so having not won at Anfield in 12 attempts, Everton still waiting on a first win across Stanley Park since 1999.
Moyes’s belief his team rarely receive the rub of the green in these fixtures was reinforced on 56 minutes by the decision of referee Michael Oliver to chalk off a Sylvain Distin header following an earlier push by Victor Anichebe on Pepe Reina. While a hugely debatable call, it was nevertheless one Oliver had pre-empted by warning Anichebe for a similar offence as Leighton Baines prepared to deliver an inswinging corner from the right. That Brendan Rodgers later drew attention to Suarez’s wrongly-disallowed last-gasp strike in October’s Goodison derby will have hardly lightened Moyes’s mood. Liverpool were in the unusual position of having nothing to play for but parochial pride. And although their Scouse heartbeat of Carragher and the excellent Steven Gerrard were up for the fight, there was a distinct and perhaps understandable lack of edge to the Anfield outfit’s performance.
It all contributed to a deeply underwhelming afternoon that had started with a show of gratitude from the Kop, which spelt out the word “Thanks” in a mosaic for the support Everton and their followers have given to the ongoing quest for justice for the victims of the Hillsborough disaster.
While Liverpool were unsurprisingly unchanged from the team that thrashed Newcastle United 6-0 last weekend, the return of Darron Gibson for the visitors meant Nikica Jelavic again dropped to the bench with Anichebe the lone striker. However, there was nothing negative about Everton’s approach as they pressed from the first whistle and enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges.
The one chance created in that period came from a set-piece, a Baines delivery from the right finding its way through to Marouane Fellaini at the far post, whose improvised volley flashed across goal and wide. Liverpool, though, gradually worked their way into the game and only a timely intervention by Phil Jagielka prevented the home side from forging ahead on 31 minutes.
Released by Glen Johnson down the right, Stewart Downing’s deep cross eventually found Jordan Henderson whose cutback was met by Gerrard only for Jagielka’s outstretched right foot to block the Liverpool skipper’s goalbound effort. Jagielka was again to the rescue five minutes before the interval. After Henderson had flicked on the freshly-shorn Philippe Coutinho’s driven pass to the edge of the area, Seamus Coleman tackled Daniel Sturridge before Jagielka threw himself in front of the incoming Coutinho to block the Brazilian’s shot. While low on quality, the flow of the game was aided by referee Oliver’s reluctance to dish out the cards, although Fellaini sailed close to the wind with his flailing arms on more than one occasion. Liverpool began the second half in the ascendancy. The lively Coutinho read Fellaini’s intentions and stole possession before playing Sturridge clear, only for the striker to be forced wide by good goalkeeping from Tim Howard and then, later in the same attack, smashing into the side-netting from an acute angle. Everton responded, but once Distin’s effort was ruled out, their forward drive appeared to wane and, as has become a feature in recent weeks, they tired during the final quarter in which the French centre-back contributed at the other end by clearing a goalbound Gerrard shot after the Liverpool skipper had burst on to a Sturridge pass and skipped beyond Howard. The goalless stalemate seemed apt given the league table suggests there is little to choose between the two teams. But while there may have been fireworks in the crowd yesterday, the Premier League party continues to take place away from Merseyside.

David Moyes blasts Merseyside derby referee for disallowed goal
By Ian Doyle
May 6 2013
DAVID MOYES blasted referee Michael Oliver after claiming Everton were robbed a first derby win at Anfield in almost 14 years. The Goodison outfit saw their hopes of European qualification fade further with a goalless stalemate at Liverpool in yesterday’s 220th Merseyside derby.
In a game of little incident, the main talking point transpired in the 56th minute when Sylvain Distin headed home Leighton Baines’s deep corner only for the ‘goal’ to be chalked off by referee Oliver for a foul by Victor Anichebe on Pepe Reina. And a fuming Moyes said it was typical of the officiating he believes has contributed to him still waiting for a first win at Anfield as Everton manager after 12 attempts. “It was a goal, a legitimate goal,” said the Scot. “The goalkeeper runs into Victor Anichebe and it's a goal. “The referee said that Victor impeded the goalkeeper but it was actually the goalkeeper who ran into him. So it can't possibly be a free-kick. “It is frustrating because people are quite quick to remind me that I have not won here at Anfield but if you don't get any decisions it is very hard to win here at Anfield. “And that is quite a regular occurrence when we come to Anfield.”
Moyes added: “It was not a foul. It's disappointing because it is not easy to come here and win. I need to have something going for me, you need to get something. “I have been here a lot and I have drawn here quite a lot. We have not won but maybe what we are coming here with, a draw isn't that bad a result and maybe we don't get the credit for that. “I thought we had a good chance to win.”
With Chelsea winning at Manchester United in yesterday’s later Premier League match, Everton cannot now qualify for the Champions League. And given the Goodison outfit are five points adrift of Tottenham Hotspur in fifth place and the sole Europa League berth, it appears likely Everton will miss out on European football again, much to the disappointment of Moyes. “The only thing that does matter for us is the European picture because we are trying to get back among the bigger boys and play on that stage as regularly as we can,” he said. “But we have very nearly got the best points total we have ever had. We are on 60 now so we've had a pretty good season and I will be disappointed if we don't get rewarded for it.” Yesterday’s draw keeps Everton five points ahead of Liverpool and keeps them on course to finish above their neighbours in consecutive top-flight seasons for the first time since 1937. But when asked if there was any comfort in that fact, Moyes said: “No. The comfort for me would be if we could qualify for Europe. That would be my main objective and that hasn't changed. “Everton haven't done it that often – finishing above Liverpool. It's not something we look out for and I am sure it's not something that Liverpool look for either.
“For us, it's about trying to make progress against the good sides in the division.”
Moyes also had praise for Phil Jagielka, who produced two fine blocks in the first half to preserve Everton’s clean sheet. “Jags was right up there with the best,” he added. “I thought he did some brilliant stuff and he is playing very, very well at the minute.”

Merseyside derby goal should have stood, says Everton FC boss David Moyes
By Greg O'Keeffe
May 6 2013
EVERTON FC manager David Moyes was left ruing referee Michael Oliver’s decision to rule out Sylvain Distin’s goal – a decision that might have cost him a first ever victory at Anfield.
Blues defender Distin nodded in from a Leighton Baines corner on 55 minutes but the effort was ruled out for Victor Anichebe’s supposed infringement against Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina.
Moyes said: "It was a goal. It was a legitimate goal. The goalkeeper runs into Victor Anichebe and it’s a goal. "He [the referee] said Victor impeded the goalkeeper but it was actually the goalkeeper who ran into him so it can’t possibly be a free-kick. "It’s very frustrating because you people [the Press] are very quick to remind me that I haven’t won at Anfield. "If we don’t get any decisions at Anfield it makes it very difficult to win. "That’s quite a regular occurrence when we come here."
Everton assistant manager Steve Round had the reasoning behind the decision explained to him after the game but Moyes said: "Have you seen it again? You all know then that it’s not a foul.
"It’s disappointing, you keep reminding me about not winning but bloody hell I need to get something going for me you know. You score a good goal you need to get something.
"I’ve been here a lot and I’ve drawn a lot. Maybe with what we’re coming for, draws aren’t bad results and sometimes maybe we don’t get the credit for that. "I thought we had a good chance to win. Liverpool had opportunities as well, I expect that every time I come to Anfield, the ball is whizzing past the post with the attacking options they’ve got. "I thought in the main we kept it to a real minimum." Everton’s failure to win means that qualification for European football looks increasingly unlikely which for Moyes is a big frustration. He said: ""The only thing that does matter is the European picture for the football club at Everton. "We’re trying to get back among the bigger boys and play on that stage as regularly as we possibly can. "We’ve already nearly got the best points total we’ve ever had. "We got 61 a few years ago and we’re on 60 now so we’ve had a pretty good season and it will be disappointing if we don’t get rewarded for it but we’ll try and win the last two games and see if we can get some reward for it. "The players throughout the year have been consistent and the level of performance has been very good. "I wouldn’t get any comfort from the prospect of finishing above Liverpool for a second successive season. "The comfort for me would be to qualify for Europe and that would be my main objective and it doesn’t change. "Everton haven’t done it that often – finishing above Liverpool – it’s not something we play upon and I’m sure it’s not something Liverpool will be looking out for." He added: "For us, it’s showing that we’re trying to make progress against a lot of the good sides in the division. "There was a lot said about the run-in we had. We’ve been to Tottenham, Arsenal and here today. "We’ve defended terrifically well in all those games – some of the players’ performances have been outstanding. "We’ve just lacked a little bit in the final third. It’s shown up a wee bit recently. It wasn’t showing up at the start of the season because we were scoring for fun but it’s a little bit more noticeable at this time of the season."
Although Everton’s quest for Europe now seems remote, they remain on course to finish above their neighbours for the first time in back-to-back seasons for 50 years. Moyes said: "Coming here is a tough ask, it’s a big thing. "It’s a great football club with great traditions, every time you come through the door you know you’re coming into a real arena of football. I’m Everton manager but you do think that when you come here. "I don’t want to come here and talk about the cash because you might think I do that every year but it’s a factor. "We’re a long way down on a Tottenham or an Arsenal or a Liverpool in truth. "Today when you were watching the game you weren’t thinking about that, you were only thinking about two teams of 11 trying to compete. "You might discuss it afterwards but nobody was thinking that when it was on and that’s what football is like."
Moyes remained pleased with his side’s general performance and hailed the contribution of captain Phil Jagielka. He said: "We played well in the first half, Liverpool picked up in the second half but I thought we were steady enough. "It was a tight game. There was a lot at stake in terms of the pride of winning the game and I thought both teams were committed to trying to do that. "Jagielka was right up with the best today, he really was. He’s playing very well at the moment." However, the Blues boss did have one major grievance with his players – the final delivery into the box.
He said: "It was terrible. There were a couple of short corners just before half-time where we didn’t deliver it in, I was disappointed but I’ve got to give credit to the goalkeeper, he came and caught the ball and made it look easy."

Everton FC analysis: Phil Jagielka leads by colossal example
By David Prentice
May 6 2013
PHIL JAGIELKA led Everton out for the first time in a derby match with words of advice from his boss ringing in his ears. "I don’t want him to be Phil Neville’s clone but I want him to look at some of the traits that Phil has and if he does that it will benefit him." Jagielka clearly didn’t listen.
While Neville is a talker, an encourager, an organiser, Jagielka leads by example. And his example yesterday was colossal. The Blues central defender produced the kind of inspirational defensive display at Anfield which was once the preserve of Everton icons like Dave Watson, Kevin Ratcliffe and Brian Labone. And it was an attitude which spread throughout his side. Jagielka policed the in-form Daniel Sturridge superbly. The first-half block with his trailing leg to deny Steven Gerrard was pivotal, but not quite as impressive as the outstanding last ditch lunge to block Philippe Coutinho.
And his performance suggested that Everton will have no fears about the leadership of their club when Neville leaves for pastures new at the end of the season. His contribution ensured that the Blues forged a sixth clean sheet in their last eight matches – a run which has included visits to The Emirates and Anfield and a visit from the then reigning champions. Defensively Everton were excellent, but when they needed something special in the final third it was sorely lacking.
If Jagielka was colossal, Kevin Mirallas was frustratingly anonymous. The mercurial winger who ran Liverpool ragged for 45 minutes in the first derby of the season six months ago, was a peripheral figure throughout. He looked lightweight and overawed – and with Everton desperate for somebody to make a difference at the top end of the pitch showed little of the running and dribbling which has unnerved Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool earlier this season. Everton’s need for a man to make things happen was underlined by their list of current derby heroes. If Sylvain Distin’s goal had stood, he would have been the Blues current leading scorer against the Reds, with his second goal.
As it was Everton’s inability to find a pass in the final third stretched their miserable Anfield run into a 13th Premier League match. But with leadership like Jagielka’s they will be confident of avoiding an unwanted place in the record books. The longest unbeaten derby game run in home matches is held by Liverpool when Everton failed to beat them in the League for 14 games between the 1970/71 and 1984/85 seasons. The Blues are one short of that tally. The latest Anfield affair had little remember it by, bar a magnificent performance by an inspirational leader.

Liverpool FC 0 Everton FC 0 - James Pearce's verdict as different reactions speak volumes
By James Pearce
May 6 2013
EXPECT the DVD to be available in the Everton club shop tomorrow. As Liverpool’s players walked away from an instantly forgettable 220th Merseyside derby with frustration etched across their faces, the celebrations were underway in the away end. Those scenes were replicated in the directors box’ with visiting chairman Bill Kenwright greeting the final whistle with a triumphant shout of ‘yes’. It was hard to believe that Everton had just suffered a result which effectively ended their hopes of securing European qualification. They had taken a point off Liverpool and what it meant to them was clear for all to see. The contrasting reaction of two great rivals spoke volumes in the aftermath of a dour stalemate, which was high on commitment but desperately low on quality.
The Blues enjoyed their day in the sunshine across Stanley Park and will cherish the fact they now look certain to finish above the Reds in successive top flight campaigns for the first time since 1937.
But as Steven Gerrard, who was once again the outstanding performer on derby day, succinctly put in the build-up to the game: ‘Sixth or seventh, does it really matter?’ Mid-table mediocrity, no matter how you dress it up, will never be toasted at Anfield and rightly so. Talk of a power shift having taken place on Merseyside is premature. The reality is that Everton still haven’t won an away derby in 14 attempts stretching back 14 years. Since the last time there was an addition to the Goodison trophy cabinet, Liverpool have lifted two FA Cups, three League Cups, the European Cup, the UEFA Cup and two European Super Cups. The Reds may be left looking up at the Blues in a fortnight but it’s hardly all doom and gloom. In fact they are infinitely better placed to push on this summer. Those dark days of autumn, when Liverpool toiled in the early stages of Brendan Rodgers’ reign following a wretched end to the transfer window, left them playing catch-up.
But in the second half of the campaign progress has been swift and just one defeat in the past 10 league games illustrates that. With some key additions to Rodgers’ squad over the coming months, there is good reason to believe they can mount a serious challenge next term to regain their spot among the Premier League’s elite. Liverpool always looked the slicker, more potent attacking unit on the 100th Anfield clash between the clubs. Everton dropped deeper and deeper to protect their point but in the final third the Reds fell short. Daniel Sturridge failed to hit the heights he had reached against Newcastle a week earlier as the £12million striker squandered the opportunity to be a derby hero. In fairness to Sturridge he was isolated for long periods and crowded out but on the rare occasions he did wriggle free his touch and composure deserted him. Fellow derby debutant Philippe Coutinho fared considerably better as the little Brazilian benefited from the fact this fixture’s usual brutal intensity and physicality was lacking. Remarkably, it was nearly an hour before referee Michael Oliver got his book out. Coutinho was able to weave his magic with some mazy runs and a few touches of class to carve Everton apart but moments of real promise fizzled out. How Liverpool could have done with Luis Suarez to help tip the balance. The suspended Uruguayan, making his first visit to Anfield since he bit Branislav Ivanovic, watched on with his family. Everton’s complaints about Sylvain Distin’s disallowed goal early in the second half cut no ice. Oliver had already spoken to Victor Anichebe about his penchant for wrestling at corners. Anichebe failed to heed the warning and Everton paid the price Considering the manner in which David Moyes’ side escaped from Goodison with a point back in October, when Suarez’s late winner was wrongly disallowed for offside, the Blues can hardly bleat about the rub of the green. In fact Anichebe was lucky to stay on the pitch – getting away with a theatrical tumble having already been booked for dissent. Before kick-off there was warm applause from all sides of Anfield as the mosaic on the Kop said ‘Thanks’ to Everton for their support over Hillsborough. Yet, sadly, the show of solidarity didn’t last long. A section of visiting fans chanted ‘Murderers’ during the game and then ‘Justice for the 39’ after the final whistle – sick references to Heysel. On the pitch, there was little to excite. Liverpool started the brighter but twice Sturridge failed to hit the target after working his way into space.Despite being hampered by a shoulder injury, Gerrard was a class apart, snapping into tackles and spraying inch perfect 50-yard passes to turn defence into attack. There was a let-off when Marouane Fellaini volleyed Leighton Baines’ free-kick just wide but for the most part Everton sat back and posed little threat. It wasn’t the result Jamie Carragher wanted in his final derby but the centre-back could hold his head high after another faultless display. This was another defensive masterclass from Carragher which underlined what a gaping hole the vice-captain will leave in Rodgers’ squad when he hangs up his boots in a fortnight. Having faced the Blues on 30 occasions during his illustrious career, you can count the number of derby defeats Carragher has tasted on one hand. Unfortunately for the Reds, they came up against an equally resolute backline in which Phil Jagielka excelled. Twice, the Everton skipper made vital interventions – blocking Gerrard’s goal-bound shot before preventing Coutinho from netting the rebound after Sturridge had been denied by Seamus Coleman. Early in the second half Coutinho’s wonderful vision set Sturridge clear but he opted to go around Tim Howard and the keeper made a sprawling save. At the other end Distin rose to nod home Baines’ corner but Oliver had already blown to penalise Anichebe. Gerrard could have settled it when he burst on to Sturridge’s neat through ball. However, after skipping past Howard, the captain was forced wide and Distin got back to clear off the line. With passes going astray and both full-backs struggling to make an impact, Liverpool were unable to sustain any real momentum.Agger headed Gerrard’s inviting free-kick just wide as the visitors held on for the result they came for. Moyes insisted that finishing above the Reds didn’t matter to Everton. The scenes at the final whistle told a different story.

Everton Ladies 2 Chelsea Ladies 1 - Jill Scott goal gives Blues the win
May 7 2013
Share on print AN INJURY-time Jill Scott strike ensured a 2-1 victory for Everton Ladies in an exciting encounter at the Arriva Stadium. The Blues skipper latched onto a long ball in the dying minutes before looping an effort over advancing Chelsea keeper Shannon Lynn. The Blues had taken the lead in the 34th minute when Alex Greenwood’s excellent centre was converted at the far post by Toni Duggan. Chelsea drew level just after the restart when Eni Aluko put strike partner Sofia Jakobson clear and her powerful drive beat Everton stopper Rachel Brown-Finnis, whose efforts to save proved to be in vain. A lively opening saw chances for both teams, Duggan latched onto a through ball from Michelle Hinnigan but her effort went narrowly wide with Lynn helpless. Chelsea responded three minutes later when the ever dangerous Aluko forced a smart save from Brown-Finnis. The Chelsea forward then reacted quickest and her square pass saw Blues right-back Vicky Jones miraculously block a Helen Ward effort at point blank range. An end to end game ensued but theThe Toffees made the decisive break just after the half hour mark when the impressive Greenwood overlapped Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, and delivered a pinpoint cross which was tucked home by the hard-working Duggan. Chelsea responded immediately after the break. Aluko latched onto a through ball and ran at Lindsay Johnson before playing in Jakobson who finished at an angle.The goal though inspired a renewed vigour in the Everton ranks.With the game looking like a stalemate, manager Andy Spence introduced 18-year-old Simone Magill on the 80 minute mark and the substitution almost paid immediate dividends. First she had a shot well saved by Lynn then her dangerous cross was miscued by Duggan. With time running out it was Scott’s moment to grab the headlines when a long hopeful pass from the back was latched onto by the midfielder, whose delicious chip sealed the win for Everton, breaking Chelsea hearts. Everton boss Andy Spence said: "I think in the end, with all the chances we created and the way we pushed in the second half in particular, the result was fair. I think we would have been disappointed had we not come away with the win, and all in all, I am happy with the three points."

Don't blame the ref for derby draw, says Everton FC's Sylvain Distin
By Greg O'Keeffe May 7 2013
SYLVAIN DISTIN has refused to slam derby referee Michael Oliver for the blunder which he believes cost Everton FC a crucial victory. The French defender admits that he was baffled at why his second-half header was ruled out at Anfield on Sunday, apparently for a foul by team-mate Victor Anichebe on Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina. But Distin, 35, was reluctant to criticise Oliver too severely, and instead believes Everton must try to be positive about their clean sheet across the park.
He said: "We’ve been disallowed a goal that was perfectly right, but that happens in football and we have to accept it. "When I scored, I didn’t really understand or see what happened. I asked Vic and he said he didn’t commit a foul. "We looked at in the dressing room after the game on the video and I can’t see a foul. "It’s not even something soft. "If there was a foul, then there is a foul at every free-kick or set-piece. "So we’re a bit disappointed because it seems like this is a place where I like to score! "I would have been happy with another one, but we are still happy with the performance."Despite his frustration at being denied a potential first win at Anfield since 1999, Distin acknowledged that the rules around jostling in the penalty during set-pieces area make it difficult for officials. "I don’t think it is clear and at the end of the day, it is the judgement of one man which is the referee," he added. "It is for him to decide if it is a foul or not. "It’s definitely easier to have a look at it in the dressing room in slow-motion and from different angles. "Sometimes when you’re on the pitch and it’s live, it’s difficult. "I’m not blaming the referee or judging him or anything. "I can understand because we all make mistakes – we make mistakes as players, they make mistakes as referees. "I’m just a little bit disappointed but it’s still a good result."

Ian Snodin: Steven Naismith needs to be patient to get his chance at Everton FC
May 7 2013
I WONDER what Steven Naismith was thinking while watching Sunday’s game from the bench as an unused sub? The lad scored in his first Merseyside derby last year and it must be difficult for him not being involved much since then. I feel for him because through no particular fault of his own, he’s found himself on the fringes of the team with limited opportunities to feature. It’s probably not how he would have wanted his first season in England to go, after leaving a big club in Rangers and making the move to the Premier League. Unfortunately he’s trying to get into a good team, with some talented players vying for his position and he’s only had fleeting chances. Every player will tell you that you need consistent games to really get into your swing, and it’s no use getting the odd 10 minutes here and there. He’s going to have to be patient and wait for his opportunity while still training hard, which isn’t easy. But he seems like a level-headed lad who will keep plugging away and can take some positives from a first season south of the border when he’s at least probably learned a lot about what is required to flourish in this division.

Ian Snodin: Everton FC’s Phil Jagielka is currently the best defender in the Premier League on form
May 7 2013
THERE isn’t a better defender on current form in the Premier League than Phil Jagielka.
I was speaking with Ian Rush after the derby and even he had to concede that Jags was outstanding at Anfield. I know Sky gave Steven Gerrard the official man of the match, and he was great on the day, but for me Everton’s captain was head and shoulders above the rest. You can’t underestimate how good his block on Phillipe Coutinho was. It wasn’t just the fact that he reacted quickly enough to get it done, it was the timing as well. Giving Phil the captaincy was always the natural progression from Phil Neville, and if anything it seems to have brought even more from him. He was already a leader, but the armband had galvanised him to lead even more by example. It could even give Roy Hodgson further food for thought in the long term. It helps that he’s got Sylvain Distin next to him.
If you watch the Frenchman it’s hard to believe he’s nearly 36. The guy has a tremendous burst of pace and physically he looks 10 years younger. It’s the sort of defensive pairing you can really build things around, and with the full-backs David Moyes has I think he’ll look at his back four as a major asset when he potentially begins to rebuild in the summer. Daniel Sturridge is no slouch and he has pace to burn. You could see on Sunday that Liverpool’s plan was to try and get him in behind Distin by playing off his shoulder, and trying to dart ahead of him and feed off Coutinho’s clever passing. But it’s immense credit to Sylvain and the lads that they just couldn’t do it. Yes Liverpool had their chances, but as clean sheets go Everton’s was well deserved.

Ian Snodin: Getting David Moyes to sign a new deal at Everton better than finishing above Liverpool
May 7 2013
YOU don’t get a trophy for finishing above Liverpool but it will give Everton fans a smile if they can manage it. I think the Blues need to win at least one of their two remaining games to ensure a second successive finish over the Reds, and allow me to give Ian St John some stick. Nobody should claim it was our objective at the start of the season to simply grab local bragging rights, but it’d be nice even if the real goal of qualifying for Europe looks lost. However, the really important thing will take place off the pitch after the season is over. Ensuring David Moyes stays as manager is absolutely crucial. He knows the club inside out and is the right man to take it forward. It could be a massive summer for the club, and I hope he gets the answers he wants from the board about finances.

Ian Snodin: Sylvain Distin’s disallowed goal in the derby was a joke
May 7 2013
I COULD watch Sylvain Distin’s disallowed goal against Liverpool all day and still not be able to tell you why Michael Oliver ruled it out. It’s not sour grapes. I know Everton had the rub of the green with a disallowed goal from Luis Suarez at Goodison in October, but this time I’m genuinely baffled.
If you break it down, Victor Anichebe doesn’t do anything wrong. He’s the one who was penalised, but it’s more a case of Jose Enrique not looking at the ball and doing his best to block Victor from getting near to Pepe Reina. Jostling goes on at every corner in the Premier League these days, but does that mean a centre forward isn’t allowed to even stand his ground? It’s a joke and that’s coming from a former defender. If Reina hadn’t made a meal of it I really doubt whether the ref would have blown for a foul. There was certainly nothing wrong with Distin’s header anyway.
It’s frustrating because you need a bit of luck when it comes to refereeing decisions in big games.Oliver didn’t have a bad game by any means, but he got one crucial call wrong in my book and it’s cost us our first win at Anfield in a long time. I genuinely felt we’d done enough to get the points. Liverpool are in form and playing some bright, confident football but for the first half we went there and contained them while being positive ourselves. You could see from how many men we committed forward that the manager had sent the lads out to get win. Everton certainly had the greater incentive. Liverpool have been a bit sniffy about the Europa League but they couldn’t qualify anyway, and that was the task still within our grasp beforehand. You’ve got to say it’s the longest of long shots now, and while I’m disappointed I think you’ve got to reflect on the positives. Liverpool have spent massive amounts, and were able to bring in two players in January while the Blues signed a young right-back from the lower divisions, even if he is a talented kid. But our form has been, on the whole, very good and to finish above Liverpool considering the gap in resources is an achievement of sorts. If the circumstances had been different you’d look at a point from Anfield as a half decent result, but the games are running out and the way Spurs are going it wasn’t enough for us. The important thing now is to ensure we end on a high. If I know David Moyes’ side they won’t feel too sorry for themselves that Europe is more or less off the agenda. They’ll re-focus and give West Ham a good game to send the home supporters off smiling, before going to Stamford Bridge and the opportunity to end a promising season on a genuine high.

Become an England regular, David Moyes tells Phil Jagielka
By Ian Doyle
May 7 2013
DAVID MOYES has urged Phil Jagielka to prove he can become a regular at the heart of England’s defence. Jagielka continued his outstanding end-of-season form by helping keep Liverpool at bay in Sunday’s goalless derby at Anfield. The 30-year-old’s influence has prompted Moyes to hand him the Everton captain’s armband next season given Phil Neville’s imminent departure. England head coach Roy Hodgson will name his squad on Thursday week for his team’s summer friendlies against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley on May 29 and in Brazil at the Maracana on June 2. And with Jagielka poised for a recall having missed March’s World Cup qualifying double header against San Marino and Montenegro through injury, Moyes wants the defender to seize the moment. “He was top drawer against Liverpool and has been like that for a long time,” said the Everton manager. “He sometimes doesn’t believe in himself enough or have the confidence he should have when you see how he plays. “But when you look at the situation with England at the moment, it’s there for Jags to go and say pick me. “As a manager he gives you everything. He didn’t train much this week because he had a thigh strain but that just shows you, all credit to him. He’s been absolutely superb for us – he can be a real leader.” Moyes was unhappy Everton were denied a first derby win at Anfield since 1999 when Sylvain Distin’s header was ruled out after Victor Anichebe was already adjudged to have fouled Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina. But Distin himself refused to blame referee Michael Oliver despite being perplexed by the goal not being allowed to stand. “We've been disallowed a goal that was perfectly right, but that happens in football and we have to accept it,” said the French defender.
“When I scored, I didn't really understand or see what happened. I asked Vic and he said he didn't commit a foul. “We looked at in the dressing room after the game on the video and I can't see a foul. It's not even something soft. “If there was a foul, then there is a foul at every free-kick or set-piece.” Asked whether there is confusion over what is now accepted inside the penalty area at dead-ball situation, Distin responded: “I don't think it is clear and at the end of the day, it is the judgement of one man which is the referee. “It is for him to decide if it is a foul or not. It's definitely easier to have a look at it in the dressing room in slow-motion and from different angles.
“Sometimes when you're on the pitch and it's live, it's difficult. “I'm not blaming the referee or judging him or anything. I can understand because we all make mistakes – we make mistakes as players, they make mistakes as referees.”