The last two weeks have been enjoyable to be an Evertonian again! The Duncan Ferguson effect has revitalised players and supporters putting the smiles back on fans faces after a miserable season so far.
If someone had of said we would take 4 from 6 points against Chelsea at home and Man U away after the self destruction at Leicester and the embarrassment at Anfield, you’d of asked how many days they had been on the ale for! We could of taken 6 points instead of 4 as we led for most of today’s game.
The caretaker manager is responsible for the quick turnaround in form. How great it is for me personally to watch my hero when I was growing up manage the team he has such an affection for and do so successfully. Big Dunc is loving every minute of it and so are the fans.
The players also appear to be enjoying themselves. They look a completely different set of players to the ones who lacked fight and mental strength under Marco Silva. We’d of lost today’s game once they equalised if he was still in charge.
The team is finally playing with passion and energy. They fight for every ball, don’t stop running or chasing balls down. They want to win every tackle never mind the game. It is so refreshing to watch as we have not seen this in such a long time.
Big Dunc has everyone singing from the same hymn sheet. He himself kicks every ball on the sideline. He has lead by example with the passion he shows during and after the game. He manages how he played with his heart on his sleeve.
From the celebrations with the ball boys to the shirt with no jacket in the rain at Old Trafford, Duncan has given the fans something to smile about in both games. If this is a job interview, Ferguson is giving a very good account of himself.
He has changed 2 main things us Blues have wanted changing for a long time. Firstly, he has changed formation to 4-4-2. The fans have been crying out for two strikers for years as we have played the 4-5-1 since Roberto Martinez was the boss.
Secondly we no longer try to be Man City and play out from the back on every goal kick. The pressure we put ourselves under was unnecessary as we do not have the passing ability of City. Now the ball goes long from a goal kick.
I have been one of his biggest critics in the past but DCL has been exceptional in the last 2 games. Now playing alongside Richarlison he no longer looks isolated and is having a real impact on games. Long may it continue.
Mason Holgate has performed really well since he came into the team. Today he was asked to fill in the defensive midfield role. Like most fans I was worried when I seen this before the game. But what a performance he put in and he was the 2nd best player on the park after Calvert Lewin.
The Giant Scotsman appears to be getting the best out of the players and they seem to be going the extra mile for him. He has took Everton back to basics and they have become what Everton have been known for in the past with the fight and the battling on the pitch.
A slight concern is the injury tally is rising at the busiest period of the season. This is likely due to the effort the players are now putting in. Lucas Digne limped off first half being replaced by the fantastic servant to the club Leighton Baines. Baines played really well not putting a foot wrong.
One negative from the game was the substitution of the substitute Moise Kean. Kean was only on the pitch for 18 minutes. This was the main talking point after the game wrongly as the performance should of been spoken about.
Whether you agree or disagree with the decision made by Big Dunc, something must not be right with the Italian. His attitude must be questioned as he has not shown enough to convince Ferguson or Silva before him he deserves a starting place in the team.
Maybe he has played his Last game for the club, or maybe this could give him a kick up the back side and we may finally see some of the talent he allegedly has. Ferguson didn’t acknowledge Kean as he left the pitch and off he sulked straight down the tunnel. He is a young lad let’s hope he learns from this and becomes a good player for us.
Next up is the quarter final of the cup at home to Leicester on Wednesday. The atmosphere is likely to be excellent following the last two results and the feel good factor amongst the fans at present. Leicester will be entering a hostile and loud Goodison Park which will make their task slightly harder.Win and we are 2 games away from Wembley.
A win on Wednesday may go towards the permanent appointment of Duncan as manager till at least the end of the season. Let’s hope he continues to give us enjoyable times for the foreseeable future. DUNCAN DUNCAN FERGUSON
