There have not been many reasons to smile at Goodison over the last six months- yesterday was one of those days where it all came together.
1) Defeating the league leaders.
That’s three times out of the last four now that Everton have beaten Manchester City.
Yep that’s the richest side in the world who cannot beat a side who can barely rub a penny together without having to sell first. Last night’s 1-0 victory was very satisfying for all involved.
2) Getting rid of Louis Saha
Saha has been awful this season, on his day he is/was a great player but he has had too many off days over the past 18 months for Everton to persist with him.
He may do well at Spurs, but the time was definitely right to move him on.
3) New signings combine
Up until yesterday Moyes’ dealings in the transfer market had been limited to the loan signing of Landon Donovan and the cheap purchase of Darron Gibson.
How sweet it must have been for the manager to see the players combine for the winning goal. It’s only a pity Donovan will be heading back to the States in a month.
4) Denis Stracquarlarsi
The big Argentine has been a bit of an enigma since arriving at Goodison in August, barely afforded a start.
Yesterday he showed why he was brought in, with a superb performance.
He bullied the City backline, had an early effort cleared off the line and received a standing ovation from the crowd for his efforts.
5) Signing Jelavic and Pienaar
Yesterday wasn’t just about Everton making the best of what they had. It was about showing ambition to move forward.
Re-signing Pienaar who never got a proper chance at Spurs will be a big boost as he was popular with both fans and the players.
Jelavic is an unknown quantity in the Premier League, but if he can replicate his SPL goals record Everton will have got themselves a bargain.
He will join Stracquarlarsi, Anichebe and Vellios in the striking position where Everton fans can now feel hope instead of eternal frustration.
– Everton fans, can the good vibe last?
image: © Steve Berry
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