David Moyes' Everton deserved a win last time out against Arsenal. Only a pair of unfortunate deflections got past keeper Tim Howard and prevented the Toffees from tasting victory at The Emirates Stadium. Although the game ended 2-2, it was a grand performance in almost every way by Everton, and was undoubtedly made a little more special by the downturn of fortune that other club from Liverpool is undergoing.
Everton Injuries and Transfers
Everton have had some bad luck with long term injuries in defense this season. In particular the absence of Phil Jagielka has been problematic. And the surprising transfer this week of Australian defender Lucas Neill to Turkish club Galatasaray will put limitations on Moyes’ line up options.
Everton’s midfield, on the other hand, has been stellar, with Steven Pienaar, Marouane Fellaini and Tim Cahill all distinguishing themselves.
The arrival too of Landon Donovan, on a ten week loan from LA Galaxy, may prove helpful. The American International started the match against Arsenal at The Emirates last week and lasted through the 68th minute before being pulled out. It was a decent quality 68 minutes, too. Donovan even got an assist on the first Everton goal, which Leon Osman headed in off Donovan’s corner kick. Not bad for a guy who hasn’t played since November.
Last Season's Form Returning to Everton?
Everton appear to be regaining some of the form they displayed last season and which heralded such promise for this campaign. They’re currently sitting in 12th place in the league table. However, they won’t be there for long if they can reproduce the kind of game they played at Arsenal last week.
City's new manager
Despite his track record in Italy Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini was something of an unknown quantity when it came to managing a Premier League club. But the Italian is clearly doing something right. Since taking over for Mark Hughes in December Mancini has guided the Citizens to four consecutive wins.
City currently have an extensive injury list to deal with. Lescott, Bridge, Benjani, Santa Cruz, Onuoha and Johnson are all listed as unavailable. Also unavailable is Emmanuel Adebayor, who had gone off to play for Togo in their ill-fated campaign in the African Nations Cup. Togo has since pulled out of that tournament due to the deadly attack upon their team bus but Adebayor has been given permission to take his time returning.
A Very Capable Strike Force
Still, City’s forward line is one to be reckoned with. Craig Bellamy, Sean Wright-Phillips and especially Carlos Tevez pack quite the wallop up front, and Tevez’s hat trick against Blackburn this week confirms him as arguably the league’s most dangerous striker.
Currently Manchester City sits fourth in the Premier League table, just four points behind Arsenal. This is Champion’s League territory for English clubs, normally the bastion of England’s traditional “Big Four,” and normally a competition that only one Manchester club contests. Roberto Mancini would like nothing more than to finish the season in that rarified atmosphere.
Good Test for Both Clubs
This weekend’s match at Goodison Park should prove a good test for both Everton and Manchester City. Everton will be keen to show that their performance against Arsenal last weekend was no fluke and they’ll be seeking points to climb the table. City will want to reinforce their position as Champion’s League contenders and must surely have their sights set on catching Arsenal. Both clubs have stepped out of the shadows of their more well-known neighbors, and neither will want to be overshadowed again.
