Whereas last week everything we tried came off, this week, up against a much stronger and wiser defence, we were frustrated with the end result being another two points dropped in a game which we dominated for long periods.
With old mother Riley in charge we can never expect to get much but his waving away of our appeals after Neville clearly shoved Djourou off the ball in the box was laughable, there were also question marks over Cahill's goal with what appeared to be the use of a hand. I hope referees analyse their display and look at the stats, because if they do Mr Riley will see that our fouls conceded were in single figures, however Everton committed in excess of twenty fouls yet ended up with only three yellow cards to our two,
which to me is puzzling.
Lets hope we can convert our chances on Wednesday and at least the referee will not be from West Yorkshire!
Lehmann - 6 - Little to do for practically 90 minutes and no chance with Everton's goal.
Hoyte - 5 - Hobbled off on 39, it was a shame after last weeks performance at Reading where he appeared to be getting in the groove. (Flamini 39)
Toure - 5 - Mr reliable has to be blamed for the Everton goal as he failed to clear a bread & butter cross into the box. Did cause problems in the Everton penalty area when he got forward.
Djourou - 6 - Our best defender on the day & shows lovely control and athleticism replaced on 67 as the boss threw everything at Everton (Walcott 67)
Gallas - 5 - Didn't get into the game & looked a bit out of sorts for some reason.
Silva - 6 - The usual dogged performance & tried to drive the team on.
Hleb - 5 - Brief moments of magic overshadowed by poor distribution, he does seem a dab hand at delivering the "hospital ball" at times!(Aliadiere 79)
Rosicky - 7 - Our best player in my opinion and looked our most likely saviour, great to have him in the team.
Fabregas - 6 - Not his usual dominating self and harshly booked by Riley. He has set himself such high standards that sometimes we forget he is still only 19.
Van Persie - 5 - Posed little threat & didn't link very well with Henry but saved the day with a moment of brilliance in the 71st minute. He looked frustrated for long periods.
Henry - 6 - Worked hard for the team and went close with a cushioned header early in the second half which forced Howard into a smart save.
Subs
Flamini (39) - 5 - Back as a stop gap full back & was his usual dogged self.
Aliadiere (79) - 5 - Unable to re create his heroics from mid week.
Walcott (67) - 5 - Boy wonder was in & out of the game but showed little.
Subs Not Used: Almunia, Senderos.