It was so important to end our losing streak with a victory at Everton at the weekend. It was a change of tactics from Marco, sticking Dan James up front. He went for a little bit of pace up top, as opposed to a target man, and it was a decision that came up trumps. Credit to Marco for spotting that Everton was the game to try something different.
As a striker, you’re normally one or the other – either you’re a big target man who can hold the ball up, or you’re someone who’s got a bit of pace. The latter can be particularly useful away from home, getting in behind defences, and we certainly got that on Saturday.
It’s been difficult for Dan to make an impact this season, because we’re very blessed with wide players, and it’s primarily been Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Willian who have been given the nod in those areas. Harry Wilson and Dan have struggled to get in the team, but you’ve got to grasp your chance when you are put in, and they both certainly did that at Goodison Park.
Having lost five matches in a row, I’m sure we would’ve settled for a scrappy 1-0 win at the weekend, so to play so well – in addition to getting the victory – is hopefully a sign that we’re on our way back to our best. We’re on 42 points now, so the next target will be to try and surpass that 50-point mark. It’s been a fantastic season anyway, but to reach that number would mean it’s been an exceptional season.
We’re currently 10th, and it would be wonderful to see us at least that high come the end of the season, without a doubt. It’s always better when you’re in the first shot when they show the table on TV. I remember the days of Ceefax when you’d have to wait for the second page to load to see the teams who finished in the bottom half!
On a side note, I would love it, I would love it if we finish above Chelsea – he says in his best Kevin Keegan voice! I don’t think that’s ever happened in the Premier League, so that would be a great feather in our cap. I know we won against them at the Cottage, which was brilliant, but what a statement that would be to finish above our neighbours in the standings.
With the new stand, it was imperative that we stayed in the Premier League, and I think we’re going to achieve that comfortably, so I think the manager and everyone should be commended, because we’ve been brilliant. And not just staying up, but the way we’ve done it, playing front foot football.
It’s an interesting little spell of fixtures coming up now, and I’m hopeful that it’s a good time to play Leeds. The Liverpool defeat knocked the stuffing out of them, so let’s see if we can capitalise on that.
We’ve got a tough spell after that, with Aston Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool all to play, but those are the fixtures you relish. We’ll look forward to those as that’s what the Premier League is all about. It is a tough spell but I am optimistic we’ll head into it on the back of six points, as I think we’ll have too much for Leeds this weekend.
