Everton 3 Fulham 1: It was in December, with Everton gasping below the cut-off and the mood in these parts spiteful, when the chairman and manager met. A catastrophic defeat at The Hawthorns had drained the last drop of optimism, with grumbling discontent prompting calls for David Moyes's head.
"But we sat down and this creeping calm goes over your body," recalled Bill Kenwright.
"I never thought we'd be in trouble because of what David is like. He had a plan, setting points targets by January 1st, by the end of February, by Easter and the run-in. That would see us finish ninth or 10th and, believe me, we are ahead of that target just now."
In defeating an abject Fulham side on Saturday a revived Everton slipped almost unnoticed to a season's tally of 40 points and, remarkably, to the threshold of the European places. Not since the first two years of the 90s has this club enjoyed successive seasons without fretting through a relegation struggle.
There would be frustration should they extend a sequence that has seen them lose only once in the league all year and not secure continental competition, though in the context of recent toils even mid-table obscurity represents progress.
This victory was their fifth in a row at Goodison Park and their most convincing, with James Beattie tripped by Zat Knight then thumping home an early penalty before chipping a wondrous second with the visitors shambolic.
The striker's late attempt to force a way into England's World Cup squad is benefiting Everton.
"If he keeps producing the goals, you never know he could be there," said Moyes, though it is the manager whose inspiration is propelling this side from the dregs.
James McFadden's glorious dipping volley for the third goal was an indication of confidence restored. Fulham, in contrast, are regressing.
Chris Coleman described his side's performance as "unacceptable" and their away record as "embarrassing".
They were feeble here, even when offered a late penalty following Tony Hibbert's foul on Collins John. The Dutchman slotted the consolation and in the last two minutes the visitors might have added a second.
"But that would have papered over the cracks," said their manager.
"This flattered us. That was the most painful 85 minutes I've had to endure since becoming manager."
Only four clubs - Wolves, Leeds, Coventry and Norwich - have gone through an entire Premiership season without an away win.
Fulham, eight points from the relegation zone, are at Liverpool on Wednesday though already they must be looking to the trip to Sunderland on April 8th as their most likely opportunity to avoid ignominy.
Guardian Service
