Tim Howard impressed as Everton earned a hard-fought point in a goalless draw against Manchester City in Wednesday night's Premier League clash at the Eithad Stadium.
Here are five talking points from the game:
Howard produced when he needed too most
Tim Howard has been under fire from many Everton supporters so far this season and his recall to the starting side was a largely unpopular decision, particularly after Joel Robles impressed in the two cup games against City and Dagenham and Redbridge.
However, Howard's performance certainly vindicated Roberto Martinez's faith and was a key factor in how Everton were able to come away from the Eithad with a point.
The 36-year-old produced a string on fine saves in the second-half to earn Everton a hard-fought point. He made four super saves to deny Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling, Kevin de Bruyne and Aguero for a second time in the space of seven second-half minutes.
It will take more than one performance to convince his critics that he still deserves to be Everton's number one goalkeeper, but the American definitley produced when he needed too.
Jagielka's return a huge boost
There is no doubting that Everton have the quality going forward, as has been shown on many occasions this season, but the team's defensive qualities have come under criticism in recent months.
No team outside the bottom six has conceded more goals than Everton's 29 this season, but Everton's defence stayed resolute to deny City the opportunity to make up ground in the title race. The Toffees are the first Premier League side to stop Manchester City scoring at home this season.
All of the defence played their part and, despite City having 22 shots, Everton kept Manuel Pellegrini's side to just five shots on target, but the return of captain Phil Jagielka was certainly a boost.
Jagielka made his first Premier League start since the end of October, after suffering with a knee injury, but his experience was vital. The 33-year-old was strong, authoritative, commanding in the air and marshalled the defence well.
However, Everton's hard work was nearly for nothing when Manuel Pellegrini's side had strong claims for a penalty dismissed by referee Roger East, after John Stones brought down Raheem Sterling in the dying seconds of the game.
Barry and Besic impress again
Gareth Barry and Muhamed Besic both triumphed in the midfield battle when the two sides met in the Capital One Cup last week, with Roberto Martinez describing Barry as "one of the best English players" after his performance last week.
The 34-year-old impressed once again in midfield. He went about his business quietly but efficiently. He completed 50 of his 54 passes and marshalled the defence well, making two blocks and five clearances.
Besic was defensively disciplined and resolute and showed the energy and drive that has seen him become a fans favourite at Goodison Park. In fact, in the last two games against Manchester City the midfielder has made only five fewer tackles (11) than the rest of the entire team combined (16).
It's not all about attack...
It has been Everton's attacking play that has deservedly earned all the plaudits this season, but Wednesday's clash showcased both sides of Everton's game.
The first-half was an encouraging display by the Toffees, who were the better attacking side in the first-half. Everton had two shots on target in the whole match, with the second of them coming in the 18th minute. Leon Osman almost opened the scoring in spectacular style, but his volley from 15 yards flew just past Joe Hart's far post.
After the break, Everton were firmly on the back foot and spent long spells without the ball but stayed disciplined and resolute to limit City to only a few goalscoring chances.
Everton need a repeat performance in the League Cup
This game was the second of three meetings between the two sides in January, falling between the two legs of a Capital One Cup semi-final. A week ago, Romelu Lukaku's winner gave Everton a 2-1 victory at Goodison Park in the first meeting.
A repeat performance when the two sides meet again at the Eithad Stadium on Tuesday 27 January in the semi-final second-leg will see Everton reach the League Cup final for the first time.
And if the last two games have illustrated anything, it is that the Toffees are more than capable of holding their own and can set-up a chance to win their first trophy in 20 years.