August

With all of the pre-season friendlies out of the way, the season begins by David Moyes instantly rejecting an undisclosed offer from SV Hamburg for Thomas Gravesen before the season begins with a 1-4 home defeat to champions Arsenal at Goodison Park.

The Premiership champions outclass the Blues, but there is a positive debut for Marcus Bent, who seems to be enjoying life at Goodison. "I think if you look at our grit, our determination and our individual performances, we did okay," he says.

The Dane is the architect of Everton's first away win since December 2003 - and their first victory since April - as they run out 3-1 winners at newly promoted Palace. Gravesen bags a brace, while Marcus Bent is also on the scoresheet.

Wayne Rooney hands in a written transfer request, with rumours abounding over a possible move to Manchester United, but the Goodison faithful cheer on a new hero: 23-year-old Leon Osman, who scores both goals in a 2-1 win over West Brom.

A resolute performance against Manchester United, which sees Tim Cahill make his Everton debut, earns Everton their first point at Old Trafford since 1996, but a day later Wayne Rooney signs a £30m deal with the Red Devils.