Duncan Ferguson took a bath at 2.30am on Friday to compose himself for his first game as Everton temporary manager. If he dared to dream of the perfect day as he lay there it would have been like this. A thumping header to start with, two more goals from an Everton No 9 and standing in front of a delirious Gwladys Street after the final whistle punching the air in celebration. He has some script writer.
Chelsea were defeated by emotion, fight and character on Ferguson’s big day. Frank Lampard’s side played well and will struggle to comprehend the margin of defeat, but they were up against a formidable obstacle in the shape of an Everton side playing for survival, for their reputations and for a club favourite standing, shaking and kicking every ball in his technical area.