Match Review 2011 - 2012

On a day when Norwich visited a cold and damp Goodison, belief was there that we could take all 3 points. Everton hadn't been scoring many goals, which gave a positive belief of our 2nd away win, and maybe even our first clean sheet. Landon Donovan being announced as returning to Everton would of given the team a confidence boost, but to our luck he wasn't allowed to play until January. Norwich decided to stick with the same team that beat Newcastle comfortably, which meant playing a very attacking front 3 of Wes, Holt and Morison. 

The start of the game was all Everton, Norwich couldn't really get on the ball to create chances. All Norwich could muster up from the opening exchanges was a shot over from Morison. A major chance of note came when John Ruddy wonderfully spread himself to stop Fellaini flicking the ball over him. Everton chances kept coming, Gueye looked very lively in the middle of the pitch, and Baines constantly got in down the left hand side, resulting in many Everton corners. Russell Martin then managed to be at his best and repeat his heroics against Arsenal by heading Leon Osman’s curling drive off the line. Despite Everton overall having the better play, it was Norwich that took the lead. A free kick floated into the box from Fox saw Morison find the feet of Grant Holt, before the skipper showed a touch and turn that would be given a 10 on strictly come dancing, before firing low into the bottom corner with the slight aid of the post. Holt's 7^th of the season spurred Norwich into action with a few more chances being created, the best when Hoolahan got into the box but elected to pass rather than shoot. Louis Saha made Norwich fans worried just before half time with a curling effort that went inches wide. 

Delighted to go in with a 1-0 half time lead, Everton creating the better chances but they couldn't finish them, usually resulting in corners. The goal really gave us a lift, but without Ruddy we could easily be behind. 

The second half was evenly contested in the opening exchanges. The first real note of a change in the game came through Everton substitutes. With Saha looking lively upfront, he needed a partner to help him and this came through the form of Stracqualursi replacing the ineffective Tim Cahill. Instantly, this created a chance of Saha to have another shot which brought the best out of John Ruddy as he rushed out of his goal to deflect the effort wide. With little clear cut chances being created by either side, the large and vocal Norwich crowd had to watch Everton take corner after corner to their right hand side. Although Everton's Gueye looked quick and useful in the middle of the pitch he was replaced by the skilful and quick winger Drenthe. This substitution would prove pivotal to Everton’s chances of getting back in the game. Drenthe instantly made an impact and was looking to get at the tiring Marc Tierney on every occasion possible. Lambert knew he needed to change something as it was becoming all Everton, and this change was bringing on Bradley Johnson for Hoolahan with 15 minutes left. Soon after, Aaron Wilbraham was brought on in place of Morison to partner Holt upfront. It was a slightly strange change as it was Wilbraham's first game of the season, but it clearly showed that Lambert was looking to use Wilbraham's height.  After a strong Defensive performance, and a string of good saves from Ruddy, Everton finally managed to grab a goal. Drenthe beat 2 Norwich defenders, before cutting in from the right hand side to hit a low drive that didn't look like it had enough on it to beat Ruddy, but Leon Osman stuck a toe out to divert it past the helpless Norwich stopper. It was a disappointing moment for a spirited performance, and yet again Norwich had failed to keep a clean sheet. The goal put Everton into life and they dominated the closing stages. Ruddy again pulled off a wonderful save to deny Drenthe a winner. The tricky winger then hit a powerful shot towards goal that swerved left to right in the air, but Ruddy managed to get a firm fist to it which turned it over the bar. This was the last moment of note, and the full time whistle ended any worries Norwich had of conceding another. A very pleasing point away from home sent the travelling yellow army home happy!

Another goal for Grant Holt, took it fantastically well and showed he's a real player at this level. 

Lambert again putting a team out that looked to win it. Front 3 of Wes, Morison and Holt showed we really wanted to win and go for it. 

Ruddy having another fantastic game showing why he's cemented as our Number 1. 

Getting to 20 points before Christmas. Fantastic effort and another good away point.

Not being able to keep a clean sheet again, although Ruddy couldn't do anything I feel Drenthe should of been tracked better and stopped from shooting.

Losing the lead so late on when the win was in sight.

The great big poles making it a restricted view.

John Ruddy

John Ruddy

 Match report by Adam Lamping.