Source: Liverpool_Echo
NIGEL MARTYN: Tim Howard is Everton FC’s super saver
EVERY so often you will come away from a game when a save has been more important than a goal and that was certainly the case for Everton on Sunday.[LNB]Had the Blues suffered last-gasp heartache against Tottenham Hotspur, after working so hard to get back into the contest, there is no telling what damage it might have inflicted to a precariously balanced season.[LNB]True, we bounced back from losing to Aston Villa in a similar way 12 months ago but the injury crisis was nowhere near as bad then as it is now, while our position in the table was a lot more positive.[LNB]So for Tim Howard to come up trumps and keep Jermain Defoe's penalty out could turn out to be the defining moment of Everton's campaign - the lift it will give to everyone in the squad should not be underestimated.[LNB]Some people, of course, will still quibble about the quality of Everton's performances but one thing that is never in doubt is the spirit, resilience and character in the ranks.[LNB]Tim has been at the club almost four years now and he embodies all that is good at Goodison Park but, more than anything, he is an outstanding keeper.[LNB]I've said it before on many occasions on these pages he is up there with the best and you can see how much homework he does to prepare.[LNB]In my early days as a professional, you had to rely on judging a penalty taker's body language or hope to win a battle of wills but now the saturation of coverage means keepers are seldom surprised in penalty situations.[LNB]Still, it is easier said than done keeping a spot kick out, so Tim deserves every bit of praise that has come his way for keeping that kick out; it could just kick start Everton back to life.[LNB]Yes, it will be difficult going to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, especially with Chelsea being in such fine form at home and our resources being stretched to the limit.[LNB]David Moyes desperately needs some central defenders to return to fitness, as Lucas Neill and Tony Hibbert - honest though they are - do not offer the same kind of protection that Sylvain Distin or Joseph Yobo would provide.[LNB]At least, though, we can head to Stamford Bridge on a high because drawing with Tottenham in some ways felt like a win.[LNB]It has been a difficult few months but all being well, Tim's save and the fight back, gives hope for the future.
