August

Bologna's delayed flight almost spoils the party, but goals from Tomasz Radzinski, Nick Chadwick and Mark Pembridge help Colin Harvey's Testimonial go with a swing in front of 13,624 fans.

However, Everton enter the season without a single new signing and the campaign begins with a 2-1 defeat at Arsenal, Radzinski netting the Blues' late consolation, with Li Tie seeing red after coming on as a substitute.

The first game at Goodison brings a 3-1 victory over Fulham - Gary Naysmith, Unsworth and Watson all scoring - and further encouragement comes with a 2-2 draw at Charlton where Rooney opens his account with a spectacular finish.

The Goodison derby on August's final weekend provides a setback as Liverpool win 3-0 - an unprecedented fourth successive win for the Reds on Everton territory.