An opportunity to move up the Premier League table was wasted today by an Everton team who despite having most of the possession, were unable to convert that into enough goals to beat a buoyant ‘Boro and the match ended in a frustrating draw with a single goal apiece.

Everton started brightly and dominated with good forward play in the early moments, but a swift counter attack by Boro, finished well by Gary O’Neil, meant that the Blues were playing catch-up from the 8 minute mark.

Everton continued to hog the majority of possession but despite going close with a Lescott cross that looped over the keeper and hit the bar to bounce to safety, they were not getting the rub of the green and ‘Boro continued to look dangerous on the counter as Everton pushed for an equaliser. Without several perfectly timed interventions by Phil Jagielka, and a very good save from goalkeeper Howard, the scoreline could have ended up rather more in Middlesbrough’s favour as Everton struggled to find a final pass that worked in the last third of the pitch.

Eventually the breakthrough came in the 65th minute when Yakubu headed a Mikel Arteta free kick straight into the net to even the score.  Despite late attempts by both teams to win the tie, neither side managed to make the most of their chances and Everton must wait for another day to win their first match of the season at Goodison Park.

On the positive side, we played some decent football today and created some good opportunities, but a lacklustre Mikel Arteta continued to frustrate with his poor set pieces (goal aside) and defensive errors by Yobo and Lescott could have made the situation far worse had ‘Boro been able to capitalise on them. Jagielka again proved his worth and it continues to confound Evertonians how our most consistant defender this season again fails to be picked for the national team in the upcoming friendly match, when our most out-of-form defender takes a place often. Fellaini looked as if he is continuing to settle and assert influence over the midfield and Louis Saha was also hardworking and showed good control of the ball, despite failing to get on the score sheet this week. Phil Neville is perhaps showing some of the best form of his career in recent games and is starting to play in a manner worthy of the captain’s armband, which has surprised and delighted many fans.

We have certainly played far worse this season but I know that there is much more to come from this team of players.  I just hope it comes soon and we don’t have to wait until 2009 for our first victorious encounter in front of the home fans. Our next stop is an evening away tie, not too far away, with Wigan Athletic on the 24th November. Lets hope that with a good result there, we can continue heading in the right direction up the table and this Everton team can start to realise some of their potential with performance as well as points.

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