EVERTON 1 (Bilyaletdinov 45+1) – ASTON VILLA 1 (Carew 46)
Gate: 36,648 Ref: Lee Probert

Guest of honour and Everton legend Dave Hickson will have felt at home watching this game, which was in many ways like a throwback to an earlier era. Hard fought, inelegant, dour, and a fair result in which two dismissals, late on in the game, were the main talking point. Bilyaletdinov’s straight red for a studs-up two footed challenge on Petrov was at first sight a touch harsh, but in the cold light of a slow-motion replay was revealed as a correct call by referee Lee Probert. He now misses three league games; West Ham (a), Man United (a) and Hull (a), returning in time for the Liverpool match at Goodison on Sunday November 29th, so at least he should nicely rested ahead of his first derby. He will be available for the Europa League game against Benfica on Thursday. It took Arteta a season to get accustomed to the Premier League; Bilyaletdinov has two well taken goals to his credit already and there is true quality in his boots, but realistically we feel his best is many months away. Our key observation from the game though concerns our new right back making his home league debut – Lucas Neill. He brings additional height and physical presence to our defence, he offers more than Hibbert going forward, and his positional sense is good. Strong competition in all positions is what we crave and now finally have at right back