October

October began with the denouement of the Kharkiv affair.

The Toffees were under pressure from the first leg, needing to avoid defeat - and score - to go through.

The game began badly, with the Ukrainians taking the lead twice before Victor Anichebe's composed late effort secured a 3-2 win on the night and progression to the group stage of the Uefa Cup.

Phil Neville concedes a penalty against Liverpool

The euphoria was quickly halted by defeats to Newcastle and Liverpool - the latter in controversial fashion.

The Blues finished the game with nine men after the dismissals of Tony Hibbert and Phil Neville, but were still denied a clear penalty in the last minute when Jamie Carragher hauled down Joleon Lescott.

In the end it was two Dirk Kuyt penalties that sealed Liverpool's 2-1 win.

Tim Cahill celebrates his strike on return from injury

But that result was to spark a long unbeaten run that lasted well into December.

First Greek outfit Larissa were despatched in the Uefa Cup before Derby were easily swept aside at Pride Park.

Then Tim Cahill, finally back in the action, scored the winner in extra time at Luton in the Carling Cup.