EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB - News Archive

Everton 2-2 Manchester City

Everton chinese midfielder Li Tie and Manchester City defender Sun Jihai delighted a Chinese TV audience of around 300 million people as both players played a part in one of their side's goals in the 2-2 draw, However it was Li Tie's contribution that was more dramatic as he laid the ball on for Tomasz Radzinski to get the equaliser in the 90th minute.

Everton took the lead after six minutes! following a clever through ball from Wayne Rooney. He split the offside trap and released Watson, who drilled his first league goal of the season beyond the stranded Peter Schmeichel.

Both teams were desperate for the 3 points...tackles were flying in all over the place... Referee Andy D'Urso became the game's first casualty after 15 minutes. He came off following treatment on a leg injury and was replaced by the fourth official Alan Wiley.

Both Anelka and Shaun Wright-Phillips looked deadly...Manchester City battled to get back in the game... Anelka got away from David Weir, only to lose his footing. Minutes later Shaun Wright-Phillips latched on to a pass from Anelka and from 25 yards was just inches over the top with his effort. Wright-Phillips was released by Niclas Jensen as City broke quickly but his pass to Anelka was over-hit.

It was only a matter of "when" the goal would come and it finally came just after the half hour mark.

Richard Wright made a major mistake when he spilled a delightful chip by Ali Benarbia from the byline. Anelka was on hand to knock the ball in for his 10th goal of the season. Chris Woods (Everton goalkeeping coach) will be ripping his hair out after seeing that mistake.

City began to look the more threatening side...After such a bright start Everton were finding it difficult to string more than two passes together.

After defending pressure from the visiting side Everton began to look lively. Rooney skipped away from Richard Dunne, only for Schmeichel to race off his line and avert the danger. Then Rooney headed wide of the target following a corner from the right by Watson.

All Evertonians will know that Everton have a small squad... and a couple of injuries can cause havic. Everton defender Joseph Yobo, who had taken a knock in the first half, was replaced at the break by Lee Carsley. Kevin Campbell, who had also been struggling with an ankle injury, also came off with Radzinski drafted into the action.

Benarbia should have put his side ahead in the 52nd minute following a clever flick from Wright-Phillips. But Benarbia somehow managed to drag his effort across the face of the goal and wide of the target.

Anelka, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Benarbia were really causing a pain in Evertons backside.

Rooney laid the ball into the path of Thomas Gravesen 30 yards out and his ambitious shot sailed over the bar. Not long after Rooney got booked for a clumsy challenge on Foe. Rooney getting booked was becoming a familiar sight around Gooodison Park.

It was Evertons turn to attack. Radzinski got away from Schmeichel to have the Everton fans cheering, only to over-run the ball. The Canadian striker was looking lively up front and obviously Rooney is always a threat.

Evertons attack didn't last very long. Benarbia was pulling the strings in the middle of the park. Foe's effort found the roof of the net for the visitors after Wright lost possession.

Foe put City in front during the 82nd minute by heading home a cross from Jihai. Foe, on a season-long loan deal from Lyon, has now scored six goals in his last six games!.

Everton looked doomed. A painful looking shoulder injury to Gary Naysmith left the Blues with ten men as they pressed forward in search of an equaliser.

Watson almost pulled Everton level but headed over from a good position following a corner from Mark Pembridge.

It looked as if Everton were heading for a defeat, But Radzinski didn't wan't to send the Everton fans home empty handed. Li Tie deliverd a great cross, were Radzinski found the back of the net to send Goodison as well as 300 million Chinese fans wild.

Team Points

1. Arsenal 46

2. Man Utd 41

3. Chelsea 38

4. Everton 36

5. Newcastle 35

6. Southampton 35

7. Liverpool 34