It just felt like it was going to be another memorable Goodison Park day on Sunday.
Everton in form, a bullish home crowd, a broken big-name opponent and a moronic travelling fanbase asking for an emphatic send-off.
The famous stadium even looked resplendent, sparkling in her Sunday best. The low winter sunshine cast a glisten over the playing surface, prompting those in the Lower Gwladys Street to peek at the action from behind raised hand that diverted the glare.
Of course, the ground has been fertile for significant Everton victories before and the stars haven't quite aligned. But it feels like there's something stirring in the belly of the beast again in L4. And after Chelsea's early flurry, the football match was only really erring in one direction.
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Everton bullied their billion-pound opponents throughout and when Abdoulaye Doucoure steered home the opener, the Scousers were fed. But not full.
Lewis Dobbin's clincher was a sensory treat. The sound of the ball off his foot, the raw emotion on his face, the sight of 10 lads in blue converging on the corner flag. It was authentic Everton bliss.
The seven minutes of added time were then suddenly about celebration rather than survival.
For so long, fans inside Goodison have been craving the final whistle as Everton have clung on to wins or draws in the frantic battle to stay afloat in the Premier League. The last two home games have offered them something different - the chance to savour winning moments, to take a look around and bathe in the sights and sounds of a Goodison win.
As the new stadium
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