Nev Lauds Goal Pair

Skipper lauds Everton's goalscorers after the 2-0 win over Chelsea.

Phil Neville lauded Everton's goalscorers after the 2-0 win over Chelsea.

The Blues triumphed over their London opponents with a performance shrouded equally in quality and doggedness.

Steven Pienaar scored the first goal of his second Everton spell after just five minutes and went on to enjoy a sparkling performance, while Denis Stracqualursi bagged the second to cap an industrious display.

Neville had high praise for both afterwards.

He recalled: "I said if anyone in the world could come back to this club - and I got the mickey taken out of me - it would be Steven Pienaar.

"He seems to have a spiritual home here, the fans love him and the players adore him.

"He got us off to a great start and it was just what we needed."

Stracqualursi has also caught the eye over the last month and Neville explained that his vital second goal was just reward for the effort he has been putting in up front.

"You have got to say a quiet word for Denis Stracqualursi as well for the last three home performances he has put in.

"We marvel at the likes of Steven Pienaar but Denis' attitude really epitomises all three performances."

Neville also claimed a cheeky assist for the crunching tackle he applied to Ashley Cole in the build up to the Argentine's strike.

"I just do my job!" he smiled. "It was a 50/50 and I won the ball. Landon played a terrific ball in and Denis scored. He got his rewards - but I'll claim the assist!

"We aren't getting carried away but our supporters will enjoy that. They've not enjoyed too many home games this season and it's up to us to continue the momentum."

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