October - 2005
October started as September ended, with the Blues struggling to secure the points they craved in the Premiership.
A 2-0 defeat at Manchester City was followed by a two week break from competitive action because of international commitments.
When the squad reconvened a meeting of the players and manager David Moyes led to a change of emphasis from the Blues and a concerted effort to start from scratch in the search for points.
Although the trip to White Hart Lane ended with another defeat, the nature of the performance that day provided cause for optimism.
A week later and that optimism proved to be justified. Champions Chelsea visited Goodison eager to maintain their 100 per cent start to the season.
Instead, they had to settle for a share of the spoils, thanks to a 1-1 draw earned courtesy of a first-half penalty from James Beattie.
That strike marked the striker's return to the starting line-up after a spell on the treatment table recovering from a toe injury sustained on the opening day against Manchester United.
A few days later and Everton's hopes of following that draw with a Carling Cup victory over Middlesbrough were dashed by a 1-0 Goodison defeat.
That night marked the first glimpse in an Everton shirt of Andy van der Meyde, with the Dutch winger impressing in a cameo role as a sub.
Indeed, he did enough in that run out to earn a starting berth for the game with Birmingham at the end of the month.
He turned provider for the only goal of the game - and Everton's first win since August.
Simon Davies was the match-winner, blasting past Maik Taylor from 30 yards midway through the first half. It was a vital win against a Birmingham side that was also struggling for points.
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