It’s been one of the worst kept secrets in English football, but it’s official now that Jermaine Beckford has completed his free transfer to Everton. Leeds had cancelled his contract on Friday which is an unusual step. Regardless of the fact a player has agreed to join another club, clubs usually keep the registration until the very last day of the contract. Often this runs until June 30th but both parties seemed to agree to part the ways earlier than required.

Questions are liable to raised in regards to Beckford’s abilities, as he’s jumped 2 divisions after firing the goals that helped return Leeds United to the Championship. Yet taking a risk on such a player who has scored 85 goals in the last 3 seasons for Leeds is hardly risky. There’s no fee involved and the wages that Everton will be paying him will be more than he earned at Leeds but nowhere near the top end of Premiership players.

Beckford’s star has certainly been rising over the last few years, he struggled at Leeds after joing the club from Wealdstone in 2006, but he’s quickly become one of the most feared strikers in England outside of the Premiership. His goal at Old Trafford certainly gave him column inches world wide and made sure that people outside of the U.K. became aware of his potential. By joining Everton, he’s at a club that will give him the support and guidance he’ll need.

Moyes has been searching for more striking talent to back up his current crop of attacking options. No-one doubts the abilities of Louis Saha and Ayegbeni Yakubu but both are not getting younger. Saha has developed a reputation of being injury prone but has managed 68 appearances for Everton in the two years he’s been on Merseyside. Yakubu, for all his early promise at Portsmouth has found goals hard to come by since he joined up with the Toffees.

I’ve always thought troubled Everton for the last few years is the lack of depth in the striking department. They would usually have two first choice strikers, but then the back up would fall away. Victor Anichebe has struggled for goals when he’s had the opportunity of being giving a chance for Everton and James Vaughan seemingly suffers from a rotating knee injury that have blighted his early promise. Both have simply had some bad luck.

One thing Beckford will bring to the club is pace, he is lightening fast and he gives the striking options more weight. Moyes will be delighted to have captured him in face of some healthy competition and it increases the clubs options. As I mentioned earlier, people will point to his lack of Premiership experience, but sometimes you’ve got to take a risk on players. Some will relish the opportunities that will come their way and of course it will take time for Beckford to settle in to the top flight, but that’s only natural.

Everton will be hoping to avoid another slow start to the season which derailed an excellent campaign from being even better. Surely they’ll get the breaks they need next season and with one or two additional signings, they’ll be back up there again. No doubt, they’ll be also hoping to avoid a repeat of the Joleon Lescott transfer saga and strengthen a side that can consistently push into the Europa Cup qualifying places.

How do you think Beckford will do? Leave me your comments and you can find me on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/paulbestall

You’ve got to feel for David Moyes and the never ending injury situation at Goodison Park. Since they finished fourth in 2005, it seems every season starts in December due to the injury affliction that seemingly curses the Toffees. Thankfully, we’re past the days when teams blamed gypsy curses for bad luck or injuries. I never understood those strange tales, especially as they always seemed to affect sides that had previously had success.

Do theses curses have timers included in the spell when it’s cast? Thankfully, Goodison seems to be the type of place were such nonsense isn’t given a second thought. There is no doubt that Everton have consistently punched above their weight for the best part of David Moyes’ reign. They’ve finished lower than 6th once in the last 5 years and now once again, Everton are charging up the table.

Wednesday’s nights victory at Manchester City acted as a reminder for people that for all the excitement on who would finish fourth, Everton can still cause perceived better sides problems. In the shakedown of the season, Everton seem to be the one side everyone forgets. Since the turn of the year, they’ve only lost 2 league games against Spurs and Liverpool and beat Manchester United and Chelsea. An injury time equaliser from Thomas Rosicky saved Arsenal’s blushes at the Emirates Stadium in January.

The upturn in their fortunes is consistently overlooked, but they’ve clawed back a 13 point gap on 7th and are now breathing down Aston Villa’s neck. It would be easy for Moyes to blame lack of investment compared with all the teams above them, but he simply does the best he can with what he has. It is a return most chairman would die for, yet in giving us the most consistent Everton side since the mid 80′s, Everton still don’t get the credit they deserve.

Perhaps people miss the point with Everton, but on song, they are a damn fine team, with the delightful Arteta in the side pulling the strings. Any side shorn of the quality that he, along with Saha and Jagielka, brings to the Toffees side, would find the going tough, but they simply seem to get along with it. This season, the emergence of Leighton Baines as a top quality left back has allowed Moyes to use the criminally underrated Phil Neville to slip in at right back in place of the erratic Tony Hibbert.

Added to that, John Heitinga’s flexibility in his ability to play seemingly anywhere in defence or midfield shows his transfer fee to be an absolute steal. For £6.2 million, the Dutch international has shown that Ajax still produce such adaptable and talented players that no other club can compare to. In comparison to the man he replaced, Joleon Lescott, Heitinga is simply a far better player on every level. He even seems to have survived a spell at the modern footballers graveyard, Athletico Madrid.

With the breakthrough of Jack Rodwell and Dan Gosling to consistently make the side and grow as players can only be a good thing for Everton. For a club with the stature and history that they have, why they struggle to gain any real investment is a mystery to me. I grew up watching an Everton side that were real challengers for titles both at home and abroad before being curtailed by English footballs ban from European for that dark 5 year period between 1985 to 1990. I have no doubt that Everton could have won the European Cup in 1986 rather than perhaps the worst European Champions in modern history, Steaua Bucharest and their blanketing tactics.

Moyes is well aware of the history and tradition that Everton have. The halcyon era’s of Howard Kendall and Harry Catterick may be distant history to some as many remember the side that struggled to hang on to their top flight status throughout much of the 1990′s. Everton have been a top flight side since 1954, the second longest in English football behind Arsenal. That’s 56 seasons in the top division, if that’s not history, I don’t know what is.

A late charge for 4th would be miraculous, but I wouldn’t bet on them finishing 8th. As Villa stutter, City keep missing chances and Liverpool’s dreadfully negative football keeps failing, they could be well pressed to finish above at least one of those sides. It would be a massive fillip for Moyes, the wonderfully supportive chairman Bill Kenwright and the fans for them to push upwards.

Then this summer hope that he can keep a full strength side for the beginning of the season and add a bit more strength upfront. The perhaps Everton’s fans may begin to think of more than the Europa League and cup semi-finals for once and bring home a bit of silverware once again.

• Quality Programming v the Direct Influence of Reality TV on Stupidity
• Hovering, the mother-ship runs low on Petrol
• Some Boys in Blue

The exhausting marathon that was analyzing a full 90 minutes of six matches followed by bits and pieces of the remaining four that took place on Tuesday and Wednesday this week is now thankfully over. I rue this game of football. I find myself missing quality programming like “Hollywood Week” on American Idol and umpteen time reruns of the hot MTV reality show Jersey Shore. I wonder if Snooki is a football supporter? I imagine her downing shots with Russell Brand (who oddly enough doesn’t drink) at Upton Park supporting the Hammers. She’d be too drunk to complain about the season West Ham are having, she’d fall in love with the handsome Italian Gianfranco Zola, and I’m not even going to touch a “blowing bubbles” pun, too easy. 

Snooki herself, not an A-lister, is quite like the London club who aren’t quite posh like a Chelsea or Arsenal, but still remain in England’s top flight. Here’s hoping she extends her 15 minutes of fame and West Ham can build on the win against Birmingham City. The Premier League is better with them, and in some form of weird, odd, lovable cutesy, maybe the world is better with Snooki as well.

 Who am I kidding? I love this game, the more football the better, RIGHT!? Football makes us smart, reality TV makes us dumb. Who’s with me!?

All joking aside, I may finally catch up on recent installments of 24 and Lost, but before I can switch the DVR on and embrace my inner Jack Bauer, there were some fine matches on offer this midweek: Chelsea v Everton, Manchester United v Aston Villa and some late drama in the Sunderland v Portsmouth match to name just a few. But before Premier League gives way to FA Cup this weekend and before I finishing sipping this Newcastle Brown Ale, I’ll continue this little experiment of awarding invisible accolades. Snooki officially disqualified.

Honorable Mentions -

Adam Johnson, Manchester City- What a home debut. The pacey winger impressed Tuesday night running at Bolton defenders down the right side of midfield and provided meaningful crosses into the box during his 84 minute man of the match performance. The deadline day signing from Middlesbrough won his side a penalty against Bolton defender Paul Robinson that Carlos Tevez converted in the 30th. Johnson continued his terrorizing of Bolton defenders through a second half that saw Emmanuel Adebayor score a stunna’ and secure a 2-0 win for Citeh.

What impressed me about Johnson was the way he carries himself while running with the ball at his feet. He’s not your typical winger. There’s something special about his posture, steps, and nimble feet that give him the distinct look of a natural footballer. I look forward to watching this young talent blossom in the Premier League and wouldn’t put it against a certain Mr. Capello raising an eyebrow his way in the very near future. For more on Adam Johnson, click here.

William Gallas, Arsenal- Gallas is usually hit or miss for me. Wednesday night in the Beautiful Passing Gnomes win over Liverpool, he was definitely a hit. Gallas was solid at the back all night which was important because of the protection he provided the out of form Manuel Almunia.

Gallas proved what a class defender he is in the first half when he expertly timed a sliding tackle on Liverpool’s David Ngog who was in on goal from a game changing ball from Steven Gerrard. The successful lunge kept the game 0-0 until Abou Diaby headed home a fantastic cross from Tomas Rosicky in the 72nd. I can’t stress enough how much Arsenal need an in form, mentally strong leader such as Gallas to form the spine of a trophy-less since ’05 Arsenal.

Landon Donovan, Everton- Donovan further solidified his place in Everton’s starting eleven Wednesday night as he continuously troubled Chelsea defenders out on the right side of midfield. I’ve noticed Donovan at times seeming to almost toe the touchline as his wide play has been successful in drawing defenders out with him in order to free up space in the middle of the field for his fine crossing ability.

Donovan again had a hand in an Everton goal as his first half corner found the head of Louis Saha. Donovan’s corners have been top draw for Everton in his handful of appearances thus far. Later in the first half, Donovan again received the ball on the right of midfield and ran straight at Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho. Donovan got the better of the Portuguese International when he cut in towards goal and was clipped inside the box. The resulting penalty was poorly taken by Louis Saha, but of no fault of Donovan who may soon look to take Everton’s penalties if Saha misses again.

Premier League Footballer of the Week -

Louis Saha, Everton- I seem to remember predicting a reemergence of sorts from Saha way back in the lowly, forgotten year of 2009. In Everton’s 2-1 win v Chelsea on Wednesday night, Saha was everywhere. The former France and Manchester United striker should have scored a hat trick, he’ll need to practice his penalties or David Moyes will surely give the duties to the aforementioned and in form Landon Donovan.

On the night, Saha’s penalty miss didn’t matter in regards to the match result. Saha constantly troubled Chelsea captain John Terry in mini battles all night – winning headers, running off the ball, making a right nuisance of himself and easily won the war when his 75th minute match winner was a result of his aireal prowess. Saha out jumped the over estimating John Terry for a Sylvain Distin long ball into the box. Saha seemed to pluck the ball out of the air with his chest before an emphatic left footed shot won the match for the impressive Everton. The match itself was quality, especially in the midst of a second half where Everton really hit their stride to beat top spot Chelsea.

See a quality Premier League performance I missed? Feel free to opine below.

We shall be heard, we shall return!

Tottenham Hotspur isn’t one of the most fashionable clubs in the English Premier League, but judging by the amount of “jump out of your seat” incidents in the second half, maybe it’s time to start paying more attention to the boys from White Hart Lane even though they failed to capitalize on a golden chance to get all three points and leapfrog Arsenal into third place.

In a thoroughly entertaining second half, Tottenham were leading 2-0 but succumbed to a 2-2 draw after Louis Saha and Tim Cahill scored two crucial goals to tie the game. Then late on in injury time Wilson Palacios was knocked to the ground by Tony Hibbert in the penalty area which resulted in a penalty for the Lilywhites.

Jermain Defoe walked up and struck his penalty straight down the middle of the goal and was saved by American goalkeeper Tim Howard. In a joyful moment for American viewers, Howard’s reaction was an adrenalin fueled high as he showed in just a few seconds how vital he is to Everton’s Premier League season and how much the Merseyside club means to him.

Other highlights of this game included a wonderful bicycle kick by Saha which skimmed just past the post.

While Tottenham supporters will feel a great loss at not securing all three points, the game showed how much quality the Tottenham side has as well as how well they’re coping with difficult away trips to places such as Goodison Park and Villa Park, where they played last week. After watching last week’s match between Villa and Spurs, I was surprised that no one commented about that game or posted an article. Tottenham looked very dangerous and did well to come back after going down 1-0 against a difficult to beat Villa side.

I saw that same enthusiasm and team spirit in Tottenham’s game today. As long as they keep on playing like that, they’ll have plenty more chances to challenge for third or fourth spot in the Premier League.

And as for Everton, we saw the grit and determination and a little bit of luck that was needed to secure a draw, which hopefully will give the Toffees the confidence boost they need to begin climbing up the Premier League table again instead of staring down into the relegation zone.

Everton’s Pienaar launched the ball into the box from the left side. Chelsea’s Mikel got his head to it but could not clear. Fellaini headed the ball back into the danger area where Louis Saha waited, unmarked, uncontended. He spins into the volley to catch it perfectly with his left foot, catapulting the ball past keeper Petr Cech. It was brilliant. It was beautiful. It was 25 seconds into the match. The fastest goal in the history of the FA Cup final.

But Saha should have saved it for later.

Scoring so early fired Chelsea up and switched them on. Particularly Lampard and Malouda. And despite Everton’s consistent and brilliant defending throughout the many remaining minutes, going down a goal caused the London side to take big chances and convert them. Sure, scoring right out of the gate gave Everton boundless confidence and the belief they could win. But it also unleashed Chelsea. An unstoppable force.

Scoring 25 seconds from the final whistle. Now, that would have been perfect. If Everton defended like they did without the lead. Chelsea wouldn’t have the same fire lit beneath them. It might have stayed nil-nil until Saha whipped in a stoppage time winner. At worst it’s one-nil down and he delivers them into extra-time.

I said this while watching the match in a pub in Massachusetts. A friend responded with, “Everton have to take these goals when they can get them.”

She was right. These moments cannot be planned. When John Terry leaves you with an acre of space in the box and Fellaini makes that juicy assist, what choice do you have but to fire the ball home?

But look at the way Chelsea won. The equalizer came down to horrible Everton defending (probably their only truly bad spell) showing they’d lost some focus after the early goal. They left Malouda wide open on the wing with plenty of space to gobble up the ball and send in a fine cross. And then nobody was on Drogba as he sailed in for the header. And Chelsea’s other two decisive shots were completely audacious. Lampard turned a defender in traffic, stumbled and then fired it home from distance. We know he likes to shoot from range, but I don’t think he would have taken his chances as he struggled to find balance if Saha and Everton hadn’t been so good at keeping Chelsea from feeling in control. Chelsea were desparate to make their mark on a very tight match.

Even after the equalizer, they didn’t really look comfortable as they struggled to mount convincing attacks.

Another brash shot came from Malouda who fired from 30 yards on 79 minutes. The ball bounced off the bar and eventually spun out for Tim Howard to track and collect. But replays showed the ball clearly landed over the line before coming back out. Again, though, maybe Malouda doesn’t take such a chance if Chelsea weren’t put into high-tension mode from Saha’s early goal.

This is all pure conjecture. I know. But Everton defended so brilliantly for most of regulation time! Everton stripped Chelsea of the ball again and again. They diffused and deflated Chelsea attacks repeatedly and consistently. Chelsea only had one other shot on goal other than the three that went in. Apart from allowing Malouda’s cross, Everton contained their opponents well while searching for another break like the one in the first half-minute.

Maybe without that goal, Everton remain focused and don’t let Malouda cross or Drogba connect. Maybe without that goal, Chelsea keep it pragmatic. Lampard passes the ball after stumbling rather than blasting. Malouda tries to run it in rather than fire from range. Who knows.

What I do know is in the opening seconds, Everton sneaked past a sleeping giant. Then woke it up with one of the loudest goals in FA Cup history. It was a visceral explosion of football beauty. But the punishment was severe.

Still, a good show, Everton. Pity there was no reward for such a fine outing.

The number of days that Wigan striker Amr Zaki will be a Wigan Athletic player are numbered. Even when the Egyptian ends his loan spell and becomes a Wigan player, it’s only a matter of time before a massive club signs one of the brightest, most talented players the Premier League has seen in years.

The more I watch Zaki, the more he impresses. He’s scored six goals this season, but it’s not just his ability to score that has caught my attention.

Zaki uses his upper body strength well to ensure that he’s not knocked off the ball. He likes the physical element and isn’t afraid to go into a tackle 50/50 to try to win the ball. Other strikers in the Premier League would be brushed aside, but Zaki makes his presence known by trying to win every ball.

One of the most important attributes of a Premier League striker is attitude. Zaki doesn’t get involved in verbal arguments with referees or opposition players. Instead he seems humble and has a good head on his shoulders deciding to let his football do the talking.

His football skills are brilliant, too. Not only his ability to knock the ball into the back of the net, but also his positioning in and around the goal area, and his ability to control the ball. A perfect example was in the closing minutes of yesterday’s impressive 2-1 win against Manchester City when Zaki received the ball and had two Man City defenders to beat. He was able to bring the ball down and shake off two City defenders and then take a shot on goal that would have gone in if it wasn’t for City goalkeeper Joe Hart who tipped the ball over the crossbar.

Zaki also showed his coolness under pressure yesterday when he took the penalty that was the deciding factor in the game. On his goalline, Joe Hart was screaming all sorts of things at Zaki to through off his concentration, but Zaki stepped up and slotted the ball into the back of the net.

With Zaki, Wigan has a born hero and natural striker who will continue to set the Premier League on fire. He reminds of a fit Louis Saha when he was at Fulham when the Craven Cottage team beat Manchester United, and it was only weeks later when Man United bought Saha to prevent a lesser team like Fulham embarrassing United again. At that time, Saha was a revelation who was on top of his form and able to score wonderful goals from the tightest of angles.

As long as Zaki stays with Wigan, the Latics are going to continue being a force to reckon with. Zaki is that good, and Wigan – as a result – will have one of their brightest seasons since they entered the Premier League in 2005/2006.

We thought it’d be fun to pick our all-star injury football team featuring those Premier League players that always seem to be injured. Thanks to the EPL Talk readers who participated in last weekend’s EPL Talk Chat for the idea.

1. Chris Kirkland
2. Gary Neville
3. Mikael Silvestre
4. Jonathan Woodgate
5. Ledley King
6. Owen Hargreaves
7. Kieron Dyer
8. Tim Cahill
9. Craig Bellamy
10. Michael Owen
11. Louis Saha

Subs:
Andy Johnson
Mark Viduka
Valeri Bojinov
Emile Heskey
Didier Drogba

What current players are missing that should be featured in this squad? Click the comments link below and let us know.