My first game of 2016 took me to Merseyside, as Everton hosted Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. A far cry from the League Two football I'm so accustomed to seeing, I was looking forward to the day.
My brother, an avid Spurs fan back in England for Christmas break, stumbled across two spare away seats on Twitter. So that was it, an away day with the Tottenham fans!
It was a miserable drive up to Liverpool, a journey that will be remembered for the intense rainfall and overspending at Burger King in Birmingham Services.
A quick drive around Liverpool on our arrival was all we needed to realise just how dominant football was in this city. One half red, the other blue - simple.
After looking for a parking space for only a matter of minutes, we decided to go into a paid car park, where the nice Scouse lady told us it was £8 to park for the day. At least that's what I thought she said, her accent similar to the one I'd seen Steven Gerrard voice thousands of times in interviews.
Going into Goodison Park, the home of Everton, a great sense of history was present. You just knew this ground had seen a lot of football games, and on the big screen outside the ground, surrounded by burger vans, they showed highlights of famous victories past.
Once inside the ground and finally, we were thrust amongst the Spurs fans, all of which were in fine voice. They really do hate Arsenal.
Once we had got to our wooden seat the excitement kicked in. I'm at a Premier League ground, watching Premier League football! There's something quite surreal about watching a match in front of your very eyes that you know millions of people around the world are watching with such vested interest. I don't experience this very often.
As the game got underway it was clear Tottenham were the superior team, as they dominated possession and created more chances.
Eric Dier's position just in front of centre back pairing Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld was crucial to eliminating any threat Everton could cause down the centre. Ross Barkley was the worry in this department.
But in Romelu Lukaku Everton have someone of genuine quality. Shortly after Harry Kane's effort from the edge of the area had hit the post, it was Everton who took the lead. Lukaku rose highest from a hopeful ball into the box to head down for Aaron Lennon who hit a sweet half volley into the top corner, Hugo Lloris standing no chance.
His celebration was understandably muted, but the goal meant a lot for Lennon, having been on the peripheries of the first team after he signed permanently from Spurs in the summer.
The goal was completely undeserved, and Spurs quickly went back on the attack. Left back Ben Davies rattled the crossbar from 30 yards as Christian Eriksen's short corner caught everyone out.
But Spurs soon got the goal their efforts warranted. Alderweireld's 40 yard lobbed through ball was greeted by the chest of Dele Alli who had the composure to find the bottom corner on the volley. A truly fantastic goal from the young English talent.
Spurs' goal showcased the attacking threat centre back, Toby Alderweireld has. Having played as a defensive midfielder for Southampton last season, he has brought his passing qualities to Tottenham.
Alli took the goal extremely well, the youngster showed extreme confidence and technique. The expectations are set to rise for him, with Spurs' signing from MK Dons looking ever more impressive.
And so that was half time. A half Spurs will feel they deserved to be win in, but will be happy with Alli's strike in injury time.
The second half started brightly for Tottenham, Kane had a glorious chance to stick the ball in the back of the net, but the ball would not fall for him, and John Stones got a superb slide tackle in.
I mentioned Dier's influence earlier, but the presence of Stones in that Everton defence kept the prolific Kane quiet for most of the match. He has the pace and intelligence to deter any attacking threat. You can't help but feel he will be England's first choice centre back for years to come.
With Spurs maintaining their attacking threat, Everton manager, Roberto Martinez looked to the bench. Gerard Deulofeu and Muhamed Besic's introduction changed the game. Besic did the dirty side well, breaking up any Spurs counter attacks and restarting an Everton attack, even forcing a fine save from Hugo Lloris late in the match. Deulofeu provided more width and a service for Lukaku. A terrific cross from the right to the back post wasn't meant by Lukaku, Everton's best chance of the game had gone.
Spurs' attacking threat was still greater than Everton's despite the substitutions, and they continued to press forward, but to no avail. However, Nacer Chadli's return from injury was a welcome sight, despite his clear lack of match fitness.
At Full Time it is Tottenham and my brother that will leave Goodison Park feeling slightly disappointed. A performance far greater than Everton's for large spells of the game did not produce the three points they yearned for.
This result does however cement their position in the top four. As for Everton, it looks like a season in upper mid-table for them.
Back out of the ground now, and the rain has stopped. We expect a lot of traffic on our way out of Liverpool but it is easy to leave. With the stadium amongst the rows and rows of houses in Merseyside, I assume it is only a short walk home for most Evertonians.
A very enjoyable day, with entertaining football, the atmosphere with the Tottenham fans was brilliant. It's just a shame they didn't take all three points back to London with them.
Back to Oxford now, and back to the Kassam next week, we host Swansea in the FA Cup Third Round!
-Michael
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