Everton is having its best season in two decades. We made the semi-finals in a domestic cup; we’re still alive in European competition; and we stand fourth in the league. However, because Everton is suddenly so strong, most supporters will be disappointed unless we're able either win the European competition (the UEFA Cup) or hold onto fourth place and thereby earn a spot in Europe’s top competition (the Champions League) next year.

That’s a tall order. It means holding off Liverpool, a more talented team, as well as other quality pursuers – Aston Villa, Manchester City, Blackburn, and Portsmouth – all of whom are within striking distance.

For now, Everton is taking care of business. Last week we traveled to Manchester City (who were fresh off a win over Manchester United) and came away with a 2-0 victory. Today we defeated Portsmouth 3-1 at home. Yakubu has been the main man, with three of our five goals in the two matches. Today, he wasted no time, scoring in the opening minute against his former club.

The only cloud on the horizon was the absence once again of Mikel Arteta, who is suffering from a chronic groin problem. Yakubu is our main scorer, and Joleon Lescott is probably our player of the year. However, Arteta brings that touch of class to the midfield without which it’s difficult to see us getting past Fiorentina in Europe or holding off Liverpool domestically.

Posted by Paul at 7:56 PM  |    |