VIEW FROM THE STANDS: Christmas has come early for Everton

Dec 17 2007 by Conor Francis, Liverpool Daily Post

CHRISTMAS has come early for Evertonians this year, as every wish is being granted by David Moyes’s players.

Just a few months ago it would have been too much to ask for the Blues to get two back-to-back wins against a top-10 side away from home.

But, after dumping the Hammers out of the cup and repeating the trick in the league, Everton are starting to expect big results and the fans are starting to dream of the possibilities.

Tim Cahill’s return from injury has been hailed as the turning point of this season, but in truth our success is based on quality throughout the side.

While TV pundits either ignore the Blues or trot out the usual cliche that Arteta is the Everton’s best player, the fans are witnessing classy displays in every position.

Pienaar has been a revelation, Osman’s performances in the centre of midfield have been the best of his career and Carsley is dependable as ever as a holding midfield player.

While the African Nations Cup will hit Everton’s options, the squad seems better equipped to deal with the absences in the New Year.

Jagielka is beginning to look more assured at centre-back and will surely slot in when Yobo departs. Moyes has numerous options to find a Yakubu stand-in with four strikers waiting in the wings.

But Pienaar will be a massive loss. His creativity, along with Arteta, Cahill and Osman brings a balance to the midfield that will be difficult to replicate.

But Moyes proved in 2005 he has the abilities to get Everton into the top four, and he’s threatening to ruin the Premier League cartel once again.