Everton ... 1 West Brom ... 0: Tomasz Radzinski stalled his Porsche as he pulled out of Goodison Park, prompting one tickled Evertonian to break away from chorusing the Canadian's name and chortle through an alcoholic haze: "He's quicker when he runs than driving that thing."
Singed by Radzinski's winner, Albion are the latest victims of the Everton revival which has hoisted David Moyes's side to third, within three points of the top, after six successive wins. The majority of the second biggest attendance of the weekend left purring, the back page of the Pink reading like a cutting from the 1980s.
"We looked at the table after today's win and just thought: 'Wow!'" said the match-winner, whose fifth goal of the season was lashed beyond Russell Hoult at the near post from Li Tie's jaw-dropping diagonal pass.
"We're made up with how well we've done but, while third is a magnificent achievement, it's harder to improve upon it. People are looking at us now and, if we want to climb even higher, we have to be able to live with that pressure.
"It is a bit early to say we belong at this level. We're trying hard to fit in with the big boys but we'll only deserve to be rubbing shoulders with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United if we maintain this position and repeat it next season."
What has been achieved has been staggering. Last season it took Everton 27 matches to accrue the 29 points they already boast this time around.
Radzinski's customary replacement, Wayne Rooney, added the cockiness to complete the day, standing hand on hips and taunting Darren Moore to rile already enraged opponents.
EVERTON: Wright, Hibbert, Yobo, Stubbs, Unsworth, Carsley, Gravesen, Tie Li, Naysmith (Pistone 84), Radzinski (Rooney 87), Campbell. Subs not used: Watson, Weir, Simonsen. Booked: Gravesen, Tie Li. Goals: Radzinski 35.
WEST BROM: Hoult, Moore, Gregan, Sigurdsson, Balis (Koumas 72), Clement, Wallwork, McInnes, Johnson, Roberts, Dobie (Hughes 50). Subs not used: Dichio, James Chambers, Murphy. Booked: Clement, Koumas.
Referee: J Winter (Cleveland)
