December 2007
The Toffees marched on in December but the magnificent 13-game unbeaten run came to an end.
It was matches galore with nine games in the space of a month.
First up was the long trip to Fratton Park to take on Harry Redknapp’s Portsmouth. Chances were few and far between and Everton emerged with a well-earned point.
The impressive Uefa Cup run continued with a 1-0 win over Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg and qualification for the knockout stage was ensured with one game to spare. Again it was Tim Cahill popping up with the winning goal five minutes from time.
It was the Yak-trick against Fulham. Yakubu scored his first-hat-trick in Everton colours during the 3-0 victory over the Cottagers.
The semi-finals of the Carling Cup beckoned for the first time in 20 years with a 2-1 win against West Ham at Upton Park – goals from Tim Cahill and Yakubu sealed victory. Three days later the Blues faced the Hammers again at Upton Park and another win followed.
AZ Alkmaar were the next team to fall to David Moyes’ side. A 3-2 success at the DSB Stadion was a Club record 7th consecutive away win in cup competitions and Jack Rodwell became the youngest player to turn out for Everton in Europe.
The first defeat in 13 games came against Manchester United at Old Trafford. With the score poised at 1-1 with two minutes remaining, Steven Pienaar conceded a late penalty after fouling Ryan Giggs and Ronaldo made no mistake from the spot.
The Toffees soon got to back to winning ways on Boxing Day with a 2-0 result over Bolton Wanderers – the first double of the season.
A 4-1 defeat to Arsenal at Goodison three days later proved to much for the Blues. A stellar first half performance saw David Moyes’ side enter half-time one goal to the good yet defensive mistakes in the second period earned the Gunners an underserving 4-1 win.
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