Source: Liverpool_Echo
NIGEL MARTYN: Everton FC star Steven Pienaar’s cool chip at Arsenal was delight to watch
Steven Pienaar 300[LNB]THE lads will be really buoyed by both their result and the performance at the Emirates on Saturday. Their satisfaction, though, will be tinged with disappointment at having been so close to getting a memorable victory only to concede two goals from deflections.[LNB]They were deflections that on another day could have went over the bar or wide, but in the end a win wasn't meant to be.[LNB]Of course James Vaughan had a lovely chance to put the result beyond doubt by making it 3-1. But if he had scored it would probably have been controversial because Denilson was on the floor injured when Tim Cahill played James in.[LNB]There is no blame to Tim here, because it is for the referee to spot things like that and stop play.[LNB]As it was the ball seemed to get stuck square between James' feet, and he was unable to get it out towards his right side where he could've knocked it past the keeper.[LNB]It's unfortunate because he's looking like getting back to his goal-scoring best, and I think it's only a matter of time for him to get that sharpness back.[LNB]The goal of the day was undoubtedly Pienaar's - what a cool finish! It was 1-1 and Arsenal were just looking like they might score themselves when Steven got the chance, so it was vital.[LNB]It took an incredible amount of skill and bottle to chip Almunia like that. Goalies will always try and stand up as much a possible in that situation and put the pressure on the striker.[LNB]I recall Arjen Robben did the same thing to me when Chelsea came to Goodison a few years back, but it was easier for him because the ball was bobbling. Steven took a risk because if that doesn't come off you look like an idiot. But Almunia went to ground at the crucial point and the chip had enough in it to carry it in.[LNB]Steven's two touches beforehand were perfect and he probably made up his mind in a 100th of a second.[LNB]The finish is everything a striker loves to do to a keeper, having him scurrying back to try in vain to stop the ball going in. A finish like that really hurts a goalie.[LNB]Another positive from Saturday was Phil Neville's form.[LNB]He has fitted back in seamlessly after they really missed his leadership and experience.
