Super-sub Naismith proves he’s a cover star
PERHAPS it was an omen. Standing proud on the front page of the matchday programme, with the Saltire as a backdrop, there was Steven Naismith.
Given his history with Chelsea — he scored the goal that secured the first win of Roberto Martinez’s reign as Everton manager against them two years ago — it was a sensible choice.
Come the final whistle the choice of cover star looked inspired as Naismith (left) savoured the acclaim of an exultant Goodison Park after taking a wrecking ball to Chelsea’s hopes of retaining the title.
Had Muhamed Besic not felt his hamstring pop and been replaced after eight minutes, it is impossible to say when — if at all — Naismith would have been introduced to the frenzy of this contest.
Then again, had Everton decided to accept Norwich’s £8million deadline-day bid for the Scottish international, Naismith would have played no part at all. The 28-year-old’s only start this season came in the Capital One Cup at Barnsley and he would have been attracted to the idea of regular football in East Anglia.
But now it is difficult to see how, at least in the short-term, Martinez can keep Naismith out of his plans.
When he arrived on Merseyside three years ago on a free transfer from Rangers, Naismith struggled under David Moyes. But he has been a star for Martinez.
Never more so than here. The last Everton player to score a hat-trick against Chelsea was Dixie Dean in 1931. Naismith ended the wait in glorious fashion, first with a glancing header (top), then a leftfoot drive (middle) before a cool right-footed finish (bottom) sparked delirium on the terraces.
‘It would have been all too easy for Naisy to be unhappy,’ said Martinez. ‘It was a real joy to see him do that; he gave us a real good example. His performance typified the effort and character we have at Everton.’