After sweet derby victory Everton need to finish the job asap

Everton finally slayed the long-running Goodison hoodoo as they deservedly claimed their first derby win at the Grand Old Lady since October 2010.

The Toffees were excellent in every department, pressing effectively, staying organised and competitive in midfield and defending strongly, albeit with a little luck too.

Meanwhile Liverpool - who came into the match still with realistic hopes of claiming the Premier League title and needing to win to keep the pressure on Arsenal and Manchester City - didn't really seem to turn up or want it enough.

They were also second best at virtually every set-piece and were physically overpowered by the Blues players.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin dominated their defenders and when they came up from the back James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite were also very strong, as was Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Everton also had a penalty claim ruled out by VAR, which had it been given might have seen the home side get a third goal.

So, a fine night for all Evertonians to enjoy and bragging rights for a few days at least, something that has so rarely been the case as to be almost as precious and unique as a prized museum item.

But while the result is one to savour and has probably, almost certainly, secured the Toffees Premier League status again, there is still a little more work to be done to be sure.

This weekend Everton have a third consecutive home game with Brentford the visitors to Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon.

It would be a great way to complete a superb six days if the Blues could make it that hat-trick of victories and finally enable the players, manager and most of all, the supporters to breath a huge sigh of relief.

On top of that it would mean that planning for the upcoming campaign could begin earlier than has been the case for the last few years (assuming there is some hope of closure over the ownership issue).

Because, I know we have all said this before too often, but I will say it one more time: this sort of season must, must, must not happen again!

While moments like last night are terrific and hugely enjoyable, the script needs to finally change so that expectations are not just focused on trying for mid-table and winning the odd derby game.

We want to see a competitive side that might even challenge for honours before we are all too old!

Sean Dyche has one more injury worry for Saturday with Vitalii Mykolenko going off with an ankle, while Idrissa Gueye is carrying a minor problem and Calvert-Lewin had been ill before the game.

Hopefully, there will be no other adverse reaction to what was a hard and hugely energetic performance coming just three days after the nervy win against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

One more point, Dyche must carry on wearing the new look tracksuit ensemble he has taken to since last weekend. It has certainly worked so far this week!