Preston North End FC 0 – 3 Everton FC (Match Report)

July 25, 2010 Comments Off

Everton maintained their 100% record in pre-season today with an impressive win at Deepdale. The Toffees ran out 3-0 winners courtesy of a brace from Jermaine Beckford and a well-taken Louis Saha goal.

It was the away side, playing in the traditional blue strip, that made all the running throughout the match but were held until half-time. Mikel Arteta, who came back into the side after getting hitched, was engineering most of the moves throughout the first forty-five but other players were catching the eye as well.

Rodwell, who many tip to have a break-out season this year, had a few efforts on goal and looked in a confident mood. Magaye Gueye continued his impressive start to his Everton career with lively runs and movement, constantly receiving the ball and not being afraid to run at the opposition. Neville, Baines, Jagielka, Distin and Hibbert all provided a solid model of consistency throughout as Turner was well-protected in between the sticks.

In the second half, Moyes introduced Beckford and Coleman in place of Arteta and Baines. Hibbert reverted to his rather unnatural position of left back as Coleman took up the right back berth. And it wasn’t long before Everton took the lead.

Jagielka’s headed clearance found it’s way through a sea of players to Jermaine Beckford. A quick glance at the linesman was all Beckford needed to know as he advanced on the Preston goal and slotted it under the keeper before celebrating in front of the traveling Toffees.

The good football continued as Everton dominated the match in all areas. The young lads looked extremely composed and it was like watching one of those Arsenal Carling Cup games of years gone-by. Gueye was linking up well with fellow countryman Saha, and it wasn’t long before the latter increased Everton’s lead.

After a spell of good football, Neville fired an incisive pass into Saha and the King did what he does best. First he controlled the ball with his left foot and fired the ball home from twenty yards on his weaker side. It was yet another classy finish from the Frenchman who had a more-than-decent afternoon.

And Saha was involved in the third just three minutes later. He received the ball on the left-hand side of athe pitch, twenty-five yards from goal, and saw Beckford cleverly peeling off at the back post. The Frenchman dinked the ball up for new signing Beckford to power home his volley from eight yards out. It may have seemed an easy finish, but try telling that to Bilyaletdinov who a few minutes earlier has flashed a similar effort wide after good play from Gueye.

It was a cruise of an afternoon for the Blues, who looked two or three cuts above their Championship opponents. Everton continued to dominate the game but were playing more conservative towards the end. Coleman had an excellent effort with his weaker foot only to see it bounce off the post and Beckford limped off with a few moments to go after a hairy moment in front of the Preston goal. Here’s to hoping Everton’s new hitman is alright…

Match Ratings

Turner- 6 Quiet afternoon.

Baines- 7 Got forward well.

Distin- 7.5 Rock.

Jagielka- 7.5 Likewise, assist (x1).

Hibbert- 7.5 Defended well on both sides of the pitch.

Neville- 8 Very composed afternoon, assist (x1).

Arteta- 7.5 Instrumental in the first half, came off at the interval.

Gueye- 8 Promising display.

Bilyaletdinov- 6.5 Still struggling but showed signs of his ability. Same ol’ story.

Rodwell- 7.5 Involved in most positive things.

Saha- 8 Looked liked the Saha of old, goal (x1), assist (x1).