IT’S a big boost to see Yakubu back and firing again in an Everton shirt. And an even bigger boost to see 11 goals scored in three games. It’s those goals that get the headlines and for understandable reasons. After a shaky start they’ve put big smiles back on the faces of all Evertonians and ensured confidence is flowing once again through Goodison. But for me, David Moyes will see it as just as big a plus that we have managed to keep three clean sheets while on such a free-scoring run. Everyone was concerned that losing Joleon Lescott to Manchester City would hurt us. Add in the long term injury to Phil Jagielka and it’s not hard to understand why fans were worried. But Jospeh Yobo and Sylvan Distin have formed a formidable partnership in front of Tim Howard. And that will be just as pleasing to David and his coaching staff, I’m sure. Goals are crucial and of course you don’t win games without them. They build confidence and they’re what we all want to see. But it all starts at the back and shut-outs are just as important to the cause. The good news is there are even more reinforcements in the pipeline. Lucas Neill, an experienced international defender, is on board and will soon be fighting hard for his place. And when Jagielka is fit, there’ll be more competition for those roles where the priority is to keep out the opposition. I said a few weeks ago that I felt there was still a lot to be optimistic about this season. Lescott was and is a quality player and his departure, for all the good money we received, was a potential blow. The fact though that we don’t seem to be missing him now augurs well – and is just as good a reason to be cheerful as is this terrific goal-scoring spree. Portsmouth will be no easy ride for Everton >>> | 
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