THERE WAS a time not so long ago when Evertonians gained extra satisfaction from an against the odds victory by declaring that the under-dogs had triumphed once again.

For a long time it was a useful, understandable and perhaps endearing tag which developed as a result of pragmatic pride and insecurity dating back to the beginning of the Premier League era.

That first romantic derby win under Joe Royle when Duncan Ferguson started his love-affair with the Gwladys Street was classic under-dog fayre.

When the Blues lifted the FA Cup that season after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United it was more evidence of the gritty, defiant David knocking out Goliath.

The tag was underused but never far away during the Walter Smith era, but it returned with a vengeance under David Moyes. Such was the Scot’s ability to defy the odds, that underdog mentality became ingrained in his players. Leaders like Tim Cahill, and Mikel Arteta embraced it readily and the national media were never slow to jump onboard. Time and time again they were the plucky scamps punching above their weight, and certainly when Everton’s relative lack of finances were considered, the cap fit snuggly.

When Tim Howard recalled the underdog motto before April’s ill-fated FA Cup semi-final it was on the back of two derby defeats already that season, but crucially something had changed.

Granted Everton had not been transformed by the sort of foreign investment which might enable them to compete financially with their local rivals, but on the pitch they were in considerably better shape. Nevertheless, when the time came – they stalled.

They took an early lead but visibly wilted as if beating Liverpool comfortably in a high-profile game was somehow illogical.

The problem is that it’s too easy to be underdogs. Like a goalkeeper facing a penalty, if it goes in you can’t be blamed and if you save it the achievement is extra special.

But there lies an element of losing mentality, which may help explain why the Blues have been unable to press their advantage.

Win or lose tomorrow, Everton should do it in the belief that they’re equals. Hiding behind feelings of inferiority is no longer helpful.