So Everton's great run is over and what minimal recognition the club recieved for their form over the last two-and-a-half months can now be put to bed. Just slightly disappointed however on commentators etc using the words "BUT" and "HOPEFULL" in refering to every goal the blues seem to score. Despite Pienaar's great cross to set up Cahill's header at Old Trafford, some wally claimed it was a "HOPEFULL" cross. Johnson's 1st minute goal in Holland against AZ, it was "BUT" did Johnson use his hand to control the ball. Too many if's and but's and not enough "Everton are in fine form", but hey, us Evertonian's are used to this hogwash so i dont know why i am complaining. Back to the subject now, the single goal defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford shows how much Everton have come on. Last year we may have been pleased only by losing at the theatre of dreams by a 2-1 scoreline, but many fans were left disappointed by a result that deserved better. Pienaar obviously will take a lot of blame for his schoolboy error that gifted a frustrated United side the chance to claim all three points but the South African as been superb for the toffee's in recent months which should not be overlooked.

The fact that Giggs looked to go over Pienaars challenge before the contact was made, meant that the card happy Howard Webb would have most likely given a penalty regardless of contact or not. Pienaar unforfunately stuck out a tired leg and caught the welshman who was going nowhere giving Webb no choice but to award a legitimate penalty. In a game that Everton frustrated their opponents, losing to a goal like that was a bitter pill to swallow, but Alex Ferguson knows his side were in a game so much so, that this was the biggest challenge that his team have faced all season on home soil, and indeed may not be tested as hard for the remaining months. Everton can bounce back quickly in a tough game against Bolton then will almost certainly give Arsenal something to think of three days later. The problems occuring now, is that we have now lost Baines and Osman through injury while Yobo, Yakubu and Pienaar will be heading off to the African Nations Cup shortly. If Everton can bridge the gap through these absentees, then the blues can enjoy the second half of the season, as much as they enjoyed the first half. Merry Christmas all toffees and football fans around the globe. Best wishes, Ste.

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