View from the stands: Taking pride over a crafted victory

Oct 29 2007 by Joe Jennings, Liverpool Daily Post

A REFRESHING victory. A solid back four, productive midfield and clinical strike force. The perfect away performance.

It was crucial we picked up three points at Pride Park, the gap between ourselves and the top six was beginning to grow.

I felt we played some good stuff and never looked as if we wouldn’t go on to win the game. The second goal on the hour from our record signing was really important; it killed the game off. I was delighted for Yakubu. The goal was a true striker’s finish and if we can provide him with those kind of chances he will easily reach 15-20 goals – vital if we’re to be successful on more than one front.

The travelling masses, were, as always fantastic. Our away support doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. You hear of ‘great fans’ across the park and at Newcastle, Portsmouth, etc but we consistently fill our end regardless of the shocking prices, £38 this time for an adult ticket. The huge support certainly lifts the players and seeing a packed away end must be a motivation David Moyes uses frequently.

Arteta, as always, was the architect but I thought Leon Osman was fantastic. For most of the season, especially in the last few games, he has been productive and a genuine threat. His goal in Europe outlined his capabilities.

Hopefully this win will further increase the confidence and act as a springboard for the game against Luton, which will be far from easy. Moyes has never guided Everton beyond the fourth round of the Carling Cup, and in turn the quarter-final. He won’t get a better chance, it’s a real opportunity. We crave a cup run and a trip to Wembley. In beating Luton on Wednesday the dream will be a step closer to a reality.