Everton kick on in push for European spot

February has long been billed by Everton boss David Moyes as the month that will shape his side's season, with a difficult run of games against top opposition.

So when Liverpool overcame his side in the derby at Anfield last weekend it was understandable that many Evertonians feared the worst for the subsequent visit of Chelsea.

A Louis Saha double however, sunk the league leaders at Goodison Park and provided a much needed confidence boost ahead of the return to European football next week.

Current top scorer Saha, who has just signed a new contract to extend his Everton stay by two years, replied to Florent Malouda’s opener with a first-half header and a late strike to hand Moyes his first ever victory over Chelsea as a manager. Saha also missed a penalty... Moyes said he should have scored four.

A double-header against Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon, coupled with the visit of league champions Manchester United and a trip to high-flying Tottenham rounds up a gruelling February.

The derby setback is Everton’s only league defeat in 11 outings, a run which has propelled them from relegation candidates to European challengers.

After a dismal opening half to the season, this impressive run saw the Blues overcome Manchester City, Sunderland, Burnley and Wigan, whilst being unlucky to only come away with a draw from the Emirates Stadium after outplaying Arsenal for large periods.

The memorable victory over Chelsea’s billionaires was made all the more sweet due to the fact that Moyes was without two of his key performers, Marouane Fellaini and Steven Pienaar.

Both have been instrumental in Everton’s upturn in form but Fellaini was injured against Liverpool and Pienaar served a one-match ban for a red card in the same match.

A major talking point has been the long-awaited return of Mikel Arteta, who had been out of action for almost 12 months before his comeback at the end of January. The midfielder managed 73 minutes against Chelsea and his return will provide a major boost as the business end of the season approaches.

Everton currently find themselves two points adrift of eighth-placed Birmingham and seven points behind fellow European contenders Aston Villa.

There is no hiding from the fact that a late push for Europe is going to be a huge ask, given the amount of ground to make up. Moyes can point to the injuries that have plagued his squad for the majority of the campaign, with key players missing large parts of the season.

However, the manager has a near fully-fit squad to choose from now, as Fellaini’s injury is not believed to be too serious and defender Phil Jagielka is back in training.

If Everton can continue their steady climb of the table in the coming months, the blue half of Merseyside could be in for a very interesting climax to the season.