 A GAME against Neil Warnock’s Sheffield United side on their home turf is never going to be easy and the travelling contingent of Everton fans who made the journey to Bramall Lane, while hoping to see their team add another three points to their tally, will in all honesty have expected something of a rough ride. The game itself lived up to expectations- this was a dour affair with little quality on display from either side and barely any goalmouth action to get excited about. James Beattie, after impressive performances against Spurs and Watford, struggled to make an impact on the game and the Blades defensive partnership of Morgan and Davies ensured Andy Johnson was kept similarly subdued. United took the lead early in the second half, when Rob Hulse, who had contributed little until that point, slotted the ball home with a deft finish. An equaliser looked out of Everton’s reach until a calamitous error of judgement from Blades keeper Paddy Kenny allowed Johnson a chance in front of goal. In trying to make amends for his mistake, Kenny brought down the striker and for once, the penalty was indisputable, with referee Mike Riley having no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Arteta stepped up to dispatch the penalty, and smashed the ball home off the underside of the crossbar and over the line, despite protests to the contrary from the Sheffield United players. The rescued point was enough to see Everton leapfrog Reading into 6th place in the table on goal difference following their defeat by Chelsea, but a devastating injury to Tim Cahill could now be a serious threat to the Blues’ European aspirations. The midfielder landed awkwardly after a challenge in the first half and had to be helped from the pitch, unable to put any weight on his foot. He was sent immediately for an x-ray, the results of which revealed a broken metatarsal and effectively ended the Australian’s season. Cahill, who has only just returned to form after a long spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, has been an integral part of Everton’s success so far this campaign and his absence will be a massive blow for his manager, the team and the fans, who rely not only on his combative presence in midfield, but also his knack of arriving late in the box and scoring vital goals. With Cahill missing, the onus will be on those who replace him to weigh in with goals and ensure the European dream stays alive. Manuel Fernandes has made an impressive start to his Everton career and undoubtedly has the necessary flair to carve out opportunities, while Leon Osman has also rediscovered his shooting boots of late. But the biggest challenge almost certainly falls into the hands of James Beattie. Determined to cement his partnership with Andy Johnson and prove his worth to the Everton faithful, the run-in between now and the end of the season could be make-or-break time for the former Southampton striker, who desperately needs a goal from open play to lift his confidence. With Arsenal the next visitors to Goodison Park, a repeat of last season’s performance could be just what the doctor ordered! | 
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