February 2007

February was the month the push for Europe began in earnest.

A trip to Anfield was one of the toughest away days for any side in the division. Liverpool found scoring at home no problem at all for the majority of the season - but not so when the Blues made the short trip across Stanley Park.

Having netted three without reply at Goodison, Tim Howard again showed his quality with an impressive performance - underlining why, just days later, he would sign a four year deal with the Blues after his loan from Manchester United was made permanent.

But Alan Stubbs was the real star of the show, producing a composed and inspired display in the heart of defence. 

 

 

That point - making it four from Liverpool in the season - provided the springboard for a decent victory over Blackburn a week later. Making amends for the FA Cup exit, Andy Johnson netted the only goal of the game.

Tottenham broke Everton hearts 10 days later, the midweek match at Goodison going the way of the Londoners courtesy of Jermain Jenas' 89th minute strike. Mikel Arteta had equalised Dimitar Berbatov's opener with a superb free-kick early in the second half.

Spurs were in a rich vein of form at the time - and ultimately that late-late goal from Jenas denied Everton the fifth place finish they craved, with it going to Tottenham instead.

 

 

They were the two form sides in the table at that time, as the 3-0 rout of Watford three days later for the Blues illustrated.

Manuel Fernandes netted his first goal since his January arrival from Benfica on loan, with Leon Osman netting a cracker to add to Andy Johnson's early strike.

It was Everton at their vibrant best, showing an eye for goal that helped them rack up a hugely impressive goal difference by the end of the campaign.