Well, Jesus where do I start with this one. The shite turned over once again on their travels yesterday, had left the Champions League door wide open for us. Too many times before though, we have not capitalized, and even with playing second from bottom Palace with only away win to their name, my arse had still gone. Believe me that is not a pretty sight.

Moyesy must have sensed what the fans on the radio, website's, and local media were all saying. Go 4-4-2, it's shit or bust time. Well he did. The Big Man partnered Benty up front. Harry Hill was dropped to the bench as Moyesy's sensed blood, and more importantly three vital European points. An early goal was needed to settle the nerves, and after Palace keeper Kiraly handled outside the area, we all got our wish. On loan midfielder Mikky Arteta struck the sweetest of free kicks into the Park End net to settle the nerves and put my arse at ease for the time being. Everton were rampant, that man Arteta was orchestrating everything in the middle of the park. Everything went through him, and if you would have shaved his barnet, and give him golf ball like eyes, you would have sworn it was Tommy Grav out there in the middle. Palace rarely threatened, and Everton should have made it two except for an outstanding save from Kiraly. Big Dunc thundered a header goalbound after good work out on the right from Benty. The Hungarian keeper stuck out a leg to deny the Big Man a well deserved goal.

Moyesy had to reshuffle his pack as early as the half hour mark when Captain Stubbsy got a kick in the arm from Palace front man Andy Johnson. Stevey Watto, entered the fray, and showed the watching thousands what an invaluable member of Moyesy's squad he is, with a solid display at the back.

Half time came and the nerves were a little better. My thoughts for a moment, wandered. All those kopites sat at home in the kitchen with their radio's on, would have been kicking fuck out of the missus, and a few Sunday dinners were about to be spoilt with a second half that will most definitely go down in history.

Half Time: Everton 1 Palace 0

My ample arse had barely touched my seat in the Upper Bullens, when Everton started like a rat out of an aqueduct. Everton went straight for the jugular. After some fantastic one touch football, and a delightful overhead kick from Benty, Tiny the best Aussie since Kylie blasted his shot past the shell shocked Kiraly. Fuck me two up, Everton were coasting. As one the players you knew have been lacking confidence in the last few weeks, started to regain their form again. None more than Killa. He started to believe he could play, and ten minutes later he went on one of those runs we got so used to seeing earlier in the season. He coasted past the Palace defence, and lobbed the ball perfectly to the best Aussie since Rolf Harris, who had the easiest job of nodding the ball into the gaping net. Believe me, still the best was yet to come.

Palace are were they are, as Nige probably had his quietest game of the season. The crowd were baying to see James Vaughan come off the bench and break Everton hero's Joe Royles forty odd year old record as the youngest player to don the Blues first team shirt. Moyesy duly obliged. Now I don't want to build this kid up, but apparently he has more about him that Ronaldo, Pele, Georgie Best, Gazza and Rivelino all put together, but lets not put any pressure on him. With fifteen left on the clock, Vaughan entered the fray to a standing ovation. Record broken, but there was more to come.

His eagerness was there for all to see, and at one point Uriah Rennie was out of order in telling the youngster to calm down. With five minutes left on the clock, Killa and Ossie crafted an opening for the youngster to slip in between the Palace defender's and keeper, and guide the ball in the Street End net. This was history. I mean history. Rooney's record had gone, and I am sure the ex Evertonian would be the first to congratulate him. More remarkably he became the Premierships youngest ever goal scorer, an absolutely amazing feat at 16 yrs, and 271 days old. Tears were certainly in my eyes, and Goodison roared like it hadn't done for many a year. I was there, I was fuckin' there.

This brings me round to my bluekipper Starman. Mikky Arteta was without doubt the best player on the park, but history was made, and my vote goes to James Vaughan. As the man once said, 'Remember the name', and this one you better believe is staying with us.

Full Time: Everton 4 Palace 0

Mikky Runs At Palace

Tiny Goes In Hard on Kiraly

Lavo Reports from Goodison Park

Blue Kipper Star Man

Record Breaker James Vaughan

 

Two For Tiny

 

 

Sublime Free Kick