Why Saturday shows Everton will have upper hand in Mersey derby

By David Anderson

Published 11:55 26/09/11

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Don't be fooled by Saturday's results - I think Everton head into the Merseyside derby in much better shape than Liverpool.

Everton came very close to pulling off yet another fine result at the Etihad Stadium and Roberto Mancini's multi-million pound had little clue how to break down their stubborn resistance before Mario Balotelli's lucky deflection off Phil Jagielka.

Everton also got no change from referee Howard Webb and things might have worked out differently if he had sent off City skipper Vincent Kompany for taking out Tim Cahill when the game was still goalless.

David Moyes was right to moan that all the big decisions went against his side and there was more than a suspicion that the ball came off Samir Nasri for the City throw-in which led to Balotelli's goal.

So as gutted as Moyes and Everton were by Saturday's events, they can still take great heart from their display.

Jack Rodwell stifled arguably the Premier League's most-creative player in David Silva for three-quarters of the game before he was forced to abandon his man marking role to push upfield in search of an equaliser.

Rodwell showed tremendous discipline in shadowing Silva and the confused little Spaniard admitted afterwards he had never received such close attention before.

Rodwell can be a big player for Everton against Liverpool when he will be free to raid forward and hurt Kenny Dalglish's side.

Marouane Fellaini continues to look better with every game following his long lay-off and these two can help Everton win the midfield battle.

Everton's rearguard was also compact, well-organised and solid and completely nullified Edin Dzeko, who had run riot at Tottenham.

Compare their resolute performance with Liverpool's stuttering display against Wolves and the Blues are the form team going into the lunchtime clash at Goodison.

Everton should be able to patch up the bruised and battered Tim Cahill and Moyes also has a few jokers in the pack in Apostolos Vellios, Royston Drenthe and Dennis Stracqualursi.

Vellios never really had enough time to make an impression on Saturday as Moyes brought him on as they chased the game.

He should make sure to give him more time this Saturday and Stracqualursi also has the height and physique to rattle Liverpool's shaky defence.

I know Drenthe gave the ball away for City's second, but I like his drive, aggressive and eye for goal. This street fighter from Rotterdam will relish Saturday's bearpit atmosphere.  

Everton have already made their best start to a season since 2004-05 when they finished fourth - the only time they have finished above Liverpool in the Premier League.

And don't be surprise to see them back above the Reds come 3pm on Saturday.

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