6. Hard Work Goes A Long Way
Thanks to the way modern football values skill and eye-catching single moments of flair, industry can be unfairly over-looked when teams are evaluated, but at times last night both Everton and Newcastle showed the virtues of pulling up your socks and working hard for the cause. Thanks to a passing tally that totalled 404, Everton dominated the opening half, clawing more than 60% of the possession away from a Newcastle side who were badly exposed by their opponents' willingness to press and break directly down the flanks, particularly through the exceptional Leighton Baines. Everton were first to every second ball, especially when it was won by the Newcastle centre-halfs (particularly Mike Williamson, whose clearances left a lot to be desired), and pressed Newcastle hard on the few occasions the Magpies looked like threatening anywhere near the final third. Only in the second half when Newcastle took off the ineffectual Sylvain Marveaux and changed their shape, but also their mentality - chasing and pressing Everton the same way the Toffees had in the first half - did the Magpies take any control of the game. And Everton combatted the resurgence of their opponents by sticking to their task, chasing down and harrying the black and white shirts on the ball - too often to the point of making a foul as the game got more scrappy. Coupled with exceptional players like Marouane Fellaini and Hatem Ben Arfa, it is that sort of industry that makes a strong foundation for any team, and it is no surprise that both Everton and Newcastle's best performances this season have been characterised by hard-work and impressive attacking moments. What did you think of the game? Were Newcastle lucky? Should Everton have taken advantage of their first half dominance? How did you rate the refereeing team? Share your thoughts below...