As Dwight McNeil swung in the corner that led to James Tarkowski’s winning goal against Arsenal, the BT Sport cameras picked up the thoughts of one Everton fan.
“Come on, that's us, that's us!” shouted one supporter inside Goodison Park. Seconds later and the roof came off Everton’s famous old ground as Tarkowski headed the ball past Aaron Ramsdale.
It has been seven days since Sean Dyche took charge of his first Everton game. Seven days since Blues supporters were filled with hope that their side can avoid the drop.
READ MORE: Ian Woan lifts lid on 'heated discussions' with Sean Dyche and reveals Everton talks at Burnley
JOE THOMAS: Everton may have just got the fighter and figurehead they desperately need
It was perhaps fitting that new Blues boss Dyche managed to achieve in five days what Marcelo Bielsa believed could take months. Get Everton playing.
Everton supporters aren’t a tough bunch to please, despite what many on the outside think. All they want to see is players giving their all for the badge.
Ferocious, relentless and dangerous. That was Everton last weekend. But even Dyche himself knows there is still a lot of work to be done.
Just a quick shake of Mikel Arteta’s hand and a brief acknowledgement of the fantastic support his side had received were all that came in the immediate aftermath of the full-time whistle. Then, he was gone.
Dyche was straight down the tunnel and no doubt plotting what to say to his players, who had just tasted victory for the first time since October.
There was no celebration on the pitch and certainly none of that chest-beating nonsense in front of the Gwladys Street.
As good as Everton’s win over Arsenal was last weekend, they were still in the relegation zone on Saturday night. Although they are now breathing down the necks of Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
But the transformation of Everton was evident immediately. The number of interceptions, blocks, crosses from open play, shots and shots on target were all up on the season average.
Dyche had preached the merits of hard graft and organisation during his first five days on the training ground. And this looked like a team who were hanging off his every word.
Now, a tougher test awaits. On paper, Liverpool looks like an easier game than Arsenal right now. Jurgen Klopp’s side are yet to win this calendar year.
But this is Everton heading to Anfield. A place they haven’t won at, with supporters in attendance, since 1999. A venue they have notoriously struggled at.
As well as the Anfield factor, Everton’s players also have to show that last weekend was more than just a new manager bounce. They have to show they can do it again.
They have to show they have what it takes to pull themselves away from danger. The standard has now been set.
That fan inside Goodison Park was spot on with his assessment. That was Everton, in more ways than one. Everything good about the Blues was on show last weekend.
Now, the task facing Everton’s players, starting at Anfield on Monday night, is to prove that last weekend was more than just another false dawn.
There has been enough of them at Goodison Park over the last seven years.
READ MORE:
- Ian Woan lifts lid on 'heated discussions' with Sean Dyche and reveals Everton talks at Burnley
- Udinese transfer chief opens up on why Everton Beto bid was 'turned down' during transfer window
- Sean Dyche lifts lid on Everton behind-closed-doors game as injured star nears return
- Everton may have just got the fighter and figurehead they desperately need
- Sean Dyche explains why he's opening Finch Farm doors to Everton legends
