Portsmouth 0 – 0 Everton

A dull, cautious match that barely deserves to be typed up, read the next match review it’s bound to be more interesting!

Everton began by playing particularly deep, inviting Portsmouth on in a manner that was indicative of both teams’ attitudes. Pompey’s forwards were only too willing to accept this invitation and shoot from long range (albeit inaccurately). Benjani did get in the once but Nuno Valente covered Yobo’s error well.

It took a quarter of the match for the visitors to get going but even when Everton were on top the likes of Arteta and Pienaar weren’t seeing enough of the ball to worry Pompey.

The closest it came to a goal was when Muntari whipped in a free kick just on the stroke of half time. The in-swinging ball missed everyone and forced Howard to tip it over.

The home side looked like they might be willing to take the initiative at the beginning of the second half with both Mendes and Kranjar having half chances just after the break.

Everton threw on another forward and switched to 4-4-2 just before the hour in an attempt to nick something. Osman had a chance almost immediately but he missed controlled with only the keeper to beat.

When either side did commit men to attack they found the opposition more than a match for them in what was a tight game between two very hardworking sides.

Benjani saw an effort flash wide on 61mins and Arteta had a couple of well delivered free kicks but bar that there was little action at either end.

Pompey gave their supporters something to cheer when they felt obliged to give it a go for the last few minutes but ultimately it was a game that typified the phrases “stalemate” and “deadlock.”