April

What a month April was - it contained pretty much everything! First, Everton dispatched Wigan in fine style, recording their biggest win of the season in the process.

David Moyes’ side produced a fine display of attacking football, simply outplaying the hapless latics in a 4-0 triumph. Leon Osman, Marouane Fellaini and Jo (twice) were the goalscoring beneficiaries of Everton’s dominance.

There was plenty more attacking verve on display at Villa Park next time out, but not just from Everton. A thoroughly entertaining game ended 3-3 with Fellaini, Tim Cahill and Steven Pienaar’s stunner propelling the Toffees.

But even that drama wasn’t a patch on what was to come at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final. Manchester United may have fielded a weakened side but it was still dripping with international talent.

The 0-0 scoreline remained after both 90 and 120 minutes of an evenly matched affair. Penalties, in front of the United fans, were a lottery.

And it looked bleak when Cahill blasted the first effort of the shootout way over. But back-to-back saves from Tim Howard denied Dimitar Berbatov and Rio Ferdinand to give Everton the ascendency. Leighton Baines, Phil Neville and the returning James Vaughan all converted, leaving Phil Jagielka to send Everton to the final.

Cue carnage at Wembley in the Everton end - and on the pitch!

Fittingly, Cup final opponents Chelsea were next up in the league and the Blues gave a strong performance in a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge.

There was heartbreak for Phil Jagielka as he suffered damaged cruciate ligaments in a 2-1 home reverse to Manchester City.

The injury would rule him out of the FA Cup showpiece, the defender later admitting he was left in tears.