Is it a sign of a good team when they play badly and still manage to win?
Many times over past seasons the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal have won games while playing simply dreadful football.
Is being able to ‘win ugly’ a sign of future success?
Everton were awful in this game, especially in the first half. Their only saving grace was they were playing against a team that had lost six in a row. Understandably, Reading sat back and tried to grind out some sort of result.
A big problem for Everton has been their recent lack of goals (strange interpretations of the off-side rule aside). In games against Tottenham Hotspur and Blackburn Rovers, Everton could have walked away with valuable wins instead of frustrating draws.
I would have never thought it when Everton signed him, but we have greatly missed Yakubu. Everton have struggled through the last five games, as three of their players have been away at the African Cup of Nations. With both Nigeria and South Africa now out of the competition, Everton supporters had hoped to see a much stronger squad. But with Steven Pienaar injured and Yakubu late arriving back from his magical mystery tour, only Joseph Yobo was available.
Manager David Moyes took a tough line with Yakubu, not selecting him for this game and fining him two weeks wages because of his late return to the club. I agree with the strong management, but wonder if the same punishments would have been used if Everton had been playing against stronger opposition?
Reading started brightly in this game. Awarded with a free kick in the first minute, Stephen Hunt almost made a dream start. Keeper Tim Howard had difficulty holding on to Hunt’s low, curling shot. Unfortunately the game soon reflected the true class of the teams' play.
Poor passing was only overshadowed by poor tackling. Referee Mark Halsey seemed to blow for a free kick every time a player fell to the turf. Yet, he showed unusual restraint in not booking anyone. Even Lee Carsley was let off with just a free kick after trying to remove Hunt’s knee cap with his studs.
Toward the end of the half, the Everton team realized they were meant to be playing football. Mikel Arteta found Leon Osman on the right of the Reading penalty area. After some good foot work, his cross found Tim Cahill 12 yards out and unmarked.
Maybe it was his eagerness to score that caused him to snatch at the shot. Maybe it was fatigue from flying around the world to play in Australia midweek, and then returning for this game. More worryingly for Everton, maybe it was a reflection of the fact Cahill has not looked like he's been at the races for some time. Whatever the reason, Cahill’s shot was high, wide, and wouldn’t have looked out of place in a Sunday League game.
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