West Brom win: job done

Job done. Must have heard that expression about 20 times since the ref blew his whistle , mid-afternoon yesterday. A 2-0 home win against the league's bottom side, just about deserved because we converted our chances and West Brom did not. They outplayed Everton until Cahill scored after about 35 minutes with some slick passing and quick movement but WBA's central defence has looked poor all season when I've caught them on TV and yesterday was no different. Throw in the mix a midfield that looks as though it is designed NOT to compete when they don't have the ball and you've got a team that will leak goals.

It was Everton's first match post-Arteta and a sign of what we're going to get for the rest of this season. Creativity will be a scarce commodity. That said, I thought Pienaar was outstanding yesterday, genuinely using trickery and application to constantly provide a threat from out wide. I also thought that we looked better once Osman came on into the middle and he made a decent fist of pulling the strings, especially as Fellaini provided another frustrating show. Fella's role is was clearly different from his pre-Xmas one as a front line support striker; he played some neat passes across the park, but his tackling remains woeful.

One major positive was the re-appearance of Louis Saha just as we need a proper centre forward. When he came on he provided direction and put further pressure on the Baggies' centre-halves. His goal was an excellent turn and first-time shot, made by the efforts of Pienaar in closing down the West Brom full-back. Given that Anichebe looks done for the season too, we desperately need Saha to avoid injury, particularly for the Quarter-Final cup tie next Sunday.

Otherwise, the defence was solid once more (Jag's goal-line clearance was outrageous) with Yobo in for Lescott. Neville dropping back for the early departure of Hibbert didn't adversely affect things. Crucially, Everton won and Wigan lost which gives us a comfortable cushion between us and 7th spot helping our European aspirations for next season. In theory, we should be looking at Arsenal in fifth spot now, but if we get sixth and a day out at Wembley - even if it is a semi final, I'll see that as another successful campaign.

Castillo's pants and socks combination continue to baffle me.