Recently by Howard Kendall

THE last time a team from mainland Europe visited Goodison Park, Mikel Arteta produced a moment that threatened to blow the roof off the famous old stadium.

On a night of tumultuous emotion, the Spaniard's rasping drive drew David Moyes's side level on aggregate with Fiorentina only for their hopes of a UEFA Cup comeback to fall agonisingly short.

Agonising would perhaps be too strong a word to describe the last season for Arteta.

THERE was no more fitting way to end the season than with a flamboyant win and already some supporters are counting down the days until the new campaign.

But, before optimism starts to run away with you, it is worth bearing one thing in mind. As Kevin Keegan said just a couple of weeks ago, it's not realistic to expect the top four to be broken up this time next year.

I'm sure if we had all written down who we expected to fill the first four positions in the table last August, the names of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool would have dominated lists, although possibly in different orders.

OWNERSHIP of football clubs continues to be the hottest of topics and it is a joy to see that Everton are not in a mess like some rivals.

Manchester City, for example, have become a laughing stock again with the treatment of Sven Goran Eriksson but did he spend Thaksin Shinawatra's money well? Not from where I'm sitting..

I think it is inevitable that David Moyes will strengthen the midfield area of his squad this summer and I mentioned a couple of possibilities last week.

David Bentley and Gareth Barry would be wonderful additions but I also feel it is worth keeping an eye on the situation at Fulham, particularly if they are relegated.

Jimmy Bullard provides real energy in their engine room. Sometimes he might be guilty of indiscipline but that could be coached out of him.

He's a big, strong lad with potential and would be a handy addition.

AFTER making a point last weekend, another one on Sunday would thrust Everton a step nearer to the UEFA Cup.

There were a few glum faces leaving Goodison Park after the draw against Aston Villa and when I bumped into David Moyes just after the final whistle, he looked a bit crestfallen but I told him: "well done". That result might just carry us over the finishing line.

Villa are an excellent side, with height and pace in all the right areas and it's no surprise that they have enjoyed such a good run recently. They looked full of confidence and John Carew showed, once again, that when in the mood, he can be unplayable.