Everton’s fight back against the 10 point deduction that redefined the club’s season is officially underway.
On Friday, the club submitted its appeal in the hope of clawing back some of those hard-earned points in the corridors of power. On Saturday night, under the lights at a frozen City Ground, the players wrestled back three more with a battling but deserved win against Nottingham Forest.
That victory was fuelled by a force once again coming to the fore at a time of need for the club. Almost 3,000 Blues travelled to the east Midlands. Undeterred by plummeting temperatures, a cost of living crisis and sickening poverty abuse from sections of the home end they rallied once again - against the Premier League and behind their players.
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The goal that started the party they deserved was the sweetest of back post half volleys from Dwight McNeil. The assist will be awarded to Jack Harrison for his cross from the Everton right but in reality it was that away end that provided the goal. A scrappy game had reached a stalemate when the travelling supporters pierced the silence with Spirit of the Blues. Minutes later their team had the goal that moved the club two points from safety.
There was nothing easy about this victory. But it was a deserved one for a side that was the more assertive, the more mature, the more organised throughout. Jordan Pickford made several excellent interventions. Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski shackled Chris Wood. James Garner provided the control, Idrissa Gueye the bite, and there was no shortage of perseverance. As a
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