David Prentice
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THE last time Everton FC gathered 13 points from their first six matches, they were masters of the smash and grab.
It was back in 2004, when 1-0 wins against Manchester City, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth and Southampton by mid-October characterised a side which was hard-working, organised and efficient.
This current Everton side also has 13 points from six games. But that’s where the similarities end.
The 2012 Everton has racked up four wins in six games, and done it with width, pace, penetration . . . and flair to spare.
Okay, they overdid the backheels on a couple of occasions on Saturday, but still left 37,000 fans heading for their half-time cuppa with a spring in their step and a sparkle in their eye.
The second half couldn’t live up to the first half fare, but Everton had already left their supporters with plenty to feast upon.
Everton’s second goal was a majestic piece of counter-attack.
Kevin Mirallas, Marouane Fellaini and Nikica Jelavic combined sweetly and pacily, before the Croatian tucked away a laser-guided left-footed finish.
That goal came at the height of a 25-minute spell when Everton were rampant, conjuring up images of historic 7-1, 8-0 and 6-0 romps against the same opposition.
But Southampton improved, half-time interrupted Everton’s intensity and the Blues had to settle for the 3-1 win most would have gladly accepted before (Free £25 bet offer) Kick-off.
Such has been the sureness of Everton’s start to the season David Moyes’ side had the possibility of actually going top of the Premier League table on Saturday, at least until Chelsea went and won at Arsenal leaving the Blues lying second.
Rarely in recent years can Evertonians have been left feeling slightly deflated at lying just three points off the top.
Even the last Everton team to go on and win the league didn’t start as well as this.
Howard Kendall’s 86/87 champions only accumulated 12 points from six games.
The greatest Everton side it has ever been most of our good fortunes to witness collected just 10 points from six games in 1984 (although they did then win 10 in a row!)
Such is the financial inequality of modern football this squad can’t go on and win the league, but given a reasonable run of freedom from injury it can still challenge for the higher echelons of the table.
And it will entertain wildly along the way. Which, short of a trophy on the table, is not much more than fans can ask for.
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