As kick-off approached and the traffic gridlock that, at one point, ensnared Rafa Benítez and his Everton players, intensified, hundreds of Leeds fans emerged from near stationary cars and coaches. Tired of waiting, they streamed down a slip road leading to Elland Road from the M621 and, ignoring the teeming rain soaking them to the skin, marched towards the stadium.
For the first time since 2004, Elland Road welcomed a full house for a Premier League game and no one wanted motorway congestion to ruin a long dreamed of afternoon. Once inside, the ground was transformed into a life-affirming wall of noise as supporters waved yellow flags distributed to mark the occasion.