Reading defeat is reality check

Aug 20 2007 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

JUST as Evertonians were basking in the reflected glory of a perfect start to the season we are all brought hurtling back to reality.

Most people will agree that Reading, despite their minnow status, are one of the better sides in the Premiership and Steve Coppell is a much admired manager.

But that is no consolation to thousands of Everton fans whose expectation levels have risen substantially since the arrival of David Moyes.

And those fans will have expected Andy Johnson to get on the scoresheet when he was presented with a gilt-edged chance.

Clearly the Blues are still too reliant on the artistry of Mikel Arteta, and the arrival of Manual Fernandes cannot come quick enough.

A good sign from the match, though, was the performance of McFadden who was eager to show what he was capable of coming on from the bench.

But Blues should not be too down-hearted. Many sides will come a cropper at the Madjeski Stadium this season to a impressive Reading side.

Everton’s attentions must now turn to Blackburn. They are another side we will expect to beat, but they will be tough opponents.

Like Everton they strengthened well in the summer and their players have settled into the new season quickly. With early qualifiers for the UEFA Cup they have also played more games and may be that bit sharper at this early stage.

Home form will, as ever, be key for Everton this year and our ability to claim three points from Blackburn will be a key indicator of how the season will unfold in the ensuing months.