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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.At least, though, we can head to Stamford Bridge on a high because drawing with Tottenham in some ways felt like a win.It has been a difficult few months but all being well, Tim's save and the fight back, gives hope for the future.

Source: Liverpool_Echo