Without hyperbole, I can state that Everton should have beaten the scintillating Swans by at least four. Nevertheless, David Moyes responded to recent criticism with a tactical masterclass to create tremendous momentum heading into Tuesday?s FA Cup quarter-final with Sunderland.
Leaving the Arsenal game in midweek, disappointed, I turned to my dad and said: ?You know what the difference is: they used to play every game like a cup final, every single game ? I don?t believe that they care the same way any more?. His response: ?It?s not that they don?t care, I think they just had hard lines.?
And as Everton chased Swansea down from minute one and occupied the spaces on the Liberty Stadium pitch which so often enable the slick passing that has characterized the Welsh side, I have to say humble pie has never tasted so good.
When the time was right, the Toffees switched gear and overpowered their opponents with a dominant attacking display, becoming the only side to outclass Swansea on their own patch this year ? a considerable feather in the cap.
It really was the sort of dumbfounding quirk of fate that makes you just love football. Brendan Rodgers?s form side had won their previous three Premier League games without conceding a goal. Everton inversely, seemed to have surrendered the initiative with back-to-back defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal.
Yet all the gut-wrenching flaws in Everton?s poor showing this year were amended in a flash as if by magic. Recent problems with concentration, intensity, movement, ball retention, end-product, and finishing were all eradicated magnificently.
The shackles of passing-for-the-sake-of-passing and Moyes?s natural reservation were cast off as Everton outperformed their high-quality opponents all over. As skill backed up strength, cohesion set the tone.
The Evertonian prayer for Leighton Baines and Steven Pienaar to rekindle the most productive of partnerships was answered beyond the boundaries of all genuine hope. In the way of a summary of the pair?s poor showing at Arsenal: very wasteful in possession. Well that was then and this is now because both were sensational against Swansea.
With a bit of luck in the next few games, Baines?s strike will be remembered as ?the goal that won the cup? ? such is the lift it could give the side. For the duo to combine so effectively so quickly is both testament to their understanding and a source of real hope for the rest of the season. Well actually, it is and it isn?t.
The Toffees? hopes this season are invested solely in the FA Cup. This Tuesday?s replay with Sunderland arrives at the perfect time in terms of the confidence this win will breed. But the fact is Pienaar is cup-tied and this could be crucial. Though probable replacement Royston Drenthe has performed well ? or at least been less frighteningly erratic in the past few games ? I?ll draw upon the meta-analysis of Evertonianism to explain the difference.
When the Blues are on top form, there are momentary nuances of sheer brilliance that send us into raptures. For instance, when Baines threads a through-ball back-heel having played a one-two, you know he?s on his game.
Similarly, when Pienaar nonchalantly stands still for five seconds waiting for the right pass, there is a feeling in your bones. The South-African was Man of the Match in Everton?s Match of the Season ? his value cannot be understated.
Although his absence will hit Moyes?s side hard, that is frankly the only negative they take into Tuesday. Those ?momentary nuances of brilliance? were visible throughout.
A case in point: Maruoane Fellaini (who, let?s not forget, arrived as a substitute ? which is a tangential bonus in itself regarding the state and size of the squad) so often frustrates with carelessness. Forcing his way past Swansea?s Ashley Williams in a typical fashion, this time creating the opportunity for victory ? so often his shortcoming.
In handing Nikica Jelavić the simple chance to kill the game off, the Belgian vindicated what has been a thoroughly decent run of form. As an aside, the Croatian?s clear desperation to receive Fellaini?s pass bears all the mark of a goalscorer.
Mixed in with reactionary joy at the win was the added satisfaction of feeling as if everything is finally as it should be ? we know what this side can do and at last they have shown us. Victories over Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham of late were impressive, but make no mistake, the Swansea performance made me feel proud again.
One particular moment struck me as Johnny Heitinga absolutely tore down the touchline late on to secure possession in the final third ? gaining around five yards on his marker to do so. To see a player of Heitinga?s previously-dubious commitment really busting a gut for the side put me in mind of my dad?s comment, and well, the old man must know a thing or to.
Against Spurs, Phil Jagielka was brought on to play as a third centre-back and secure the game. Heitinga was introduced to similar effect against Swansea, though I read Moyes?s substitution as practice for the possibility of leading late against Sunderland, and therefore, a real savvy move from the boss.
The team selection against Liverpool will forever be remembered as the only time Moyes really gave in as far as I?m concerned, but the manner of Saturday?s victory will go a long way to righting that wrong.
The squad looked tip-top on Saturday ? Phil Jagielka?s excellent performance complimenting fellow centre-halves Heitinga and Sylvain Distin who are in the form of their lives for the club. Also, Darren Gibson?s positive return will bolster resources.
The key for Everton over the next few weeks will be Nikica Jelavić, who, though careless at times against Swansea, fulfilled a vital role ? one that stands Everton in great stead for the replay.
The Croatian?s sharpness up-front will offer essential solace from the inevitable Mackem onslaught. His ability to finish, refined after Saturday?s heroics, could just about get us to Wembley.
So hats off Davey, it was one of your best.
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