Everton taint Tevez return

Everton defeats Manchester City 2-1in the Premier League.

MANCHESTER: Tim Cahill and Leighton Baines stole the show from Carlos Tevez as 10-man Everton clinched a 2-1 victory over Manchester City at Eastlands. David Moyes’ side, who had not won in seven matches, took control within the opening 20 minutes through Cahill’s early effort and a fine strike from Baines.

After Everton’s Victor Anichebe was sent off for a second yellow card just before the hour, City halved the deficit through Phil Jagielka’s own goal. Despite constant pressure, City could not find an equaliser and missed out on the chance to move top of the table at Christmas for the first time in 81 years as their seven-match unbeaten run came to an end. They also had defender Kolo Toure dismissed in stoppage time to complete a miserable evening that ruined Tevez’s return to action just hours after he decided to withdraw a transfer request.

Everton’s victory was just their fourth in the league this season and ended a seven-game winless run. Cahill told Sky Sports, “The achievement is massive. We’ve not got rewards in the last couple of months but we showed our mettle and deserved to win. This team works hard for each other and we’re proud of the result.”

Moyes was full in praise for Cahill. “He takes the fight to people - he’s the one who leads us into battle,” said Moyes. “We’ve moved him about and he willingly does it. His attitude is terrific and he puts himself on the line for his team.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 22^nd, 2010.