Everton 2- Wigan Athletic 1

Another solid win!  After a first half with no goals, Leon Osman came to the rescue with a deflected strike from the edge of the eighteen.  Phil Neville crossed the ball to Phil Jagielka for the defender to head home, providing our second goal.  Kone provided Wigan's only goal in the 87th minute.
Phil Neville made his 500th Premier League Appearance this game.  While Leon Osman's strike helps cement his reputation as a productive midfielder, what's even more encouraging is Everton's ability to play without Fellaini.  COYB!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

EvertonianOptimum, the premier place for all that's Everton, wishes you a Very Merry Christmas!  Stay warm!  Stay safe!  Remember the reason for the season, and God bless you all!  MERRY CHRISTMAS, FAITHFUL READERS!  Best wishes to you and your family this year!  Check back often for the latest Blues News!

Everton 2, West Ham United 1

Another exciting game!  Everton was losing 1 to 0 at half time when I checked in.  The situation worried me:  We've had a problem recently with conceding the first goal before really starting to play well.  Fortunately, that problem wasn't to trouble us too much today.  Victor Anichebe, in the starting lineup due to other player's injuries, was able to glance in a cross from Steven Pienaar.  Shortly after, Steven Pienaar was able to finish after excellent play from Baines and Osman.  The South African once again was able to carry the team on his shoulders, providing creative play whilst presenting an attacking threat himself.
Darren Gibson got a red card for a high boot, but David Moyes is likely to appeal.  Hopefully the midfielder will be able to play next game.  Meanwhile, Fellaini has two more games to sit out of to finish his three-match punishment for headbutting Shawcross.  COYB!

Vs West Ham the 22nd

Provided the world doesn't end tomorrow, our boys will be ready to play West Ham United the 22nd.  COYB!

3 Match Ban Official

Three matches for the Belgium.  Could be worse, I guess.  Most worrisome of all, he'll miss the game against Chelsea.  COYB!

Good Thing Gibson's Back

Gibson's return couldn't be at a better time with this Fellaini mess.  Missing the Belgium will be slightly offset by the former Manchester United player's return to active duty.  Kevin Mirallas continues to be nagged by injuries after a dream start to the season, but hopefully he'll return full-force soon.  Steven Naismith has been in fine form, and Osman has been playing beautiful football.  COYB!  With the ever-faithful Steven Pienaar, our midfield will be in fine shape. 

Fellaini Ban...and McCarthy

Semi-Official now....Fellaini will, baring a miracle, be out for three matches.  David Moyes is rock-solid, saying he will not appeal for his player.  He insists Fellaini deserves the punishment, and he does.  We have our eyes on James McCarthy this transfer window, if the Belgium leaves.

Double Doozy

Well, the 15th wasn't the best day for us Evertonians....first, we allowed Stoke City to tie up a game which we easily should have won.  After an own goal put us ahead, Jones equalized in the second half to split the spoils. 
Now, and even worse, Fellaini faces suspension for a temper induced attack on Shawcross.  The giant Belgium headbutted the Stoke City skipper before a corner kick, and faces punishment.  David Moyes offered no proctection, saying he hoped their would be retribution.  Frankly, I can't defend that kind of play either.  Hopefully, Fellaini will learn his lesson from his punishment, and return to us better than ever.  Let's hope so. 

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FANTASTIC WIN! Everton 2, Tottenham 1

Nobody could have expected that!  Nobody!  When Clint Dempsey scored with a spectacular long range shot, nobody doubted we could catch up to the North London club.  However, with less than two minutes of the 90 to go, Everton fans were starting to get nervous.  And rightfully so.  However, the next 88 seconds shocked all of Goodison Park, redefining what we could do as a club.

It started with Steven Pienaar.  He powered in a cross, scoring from the edge of the 18 yard line with his head.  Amazingly, that was only his second headed goal in his career!  The score leveled, tensions rose as both teams sought the winning goal. 

Everton was to prevail, however.  Apostollos Vellios caught a cross with an overhead bicycle kick, but didn't connect solidly enough to score.  Fortunately, Nikica Jelavic was there to save the day...and the match.  The Croatian Hitman calmly slotted the ball past Hugo Lorris into the goal to secure the win.  What a match! COYB!  We....are.....in....fourth!

Half Time Update Against Spurs

Everton is still tied here at Goodison Park.  Everton denied two penalty claims in the first half, whilst Nikica Jelavic has stung the hands of Hugo Lorris multiple times.  Steven Naismith has replaced Kevin Marillas.  Full match details to follow!

Vs. Tottenham Hotspurs Tomorrow

Tomorrow the Toffeemen square off against Tottenham Hotspurs.  The North London team is doing good, and it will be a tough game for us.  Mirallas's injury may keep him from playing, but David Moyes remains optimistic about the Belgium Winger.  Fellaini and Steven Naismith have been in fine form, and Nikica Jelavic, though short on goals lately, continually threatens with his solid workrate.  Leighton Baines continues to rain down havoc via crosses, and Steven Pienaar as always will be expected to create chances.  The South African has been instrumental in creating attacking chances with his crafty, scheming play.
My prediction?  Everton 2, from Nikica Jelavic and Fellaini, and Tottenham 1, from Defoe.
Only time will tell!  COYB!

Tie with Man City

Well, we tied with Manchester City, but Mancini lauded Everton, saying that we are good enough for Champion's league qualifications.  Fellaini once again demonstrated his fine form, and Nikica Jelavic had a good free kick that kept Hart on his toes.  According to the Echo newspaper, the penalty call was "laughable".  Pretty good boys!  Keep this up, and we'll show Tottenham who's boss!  COYB!