Every vantage point was taken on Goodison Road. They climbed lampposts and stood on bins, they set off pyrotechnics that billowed out thick plumes to turn the air blue. And they made noise, the kind of noise that leads to goose-bumps.
Here, on this tight little thoroughfare at the top of streets of terraced houses, a mass of humanity arrived at lunchtime – in the region of 3,000 fans, probably many more – and imposed their love of Everton on the players who must salvage this stomach-churning season.
There has been much anger in these parts for much of the campaign, there have been protests at the board and fury vented at dreadful results, but ahead of Chelsea’s arrival, there was a common goal and unity was required.