Michael Ball

2 months ago | liverpoolecho.co.uk | Michael Ball

Everton enjoyed a fantastic victory on the road at Nottingham Forest and it was a great experience for the travelling Blues supporters that I was fortunate enough to be part of. My son Leo, 11, and nephew Alfie, eight, were made up to spot themselves on television behind the goal when Abdoulaye Doucoure’s stoppage-time winner flew into the net. My son’s football got cancelled on Saturday so ‘lastminute.com’ we jumped in the car and shot down to Nottingham.

2 months ago | liverpoolecho.co.uk | Michael Ball

I was pleased to see Nathan Patterson get his opportunity for Everton and it reminded me of when I had to play full-back on my unfamilar side – also against Arsenal – although he seemed to take to it easier than I did! I think everyone would have thought that Ashley Young would have been the natural replacement at left-back if Vitalii Mykolenko was ruled out. It was a brave choice from David Moyes. Nathan has been crying out for an opportunity, and he’s had bad luck with injuries.

2 months ago | liverpoolecho.co.uk | Michael Ball

It’s about time Everton got something like the penalty against Arsenal. People I know who sit in the Bullens Road Stand told me it was 100% a foul. As Evertonians, we know that it doesn’t even itself out, given how many decisions have gone against us, including the penalty against Manchester United that was given and then overturned. We’re so far in deficit on the scales when it comes to decisions at Everton Football Club, you only have to look back to our previous game on Wednesday night.

2 months ago | liverpoolecho.co.uk | Michael Ball

Everton have nine games left this season. They are nine games like no other. For so long, the players - everyone at the club - has had an excuse. Times have been tough and there have been so many problems on and off the pitch. From issues with the ownership to the points deductions and even to injury crises, the last few years have been incredibly difficult.

2 months ago | liverpoolecho.co.uk | Michael Ball

The last Merseyside derby remains fresh in the memory and that is good for Everton. When you are playing against top teams it can take a long time to work out their weaknesses - if you are even able to find any. Everton certainly did that at Goodison Park six weeks ago. They found a way to get under the skin of Liverpool, a way to compete with a team that is on the verge of winning the Premier League and, at the time, appeared on their way to Carabao Cup and even Champions League glory.