On Sunday I was at the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton fans were left devastated by Virgil van Dijk stealing all three points in the 100th minute. That header from the Dutch master was probably enough to secure Champions League football for next season.
A major rebuild, or maybe reset, is needed by Arne Slot but he has just about delivered the lower limit of acceptability now, probably ensuring his continued employment.
For the Blues, this day should represent something bigger than a Merseyside derby. The stunning new stadium, the noise, the passion and above all the numbers there, underlined that Everton now have the chance to become one of the very top clubs again. That stadium filled with 53,000 fans will be a huge incentive for players to come.
With David Moyes in charge the future is not only looking secure but exhilarating. After just over a year, Everton are challenging for a European place instead of fighting against relegation year after year. This summer will be bring reinforcements, a full-back, another centre midfielder and a striker.
Get these right and the Hill Dickinson will be among the most feared – and to some of us enjoyable – places to watch football anywhere.
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